FIRST CRUISE EVER - help!!!!!

[Magic Maker]

I just booked a 3 night Disney Cruise on the Wonder.

I need all the help I can get, what to pack, what to do, what will it be like, things I cannot miss but will be able to fit in a measly three night cruise, I need it all. Educate me.

I am a huge Disney buff, but I know very little about Disney Cruise and Cruising in general.

HELP ME!

 

[shoppingnut]

Here's a link to a website that has some info on it. http://www.allearsnet.com/cruise/cruise.htm

 

[DisneyBunny]

Try http://www.cruisecritic.com/


It has some great info, reviews, photos, forums, you name it. It's a great site for in depth cruise info.

Have fun! :wave: Cruising is wonderful.

 

[dflye]

I just booked a 3 night Disney Cruise on the Wonder.

I need all the help I can get, what to pack, what to do, what will it be like, things I cannot miss but will be able to fit in a measly three night cruise, I need it all.

Having just returned from our first cruise a few weeks ago (which was the same 3 night cruise on the Disney Wonder), you'll have more fun than you'll know what to do with!

We hardly spent any time off the ship at the first stop in Nassau, as there was so much to see and do on the ship, and the natives were more than a little pushy about harassing tourists the second they step off the ship. All we did was wander into a few gift shops and take a horse buggy ride. From talking to other families on the cruise, sounds like taking one of the pre-planned excursions would have been the way to spend time off the ship, such as the one to the Atlantis resort.

The second stop at Castaway Cay is incredible, spend as much time out there as you can, make sure to sign up for the scavenger hunt the night before, as that is a cool way to be forced to wander all over the island paying attention to details!

Depending upon how much you like to dress up for the evening meals/shows/clubs/etc versus how casual you dress in the day / at the pool, you can easily go through two or three outfits a day. Pack lots of heavy duty sunscreen, and don't forget the tops of your feet (boy did I burn mine, lovely patterns with the sandal straps :lol: )

Make sure you have proper ID (either a passport or certified birth certificate and picture ID) for each member of your party. Get to the terminal to get processed as early as you can. We didn't get there until a little after 12, and weren't able to get on the ship until almost 2, so we didn't have a lot of time to wander around the ship before they cast off and got the party started. Oh, and you'll be kicked off very very early on the return day.

As for what activities are on board, they are very well coordinated with the evening meals, so that regardless of which seating you are scheduled for, you will be able to see one of the two showings of that evenings show, for example.

I brought back copies of the "Personal Navigator" that they pass out for each day of the cruise, which has every gory detail about all of the activities on and off the ship. If you're interested, I can scan those in and make them available for perusing.

If your trip is more than a few months out, the activities are likely to be a little different, as the activities we were offered definitely differed here and there from a set of "Personal Navigator" pages from someone else's cruise a year or so ago.

Even if you don't make any plans ahead and just show up, you'll still have an insane amount of fun! Oh, and make sure to bring along a decent digital camera if you have one, there are plenty of photo opportunities with characters as well as the ship and islands.

 

[westie]

Geez, just have fun!!!

 

[Empress Room]

I predict that you will "catch the bug" and realize that one three-day cruise just isn't enough! Soon, you'll be looking at four, then seven and, heaven forbid, 10 and 11-day cruises! There is that much to do (or not to do) and everything is so first class, it will knock your socks off.

I suggest you visit disney.com, choose cruise line, and review the "frequently asked questions" section as well as the sections on trip planning and packing. It is easy, invaluable and printable!

Ahoy there!

 

[Brent]

My #1 thing is to get on board AS EARLY AS YOU CAN!!!! than throw your things & head up (or down) to the "pool deck" (4 or 5..i'm a bit fuzzy) a buffet will already be available for you to feast on so there will be no need for buying a lunch that day. After you eat make reservations at the spa (extra $) or Palo (adult sit down resturant a little cash to do this like $20 a person) if you are interested in either of these. Also if you have any children check out the corasponding area on the ship (varries by age group) to meet the CMs that will be with your kids during the activities. Than head back to your room to do a little unpacking (hopefuly most) before the safty drill (around 40 min prior to departing) After the drill dump your lifevests back at the room & head right to the pool area for the sail away party. My main advice is to particapate in activites.(as many as you can) & HAVE FUN!!!! I can help you with ANY questions you may have just e-mail or pm me through my profile. Check out the cruise sites because they have boards set up so you can meet people who will be cruiseing the same time as you are before you even leave.
dfly, I would scan the navigators that would prob. help out A LOT since I wish I would of had an idea of all there is to do before my first Disney Cruise.
OH 1 more thing: Once you cruise with Disney DON"T cruise with ANY other line YOU WILL BE DISAPOINTED TRUST ME!!!

 

[jesserin]

I'll add a couple things to the already great info provided:


1. If you cruise is scheduled for 2007 you'll need to get a passport - as of 1/1/07 you'll have to have a passport for every cruise. Apply early as passport prices are expected to reach $200 by the end of the year. (they're running about $90-130 now)

2. Pack your swim suit and a change of clothes in your carry-on - even if you drive to the ship - once you checkin all your luggage is taken to your room for you, but it can take several hours to get there... don't let late luggage slow you down! Put on your suits and head straight to the buffet -and then start enjoying the ship!

3. Get to the pier around 10am - The Port Canaveral Cruise Pier has some indoor seating and you'll be one of the first passengers to board (sometime between 10:30 and noon) once customs has cleared the ship of it's previous passengers.

4. I recommend someday experimenting with cruise lines - from a pro cruiser - we've found that Royal Caribbean actually is a nicer cruise experience (don't throw stone's - WDW is still the best vacation!) but the Disney Cruise Line is incredible and certainly worth doing several times!

5. If you are going to dress up for the formal nights in the dining room - then be sure to have the ladies with you bring a wrap or shrug for after dinner - even in the warm Caribbean, it cools off in the evenings and I can't count the number of shivering women I see on every ship in the evenings... come prepared and you'll enjoy your cruise experience much more!

6. Be sure to book the Atlantis excursion - or the Yellowbird Tour (seasonally offered) The Atlantis excursion in Nassau is a little pricey but allows you to experience the best of the island without all the dirt and poverty. The Yellowbird Tour is less expensive and is simply a smaller boat that takes you to Paradise Island which is too salty for any sea life - (nice for those that don't like swimming with the fishy's) It is a huge bay that looks like pool water for as far as you can see - there you can rent waverunners from the locals or just swim and enjoy the beach - a completely private, gorgeous, white sand beach... lot's of fun!

7. Get to know your waiters - they are some awsome people - I have yet to ever meet a waiter that wasn't completely facinating and didn't take care of our every need. They are great people and really make your cruise experience wonderful!

8. Go to all the shows - they are incredible and really entertaining! They are key to really enjoying your Disney Cruise!

That's it for now - I may add later - as you can see from my avatar - we are big time cruisers - so if you have any questions I'd be glad to pitch in my .02!

 

[ClemsonTigger]

First off, relax a little, you will have a great time and as others have said, will surely "catch the bug". It is however a totally different experience from WDW, so you have to learn a whole new set of rules. First off, as you would suggest to a novice coming to WDW, pick up one of the tour books, it does help to consolidate your options and help in planning.

If you're anything like us, it will take until day two to feel you are starting to get the hang of things. I would not worry about scheduling extra events (powerboat, dolphins, snorkeling) for this trip, you will feel too rushed. You will be stopping as Nassau and Castaway Cay. You can do some shopping in Nassau or do just a quick visit and spend the time exploring the ship. Our kids were a bit intimidated by the crush of the locals...but it much milder than other islands. Castaway Cay is outstanding and if you like snorkeling, you can have a surprisingly good time there...it may not be reef, but there is a lot available for free. If you have your own fins and mask/snorkel I would advise bringing it.

The two hardest things for us were getting established and making reservations. The easiest was dining. You will be assigned a rotation of restaurants and a time, so you just show up. Your wait staff follows you, so you will get to know them well. I would suggest that the night you are scheduled for Parrot Cay, book a dinner at Palo. Parrot Cay is nice but most casual and Palo is something you really want to experience (for $10 more). Make this reservation as soon as you check in and get your meal tickets showing where you will be on a given night. You can also visit Parrot Cay for breakfast or lunch.

Next reservations are for the spa. If you are in to the spa thing, go there first thing for best time selection. Also schedule a massage on the beach at Castaway Cay...those go fast.

There is a stage show every night...we made it a point to go, all were fun.
(if you have late dinner seating, you will do the early show and visa versa)
I believe one night there was a party out on deck with TOO MUCH FOOD and fireworks. There are casual places to get a bite all day and nice lounges of different themes to keep you entertained at night.

Dress for the three day is fairly casual. You may want to dress up a little for dinner, but it isn't long dresses and suits/tux (there is some of that on the 7 day).

Hopefully that's a start, if you have any specific questions, feel free to PM me. Happy Birthday, have a great time!

PS, when is Goodnight Kiss this week?.............only kidding :lol:

 

[dflye]

Ok, just scanned in the "Personal Navigator" pages for the 3 night Disney Wonder cruise, as of the 2006/1/19 sailing.

The details are posted in this thread

 

[Enderikari]

Thanks everyone, I also am going on my first-ever cruise in February, and I am stressing about it... Your words have helped calm me a little. What's the best things to do to relax(I need some severe relaxation right about now?) And, if you have been on the Royal Caribbean... Hows the Casino? This will be important to me...

 

[cj2me]

These are some great tips...We also booked our First Cruise ever..DCL Nov 2006.

 

[celticdog]

Thanks everyone, I also am going on my first-ever cruise in February, and I am stressing about it... Your words have helped calm me a little. What's the best things to do to relax(I need some severe relaxation right about now?) And, if you have been on the Royal Caribbean... Hows the Casino? This will be important to me...

There is no casino on any of the Disney cruise ships.

The closest you will get to gambling is to take the shore excursion to Atlantis when in Nassua.

The on board entertainment more than makes up for the lack of a casino. I highly reccomend seeing the Dueling Pianos show. We went every night. And under no circumstances should you miss the Disney Dreams stage show.

 

[dflye]

There is no casino on any of the Disney cruise ships.

The closest you will get to gambling is to take the shore excursion to Atlantis when in Nassua.

They also have bingo at night with cash prizes and a few random drawings of things like a spa visit. Was only one square away from winning blackout bingo on the last game!

 

[AshAlytwins]

We did the 3 day and this year we are doing the 4!!! Can't wait!!!
We did the Nassau trip which was alright...we were back on the boat by 2 which gave us time to enjoy the pool and drinks!!!
Castaway Cay was the best. The girls (13 & 13) parasailed and we all snorkeled. Even though it was December 9th we got fried...according to my thermo. it was 94 in the shade!!!
Make sure you take your digital camera and at least a 1gb card. I took 700 pictures alone at Cataway Cay!!!
Most of all Chill out and enjoy every moment...it flies by!!!!
Let us know how much fun you had!!!

 

[ClemsonTigger]

There is no casino on any of the Disney cruise ships.

The closest you will get to gambling is to take the shore excursion to Atlantis when in Nassua.

The on board entertainment more than makes up for the lack of a casino. I highly reccomend seeing the Dueling Pianos show. We went every night. And under no circumstances should you miss the Disney Dreams stage show.

I think he said he was going on a Royal Carribean ship...just checking in on the general sailing advice.

 

[celticdog]

I think he said he was going on a Royal Carribean ship...just checking in on the general sailing advice.

Good catch. I just glossd over the Royal Carribean part. But on a side note, I have been amazed at how many people think that there are casinos on the Disney ships.

 

[Magic Maker]

YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST!

I am packing right now, and will barely be able to sleep tonight.
I won't be doing any extra excursions cause I am broke as a joke thank God food is included! I have a tiny, tiny bit of spending money.

Thank you all!

 

[Computer Magic]

YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST!

I am packing right now, and will barely be able to sleep tonight.
I won't be doing any extra excursions cause I am broke as a joke thank God food is included! I have a tiny, tiny bit of spending money.

Thank you all!

enjoy your cruise.....Don't forget the trip report and pics :wave:

 

[lamarvenoy]

Thanks everyone, I also am going on my first-ever cruise in February, and I am stressing about it... Your words have helped calm me a little. What's the best things to do to relax(I need some severe relaxation right about now?) And, if you have been on the Royal Caribbean... Hows the Casino? This will be important to me...

The Casinos on RC boats are decent, the payouts on the slots are lousy but the games are decent and professional. Their aren't enough tables to go around especially with the super popular poker trend that everyone is jumping on. Atlantis is nice if you are going to Naseau, now that's a Casinn the ship they don't give you any drinks either, you PAY for your drinks.I just took a Costa cruise in Nov-Dec and it had a very nice Casino and I'm booked on a Celebrity cruise in October and that's supposed to be nice. My wife likes the pool....I like the Casino-and the bars