Newer than newbie that's totally lost About This Page:

[notjustamom]

I have never cruised before, on any line. Ever. Toying with the idea of a 5 night Bahamian cruise in Feb 2019 as an early grad gift for my DD. She is a GINORMOUS Marvel fan AND she's always wanted to go on a DCL. I'm the chicken <insert word> who is terrified of being "stuck" with no escape. I also have a special needs DS which is yet another terrifying thing. But, since losing my DH I am trying to give my kids crazy new opportunities whenever I can and lead by example that thebskies the limit. So now onto my questions:

Best spot: Forward, mid or rear part of the ship? I'm looking at concierge level if that makes a difference. What should I keep in mind? What's a "must-do", a "eh, I'm glad I did it but wouldn't do it again" and a "could do without". My kids will be 18 and 15 on the trip. TIA

[toddjodybrent]

Mid-ship, lower levels feel less movement than any other area of the ship.

If you are wanting a Marvel Day At Sea--I believe that is offered on the 7 night itineraries.

Our best tips, having sailed 8 times with DCL:
--pre-purchase a photo package
--try to be in the first groups getting onto the ship (more time on the ship)
--get up and out early on Castaway Cay Day(s)
--Rebook on board if you love it

Good luck with your decision!

[zettarooski]

What ports are on the itinerary? That would help with recommendations too. That's a big part of the "what to do or not" part of the question. Most things on the ship are pretty awesome.

I've stayed midship and aft, and honestly didn't notice much difference in motion. I would say it doesn't have a HUGE impact on most people. Of course some people it does, but I wouldn't let it make or break you.

I've started choosing more now by what I want to be close to (or NOT close to). When my husband and I went we stayed aft to be closer to the adult dining and bar spaces. You may also not want to stay close to Cabanas or the pool as there might be some additional noise.

DCL is sooooo great, I love it! Excited that you're going on a cruise! Ask lots of questions!!

[MelissaL]

The ship will be large enough that you should not feel trapped. You can go hours without even noticing you are on the ocean, if you don’t go onto the open decks.

I find cruises much easier to plan and much more relaxing than park trips. You can look at Personal Navigators (daily schedules) from previous cruises to get a sense of what might be happening, but you can also just make plans for each day as it arrives.

Your 18-year-old will not able to go to the teen club, but will have access to all adult facilities (just not the ability to drink alcohol). The adults-only restaurant, Palo, would be a great treat for graduation, as long as your 15-year-old is comfortable without you. You could get him dinner at a quick-service restaurants on the pool deck before you go to dinner, then send him to the teen club. If you have early dinner seating, you could even make a late dining reservation at Palo and join him for an appetizer in the main dining room while he eats dinner.

The cast members on the Disney ships will be as accomodating as possible to whatever needs your family has. If you sail Concierge, the Concierge hosts will be able to help with any questions or problems that arise.

Happy planning!
Melissa

[dancingpenny]

One tip that I would give is to bring different colored highlighters for your Personal Navigators. If each of you marks the navigator with a different color you can each plan your days easily. The navigator for the next day will be put in your room the night before and if you want extras you can pick them up at the Guest Relations desk. I was very nervous before my first cruise because I didn't know what to expect, but it's so easy and relaxing, yet there's lots to do. I think you'll all have an amazing time.

[Lumieregirl]

Look up past Navigators similar to your itinerary to get an idea of what will likely be offered. Www.disneycruiselineblog.com



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Silvercat]

This was just our personal experience from last October's 5 nights on the Dream.

Best deck : mid-ships, deck 6 - right in the middle of the ship, near the elevators and stairs, very well balanced place to be.

Must do : any show in the Walt Disney Theatre - Broadway-quality, stunning, made me cry every night!

Glad I've done but just meh : walk around the shops in Nassau. All either very high-end designer, or junky, tatty, souvenir rubbish.

Could give it a miss : nothing! We loved everything we did, from swimming at Castaway Cay in the pouring rain (once the island had reopened after the storm!), to sitting on the top deck in the adults-only area at night with coffee and just watching the sea, to Pirate Night with fireworks at sea, to Halloween night and the ever-changing pumpkin tree, I could go on and on. We became firm friends with our table-mates at dinner (and are now friends on Facebook, despite living on different continents!), the food was all amazing, and one day I had two ice-creams for lunch.

Wow. Have a wonderful time!

[chezp]

We always go with midship, as we find the movement is less there.

As for must-dos, it depends to a certain extent on which ship and which itinerary you're doing and what your personal preferences are - i.e. do you want to see the shows? Is dining important to you? etc.

[Lumieregirl]

The front of the ship is best for getting to the adult pool & the spa. The rear is best for able to pop up to the beverage station. And I've read the middle is best if you think you may struggle with motion sickness, although with the exception of unusually rough seas, i've never been motion sick on DCL (but I do suffer from it on small boats & back seats of cars).

As far as feeling "stuck", on the contrary I've felt so much more free on the ship than I expected. Endless fresh air. And no worries for stuck in terms of things to do - we always leave many things the never got the chance to do.

I'm so excited for you and your kids - youre gonna have a great time!