Recently, myself and the family experienced our first cruise. Although super fun and enjoyed by all, there was definitely some tips and tricks that I am not sure anyone might be able to tell you about in advance, and even if they did, always hard to remember everything when planning for a trip! However, being a planner, I thought I would share them with you- then I will remember for next time!

1. Packing tip: if you naturally run hot, ignore, BUT, if find air conditioning cold, then be sure to have a little sweater or shawls in that suitcase!
2. Magnetic Hooks: get some, they were great to attach to the bathroom doors for wet bathing suits or robes, even good for jewelry. Keeping organized is key.
3. Avoiding Motion Sickness: Thanks to other avid cruisers, I was advised to take motion sickness medication starting the day before you set sail. I don’t think I get motion sick, but I didn’t want to chance it. I was very happy too, as we did have a decent amount of motion and who knows how my body would have handled it had I not been on it.
4. Traveling with kids: a question to ask yourself: have the kids every enjoyed going to any daycare facility on another resort? And are you traveling with just your family or do you have another family to spend time with? If traveling with just your family, maybe a kids club option will work. However, if they aren’t fans, then investigate a ship that has activities and options they would enjoy.
5. Budget for Ship Spending: Do budget to spend a certain amount over the time you are on the ship. There are always a number of extras but if you have a budget, you won’t be surprised when the bill comes at the end of the week with the tips, drinks, excursions and store purchases on it!
6. Days at sea versus at ports: Depending on the age of your kids (if traveling with youngsters) they may want to enjoy the ship and may not enjoy the sight seeing. The beach day at Disney's Island was well enjoyed by all. Great to get your feet on land but also enjoy the sprawling beach and space that it brings. 
7. Research: Do lots of it! There are Facebook groups, cruise critics websites, and I am sure lots of friends and family who will share there experiences.

We were on a 5-day Disney cruise and well, Disney practically thinks of everything! The room details, storage, auto lights in closets, soft closing drawers, bunk beds that disappear into the ceiling, servers that cut the kids food, same assigned tables every night, wonderful food and top notch beverage selection were only just a few. Character sightings and visits were abundant with themed pirate and marvel days too! The kids club options are plentiful. However, the younger Kids club has a large gap in ages from 3 to 12 years and may not appeal to those 7 and older. Other cruise lines divide this group up into two so if you and the family are not Disney enthusiasts, then consider other cruise lines. 

Overall, a wonderful first experience into the crushing world. Thinking about our next one already!