We have cruised DCL a few times and while we love it, just couldn't keep stomaching the price. So, we have booked Mariner of the Seas next August (6 night eastern Caribbean) with a 2 bedroom suite. We know this particular ship is perhaps a bit dated, but are pumped for the value it seems to provide vs. our traditional Disney family veranda.
Anyways, I can and have done a decent amount of research on what to expect, but in general, what I haven't found is a summary of good strategies. For instance, on our first DCL cruise, we had family that cruise a lot and lined us out on several things. So, here are a few questions I have.
We are a family of 5, with 3 kids - 13, 11, and 8.
As soon as we board the ship, is the best play to go eat before all the crowds build?
Are there areas of the ship we should explore right after boarding (i.e. on DCL, kids clubs aren't open to adults during the cruise, but you can explore them when you board). We aren't casino people, but maybe will check it out before it is filled with people (and smoke).
Are there certain restaurants we must try and do we need to book them at a certain time? We aren't opposed to some specialty dining, but generally are okay with just MDR meals (we have done both Palo and Remy on DCL).
Being in a suite will be new to us - can we rely on concierge to get reservations for certain things on board later, or do we need to book things immediately as we come aboard?
I generally hate waiting in lines, so any strategies to "ebb" while the crowds are flowing the other direction?
Anyways, I can and have done a decent amount of research on what to expect, but in general, what I haven't found is a summary of good strategies. For instance, on our first DCL cruise, we had family that cruise a lot and lined us out on several things. So, here are a few questions I have.
We are a family of 5, with 3 kids - 13, 11, and 8.
As soon as we board the ship, is the best play to go eat before all the crowds build?
Are there areas of the ship we should explore right after boarding (i.e. on DCL, kids clubs aren't open to adults during the cruise, but you can explore them when you board). We aren't casino people, but maybe will check it out before it is filled with people (and smoke).
Are there certain restaurants we must try and do we need to book them at a certain time? We aren't opposed to some specialty dining, but generally are okay with just MDR meals (we have done both Palo and Remy on DCL).
Being in a suite will be new to us - can we rely on concierge to get reservations for certain things on board later, or do we need to book things immediately as we come aboard?
I generally hate waiting in lines, so any strategies to "ebb" while the crowds are flowing the other direction?