Any tips for our 1st DCL cruise (next week!) on the Wish?

[WishUponAStar3]

I can’t believe our cruise is nearly here!! We’ll be sailing on the Wish July 1-5 in a Concierge Family Stateroom w/Verandah, and it’ll be me and my husband, our 7-year-old son and 2-year-old daughter. I last cruised in my teens and my kids have never cruised before, but we are a total Disney family/parks veterans. I’d be grateful for any and all tips you might have before we go! Especially tips for 1st-time cruisers, seasickness prevention (we’re 12th floor forward), general illness prevention on a cruise, and any specific must-do’s on the Wish and in concierge? Oh, and any Castaway Cay must-do’s too- we are on the waitlist for a cabana but I’m assuming we won’t have one and am looking forward to exploring the island.

Thank you so much in advance!!

 

[auntlynne]

Put all your boarding documents in a zip plastic bag. Print out your boarding pass - it just is easier. Have them ready when you arrive.

You are going to have a separate line for check-in. You may be directed to it. If not, once you are in the building, downstairs, head to the far right. That’s where the Concierge guest line is. Well, not much of a line. You still have your documents out and ready until you go through here. Ignore most lines up to this point. They are not for you.

Wear something fun or pretty for photos of your family as you enter.

There’s a Concierge Waiting Area. I don’t know if you spend any time in the main terminal waiting area, where there is a large model of the Magic and floors with a built-in map of the Bahamas (very nicely done).

The rest of us have our room keys waiting outside our cabins, in a secure envelope. I expect you will be escorted into the ship.

Your family will be announced by whatever name your offer to the Cast Member before entering the ship in the atrium level. This happens for all guests.

Follow your Concierge host. Maybe it’s straight to the restaurant for lunch, 1923, or upstairs to the Concierge Lounge and cabins.

Honestly, there’s not so much you have to know.

Do not go to general Guest Services for info or help - you have the Hosts in your lounge for those needs.

Remember, no swim diapers in pools.

Your dining room attendants should be helpful with questions there. Kids and adults can order from either’s menu. You can order as little or as much as you want. If you need simple fruit, pasta, veggies, salad that may not be mentioned on the menu… just ask.

Check out the food in the Lounge as you head to meals to see what is on offer.

The pool deck quick service food (Cantina, BBQ) are unique to the Wish.

Leave your beach towels at home. They are provided. Don’t forget sunscreen. And a second bathing suit.

Lunch hours in Castaway are limited; pay attention to that.

If you don’t get a Cabana, the beach is very nice. Loungers and umbrellas provided.

And look for churro Mickey waffles each morning in the buffet until the one day they are available. Maybe the juice dispenser will have Jungle Juice. I hear there might be Dole Whip on the Concierge Sun deck.

DCL app on phone? Turn phone to airplane mode before sailing away.

iPhone Messenger works onboard to each other and to reach friends left behind while you cruise. It’s no extra charge (but keep it in airplane mode).

And…Enjoy yourself. Bon Voyage.

 

[Lillebelle]

1) Recommend bringing or just proactively taking Bonine if you're worried about seasickness
2) Really make use of the concierge hosts; it's a bit trickier on the Wish to get to know them since there are so many but even so, they're there to help you with whatever you need so do take advantage of that!
3) Similarly, make sure you check out both the in-lounge hot food menu and the special concierge room service menu as they're easy to miss
4) Be sure to hit up the Nursery Open House the first day (times should be in the Navigator app) if you intend to send your 2 year old to the nursery at all
5) If your kids like characters, consider bringing something to sign and fun-colored pens. You can get a standard Disney autograph book in the store but we did a picture frame mat on a recent trip and that was a fun alternative.

My favorite bar on the Wish was Nightingales FWIW, if that fits into your plans. And the Hooks Barbery 'speakeasy' was also a lot of fun if you like an Old Fashioned. I know it's hard to get out with little kids though.

I hope you have an amazing time!

 

[ladyofthetramp]

Let the greeter at the port know you are concierge-they will direct you to the right line and after check in you will be escorted to the lounge where you will begin to meet the hosts.
Do the sit down concierge lunch-another opportunity to meet hosts and discuss your plans.
Use the lounge! And the hosts!- drinks, snacks, information-anything
Use the concierge sun deck- bar drinks for adults, dole whips for adults and kids
We use the lounge as a quiet option for breakfast-great coffee, and hot offerings
Our last trip concierge had their own character meet and greet. Ask the host where and when it may be.
Going to the show? Grab a cocktail/glass of wine from the lounge, free popcorn and follow the hosts-priority seating at the show
If they don't check in with you (they should)-check in with them. Introduce yourself, ask questions
And don't worry about the cabana-it will not make or break your day on Castaway. We have done both. Nice to have, but not necessary to having an amazing time.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[Drfate102]

Eat a lot of brisket and ice cream cones.

 

[sponica]

I went with a 7 yr old and not fully potty trained 3 year old.

Unless your 2 year old is one of those who is actually fully potty trained (I know they exist, but I never had that luck or motivation), be prepared to divide and conquer at the pools. The 2 year old will love the splash pad but the 7 year old will get bored in that part of the pool deck.

As far as illness prevention, it's the same as on dry land. Wash your hands, cover your mouth when you cough, that sort of stuff.

 

[Kit Jackson]

The Concierge lounge has different snacks during the day. If you want a small breakfast, you can get fruit and breakfast pastries in there.

Meet in the Concierge lounge before the show. They will give you priority seating and free popcorn.

Bonine for motion sickness is great. Also, just in case, I recommend Pepto Bismal in pill form (including chewable) which is a wonderful invention.

The churro waffles are amazing. I only went to Cabanas on the day they had them and did Concierge or the Main Dining Room for breakfast the rest of my trip.

Are you into character meet and greets?

 

[WishUponAStar3]

Put all your boarding documents in a zip plastic bag. Print out your boarding pass - it just is easier. Have them ready when you arrive.

You are going to have a separate line for check-in. You may be directed to it. If not, once you are in the building, downstairs, head to the far right. That’s where the Concierge guest line is. Well, not much of a line. You still have your documents out and ready until you go through here. Ignore most lines up to this point. They are not for you.

Wear something fun or pretty for photos of your family as you enter.

There’s a Concierge Waiting Area. I don’t know if you spend any time in the main terminal waiting area, where there is a large model of the Magic and floors with a built-in map of the Bahamas (very nicely done).

The rest of us have our room keys waiting outside our cabins, in a secure envelope. I expect you will be escorted into the ship.

Your family will be announced by whatever name your offer to the Cast Member before entering the ship in the atrium level. This happens for all guests.

Follow your Concierge host. Maybe it’s straight to the restaurant for lunch, 1923, or upstairs to the Concierge Lounge and cabins.

Honestly, there’s not so much you have to know.

Do not go to general Guest Services for info or help - you have the Hosts in your lounge for those needs.

Remember, no swim diapers in pools.

Your dining room attendants should be helpful with questions there. Kids and adults can order from either’s menu. You can order as little or as much as you want. If you need simple fruit, pasta, veggies, salad that may not be mentioned on the menu… just ask.

Check out the food in the Lounge as you head to meals to see what is on offer.

The pool deck quick service food (Cantina, BBQ) are unique to the Wish.

Leave your beach towels at home. They are provided. Don’t forget sunscreen. And a second bathing suit.

Lunch hours in Castaway are limited; pay attention to that.

If you don’t get a Cabana, the beach is very nice. Loungers and umbrellas provided.

And look for churro Mickey waffles each morning in the buffet until the one day they are available. Maybe the juice dispenser will have Jungle Juice. I hear there might be Dole Whip on the Concierge Sun deck.

DCL app on phone? Turn phone to airplane mode before sailing away.

iPhone Messenger works onboard to each other and to reach friends left behind while you cruise. It’s no extra charge (but keep it in airplane mode).

And…Enjoy yourself. Bon Voyage.

Thank you SO much for this amazingly helpful and detailed reply, @auntlynne! So kind of you to take the time. I’m adding all your tips to our itinerary!

 

[WishUponAStar3]

1) Recommend bringing or just proactively taking Bonine if you're worried about seasickness
2) Really make use of the concierge hosts; it's a bit trickier on the Wish to get to know them since there are so many but even so, they're there to help you with whatever you need so do take advantage of that!
3) Similarly, make sure you check out both the in-lounge hot food menu and the special concierge room service menu as they're easy to miss
4) Be sure to hit up the Nursery Open House the first day (times should be in the Navigator app) if you intend to send your 2 year old to the nursery at all
5) If your kids like characters, consider bringing something to sign and fun-colored pens. You can get a standard Disney autograph book in the store but we did a picture frame mat on a recent trip and that was a fun alternative.

My favorite bar on the Wish was Nightingales FWIW, if that fits into your plans. And the Hooks Barbery 'speakeasy' was also a lot of fun if you like an Old Fashioned. I know it's hard to get out with little kids though.

I hope you have an amazing time!

These are great suggestions, thank you!!

 

[WishUponAStar3]

Let the greeter at the port know you are concierge-they will direct you to the right line and after check in you will be escorted to the lounge where you will begin to meet the hosts.
Do the sit down concierge lunch-another opportunity to meet hosts and discuss your plans.
Use the lounge! And the hosts!- drinks, snacks, information-anything
Use the concierge sun deck- bar drinks for adults, dole whips for adults and kids
We use the lounge as a quiet option for breakfast-great coffee, and hot offerings
Our last trip concierge had their own character meet and greet. Ask the host where and when it may be.
Going to the show? Grab a cocktail/glass of wine from the lounge, free popcorn and follow the hosts-priority seating at the show
If they don't check in with you (they should)-check in with them. Introduce yourself, ask questions
And don't worry about the cabana-it will not make or break your day on Castaway. We have done both. Nice to have, but not necessary to having an amazing time.

Enjoy your cruise!

This all sounds amazing, thank you @ladyofthetramp for getting me even more excited!,

 

[WishUponAStar3]

The Concierge lounge has different snacks during the day. If you want a small breakfast, you can get fruit and breakfast pastries in there.

Meet in the Concierge lounge before the show. They will give you priority seating and free popcorn.

Bonine for motion sickness is great. Also, just in case, I recommend Pepto Bismal in pill form (including chewable) which is a wonderful invention.

The churro waffles are amazing. I only went to Cabanas on the day they had them and did Concierge or the Main Dining Room for breakfast the rest of my trip.

Are you into character meet and greets?

Thank you so much! Is Bonine Rx-only? I think I remember hearing kids have to be over 12 to take it too, in which case maybe I should bring non-drowsy Dramamine instead? And YES, we love character meet and greets!

 

[CarolynFH]

Thank you so much! Is Bonine Rx-only? I think I remember hearing kids have to be over 12 to take it too, in which case maybe I should bring non-drowsy Dramamine instead? And YES, we love character meet and greets!

Bonine is not Rx - it’s the same thing as non-drowsy Dramamine. Read the label on the package as far as using it with kids and consult your doctor if unsure.

 

[auntlynne]

Guest services has Bonine if you forget, run out or don’t pack. Free.

Ginger chews/ anything ginger.

 

[Cheburashka]

Bring Bonine and ginger candy just in case of seasickness, but do not take any of it unless someone actually feels queasy. Cruise ships are very stable (a different world from being on a small boat) and most people do not have any problems with seasickness onboard. Preemptive medication for first timers would likely just lead to unnecessary medication.

I bring both on every cruise just to be on the safe side, but out of a dozen cruises in different types of waters with me and three co-cruisers of very different ages and health statuses, no one has ever needed any of it. And I'm a person who has dealt with motion sickness on land and small boats.

 

[sponica]

Your mileage may vary with ginger candy. I don't find it helps and really just makes me more nauseated.

 

[WishUponAStar3]

Bring Bonine and ginger candy just in case of seasickness, but do not take any of it unless someone actually feels queasy. Cruise ships are very stable (a different world from being on a small boat) and most people do not have any problems with seasickness onboard. Preemptive medication for first timers would likely just lead to unnecessary medication.

I bring both on every cruise just to be on the safe side, but out of a dozen cruises in different types of waters with me and three co-cruisers of very different ages and health statuses, no one has ever needed any of it. And I'm a person who has dealt with motion sickness on land and small boats.

Awesome, thank you so much for the recommendation!!

 

[Scubadaddy32]

I can’t believe our cruise is nearly here!! We’ll be sailing on the Wish July 1-5 in a Concierge Family Stateroom w/Verandah, and it’ll be me and my husband, our 7-year-old son and 2-year-old daughter. I last cruised in my teens and my kids have never cruised before, but we are a total Disney family/parks veterans. I’d be grateful for any and all tips you might have before we go! Especially tips for 1st-time cruisers, seasickness prevention (we’re 12th floor forward), general illness prevention on a cruise, and any specific must-do’s on the Wish and in concierge? Oh, and any Castaway Cay must-do’s too- we are on the waitlist for a cabana but I’m assuming we won’t have one and am looking forward to exploring the island.

Thank you so much in advance!!

The stingray feeding and petting was a lot of fun at CC.
We felt like purchasing the picture package was well worth the money. We got tons of great pictures.
When we were eating at 1923 we noticed they had a lobster salad on the menu in the "lighter notes" section. So we all ordered the steak and asked the waiter if we could have a lobster tail with some drawn butter for a little surf and turf and of course they made it happen for us. We also love lamb chops, so the waiter brought our table an entire plate of just the lamb chops along with our entrée's. We tried multiple other apps, entrees and desserts at all the sit down restaurants. Just keep in mind you can order as much off the menu as you would like and even add or subtract things from dishes. We ordered the chicken schnitzel as an extra entrée at the Marvels restaurant and I asked for a side of sauce that comes with the Mystic pasta for the chicken. We also ordered the lamb shawarma salad off the lighter notes menu at Marvel for the table as well as a bowl of the meatballs at Arenelle to accompany our entree selections.
We'd recommend familiarizing yourself with the menus before dining at each restaurant. That way you aren't going in blind and read the entire menu as you may see something you would like to try or pair with another offering like we did with the lobster off the "lighter notes" as well.
Menus: https://freestyletravelers.com/disney-cruise-line-menus
Also, keep in mind there is pirate night with a different menu. We themed up our outfits that night and had a little fun with our pictures.
Be friendly to your wait staff as they will follow you from restaurant to restaurant each night. Ask them a lot of questions, as they will typically steer you to the more popular items and steer you away from the lesser items.

 

[Kit Jackson]

Thank you so much! Is Bonine Rx-only? I think I remember hearing kids have to be over 12 to take it too, in which case maybe I should bring non-drowsy Dramamine instead? And YES, we love character meet and greets!

Bonine is over the counter. It used to available at retail pharmacies like CVS or Walgreens, but lately I've only been able to get it at amazon. It is for children 12 and over.

If you love meet and greets, the characters have multiple outfits. Also, most will sign autograph books. The PhotoPass photographers do some magic shots on the walking deck. I am not sure what outfits you will see the characters in on your cruise, because it will depend on what kind of days you have. The characters have regular outfits, nautical outfits, pirate outfits, formal outfits, and beach outfits, but what you see depends on the length of the cruise and what kind of nights you have and if you stop at one of Disney's Cays.

 

[WishUponAStar3]

The stingray feeding and petting was a lot of fun at CC.
We felt like purchasing the picture package was well worth the money. We got tons of great pictures.
When we were eating at 1923 we noticed they had a lobster salad on the menu in the "lighter notes" section. So we all ordered the steak and asked the waiter if we could have a lobster tail with some drawn butter for a little surf and turf and of course they made it happen for us. We also love lamb chops, so the waiter brought our table an entire plate of just the lamb chops along with our entrée's. We tried multiple other apps, entrees and desserts at all the sit down restaurants. Just keep in mind you can order as much off the menu as you would like and even add or subtract things from dishes. We ordered the chicken schnitzel as an extra entrée at the Marvels restaurant and I asked for a side of sauce that comes with the Mystic pasta for the chicken. We also ordered the lamb shawarma salad off the lighter notes menu at Marvel for the table as well as a bowl of the meatballs at Arenelle to accompany our entree selections.
We'd recommend familiarizing yourself with the menus before dining at each restaurant. That way you aren't going in blind and read the entire menu as you may see something you would like to try or pair with another offering like we did with the lobster off the "lighter notes" as well.
Menus: https://freestyletravelers.com/disney-cruise-line-menus
Also, keep in mind there is pirate night with a different menu. We themed up our outfits that night and had a little fun with our pictures.
Be friendly to your wait staff as they will follow you from restaurant to restaurant each night. Ask them a lot of questions, as they will typically steer you to the more popular items and steer you away from the lesser items.

Such great tips, thank you!!