Akitkat118

Hi everyone! After far far too many years not cruising (thank you daycare costs), I am finally able to book a real vacation and we booked Alaska 2021 on Encore. Everything has changed since we have last cruised (all lines!!)

So. What do I need to know? 

I have 2 boys who will be 6 and 9 at sail time. We are in a mini suite on deck 14. 

Give me the dirt! Things not to miss, secrets, etc. We clearly have not been on this ship. 

Thank you kindly!

margaritaville right across from the pier. restaurant is located on the second floor and has a pool. nothing big but a pool

Ok yes I was thinking of margaritaville

I guess. Adults only wont work though thanks!

Hello! I might be hallucinating but I really remember hearing about a restaurant that has a pool you can walk to after getting off the tenders. Is this a true thing?

Otherwise what are the companies to look at that do the rare day pass for a hotel.

Thanks!

Hi all. I am so LOST. I have cruised my whole life on other lines but my family is trying out Disney in January 2017.

5 night sailing on Magic from Miami. I have never felt so lost planning a cruise. Hoping for tips!

First... this is my first time sailing from Miami. We usually sail from Ft. Lauderdale.

I have family in the greater Ft Lauderdale area so I am flying in early to see them. However. Would it be better to fly into FLL or MIA?

Next, any good hotel recommendations?

Car rental place near the port?

When we return... better airport to fly out of? (going to NY).

For the ship.. what do I NEED to know? It is myself and my husband (36, 37) and our 2 boys (4 and 1). We have an Oceanview room (usually get a balcony but too expensive here).

Best combination of ways to sleep in the room with the 4 of us?

Lastly.. we go to Grand Cayman. Is it true we can't purchase BBD rum there to bring back to the ship?? They won't deliver to Disney ships and you can't carry it?

Anything else you want to share with me, I would appreciate.

Thanks!

is there a benefit to using a TA or booking through Disney directly?

Hi all! I need some help. I am not new to cruising at all, but new to Disney cruising, and I know this is a whole other beast.

I can plan a walt disney world vacation like the back of my hand but cruising, forget it. I need help.

I am looking to go Jan or Feb 2017. I know that the booking is not open yet.

But..

1) WHEN does it open?

2) How can I get an idea of routes before it opens? I know when it opens you need to book ASAP to get the best rate.

We are open to length of cruise, ship, port, etc. I just want to take my kids on a Mickey ship! So help me out - what do I need to know and do? Thanks!

Thank you Bob - you seem to have the answer to all of my questions. I really appreciate it

thank you everyone! i am not going to worry then and assume I can board as planned at lunch time.

Hi everyone. Question for those with little kids who ARE potty trained and can go in the pools but can't swim yet.

Are puddle jumpers (those floaty things for the chest and arms) allowed in the pools?

Thanks!!

thanks. i really am more interested in avoiding a toddler meltdown by not getting him lunch around when he normally eats. i guess we'll hope for the best!

I am sailing Liberty on Monday and in the past we have gotten boarding emails telling people to get there around noon or whatever. But tonight we got an email with staggered boarding according to what deck you are on.

I wanted to know if others have been getting this... and more importantly.. if they deny you boarding if you get there before your deck time.

I am quite annoyed. This is a "day" of my cruise yet they are telling some decks to arrive at 3 pm. Not to mention, we have a 2 year old and there is no way we can hang around the airport for 8 hours. Our plan, was, as usual, to get on board for his lunch time, which is what we did last year.

If we show up earlier, will we have issues?? I need to feed my kid.

thank you everyone for your answers!!! we are armed with a good bug spray and even sprayed our clothes with that permithion (spelling) stuff. Ready for next week!!

What cruise line are you going on? There are several royal caribbean ships that have a baby splash pool so you can be in there with swim diapers.

i cruised with my son when he was 20 months. we just stuck him in the shower.

i brought some books, coloring books, crayons, my ipod loaded with tv shows, magnets b/c the stateroom walls are magnetic, any and all meds needed including the powdered pedialyte. i just wanted to make sure if he got anything i was covered. we took the take and toss sippy cups. dish soap. corn starch for diaper rash and to get sand off. an umbrella stroller that reclined. that's about it - royal caribbean had a toy lending program and a nursery so we were covered.

their online system is just not working for me no matter what i do - that's why i can't make them!!

We have 2 year olds so we eat like at 5:30. I am guessing we SHOULD be ok. worth case, it's buffet time.

Well, I leave Monday on the 17th on the Liberty and just can't for the life of me get my my time dining reservations done.

Oh well.

Hopefully we will be able to get a table!

thanks - we are definitely armed with a good bug spray. Just wanted to hear from people who have been recently!

thanks - i am just hearing "conflicting" things. some people are saying no issues and others are saying the mosquitos and their chikungunya is an epidemic. just want to hear first hand from people who have been recently

how is the mosquito situation looking over in the jamaica ports if you get off the ship in the past few weeks?

specifically ocho rios?

is it very mosquito-y?

I can't book mine for Liberty in 2 weeks.

thanks for your input on thinking i would let my 2.5 year old go in rushing water. i was responding to the previous person about the 9 and 11 year old. i am well aware of water safety, thanks.

we did the resort for a day at hilton rose hall with my 20 month old. the bus ride was about 15/20 minutes. my son loved the lazy river and the smaller water slides - he would sit on our laps. it was awesome. had the best day.

My son is 2.5 and about to go on his second cruise. he was an angel on the first and so excited about everything (he was 20 months). this year he is even more excited, but we'll see how his behavior is in 2 weeks!! we always get a balcony.

on the flip side we have also done disney with him twice, but only for 3 days at a time for his age and have gone slowly. he also loves disney and has been very well behaved there too.

we just love travel so go for it. the only wayt to expose kids to things is to take them!

i had my 20 month old in a balcony room. on RCI there is no where for him to get to - it's a full plexiglass panel. he loved being out there.