Where the July 25, 2010 Wonder Double Dippers at?

[beachbratt]

Hi everyone! This will be our very first cruise ever DH and I took our first cruise (but I won't really count it as a cruise) as an "overnighter cruise to nowhere" on NCL last year.

We will be on the Wonder with our DD who is 8 years old and our DS who is 3.5 years old.

We are so excited about our first cruise with DCL and I'm sure that it won't be our last!

Does anyone have any helpful hints for us that will make our trip that much more enjoyable?

have a highlighter to mark in the daily navigator the things you and the kids want to do maybe a different color for each of the kids If you and DH drink you may want to bring your own to save $$$$ we bring a bottle of rum and get the free soda on deck 9 to make are drinks and its totally aloud they just want you to carry it on rather then pack it in your luggage. Have the kids wear there bathingsuits under there clothes or packed in your carry on the first day so after lunch they can go swimming the pools are usually less crowded then and the sooner you are on the ship the sooner your vacation begins if you will have alot of things to plug in you may want to pack an electric strip there is only a few plugs in in the room so it would make it alot easier on you please ask anything you want to know and I will try my best to answer it only 17 days to go

 

[Pooh93]

Hi everyone! This will be our very first cruise ever DH and I took our first cruise (but I won't really count it as a cruise) as an "overnighter cruise to nowhere" on NCL last year.

We will be on the Wonder with our DD who is 8 years old and our DS who is 3.5 years old.

We are so excited about our first cruise with DCL and I'm sure that it won't be our last!

Does anyone have any helpful hints for us that will make our trip that much more enjoyable?

Just be ready to relax and have fun! I can't believe in 2 weeks, we will be setting sail!! I am trying to not get too excited yet, so I can remain focused, especially at work, but it is getting more difficult by the day!

 

[windan]

Just be ready to relax and have fun! I can't believe in 2 weeks, we will be setting sail!! I am trying to not get too excited yet, so I can remain focused, especially at work, but it is getting more difficult by the day!

Work is totally getting in the way of our cruise planning Two more weeks!!! Can you believe it!!

 

[Pooh93]

Work is totally getting in the way of our cruise planning Two more weeks!!! Can you believe it!!

You are SO right!!! Unfortunately, w/o this work, there would be no cruise!!!

We live in the midwest and last night about 5:00 CST, I announced that in two weeks at this time, we would be at sea and dinner!!!!

 

[SassyTink213]

Thanks for the welcome!! Yeah for another from PA-we're from outside Scanton/Wilkes-Barre area. We can't wait we're all so excited. I got our luggage out today so that I could start taking inventory of what i still need and so i can start packing some odds and ends, lol! First to go in was my snorkel gear and waterproof camera. I'm starting to go cruise crazy now that it's less than two weeks away-i can't help it. My door decorations are done already, so now i've moved on to packing, lol...and the excitement just keeps on building

 

[beachbratt]

Thanks for the welcome!! Yeah for another from PA-we're from outside Scanton/Wilkes-Barre area. We can't wait we're all so excited. I got our luggage out today so that I could start taking inventory of what i still need and so i can start packing some odds and ends, lol! First to go in was my snorkel gear and waterproof camera. I'm starting to go cruise crazy now that it's less than two weeks away-i can't help it. My door decorations are done already, so now i've moved on to packing, lol...and the excitement just keeps on building

don't forget the sunscreen so are you coming in early or just the day before the cruise?

 

[kimmad1274]

Just had DH pull our luggage down from our attic. I am so excited! I've been doing a lot of youtubing so that the kids can see everything on the ship in action. We can't wait!!!

I'm starting to put together our packing list and was wondering if people really dress up for the evening meals. I pretty much have cute sun dresses for my daughter and polo type/short sleeve button down plaid shirts with khakis for my son. Can he get away with khaki type shorts at dinner as well? For DH he has the same style shirts as my son (not matching...LOL) and docker style pants. He also has some nice shorts...but wasn't sure if he could get away with them for dinner.

We have a reservation at Palo the 2nd night (8 PM). I figured a nicer dress for me and I was going to pack dress pants, button down dress shirt, and a tie (does he need a tie???) for Palo? I've heard so many mixed reviews about the dress code so I wasn't sure.

Overall....I don't want to overpack as we are flying and will end up paying for the extra stuff that we might not have needed.

Oh one other thing...Do guests dress up for the pirate night? I have pirate costumes for my kids...and DH and I have black pirate t-shirts but wasn't sure if we would just dress the kids up or throw our t-shirts on too. (Do they dress in costume for dinner...or change for the party?)

I'm sorry about all the questions....Just want to make sure we have everythign covered : )

 

[beachbratt]

Just had DH pull our luggage down from our attic. I am so excited! I've been doing a lot of youtubing so that the kids can see everything on the ship in action. We can't wait!!!

I'm starting to put together our packing list and was wondering if people really dress up for the evening meals. I pretty much have cute sun dresses for my daughter and polo type/short sleeve button down plaid shirts with khakis for my son. Can he get away with khaki type shorts at dinner as well? For DH he has the same style shirts as my son (not matching...LOL) and docker style pants. He also has some nice shorts...but wasn't sure if he could get away with them for dinner.

We have a reservation at Palo the 2nd night (8 PM). I figured a nicer dress for me and I was going to pack dress pants, button down dress shirt, and a tie (does he need a tie???) for Palo? I've heard so many mixed reviews about the dress code so I wasn't sure.

Overall....I don't want to overpack as we are flying and will end up paying for the extra stuff that we might not have needed.

Oh one other thing...Do guests dress up for the pirate night? I have pirate costumes for my kids...and DH and I have black pirate t-shirts but wasn't sure if we would just dress the kids up or throw our t-shirts on too. (Do they dress in costume for dinner...or change for the party?)

I'm sorry about all the questions....Just want to make sure we have everythign covered : )

your dinner clothes sound fine believe me you will see EVERYTHING... Palo dinner is more on the fancy side and from our other cruises men would wear a shirt dress pants and tie or the whole suit...a dress for you is fine too. For pirate night yes you can wear your stuff to dinner even the tshirt and shorts will be great and fit right in some people dress pirate others just casual so you won't be out of place and depending on if your have 2nd seating dinner you will leave dinner and go straight to the party.. a good tip for dinner clothes to save space in luggage is to plan to rewear them for dinner if you dress before dinner then change afterwards it will save you from bringing to much ex: for hubby 2 pairs of pants the one dressy one and the docker then the dress shirt and tie and a few shirts to mix and match then pirate night t-shirt and shorts and shorts can be worn someother day too then daily clothes my DH is usually in his bathingsuit during the day they look like shorts anyway...LOL and remember 2 days on the island which means bathing suits all day till dinner so that will save on clothes... Tip you don't need to pack towels for port days even in Nassau you can take the ones off the ship you just have to bring them back....

 

[kimmad1274]

Thanks for the advice. DH is asking if he can wear a pair of black chino style pants (black dockers) with a dress shirt to Palo...or does it have to be suit type pants? Guessing he just wants to be really comfortable...

I like the idea about changing right after dinner. My aunt said they always do that. I think the last time I worried about dress codes for vacation was 10years ago when DH and I were on our honeymoon (Sandals Antigua)....LOL

I also read on another post that someone brought with them a small packet of laundry detergent to rinse out bathing suits in the sink...Would rather do that then have to find the laundry rooms on board. I would imagine that they get used a lot, right?

Also....My aunt said that they do not have irons in the room. How do you all make sure that your clothes stay wrinkle free?

 

[kimmad1274]

With just a little over a week left before we fly out to Florida, I finally came across fish extenders and gifts. I don't even know if I would have the time to order one of those custom ones on ebay (but I'm a teacher so I might have time to make a homemade one).

How do these things work? I read that it is done between the families that are on the dis boards that are cruising with you. But I wasn't sure if it was also if you seen a fish extender hanging that you could just put something in it.

Is anyone planning on doing this? And if so, how many gifts do you give out? I know it would either be 1 per family or items for the kids/adults in each family...but is it everyday or just 1 time during the cruise?

 

[beachbratt]

Thanks for the advice. DH is asking if he can wear a pair of black chino style pants (black dockers) with a dress shirt to Palo...or does it have to be suit type pants? Guessing he just wants to be really comfortable...

I like the idea about changing right after dinner. My aunt said they always do that. I think the last time I worried about dress codes for vacation was 10years ago when DH and I were on our honeymoon (Sandals Antigua)....LOL

I also read on another post that someone brought with them a small packet of laundry detergent to rinse out bathing suits in the sink...Would rather do that then have to find the laundry rooms on board. I would imagine that they get used a lot, right?

Also....My aunt said that they do not have irons in the room. How do you all make sure that your clothes stay wrinkle free?

I believe the pants will be fine just as long as he has the tie on..I know what you mean DH prefers the brunch so he does not have to dress up so much...LOL.. at times laundry will be busy but not always what deck are u on? they are near 2096,6588,7590, and they also have irons and boards to use in there they also sell a downy wrinkle free spray at walmart works pretty good too

 

[kimmad1274]

Thanks again...We are on deck 7 : ) So I guess we won't be far from the 7590 laundry room. I am going to go get that wrinkle free spray because I would hate having to iron everything before it goes in the bag only to have to re-iron it on the ship.

 

[beachbratt]

With just a little over a week left before we fly out to Florida, I finally came across fish extenders and gifts. I don't even know if I would have the time to order one of those custom ones on ebay (but I'm a teacher so I might have time to make a homemade one).

How do these things work? I read that it is done between the families that are on the dis boards that are cruising with you. But I wasn't sure if it was also if you seen a fish extender hanging that you could just put something in it.

Is anyone planning on doing this? And if so, how many gifts do you give out? I know it would either be 1 per family or items for the kids/adults in each family...but is it everyday or just 1 time during the cruise?

I don't think you will have time to get one but maybe...yes it is ususally done with the Dis'ers in your cruise meet and I don't believe anyone is doing it and it can be anything you want it to be everyone disusses it and decides one per room or things for kids and adults or just a family thing and yes you usually deliver just one day. Since its your first cruise maybe plan this for your next one.....Are you decorating your door that will be nice for your kids and it helps you find your door too...LOL.. did you hear about bringing a plain pillowcase one for each child and a colored sharpie and dropping it off at guest services on the first day and the characters will sign it...

 

[kimmad1274]

Renee...

Thanks for the info about the fish extenders. I read all 7 pages of posts and never seen anything mentioned so I guess no one from dis is doing it for this cruise? I could always throw something cute together and would be willing to do something...but maybe it will be good to see what others do on this cruise and hopefully do it the next cruise.

I read up about the magnets and guess what I'll be getting at staples?....Magnet computer sheets

I actually seen a post that had tons of images that could be used and I think it's great that people do this. My kids will be excited about this as well.

I did order a few things for the room but I was told that there would be a gift card left in the room. I asked the cast member I ordered with if there was anyway I could have the things in the room by the time we actually entered the room (Castaway Cay beach toys, Mickey & Minnie insulated waterbottles, and lanyards for both my children). I just thought it would be one more special touch for the kids when they walked in the room. She said I would have to ask guest services to contact our room steward and ask if they could handle that with the gift card and delivery of items to our room. I'm hoping it will be as smooth as that...but if not, we can always just have it sent to the room while we are there...the kids will be just as surprised.

Once again...thank you for all your help. We have never cruised before and are really looking forward to this trip. We'll be flying in to Florida on Thursday evening and staying at my dad's house. We hope to get to Sea World and Aquatica (we are from NJ and have season passes to Sesame Place and upgraded our passes so that we would receive free admission to all Anheiser Busch parks!) My aunt was going to drive us to the port...but I'm considering renting a car from the airport and dropping it off at the port and then re-renting a car from the port and dropping it off to the airport on Aug. 2nd when we fly home. Do you have any experience with car rental and the port? I'm sure she will want to drive us...but I don't like having to rely on other people for travel arrangements while we are on vacation...know what I mean?

Do you suggest that we get to the port for 10 AM? Or should we get there earlier? Anything else that you think might be helpful for us to know?

Once again...thank you...thank you...thank you for all your help and advice!

 

[kimmad1274]

Oh yeah...I forgot....I have 2 new white pillow cases as well as a white photo mat for the characters to sign. I also have a package of colored sharpie markers to drop off at guest services too.

 

[beachbratt]

I really wouldn't suggest getting there any earlier because they won't let you in till 10 and if you are dropped off you will have to stand and wait outside, I don't have any exp with the rental cars but I know people do use them people talk about dropping 1 adult and luggage and kids and then taking rental back and getting the shuttle over to the port and since you are staying for a few days afterwards it may come in handy for sure. My DH works for Discovery Cove the Sea World park where you swim with the dolphins. Our daughter works at Sea World so we know the parks well. You know you can request the images for the magnets personalized right? This is actually the first time I made the magnets Tip the 2 places that have the embarktation lunch will be serving the same food so you can go up to the 9th deck its a buffet and you have to find a table but you can go by the pool and eat lunch then swim or check the ship out till you can get in your room the other one Parot Cay they seat you at a table and get your drinks but its a buffet so whatever fits for your family will be the best choice.

 

[kimmad1274]

That's good to know that it's the same food because I've researched a few message boards and they suggest to go to Parrot Cay as oppossed to the buffet that they will suggest.

I'm looking forward to grabbing a bite to eat and then to explore the ship a bit, have some time in the pools, etc... before heading to our room. We also have the later dining. Some people have said that families with children tend to do the earlier seating, but since we are always on the go running around with my daughter's extra curricular activities, I find we eat late to begin with. I spoke with my aunt and she said we would have more than enough time inbetween that 6'ish showtime and dinner to change and get ready. (I don't want the kids to miss out on anything...but I'm finding that there is so much to do and see that I am sure we will need to take another trip to really see everything!)

I was able to get a fish extender (well I hope at least ). I found a mickey mouse wall hanger for a little more than $6 on amazon.com I paid a little extra to receive it within 2-6 days and it came out to $13 for everything. I'll get glitter letter stickers and place our names on it and hang it outside our door. Since I didn't know about the FE exchanges that go on until today...I have decided that I will go to the dollar store and get 2 items per day to leave in there for the kids. I'm going to tell them that their "Disney Friends" left if for them. I thought it would be a great incentive to get them up and out of bed every morning....Like Christmas Day...LOL

 

[biggdawg67]

.... I am so sorry to say that Sea World parks are no longer owned by the Anheiser Busch company ... ... they are now owned by the black stone group which ownes universal and alot of other company's .... .... I am looking foward too being employed with them for many years . and hope they don't decide to sell out like busch did.

 

[kimmad1274]

I wrote Anheiser Busch because it was easier than listing all the parks that our Super Grover Passport gets us into. We can get into Sesame Place (PA), all Sea Worlds, Aquatica, and all Busch Gardens parks. We can't get free admission to Discovery Cove, but were told that we could receive a percentage off our admission there. (I want to wait on that park because my son is only 3 years old and I think you have to be 6 to swim with the dolphins.)

Sorry that Busch sold out like that, but I'm glad you are still employed with them and that the other group purchase did not affect your employment. I did notice on Sea World's website that they offer a combo package that includes Universal, Islands of Adventure, and another waterpark. Maybe next year we will visit Universal. My son is such a super hero fan that I know he would love seeing them....at the same time, I'd rather wait until he could meet the height requirement for most of the rides there...know what I mean?

 

[underthesea2010]

That's good to know that it's the same food because I've researched a few message boards and they suggest to go to Parrot Cay as oppossed to the buffet that they will suggest.

I'm looking forward to grabbing a bite to eat and then to explore the ship a bit, have some time in the pools, etc... before heading to our room. We also have the later dining. Some people have said that families with children tend to do the earlier seating, but since we are always on the go running around with my daughter's extra curricular activities, I find we eat late to begin with. I spoke with my aunt and she said we would have more than enough time inbetween that 6'ish showtime and dinner to change and get ready. (I don't want the kids to miss out on anything...but I'm finding that there is so much to do and see that I am sure we will need to take another trip to really see everything!)

I was able to get a fish extender (well I hope at least ). I found a mickey mouse wall hanger for a little more than $6 on amazon.com I paid a little extra to receive it within 2-6 days and it came out to $13 for everything. I'll get glitter letter stickers and place our names on it and hang it outside our door. Since I didn't know about the FE exchanges that go on until today...I have decided that I will go to the dollar store and get 2 items per day to leave in there for the kids. I'm going to tell them that their "Disney Friends" left if for them. I thought it would be a great incentive to get them up and out of bed every morning....Like Christmas Day...LOL

Hi Kim!

We'll do FE with you if you don't mind. I think it'll make it more special. My dd is 7 (turning 8) and ds is 18mos old. My dd knows we're going on a cruise but she doesn't know that it's her birthday cruise! We'll be on deck 7 and our first cruise as well. Am I able to get the wall hanger anywhere or just online?

sooo excited!