Disney Cruise Line: First Day Tips

Nothing starts your vacation better than being personally announced and greeted at the door as soon as you step off the gangway. Only Disney Cruise Line would take the time to line up the staff and give you a truly red carpet welcome. Each family is announced upon boarding and the staff is gathered around to applaud and welcome you onboard.

When we boarded the Disney Dream we ran, quite literally, into Goofy, who was out and about to meet n' greet and cause trouble.

Before you arrive at the port you need to be prepared for your first day onboard. If you are a first time cruiser or haven't cruised in a long time here are a few tips:

• Pack a day bag: This should include all of your pertinent information (including identification, travel documents and any medications). 
• Note: Your luggage will be taken by a porter when you arrive at the port and won't be delivered to your stateroom until later in the afternoon so if there is anything in your luggage that you need, you need to carry it with you. 
• Note: There is no bell services on the cruise ship to store any luggage you feel like hauling onboard...so if you bring it...you have to deal with it. 
• Note: Your stateroom will not be ready right when you board. The staterooms are usually ready around 2:30 or so, so don't plan on rolling into your room and dropping your belongings off or unpacking.
• *Tip: Put a bathing suit in your carry on with a pair of pool shoes. Embarkation day is a great time to enjoy the pools before the crowds set in!

• Pick up a Personal Navigator: This is your guide to everything happening onboard. It will tell you everything you need to know about your first day onboard. This is a great thing to pick up on your way to lunch. Put a few colored highlighters in your day bag so each family member can mark their "must do" items.

• Grab Lunch: When you board there will be several choices for lunch. One of the restaurants is usually hosting a lunch buffet and the "quick service" location and pool-side snacks are generally open. 
• *TIP: You need to check your personal navigator to see what time each dining location stops serving! They all close at different times.

• Explore the ship: Enjoy roaming around and seeing all there is to see. This is the time to view all the family and adult areas, tour the spa, etc. Familiarize yourself with where everything is and learn your way around. 

• Unpack: When the announcement is made that your stateroom is ready, head up to check it out. Take a few pictures of your room in its "show ready" form and if your luggage has arrived start unpacking.

Don't forget that there is a MANDATORY boat drill at 4pm sharp. At that time all activities onboard will be suspended and you'll be directed to your assembly station, as noted on your Key to the World Card. Past cruisers may remember the old days when you had to wear your life-jacket to the drill....these days are gone. All you need is your family and your Key to the World Card.

Tomorrow we'll talk about the Sailing Away party..complete with pictures!