Thank you, Whazzapp(Tracey) for sending me this list! Thanks to all the Disers who contributed to this great tips list!
Activities: Don't try to do everything - you'll wear yourself out. |
Activities: Participate in at least one activity a day. |
Activities: Play or attend the last jackpot bingo. |
Activities: Return cruisers cocktail party - arrive early to get a comfortable seat |
Activities: The pool is generally least crowded while the ship is at port, especially upon arrival. |
Clothing: Be sure to bring layered clothing (especially for Alaska) |
Clothing: Either wear swimwear under boarding clothes or bring in your carry on. |
Clothing: Get extra use out of polo you wear to dinner, wear it the next day if it's still clean |
Clothing: Make a spreadsheet of your daily clothing plans so you don't overpack and also know what was in your luggage in case it's lost |
Clothing: Pack clothes you don't want to iron on hangers and in dry cleaning bags. |
Clothing: Pack kids clothing by day in ziplock bags. |
Clothing: Pack underwear and socks in ziplocs to avoid TSA from getting their hands all over your delicates |
Clothing: Pack what you think you will need, then reduce your clothing by 25-50%. This is stressed by most experienced cruisers. |
Clothing: Save packing some t-shirts and beach towels by buying them at the ports. |
Clothing: Send out all clothes to be pressed on the first day/night so all are ready for the week |
Clothing: Take your old socks, underwear, etc. and have them make a one-way trip with you. Saves room for souvenirs. |
Clothing: The space bags really save space when packing |
Clothing: Treat clothing with wash-in sunscreen (such as Sun Guard from Rit) |
Clothing: Use black slacks; they will go with most tops or shirts and you will only need one pair of black shoes. |
Departure: Have the post office hold your mail |
Departure: Stop your newspaper deliveries |
Disembarkation: Be sure to leave a set of clothes out for disembarking. |
Disembarkation: Bring pre-addressed labels with your stateroom number to stick on your assigned luggage tags. |
Disembarkation: Have a postcard with your address/email on it at the last night for each couple/family at your table and have the others fill in info for each card. |
Disembarkation: If you need a porter, stand by the doors where they come back in so you can get one without having to chase them down. |
Disembarkation: If you're not in a hurry, don't rush off the ship - enjoy your last few moments aboard |
Disembarkation: Make sure your party's luggage all has the same distinctive ribbons etc.; your luggage will probably not be located together |
Disembarkation: The instructions will replay on your stateroom TV constantly; skip the live talk but do pay attention at some point. |
Entertainment: Get your seats early so you're not disappointed with location. |
Excursions: Cozumel - if needing urgent dental treatment, taxi to the Medical Centre; it's where crew members go also |
Excursions: Grand Cayman - Blue Iguana Souvenir Outlet |
Excursions: Grand Cayman - Rackham's for food, beer, and shopping |
Excursions: If you are comfortable with it, book your excursions on your own; you'll save money |
Excursions: Key West - you can see a lot on your own by getting the daily pass for the Bone Island Shuttle ($7/person). |
Excursions: Locate the free coupon books at the pier for discounts you can use in the ports (especially Alaska) |
Excursions: Sign up online as soon as you can |
Excursions: Wear a t-shirt while snorkeling to reduce sunburn |
Meals: Ask your server for dessert to go if you're too full to eat there |
Meals: Beware of Bon Voyage drinks and Hot Chocolate Liquer drinks…can be very expensive (as much as $9) |
Meals: Bring back fruit and cereal boxes to snack on throughout the day. |
Meals: Don't be afraid to ask for more than one item per course; mix and match from other entrees as you like |
Meals: Drink cards may be a good value; soda cards probably are not. |
Meals: Even if you can't eat the dessert/late-night buffet, make a plate and put it in your refrigerator for the next day |
Meals: If you buy a rum cake, don't break the seal or eat all of it on board. |
Meals: Leave fresh fruit for your room steward; they don't get much fresh food and appreciate it. |
Meals: Make sure your waiter puts your room number on unfinished bottles of wine so you get the remainder at your next meal. |
Meals: Make your own free iced mocha: mix one pack hot choc w/ coffee, pour over two cups filled 2/3 with ice and milk. |
Meals: Order room service as a wakeup in case you're in an inside stateroom where it can get very dark so you don't oversleep |
Meals: Order room service coffee the night before. It may still be hot in the carafe in the morning. |
Meals: Order sandwiches the day before and take them ashore in your cooler. Some ports may not allow this. |
Meals: Tea, coffee, lemonade, and milk are generally free (Disney - soda on Deck 9 is free) |
Misc.: Aft elevators tend to be the lightest used. Avoid mid-ship. |
Misc.: Arrive to the port city or transfer location at least the day or night before the cruise departs |
Misc.: Buy when you see something you like or you may regret it later. |
Misc.: Get extra copies of the daily newsletters for scrapbooking or collections. |
Misc.: If you know you're going to use a lot of the internet, buy an unlimited package rather than pay by minute. |
Misc.: Pack nailclipper or pocket knife on the outside of your suitcase to clip zip strips |
Misc.: Relax and enjoy your vacation. |
Misc.: Save everything and make a scrapbook upon return. |
Misc.: Smokers-buy cigarettes in St. Maarten at about $12/carton |
Misc.: Treat sunburns and jellyfish bites with vinegar (order from room service) |
Misc.: Use a label-maker to tag everything that may leave the room that needs to come back. |
Misc.: Use the same distinctive ribbons on your family's luggage so it's easy to spot upon disembarkation. |
Photo: Ask the photographers to take photographs rather than waiting for them to ask you. |
Photo: Beware of photography packages and costs. Have a friend take a picture using the professional background. |
Photo: Give each child his/her own disposable camera to use as they please and create their own memories. |
Photo: Photo staff is usually willing to take large group photos; best to plan a time at the beginning of the cruise and they will do it for you |
Photo: Photos on board estimates: 8x10 $20, 5x7 $10 |
Photo: Take photos of the luggage before turning them over to the airline or cruise ship; have a list of each's contents and notate usage for future planning. |
Photo: Take pictures of everything so you don't regret it later. |
Port Canaveral: Order gift basket from The Perfect Gift |
Spa: If you don't want to hear the sales pitch, request "No Pitch" when you book your appointment. |
Stateroom: Ask your attendant for a feather pillow |
Stateroom: Don't be afraid to ask you cabin steward for extras you need…blankets, pillows, ice, extra Compass |
Stateroom: Post a magnetic door sign to help find your cabin easily (especially good for kids) |
Stateroom: Rather than bringing extra hangers, ask your attendant for them on the first day; or pack items on hangers then in luggage. |
Stateroom: Store luggage under your bed if it will fit. |
Stateroom: Store your life vest under your bed to give more shelf space. |
Tips: Children's programming counselors appreciate small gifts or phone cards |
Tips: If charging through your stateroom, handle in advance and avoid long lines. |
Tips: Set aside labeled tip money in advance if not charging through your stateroom |
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