Disney Cruise Line-"First Day Jitters"

New cruisers find the threat of the unknown debilitating, so I try to make the vacation process as easy as possible for all my fellow travelers.

Every trip can be Pixie perfect if you do your research and use a good agent who'll walk you through all the steps (like me...just sayin').

The boarding process seems like a daunting task that you'll never understand but it really isn't that hard. Disney Cruise Line does it better than anyone and literally walks you (or waves you...with a giant white Mickey hand of course!) through all the steps. It's virtually impossible to get lost or end up in the wrong spot but that first day you're already stressed and tired. There's no need to re-invent the wheel just follow these top 5 tips and you'll be sailing pretty in no time!

• The terminal: Knowing where you're going is the first step. The cruise terminal is where you'll enter regardless of how you get there (DCL transportation, a car parked at the port or a ride). Look for the signs outside so you know where to go/park, etc. Everything is clearly marked, follow the signs for Disney Cruise Line, not those other crappy ships ;) 

• When you arrive at the cruise terminal (if you aren't using DCL transportation) put the teal luggage tags on your suitcases. A porter (man in a yellow vest with a large cart) will come get your bags and they'll arrive in your stateroom later. 
• Keep all your passports, travel documents and medications with you. You will be separated from your luggage.

• Your luggage: 
• Q: "Can't I bring my own luggage on the ship?" 
• A: Yes, but anything you carry on with you is your responsibility to "lug" around until your stateroom is ready. This means you'll be moving luggage everywhere with you until your stateroom is ready (around 1:30 or 2pm)
• Note: Don't even think about sneaking in your room early...they are roped off until they are "show ready". The Cruise Director will make an announcement when the staterooms are ready.
• Tip: Pack a carry-on bag with all your essentials: travel documents, passports, credit cards, medications etc. You might also want to pack a change or clothes or a swim suit so you can dive right in and have fun! No need to wait for your luggage to start the cruise, there are plenty of public restrooms you can change in!

• It's all about the food: If you've heard anything about cruising it's probably about the food. If you hate your dining rotation don't worry, the dining captains arrive in the adult district (Wave Bands, etc) around 12:30 and are there till 3:30 to adjust your dining rotation, assist you in making Palo reservations, etc. 

• There are two separate lines. The line on the left is for general dining room questions/problems. The line on the right is for Palo reservations ONLY. If you have problems with both, I recommend you divide and conquer. The sooner you get there, the sooner you can get your issues resolved and the better chance you'll have at getting what you want. 

• Lunch is available upon boarding, a cast member will point you in the direction you should go based on what's open and the current availability. Consult your Personal Navigator for hours of operation at the various locations. 

• Key to the World Card
• This functions just like your Key to the World Card in Disney World does, however this also let's the captains on the ships know where everyone is. So if you go into port...you get scanned out, and back in. Likewise for the embarkation/debarkation (boarding/un-boarding) process.
• You can decide who has charging rights on your Key to the World Card and apply your stateroom payment method at Guest Services when you board. 
• Your Key to the World Card has a letter on it...this is where your emergency station is and where you'll need to go for the boat drill
• Boat Drill: There is a mandatory boat drill at 4pm the day of embarkation. MANDATORY means you must be there, yes you...the one all cozy by the pool with the newest bestseller and the one by the Mickey pool dragging your children out kicking and screaming.

• In the past life jackets were required to be worn at boat drill, this is no longer so. To save yourself some embarrassment leave that ugly orange thing in the closet where it belongs and just bring your Key to the World Card, it's all you need.

• You're on board, what now?
• You've made it up the gangway and you're actually on board. Now what?! This is a great time to take a load off. Grab some lunch, bring that bathing suit you packed in your day bag and change in one of the restrooms and head to the pool. The pools aren't crowded on embarkation day so it's a great day to enjoy the ship! 
• Explore the ship and familiarize yourself with the layout. Learn where aft, forward and mid-ship are. Find the Walt Disney Theatre, the Buena Vista Theatre, Kid's Clubs and Adult Clubs are.
• Register your kids for the kids clubs (if they aren't already) and go meet the kids counselors 
• Grab a Personal Navigator and learn how to utilize it
• Unpack as soon as you're allowed in your stateroom-it maximizes space...which I guarantee you'll need.
• The Sail Away Party-Check your personal navigator for the information about the Sail Away party...it's a celebration in true Disney style!
• Check out the spa-They give tours to everyone on the first day....even kids. Don't worry grown ups, this is the ONLY time that kids are allowed in the spa area. If you're going to use the fitness center that first day you'll have to ask a cast member for the antibacterial spray for the machines. They keep it put away on that first day for children's safety.

I promise you once you get the hang of it you'll want to stowaway for your next cruise. Beware of the post cruise blues...it's very easy to get used to towel animals and chocolates on your bed every night!