Cruise Virgin!!! DCL Galveston 1st Magic cruise

[RodNicPena]

Helpful tips accepted!!! Our first family trip with our 3 year old daughter and we are about a month away. We will be driving to Galveston in our car and hopefully finding a Bed Bug Free hotel to stay, park and cruise with free shuttle. I've read to bring:
Highlighter
Shoe organizer
Perminant marker
Sunscreen
Surge protector
Clothes pins
Ones $$$
But what else?
I'm so stinking excited!!!! I love love love Disney everything. (honeymooned @ Disney World over 8 years ago) I hope this is our most magical Disney trip yet!
Also any tips on hotels in the area are welcome. Thanks!!!

[BigMac]

When I took my wife on our first cruise she didnt pack a sweatshirt or anything warm...

Bring a couple of things for cooler weather at night.

Are you going to Disneys island? That my favorite part of the entire cruise.

[snorklr45]

I highly recommend Dolphin Parking as the place to park your car (near to port and the shuttle you via one of their vans to the port). Your car will be safe and the driver was awesome. They also offer one of the lowest prices!!

[RodNicPena]

We are staying at the Holiday Inn Resort which offers free parking and shuttle to the port there in Galveston TX.
BigMac I'm not even sure what/where that is. Our cruise itinerary includes:
Cayman Islands
Costa Maya
Cozumel (where we will spend all day in Quintana Roo @ Xel Ha...been to Cozumel before so no biggie)

[snorklr45]

I HIGHLY recommend taking the ferry from Cozumel over and going to XelHA (excursions should be offered through Disney, but you can get them cheaper on the street just outside the docks where the Playa Del Carmen ferry is). XelHa is probably one of the best family outings I could ever recommend. No one will be disappointed!!

[Snoozeman]

Enjoy the cruise.

I'm looking forward to the Disney Magic from Galveston myself in October. I will be experiencing the ship for the 1st time too.

IMHO--Cozumel has plenty to offer a family without wasting valuable port time on a ferry over to the mainland and back. Especially with a 3 year old and with a boarding time of 3:45 pm. Try one of the many beach clubs or Chankanabb Park.

[Donna]

A travel flashlight will come in handy, may wan to include one of those.

You may also love going to Sting Ray City in Grand Cayman. You can always pre-book it through an independent or go the safe route and book with the ship. You will have to tender here, so time could become an issue.

[Surfguyxxx1]

When you say "surge protector", I am assuming you mean an electrical outlet. Bring one as there is usually only one plug in a room and with all the gadgets we bring, you'll need more outlets.
Bring a case of water in a duffle bag. Just check the whole thing in and use the bag as a dirty clothes hamper when you're done. At $3.50 a pop for a bottle of water, you will thank me for this one.

Have a fantastic time!

[snorklr45]

Snoozeman is right..I so not think there is tome to ferry over to Playa Del Carmen for a day at Xel Ha..The cruise line has shortened the port day.

[Donna]

The only safe way to do this, would be to book through the cruiseline if it is offered, then no hassles...

[RodNicPena]

That is the one excursion I have book...and went the safe route and booked through DCL. a friend of mine recommended it and the hubster and I have visited Cozumel before.
Yes. Someone did tell me about water...and the hubster about beer I have a feeling both carry ons will be FLUIDS!!!!
Another question...the tips they tack on for waiter/waitress etc...that is per person right? And just standard but you can do more if you like?

Not much longer!!