Are you taking a Disney Cruise for the first time? If so, these questions and answers today might be very helpful! With October being “Cruise Month”, I’ve touched on a few FAQs about Disney Cruise Line. Last week we talked about Preparing for Your Disney Cruise and the week before it was Pirates League and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique on Disney Cruise Line. But what about first time cruisers? You’ve booked your Disney Cruise voyage, and now you wonder what you’ve gotten yourself into? No worries! You’ve gotten yourself into a whole lot of Disney magic, family fun, and more memories than you anticipated! I’m Carrie, travel agent with Destinations in Florida {the preferred Authorized Vacation Planner of Coupling to Disney}, and this week we are going to talk about Tips for a First Time Disney Cruise!
Are there fireworks on Disney Cruise Line?
Yes! When you are aboard Disney Cruise Line, your family can see fireworks launched right from the cruise ship. It is a shorter fireworks show than Happily Ever After in the Disney Parks. But, they are fun nonetheless! Disney Cruise Line is the only cruise line that launches fireworks while at sea.
What is Main Seating and Second Seating?
On Disney Cruise Line, you are offered either Main Seating or Second Seating when you book your cruise. Only a certain amount of guests are allowed at each seating. With main seating, you eat first and then see your live show. With Second Seating, you see the show first and then eat. If you are assigned Second Seating at booking, you can get on a wait list for Main Seating if that is what you prefer. If neither of these times work for your family, you can enjoy Casual Dining, Quick Service Dining, or 24 hour room service in your stateroom-all of which are included with your cruise fare.
What is Rotational Dining?
Rotational Dining is exclusive to Disney Cruise Line, and is what sets it apart from others. When you board Disney Cruise Line, you will be assigned a restaurant rotation. It tells you exactly when and where to go, and you get to enjoy three different restaurants on your voyage, rotating amongst the three for your dinners. You will have the same server at every dinner, which is so much fun!
What time should I arrive at the port?
Disney Cruise Line allows boarding to begin around noon. This being said, I always recommend to ANYONE to fly into Orlando or Miami the night before and enjoy a relaxing evening at a hotel. If your flight is delayed by any chance, you could miss your embarkation. You can set up transportation on the Disney Cruise Line bus, or many hotels provide complimentary transportation to the port.
When can I enter my stateroom?
It’s important to know that your stateroom will not be ready when you embark the ship. Most rooms are not ready until after 1:30PM. So, be sure to pack a day bag and enjoy lunch when you board. Take a tour of the ship, and you might even run into some characters! Also, be sure to pack your swimsuit in your day bag so you can enjoy the pools while waiting for your room.
What is a Navigator?
The Navigator tells you all the exciting opportunities, entertainment, and dining information on the ship. Pick one up when you embark the ship. It will tell you what is going on, and more importantly where you can eat lunch when you board. Your lunch at embarkation is included in your cruise fare, so you might as well enjoy it! Also, the Navigator is your “schedule” during your cruise. You will get a new one everyday. It will tell you what activities your children can enjoy, as well as live entertainment options.
Are you ready to plan your next family vacation? Let the Dream Team help you plan!