The "put it on my tab" Wonder cruise~11/4-11/8, 2007

[Monica D]

This is my first trip report, so please be kind. :hippie: Hubby and I must have said "Put it on my tab" (a la Steve Carell) a hundred times during our cruise, so I figured that was an appropriate name for it. :teeth:

Included in this report are:
::MinnieMo Me (mom, wife, packer extraordinare)
::MickeyMo Dh (dad, husband, lugger of my heavy suitcases)
:darth: Darth Vader (son, 10.5 years old, lover of all things Star Wars)
princess: Belle (daughter, 8 years old on 11/14, loves the color blue and is not into the princesses anymore, although she tolerates Belle and Ariel)

Our trip actually began on Thursday, November 1st when we left the Bay Area for Orlando. We spent two days going to the Magic Kingdom, Epcot and MGM. Someday I hope get a report done for those as well.

Sunday, November 4th
The day we’ve been waiting for is here! Since we’d had such a busy day on Saturday and everyone was still passed out, I decided to get up, get ready and get the rest of our stuff packed up. After everyone else woke up we headed downstairs for a quick breakfast. The quick part didn’t go so well, as the dining area was completely packed. When we sat down to eat we looked over at the TV and saw that “Jaws” was on. We all thought that was an odd choice given that the majority of the hotel guests were getting ready to spend several days on the open sea, but whatever. :rolleyes2 After breakfast we loaded up the car and headed to the port. It didn’t take long to catch our first glimpse of the smoke stacks. The excitement in our car was mounting. I had “When You Wish Upon a Star” playing, and we could barely wait to get to the terminal. party:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v444/enterlinem/IMG_4169.jpg

After getting our documents checked and unloading our rather large group of luggage we headed upstairs to get our boarding pass. I had seen pictures of the terminal building, but it felt surreal to actually be there. Our check in went smoothly and I was thrilled to get a #2 boarding pass! :cool1: We registered the kids for the Oceaneer’s Lab and bought some snacks and lanyards for each of us (tip: these things were worth the money and then some!).

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v444/enterlinem/IMG_4174.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v444/enterlinem/IMG_4184.jpg

Once everyone was settled I decided to walk around and take some pictures.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v444/enterlinem/IMG_4178.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v444/enterlinem/IMG_4183.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v444/enterlinem/IMG_4185.jpg

Eventually (mainly because we’re just plain impatient) we decided to wait near the boarding area, which worked out well as we were able to chat with a very knowledgable cruiser (we later learned his name was Kevin. HI KEVIN! :wave:). In no time at all it was time to board! We grabbed all of our stuff, took a quick picture (I hadn’t bought matching t-shirts for nothing, after all) and walked onto the ship. They directed us to go to BBB for lunch, but being a loyal Dis Board reader I knew better. We took the elevators up to deck 9 and as soon as the doors opened I yelled, “To the Mickey pool!” To my surprise and delight, we were the first ones there (I seem to recall that I did just a little bit of gloating). While the kids were busy having fun in the pool, we decided it was a great time for our first Bahama Mama. :drinking1

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v444/enterlinem/IMG_4194.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v444/enterlinem/IMG_4196.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v444/enterlinem/IMG_4200.jpg

After drinks and a quick bite I decided to head down to Wavebands to see if I could up our late seating a little (I was hoping to go from 8:30 to 8:00). After talking with Nelson I found out that we could be waitlisted for the earlier time but if we stayed put we’d have a table to ourselves. Not knowing who we could be sitting with and not knowing how our kids would be acting at dinner, I decided that sticking with what we had was good enough. By now it was time to go back up to deck 9, grab a couple of bags and head to our stateroom.

We quickly found our room, which was conveniently located mid-ship. I think the first thing I did was open the door to the verandah, which gave us a perfect view of the ferry building. It wasn’t too long before a few bags started to show up, and I found that even though we had packed enough to last us a month there was more than enough room to put everything away. Pretty soon it was time to go meet my fellow Dis friends. We chatted for a few minutes (hi Kris, Patty & Stephanie! :wave:) and then it was back to the room to grab our life vests.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v444/enterlinem/IMG_4223.jpg

Another Dis tip I shared with my family: don’t get to the drill too early. Even though it wasn’t a hot day, it’s amazing how a few minutes in the sun wearing a giant piece of foam can make you sweat. My late arrival plan worked out well, as Belle started to have a meltdown about 30 seconds into it. They were more than happy to get back to the room and shed those things. I think it was around this time that I started shrieking, “The sail away party! Hurry! Hurry!” Yes…I’m like this all the time. :rolleyes1

(continued below)

[Monica D]

The party was just getting started, and although we couldn’t see much of the stage area we were pretty close to the front. Now, here is my first of only two complaints: these deck parties are way too long. I can only twist, clap my hands, wave my arms, and sing High School Musical songs for so long. And judging by the look of the crowd they felt the same way. Maybe I should have downed a couple more Bahama Mama’s or something…I don’t know.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v444/enterlinem/IMG_4230.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v444/enterlinem/IMG_4232.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v444/enterlinem/IMG_4231.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v444/enterlinem/IMG_4248.jpg

I really thought that after the horn sounded (which was very cute and I made sure we recorded on tape) we’d be done, but no…it just kept going. Finally Darth said, “Can we go back to the room now?” He’s a smart kid and had probably figured out that we may end up spending the night on a deck chair if we didn’t leave. Of course I wasn’t going to deny the boy his request, so off to the room we went. When we got there we found a yummy platter full of fruit, cheeses and crackers. It was a lot of work to save some for our remaining family members, let me tell you.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v444/enterlinem/IMG_4260.jpg

Once they came back we stood on the verandah waving goodbye to people and watching the sunset. We spent the next couple of hours hanging out (well, everyone else hung out while I continued to unpack) and getting ready for dinner.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v444/enterlinem/IMG_4256-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v444/enterlinem/IMG_4258.jpg

By the time we headed to Parrot Cay for dinner, the ship was starting to rock. Fortunately we had all been taking Bonine, and while the waves weren’t too bad there were a couple of “whoa” moments. We quickly met our servers, Agus (Indonesia) and Kabelo (S. Africa). I don’t think the kids quite knew what to make of them. Dh and I both started with mixed island greens salads that night, and for dinner he had the rib eye and I had the grouper with shrimp lemon butter. Our entrees were both very good, and I attempted to take a picture for my fellow Disers but after one picture I realized that 1. The lighting in Parrot Cay sucks where pictures are concerned and 2. people were looking at me like I should be wearing a straight jacket for taking pictures of my dinner. I wanted to scream out, “But this is for the Dis Boards!!” but figured that would make me look even more crazy. Dessert was chocolate espresso walnut cake for Dh and French toast banana bread pudding for me. Really, really yummy.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v444/enterlinem/IMG_4263.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v444/enterlinem/IMG_4264.jpg

By then we were all full and exhausted, so we headed to our stateroom for a good night’s sleep.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v444/enterlinem/IMG_4269.jpg

Up next: Atlantis and death defying falls….

[sherry]

Great Start! I really enjoy reading everyone's trip reports. I am looking forward to the rest:thumbsup2

[Philadisney]

i just stumbled across your report and am eager to start reading it! brings back memories of my trip on the Wonder in 2004 :cloud9: Love all the pictures! (And Steve Carell reference :laughing: )

[mickeyluv]

Oh I can't wait to read more!! Great TR!! We'll be on our 1st cruise 11/25 and going to Atlantis also!!

[nobodycares]

Hi Monica:

Enjoying your trip report with all your pictures. Sorry I couldn't find you to say hello. We were in the theatre at the same time for the Disney Dreams show and Patty pointed you out. With the mass exudus after the show, it was impossible for me to get close enough to say Hi!

Our DD was also rocking and rolling through that first 8:30 dinner. :upsidedow

The only other time we really noticed the movement was Wednesday night. I was up in the middle of the night banishing all the hangers from the closet as they were clanking into each other and keeping me awake.:rotfl2:

Our cabin was on deck 1 and guess where our lifeboat station was - In the wonderfully comfortable, air conditioned, Disney Theatre!!!!! Life boat drill has never been so comfortable!!!

[tksbaskets]

What a fun trippie :banana: :banana: Good job - I'd never know it was your first. I was intrigued by your thread title and now I'm in for the cruise. Thanks for sharing,
TK

[wonderapril2007]

Great trip report. Looking forward to reading more.

[Kurby]

oh how i love TR's with pics.

can't wait to read more.

[Monica D]

Our cabin was on deck 1 and guess where our lifeboat station was - In the wonderfully comfortable, air conditioned, Disney Theatre!!!!! Life boat drill has never been so comfortable!!!

Oh you lucky, lucky girl! By the way, did you see my nice cheese platter? Huh, huh?? ;)

I'm sorry we didn't get to meet, too. I had this idea in my head that all of us would meet up and hang out, but there are so many people and it felt like we were busy all the time. Maybe we can do a reunion cruise in a couple of years. :grouphug:

[tksbaskets]

Happy B-day to your daughter - it's my b-day too :cheer2:

[Henlady]

Hi Monica
Great report and I love the pics.
Our stateroom was aft on deck 7 and our "station" was in Animators Palette. Much better than port side on deck 4 the last trip.

Keep the rest of the report and those pictures coming.

[Monica D]

Happy B-day to your daughter - it's my b-day too :cheer2:

How sweet! :love: Happy birthday to you, too! :cake:

Thanks everyone for the nice comments. I was nervous posting this because I thought it would just sink to the bottom and die a lonely death. :) I'm hoping to write some more tonight, but we'll see as I'm currently buried under a pile of homework that is threatening to smother me. :scared:

[tyedye]

:cake: Happy Birthday to everyone!

Enjoying reading your report as I get to relive our trip. We were #10 for boarding because I insisted on going to Ron Jon's before the terminal. Not a big deal to us as noone wanted to go swimming or anything and we were on the ship and eating lunch in no time.

I forgot all about the DIS meet. I did see someone on embarkation day wearing a green colored shirt and wondered if it was someone here. Of course I was too shy to say anything.

Looking forward to reading more and seeing more pictures. popcorn::

[TIGGER/POOH4]

Great pics. We went on the Wonder for Halloween cruise, we can not wait to go back.

[Zak's Pack2]

I am really enjoying reading your trip report - and the pics are bringing back all the memories. Yes, the cheese platter looked terrific, too. Richie also was able to get the ships' horn when we set sail on the camcorder. A reunion cruise sounds fun to me; you never know!:thumbsup2 Looking forward to your Atlantis episode...
Patty

[ChrisLei]

Loving your trip report! I agree with the lighting at Parrot Cay. That was the last restaurant we visited on the Wednesday evening. We were not impressed. We wished that we had just made ressies for Palo dinner instead. Oh well. That is the tough part when you don't know what your rotation is beforehand.

[ajwaspooh]

I see the cheese platter mentioned a couple of times. Is this something you ordered (gift) in advance? TIA!

[CraftyMouse]

I see the cheese platter mentioned a couple of times. Is this something you ordered (gift) in advance? TIA!

The cheese platter pictured is the one you can order as a Stateroom Gift. There is a smaller platter that is available for free through Room Service.

[nobodycares]

Hey Monica, what happened to your trip report. You've got us all hooked and waiting for more!!!!

[Philadisney]

Hey Monica, what happened to your trip report. You've got us all hooked and waiting for more!!!!

Hear, hear! :teeth:

[naner]

good start so far!!!!!

[Disney owl]

thanks for sharing

[kalel29]

Hmmmmm.....nice report so far. Been a while since an update. Must be busy.....:laundy:

[woosie]

Hi Monica, great report so far! Please keep going. I'm a fellow bay area mom taking kids the same age on their first Disney cruise in Aug. I'm looking forward to your report as to what the kids loved, and could have done without.

My first dilema...dinner. We have one cabin (traveling with mother-in-law) confirmed for the early dinner, and the other cabin wait listed. I was kind of thinking that with a short cruise, and since my kids will be used to being up late after 11 days in WDW before the cruise, maybe it would be better to just take the late dinner, and not feel rushed to get back on board from Nassau & CC?

Anyone have an opinion on that? The kids are almost 11 & 8, and MIL is 77, but somewhat of a night owl.

Thanks!
Wendy

[The Disney Fanatic]

Hey Monica,

Great Trip Report so far and I love the pics. More please!!popcorn::

[The Disney Fanatic]

Hey Monica D,

What kind of camera did you use?

[Monica D]

Hey Monica D,

What kind of camera did you use?

I have a Canon Rebel XT. :)

I know it's been a while since I posted, but I think I'm going to try and finish this (for myself, mainly! :lmao: ). Thanks to everyone who's left a comment. :love:

[Monica D]

Monday, November 5th

Exhausted from the previous day’s excitement, we slept through our wake up call and everyone was sound asleep (or so I thought) until I heard DV exclaim, “I see land!” “Don’t be silly,” I muttered in my groggy state as I walked toward the balcony, “You can’t possible see…wait! You’re right!” Soon DH and Belle were on their feet to see that lo and behold, we were pulling into Nassau!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v444/enterlinem/IMG_4273.jpg
(a photo my kids will no doubt hate me for later)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v444/enterlinem/IMG_4274.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v444/enterlinem/IMG_4277.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v444/enterlinem/IMG_4279.jpg

Our excitement level continued to rise as we quickly got ready, grabbed breakfast at Parrot Cay, and disembarked. First stop: a couple of pictures beneath the "Welcome to the Bahamas" sign.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v444/enterlinem/IMG_4281.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v444/enterlinem/IMG_4282.jpg

Then it was time to find a taxi and get to Atlantis!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v444/enterlinem/IMG_4283.jpg

I had heard the horror stories about pushy people, hair braiders, etc. but we found the locals to be friendly and helpful. Our cab (or van) driver was so nice, and on the way over we chatted about his kids and family. Thanks to the tip I received here, we had booked a room at the Comfort Suites in order to receive day passes to Atlantis. Our driver dropped us off, and after quickly "checking in" to CS we high-tailed it over to Atlantis. Little did we know how HUGE the property is, and probably asked for directions no less than five times. :rolleyes:

Of course we (meaning ME) stopped for pictures along the way. :p

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v444/enterlinem/IMG_4285.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v444/enterlinem/IMG_4287.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v444/enterlinem/IMG_4298.jpg

After a half an hour or so, we spotted some chairs in what seemed to be the middle of the pool/waterslide area. DV decided to try out one of the slides right away.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v444/enterlinem/IMG_4301.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v444/enterlinem/IMG_4302.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v444/enterlinem/IMG_4303.jpg

The kids had spotted the (not so) lazy river, so I agreed to go with them and DH agreed to sit and watch our stuff. Just getting into the inner tube was a feat, and I was thankful that I would never see any these people again in my life. :rotfl2: Now I've been on some similar water rides here at home, but this thing was HUGE! All in all I'd say it took us at least 30-40 minutes to get back to our starting point. The kids loved the wave part, but loved watching my reaction even more! After I called it quits they decided it was dads turn to go, and I headed over to one of the outdoor bar/restaurant areas for some lunch. It was so nice to sit outside, listen to the band that was playing, and just enjoy the beautiful view of the ocean and swaying palm trees. Once I finished lunch I gathered up our things and scouted out a couple of chairs by the pool, just in time for DH and the kids to come back. They went and ordered lunch and we spent the rest of the afternoon swimming and lounging by the pool.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v444/enterlinem/IMG_4305.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v444/enterlinem/IMG_4307.jpg

It was so nice, but in no time it all it was time to head back. DH decided he wanted to ride “Leap of Faith”…the rest of us decided to pass. :wave2:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v444/enterlinem/IMG_4309.jpg

We took our time leaving, walking around the rest of the property to take (what else?) more pictures and walked through the hotel which was just as incredible as the outside. Again, I just couldn't get over how HUGE this place was!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v444/enterlinem/IMG_4322.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v444/enterlinem/IMG_4324.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v444/enterlinem/IMG_4328.jpg

[Monica D]

The second part of my post disappeared...hmmm. :confused3

A few more pictures and souvenirs later, we walked outside to find our driver from earlier that morning! :woohoo: Soon we were headed back to the ship, and on the ride back we were able to ask him about the Bahamian culture, real estate, etc…we were so fortunate to meet him. The sun was beginning to set and after a long day we were happy to see our home away from home.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v444/enterlinem/IMG_4338.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v444/enterlinem/IMG_4340.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v444/enterlinem/IMG_4341.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v444/enterlinem/IMG_4342.jpg

Tonight was our first dinner at Tritons, which worked well since it was "dress-up night." I had the Coquilles St. Jaques, which was heavenly, and I'm pretty sure DH had the lamb shank (even looking at the menu, my memory is a little hazy).

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v444/enterlinem/IMG_4343.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v444/enterlinem/IMG_4344.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v444/enterlinem/IMG_4345.jpg

After dinner the kids headed to the lab and DH and I checked out some of the entertainment. We were all pretty tired and were eagerly awaiting CC day, so it was off to bed for a good night's sleep.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v444/enterlinem/IMG_4346.jpg

Coming up next: a PERFECT day at Castaway Cay, pirate night, and mom hits overload...

[Googelibear]

I am so glad that you have decided to continue with your report.
Your children are adorable, I love all the pictures and reading about your adventure ::yes::

[woosie]

Glad you are back! Great report, and some of your pictures are phenomenal! I expecially like the last one from Atlantis with the sun rays. Keep it coming.