Cruise secrets that DCL doesn't tell you

[Meskamooska]

As far as Youth Activities- for tipping, cash must be turned into proper management. These tips go into crew parties & gifts etc. Calling cards home will always be well received. Please please please triple check the countries the cards are able to call to. A lot of US international phone cards are only for Canada & Mexico. Aim for Australia, Europe, African countries & Caribbean islands as well.

Hi Stefanie,

I am glad to hear from an expert on these matters as it makes me feel better to get accurate info from someone truly in the know. As a former CM, you can advise on this question as well... "How do crew members feel about small gifts, not instead of a tip (for the tipped positions) but in addition to?" I have heard differing schools of thought expressed by folks who haven't been crewmembers themselves so I would like to get a real crew representative's opinion.

You and I are neighbors, by the way, as I am in San Antonio Heights (Upland), just spitting distance from Rancho. And congrats on your upcoming wedding.

Take care, help lots of people and have a "Wonder"ful day!

Tisza

 

[tinkslite]

"I had read that they have PB&J Uncrustables on board. During our lunch on the first day, our youngest was beginning to melt down. There was some amazing food, but she was cranky and just didn't want anything. I asked if there was any way to get an Uncrustable, as PB&J is her go-to food. I knew that room service wasn't available yet (we weren't allowed in our rooms at that point). The darling server was able to get one, "

On our first cruise in 2008, my DS (then 10) had several severe food allergies (soy, all nuts, and wheat) so feeding him is a challenge. The chefs and our servers were BEYOND helpful and I'm afraid the child (re. demon) got a bit spoiled.
He figured out that his server (Jozef, if you're reading this I miss and love U!) would bring him the drink he'd ordered the meal before, automatically. So, DS decided that meant he needed a new/different drink at each and every meal. On the farewell evening of our Magic cruise, Jozef had lined up an array of glasses w/ an assortment of drinks for our son.........Who smiled up at this hard working server and announced "tonight I just want water (Jozef and head server rolled DSons chair toward window and pointed out they had LOTS of water available! LOL.....I have a photo of them rolling my laughing DS away from our table somewhere...... They were so good natured about it and my son still remember it as one of the funnest parts of his vacation!

 

[honeybear66]

Wow I have just read all 34 pages and now have loads of exciting ideas for our cruise next year. Can't wait to read more

 

[stefanie.cadell]

Hi Stefanie,

I am glad to hear from an expert on these matters as it makes me feel better to get accurate info from someone truly in the know. As a former CM, you can advise on this question as well... "How do crew members feel about small gifts, not instead of a tip (for the tipped positions) but in addition to?" I have heard differing schools of thought expressed by folks who haven't been crewmembers themselves so I would like to get a real crew representative's opinion.

You and I are neighbors, by the way, as I am in San Antonio Heights (Upland), just spitting distance from Rancho. And congrats on your upcoming wedding.

Take care, help lots of people and have a "Wonder"ful day!

Tisza

Hey neighbor! Thanks for the congrats! It's coming soon! We'll be on the Wonder for our honeymoon starting 10/30. In fact, we planned our wedding date around the cruise.. Clearly we've got our priorities straight! I'm in Upland all the time! How funny!!

Gifts can get a bit touchy. If I remember correctly they have to be under a certain dollar amount in order for the CM to be able to keep the gift. I think it's mostly for in case people want to give jewelery that's outrageously expensive or random stuff. If you want to give a small gift that you truly know your CM will love, then by all means go for it. Just please remember they'll have to hold on to it & later pack it to take back home. CM cabins are definitely NOT the same as your guestrooms on board. And 90% of CMs are not from USA so they are very limited on what they pack to come & go home. Even USAers are limited but at least we can stuff things into our carryons as it's only a few hours flight for us- not the 28 hours for others. If you're still not sure- ask the CM up front: "Hey Sarah! Thank-you so much for all you've done for us this week. We'd really like to thank you by giving you this _____________. Would that be ok with you?" They'll be able to honestly tell you if they can accept it first of all, and also whether or not it'd be smart to take it. Hope this helps!

 

[mbb]

OK...so here's what I've got so far, thanks to all of you

UPDATED June 6/2011 And more!!!

1) Deck 7 - quiet little spot....
....and stairs in the hallway up to BBB Deck 8

2) Bubba kegs are ok - just fill with the cups by the Deck 9 station, not directly into the BK...
....and Bubba Kegs are great to pack breakables in for the trip home!

3) Diversions is a lovely late afternoon, well, diversion

4) Photo mattes, can add a "Wonder" sticker, sticky note for photo orientation, ziplock bag with sharpies in all colours, or black, drop off first thing...
....One item per person from each stateroom is ok - 4 people in your stateroom, you can drop off 4 items

5) Same with pillowcases - prewash, markers, labeled, drop off early...
....One item per person from each stateroom is ok - 4 people in your stateroom, you can drop off 4 items

6) Lots of treats, yummies, phone cards, for our fabulous CMs and Youth Acitivities CMs....
....pre-packaged treats/snacks only, sadly, no homemade allowed onboard...
....Phone cards for Afirca, Europe, Australia, Carribbean - most are for North America/Mexico - please check before you buy
....cash gets put into pot for CM events, not for individuals
....no gifts for CMs unless you ask them - no room in their rooms, and they're not supposed to accept anyway

7) Fish extenders...too cute!!...
....gradysmommy on EBAY,
....Stitches N' Bows on ETSY,
....StitchesAPlenty on ETSY,
....ilvdisney2008 on ETSY

8) Shower/shave for DH at the locker room - he will so appreciate that. He wasn't really thrilled about the cruise room size shower situation

9) MAgnets ONLY for the doors, no tape, poster stick, zip, nada...
...personalization means less likely they will grow legs and leave your door

10)Clothespins!...
....for closing cutains on OV staterooms, hanging swimsuits in bathroom

11)Travel clock...
....something that lights up - the wheel clock doesn't illuminate at night
....IPOD Home docks are now on the Dream, and perhaps Magic and Wonder??

12)TV on bridge view or basketball court at night, muted, sign comes up, inside cabin gets lighter...
....no need to mute...
....Bridgecam has been observed as being changed to a starry night scene

13)Drink O' the day from the bar, not the waiter traveling around...fresher

14)Power bar...
....extension cord

15)No need to bring books or magazines/can borrow from the Cove...
....but if you do, please leave them for the CMs onboard

16)Mickey Bars are room service available! Woohoo!...
....Ask your Room Steward for fresh ice every day...
....Cookies can be warm, if you ask
....USD in small bills for tipping - room service food is included, a gratuity is always appreciated

17)Bring on a Box of wine in our carryon...
....Ask your Room Steward for a glass to keep in your room

18)Bring day bag/carryon with swimsuits and FE, etc...
....carry-ons stay with you until you check into your stateroom - there isn't anwhere else to store it while you wait to get into your stateroom, you must keep it with you

19)Small USD bills

20)Flashlight

21)Grungy undies, and toss 'em!! LOL!

22)Wine, beer, tequila, champagne tastings, mixology class
Sign up as soon as you are onboard. Guest Services will have the schedule for the week available, so you don't have to wait to see the Navigators. You pay at time of booking, get your tickets, and no worries about tastings being full.

23)"Tea" with Princesses, Alice...whatever it happens to be called that week.
Sign up with Guest Services on boarding.

24)Use the drink cups at the soft serve station for ice cream instead of the little icecream bowls. Chocolate sace is at the end of the station. Also makes great floats, add sauce, and perhaps, ask for a cherry from the bar for sundaes.

25)Shuffleboard!!
On Deck 4 - have fun!!

26)Food/Dining/Anything
Just ask
Don't want an appetizer? - ok. Would like to try 2 entrees? - just ask (but be prepared to be stuffed silly) Want steak and french fries every night? Ask. Missed your early seating because the kids (or you) were napping...just ask if you can do second seating...worst that can happen is the answer is no, and you have to "suffer" room service

27)Clear Shoe Hanger
Great for hanging on the inside/outside of the stateroom bathroom door, keeping toiletries neat, tidy and handy!

28)Collapsible laundry basket - great for just about anything, including laundry!

29)Address labels for luggage on debarkation night
Save the Disney luggage labels for scrapbooking, and use your own that you've pre-printed from home

30)Skip the elevator lines, and take the stairs!!
Burn some calories, and see the ship

31)Printed Voyage Maps...??
If available, you could ask the Captain to sign

32)Recipes are available on the CC website under downloads, or you can ask your server while onboard

33)Coffee on Last Morning
Order room service 10:30 or so the night before debarkation.
Comes in a thermal carafe, and will still be hot at 7am


I know I missed some great tips, but will reread for more!! Thanks everyone!!

 

[CopaDave]

25)Shuffleboard!!
On Deck 4 - have fun!!

We had a blast...maybe because nobody knew the rules and I didn't want to break it to them.

26)Food/Dining/Anything
Just ask
Don't want an appetizer? - ok. Would like to try 2 entrees? - just ask (but be prepared to be stuffed silly) Want steak and french fries every night? Ask. Missed your early seating because the kids (or you) were napping...just ask if you can do second seating...worst that can happen is the answer is no, and you have to "suffer" room service

Or go up on top deck and eat at the walk-ups (Burgers and chicken strips were good)

29)Address labels for luggage on debarkation night
Save the Disney luggage labels for scrapbooking, and use your own that you've pre-printed from home

Might not be a good idea. I know in LA, they bunch the luggage by color tag that is on it. If you don't have a colored tag, you may never see your luggage until the last group disembarks and gets to the last secured luggage area.

You can always get extras for scrapbooking from your cabin steward before you disembark.

30)Skip the elevator lines, and take the stairs!!
Burn some calories, and see the ship

Usually much faster, too.

 

[Cerberus9]

IPod alarm clocks are on the Wonder. You need a degree in mathematics or mechanical engineering to set the alarm on one, though.

 

[DisneyBasket]

IPod alarm clocks are on the Wonder. You need a degree in mathematics or mechanical engineering to set the alarm on one, though.

I have a degree in mathematics, and was still unable to set this bugger. Thanks for my laugh for tonight. Perhaps Disney should put laminated cards with instructions on how to set the darn things in a drawer in the bedside table!!

 

[Chaoscz]

WOW!!!! Great info. Keep'm coming!!!!

 

[Susiesark]

MBB...very good summary. I think I had all that covered on the Wonder in April (except the grungy undies) When we boarded, I went straight to Guest Services where I signed up for the Tea (good thing, tickets went fast!) and you can get your small bills there. No need to carry a big wad of $1 and $5 on board with you.
Absolute must haves now is the power strip, clear shoe organizer, and battery charger for camera (which I forgot!!) Missed the first 4 days in pictures. Lesson learned.
I got my big picture mat signed, 2 pillowcases (which DD shared at school today) and the 9" vinylmation that I purchased on board. I don't think they keep track of how many items you drop off to be signed.

 

[VKtravel]

MBB, Thanks for this great summary! I am going to be soooo prepared! I can't wait!

 

[IlliniAmy]

CopaDave, you reminded me about the luggage tags - I had totally forgotten about those! I totally agree that you should use the tags they give you, but on every cruise I've been on, they've had extras of all the characters available by Guest Services on the last night. So, if your assigned character isn't your favorite just go get some of the one you prefer! (But DO NOT use any tags other than your assigned ones for your luggage or you might not find it!) I got extra Captain Mickey tags and put one on my suitcase after the cruise - makes me smile every time I see it!

 

[mbb]

Thanks CopaDave and IlliniAmy... I will change the tags one-I just can't figure out how to edit on my iPad

Hope the list helps

 

[tikimimi]

OK...so here's what I've got so far, thanks to all of you

UPDATED June 6/2011 And more!!!

MBB - YOu can still use pre-printed stickers (like address labels) on your luggage tags, and it will save you time. You simply put the label on the back of the luggage tag DCL provides. That last night, you will be tired, but you will want to get everything you can out of your fabulous trip and having the label saves filling out those tags by hand.

I would also suggest bringing cash (I might have missed this on your list) on Castaway Cay to mail any post cards you want to send from there. The post office only takes cash. We printed address labels for our post cards too - for the people to whom we wanted to send them. That way we didn't have to carry the address book and could buy the cards on board or use the ones in our stateroom.

I always carry a small clear cosmetic bag (clear so you can see everything in it easily) filled with things that might come in handy. It doesn't take much room, and I saved someone's luggage once because I had duct tape. IN that little bag I carry the duct tape, a small sewing kit, highlighters (for the Navigators), post-it notes (to leave for family or friends or your steward if you need to request something), string, rubber bands, paper clips, and a pair of small scissors. The only thing we have ever had a steward even hesitate to bring us was a pair of scissors.

On the subject of your steward - do not underestimate how helpful this person can be. We have always felt they would do whatever possible to make our trip more enjoyable. Whether a shirt needed pressing (a small charge) or needing some extra items or those scissors - our stewards have always tried to meet our requests.

Another tip - we made "business cards" with our personal contact info. We knew before we left that there were people we had met on the DIS that we wanted to keep up with, so we figured we would meet others with whom we wanted to maintain contact. Having those little cards made is easier to trade information with our new friends.

Our suitcases fit under our bed once we lifted it a little, and that left more room in the cabin. There is a small clothesline in the shower, but we found those Command hooks that are removable and leave no damage would also work to help string up a second one. If I had plenty of room in my suitcase (ha!) I'd take a folding drying rack for bathing suits and cover-ups.

Rebook on board for extra discounts and OBCs.

Have a lovely time!

 

[Doingitagain]

This isn't a "secret", but a suggestion. When on a DCL excursion, put your character sticker on a backpack or underneath something. We came back from a great cruise in the Med, and all our photos had the stickers on them!

 

[melmar136]

MBB - Another tip - we made "business cards" with our personal contact info. We knew before we left that there were people we had met on the DIS that we wanted to keep up with, so we figured we would meet others with whom we wanted to maintain contact. Having those little cards made is easier to trade information with our new friends.

You can make business cards and get them for free on vistaprint.com too! In case you don't want to waste all of your printer ink!

 

[Meskamooska]

Hey neighbor! Thanks for the congrats! It's coming soon! We'll be on the Wonder for our honeymoon starting 10/30. In fact, we planned our wedding date around the cruise.. Clearly we've got our priorities straight! I'm in Upland all the time! How funny!!...

Hi Again,

Thanks for the info. It is appreciated. I think I will stick with cash for anyone who I want to reward in some tangible way. That and perhaps a guest compliment if the action warrants it. I know that when I worked at the park (Disneyland ages ago it seems those were worth more than gold. I am betting that they are similarly valued on the ship.

Thanks again for your help.

Take care, help lots of people and have a "Wonder"ful day!

Tisza

 

[PRCMickey]

mbb thanks for the summary. It so great to read all the tips. We have been on one cruise but still didn't know about a lot of the tip, tricks, and secrets!! I can't wait until August!

 

[poohj80]

You can make business cards and get them for free on vistaprint.com too! In case you don't want to waste all of your printer ink!

You will pay shipping, but still overall usually less than buying the business card paper and ink yourself.

 

[SueRS]

You can make business cards and get them for free on vistaprint.com too! In case you don't want to waste all of your printer ink!

We added a pictures of us on the card, so that the name goes with the person.