If your family loves all things, Disney, you may want to consider a Disney cruise for your next vacation. Boasting four fun-filled ships in their fleet, you’ll find your family whisked away on an amazing adventure as you sail across the ocean and explore someplace new. While you’ll be hard-pressed to have a horrible time while you’re on a Disney cruise, there are certainly some things you can do to optimize your experience. Keep the following tips in mind as you get ready for your Disney cruise:
1. Do Your Homework.
Don’t wait until it’s time to set sail to learn about all the things there are to see and do on the ship. Most cruises only allow you a few days to truly enjoy all the ship has to offer, and Disney does a phenomenal job of outfitting them with a seemingly endless array of shops, restaurants, activities, artwork, and other things you won’t want to miss. Make sure you know what your must-see’s and must-do’s are before boarding your cruise. Otherwise, you may miss out!
2. Choose the Early Dinner when Traveling with Little Ones.
One thing you’ll need to decide when you’re getting ready to set sail is which dinner rotation you’d like to join. The early rotation seats closer to 6:00 p.m., while you’ll be stuck waiting until 8:00 or even 8:30 p.m. if you opt for the later time. While this may not be a big deal if you’re traveling with an older party, you’ll be amazed to see how tired your little ones are after a day of play at sea. To minimize meltdowns and allow everyone to settle down a little sooner, snagging seats at the first dinner rotation can be a smart move.
3. Pack Wisely.
One of the luxuries of cruising, rather than flying, is the fact that you don’t have to deal with such intense luggage restrictions. While you do have more flexibility to bring the things on board you need to stay comfortable, you should be careful not to overpack for your stay. If you’re only at sea for a few days, you won’t need two weeks’ worth of clothing. Additionally, you should familiarize yourself with Disney’s policies onboard the ship – some of which directly address what can and cannot be brought aboard. Unlike many cruise lines, Disney will actually allow you to bring up to two bottles of wine or champagne onboard, which can save you a substantial chunk of cash if you’re planning to drink on the ship.
4. Don’t Skip the Evening Performances.
Disney is known to put on a good show, and the reputation carries over onto their cruise ships. Every evening, you’ll find some new kind of live entertainment to experience – and on a Disney cruise, it’s going to be a Disney-themed performance. Depending on the ship you choose to cruise on, you’ll find everything from a musical performance of Frozen or Tangled to Twice Charmed: An Original Twist on the Cinderella Story.
5. Install the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App.
One thing that differentiates Disney cruises from others is convenience. Disney does a great job of making things easy, and one way they’ve done this is through the creation of the Navigator app. While you will be charged to connect to the ship’s wireless internet to browse the web or send messages, the Navigator app lets you connect free of charge and puts an incredible amount of information at your fingertips. You can search activity schedules, message family and friends on the ship with you, book excursions and experiences, and more.
A Disney cruise can be a truly memorable experience for you and your family. Equip yourself with these tips and look forward to smooth sailing!
