1st Time Disney Cruiser: The First Day of the Cruise

Shared by: David Oakland

My first day of travel. Arriving on the Dream. For many first timers this can be overwhelming, crazy crowded and, if anything like me, I remember in 2009 I made it to the top deck, had no idea where we were, what was going on, threw stuff on a table, sat down and tried to absorb the scene. So I share this, our first day, to hopefully make your day a little easier.

Some folks like to arrive later in the day and not deal with all the craziness/excitement of everyone waiting to get on the ship. But then there’s us, we are there ALL DAY waiting to get on. So, I think that is a preference call. If you don’t mind being around a lot of people in a crowded terminal, then I will see you there. Or, if you want to arrive sometime after noon (when crowd begins to thin) that’s fine, too.

Inside the terminal, if you have little ones, you now receive your kids club armbands at check-in/registration.

Once on board, the majority of folks head to the top deck and feel free to do so as well, buffet-style food open on top deck (Cabanas), pools open, Aqua Duck open, etc… so kiddos have a chance to start playing right away – which leads me to my next point.

Packing for arrival – CARRY a day bag/backpack or something that has all your essentials you will need for the first few hours as you won’t see your luggage til sometime after 3 (may get lucky and get it earlier but plan on after 3). In your BACKPACK/DAY BAG – pack sunscreen for kiddos, your passports or documents to get onto the ship, kiddos bathing suits, goggles if they use them, flip flops as top deck may/may not be HOT (or wear their bathing suits under their clothes) there are restrooms (small) on the top deck to change into if kiddos do not have their bathing suit already on. You can also throw everyone’s key to the world card in the backpack as I’ve seen a lot of key to the world card lanyards laying around the first day because little ones take them off to jump in the pool and then don’t remember where they put them.

Moms, leave the dads to watch the kids, and head over to the “QUIET COVE” area of the top deck, adults only and a LOT more peaceful…LOL

Top deck – as I mentioned, once on board, most folks head up here to start their fun, relaxation, etc. and get a bite to eat. If you’re not a fan of all the craziness on first day, first few hours, you can head downstairs and enjoy a sit-down lunch.

Keep in mind – the first few hours can be busy on the ship. Staterooms are usually not ready until after 1:30ish, luggage arrives around 3:00 (or sooner if lucky), you’re getting onto the ship, something to eat, kiddos start playing, 4:00 Safety/Muster drill (MANDATORY) and 4:30 Sail Away party (head up to top deck right after safety drill). If you’re a first timer, you do NOT want to miss the Sail Away party, get the kiddos up front on top deck, closest to the front of the stage by the pools and have cameras ready to capture reactions when FAB FIVE and then some show up for the Sail Away Party.

Pack some food (light snacks) should you arrive early at the terminal (like me) – pack something to eat for you/kiddos, snack, snack bars, fruit snacks, etc. or bananas from the hotel in the morning, etc. There are water fountains, but nothing to eat. Only thing worse than standing around waiting, is standing around waiting and hungry. Just keep these items (granola bars, or fruit, etc.) in your backpack. There are vending machines, and I’ve not had an issue in the past eating a banana inside the terminal but I do NOT take the fruit onto the ship.

I think that about wraps things up. Hopefully this makes your transition into an AMAZING vacation that much easier and that much more enjoyable. See Ya Real Soon!!!!!