First Timer Cruiser - Any Advice / Tips??

[Lisa1976]

We're going!!!!!!!

Unfortunately in July we lost Simon's aunty to lung cancer

On Christmas Day we were given a lovely surprise of a small amount of money which his aunty wanted to leave to each of them, the only stipulation was that we weren't allowed to use on the house or bills.

As you know we had to cancel our original cruise due to a car accident

Well we've just gone online and booked a 3 night cruise departing 31 Jan for the two of us for £533, am sooooo excited

As we've never done anything like this before any help you can give us to ease our nerves would be appreciated

[Slowhand]

Are you going on a Disney cruise?

[Lisa1976]

Yup, sorry should have said that, lol.

[Slowhand]

Ok, first of all, don`t be nervous. My DW was very uneasy before we went on our first cruise, however now we can`t get enough of them....done 9 up to now!
My DW was especially concerned about seasickness. The ships are equipped with the latest satellite technology and the captain will tend to steer around any seriously bad weather. However if the seas do get rough, the DCL ships are fitted with stabilisers which helps to remove the rocking motion. These are 25 feet long "wings" that are opened below the surface of the ocean and they really do help.

When you get to check in at the cruise terminal you will be given your Key to the World card. On this will be a few letters printed at the bottom, eg PAL. This is your dining rotation [P= Parrot Cay, A= Animators Pallet, L= Lumieres...the names of some these restaurants apply to the Disney Magic only as the names are different on the other ships in the fleet.
I find this usefull so that I can decide upon which evening to have dinner at Palos [an adult only restaurant] as of those I have listed, Parrot Cay is my least favourite! [Probably this won`t be an issue in your case as yours in only a 3 day cruise.]

Unless you do it online before your cruise, as soon as you board the ship I would make a bee line to the excursions desk if you want to take part in any of the excursions or activities organised by Disney.

Your stateroom will not be ready until around 1.00pm, so you can head up to the top deck for an excellent buffet lunch. [NB The elevators can be very busy during this period so it may be better to consider using the stairs if you can.]

The servers you have for dinner will be with you throughout the cruise so you get to know them very well, and they also tend to get used to your likes and dislikes etc., however don`t be afraid to ask them any questions concerning the menu as they bend over backwards to help you and make sure that you have a good time.

Make sure to be on the top deck in time for the "Sail Away Party"...if only to hear the ship`s horn for the first time.

That`s about it off the "top of my head", but if you can think of anything specific then just holler!

I reckon that [funds allowing], this may be your first cruise, but I bet it won`t be your last.

[catrancher]

As we've never done anything like this before any help you can give us to ease our nerves would be appreciated

Nope. Can't ease your nerves at all. It'll get worse and worse until you're so excited that you think you'll burst. There's just no cure.

However, you will have the best time ever!

Wait until you get that first view of the Disney Cruise Line terminal with the Disney Dream behind it at Port Canaveral.

It'll look something like this:

DSC_0043.jpg

In fact, that's exactly what it will look like since that's the Disney Dream at the terminal.

I'm assuming you'll be sailing on the Dream to the Bahamas. Correct? What are your plans? Are you going to WDW before the cruise? Or just flying to Orlando and going directly to the port?

Tom (... are you excited yet?)

[Tink]

Oh! How sweet of his Aunty to leave something for you to use in a nice way. She sounds like she was a really wonderful person.

You've nothing to worry about! I would recommend bringing some sort of air freshener for the cabin. The air can get musty if you don't have a balcony/veranda.

Bring a sweater or some sort of shawl that will help you in the breezes at the evening time. I do believe Disney allows you to bring water on board, but that's really not necessary. They have all the water you'll want.

Essentially, just bring your clothes, whatever you want for personal "first aid" (ibuprofen, sun screen, that sort of thing) and yourselves! They really do take care of the rest.

Plan on a credit card for shipboard credit. That's how you function on board. No cash taken.

Enjoy every minute! A three day is a great way to test the waters, so to speak.

[Keith]

arghrhgrghrhgrhgrhgrgh like I say every time there's a Disney cruise thread, I HAVE to try it

[Lisa1976]

Thanks so much that really helps

We've got a hire car so will be leaving what we don't need to take with us in the car at the port.

With the sit down restaurants that are on rotation, do you have o eat there, are they our only alternative? Hubby is such a fussy eater, we've looked at some of the menus and he is really worried about the choices.

We've booked a 12-12.30 boarding time

[catrancher]

arghrhgrghrhgrhgrhgrgh like I say every time there's a Disney cruise thread, I HAVE to try it

Well?

With the sit down restaurants that are on rotation, do you have o eat there, are they our only alternative?

No. Not at all. Your normal dining rotation will include Animators Palette, Enchanted Garden, and the Royal Palace and is only for dinner. Breakfast and lunch are both at your choice of venues. However, you're really under no obligation to eat in your assigned dining room. You can, if you wish, choose to eat in Cabanas on Deck 11 aft. Cabana's menu varies so check the DCL website or your personal Navigator. Or order room service if you wish. It's entirely up to you.

Hubby is such a fussy eater, we've looked at some of the menus and he is really worried about the choices.

Disney seems to be willing to do their best to accommodate any special needs or requirements. Just ask your servers at dinner. We've been told on numerous occasions to go ahead and try something on the menu. Something new that you've never tried before. If you don't like it, no problem. They'll be happy to bring you a different entrée.

Also, keep in mind that your servers at dinner will rotate through the three restaurants with you. So, if you have preferences, let them know the first night and they'll do their best to keep them in mind for the remainder of the cruise.

Hope this helps!

Tom (... the excitement builds!)

[Esmeralda]

Don't know if you're stopping at any ports but if you do... do NOT forget to get back to the ship in time to sail.