We're Cruising in less than 2 months...HELP

[daveypoo]

Ok, this is not only our first Disney cruise, it's our first cruise ever. I've done a lot of research, booked excursions and special dinner already. The only thing I don't know about are the actual logistics of the cruise.

We're staying in Cape Canaveral the night before the cruise leaves, and the hotel has a shuttle to get us to the port. What time should we head to the port? Are there any do's and don'ts we should be aware of during the arrival and check-in process?

Actually, any tips and help is appreciated.

Let's hear it gang!

And THANKS!
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When you're curious, you find lots of interesting things to do.
--Walt Disney

[GrumpyDaddy]

If you show up at the port and the name of the ship is
The Black Pearl.

I would rethnk your vacation.

But at least there should be lots of Rum!!

[redbaron314]

it's not like flying dont wait till the last minute cause it can get very hectic around port Canaveral trust me I use to drive to there from orlando international airport and drop people off better yet if its with Disney ask them they should know. I couldnt tell you when cause my clients would fly in then i'd take straight to the port they board and go so i dont know but i would guess at least two to three hours before hand but dont quote me

But yawll enjoy the trip and i'd like to see plenty of pictures ok?
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Ich bin der Piraten zu behaupten, was mir jetzt und für immer

[kray]

I'm so jealous - you'll have a wonderful time!!

Out first Disney Cruise was also our first cruise ever, so we had lots of the same questions.

I would get go the the port to check in sooner rather than later, Just have all your boarding documents with you and a carry-on bag with stuff you'll need through the day. Your cabin may / may not be ready, but who cares??? There's so much to check out and see. Make the most of this day and enjoy evey moment!

One thing I didn't realize until later - on the TV in your cabin there is a channel that shows the view from the bridge - normally just water, but really cool when you are approaching port. So if you are approaching the Bahamas in the early hours of the am, you can watch from your cabin and perhaps enjoy a little room service!!

Be prepared to be pampered!! Order at least one of the "Drink of the Day" so you can bring home the souvenier glass - oh - and speaking of drinks - there's is a frozen drink that's available only on the adult beach at Castaway Cay - forget the name - but it is AMAZING - it get lots of chat on the disboards - I heard its about 1200 calories per drink - but TOTALLY worth it!!

The snorkeling on Castaway Cay is great! There are things in the water to find (urns, a Mickey, etc,) There are bouys in the water to mark their location- that was great fun. We also did the sting ray thing and that was lots of fun. If the weather is rough, too windy, there are some excursions involving watercraft that will get cancelled. no matter, there is more than enough to do.

Have fun!!

[daveypoo]

Thanks Kray! We've booked what we want to do...A pirate treasure hunt in Key West, Dolphin and Aquaventure in Nassau, Stingray adventure, parasailing and jetski's in Castaway Cay, and a dinner in Palo. I saw on the Cruise website that check-in starts at 10:30 and embarkation at 1pm. Does that mean if we check in at 10:30, we can't get on the boat until 1pm?

Another questions is when do I pay for the excursions and tips?
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When you're curious, you find lots of interesting things to do.
--Walt Disney

[onecutemoose]

I have absolutely no tips...but look forward to getting bunches from you when I finally get on my Disney Cruise!

Sounds like you've everything in order & done your research (as always)! Sounds like it will be a GREAT time!!!

: )

[kray]

Yes, check-in is the paper part and embarkation is actually getting on board.

We had stayed at AKL the night before and drove over - had to tear my mother-in-law away from the TV and Wimbledon men's final The embarkation process had already begun, so we just checked in and got on board.

The debarkation process is very smooth. I highly recommend using a porter to collect your bags and get you through customs.

Ahh, tips. Its sounds confusing when you read about them, but its pretty straightforward. You can do it yourself with envelopes or, as we did, on the last full day of the cruise, you can go to a desk and take care of all your tips at once. There are plenty of announcements about that. There is the "standard" amount and then you can add on if you like. We received excellent service all around, but especially from our cabin steward and from our dining team so we added to their tips. We wanted for nothing during our trip.

One thing that amazes me about Disney is how smootly its day to day operations go. The cruise line is no exception. Watching these folks service the cabins - in such small hallways - is a sight to behold!

Sounds like you have everything all set, but do take a few moments each day to look over the daily itinerary so you don't miss stuff.

[WDWFan]

Allearsnet had what looked like a pretty comprehensive guide to taking a disney cruise, might give that a read.

[sarah91182]

Key West is a lot of fun. I don't know how long your pirate treasure hunt is, but if you're into pirates, take the time to check out Pirate Soul Museum http://www.piratesoul.com/ It's not far from Mallory Square, where you disembark. Have a great trip!

[daveypoo]

We got our final documents today. WE ARE SO EXCITED! We even broke out the luggage for the trip. This is unusual since we normally pack either the night before we leave, or that day. Honestly, I'm ready to pack now!

But I have one question...dining and attire. I know what it says we can't wear, but what CAN we wear? Are jeans, sneakers and tee-shirts OK? can deb wear Capri's? Is there anything else we shouldn't wear to dinner?

Thanks gang!
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When you're curious, you find lots of interesting things to do.
--Walt Disney

[onecutemoose]

It's a cruise!!! I want to see some dress up at dinner photos of my favourite Disney family!!

(tee hee, I know one dude who's grumbling at me RIGHT NOW!)

: )

[daveypoo]

[sarah91182]

[Figmentathm]

The last time DP wore a tie, he didn't move because he thought he was hitched to something.

Deb, good luck cleaning him up. he is still a mechanic at heart.
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[kray]