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We thought we were in for a real ride, or a high baby sitting bill when we could only get a late seating (8:15) for dinners. That is our 20 month old's normal bedtime. How "wonderful" when we chose to bring her portable DVD player along. I know all you purists and developmental Psychologists might cringe, but we fed her ahead of time and once the fussy stuff started at the table, it was her 101 Dalmatians DVD to the rescue! We got to enjoy our dinners and we were the envy of all toddler mothers with melt downs in the dinning room.

 

Older kids won't need this the dinning is entertainment enough... and I'm sure we will take some heat for even suggesting it but it worked like a charm! Remember, two is not the age of reason... They run on snacks an raw emotion... They just want what they usually have, same food ,same stories ect. (and you :) She got something she knew from home and we ate "en pace".

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Just got back today from a wonderful 7 day cruise, and wanted to post my comments before I forgot. I booked a cat 12, and was upgraded to a cat 10. Inside, but okay. Try to avoid 2 aft, that part of the boat is very noisy when docking and undocking.

Based on others comments, I packed..

1. a light up travel alarm clock- good idea to have esp in those dark inside cabins.

2. 2 extension cords (I only needed one)

3. larger plastic drink cups. I drink diet coke and used these alot. I was surprised to find that you can get sodas in the dining rooms for free. I think it would be a good idea to bring a collapsible cardboard drink carrier if you will be carrying drinks for more than 2 people.

4. clothes pins for the retractable clothes line in the shower.

 

 

*Bring some fun magnets for the outside cabin door....makes it easier to find your room, plus its fun for the kids.

*Bring a small dry eraser board (with markers) that can hang outside the cabin door on the fish hanger. Its nice to leave where you are notes for others in your party.

*They put magarine out on the dinner tables, but they do have real butter, you just have to ask for it.

*I brought an iron, but there are 3 laundry rooms on the ship that have regular size irons. Each room has change machines that will change $1, $5 and $10. bills into quarters. Each machine costs a $1.00 and they also sell laundry supplies there.

*Our room had 20 hangers, so I was able to hang up most of our clothes.

*Disney provided bars of soap, shampoo, conditioner and lotion in the bathroom. We also had a blowdryer that worked pretty well.

*My 7 yr old loved the kids club.

*When checking in, they asked if I wanted my sons room card to have charging privledges. I said no, but next time I will. I accidently grabbed his card a few times, and was unable to use it to charge drinks, etc. I had to go to my room to get the card with charge capabilties.

*Pirate night was Tuesday (St Croix), lots of people dressed like pirates. They provided pirate bandanas. They had fireworks about 10:30 that night. Nice, but late for the kids.

*If you have walkie talkies, bring them. I noticed lots of people with them and it seemed like a great idea.

*If you are flying, use the Disney transportation. They totally took care of the luggage. And provided the return luggage tags on the last night. I used online check in, and had my luggage out by 10 pm on Friday night. The next time I saw my luggage, was at my final destination airport. You will pay for your bags after you exit the ship but before you board the buses to take you to the airport.

*I was concerned about the weight of my bags (I didnt want to overpack my bags), but if you call Guest Services, they will bring a scale to you to make sure the bag weight is acceptable to you.

*We didn't book a tour in St Croix, but the beach to the left of the boat is nice.

*The Atlantis submarine tour in St Thomas was great. We booked the 9:40 am tour, and was back by 12:30.

*My return flight was at 11:55 am. I left the boat by 8 am, was at the airport by 9 am. There was plenty of time to make a 11 am flight (Disney recommends at later than 12:30 flight....)

Enjoy!!

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Yes there is but I think they would consider it advertising for a private business if i listed the place, which is against the rules here.

Please e-mail me and I will give you the information

 

sixtoedfrog@yahoo.com Please put something on the subject line, like gifts or DCL so I will open it. I dont open anything that I dont recognise.

 

Kathy

 

This would be OK with us.

We allow mentions of private businesses in response to real requests for information. Travel agents excepted.

It would be better is it was on a new thread.

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Wow, thanks for all the suggestions/tips....here's one I didn't read....do you suggest brining alcohol and bottled water in your suitcase? Also, are the rooms real small?

 

 

Do NOT pack water or alcohol in your checked suitcases or I guarantee they will be broken and all over your clothes. Put them in you carry on luggage and you'll be fine:)

 

Different category rooms are different sizes.

But compared to other lines DCL does have more square footage per room.

We have always had enough room and I have been in an inside room, ocean view and all 3 verandahs rooms. I tend to feel a bit closed in sometimes but I had NO trouble on DCL. Plenty of drawers for storage too.

 

Of course you'll find your not in the room accept to change for dinner and to sleep, unless you have a child who needs to nap. So the room really doesnt make any difference to many people.

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Thanks x4.....I was thinking more for the storage of luggage....also, do you suggest decorating the door. I've seen posts about magnets? Do you buy them, make them? any info would be great!

 

 

There is a large closet to hang clothes and beneath the clothes you can put suitcases. We had 2 large ones in there. On the other side by the safe you can put a small suitcase. If they are not too large they will slide under the bed too.

 

Decorating the doors is a lot of fun. every cruise we walk every deck to see every door, just to look for door magnets. They are so much fun to see, plus late at night when your tired its much easier to find your room. If you have kids, they also will find your room easier.

 

Plus it is really alot of fun to do.

I buy magnetic sheets to make mine. DCL will allow magnets only . You arnt allowed to attach them any other way to the door due to damage it could cause.

Some places sell the magnetic paper in a roll, that doesn like to lay flat and is more diffeicult to work with, so dotn buy it unless your experienced working with it.

Just get a package of the sheets. They are the same size as a sheet of paper and you find them usually with the speciality computer paper, Like forms for making cards, business cards, iron on transfer etc... I think there are 5 pages per pack and will cost about $11.00 depending on where you get them.

 

I have found them at some Walmarts, not all. Stpales and Michaels crafts store. You might even google search on line and find them that way too.

 

Then you have 2 good easy options to make them.

since they come the same size as paper you can print off a picture from your computer and they look professional.

 

here is a site for a few that work for that size, you have to save them to your documents and print from there.

 

http://s205.photobucket.com/albums/bb317/rumblytumbly_bucket/Blanks/

There are hundreds to choose from if you keep your eyes open. Some of these have blank places where if you have a paint program you can write a message on them too. Or just buy letters that are stickers and put on the signs.

 

You can also look in craft stores orscrapbook stores at stickers and make up your own design and stick them on the magnetic sheet to amke a sign. I have done it many times. They have tons of Disney stickers, tropical stickers, even some with the names of some of the islands you go to.

 

Just lay it all out before applying the stickers because there is NO fixing after that. There are some 3D stickers that really look great but they are more spendy.

Kids and grandkids love to use the stickers to make their own signs too. Your door will hold 4 or 5 signs if you place them carefully or change to a new one each day.

 

I made oen for Pirste night and put it out on that day, one for Castaway Cay and put it out the night before we arrived there etc..

 

Some people will have a Happy Birthday or Anniversary message on them too.

 

Remember there is NO right or wrong. Just make it any way you like and have FUN with it!!

 

If you want i will post photos of a few signs, I think I still have some on my laptop.

 

Kathy

Edited by mom x4,grandma x4
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Here is some that were printed off the computer and I added writing.

 

 

DSC03445-1.jpg

 

 

 

DSC03444-1.jpg

 

 

 

DSC03443-1.jpg

 

 

I will have to look for the ones made from stickers. I dont seem to see them right now but I will look later and if i find them I will post them too.

 

 

Another fun thing to you, especially if you have kids but I do it for myself is to make a countdown chain to hang in the house.

 

I cut loops from plain old construction paper and wrote the numbers counting down to how many days before we cruise.

I add disney stickers on special days like birthdays and at the month and week m akrs to celebrate another week or months closer. Then the last day I have either a sticker of a plane and a cruise ship or a car full of luggage with Goofy driving it headed for the port.

 

either when I get up each morning or before i go to bed I will remove one link for each day. I am a gluten for punishment. I do them a year out and string it all over my place:) But its so exciting as it gets shorter and shorter.

 

kids love to make these. With my grandkids when it starts to get 3 months away one link (when theya re over) they take off and it sends them on a Pirate scavenget hunt. It leads them to a treasure map then They get eyepatches, bandanas, pirtae candy, what ever i can find and they save non edible things for the cruise.

Also we do a tropical beach party hunt for new beach clothes (mom helps) sunglasses, suntan lotion, disney themed hair brushes and barettes, disney pens to write postcards with on the ship. just what ever you want.

 

That helps to pass the time, and it keeps the excitement at full speed ahead too.

 

If you havnt already done it go to the DCL website and order the free DVD and have a Disney movie night. watch your favorite Disney movie and then surprize them with the new DVD.

 

Kathy

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Thanks again kathy...we are going on the Disney Wonder 4 day cruise June 7th!

 

 

I dont know what you like to do but here are my experiences at Nassau.

First dont be put off by the old buildings and run down look of the port area, there is plenty of great stuff to see and do there.

be aware as you go through the port security building there will be a few people asking if they can braid your hairs or if you need a taxi, just say No thanks and keep walking. Many are upset by this but it is just their way to make a living.

 

Never have these people braid your hair. Have it done on the ship or Castaway Cay. I have seen the ladies at Nassau do someones hair, then use the same comb on the next person without washing it out. Plus they throw all the combs in their pockets with others that have been used already. Yucky!! The ship is sanitary.

 

Ok the buggies are often kinda shaggy looking but it really is fun to take a horse and carriage ride there. You cant miss them. As you walk to the first road on the sidewalk they are on your left. They charge by how long you want to ride. You dicker back and forth and will average 15 to 20 dollars per person for about a 30 minute narrated tour. Traffic is loud in some parts and makes it hard to hear but this is something you normally dont expeirence.

I always look for things I dont get to do at home.

 

Also, everyone will talk about the straw market which is under a big white canvas and can be spotted from deck 10 on the hsip. Again when you walk to the first road, turn right and walk down about 4 blocks, you cant miss it. Be warned this place is crowded, small rows and everyone says they have the best deal. But if you like to dicker prices, this is the place to go. If you buys clothing, check it over carefully, i have seen a few open seams, but for the most part it is good stuff. They sell things made from hand carved wood that I love. Its the far right as you face it. Usually the man is there carving for you to see and sometimes a painter is there too. Fascinating to watch them work.

 

If you go out the back of the straw market and walk 2 blocks up you will see a big purple building. That is the pirate museum. It is a great museum and allow an hour to see it all. You buy admission tickets in the gift shop. Last time we went it was $12 per adult, and $7 per child.

 

If you want to just shop as you exit the back of the straw market, turn left and you will have blocks and blocks of stores and look down side streets too. Many cheap small stores there and there are 2 other open air markets if you watch for them. If you go to Atlantis side, it gets very expensive for souvenirs.

 

Also the 2 hour historical city tour was great, not boring at all, I was surprized. we went in a 10 person van, our driver was great and knew everything about his country. We saw 2 forts, one was a guided tour, Queen Annes staircase, a couple of historical houses you cant go in.

 

Plus each place had people selling souvenirs too.

 

We did the glass bottom boat excursion and didnt see a darn thing.:(

Plus the boat was dirty and the jar the free punch was in looked gross. It may of changed now, I dont know. I do realize there is no guarantee you will see any fish on this type of excursion but that is what you pay for. Plus it was too windy to go out to see the ship wreck. So I give a thumbs down to this one, although others have seen oodles of fish.

 

The Harbour tour is a relaxing scenic boat ride out the harbour and you see lots of famous peoples homes and yachts. They tell you whose houses they are and then you get to feed some fish at the turn around point. This is not exciting but if you just want an easy quiet boat ride it was nice and I enjoyed taking photos of some of the houses . The guides were great.

 

Atlantis aquarium is awesome!!! I dont usually like aquariums but this one is an A+ in my book. The tours do move fast but you can go back on your own after its over and really go at your leisure. The windows are almost floor to ceiling so kids can easily see. The these is great .

Part of this excursion takes you outside to see more large fish under a small eating area. There are a few steps there, so if you have a stroller make sure it can be easily folded up, like an unbrella style.

Afterwards take time to explore the hotel lobby area or the casino.

 

The huge statues are great photo ops and some of the huge chandeliers of blown glass cost 1 million each make beautiful photos.

I will warn you the snack bar there is very expensive!!

 

There is a beach within walking distance of there too. If you want to stay longer than your tour bus its no problem to grab a taxi to get back to the ship. Its very close. They usually have buses running every 30 minutes most of the day, or close to it. Also if you walk down to the harbour from Atlantis you can get a water taxi for $11 that lets you off right next to the port. We have done that many times too.

 

I advise you take a bottle of water for each person from the ship. They sell them ice cold as you exit the ship. There are NO water fountains anywhere. water is precious there and very expensive to buy.

 

Also take in your purse a travel size, toilet paper, seat cover and hand sanitizer. many times the bathrooms are out of supplies and no soap or towels. Plus many have an attendant if you tip them you get some toilet paper:D Not all bathrooms but a few are like that.

 

The bathrooms in the upstairs of the port building are usually pretty clean, the one in the pirate museum is ok too. Of course Atlantis is spotless.

But the public restrooms you see signs for are NOT up to our standards.

Or you could get a cork and not have to worry about it. Ha Ha!! Sorry I couldnt resisit!! Many times its just a porta potty.

 

I havnt done the Ardasta (spelling) gardens yet. It rained us out but people say it is very nice.

I havnt done the snorkeling there, my daughter and her family did it and said it was good, not spectacular but worth the money.

You see more snorkeling at Castaway Cay in her opinion.

 

Thats all i can think of for Nassau for now. As you can tell I have been there many times.

 

Kathy

Edited by mom x4,grandma x4
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Sorry no soda water that i've seen. You might ask your waiter if they have any in the restaurant? Its not on the menu but it cant hurt to ask. I know they have ginger ale if requested for upset stomach. Some people use soda water for stomach acid too, so maybe they have it?

 

Also there is Preludes by the Walt Disney theater where they sell snacks at show time. They sell cans a pop, you could ask them too. It is all coke products on board.

 

You can bring your own in your carryon bags, they wont say anything. many people bring Pepsi because they dont like coke. Just DONT put in checked luggage, keep in carry on or it will get broken and make a mess.

 

I know if your flying you cant bring that much liquid but they might have it at one of the eateries at OIA. If your spending the night before you can probably find a store close by and get some too.

 

 

Kathy

Edited by mom x4,grandma x4
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  • 2 weeks later...

I have seen the issue pop up several times in threads, so I figured Id post this. This is the link to the US Passports Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative regarding travel on cruises etc. Please keep inmind this change on a fairly regular basis, so next year there could be something different.

 

WHTI

 

 

Heres a printed version of what is there regarding children since that appears to be the number one issue lately.

 

LAND AND SEA TRAVEL

The following summarizes information available on the Department of Homeland Security’s website.

  • CURRENTLY:
    All U.S. citizens must show proof of identity and proof of U.S. citizenship when entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the countries of the Caribbean by land or sea.
     
    Acceptable documents include: U.S. Passport Book, U.S. Passport Card, or other document approved by the Department of Homeland Security.
     
    U.S. citizens who do not have a single document verifying identity and citizenship must present both an identification and citizenship document; for example, a driver’s license and a copy of a birth certificate or naturalization certificate.
  • LATER:
    On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card, or other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security.
    • CHILDREN: U.S. citizen children under the age of 16 will be able to present the original or copy of their birth certificate, or other proof of U.S. citizenship such as a naturalization certificate or citizenship card.
       
      Groups of U.S. citizen children ages 16 through 18, when traveling with a school or religious group, social organization, or sports team, will be able to enter under adult supervision with originals or copies of their birth certificates or other proof of citizenship. See the Department of Homeland Security's GetYouHome.gov for more information on the changing travel requirements.

 

 

U.S. PASSPORT AND WHTI COMPLIANT DOCUMENTS:

 

U.S. Passport: U.S. citizens may present a valid U.S. passport when traveling via air, land or sea between the U.S. and the aforementioned Western Hemisphere countries.

The U.S. Passport Card: We began production of the U.S. Passport Card on July 14, 2008. The passport card is only valid for re-entry into the United States at land border crossings and sea ports-of-entry from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean region, and Bermuda.

WHTI-Compliant Travel Documents for U.S. citizen travel via land or sea, as of January 31, 2008:

Trusted Traveler Cards (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST)

State Issued Enhanced Driver's License (when available)

Enhanced Tribal Cards (when available)

U.S. Military Identification with Military Travel Orders

U.S. Merchant Mariner Document when traveling in conjunction with official maritime business

Native American Tribal Photo Identification Card

Form I-872 American Indian Card

Edited by truck1
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Just to add to the above statement, after June 1st, the birth certificate rule applies to childeren under 16 only, on closed loop cruises.( A cruise that leaves and returns to a US port) If at all possible, the easier document to carry would be a passport, since the rule applies to cruises only. If you want to travel to say Europe for a European Disney cruies, youll need one anyway. Also, if you have an issue in any foreign port, youll need one to board a flight home.

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  • DO NOT book Dinner and Brunch at Palo's on the same day. The Brunch is so rich, tasty, rich and tasty that you will want a light dinner. Gotta eat the chicken parm. The Brunch is outstanding! The Dinner is also a winner!

 

But if that's the only way you'll be able to do both, GO FOR IT! We did! Thought we'd explode... but it was worth it! We spent about 5 or 6 total hours in Palo that day!

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  • 1 month later...

For those of us that need our cell phones, you must remember to put it in Airplane mode before you turn it off. Otherwise if you get texts or get a lot of voice messages from friends and family, you will see charges. Check with your wireless company to get more information.

 

My friend did that and found out that with her I Phone, she can take her sim card out and do a few things without charges.

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  • 3 weeks later...

most diffenately yes.

 

we cruised on may 10th and had 2 appy's each and 2 desserts. i also ordered a side dish of a main pasta dish (couldn't imagine eating 2 main courses)

 

our dinner lasted 3 hours by choice. we wanted to make it last since dd was in the kids club. we totally enjoyed our time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not sure about Palos.

The fridge is cool enough for us to keep water in or pop. If you want extra cold beverages ask your room host for a ice bucket full of ice and put your drinks in it to get icy cold. You can even ask them to bring new ice everyday at a specific time if you want.

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don't be affraid to put your kids in the kids club during dinner. it's their cruise too.

 

our first night i was suffering from motion sickness and couldn't handle my dh telling me to go ask for some shot and dd yacking at me to go to the club. 30 minutes into dinner i gave up, got up, told dd to come with me and dropped her off at the kids club.

 

SHE LOVED IT.

 

the cm's make it really easy for you do to this if they know ahead of time - just tell them when you order dinner that you're dropping the kiddies off and they'll rush the kids dinner, you go drop them off and come back for dessert (or main course if your kids really really want to go sooner)

 

 

 

also remember that it's their vacation too and if they want to be in the kids club don't feel bad that you're not spending time with them - enjoy it. there are plenty of adult only things to do that everyone can have a great vacation.

 

 

 

if the elevators are full or taking a while to come - walk. it's a great way to explore the ship. we were on floor 2 and would often walk the length of the ship on one floor or another then would find an elevator that wasn't crowded.

 

 

there is plenty of time to spend on cc - no need to rush off to be the first ones off. we had a special brunch in palo and had to get dd off the ship to get back there. after enjoying our brunch we headed back off the ship around 1pm and still had plenty of time to enjoy the beach and water. we weren't interested in the bikes but maybe next time

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oh i have 1 more -

 

we were the last - and i mean last guests off the ship - wasn't on purpose it just turned out that way because we had to clear up some charges on our credit card the last day after a late breakfast time.

 

this acutally turned out to be the best thing - unless you have a flight - don't rush to get off and get going.

 

we enjoyed our breakfast, talked to our servers then went to deal with the charges. dd spotted one of the counsellers from the kids club and was playing with him in the loby.

 

when i realized i haddn't seen any other guests around so we headed out. it was wonderful. we walked off, our luggage was waiting for us. we didn't have to look for a porter, and we walked through customs no sweat.

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  • 3 weeks later...

This thread and others helped us out so much. Thank you! The hanging shoe rack (which we used for shoes and everything else was something that we would have never have thought of) was a god send. I also loved the suggestion to take sausages from breakfast for snorkeling at CC. It was kind of dead until I dropped one by the underwater Mickey-then not so much! :D

 

A couple of items that I dont remember reading about that we spent waay too much on the cruise- Waterproof cameras and kids swim shirts. We were true beach bums though. Also, as others have said- bring your own snorkeling gear. Its a $25 RENTAL @ CC!

Edited by jenkinswoody
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  • 1 month later...

If you plan on taking pictures from your rooms balcony...set your camera out on the balcony on one of the chairs about 5 minutes prior so it will have a chance to defogg.

 

(I tried to take a pic..ran out on the balcony from the A/C cooled stateroom just to have the camera lens fogg up...missed the picture)

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  • 2 weeks later...

Hi! I'm new to this forum...My husband, myself, 6 year old daughter and her grandparents are planning our first Disney Cruise! My husband and I have never been been on a cruise, however my in-laws are pretty cruise-saavy (though not on Disney). We would like to go on a 7 day cruise but other than that are a bit overwhelmed by all the choices! Cost is definately a factor, but we would also like to know about best itinerary (Eastern Vs. Western, etc), best time of year, and best excursions :) Maybe some of you have a "Top Ten Things I wish We Knew Before Our First Disney Cruise" List? Any and all thoughts/ideas/suggestions would be welcome! Thank you in advance...Excited Mom

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Hi! I'm new to this forum...My husband, myself, 6 year old daughter and her grandparents are planning our first Disney Cruise! My husband and I have never been been on a cruise, however my in-laws are pretty cruise-saavy (though not on Disney). We would like to go on a 7 day cruise but other than that are a bit overwhelmed by all the choices! Cost is definately a factor, but we would also like to know about best itinerary (Eastern Vs. Western, etc), best time of year, and best excursions :) Maybe some of you have a "Top Ten Things I wish We Knew Before Our First Disney Cruise" List? Any and all thoughts/ideas/suggestions would be welcome! Thank you in advance...Excited Mom

 

 

Hi Excited Mom,

welcome to the boards here. You will get more responses is you post your question on the main forum page instead of the tip thread.

Just lick on new topic and write it out, then hit submit and thousands of people will see it, where here only a few will see your post.

Be sure and click on Instant e-mail notification below before submitting your post so you will be notified anytime someone responds to you.

 

Ok now for your question. Both itnearies have good points to them.

We love to crusie in the winter months. Weather is great and NO humidity. The summer has so much humidity it feels twice a shot and can make it miserable to explore the islands.

Usually we cruise the first saturday after Thanksgiving. It is usually a good price. DO not go over aholiday it will be very expensive. But the week before or after holidays seem to be a bit less.

 

This year lots of their cruises are less than last year. One thing we found out. Other lines are cheaper to book but by the time you pay for all the extras it costs just as much as DCL. Example: Most lines charge extra for pop, DCL its included unless you buy from a waiter roaming by the pools.

 

Water for swimming is slightly cooler in the winter but not enough to stay out of the water. All the islands are windy all year around and many will have an an afternoon shower, but they only last 15 minutes. It is a warm rain too.

Temps on the islands only vary 5 to 20 degrees from summer to winter but as I said the humidity makes it feel hotter in the summer.

 

Personally we love the Eastern better due to the extra sea day. So much to do on the ship or just relax. I also think there are a few more things for younger kids to do for excursion on the Eastern as opposed to the Western.

 

As for things I wish I had knew before I cruised?They are all listed in the tips listed at the atart of this thread. Read them all, it will really help you.

 

Excursions:

Eastern: for a child of 6 I would say The Butterfly Farm or a beach excursion but remember these are usually clothing optional beaches.

But if you take the water taxi at the pier to the shopping area there si a nice beach to the left and right of the sidewalk there. Very low key and you rent chairs there. But it is nice for little kids to get wet where you can keep a good eye on them. But you will have a beach day on CC so I suggest the Butterfly farm. The ride there gives you a bit of the look of the island and soem tiem to shop at the end of the tour.

 

St. Thomas I would say Coral world with a semi sub ride is awesome for a kid. You can see all kinds of tropical fish without having to know how to snorkel.

 

On CC do a bike ride while your there to see the island. They have all sizes of kids bikes with and without traingn wheels and helmets are provided. There are 2 long paved trails and one has an observation tower for a great view of the island. So many people go to the family beach and never see the rest of the island or the grouper game room.

No need to reserve ahead of time for bikes, snorkeling or tubes there. They have tons of them.

 

Hope that helps you some,

 

mom x4,grandma x4

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  • 1 month later...

We are planning to take my son and daughter-in-law on a 3-4 day Disney cruise (tied to visit to Disney World) next summer. The 3 children range from 4-13. My wife and I cruise a lot (never on Disney) and we have told them this will be a fantastic and memorable trip. My daughter-in-law is concerned about letting the 4-6 year olds to run around the ship. Falling over the rails, etc. Can she talk with Disney Lines and get a good, reassuring answer. Assume from your signature block you have taken many trips with grandkids on Disney. Any comments I can share with them. I understand and empathise with her concern.

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We are planning to take my son and daughter-in-law on a 3-4 day Disney cruise (tied to visit to Disney World) next summer. The 3 children range from 4-13. My wife and I cruise a lot (never on Disney) and we have told them this will be a fantastic and memorable trip. My daughter-in-law is concerned about letting the 4-6 year olds to run around the ship. Falling over the rails, etc. Can she talk with Disney Lines and get a good, reassuring answer. Assume from your signature block you have taken many trips with grandkids on Disney. Any comments I can share with them. I understand and empathise with her concern.

 

 

Howdy,

Please tell you DIL not to worry. With all the kids on Disney believe me safety is their priority!! One of my daughters was terrified until she got on board about her 2 little kids.

Ok if you get a verandah room , there is NO way they can open that HEAVY glass door. It also locks at the handle and up high enough my husband always has to reach up and unlock it for me. I swear I have to really tug hard to open it. of course she ,may feel better NOT having a balcony which is fine.

 

Deck 9 has a floor to ceiling plexi glass wall. Ever so often it will have bars instead of the wall but they are close together with tables and chairs for sitting. They are close together so kids cant fall out. I dont think I have ever seen a kid there by the bars?

 

Mickey pool and the splash zone are both on deck 9 and i promise they are safe.

Deck 10 is the top open deck but also has a tall plexi glass wall for safety. It is chest high on me. I usually rest my elbows on it to look over as we are cruising. Deck 4 is the same way.

 

 

But kids usually arnt on the outside decks without parents or grandparents with them. There is nothing to attract them to these areas accept the pools on deck 9. Parents are there to supervise kids in the water.

 

Kids clubs are deck 5 and that is where the kids will spend most of their time. The do move them around the ship sometimes for special events or to go to the buffet if you sign them up to eat with the club. But it is inside hallways and they use the buddy system as they walk the inside hallways with counselors throughout the line.

The movie theater is also on deck 5 . They always have a kids show or two during the day.

 

I think I have some photos of the plexi glass wall somewhere. If you think it would help I would be happy to find them so she can see them.

 

But as far as I know DCL has never lost anyone overboard.

I'm sure she has seen on the news where some idiot has fallen overboard off a cruise ship. Once they investigate they find alcohol was involved and doing something stupid like trying to walk on the railings. These mostly occur on what I call Party ships where most people drink most of the day and then do stupid things.

 

DCL is safe. I was scared to crusie my first time. I dont swim so boats have always scared me. Before we even left port I wanted to rebook:D and bring the grandkids, which we did. The ships are large and its easy to forget your at sea.

 

I am sure once your DIL actually sees the pool area and kids clubs she will feel safe and secure. The kids can't check themselves out of the clubs until they are 10 I believe and even then she can revoke that priviledge so they cant leave without her knowing it. So the kids wont be running all over the ship. I truly believe the only way she will get over her fears is to go and see the ship for herself..

 

Nobody else can check them out of the clubs either unless she tells the counselors and that person must know the secret password. So nobody will come to get your kids out of the clubs accept her too and she will have a beeper so if your child wants you they will beep you.

 

Kathy

Edited by mom x4,grandma x4
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