Rough Waters Ahead! Day 1 on the Disney Wonder Cruise | Concierge 1-Bedroom Suite w/ Verandah

[@jaklg7905]

It is important to do your research. Even just watching other videos makes a huge difference. The Disney cruises are amazing and everyone is always so nice. Oh, and my daughters and I love the bread on the Disney cruise. I don't know if you know this, but you can order as many entrees or sides that you want. If you wanted a side of those potatoes, they will bring you some.

[@christa_graham]

I really appreciate the real life vlog! So many people only show their highlights :)

[@TheMagicDads]

Glad you enjoyed! Thanks!

[@robertvarley8740]

Halfway through the video and just wanted to comment on when Mike said "People are probably making fun of us because we dont know what we're doing" Theres probably a huge amount of people like me who havent been lucky enough to go on one of these cruises yet. And I love seeing your first time reactions to things!

[@TheMagicDads]

You're probably right! Thanks for watching!!! Hope you enjoyed :)

[@LA32319]

Agreed. Many families couldn’t even dream of affording something like this so please don’t feel that way Mike.

[@hashtagnellicus]

😂 I used to order a salad too for dinner or dessert as a kid 🤣 You guys are awesome! Great video! 🌊🛳️

[@TheMagicDads]

Thank you!! 😁

[@stini228]

That Mickey wave when boarding…so cute!! ❤

[@marshallguy301]

Steve has the “the is our last cruise” look in several shots haha😂

[@TheMagicDads]

😂😂😂

[@leeannfrancescone]

Lol!!!! You’ll be pros just like at WDW before you know it! We have done 6 DCL’s until our kids got older now 25 Royal cruises. You’ll love it!

[@Loveiseverything777]

I have no desire whatsoever to go on a cruise 🚢, but I really enjoyed the vlog!!

[@wendysherbert3257]

@@leeannfrancescone Oh I will be going in the next couple of years. I teach and I am not fond of cruising in summer! Toooo hot. But it is really hard to get a week off during the school year and it can be tricky. I also know that both winter and spring break are really packed when I am off. Blessed to have the time off, but it can be tricky….

[@kalliopespeaks]

It sounds like you experienced a series of unfortunate events. San Diego is notorious for being challenging as a Port, one of the few ports that doesn't offer on-site parking. And it's a bummer that those that told you about the alcohol didn't explain that it has to be in your carry on. We're two adults cruising on a back-to-back out of San Diego on the 11th in a concierge 1-bedroom, so I was super excited to see your room. You're doing a fantastic job with your filming and description. Thank you!

[@poocky100]

lol you guys are so funny. I think it’s unlikely that someone will take your room keys cause they WILL go to jail on the ship and be dealt with once on land. The luggage thing is a little worrisome because anyone can just take it I think. That I agree with you 😊

[@wendysherbert3257]

I just “found” you via YT suggestions. You already have me hooked! I love your vibe and seeing things from a new perspective rather than the YTubers that just show amenities.

[@hoodratcomicpodcast]

You both are great dads! We need more parents like your family.

[@carlygee8866]

I'm going on this exact cruise with my wife and 11 month old in 24 days we're staying in an ocean view room and are so excited but also nervous its all of our first time cruising

[@MightyMax34]

Ok, I’m not going to lie I was educated today. I had no idea accoutrements was a word. I had to google it. I learned something new. Thanks!

[@JessicaGowing1025]

No judgement here! We've never been on a cruise either. My wife and I have been wanting to take our boys on a Disney Cruise so it was nice to see your experience never having been on one before either. Caleb sleeping at dinner cracked us up 😂Can't wait to see the other vlogs from the cruise!

[@kmill562]

You guys are helping us get a feel for what to expect on our upcoming cruise. We are doing this exact same cruise w/ embarkation date of 4/28. This series has been great. Thank you

[@abfranchi]

We are going on our first cruise next month and I found your videos and I want to say yall are so adorable ❤

[@ericarodriguez3356]

Awww 😊 the room was beautiful. Just everything was perfect 😊. Thanks for sharing 😊

[@catmtait]

I've watched many disney cruise vlogs and it's so refreshing to see it thru new eyes. Love your cruise newbie reactions!

[@dotpruden8144]

Fun video!! A couple things ... the shops can't open until you are out to sea. You needed to carry on your wine/champagne. No one would want to take your room keys from the "fish extender" on embarkation day. If your keys are missing, you'll get new reprogrammed ones from Guest Services. We do champagne tastings on embarkation day only on a back 2 back second cruise when its less crazy and we dont sail with kids which also makes it accessible for us. You'll get the hang of it and I hope you love it, we sure do!!

[@AandESeetheWorld]

Yes! It’s a Disney Cruise. No one needs to steal your room key. 😊

[@iluvcruising]

❣Hi: First time poster. All great info from @dotpruden8144 above. @themagicdads, I would have loved to chat with you all before you cruised. Except for the parking (which I have never sailed from San Diego), on embarkation day. surprised that no one in your comments told you about what to expect. I would have schooled you all on the situations that you ran into. I've now watched the whole series. I'm glad things got better, but, boy, that first day was a dinger, huh! i enjoyed this series and have added you all to my favs!

[@Pinkorchid72]

The first minute of this video is hilarious. Love your humor. You don’t seem to take yourself seriously

[@susan_elizabeth]

I love the arrival announcement: Please welcome the Miller-Tait Family!! 💜

[@TinnekeVDE]

You come across as such a sweet family, I hope you guys enjoyed your cruise. Never done Disney so far, but if done two cruises and have booked a third, you get hooked to it easily 😂

[@glavegas0010]

Steve had an interesting look on his face a good bit in this video. Trust me, it is a great way to vacation. We have been on over 75 cruises. Love it. Five coming up this year including a fourteen night transatlantic from Rome. Looking forward to see if Steve ended up enjoying himself. By the way, IF you enjoyed cruising you will/should open yourself up to other cruise lines.

[@Pinkorchid72]

DCL bread service is so good. My oldest daughter is crazy about it and puts tons of butter. LOL

[@Ollie-belovedogever]

I cant wait for rest of the videos, I am really hoping you had a great time the rest of the trip. Also, Alcohol should be carried on not checked and I do believe you get them back when you disembark. Thanks for sharing. Caleb, cant wait to hear about your kids club.

[@sueb9110]

Have a fantastic time! Looking forward to more vlogs! 🛳🛳🛳

[@AZCardsFan-x1x]

I cannot tell you how helpful it is that you talked about the parking situation! None of tne other vlogs I've watched have discussed! I know you said you were embarrassed, but don't be! Like you said, that's important info & people that are 1st timers (like myself) would have no clue either! 😂

[@TheMagicDads]

Thank you!! We thought the same thing. Glad it was helpful!

[@LostinMayberry]

I love how you brought your own little safety engineer on board! Bright lad!

[@Carynhaywood]

This a refreshing take on Disney cruise. I mostly watch videos from frequent cruisers. It is nice to see the cruise from a first time perspective. Also, I love that Caleb is so interested in fire safety. Looking forward to more cruise videos!

[@Julie_michelle360]

Hope you figured out that you can order more than one entree, dessert and appetizer at each restaurant. Never been on a Disney cruise but many on Royal. Disney hoping next year. Love you guys!

[@Mangomartinisful]

We’re watching now! The title has me on the edge of my seat. Lol Thank you for sharing, can’t wait to follow along!

[@TheMagicDads]

Hope you enjoy!

[@sweateenjazzwebb6459]

i’m going on the cruise may 2 i absolutely loved your vlog i hope i have the best experience i cannot wait im dyinggggg

[@brendajos]

I just discovered your videos today and I can NOT with how cute your child is. I just want him to sit and tell me all about the cruise. ❤ I am taking my first cruise in a couple of months. Your perspective is interesting. Thanks for sharing. New subscriber!

[@bttrapeze]

The learning curve is steep. DCL does know that some parties don't have kids, so coordinating with kids club time not always a conflict. Hope it became more relaxing.

[@sarahbelllee]

I hope your trip got better! You had our FAVORITE server! She’s the best!

[@DomsBestGirl]

I love the one bedroom! It’s so comfy. Enjoy the trip!

[@TheMagicDads]

We were so spoiled. It was a literal dream!!!

[@karenfeathers1838]

OMGosh ❤ this vlog! Caleb's excitement is everything 😅 The suite is gorgeous & I have never been on a cruise so your learning is for all of us😊 Can't wait for the next vlog!

[@TheMagicDads]

Thank you so much!! Yeah, we're gonna be giving all the tips no one else talks about lol.

[@iluvcruising]

❣@@TheMagicDads That's a great attitude. I can't wait to watch it.

[@iluvcruising]

❣@@TheMagicDads, I'm also wondering why you didn't take pictures of Caleb with the characters. It would have been nice for first-timers in your community to see that process. Plus, sometimes the characters wear different costumes than their regular DW or DL ones. For example, when we went to Italy, they wore Italian ones, and on pirate night, they would wear their pirate costumes, etc.

[@lisawhipple8929]

Yes! I’ve been waiting!! I absolutely adore you and your family!!😊

[@TheMagicDads]

Yay! Thank you!

[@geogent6655]

First cruises are always a learning experience. #1 always familiarize yourself with the ship layout first... Then explore explore and explore again... And ask questions 😂🤪👍❤️🌈❤️🌈

[@allison6954]

I can’t wait to see the rest of your cruise series ! Yes it’s always hard in the beginning with something new. I would have been the same way ! Can’t wait to see your evening at Palo too ! I hear it’s fabulous.

[@a963852]

We’ll be going on our first cruise in may so I super appreciate seeing the real struggles of the newbies!! Hope you ended up with a magical rest of your trip!

[@nicb2073]

Yayyy!!!! Excited for these vlogs! Ive never cruised either!!! Love that room!!!! Caleb is just adorable! Love he is still into the safety and alarms and drills still!😊 Soo funn!!! 🎉 Ps- on your rant - think about all the people who got disney world with no previous knowledge... it's so so much information!!! Cruising seems to be similar .. the more you go the more you know! Hope you has a blast!!!

[@josephineadamo178]

It's funny watching this because I'm from San Diego and I know exactly where you are. I hope you had fun on the cruise 🛳

[@ginaholshue8601]

So glad you picked the wonder. I have never been on a cruise ship. However I have been thinking about going on one …and it was the wonder. Can’t wait to see more! ❤

[@sineaddennis685]

Just discovered your channel and absolutely loved the honesty and authenticity of this video. We’re heading on our first Disney cruise (Wonder) later this year and really got a good feel for what to expect.

[@marjielalonde3875]

What a gorgeous stateroom! I haven`t seen a vlog of this one before; just the regular family verandah and the huge walt disney suite . I love this one! I think, from what I`ve seen, embarkation day is always chaotic so don`t feel bad!

[@kpl-CA]

Vlogger Adam Hattan has covered a number of different Concierge rooms. His Disney Parks & Cruise books are fantastic. Most experienced cruisers know Concierge on the two smallest Disney ships have a noise problem, with the sports deck/pools and Cabanas above, thumping on your ceiling. (It is not the kid's club making noise, most of the kids' clubs are on five).

[@mrscb5303]

First time seeing one of your videos and it was adorable! I’m gonna follow along for your cruise. Hope it was all you expected!🧡🖤🧡

[@marla07860]

They first day is usually confusing. New follower after seeing this vlog

[@abigail5106]

Lots of helpful tips in the comment section! ❤ Loved the video, I hope you all enjoy your first Disney Cruise! I am going on the Wonder in 4 weeks. Thanks for feeding into my excitement 😂 Can’t wait to see more!

[@TheGeekyTwin]

This video was soooo sweet! No only could i see myself act the exact way you would if i ever cruised but Your son looks and acts SO MUCH like my own (Corbin) that whenever he's on it just makes me smile so much!! I love your videos!

[@melissamaclean6044]

We just did our first one in Feb and yes the first few hours are go go go. We walked on and then it was like “what do we do now?” Haha. But thankfully I watched videos before and had an idea. But super overwhelming. I’m excited to go again so I know what I’m doing lol

[@lisam8402]

The little man is the cutest! Love his voice

[@robynellen859]

wow what a stateroom so incredible; Caleb so cute. "Go with the flow," love it cant wait to see more

[@rickjansson4391]

I think Steve was the nervous one! 😂 I’m confused about the event times. Don’t you receive an itinerary ahead of time with the times of special events, meals, children’s center, etc.?

[@TheMagicDads]

LOL. So we had a general idea of times and such, but the navigator app apparently doesn't update with the specifics until you've connected to the ship's wifi.

[@AandESeetheWorld]

Day one, first time always has a lot going on 😀 On our last Alaska cruise VLOG, I was like, “lots of things are gonna happen now, quickly!” LOL

[@Pinkorchid72]

We’re going on our DCL Wonder 7 day Mexican Riviera Cruise. We can’t wait!!

[@pattypowell2524]

I’ve never been so you are showing me the ropes!! I love how excited Caleb is over safety! So funny!! ❤

[@dianefehring5626]

Years ago, room keys were always left inside your stateroom upon arrival with the stateroom doors left open. Now, most cruise lines put them outside the cabin doors. Bags are always left outside the doors. That's normal. Just breath guys, just breath. 😅

[@donnawhiting8194]

Y'all are so cute. Your very sweet family just showed up in my feed. Can't wait to see more of your family shenanigans. 😊

[@jenniferharper888]

The first day of our first cruise was SO STRESSFUL. But the rest of the days were fantastic. I think it's probably similar to many people's first days at/trips to Walt Disney World. It is relaxing to you and me now because we're so used to it, we know the rhythms and places, and can do it in our sleep (which is part of why they're weirdly relaxing vacations despite all the activity). I look forward to our next cruise because I know that the first day will not be so stressful.

[@karenpatterson2651]

Loved seeing you guys experiencing your first disney cruise on the Wonder. This ship ventured here to Australia for the first time last year, and we are going on our first disney cruise on it this coming October. Your conceriage room looks absolutely amazing. I agree totally with u that its very weird to have the champagne tasting during a time where there is no kids club available. Your meals are looking yummy, especially that dessert at dinner. Looking forward to seeing what you discover over the coming few days.

[@Carole617]

Hi guys I hope you get to enjoy cruising as it's definitely a popular vacation these days . It's not for everyone but you certainly can't go wrong with a Disney cruise ,they are the best . Look forward to the rest x

[@lisalowrey2230]

You guys really inspire me to travel and enjoy life. Booking at Hotel Del Coronado for this summer!!

[@biancar481]

If this cruise sailed last Tuesday I was on that cruise. You were NOT the only 1st timers (myself included). I remember someone saying that out of 2600 guests, about 2000 were first-timers!

[@katherinecondon8882]

Love your videos! I told my husband that I’ve been waiting to see your take on everything as you both have great taste. We’re going on our first Disney cruise in May and our son is a little younger than your son! Can’t wait to see your next video! ❤️

[@poocky100]

Don’t worry disney won’t put you in harms way they go around storms. Just relax and enjoy the beauty of the ocean 😊 your son is adorable ❤

[@BrendaMcKnight]

The approved amount of alcohol has to be in your carry on, it’s not allowed in the checked luggage. We are loving watching your video. We disembarked the ship right before you got on.

[@smsea33]

Came to say the same thing. Must be carried on.

[@barbarakubota3765]

First cruise is always a learning experience. We have done 5 cruises on Disney. Love them all. In May we are taking the Wonder up through Alaska, and we live in Alaska but want to see it through Disney’s eyes! Hope to see you on anther cruise one day.

[@leeannfrancescone]

Such a fun video to watch! I’m happy it ended up being smooth sailing! We loved concierge on DCL. Can’t wait for the rest of the vlogs! ❤️

[@CoffeeSprocket]

Hi guys! My family and I watched all four of your cruise videos together because we're going to go on our very first DCL cruise in just over a week (on the Wonder no less). I just wanted to say that we loved your videos and the detail, the fact that you were going over things more in-depth and taking time to look at everything, including the process of getting oriented and set up (and trying to find everything!). There's a different commenter who made an excellent point - many of us watching your videos haven't done any cruises before, so seeing the three of you figure things out and talk about the fine details (and the critiques) was incredibly validating and informative! Thank you so much for the time you took to document your experience. Your style was much more preferable to us than a lot of what is out there on KZbin (and not to bash other videographers/vloggers - but a lot of the quick-cuts, only-focus-on-a-few-things styles of other travel vloggers is not always the greatest resource for first-time cruise guests). We also had to cancel a champagne tasting on our 1st day because of the arrival time we chose, and were afraid that we would miss it. BTW - your son is adorable!!!

[@TheMagicDads]

Thank you so much, I'm glad to hear our videos have been helpful :) Our first cruise definitely had a learning curve but we figured it all out pretty quickly and we had a blast! I hope you and your family have a great time!!

[@themiddleones11]

Speaking as a platinum disney cruiser. We love to see your joy of experiencing everything for the first time! Watching to see how concierge on the Wonder is because we're cruising concierge for the first time in September!

[@johnversoza9358]

Try to visit Miami Florida where large area of different cruise ship brand and Caribbean island for a nice warm weather and drink pina colada. Try on Royal Caribbean Icon of the Sea the new cruise ship and Virgin cruise ship and Queen Mary 2 cruise ship. Have fun.

[@AM-kg5lz]

Can’t wait to hear how you like the Magic. It’a my favorite ship. First cruises are overwhelming alone and then embarking is overwhelming.

[@dotpruden8144]

They are on the Wonder, not the Magic.

[@alysonbrown2336]

❤you guys! I’m a huge DW girl but we took our first cruise last year we used a TA and will always use one for cruising. It is so much more complicated than the parks😅

[@NurseMagicTravels]

I watched a bunch of KZbin family videos that helped so much!😊

[@jenniferbrown8305]

That server seemed great with Caleb! It does seem very family friendly!

[@brodieellis2545]

Awesome vlog gents can’t wait for the rest of them!

[@jenny71WDW]

Hope the rest goes smooth! We tried a 7night eastern when our boys were 5&7 and it was a one and done. We didnt like cruising for many reasons and its ok! These type of trips are not for everyone. We tried it and no need to do it again😅.

[@beepdotboop]

Can't wait to watch day 2!

[@donnastoffel5371]

You're going to have a great time! Love San Diego! Lived there several years

[@TheMagicDads]

Oh nice! San Diego was beautiful!!

[@davida8052]

Good to know about the cruise port in SD because every cruise I have been on there is always been a good sized parking lot.

[@ChristyJones-MSOFFICE]

Wow your room looks amazing. I want to take my family on a Disney Cruise and these are goals. I totally agree with you regarding the Champagne tasting someone dropped the ball on that one from the DIsney side. You all are so cute when you are sharing your food at dinner. Hope you had a great time and we love all of the tips.

[@smsea33]

There are plenty of adults traveling without children to fill the spots of that champagne tasting. Not disneys fault.

[@louisep9342]

First days are bonkers. We've only done 2 (so far), and when we did the Dream we were constantly lost 😅 Actually found the Wish easier to navigate.

[@ladyvigilante]

I could feel y’all’s stress through the screen 😅 Hopefully things smoothed out by the end of day 1! Disney cruises are our favorite way to vacation and be in the Disney bubble ❤

[@TheMagicDads]

4 more days coming!!! lol. We had a great time!

[@stevemccormick6908]

Next cruise, I will be your personal guide! ❤❤❤

[@honeyloaf4455]

My fiancé and I are going on our first cruise on the Disney Wonder next week so I enjoyed this video a lot~! Thank you for making it!

[@TheMagicDads]

Our pleasure! Hope you have the best time!!

[@Monica-zv7bh]

I’ve been on the WONDER. My friend was a travel agent. We went w/her discount. I can’t afford to go again 😱. Would love to take my mom and dad 😊…but blessed to have gone once! I’m loving seeing you guys on board!!! So excited for you!!! Bon Voyage!!🛳️ ❤🎉

[@josephineadamo178]

I've never been on a cruise so this is nice.

[@nathaniallangston9605]

New here, the room keys being by the door is a post-Covid thing. Do you guys have a Travel advisor, if so they should have walked you through the entire process. if not let's talk. :) Look forward to your videos. Port Canaveral is way easier to sail from on DCL at least the first time. With dinner, just get all three entrees.

[@amydodard9473]

Booking with a good travel agent is so helpful! An agent could have helped prep you. Love you guys and I can’t wait to see the rest of the trip!

[@sharonanderson2706]

Just relax and enjoy. Our first cruise was a little confusing but after the second cruise it gets better. We drove to New Orleans for our cruise and the traffic came be mad. So we now fly in the day before on all of the cruise. I have been on over 10 cruise so enjoy.

[@juniperdog5523]

Stewards are always close by even though you may not see them, and always know who should be where and whose luggage is whose. And the alcohol always needs to in the carry-on luggage, at every port. Thanks for the great tour!

[@ilsehunt6798]

This vlog has made me giggle a lot at both you and Steve getting yourselves in a tizzy ! Caleb seems to be ready to explore and embrace his vacation! Great vlog guys can’t wait to see how you both cope lol x mike did you not get an itinerary ? Love the room

[@disneyLani]

First cruise always the hardest. San Diego is a tough one if you have your own car. What we have done is go day before and do the stay and park at one of the hotels near the port. Cruising really is a fun way to travel when you get the it down. There are lots of tricks to make it smooth sailing. Since you are foodies for your next cruise do Celebrity! You will love it. It is also family friendly.

[@melissakirk6828]

I think the reason they started leaving the room keys outside of the room was cause of covid. Before they gave them to you at check in but sometimes people would lose their key

[@quz908]

Cruising is fantastic, but there is a learning curve. Just take a deep breath, use the maps, and enjoy! This is a trip of a lifetime, and something you won't ever forget. Also, utilize your stateroom attendant and guess services to help you out.

[@880L-us2qc]

Thanks so much🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@Louthanjen]

Hey! So excited for your cruise. We are 15 cruises Platinum and concierge. So the sit down lunch is not mandatory at all. We usually skip it actually. We either go up to the concierge lounge and get champagne and light bites or head up to the Buffett open to everyone and eat there. You do pay for drinks there or you can grab a bubbly etc and bring it to the Buffett. You are the first ones there so not as crowded. So many choices for food. And we aren’t locked in to a sit down option. We eat drink and go. Since the first day is open house for the kids areas we go to the pool deck. We typically wear our suits with cover up’s on when we board. This way we get to ride the Aqua Mouse a bunch of times, play in the pool and relax before a ton of people get on board. Alcohol is to be in your carry on only. It’s not because someone 18 has to be in the room. Not sure who told you that. That’s not the actual reason. All alcohol in checked bag is considered sneaking extra bottles than the two allotted per person and it’s confiscated. It’s 2 bottles per 21+ person per stateroom. The luggage is delivered to outside your door anyway. Concierge luggage gets to the staterooms first and those staterooms are usually cleared for open much earlier. When we are done on the pool deck we shower before muster drill. The sail away party is really loud. Our son is autistic so we tend to view it from a higher deck in the area away from the “ mosh” pit :). We always have a carry on like you did of extra clothes and meds toiletries etc just in case there is a glitch w luggage to our stateroom. Can’t wait to see the rest of your trip!! Our first cruise we forgot to put our tagged luggage outside of our state room. We had to lug all of it on own off the ship lol. The keys outside the door is weird. Years ago you would get at the physical check in. Now it’s all online so it’s at the door. Honestly everyone else is so excited to get to their own rooms and it’s a closed loop cruise. No one is taking anything embankment day. You can take drinks from the concierge lounge before dinner with you out of the room to dinner. Also you can take a nightcap back to your stateroom. There is a ton of storage. I still bring large magnetic hooks to hang wet suits dry up on the walls

[@Louthanjen]

Embarkment not embankment. Auto :)

[@chamisanell3499]

Awesome!

[@pollardjm3]

After 13 Disney Cruises, it does get easier each time. Some ports are somewhat difficult (San Diego and New Orleans) and some are a breeze (Port Canaveral and Fort Lauderdale). If you decide to cruise again, when it comes to dining, if it sounds good, order it. Your main rotational dining is the best way to enjoy everything that you want and as much as you want.

[@ccm1767]

Having sailed out of many cruise ports I definitely agree San Diego is one for the most chaotic and challenging. I feel there just isn't enough available land for San Diego to build the amount of infrastructure needed to cater to the number and size of cruise ships that sail from there. I can also see why it would be a hard sell to build a parking garage right by the pier; hotels, condos, restaurants, etc. would probably get built first. Port Canaveral and Port Everglades (near Ft Lauderdale) are more industrial and have better infrastructure for cruise passengers. So I definitely agree with the above comment.

[@ccm1767]

After San Diego, I think the next most chaotic port I have sailed from was Venice, Italy. After that, if you are in your own car I would say Manhattan NYC or Seattle Pier 91 are tough, but not bad if you are dropped off there by a taxi or bus.

[@kpl-CA]

Speaking as international cruisers, San Diego was a *fantastic* port, beautiful, in a developed, walkable, safe area with plenty of good hotels, attractions, parks, sidewalks, old ships, etc. We flew in two days early, and booked a hotel across the street in SD, and had a fantastic time, then sauntered over for our PAT. The locals we spoke to all booked a nearby hotel & used Uber from the airport for *much* less than port parking would cost. The worst port we've seen, by far, was Galveston - a grimy, ugly port, riddled with oil rigs, fog, industrial yards, pickpockets, pollution... and a building that was nothing but a warehouse. There was no shade in the baking hot "designated" concrete areas for buses, taxis, etc. There was *nothing* remotely attractive in the area.

[@ccm1767]

I see your point. It makes sense. In my mind, you are pointing out the nice aspects of the city of San Diego. You are also pointing out, honestly, that most ship harbors are industrial, dirty, and ugly. I would agree with that also. What I was thinking about when I initially commented was functionality of the ship terminal. In that regard, I still argue San Diego is lacking compared with others. In a form vs function conversion, I was arguing on function. You've pointed out style / form. I suppose it boils down to what one is most interested in at the time. For first time cruisers trying to park their car, get to the terminal and board the ship, I figured function was worth discussing.

[@jessalmero4145]

My husband and I did our first Disney cruise 5 months ago. We arrived slightly late and there were 2 ships loading at the same time. We waited almost an hour in the wrong line before someone told us. Got on board and had no idea where to go. It was very stressful and we spent our first cruise moments arguing. Couldn’t get the app to work so we just found a bar and had a drink. Luckily my sisters were staying concierge and were already in their room so we met them and followed them around as they explained it all. Ended up loving the cruise and put a deposit on our next DCL cruise before we even disembarked.