[geeman]

[quote]Originally posted by tmoisan
[b]I am taking the 3 night cruise on the wonder Dec 21-24 with my dh and dd age 7. [b]

Wow,what a way to have a wonderful holiday!

>>I am concerned about motion sickness.<<

The initial rocking back and forth might take getting used to, but we didn't feel it at all after the first night. As Mickey stated, though, they do have those bands and ear patches.

>>I am also wondering if anyone has some tips on expediting embarkation/debarkation. How early should we check-in to avoid the lines? <<

We got to the port at around 11 - The lines were long, but moved fairly fast. I hardly noticed the wait, actually. But then again, I'm used to waiting in lines in NY.

>>We are driving a rental car, is it ok to leave it? <<

What we did was rent from Budget, which was right at the airport and right near the port. We drove to Port Canaveral from WDW, then dropped off our rental car there. Didn't have to worry about it again for the rest of the trip. They shuttled us to the ship in time. Same thing going back.


>>Also, we are following the cruise with a trip to Disney and will have christmas presents. <<

This is a toughy. Don't bring anything too expensive if you can avoid it. They should be fine in the car, but just in case.

>>Since we are not using transfers , do we also have to put our luggage out the night before and how do we get it back? <<

No, you can carry your luggage off the ship with you. Unless it's a large amount of bags, just keep your bags with you overnight and take them with you to breakfast. Disembarkation begins RIGHT after breakfast. So, bags in hand, you can just walk off the ship. If you have too many bags, then tag them, leave them at the door, and you'll meet them on the way out. It doesn't matter if you have transfers or not (we got tags the last night and did not have transfers, either)

>>How long does the debarkation take and how early do they let you off the boat?<<

We were off by 9 am. Everyone was off by then.


>>I am trying to budget for our time on the boat. If you do not drink alcohol and get the drink mugs (we get for free via AAA), what are the other expenses, <<

We didn't drink. The beverage stations were just fine. In fact, we had $100 onboard credit (for using the Disney Visa) and didn't really use most of it - only for small souvenirs, etc.. There were no hidden charges, but as Mickey said, mistakes can happen, so check your bill.

>>besides end of cruise tipping and excursions<<

Tipping was expensive. Their "suggestions" are somewhat between reasonable and not, so use your judgement.

>>For those of you with kids, how long did your kids play at the kids clubs? Did they enjoy them as activities or see it more as babysitting?<<

Our table was all adults travelling alone, but those folks we met with kids said the little ones did not want to leave their play area! In fact, there were a lot of kids on board, but other than at character signing time, we hardly noticed them.

Enjoy your cruise!