Originally Posted By frdeb1999 After much thought we finially booked our 4 day cruise. I am so excited, as it will be our first cruise ever. Was just a bit too intimidated to do a longer one at this point. Maybe next year. But we booked a 6 day stay at the Polynesian prior to the cruise. August can't get here soon enough!!! New disney junkie here!! My kids and I loved this past year and hopefully for many years to come!! Any ideas on things new cruisers need to know would be greatly appreciated!! Thank you in advance for any and all advice!!
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Yay - glad you are going. I suspect you'll love it. We are huge cruise fans (my parents met on one and we honeymooned on one). But I think you are right to test the water with a short one to begin with. But I'm sure you'll want to go on more.
Originally Posted By frdeb1999 Thank you, I am thinking that we will also love it. Just wanted something short for a first time. Although we absolutely love WDW. So I'm sure it will be no different!
Originally Posted By debtee We are thinking of doing the four day cruise to test the waters too! We have never been on a cruise before! Have fun on your trip frdeb1999!
Originally Posted By frdeb1999 Thank you so much debtee. It is something I am so hooked on. I think my hubby may think I'm addicted!! I just can't wait!! Honestly don't know though how I'll ever be able to top this vacation!!
Originally Posted By MomofPrincess I am so envious! I'm hoping to book the west coast cruise this month. I can understand your addiction! I am feeling very obsessed at this point about going on a Disney cruise. I agree that probably nothing else will ever compare! How lucky are we to have this opportunity?!
Originally Posted By frdeb1999 You are very right! And I have a feeling that next year will be a longer cruise for us. I was just a bit too intimidated by it all to be on a cruise for that long until I know what they're all about. But being that I love Disney I'm sure it will be one of many!!!
Originally Posted By Kala Make sure you all have your passports updated! Get a cruise box going! About 6 mos. to a year before our cruise I start a cruise box. Usually a large plastic container I tape a list too and throw things in that I need for my cruise then cross them off the list. It keeps things in one place and I can find them easier when it comes time to pack. Here is an example of what is on my list we've only done 7 day cruises so some may not apply: Waterproof camera & film Laundry soap, usually small boxes or tabs Bounce Ziplocks qts and gallons Night light cabins are very dark even ones with verandahs 3 way plug Especially if you have teens, for curling irons, shavers etc... Shoe holder We use this for shelves in the closet to hold all our things, if you have children the shoe organizer for the door works wonders! Real space savers! Roll of quarters for laundry Pirates stuff for pirate night. Light up clock Pillow cases for autographs sharpies for autographs Personal fans Pop up hamper This is the Best thing it really helps on keeping your room tidy. Snorkel, flippers, mask Trading pins if you are into that kind of thing. Plastic portfolio or envelopes for scrapbook stuff I date an envelope for each day then drop my things in it to keep them organized. Duct tape never leave home without it! Address labels cumberbund cufflinks Mickey vest bowtie "ironless iron" spray see tips Medicine cabinet: Tylenol Airborne Dramamine Papaya enzyme tabs These work for us Imodium All our meds Cough drops Wipes Hand sanitizer "ironless iron" from another cruiser: Just take a small spray bottle, put about a teaspoon of fabric softener in it and fill the rest with water. All you have to do after that is spray down whatever item you plan on wearing and the wrinkles will miraculously disappear. I've used it on several trips now and I'm VERY happy with the results. It really does work. Drop off pillow cases at guest services for autographs they have a form you will fill out. They will return the pillowcase the day before you disembark. Try and get unscented fabric softener or you'll smell like a walking laundry. These are just some things that work for us. I'll have to hunt down my tips list I've collected from other boards. Hope some of these help get you started. I've never gone on a 4 day to your ports so I'm no help there. Sorry.
Originally Posted By Kala Oh I forgot to mention make a door magnet! This will make it much easier to find your cabin! All the cabin doors look alike by making a door magnet it sets yours apart from the rest. People get creative and it was always fun to see the different magnets. There are a couple of ways to make them. You can purchase a pkg. of 8x11 magnet "paper" That prints out on your computer or use regular photo paper then stick it in a page protector and add the adhesive magnet on the back both work nicely and look very nice. I used Disney print art software to make ours. I'll upload the picture and post it for you later. I know you can see other examples on another board. Do a search on disney cruise door magnets.
Originally Posted By Kala Okay here is a site that has great ideas and designs for door magnets: <a href="http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=838" target="_blank">http://www.disboards.com/showt hread.php?t=838</a>
Originally Posted By mickeyfreak13 Kala thanks for the ironless iron idea. That will say me loads of time even when I am not on a cruise.
Originally Posted By MsLindanne Another cute thing to bring is the little bottle of bubbles to blow when the ship takes off. It's really great when other cruisers are blowing bubbles too...just plain magical! ºoº
