Another 10 Things To Know Before Your First Cruise
Since apparently 10 Things To Know Before Your First Cruise and 10 MORE Things To Know Before Your First Cruise didn't quite touch on everything...
here are another top ten things to know before your first Disney Cruise Line experience.
Pin Trading
Although not quite as popular as it is in the parks, pin trading is alive and well on the high seas. Servers greeting outside the restaurants often sport pin lanyards. Pins exclusive to DCL are available in the shops (ask and they may even pull out the pin book for trading). Keep an eye on your navigator for officer pin trading events.
Lanyards for everyone! (Who is old enough to carry a room card.)
Yes there are lovely lanyards sold in the shops on the ship if you forget. Your dollar store probably also carries some lovely lanyards and Disneystore.com carries quite a rotating selection. There isn't really a reason to carry a purse, as your key to the world card will be accepted everywhere on deck.
How to Relax
Step one take schedule for at least one day.
Step two ignore schedule.
Step three find a lounger.
Step four lounge.
How Not to Be One of the People Everyone Watches Sprint for the Ship
A friend of mine who is an experienced cruiser recently nearly missed the boat in port. She didn't overschedule her day, she just lost track of time.
Might I suggest setting an alarm to remind you to head back for the ship while you're shopping or sightseeing? Otherwise you may get a beautiful picture of your ship heading out to sea.
Papers, Please!
Be a Dummy
Pin Trading
Although not quite as popular as it is in the parks, pin trading is alive and well on the high seas. Servers greeting outside the restaurants often sport pin lanyards. Pins exclusive to DCL are available in the shops (ask and they may even pull out the pin book for trading). Keep an eye on your navigator for officer pin trading events.
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| Ready with her pins! |
Lanyards for everyone! (Who is old enough to carry a room card.)
Yes there are lovely lanyards sold in the shops on the ship if you forget. Your dollar store probably also carries some lovely lanyards and Disneystore.com carries quite a rotating selection. There isn't really a reason to carry a purse, as your key to the world card will be accepted everywhere on deck.
How to Relax
Step one take schedule for at least one day.
Step two ignore schedule.
Step three find a lounger.
Step four lounge.
 |
| Sleepy Minnie enjoys lounging. |
A friend of mine who is an experienced cruiser recently nearly missed the boat in port. She didn't overschedule her day, she just lost track of time.
Might I suggest setting an alarm to remind you to head back for the ship while you're shopping or sightseeing? Otherwise you may get a beautiful picture of your ship heading out to sea.
Papers, Please!
Make sure to research proper documentation if you opt to go passport free as sometimes a combination of IDs are required (current example: in some situations an original birth certificate with a raised seal can be used, but adults going this route need a government issued photo ID as well.)
Rebooking
If you decide you love cruising, it is often worthwhile to rebook onboard. Many cruises offer 10% off if you put down your deposit while you are onboard.
Check with the future cruise desk as there are blackout dates and exceptions (concierge comes to mind). Make sure to have 10% of the cost available for the deposit.
If you decide you love cruising, it is often worthwhile to rebook onboard. Many cruises offer 10% off if you put down your deposit while you are onboard.
Check with the future cruise desk as there are blackout dates and exceptions (concierge comes to mind). Make sure to have 10% of the cost available for the deposit.
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| If you get really lucky, they may be running specials above and beyond the standard rebooking specials. |
Or at least book a dummy date. Basically if you love your cruise and want to rebook at the future cruise desk but don't know exactly which dates suit your needs best, ask at the desk for a dummy date. The agent will book you a cheap far out cruise date with the intention of having the date adjusted at a later date. To maintain the onboard booking benefits, you need to cruise within 18 months of the booking and avoid the blackout dates.
Suitcase Storage
All of your luggage will be remaining with you in your stateroom for the duration of your cruise. Thankfully, the beds have plenty of space underneath them. The Magic and Wonder have in the neighborhood of 9" of clearance while the Dream and Fantasy have thirteen inches between the bed and floor for your luggage.
All of your luggage will be remaining with you in your stateroom for the duration of your cruise. Thankfully, the beds have plenty of space underneath them. The Magic and Wonder have in the neighborhood of 9" of clearance while the Dream and Fantasy have thirteen inches between the bed and floor for your luggage.
In It For The Long Haul
Most people take a three night cruise to get their feet wet (so to speak) and then come home to say it felt super fun but super short (and they want a longer cruise next trip). Our favorite cruise so far was 8 nights because we had plenty of time to enjoy the ship, the ports and our family while relaxing, reading and even running a few miles each morning didn't feel like a waste of our vacation time.
Another perk?
Often longer cruises are cheaper per day...
Most people take a three night cruise to get their feet wet (so to speak) and then come home to say it felt super fun but super short (and they want a longer cruise next trip). Our favorite cruise so far was 8 nights because we had plenty of time to enjoy the ship, the ports and our family while relaxing, reading and even running a few miles each morning didn't feel like a waste of our vacation time.
Another perk?
Often longer cruises are cheaper per day...
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| I love the slurpee blue ocean! |
If you're bound and determined to keep your first cruise to a long weekend, try to book a cruise that has at least one sea day. This gives you a chance to really get to know the ship and appreciate the unique amenities. Plus the ocean is beautiful!
Be An Early Bird
Have you ever had a flight delay keep you from reaching your resort at Walt Disney World when you expected? It's totally frustrating, but at least your resort still was there when you arrived. If you book a same day flight, be aware that you may miss the boat. Might I recommend trip insurance or better yet a day or two at the world ahead of your cruise so that you can enjoy the best of both worlds and start your cruise off in a relaxed fashion?
Have you ever had a flight delay keep you from reaching your resort at Walt Disney World when you expected? It's totally frustrating, but at least your resort still was there when you arrived. If you book a same day flight, be aware that you may miss the boat. Might I recommend trip insurance or better yet a day or two at the world ahead of your cruise so that you can enjoy the best of both worlds and start your cruise off in a relaxed fashion?
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