By: Arlene Sealy, a Marvelous Mouse Travels agent
Hello I am Arlene Sealy and I have been a MMT travel agent for about 3 years. I recently was lucky enough to experience a Disney Cruise on the Disney Dream out of Port Canaveral. It was my first time sailing on the Disney Cruise Line. I would like to share my thoughts on what a first time DCL cruiser may find informative. The first thing to know is everything as this time with travel is fluid and changing frequently. I will be sharing my experiences from my sailing September 2021. So, let’s get started.
Everyone needs to start with downloading the DCL app to their phone. This is important to have so you can stay up to date on announcements prior to your cruise and during your cruise. You can easily download it and then connect your stateroom reservation. You will be using this to complete pre-boarding information. The app will prompt you with what you need to pre-register as well as what is needed to show proof of vaccination status or covid test. You will find that the app is necessary when on the ship. This will be used to pre-purchase excursions, purchase internet, locate a map of the ship, find onboard activities of interest, and see your daily plans. Make sure to bring a power bank because you will find that you will be using your phone throughout your journey.
If you are a Disney character fan like me, you will experience character overload. They are accessible and located all over the ship. I was thrilled to be greeted every morning in the lobby with many Disney characters. I never had a day when I didn’t see at least 10 or more characters. It was fun to interact with them. They also had themed clothing each day. I was on the Halloween on the High Seas sailing. One night was Halloween costumes, plus a Halloween Dance Party on the deck. A pirate night was another theme. So, make sure you pack your costumes.
It’s also good to know that the merchandise on the cruise and at Castaway Cay are unique to those locations. You will not find this merchandise being sold anywhere else. So be prepared to indulge in Disney souvenirs and specialty items. I purchased my DCL themed coffee mug, magnet, and Christmas ornament. There are so many options to chose both on the ship and on Castaway Cay.
As you may know, tips can be included when booking your sailing with DCL. The service you experience on the ship is out of this world. Towards the end of your trip, you will receive tip envelopes for your steward and table staff in your stateroom. The steward and table staff will be assisting you throughout your cruise. If you find that they performed excellent service you can add more to the tip envelopes. You will then bring them to the individuals on your last night. So, make sure that you have some cash for those tips. I also tipped the shuttle bus driver and our room service attendant. If you don’t have cash, guest services can cash a check up to $100.
The last tip for first timers is just relax and have fun!! There is so much to see and do on the ship. Make sure you wander around and discover all there is to offer. There is so much for adults, kids, and families to experience. I am already planning my next cruise with my granddaughters. I hope to see you all as we sail away with Disney.
Please reach out to Arlene, an agent with Marvelous Mouse Travels to plan your next vacation or you may contact Marvelous Mouse Travels.
