Planning Disney Cruise Vacation Part 4 -

Getting Ready to Sail

Your magical Disney cruise is approaching and now you are getting ready to set sail on your magical vacation. This is the last part of our series on Planning Disney Cruise Vacation.

I hope you have already read our  Disney Cruise packing tips. A Disney cruise is made for families and unless you are planning a special night at Palo or Remy you don’t have to worry about a formal night. You can dress casually every night without a jacket and tie for men. A polo shirt and pants for men and a sundress for women is fine. Of course if you do have a night planned at Palo or Remy you’ll want to be sure you get a little more dressed up with a jacket/tie (for the men).

Me own buccaneer!

Another night you might want to plan ahead for is your Pirate Party. If you are cruising on the Fantasy you can make reservations at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique which will turn into the Pirates League on that day. You can also just bring some items from home such as eye patches, some black make up. You can find even more ideas to dress like a pirate all over the internet. Don’t forget t learn some great pirate phrases me hearties!

As you are packing be sure to pack a day bag with bathing suites and whatever you  may want when you first arrive on the cruise. If you fly in you won’t see your luggage until its delivered to your room and even if you drive to the port they will take your luggage right away. So, if you plan on swimming when you get on board or take some pictures at the sail away party be sure you have that stuff with you. They will allow you to board as soon as everyone is off from the previous cruise. This can be as early as 12:30 although you won’t be allowed into your stateroom until it is cleaning (at least 1pm). I like to get to the port early so that I can be on board as soon as possible. We usually plan to eat lunch on the ship as well. While we are waiting in the terminal there are often Disney characters around so be sure you have your autograph mat and anything else you need with you in your day bag.

If you are driving to the port you can park at the port itself or at park n cruise. Its a couple miles from the port but it is cheaper. Of course where ever you choose to park it is at your own risk. Park n cruise does provide transportation to and from the port at no charge.

Lastly, as you arrive on the ship be sure to have your video camera rolling because you will be welcomed by name as you enter the ship. It always brings tears to my eyes and I wasn’t ready the first time. The staff will be clapping for you as you arrive and you are welcomed by name. You will feel like a movie star and be so glad you chose Disney Cruise Line for your vacation.

Bon Voyage!

This is the end of our Planning Disney Cruise Vacation series. Of course the most difficult part of Planning Disney Cruise Vacation is adjusting to normal life after its over but I don’t have many tips for that other than Planning Disney Cruise Vacation – Part 1