We're going on our first Cruise!

[Auntie 17]

:stars-shower-smiley:

Just wanted to mention that we are going on our first cruise. It will be on the Magic April 30th for four nights :wiz:

Our favorite Fort Fiend travel agent Rhonda helped us make our cruise arrangements. :wave1:

[mouseketab.....Carol 1,261]

AWESOME!!! We must have pictures!!! Would LOVE to see the details of the Magic!!!

[Onkel Hans 25]

You are going to have a great time. We just went on our first ever cruise last year, on the Magic. I may not be able to answer all your questions, but feel free to ask, anyway!

[Auntie 17]

Thanks Jen, we will be sure to look for it.

I'm wondering just how dressed you have to be for dinners? We do have a Palo reservation but it's for brunch during our "at sea" day.

I mean..we're not "slobolas" or anything..but do I really need to pack a jacket for the hubby? ..at the same time we wouldn't want to feel out of place.

Also wondering what some of you who have done this trip would recommend for an excursion in the Bahamas?

I'm leaning toward some type of sight seeing..rather than Atlantis..but the aquarium does sound nice, possibly the shallow water dolphin experience??

I'm all over the place. The sea & see..?

[Onkel Hans 25]

Of the four dinners in the Main Dining Rooms, one meal will be "dress up", which is a step down from semi-formal. Disney describes it as "jacket for men, dress or pantsuit for women," but as a gracious host they will not hesitate to seat you unless you wear something grossly inappropriate. My experience of others' dress on formal night was cruise casual to tuxedos and gowns; semi-formal night had casual, polos/button-downs, cocktail dresses and smart pantsuits, and suit jackets and blazers. This is my long-winded way of suggesting that a jacket wouldn't be necessary, but may add to your experience if you enjoy dressing up.

Palo brunch requires a dress shirt or jacket and no jeans, shorts, capri pants, flip-flops or tennis shoes according to DCL (and they are much more of a stickler about it), so a jacket would not be required there. I wore a dress shirt and tie to my brunch, and there were jackets and no jackets among the rest of the group.

My voyage was completely rearranged by weather, with missed and added ports of call, so I messed up the order of dining. I ended up wearing a button-down Hawaiian print shirt to what turned out to be the formal evening. I was a bit horrified, but I was never made to feel out of place. In fact one server pointed out that since it was black and white like a tuxedo, it should count. I brought a jacket for my cruise, but it was a seven day so with a formal, semi-formal, and Palo brunch and dinner there was much more opportunity to wear it. I am not sure I would pack it for a shorter cruise. I will probably have to see how much room there is in the suitcase before I leave for my 5 day.

My only experience is in the Western Caribbean, so another Fiend will likely have more helpful information about excursions.

p.s.: After reading my post I realized I might come across as a bit of a know-it-all since I only have been on one cruise. Please do take my advice with a grain of salt, but in my defense I am a total over-planner, so I ended up doing a lot of research for my cruise. :)

[rdancemom... Pam 113]

We love the Atlantis. Starla did the dolphin swim years ago when it was still on the island w/stingray city and loved it. Back then, you had to choose between the beach day at Atlantis & the dolphin/stingray city/beach on the island. By putting it all in one place at the Atlantis though they took the best of both excursions and made each better. Whatever excursion you decide on be sure to sign up early as they can fill up fast.

About the jacket... you wouldn't be turned away without it but it doesn't hurt to pack a good formal dress & jacket for pictures even if you only put them on for the photographer. There's just something about having photos in formal dress on a cruise that makes it a bit more special - or maybe that's just me b/c we rarely have an excuse for formal wear these days. Either way, I love the look of a formal photo taken aboard ship...

[mouseketab.....Carol 1,261]

We did the See and Sea in Nassau and really enjoyed it!! Neat submarine, neat harbour boat ride, and neat bus tour. Saw lots of the area.

We also just went over to the Atlantis casino by taxi on our own. Donated waaaay to much to the Bahamian economy. Probably won't ever do that again.

For our dinners on the Dream, I wore dressy capris, and matching tops, and Rick wore slacks and a polo or collar shirt. We did not go to Palo.

Here are a couple of dinner photos

[campingpixi 11]

Have a great trip!! woo hoo!!! :wave1: :wave1: :wave1: :wave1: :wave1:

[Auntie 17]

I have GOT to go buy some clothes. :panic: Kind of kills me though. Two things..I've gained a ton of weight this year. Thank you again, menopause. Add to that my working more, cooking less, (or hardly at all these days).., and I feel like a horse! You ladies might relate. You guys..probably could care less. Looks like I'm gonna have to break down and hit the store. Oh...and diet of course! How much weight do you think it's possible to loose in 23 days? :rofl2: ..Nahh, probably still won't get me comfortably into last years summer clothes! :faceplant2:

I only ask about the jacket, as they do charge for additional bags these days....and was hoping to avoid it. Not exactly a compact item. I'll have to think it over, because if Bob's wearing a dress shirt and tie, he'd rather have a jacket too.

Regular dinners..the golf shirt or Tommy Bahama style shirts are good though? That..we have plenty of!

No capris for Palo brunch..even a dressy set? Not even something you would wear with heals? I'm gonna have to think that over. I don't have a lot of dressier dress. In fact, I'd say none. I do have a couple of sun dresses.Maybe they would do?

Guess you can tell,...we're pretty casual. :laugh:

Carol..I am thinking about the See and Sea. Was getting a taxi to the Atlantis later a big deal?

Any concerns arranging excursion time yourselves, as opposed to booking something with Disney..as far as getting back to the ship on itme?

[mouseketab.....Carol 1,261]

No, getting to Atlantis was not a big deal. At the port terminal/store building, there are authorized taxi services with identification hanging around their neck. There is a price for a shared taxi service that is VERY reasonable, but you have to wait for enough folks to share. We negotiated a solo price with one of the drivers, and gave him a pickup time. We were back outside at that designated pickup time, and got back to the ship in plenty of time.

If he had even been 10 minutes late, we would have found the next cab driver (authorized or not) and paid whatever price necessary to get back on time!!

There are several cruise trip reports from those of us that have been on Disney Cruises

http://www.fortfiends.net/forum/topic/3724-a-fiendtastic-dreamy-cruise-and-chillin-in-the-big-easy/page__hl__%2Bdisney+%2Bdream__fromsearch__1

http://www.fortfiends.net/forum/topic/5405-it-was-finally-time-for-a-cruise/page__hl__%2Bdisney+%2Bdream__fromsearch__1

http://www.fortfiends.net/forum/topic/5251-3-nights-on-the-dream/page__hl__%2Bdisney+%2Bdream__fromsearch__1

http://www.fortfiends.net/forum/topic/4018-girls-only-fort-and-fort-fiends-dream-cruise/page__hl__%2Bdisney+%2Bdream__fromsearch__1

http://www.fortfiends.net/forum/topic/3931-jen-and-cjs-trip-on-the-disney-dream-with-the-fiends/page__hl__%2Bdisney+%2Bdream__fromsearch__1

http://www.fortfiends.net/forum/topic/3788-cancelled-cruise-but-i-went-anyway/page__view__findpost__p__86307__hl__%2Bdisney+%2Bdream__fromsearch__1

http://www.fortfiends.net/forum/topic/3764-disney-dream-cruise-spet-2011/page__hl__%2Bdisney+%2Bdream__fromsearch__1

[Onkel Hans 25]

I just read an e-mail from DCL that mostly contradicts what they have on their website about Palo's dress code. The more refined dress code is:

Palo is our romantic alternative restaurant exclusively for our Guests

18 years and older. To maintain this elegant feeling during the various

dining options, a dress code is in place for the Palo Champagne Brunch,

Palo High Tea and Palo Dinner.

-Palo Champagne Brunch and/or Palo High Tea:

Cruise casual wear suggested.

No shorts, swimwear, tank tops or blue jeans are permitted.

-Palo Dinner:

Men - A dress shirt or jacket is required.

Women - A dress or pantsuit is recommended.

No shorts, swimwear, tank tops or blue jeans are permitted.

[Auntie 17]

I think I have it covered. I have some dressier events coming up this summer, as my daughter is engaged to be married this fall. So, I figured why not buy a few new things?

We have reservations for the Palo brunch on our "sea day". Looking forward to it.

I also noticed that the Hilton has a program where you can spend the day. Use the pool and the beach and they give you a coupon for lunch or drinks. Sounds relaxing.

[doodlebug....Cherie 461]

Have a great cruise, Phyllis. We did Palo for brunch and loved it!!

[HappyCamper...Deb 61]

How exciting!!! :jumpforjoy

I've never done a cruise. Looking forward to hearing all about it.

[momof3kids-Yvonne 596]

Have fun!

As for the weight, don't worry about it. Prior to our cruise I knew I really need to drop a few (ok more than a few pounds), but also knew realistically I could not get down to the weight that I would have loved to be at by then. The only thing I did know was that I did not want to feel bloated while on the cruise so, prior to cruising I stopped drinking anything except for water. That helped me to lose any extra water weight I might be carrying around and made me feel just a little bit more comfortable and not as guilty for enjoying a drink or two extra while cruising.

[Auntie 17]

Two weeks from today! :wave1: (but who's counting?..lol!)

[mouseketab.....Carol 1,261]

Have FUN!!

[DaveInTN 3,247]

Sounds like it's gonna be great! Sure wish we were going with you.

[Auntie 17]

Quick question.....

While you're in port in fla, any issues using your cell phone when on ship that day..prior to sailing out?...Or should we shut them off even while in port.

I've read some horror stories regarding charges.

[We4mickey 6]

On the fiends cruise we used ours until we were on our way. In the video that was taken we even see our son calling DH because he could see us. LOL We shut it off right after that and didn't use it until we were back in port. Not worth chancing the extra charges.

[mouseketab.....Carol 1,261]

Yep, same here, we used our until we were just past the point, we actually lost signal at that point and put them away.

[Auntie 17]

Good to know. I figured we would want to make a few calls to the kids and work before we left port. I hope they are able to spot us! :wave1: Thanks.

Then... three days without speaking to my kids...WOW...I don't think I've ever done that! :laugh:

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

Hey Phyllis-

I realize that I am late jumping in here, but I wanted to give you my $.02 on what to do in Nassau.

We have been on one 4 night and two 3 night Disney Cruises, all of which stopped in Nassau. Prior to that, we had been to Nassau on several other cruises.

After trying many of the excursions and visiting Atlantis a few times, it finally dawned on me that there is nothing in Nassau that is nicer than the Disney ship you arrive on.

A 3 or 4 night cruise goes fast. When you arrive in Nassau, chances are that there are parts of the ship that you still have not had a chance to visit. I would not spend the extra money on an excursion. If you want to get off the ship and look around, it is easy to do, and there are plenty of interesting things that you can see on a brief walk around the shopping district adjacent to the port. Then get back on the ship and enjoy it- the pool and restaurants are open, and there will be movies playing and other planned activities.

If you want to swim with dolphins or visit a casino, you can do that other places for a lot less than you will pay for these activities in Nassau. And no matter what you may have heard, the shopping isn't anything great. Mostly a bunch of cheap stuff and knock-off designer things that you could find cheaper in NYC.

If you realy feel like your family needs to go on an excursion, then by all means do so. We had a great time visiting a private island on one trip (Blue Lagoon), visiting Atlantis on another, and hanging out at a nice hotel pool on yet another. But, that was money that I didn't need to spend, because we have since really enjoyed hanging out on the ship.

I hope you have a great cruise!

TCD

[Auntie 17]

Hey Phyllis-

I realize that I am late jumping in here, but I wanted to give you my $.02 on what to do in Nassau.

We have been on one 4 night and two 3 night Disney Cruises, all of which stopped in Nassau. Prior to that, we had been to Nassau on several other cruises.

After trying many of the excursions and visiting Atlantis a few times, it finally dawned on me that there is nothing in Nassau that is nicer than the Disney ship you arrive on.

A 3 or 4 night cruise goes fast. When you arrive in Nassau, chances are that there are parts of the ship that you still have not had a chance to visit. I would not spend the extra money on an excursion. If you want to get off the ship and look around, it is easy to do, and there are plenty of interesting things that you can see on a brief walk around the shopping district adjacent to the port. Then get back on the ship and enjoy it- the pool and restaurants are open, and there will be movies playing and other planned activities.

If you want to swim with dolphins or visit a casino, you can do that other places for a lot less than you will pay for these activities in Nassau. And no matter what you may have heard, the shopping isn't anything great. Mostly a bunch of cheap stuff and knock-off designer things that you could find cheaper in NYC.

If you realy feel like your family needs to go on an excursion, then by all means do so. We had a great time visiting a private island on one trip (Blue Lagoon), visiting Atlantis on another, and hanging out at a nice hotel pool on yet another. But, that was money that I didn't need to spend, because we have since really enjoyed hanging out on the ship.

I hope you have a great cruise!

TCD

LOL! I'm laughing because I think you read our minds! :rofl3:

After reseraching and mulling over a half dozen opotions, I just last night, said to Bob "would you mind if we didn't have anything planned for Nassau?" With a great sigh of relief he replied "I'd actually prefer it!" :highfive:

You are so right TCD. It's a short cruise.(four night) It's our first, and we hope to explore the ship and take advantage of it being a little emptier. :waycool:

So..there ya go. We are not gamblers, no real desire to go to the casino. Although tempted to see Atlantis, neither of us is feeling the slides. As for the aquarium ..from reviews I've read doesn't sound that much different from some we have already been to. (if we go with the family next year, then I think we'd opt for the Atlantis excursion at that time)

This is a just the two of us :heart: ..relax and regroup vacation. We have a busy summer coming up (daughter getting married in the fall) and we just wanted to take a little time to spend together before all the hoopla starts. We've had a rough couple of years, and we have come through it. We are needing some "US" time. Thus, nine days in Fla.. Four of which will be on the cruise. We need a little pampering, and infact we are even staying in a one bedroom concierge suite! We have a couple of days in disney planned and then a few days in Anna Maria. (which our Fort Fiend friend Deb has gotten us totally hooked on)

We had considered a pool and beach day at the Hilton..but then figured we could actually do that right on the ship and not pay extra $$ for it!

At this point we are going to take it as it comes and see what the day brings.

So, thanks for posting with your suggestion. :wave1: It confirms just what we were thinking.

[doodlebug....Cherie 461]

Have a great time, Phyllis! We never get off the boat in Nassau either.