Western Trip Recap April 19-26

[anty30]

Hi everyone. I am just going to post a brief recap of our fantastic trip.
This was our 2nd Western trip on DCL. Love the ports and it fell on our vaca week, so we thought we would do it again.

Flew down Friday
Rented a car from Budget
Stayed at CI&S - would highly recommend this hotel. It was convenient, clean and comfortable. :thumbsup2
Arrived at port sat. around 10:30 am. DH dropped off the kids (I have 2) and me with the luggage and he went to return the car. This worked out well because by the time he returned we were all checked in.
Got Boarding #3
On the ship by 12:30pm
Cabin #2614 - Cat 9, Deck2 - Room was a bit noisy in the am.
Had 8:15 APPLAPL dining rotation
Servers were Alonso from Costa Rica & Jana from Czech Republic
PALO Brunch Sun. Wonderful.:yay:
KW was beautiful, no excursions booked
GC was fun - did Pirate Adventure pirate: through DCL, we all thoroughly enjoyed it.:thumbsup2
PALO dinner Tues. night - Fabulous
Cozumel - did Dolphin Encounter at Chankanaub Park :thumbsup2
DS got scared and refused to go in at the last minute, but it was a great excursion. LOVED the park as a whole. Lots to do. Would recommend it.
Castaway Cay - what can I say? It is beautiful. Did the Banana Boat ride. Had fun. DD loved it. Wear goggles if you do it.
Sat. - Disembarked by 9am
Rented a car at Budget
Arrived at MCO by 10:30 am
Flight back to NY @ 12:45

Hits:
PALO Brunch & Dinner - dont miss them!!!!
Great weather all week. Not one drop of rain!!!!
More relaxing 2nd time around because you are not in a rush to see and do everything.
Bingo was fun. Never won, but had a good time. Final Jackpot was 10K!!!
Meeting DIS friends:grouphug:
Pirates and Dolphins :thumbsup2
Kids were in the clubs almost the whole week so we had a lot of adult time. :hug:
Deck 4 loungers!
Chicken tenders.
Mickey Bars!
Fireworks.
Sleeping in the sun.
Castaway Cay BBQ

Misses:
New menus :sad2:
New dining rotation :sad2:
Cost of picture packages :scared:
Castaway Club gathering (seemed pointless):confused3
Our stateroom host this time around was a ghost (no personal connection like last time)
Dining room servers were ok, not great


I took over 400 pictures, but have not had time to download them yet.

Overall it was a fantastic trip. We booked another one. Kids loved it. Any questions, let me know.

Thanks,
Anty30

[MassDisLovers]

Hi Anty , thanks for sharing, it will be fun to see what others on 'our' cruise post about the week. BTW - I'm with you on that DCL Alaska cruise. Meg says we have to go when she has college break or we can't go at all :rotfl: She pointed out that she "was there in Palo" when you shared what your server had told you, so that means she "has to go". In fact, she wasn't all that thrilled with her first-ever Palo experience (she's not a very adventurous eater) so she thinks hearing your news was the best part of being there!

[Googelibear]

Thank you for the report.
I too like sleeping in the sun and I cannot wait to do it on this beautiful ship :love:

[anty30]

Hi Anty , thanks for sharing, it will be fun to see what others on 'our' cruise post about the week. BTW - I'm with you on that DCL Alaska cruise. Meg says we have to go when she has college break or we can't go at all :rotfl: She pointed out that she "was there in Palo" when you shared what your server had told you, so that means she "has to go". In fact, she wasn't all that thrilled with her first-ever Palo experience (she's not a very adventurous eater) so she thinks hearing your news was the best part of being there!

I'm glad I could brighten her PALO experience. It was great meeting you and your family. I thought all of the DIS friends were wonderful and truly enhanced our DCL trip. :grouphug:
Anty

[King Charming]

I wholeheartedly agree that seeing familiar faces on the ship to talk to and wave at enhanced our experience too. It was really great to meet you and all the others. With over 50 people showing up for our thread meeting Sat. afternoon, you almost always saw someone you recognized. Can't wait for the pics.:thumbsup2

[CRSNDSNY]

Thanks for sharing!
Will you be rebooking?

[anty30]

Thanks for sharing!
Will you be rebooking?

Yes, we did rebook. I would like to do a different itinerary since we have done the western twice. I booked for Dec. 2009, but willchange it to 2010 when those dates come out. :cool1:

[Hypermommy]

Great to see what you did. It was so much fun to know people before we even started the cruise and I know it's going to be great just seeing what everyone did.

Alaskan cruising huh? Now that could be great!

[CRSNDSNY]

Yes, we did rebook. I would like to do a different itinerary since we have done the western twice. I booked for Dec. 2009, but willchange it to 2010 when those dates come out. :cool1:
EXCELLENT!

It's going to be agonizing having to wait, won't it???

I know because by the time we cruise next year it'll be just shy of two years from our last one. :sad2:

[nzdisneymom]

I enjoyed your report. What was the news from Palo?

Post pics when you can!!

[anty30]

2 years is a long time to wait, thats how long we waited for this past one. It just makes you appreciate it more! :woohoo:

PALO was great. Our server told us one of the new ships will definately 100% be going to Alaska. That was big news. :cool1:

Still have not downloaded my pics. Will hopefully get to it by the end of the week. Going back to work really stinks. :sad2:

[Empress Room]

PALO was great. Our server told us one of the new ships will definately 100% be going to Alaska. That was big news. :cool1:


As I recall, when DCL announced its new contract with Port Canaveral last month, it said that both of the new ships would be committed to Florida for a minimum number of calendar days for a five-year term, so if either of the new ships is actually going to Alaska, it would have to be on a very limited basis (much like the current West Coast/Mexican cruises).

IMO, it would make sense to establish those two new ships' itineraries in Port Canaveral for at least a few years before venturing away - particularly since the new contract calls for it. It may, however, make sense that either the Wonder or the Magic is placed permanently on the West Coast to service the new DVC offerings in California (and even Hawaii) and, in turn, conduct Alaska cruises during the summer months.

As with bus drivers at WDW, crew member and cast member "rumors" should be taken with a liberal shake of salt...

[lillygator]

Yes, we did rebook. I would like to do a different itinerary since we have done the western twice. I booked for Dec. 2009, but willchange it to 2010 when those dates come out. :cool1:

did you have to put down a deposit for everyone in the party or was it a dummy booking?

[fourfoxesinpa]

Hi recent cruisers -

Can any of you tell me if Keyon is still on the Magic?

Thanks!

[anty30]

lillygator- I did have to put $250 down per person. I will switch the date when 2010 dates come out this fall. :thumbsup2

fourfox- i dont know a Keyon, so I am sorry I dont know if he/she was on the ship. :confused3

Ant

[anty30]

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8AcsWjZw2btmaV&emid=sharshar&linkid=link2


Link to pictures

[a7moulton]

Ant,
Hey, those are great pictures! I also was toying with the idea of next year RCCL. I think the kids need alittle more of a challenge. I also enjoy staying onboard a bit more so the idea of having a skating rink, ect. sounds fun! What ship are you planning on? It probally would be nice if we could go at the same time to see familiar faces!
Talk soon! Colleen:)

[anty30]

Ant,
Hey, those are great pictures! I also was toying with the idea of next year RCCL. I think the kids need alittle more of a challenge. I also enjoy staying onboard a bit more so the idea of having a skating rink, ect. sounds fun! What ship are you planning on? It probally would be nice if we could go at the same time to see familiar faces!
Talk soon! Colleen:)

Colleen,
OMG, I would love it if you guys did the same cruise. Ava would be very happy (and occupied :rolleyes1 ).
We are doing RCCL, Adventure of the Seas, April 5, 2009 out of PR.
The cancellation policy is the same as DCL, up to 70 days before, 100% refund. We booked for the 4 of us in an oceanview cabin, $3200.00. :thumbsup2
Stops include: Aruba, Curacao, St. Martin, St. Thomas.
Ice rink, in-line skating, rock wall, arcade, etc.
Book it!!!!! Boston & NY together again!!!! :banana:
Antoinette

[MassDisLovers]

Colleen,

You'll love it. We did that ship last year!

Karen

[a7moulton]

Ant,

Just wondering, what made you pick that one? What do you think air costs? Actually, Karen, you can probally answer that one, especially coming from Boston. The date is too far out at this point to check.
I am definately looking into it, maybe Karen and others will join us!!!

That would be sooo much fun!!!
I'll start pricing!!
Colleen

[anty30]

Ant,

Just wondering, what made you pick that one? What do you think air costs? Actually, Karen, you can probally answer that one, especially coming from Boston. The date is too far out at this point to check.
I am definately looking into it, maybe Karen and others will join us!!!

That would be sooo much fun!!!
I'll start pricing!!
Colleen

The more the merrier. :grouphug:

Colleen,
I chose that cruise for a few reasons.

First, the price is great.

Second, I really wanted to do Aruba.

Third, I have been to PR a dozen or more times in my life and love it. I also have relatives there that I may be able to visit for the day.

I have gotten airfare to PR anywhere from $150 rt to $300 rt. If it turns out that airfare is going to be a huge issue (like over $350 rt) then we will reconsider the cruise. I booked it knowing that I can get 100% refund if necessary. It doesn't hurt to book it. It's a win/win situation.

Peer pressure!!!!!!!! Do it. :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:

Ant

[Hypermommy]

Hey, when y'all talk about the rock wall and ice skating and such.... is that included in the price or an extra price? That might make me consider someone other than Disney.... maybe.

[MassDisLovers]

Ant,

Just wondering, what made you pick that one? What do you think air costs? Actually, Karen, you can probally answer that one, especially coming from Boston. The date is too far out at this point to check.
I am definately looking into it, maybe Karen and others will join us!!!

That would be sooo much fun!!!
I'll start pricing!!
Colleen

I'm not the one to ask about airfare. Remember - I flew from Boston to Chicago to get to Orlando! :rotfl2: When we did this cruise we had the air as part of a package, so I really don't know what it cost. You can book air about 11 months out so you can start looking soon. We will have 3 kids in college next year :eek: so we might have to stay grounded for awhile, but thanks for the invite!

And HyperMommy, activities are all included - the rock climbing, the ice skating and the ice show. YOU pay extra for specialty coffee and Ben & Jerry's Ice cream. I know we all love Disney, but the big RC ships are great. We've been on the "Adventure of the Seas" that Anty is considering and the "Mariner of the Sea" and they're pretty much the same. One thing, though, the cabins are a little smaller and no split bathroom! They have this really cool "Promenade" down the middle of the ship- it's like a mall! There are lots of shops , many bars, a cafe, etc. We love the Promenade area. The price for the cruise is much, much, cheaper than Disney. The Mariner goes out of Canaveral on Sundays, by the way.

[CRSNDSNY]

Yes, we did rebook. I would like to do a different itinerary since we have done the western twice. I booked for Dec. 2009, but willchange it to 2010 when those dates come out. :cool1:
GREAT! :thumbsup2

[Hypermommy]

And HyperMommy, activities are all included - the rock climbing, the ice skating and the ice show. YOU pay extra for specialty coffee and Ben & Jerry's Ice cream. I know we all love Disney, but the big RC ships are great. We've been on the "Adventure of the Seas" that Anty is considering and the "Mariner of the Sea" and they're pretty much the same. One thing, though, the cabins are a little smaller and no split bathroom! They have this really cool "Promenade" down the middle of the ship- it's like a mall! There are lots of shops , many bars, a cafe, etc. We love the Promenade area. The price for the cruise is much, much, cheaper than Disney. The Mariner goes out of Canaveral on Sundays, by the way.[/FONT]

That might be worth considering. I don't see how the cabins could get smaller :rotfl2: Do they still sleep four? That could be a lot of fun, even if it isn't Disney. Is the level of service at all comparable? I know that's what Disney usually does better than anyone in the world is their guest service.

[MassDisLovers]

Denise,

There isn't a split bathroom and if you're in an inside cabin (like your beloved 2114) it would be 2 sets of bunks as opposed to the bed/couch/ceiling bed on DCL. Outside cabins with balconies have a bed and couch that converts into a sleep sofa. When we've done other lines we've had 2 cabins - one for us and one for the kids. We travel with friends and usually put 3 or 4 kids in each room, across the hall from the parents. We only ever share a cabin with the kids on Disney (cost!!!).

The service is good, sometimes great. It's not outstanding as we've found on Disney. There are more a "Adult" evening activities , but the kids clubs are good too. We have really enjoyed our 2 cruises on RC and we also went on a brand new Carnival mega-ship the Liberty and we liked that a lot also.

I really believe that you'd like it a lot. Just repeat my mantra.........Cruising is good. Cruising is good, cruising is good...............:dance3:

[PizzieDuster]

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8AcsWjZw2btmaV&emid=sharshar&linkid=link2


Link to pictures

Wow! Your pictures are fantastic! Beautiful....someone has a great photogenic eye :worship: I really appreciated them....some could even be post cards! Love the Hammock one :rotfl2: :lmao: They would all look great in frames! :banana:

[CRSNDSNY]

GREAT PHOTOS! You have a beautiful family.

Thanks for sharing those with us. THe pirate excursion looks like it was FUN!

[anty30]

thanks :goodvibes

[frdeb1999]

Wonderful report and beautiful pix...you have a beautiful family! :)

[Hypermommy]

I really believe that you'd like it a lot. Just repeat my mantra.........Cruising is good. Cruising is good, cruising is good...............:dance3: [/FONT]

I might just have to give this a try. Thanks for the input. I'm going to have to talk KC into another cruise becuase that was fan-dang-tastic!

[sandyam76]

Hello Ant....we recently did that exact cruise!! We went in January...from Boston to PR....we paid 235 for RT tix...1 stop in Philly on the way down...non-stop on the way home!! The cruise was awesome! All of the extras are included...the rock climbing...mini-golf...in line skating...ice skating...The Ice Show...(AWESOME)....The one thing I did miss tremendously was the "Free" soda...on DCL...but hey...look at the price difference....I guess it isn't really "free" after all!! :lmao: The adult section of the sun deck...beautiful...so peaceful...you can almost not hear anything at all....funny I know...since it is right next to the family section!! Hope you have a great trip...your DCL pics were great!!

[anty30]

Hello Ant....we recently did that exact cruise!! We went in January...from Boston to PR....we paid 235 for RT tix...1 stop in Philly on the way down...non-stop on the way home!! The cruise was awesome! All of the extras are included...the rock climbing...mini-golf...in line skating...ice skating...The Ice Show...(AWESOME)....The one thing I did miss tremendously was the "Free" soda...on DCL...but hey...look at the price difference....I guess it isn't really "free" after all!! :lmao: The adult section of the sun deck...beautiful...so peaceful...you can almost not hear anything at all....funny I know...since it is right next to the family section!! Hope you have a great trip...your DCL pics were great!!

Thank you. I need reassurance. :confused3
What airline did you fly?
Any excursions you could recommend?
Ant