Cruising is a great way to see new parts of the world! No matter which cruise line you're sailing on, there are some general things to know about cruising. Please take a moment to read this information, then see below for tips for your specific cruise line.

• Passports are strongly recommended and sometimes required for cruises. Make sure everyone in your family has one!

• Passports must be at least 6 months from expiring.

• Most cruise lines have airport shuttles. Let me know if you need transportation to/from the airport.

• If you are flying, I recommend flying in the day before your cruise. A flight delay could result in a missed ship if you fly on the day of your cruise.

• If you get off of the cruise when it stops at various ports, make sure you bring your passport with you in a SAFE, SECURE carrying bag/fanny pack. (Security and safety trump fashion here!) Make sure you return to the ship with plenty of time to spare. THEY WILL LEAVE YOU BEHIND if you are not back on the ship on time!

A Disney cruise brings families together to create long-lasting memories with original, musical live shows, dazzling deck parties, incredible destinations like our private island and so much more.

Disney currently has four ships (with two more coming soon!): The Disney Dream, The Disney Fantasy, The Disney Wonder, and the Disney Magic. The Dream and Wonder are sister ships with almost identical layouts as are the Fantasy and Wonder.

A Disney Cruise is great choice for families because there is so much INCLUDED in your cruise fare:

• Character meet and greets

• Kids' Clubs for kids ages 3 and up (A pay-by-the-hour nursery is available for children 0-2)

• Broadway quality shows

• Rotational dining: Even though your rotate throuh the ship's restaurants each evening for dinner, your server stays with you each night.This means they get to know your family and what every person likes and dislikes as well as note any allergies and communicate them with the kitchen.

• Bahamian and Caribbean cruises stop at Castaway Cay, Disney's private island

• And much, much more!

THINGS TO KNOW IF YOU'RE CRUISING WITH DISNEY:

• Book early. Prices will go up the closer you get to the departure date.

• Final payment is due 75 days before departure.

• Also at 75 days before departure, first time cruisers can book on board activities, excursions, and meals at Palo and Remy (adult only dining)

• Most places on the ship are "cruise casual" for dress, however; more formal attire is requested for Palo and Remy. You'll also want to pack something for pirate night! Click here for dress code guidelines.

• Disney will sometimes pair you with another family for dinner. They try to pair you with a family with children of similar ages so that they can chat and become buddies! Let me know if your prefer to not be seated with another family.

• Make sure to download the Disney Cruise Navigator app to see ship information and daily activities.

• Click here for our podcast episode all about Disney cruising!

DCL Timeline

After booking:

Locate your passports and make sure they will be at least six months from expiration when you cruise. For example, if you cruise in June 2023, you'll want your passports to expire no sooner than December of 2023. For most Disney Cruises, you can also use a birth certificate and photo ID for identification, but passports are preferred.

Download the Disney Cruise Navigator app. You will use this app to book onboard activities and shore excursions. When you board the ship, you will see each day's activities on the app as well!

The app will also tell you when you can complete online check-in (typically 75 days before sailing), which is super important!

Before your final payment:

Before your final payment, you can add travel protection and prepay your gratuties. Final payment dates vary, so I will tell you when your exact final payment day is.

What you'll need for online check-in:

Names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses for all passengers (children do not require email addresses).

Names and phone number of your emergency contact person.

Passport or Birth Certificate/photo ID (You'll upload images of these).

Flight information if you're flying

1-2 months before you sail:

Book your pre-cruise and/or post-cruise hotel stay (I can assist with this).

Let me know if you are flying and need transportation from the airport to the port.

You can schedule a character call to tell your kids you're going on a Disney Cruise! Character Calls—complimentary, pre-recorded phone calls from select Disney characters wishing you well on your sailing—are a fun way to get the entire family excited about an approaching Disney cruise vacation. After you’ve booked your cruise, visit My Reservations under My Disney Cruise and select “Request Call” beside the Free Character Call header. This link will take you to a site where you can choose a Disney character, enter your phone number, schedule a call time and provide additional information for your Character Call. You will also have the opportunity to read about the current call policies and get answers to common questions, including what to do if you miss your call.

One week before you sail:

Start packing! Click here for my DCL packing list.

Royal Caribbean has a vast fleet of ships, including the world's largest ships in its Oasis Class. The newer ships such as those in the Oasis class are like floating shopping malls with many things to do on board. Some of the older ships may not have as many activities. When you book your cruise, note the ship and what is available on it.

You can book activities from spa treatments to excursions on Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner. Just go to RoyalCaribbean.com and click Manage My Cruise to get started. You'll need your cruise reservation number.

You can check in on the Royal Caribbean International app 72 hours before your sail date. When checking in, you will need the ship name, sailing date, RCCL reservation number, passport, home address, emergency contact, travel plans before and after your cruise, and credit card to use for your onboard expense account.

See more information at the Royal Caribbean Set Sail Guide.