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More cruise questions....
Gosh for someone who's traveled so much, you'd think I've have this down pat, but I've never done a cruise before.... We depart on Saturday for our Disney cruise (on the Dream) and I just want to wrap up a few things.
- Will the cabins have a hair dryer (like hotels do) or should I bring my own? I have short hair, so I don't use it for blow outs, just a quick styling.
- We'll bring toiletries, but if I forget something (like shampoo or conditioner) will they have minis?
- What about DH's electric shaver? He should be able to plug that in, right?
- I don't plan on checking e-mail (I will be on vacation after all!) but I know with DH's job, he'll need to check in a few times during the week. I checked the Disney site and the Magic and Wonder have internet access, but I don't see anything about the Dream.
DH's mom organized the whole trip, so I'm not even sure what it all going on. Picking clothing is not a big deal, but these little things are driving me nuts. I think it's mostly because usually when we plan vacations, it's US doing the planning, I've never entrusted someone else to do it (and neither has DH).
I feel so silly asking these questions, but I figure I might as well control the things I CAN and hope that his mom did right on everything else...
I swim because I'm too damned sexy for a sport that requires real clothing.
Re: More cruise questions....
Disney has it all, so, no worries about toiletries, hair dryer, etc... The nice thing about Disney ships is that in most rooms it is divided into two. It makes the bathrooms more convenient for families as someone can use the toilet/sink while someone else is in the shower and you still have privacy.
Internet is available on the ship, but is a bit pricey. You may want to wait until ports to check email at a wifi spot if that's an option. I'm not sure which ports you are going to have. Otherwise, you can book a minutes package for the internet on board. It is best to buy a package if he's going to have to check it more than a few minutes.
Will the cabins have a hair dryer? Yes, but not a very efficient one. If you have short hair it should be enough, though.
Yes, basic toiletries like soap and shampoo will be in your cabin.
Should be no problem plugging in your DHs shaver. Disney ships have adequate voltage. (I cruised with NCL once on a ship built for the Asian market and several of the plugs needed converters and had wattage maximums, but you won't have that problem with Disney).
Email access will be available somewhere but beware, it's usually sold in packages (so you might have to buy more than you need) and it can be costly. You're smartphones will work but charges on those can be hefty, as well. Definitely check with your carrier before you leave.
Have fun! I loved our Disney cruise and wish we could do it again soon!
I would recommend checking email while in port (after exiting the ship). Several of the cruise terminals we have traveled through had free wi-fi in the terminal building. You can also locate internet cafes with rates much cheaper than the cruise ship. Just follow the line of cruise ship staff heading off the ship to video chat and email family members during their time off. (The staff usually knows the best places to find free or cheap wifi access!)
If you do decide to purchase the cruise ship Internet access be prepared for frustratingly slow speeds. My husband and I got engaged on a cruise in 2009 and we purchased approximately 100 minutes to email a selelct few family members our good news while on board. During that 1 1/2 plus timeframe that is all we were able to do.
At any rate, enjoy your vacation! I have heard wonderful things about the Disney cruiseline.
Other things I'd like to mention
RIDE THE AQUADUCK! It's so much fun. We made a point of getting on ASAP after boarding (we had our suits in our carry-on and changed right after embarkation. The lines are also much shorter at night.
The adults-only pool area gets VERY crowded, especially on sea days. You may just have to bite the bullet and swim in the kids pool. The upside to that is the fact that they have movies playing on the jumbotron all day and into the night.
Don't miss the sailaway party or the Pirates in the Caribbean party.
On the last night of the cruise, the characters all do a farewell show in the atrium. It's a great time to get a bunch of meet-and-greets out of the way. In the span of 25 minutes, we met with 5 characters.
Captain Henry (the ship's captain) does a Meet & Greet & Sign session- he's a really nice guy, and he actually does take a few minutes to speak with you and take a photo etc. He's so sweet!
Will you be stopping at the private island? I highly recommend the snorkel course (tons of hidden surprises) as well as the pelican plunge water slide. Do be aware, though, that baby jellyfish tend to hang out around the base, so I suggest showering down right after riding.
My biggest tip:
It's not on the menu, but the premium mickey ice cream bars (the delicious ones from the theme parks) are available to order 24/7 at no charge from room service. Be sure to have singles to tip with, but there's nothing better than ice cream in bed!
TTC #1 since 10.2011