{"id":13833,"date":"2011-05-04T07:00:42","date_gmt":"2011-05-04T12:00:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/?p=13833"},"modified":"2017-03-20T14:24:17","modified_gmt":"2017-03-20T19:24:17","slug":"cruise-vacations-5-tips-for-your-first-cruise-on-disney-dream","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/2011\/05\/cruise-vacations-5-tips-for-your-first-cruise-on-disney-dream\/","title":{"rendered":"5 tips for your first cruise on Disney Dream"},"content":{"rendered":"
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A Personal Navigator? Rotating servers? Scope out all the amenities aboard the Disney Dream.<\/p><\/div>\n

By Jill E. Cooper<\/em><\/p>\n

Four months ago I began the overwhelming process of planning my first Disney cruise. Impressed by all the amazing itineraries offered by the Disney Cruise Line<\/a>, I finally narrowed the field to the Disney Dream<\/a>, a journey that I happily took again. To keep your sail smooth, I’ve compiled a list of 5 things every Disney Dream cruiser should know before hitting the high seas.<\/p>\n

1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Whether you book a three-, four-, or five-day cruise, plan to hit the ground running.<\/strong>
\nThe Dream is 40 percent larger than Disney\u2019s groundbreaking Magic and Wonder.\u00a0 That means you’ll have plenty of ground to cover in the all-too-short time you\u2019ll spend aboard ship on your cruise.\u00a0 Grab a Personal Navigator<\/em> (the ship\u2019s daily activities guide) and plan your attack as you await your boarding call in the Disney Cruise Line terminal.\u00a0 Start your first day on ship with a free guided tour of the vessel or by signing up for the virtual Midship Detective Agency game.\u00a0 This is a great way to gain familiarity with the ship that you will call home for the next few days.<\/p>\n

2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 After booking your Disney cruise, check out your options for port adventures.<\/strong>
\nThe Aquaventure waterpark at Nassau\u2019s Paradise Island Resort and Castaway Ray\u2019s Stingray Adventure on Castaway Cay were huge highlights for my 11-year-old son.\u00a0 Had we not reserved these port adventure online before we sailed, we would have missed out on these memorable experiences.<\/p>\n

3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Head to the Senses Spa on day one of your cruise.<\/strong>
\nMost guests are distracted by other attractions (like the amazing AquaDuck watercoaster<\/a>) the first day, so you will often find discounts available if you book spa services on the day of embarkation.<\/p>\n

4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Get to know your servers in Disney\u2019s clever rotational dining system.<\/strong>
\nAlthough you will eat in a different enchanting restaurant each night on a three day Disney cruise, your servers will follow you in your rotation. \u00a0The 1,400 crew members who staff the Dream represent more than 60 countries and are truly fascinating people to meet.\u00a0 It\u2019s a special treat to have that familiarity at each meal and get to know these engaging people who will be taking care of you during your voyage.<\/p>\n

5.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Buy any must-have souvenirs on board the Disney Dream before the morning your voyage ends.<\/strong>
\nWhitecaps, Mickey\u2019s Mainsail and other merchandise stops on board the ship are only open for business while the ship is at sea.\u00a0 Once you dock at Port Canaveral, these shops are closed.<\/p>\n

Related resources<\/strong><\/p>\n