You know how there are some things in life that you are pretty sure you are never going to do? Like, I don't think I will ever climb Mt. Everest. Just not my thing. Not even in one of those fantastical "what if" moments. I don't think I'll ever perform on stage. I love the theatre but I'm more of an audience kind of gal. Plus, there is the little issue of lack of talent and experience but, whatever.
And for a very long time one of those things I was never going to do was go on a cruise. Nope, not interested. To be honest, every single time I have ever been on a boat (I know, I know, it's a ship) I have been extremely sea sick and because of this a cruise was simply not a consideration. I mean, I like the idea of it. A resort on the water, built in entertainment, childcare, lots of food. But the motion. I just couldn't stomach it. I kept flashing back 15 years ago to myself on a family trip to my dad's home of Newfoundland. I was all Gravoled up in my dad's pal's tiny fishing dory struggling through the white cap waves on the Atlantic while I heaved over the edge and they breathed Newfie Screech breath into my face. *shudder* NEVER wanted to going there again.
The Disney Wonder.
But then the kind folks at Disney invited me to join them on a voyage with the Disney Wonder on a 7 night cruise to the Mexican Riviera. My first thought was "I can't do it" but then I started thinking and wondered whether this was an opportunity. Maybe this was a chance to experience something I would have never done on my own. Maybe this was one of those times when I got the chance to face a fear and overcome it. Plus, what a fabulous opportunity to spend time with my kids and get a chance to write about Disney Cruises!
So, in two days my kids, my sis-in-law and I will head to Disneyland in Los Angeles and set sail on our first ever *gulp* cruise! I am armed with every possible motion sickness remedy you can imagine but am feeling oddly optimistic.
But I could definitely use some advice. Are any of you "Cruisers"? Any tips and tricks? And most importantly, what the heck do we wear for "formal" dinners?!
That's awesome! I am very jealous!! I've been on two cruises, Alaksa and the Mediterranean. Here's my best piece of advice, and I know that Kath can attest to this because we both used these in the Med...go to the drugstore and purchase these little patches that go behind your ear. It's basically a constant supply of low dose gravol, but it will really help! The most important thing is to put it on 24 hours before your cruise departs. If I remember correctly you have to change the patch every 48 hours or so. They do sell them on the boat (ahem...ship) but they will be SUPER expensive.
If you or your kids drink pop, see if there is an option to pay for 'unlimited pop' otherwise you will pay $3 per glass. Be careful about boozy beverages offered to you in take-home souvenier glasses, you will pay up to $15 for that drink if you accept! However, if Disney is paying for all your incidentals while on board, then put the kids in the kids' program, find a deck chair and tell them to keep them coming!
As for formal night, not sure about Disney cruises, but on most ships formal means FORMAL. Like, ballgown and tux formal. You can get away with a cocktail dress, but if you aren't on that kind of holiday, you don't have to participate. Formal is always optional - the main dinning room will be formal on certain nights, but you can always go to the family (aka buffet) restaurant those nights.
Don't pack too much - the rooms are small. Bring 2 bathing suits for everyone (one to leave drying and one to wear), pack sunscreen (it's super expensive on board, and I got a sunburn in San Diego in January), and for goodness sake - only use your cell phone in port, and not in open water!!! The cell charges while in open water are something like $4.95 PER MINUTE. Consider calling your provider and getting put on a roaming plan so you can use it while in LA and possibly in Mexico.
Oh, and internet is super expensive on cruise ships, so my best advice is leave the laptop at home and just have an awesome time! Take tons of pics!
Great tips, Laura! I already picked up a few packages of the anti-nausea patch. As for the formal dinner, I have a cocktail dress and bought my son pants, dress shirt and tie (but he will have to wear running shoes!). I hope this is OK.
Thanks for all of your suggestions! I'll report back.
I'm so like you - I always said no way. I can't wait to hear what it's like! I'm assuming your kids are going too???
Yup. Kids, sis-in-law and me. Poor hubby can't come :(
Oh take us with you!!!
We saw the new Disney Cruise on The View yesterday. Poor Cuyler kept saying "I'm going there!" and he kept rewinding the part where they showed "Andy's Room". He was beside himself with excitement. We better start saving!!
We've never been on a family vacay. I have a feeling that Disney will likely be our first family trip!
Oh and my mum said that when they were on their cruise it didn't feel like she was on a boat. Not much swaying or motion. She said it was quite calming at night.
Have a BLAST!! Can't wait to hear the review!!
What you saw on The View was the new Disney Dream cruise ship. I am going on the Disney Wonder. Not as new but, I am sure, equally as fun!
I will let you know my thoughts but, in my opinion, one can never go wrong with kids and Disney!
Lucky dog! I read the review of the ship in the Globe and it sounds beautiful. I too am not too keen on the cruise idea but have heard such great things about the Disney cruises I am sure we will try it one day.
A close friend who has worked on cruise ships for ten years tells me you don't even feel the ship moving but if you do feel sick, just get some green apples. She said the ship has them everywhere and even the scent of them is supposed to reduce nausea. Worth a try.
Have a great time!
Jen, I am so very jealous, but can hardly wait to hear about all of your adventures when you return.
I am not a huge expert on cruising (I've only been on one), but we had an absolute blast. We were traveling with my husband's family (ages 3-83) & there was something for everyone. The kids raved about their kids program & insisted that we go see their "school" & meet their "teachers." When you get on board, just walk around & get a lay of the land (sea, maybe?). Sign the kids up for their respective programs & get a drink (not necessarily in that order!!). As far as the nausea, do you have ginger (I think it comes in pills & gum)? Plus the ocean is normally not that rough this time of year. As far as the kids go, have you thought of bringing some snacks with you that you know they eat? Granola bars, nutrigrain bars, chex mix, etc. Even though there are tons of food choices, having familiar snacks often help both on & off the ship.
What I can profess to be an expert about is LA & specifically the port of LA, San Pedro (if you want to really fit in it is pronounced Pee-dro, silly, but that's what the "locals" say!!) because we lived there for 8 of the last 14 years. It truly is a port town, so some areas are a little, shall I say seedy. But don't worry, you can drive anywhere around town safely. But there are some fantastic restaurants. A great place for dinner is an area called Ports-o-Call, which has shopping & all kinds of restaurants. Acapulco is a good Mexican place with fantastic margaritas. If you are having breakfast in San Pedro, you have to try Lighthouse Cafe. Everything there is fabulous. Also if you have an hour spare, check out Polly Ann's Bakery on 8th St (you'll be a stones throw from our old house there). They have the most amazing date squares that remind me of the ones Mom Clarke used to make, that is before she started leaving things out like butter, or dates. I'm not quite sure if you will have a car, but if you do, you have to take a drive around the back of "the hill" through Portuguese Bend on Palos Verdes Dr S. Fantastic views, & wonderful places to stop & take pics, particularly good sunset pics. Also if you go down the road marked for Trump National Estates, at the end is a little park (with bathrooms, bonus!!) with fantastic trails that take you over to Trump National Golf course (which your little golfer might enjoy seeing, & the clubhouse is quite amazing & open to the public. Great food but quite expensive) & also down to the ocean where there are tide pools for the kids to explore.
Not quite sure if you are going to Disneyland, but the absolute best place to get a reasonably-priced lunch is the Carnation Cafe on Main Street. Stop by on your way into the park & get a lunchtime reservation. Also, a cheap, but fantastic souvenir is the Silhouette Studio on Main St. The woman will amaze you with the fact that in about 30 sec she hand cuts a beautiful silhouette of you or your kids. $9, for a totally unique & personalized D-land souvenir? Can't beat it.
Have a fantastic time!! Hopefully you were able to pick a few things out of this tome that I have written!! ;) (Also, we went on that very same whale watching tour....catching possibly every third word out of some of the Newfies!!)
Wow, Margot! We have a few hours so I will check this stuff out!
what's that? you can't go? oh, well, i guess i could take your place. i don't mind...really! :-)
you are so lucky and i am absolutely seething with jealousy (but it's short lived as you work hard and deserve it!) very happy for you!
I am absolutely terrified of cruises.
TERRIFIED of being sick.
Good for you for facing your fears!! I can't wait to hear how it goes!
I've never been on a cruise, but I would LOVE to go! (I'm sure you won't feel it move at all - it's gonna be awesome!!) And I can't say for certain, but I get the feeling "formal" dining is to ensure people won't wear shorts, sandals and baseball caps to dinner. *shudders*
I'm so freaking excited for you, Jen! Promise to have a blast... and then find something else to cross off your "not gonna happen" list. YAY!!
You will love it! We sailed on the Wonder and one of our favourite things was dinner time (you get the same servers each night and they are so wonderful and fun and even cut up our son's food for him!!). We also loved all of the activities and shows that were fun to do together as a family. The kids' clubs had lots of age-appropriate things to do and excellent staff! One tip: Save yourself $50/person buy bringing your own pirate and princess gear as there's bound to be a themed evening. Have fun!
Thanks, Jen! I have heard about the service being fabulous. My biggest concern is for my tween son - too old for kids' clubs but not quite a teen. I hope he can find a place to "hang" and have fun!
Oh, and we have already invested in Pirate wear! Arrrrgh matey ;)
Bon voyage, Jen! I can't wait to hear about this adventure!
went on an Alaska cruise last summer- formal wear? Have fun with it- take a long dress if you feel like it- why not? any dress Jen or fancy black pants and pretty evening top- you will see everything - full on glam and bermuda shorts likely.
This is really exciting Jen. You will have a wonderful time!!! Look at all the events the night before so you can plan what you do and don't want to do. Ask the shop people where the less crowded spots on the ship are. Bon Voyage !!!
Hope you are having an amazing time Jen. I went on a cruise when I was pregnant with my 1st and thought it was ok. We were on a smaller boat filled with lots of old people, so that part was sort of boring. However, going to all the different Islands made it worth it.
Can't wait to hear all a bout it when you get back -- I expect a post with tons of pics!!
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