We just boarded the ship. Now what do we do?

[bow0303]

So I need everyone's expertise. Once we board the ship(hoping around 11ish. We'll be driving to the port and dropping of a rental car) not sure what we should do first. I'm sure we'll check out the kid clubs and maybe signing up for excursions. Dont need to upgrade room or dining. Can anyone give us any other suggestions? Thanks.

 

[Tiggerfanatic]

Eat lunch. Character Meet-N-Greets. Check out the pool.

 

[plaz10]

Head up to the top deck to get great pictures with less people in them. Just explore and get the lay of the "land." Get something to eat and relax!

 

[PolynesianPrincess]

We took our time exploring the ship and kind of getting a "feel for it". We also headed up to Cabana's and got some lunch and then sat at the Cove Cafe and drank an adult beverage and just enjoyed being on the ship.

 

[EOD K9]

All good advice. Make sure you eat and check the kids clubs to see what they look like as they look like as you wont have another open house opportunity. Wander around and find the MDRs and clubs. It will help when you want to go there for whatever event is going on.

 

[NiarrNDisney]

Get a fancy drink with an umbrella from the bar, find a couple lounge chairs around the pool and relax! What more do you need to do? If you need a little more bring a book or a magazine and get a small snack.

 

[MaryJaneP]

I would seriously hope not to be on the ship by 11 am since the rooms are not accessible until after 1:30. That's a long time to drag any carry-ons around. If you are smart enough to have every bag checked except your swimsuit and camera bag, I would head to either or both buffet(Cabanas/Topsiders) for lunch and/or the pools/aquaduck for relaxation. If you aren't eating or swimming, wander the ship from deck 2 up to top. Familiarize yourself with where everything is (restaurants, bars, clubs, theaters, shops, laundry, Palo/Remy/Meridian etc). Take lots of pre-trip photos, because once the cruise starts, time seems to race. Checked bags usually delivered to hallway outside your stateroom before 5pm. So hopefully you have 2nd seating.

 

[Disneyfalcon]

I'm the opposite of @MaryJaneP

I hope to be on the first second possible to maximize my time onboard. I usually have just a rolling bag of my camera equipment and it doesn't bother me at all.

If you have kids, bring their swimsuits in your carry-on. Eat and then go swim in a fairly empty pool!

Then go explore!

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Can I just say that I love that 3 of the girls from the girls cruise jumped in and answered! @Tiggerfanatic , @plaz10 , & @derelicte19 y'all are awesome!

 

[bow0303]

Thanks for all the great ideas. I have read something about the detective game? That's something I think my boys would really enjoy. Is that something that would be good for them to play as we're exploring?

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Thanks for all the great ideas. I have read something about the detective game? That's something I think my boys would really enjoy. Is that something that would be good for them to play as we're exploring?

The Midship Detective Agency is on the 2 new ships. I'm pretty sure it's up & running for embarkation, not 100% sure. I'll look at an old Navigator and get back to ya. Actually, playing the MDA is a great way to explore the ship because it sends you to different locations on different decks forward, midship, and aft. You'll get a great lay of the land that way AND solve a mystery or 2. Just be sure to use your embarkation day open house time to see the kids clubs if you're interested in checking out the theming. There's often short open houses in the clubs on other days but I don't know that I've ever caught a pattern in how they schedule them.

 

[Disneyfalcon]

Can I just say that I love that 3 of the girls from the girls cruise jumped in and answered! @Tiggerfanatic , @plaz10 , & @derelicte19 y'all are awesome!

Totally thought the same thing!

 

[plaz10]

Well @sweetpee_1993 and @Disneyfalcon ....we learned from the best!!!

(Pssst - that's you guys. Haha)

 

[Tiggerfanatic]

Well @sweetpee_1993 and @Disneyfalcon ....we learned from the best!!!

(Pssst - that's you guys. Haha)

Amen, Sista!

 

[TDF]

I’m confused… what ship did he exactly board on a Tuesday?


EDIT: Wow, I am so silly… I totally didn’t read his post. Anyway, what we did first on our cruise was explore and relax by the pool!

 

[Bolna]

I think you got lots of great suggestions, but I just wanted to point out that you can book excursions online before you get on the ship. And if your mind is set on a specific one, I would strongly suggest doing that as they can book up.

 

[Phonedave]

All good ideas. Maybe I missed it, but if you did not book any of the upgrade dinings or spa treatments, or you want to change your dining assignment, do that first - before they are "sold out"


-dave