6/5/08 3 Night Wonder Trip Report- with Navigators, 20 tips, and 100+ photos!!!

[Tri-circle-D]

Introduction

Have you ever thought about taking a last minute DCL cruise? I have. Lots of times. Well in late April or early May of this year, DCL announced Florida Residents’ rates on some of the May and June three night Wonder cruises. Mrs. TCD and I talked about it, and I called DCL, and before we knew it, we were booked for the June 5 cruise!

The TCD family consists of me (TCD), Mrs. TCD, and our three DD’s aged 16, 13 and 13. The younger girls just turned 13 at the end of May.

We have cruised aboard DCL twice before. Our first cruise was in November 2004 for a four night cruise on Thanksgiving week. We re-booked while on-board for Thanksgiving 2005 aboard the Magic. That was a cruise to remember. At the time, we were not sure when we would cruise again, and we just never got around to setting another cruise date.

We are campers, and spend a lot of time camping at Fort Wilderness in WDW. We spent Thanksgiving week at Fort Wilderness in 2006 and 2007, and probably will again in 2008.

We always thought that a three night cruise would be too painfully short, that we never even considered one. But, after checking on the Florida Residents’ rates, we thought it would be fun to give a three night cruise a chance.

We are glad that we did. While a 7 night cruise is still our ideal, a three night cruise can be a lot of fun, and we probably will do another one rather than a 7 night cruise.

To save some more $$$, we booked connecting category 10’s for our family. On our previous cruises, we booked connecting 9’s. The savings on this cruise was around $400, so we figured this would be our chance to give the inside cabins a try.

Well, enough with the introduction, let’s get to the trip report, shall we?
In this report, I will provide you with 20 useful tips, complete copies of the three night Navigators, and at least 100 photos.
Let’s get on with it, then.

Embarkation
I should have mentioned that before cruising on DCL, Mrs. TCD and I have enjoyed cruises on Royal Caribbean, Princess and Carnival ships, as well as a couple of cruises on the Big Red Boat when our oldest DD was 5-6 years old.

The DCL embarkation process is so much better than any other cruise lines.
Just arriving to the DCL terminal is exciting, and such a great way to begin a cruise.

I should also mention that the tips I provide in this report (with one major exception that you will read about later) are not original. Almost all of them came from the Disboards.

Tip #1: Arrive Early. The terminal opens at 10 am.

We are Florida residents, and we drive to the terminal. On this trip, as we have with our other cruises, we arrived at the terminal at about 9:45 am. We were directed to an area of the overflow parking lot, where we were told to wait with a few of the other early arrivals. Right at 10, we were directed into the main parking area, and to an area where our luggage was unloaded. A porter took the luggage from us right there, and Mrs. TCD and the DD’s went into the terminal while I went to park the car.

Since the Magic is away in California this summer, we were able to park right in the main parking lot. Parking is $15 per day, and they have you pay at a booth right there. You can use a credit card.

After parking the car, I went ahead into the terminal. Mrs. TCD was in the check-in line for Castaway Club members. She was second in line. The signs on the check in counter say that check in does not start until 11 am, but the castmembers were logging on to their computers and getting ready to start checking in guests as we stood there.

At about 10:20, we were called up to the counter. I had completed the on-line check in process, so all I had to do was hand the pages that I had printed from my home computer to the castmember, and show her my credit card. She also checked everyone’s birth certificate, as well as my and Mrs. TCD’s drivers’ licenses. This whole process took maybe five minutes. Before I knew it, I was handed my Key to the World Cards (KTTW), and Castaway Club lanyards, as well as a #2 Boarding Pass, and we were checked in. It was probably about 10:30.

Tip #2- Take advantage of the online check-in. It greatly expedites the check-in process.

I inquired about the possibility of upgrading our cabins, and was directed down the row to a supervisor. There were some navigator verandah rooms, and family suites available, but not at a good price, so we stuck with our category 10’s.

That gave us plenty of time to relax and enjoy the atmosphere of the terminal. After completing the check in, that really only gave us about an hour to wait before boarding. That hour goes fast, and it is just plain fun to relax in the terminal and take in all of the excitement and energy.
We took one of these photos:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise009.jpg

And, we got to meet a few characters:


http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise007.jpg

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Also, at this time, I went back out to the car to get my beer and rolling cooler. This is probably the best tip that I got to the Disboards. The cruise documents state very clearly no coolers. There are signs right at the security area for check in saying no alcohol. But, for some reason, DCL will let you bring a cooler full of booze right onto the ship. The big no-no is that you cannot have ice in your cooler. I really think that is so you don’t get the x-ray machine belt wet, not for any other reason.

So, what I do is I have a regular cooler out in the car with all of the beer iced down. I also freeze a few bottles of water. I take the beer out of the ice and put it in my rolling cooler with the frozen water bottles. Then I wheeled the cooler right up to security. The guard asks what is in the cooler, I told him beer, He asked is there any ice in there? I said no. He said put it on the belt, and I did. Then on I went without a problem, I never even had to open the cooler.

Tip #3- Bring some of your favorite adult beverages on board. If you enjoy these, it is nice to have them handy in your room, or even to bring up onto the deck, or onto Castaway Cay.

While you wait in the terminal, your kids can meet some of the youth team members, and you can also register them for the clubs. Since we now have all teenagers, we did not have to register anyone, but the DD’s enjoyed speaking to these castmembers about what activities were available for teens, and they had copies of that day’s Navigators there at the table, so we could get a preview of what was scheduled for the day. Also, this is a chance to see who else will be cruising with you. Unfortunately, there was no thread started on the meets section of the Disboards for this cruise, so we had no Dis friends to meet.

In what seemed like no time, an announcement was made for guests holding #2 Boarding Passes to proceed to the boarding area, and we walked through the mouse ears to the area where our photo was taken:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/Embarkation.jpg

And then . . . .we were aboard the Wonder. It was about 11:45 a.m.!

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

Continuing on- I know this is going a little slow, but things will get interesting by the time we sail, so keep reading.

Aboard the Wonder

As you enter the ship, you will be stopped by a castmember who will ask the family name. He or she will then announce your arrival, and other castmembers in the atrium will applaud you! Such fun!
We were announced about by Neville. We didn’t know it yet, but he would become one of our favorite castmembers on board.

As you enter the atrium, a castmember will direct you to either Parrot Cay, or Deck 9 for lunch. Since we were one of the first families to board, we were offered the choice, and we chose Parrot Cay. We have always eaten our first lunch here, and probably always will. As you walk toward Parrot Cay, the Guest Services desk will be on your right. Right in front of the desk is a rack that will have the day’s Navigator on it. Try to remember to pick one up! Lunch is the perfect time to look at the Navigator, and try to plan out your day.

Tip #4- Pick up a copy of the daily Navigator when you enter the ship.

In Parrot Cay, we were escorted to a table, where a waiter took our drink orders and promptly served us. It is nice and cool in Parrot Cay, and we were among the first to go through the buffet line.

This guy was working the room:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise021.jpg

DD was the first to get ice cream in Parrot Cay:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise019.jpg


We always try to have a leisurely lunch when we board, and use this time to try to plan out the afternoon. Mrs. TCD and one DD wanted to just hang out on Deck 9, and the other two DD’s wanted to explore the ship. So that is what we did. We brought 2 way radios, and this is really the only time that we used them. Since we were still in port, cell phones would have worked too.

So, we finish lunch, and go on our way.

We carried bathing suits aboard, and changed in the restrooms located between the Mickey and Goofy pools, and had our choice of lounge chairs. It was a beautiful sunny day. I think we had a lot of first time cruisers on this cruise, as not many people were enjoying the deck, and a few who were did not have their bathing suits.

We got a couple drinks of the day, and enjoyed the sun. At a little after 2 pm, the ship’s DJ’s came out, and began playing music, and taking requests. The DD who was with us enjoyed that. Our other DD’s came by for a visit and told us that they had been to the room and had dragged all the luggage in. Mrs. TCD decided to head down to the cabin at around 3:00 ,and I stayed till just about 3:30, when all services are suspended for the safety drill.

I went to the cabin, and got my suitcase unpacked, I encouraged the girls to do the same, and we were pretty much unpacked, with the suitcases stowed under the beds by the time we were called to our muster station. I suggest that you do the same. There is plenty of space to place your suitcase contents, and get those bags out of the way. This was easy to do on a three night cruise, as we had so much less than on a seven night.
We also had time to get our magnets up on the cabin doors. This is a fun little touch, and it also helps you to find your cabin. A special thanks to Disboard member TooExcitedtoSleep for the DCL name tag magnets.

Tip # 5- Decorate your cabin door. Make some magnets before you go.

Here is what ours looked like:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise030.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise032.jpg


The safety drill went really fast, and we were back to the cabins to drop off our life jackets. Then we headed up to the sail away party. This is something that I never want to miss!

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

Sorry- it's a little dull so far. This is where things pick up. A little.

Sail Away!

a/k/a Adventures Away Celebration.

We all head up to deck 9. Do not miss the sail away on a Disney Ship!

Tip #6 Do not miss the Sail Away!

What a fun time the sail away celebration always is.

I guess this event has a new name, but the concept is the same as always. High energy music and dancing from the cast members.

We grab a drink and get our party on.

They have free streamers for folks to wave. I don't remember those.

Here are the girls dancing:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise033.jpg

Everything is played on the big screen TV (official name is Ariel View Television):

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise037.jpg

We have fun seeing ourselves on TV.

As I am busting a move, two young castmembers approach and ask if I can help with the celebration. They need some men to come up on stage to dance to Y.M.C.A. Since I was around when the Village People were new, I accepted the offer. Also, it was my chance to practice some of my dance moves for the Pirate Dancing contest (which I am sad to report I later learned has been discontinued). I came in second in the pirate dance competition on our last cruise, and this was my chance to shine.

So, the DD's were treated to this:

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Does that Indian- I mean Native American- look familiar?

Here I am on the big screen:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise055.jpg

After all these years, I think it is getting harder and harder to embarrass the DD's, but I think I did it during the sail away. Take a look at this (thankfully) short video clip:

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn218/TCDvideo/th_2008DisneyCruise054.jpg (http://s305.photobucket.com/albums/nn218/TCDvideo/?action=view&current=2008DisneyCruise054.flv)

Honestly, now, when is the last time you saw that kind of dancing? Hopefully, never! This is the part where the trip report starts to get funny. You have to admit that is some funny dancing.

Anyway, the cast was very appreciative of my enthusiastic dancing, and they handed each of us a free drink on our way off the stage. Mine was like a strawberry Pina Colada. I didn't know that I was going to get a free drink. The thunderous applause way payment enough for my efforts.

Soon enough, the festivities end with that famous sounding of the horn, and we are moving!!!

Have you ever wondered how they can cover and then open the Goofy pool so quickly for events?

Well, here is something that I never saw before, and perhaps you have not either:

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It is basically a tug of war, and they slide those big panels back. No sooner were those panels open, that the pool was full of kids.

We headed up to deck 10 to watch the sights on our way out to sea.

Here is a photo of Mrs. TCD and the girls:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise072.jpg

As we passed this restaurant, we saw folks waving to us with Mickey gloves on their hands:

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We stay up top for just a little longer, and then we head down to the cabins to get ready for the Golden Mickeys.

TCD

[Suzanne74]

great report - keep it up!!!! ::yes::

[MTMom]

Thanks for your trip report and fabulous photos! Have you seen those Disney commercials where the parent turns into a child for a day? Well, I have a feeling that's how you feel when at WDW or on DCL. I know I do! We are spending a week at WDW (a few of those at Universal) followed by a 3 night cruise. We've done 3, 4 and 7 night cruises, and the shorter ones seem to work best for our family. I am anxiously awaiting the rest of your report.....

[MTMom]

Oh, and btw, it's not dull at all!!

[okwminnie]

Love your report and photos! I feel like I am on the ship, too - can't wait for the next installment!

[BrettySpaghetti]

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise009.jpg

Talk about a smile that lights up the whole world! I am putting a copy of this photo on my bulletin board. :)

[ICEMANPAD]

Hi TCD!

Great trip report and great family pix!!! We want to hear more!!! :thumbsup2

Lisa and Chuck

[ScotnSteph]

I love your trip report. I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for more.

Stephanie

[wilma-bride]

Great trip report so far - it's not boring/slow at all so don't worry about it. Great dancing, by the way - not sure if it's a saying you have over there but my kids would call that 'Dad dancing' :rotfl2:

[Tri-circle-D]

Thanks for your trip report and fabulous photos! Have you seen those Disney commercials where the parent turns into a child for a day? Well, I have a feeling that's how you feel when at WDW or on DCL. I know I do! We are spending a week at WDW (a few of those at Universal) followed by a 3 night cruise. We've done 3, 4 and 7 night cruises, and the shorter ones seem to work best for our family. I am anxiously awaiting the rest of your report.....

Yes- I know the commercials that you are referring to. Yes, that is me for sure, although my DW would say that I act like a kid most of the time at home too.

Hi TCD!

Great trip report and great family pix!!! We want to hear more!!! :thumbsup2

Lisa and Chuck

Hey Lisa and Chuck, my old Turkey Day Gang buddies. Thanks for reading along. Hopefully, you guys will find some useful information in my report, although y'all are by far more experienced on DCL than I am.

I love your trip report. I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for more.

Stephanie

Mom? Is that you? I didn't even know you had a computer in the nursing home! :rotfl2:

Great trip report so far - it's not boring/slow at all so don't worry about it. Great dancing, by the way - not sure if it's a saying you have over there but my kids would call that 'Dad dancing' :rotfl2:

DAD DANCING? :woohoo: What is that crack supposed to mean? Actually, that is a more charitable description than I would get from my DD's. I like that term.
Reminds me of when the fellow who beat me in the pirate dancing on the '05 Thanksgiving Magic cruise did the Curly shuffle, and his DD's asked him where he learned how to break dance! :lmao:

Keep reading folks, it picks up from here.

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

The First Night

So, we are on our way.

We have late seating. We have always had late seating. I can't imagine having to be in the dining rooms by 6:15.

We head back to the cabins to get ready to go to tonight's show, which is the Golden Mickeys. That surprised me a little bit, as the first show used to be Hercules, and the Golden Mickeys would be on the second night. Since Toy Story replaced Hercules, I expected it to be the first show.

Oh, I forgot a tip. If you are prone to sea-sickness, the first night of the cruise is usually the roughest. Take your Bonine in the afternoon before the ship starts to move. If you have second seating for dinner, the ship is going to be rocking and rolling when you are trying to eat. On our last cruise, about half the dining room did not make it through dinner. As I stated earlier, we have been on a lot of cruises, and when ships leave Port Canaveral and travel through the Gulf stream, there will be some roughness. On this particular cruise, we were blessed with smooth seas the entire time, so we had no problems with motion sickness whatsoever.

Tip #7- If you are prone to sea sickness, take your medication before the ship starts to move! If you wait until you start to feel ill, it will be too late.

So, anyway, we are going to go to see the Golden Mickeys. It is a great show, and the pre-show is fun too. A red carpet is set up leading into the theatre, and cast members pretend to be paparazzi and take photos of you as you walk in. Also, there is a castmember who interviews the arriving guests, and the interviews are played on the big screens in the theatre.

Here is DD getting interviewed by Rona Rivers:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise077.jpg

Rona asks predictable questions, like "who is your favorite Disney princess?" We have had a joke planned out since our last cruise that if Rona ever asked DD this question, she is supposed to answer: "Why, you are, Oprah!" But, luckily for us all, Rona did not ask that question.

We enjoyed the show, although there was some type of technical difficulty which required the show to actually stop before it was finished. Never heard what it was, and I am not sure that folks even knew that they missed something.

Here at the show was our first chance to hear from our Cruise Director, Clayton. I give him two thumbs up :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2 . Our favorite cruise director yet! Very full of positive energy. I will take this opportunity to also comment how impressed we were with all of the staff on the Wonder. These people really worked as a team, and all of them really seemed to be enjoying what they were doing. The Captain, John, who was introduced at the beginning of the show, also seemed to have a more relaxed attitude than the Captains on our previous cruises. The positive energy flowed throughout our cruise!

Another tip:

Tip #8- Go to the shows! These are an important part of the cruise experience, and you will get information from the Captain and Cruise Director that you might otherwise not receive.

Have you ever seen one of Disney's Broadway productions? The quality of the performances that you will see aboard the Magic or Wonder compares favorably to those shows. Try not to miss the shows!

After the Golden Mickeys, we have about an hour before dinner. So, we stop by Studio Sea for the Who Wants to be a Mouseketeer game show. Here is another tip:

Tip #9- Every night of your cruise, there will be a family event in between the show and dinner ( or right after dinner and before the show if you have early seating). Go to it. These shows are fun for everyone, and you can also win something!

So, here we are in Studio Sea:

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As you enter the room, you are handed a number on a piece of paper. This is how they choose the contestants.

In the meantime, we had a drink. I finally ordered a Mojito. On our last cruise, some of my cruising buddies raved over these, and for some reason I never ordered one. Back on land, I have ordered Mojio's a couple of times, and never saw what the fuss was about. But, here on DCL, the Mojito is a very nice drink. It is full of lime and mint, and just right for drinking on a ship.
Here is me with my Mojito:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise083.jpg

I would have given it two thumbs up, but then I might have spilled a little of it.

So, the game show begins. It is modeled after Who Wants to be a Millionaire? A contestant is chosen, and is placed in the hot seat, where the hostess asks questions. The questions are not too difficult, and there are lifelines. If you are chosen to play, you receive a pin, and if you win, you receive a paperweight. I recall that the game was a little harder on our previous cruises, and that the prize may have been a little nicer.

The first couple of contestants are called. One young lady flames out, the other wins the paperweight. And then . . . DD's number is called!

She is in the hot seat:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise088.jpg

Well, I would like to tell you she won the paperweight, but no such luck. She did pretty well, but ended up with a pretty tough question. She used her 50/50 and guessed wrong :(. The question was about what attraction at Epcot used more computers than the Space Shuttle. The 50/50 choices were Test Track or Spaceship Earth. She chose SE, but the correct answer was TT. Oh, well, maybe next time.

And now, it is time to eat!

TCD

[Live4FW]

This is great. After so many trips to the Fort, it is great seeing it from a regular FWer's perspective. Keep it up. My wife and I are taking our inauguaral cruise in Sept on the 3 night Wonder.

[Tri-circle-D]

This is great. After so many trips to the Fort, it is great seeing it from a regular FWer's perspective. Keep it up. My wife and I are taking our inauguaral cruise in Sept on the 3 night Wonder.

Hello Camping Buddy! Please keep reading. I have to say that a cruise on DCL is almost as nice as a visit to FW! They even have an outdoor movie screen (copied from the Fort). This was our first 3 night cruise, but third Disney cruise. If you follow my tips, you will be fine!

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

Dinner at Parrot Cay

Our dining rotation for this cruise is Parrot Cay, Triton's, and Animator's Palette. You can find that by looking at your KTTW card. Your table number is on there too.

As has already been reported on the Disboards, they have done away with staggered seating, which means that everyone with your dinner seating shows up at the same time. What do you think happens? You are right- a long line waiting to get into the dining room. No biggie, but I like staggered seating better. The line moves quick, and the service in the dining rooms was great- I mean excellent ;) as usual.

For some reason, I used to like Parrot Cay the least in the dining rotation, but now I like it the best. I like the atmosphere and menu in here better than the other restaurants.

On every DCL cruise we have been on, there has been a Conga line in Parrot Cay after dinner, and tonight was no exception:

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As you might have noticed from these photos, we in the TCD family appreciate a good Conga line.

Here is out waiter, Nino- it is an action shot- the man never stood still so we could take a photo. He and our assistant server, Ava, earned excellent marks on our comment cards, and a little extra tip $$$ as well:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise093.jpg

One thing about late seating, is that you sit down to eat at 8:15, and inevitably it is well past 10 when you are done. I don't think we finished up with dessert until about 10:15 here on our first night.

After dinner, the three teenagers (I am still getting used to the fact that all my kids are teenagers now) wanted to go to the "411 Information Session" in Aloft, and Mrs. TCD and I wanted to go back to the cabin to make sure everything was unpacked. We agreed to meet back at the cabin before 11, so we could go to the Buena Vista Theatre to see College Road Trip.

So, the girls went, off, and before long we were all back at the cabins to go to the movie. Mrs. TCD bowed out, so it was me and the girls. I strongly recommend that you try to catch at least one movie in the Buena Vista Theatre on your cruise. The Theatre is gorgeous and comfortable, and the sound and lighting are great.

Tip #10- Try to catch a movie in the Buena Vista Theatre while you are aboard.

We had all seen College Road Trip before. I give it two thumbs up. It stars Martin Lawrence and Raven Simone, but in my opinion, Donny Osmond, who plays a supporting role, steals the show. And, this movie is rated G! True family fun!

Well, we made it to the theatre by 11, but it wasn't long before my eyelids were getting really heavy. I finally told the DD's that I was going back to the cabin some time before midnight. They all wanted to stay and finish watching the movie. So, I went back to the cabin. It wasn't 15 minutes before they joined me. They were all tired, too.

So, at just after midnight, we called it a night. It was a good first day.

Next, the wonderful island of Nassau, and a tip that I know you have never read here on the Disboards.

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

I promised Navigators, so here we go.

First, this is the one page sheet they give you at check-in. There is a map of the ship on the back:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/navigators.jpg

While somewhat useful, this does not have nearly the information that you need to have. Like I said, pick up a Navigator right outside the Guest Services desk on Deck 3 as soon as you board. There will be one in your cabin, but you can't go there until 1:30.

Here is the whole first day Navigator:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/navigators001.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/navigators002.jpg

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http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/navigators004.jpg

IMHO, the most important page is page 2, which has the grid of activities. Make sure that you review this, and that you don't overlook something that you might want to do.

Another tip:

Tip #11- You cannot do everything that is offered-so make a reasonable plan, and don't kill yourself trying to do too much.

Looking at the day one schedule, I would have loved to watch some Karaoke, and to visit Diversions for some of the activities there, but there was just no way. I didn't sweat it, and you shouldn't either. Just do the best you can.

Oh, and here is the movie and TV schedule, just to give you an idea of what might be offered on your cruise. These also can be picked up as soon as you board, and copies will be in your cabin.

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/navigators005.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/navigators006.jpg

In addition to these, movies are also played on the Ariel View Television up on deck 9.

TCD

Next, Nassau

[Gatordad]

Man, that trip report was otter this world...... Your family is beautifuly, you must be proud as a peacock! Do you know if they serve a drink called Kungaloosh on board?

[Tri-circle-D]

Man, that trip report was otter this world...... Your family is beautifuly, you must be proud as a peacock! Do you know if they serve a drink called Kungaloosh on board?

Nicely Done! :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

Now, go back to the camping community board before I lose all of my new cruising buddy readers! :lmao:

Nobody here knows anything about otters, peacocks or kungaloosh.;)

TCD

[clkelley]

Great report TCD!!! Looks like fun!!

[frdeb1999]

Great TR , you have a beautiful family!:)

[Mickeyhugger]

Hey Andrew are you going to join us for Thanksgiving 09?

Great trip report

Rob,Priscilla& Rachel

[Suzanne74]

This is a great trip report! :woohoo:

[Us3]

Great report as always TCD! I can't wait to take a Disney Cruise...but we're waiting for our two youngest dd's to get a bit older. So we'll be going back to FW for a while! :thumbsup2

The door magnets are a really cool touch. I bet everyone was wondering how your girls met so many Disney channel stars! (and lets not forget the dad of the year award that came along with that, hahaha)

Thanks for all of the tips and suggestions. Can't wait to read more! :)

[Brena]

Great tips and tricks! We're going on our first cruise in a week, thank you for all the detail!

[sandybobandy]

Waiting for more.....fun!! :)

[DisneyMommy1022]

I love your TR!! Cant wait for more!

[DLW8]

Love the trip report so far (and the dancing!). We are heading to a 3 day Wonder cruise in December 2009, so stocking up on all the reports and tips I can get!!

Keep em coming!

[mommy2777]

love yout trip report! show us more!

[Our2Girls&Disney]

I am really enjoying your TR. Your girls are beautiful. Keep writing, I need more.

[3gr8kids]

Yet another fabulous trip report, TCD!! Perhaps you should consider writing for a travel magazine? :thumbsup2

[2disneycruzrs]

You're report is great fun and your family seems like just a great group! We want to hear more!!

[Tri-circle-D]

Great report TCD!!! Looks like fun!!

Great TR , you have a beautiful family!:)

This is a great trip report! :woohoo:

Great tips and tricks! We're going on our first cruise in a week, thank you for all the detail!

Waiting for more.....fun!! :)

I love your TR!! Cant wait for more!

Love the trip report so far (and the dancing!). We are heading to a 3 day Wonder cruise in December 2009, so stocking up on all the reports and tips I can get!!

Keep em coming!

love yout trip report! show us more!

I am really enjoying your TR. Your girls are beautiful. Keep writing, I need more.

Yet another fabulous trip report, TCD!! Perhaps you should consider writing for a travel magazine? :thumbsup2

You're report is great fun and your family seems like just a great group! We want to hear more!!

WOW! I have to say that I am overwhelmed by this response! Thank you all for the encouragement. :thumbsup2 I shall press on.

And- a special shout out to my friends from the camping boards- there is no friendlier group of people anywhere on the Disboards!

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

Hey Andrew are you going to join us for Thanksgiving 09?

Great trip report

Rob,Priscilla& Rachel


Hey Guys!

Thanks for dropping by my TR!

To the other readers, Rob, Priscilla and Rachel sailed with us on our Thanksgiving Magic 2005 cruise. We had a great bunch of Disboard folks on that cruise, and we sure had a lot of fun. Rachel is just a little older than my twin DD's, and she and one of my DD's ended up hanging out a lot on the cruise. Our families met up through the Disboards.

Libby mentioned Rachel on our cruise. She missed having a wing man.

As I stated earlier, there was no meets thread for this cruise :( . That seems to be the case with a lot of the three night cruises. It is a shame really, as having some Disboard friends to hang out with on the cruise can really enhance the fun!

Rob and Priscilla- I hope you all are doing well. I actually did get a quote on the Thanksgiving '09 cruise while on this one, and almost put down the deposit, but did not. Our oldest DD graduates High School in June '09, and will be in college by the time Thanksgiving rolls around. Too much uncertainty about that. Plus, I really think we will try another three night cruise next summer. As you will see from the rest of this report, it was a great cruise, and fit in with our schedules really well.

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

Great report as always TCD! I can't wait to take a Disney Cruise...but we're waiting for our two youngest dd's to get a bit older. So we'll be going back to FW for a while! :thumbsup2

The door magnets are a really cool touch. I bet everyone was wondering how your girls met so many Disney channel stars! (and lets not forget the dad of the year award that came along with that, hahaha)

Thanks for all of the tips and suggestions. Can't wait to read more! :)

Hey Sonya- Thanks for stopping by. BTW, that award was Dad of the century. That actually wore off pretty quick. So now I am back to just plain old Dad. At least until next year. ;)

Seriously, if there is anyway that you can swing it, take your DD's on a Disney Cruise. It is really something that they will never forget.

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

OK- Before moving on to Nassau, I forgot to post copies of the photos taken by the ship's photographers at our Thursday night dinner at Parrot Cay. I will share some thoughts about the photo department later in this report, but until then, here are the photos:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/ParrotCayDinner.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/ML.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/Kate.jpg

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

Nassau

We have been to Nassau a lot. Before we started our family, Mrs. TCD and I took several cruises, and before our twins came along, we took a couple of cruises with our oldest DD. We have also taken a few three night cruises without the kids, but not in a while. I don't even know how many times we have been to Nassau, but we have been there plenty.

Nassau gets a bad rap on the Disboards. From what I have read, the criticism is unfair. A lot of the folks who don't like Nassau have only been on three or four night cruises, and do not have the perspective of what a cruise port town is like in the Caribbean. I honestly have to say that Nassau is a typical Caribbean cruise port town (I know it is technically not in the Caribbean, but let's not split hairs here).

Seasoned cruisers will tell you to not expect much when you enter one of these port towns. Invariably, you will run into folks wanting to braid your hair, take you on a taxi ride, sell you Cuban cigars, or hand you a flier from a store. These folks are generally polite, but can be a little pushy. It is the same in every port. That is what you will find when you get to Nassau, although I will admit that there might be a few more of these folks. Don't sweat it.

On this cruise, since we were only going to have two full days, we decided to forgo excursions on Nassau. Why pay to go someplace when you can spend your day aboard one of the most beautiful cruise ships afloat? Two of the DD's did want to at least get off the ship and walk around, so that is what we planned to do.

A suggestion for you that worked well with our family: decide the night before what the general plan is for the next morning. If you have teenagers, then you know that they can sleep late- really late. On a three day cruise that is not a real wise use of time. Let them sleep at home! There is too much to do on a cruise.

I generally get up pretty early at home, but did not wake up until about 6:30 on Friday morning. The ship was still moving, but since we had inside cabins, I did not know how close we were to docking, or even if the sun was up yet. There is a channel on the cabin TV that shows the view from the bridge, but I did not want to wake Mrs. TCD, so I took a quick shower, and headed up to deck 9 for some coffee.

I got up there at just about 7, and was surprised by the bright daylight! I don't think the sun comes up that early where we live (on the West coast of Florida), but out at sea, and this far to the East, it was fully up and shining by 7. It has been a long time since we cruised in the summer, so usually the sun isn't up when I first hit the deck.

Anyway, I get that first cup of coffee, and head up to Deck 10 to take a look around. I can see Nassau just off in the distance, and we are heading there rather fast. It is fun to watch the ship approach a port, and I recommend that you try it some time.

Since it was obviously going to be a little while before we hit land, I decided to take a walk around the top decks to have a look around. Also, I have never stepped foot in the spa on either of our previous cruises, and I planned to at least take a look around on this one. This was my chance to do that.

Here are some photos from my early walk around the ship:

Here is a shot of a worker putting the cushions on the lounge chairs around the adult pool. These looked pretty new, and these types of wooden chairs with cloth cushions were definitely not used on our previous DCL cruises. I am not sure whose idea this was, but I have to say that I find it a little impractical, and possibly a little on the gross side, unless they wash the cushions every day (which I doubt they do);

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise106.jpg

Here is a shot of the "new" furniture around the Cove Cafe (this is on the other side of the pool from where the above photo was taken):

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise108.jpg

This drink menu was floating in the pool, and came to rest on the deck at the pool entry. I thought it might make a neat photo:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise107.jpg

The spa entrance is just forward of the adult pool, so I wandered in here. It was sometime before 8, and I was surprised to find quite a few people on the treadmills and other equipment. I thought I was crazy to get up early on vacation, but at least I wasn't running on a piece of equipment, watching TV, while there is a great track on deck 4, and a priceless view of the ocean. Hey, but that's the beauty of a cruise-to each his own!

While in the spa, I peaked in the Rain Forest room. I don't recall ever seeing photos of this area here on the Disboards. It certainly would not be appropriate to take photos when it is in use, but no one was in there, so what the heck.

Here is what it looks like walking in:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise111.jpg

Pretty fancy, ain't it?

These are what they call mosaic heated benches:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise110.jpg

This is the entry into a large sauna room:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise112.jpg

Here are some shots inside that sauna room (it was hot in there!):
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise113.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise114.jpg

I don't know what to think about all of this. I wonder what it is like when the place is full of people. Hot and humid for sure. I was amused at how many signs there were in there saying "bathing suits required." There must be a problem with folks "losing" their suits? :confused3

I can see that it would be fun to hang out in the spa, if that is your thing. But it isn't mine, and I doubt that I will ever be back in this part of the ship.

Let me give you another tip:

Tip #12. Don't sleep in on your cruise! Especially a three day cruise. Sunrises are beautiful at sea, and there are no crowds early in the morning. You can sleep at home!

Anyway, after exiting the spa, I see that we will be docking in Nassau soon. I go down to the cabins to see if anyone wants to come up top to watch. A couple of the DD's come back up with me, and Mrs. TCD and the other DD say that they will be up in just a bit so we can all eat breakfast together.

As we approach Nassau, we see this tiny spit of land and what appears to be a small lighthouse (which is actually not so small, it is just that the ship is so big) :

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise124.jpg

That is Paradise Island, and the Atlantis resort there off in the distance.

This is an area that juts out from the bridge area of the ship. This photo was taken from deck 10. The ship's officers come out here while docking the ship. I believe that they are actually able to control the entire ship with the controls shown here:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise125.jpg

As we approach Nassau, the ship's officers come out to dock the ship:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise128.jpg

This is a fascinating thing to watch.

Here we are making our approach into the channel. There is already a Carnival ship in port (and a Royal Caribbean ship pulled in right after us):

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise126.jpg

As soon as we are docked, Mrs. TCD arrives, and we all go through the breakfast buffet at Beach Blanket Buffet. I don't think we have ever had breakfast in one of the restaurants, although that is an option. They have so much to choose from on the buffet, that I can't imagine what you would want in the restaurant that you couldn't find here. Plus, you can eat outside!

We took our trays out back, and enjoyed the nice early morning weather, although there were some dark clouds approaching:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise132.jpg

That is the Atlantis resort again in the background of this photo.

A few minutes after this photo was taken, it actually did start to rain! It rained pretty hard for maybe two minutes, and then stopped. We didn't have any more rain for the rest of the cruise. Also, although it was hot, there was a really nice breeze all day at Nassau, and it was not that humid.

At breakfast, we finalized our morning plans. I would walk into town with two of the DD's, and Mrs. TCD and the other DD would stay back to hang out and relax a bit on the ship.

One more thing. As we were eating breakfast, our Cruise Director, Clayton, announced over the PA system that the ship had been cleared by customs, and that folks could go ashore. He also stated that today was a National Holiday in the Bahamas, and that folks should take that into account when traveling about the island. That was kind of a mysterious announcement, and we would find out later what he meant.

Next, our adventures on Nassau!

TCD

[MarieFan]

Enjoying hearing about your adventures - your family seems to enjoy each other. And I am intrigued by the national holiday comment..hmmm...
Jen

[Suzanne74]

more more - I can't keep waiting.... :laughing:

[kvaday]

I just have to tell you I love your TR! Your family really seems like a lot of fun! You have a beautiful family, and from the looks of your pics a really outgoing fun loving family! Cant wait to hear more!:cool1: popcorn::

[E&BMom]

TCD...there was a very small cruise thread for this cruise because I posted on it!! We were on the cruise and we had actually done the 4 day DD right before this one. (turned into a B2B) It was cool to stay on the ship. There were a couple of families that did this. If you saw an older lady in a wheelchair she was 102 years old. They did the B2B too and we had sailed with them 2 years ago. DD14 went to the Aloft some . I'll ask her if she met your DD's. We had a great time. Sorry we didn't get to meet you though.

[Tri-circle-D]

Enjoying hearing about your adventures - your family seems to enjoy each other. And I am intrigued by the national holiday comment..hmmm...
Jen

Intrigued? Then you will need to read on to see how the TCD gang partied with the Bahamians on their national holiday!

more more - I can't keep waiting.... :laughing:

I've got some more coming up. Hang in there!

I just have to tell you I love your TR! Your family really seems like a lot of fun! You have a beautiful family, and from the looks of your pics a really outgoing fun loving family! Cant wait to hear more!:cool1: popcorn::

Outgoing? Fun loving? True! (well, for most of us, anyway!) ;)

TCD...there was a very small cruise thread for this cruise because I posted on it!! We were on the cruise and we had actually done the 4 day DD right before this one. (turned into a B2B) It was cool to stay on the ship. There were a couple of families that did this. If you saw an older lady in a wheelchair she was 102 years old. They did the B2B too and we had sailed with them 2 years ago. DD14 went to the Aloft some . I'll ask her if she met your DD's. We had a great time. Sorry we didn't get to meet you though.

WHAT? I never saw any meets thread for this cruise! Of course, we only had about a month from booking until cruising, and would not have done much chatting anyway, but I would have loved to meet up with a Disboard buddy. I'm thinking a B2B would be pretty sweet. Maybe I will need to consider one next time!

Read on everybody- there's still plenty more to tell.

Including a tip that you have never heard of on the Disboards, but you will be glad to know!

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

Sorry- before going on to our adventures in Nassau, there is a tip that I forgot to mention.

Tip #13- Spend some time exploring the ship!

One of the great things about the DCL ships is that they have some remarkable public spaces. Early in the morning and late at night, you can wander around and literally feel like you have the ship to yourself.

You also might see some interesting behind the scenes things, like how those Nescafe coffee makers work.

These coffee machines are at all the WDW resorts. This stuff has a taste and look that strongly resembles coffee, but there is something not quite right about it. Well, here is a shot of what those machines use to make your coffee. It is a box of something. What is in that box, I couldn't tell you. In this scene, the castmember is replacing the box. See the extra box on the counter on the left of the machine? I tried to grab it so I could send it to the lab for analysis, but there were too many witnesses around.

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise117.jpg

At least we know it isn't coffee that comes out of those machines.

But if it isn't coffee, what is in that box?

TCD

[HoosierFrog]

My DW and I are planning our first cruise ever on Sept 25, 2008 aboard the Wonder for a 3 day. This is an amazing TR, thanks for all the great info. Reading this report helps to calm my vacation woes, 3 months seems so far away.

[Tri-circle-D]

Our Adventures in Nassau

OK, if you are paying attention, you know the plan is for me and two of the DD's to make a quick trip to the island, and get back on the ship.

So, at about 10:30 or so, we head down to the Deck 1 gangway, and head out to Nassau.

Today there are two other big ships docked with us at Nassau. Lots of folks are walking down the dock to the city. Here, as soon as you get off the dock you are in the city. You can see the "world famous" straw market and Senior Frog's restaurant from the ship. They are about three blocks away from where you enter the city from the dock. But before you get there, you will have to run the gauntlet of the locals hawking hair braiding, taxi rides, cigars, t-shirts, etc. Here on Nassau, the locals are very polite, and will leave you alone at the first "No, Thank You." I appreciate that. Be polite to them, and they are polite to you. That is not the case in every cruise port.

So, here we are on the dock, looking back toward the Wonder, as well as the other visiting ships:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise133.jpg

And here we are at the end of the dock, entering Nassau:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise134.jpg

As you enter Nassau, you are forced into a building that the Bahamian government must have built. It is kind of like a not so nice mall. There are little shops in there, and counters where all types of excursions are being sold. Keep on walking. There are signs to the exit. As you exit, there will be about 50 (or more) gentlemen offering to give you a ride to wherever you may wish to go on the island. You must tell each of them no thank you. Even if one of them already heard you say no thank you, he is still going to ask you. Maybe you will change your mind? Also, these fellows will ask you where you are going. If you say you are just going to walk to the straw market, they will advise you to take a cab, as the walk is longer than it looks. It isn't. You can practically see the straw market from where you are. Keep walking, they will leave you alone.

Tip # 14- If you are going to shop on Nassau, you do not need a cab. No matter what the nice men at the port mall tell you. Nassau is an easy city to walk around.

And then, you are in beautiful Nassau.

As we entered the city, we heard loud music, and could see that there was a parade going down the street, just the next block over. We love parades!

We must go look!

So we do.

This was quite a big parade. The strange thing was, that every participant in the parade had on the same yellow t-shirt, and every truck had a sign for Perry Christie, whoever he is:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise138.jpg

It turns out that June 6th is the Bahamian Labor Day! A lot of streets are closed, and I am sorry to report that a lot of the stores were also closed.
It seems like everybody on this island is partying. If Perry Christie is running for office, then he clearly is going to win, because I didn't see his opponent's face anywhere.

Anyway, like I said, we like parades, so we ask the folks in the yellow t-shirts if we can join in . . .

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise137.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise136.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise141.jpg

Well, there you have it. The TCD family has officially endorsed Perry Christie. (I hope that he isn't a communist or something).

We walk along the parade route, and arrive at the "world famous" Straw Market:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise143.jpg

Yes, that is really it.

The sad thing is that when we were last in the Bahamas in 2004, the building in which the Straw Market was housed had been destroyed by a hurricane. So, it was moved into this temporary structure. As I said that was in 2004. This was 2008. The old site is still just vacant ground. I guess they are still in the permitting process?

Anyway, I have to tell you that the old location wasn't that much nicer than this temporary location. I remember the first time we went and wondering what is the attraction of this place? And why is it called the Straw Market? It should be called the cheap t-shirt and fake purse market.

Sorry. So, we buy a few Bahamas t-shirts, and we are ready for our walk back to the ship.

As we exited the ship, the oldest DD noticed that there is now a Starbucks in Nassau (you are not surprised to hear that, are you?), and she wished to visit there on the way back to the ship. What the heck.

Here it is:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise115.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise116.jpg

Wow! It looks just like a Starbucks. What a surprise ;). There are a lot of young people in here with their laptops. I think this must be a hangout for the cruise employees. I don't recognize anyone from the Wonder, but the young people look like they work on cruise ships.

We have our coffee (much better than Nescafe), and head on back to the ship. We are walking along a narrow sidewalk, with buildings on one side, and a pretty busy road right next to us. Bahamanian drivers drive crazy, so we walk in single file.

All of a sudden my younger DD screams!

I turn.

If you have a weak stomach, please skip on to the next post. I am about to describe something pretty gross, but as a service to the public, I must go on.

Are you still with me? I'm warning you. Stop reading if you just ate.

So, I turn, and my DD is holding out her arm. There is a large amount of brown goo dripping from her arm. What the heck is that? Then I look up, and I see him. I can swear that I heard his evil Bahamian laugh. Here he is:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise144.jpg

This evil creature had just unloaded the biggest load of bird doo-doo that I had ever seen in my life!

It was all over my DD's arm. And she was quite upset (understandably).

I found a dirty napkin on the ground, and got her arm wiped off pretty good.

And then I saw the back of her shirt:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise145.jpg

Yes, that is bird doo-doo on there!

I told you it was gross.

And there was another big spot in the middle of her back.

How did all of that come out of that filthy bird?

I have heard pigeons be called flying rats. My mind went wild thinking of the diseases that this critter could be harboring. It still scares me to think about it. Even now. Don't anybody tell me that pigeons carry bird flu.

Sorry to share this with you, but I warned you.

So, this is the tip that I was foreshadowing a little bit ago:

Tip #15- Do not walk near any buildings in the Bahamas!

We get DD wiped off the best we can, and head back to the boat.

I tell her that we will laugh about this some day. I also tell her that getting bombed by a bird is good luck. You have heard that, too, haven't you?

I am tempted to hop in a cab and bring her to the Casino, because if bird doo is really good luck, I am thinking she should be playing at some of those tables. But, she is in no mood for gambling, and I am pretty sure that there is a minimum age at the casinos, so it is back to the ship.

But not before we stop for a photo op:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise146.jpg

We head down the dock, and are back on the ship:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise149.jpg

We had our fun in Nassau, and the rest of the day will be spent enjoying the activities aboard the Wonder.

TCD

[Suzanne74]

If Perry Christie is running for office, then he clearly is going to win, because I didn't see his opponent's face anywhere.


Well, there you have it. The TCD family has officially endorsed Perry Christie. (I hope that he isn't a communist or something).

OMG, I am laughing out loud at this report. Too funny!! :rotfl2:

your poor DD - I would have cried!!

By the way, how do you manage to have 3 teenaged daughters that still like to hang out with their parents. Is there some kind of drug you give them? ;)

[sandybobandy]

[FONT="Arial Black"]

[B]I tell her that we will laugh about this some day. I also tell her that getting bombed by a bird is good luck. You have heard that, too, haven't you?

TCD

Is she able to laugh about it yet? :)

[DznyRulz]

TCD,
I'm loving it. We have a 4-day in August and can't wait. I'm grateful for all the tips you've shared so far. You have a great looking family and it looks like you all have a great time together.

[MandyMommytoReaghan]

:rotfl2: This trip report has been great reading. I woke up sleeping DH to sit in on this one with me. TCD, your stories are great! You have a beautiful family! I can't wait to hear the rest of your TR. Thanks for posting the tips and your pics.:thumbsup2

[MandyMommytoReaghan]

:rotfl2: This trip report has been great reading. I wokr up sleeping DH to sit in on this one with me. TCD, your stories are great! You have a beautiful family! I can't wait to hear the rest of your TR. Thanks for posting the tips and your pics.:thumbsup2

[Sonoma]

Great trip report. Thanks for sharing all of the tips and the wonderful pictures!

[ICEMANPAD]

TCD-

Your report is hysterical!! :thumbsup2 We are booked for the 3 night Wonder 4th of July weekend 2008 and 2009 in addition to the Turkey 2009 Magic!! :cool1:

Lisa and Chuck

[LITTLEKID58]

TFS your tr awesome :rotfl2: :rotfl: :rotfl2:

[MTMom]

BTW, Perry Christie is the former Prime Minister of the Bahamas who was defeated in general elections in '07. He is now the leader of the opposition party, and I suppose he will run again in their next election.

[tlinus]

Awesome, awesome report......I got pooed at the Phillies game once - it rained and they lost :eek:

I love your sense of humor and look forward to more. We are looking to cruise for the first time 4 night on the Wonder, September 2009 for my 40th birthday!

[CapnJackGroupie]

popcorn:: popcorn:: Loving your TR - it's as if we're all there w/ you, having a WONDERful time!!! Except for the bird poo...ewww!!:rotfl:

[hobbester]

TCD-I'm loving your tr. DH and I are going on the wonder for 3 days in February. I keep going into the other room where he is an telling him things that I have read. Thanks for being so detailed - it's great.

[alwayslisad]

OH my gosh this is great - I am so loving it! keep it coming!!! I wish you were on the TDay 2009 cruise with us - you would keep us in stitches!

[3NJDisneyDivas]

I am enjoying this TR so much.
I never read about the cruises, but they are appealing to me more & more.
That is until you wrote about the whole motion thing.
I had a traumatic brain injury 4 years ago & since then suffer increadibly from motion sickness. I am a little skeered now about the whole motion thing.
I can't wait to read more.
You are a very entertaining writer & I feel like I am there.
You have a very beautiful family.
Lisa

[Tri-circle-D]

OMG, I am laughing out loud at this report. Too funny!! :rotfl2:

your poor DD - I would have cried!!

By the way, how do you manage to have 3 teenaged daughters that still like to hang out with their parents. Is there some kind of drug you give them? ;)

My DD's don't really like to hang out with me. Just at WDW and on DCL. It is the pixie dust, I think.

Is she able to laugh about it yet? :)

Yes. She was actually laughing about it after she got back on the ship, and we got her out of that shirt. She just got that shirt for her birthday, and this was the first time she wore it. We now call it her lucky shirt, although I am not sure if she will ever wear it again.

TCD,
I'm loving it. We have a 4-day in August and can't wait. I'm grateful for all the tips you've shared so far. You have a great looking family and it looks like you all have a great time together.

Chris- Read on! You guys are going to have a great time camping and cruising!

:rotfl2: This trip report has been great reading. I woke up sleeping DH to sit in on this one with me. TCD, your stories are great! You have a beautiful family! I can't wait to hear the rest of your TR. Thanks for posting the tips and your pics.:thumbsup2

Thank you, and please keep reading. Believe it or not, I don't even think I am halfway done yet.

Great trip report. Thanks for sharing all of the tips and the wonderful pictures!

And thank you for reading and commenting!

TCD-

Your report is hysterical!! :thumbsup2 We are booked for the 3 night Wonder 4th of July weekend 2008 and 2009 in addition to the Turkey 2009 Magic!! :cool1:

Lisa and Chuck

Hey Lisa and Chuck! A 4th of July cruise is a great idea! Please let me know if you have any specific questions after I get this thing done.

TFS your tr awesome :rotfl2: :rotfl: :rotfl2:

BTW, Perry Christie is the former Prime Minister of the Bahamas who was defeated in general elections in '07. He is now the leader of the opposition party, and I suppose he will run again in their next election.

Yeah. I googled him. I still am not sure if he is a good guy or a bad guy. The "Opposition Party" sounds kind of sinister.

Awesome, awesome report......I got pooed at the Phillies game once - it rained and they lost :eek:

I love your sense of humor and look forward to more. We are looking to cruise for the first time 4 night on the Wonder, September 2009 for my 40th birthday!

See, I am not sure about the bird doo doo good luck theory, but read on about what happens when we get back on the ship. There might be something to this bird doo doo after all.

popcorn:: popcorn:: Loving your TR - it's as if we're all there w/ you, having a WONDERful time!!! Except for the bird poo...ewww!!:rotfl:

Well, my Momma always told me sh.... err I mean stuff happens! Even on vacation. Go with the flow!

TCD-I'm loving your tr. DH and I are going on the wonder for 3 days in February. I keep going into the other room where he is an telling him things that I have read. Thanks for being so detailed - it's great.

Follow my tips, and you will have a blast! Happy sailing!

OH my gosh this is great - I am so loving it! keep it coming!!! I wish you were on the TDay 2009 cruise with us - you would keep us in stitches!

I don't know about that, I am not really that funny. Now, some of the other Turkey Day Gang, that's another story!

I am enjoying this TR so much.
I never read about the cruises, but they are appealing to me more & more.
That is until you wrote about the whole motion thing.
I had a traumatic brain injury 4 years ago & since then suffer increadibly from motion sickness. I am a little skeered now about the whole motion thing.
I can't wait to read more.
You are a very entertaining writer & I feel like I am there.
You have a very beautiful family.
Lisa

I'm not sure what to tell you about the motion sickness. I am pretty resistant to it (but not on the teacup ride at WDW if my DD's are doing the spinning). I would imagine that a doctor could fix you up with something to help you through a cruise. I would stay away from hurricane season. Late spring would probably be a good time.

Thanks for reading everyone!

Let's continue on, shall we?

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

Back on the Ship

In our last installment, we were just getting back to the ship from our short foray into the city of Nassau. We got back on the ship at just about noon. Mrs. TCD and my other DD left a note in the cabin saying that they had gone up to deck 9 to hang out at the Goofy pool.

We changed into our suits, and headed up to deck 9 to join the others.

Hanging out on the ship when it is in port is great. A lot of folks are off on excursions, and things are usually very uncrowded. We had our choice of lounge chairs, and all of the quick serve places were open for us to choose from. One of the girls and I played a little ping pong, and we grabbed snacks when we were hungry. I tried a taco from Pluto's Dog House. Not so good. I tried one of the Paninis from Goofy's Galley. That was good.

The girls did a little hot-tubbing;

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise152.jpg

Somewhere in this time frame, the ship's DJ's came out, and played some music. They also did an eco-trivia contest, and a crewmember came out and did an ice carving demonstration.

At 2, one of my DD's and I headed down to the atrium for Mr. Toad's Wild Race. I had never seen this before, but the DD's had participated on our last cruise, and knew that there was a trophy up for grabs!

This is an event where there are small wooden toads connected to ropes, and you must try to get them to move across a finish line. It looks like this:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise155.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise157.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise158.jpg

The trick to this is to be very patient. What you want to do is stand your toad up on its hind legs, hold the rope taught, and let it fall forward. My DD mastered that technique, and she one the first heat by a landslide! (it was either my coaching or the bird poop!)

There were about four more heats . . . and then the final. Unfortunately, DD's toad got tangled up, and she came in second. The trophy went to someone else.

But, because she won her heat, DD got a gold medal. We covet these in our family. I have personally won one on each of my DCL cruises (and on a couple RCCL cruises too). I believe that DD won two on the the last cruise.
She was happy to have brought in the first gold medal for the TCD family on this cruise!

The next item on our busy agenda was the Adult Pool Games, scheduled for 2:30 pm at the Quiet Cove pool. My fellow Turkey Day Gang members know how much fun the adult pool games can be. I have earned the gold medal in the Disney Legs contest on each of our previous DCL cruises, and I am back to defend my title!

Alas, the adult pool games on this cruise were lame! All that they had was a golf chipping contest :(. A target was floated out in the pool, and you were given three chances to hit it. The prize was a drink of the day. Of course I played:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise160.jpg

I hit the target, but the wet Velcro did not stick :( . No medal, or even a drink of the day for TCD.

We spent a little more time back at the Goofy pool, and then headed down to the cabins to get ready for the Castaway Club reception. Returning cruisers are invited to a little get together on each cruise. According to our invitation, refreshments would be served, and prizes awarded. What else could we ask for?

We have not attended one of these events before, so we have nothing to compare it to, but I would describe it as subdued. As we entered the Wavebands lounge, we were handed a little booklet and a pen. This is what the booklet looks like:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/ccc.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/ccc1.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/ccc2.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/ccc3.jpg

On the bottom of the last page, there is a tear off card. You write your name on that and put it in a box that they have up on the stage. Everyone present in your party can enter. So, bringing the kids helps your chances of winning. If you read the questions in the booklet above, you will see that most of them appear to be geared toward folks sailing on the seven day cruises. There was no one at this event who had sailed on an inaugural cruise, or more than 10 times. But, not to worry, you don't have to answer the questions to enter the drawing. The event was hosted by our cruise director, Clayton, and it was fun, just not something that I would go out of my way to attend again.

So, it is time for the drawing. All of the prizes are the same: little Castaway Club clocks. The first few names are called- nothing. And then- Bingo! Our name is called. We are winners! Here is Clayton awarding the clock to me:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise168.jpg

Nice, but I still don't have my medal. I am starting to worry. This is only a three night cruise. Am I going to go home empty handed? If only that pigeon had bombed me.

Well, it is time for us to go to tonight's show. We go to see DCL's newest show, Toy Story the Musical. It is wonderful. They have such talented actors on this ship. The set and costumes are also great. I was a little concerned about this show, based upon reviews that I read here on the Disboards. I remember that many were critical of the actress who played Sid, so I paid particular attention to her. Maybe she has toned down her performance, or maybe some people are too critical, because I thought she turned in a very good performance.

After the show, it was on to Studio Sea for "A Pirate's Life for Me." It is pirate night, you know. This is an audience participation game show where captains and first mates are chosen, and the teams compete. Guess who got chosen as the captain of the Powder Monkeys team?

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise169.jpg

Yes, TCD. That is my first mate there. He carried the team, thank goodness.

So, we go through a bunch of challenges, and Goofy even shows up:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise171.jpg

The Powder Monkeys pretty much dominate in all of the competitions, and then the awards are handed out.

GOLD!

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise178.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise179.jpg

The castmember in these photos is Neville. We had a lot of interaction with him. A real fun guy!

So, TCD remains perfect in the medal count.

Three for Three baby!

Next, it is on to Dinner, and then Pirate Night!

TCD

[ears4all!]

Awesome trip report!:yay: Love all the pictures, as well as the detail. Got to love the detail. Continue On!

[Our2Girls&Disney]

I loved the updated. Your poor DD! I beat she needed to cleanse after that experience.

I have to ask about the landyards for your KTTW, are those given to each guest. Just guests that are Castway Club members? They seem pretty handy to have them right around your neck. As you can imagine, we are new to cruising. We have our first cruise scheduled for April '09.

[kvaday]

:rotfl2: I just have to say that the bird poo made my night! This always happens to me in public! but to see the picture really made me laugh. :lmao: My DH says its because it wasnt me this time. Tell your DD there is nothing wrong with this happening. It just makes her special. She has now officialy joined the bird poo club. :cool1: :rotfl2: Poor girl.

By the way. Your TR is the best so far! I cant wait to read more. :surfweb: popcorn::

[ICEMANPAD]

You know Andrew, you should do Appellate law being this thorough.....Seriously, we agree with most of what you said except we think onboard movies are a colossal waste of time - you can see them at home - and we prefer Deck 9 for lunch on Day 1, but that is personal preference.

Chuck:cool1:

[AndymanGA]

Love the TR. We are going on our first cruise in December.

:offtopic: I was curious if they sell the pirate mickey mouse ear hats onboard the ship or do I need to find them before the cruise? Thanks.


Oh and thanks for the TR.

[Joy2theWorld]

Thanks for the great trip report! I'm looking forward to reading the rest. I'm surprising my mom with her first cruise ever in early October and it is a 3 night, so, this is really helpful. We've only done a 7 day, so, I wasn't sure what to expect or try to squeeze in!!

[ICEMANPAD]

I believe they sell the pirate hats onboard, but they are also easy to obtain in advance either in Disney/Character premiere stores or probably even online.

[Tri-circle-D]

I loved the updated. Your poor DD! I beat she needed to cleanse after that experience.

I have to ask about the landyards for your KTTW, are those given to each guest. Just guests that are Castway Club members? They seem pretty handy to have them right around your neck. As you can imagine, we are new to cruising. We have our first cruise scheduled for April '09.

The Castaway Club lanyards are a gift to returning cruisers. They hand them to you at check in. There are regular DCL lanyards for sale in the gift shops. I did not look on this cruise, but on our last cruise, they had the DCL lanyards for sale in the gift shop right in the terminal. So, you could buy yours even before you board. The lanyards are useful, but you can do fine without one. Since the KTTW card is so essential (it is your room key, and the only way to buy anything on board), the lanyards are good for the kids. I find it easier to keep track of them that way, rather than having the kids carry them around in their pockets.

:rotfl2: I just have to say that the bird poo made my night! This always happens to me in public! but to see the picture really made me laugh. :lmao: My DH says its because it wasnt me this time. Tell your DD there is nothing wrong with this happening. It just makes her special. She has now officialy joined the bird poo club. :cool1: :rotfl2: Poor girl.

By the way. Your TR is the best so far! I cant wait to read more. :surfweb: popcorn::

Thanks. More is on the way!

You know Andrew, you should do Appellate law being this thorough.....Seriously, we agree with most of what you said except we think onboard movies are a colossal waste of time - you can see them at home - and we prefer Deck 9 for lunch on Day 1, but that is personal preference.

Chuck:cool1:

You see, this is what makes a DCL cruise so great. We prefer to eat our first lunch in Parrot Cay, and we try to make at least one movie on each cruise. Different strokes for different folks! In general, I do agree with your comment that it doesn't make a lot of sense to spend a chunk of your time on a cruise doing something that you can do at home. This is why I never understood the attraction of a rock climbing wall, or ice skating rink, or Johnny Rockets restaurant on a ship. Same thing with a lot of the excursions. Do you want to swim with dolphins? Go to Discovery Cove in Orlando! I am sure it is much nicer than anything that you are going to find in Nassau, Cozumel, or wherever.


Thanks for the great trip report! I'm looking forward to reading the rest. I'm surprising my mom with her first cruise ever in early October and it is a 3 night, so, this is really helpful. We've only done a 7 day, so, I wasn't sure what to expect or try to squeeze in!!

It does take some change in attitude to enjoy a three day cruise after having experienced a seven night cruise. It is not as relaxing, but it can be a lot of condensed fun!


TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

Love the TR. We are going on our first cruise in December.

:offtopic: I was curious if they sell the pirate mickey mouse ear hats onboard the ship or do I need to find them before the cruise? Thanks.


Oh and thanks for the TR.

I believe they sell the pirate hats onboard, but they are also easy to obtain in advance either in Disney/Character premiere stores or probably even online.

Yes, Chuck is correct. There are pirate mickey mouse ears on board. I did not look too closely, but I think they were only the red and white fabric ones. If you happen to visit WDW on your way to the cruise, you will find a lot more of an assortment. They are still holding the Pirate and Princess parties at the Magic Kingdom this year, and there are more variations of the pirate hats, and all kinds of other pirate gear, available at the theme park gift shops, and in Downtown Disney.

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

Friday Night Dinner and Pirate Night!

Sporting our new gold medals, we head off to tonight's dinner at Triton's.

On our previous cruises, DCL has used what it calls staggered seating at the two dining seatings. So, if you had late seating, you may have been assigned a time like 8:00 or 8:15, or 8:30 to report to the dining room. That way, not everybody is showing up at the same time. I thought that worked pretty well. For some reason, some genius in DCL management has decided to do away with staggered seating. Now, everybody in each seating is told to report to his or her dining room at the same time.

So, when we go to Triton's for dinner, we find another line. A long one. How long? Well, it snaked through the atrium, then down the hallway (I guess it is called Route 66?), all the way past the entrance to Wavebands. Since we encountered a line going into Parrot Cay the night before, we intentionally waited until about 8:17 before going to Triton's. Unfortunately, the doors were still not open, and there was a long line. What can you do? We waited on line, and as soon as the doors were opened, the line moved very quickly, and we got in to the restaurant. Not a big deal, but who wants to stand on a long line? Go back to staggered seating, you dummies!

The dinner theme in Triton's is French food. Not a big favorite in the TCD household, but we all find something to order. This is also pirate night. There is a big difference in pirate night on a three night cruise versus a seven night cruise. Hardly any of the passengers get into the theme by dressing up. In fact, I would say almost none of them do. There are red pirate bandannas at each place setting, and a few folks put these on their heads, or tie them around their necks or arms. We brought some pirate gear with us, but did not use it, as people just were not getting into it.

Triton's is where you can order escargot. Everyone needs to try this. The fact that French people intentionally eat snails is amazing, and the DD's want to see what the attraction is. Here is DD with her escargot appetizer:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise180.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise181.jpg

I thought that this was the "after" picture, but it looks like the snail is still on her fork. Let's pretend it is the "after" picture, as she really didn't make too much of a face.

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise182.jpg

One other DD was brave enough to give it a try:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise183.jpg

Here is her reaction:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise185.jpg

What does escargot taste like? I would say it tastes like bread crumbs with a lot of garlic and butter, and some really chewy, unidentifiable, small piece of meat mixed in to the equation. Not too bad, really. Would I order escargot at a restaurant back on land? I can't imagine that I would. But, a cruise is the perfect place to try new things!

One of the ubiquitous photographers is roaming the dining room, taking photos. He interrupts our dinner to request us to pose for various shots. It is here that I a seed is planted that will grow into a dislike for the photography staff on this cruise, but we dutifully pose for the photos, and he moves on.

We couldn't resist buying this one. Here, we were instructed to make a pirate hook and say "ARgggggh!" The photographer cracked up at our pose:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/piratenight.jpg

Here is a photo of DD with her red bandanna fashion creation:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise271.jpg

Oh, time for a few more tips:

Tip#16-Don't by shy in trying new things on the dining menus. A cruise is a perfect time to experience new dishes. If you don't like what you ordered, your server will be happy to bring you something else.

Tip#17- Use a lanyard for your KTTW card. It makes it easy to carry with you, and to keep track of.

We finish our dinner at just before 9:45. It always amazes me how long we take to eat dinner on a cruise. At home, we are done in 45 minutes. But, this is quality time like no other. I should mention that we were assigned to our own table on this cruise. On previous cruises, we have had table mates, and dining with new people has always been fun. But, on a short cruise like this, I would have to say that I liked having a table to ourselves. It gave us a chance to talk about lots of things that we probably would not have discussed with others present. We did not request this, it just happened. If we cruise on a three night cruise again, I don't think that I would bother with making a special request about our seating arrangements, and I don't think you should either. Go with the flow!

I think Mrs. TCD and one of the DD's wanted to stop by the cabin before heading up to the pirate night party on deck 9, but the other DD's and I headed straight from the dining room up to the party!

When we got to deck 9, the show had already begun, and there was a lot of high energy dancing going on. Our new friend, Neville, was leading the dancing, and did an amazing job. I won't spoil the show for you, but I will say that it is high energy, and lots of fun.

There are little dance platforms set up on either side of the Goofy pool, and different characters rotate around so that the audience can dance with them:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise274.jpg

This event is fun for the kids . . . . and the adults! Look at that lady living it up in the background of the photo above! A picture is worth a thousand words!

At one point, pirates invade the ship:


http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise436.jpg

I'm not sure if you can make it out in this photo, but there is actually a pirate rappelling down to the stage from the top of the smoke stack. The pirates then take over the dancing, and pretend like they have taken over the ship.

Then Mickey himself zips down from one smokestack to the one closest to the stage, to save the day!

Then, fireworks blast off!

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise277.jpg

This is one of those moments on the cruise that you have to just stop and take it all in in amazement. No other cruise shoots off fireworks, and it is just breathtaking to stand on the deck of a ship, out to sea, and see this display. This is just a magical moment.

After the fireworks, the show wraps up, and the buffet lines open!

Cast members quickly put chairs out onto the dance floor covering the Goofy pool, and the Pirates of the Caribbean movie starts on the big screen!

The movie starts at 11, and they play the whole thing. It won't finish until 1:33 a.m.! The seats are all full as the movie begins. How many will stay until the end?

Our youngest DD loves the turkey legs from WDW. On our last cruise, she saw that they served these at the Pirate Night buffet, but she was so full from dinner that she could not eat one. On this cruise, she intentionally ate light at dinner, in hopes that there would be turkey legs on the buffet. Her plan worked to perfection! Here are two of the DD's gnawing on their turkey legs on Deck 10, looking down on the crowd watching the movie:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise451.jpg

We hung around on Deck 10 for a while, and then headed down to the cabins at around 11:30 or so. Mrs. TCD and two DD's were tired. The other DD and I wanted to go explore the ship a little bit, so that is what we did. We stopped by various places on the ship. We checked out the conference rooms on deck 2, stopped by the theatre on deck 5, went by some of the bars, walked around all of deck 4. outside, and played a little shuffleboard. This all took about an hour or so. At a little after 1, we headed up to deck 9 to see who was still watching the movie. I would say that there were only about a dozen people there, and some of them were asleep!

We headed back to the cabins at about 1:15. But, it still wasn't time to sleep. You know that there is 24 hour room service on the ship, right? So, we go into the DD's cabin, and order some cookies and Mickey Mouse bars. And a steak sandwich for me! Room service was pretty prompt considering the hour.

Tip#18-Don't forget that the 24 hour room service. And, order a Mickey Mouse ice cream bar. They are not on the menu, but they will bring you as many as you like!

After we enjoy our treat, it is finally time to call it a night. I think we got our money's worth out of today.

Next-Castaway Cay!

TCD

[wilma-bride]

I am really loving your trippy. I'm all caught up now and there are far too many funny moments to quote them all but, suffice to say, you're a very entertaining writer and I'm hoping it's not going to end too soon as I still need something to while away the long, boring hours at work ;)

Great tips as well - DH and I are taking our second DCL cruise next fall and will definitely make the most of some time on the ship while others are enjoying excursions at Nassau.

[Tri-circle-D]

Great tips as well - DH and I are taking our second DCL cruise next fall and will definitely make the most of some time on the ship while others are enjoying excursions at Nassau.

I agree with this completely! It is really fun to just stay aboard and enjoy everything while it is much less crowded! :thumbsup2

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

Time to post day two's Navigators!:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/navigators007.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/navigators008.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/navigators009.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/navigators010.jpg

There you go!

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

And, while I am at it, here are day three's Navigators.

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/navigators011.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/navigators012.jpg

This two sided page is an insert to the Navigator- it is a handy thing to bring with you onto Castaway Cay:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/navigators013.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/navigators014.jpg

This is the rest of the actual Navigator:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/navigators015.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/navigators016.jpg

Trip report will resume momentarily.

TCD

[DznyRulz]

TCD,
Once again another fantastic TR. Your thoroughness and detail are very much appreciated. It really makes me feel like I'm right there with you and your family. I do have a question though, evening attire. What is considered cruise casual? I usually dress like the construction dude in your YMCA routine except I'm wearing a Mickey Tee. To me that's casual. I do own a few Mickey polo shirts that I wear to work. Would these be satisfactory along with the type of shorts you wore at check-in or are long pants (Dockers) required? Should I just wear some loud, Hawaiian-type shirts?

[Tri-circle-D]

TCD,
Once again another fantastic TR. Your thoroughness and detail are very much appreciated. It really makes me feel like I'm right there with you and your family. I do have a question though, evening attire. What is considered cruise casual? I usually dress like the construction dude in your YMCA routine except I'm wearing a Mickey Tee. To me that's casual. I do own a few Mickey polo shirts that I wear to work. Would these be satisfactory along with the type of shorts you wore at check-in or are long pants (Dockers) required? Should I just wear some loud, Hawaiian-type shirts?

Chris- I would say that the whole dress code thing seems to confuse everyone. I am pretty sure that there used to be a policy that said no shorts or jeans in the dining rooms- but I did not see that written anywhere for this cruise. In fact, the sheet that they had you at check in just says no jeans or shorts in Palo. It used to be that men had to wear a coat and tie in Palo. The last night of our cruise the dress code was "Optional Dress Up." I wore a suit and tie, and there were a few others who did, but there were men in the dining room with shorts on, too. So, truthfully, I would say that it seems like you can wear whatever the heck you want to in the dining rooms!
I brought a couple of pairs of Dockers, and some Hawaiian shirts, but it looks like shorts would by OK, too.

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

Arriving at Castaway Cay

Despite having been up to about 1:30 am the previous evening, I am up and at the coffee station before 7 am Saturday morning. We are approaching Castaway Cay, and this is a site that I do not want to miss.

As I stated earlier, I have been fortunate to have cruised many times. I can state without qualification that Castaway Cay is the most beautiful private island visited by any cruise ship, anywhere. As the ship approaches the island, you can see things from a vantage point that you cannot once you are docked, so I really recommend arising early on the day of your Castaway Cay visit.

Here we are approaching the island:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise205.jpg

On rare occasions, the captain will steer the ship straight up to the dock, but on most cruises, including each of our DCL cruises, the captain will turn the ship when close to the island, and back the ship up to the dock. It is a pretty amazing thing to see how quickly and smoothly a big ship can turn.

Here we are backing up to the dock:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise308.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise310.jpg

This is the Castaway Cay post office. A lot of people mail postcards from here. I have never stepped foot in the place. We have a post office right here in my town. From what I have seen, the service in this place might even be a little slower:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise309.jpg

Another photo from the stern:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise311.jpg

The folks who operate the boat excursions on Castaway Cay are subcontractors who live on a nearby island. They commute to work each morning. Here they are arriving for the day:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise312.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise313.jpg

How would you like that commute?

As I stand on deck 10, I take a look over at the boat beach. You know what I don't see. Banana boats! :( . I had already heard on the Disboards that the Banana boat rides have been cancelled, and I can confirm that this is true, at least for the time being. Sad. We have always enjoyed a Banana boat ride on our previous visits to Castaway Cay. I hope that they bring them back.

The night before, we had all agreed that we would get up by 8 am to go to breakfast. I go back to the cabins to get everyone up. There are no complaints. Everyone is looking forward to Castaway Cay.

We eat breakfast again at Beach Blanket Buffet, and go back to the cabins to get ready. We apply our sunscreen carefully in the cabin. I recommend that you do the same. It is more pleasant to put on the sunscreen before you get hot and sweaty.

I also pack up the snorkel equipment that I brought from home. A packed this all in a separate duffel bag, along with a case of bottled water. The water was unloaded into the beverage coolers in the cabins back on the first day of the cruise, and the duffel bag with the snorkel gear has sat under our bed. I have a separate mesh bag that I got from Old Navy some time back, and I load all the snorkel gear into it. It is really easy to bring your own equipment, and I would suggest that you do the same. It costs $25 a head to rent snorkel equipment on the island. You can buy your own for not much more than that. We have used this equipment on three cruises, and lots of times around home. If you have younger ones, you could do the same thing with sand toys, or whatever.

Tip # 19- Bring your own snorkel equipment and/or beach toys. Pack them in a separate duffel bag, and keep them under your bed until Castaway Cay day.

The other thing that I planned to bring off the ship with us was my rolling cooler. Our cabin steward has kept everything nicely iced down for us, and I have a bunch of beer and water bottles in there. I haven't tried this before, but why not just roll that whole thing off the ship with us, and enjoy the drinks on the island. That is what I did, and we had no problem with that. Since this was the last day of our cruise (as it is with most DCL cruises), we finished up all the drinks on the island, and dumped out the remaining ice. It is a good thing, too, because when we went back on the ship later in the day, the cooler had to go through the x-ray machine, and the castmember made sure to ask if there was ice in the cooler. So, if you bring your cooler, be prepared to dump all the ice out before you return to the ship.

But, I digress.

It doesn't take us too long to get ready to head off the ship, and I think we are heading down the gangway by just after 10. We walk toward the tram station, and stop for an official photo:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/CastawayCay.jpg

We continue on, and stop for our traditional photo at Fresh Catch:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise315.jpg

Then, it is on to the tram. Surprisingly, the tram is not full. It seems like folks are getting a slow start today. Much different from our previous cruises where folks were chomping at the bit to get to the island.

We get off at the tram stop, and stop at Mt. Rustmore for another traditional photo.

First one from the official ship photographer:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/MountRustmore.jpg

And then one on our own:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise319.jpg


Which leads to my next tip. Take your own photos! When there is a photo opportunity, the ship's photographers will always allow you to snap your own shot after they take theirs. I suggest that you do. Buying photos on the ship is expensive, and a bit of a pain in the neck. Just take your own. As you can see, we did buy a small package of photos from the official photographers, but I am going to try not to do that anymore. An 8 x10 photo costs $19.95 from the photo shop. You might say, well I won't buy that size, but it seems like they intentionally print most of the photos in that size. I guess that you could ask them to print a smaller one, but who needs the hassle. There has to be a better way. Like I said, I intend to avoid the whole thing on my next cruise.

Tip #20- Take your own photos! In most cases, your photos will be as good as the ship's photographers, and in every case, they will be a lot less expensive!

After stopping at Mt. Rustmore, we continue on to the beach. We take a moment to check out the gift shop. This is a good time to do that. The gift shop gets crazy busy in the afternoon. So, now is a good time to take a look around and see if there is anything you like. Later in the day, you will have to fight crowds to even look at the merchandise.

We walk on. Here is another important tip. Just past the shopping area, you will come to a gazebo, and the first of the beach chairs and umbrellas. Keep on walking! Most people stop here, and this area of the beach is always uncomfortably busy. The beach is big, just walk on a little ways, and it will get less busy. People don't get this. The snorkeling beach is right here, and when we snorkeled a little later in the morning, people were actually standing at the beach waiting for people to vacate their chairs so they would have a place to sit. Meanwhile, about 100 yards down the beach, there were plenty of empty chairs.

Tip #21- Keep walking when you get to the beach at Castaway Cay, the further you walk from the boat, the less crowded you will be.

We walk down to the spot where we always stop. We usually walk down to the restrooms by past the dining area, and head out to the beach there. There is a play structure out in the water here, and the girls always enjoy that. This is probably the last cruise that we will stop here, as the age limit for the play structure is 14. The girls seemed to be less interested in this on this cruise, and it is still a little crowded here. Next time, we will go about another 100 or 200 yards, and we will have a lot less congestion.

Here is the play structure I am talking about:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise231.jpg

Here are the girls in the water:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/397252-R1-052-24A_027.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/397252-R1-054-25A_028.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/397252-R1-048-22A_025.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/397252-R1-046-21A_024.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/397252-R1-044-20A_023.jpg

We hang out here for a while. The plan was to chill here for a while, then do some snorkeling, and then go enter the crab races!

More Castaway Cay to come!

TCD

[ears4all!]

I love all of these photos, as well as all the detail. Wonderful report!

[wilma-bride]

Great so far - I slept in on our last cruise and didn't see the ship dock at all - I plan to change that next year. What an amazing sight Castaway Cay is as you approach - just beautiful :)

[Tri-circle-D]

Great so far - I slept in on our last cruise and didn't see the ship dock at all - I plan to change that next year. What an amazing sight Castaway Cay is as you approach - just beautiful :)

Joh- You go girl! It is such an awesome and peaceful experience to watch the ship approach Castaway Cay. Everything looks perfect on this island, and there are no people. You can sleep when you get home (or, if you like, in your hammock on the island).

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

Snorkeling at Castaway Cay

I really enjoy the snorkeling lagoon at Castaway Cay. On previous cruises, the whole family has snorkeled. Not on this trip. Only one DD and I want to go. The main objection was that the lagoon is very big, and there is a lot of swimming required. We get to snorkel around home from time to time, and we have also snorkeled at Discovery Cove and Typhoon Lagoon. I guess that kind of snorkeling is a lot less work.

So, anyway, one DD and I head over to the snorkeling lagoon. I guess it is a little after 11, or so. Not many people are snorkeling. There are plenty of vests on the the lifeguard stand. We grab our vests, and head out. First stop, underwater Mickey.

All of the underwater attractions are marked with buoys. I don't think this was always the case. I appreciate it, though. It makes it a lot easier to find the sunken items.

It really wasn't a surprise to us that Mickey has been replace by Minnie (thank your Disboards). Here she is:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/397252-R1-034-15A_018.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/397252-R1-036-16A_019.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/397252-R1-038-17A_020.jpg

Sorry for the photography! These photos were taken with a disposable underwater camera. I couldn't see through the view finder underwater, so I was just pointing and shooting.

Also, I guess this would be the time that I should apologize to the lady who asked me to take her photo with Minnie. She had a camera, but was snorkeling by herself. Her photos are probably at least as bad as these.

A couple of shots from above the surface:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/397252-R1-018-7A_010-1.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/397252-R1-020-8A_011.jpg

And some more of the underwater props:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/397252-R1-004-0A_003.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/397252-R1-006-1A_004.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/397252-R1-022-9A_012.jpg

Don't know if you can make this out, but this is one of the subs from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/397252-R1-010-3A_006.jpg

There is nothing that I saw that prohibits this practice, but I do not recommend taking a bag of chips from the Cookie's BBQ and feeding the fish with it. It creates a feeding frenzy:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/397252-R1-002-00A_002.jpg

I think we spent about 45 minutes snorkeling, and that was plenty. Back to base camp for the next activity!

TCD

[MTMom]

I'm getting addicted to this TR!! I don't want it to end.

I also have a 14 year old DD and I've a few questions for you, if you don't mind? Please tell me that cell phones (texting?) do not work at sea and on CC? I have images in my mind of my DD spending our entire vacation texting or with iPod earphones stuck in her ears! (I'm thinking a little subterfuge combined with a little sabotage might just do the trick, a mom's gotta do what a mom's gotta do!)

Did your DD's get involved with any of the teen activities? Both my kids are very outgoing and meet new people very easily. On previous cruises, they have always loved the kids clubs, but this will be our first cruise with a teen.

Keep the TR coming, everyone is enjoying it tremendously!

[HoosierFrog]

Taking notes every step of the way for our first cruise. 09/25/08. This has been an excellent source of information. Thanks for taking us all along for the trip. Snorkeling is now a must do on our list for CC. The underwater pics are actually pretty decent. I was worried about the amount of aquatic life that we would be able to see.

[Tri-circle-D]

I'm getting addicted to this TR!! I don't want it to end.

I also have a 14 year old DD and I've a few questions for you, if you don't mind? Please tell me that cell phones (texting?) do not work at sea and on CC? I have images in my mind of my DD spending our entire vacation texting or with iPod earphones stuck in her ears! (I'm thinking a little subterfuge combined with a little sabotage might just do the trick, a mom's gotta do what a mom's gotta do!)

Did your DD's get involved with any of the teen activities? Both my kids are very outgoing and meet new people very easily. On previous cruises, they have always loved the kids clubs, but this will be our first cruise with a teen.

Keep the TR coming, everyone is enjoying it tremendously!

About the cell phones. I know what you are talking about. There is a notice on the back page of the first day's Navigator that says that cell phones will work in the staterooms, but that international roaming rates will apply I don't even want to know what international roaming rates are, so our rule was that all cell phones had to be turned off as soon as the ship began to move from Port Canaveral.

The same Navigator had a warning that says:

To avoid unwanted costs associated with data downloads and to get the most out of your vacation, we recommend turning off your wireless devices.

I also do not want to know about unwanted costs associated with data downloads, so the rule on the cruise was that the phones had to be off. I am afraid that there might be charges for even an incoming text, and I had no intention of finding out the hard way.

I will tell you that on Castaway Cay, we were near a lady who loudly yacked non-stop on her cell phone. Gosh, how annoying. So, the cell phones work, but I would suggest you do like we did- show the kids what it says in the Navigator, and make sure they know they are in deep doo-doo if they even think about using the cell phones after you leave Port Canaveral.

About the teen club, all of the DD's went on the first night, stayed for a very short time, and they never asked to go back. I think they thought it was too much like school. Too structured. Plus, they would rather hang out with their old man. :) (actually, it must have been pretty boring in the teen club if they chose to hang out with me).

I remember on our very first cruise, the oldest DD had just turned 13, and we were so nervous about her going to the teen club. With the younger two, it was really no big deal. It seems like a safe, harmless, place. They just were not interested.

TCD

[ICEMANPAD]

Well While I will probably do a trip report from the Wonder in a couple weeks when we are there July 4th weekend, it will be nowhere near this extensive. That said, we agree and absolutely love CC. Our preferred location is basically in front of the local shops a good bit past the lunch place, largely b/c it is less crowded and b/c it is relatively close to the volleyball nets where I can inevitably be found.

We also take a portable cooler on wheels aboard the boat, but in addition to beer and water, I also bring Gatorade as they do not sell it onboard or on CC, and during and after a few hours of volleyball, a few bottles of Gatorade is a necessity.

Also, not sure why, but we think Cookie's has the best chocolate chip cookies on the trip.

As to Palo, they still prefer men wear a jacket, even though they will not kick you out w/out one.

Chuck:cool1:

[MTMom]

TCD, thx for your reply. I will definitely ban all cell-phone usage away from the mainland. I suppose if she really needs a communication fix, she can go to the internet area. We always buy a package of minutes to use to send messages home anyway. Although, I wonder if it's free if you bring your own laptop?

The new airline luggage restrictions will make it difficult for a lot of folks to bring everything they'd like. We are fortunate in that we are flying with NWA and they have one free checked bag allowance. On top of that, we booked prior to their cutoff date (end of March sometime) and we can still bring two free checked bags per person. If we didn't, we probably wouldn't bring our snorkel equipment. We much prefer our own snorkels and masks, but we usually use their fins. I wonder if you can just rent the fins?

What about the teen beach at CC? Any comments?

I'm anxious to read your next TR installment!

[Tri-circle-D]

Our afternoon on Castaway Cay

Our original plan was to hit Cookie's BBQ after the noon rush. We were going to participate in the crab races at 12:30, and then go to lunch.

But, big black clouds were threatening. We figured that if it started to rain, the shelters would get full, and we might not even have a place to sit for lunch.

I should mention that the weather on Castaway Cay, as it was on Nassau, was warm and breezy. Very pleasant, actually. I would even say that it was less humid here in June than it had been on our three previous November visits (our Thanksgiving Magic 2005 cruise was a double dip-so this is actually our fourth visit to the island). But, just before noon, some big black clouds blew over, and it looked like it was going to rain hard! :(. So, we headed to lunch early.

There were no lines to speak of, and plenty of empty tables, so we got our lunch, and sat down to enjoy it. Then, we heard an announcement from David, one of the entertainment staff members, that it was time to sign up teams for the crab races, and only there were only eight teams available.

So, I left my lunch, and headed over to the Gazebo to sign up. We got Crab #4! And, those clouds I mentioned kept on going- we didn't even get a drop, and we had sunshine for the rest of our day.

Here is our official crab race sign:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise207.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise208.jpg

And a list of the teams:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise209.jpg

Extra points to anyone who can explain the meaning and significance of our team name and its relationship to the crab's name(only can be answered by a teen girl). ;)

So, the way this goes is that they have eight crabs in a bucket. They dump these poor things into the center of a circle, and which ever crab walks out of the circle first wins that heat. It looks a little something like this:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise210.jpg


http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise321.jpg

Who knew that there were this many crab racing fans. :confused3


They have four heats, and then a final race. Our crab is big. And slow. But it could have been worse. The first two heats a smaller crab wins. And then . . . . And then . . . . Sweet Victory! We are on the scoreboard, Baby!!!

So, we make it to the finals. I think maybe our crab died of heat exhaustion, because he didn't move in the finals. Drat! So close. The losers were collected to be sent to the galley for the Parrot Cay crab dip on the next cruise. David really said this.

BTW, I am not an animal rights activist or anything, but DCL better hope that the PETA folks never witness one of these crab races. That ground is hot! And it looks like those crabs live in a bucket. That's all I'm saying about that.

So, no more medals for the TCD gang, but at least we made it to the finals. The DD's head back by Cookies to get some ice cream cones, and we all head back to base camp to get ready for our next activity. Bike riding on Castaway Cay!

TCD

[theduck619]

I have always wanted to do a cruise. Our DD's are only 3 so we may have to wait awhile, but it seems like the shorter trip my be theway to break them in!!

Thank you.

[Tri-circle-D]

Whoops- I forgot something.

Before the bike ride, we went to the Character Dance Party at 1:30, also at the Gazebo.

Of course, if the DD's were among their cool friends at home, this would never happen, but here on Castaway Cay, they could dance to some nice Miley Cyrus, HSM and JB tunes!

With Goofy and Pluto, to boot:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise337.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise336.jpg

This was a fun little event. The DJ, David, kept things moving. It lasted about 30 minutes.

And then, we went for our bike ride.

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

TCD, thx for your reply. I will definitely ban all cell-phone usage away from the mainland. I suppose if she really needs a communication fix, she can go to the internet area. We always buy a package of minutes to use to send messages home anyway. Although, I wonder if it's free if you bring your own laptop?

The new airline luggage restrictions will make it difficult for a lot of folks to bring everything they'd like. We are fortunate in that we are flying with NWA and they have one free checked bag allowance. On top of that, we booked prior to their cutoff date (end of March sometime) and we can still bring two free checked bags per person. If we didn't, we probably wouldn't bring our snorkel equipment. We much prefer our own snorkels and masks, but we usually use their fins. I wonder if you can just rent the fins?

What about the teen beach at CC? Any comments?

I'm anxious to read your next TR installment!

Sorry, but they charge whether you bring your computer or not. I think the charge is the same. There are plenty of computers to use there at the internet cafe, so we have always used them. There used to be an unlimited package, but I didn't see that on this cruise. Since this was such a short cruise, we banned the internet to. That was a good move. Lord knows those girls are on it all day and night at home.

I think you can just rent fins at CC, but I don't know the cost.

We have never visited the teen beach. From what I have seen, there doesn't ever seem to be a whole lot of activity over there.

TCD

[jollytammy]

WOW!! Such a great TR! Thanks for sharing. I'm at working trying to break out laughting:rotfl2: .

[Tri-circle-D]

Our Afternoon on Castaway Cay

So we have eaten our quick lunch, participated in the crab races, and danced with the characters.

It is time for a bike ride.

We always rent bikes on Castaway Cay. It is only $6.00 per hour per bike. This is a reasonably priced and fun activity on Castaway Cay.

They have plenty of bikes available this afternoon, and we are quickly on our way.

We head out onto the runway, and notice that the plane that used to be parked at the end nearest the tram stop is no longer there. We find it at the entrance to the new bike path:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise234.jpg

This bike path is a long loop. The entrance is about half-way down the runway.

We will visit this later. For now, we head on down the runway to Serenity Bay. I was worried about the heat on this cruise. Our previous visits to Castaway Cay were in November. But, the heat is really not a factor at all. There is a great breeze, and very low humidity. I actually think this weather is more pleasant than it was during our November visits.

We head past Serenity Bay, and down the old bike path to the overlook. This is easy, level, riding.

Here are the DD's at the overlook:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise235.jpg

We hang out here for a while. It sure is beautiful and peaceful.

We head on back down the path, and go to the new bike path.

There are lots of props along this path. Like this:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise236.jpg

We head on down to the observation tower. This is new to us. It was not here in November, 2005. It is fun to climb up and take a look around.

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise360.jpg

It is pretty amazing to take a good look at the island from here. Castaway Cay is bigger than you might think. There is a lot of room for future expansion, should DCL ever choose to do so.

Although an hour seems like a short time, it is just about the right length for a bike ride, so we bring the bikes back.

The next item on the agenda was going to be the Grouper Game Pavilion, but some of the DD's are getting tired, and want to head back to the ship. So we have to skip the games on this trip.

Our tradition has been to finish our afternoon at the Head's Up Bar. We have been looking at it all day from the beach:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise232.jpg

We head on over, and get there at about 3:15. It is a good thing that we went when we did, because they are getting ready to close at 3:30. I didn't realize that they closed this early.

I order a Konk Kooler. The bartender tells me that he does not have all of the ingredients, but that he will do his best :(. He makes our drinks, and I end up with something that tastes something like a Konk Kooler, but it isn't quite right.

Here we are at the bar:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise254.jpg

We always take a photo from here:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise255.jpg

And, we take a photo of the Wonder, too:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise256.jpg

When we get back to base camp from the bar, it is around 4 pm, and the life guards are announcing through their megaphones that the swimming lagoon will close at 4:30. The playground has been closed because it is low tide. A lot of people have headed back to the ship. The DD's all want to go back. Mrs. TCD and I are not ready to leave just yet. So the DD's head on back to the ship.

One of them snapped this photo on the way back:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise270.jpg

We really don't want this day to end. We did want to try to stop by the gift shop on the way back, and we see that it closes at 4:30, so we reluctantly head back to the ship. We get to the gift shop at about 4:20, and they are basically closed up. The doors are all shut, except one, that is open a crack, and has a castmember standing next to it. We get the message, and keep on heading back to the ship. We decide to walk instead of taking the tram. It is a nice afternoon, and this will give me a chance to get a good photo of the Flying Dutchman, which I do:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise430.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise431.jpg

We apparently are about the last folks getting back onto the ship. It is maybe 4:45. We head up to deck 9 to hang out by the pool and hot tubs. Promptly at 5, we are moving! Good thing we didn't dawdle on the way back!

We had a perfect day on Castaway Cay. Great weather, and a lot of fun activities!

As those of you who have cruised before know, we have to have our suitcases packed and in the hallway before 11 pm tonight, and we have a show and dinner to get to, as well.

We decide to skip the show tonight, so we head down to the cabins at around 6 to start with the packing.

Next up, our last night on the Wonder.

TCD

[CapnJackGroupie]

Awww...just like our Disney Cruises:cloud9: , we don't want your TR to end!!! Thanks so much for sharing your trip & family with us!

[Tri-circle-D]

Our Last Night on the Wonder

The dreaded time has arrived. We have to get our bags packed :( . The suitcases need to be placed out in the hall between 9 and 11 pm. With late seating, this means that you had better get your packing done before dinner.

Our last DCL cruise was a seven night cruise. I still remember how long it took us to get everything packed up. It took a LONG time. We had 7 days worth of stuff everywhere, and the DD's were basically not much help.

The packing process on a three night cruise is so much easier. We had so much less stuff to pack, and each DD packed her own suitcase. We got everything packed up, and left the bags in the cabin, so we could quickly stuff tonight's evening wear in, and get the bags out into the hallway right after dinner, but before 11 pm. They say if your bags aren't out by 11, you are carrying them off the ship yourself. I don't want to find out how strict they are about this.

There was an "important" debarkation presentation at 4:30 pm. The Navigators state: "We request that at least one member of each family attend this important talk." If you have been paying attention, you would know that Mrs. TCD and I were still on Castaway Cay at 4:30. We missed the
debarkation talk! Oh no!

Actually, this leads me to my next tip:

Tip # 22- Skip the debarkation presentation.

You might say: "that's crazy talk." But it isn't. That presentation will be played continuously all night on one of the TV channels in your stateroom. Just listen to it while you are packing. Trust me, you will get off the boat. They will see to that. The debarkation talk on this cruise was given by our cruise director, Clayton. To his credit, he did not use a joke that I have heard on every cruise that I have taken. Invariably, the person giving this talk will always remind the audience to not forget to leave out clothes to wear when leaving the ship. He or she will always claim that on the last cruise, some passengers had to leave the ship in their pajamas! I guess I have been on 20 cruises, and this lame story has been told on every one of them. But, not by Clayton. So, props to Clayton for breaking the mold.

Oh yeah, I also wanted to acknowledge that I promised 20 tips, but it looks like it will be more like 25. Sorry for the miscalculation, there will be no extra charge. I could have stopped at 20, but these last few are pretty good ones.

Back to our story, we are packed and dressed for dinner, so we have time to hit Studio Sea for the 7 pm High School Musical Dance Party! Whoo-Hooo! If you have pre-teen or teen daughters you know what a big deal HSM is!
The girls were looking forward to this all day. But, when we got there, the crowd was all young, young girls. Like 8-9 years old. The DD's would not go out an dance :(. I can't say that I blame them, they would have looked kind of silly. And, I'm the only one who is allowed to look silly. Anyway, the event was still fun, they played all of the songs, played some video clips, and handed out free copies of a HSM magazine.

We headed to Animator's Palate for our final meal. It was good to finish our dining rotation at AP. This is an amazing restaurant, and it is fun to watch the "show" while eating your dinner. But, unless I missed him, we never got a visit from Sorcerer Mickey.

We tried to finish up by 10 pm, as we wanted to attend the 'Till We Meet Again (TWMA) event in the Atrium. I think a lot of folks skip this, because they are packing or just worn out, but I recommend that you try to attend. This is an event where all of the actors from the shows, and a lot of the characters come out into the Atrium. You can have autographs signed, and take photos. If there are lines, they move quickly. The DD's got photos with a lot of the characters and princesses without having to wait at all. You can also speak with the actors from the various shows, which is always fun. Here is a photo with Chip and Dale:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise377.jpg

Another tip:

Tip #23- Attend the 'Till We Meet Again celebration. You will have a chance to meet lots of characters and the actors from the shows on the cruise, with almost no crowd.

We hang out in the Atrium until about 10:30, and then dash back to our cabins. We have to get out of our dinner clothes, get them in our bags, and get those suckers out into the hallway. We make it with minutes to spare.

Since it is so late, I am already in my pajamas. I put all of my clothes in my suitcase. Our cabin steward took the suitcases away almost as soon as we put them out. Uh-oh- I forgot to leave out clothes to wear off the ship! Why didn't Clayton warn me not to forget? This is going to be bad!

Just kidding. You don't think I would be in my PJ's by 11 do you? Au Contraire- the night has just begun . . .

Check back later . . .

TCD

[ICEMANPAD]

Yep, Andrew, why waste time sleeping - do that when you get home - and TWMA should be an absolute must as you suggest, especially if you have kids.

Chuck:cool1:

[Tri-circle-D]

Regarding the Debarkation process, I meant to post this document, which you will find in your stateroom on the last day of the cruise. This is another reason that there is no need to attend the debarkation talk- this tells you everything that you need to know about getting off the ship:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/navigators017.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/navigators018.jpg

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

The Last Night-Continued

Where are we? Oh yes: the suitcases have been packed, and placed in the hall. It is about 11 pm. Too early to sleep. What to do?

We notice that the Navigator tells us that the movie Cars is playing on the big screen at the Goofy Pool. It started at 10:30, and is going to play until 12:27 a.m.. We aren't sure if the pool itself is open, so we take a trip up to deck 9 to take a look. The movie is playing, and the pool and hot tubs are open! Back to the cabin for our swimsuits. Luckily, they were all still damp from Castaway Cay, so they haven't been packed. We were going to let them continue to dry, and carry them off in our now empty rolling cooler along with other assorted dirty laundry.

We head back to the pool in our swimsuits. Here is a magical moment: watching a great Disney/Pixar movie while in a swimming pool somewhere between the Bahamas and Florida!

As you might imagine, there are not a lot of folks in the pool at this hour, but we are not the only ones. We also enjoy time in the hot tubs. No crowds. Despite the warm days that we have had, it is actually a little chilly up on deck, and we settle into our own private hot tub at around midnight. As you might know, there is a button that you have to push to activate the bubbling action, and it is on a timer. Occasionally, the bubbles stop, and someone has to get the tub started again.

At just about midnight, the bubbles stop. We push the button. Nothing. I guess the hot tubs are about to close? Then, a couple of castmembers come out to put the net across the pool. We sit in the hot tub and continue to watch the movie. And then, very slowly, so slow that it is not noticeable at first, the water in our hot tub starts to drain! They must be on an automatic timer. Within 5 minutes, the hot tub is half empty- I mean half full :), and we get the message that it is time to get out.

The movie is still going on, but we are cold and wet, so we head back to the cabins to change.

Another tip:

Tip #24- If there is a movie playing on the Ariel view at night- check it out. You definitely can't watch a movie while in a pool on a ship in the ocean at home!
It is now sometime between midnight and 1 am. Time for bed?

What do you think?

Time for a last tour of the ship!

There is no one out. Everyone has gone to bed! Wimps!

We wander around for a bit. Get some Hot Cocoa from the drink station.

We end up in the Atrium.

It is empty.

It is such a large, nice area.

It is hard to believe that it was only two days ago that we walked through this very spot to begin our cruise!

My DD says that this is a perfect place to do cartwheels.

That might be true, but this is a fancy cruise ship. This is no place for cartwheels.

OK, maybe just one:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise385.jpg

I am ready for the flames. What kind of parent would allow this type of shenanigans from his child?

This kind:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise388.jpg

And you know, DD was right. That is a sweet place to do a cartwheel!

We agree that on our next cruise, we will do cartwheels when we board the ship.

As much as we hate to admit it, we are getting tired. It has been another long (but fun!) day. At a little after 1, we head on back to the cabins. I believe that there was some room service ordered in the DD's room, but I wasn't awake for that.

Next- our last morning.

TCD

[3gr8kids]

The Last Night-Continued
That might be true, but this is a fancy cruise ship. This is no place for cartwheels.

OK, maybe just one:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise385.jpg

I am ready for the flames. What kind of parent would allow this type of shenanigans from his child?

This kind:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise388.jpg

And you know, DD was right. That is a sweet place to do a cartwheel!

We agree that on our next cruise, we will do cartwheels when we board the ship.

As much as we hate to admit it, we are getting tired. It has been another long (but fun!) day. At a little after 1, we head on back to the cabins. I believe that there was some room service ordered in the DD's room, but I wasn't awake for that.

Next- our last morning.

TCD


OMG - that is too funny, and definitely something my fam and I would do!! Glad to see we're not the only ones. :thumbsup2

[nzdisneymom]

TCD!!!!! I remember reading trip reports and tips from you after your Turkey Day 2005 cruise - it was just before we had our very first DCL cruise in December 2005!

How fun to read your 3-day report - we did a 3-day in early April. A few things were different than yours, but what great memories it brings back. We also took the time to do some of the 'little' things like watching a movie in the Buena Vista Theater. We had cruised our inaugral 7-night and then we did a 10-night last summer in the Med, and there was still so much to see / do that we hadn't done, so I was determined to see/do something new each day we were on board!

Love the tips, sorry 'bout the bird poop, which leads me to a tip you might want to add:

~ Bring along a few individually wrapped sanitizing wipes when you're off-ship in case you need to wipe hands or clean up other messes (like bird poo) and you can't find a dirty napkin on the street :)

Seriously - I make sure to keep a couple in our day bag because you never know when you might need them, especially when out with kids, no matter their ages.

We found that the area of the family beach on Castaway Cay that is just beyond the play structure in the water is a great non-busy place to set up for the day. You can stay on the bath until you get to where the hair-braiders are, just a short distance beyond the restrooms, and then cut into the beach. Near the last life-guard stand.

My only question is how far you would have to drag those inner-tube floats when you set up that far down... my boys want to get them the next time we sail... they looked like loads of fun. We have a double-dip in our future.

The water was so clear for the snorkeling - there must've not been much snorkeling action yet when you all were there.

I"m with you about not sleeping on a 3-day -- plenty of time for that at home. But on our last night, my three guys went back to the cabin by 9:30 and got ready for bed. I didn't have anyone to roam the ship with except I did meet up with my DIS friends (YAY for meet threads even when they only have a few DISers) for the TWMA... that was a new thing for me, too - I had missed it both times before because I was PACKING.

Thanks for writing your TR and including photos and details - love it!

[29apr00]

What a great TR!! It is so full of detail!! I'm going to be showing this to everyone for our cruise next year! Thanks!

[Tri-circle-D]

TCD!!!!! I remember reading trip reports and tips from you after your Turkey Day 2005 cruise - it was just before we had our very first DCL cruise in December 2005!

How fun to read your 3-day report - we did a 3-day in early April. A few things were different than yours, but what great memories it brings back. We also took the time to do some of the 'little' things like watching a movie in the Buena Vista Theater. We had cruised our inaugral 7-night and then we did a 10-night last summer in the Med, and there was still so much to see / do that we hadn't done, so I was determined to see/do something new each day we were on board!

Love the tips, sorry 'bout the bird poop, which leads me to a tip you might want to add:

~ Bring along a few individually wrapped sanitizing wipes when you're off-ship in case you need to wipe hands or clean up other messes (like bird poo) and you can't find a dirty napkin on the street :)

Seriously - I make sure to keep a couple in our day bag because you never know when you might need them, especially when out with kids, no matter their ages.

We found that the area of the family beach on Castaway Cay that is just beyond the play structure in the water is a great non-busy place to set up for the day. You can stay on the bath until you get to where the hair-braiders are, just a short distance beyond the restrooms, and then cut into the beach. Near the last life-guard stand.

My only question is how far you would have to drag those inner-tube floats when you set up that far down... my boys want to get them the next time we sail... they looked like loads of fun. We have a double-dip in our future.

The water was so clear for the snorkeling - there must've not been much snorkeling action yet when you all were there.

I"m with you about not sleeping on a 3-day -- plenty of time for that at home. But on our last night, my three guys went back to the cabin by 9:30 and got ready for bed. I didn't have anyone to roam the ship with except I did meet up with my DIS friends (YAY for meet threads even when they only have a few DISers) for the TWMA... that was a new thing for me, too - I had missed it both times before because I was PACKING.

Thanks for writing your TR and including photos and details - love it!

Cindy-

It is nice to be remembered! That Thanksgiving 2005 cruise was such a blast! Some of my cruise-mates from then have already posted on this thread. I hope some more find it.

That is an excellent tip about the wipes. Of course, we were never without those back when the girls were younger, but you are so right that they would come in handy on a cruise! I literally did have to use a dirty napkin. I am no germaphobe, but that was a gross situation.

About the tubes on Castaway Cay- you can also rent them from the bike rental place, which is right by the place that you described. Also, there is a restroom with showers right there. This is definitely where we will head next time.

And yes, the water was very clear for our snorkeling. Our two previous cruises were in November during very active hurricane seasons (2004 and 2005), the seas were very calm on this trip, and I think that had something to do with the water clarity as well. Also, for whatever reason, it seems like there were less people snorkeling on this trip. I think there are more experienced cruisers on the longer cruises, and that there were a lot of newbies on this cruise who just didn't get a lot of things. :confused3

Anyway, thanks for reading my trip report, and commenting. I am still not done yet. I still have to report on our last morning, and getting off the ship.

I have one more tip, and some more photos, including some random ones that are interesting, but didn't really fit into my report.

So be sure to check back!

TCD

[nzdisneymom]

TCD - thanks for the info about being able to get the inner-tube floats from by the bike rentals - that is definitely closer to where we're likely to set up!

Can't wait to read the rest of your report.

[alwayslisad]

on the last morning is can you go to topsiders? or is breakfast ONLY as stated on the menu up there?

[MandyMommytoReaghan]

Hey TCD, I have really enjoyed reading your familys adventure. You wouldn't happen to have any menus you could scan for us to see for those of us who are leaving in a couple weeks, would you?:worship: I have searched and searched and came up with what I thought may be a recent(it's been 2 years since our last cruise).

[ICEMANPAD]

TCD,

LOVE your trip report!! The tips, details and great family pix are AMAZING!!!
Thanks for sharing!!!! Remember, the Turkeys are cruising again Thanksgiving 2009!!!! ::yes:: :banana:


Lisa and Chuck

[poffles]

Great report. I just stumbled upon it and read it through to the end. It was nice to read each day without waiting for the followup posts, but sad to know that the only thing left to look forward to is the end :(

[december]

I was a little upset that my sister and I could only afford a 3 day cruise, until I read this! Wonderful report!

And I hate to hear no one really gets into pirate night. Will we look really strange if we do?

[PUNKMICKEY]

OMG - that is too funny, and definitely something my fam and I would do!! Glad to see we're not the only ones. :thumbsup2


An amazing trip report Thanks!!!!!
We are going on the Cruise this July. It will be our first trip and your report has made it feel even more exciting:)

[DznyRulz]

TCD,

Thanks for the amazing TR. It really makes me excited for our August 4-day trip. I've got to get DW to read this when she has time. I also want to extend a thanks to your family for allowing us a peek inside the TCD clan.

[Deb T.]

I didn't have anyone to roam the ship with except I did meet up with my DIS friends (YAY for meet threads even when they only have a few DISers) for the TWMA... that was a new thing for me, too - I had missed it both times before because I was PACKING.

Awwww, ya shoulda called my cabin! I would have been more than happy to roam the ship with my new good friend! :) And, I second your statement about "YAY for meets threads even when they only have a few DISers". You and Ness definitely enhanced the cruise for me! :goodvibes

Sorry to hijack your thread for a minute, Tri-circle-D. I totally enjoyed your TR! Awesome job! I even forwarded it to another good friend who's getting ready for a cruise soon. :)

[BobWerner]

Read the entire report. Fantastic. Thanks for the pictures, the Navigators and the tips. Did you notice anyone traveling alone? I'm really thinking of doing a Disney Cruise, but I don't want to stick out. I saw one of the Navigators mention a "Singles Mixer." That sound like it would be fun.

Again, thanks!

[ibouncetoo]

TCD, loved your report and am also forwarding on to someone who will be doing a 'first' DCL and a three day.



Read the entire report. Fantastic. Thanks for the pictures, the Navigators and the tips. Did you notice anyone traveling alone? I'm really thinking of doing a Disney Cruise, but I don't want to stick out. I saw one of the Navigators mention a "Singles Mixer." That sound like it would be fun.

Again, thanks!

Bob, don't hesitate to do DCL solo! My first cruise was solo (a four day) and I met up with some of the DIS folks from our meets thread for Palo brunch and linked dining with a DIS family also. I just did the 15 day WB Panama solo...if you can call cruising with 150 cabins of DISers solo!

[Tri-circle-D]

on the last morning is can you go to topsiders? or is breakfast ONLY as stated on the menu up there?

Topsider's is called Beach Blanket Buffet on the Wonder, and yes, despite what the Welcome Home sheet says, it is open on the last morning. I will cover more about the next installment of my TR-read on!

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

Hey TCD, I have really enjoyed reading your familys adventure. You wouldn't happen to have any menus you could scan for us to see for those of us who are leaving in a couple weeks, would you?:worship: I have searched and searched and came up with what I thought may be a recent(it's been 2 years since our last cruise).


Mandy- I am sorry, but I do not have any menus to share. I am not sure that DCL wants their menus swiped. But, I know of a website that has current information about the Wonder's menus. It is hosted by a Disboard member. She is also a travel agent, so the folks who monitor this site prohibit the posting of the address to her site. It is called Castaway Club dot com. To get there, spell castaway club as one word-no spaces, and then add a period and com, and you will get there. The menus are from the 4 day Wonder, but they look identical to what we were offered on our cruise.

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

TCD,

LOVE your trip report!! The tips, details and great family pix are AMAZING!!!
Thanks for sharing!!!! Remember, the Turkeys are cruising again Thanksgiving 2009!!!! ::yes:: :banana:


Lisa and Chuck

Lisa and Chuck- I hope that you enjoy your cruise- less than two weeks to go! Let me know if you have any questions. The bottom line is that a cruise on the Wonder is pretty much the same as a cruise on the Magic-just condensed!

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

I was a little upset that my sister and I could only afford a 3 day cruise, until I read this! Wonderful report!

And I hate to hear no one really gets into pirate night. Will we look really strange if we do?

I saw your post on the main boards about sailing with a party of five. I agree with the advice you got there- go with two connecting cabins rather than a family suite. We are a party of five, and that is what we have always done.

As for Pirate Night, if you want to dress up, go for it! A lot of folks do, but there are a lot less on the three night cruises than on the longer ones. I don't think you will look strange. I imagine most people will wish that they were having that much fun!

Understandably, the three night cruises have a much higher percentage of newbies, a surprising number of whom are clueless! But not you! You have found the disboards. If you follow the tips that you find on these boards, you will have a much more enjoyable cruise than the uninformed newbies!

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

An amazing trip report Thanks!!!!!
We are going on the Cruise this July. It will be our first trip and your report has made it feel even more exciting:)


Hey Welcome to the Disboards!

I am honored that you put your first post here!

If you haven't already done so- see if there is a meets thread for your cruise.

I did not find one for mine, but it is fun to hook up with fellow disboarders on your cruise.

Have a great time on your cruise!

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

TCD,

Thanks for the amazing TR. It really makes me excited for our August 4-day trip. I've got to get DW to read this when she has time. I also want to extend a thanks to your family for allowing us a peek inside the TCD clan.

Chris- I hope that you and your family have as much fun on your cruise as the TCD gang did on ours. Don't forget to share your adventures here with a trip report when you get back!

I'll see you around the Fort. :thumbsup2

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

Sorry to hijack your thread for a minute, Tri-circle-D. I totally enjoyed your TR! Awesome job! I even forwarded it to another good friend who's getting ready for a cruise soon. :)

No problem at all with the hijacking- it is something I have been guilty of many times!

Thanks for reading, and tell your friend if she has any questions, she can come here for the answers!

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

Read the entire report. Fantastic. Thanks for the pictures, the Navigators and the tips. Did you notice anyone traveling alone? I'm really thinking of doing a Disney Cruise, but I don't want to stick out. I saw one of the Navigators mention a "Singles Mixer." That sound like it would be fun.

Again, thanks!

Bob- I can't say that I noticed any single travelers, but I think that is the nature of a cruise-especially a Disney Cruise. Because there is truly something for everyone to do, lots of folks participate in things individually. If you are self-conscious about traveling alone, I don't think anyone would even have to know on the cruise. The only exception might be in the dining rooms, but I'll bet DCL would match solo cruisers up with other solo cruisers.

I say go for it!

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

Sunday Morning-We get off the ship!

We all know what is coming. Even though this is our third DCL cruise, it is still amazing to me how quickly and efficiently DCL gets everybody off of the ship.

No matter how you approach it, the last morning of a cruise is tough. You can't sleep in, and you have to get up, get ready, and get packed up and out of your cabin before breakfast.

The Welcome Home sheet tells you where and when to report for breakfast. If you have early seating, that means you might have to be at breakfast by 6:30. We had late seating, and were scheduled to be in Animator's Palate at 7:45. Early, but better than 6:30.

As previously reported, we were up past 1 am on Saturday night, so I set the alarm on my watch for 6:30. That would give me time to get up, get some coffee, and get everybody going in time to make it to breakfast.

Turns out, I didn't need to set my alarm. At about 5 am, our cabin started shaking like someone had taken a jackhammer to the ceiling. Our bed was shaking like one of those vibrating beds at a Holiday Inn. This went on for about 10 minutes. And then it stopped. We must have been pulling up to the dock. I was up top during our two previous dockings, so I don't know if that happened every time, but it sure shook like crazy on our last morning.

So, it was 5 am, and I was awake. I could go back to sleep for a while, or I could get up and see what was going on. What do you think I did? You got it! I can sleep when I get home.

So, I headed up to Deck 9 for some coffee. We were in Port Canaveral, and the sun wasn't even up yet:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise404.jpg

There was a Carnival ship in port with us, and a Royal Caribbean ship was heading toward us in the canal:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise400.jpg

I got to watch the whole docking procedure. It is amazing that those huge ships can stop, and smoothly back up the way that they do:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise399.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise403.jpg

I got to watch the sun rise:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise408.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise416.jpg

Looks like it is going to be another perfect day. It is hard to believe that in a couple of hours we will be off the ship, and just a couple of hours after that, a whole new set of folks will be on board ready to start their cruise.

It is quite easy to see the Kennedy Space Center from Deck 10. This is the Vehicle Assembly Building off in the distance:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise425.jpg

This is the building that you are looking at. It is a huge building, although it doesn't look it in this photo:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/402px-Kennedy_Space_Center_-_the_bu.jpg

Wouldn't it be something to watch a shuttle launch from here?

After spending some time looking around, I go to head back down to the cabins. I notice that Beach Blanket Buffet is open. The Welcome Home sheet did not say anything about this, but it was open and serving a buffet breakfast. It opened at 6:30. This would be a great option for folks needing to get off the ship as early as possible, and there were a few people in there eating breakfast. I don't think I could ever get my gang up that early, but it probably would be a lot more peaceful option than dragging in to the dining rooms like everyone else.

So, my last tip:

Tip # 25. Beach Blanket Buffet is open for breakfast at 6:30 on the last morning. Consider eating there instead of your assigned dining room.

I head down to the cabins for the last time. I had taken our magnets off the night before, and walked right past our doors. See? Those magnets do come in handy.

We all get ready, and do our final packing. The empty rolling cooler is the perfect place for our wet suits.

We get to breakfast on time, and see our servers for the last time. This is hard. These servers are always stressed on the last morning. They have two breakfast seatings to handle, and a whole new group of cruisers will be boarding at noon. Our assistant server tells us that she will be working non-stop until 11 pm. Breakfast goes really fast. Before we know it, we are in the atrium, and we are heading off of the ship :(

Our last photo aboard the Wonder:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise427.jpg

We head down to claim our bags, and go through customs. Crazy and fast. We always use a porter. Well worth the money. We are in the car and heading west by just a little past 8:30.

It was a great cruise. I was afraid that it would seem to short, but it didn't. It was just right. We got to do all of our favorite things to do on a DCL cruise. The nice thing about a three night cruise is that you don't have to hold back- we went full speed for three days! On a seven night cruise, we could not have kept that pace. We would have been exhausted.

One thing we really liked about the three day cruise is that despite the pace, we were not wiped out when we got home. Also, the sailing was so smooth on this cruise, that I never got that "still on the boat" sensation when back on land. Mrs. TCD was happy to not have the mountain of laundry that we had after our seven night cruise.

So, that's it.

I have a few random photos to post, and I will post the complete list of my tips, but that's my report.

I hope that you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

If anyone has a question, please ask.

Until next time,

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

Here are all 25 tips mentioned in this trip report- all in one place for your easy use!:

Tip #1- Arrive Early. The terminal opens at 10 am.

Tip #2- Take advantage of the online check-in. It greatly expedites the check-in process.

Tip #3- Bring some of your favorite adult beverages on board. If you enjoy these, it is nice to have them handy in your room, or even to bring up onto the deck, or onto Castaway Cay.

Tip #4- Pick up a copy of the daily Navigator when you enter the ship.

Tip # 5- Decorate your cabin door. Make some magnets before you go.

Tip #6 - Do not miss the Sail Away!

Tip #7- If you are prone to sea sickness, take your medication before the ship starts to move! If you wait until you start to feel ill, it will be too late.

Tip #8- Go to the shows! These are an important part of the cruise experience, and you will get information from the Captain and Cruise Director that you might otherwise not receive.

Tip #9- Every night of your cruise, there will be a family event in between the show and dinner (or right after dinner and before the show if you have early seating). Go to it. These shows are fun for everyone, and you can also win something!

Tip #10- Try to catch a movie in the Buena Vista Theatre while you are aboard.

Tip #11- You cannot do everything that is offered-so make a reasonable plan, and don't kill yourself trying to do too much.

Tip #12-Don't sleep in on your cruise! Especially a three day cruise. Sunrises are beautiful at sea, and there are no crowds early in the morning. You can sleep at home!

Tip #13- Spend some time exploring the ship!

Tip # 14- If you are going to shop on Nassau, you do not need a cab. No matter what the nice men at the port mall tell you. Nassau is an easy city to walk around.

Tip #15- Do not walk near any buildings in the Bahamas! (But if you can’t resist-bring some disposable wipes along).

Tip#16-Don't be shy in trying new things on the dining menus. A cruise is a perfect time to experience new dishes. If you don't like what you ordered, your server will be happy to bring you something else.

Tip#17- Use a lanyard for your KTTW card. It makes it easy to carry with you, and to keep track of.

Tip#18-Don't forget that the 24 hour room service. And, order a Mickey Mouse ice cream bar. They are not on the menu, but they will bring you as many as you like!

Tip # 19- Bring your own snorkel equipment and/or beach toys. Pack them in a separate duffel bag, and keep them under your bed until Castaway Cay day.

Tip #20- Take your own photos! In most cases, your photos will be as good as the ship's photographers, and in every case, they will be a lot less expensive!

Tip #21- Keep walking when you get to the beach at Castaway Cay, the further you walk from the boat, the less crowded you will be.

Tip # 22- Skip the debarkation presentation.

Tip #23- Attend the 'Till We Meet Again celebration. You will have a chance to meet lots of characters and the actors from the shows on the cruise, with almost no crowd.

Tip #24- If there is a movie playing on the Ariel view at night- check it out. You definitely can't watch a movie while in a pool on a ship in the ocean at home!

Tip # 25 -Beach Blanket Buffet is open for breakfast at 6:30 on the last morning. Consider eating there instead of your assigned dining room.

TCD

[ears4all!]

THANK YOU SOOOOOO MUCH!

I am going on a cruise this October. It is a four-day, and we are so excited! This was a great report :)

[december]

Your report has been wonderful! I did ask for late seating-great to know we also get the later breakfast. And thanks for the space center pics-I've decided to stay around and spend a couple of days there-ds10 (will be 12) is so excited about that part!

And we are booking 2 connecting cat 10 rooms (secret portholes!). I'm using all seasons travel, and they have been great!

[AndymanGA]

Hated for your TR to end. Can you take another cruise soon and tell us about it?::yes::

[MTMom]

I cannot begin to tell you how much I have enjoyed reading your TR, and also everyone's comments, questions and your answers. I am getting so excited about our upcoming family trip. We leave on our 10-day Disney/Universal vacation in a month, and our 3-day Wonder cruise will be the perfect ending to our odyssey!

When is your next Disney vacation and/or cruise? Do you take advantage of the on-board booking discount? We never have, but I am thinking about it.

Please stick around because I, and many others I am sure, still would like to hear any other little tidbits you might offer and if you are up to it, answer a few more questions!!!

[Suzanne74]

Wow - what a fantastic trip report. :thumbsup2 I am so excited for our Sept 4 day Wonder cruise. Would you get upset if our family cartwheels in after they call our name, lol. I think that would be hilarious!! :lmao:

Thanks again!!!

[Tri-circle-D]

Your report has been wonderful! I did ask for late seating-great to know we also get the later breakfast. And thanks for the space center pics-I've decided to stay around and spend a couple of days there-ds10 (will be 12) is so excited about that part!

And we are booking 2 connecting cat 10 rooms (secret portholes!). I'm using all seasons travel, and they have been great!

Two connecting 10's will be perfect. I actually liked the set-up of the rooms without the portholes (bed is closer to the back wall-more room to walk around the cabin), but we had always done connecting 9's before this trip.

Kennedy Space Center is a great place to visit. One day is plenty, IMHO.

Happy crusing.

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

I cannot begin to tell you how much I have enjoyed reading your TR, and also everyone's comments, questions and your answers. I am getting so excited about our upcoming family trip. We leave on our 10-day Disney/Universal vacation in a month, and our 3-day Wonder cruise will be the perfect ending to our odyssey!

When is your next Disney vacation and/or cruise? Do you take advantage of the on-board booking discount? We never have, but I am thinking about it.

Please stick around because I, and many others I am sure, still would like to hear any other little tidbits you might offer and if you are up to it, answer a few more questions!!!


Don't worry, I'm not going anywhere.

We live about 80 miles from WDW.

As I mentioned at the beginning, we camp a lot at WDW's Fort Wilderness- we've been three times so far this year. I almost always write a trip report. We are going camping for sure in October, and maybe I'll squeeze in a visit before then.

You know, there is a whole camping section here on the Disboards. You will find the nicest (and craziest) folks you would ever want to meet there. I hang out there quite a bit.

We did not book another cruise on board, although the deals they give you are really good. I am pretty sure that we will take another three day cruise next summer, but we aren't sure, so I passed.

Please feel free to ask any questions- we've been to Universal our share too.

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

Wow - what a fantastic trip report. :thumbsup2 I am so excited for our Sept 4 day Wonder cruise. Would you get upset if our family cartwheels in after they call our name, lol. I think that would be hilarious!! :lmao:

Thanks again!!!

Would I be upset? Heck no! But, I want to see the pictures!

TCD

[MTMom]

TCD, can I PM you? I'd like to email you a copy of our itinerary for your opinion.

[J&K'sPrincessMommy]

:worship: What an AMAZING TR! :worship: :worship:
We are cruising in December in 2 connecting 9's for a week on the Magic- our last cruise was a 10 night Wonder. Our next might be the 4 night Wonder (we keep losing a few days :lmao: ) and was wondering if we'd cope on a shorter cruise and this TR really makes me want to book one now! :thumbsup2

Thank you so much- you truly seem to have a family that enjoys being together and it was a pleasure to read about your WONDERful trip! :goodvibes

[Our2Girls&Disney]

TCD:

You have really helped me plan this cruise. You taught me a lot. I bought the book Passporters Field Guide. It is a good book, but quite honestly it did not tell me much more then what I learned from your Trippie. Thanks!!!!

Tracy

[29apr00]

Great TR!! I love your sunrise pics! It's a beautiful peaceful way to end your trip, isn't! I love that time!

Thanks for the report!! It'll be very handy when explaining what's going to happen to our guests!

Jennifer

[parrisk]

I really enjoyed the trip report. Other than the lanyards given at the Castaway Club check-in, what is the gift for Castaway Club members?

[hotlunchmom]

popcorn::

[Tri-circle-D]

TCD, can I PM you? I'd like to email you a copy of our itinerary for your opinion.

Sure. But, it will only be my opinion. There are a lot more qualified folks than me that you could ask about such things.

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

I really enjoyed the trip report. Other than the lanyards given at the Castaway Club check-in, what is the gift for Castaway Club members?

That is one thing that I do not have a photo of! But, I have seen photos here on the Disboards. It was a black and red nylon beach bag. In the bag were: a mesh Castaway Club bag (people wore this like a back pack), two Castaway Club plastic water bottles, a little notebook and pen, and what looked like a bathtub/pet toy plastic version of a DCL ship.

I believe that there was a post on the main board regarding the gift on this summer's Magic cruises. It looked like they also got a pencil case with colored pencils. We did not receive this.


TCD

[AndymanGA]

did you try the lobster burger on Castaway Cay?

[Tri-circle-D]

did you try the lobster burger on Castaway Cay?


I don't think they serve lobster burgers on the three night cruise. No lobster in the dining rooms, so no lobster burgers. I didn't see any this trip.

I have tried the lobster burgers on my previous visits to Castaway Cay. I think a more descriptive title might be bread crumb burger with lobster flavoring. Seriously, the "Lobster" burgers don't really have a whole lot of lobster in them. Try the chicken or ribs instead!

TCD

[POR0907]

Our Last Night on the Wonder

There was an "important" debarkation presentation at 4:30 pm. The Navigators state: "We request that at least one member of each family attend this important talk." If you have been paying attention, you would know that Mrs. TCD and I were still on Castaway Cay at 4:30. We missed the
debarkation talk! Oh no!

Actually, this leads me to my next tip:

Tip # 22- Skip the debarkation presentation.

You might say: "that's crazy talk." But it isn't. That presentation will be played continuously all night on one of the TV channels in your stateroom. Just listen to it while you are packing. Trust me, you will get off the boat. They will see to that. The debarkation talk on this cruise was given by our cruise director, Clayton. To his credit, he did not use a joke that I have heard on every cruise that I have taken. Invariably, the person giving this talk will always remind the audience to not forget to leave out clothes to wear when leaving the ship. He or she will always claim that on the last cruise, some passengers had to leave the ship in their pajamas! I guess I have been on 20 cruises, and this lame story has been told on every one of them. But, not by Clayton. So, props to Clayton for breaking the mold.

TCD

This made me laugh. We are going on our first cruise in December, but we have been to many, many all inclusives. My DH still does not pass on the first day intro meetings at the AI's, even though he has been through the drill a dozen times. There is no way he will miss the debarkation talk... I must copy this for him and see if he can resist...

Thanks for taking the time to put together such a detailed and informative report, it was a great read!!

[davidls]

Thanks Tri - Circle - D for a great report. We live just up the road from you and your family. We live in New Port Richey. We went on a 7 day Disney Cruise last October and loved it. We took our granddaughter with us and she had a blast. (So did DW and myself) We are going on our first 3 day Disney cruise this October and we can't wait. Again, Thanks for the great report.

[richsilver]

Thanks Tri - Circle - D for a great report. We live just up the road from you and your family. We live in New Port Richey. We went on a 7 day Disney Cruise last October and loved it. We took our granddaughter with us and she had a blast. (So did DW and myself) We are going on our first 3 day Disney cruise this October and we can't wait. Again, Thanks for the great report.

Port Richey checking in here.Going on our 1st cruise this Sept.and thank you also for a great report.


rich

[Tri-circle-D]

Thanks Tri - Circle - D for a great report. We live just up the road from you and your family. We live in New Port Richey. We went on a 7 day Disney Cruise last October and loved it. We took our granddaughter with us and she had a blast. (So did DW and myself) We are going on our first 3 day Disney cruise this October and we can't wait. Again, Thanks for the great report.

Port Richey checking in here.Going on our 1st cruise this Sept.and thank you also for a great report.


rich

Hello Pasco County!!


Thanks for checking in, and have a great time on your cruises!


TCD

[ICEMANPAD]

Well Andrew, I will be posting live next weekend, but I am sure it will be nowhere near as exciting, or detailed and lengthy, as yours...That said, your trip report should be added en masse to the Passporter site as an addendum for posterity as it is probably the most detailed ever written, and should be viewed by others in the future as you have answered many questions.

Alternatively, perhaps you could find a way to have it recreated under an easily identifiable link.

As for a Disboards group for next week, does not look like there will be one.

However, the Turkey Day Gang for 2009 is going very strong and I anticipate a dinner link that may rival the 28 cabins we had in 2005.

Chuck:cool1:

[nomadic]

AMAZING TR!!!

i loved it, and it was sooo informative!!

[Forever42]

Had to check in then and say that I loved your trip report!

By the way, I grew up in Palm Harbor and live over in Orlando now, so had to give you a bump since you're from Dunedin ;)

[bawsmom]

WOW!! this was so great.:smokin:
we are going on our first DCL in sept and what a huge help this TR was. so much info!!

thanks:thumbsup2

[Tri-circle-D]

Well Andrew, I will be posting live next weekend, but I am sure it will be nowhere near as exciting, or detailed and lengthy, as yours...That said, your trip report should be added en masse to the Passporter site as an addendum for posterity as it is probably the most detailed ever written, and should be viewed by others in the future as you have answered many questions.

Alternatively, perhaps you could find a way to have it recreated under an easily identifiable link.

As for a Disboards group for next week, does not look like there will be one.

However, the Turkey Day Gang for 2009 is going very strong and I anticipate a dinner link that may rival the 28 cabins we had in 2005.

Chuck:cool1:

Chuck- I hope that you and Lisa have a great time. I really would like to hear what it is like to be on the Wonder on the 4th of July! You will be in Nassau that day, and then it normally would be Pirate Night- so no matter what, you are going to have fireworks on the 4th. I'd be interested in hearing what goes on in Nassau on the 4th- so please fill us in!!

If the 2009 Turkey Day Gang gets close to 2005's that will be quite an accomplishment!

I don't know what it is about the three night cruises, and the Disboard meets. There just is not a lot of interest. It will be a new experience for you family to sail like the normal folks. IMHO, it is a blessing in disguise, because there just is not time to meet new people and socialize with them on a three night cruise.

Have a great cruise!

TCD

[Tri-circle-D]

Had to check in then and say that I loved your trip report!

By the way, I grew up in Palm Harbor and live over in Orlando now, so had to give you a bump since you're from Dunedin ;)

PALM HARBOR!

That's where I am right now!

Thanks for the bump.

TCD

[mizcolon]

WOW!!! that was GREAT!!! the Pics and descriptions were FAB....

I am doing my first Disney cruise July 31, and I think I am going to be more excited than the kids!!! pssst... We are surprising them!!! They are only 5, and 3, oth girls.....

I do have a question...where did you get the magnets with the names that you used on your door???

[Tri-circle-D]

WOW!!! that was GREAT!!! the Pics and descriptions were FAB....

I am doing my first Disney cruise July 31, and I think I am going to be more excited than the kids!!! pssst... We are surprising them!!! They are only 5, and 3, oth girls.....

I do have a question...where did you get the magnets with the names that you used on your door???

The design for the magnets came from Disboard member ImTooExcitedtoSleep.

You can find him on this thread: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=24408582#post24408582&highlight=

I sent him a request by private message, and he sent the name tags back to me complete with my family's names. Then buy some magnet printer paper at an office supply place, and you are in business.

TCD

[PeggyKate]

TCD,

Thanks for such an informative trip report. I agree with the previous posters that you answered every question my husband and I had regarding our upcoming 3 day cruise. We are going September 4th and have booked reservations for dinner at Palo's. My husband had been concerned about bringing a jacket for dinner, but in reading your report it sounds like things have loosened up a bit and it's not necessary.

Posters like you are what make the DISboards such a great place. Thanks again!

[HoosierFrog]

Bump, this is one that needs to be kept near the top for people considering a 3 or 4 night cruise. It definitely helped in my planning.

[WMILLER86]

Hey Turkey!

As usual, Andrew, you tell a great story. I read the whole thing. War and Peace no longer worries me.

It was fun to read your references to our old 2005 Turkey Day Gang. That was a memorable cruise for the Miller Family. I still stay in touch with Lampy, Doogie, Rob, Priscilla, Chuck, Lisa, 5J's. Made some friends on that cruise that are very special. I count the TCD family among those. The girls are growing too fast, huh? I would never believe that my youngest DD(13) would outgrow the play area at Castaway Cay! My girls now prefer RCCL. Who'd a thunk it?

Your cartwheel in the atrium lobby reminds me of your pool competition and pirate dance competitions with Lampy. You would have smoked him had he not broke out with that Curley Shuffle. I always thought that was a little unfair of him. Good to see that you still can make the moves without back injury.

Stay in touch, buddy! Let me know if the TCD family sails again. Maybe I can get my bunch back on Disney.

[ICEMANPAD]

Hey Willie-

Rob and Priscilla and Chuck and I are booked for the 2009 Thanksgiving Magic. It's an Eastern Itinerary. We would love for the Miller and TCD families to join in for a Turkey reunion!!! :thumbsup2

Lisa

[djblu883]

don't discourage us landlubbers...we are also Pirates waiting for our ship to board!!!:rotfl2: besides I'm going Nov. 2009!!! I wanna pick your brain!!!



Nicely Done! :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

Now, go back to the camping community board before I lose all of my new cruising buddy readers! :lmao:

Nobody here knows anything about otters, peacocks or kungaloosh.;)

TCD

[lotsofboys]

Fabulous and informative report. Thanks for sharing!

[RLccweems]

What a great TR!! I really enjoyed it and all the pics.

[mickeyluv]

TCD....absolutely loved reading your TR!!! I want to put it back up to the top so other's could see it and enjoy!! Have a great rest of the summer! We'll be on the Magic November 29th for our 2nd DCL cruise. Our 1st was a 4-niter and we couldn't believe how fast it went by so we rebooked onboard for the 7 night Magic Western itinerary. We rebooked along with our tablemates who are from England and we can't wait to meet back up again!!! Thanks for a GREAT TR!!

[Tri-circle-D]

Hey Turkey!

As usual, Andrew, you tell a great story. I read the whole thing. War and Peace no longer worries me.

It was fun to read your references to our old 2005 Turkey Day Gang. That was a memorable cruise for the Miller Family. I still stay in touch with Lampy, Doogie, Rob, Priscilla, Chuck, Lisa, 5J's. Made some friends on that cruise that are very special. I count the TCD family among those. The girls are growing too fast, huh? I would never believe that my youngest DD(13) would outgrow the play area at Castaway Cay! My girls now prefer RCCL. Who'd a thunk it?

Your cartwheel in the atrium lobby reminds me of your pool competition and pirate dance competitions with Lampy. You would have smoked him had he not broke out with that Curley Shuffle. I always thought that was a little unfair of him. Good to see that you still can make the moves without back injury.

Stay in touch, buddy! Let me know if the TCD family sails again. Maybe I can get my bunch back on Disney.

Hey Willie- Great to hear from you! I am not sure that there will ever be as fun a group of Disboard members as we had on the 2005 Thanksgiving Magic Cruise! As I mentioned in my report, I couldn't even find a meets thread for this cruise, although I guess there was a small one. I tried my best to represent the Turkeys! I am sure you saw that I was able to be the Native American Village Person (although this was done at the sail away party), and that I won a gold medal. No pirate dance contest, though. I thought this would be my chance for redemption. With my luck, Lampy will probably be on my next cruise, and I will be second banana again!

I will be sure to let you know if we cruise again. As mentioned, this was a last minute deal for us, and it worked out great. The tentative plan for now is to be flexible next summer, and see if we can snag a Florida resident's deal.

Hope you and the family are all well. I believe that your oldest is heading off for college, right? We will be facing that next summer :(

TCD

Hey Willie-

Rob and Priscilla and Chuck and I are booked for the 2009 Thanksgiving Magic. It's an Eastern Itinerary. We would love for the Miller and TCD families to join in for a Turkey reunion!!! :thumbsup2

Lisa

Lisa- Thanks for the invite. I would love to do another Thanksgiving cruise. We will have to see if it fits into our schedules and budget.

TCD

TCD....absolutely loved reading your TR!!! I want to put it back up to the top so other's could see it and enjoy!! Have a great rest of the summer! We'll be on the Magic November 29th for our 2nd DCL cruise. Our 1st was a 4-niter and we couldn't believe how fast it went by so we rebooked onboard for the 7 night Magic Western itinerary. We rebooked along with our tablemates who are from England and we can't wait to meet back up again!!! Thanks for a GREAT TR!!

You are copying me! We started with a 4 night, then took a 7 night Western for Thanksgiving 2005. So, next you have to try the three night!! You will love a 7 night cruise! I can't really comment on the Western itinerary, as we did not stop at either Grand Cayman or Cozumel on our cruise because of storms.

TCD

[mickeyluv]

You are copying me! We started with a 4 night, then took a 7 night Western for Thanksgiving 2005. So, next you have to try the three night!! You will love a 7 night cruise! I can't really comment on the Western itinerary, as we did not stop at either Grand Cayman or Cozumel on our cruise because of storms.

TCD[/QUOTE]


Gee, thanks!!:laughing: I was thinking that the end of November there weren't usually many storms due to it being that late in the year but missing GC and Cozumel because of storms?!:confused3 Guess anything is possible!! We are really excited though! thanks for the reply!

[Tri-circle-D]

You are copying me! We started with a 4 night, then took a 7 night Western for Thanksgiving 2005. So, next you have to try the three night!! You will love a 7 night cruise! I can't really comment on the Western itinerary, as we did not stop at either Grand Cayman or Cozumel on our cruise because of storms.

TCD


Gee, thanks!!:laughing: I was thinking that the end of November there weren't usually many storms due to it being that late in the year but missing GC and Cozumel because of storms?!:confused3 Guess anything is possible!! We are really excited though! thanks for the reply!

If you remember, 2005 was the year that there were so many tropical storms that they ran out of names and started using Greek letters! We cruised Thanksgiving week, and there was a storm named Gamma in the Western Caribbean. When we arrived at Grand Cayman, the water was too rough to allow the use of the tenders, so we pulled anchor, and had a day at sea. We knew ahead of time that we would not be docking at Cozumel, as their pier had been damaged in an earlier storm. So we went to Costa Maya instead. Remember, Hurricane season does not officially end until November 30th! Despite these inconveniences, the cruise was great! So, don't let the possibility of storms worry you- if necessary, the Captain will change the itinerary, and steer clear of the storms.

TCD

[sfven]

Hi, Thanks for such in-depth report. We've been on two other cruises before, but we'll be going on our first (with the kids) Disney Cruise in Sept. Could you answer a few questions:

1)We brought our own adult beverages onto Royal and Carnival but put them into checked-in luggage. So Disney doesn't mind either, but it has to be carried on?

2)Does is matter whether you bring aboard bottled beer or does it have to be in cans?

3)You said the stateroom attendant kept your beer iced in your rolling cooler. Do you have to ask them daily to do that (we're thinking of keeping our son's milk in there as well)? And is the "cooler box" in the stateroom sufficient at keeping things cool if we put ziplock bags of ice in there?

4)My husband is embarrased about bringing a wheeled cooler, but it came in handy when you left the boat too for the wet stuff. What size did you use? (We have those square soft-sided ones that is on a wheeled cart)

5)We're deciding if we should bring bottled water. Does the water in the drink stations taste like tap water, or have no taste?

6)Lastly, do you remember if they had bikes with training wheels to rent on CC?

Thanks so much again for all your information. We're cruising with seven other families so this will answer everyone's questions. Only two more months!

[Tri-circle-D]

Hi, Thanks for such in-depth report. We've been on two other cruises before, but we'll be going on our first (with the kids) Disney Cruise in Sept. Could you answer a few questions:

1)We brought our own adult beverages onto Royal and Carnival but put them into checked-in luggage. So Disney doesn't mind either, but it has to be carried on?

2)Does is matter whether you bring aboard bottled beer or does it have to be in cans?

3)You said the stateroom attendant kept your beer iced in your rolling cooler. Do you have to ask them daily to do that (we're thinking of keeping our son's milk in there as well)? And is the "cooler box" in the stateroom sufficient at keeping things cool if we put ziplock bags of ice in there?

4)My husband is embarrased about bringing a wheeled cooler, but it came in handy when you left the boat too for the wet stuff. What size did you use? (We have those square soft-sided ones that is on a wheeled cart)

5)We're deciding if we should bring bottled water. Does the water in the drink stations taste like tap water, or have no taste?

6)Lastly, do you remember if they had bikes with training wheels to rent on CC?

Thanks so much again for all your information. We're cruising with seven other families so this will answer everyone's questions. Only two more months!

I would be happy to answer all of your questions!

Here we go:

1)We brought our own adult beverages onto Royal and Carnival but put them into checked-in luggage. So Disney doesn't mind either, but it has to be carried on?

I recently read that they have asked for all liquids to be carried on. But, I did have a case of bottled water in a duffel bag, and the porter who took my bag asked me specifically if there were liquids in the bag. I told him yes, there was a case of bottled water in there. He took the bag without a problem. I can't tell you what the real policy is. The documents you will receive state very clearly that you cannot bring a cooler on board, but the security people do not stop anyone from bringing rolling coolers, and as I stated, the porter took my bag even though I told him that it contained a case of water.

2)Does is matter whether you bring aboard bottled beer or does it have to be in cans?

I brought glass bottles of Corona on board in the rolling cooler. These went through the x-ray machine as we entered the terminal. If you have a glass bottle out on deck, or on Castaway Cay, a castmember will quickly appear and ask you to pour your beer into a plastic cup. I actually appreciate this, as I would not want to step on broken glass.

3)You said the stateroom attendant kept your beer iced in your rolling cooler. Do you have to ask them daily to do that (we're thinking of keeping our son's milk in there as well)? And is the "cooler box" in the stateroom sufficient at keeping things cool if we put ziplock bags of ice in there?

I did ask the stateroom host to keep the cooler filled with ice. I should have mentioned that you should line the cooler with a trash bag before icing things down. These rolling coolers leak. IMHO the cooler box does not keep things cold enough. We did load our bottled water in there, and it cooled down eventually, but I wouldn't use it for milk or beer. If you put zip-lock bags of ice in there, it probably would work.

4)My husband is embarrassed about bringing a wheeled cooler, but it came in handy when you left the boat too for the wet stuff. What size did you use? (We have those square soft-sided ones that is on a wheeled cart)

I don't think I have a photo of mine, but I bought it online through the Disney shopping website. It is like a little nylon box on with a retractable handle. Sounds like what you are describing. Tell your DH to lighten up. I am not at all embarrassed about the rolling cooler, in fact I am proud to bring one on with me! I had mine right with me on Deck 9 that first day, and was cracking open the beers! And, after you polish of the beverages, it is the perfect thing to throw the wet suits in when leaving the ship.

5)We're deciding if we should bring bottled water. Does the water in the drink stations taste like tap water, or have no taste?

I thought that the water from the drink station (and from the taps in the cabin, too) was fine. You can make yourself a nice glass of ice water whenever you want. But, the bottled water is handy for excursions, and on Castaway Cay.

6)Lastly, do you remember if they had bikes with training wheels to rent on CC?

Yes, the definitely had bikes with training wheels (for the kids only).

TCD

Any other questions? Feel free to ask!

[sfven]

Thank you!! Our group is really excited about this cruise, as it is a first cruise for some, first Disney cruise for others, and first cruise with kids for all. (Which is why we need to bring the adult beverages with us :) We will definitely be bringing our rolling cooler then, and pack just a few water bottles for CC.

That's great to know they have training wheel bikes for the little ones. Should we reserve those in advance or can we just get one when we're on CC? Also, did your wife get the rainforest room day pass before? We're thinking of at least doing that, if not a massage.

[Tri-circle-D]

That's great to know they have training wheel bikes for the little ones. Should we reserve those in advance or can we just get one when we're on CC? Also, did your wife get the rainforest room day pass before? We're thinking of at least doing that, if not a massage.

I don't think that you can reserve bikes, or that there is a need to do so- they have a ton of bikes, and most folks only keep them out for an hour. I guess I should have mentioned that the whole bike ride thing might be a little much for a child still riding with training wheels. I remember seeing some abandoned bikes on one of my trips.

Can't help you with the Rainforest room- but I did take a look at it, and it looked pretty cool, if you are into that sort of thing. A massage is great- we have done them on other cruises- but never got around to it on DCL-too many other things to do!

TCD

[tinkerbellmom1]

Subscribing!popcorn::

Someone just sent me the link to this TR and the pictures! I'm so excited to read the whole thing over the weekend!

Thanks for sharing! :hug:

[TylerAggie]

I just read your entire trip report and absolutely loved it. Your family really looks like they know how to enjoy life. I noticed in one of the pictures your cruise was the first week in June, this is when we made our first trip to Disneyworld. We are now thinking about a cruise and after reading your trip report I am sold. Thank you for sharing your experiences, tips, and thoughts. You gave this stay at home Mom some enjoyment today. Can't wait to read about any of your future trips. Robin

[DisneyParkFan]

This was/is an excellent trip report with plenty of information and then some. I enjoy the photos and especially the Personal Navigators, it gives me an idea what to expect next year. I am going on my first Disney cruise one year after you and your family went on your cruise. Thanks for the tips!

[Hollywoodhaha]

I am in love with your trip report!
Thanks for sharing!

I am turning 15 this month and I am trying to get my parents to do the
disney cruise for my 16th birthday next year but they want to do a
carnival cruise instead. I find that boring :(

[HoosierFrog]

Bump

[iu97alum]

What a PHENOM TR! I loved EVERY minute of it!! Youshould do more writing!!

[jenseib]

Our Adventures in Nassau



.

The sad thing is that when we were last in the Bahamas in 2004, the building in which the Straw Market was housed had been destroyed by a hurricane. So, it was moved into this temporary structure. As I said that was in 2004. This was 2008. The old site is still just vacant ground. I guess they are still in the permitting process?

Anyway, I have to tell you that the old location wasn't that much nicer than this temporary location. I remember the first time we went and wondering what is the attraction of this place? And why is it called the Straw Market? It should be called the cheap t-shirt and fake purse market.


TCD


We were there in early spring 2003 and they told us the straw market had burned down and that was why it was in the tent. And of course it was being rebuilt. So either they have extremely slow builders or they arern't rebuilding. LOL!
I'm just on page 3, but love the report. You look like a really fun family!

[AGPrincess]

Just wanted to say how much I've LOVED your TR. My family's planning a 3-night cruise in January, and this has been so informative with the navigators and everything! Thank you!

[4happybogles]

You should write a book, this was well organized and a lot of fun to read. I must say you have made me very excited to go on my first cruise!!n Thank you Thank you!

[jenseib]

Love the TR. We are going on our first cruise in December.

:offtopic: I was curious if they sell the pirate mickey mouse ear hats onboard the ship or do I need to find them before the cruise? Thanks.


Oh and thanks for the TR.

I've been wondering this too. I'll read on to see if it was answered, but if not, does anyone know?

[bawsmom]

I've been wondering this too. I'll read on to see if it was answered, but if not, does anyone know?


we just got off the Wonder yesterday and i don't remember seeing the ears sold. not to say they aren't there. i just don't remember seeing them. i saw some people with them but not sure if they had bought them elsewhere or just brought from home.

[Alice_on_WONDERland]

Love Love Love this trip report! I have been combing it often. We are taking our first cruise in March...so excited! Reading this makes me feel like we're already there!

P.S. The Travel Channel is showing it's DCL show next week! Can't wait! (We gonna DVR it - wink!)

[Fidler]

Awesome TR!
You have a beautiful family! We cant wait for our cruise in November - it is our first one and your report has certainly helped me plan!
Thanks again!

[jjnshane]

Loved your trip report! My family and I are taking a 3 night in December and your tips have really helped in my planning -- I am all about the planning!

Although I shouldn't be, I am amazed at the number of Floridian DISers out there -- for somereason I thought my family was the only one in Florida who spend all of their spare time at Disney!!! We really should plan a Florida DISer cruise! That would be a HOOT! :woohoo:

[ibouncetoo]

Bumping up this trip report for all the first time cruisers who are booking the 'kids free' cruises for 2009!

:thumbsup2

[mickeywho?]

Bumping up this trip report for all the first time cruisers who are booking the 'kids free' cruises for 2009!

:thumbsup2

That's us! Just loved this TR. We are first-timers and last-minute bookers so a detailed report like this is AWESOME!

Quick question about the bike rentals - do they have helmets? As much as I don't like sharing hats :scared: I like broken skulls a lot less. Anyone know?

[jenseib]

I was considering that 3 nighter for the free child benifit. But I REALLY want to do a 4 night one, so I think I'm gonna pass on it. If we did 3 niths I would then want to do a day at Disney too ,and the savings would be completely gone. LOL!

[jd99]

What a fantastic trip report. Your descriptions encompass exactly how I want us to do our first 3 night cruise. We have taken 5 Disney Cruises but they have all been 7 nighters. I've never had interest in booking anything shorter until the kids sail free promotion and after seeing the price, I switched our all-land Spring Break vacation to 3 night cruise, 3 nights SSR. It enabled us to upgrade to a 2 bedroom at SSR which we've never done before. When justifying it to myself, I thought...this will be a cruise where we are NEVER in the cabin, where we do all our favorite things and where we attack the cruise like we are attacking one of the parks. THen I read your TR and realized that it can be done. Now I am psyched!!!!!!

[Tri-circle-D]

Bumping up this trip report for all the first time cruisers who are booking the 'kids free' cruises for 2009!

:thumbsup2

Thanks for the bump. Although my knowledge is now a little dated, I would still be happy to answer any questions that anyone might have. We are thinking about another 3 or 4 night cruise in June, 2009.

That's us! Just loved this TR. We are first-timers and last-minute bookers so a detailed report like this is AWESOME!

Quick question about the bike rentals - do they have helmets? As much as I don't like sharing hats :scared: I like broken skulls a lot less. Anyone know?

I am almost certain that they do offer bike helmets. I am a bad parent, and did not require my teens to wear them on this trip.

What a fantastic trip report. Your descriptions encompass exactly how I want us to do our first 3 night cruise. We have taken 5 Disney Cruises but they have all been 7 nighters. I've never had interest in booking anything shorter until the kids sail free promotion and after seeing the price, I switched our all-land Spring Break vacation to 3 night cruise, 3 nights SSR. It enabled us to upgrade to a 2 bedroom at SSR which we've never done before. When justifying it to myself, I thought...this will be a cruise where we are NEVER in the cabin, where we do all our favorite things and where we attack the cruise like we are attacking one of the parks. THen I read your TR and realized that it can be done. Now I am psyched!!!!!!

Sounds like a great trip to me! The SSR resort is great, and if you approach the 3 night cruise with the right attitude, you will have a great time. I agree with your philosophy- look at the three night cruise as an opportunity to do all of the funnest things that you get to do on a 7 night cruise, just in a condensed time frame. Unfortunately, my family cannot take advantage of the kids sail free deal, but we are still considering another Wonder cruise for June, 2009.

TCD

[Juliet25]

Bumping up this trip report for all the first time cruisers who are booking the 'kids free' cruises for 2009!

:thumbsup2

Thanks!!! This TR is perfect for us first timers looking forward to the 3 day. :goodvibes

[PippyLatte]

What a great TR - thanks so much!

[wink13]

I just booked the Feb, 12 2009- 3 day cruise which will be our first. :cool1: It will be myself, DS 15 & DS 9. After reading your TR and tips I feel much better about what to expect. I kind of booked on a whim and knew nothing about the cruise or cruising in general so you help a lot. I hope I have as much fun on the cruise as I did reading your TR.

Thanks for you help. :worship:

[anna08]

Wow! What a great TR! I was feeling a little sad that we could only manage a 3 day but this TR makes me feel so excited to go! Thanks for bumping this up!

[Ware Bears]

Wow!!! What a great TR. You are a lovely family and I have so enjoyed reading about your cruise. We are going on our first 3 night cruise next December and I can't wait! :goodvibes

[pycees312]

thanks for bumping this thread! enjoyed reading it and im so excited to be taking our very first cruise ever in April on the Wonder.

[scootch]

Thanks so much for whomever bumped this trip report. Being able to print out the brochures from the cruise is helping me immensely. We are just downgrading from a 7 night to a 3 night as my girls areally want to go to WDW for a couple days and Discovery Cove/Sea World. Your trip report made me realize we will still get to experience what cruising is and then maybe next time if we decide, we will move up to the 7 day(plus see who gets seasick and who doesn't!!). Thanks so much for the pictures and all the brochures from the various days. You have been so helpful to me!!! great pics

[First Rocks]

Thanks for the great TR! We go on our first cruise in a little over a month and this was a great read!! Thanks for all the details and pics. :goodvibes I have two DDs (8 & 5) so we may have to sleep a little more, but I will definitely be up roaming around the ship early!!
Also, thanks for bumping this thread up-just in time for my upcoming 3-day on the Wonder (2-5-09):goodvibes

[ibouncetoo]

Thanks for the thanks! I just knew when DCL came out with the kids for free deal, that there would be new cruisers looking for info, and I remembered what a GREAT trip report this is.

Thanks to Tri-circle-D for helping lots of DCL 'newbies' with this wonderful report. :thumbsup2

[alldiz]

ibouncetoo was kind enough to link this report to my current thread asking about my 1st DCL cruise Dec 09.

I'm really enjoying your trip report....I will have to read these reports every day to get through this waiting period.

Off to read the rest .....thanks for posting:goodvibes
Kerri

[alldiz]

Sorry- before going on to our adventures in Nassau, there is a tip that I forgot to mention.

Tip #13- Spend some time exploring the ship!

One of the great things about the DCL ships is that they have some remarkable public spaces. Early in the morning and late at night, you can wander around and literally feel like you have the ship to yourself.

You also might see some interesting behind the scenes things, like how those Nescafe coffee makers work.

These coffee machines are at all the WDW resorts. This stuff has a taste and look that strongly resembles coffee, but there is something not quite right about it. Well, here is a shot of what those machines use to make your coffee. It is a box of something. What is in that box, I couldn't tell you. In this scene, the castmember is replacing the box. See the extra box on the counter on the left of the machine? I tried to grab it so I could send it to the lab for analysis, but there were too many witnesses around.http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/Tri-Circle-D/2008DisneyCruise117.jpg

At least we know it isn't coffee that comes out of those machines.

But if it isn't coffee, what is in that box?

TCD

:lmao: :rotfl2: Just had to post that:rotfl:

:scared1: Is there any good coffee on board:scared1:
Didn't even think about that.....No coffee maker in room right?:headache:
Off to finish your TR....I'll try not to post again till I'm done:goodvibes
Kerri

[mom2taylorandemily]

Absolutely loved your TR. I saved your tips for my own 3 night cruise in Dec.

[alldiz]

Tri Circle D....:worship:

Your trip report really made my day:goodvibes You are such a great writer and have alleviated all of my fears regarding the 3 day cruise.

I'm gonna do a cartwheel in a public space:rolleyes:
Thanks so much for all of your AWESOME tips....

I will have to look for your TR on the camping board.
Kerri

[Tri-circle-D]

:lmao: :rotfl2: Just had to post that:rotfl:

:scared1: Is there any good coffee on board:scared1:
Didn't even think about that.....No coffee maker in room right?:headache:
Off to finish your TR....I'll try not to post again till I'm done:goodvibes
Kerri

The "coffee" really isn't that bad. As I said, this Nescafe stuff is exactly the same stuff that is served at all of the WDW resorts, so somebody must like it.
Also, there is a coffee bar on the Wonder, The Cove Cafe, where you can get just about any concoction that you would find at your favorite coffee shop. There is a charge for all of the coffee drinks in the Cove Cafe- about what you would pay at a Starbucks for a similar drink. This is a nice place with nice atmosphere, so give it a try. You are correct, there are no coffee makers in the rooms. You can get free coffee from room service, but I think it is still going to be the Nescafe "coffee."

Tri Circle D....:worship:

Your trip report really made my day:goodvibes You are such a great writer and have alleviated all of my fears regarding the 3 day cruise.

I'm gonna do a cartwheel in a public space:rolleyes:
Thanks so much for all of your AWESOME tips....

I will have to look for your TR on the camping board.
Kerri

I have lots of trip reports on the camping board, here is a link to my most recent (not my best work, but you if you liked the cruise report, you may enjoy it), and I am about to start a new one from my NYE trip:

TCD's Thanksgiving 2008 Fort Wilderness Trip Report (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2024058)

TCD

[alldiz]

The "coffee" really isn't that bad. As I said, this Nescafe stuff is exactly the same stuff that is served at all of the WDW resorts, so somebody must like it.
Also, there is a coffee bar on the Wonder, The Cove Cafe, where you can get just about any concoction that you would find at your favorite coffee shop. There is a charge for all of the coffee drinks in the Cove Cafe- about what you would pay at a Starbucks for a similar drink. This is a nice place with nice atmosphere, so give it a try. You are correct, there are no coffee makers in the rooms. You can get free coffee from room service, but I think it is still going to be the Nescafe "coffee."



I have lots of trip reports on the camping board, here is a link to my most recent (not my best work, but you if you liked the cruise report, you may enjoy it), and I am about to start a new one from my NYE trip:

TCD's Thanksgiving 2008 Fort Wilderness Trip Report (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2024058)

TCD

Coffee Bar:cool1: All's good with the world again:goodvibes

Thanks for the link.....Off to read your TR....These reports remind me of why I love the Dis so much. I used to lurk for a while just reading others reports and living through them.

Now you have a stalker...giving me links and all:lmao: :flower3:
Kerri

[DCLphanatic95]

hey TCD i just want to let you know what a great thread this was even though its been said 50 thousand times. put it this way: im a teenager reading ALL of this. Thats impressive. such valuable info for my families 1st cruise- a double dip on may 30, 2010 cant wait!good job

[DCLphanatic95]

hey tcd i have one question i was wondering if you could answer- is there an advantage that you know of about being in the back or the front of the ship? Any disadvantages? our booked stateroom is around the 3rd room from the front do you think that will be a big deal?

thanks you so much!:confused3

[WeLoveTheMouse]

This makes me so excited about our trip in May! Thanks for the tips.

[Tri-circle-D]

hey tcd i have one question i was wondering if you could answer- is there an advantage that you know of about being in the back or the front of the ship? Any disadvantages? our booked stateroom is around the 3rd room from the front do you think that will be a big deal?

thanks you so much!:confused3

I would say don't worry about being in the back or the front of the ship. Obviously, you will be closer to some things and further away from others, but it all evens out. DCL ships are very easy to get around, so I don't think it there is any advantage or disadvantage, one way or the other.

TCD

[DCLphanatic95]

:cloud9: [QUOTE=Tri-circle-D;29509169]I would say don't worry about being in the back or the front of the ship. Obviously, you will be closer to some things and further away from others, but it all evens out. DCL ships are very easy to get around, so I don't think it there is any advantage or disadvantage, one way or the other.

TCD[/QUOTE
ok thank you, you make me feel better about being up in the front because i know lots of people prefer the back of the ship.:woohoo: :cloud9:

[g-ma]

Really informative. Thank you, gave us some great idea's. Can you explain more on what a lanyard is ( I think I missed something). And also, what and how do you do the fish extender. It sounds like it may be fun for the kids.

Great report, thanks again-----M (1st time cruiser, May '09) :cool1:

[Tri-circle-D]

Really informative. Thank you, gave us some great idea's. Can you explain more on what a lanyard is ( I think I missed something). And also, what and how do you do the fish extender. It sounds like it may be fun for the kids.

Great report, thanks again-----M (1st time cruiser, May '09) :cool1:

Lanyards are the things you see around my neck and those of my family in some of the first photos on this thread. Repeat cruisers are given complimentary Castaway Club lanyards. First-timers will need to provide their own. They sell DCL ones in the gift shops, including the shop located right there in the terminal. A lot of cruisers find these to be a convenient way to carry their room key (Key to the World Card). You will need your KTTW card to get in to your cabin, and to buy drinks and make any other purchases on the ship, so it is good to have easy access to it. With our family, I liked them to be on lanyards, which we hung on one of the hooks in the cabin. It was easy to keep up with them this way. You don't want one of your kids to misplace a KTTW card. Someone could find it and charge things to you!

The fish extender gift exchanges are something that Dis groups agree to do. Outside each cabin is a little metal fish. It is a place where messages can be clipped if someone needs to leave you a message. Communications from the ship are also sometimes clipped on these. Well, some ingenious person invented the fish extender. Usually, it is a home made project, that basically hangs from the fish extender, and provides pockets for people to put stuff in. The fish extender gift exchange is where you agree to leave little gifts in other cruisers' fish extenders, and they do the same for you. All throughout your cruise, you get surprised with little trinkets. I have never participated in one of these, but some folks like to. To participate, you will need to look to see if one there is a "meets" thread for your cruise (there is a link to those right here on the Disboards), and then start chatting with your cruise mates. They can help you from there.

TCD

[Sparkie]

Loved reading your report! I'm researching doing a cruise. It would be my first ever. Plan to take me, DH, DD 13, DD 17, and grandbaby 17 months....

How did you get 3 teenage girls to pack reasonably?

Any other packing tips that you have?

Any toddler tips?

Have you ever done the Land/Sea combo? or are you just too worn out after all the cruise fun?

I would LOVE to do the 3 or 4 day cruise, then go to disney hotel- rest a day or two at the resort- then hit the parks for 5 or 6 days.

Am I crazy? Will I be broke (silly question... thats a given.... but its only MONEY, right?)

[Tri-circle-D]

Loved reading your report! I'm researching doing a cruise. It would be my first ever. Plan to take me, DH, DD 13, DD 17, and grandbaby 17 months....

How did you get 3 teenage girls to pack reasonably?

Any other packing tips that you have?

Any toddler tips?

Have you ever done the Land/Sea combo? or are you just too worn out after all the cruise fun?

I would LOVE to do the 3 or 4 day cruise, then go to disney hotel- rest a day or two at the resort- then hit the parks for 5 or 6 days.

Am I crazy? Will I be broke (silly question... thats a given.... but its only MONEY, right?)


I see you are from Alabama. If you drive to the port, you really don't have to worry about packing reasonably. I am not sure if there is a limit on what you can bring. But, the cabins are small, and space to unpack is somewhat limited, so you should impose some limitations. The old adage that gets repeated on these boards is that after you pack, remove half of what you packed, and you will be fine. I have found that to be true. We seldom get around the wearing everything that we packed.

We have not done a land and sea trip. Fortunately, we live close enough to WDW that we can visit there several times a year. But, I don't see anything wrong with heading to the parks for a few days before or after your cruise. Why not?

Can't help you with toddler tips. We never cruised with a toddler, but I sure have seen plenty on the DCL ships, so there should be no problem for you there.

Have fun!

TCD

[Skyw]

TCD...Wow you are really popular. I just was reading your report on the camping boards....and here you are too...

I might be able to help with Toddler tips. My DS was 3 when we went on the 4 day.

Lets see....
Don't count on them liking the kids club/babysitting. My son was OK at first and then he didn't want to go. I think he thought I wasn't coming back. With that in mind...we didn't make too many adult plans.

Stay on their schedule. We ate at the Buffet area at night except for one evening. It was sit down and casual. The food was GREAT. And my son didn't have to sit thru a long meal when tired. We went to Animators Palate one night. It was fun but DS was happier eating elsewhere and for shorter times.

Always keep a few things of milk in the frig.

If they can stay up, the shows are wonderful. My DS loved every minute of the productions. He was glued to the stage.

Be prepared for a melt down.....There are those who have and those who will.

[jenseib]

TCD...Wow you are really popular. I just was reading your report on the camping boards....and here you are too...

I might be able to help with Toddler tips. My DS was 3 when we went on the 4 day.

Lets see....
Don't count on them liking the kids club/babysitting. My son was OK at first and then he didn't want to go. I think he thought I wasn't coming back. With that in mind...we didn't make too many adult plans.

Stay on their schedule. We ate at the Buffet area at night except for one evening. It was sit down and casual. The food was GREAT. And my son didn't have to sit thru a long meal when tired. We went to Animators Palate one night. It was fun but DS was happier eating elsewhere and for shorter times.

Always keep a few things of milk in the frig.

If they can stay up, the shows are wonderful. My DS loved every minute of the productions. He was glued to the stage.

Be prepared for a melt down.....There are those who have and those who will.


Do you have a trip report? I am hoping to sail this spring with our 4 YO. Would love th hear what was hot and what was not for you all.
Also, I don;t think I ever asked before but is milk one of the "free" drinks or is that extra?

[Skyw]

I do but it is buried somewhere.....I don't remember if it was long or not....But I can answer whatever questions to have.I will see if I can find it.

Milk is free and is 24 hours at the beverage station. I also had room service send some too.

[mormadsmom]

Great TR! Now I am trying to talk my husband into another Disney Cruise. Western this time! :wave2:

[Kurby]

this is a great tr. i'm only at cc right now and loving it.

we're going on the mothers day (podcast) cruise and can't wait.

i am learning what to and not to do.

[Mickeefan]

Our Last Night on the Wonder

The debarkation talk on this cruise was given by our cruise director, Clayton. To his credit, he did not use a joke that I have heard on every cruise that I have taken. Invariably, the person giving this talk will always remind the audience to not forget to leave out clothes to wear when leaving the ship. He or she will always claim that on the last cruise, some passengers had to leave the ship in their pajamas! I guess I have been on 20 cruises, and this lame story has been told on every one of them. But, not by Clayton. So, props to Clayton for breaking the mold.

TCD

Ah, TCD, you laugh, but I am just one of those people who had to leave the ship in my pajamas. (Well, at least my pajama pants!) Let me tell you the story.

I was cruising with my parents and a friend and his parents on Royal Caribbean. The last night, we were furiously packing up from a 7-night cruise. I was starting a cold and had taken some medication. (That's my story and I'm sticking to it!) Anywho . . . I didn't realize it until the next morning, but I had packed ALL my shorts in my suitcase that was set outside the cabin door. So, after showering, I proceeded to put my pajama pants back on and head to breakfast in the main dining room.

I'm just thankful that I had pajama pants to wear. Imagine if I had brought along a nightgown to wear . . . :rotfl2: Everyone with me assured me that my light-blue gingham seersucker wide-leg "capris" did NOT look like pajama pants, but I'm not sure I believe them!

So, the next time you're cruising and you hear the debarkation horror stories of people having to wear their pajamas off the ship, you can think of me!

By the way, I thoroughly enjoyed your trip report and I am looking forward with excitement my first Disney cruise in May. I have previously cruised on Royal Caribbean. We're also planning to stay on the ship in Nassau, so I'm glad to hear that most others leave the ship.

Thanks again for taking the time to write such a detailed report.

[LMO429]

love you tr!!! i just read it and enjoyed it very much! :goodvibes

[BethC1952]

One tip that I didn't see mentioned here....

Make absolutely certain that the pants that you keep for that last morning will fit you! My DH gained so much weight on one of our 4-night DCL cruises that he had to fly home in his bathing suit. He couldn't wear the pants he had left for the morning. It wouldn't have been a problem, except the luggage went straight through to Newark Airport and it was December:rotfl2:!

Now he tries his clothes on the night before.:lovestruc And he bought a nice pair of elastic-waist jeans that he keeps in his closet for "cruising emergencies".

Beth

[jenseib]

That is too funny!:lmao:

[Madi100]

What a wonderful trip report. I'm getting ready for my first cruise in May, and this was very, very helpful.

[1eyedguy]

Hi there. I just got finished reading your tr. It was so informative. We are leaving on a 3 day cruise this thursday and i want to decorate the door to our room like i see you and many other people have done. I know my 5 yr old would love this, but i am not sure where you got your magents. Can you only put magnets or are stickers allowed. Any info you can give regrding this would be greatly appreaciated it.

Thank You,
Diane

[Tri-circle-D]

Hi there. I just got finished reading your tr. It was so informative. We are leaving on a 3 day cruise this thursday and i want to decorate the door to our room like i see you and many other people have done. I know my 5 yr old would love this, but i am not sure where you got your magents. Can you only put magnets or are stickers allowed. Any info you can give regrding this would be greatly appreaciated it.

Thank You,
Diane

You can buy magnet paper at office supply stores or Walmart. You design your magnets on your computer, and print them out on the magnet paper with your printer. There are threads on the main cruise board with all kinds of designs that you can borrow. Some folks will even custom design magnets for you, and e-mail them to you! As far as I know, stickers are not allowed. But, I have read about people who print out designs on card stock, and then attach magnets to the back, and use those for their doors. I encourage you to make some magnets-it makes your door stand out, and is a real inexpensive way to add a little extra fun to your cruise. Even if you don't want to make magnets, buy some colorful ones and use those. Hope you have a great cruise!

TCD

[1eyedguy]

Thank you so much for your help. I am definatly going to decorate our door . Thanks again!

Diane

[BigDaddyRog]

TCD...Ive gone through this TR again....and STILL.....I cant help but love your style of writing. You get all the important, usefull details in there with enough humor to keep a guy reading on without feeling like Im reading a manual to assemble a student desk made in China. Its great for a first time cruiser to be able to know what to expect. Thank you!

[DznyRulz]

Here's how I decorated our stateroom door.

http://i524.photobucket.com/albums/cc329/DznyFan/Disney%20Cruise%20-%202008/P1000387.jpg

I don't know if there's enough time but you can check out this link (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1523226). It's huge but there are great ideas there.

[suzyqn]

Thank you for the great report. I really got a lot out of this. A lot has changed since our last cruise about 5 years ago.

[Tri-circle-D]

TCD...Ive gone through this TR again....and STILL.....I cant help but love your style of writing. You get all the important, usefull details in there with enough humor to keep a guy reading on without feeling like Im reading a manual to assemble a student desk made in China. Its great for a first time cruiser to be able to know what to expect. Thank you!

Thanks, Rog, I am glad that you enjoyed it. I actually enjoy reading manuals for assembling things made in China- always entertaining! But, I am weird that way. ;)

Here's how I decorated our stateroom door.

http://i524.photobucket.com/albums/cc329/DznyFan/Disney%20Cruise%20-%202008/P1000387.jpg

I don't know if there's enough time but you can check out this link (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1523226). It's huge but there are great ideas there.

Chris- I like how you had your Fort Fiends sign on your door! Way to represent! I'll bet they don't see a lot of those on the ship. And thanks for the link. There are tons of great ideas on that thread!

TCD

[DISFamily18]

Just had to bump this back to the top. It's such a complete and thorough TR and a real joy to read.:goodvibes

Thanks TD for a great report.

[star2500]

Great TR! So glad it was bumped and I came acrossed it. We just booked a cruise the other day for this November (kind of a last minute land/cruise trip):cool1:

Thanks so much ....so informative!

[jenseib]

bumping because it is sooo good!

[inkedupmomma]

It IS so good! Thank you for such a wonderful TR! Your report has single handedly made me realize that I HAVE to choose DCL! Your writing is amazing, and what a fun beautiful family you have!

Thanks!

[disneymoon_0307]

Great trip report. Hopefully taking our first cruise within the next year or so. I have to ask what is a "porter"? You said in your last post that y'all used one. I can't seem to figure out what it is. Thanks.

[Bethshaya]

Great trip report. Hopefully taking our first cruise within the next year or so. I have to ask what is a "porter"? You said in your last post that y'all used one. I can't seem to figure out what it is. Thanks.

A porter is a person at the docks (or in hotels on the mainland) whose job it is to take your bags for you. In this case, help you out the door to load your car, at hotels it would be from your room to the car or limo.

Don't forget to tip them!