What's your best tip?

[virtuoso1989]

It hasn't been mention I think, but "liking" the activities on the navigator app that you would like to do, reminds you of when they are coming up, so you won't have to miss a thing because you forgot. Like everybody has said, there's so much to do onboard that things will pull you to different directions.

 

[FigmentSpark]

Make sure to wear sunscreen. We live in Florida and know how strong the sun is but we see lots of people on the cruises we go in that get burned up the first day and then are sunburned the whole cruise.

And just because you think you've put enough on.... you haven't. Put more on and more frequently. I burned under my bathing suit straps and was in pain wearing a bra for 3 days.

Oh yeah, bring some of that aloe and lanolin stuff for cooling off a burn.

My other tip is don't leave your "must dos" to the end of the cruise. Time flies on the ship. First it's breakfast, then next thing you know it's lunch and then a few hours later it's supper. If going on the Aquaduck is a priority, do it. Make time for it. If playing mini golf with the kids is a priority, make a date for it. Next thing you know, it'll be Castaway Cay day and you've missed half the things you thought you'd do. You've still had fun, but missed things you wanted.

Oh yeah, even if you're SURE you're one and done, buy the placeholder! You can always cancel it later and it's only good for 2 years before you get your money back, so it's a no lose deal (unless you can't afford it, of course).

 

[Dug720]

And just because you think you've put enough on.... you haven't. Put more on and more frequently. I burned under my bathing suit straps and was in pain wearing a bra for 3 days.

Oh yeah, bring some of that aloe and lanolin stuff for cooling off a burn.

My other tip is don't leave your "must dos" to the end of the cruise. Time flies on the ship. First it's breakfast, then next thing you know it's lunch and then a few hours later it's supper. If going on the Aquaduck is a priority, do it. Make time for it. If playing mini golf with the kids is a priority, make a date for it. Next thing you know, it'll be Castaway Cay day and you've missed half the things you thought you'd do. You've still had fun, but missed things you wanted.

Oh yeah, even if you're SURE you're one and done, buy the placeholder! You can always cancel it later and it's only good for 2 years before you get your money back, so it's a no lose deal (unless you can't afford it, of course).

Best practice here is put the sunscreen on BEFORE you put the suit on. Then make sure to apply under the straps when you reapply.

 

[Chemist]

My suggestion is to wear a rash guard.
I’m always amazed at how few women wear them. I haven’t been to the pool or beach in years without one.

Husband and the kids wear them too.

I also wear a wide brimmed hat.

 

[DIS_MIKE]

Oh yeah, even if you're SURE you're one and done, buy the placeholder! You can always cancel it later and it's only good for 2 years before you get your money back, so it's a no lose deal (unless you can't afford it, of course).

I didn't know you could cancel it as well. That's a great tip. I almost went to the desk to inquire about it on my last cruise but I just didn't get around to it and here I am with another cruise booked where I could've saved 10%. Didn't the price go up? I think it's $300 now...or maybe $250?

 

[FigmentSpark]

Best practice here is put the sunscreen on BEFORE you put the suit on. Then make sure to apply under the straps when you reapply.

Now you tell me! lol!

 

[Dug720]

Now you tell me! lol!

I've learned the hard way too.

 

[Sytrace]

We leave for our first cruise next month. We will be on the Magic leaving from Miami to the Bahamas for a 5 night. It will be me, DH, DS14 and DD9. We are arriving two nights early and are staying near in Hollywood, FL and plan on relying on SAS or Uber. Although this has been planned for over a year it is almost time and it seems like a long time away still and yet feels like tomorrow too.

I've tried to read what I can where I can but still not sure I really know what to expect.

Can you let me know your best tip for a DCL cruise (besides the usual don't overplan/think just sit back and enjoy it)? THANKS!

I have only a few tips for you based on being a FL native and having witnessed first hand the drawbacks of not being prepared for the intense heat and sun in Florida and the Bahamas.
1.Hydrate. Excessively. Drink a lot of water and if you think you cannot drink more, then go ahead and do it anyway. The food on the ship is going to be rich and made with lots of seasoning...salt especially. The water on the ship is perfectly safe to drink in ALL areas including the tap in your bathroom. If you like ice cold water, ask your cabin host/hostess for ice and they will make sure you have it. The fridge in your cabin can hold reuseable cups and water bottles, so fill them up and put them in the fridge.
2. Water pills...I don't know about you, but I find my feet swell a lot when I cruise or travel...water pills help with that. Along with staying hydrated of course.
3. Sunscreen. I cannot stress this enough...pack plenty of sunscreen and actually follow the application suggestions to avoid really bad and uncomfortable sun burns. On our most recent cruise in February, I saw MANY people walking around rather stiffly after the first day. The sun is great and warm and wonderful, especially if you are coming from a place that had snow or cold weather, but it is extremely powerful in Florida AND in the Bahamas and being on a ship just adds to that intensity. Also, bring Aloe in case you forget to apply the sunscreen as directed. It won't make the burn go away faster, but it might help you sleep a bit better.
4. Did I mention water?
5. Don't forget to book a placeholder or future cruise while you are still on board. You have a nice 10% discount and on board credit of up to 200.00 (depends on length of cruise)
6. Check out the large showers in the locker rooms by the fitness center...they are stocked with shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hair dryers, and other amenities that you might enjoy. Plus it gives the kids in your party the opportunity to use the shower in your cabin to get ready. You and your husband can use the locker room showers while the kids get ready in the cabin. Additional bonus is that you get quiet time to get showered and dressed.

Have a great cruise!

 

[Firstof3]

I found there are lots of areas one can curl up and relax, I brought a good book but found I didn't read as much as I thought I would, but was very relaxing. Plan to find a good relaxing point.

 

[DIS_MIKE]

I found there are lots of areas one can curl up and relax, I brought a good book but found I didn't read as much as I thought I would, but was very relaxing. Plan to find a good relaxing point.

I find the Promenade deck to be very relaxing. It's generally not too crowded and it has that classic cruising feel and throwback to the old days with the Titanic-style deck chairs.

 

[dizneykids5]

All these tips are great. Especially the tips about using sunscreen and often. I just have two to add:
(1) Try to get up early at least once and watch the sun rise over the ocean; conversely, try to see at least one sunset. Both are breathtaking!
(2) Try to keep your stuff in your cabin organized as you go along. You will need to pack on your last night and get your luggage in the hallway by 10:30 (I think that's still the time...we haven't sailed in a few years). You'll want to be enjoying your last evening on board, not spending time packing. If you more or less pack as you go, it will go so much easier, and you won't have an anxious husband hanging over you.

 

[Sytrace]

It hasn't been mention I think, but "liking" the activities on the navigator app that you would like to do, reminds you of when they are coming up, so you won't have to miss a thing because you forgot. Like everybody has said, there's so much to do onboard that things will pull you to different directions.

One more thought...bring a pop up hamper to throw dirty clothes into daily. Then mid cruise, throw them in one of your empty suitcases and push it back under the bed. By the end of the cruise, your dirty laundry will be packed already and you have less to pack up on the last day/evening of the cruise.

 

[tigerchic89]

It's windy on deck. I find that I need a small stretchy-athletic style with grippies on one side headband to keep stray hairs from flying in my face when on deck. I seem to only need these head bands on cruises, so I just keep them in my toiletry bag

 

[Trera]

It's windy on deck. I find that I need a small stretchy-athletic style with grippies on one side headband to keep stray hairs from flying in my face when on deck. I seem to only need these head bands on cruises, so I just keep them in my toiletry bag

We bring the plastic spring clips so the towel doesnt blow around if you get up out of your chair for when it is windy as well. The clamp the towel to the top of the lounge chair and are not very expensive.

 

[kiford]

They also bring out a selection of prosciutto, dried sausages, marinated olives, cheeses and bread in the evenings.

They put this out about 5 pm; earlier in the day it's usually sweet treats like danishes and squares. No purchase is necessary.

If you do go to the Cove Cafe, make sure you get the bean card - after every 5 drinks you purchase, you get one free (non-alcoholic). My favourite is the mint mocha latte (espresso with chocolate syrup, creme de menthe and whip cream) but they also make a decent Americano and non-alcoholic coffee concoctions. It's one of our favourite places. I have to find a time to cruise again on the Magic to see what they've done since drydock.

I also echo not overpacking (although I always do). Don't take too many shoes! This is my weakness. I've gotten better at it but you really don't need much more than a pair of shoes for travelling in (good walking shoes), deck-type shoes/sandals and maybe a nice pair of heels if you're dressing up (although not as critical on a 5 day). That's about as low as I've managed to get my shoe packing; I used to pack 2-3 more pairs and ending up wearing the sandals for pretty much everything but travelling and excursions.

Definitely do not try to do everything. After 10 cruises, I still keep finding things I should have done or wanted to do even on an 11-day cruise. Pick a few things, spend some time viewing the ship, spend time being leisurely, book a placeholder for the next one when you vow that you will see what you missed this time.

 

[jlynch924]

Go to the Disney Vacation Club presentation... there aren't usually very many people there (at least at the first one) and they do a drawing (must be present to win) for OBC. I won $300 once!

 

[TestingH2O]

Don't take too many shoes!

This is my biggest fail every time.

 

[Malibustyle23]

Great tips everyone! Thanks for taking the time to reply. With a couple weeks to go hoping to see even more info.

 

[dvcgirl1]

I agree with every one of the tips mentioned so far! Your kids are a great age to take on a cruise...hopefully they will love the clubs as much as my kids did, which will make their time more enjoyable as well as give you some time to check out the other activities on board for you and DH. I really cant add too much to the others advice, but to expand on one...
---if you are cold natured AT ALL, be sure sure sure to take cardigan or sweater for the evenings, as well as something a little warmer than just shorts and t shirt for evening activities (like going to the 10:30 adult show, or the movies). I used to take one sweater for "just in case" and would end up wearing it every night. Now I pack a few. I also take a few pairs of capris because I find it is too cold for me to put back on my shorts after dinner.
Enjoy your trip!

 

[Dug720]

They put this out about 5 pm; earlier in the day it's usually sweet treats like danishes and squares. No purchase is necessary.

If you do go to the Cove Cafe, make sure you get the bean card - after every 5 drinks you purchase, you get one free (non-alcoholic). My favourite is the mint mocha latte (espresso with chocolate syrup, creme de menthe and whip cream) but they also make a decent Americano and non-alcoholic coffee concoctions. It's one of our favourite places. I have to find a time to cruise again on the Magic to see what they've done since drydock.

I also echo not overpacking (although I always do). Don't take too many shoes! This is my weakness. I've gotten better at it but you really don't need much more than a pair of shoes for travelling in (good walking shoes), deck-type shoes/sandals and maybe a nice pair of heels if you're dressing up (although not as critical on a 5 day). That's about as low as I've managed to get my shoe packing; I used to pack 2-3 more pairs and ending up wearing the sandals for pretty much everything but travelling and excursions.

Definitely do not try to do everything. After 10 cruises, I still keep finding things I should have done or wanted to do even on an 11-day cruise. Pick a few things, spend some time viewing the ship, spend time being leisurely, book a placeholder for the next one when you vow that you will see what you missed this time.

They offer the same card (and snacks) at Vista Cafe - and children are allowed there. They (children) are NOT allowed in Cove Cafe which is in the adults only area.