We're first time cruisers-- & need help!

[Princess49]

We are so excited about our cruise! My BF just started a new job & we won't be able to take our usual 2 week long WDW vacations for a while so I figured a great quick fix would be a 4 day cruise!! We've never cruised at all before & I have a few questions for you experts !!

-I'm sure this has been asked a zillion times but how much is appropriate for tipping? I understand that it is done at the end of the trip in envelopes- who gets this? Is t here housekeeping, do you tip for it if there is? How about room service?

-as far as shopping in Nassau- we are designer addicts- are there lots of designer stores with the lower prices there? Are they close- anyone know which stores specifically?

-is it worth wasting our first hour or so running around making reservations for Palo or for spa treatments- I don't want to wait on lines & be told that it's all booked up!

And last but not least--- this is all so overwhelming- there is a birnbaum book for all of WDW that I studied before we went for the first time so we had a game plan-- is there a book for DCL? There should be I am so worried that I'm going to miss something because I didn't know about it- or waste time doing something that isn't worth our while.

well... thanks for any help you can give me-- sorry to ask so many questions- I usually handle this stress much better!! I am so used to being the answerer on all of the WDW boards that I am feeling insecure!!! Thanks again-- happy sailing!!!!

 

[jlawall]

If you get to the port before 12 noon, the ressies should be no problem......that's all I can help you with.....don't worry, this will be a trip of a lifetime!!!

 

[Disneyland_emily]

The book Ive found via this sites recommedations is Passporter guide to Disney Cruise Line- Its pretty good

-em

 

[WDWLVR]

Le me see if I can help.

I'm sure this has been asked a zillion times but how much is appropriate for tipping? I understand that it is done at the end of the trip in envelopes- who gets this? Is t here housekeeping, do you tip for it if there is? How about room service?

Tipping is as follows (per person - per night)
Room Steward (housekeeping) $3.60
Dining Room Server - $3.75
Dining Room Asst. Server - $2.75
Dining Room Head Server - $1.00
Room service is at your discretion. You bar bill will automatically have gratuity added.

I got those rates from the Passporter book which is a great source for Disney Cruise Line (much like your Birmbaum book for the parks). I always thought Room Steward and Server got the same however. Your tickets will have a page that spells out tipping in it. Also on the last night you will get a tipping sheet in your room with your envelopes. You can put cash in the envelopes or take the sheet to guest services and charge your tips and they will give you little receipts. Usually you leave the tip for you room steward in the room your last night as you go to dinner (unless you can catch him/her in the hall and thank them personally). For the dining room you traditionally give them their tips at the end of the meal on the last night.

-as far as shopping in Nassau- we are designer addicts- are there lots of designer stores with the lower prices there? Are they close- anyone know which stores specifically?
If you want designers head on over to the Atlantis Resort. They have a shopping arcade much like you would find in a Vegas hotel. Don't think the prices are discounted but the names are there.

-is it worth wasting our first hour or so running around making reservations for Palo or for spa treatments- I don't want to wait on lines & be told that it's all booked up!
We've always been able to make the reservations we wanted fairly quickly and then enjoy the cruise. If there is something you really want to do (Palo or a special spa appointment) then yes in my mind it is worth it.

 

[jrabbit]

If you want a "book" without buying the Passporter goto this link Magical Cruise Guide and click (on the left hand side of the page) either the HTML format or Word Document. THe last time I checked it was over 70 pages!! Full of good info.

Other resource on the web are:
Castaway Club
Dave's Disney Cruise Line Tribute
Disney's Official Site

And of course there's us - we're full of it .. er I mean that we have answers to most questions regarding DCL. And opinions - we have those too

 

[Princess49]

Thanks so much for all of your help!!!