9) Make sure you pack your swimsuit and anything else you may need (like medications) in your carry-

Have you been wondering what it would like to take a cruise, but don't want to give up your Walt Disney World Vacation? Then why not travel by land and by sea! A 3 or 4 night "starter cruise" on the Disney Cruise Line is the perfect way to break your family into a whole new world of Disney san diego hotel suites magic. san diego hotel suites If the siren's song of the sea is calling to you, here are 15 tips to make your starter cruise the best ever.
1) Plan early. san diego hotel suites Prices on the Disney Cruise Line almost always only go up. Book your cruise as far in advance as possible for the best deal , it's easy to change your dates at a latter time if necessary. All 3 4 night Disney itineraries from Port Canaveral stop at Nassau, Bahamas and Disney's san diego hotel suites Private Island Castaway san diego hotel suites Cay, with the 4 night cruises offering a day at sea.
2) Book a stateroom with a balcony . Yes, they're more expensive - but you're planning early so you're going to grab a great deal and have plenty of time to save, right? It's your starter cruise, do it right.
4) Get Your Passport and Other Identification in order well ahead of time . You will need to have all of your identification documents san diego hotel suites together and in order before you check in online. For first time Disney cruisers san diego hotel suites online check-in happens 75 days before embarkation . You can read more about passports in our previous article Do I Need A Passport For Travel To The Bahamas and Caribbean?
5) Book your shore excursions through Disney at your 75 day mark. Though it's possible to get a better deal booking shore excursions independently, if anything happens and the ship can't make Port you will lose that money. It's rare, but it does happen. I learned that one the hard way.
6) Eat at Palo or Remy . These adult only restaurants are worth the upgrade, though not everyone's palate will be adventurous enough for Remy. Even if you're cruising with the kids take some time to indulge in these delicious grown-up dining options. Make your reservations when you book shore excursions, however be aware that you can sometimes snag a reservation on ship if they're all booked up in advance.
7) Make sure you have the essential of home you'll need in your cabin. Pack a small medicine kit with the basics so that you have them in room. I always include peppermint san diego hotel suites or ginger chews just in case the seas get rough. I also suggest a small power strip to provide additional outlets, and some battery operated tea lights . These make fantastic nightlights for the bathroom. *update* Small power strips are no longer allowed on DCL.
9) Make sure you pack your swimsuit and anything else you may need (like medications) in your carry-on as well . Though your stateroom should be available shortly after 1:00pm, your luggage may not arrive until after 5:00pm.
10) Unlike most other cruise lines, the Disney Cruise Line allows you to bring alcohol san diego hotel suites onboard - as long as it fits within san diego hotel suites your carry-on san diego hotel suites bag . Packing a few mini bottles to indulge in can save money when alcohol onboard costs a premium.
11) Arrange san diego hotel suites for an early Port Arrival Time . Though Disney Transportation is a tempting convenience many frequent Disney san diego hotel suites cruisers prefer to arrive at the port early. Scheduling your Port Arrival Time for around 11:00am will help you fight the crowds of later arrivals. Once you board you'll be able to eat lunch on the ship, and enjoy many fun activities before you set sail.
12) Go to the shows. The evening entertainment on the Disney Cruise Line is phenomenal . Broadway-style productions include original music and Disney classics woven into fun tales of adventure and dreams with the kids of comedy appeals to both youth and adults on different levels. Don't forget to take advantage of ship tours, mixology classes, and a wide range of enrichment activities.
13) Explore Castaway Cay . I'm not a fan of beaches, san diego hotel suites and my impression of other cruise lines private islands was less than favorable - but this is Disney and Castaway Cay is beautiful . Get off the ship and explore Castaway Cay, even if it's only for a portion of the day. There's a lot to do and see on this tropical paradise, take a jet ski excursion or pet the stingrays .
14) Make the Most of Room Service. Room service (for non-prepackaged snacks) is included in the cost of your cruise so use it to your advantage. Have a pot of coffee delivered san diego hotel suites to your stateroom while getting ready in the morning, or have cookies and milk delivered before you get tucked in for the night. Room service is a fun way to splurge and make the most of all the Disney Cruise Line has to offer.
15) Re-book onboard . I know this is your starter cruise, and you're not 100% sure about the whole thing yet, but tuck some money aside so that if you love it you can re-book before you leave. Just like Walt Disney World's bounce back rates you can get a pretty good deal for your next cruise if you book while you're still on the ship.
Oh - and hey! Don't let anyone tell you differently, the Disney Cruise Line Is Made for Grown-ups ! It's perfectly to escape san diego hotel suites on Disney Cruise without your kids. Do you have a question about taking a Disney Cruise? Head on over to our member forums and chat with out friendly cruise experts !
My first Disney Cruise was on the Disney Dream, and we had inside san diego hotel suites staterooms with the Magical Porthole. Didn't miss the view because we had a live video feed AND Magical friends popping in to say Hello! :-)
I've done 2 cruises; its been a while. About 10 plus years. I am looking forward to going with my grown children for my 50th birthday. It will interesting to see how they see the cruise this time around. no complaints what so ever...
Make sure to socialize. Disney is generally pretty good about matching you with similar san diego hotel suites people (same point in life- ages, kids, etc.) at your table for your dinner rotations, so it's likely you'll hit it off and have a great time. Do be willing, even eager, to meet up with them at other times than just dinner. We've made great friends on board and kept touch with them after we made it home.
We took our second Disney Cruise a few months ago. About three weeks before our sail date we found a Facebook community for our specific cruise! It was totally awesome. People organized wine tastings, pool parties, fish extenders (if you have kids, you must look into this!), and answered a lot of questions. Go here once you have your sail date to find your group.
Make sure you bring a photo frame or book to drop off at guest services when you arrive. They will have the characters sign it for you and will deliver it to your room on the last night. Make sure it all fits in a plastic bag with a sharpie so you can get everything back!