| Met? | PARK | LOCATION | CHARACTER |
| MK | Town Square Theatre | Mickey Mouse | |
| MK | Tomorrowland | Buzz Lightyear | |
| MK | Cinderella Fountain (on backside of Castle) | Anastasia | |
| MK | Cinderella Fountain (on backside of Castle) | Drizella | |
| MK | Ariel's Grotto | Ariel (from Animated Movie) | |
| MK | Fairytale Hall | Cinderella | |
| MK | Fairytale Hall | Elena | |
| MK | Fairytale Hall | Tiana | |
| MK | Fairytale Hall | Rapunzel | |
| MK | The Thoughtful Spot (next to Pooh Ride) | Winnie the Pooh | |
| MK | The Thoughtful Spot (next to Pooh Ride) | Tigger | |
| MK | Neverland Map (next to Peter Pan Ride) | Peter Pan | |
| MK | Pete's Silly Side Show (Circus) | Daisy Duck | |
| MK | Pete's Silly Side Show (Circus) | Donald Duck | |
| MK | Pete's Silly Side Show (Circus) | Goofy | |
| MK | Pete's Silly Side Show (Circus) | Minnie Mouse | |
| MK | Street outside Country Bears Show | Shaker | |
| MK | Street outside Country Bears Show | Big Al | |
| MK | Street outside Country Bears Show | Liver Lips McGrowl | |
| MK | Street outside Country Bears Show | Wendell | |
| MK | Fairytale Garden | Mirabel | |
| MK | Agrabah | Aladdin | |
| MK | Agrabah | Jasmine | |
| MK | (Seasonal) | Santa Claus | |
| MK | (Seasonal) | Mr and Mrs Easter Bunny |
Disney World Tips - Magic Kingdom - Meeting Characters and Printable Checklist
One of things we always do on our Walt Disney World trips is try to meet as many characters as we can and get them to sign our autograph boards. This has become more challenging since Covid times as the human characters meet for shorter periods of time and with less meet times not to mention the long lines. In addition, I found out (the hard way) that some human characters don't have backups. So if they take the day off, the meet-and-greet is closed for the day. I always recommend picking your favorite characters and just focusing on meeting them rather than try to meet everyone. That will make your trip a lot more enjoyable and less hectic.
Note: MK = Magic Kingdom; EP = Epcot; HS = Hollywood Studios; AK = Animal Kingdom
Review - Florida - Orlando - Epcot - Flower and Garden Festival 2024 - Topiaries
Walt Disney World hosts several festivals at its Epcot theme park throughout the year but I think the Flower and Garden festival (taking place February 28,2024 through May 27, 2024) is the prettiest if you like flowers. If you suffer pollin allergies, you may want to either avoid this park as it will be bursting full of plants or take an extra dose of allergy medication. Also, there are bees flying around so be careful if you have allergies to stings. There is a first aid available in the back of the pond to the right of the Odyssey building (next to the baby care center).
In addition to the flowers, there are kid-friendly activities (a free playground, a free butterfly garden, a treasure-hunt with Spike the Bee ($)) and special foods and drinks you can purchase throughout the different areas ($-$$). This post will focus on the topiaries and flowers.
When you enter Epcot from the main gate, you will find the new Wish topiary display which makes an amazing picture right in front of the Spaceship Earth ride (the "ball"). There are several Disney Photopass photographers nearby ready to assist you with family pictures, etc.
Many of the topiaries throughout the park feature our Favorite Disney characters:
Other Topiaries feature characters or scenes from our favorite Disney movies. Such as Lion King:
Toy Story:
Bambi:
Peter Pan:
Winnie the Pooh:
Beauty and the Beast
Snow White:
Tiana from Princess and the Frog:
Encanto:
Other Imaginative Characters:
And many of the topiaries are illuminated or spotlighted at Night Time:
For more information, https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/epcot/epcot-international-flower-and-garden-festival/
In addition to the flowers, there are kid-friendly activities (a free playground, a free butterfly garden, a treasure-hunt with Spike the Bee ($)) and special foods and drinks you can purchase throughout the different areas ($-$$). This post will focus on the topiaries and flowers.
When you enter Epcot from the main gate, you will find the new Wish topiary display which makes an amazing picture right in front of the Spaceship Earth ride (the "ball"). There are several Disney Photopass photographers nearby ready to assist you with family pictures, etc.
Many of the topiaries throughout the park feature our Favorite Disney characters:
 |
 |
Other Topiaries feature characters or scenes from our favorite Disney movies. Such as Lion King:
 |
 |
Toy Story:
Bambi:
 |
 |
Peter Pan:
 |
 |
Winnie the Pooh:
 |
 |
Beauty and the Beast
 |
 |
Snow White:
Tiana from Princess and the Frog:
Encanto:
Other Imaginative Characters:
And many of the topiaries are illuminated or spotlighted at Night Time:
For more information, https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/epcot/epcot-international-flower-and-garden-festival/
Question of the Week - Do I Need to Dress Up for Dining on Carnival Cruises? - #WonderingWednesdays
I'm not sure why, but people who want to cruise get a lot of anxiety about what to wear. Perhaps it's because there's a feeling of being stuck in the middle of the ocean without a nearby Walmart? Or perhaps because luggage capacity is limited? In any case, a lot of people ask me about dress codes and I hope this post will be able to answer those questions. I'm mainly focusing on Carnival because that's who I've travelled with so I feel comfortable answering with some first-hand experience.
Buffet Restaurant (aka Lido Marketplace), Eateries Around the Pool (such as Blue Iguana, Pig and Anchor, etc), Casual Cafes - Very Casual Attire - Pool clothes are acceptable but please don't come in dripping-wet (you may fall). Adults and teens should wear shirts/coverups. Shoes are required (and honestly the floors are sticky and dirty so highly recommended).
Sit-down Restaurant for Breakfast - Somewhat Casual Attire - I've seen people wearing pajama pants and shirts. Pool clothes that look like normal clothes seem fine. Adults and teens should wear shirts/coverups.
Sit-down Restaurant for Dinner on a regular night - "Cruise Casual" (not quite Business Casual) - I tend to think about golf courses when I describe this look. Nice shorts/pants/capir pants/nice jeans. Most men wear polos but I've seen nice tshirts. No offensive shirts or anything your grandma would look at sideways. Dresses that are appropriate. You will see diners like to be dressy.
Sit-down Restaurant for Dinner on formal night, Steakhouse Restaurant, Fancier Restaurants, etc - "Cruise Elegant" (Business Casual or better) - I've seen both super-formal and more businessy-style attire, so whatever makes you comfortable. No shorts/capris. Higher-quality shirts are fine. Polos or dress shirts and pants or slacks for men. Nicer dresses or pantsuits for women. Suits or evening gowns are not common. No flipflops or too casual shoes. I personally wore nicer sandals and felt fine.
Caveat - if you are planning to buy photograph packages, they often have photographers going around the restaurants (not the buffets) taking pictures. So keep in mind if you want to wear nicer clothes.
Hope that helped!
Buffet Restaurant (aka Lido Marketplace), Eateries Around the Pool (such as Blue Iguana, Pig and Anchor, etc), Casual Cafes - Very Casual Attire - Pool clothes are acceptable but please don't come in dripping-wet (you may fall). Adults and teens should wear shirts/coverups. Shoes are required (and honestly the floors are sticky and dirty so highly recommended).
Sit-down Restaurant for Breakfast - Somewhat Casual Attire - I've seen people wearing pajama pants and shirts. Pool clothes that look like normal clothes seem fine. Adults and teens should wear shirts/coverups.
Sit-down Restaurant for Dinner on a regular night - "Cruise Casual" (not quite Business Casual) - I tend to think about golf courses when I describe this look. Nice shorts/pants/capir pants/nice jeans. Most men wear polos but I've seen nice tshirts. No offensive shirts or anything your grandma would look at sideways. Dresses that are appropriate. You will see diners like to be dressy.
Sit-down Restaurant for Dinner on formal night, Steakhouse Restaurant, Fancier Restaurants, etc - "Cruise Elegant" (Business Casual or better) - I've seen both super-formal and more businessy-style attire, so whatever makes you comfortable. No shorts/capris. Higher-quality shirts are fine. Polos or dress shirts and pants or slacks for men. Nicer dresses or pantsuits for women. Suits or evening gowns are not common. No flipflops or too casual shoes. I personally wore nicer sandals and felt fine.
Caveat - if you are planning to buy photograph packages, they often have photographers going around the restaurants (not the buffets) taking pictures. So keep in mind if you want to wear nicer clothes.
Hope that helped!
Travel - Cruise 101 - Carnival Cruise's New Debarkation Process
I just got off the Carnival Dream on Sunday and experienced a whole new (and much better) debarkation process. Previously, you had to line up ahead of time to get a time card which allowed you to leave the ship (unless you had special privileges or a shore excursion booked). Now the entire pre-process is done through the Carnival Hub app (which runs off the ship's free wifi).
This debarkation information pamphlet arrived the day before the last cruise day giving us plenty of time to make our selections or to visit guest services if needed.
If you plan to carry your own luggage, you would select "Express Debarkation". This is great for those who need to catch a plane.
If you plan to check in your luggage and pick it up in the terminal, you would select the number of luggage tags you need (one per bag). These will arrive in an envelope at your cabin. The tags should match the debarkation time group you picked. So I picked group 24 and my tags show "24" on them.
(This is my tag showing "24". Inside I filled out the name, phone, address. I then placed it inside my luggage tag holder which was already on my bag from embarkation.)
You will then place them on your bags or in your luggage tag holder. All your checked luggage needs to be sitting outside your cabin between 8:00 pm (ship time) and 11:00 pm (ship time) for the porters to pick them up. If you are late, you will have to carry your own bags.
Every cruise and line is different, but we were given a specific time to evacuate our cabin on debarkation day. The pamphlet shows 8:15 but we actually had until 8:30am (ship time) to leave our cabin. That means everything needs to be packed and taken with you.
There will be some limited breakfast options the debarkation day. As you can see from the pamphlet above, the Buffet (Lido Restaurant) was open from 6:00am until 9:00am (but they did start shutting down at 8:45am and by 9:00am they were telling people, nicely, to leave). The main dining restaurant (Scarlet Restauant) was open from 6:30a until only 8:00am. BlueIguana Cantina served breakfast from 7:00am until 9:00am. We arrived at the buffet at 8:30am and half of the buffet was already closed. The selections were limited and there were lines for the omelets. So it's better to get there early to get a seat and a spot in line.
The rest of the debarkation process was the same except at the Galveston port, they were now implementing facial-recognition cameras. So as you head out of the ship you will come into the area where you have to show your ID or passport. As we went through the line, our pictures were taken. When they matched the picture we took on embarkation, we were allowed to leave. No need to show your ID/passport. That made the process a bit faster. If the picture didn't match then you had to show your IDs.
Overall, I like the new process and it seemed much faster.
 |
 |
This debarkation information pamphlet arrived the day before the last cruise day giving us plenty of time to make our selections or to visit guest services if needed.
If you plan to carry your own luggage, you would select "Express Debarkation". This is great for those who need to catch a plane.
If you plan to check in your luggage and pick it up in the terminal, you would select the number of luggage tags you need (one per bag). These will arrive in an envelope at your cabin. The tags should match the debarkation time group you picked. So I picked group 24 and my tags show "24" on them.
(This is my tag showing "24". Inside I filled out the name, phone, address. I then placed it inside my luggage tag holder which was already on my bag from embarkation.)
You will then place them on your bags or in your luggage tag holder. All your checked luggage needs to be sitting outside your cabin between 8:00 pm (ship time) and 11:00 pm (ship time) for the porters to pick them up. If you are late, you will have to carry your own bags.
Every cruise and line is different, but we were given a specific time to evacuate our cabin on debarkation day. The pamphlet shows 8:15 but we actually had until 8:30am (ship time) to leave our cabin. That means everything needs to be packed and taken with you.
There will be some limited breakfast options the debarkation day. As you can see from the pamphlet above, the Buffet (Lido Restaurant) was open from 6:00am until 9:00am (but they did start shutting down at 8:45am and by 9:00am they were telling people, nicely, to leave). The main dining restaurant (Scarlet Restauant) was open from 6:30a until only 8:00am. BlueIguana Cantina served breakfast from 7:00am until 9:00am. We arrived at the buffet at 8:30am and half of the buffet was already closed. The selections were limited and there were lines for the omelets. So it's better to get there early to get a seat and a spot in line.
The rest of the debarkation process was the same except at the Galveston port, they were now implementing facial-recognition cameras. So as you head out of the ship you will come into the area where you have to show your ID or passport. As we went through the line, our pictures were taken. When they matched the picture we took on embarkation, we were allowed to leave. No need to show your ID/passport. That made the process a bit faster. If the picture didn't match then you had to show your IDs.
Overall, I like the new process and it seemed much faster.
Travel - Cruise 101 - Carnival Cruise Ship Disembarkation at Galveston, Texas
At the end of your cruise, when you are in the destination port (which in my case happened to be the same port as I started, Galveston, TX), you will begin your disembarkation from the ship. Depending on your cruise line, there could be different steps or policies. I'm going to list out all the things that I went through so you have a general idea of what to expect, because the cruise line may not explain the process to you.
When Can You Disembark?
The following information does not apply if you have a special membership (like a "Faster to the Fun" or a VIP or you booked a shore excursion, etc).
Carnival Cruise Line use a system of Zones numbers. You will be informed ahead of the disembarkation day to pick up a Zone Number at a specific location and time. Be sure to get there early so you can pick the time you want, otherwise (like me) you will have to choose from the leftover times. So you get a Zone Number and then on disembarkation day they will call your number and you will start the disembarkation process of leaving.
Luggage Options:
Self Disembarkation or Carry Luggage Off: If you prefer to carry all your own bags, choose this option. It's faster because you don't have to go searching for your luggage at the terminal especially if you are in a hurry to catch a flight or bus. However, you will be lugging your suitcases around on your own. And I didn't see any luggage carts.
Checked Luggage: The second option is to allow the cruise line to carry your luggage to the terminal and you pick it up there (just like you would at an airport). This is the option that I chose for this cruise because I had several large bags that I didn't want to drag around.
If you also want the cruise line to handle your bags, be sure to pack a small day bag with your valuables, medicines, your disembarkation day clothes, toothbrushes, makeup, etc that you will carry with you. Once they take your luggage, you will not be able to get it back without major hassles. Keep a duffle bag, small rolling bag, or backpack with you with the day essentials. The rest of your luggage you will tag and place outside your door the night before you disembark. Be sure to take pictures of your luggage tags because the numbers/colors will be how you find your bags.
Can You Eat Breakfast on Disembarkation Day Before You Leave?
Yes! As the picture above shows, there were 3 dining options open for breakfast on our cruise anyway. Check your own Cruise Line for options. The selections will be limited.
Are there Activities while I wait for Disembarkation?
Not really. The pool is closed (it's covered with a net). The casino is closed. It's pretty much a ghost town as many of the staff are "off-duty". The goal now is for the ship personnel to get you off the ship and welcome the next group of guests.
Anything I should do before I leave the ship?
Be sure you turn in all your towels. Pay any outstanding bills. Cash in any casino chips (if it's not digital). Fill out any Customs forms (such as for Alcohol). Pay any tips if you didn't already. You will be required to leave your cabin at a specific time, so be sure to get everything out before you head to breakfast or the exit. Arrange your transportation if you didn't already. Be sure to keep your room card with you (because you need it to get off the ship).
How Does Disembarkation Work?
Exiting the ship is a lot like embarking but going the opposite direction. For our cruise, there were limited elevators (and they were slow) so we took the stairs (and even those were crowded with people and their luggage). It was a bit chaotic, IMO. Then you will head into the Cruise Ship Terminal via the gangplank/skybridge. They will scan you out and take your card. You will walk through the terminal areas to the luggage area where you will have to search for your bags. Picture #2 above shows how the luggage is just set the side and you will need to search for it. I wrap my bags in colorful luggage straps which made it very easy to find.
These are the luggage straps I used with my black Costco bags and it made it so easy to find in a sea of black, blue and red bags:
What if I need help with my Bags?
There are porters who will move your luggage on their racks for a small fee/tip. Worth it if you have a lot of bags. Unfortunately, they will only go as far as the front area or the front parking lot. If you parked in one of the nearby garages, you will have to drag it there yourself.
When Can You Disembark?
The following information does not apply if you have a special membership (like a "Faster to the Fun" or a VIP or you booked a shore excursion, etc).
Carnival Cruise Line use a system of Zones numbers. You will be informed ahead of the disembarkation day to pick up a Zone Number at a specific location and time. Be sure to get there early so you can pick the time you want, otherwise (like me) you will have to choose from the leftover times. So you get a Zone Number and then on disembarkation day they will call your number and you will start the disembarkation process of leaving.
Luggage Options:
Self Disembarkation or Carry Luggage Off: If you prefer to carry all your own bags, choose this option. It's faster because you don't have to go searching for your luggage at the terminal especially if you are in a hurry to catch a flight or bus. However, you will be lugging your suitcases around on your own. And I didn't see any luggage carts.
Checked Luggage: The second option is to allow the cruise line to carry your luggage to the terminal and you pick it up there (just like you would at an airport). This is the option that I chose for this cruise because I had several large bags that I didn't want to drag around.
If you also want the cruise line to handle your bags, be sure to pack a small day bag with your valuables, medicines, your disembarkation day clothes, toothbrushes, makeup, etc that you will carry with you. Once they take your luggage, you will not be able to get it back without major hassles. Keep a duffle bag, small rolling bag, or backpack with you with the day essentials. The rest of your luggage you will tag and place outside your door the night before you disembark. Be sure to take pictures of your luggage tags because the numbers/colors will be how you find your bags.
 |
 |
Can You Eat Breakfast on Disembarkation Day Before You Leave?
Yes! As the picture above shows, there were 3 dining options open for breakfast on our cruise anyway. Check your own Cruise Line for options. The selections will be limited.
Are there Activities while I wait for Disembarkation?
Not really. The pool is closed (it's covered with a net). The casino is closed. It's pretty much a ghost town as many of the staff are "off-duty". The goal now is for the ship personnel to get you off the ship and welcome the next group of guests.
Anything I should do before I leave the ship?
Be sure you turn in all your towels. Pay any outstanding bills. Cash in any casino chips (if it's not digital). Fill out any Customs forms (such as for Alcohol). Pay any tips if you didn't already. You will be required to leave your cabin at a specific time, so be sure to get everything out before you head to breakfast or the exit. Arrange your transportation if you didn't already. Be sure to keep your room card with you (because you need it to get off the ship).
 |
 |
How Does Disembarkation Work?
Exiting the ship is a lot like embarking but going the opposite direction. For our cruise, there were limited elevators (and they were slow) so we took the stairs (and even those were crowded with people and their luggage). It was a bit chaotic, IMO. Then you will head into the Cruise Ship Terminal via the gangplank/skybridge. They will scan you out and take your card. You will walk through the terminal areas to the luggage area where you will have to search for your bags. Picture #2 above shows how the luggage is just set the side and you will need to search for it. I wrap my bags in colorful luggage straps which made it very easy to find.
These are the luggage straps I used with my black Costco bags and it made it so easy to find in a sea of black, blue and red bags:
What if I need help with my Bags?
There are porters who will move your luggage on their racks for a small fee/tip. Worth it if you have a lot of bags. Unfortunately, they will only go as far as the front area or the front parking lot. If you parked in one of the nearby garages, you will have to drag it there yourself.
Travel - Cruise 101 - Useful Tips and Tricks concerning your Room Cabin for a Great Cruise Vacation
After my family completed our 7 days Western Caribbean cruise on the Carnival Vista cruise ship, I realized how much information I was missing about my room cabin. I'm happy to share these lessons and tips to you!
Before our trip, I watched dozens of videos on door and cabin decorating. Most blogs and bloggers talked about buying or making customized magnets to hang on the door or hanging magnetic hooks on walls for extra storage. Well, we quickly learned that some of the walls were not magnetized at all in our cabin. Talk about disappointing! Luckily I had brought command hook strips and painter's tape. Try to google your specific ship to find out what is/isn't magnetized in your specific cabin type. For the Vista, the wooden wall panels and the cabin room door are not magnetic. The panel next to the door is magnetic.
Here are some doors we passed by that were decorated:
Another things many blogs talk about is the lack of space. Our cabins seemed roomy enough to contain all our luggage and items. Even with 3 people per cabin, I never felt cramped. But I did use magnetic hooks on the walls (that were magnetic) to hang my lanyards and hats.
Ask you room steward for extra hangers. Ours wanted to know specifically how many we needed.
You may not need to bring towels on your vacation. Our cruise ship provided towels for each of us to use on the ship as well as for use offshore at various beaches (as long as we brought them back). We always had clean, fresh towels. You will want to return these the night before your debarkation date to avoid long lines.
Do not take the robes home. You will be charged. Leave those in the room.
Your room steward can get your furniture re-arranged if you don't like the set up (even if you requested it in a certain way).
Write down the name and country of every single person who provides you excellent service so that you can mention them in the survey the cruise line will send you after your trip (they may qualify for incentives and rewards). Bring some small bills for tips. Even if you pre-pay for tips, you may want to single out a great employee with a little extra.
 |
 |
Before our trip, I watched dozens of videos on door and cabin decorating. Most blogs and bloggers talked about buying or making customized magnets to hang on the door or hanging magnetic hooks on walls for extra storage. Well, we quickly learned that some of the walls were not magnetized at all in our cabin. Talk about disappointing! Luckily I had brought command hook strips and painter's tape. Try to google your specific ship to find out what is/isn't magnetized in your specific cabin type. For the Vista, the wooden wall panels and the cabin room door are not magnetic. The panel next to the door is magnetic.
Here are some doors we passed by that were decorated:
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
Another things many blogs talk about is the lack of space. Our cabins seemed roomy enough to contain all our luggage and items. Even with 3 people per cabin, I never felt cramped. But I did use magnetic hooks on the walls (that were magnetic) to hang my lanyards and hats.
Ask you room steward for extra hangers. Ours wanted to know specifically how many we needed.
You may not need to bring towels on your vacation. Our cruise ship provided towels for each of us to use on the ship as well as for use offshore at various beaches (as long as we brought them back). We always had clean, fresh towels. You will want to return these the night before your debarkation date to avoid long lines.
Do not take the robes home. You will be charged. Leave those in the room.
Your room steward can get your furniture re-arranged if you don't like the set up (even if you requested it in a certain way).
Write down the name and country of every single person who provides you excellent service so that you can mention them in the survey the cruise line will send you after your trip (they may qualify for incentives and rewards). Bring some small bills for tips. Even if you pre-pay for tips, you may want to single out a great employee with a little extra.
Travel - Cruise 101 - Carnival Cruise for Families - Onboard, Now What?
This blog reflects my own experiences on the Carnival Vista which departed out of Galveston, Texas for a Western Caribbean cruise, but some of the steps will be similar for other cruise lines and Carnival ships. The most frustrating part is that your travel agent and the cruise line will give you no useful information on what to expect once you step onto the ship. Hopefully this blog will help you with those expectations!
When we first boarded the Carnival Vista, we started on Deck 3 (shown on their map as "Lobby"). You can click here for more Carnival Vista deck plans. (For your specific ship try googling "deck plan" and the name of your ship to find the floor plans).
For the Carnival Vista, Deck 3 is where the big Dreamscape Funnel and bar sat. It's the important deck of the ship as the Customer Service desks and the Excursions desk are located here. On the first day, it will be crowded as all cruisers board the ship at this deck. Many cruisers headed to the buffet on Deck 10 (also called the "Lido Deck").
Also, if you board in the morning, the crew will not let you head to your stateroom unless you have some kind of VIP package. The elevators to some of those floors were blocked as well. So be prepared to carry your bags/purses around until the room is available. We had swim clothes packed in a carry-on just in case we couldn't get to our luggage/room. Your checked-in bags will be set outside your stateroom so don't pack any valuables in those.
The first thing you will need to do is find your muster station. This is especially important if you have children travelling with you because each of them will receive a wristband. If at any time during the cruise, your child gets lost, a helper can take them to their assigned muster station and someone will be able to reach out to their guardians. You will watch a video or presentation (or in your stateroom) that explains the safety procedures. Some cruiselines require you to acknowledge your understanding of these procedures.
Now, you can wander the ship. Some of the food options are not yet open. Casino and bars weren't opened yet. The pools and slides were open and not crowded at all.
When we first boarded the Carnival Vista, we started on Deck 3 (shown on their map as "Lobby"). You can click here for more Carnival Vista deck plans. (For your specific ship try googling "deck plan" and the name of your ship to find the floor plans).
For the Carnival Vista, Deck 3 is where the big Dreamscape Funnel and bar sat. It's the important deck of the ship as the Customer Service desks and the Excursions desk are located here. On the first day, it will be crowded as all cruisers board the ship at this deck. Many cruisers headed to the buffet on Deck 10 (also called the "Lido Deck").
Also, if you board in the morning, the crew will not let you head to your stateroom unless you have some kind of VIP package. The elevators to some of those floors were blocked as well. So be prepared to carry your bags/purses around until the room is available. We had swim clothes packed in a carry-on just in case we couldn't get to our luggage/room. Your checked-in bags will be set outside your stateroom so don't pack any valuables in those.
The first thing you will need to do is find your muster station. This is especially important if you have children travelling with you because each of them will receive a wristband. If at any time during the cruise, your child gets lost, a helper can take them to their assigned muster station and someone will be able to reach out to their guardians. You will watch a video or presentation (or in your stateroom) that explains the safety procedures. Some cruiselines require you to acknowledge your understanding of these procedures.
Now, you can wander the ship. Some of the food options are not yet open. Casino and bars weren't opened yet. The pools and slides were open and not crowded at all.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)