# Travel >> Transportation >> Cruises

How to Pre-Plan Disney Cruise Activities

Disney Cruise Line offers a wide variety of onboard activities. You can sign up for spa treatments, choose from an array of shore excursions, and even book an adults-only meal at Palo, the special restaurant. However, space is limited for these activities so you need to book them as early as possible. By knowing what you want and when you can book it, you increase your chance of getting your first choices.

Instructions

- 1
  Do your research ahead of time so you're ready to book your shore excursions, spa treatments and Palo meals as soon as you are able. Once booking opens, the most popular activities can disappear fast. For example, because brunches at Palo are limited to sea days, availability often disappears within an hour or less of being released. By knowing what you want ahead of time, you won't waste valuable booking time.
- 2
  Know when you can start booking and be ready as soon as it begins. For Castaway Club members who have sailed on Disney Cruise Line at least once before, booking for Palo, excursions and the spa begins at midnight 90 days before the cruise as long as the reservation is paid in full. If you are a Castaway Club member and pay in full on the 91st day, you can log it right at midnight to have your best choice of the bookings. All other cruises except those in concierge suites or on certain special packages can book at midnight on the 75th day.
- 3
  Once you log in, start with the most difficult reservations to get. These are typically Palo reservations, especially those for brunch and high tea since those two meals are offered on a very limited basis. Next comes Palo dinner, and then the most popular excursions like the dolphin swims offered at various ports or excursions with limited capacity like horseback riding. Spa appointments for massages and other treatments on sea days also go very quickly.
- 4
  If you don't get the reservations you want online before your cruise, keep checking. Other people might cancel out their reservations so availability might open up at any time. Changes and cancellations can be made online all the way up until three days before your cruise.
- 5
  If you are unable to get your desired activity reservations before your cruise, arrive at the port as early as possible so you can be among the first to board. Palo, spa and shore excursions can be made on board the ship, so if you're one of the first people in line you may still be able to get your preferred reservations.