DISNEY1975

OK, we're down to a few weeks before our first-ever cruise (2 adults, 2 kids 10 and 7), and we're starting to think about packing. So my question - what are the things that first-time cruisers would never think to bring, and that I'll be kicking myself about all week? Not the obvious - wine opener, passport, etc. - looking for stuff I'd NEVER think of.

 

Thanks in advance - and I will compile a Top 10 list and post it (based on my own assessment, of course...) if I get enough responses (and then we can argue about my rankings).

With kids that age..bring scissors!

Lots of "themed" nights at the Splash Academy and the kids are given TShirt to decorate and design. I had a pair of scissors with me (to cut tags from new clothes) and designed a pretty awesome pirate shirt! Also bring a white tank or cami for under the size XL adult shirt they give the kids!

Whoopsies, my mistake about the wheel-chair accessible. Still excited for the upgrade though!

Awesome upgrade! Congratulations! :)

Solo traveler here and had a studio booked on the Epic. Just called and was able to upgrade to a balcony for just $9.00! Category BD. Website says BD is wheel-chair accessible...guessing that probably just means a modified bathroom. Anywho, super excited!

A handicap room is much much bigger than a regular room as it needs ample room to move a wheelchair around the bed, doorway, seating area etc. Im surprised they allowed you to book it, unless you do use a wheelchair.

Do the sofas pull out or does someone sleep on it as is?

I have booked 4 people in a minisuite. Are 2 suppose to share the sofa? (Me, hubby, 19 yo son, 10 yo daughter)

Cheers! :cool:

 

We fly to Hawaii today...wahoo! :cool:

Have a great great great time! Sorry I was wrong. I thought for sure it would be Tuesday...would have even put $$ on it!

Please don't forget to come back here when you return to let us know the outcome! :)

4 sleeps!!!

 

Looking forward to our cruise in 5 days... cabin assignment or not. :cool:

You will get it Tuesday, by 11:30am EST !!

No, the difference is the Haven lounge, restaurant a private pool area. It is amazing and beautiful. So relaxing and quiet. An amazing place to escape the crowds.

 

 

 

 

 

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I was referring to the mini suites and Spa suites.

The Haven lounge only comes with the Haven Suites, generally starting at $1800 pp.

Hi,

 

My dh and I just sailed with our two boys (2 and 4 yrs) on RCCL Allure and our kids LOVED it! We are now planning our next cruise for next year and are debating between NCL Epic, Breakaway and Disney Fantasy. The boys will be 3 and 5 at time of sailing. Which cruise line and ship have the best activities and kids clubs? Suggestions!

First I will say that I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE Splash Academy on NCL. Ive been on 3 NCL cruises and have nothing but amazing things to say about the staff and activities at the kids club. My kids loved every second of their cruises. The hours are great, the themed parties are fantastic, the activities are fun and age appropriate. Our last NCL cruise my daughter learned circus acts during the week and on the last day performed in a circus in the theatre. She LOVED it, I loved it etc...etc...etc.... I could go on forever about NCL kids club (Splash Academy)

With that said....I prefer Disney!

Im going on the Getaway in April. Ive done tons of research about the rooms.

First, the Haven rooms START at about $1800 per person. For me, they were not an option!

Only other suites available were the SPA suites and Mini suites.

The difference between these suites and a regular balcony is location of the cabin and the bathrooms. The room itself and balcony (unless you specifically book a "large balcony" in these categories) are identical in shape and size to a balcony cabin. The mini and spa suites have a slightly larger bathroom.

I would not change your balcony cabin unless the extra sink in the bathroom and special jet shower is worth it to you.

That being said..I booked a family balcony and got a free upgrade to a minisuite. For free...Ill take it!

Does anyone know if OSheehans has the ham and cheese Panini ? That was my favorite for lunch on the Dawn! Nice quite spot, beautiful view and yummy sandwich!

We booked our flights separately.

 

Just checked My NCL...still no cabin number. :cool:

You will get it Tuesday :)

I sailed on the Dawn a couple of years ago. Booked GTY and was given my cabin # 3 days prior to sailing.

You are a way better person than I am. The camera would be in the water right now, taking pictures of the fishies!

Im sorry you had to deal with that.

Oh, how awful! Can you at least try to get the Nassau hotel $$, as you are cancelling a couple of days in advance? Also, exchange the return airline ticket before you are considered a "no show". Youll have to pay a small fee to change, but at least you can make use of it in the future to another destination.

This is a terrible situation, Im sorry you are going through it.

Bummer, I sail 04/19 :(

We need a hotel near the Miami port to stay the night before a cruise, nothing fancy just clean and safe and either a shuttle or close enough for a taxi to be reasonable. We will get there late and leave early so don't need any amenities. Thanks everyone

 

 

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I am staying at the Embassy Suites Miami Airport area. They are 2 rooms suites with breakfast included. There is also a managers reception each evening from 5 - 7 with open bar and light appetizers (free). Hotel provides shuttle service from the airport and for $10 each adult, they will shuttle you to the cruise port also. For my April stay, it is $170 per night + 11% tax.

You can also check out hotwire dot com. Although you don't know the name of the hotel before you purchase, you can chose Miami area, and amenities (free breakfast, shuttle service, pool etc...) You can get great bargains via this website.

We enjoyed our aft cabin (9233) because of the huge views, it was quiet, and on the Dawn, the bakery is right below, and smells WONDERFUL whenever you step outside and take a deep breath :)

What bakery is on the Dawn? The only thing I remember is the MDR aft.

WOW! Great video!! Thank you for sharing.:)

Hi and thanks in advance for all the help I know i will get :)

We are sailing 3/15 and received $650 OBC. There was a promotion for UDP and prepaid gratuities plus additional obc. I was told that I would be personally charged - not obc- if I made dinner reservations prior to boarding. Does anyone have experience with this? Someone told me that it would be difficult to get the dining times we prefer if we wait until boarding. Also what is the deal with the shows - is there an up charge for some, all? Reservations required? Do we need to book these in advance of boarding - obc or not? NCL seems different since we sailed the Med on the Jewel when she was brand new! Again, thank you!

When was this promo?

They are the ones tripping over the raised doorways or wearing there life jackets to the drill.

 

 

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When I first read this thread, I was thinking you cant tell a newbie from an experienced cruiser. But this one is very true! Admit, I wore the life jacket my first cruise!!! Even have a picture :o

Note that the ship may collect your passport a couple days before you stop in Turkey though, as they have to present them to the authorities. NCL may keep your passport for another couples days after you leave Turkey, so be sure to photocopy your passport!

 

This is from experience doing a Mediterranean cruise with Princess in 2012 that stopped in Istanbul (no overnight though), but I don't think the practice has changed since then.

For a small fee, you can get a passport card too. Best to have both in case NCL does collect the passport books.

Thanks for the replies! Was hoping not to bring the basket through the airport, to hotel for 2 days, then hide on ship for a couple of days!

But the Easter Bunny never fails and will find a way!

is it better to go early or late if you don't have an assigned room?

my thinking is that if i go later, they will give all the less desirable rooms to the early birds so they can get rid of them, and then give everyone else an upgrade or better rooms.

 

what do you think?

Your room will be assigned well before you get there. All porters have a spreadsheet for all assigned rooms so when you get there with your luggage, they can tag it. You may not know the room number before you get there, but they do. They don't assign them as people are checking in.

I suggest getting there earlier rather than later to enjoy lunch and get familiar with the ship! Enjoy your cruise!:)

Hi! Has anyone ever cruised over Easter? I know its a longshot..but was wondering if NCL sells Easter Baskets to be delivered to the cabins?? :D

Above answer is right, and PLEASE-NO CAPS.

 

Cabs are readily available at the pier and 15 minutes or so.

Would this be the same for an airport area hotel, or only the airport?