Here are a few
Disney Cruise Line Tips
Port Day
Get to the port early. The sooner you board the ship the sooner you start your vacation and get a chance to explore the ship. Lunch is served at Parrot Cay on Deck 3 or Beach Blanket on Deck 9. We prefer Parrot Cay, since you may end up eating outside if you choose Beach Blanket. Depending on the weather, it can be nice, but you often have to fend off birds looking for a snack. Your stateroom is typically available between 1:30-2:00. Luggage could start arriving to your room at 2:00, but it can take several hours until all your bags arrive. Go explore the ship while you wait for your stateroom to be available. The afternoon is really busy. Mandatory Life Boat Drill at 4:00-4:30, Sail Away Party at 4:30-5:30, the ship departs at 5:00 and main seating cruisers have dinner at 6:00 while the second seating cruisers have the show at 6:00.
Over The Door Shoe Holder (ODSH)
Because counter space in the bathroom(s) is limited, we bring an Over the Door Shoe Holder. You are not permitted to hang the ODSH on the doors in your stateroom. Attach the ODSH to a hanger and then hang it on the robe hook outside the bathroom. We use it to hold extra toiletries, hairbrushes, cameras, sunscreen, etc in the pockets of the ODSH.
Power Strips
We bring a power strip to charge phones, tablets, cameras, electric razors, etc. They only give you one double outlet at the vanity. The wave phone plug covers both outlets.
Magnetic Door Signs
As you navigate down the hallways of the ship, all the stateroom doors look the same. To distinguish your stateroom, people add magnetic signs to their stateroom door to make it easier to locate your cabin. Do not use tape, command hooks, etc because they will damage the doors and
DCL will fine you $100. You can only use magnets.
DCL app
DCL has an app available for your smartphone that includes the Navigator (daily schedule of activities), deck plans of the ship, menus from the restaurants, etc. Because the cost of data on the ship is high, you should download/install the app before you board the ship. Once onboard, you can use the app without using data.
Room Service
Room Service is generally free except for sodas, beer, candy and maybe a few other things. We like the cheese plate, cookies and mickey ice cream bars. Even though the food is free, it's appropriate to tip the room service attendant. We bring several single dollar bills with us to tip.
Movies
DCL has a movie theatre onboard. They show Disney movies including Pixar and Marvel. Avengers (releases on May 1) should be available at the Buena Vista movie theatre. The movie "Tomorrowland" is scheduled to be released on May 22. They might show the movie at the Walt Disney Theatre on the day the movie comes out.
Kid's Clubs
If you have kids, you can use the time after you check in and while you are waiting to board the ship to sign up for the Kid's Clubs. Even if your kids say they don't want to go, sign them up anyway. It'll save time when you're on the ship in case they change their mind. Also, encourage them to try it. There are many fun activities and chances are, they'll love it and want to spend more time there than you expect.
Enjoy your cruise
