ALL Aboard a WONDERful TR! FEB 2010 - 3/29 Final Ramblings & a PTR!

[Happydog]

All Aboard! Are you ready?

SO this truly IS a first for me, everybody! A TR I am writing, but, can you believe it?! This is a CRUISE TR! :goodvibes Foreign territory for me! :laughing:
I decided to start it over on the DIS Cruise Board because, well, I figured this is where it really belongs! :p

Before I begin this cruise extravaganza, however, I want to give you a quick shot of our one day stop at Hilton Head -- where we spent the night on our way home... I will tell you all about HH when I get to that point in the TR, but there is something I want you to see…:magnify:

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010144.jpg

This is a mileage sign post. It lists all the Disney resorts and the mileage to get to them from the Hilton Head Resort! Only 307 to the Beach Club Villas, WigD and Christine!! :beach: I thought it was very charming… Here is another view of it…. and of course you can see the HH inlet.

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Here is another … a little closer …

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And a little closer...

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There. Now that is nice and clear. SO I am sure you can see it is 2,459 miles from Hilton Head to the Grand Californian in Disneyland. Isn’t that interesting? :scratchin I don’t know that I would have thought it was very interesting a month ago. But, things change, don’t they? :rolleyes: Well, they change, when plans get made… and some plans have been made …

"Boys and girls of every age, wouldn’t you like to see something strange? Come with us and you will see, this our town of Halloween..."

And if you don’t want to see something "strange" you can wait until my PTR for our...

Halloween Trip to Disneyland

Coming this October 2010.:teeth:


NOW back to your regularly scheduled CRUISE TRIP REPORT.

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My DH and I sailed the Disney Wonder February 25th - 27th, 2010. We had a great time together, and I can't wait to share it with you! :goodvibes

Hope you will sail along! :sail:

[Señor DonDuck]

Signing up!

That sign post is such a great little touch.

[2xcited2sleep]

I am ready. So excited i haven't even read yet. Just securing my place on page 1. :) Be back in a minute...

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I am back. Don't know where to start!

Halloween in Disneyland?!?! Tell me more!!

Love the sign with the distance to BCV... if only I were there now!

Can't wait to hear all about your cruise. My DVR just captured the Travel Channel cruise special for the umpteenth time and this time I am determined to watch!

More, More , More! :)

[Charleston Princess]

HERE!!!! :banana:

[Charleston Princess]

Now that I have read, I think it is super cool that you are headed to Disneyland for Halloween! How fun will that be??? Hilton Head looks great, and I am already excited about the cruise report just from the picture of the stacks!

[wigdoutdismom]

Here! Love the way you started!
So cool that you are going to Disneyland for Halloween! That's going to be an awesome adventure!
Can't wait to get started on this cruise, I'll be taking notes!

[wsushocker]

It's me!

[goldielocksraj]

Yyyyyeeeeaaa, the cruise TR-finally!!!! :cool1:

Then, once you're done with this, you can start your PTR!!!!

Then, your TR!

Then, another PTR!!

I love your TR, in case you can't tell :rotfl:.

I don't know if you're helping me count down the days to my delux birthday trip, or if you're inciting me to do one-day non-park trips (mostly to see different resorts, shop, and EAT :drinking1.

[rgrutland]

I'm subbing!! Followed you over from your other TR's, I love them all! :thumbsup2

I have actually used your story to try to entice my husband to drive to Disney (we are also from MD) "HappyDog drives to Disney all the time!" My hope is to get him to give in sometime this Summer...we'll see. :rolleyes1

Lookin' forward to reading along...

[Happydog]

Signing up!

That sign post is such a great little touch.

Well, Hi! Welcome! I am looking forward to writing all about my cruise!

I am ready. So excited i haven't even read yet. Just securing my place on page 1. :) Be back in a minute...

--------

I am back. Don't know where to start!

Halloween in Disneyland?!?! Tell me more!!

Love the sign with the distance to BCV... if only I were there now!

Can't wait to hear all about your cruise. My DVR just captured the Travel Channel cruise special for the umpteenth time and this time I am determined to watch!

More, More , More! :)

Thank you Christine!!! YES, Halloween in Disneyland! Well I am going to keep that fun for the end of this TR, and I will add it to my new PTR for the summer!!! I can't say I have too much Disney fun planned, but it is making my head spin!!!! We have a plan for a split stay at Disney and in San Diego -- to go to Lego Land the zoo, and visit some family friends. We have a week with two days off the first week of Nov. So it worked! More will come on this!

YOU should so watch it!! That dang special had been a catalyst for us!!! We had so much fun on this short excursion -- even though we had been on a Disney Cruise before. It was when we were 27 or so, I think, ten years ago basically!

The sign post is really charming, as is all of HH!

HERE!!!! :banana:

Now that I have read, I think it is super cool that you are headed to Disneyland for Halloween! How fun will that be??? Hilton Head looks great, and I am already excited about the cruise report just from the picture of the stacks!

I know! Total fun! I am really jazzed. We are only in Disneyland for a few days, we are adding this or splitting this with a week in San Diego. We have a resort stay in San Diego so we can go to Lego Land and a few other places, and visit friends! It was easy to convince DH once I reminded him about the Jack Skellington overlay at the HM!!! A Disneyland special!

HH is really pretty! I will give a good report of it as well. I am going to start the real TR probably tomorrow, though, we'll see if I can get at least one entry tonight! BUT that photo was one of my favorites :goodvibes

Here! Love the way you started!
So cool that you are going to Disneyland for Halloween! That's going to be an awesome adventure!
Can't wait to get started on this cruise, I'll be taking notes!

It was fun! I had to think of something to tell everyone but I had to keep it in order! And finally I was just bursting at the seams with trips I couldn't tell you about, so I just said "Ah Fooey" and put the tickers up! :laughing: I hope to give you great tips for the cruise you and Marc and Baylor are on this summer!

I'll share all about Disneyland soon, I promise! ;)

It's me!

What, the WINNER :) Shocker, who could it be if it wasn't you??!!

(Some guy named Marc.... :rotfl:)

So glad you are here!

[IluvXU]

In in in! I so want to know all about the cruise, HH and will be along for the trip to CA!

[Happydog]

Yyyyyeeeeaaa, the cruise TR-finally!!!! :cool1:

Then, once you're done with this, you can start your PTR!!!!

Then, your TR!

Then, another PTR!!

I love your TR, in case you can't tell :rotfl:.

I don't know if you're helping me count down the days to my delux birthday trip, or if you're inciting me to do one-day non-park trips (mostly to see different resorts, shop, and EAT :drinking1.

You know, when you put it that way... :lmao: Good grief. I am going to run out of room for links!!!! :laughing: NEVER fear. That is what size "1" font is for!!! :laughing:

Oh, there are more than enough activities and resorts to explore and restaurants to sample, that you can TOTALLY make a non-park day! I'd go for it!!!!

I'm subbing!! Followed you over from your other TR's, I love them all! :thumbsup2

I have actually used your story to try to entice my husband to drive to Disney (we are also from MD) "HappyDog drives to Disney all the time!" My hope is to get him to give in sometime this Summer...we'll see. :rolleyes1

Lookin' forward to reading along...

Oh gee! I am so glad you are enjoying the read so thank you! Well, we just tried that driving out this year, and I have to say it has worked to our advantage -- especially at Christmas and then over February. We got some great rates for air fare in Feb but since we had already committed to HH for a night, it made sense to just stick with our plan. I have to say my DH has often driven the bulk of the time... BUT I say you gotta at least try it once! It isn't awful, so long as you have things to do in the car for kids, and can drive mostly at night.

Thanks for coming over again!

In in in! I so want to know all about the cruise, HH and will be along for the trip to CA!

I was thinking that you would like to hear about HH -- as did I! And there is plenty to share (but first we both need to get our BC/VB combo summer stay sorted out! :thumbsup2

[stace208]

I'm here! Loved your start and can't wait to read more.:goodvibes

[nettii]

Im subbing in cant wait to hear about your cruise and DL @ Haloween! We went to Dis last Halloweenn and LOVED it! And know after reading your lead up to your new ptr Ive got that song stuck in my head! :lmao:I swear we all sang it untill Christmas!:rotfl: You know the one This is haloween, this is haloween every one Screem!

[Dream426]

Subscribing. Can't wait to read more.

[kschafer]

DARN! Missed page 1 by 3 minutes :headache:

Can't wait to read all about it!!

[Happydog]

So WELCOME to the first ever, "Happy Dog" Disney Cruise TR! :yay:

I know that many of you have hopped on this "boat" from my previous Disney trip reports, so you know a little about the crazy Happy Dog family, but allow me a minute to share who we are!

We are a family of 4, DH, myself, and two boys, 4 and 7. We are a couple approaching 40 :eek: GOOD gosh, when did that happen??!!! I can cling onto that for another year and a half, right?!! And by virtue of my DH's great ability to sniff out deals, and a pair of APs to WDW, we have had the good fortune to visit Mickey and his friends in Orlando many times this past year... Though we had been to WDW prior to this historic trip-taking year, I have to say the time we have spent there recently has sealed the deal for us being great fans of Disney. So that being said, we have many more Disney vacations in our future I know, but they will likely take new twists along the way -- thus our fall trip to Disney Land and some new cruises. Here is a photo of me and my crew on our Christmas trip ...

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Christmas%20Family%20pics/Disney%20Day%208/Image0017.jpg

And here are the boys on our recent snow escape to the Animal Kingdom, just two weeks before our Cruise! :p

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Animal%20Kingdom%20getaway/AnimalKingdomGetawayFeb2010009.jpg

But the real participants on this trip are my DH and ME. Here is a photo of the photo they took of us at Palo's, onboard the Disney Wonder. It isn't as sharp as the original, but it is the only picture of the two of us :laughing:

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SO. Taking a cruise was the most remote idea in our minds the evening we even decided to book one. My husband and I, faced with some personal leave burning a hole in our pocket, wanted to take advantage of a quick getaway for the two of us at the end of February. As the story goes, I kept suggesting a Disney Cruise, as the going rate was really reasonable!! And finally after determining that we would not get a better deal for the $ and the dates we could go, DH agreed. We were considering a trip to NYC for some theater, but that would have been twice as much when all was said and done, So in early January we booked a Three Night Cruise on the Disney Wonder. Now the only other cruise we had ever been on was a Disney Cruise. A 7 day western Caribbean cruise, about a decade earlier. We had been on that cruise with my DBIL and his partner, avid Disney cruisers, and we had had a blast! We really enjoyed it then, and we figured we would enjoy this one, too.

We arrived in the Port Canaveral area in the wee hours of the morning that day of our departure. We had left work, met at home with kids to rendezvous with Grandma, and thrown our already packed bags into the car. We raced out of town in order to beat the evening traffic getting to 95. We had a few books on tape to keep us alert, and we stopped for dinner right outside Richmond, VA. Nothing like a riveting thriller genre book! I confess that DH did and does most of the driving, but regardless it is a manageable drive. Diet coke, coffee, pretzels, and every flavor of smoke house almonds gets us through :rotfl: We had booked a room at a hotel across from the port. It was called the Comfort Suites, I think, I will confirm the name. It was a great deal, because you got the room, breakfast, parking and free shuttle over to the port. We arrived around 5am, and checked in, and went to sleep!

Now I am not saying that we liked driving down and traveling with these conditions, ironically air fare specials were to be had for $84.00 RT to Orlando at that point, but my DH said we would have then had to pay $100.00+ for each of us to get the Disney transfer from airport to ship, and suddenly the convenience vs. the cost didn't make it sound all that great in terms of a "deal" -- and I would much rather spend that $ on the boat... and well, that is what we did! HA!

Anyhow, we woke up about an hour before the shuttle was due to take us, and went down to eat something, get our luggage out and meet the shuttle outside the room. Of course we didn't use the hotel for the full day/night, but the cost was worth it for the bed, breakfast, parking, shuttle, etc. that we would have had to pay if we had driven to the terminal. I know it was very reasonable, I think $80.00ish I will have to confirm with DH. So with some rest we headed over to the terminal at 10:30am. It was very exciting to see the boat in the distance!! :yay: You will see from the Mickey clock on the terminal tower that I took these on our departure. Which is true, but I wanted you to see what I saw first! I was too excited to get inside to stop on our way in!!! :rolleyes:

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When we cleared the security lines, it seemed very empty, and we walked straight to a CM to get checked in with no wait. There are two lines you need to go through to get your check in complete. One is to get your on board room key/charge card -- which is the room key/charge card, just like the KTTW at WDW. (in fact, I think those who do the land/sea combos use the same card all the way through! Here is a photo of my DH's I took after we got home, but so you can see...

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Because we had been on a cruise before, we were inducted into the "Castaway Club"... more on this later ... hence the silver lanyard and card.

Anyhow, once you get your documents processed, you get your photo taken and that is added to the data on your card. They swipe this at ports of call, etc., to keep track of everyone. Once we were done with this, it was time to wait. They would not begin boarding before 11:30 am, or so...

While we waited, I took photos of the terminal, etc. Mickey and Chip and Dale were out to visit, and keep people occupied while they waited... Central to the whole terminal is this very cool model of The Magic. I have the photos below.

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They started boarding people by 11:45am. We were embarkation group 4. Clearly people were lined up to get into the terminal when it first opened, because there were groups 1 - 3... ahead of us. I am assuming they bring people onto the ship by who checks in first, but it is possible those with higher room categories, or those who are "gold" or "platinum" Castaway Club members, etc., may get earlier boarding groups. I am sure there is a science to it, but there were crowds of people still checking in and in lines when we were called to board, around noon I think.

Now, as with any first experience, I have several observations and tips to share. But I will wait until the end of the TR to list them. Generally speaking we were excited to get on the ship, but I think we could have done things a little differently, and I will explain that at the end.

REGARDLESS, we walked through the "Magic" Mickey Ear portal!!!! I would have loved a photo in front of this but alas I didn't think to get one, and when we actually walked through we were walking with a line, so it wouldn't have been possible, but here is a picture that I swiped online, because as it is with me, I am always taking pics with my eyes and forget to get the real thing!!!

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It is a fun way to board. Once you enter, they check your key card, you take a photo, and then you actually set foot on the ship!!! A CM was there to "welcome" you by announcing your name. It is very cute, and lots of CMs are on hand waving their, "Mickey" hands... I did manage to get a few pics at this point, but more will come to give you a good view...

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I will post the rest of our afternoon and evening in my next update...

Bon Voyage!!!!

[Happydog]

I'm here! Loved your start and can't wait to read more.:goodvibes

Great! WELCOME I am so glad you are coming along for this "Sail" too!!! :goodvibes

Im subbing in cant wait to hear about your cruise and DL @ Haloween! We went to Dis last Halloween and LOVED it! And know after reading your lead up to your new ptr Ive got that song stuck in my head! :lmao:I swear we all sang it untill Christmas!:rotfl: You know the one This is halloween, this is halloween every one Scream!

Oh DON'T I know it!!! I have to hide the DVD!!! :rotfl: So glad you are coming aboard the Disney Wonder with me ;)

Subscribing. Can't wait to read more.


Hey! Looks like you are Cruise Bound this summer!! Enjoy! We sure did!! :thumbsup2 I hope I can give you some tips along the way!

DARN! Missed page 1 by 3 minutes :headache:

Can't wait to read all about it!!

Ah, Page 1, Page 2, Page 10! Just glad you didn't miss the boat :lmao:

[DisMomAmy]

Great start!! I'm excited to learn more about Disney cruises. Congrats on the October Disneyland trip!! :banana:

[Native NYer]

Joining in!

Now back to read :surfweb:

[jenseib]

How exciting! I can't wait to read more!

[wigdoutdismom]

Way to go! I'm officially excited! Baylor is going to love this cruising business! :banana:

[2xcited2sleep]

I can feel the excitement! Everything looks so cool. Love the "subtle" Disney touches of the Mickey clock, mickey ear portal etc. Can't wait to hear more about your afternoon. I've always been nervous about cruising but you are already making it sound like a good idea! :rolleyes1

[MollyAnna]

Great start to your TR! I just love those Mickey hands they wave at you. It makes me feel like I'm truly on vacation. A Disney cruise is on my to-do list within the next 3 years; can't wait to hear all about it!

[Happydog]

Great start!! I'm excited to learn more about Disney cruises. Congrats on the October Disneyland trip!! :banana:

Thanks!!! Well it was a surprise a little to us as well, We are rolling it into a holiday to San Diego... The cruise was great fun! :thumbsup2

Joining in!

Now back to read :surfweb:

Thanks for coming over!!! ;)

How exciting! I can't wait to read more!

I hope you enjoy it!!!

Way to go! I'm officially excited! Baylor is going to love this cruising business! :banana:


Oh you have plenty to be excited about! Spring break, then SUMMER!!!! just wait until you get back from spring break! This cruise was really fun, and I know this summer you will have a blast!!!!! :yay: I am sure Baylor will LOVE it.

I can feel the excitement! Everything looks so cool. Love the "subtle" Disney touches of the Mickey clock, mickey ear portal etc. Can't wait to hear more about your afternoon. I've always been nervous about cruising but you are already making it sound like a good idea! :rolleyes1

Oh there are SOOO many subtle disney touches on the ship, let me tell you! It was an awesome trip. I remembered why we had so much fun the last time! I would tell you TRY one! In the winter mos. they are really reasonable, and the weather was really nice -- now in the fall it is the same but the weather can be more of a gamble. STILL a short cruise would let you test it out!


Great start to your TR! I just love those Mickey hands they wave at you. It makes me feel like I'm truly on vacation. A Disney cruise is on my to-do list within the next 3 years; can't wait to hear all about it!

YES! I agree! Welcome! It was a lot of fun.

[flamestarrdust]

I'm so excited to hear about your cruise! :goodvibes

[manntra]

:yay: so excited your started your cruise report.....I feel like you are an author and I am feverishly trying to read all of your sequels to keep up :rotfl2:

Tracy

[Happydog]

Once we were on board, the CMs there guided us towards a restaurant on the 9th deck to get lunch. They had two buffet locations that were open for lunch that day. The buffet was nice with good variety. We found a table outside away from the wind and we ate. The sun was out but it was very windy so cooler. When we finished, we still had a little time before the room would be available, so we decided to check out the adult café/bar called Outlook Café. It was amazing! :thumbsup2 We had a great set of cocktails, and relaxed until 1pm. We were on a mission to get a second reservation at Palo’s, and the booking for these excursions and reservations began at 1pm. Palo’s is an adult-only restaurant that has a $15.00 surcharge per person. The food was fabulous and the service wonderful. It has a great atmosphere, and it is worth every penny of that $15.00!!! Now we had already booked a night at Palo’s on our last night of the cruise (I did this before we left, online.) We were hoping to score a second reservation – they only allow each room one reservation, but if you go on the day of embarkation you can either get a second reservation or, get placed on a waiting list to see if an opening comes up. They want to give everyone access and then if there are openings, they will take additional reservations. We were in luck. They offered us a 6:30 seating that night. Now, the 6:30 seating was earlier than our official dinner reservation time, we were on the second seating of the boat for the other dinners, including our second Palo reservation, which was normally 8:15. But we were thrilled to have the extra reservation, and didn’t mind the time change! :yay: With that reservation scored, we were ready to try out our stateroom… Here are the photos! With the porthole window, it is hard to see all the details, but I have more photos along the way.

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When we got to our stateroom we had a surprise waiting for us…

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Apparently Disney keeps tabs on its guests WAY past the time you travel. Hmmmm like we didn't know this!!! :laughing: When we booked, we were automatically considered “Silver” Castaway Club members on account of the 7 day Caribbean cruise we had taken some 10 years earlier! So SCORE for that! We received this fabulous gift of a nice bag/tote – perfect for the beach! Two drink containers – these were aluminum like the metal water bottles you can buy, a really nice silver key chain with the cruise logo, and TWO flip-flop rice crispy treats…. A Perfect start to the souvenirs for the kids!!! We also had a card indicating we had a $75.00 room credit to our stateroom (this was for booking online and for using our Disney Visa). :woohoo:

A few minutes later the luggage showed up outside our room!

So with our luggage we busied ourselves with un packing and getting organized. DH took his shower right away, here is a photo of the room I took from one angle while DH was in the shower…

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010014.jpg

Since we still had a little time before the "emergency drill", we headed back up to deck 9 to get some coffee and to take some pictures. I was amazed that people were swimming! These photos were the "kid" pool/families with smaller children....

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here is my DH being silly -- he was trying to use his head to "slyly" point out that above him was the biggest "hidden" Mickey on the boat... He laughs aloud every time I mention hidden Mickeys...

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Cruise Terminal from above!

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This is the mid-ship pool which had a "deck" covering on top. They were putting it in position for the Sail Away party.

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Okay, these are silly. DH and I were strolling and all of a sudden he said, "Hey look, we can get a photo together!" With the highly reflective glass we could take a photo of eachother, just for fun!

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These are of the ADULT Pool and bar area. This is where we spent most of our time, but I am sure you understand why -- BECAUSE we COULD!!! :lmao:

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Soon after we heard the announcement to report to our “emergency drill” location… this was up on Deck 5 and we had to basically report to the proper location and stand there with our life jackets on. I felt silly trying to take a photo, but once the drill was over we headed back to our room and I jumped in the shower.

Now the boat actually sets sail around 4:30, I believe. Well, with us in our state, and wanting to be ready for drinks and some deck time before dinner, we sacrificed attending the Mickey Sail Away party. :eek: I know, I know, but frankly a shower really was what the Dr. ordered, and so, alas, we didn’t make it back on deck to see it. DH had already gotten his, but now I needed to get “dolled up”! :wizard: (and that is what it takes, a magician!!)

I was drying my hair when I felt the actual movement of the boat. We looked outside the porthole… and indeed we were on the water!

I finished getting ready and a few minutes later we were back on Deck 9 enjoying the sights of the boat “Sailing Away”!!! For those of you who have never seen the Sail Away party, here is a picture I adopted from another cruiser…. basically it is singing, dancing, by CMs and Characters, and there are streamers, etc. The ship blows its horn, the first five notes of "When You Wish Upon A Star"... and that is very loud!!! I remember thinking it was really fun the last time we took the cruise, but this time washing off the grime of travel was a must!

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/1461071830_655f746269.jpg

Continued in the NEXT POST!

[jenseib]

Sounds like a fun start...but I can't beleive you missed the Sail Away party!! I want to go on one just for the Party! LOL! Well, ok more than just the party, but I do want to do it someday!

[Happydog]

So here are a few photos that I took as we were departing the coastline…

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010027.jpg

I realize that this photo is out of order -- it belongs in the first post, but this is a close up of the adult bar, and you can see the Outlook Cafe as well...

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010028.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010029.jpg

So "Before Dinner" drinks were calling. And back to the Outlook café we went, where upstairs there are fabulous views and fabulous drinks!!! As well as some great appetizer type snacks as well.

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010030.jpg

Okay this was a martini style cocktail that was on a special menu. The Manhattan next to it was $5.50. Can you say "I will have another?" What a great price, right!! We spent time at this bar/cafe every day! :rolleyes1

Next the sun is slowly going down, the light was incredible. I thought it was the martini I had just downed, but no, now looking at the pics, I see they are kinda nice :p

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010031.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010033.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010032.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010034.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010035.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010036.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010037.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010038.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010039.jpg

Ah.... SUN SET. Let's Eat! :laughing:

More coming tomorrow! Dinner at Paolo's and an evening stroll around the ship! :wave2:

[shannon47142]

what great pics!! Lokking forward to more:thumbsup2

[poeticdiabetic]

subscribing

[Señor DonDuck]

Fantastic first day details and pictures! Looking forward to day 2.

[2xcited2sleep]

Wow. Gorgeous pictures. That sunset. Ahhhh..... :cloud9: Your room looks bigger than what I thought it would be. I know there are lots of different categories of rooms.... did you book something specific or just take your chances and take what was available? That porthole is huge- WAY bigger than on the Love Boat! :lmao:

Very cool that they recognize repeat visitors with such nice gifts. Too bad WDW doesn't do that... we'd all be racking up some pretty nice stuff!

Looks like the start to a delightful adult getaway! :thumbsup2

[KSDisneyDad]

Great Trip Report thus far!!! This makes me even more excited for our fourth DCL cruise in two weeks! I love your pictures of the new Outlook Bar area on the Wonder. Your pictures make me want to skip the show the first night and just relax there heading out to sea!

PS -- The "hidden mickey" picture was too funny!

[jeremysdisneymom]

I am in! I loved your last reports! We are planning a cruise next year to celebrate our 10 year anniversary so I am anxious to hear about the 3 day cruise. We have been mulling over the 7 day western vs' 4 day on the new ship with several days at the world.

Congrats on halloween at Disney Land. That is awesome!

Erika

[Charleston Princess]

How exciting to see the ship as you approach the terminal!!!

Love that you go through Mickey ears to board and that the ship's whistle plays "When You Wish Upon a Star!" Those Disney touches!!! :lovestruc

Woo hoo for scoring another Palo reservation! Good job! :thumbsup2

The Castaway Club goodies are awesome!!! Those flip flop rice krispie treats are adorable!

The sunset is gorgeous, and the cocktails sound heavenly! What a way to start the cruise off right! :thumbsup2

[SoonerGirl]

Hi Jennifer - I'm here, better late than never right?? I was at the ballpark all weekend, Justin had 7 games in 2 days :eek: the weather was horrible, cold and rainy enough to get you wet, but not to stop play - great start to baseball season! Oh well, the boys had a blast and took 2nd place in their tournament, so it wasn't all bad :thumbsup2

Now on to your TR. How exciting that you are going to DL for Halloween! We went to DL and San Diego summer before last and had a fabulous time - you guys are going to love it!

The cruise sounds awesome so far, I love the gifts you got. Looking forward to more!

[DisneyMom14]

I made it over to this too! Great pics and info! You guys must have had a blast. A disney cruise is on my future to do list so I'm all ears! (pun intended)

[eandesmom]

I'm here....page 3, wah!

Your pictures are making me so excited for our maybe cruise next year....assuming I can even pull off the vacation time and don't have to postpone it!

How very very fun!

and something funny...Jeff's been so anit cruise in general...he brought up these one day deals they are having up to BC right now as being something fun to do over a weekend.

It is so fun watching them convert. Love that your DH laughs at hidden mickeys. Amazing really that Disney tracks a cruise 10 years ago, what a nice surprise.

I'm glad you were able to add some GC time onto the San Diego trip instead of driving up for the day or 2. It's doable but will be so much more fun being there!

Looking forward to cruising along with you.

[mom2mek]

Wow - the cruise looks fantastic! Loving all the pictures and am really hoping to be able to take a cruise sometime soon. :goodvibes

Sara

[gallmcduck]

I've been a lurker on your xmas report and your last two snow trips so thought I would move on over to your cruise TR, posting this time :thumbsup2

Looking fab so far :cool1:

[nhmomofson]

We are headed on a 3 day at the end of April and your TR is helping me get excited!! I can't wait to read more. Thanks for sharing you thoughts and the wonderful pictures.

[Happydog]

I'm so excited to hear about your cruise! :goodvibes
Thanks! IT was a great time.

:yay: so excited your started your cruise report.....I feel like you are an author and I am feverishly trying to read all of your sequels to keep up :rotfl2:

Tracy

HA! Well it is my fault for taking all these dang trips, but it is a small price to pay! :thumbsup2 I have fun!

Sounds like a fun start...but I can't beleive you missed the Sail Away party!! I want to go on one just for the Party! LOL! Well, ok more than just the party, but I do want to do it someday!

Well, we did go the first cruise, I can remember some of it, but the priorities were a little different for us this time! However, knowing I would be coming on another cruise made it a little easier!

what great pics!! Lokking forward to more:thumbsup2

Thanks! Welcome over! :goodvibes

subscribing

Hi, and welcome! Thanks for reading. :)

Fantastic first day details and pictures! Looking forward to day 2.

Thank you!:)

[Happydog]

Wow. Gorgeous pictures. That sunset. Ahhhh..... :cloud9: Your room looks bigger than what I thought it would be. I know there are lots of different categories of rooms.... did you book something specific or just take your chances and take what was available? That porthole is huge- WAY bigger than on the Love Boat! :lmao:


Hi there! It was a beautiful view that is for certain, even better the next day!

It was a decent size for two people. If we had all been in this stateroom it would have been a little nuts.... but even then there is enough space to share I think. We booked "guaranteed" category so that would put us in an inside stateroom, yes, in the most inexpensive category. We did this with purpose, because I had read many times that in many cases Disney will upgrade you to make those less expensive rooms available. Well, we were upgraded to having the porthole, and that was a big difference. We would have been fine in an inside room, again this was a budget trip, but we did get that extra bump to an outside room, so we had the window. We were on the same deck, deck 2. The previous cruise we had a veranda, but that was also an upgrade from a window on the 5th deck... This was on a 7 day cruise in the fall, so again the rates were a little less expensive. They tell you to book where you can stand to be and hope for an upgrade. So we knew we could end up with that inside room and we could live with that.


Very cool that they recognize repeat visitors with such nice gifts. Too bad WDW doesn't do that... we'd all be racking up some pretty nice stuff!

Looks like the start to a delightful adult getaway! :thumbsup2

I KNOW, RIGHT??!! Why for the cruisers and not for the park goers!!!?? SO funny. It was really a nice touch. We had a fab start to our adult getaway!

Great Trip Report thus far!!! This makes me even more excited for our fourth DCL cruise in two weeks! I love your pictures of the new Outlook Bar area on the Wonder. Your pictures make me want to skip the show the first night and just relax there heading out to sea!

PS -- The "hidden mickey" picture was too funny!

WOW! Two weeks? Great for you! The Outlook Bar is very very cool! If you have seen that sailaway party many times, you could always head over there after or during... it was a prime place to relax with a drink and that time of day was perfect. :thumbsup2

Yeah, he was amusing himself with the NOT so Hidden Mickey... um the BIG one you can't MISS!!! :laughing: We had fun!

I am in! I loved your last reports! We are planning a cruise next year to celebrate our 10 year anniversary so I am anxious to hear about the 3 day cruise. We have been mulling over the 7 day western vs' 4 day on the new ship with several days at the world.

Congrats on halloween at Disney Land. That is awesome!

Erika

Oh I am so glad you found your way over here! Thanks for reading with me!!!!
Well it was great fun, and depending on what you are interested in, that is a hard decision you are thinking about... I am really excited to try out the Disney Dream next February, all those options sound great, really! That is a hard decision!

[IluvXU]

I must have missed the two cruise part of next year... the early one I guess.

What are the plans for summer... still BLT and then Vero, or changes?

[mommykds]

Reading along!popcorn::

[stace208]

Lovin' all these cruise details and pictures! I gotta find a time to go!!

[Happydog]

How exciting to see the ship as you approach the terminal!!!

Love that you go through Mickey ears to board and that the ship's whistle plays "When You Wish Upon a Star!" Those Disney touches!!! :lovestruc



It really is so much fun all the little details, you know I love the details :cloud9: Disney music in all the hallways, etc. SO much fun!


Woo hoo for scoring another Palo reservation! Good job! :thumbsup2

The Castaway Club goodies are awesome!!! Those flip flop rice krispie treats are adorable!

The sunset is gorgeous, and the cocktails sound heavenly! What a way to start the cruise off right! :thumbsup2

It really did start it off right. I have to say Palo's was worth missing the Sail Away party -- :rotfl: Actually the shower, complete with the H20 "spa" collection bath products was worth missing the party for.. I felt like a new person! They have some great choices -- one was very similar to the Hollywood you like... :thumbsup2

The rice Krispie treats were/are DANG cute. DS4 has only eaten one -- I make him eat it over time, too much for one sitting!!! :laughing: MEAN Mommy, I know!!!

Hi Jennifer - I'm here, better late than never right?? I was at the ballpark all weekend, Justin had 7 games in 2 days :eek: the weather was horrible, cold and rainy enough to get you wet, but not to stop play - great start to baseball season! Oh well, the boys had a blast and took 2nd place in their tournament, so it wasn't all bad :thumbsup2


Oh my that is not the best weather, but even still, so long as you are having a good time! Or they are! :laughing:


Now on to your TR. How exciting that you are going to DL for Halloween! We went to DL and San Diego summer before last and had a fabulous time - you guys are going to love it!

The cruise sounds awesome so far, I love the gifts you got. Looking forward to more!

Thanks!!! Yes, we are really looking forward to this split trip in October/Nov. Should be great fun. Two nights and two full days at DL/DCA and then San Diego! OHHHHHH can you share what you did, tips? etc.? Since you have two boys, I am sure it would be helpful!!!! :)

The Castaway Club gift was a surprise and really nice to see when we got inside the stateroom! :goodvibes It was a great getaway! :thumbsup2

I made it over to this too! Great pics and info! You guys must have had a blast. A disney cruise is on my future to do list so I'm all ears! (pun intended)

HELLO! I am glad you have made it over! I enjoyed reading your Christmas TR too!

[Happydog]

I'm here....page 3, wah!

Your pictures are making me so excited for our maybe cruise next year....assuming I can even pull off the vacation time and don't have to postpone it!

How very very fun!


I hope it works out for you! It was a great short trip, can't wait to take a longer one again!


and something funny...Jeff's been so anit cruise in general...he brought up these one day deals they are having up to BC right now as being something fun to do over a weekend.

It is so fun watching them convert. Love that your DH laughs at hidden mickeys. Amazing really that Disney tracks a cruise 10 years ago, what a nice surprise.


That is funny -- they don't want to admit it, but.... :laughing: Well, he "laughs" and says with mild amusement, "so you are trying to tell me that those three blotches of paint that happen to be close to eachother, and that look like random blotches of paint, are not actually random blotches of paint but are actually INTENTIONALLY placed blotches of paint, strategically located to remind you of "Mickey Mouse"? Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight." :rolleyes:

Amazing and scary.... but I am not complaining!!! :laughing: All that data collection has to be used for something!!!


I'm glad you were able to add some GC time onto the San Diego trip instead of driving up for the day or 2. It's doable but will be so much more fun being there!

Looking forward to cruising along with you.

Oh yes, we are excited. I was pouting. It worked. I said we cannot possibly go to LA and San Diego over Halloween and NOT NOT NOT go to Disney LAND??!! He agreed... (twist, twist, twist...)

SO we fly to LA, spend two nights at GC, then drive to San Diego. We are staying at the Four Seasons resort. We had time share points and were able to get that resort which is rarely available. It was luck. Can't wait for Lego land, etc!!!!

Wow - the cruise looks fantastic! Loving all the pictures and am really hoping to be able to take a cruise sometime soon. :goodvibes

Sara

Thanks! I have more to post shortly!!!! ;)

I've been a lurker on your xmas report and your last two snow trips so thought I would move on over to your cruise TR, posting this time :thumbsup2

Looking fab so far :cool1:

Awwww SO glad you are here! Great to have you along! We have fun on these! I love sharing and reading! Thanks for coming along! :goodvibes

We are headed on a 3 day at the end of April and your TR is helping me get excited!! I can't wait to read more. Thanks for sharing you thoughts and the wonderful pictures.

OH boy!!! I have lots to share so stick around! :surfweb:

[Happydog]

I must have missed the two cruise part of next year... the early one I guess.

What are the plans for summer... still BLT and then Vero, or changes?


HI!! NO no no, summer still as planned! Well, we have BLT/BCV, and Vero if we cant get off the waitlist at BCV, I suspect we won't be able to get those last two nights, but I think we will be ready to try Vero at that point.

Yes! WE booked a bounceback cruise if you will! For President's Day next year. Just DH and I!

Reading along!popcorn::
Well HOWDY! Glad you are here!

Lovin' all these cruise details and pictures! I gotta find a time to go!!

Really if you can, do it! It was great fun for us. I just remembered how much fun the other cruise had been! :thumbsup2

[Happydog]

So as the sun set on the ocean view, we strolled the length of the Deck, heading to Paolo's for Dinner #1!!!! :rotfl: We were seated within minutes of checking in, and the dining room was pretty empty. We were seated at a nice spot against the windows. I had a bellini to start and then swapped to wine. I prefer frozen bellini's but this was still very good! :goodvibes We had a great meal with flatbread, appetizers and salads, and entrees. The food reminds me somewhat of Cali Grill -- with more of an Italian twist. We had dessert and he brought us out an extra dessert because we couldn't decide what we wanted! The gelato was AMAZING.. Talk about a devine gourmand extravaganza! We had our photo taken by the Cruise's version of a "photopass" photographer, and about 8:20pm, we staggered out of the restaurant. Now, this stagger wasn't alcohol induced. Well, maybe a little, but more likely it was due to the fact that the boat was swaying a bit, and I was wearing sandals with three inch wedge heels!!!! :rotfl: OH no matter, it was all in the fun of it!!!! :lmao:

SO back to the stateroom we went. This is what was waiting for us when we got there!!!

Isn't he CUTE!!!
http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010040.jpg

A turn down with CHOCOLATES!! Can't I have this every night!!!????

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010041.jpg

DH decided that he was really wiped out. He was not compelled to go see the stage show that night, so I went and walked into the second showing -- it had just started. When I was headed to the theater I saw everyone else who was assigned to our seating time make their way into Triton's for dinner. This chandelier is AMAZING.

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010042.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010043.jpg

You can see all the SHOPPING :goodvibes that is to be had on the ship, along with the lead "run way" to the theater for the live performances. There is also a movie theater onboard. There are two nice shops on the boat, open from 5pm - 11pm!

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010044.jpg

These are the elevators mid-ship. I just love the Art Deco detailing and styling. :) Makes me really feel like I am on a "Grand Old Cruiseliner"!

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010046.jpg

These Photos are from one of the lounges on the ship, called "The Cadillac Lounge" Which is very cool with all the car themed touches! This is one of three evening/lounge club locations. It is really pretty inside! Very lush!

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010047.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010048.jpg

I went in to see the show that had just started. It was fun! Of the three stage shows (I saw all three!) I liked this one best, because it was more of a review/Dance show! It was really well done!

So at this point, I was really exhausted myself -- it had been a full day already! After the show, I walked back to the room, got washed up and flopped down for some much neeed slumber!

Coming up next will be our Nassau Day!

Here is a little HINT... ;)
http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010050.jpg

[DisneyMom14]

So beautiful!! The ship and the preview!!! I've only been to Naussau once - a LONG time ago and the aqua blue water stands out in my memory the most. So beautiful!!! I'm not used to pretty water. We have a big muddy river and just as muddy bayous. :-) Looking forward to more pretty paradise pictures!!!!

[mackeymouse4eva]

I love reading your trip report...great pictures!!! Right now we are in the big preperation stage for the EB Transatlantic in April but when we get back I will PM you...We just spent this past Halloween at Disneyland and San Diego. We had a blast!! There was so much to do! My son is 5 ( soon to be 6) and LOVED Legoland and the Halloween party at DCA.


Can't wait to hear the rest of your TR!!

[Happydog]

I love reading your trip report...great pictures!!! Right now we are in the big preperation stage for the EB Transatlantic in April but when we get back I will PM you...We just spent this past Halloween at Disneyland and San Diego. We had a blast!! There was so much to do! My son is 5 ( soon to be 6) and LOVED Legoland and the Halloween party at DCA.


Can't wait to hear the rest of your TR!!

OH GOODNESS! VERY VERY COOL! YES, please do tell me all about it, AND ALSO TELL ME ALL ABOUT your TransAtlantic! How cool! YOU are brave -- I don't know that I could do this kind of cruise! Maybe on the QE2 but Disney is the next best thing!!! Looking forward to all of the stories!!! Thanks for reading along!!!! :thumbsup2

[eandesmom]

Great update!

I love the colors and the art deco style, just stunning! And that chandelier :lovestruc

It sounds like a lovely lovely night.

Oh I really really hope we can keep the Feb trip. I'm going to be dying waiting to see what the new vacation package will look like to see if I can keep it.

Your pictures and TR are just reinforcing how much I want to go!

[Charleston Princess]

Lots of shopping onboard, you say??? You know how I love shopping! :banana:

I love art deco architecture! :lovestruc The ship is just gorgeous with all those details!

I would definitely like to have chocolates and turn-down service every night! Wouldn't that be the life?

[Diamondintheruff]

I'm here (finally).

You've really been zooming out the updates.

Congrats on ALL the upcoming trips.

The cruise ship looks lovely. I'm a sucker for art deco myself too. I would love to see the shows and castaway cay someday but for now I will just live with getting a peek into others trips.

[2xcited2sleep]

Oh my goodness. What a hint that is! I would give anything to be gazing at that view today!!

Sounds like it was a great evening. As far as cruises go, I am a bit worried about feeling the boat swaying. But sounds like it didn't really slow you down! I'm afraid I'd be sick. :rolleyes:

All that shopping... right up your alley! :)

[AlohaAnnie]

Really enjoyed your snow getaway! I am looking forward to the rest of your adults only cruise. I would love to getaway w/ just my hubby! :)

[Señor DonDuck]

Wow, your pictures really do a great job of showing all the style and details around the ship.

[mom2mek]

Beautiful! Beautiful! Beautiful! :cloud9:

Great job and I'm loving all the detailed pictures! :goodvibes

Sara

[SoonerGirl]

Well, maybe a little, but more likely it was due to the fact that the boat was swaying a bit

Really??? That makes me so nervous to take a cruise! I have some motion sickness issues and I'm afraid if I felt the boat swaying I'd be done :sick:

I love your pictures of the decor on the boat, it looks amazing! And lots of shopping, you say?? Hmmmmmm, a cruise is sounding better and better :laughing: As long as we can keep that boat from rocking that is!

[nowellsl]

Really??? That makes me so nervous to take a cruise! I have some motion sickness issues and I'm afraid if I felt the boat swaying I'd be done :sick:

I love your pictures of the decor on the boat, it looks amazing! And lots of shopping, you say?? Hmmmmmm, a cruise is sounding better and better :laughing: As long as we can keep that boat from rocking that is!

Last time I went on a cruise I got some of motion sickness patches from my doctor and had no problems! First time I didn't use anything and I was sick as a dog!:sad2:

[ScotsMinnie]

Really enjoying your TR! Have never read a cruise one before and although I will never go on the Disney cruise ships due to a phobia of boats I think your pictures are beautiful. Cant wait to see more.

[Happydog]

So beautiful!! The ship and the preview!!! I've only been to Naussau once - a LONG time ago and the aqua blue water stands out in my memory the most. So beautiful!!! I'm not used to pretty water. We have a big muddy river and just as muddy bayous. :-) Looking forward to more pretty paradise pictures!!!!

Hi! Yes, well that water was pretty amazing. Seriously!! I have more coming up! :thumbsup2

Great update!

I love the colors and the art deco style, just stunning! And that chandelier :lovestruc

It sounds like a lovely lovely night.

Oh I really really hope we can keep the Feb trip. I'm going to be dying waiting to see what the new vacation package will look like to see if I can keep it.

Your pictures and TR are just reinforcing how much I want to go!

Isn't that Chandelier amazing! It is a famous glass artist up in your neck of the woods, I cannot remember his name, I am sure you know who I am talking about! the Disney boats are seriously amazing. The detailing and the styling is so beautiful. A really well-themed resort on water!!! When we went on the cruise before it was the Magic, b/c it was a 7 day cruise and I remember the restaurant being Lumiere's...

Oh I hope you get to do it! I am sure it will work out at some point regardless! Great cruise options on the west coast!

Lots of shopping onboard, you say??? You know how I love shopping! :banana:

I love art deco architecture! :lovestruc The ship is just gorgeous with all those details!

I would definitely like to have chocolates and turn-down service every night! Wouldn't that be the life?

There were two neat shops, and then one on Castaway Cay! I didn't buy TOO much since I just had!!!

YES, the ship is really amazing!

I know isn't that the life!!! :)

More photos coming up tonight! :)

[wigdoutdismom]

So are you saying that I need to budget some money for shopping on the ship? :lmao:

That water looks amazing!! I can't wait for Baylor to get a look, he has never seen anything like it!
I'm not even going to show him your pictures. I want him to be surprised!

[wsushocker]

So are you saying that I need to budget some money for shopping on the ship? :lmao:


It is hilarious for me to see that she was actually able to type the word "budget"!!! :cool1::lmao::rotfl2::banana::rotfl:

[stace208]

Isn't that Chandelier amazing! It is a famous glass artist up in your neck of the woods, I cannot remember his name, I am sure you know who I am talking about!


Dale Chihuly? I think that is who it is.

Loved all the pictures!! So Disney and yet, so different...if that makes any sense!!

[jedijill]

Dale Chihuly? I think that is who it is.

Loved all the pictures!! So Disney and yet, so different...if that makes any sense!!

You are right. He has a couple of beautiful pieces in the Atlantis casino as well. Gorgeous!

Jill in CO

[Happydog]

Greetings everyone! Welcome to day TWO of our cruise.... After an amazing start we we certainly got a great night's rest and awoke to sun through the porthole window :goodvibes, and a nice view of the Bahama's! Land Ho!
We got up, and went to the workout room. Which has a great view!!! We watched the ship get docked, and then they had to get clearance from the Bahaman officials before passengers could disembark.
After working out, we went to our favorite place, the Outlook Cafe, for fabulous latte's! :) and then we just stayed on deck watching the business of the ship. And Of course I took some photos... Here is the SKY...

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010053.jpg

And Here is the SEA... :cool1:

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These photos are of the small peninsula that is part of the island where the Atlantis Resort is (it has a name -- I can't recall it off the top of my head). There were several excursions we could have gone on, but because the cruise was so short, we opted to stay on the boat and enjoy the weather as long as possible, then take a stroll off the boat afterwards. It was a good plan for us. The purpose of this short trip was to relax. The captain wasn't sure about the weather the next day, so we wanted to make the most of it! We had been to Nassau before, so I wasn't dying to tour it. We made our way down to Triton's for breakfast, where I had a wonderful eggs benedict :goodvibes, and then we went to change for a pool side morning and afternoon! :thumbsup:

I took these photos midway through the morning when I went in search of some lunch! Speaking of food. There is everything practically all the time!! We had panini sandwiches with ice cream :goodvibes and some fruit from the fruit bar... And various other nibbles... there is food everywhere, all the time. :laughing We also each polished off two cocktails, poolside...:rolleyes1 Well, we WERE on vacation!!

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Here is a shot while we are in Nassau proper, look at the boat peeping over the top of the roofs! The weather that day was incredible. It was great to have the sun to bask in, and the tranquil pool side deck chairs were not crowded since most went out to Atlantis, etc. I am glad we didn't go on an excursion this time -- it wasn't the money, really, but it was the time. We hadn't brought our snorkel gear, either. But this next cruise I think we will. Truly, I was content to relax and read, and enjoy the very uncrowded pool! We got our stroll around later on.

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010064.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010055.jpg


WIGD -- here is the basketball court, etc. for Baylor -- he will totally love it!

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010056.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010057.jpg

We stayed on the boat relaxing and enjoying the adult side pool, etc. About 4pm, we changed our clothes and left the ship to explore a little. Here we are coming off the pool deck down to our Stateroom, definitely been in the sun all day!

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010061.jpg

Now these two pics I took to show you a sample of the beautiful framed prints they have on the stair landings for all decs. They are pretty amazing, and the different prints are really cool! Everything from pencil sketches to things like scenery art, for the movies like Lion King and Little Mermaid.

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010062.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010072.jpg

The last photo I borrowed so you could see what it was like when you got off the ship -- you are in a valley between two large hulls -- the Disney boat and whichever cruise ship is next door! :) There were four ships docked, it was funny seeing them all in a row like a parking lot!

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/4039351753_bb97654c68.jpg

The rest of our afternoon and evening I will have to post tomorrow! That is all I can get in tonight! :p

[Happydog]

Hey all -- I will catch up on replies tomorrow, I am definitely feeling the effect of Wednesday. It isn't the weekend yet, but after tomorrow :) :cool1:


ADDED ... So I edited my text above a little -- I was half asleep last night I can tell!!! :laughing:

So anyhow, looking forward to sharing the rest, and catching up on my responses too!!! THANK goodness tomorrow is FRIDAY!!

[jenseib]

beautiful pictures!!!!

[wigdoutdismom]

Oh, Baylor is going to love that basketball court!:thumbsup2 Thanks for the picture!
I love it all! I can't wait! I will want off the ship though, can't wait to explore...

[2xcited2sleep]

You are definitely selling the cruise experience!!! Your day sounds divine and the pictures are just gorgeous. :)

[Charleston Princess]

Oh, what a lovely day just relaxing! I like the idea of all that food and all those cocktails! :rotfl:

What a gorgeous color blue, and I love the buildings in Nassau -- they look just like the Caribbean Beach Resort! :rotfl2:

[SoonerGirl]

What a fabulously relaxing day! I'd take a cocktail and a lounge chair by the pool right about now!

Justin would flip over that basketball court too!

[engle]

Can't wait to read the rest. DH and I just booked our second cruise (sailing in 126 days!!) and we have no kiddos. It is nice to read an adults only trippie. We also drink like y'all....drinks all around!! Bring em on!! Did you happen to carry any alcohol on with you??

[gallmcduck]

Wow those sea and sky pics are great, it looks really beautiful :goodvibes The idea of a pool day with cocktails sounds really relaxing something we would def take advantage of if on our own :)

[eandesmom]

Oh that looks deliciously lazy!

I want a day like that.

and that blue.....

Sigh.

[Happydog]

I'm here (finally).

You've really been zooming out the updates.

Congrats on ALL the upcoming trips.

The cruise ship looks lovely. I'm a sucker for art deco myself too. I would love to see the shows and castaway cay someday but for now I will just live with getting a peek into others trips.

Oh I am so glad you are!!!! :goodvibes

Thank you! :) We do have some fun plan, I agree! The ship is really beautiful I have to say. I am looking forward to seeing the new ship next year.

Oh my goodness. What a hint that is! I would give anything to be gazing at that view today!!

Sounds like it was a great evening. As far as cruises go, I am a bit worried about feeling the boat swaying. But sounds like it didn't really slow you down! I'm afraid I'd be sick. :rolleyes:

All that shopping... right up your alley! :)

It was a beautiful view, that is the truth! Actually, we took a medication, Bonine, but frankly it was only a little that first night, and a little the last night, but really in both cases we both were fine, it wasn't that much movement. And I don't know, maybe the medication really was helping? Either way, I think there are plenty of ways to counter any sea sickness if you get it -- I am not prone to motion sickness, so that is likely also helpful. I remember getting off the boat after the long cruise and feeling like I was still on a boat!

Really enjoyed your snow getaway! I am looking forward to the rest of your adults only cruise. I would love to getaway w/ just my hubby! :)

Hello! Thanks! Well, we just took advantage of the opportunity! Well both opportunities!!! I see you are going on a Dream cruise too!!! How exciting! :thumbsup2

[Happydog]

Wow, your pictures really do a great job of showing all the style and details around the ship.

Thank you! I should have taken more, but I get into my trip and forget! :laughing:

Beautiful! Beautiful! Beautiful! :cloud9:

Great job and I'm loving all the detailed pictures! :goodvibes

Sara

Gee, thanks! the ship is really lovely, it is easy to take photos! HA!

Really??? That makes me so nervous to take a cruise! I have some motion sickness issues and I'm afraid if I felt the boat swaying I'd be done :sick:

I love your pictures of the decor on the boat, it looks amazing! And lots of shopping, you say?? Hmmmmmm, a cruise is sounding better and better :laughing: As long as we can keep that boat from rocking that is!

Oh, actually I did take that Bonine (after reading about it and what to take) we did take it all days, so I don't really know if I was effected, or if the medication was helping -- there really wasn't too much sway, just that night, and maybe on our last night, but basically it was fine! I think you would be okay if you took the right precautions. I also have those wrist bands that are supposed to help.

Last time I went on a cruise I got some of motion sickness patches from my doctor and had no problems! First time I didn't use anything and I was sick as a dog!:sad2: Yeah, I heard about those too! We didn't pursue them, but I might for the longer trip... I have to think about the kids next summer. We took bonine as a precautionary measure. I didn't want to be sick (though I don't know if I would have been... I just didn't want to risk it!)

Really enjoying your TR! Have never read a cruise one before and although I will never go on the Disney cruise ships due to a phobia of boats I think your pictures are beautiful. Cant wait to see more.

Thank you! I hope you enjoy it through the photos!!!! :goodvibes

So are you saying that I need to budget some money for shopping on the ship? :lmao:

That water looks amazing!! I can't wait for Baylor to get a look, he has never seen anything like it!
I'm not even going to show him your pictures. I want him to be surprised!

The water was gorgeous. Wait until you see Castaway Cay!

Well you just need to bring your room key... the "budget" comes in the end when you pay your bill!!! OR "what budget??!!" :laughing:

I have more great photos you will see next :thumbsup2


It is hilarious for me to see that she was actually able to type the word "budget"!!! :cool1::lmao::rotfl2::banana::rotfl:

WigD can spell....

Dale Chihuly? I think that is who it is.

Loved all the pictures!! So Disney and yet, so different...if that makes any sense!!

Yes it makes complete sense, and you are right -- it is like a resort (their resorts) on the sea! It has its own feel, but there are definitely Disney touches. The CM's so very friendly! All the "directors" on board! :upsidedow
Yes, that is his name... Thanks!


You are right. He has a couple of beautiful pieces in the Atlantis casino as well. Gorgeous!

Jill in CO

Ditto to you! Yes that is him... he has a lot of work around the coast of CA and Washington state as well. he is out of Seattle I believe.

[Happydog]

beautiful pictures!!!!

Thank you!!! :) They were fun to take!

Oh, Baylor is going to love that basketball court!:thumbsup2 Thanks for the picture!
I love it all! I can't wait! I will want off the ship though, can't wait to explore...

Thanks WigD!

The basket ball area is really neat. I love all the Mickey heads everywhere!

You will have a great time I am sure you will love it as a family, b/c you get you time and family time!

We did get off the boat to explore a little, and since we had been to Nassau before, were not rushing to go do anything else really. Atlantis, I was on the fence about treking over there... I think it was simply because it was such a short vacation, and because I really just wanted to relax more than anything, NOT be a tourist if that makes sense, that this time lounging was the right plan for us. BUT that said, I think we will make that trip next time, and definitely with the kids.

You are definitely selling the cruise experience!!! Your day sounds divine and the pictures are just gorgeous. :)

It seems like a Christine kind of day!!! :goodvibes If you could get over the concern about sea sickness, I would tell you it is definitely a relaxing and enjoyable trip. :goodvibes

Oh, what a lovely day just relaxing! I like the idea of all that food and all those cocktails! :rotfl:

What a gorgeous color blue, and I love the buildings in Nassau -- they look just like the Caribbean Beach Resort! :rotfl2:

Oh, there, you see!!! This is what I was thinking, too!!! :rotfl: Wait until you see Castaway Cay... unfortunately those buildings in Nassau were the only buildings in Nassau proper that were so nicely painted, etc. -- the port area is pretty touristy and the main street filled with cheap novelty shops and hugely high end stuff... I wasn't inspired to shop, just enjoyed walking around and taking in the sights!

The Caribbean Beach theme works really well! :thumbsup2

What a fabulously relaxing day! I'd take a cocktail and a lounge chair by the pool right about now!

Justin would flip over that basketball court too!

That is exactly what it was! Relaxing and fun! the cocktails and the lounge chairs were a perfect daytime match! :rotfl:

[Happydog]

Can't wait to read the rest. DH and I just booked our second cruise (sailing in 126 days!!) and we have no kiddos. It is nice to read an adults only trippie. We also drink like y'all....drinks all around!! Bring em on!! Did you happen to carry any alcohol on with you??

Hello! DH and I try to do these sort of trips during the year at least once or twice, and he refuses to go to Disney without our kids, so this was as close as I could get to that!!! :rotfl: That said, I really would like to take a trip to WDW.. maybe solo! :laughing: BUT we totally enjoyed the boat, and booked our next cruise (just us) for the same time next year! :thumbsup2

We DID bring a bottle of wine with us. We didn't drink it! :laughing: BUT I will say the regular mixed drinks were $5.50 apiece. The specialty cocktails that they offered were more, but we felt the booze on the boat was reasonably priced... I guess I might bring a bottle of Absolut maybe next time -- to mix with something over ice, but I don't know... That was the fun of the vacation I guess! How exciting you are going again! Would that be July, then?

Wow those sea and sky pics are great, it looks really beautiful :goodvibes The idea of a pool day with cocktails sounds really relaxing something we would def take advantage of if on our own :)

It is exactly what we needed, and so we felt very lucky to have the beautiful weather. Castaway Cay was also wonderful, but it got windy later in the day.
Cruises can be really busy I think or really slow in pace depending on what you do I guess... ;) The good news is that there is something for everybody! Disney does that right, no question!!!


Oh that looks deliciously lazy!

I want a day like that.

and that blue.....

Sigh.

YES. SIGH. That is how I feel looking at the pics again and I was the one who went :lmao:

[manntra]

Beautiful pictures HD!! :goodvibes I always love a blue sky picture! :rotfl2: Isn't the adult pool so relaxing and well....quiet? ;) I remember having some wonderful cocktails while my niece was off at one of the programs....she loved doing that and although she only did it one day there is always a variety for all ages. Back to the cocktails.....mmmmm I had such a yummy mojito :cloud9: and some of the flavors of the day ;)
I never really noticed the rocking of the ship...I think once during dinner when I was sitting down but it wasn't enough to bother me :confused3
DCL was my first cruise and I think I am forever ruined for any other cruise line! :rotfl2:

Tracy

[jessrose18]

signing on...popcorn::

[Happydog]

Beautiful pictures HD!! :goodvibes I always love a blue sky picture! :rotfl2: Isn't the adult pool so relaxing and well....quiet? ;) I remember having some wonderful cocktails while my niece was off at one of the programs....she loved doing that and although she only did it one day there is always a variety for all ages. Back to the cocktails.....mmmmm I had such a yummy mojito :cloud9: and some of the flavors of the day ;)
I never really noticed the rocking of the ship...I think once during dinner when I was sitting down but it wasn't enough to bother me :confused3
DCL was my first cruise and I think I am forever ruined for any other cruise line! :rotfl2:

Tracy

It was a great place to hang out, YES! There really is so much for kids and adults to do, I agree! I know my boys will really enjoy the activity clubs. At the pool, I had a mango margarita, and a something else that I can't remember now :p On Castaway Cay I had three conch coolers and a margarita... (well it WAS 2 for one in the afternoon) :rolleyes1 DH had the same... so.... well, I took a nice nap on a lounge chair at Serenity Bay! :laughing: More on that day coming up!

signing on...popcorn::

Hello! Welcome!

looks like you are going on a cruise soon!

[Happydog]

So after a nice day and evening docked in the Bahamas, it was time for the boat to set off for our next stop, Castaway Cay!

This evening we had our sheduled dining rotation at Triton's. There are three restaurants aboard the ship. Parrot Cay, Triton's and Animator's palette. because we ate at Paolo's for two nights, we only had our scheduled meal at Triton's. Our dining rotation was the late 8:15 seating, so we went to see the ToyStory show first. That was very cute :) It was funny seeing the animated characters acted out by CMs! The show was about 40 minutes. We then went back to the stateroom for a short nap! They had already come by to turn down the bed, and here was the towel art friend we had waiting for us!!!

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010068.jpg

After a short nap, we headed over to the restaurant for dinner. We really enjoyed our meal, and the service as always was wonderful!
The dining room is really pretty. I didn't get a photo, but there is an amazing mosaic on the back wall of Triton and Ariel -- ala little mermaid scene!

Here is the statue in front of the entrance, though!

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And one of the stair cases that sweep down in front.

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After dinner we headed out to see the Pirate Party! I took these two on deck 10, looking over the party from the rail.

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Here are a few more to give you a better idea...


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http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/PirateParty.jpg

I didn't look for photos, but the buffet and the dessert spread they have out on deck for the Pirate party is amazing! We couldn't begin to eat again (with our late seating) but it looked great! The lines, however, NOT so great! :scared1: So maybe it is a good thing I wasn't hungry!

We then went to our favorite location, you guessed it! The Outlook Cafe! :laughing: I never took photos, but here are a couple that show you the inside. It is two levels, with two bars, the one on deck 9 is a coffee bar, the bar on deck 10 more of a traditional lounge. The nights we were there they had live music -- this is the same band they had on the small stage in the adult pool area that evening -- kinda like happy hour before we left Nassau!

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/4305561668_2b5fde5e5e.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/4304819017_acd1cc604d.jpg

Sitting in a couple comfortable chairs, we had a drink and waited for the fireworks! It was so neat to see fireworks at sea!!!!!!! I didn't take photos or try b/c they never come out very well (I really need to get a bigger flash if I want them to come out!) so DH and I just leaned against the railing and watched them go! :goodvibes

When the fireworks ended we made our way to the movie theater to see "When in Rome" that was the evening movie. It was very cute! :upsidedow The movie theater is high stadium seating, and is a great place to see a movie! That started at 11pm, so by the time we got back to the room it was after midnight!

CASTAWAY CAY Here we COME!!!!

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[Charleston Princess]

Dinner at Triton's: :cloud9:

Desset buffet: :cloud9:

Evening cocktails: :cloud9:

Fireworks at sea: :cloud9:

The promise of a day at Castaway Cay: :cloud9::cloud9::cloud9:

Yep, I am convinced that a Disney Cruise is a little slice of heaven. ::yes::

[jenseib]

Fun evening. It looks like so much to do.

Just FYI, you DON'T want a flash for firework pictures. They are much better with no flash. A tripod though would make them come out better, as the more still/ steady you and your camera are the better they are.

[Happydog]

Dinner at Triton's: :cloud9:

Desset buffet: :cloud9:

Evening cocktails: :cloud9:

Fireworks at sea: :cloud9:

The promise of a day at Castaway Cay: :cloud9::cloud9::cloud9:

Yep, I am convinced that a Disney Cruise is a little slice of heaven. ::yes::

Oh, seriously, it was great fun. The photos of CC are really nice, that was my favorite part of the trip!!! I will post those later today!


Fun evening. It looks like so much to do.

Just FYI, you DON'T want a flash for firework pictures. They are much better with no flash. A tripod though would make them come out better, as the more still/ steady you and your camera are the better they are.


OH seriously??!!:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: That is highlarious. Well then I guess that has been my problem! That and maybe shutter speed. I am not sure! guess I will google that to see... regardless you are the first person to tell me that, and then now that I think about it others probably thought I already knew that.... :p Duh..... :headache: :laughing:

[eandesmom]

Dinner at Triton's: :cloud9:

Desset buffet: :cloud9:

Evening cocktails: :cloud9:

Fireworks at sea: :cloud9:

The promise of a day at Castaway Cay: :cloud9::cloud9::cloud9:

Yep, I am convinced that a Disney Cruise is a little slice of heaven. ::yes::

Me too!

DYING to know what my vacation days are going to look like. What a lovely lovely evening!

[SoonerGirl]

Dinner at Triton's: :cloud9:

Desset buffet: :cloud9:

Evening cocktails: :cloud9:

Fireworks at sea: :cloud9:

The promise of a day at Castaway Cay: :cloud9::cloud9::cloud9:

Yep, I am convinced that a Disney Cruise is a little slice of heaven. ::yes::

I'm just going to quote Jackie as well - couldn't have said it any better!! :thumbsup2

[DisMomAmy]

Everything seems so relaxed & laid back! I can see why the Land & Sea combos are popular! The cruise seems very Disney but in such a different way!

[2xcited2sleep]

I, too, am getting more and more intrigued with the idea of a cruise...

I may have to go check on the rates... for research purposes, of course. :rolleyes1

[Happydog]

TOUR GUIDE MIKE SAYS 99 DAYS until our

Disney Summer VACATION!!!

:yay: :yay: :yay: :yay:

I was so busy working on this TR I totally got side tracked on my own ticker time celebration!!!

Ah well, 99 is better than 100!!!! :rotfl:

[Charleston Princess]

I do think a DOUBLE DIGIT dance is in order now! party: party:

I have no idea how many days we have left until the trip...I think my problem is that July seems so far away at this point...

[jeremysdisneymom]

Oh, what a wonderful evening! DS and I was just watching the Cruise DVD again today. The party looks like so much fun.

popcorn::Looking forward to another update!

Erika

[jeremysdisneymom]

:cheer2:TOUR GUIDE MIKE SAYS 99 DAYS until our

Disney Summer VACATION!!!

:yay: :yay: :yay: :yay:

I was so busy working on this TR I totally got side tracked on my own ticker time celebration!!!

Ah well, 99 is better than 100!!!! :rotfl:

:dance3::dance3::dance3:Congratulations!

I just looked at your ticker and are you going to be cruising in February 2011 as well? I posted on my trip to you that I thought we are going then as well. February 21st to be exact!

ERika

[SoonerGirl]

TOUR GUIDE MIKE SAYS 99 DAYS until our

Disney Summer VACATION!!!

:yay: :yay: :yay: :yay:

I was so busy working on this TR I totally got side tracked on my own ticker time celebration!!!

Ah well, 99 is better than 100!!!! :rotfl:

:woohoo::yay: Yay for double digits!!! :yay::woohoo:

[mom2mek]

Great updates! Staying on the ship is exactly what I would do on a 3 day cruise! Gotta get as much of the ship as you can, right?

Your night sounds great! I have heard that the Toy Story show is really cute! The movie theater sounds nice too! Fireworks at sea HAS GOT to be amazing!!! :cloud9:

Very much looking forward to hearing about Castaway Cay! :goodvibes

Sara

[eandesmom]

Double Digits is MUCH better than single!!!!!!!!!

:cool1::cool1:

[Happydog]

Double Digits is MUCH better than single!!!!!!!!!

:cool1::cool1:

I think you mean TRIPLE... :laughing: Because if I was in the single digits, I'd be freaking out!!!! ;)

[birdie9]

I'm a little concerned about not doing a beach day in Nassau with the # of times the ships have missed CC. I see the 4/4 Wonder is sold out of Atlantis days and am thinking of just a taxi to a beach for some sun/sand/water.

[IluvXU]

Being under 100 days is fantastic. I made an adr today and realized it will be here soon!

[Señor DonDuck]

Nice update. Good info on Outlook Cafe.

[Happydog]

Okay, after this next update, I am sure you will see why I was seriously wishing I could set up camp and stay at Castaway Cay until the next cruise ship showed up... :rolleyes:

After another fun evening on the ship we headed to sleep with visions of a fabulous serene beach in our head. And, well, that is what we got!

The next morning, we headed over to the exercise room again, grabbed latte’s (again!) and went to Triton’s for breakfast (again :laughing:). Meanwhile, the boat was busy docking at Castaway Cay!

The Captain was telling us (via the ship intercom) that winds might bring a storm towards us, to the point he might have to call us to the ship earlier than the regular 4:30 departure time. If that were the case he would let us know, but for now all was clear for a great day on Castaway Cay. HE was not kidding, and a beautiful day was indeed bestowed upon us!

After breakfast we packed up our beach bag and with suits on, headed off for a serene day, at, where else? SERENTITY BAY!

This was the day I was waiting for, and on a three day cruise is definitely the highlight in my opinion!

I had heard a few stories where the cruise ship was unable to get to Castaway Cay because of the winds and the water not allowing the ship to dock… fortunately we were able to enjoy this day. We were off the ship and taking the tram over to the second tram to get a ride to the other side of the Island with the adults only beach.

Here are some photos along the way! Just some pics of the boat, the pathway to Castaway Cay and the Flying Dutchman (I have others later in the post, too)... You can see all the little "Disney" touches that surround you... everthing from the music, to the landscaping, to the names of the places, and the coordinated CMs!!! They might be a little out of order, from the boat along the way, but you will get the idea! I added in a few that I had taken on the way BACK to the ship, since I mised those on the way in! I was too excited to get to my destination! :laughing:

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010103.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010113.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010108.jpg

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Oh. THIS is my only other "self portrait"!!!! :rotfl: My pedicure and my new flip flops! They are Yellow Box Brown sparkly straps, LOVE em! :thumbsup2 They match perfectly with the new beach coverup I bought for the cruise, which is also a cocoa brown.

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010081.jpg

This is the family beach, one of two, but closest to the snorkeling bay, etc. the other side, is where they are putting in the new slide!

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Here is some random guy waiting for the tram...

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AT LAST!!! Here is where we had our sights set… :cloud9:

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010089.jpg

So in no time, we were on the beach, in lounge chairs, ordering our first conch cooler well before 11am! :rolleyes1

This is the VIEW from my chair... I have several shots of this view... :rolleyes1

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010088.jpg

MORE in the NEXT POST!!!!! :cloud9:

[ickletarakins]

Great review! Can't wait to hear the rest of it. My boyfriend and I and another couple we are friends with are all going on a 3-day Disney cruise in May--none of us have kids so I love reading about someone else who went on a Disney Cruise without kids :)

Also, I'm still trying to figure out the Conch Cooler thing. Is it just a mixed drink or does it come in a cool cup or something?

[Happydog]

The view, the quiet, the cocktails on the beach, the breeze, the sun, it was perfect :lovestruc

We had a couple rounds of Conch coolers, dozed, read, and then walked along the beach in the water a bit as well. I didn't dare take my camera so I am sorry that I didn't get photos, but we saw starfish, and other little fish flitting about. the tide was out so the water in the pics you can see was knee deep or less. We didn't swim, but some people were.

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We hung out on the beach until near 2pm. We then walked to the BBQ lunch spot -- at the main beach area it is called "Cookie's BBQ" but at Serenity Bay it was something else -- they had grilled flank steak , ribs, fish, chicken, burgers, salads, fruit, and ice cream and cookies. Perfect beach weather fare! I had a fabulous bit of steak with chimichurri sauce, ribs, and some great salads and fruit... and my daily dose of ice cream!!!!

Here are a two more photos, I borrowed these, to show you more of the decor and the details of the area.

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/SerenityBar.jpg

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After a very yummy lunch in the open air seating, we walked back to the main beach vs. taking the tram. It was worth it after eating so much! And the walk is along the "air strip" where you can ride bicycles.

Once we got back to the main beach, we went straight to the bar...
(well they WERE having two for one!! AND we needed to buy another souvenir cup... :rolleyes:)

This time we got mango margaritas, and with these, we just walked around and explored, shopped at She Sells Sea Shells and More!, and slowly started heading back to the boat around 3:30 pm....

Here is the bar... :laughing:

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Bar2.jpg

okay, okay, and more of what we saw as we walked about... They are building some private cabanas and a water slide, these are supposed to open this summer, so hopefully WigD will see it in action! It looks great!! There was another bar on that end of the beach, but we hadn't finished our margaritas and we needed to be able to find our way back to the boat!! They had a HUGE line up of hair braiders, like eight of them! I would never have the patience for that, and it kinda looks like it hurts! :headache: BUT it does look neat when it is done!

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Obviously the Flying Dutchman is a really cool addition to Castaway Cay. It wasn't there when we were here 10 years ago, so it was fun to see it! The detail of the ship is SOOOOOOOO cool. I hope you can see some of it in these photos...

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CONTINUED in the NEXT POST!!!

[Happydog]

I told you I took lots of photos!!! :rotfl:

Here are the last of them...

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THIS is one of my favorites, and SO Disney!

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Okay I didn't take this one, but I didn't have any photos of characters b/c they didn't make it over to serenity bay!! :laughing:

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/4215505129_08d72e5976.jpg

That random guy again...

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We took our time coming back to the boat... they had great music playing, the fresh fruit bar we attacked one more time, and then finally once more back on the boat we walked out on Deck 7 and took more photos. The wind was picking up, as you can see in some of the photos, but it was still a pretty view, and the temp was great.

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010121.jpg

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All in all Castaway Cay was a wonderful day, and really made the trip! The day at Castaway Cay confirmed for us that with the boys we would be back for the 5 day Disney Dream cruise with two stops at Castaway Cay. It was so much fun, it is so well designed, with so many features and fun things to do, I am sooooo glad that they finally designed a cruise with two stops here. It is totally worth it. And I look forward to sharing the sting rays, the snorkeling area, the slide, and the other kid activities with the boys next summer. They have a kids club type area as well, a HUGE play area with a sand dig (like the dino dig/excavation site at the AK) and they would totally love that too!

Perhaps the most obvious but most appreciative aspect of Castaway Cay, is how apparent it is, that you are on a Disney creation the minute you step off the ship. :goodvibes Everything about the island is amazing, all the same kind of details you expect out of Disney! :lovestruc I couldn’t get enough of it. They had Our favorite Pirate of the Carribean on hand (Jack), Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Chip and Dale, all characters in beach gear, getting their photo ops! And of course Captain Hook! They also had the new construction in place, and are hard at work on this new addition to the island, which looks like great fun! I can’t wait for my boys to give it a try in a year!

Coming up, last night at Palo's !!!! Our amazing Towel creation! NEW cruises!!

[2xcited2sleep]

WOW! :cloud9: What a great day. First off, loving that the first conch cooler was before 11am! :thumbsup2

Castaway Cay looks gorgeous!!! I want to be there right now! I've seen drawings of those new cabanas.... look pretty cool!

And speaking of cool, how neat is that pirate ship?? Love it!!

Love the "maybe tomorrow" name on the sign. I need that for my office! :laughing:

As I said, you are really selling the cruise experience!! You've got me thinking... ;)

[DisMomAmy]

Castaway Cay looks AMAZING!! Your boys will love it nex year!

[eandesmom]

oh wow! I might just have to make sure we are in on the DCL part of Peepfest after all! The boys would LOVE Castaway Cay.

So would we!

This cruise report has me soooooooo relaxed...and I'm just reading it. :goodvibes

[SoonerGirl]

WOW! That does it - I'm going to have to squelch my fears about cruising and do it!! I don't blame you for wanting to set up camp and hang out for a few days :cloud9:

[ScotsMinnie]

Mango margharita!!! How amazing does that sound? Bet it was delicious. Your photos are gorgeous! How lovely to have such a great trip with just the two of you. I am sure your boys will love it next time round. Looking forward to hearing more! x

[Happydog]

Me too!

DYING to know what my vacation days are going to look like. What a lovely lovely evening!

Well I am sure the Mexico cruise would be fabulous. I love all the ports of call! I have been to Mexico and a few of those locations, but never on a cruise ship. I bet you'll be able to get it in! ;)

I'm just going to quote Jackie as well - couldn't have said it any better!! :thumbsup2

Yes, well ... I agree... :rotfl::rotfl:

Everything seems so relaxed & laid back! I can see why the Land & Sea combos are popular! The cruise seems very Disney but in such a different way!

You know, I think so. The cruise allows for onboard care (for kids) so you get adult time and family time, and I think that makes a big difference. I know there were adults in the adult pool area or on the deck above whose kids were in the kids programs, while they snuck in a few hours to relax. There certainly is something for everyone! The cruise ships are very Disney, but you are right, it is different. I almost think you meet more CMs on the ship than you do at a resort or park...

Great review! Can't wait to hear the rest of it. My boyfriend and I and another couple we are friends with are all going on a 3-day Disney cruise in May--none of us have kids so I love reading about someone else who went on a Disney Cruise without kids :)

Also, I'm still trying to figure out the Conch Cooler thing. Is it just a mixed drink or does it come in a cool cup or something?

We always plan a few "us only" getaways every year. It is from our love of travel I guess, and it keeps us sane! :laughing: But this cruise was a perfect idea and a perfect price. We are doing it again next Feb, for four days over President's Day weekend.

I searched on the DIS and found a recipie I think... it is a blended drink, a little like a pina colada, but with passion fruit and orange juice -- so somewhat like an orange julius??!! :) HA! With a little kick. Well, enough of a kick to make me want to take a nap on the beach :rolleyes1

Here is what I found when I searched....


6oz. Dark Rum (I use Captain Morgan's)
6oz. Light Rum (I use Parrot Bay)
8oz. Orange Juice (no pulp)
12oz. Passion Fruit Juice (Welches)
8oz. Cream of Coconut (I use Coco Lopez)
2 cups of ice

Mix all in a blender and blend until smooth.

I have not made this, but I am tempted!!! :laughing:

Castaway Cay looks AMAZING!! Your boys will love it next year!

It really is neat, and I think it will be perfect for us!! OF course DH and I have to try out the Dream FIRST to make sure we get situated before we bring them on a cruise for the first time... :rolleyes:

[Happydog]

I, too, am getting more and more intrigued with the idea of a cruise...

I may have to go check on the rates... for research purposes, of course. :rolleyes1

Seriously, Christine! I totally would tell you good deals are to be had! That 3 day is easy, and a good start if you are not certain... I think you would really enjoy it! rates go up and down, but not just the Disney site, there is a good site for discount cruises, that we used to "price" it, then we went to the Disney site to book it.

WOW! :cloud9: What a great day. First off, loving that the first conch cooler was before 11am! :thumbsup2

WE were on vacation. I didn't care what time it was!!! :laughing: It had enough fruit in it to be considered a cross between a mimosa and a pina colada! My mom always says, oh it is after noon somewhere... ;)



Castaway Cay looks gorgeous!!! I want to be there right now! I've seen drawings of those new cabanas.... look pretty cool!

And speaking of cool, how neat is that pirate ship?? Love it!!

Love the "maybe tomorrow" name on the sign. I need that for my office! :laughing:

As I said, you are really selling the cruise experience!! You've got me thinking... ;)

It really is soooo neat! I would have taken more photos, but I was just soaking it all in myself! The main area at Castaway -- I didn't take enough photos. but there were many things to explore there! it is a cross between a waterpark and CBR, seriously!!! :rotfl:

Yes! Wasn't that "May B" sign TOOOO cute!!?? :goodvibes

[Happydog]

I do think a DOUBLE DIGIT dance is in order now! party: party:

I have no idea how many days we have left until the trip...I think my problem is that July seems so far away at this point...

THANK YOU!! I am so excited for that trip, I just pulled out all my paperwork yesterday to review things! June seems far enough away too, but it will be here before we know it, and July too!

Oh, what a wonderful evening! DS and I was just watching the Cruise DVD again today. The party looks like so much fun.

popcorn::Looking forward to another update!

Erika

Yep! It sure was fun, and though we didn't spend too much time in it (crowded) we still liked what we saw!

:cheer2:

:dance3::dance3::dance3:Congratulations!

I just looked at your ticker and are you going to be cruising in February 2011 as well? I posted on my trip to you that I thought we are going then as well. February 21st to be exact!

ERika


Oh! Well, so are we! But not the 7 day cruise you are planning on! We are taking the four day cruise over President's Day weekend. It is on the Dream. We figured we had to check out the boat before we brought our kids.... :rolleyes:

:woohoo::yay: Yay for double digits!!! :yay::woohoo:

THANKS!!! Shoot, you have just a month or so yourself!

Being under 100 days is fantastic. I made an adr today and realized it will be here soon!

I did a few today as well, and I was surprised I could! I can't wait for this trip either!

[Happydog]

Great updates! Staying on the ship is exactly what I would do on a 3 day cruise! Gotta get as much of the ship as you can, right?

Your night sounds great! I have heard that the Toy Story show is really cute! The movie theater sounds nice too! Fireworks at sea HAS GOT to be amazing!!! :cloud9:

Very much looking forward to hearing about Castaway Cay! :goodvibes

Sara

We wanted to enjoy it and all the amenities, so that is what we were thinking, at least this time. Knowing we would get some beach time at Castaway. The Toy Story show was really adorable, the whole boat and all the activities and entertainment IS amazing. It is exactly how you would expect Disney to do "cruising" -- Fireworks, very very cool :)


I'm a little concerned about not doing a beach day in Nassau with the # of times the ships have missed CC. I see the 4/4 Wonder is sold out of Atlantis days and am thinking of just a taxi to a beach for some sun/sand/water.

You know I had read that too, we were hoping it wouldn't be an issue, the weather had beed pretty mild, so I was trying not to think about the "what ifs"... regarding CC... we thought to catch a cab over to the beach ourselves (totally doable I hear), but I think in the end, we just didn't want to have to rush off to get over there, etc., and back, at least this time. We were not dying to go to Atlantis, but the beaches are accessible I have read, so I would totally check it out! :thumbsup2


Nice update. Good info on Outlook Cafe.

Thank you!

oh wow! I might just have to make sure we are in on the DCL part of Peepfest after all! The boys would LOVE Castaway Cay.

So would we!

This cruise report has me soooooooo relaxed...and I'm just reading it. :goodvibes

Your boys are the right age to probably enjoy a lot about the ship and the activities.

WOW! That does it - I'm going to have to squelch my fears about cruising and do it!! I don't blame you for wanting to set up camp and hang out for a few days :cloud9:

Well, a short one gets your feet wet! And the price in the off season, basically Jan - Feb and Sept - Oct. can't be beat considering what they give you!

Mango margarita!!! How amazing does that sound? Bet it was delicious. Your photos are gorgeous! How lovely to have such a great trip with just the two of you. I am sure your boys will love it next time round. Looking forward to hearing more!



OH yes, very very good :laughing: I have pics of the souvenir cups we enjoyed them in! It was great fun for us, and will be even more fun as a family. :goodvibes

[Charleston Princess]

Wow! Wow! Wow! Forget going to Castaway Cay for a day, I think I need to move there!!! But I don't want to work there, I just want to lie on the beach drinking Conch Coolers all day! Think they would let me do that? :rotfl:

[jenseib]

I want to go there NOW!!! LOL!

[Disney owl]

great reports & photos thanks

[jeremysdisneymom]

Oh! Well, so are we! But not the 7 day cruise you are planning on! We are taking the four day cruise over President's Day weekend. It is on the Dream. We figured we had to check out the boat before we brought our kids.... :rolleyes:





We changed our mind a few weeks ago. We are doing the 4 day cruise over President's Day as well. We leave Sunday (the day before President's Day) on the Disney Dream. Is that when you leave? Tom and I talked and we were concerned over the 7 nights. Plus, he is insisting on a balcony. He is worried about his space (and I thought I was the claustrophic one). Our plan is to drive down and spend Saturday at Sea World, board the ship on Sunday, and then head to Walt Disney World the next three days and stay at the Grand Floridian . DS is going with us and we will celebrate his birthday on Friday at Magic Kingdom and our anniversary on Saturday. The Dream looks amazing. Jeremy is very excited about the Aqua Duck.

Erika

[mom2mek]

Holy Moly - I want to go on a cruise! CC looks so beautiful and so relaxing! I can totally do drinks at 11AM! LIke you said, mimosas and bloody mary's are alcoholic, why not a conch cooler?

Thanks for the great photos! Looks like a fabulous time! :goodvibes

Sara

[Señor DonDuck]

Great CC pictures!

[stace208]

Sign me up for Castaway Cay!!! Wowza...love it! I hope the rumor you heard about a resort there is true because I could totally see spending days there!

[DisneyMom14]

Wow! Great updates with awesome pictures. Sounds like you had such a wonderful adult trip but would be awesome with the kids as well.

[AlohaAnnie]

We are headed for the Dream December 2011! We are really looking forward to it, and are praying for great weather. I get motion sickness so I have a plan for medication, never been on a cruise but DH and kiddies are looking forward to it, so I am going! :wizard:

Looking forward to Castaway Cay, I am hoping the kiddos can swim. I read somewhere that the weather is cool during December, maybe we will get lucky. I am sure we will have a great time no matter what happens in the end. :thumbsup2

Sounds like you and the random guy had a great relaxing time! :goodvibes

[jeremysdisneymom]

Castaway Cay looks amazing. I can hardly wait for next year.

So glad you had a good time.

Love the photos of that random guy!

Erika

[Happydog]

Wow! Wow! Wow! Forget going to Castaway Cay for a day, I think I need to move there!!! But I don't want to work there, I just want to lie on the beach drinking Conch Coolers all day! Think they would let me do that? :rotfl:

:lmao: Come on, CP! I agree! Let's be the first in line to see if they will :rotfl:


I want to go there NOW!!! LOL!

DITTO!!!!! :cloud9:

great reports & photos thanks

Thank you for coming over to read!

Holy Moly - I want to go on a cruise! CC looks so beautiful and so relaxing! I can totally do drinks at 11AM! LIke you said, mimosas and bloody mary's are alcoholic, why not a conch cooler?

Thanks for the great photos! Looks like a fabulous time! :goodvibes

Sara

EXACTLY my logic! DH didn't hesitate to do the same thing :laughing:

It was a great few days!

Great CC pictures!

Thanks!

Sign me up for Castaway Cay!!! Wowza...love it! I hope the rumor you heard about a resort there is true because I could totally see spending days there!

Oh yeah, CP and I are already in line.. you can join us too! :rotfl:

Wow! Great updates with awesome pictures. Sounds like you had such a wonderful adult trip but would be awesome with the kids as well.

That is exactly why we are going to take them on the 5 day next summer with two CC stops. Disney was really smart giving their cruises a perfect balance of both worlds! Even with kids you can have adult time while on the ship :thumbsup2

[Happydog]

We changed our mind a few weeks ago. We are doing the 4 day cruise over President's Day as well. We leave Sunday (the day before President's Day) on the Disney Dream. Is that when you leave? Tom and I talked and we were concerned over the 7 nights. Plus, he is insisting on a balcony. He is worried about his space (and I thought I was the claustrophic one). Our plan is to drive down and spend Saturday at Sea World, board the ship on Sunday, and then head to Walt Disney World the next three days and stay at the Grand Floridian . DS is going with us and we will celebrate his birthday on Friday at Magic Kingdom and our anniversary on Saturday. The Dream looks amazing. Jeremy is very excited about the Aqua Duck.

Erika

Wow!! That sounds great! We are going on that same 4 day! How funny! We are not bringing our kids, though. This is a short getaway for us -- the cruise with the boys in next summer, and is the 5 day 2 stops at CC. I agree the Aqua Duck does look really cool!!!!! We booked two cruises with the special "bounce back" type offer they have.

Castaway Cay looks amazing. I can hardly wait for next year.

So glad you had a good time.

Love the photos of that random guy!

Erika

:rolleyes: Thanks!! It was amazing, get excited!

We are headed for the Dream December 2011! We are really looking forward to it, and are praying for great weather. I get motion sickness so I have a plan for medication, never been on a cruise but DH and kiddies are looking forward to it, so I am going! :wizard:

Looking forward to Castaway Cay, I am hoping the kiddos can swim. I read somewhere that the weather is cool during December, maybe we will get lucky. I am sure we will have a great time no matter what happens in the end. :thumbsup2

Sounds like you and the random guy had a great relaxing time! :goodvibes

Well I don't know about cruising in December, but I am sure it will be very festive! If you take the right stuff you should be fine -- maybe check about that patch option. Yes, the random guy and I had a great time :upsidedow

[jeremysdisneymom]

Wow!! That sounds great! We are going on that same 4 day! How funny! We are not bringing our kids, though. This is a short getaway for us -- the cruise with the boys in next summer, and is the 5 day 2 stops at CC. I agree the Aqua Duck does look really cool!!!!! We booked two cruises with the special "bounce back" type offer they have.



:woohoo: Maybe we will run into each other! I hope that all goes well on this cruise. I really want to try a 7 day but was so afraid of motion sickness and wondering if we would like it or not. Plus, DH was insistent on the verandah. :sad2: That worries me even with DS being 8 going on 9 when we go. Plus, I am afraid of heights! Dear lord, with motion sickness and my fear of heights I might get off in the Bahamas and never go home :scared1:!

popcorn::Look forward to your next update!
'
Erika

[mickeyphile]

Hi. I have been a lurker until yesterday when after reading such wonderful trip reports from you and other members I decided to jump in and admit that I too am addicted to disney !!!

We (my DH, DS8, DS7, and DD5 and I) have been to the WORLD countless times and went on the 4 day cruise for the first time in January last year. We had a lot to learn but had a wonderful time. At that time, they had a special offer where you could book another cruise in the fall for $99pp. How could we turn that down?? So we went on our three day cruise in mid august last year. We loved the experience on so many levels and the kids are always talking of going back.

I have really enjoyed your accounts of your trips. I must admit that I am very jealous of how your DH is right there on board with you when it comes to Disney. I am in the opposite camp of people with a DH who goes to Disney for the sake of family time but would rather be vacationing elsewhere (preferably exploring the great outdoors).

I wanted to ask you about the future cruises you booked while on board this past cruise. How much of a discount did you get and were you able to apply the discount to the cruise you had already booked with the kids for the summer of 2011?

Thank you once again for sharing and I look forward to reading more (so get going on writing!). :goodvibes

[Ciciwoowoo]

I'm so enjoying your trip report! :goodvibes

[Happydog]

So after our last views of Castaway Cay, we finally headed back in our state room. Knowing we wanted to see the show and be ready for dinner at 8:30, we took showers and did a little preliminary packing The show this evening was called Disney Dreams, and was really neat to see. It was the same show, actually, thatwe had seen back on our first cruise, we don't recall much, but we remember liking it, and we remembered why as we watched! Again because of our dinner reservation being a little later, we had a little time to spare so we walked around, checked out the photo gallery (where they have all their pics that the photographers take on the ship -- it is called "shutters") and just walked around the mid ship area. I bought my souvenirs, and we also filled out cards for a future cruise quote...:rolleyes1

So tonight we were again enjoying dinner at Paolo's ... SIGH... Totally worth it! The food is so good!! We didn't leave before 11pm if that gives you any idea, and with the rain falling lightly outside, what hurry did we have? :goodvibes It was very leisurely, and fun. We had the same waiter, and enjoyed chatting with him and the other wait staff. When we returned from Paolo's we found this turndown and "friend"... Very appropriate for Pirates, don't you think??!!

(here is our door, in case you were wondering! what they looked like!!) ;)

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010117.jpg

A shot of the bathroom -- I think the bathrooms all over the ship are really cool. I know that sounds silly but they are cool! Great details and just neat stylistically (for a bathroom!)

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010128.jpg

Doesn't he look like the character from Pirates??!!

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010126.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010125.jpg

So we got ourselves organized in the stateroom and then with a little reading we fell asleep.
:goodvibes

THE NEXT MORNING...

We finished all our packing, we went up to get some breakfast (nothing inspiring), and we took our suitcases off the ship for disembarkation. We went through customs, and left the terminal! We were able to get a shuttle back to the hotel where our car was, and shortly after we were on our way up to 95, to our next destination, Disney's Hilton Head resort! :thumbsup2 We were anxious to get going so we could maximize our time in SC at HH. Everything to disembark was very efficient, and easy to do. I enjoyed everything about our cruise, and I can't wait to go again! I will add some cruise tips at the end with my souvenirs!

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010129.jpg

I will have my next post tomorrow, I intend to start my PTR (finally!!!) this weekend!!!! :yay:

[eandesmom]

I love the towel guy! It is so perfect for pirates.

What an incredibly relaxing three days. I will get on a DCL trip one of these days.

I can't wait to read/see HH.

[DisMomAmy]

Love the towel guy! :thumbsup2 He looks just like the POTC character! Can't wait to hear about Hilton Head!

[Charleston Princess]

Lovely last evening! I must admit, you had me looking at February cruises for 2011 after reading all about yours. We have a four-day weekend for President's Day, and it would be so nice to escape for an adults-only trip. I was so sad to read your cruise was over, but then, you reminded me about your night in Hilton Head. Looking forward to reading all about that now, and of course, seeing what souvenirs you picked up!

[jeremysdisneymom]

What a lovely evening! I can't wait to read all your tips. I have a ton of questions for you but I will wait and see if they are answered in the tips first.

Erika

[Señor DonDuck]

Whoa, that's a big towel critter!

[IluvXU]

We have to get back to a Disney Cruise sometime soon! I think two days at CC sounds heavenly. Eager to hear about HH, and the pretrip report. We have to get our meet together!

[TotallyAngelic]

Your photos are stunning :thumbsup2 You have really captured the essence and vibrancy of the islands. Really fantastic trip report .... reading it has totally made me homesick for Castaway Cay :cloud9:

[stace208]

Sounds like a great last night...well, if any last night is great:rolleyes:

Can't wait to hear about HH!:goodvibes

[Happydog]

Lovely last evening! I must admit, you had me looking at February cruises for 2011 after reading all about yours. We have a four-day weekend for President's Day, and it would be so nice to escape for an adults-only trip. I was so sad to read your cruise was over, but then, you reminded me about your night in Hilton Head. Looking forward to reading all about that now, and of course, seeing what souvenirs you picked up!

THAT IS WHEN WE ARE GOING AND SO IF YOU EVEN REMOTELY ARE CONSIDERING IT THAT IS ABSOLUTELY WHEN YOU SHOULD GOOOOOOOOOO :rotfl:
Okay, enough said.

[SoonerGirl]

THAT IS WHEN WE ARE GOING AND SO IF YOU EVEN REMOTELY ARE CONSIDERING IT THAT IS ABSOLUTELY WHEN YOU SHOULD GOOOOOOOOOO :rotfl:
Okay, enough said.

I wanna go too!!! Wonder if I could talk the Disney Grump into it.........


You're last night sounds great! Looking forward to hearing about HH. :thumbsup2

[Charleston Princess]

The February 17th or the February 20th one? You weren't kidding about how reasonable they are at that time of year! :eek:

[Happydog]

The February 17th or the February 20th one? You weren't kidding about how reasonable they are at that time of year! :eek:

We are booked this time for the 4 night, the one that leaves Sunday I think it is... the 20th. We have to take three days off. With the three day, it is the Thursday departure -- we had to take two days off, but we also took the Monday off since we went to HH for one night. on the 3 day you get back Sunday am, with Monday the holiday that is kinda nice... we are planning to take the Tue, Wed and Thurs after President's day. It is a good deal I think. I mean the weather can be a gamble, I guess, but we were and are willing to take that bet.

[Happydog]

I wanna go too!!! Wonder if I could talk the Disney Grump into it.........


You're last night sounds great! Looking forward to hearing about HH. :thumbsup2

Never say never! ;)

[Happydog]

:woohoo: Maybe we will run into each other! I hope that all goes well on this cruise. I really want to try a 7 day but was so afraid of motion sickness and wondering if we would like it or not. Plus, DH was insistent on the verandah. :sad2: That worries me even with DS being 8 going on 9 when we go. Plus, I am afraid of heights! Dear lord, with motion sickness and my fear of heights I might get off in the Bahamas and never go home :scared1:!

popcorn::Look forward to your next update!
'
Erika

You will totally love the boat!! We had a verandah room when we went on the 7 day cruise... It is Disney, I am SURE they have thought of everything when it comes to safety for children even in those rooms... ::yes::

And yes! I am sure we will see eachother! I think that people have a cruise DIS Meet thread, I remember seeing it.


Hi. I have been a lurker until yesterday when after reading such wonderful trip reports from you and other members I decided to jump in and admit that I too am addicted to disney !!!

We (my DH, DS8, DS7, and DD5 and I) have been to the WORLD countless times and went on the 4 day cruise for the first time in January last year. We had a lot to learn but had a wonderful time. At that time, they had a special offer where you could book another cruise in the fall for $99pp. How could we turn that down?? So we went on our three day cruise in mid august last year. We loved the experience on so many levels and the kids are always talking of going back.

I have really enjoyed your accounts of your trips. I must admit that I am very jealous of how your DH is right there on board with you when it comes to Disney. I am in the opposite camp of people with a DH who goes to Disney for the sake of family time but would rather be vacationing elsewhere (preferably exploring the great outdoors).

I wanted to ask you about the future cruises you booked while on board this past cruise. How much of a discount did you get and were you able to apply the discount to the cruise you had already booked with the kids for the summer of 2011?

Thank you once again for sharing and I look forward to reading more (so get going on writing!). :goodvibes

Hello!!!! WELCOME!!! SO glad you have had fun reading along. I have had fun writing! With the cruises, we booked a second one, but with the cruise we already had, we couldn't apply the deal, but we could rebook. After some thought we decided to do that instead, so we just rebooked. We got a different room cat for the same price of the original booking (which was a step down in categories). Though we may get an upgrade after all, we liked the incentives: 1/2 the deposit and a $100.00 on board credit. We also got $50.00 for the Disney Visa. So that was nice, and it was discounted 10%

I'm so enjoying your trip report! :goodvibes

Gee Thanks! I had fun writing this one!

[Happydog]

I love the towel guy! It is so perfect for pirates.

What an incredibly relaxing three days. I will get on a DCL trip one of these days.

I can't wait to read/see HH.

It was really exactly what the Dr. ordered! Fun. I still have tan lines :goodvibes

HH is neat, I am glad to share! :upsidedow

Love the towel guy! :thumbsup2 He looks just like the POTC character! Can't wait to hear about Hilton Head!
Cool wasn't it!!

Coming up tonight!!!

Lovely last evening! I must admit, you had me looking at February cruises for 2011 after reading all about yours. We have a four-day weekend for President's Day, and it would be so nice to escape for an adults-only trip. I was so sad to read your cruise was over, but then, you reminded me about your night in Hilton Head. Looking forward to reading all about that now, and of course, seeing what souvenirs you picked up!

Already said my piece about the cruise!!! ;)

My update with HH is coming up tonight! I have pics and more pics!

What a lovely evening! I can't wait to read all your tips. I have a ton of questions for you but I will wait and see if they are answered in the tips first.

Erika

I will tell you what I know, but I will say that the Passporter guide for cruises was a great resource!!!! They have a new one coming out this fall I think...

[Happydog]

Whoa, that's a big towel critter!

I know!!!! Very complex! :) Very appropriate of course -- seeing how we had just visited the Dutchman! pirate:

We have to get back to a Disney Cruise sometime soon! I think two days at CC sounds heavenly. Eager to hear about HH, and the pretrip report. We have to get our meet together!

I will share all about HH, it was really quaint! AND YES! We will get organized for our summer trips and meeting up!, we'll figure that out! :thumbsup2

Your photos are stunning :thumbsup2 You have really captured the essence and vibrancy of the islands. Really fantastic trip report .... reading it has totally made me homesick for Castaway Cay :cloud9:

Let me tell you I could have taken many many more! Next time I will bring a smaller camera with me, too -- it would have been better for Castaway. I feel the same way!!!

[jinia]

Loving your TR! We will be taking our first cruise - a Disney of course May 2011...this report certainly makes me want it to hurry up!

[stace208]

We are booked this time for the 4 night, the one that leaves Sunday I think it is... the 20th. We have to take three days off. With the three day, it is the Thursday departure -- we had to take two days off, but we also took the Monday off since we went to HH for one night. on the 3 day you get back Sunday am, with Monday the holiday that is kinda nice... we are planning to take the Tue, Wed and Thurs after President's day. It is a good deal I think. I mean the weather can be a gamble, I guess, but we were and are willing to take that bet.

I would love to be able to do this kind of thing because the price is so great but my district doesn't allow me to take any days before or after a holiday.:sad2:

[eandesmom]

It was really exactly what the Dr. ordered! Fun. I still have tan lines :goodvibes



Tan lines!

Wow. I was swapping out my closet for spring stuff, putting winter in the back today (and need to be able to find my work clothes again lol) and realized how WHITE I am right now.

I want tan lines!

[Happydog]

So on our way we went, up to Disney’s Hilton Head resort. This was for a one night’s stay, to break up our drive. We rolled in around 2pm. Here are some photos of the main entrance/check in area. There is a nice common room with a pool table, etc. Everything is very rustic, reminds one of a summer “camp”! :laughing:

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010154.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010152.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010151.jpg

Once we got our keys, we dropped our stuff off and walked around to enjoy the grounds… Well actually we went to the pool house first, walked along the beach, and then came back to the resort proper (we wanted to enjoy the best part of what was remaining daylight on the beach. (I realize that I copied these photos out of order, but you will see everything!) The beach house is actually on the OTHER side of the major road on Hilton Head, and you have to drive, ride a bike, or take their shuttle to get to it. We drove over. The beach house pics are last, but just know we went there first! :laughing:

There was a note to look for the “Hidden Mickey’s” in the mantle.. See them??!!

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010148.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010149.jpg

From the main “Lodge” then you can walk along this boardwalk area to the rest of the buildings. It is a neat feature, and at night is probably really pretty. Most of the lodging is 1 and 2 bedroom villas – the only studios are attached to the main building. Here is the pool, the fire pit (where they have stories, etc) and while I didn't get a photo, they have a counter service food option on property, a small shop, and game and exercise rooms.

The mascot on the property is a dog, by the name of Shadow. We saw him along with a CM who played the fiddle, they were on the front porch to the main entrance when we arrived, they were not there when we got back from the beach house, though, so I didn't get a photo!! but apparently when they were building the resort, a stray dog (golden retreiver looking) kept hanging around and the workers "adopted" him... so I suspect they have had a few "Shadows" at this point, but the idea is still the same, and it was a nice greeting when we arrived...:goodvibes

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010139.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010150.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010145.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010143.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010142.jpg


http://i699.photobucket.cm/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010141.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010140.jpg

So here are the BEACH house photos…. It is a nice area, with a pool that has a great view of the beach, and nice airy common room, a similar quick service eatery, and of course beach access! I didn’t take too many photos here because I didn’t want to pull out my camera in the sand. It was a beautiful day, cool, obviously, but sunny and pleasant. :thumbsup2


http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010138.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010137.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010136.jpg

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http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010135.jpg


Once we returned, walked around, and the sun was starting to set, we turned our attention to dinner!!! We ended up going out for Thai food. We thought about seafood, obviously!, but I was in the mood for Thai, and there is a series of family owned restaurants there on HH which had a fantastic rep, so we went and it did NOT disappoint! VERY VERY good!

Unfortunately, about now my camera told me my photo card was “full” (I hadn't cleared it of our Feb Disney Getaway pics yet! So alas, I didn’t get any more photos, this is even after I deleted some not so good shots! :headache: As a result, I didn’t get a room photo! But it was a nice room, very woodsy/cabin like, reminded me vaguely of Fort Wilderness, but more fish and boats in the décor!!!! You can see them on the website, though. HH is certainly low key (at least in February!) but I am sure it can be a fun and busy place in the summer! It is also a small resort, so that makes it quaint, too. I would enjoy spending time here in the summer – but my inlaws have a beach house in NC, so I don’t know that I could justify spending my vacation $ here for a long period of time .. it had the Disney touches, I wish the beach access was at the resort. These last few photos are the neat welcome packet they gave us (it was so cute, obviously designed for HH, so I thought I would share) and I loved the door handles.
A perfect "closure" to our HH pit stop!!!

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/Cruise2010153.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/skiingandshopping043.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/skiingandshopping042.jpg

Staying here for the night gave us a chance to see another side of Disney, like the cruise did, and it also has me really curious about Vero! Vero does have direct beach access from the resort, and a miniture golf course, so I am looking forward to trying out Vero with the kids this coming summer!

COMING UP NEXT... SOME SOUVENIRS!!!!!

[Happydog]

OBVIOUSLY, I had already been on a shopping spree at Disney just a few weeks earlier!!! SO, I kept my purchases to a few Cruise themed items!!

Well, you don’t get the full effect here, but these are the EMPTY souvenir cups that we were using on Castaway Cay… We ended up getting a second coconut for both of our “little nuts” at home …. :laughing:

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/skiingandshopping050.jpg

Conch coolers! Maybe if I drink one out of this cup at home I will magically be transported to Castaway Cay…. :rolleyes:


NOT. :headache: OH well, one can imagine!!!

Here are all the materials that they gave us on the ship, the daily planner (called a Personal Navigator), with events, activities, and all the show times, including the daily “drink special” and shopping deals!! You get one for each day of the cruise...

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/skiingandshopping036.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/skiingandshopping035.jpg

Here is the map of Castaway Cay, I realize I didn't rotate the image, so crane your neck!! :laughing:

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/skiingandshopping037.jpg

Now I mentioned they have a Photopass service on board, but they actually print ALL your pics and then you can purchase them. We only had a few photos taken, I liked a couple different ones, but they are not cheap. SO, I bought this one (they have two copies -- so I sent one to my parents).

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/skiingandshopping034.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/skiingandshopping039.jpg

This is the brochure that they have to lure you into signing up for another cruise... well, it works... BUT more on that later!! :rolleyes1

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/skiingandshopping038.jpg

For the boys I bought two different teeshirts. I really like the one with the cruise line art work at the bottom.. these will get some wear this summer, and should still fit next summer (at least for one of them!!) When we do actually go on the cruise in June 2011!

I also bought a couple pins. ONE for me (the cruise line pin) and one for DS4 (with his beloved starfish!)


http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/skiingandshopping032.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/skiingandshopping033.jpg

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http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/skiingandshopping030.jpg

I also bought myself a sticky note pad, and a neat magnet of The Wonder. I didn't load the photo, though, so I will add it to my TR in my final post!

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Disney%20Cruise/skiingandshopping031.jpg

I have some final thoughts to share, of course, and will do that later this evening, BUT also, most exciting news...

:jumping1: 90 DAYS UNTIL SUMMER FUN AT WDW!!! :jumping1:


STAY TUNED....

[SoonerGirl]

HH looks really nice! I don't know why, but I wasn't expecting it to be so rustic - I like it though, sounds like the perfect way to break up that long drive home :goodvibes

I really like that Castaway Cay shirt! And the pins!

Looking forward to your final thought and hearing about all your new cruise plans!

[IluvXU]

I did not know HH had a pool at the beach house. We had roamed around the resort once, but not down to the beach. I hope we get there someday... but summer will be tough!

love the shirts... and vacation is coming!

[ickletarakins]

Ha, that pool table at HH looks just like the one we have at home!

Thanks for posting a picture of the conch cooler cups! I've been wondering what those things came in.

[ladybugmom]

I just wanted you to know that I finally had a chance to sit down and read through your TR!! WOW--it looks like a fabulous cruise--definitely on my short list of Disney things I want to do!! :goodvibes

[eandesmom]

Great souvies and I love the coconut!

Thanks for sharing the HH pics, I have always wondered what it's like and it was great to get a glimpse.

90 days!! :dancer:

[manntra]

Going back a few posts to CC......soooo beautiful! I just loved it there and tried to stay behind but alas here I am! We had such a fun day there and really did a lot....we actually rode bikes which was really not the greatest of ideas in the 150 degree heat! The water is just amazing!! :cloud9:
Love your loot and the pin for your son....awwww that is just so cute!!!
I really, really, really want to go on another cruise!!! I am going to have to do something quick as my trip is coming up soon and I can't be tickerless after that!! :rotfl2:

Tracy

[2xcited2sleep]

I think I will definitely be looking into a cruise in the future. It looks like you had so much fun!!

90 days til summer fun! :yay: It's going to fly by!

[Charleston Princess]

Hilton Head and souvenirs -- two of my favorite things!!! :banana: The resort at Hilton Head is just too cute! I love the idea of "summer camp." Was there a lot of parking at the beach house? Just wondering how crowded that gets in the middle of summer. Did you happen to browse through the gift shop there -- were there a lot of Disney Hilton Head specific souvenirs by any chance? Was it a long walk from the main building to the swimming pool?

Cute souvenirs from the cruise! I love the two t-shirts you bought for the boys -- they will be adorable in them. I do need to see that magnet though. :rotfl:

As far as a February cruise, we have a goofy rule in our county that you cannot take personal days before or after a holiday. Makes planning a vacation so difficult during the school year. We would have to do the three-day cruise if we did go that route. :(

[Happydog]

Loving your TR! We will be taking our first cruise - a Disney of course May 2011...this report certainly makes me want it to hurry up!

Ha! Well that is why the DIS is so helpful ;) keeps you occupied and distracted! Good luck with your trip planning! We are looking forward to our cruise plans on the Dream, too!

I would love to be able to do this kind of thing because the price is so great but my district doesn't allow me to take any days before or after a holiday.:sad2:


UGH, yeah, I hear you .... we don't have a mandate like that, but it still isn't easy, either.

Tan lines!

Wow. I was swapping out my closet for spring stuff, putting winter in the back today (and need to be able to find my work clothes again lol) and realized how WHITE I am right now.

I want tan lines!

I was happy to say the least! I wear sun screen, but I still soak it up!

This week we have been given 70 degree weather -- pretty amazing stuff! Especially after the terrible snow! (well I can't call it terrible, it did get me to Disney again!) :laughing:

[Happydog]

HH looks really nice! I don't know why, but I wasn't expecting it to be so rustic - I like it though, sounds like the perfect way to break up that long drive home :goodvibes

I really like that Castaway Cay shirt! And the pins!

Looking forward to your final thought and hearing about all your new cruise plans!

I didn't know what to expect either, but it grows on you. I bet it is really a fun place in the summer. I like the pins, too, and the boys liked their shirts!

I did not know HH had a pool at the beach house. We had roamed around the resort once, but not down to the beach. I hope we get there someday... but summer will be tough!

love the shirts... and vacation is coming!

Yes! One at the resort and one at the beach house. Makes it for those who don't want to sit in the sand I guess!! I think they are small, so because it is small they book quickly. We thought to go there on the way home vs. Vero (this summer) but it was totally booked.

YES!!! Summer vacation is coming!!! :goodvibes

Ha, that pool table at HH looks just like the one we have at home!

Thanks for posting a picture of the conch cooler cups! I've been wondering what those things came in.

They came in plastic conches, actually, back on our first trip!!! But these I like too.... I like the "traditional" cup better than the coconuts, but the boys like them!!! :rotfl:

I just wanted you to know that I finally had a chance to sit down and read through your TR!! WOW--it looks like a fabulous cruise--definitely on my short list of Disney things I want to do!! :goodvibes

Oh, well welcome and thanks for joining in on the fun! Keep it on your list!! They are worth it!


Great souvies and I love the coconut!

Thanks for sharing the HH pics, I have always wondered what it's like and it was great to get a glimpse.

90 days!! :dancer:

Yes we are glad we went, too, just to see what it was like! I think the coconuts are fun! They boys like them!

Going back a few posts to CC......soooo beautiful! I just loved it there and tried to stay behind but alas here I am! We had such a fun day there and really did a lot....we actually rode bikes which was really not the greatest of ideas in the 150 degree heat! The water is just amazing!! :cloud9:
Love your loot and the pin for your son....awwww that is just so cute!!!
I really, really, really want to go on another cruise!!! I am going to have to do something quick as my trip is coming up soon and I can't be tickerless after that!! :rotfl2:

Tracy

YES, I know I really really really want to go back too!!! It was a fab place to relax! Well, THERE you go!! Sounds like a plan to me!!! :thumbsup2 Who wants to be tickerless??!!! :lmao:

We didn't ride the bikes but I could see myself doing that on the next trip, when we have two days there. :thumbsup2

Yes, DS4 was very happy with the starfish pin. He loves that starfish!

I think I will definitely be looking into a cruise in the future. It looks like you had so much fun!!

90 days til summer fun! :yay: It's going to fly by!

Really was a great relaxing few days, and you should seriously consider it!!! I think you would like it!

90 days... I can't believe it!!! :yay:

Hilton Head and souvenirs -- two of my favorite things!!! :banana: The resort at Hilton Head is just too cute! I love the idea of "summer camp." Was there a lot of parking at the beach house? Just wondering how crowded that gets in the middle of summer.


It was a pretty place to be sure, and I am sure much more goes on during the season. There was a parking lot, yes, but I think most people take the shuttle or bike over. It wasn't far, you could walk too. I think most people hit the beach. I would be curious to know how crowded it gets too....


Did you happen to browse through the gift shop there -- were there a lot of Disney Hilton Head specific souvenirs by any chance? Was it a long walk from the main building to the swimming pool?


The gift shop is really quite small! It did have shirts and a few things (mugs, etc.) with the HH logo -- it is cute, with a dog... (shadow! :laughing:)
That photo of the boardwalk was the distance from the main building (where the studios are) to the main area for the pool, dining area, game room, etc... Totally manageable and a nice stroll.


Cute souvenirs from the cruise! I love the two t-shirts you bought for the boys -- they will be adorable in them. I do need to see that magnet though. :rotfl:


I will share the magnet I promise! I have to load it off my camera! It is really cute! :goodvibes



As far as a February cruise, we have a goofy rule in our county that you cannot take personal days before or after a holiday. Makes planning a vacation so difficult during the school year. We would have to do the three-day cruise if we did go that route. :(

UGH! Yes, I see a lot of areas must have this restriction -- BUMMER! BUT, if you can squeeze that Thursday/Friday, try to! I would tell you it is definitely worth it, and I suspect you would be able to get a good deal....

[jenjolt]

Hello hello!! Loving the TR so far!! Sorry I haven't been posting much but I definitely have been reading and I just love you and your boys adventures!!!! A cruise looks like so much fun!! Of course I love the Flying Dutchman shirt!!!

[gallmcduck]

Yey you've got another PTR :banana::banana::banana: in the making. Loved your cruise report :lovestruc Makes us want to go again we are planning but not for a few years probably another 7 day cruise :) 90 days wow :dance3::dance3::dance3: Think we are around about 115 days nearly at the 100 days mark :banana: You're pruchases are great the t-shirts are cool :thumbsup2

[Señor DonDuck]

Hilton Head looks nice. HH and souvenir pics are great. I think I'm going to have to get one of those coconut shell drinks.

[Happydog]

Hello hello!! Loving the TR so far!! Sorry I haven't been posting much but I definitely have been reading and I just love you and your boys adventures!!!! A cruise looks like so much fun!! Of course I love the Flying Dutchman shirt!!!


YAY!!!! Jen!! Hope all is well! I am sure you have been busy, too! Are you moving yet? Thanks so much for your kind words about our trips, I can say the same about yours!!! You and your Prince Philip would probably enjoy cruising together!!!


Yey you've got another PTR :banana::banana::banana: in the making. Loved your cruise report :lovestruc Makes us want to go again we are planning but not for a few years probably another 7 day cruise :) 90 days wow :dance3::dance3::dance3: Think we are around about 115 days nearly at the 100 days mark :banana: You're pruchases are great the t-shirts are cool :thumbsup2

Oh how fun, you have vacations planned too!!! It is fun to plan and you are getting close to that 100 day mark!! Thanks for reading along with the cruise TR, I have a little more to share, and then I am up for my WDW vacation PTR!!!! :thumbsup2

Hilton Head looks nice. HH and souvenir pics are great. I think I'm going to have to get one of those coconut shell drinks.
Thank you! HH was nice. the coconut shell drinks were fun! Makes lounging at CC that much more fun!

[2littlegirls]

Great TR, I just booked our 1st cruise today for July 5th on the Dream! I am looking forward to hearing what you have to say about check in when you travel with your boys. Are you going to go early again?
thanks again for a great TR:goodvibes

[wigdoutdismom]

All caught up! Marc was making our Palo reservations yesterday and booking excursions as well. We are getting very excited!
Thanks for the great cruise report!
Jackie, Baylor was just saying last night that he wished that Connor was going too...

[Charleston Princess]

All caught up! Marc was making our Palo reservations yesterday and booking excursions as well. We are getting very excited!
Thanks for the great cruise report!
Jackie, Baylor was just saying last night that he wished that Connor was going too...

I wish we were going, too, especially after reading HD's wonderful trip report! :(

[Diamondintheruff]

I'm always forgetting to unload my photos before a trip.

Somehow I never associate Disney resorts with a real dog mascot. I bet that is one well-trained dog though.

[Charleston Princess]

Happy Start to Your Spring Break!!! What fun things do you have planned for the week?

[Happydog]

Great TR, I just booked our 1st cruise today for July 5th on the Dream! I am looking forward to hearing what you have to say about check in when you travel with your boys. Are you going to go early again?
thanks again for a great TR:goodvibes

Hi, and WELCOME! And congrats on the great trip planning! that should be a great time to go! Are you going to stay somewhere for the 4th of July?

I am going to wrap this one up today -- then on to my PTR for a summer trip that is fast approaching!

All caught up! Marc was making our Palo reservations yesterday and booking excursions as well. We are getting very excited!
Thanks for the great cruise report!
Jackie, Baylor was just saying last night that he wished that Connor was going too...

Yay! You guys are very much going to enjoy it! I can't wait to go again!

I will finish this TR up today. I am sure he will meet other boys his age!! :thumbsup2


I wish we were going, too, especially after reading HD's wonderful trip report! :(

Well thank you, it was a fun time that is for sure, and I am always amazed at Disney magic on boats, in parks, etc!


I'm always forgetting to unload my photos before a trip.

Somehow I never associate Disney resorts with a real dog mascot. I bet that is one well-trained dog though.

Yes, I know! Crazy, huh? Well he is the actual mascot, but his story sounds somewhat Disney-ish!

ONE more photo! :laughing:

Happy Start to Your Spring Break!!! What fun things do you have planned for the week?

THANK YOU CP!!! Well, I put my DH on an airplane yesterday, and picked up my mother from the airport as well! She is here for the week while DH is taking students on a trip (I didn't go this time -- I wanted to use the $ for a landscaping project) And since it was a place we didn't want to take our kids quite yet -- Egypt -- I just made the decision to stay. I am going to Scotland this summer, so I will get my abroad trip in. My mom is here, and we are going to just do some house projects, and go to some local things -- the BMore Aquarium, and to the "Bunny Farm" -- which is a local farm's pumpkin patch festival gone "spring" with an Easter theme.. :rotfl: You know, anything to bring a crowd!!! But it is fun.... farm animals, egg hunts, hay rides and mazes, and food. But we are going next weekend since it is supposed to rain this week for a few days, then back to upper 60s and low 70s for the holiday. I have to work a few days this week (I am a 12 mos employee) which is fine, because it is very loose hours, and I can still sleep in!!! :laughing: Anyhow, we are going to BAKE cookies too... for teachers and friends, since we chose to go to Disney instead of baking Valentine's day cookies!! :laughing: I put together Easter baskets, we will do all that. My DH comes home on Easter sunday, so we will have a few days before work begins again. School back in session on Wednesday the 7th.

Do you have the same holiday time off, too?

[Happydog]

OKAY everyone! So I have officially finished this TR but I am going to put in a final few notes later this afternoon, so stay tuned!! ALSO coming is my PTR back on the Disney Pre Trip Report thread!!!! Besides I MUST post my Wonder Magnet for CP :laughing:

[iloverags2]

I just read your report, and what a wonderful time you had! Your pictures are gorgeous! And you will absolutely love Vero Beach. Looking forward to your final thoughts, and then your next report. :)

[DairyFreeinTennessee]

Subbing. Great TR. Thanks. Just curious how expensive the T-shirts were?

[2xcited2sleep]

Looking forward to final notes and your PTR!! :) Your spring break plans sound fun!!

[flamestarrdust]

Sorry I didn't post much on this TR. I've had some crazy stuff going on the past few weeks. But I did get to read it and I loved every bit of it. I can't wait for your PTR and I hope to be able to comment more on it than I got to on this one.

[Happydog]

I just read your report, and what a wonderful time you had! Your pictures are gorgeous! And you will absolutely love Vero Beach. Looking forward to your final thoughts, and then your next report. :)

Hi, and THANKS! We really enjoyed it! We are looking forward to Vero Beach, I think it will be a great new adventure to say the least! A nice way to ease out of our Disney vacation. I am looking forward to it!

Subbing. Great TR. Thanks. Just curious how expensive the T-shirts were?

Hi, welcome! Thanks for joining me! The shirts were $17.95 ... they had several styles, some were a little less, and some a little more.


Looking forward to final notes and your PTR!! :) Your spring break plans sound fun!!

Thank you :) I think so too, though it is raining right now :headache:

Sorry I didn't post much on this TR. I've had some crazy stuff going on the past few weeks. But I did get to read it and I loved every bit of it. I can't wait for your PTR and I hope to be able to comment more on it than I got to on this one.

Well I am glad you were able to come by :) Thanks for following along, it is just fun to write!

[Charleston Princess]

Yes, I do need to see that magnet. ;)

We have one more week until our spring break -- it is the week after Easter -- I wish it was this week because then we could spend it doing Easter stuff. Oh well. As long as we have a week off, I will be happy.

I knew you would have some super fun things planned, but I must admit, I am really jealous of your DH headed to Egypt. That is my number one place I want to visit someday. :lovestruc

The Bunny Farm sounds adorable though.

[Happydog]

So as I end this TR, I thought I would go over a few of my observations and maybe just some of the experiences we had, which might be helpful for other DISers taking a Disney Cruise!!!! :thumbsup2 If you are a well traveled cruiser, then my observations are probably less that interesting and certainly scream novice!!! :rotfl: but at anyrate, I figured I'd share!

So, in contrast, we went on a Dinsey cruise back several years ago, a 7 day Western Caribbean. It was a complete blur to me, and we went with my DBIL so they pretty much took care of everything. We just showed up. BUT for this cruise it was the first time that DH and I were taking care of everything, so I am glad we went alone to check it all out before going with our kids. Below are just my musings about embarkation and other “this and thats”…

1.The Passporter guide is GREAT. :thumbsup2 They have a new edition coming out later this fall, I think, but the 2009 version is really quite helpful and I was glad I purchased it. There are great tips in it, and I think it is totally worth the purchase for new cruisers – plus if you just like reading Disney travel books, it is fun to read! I plan to buy the new edition when it comes out.

2.Embarkation time. It seems to me that it really depends on where you want to wait. Personally, though we had to wait in the terminal for about an hour and a bit before they let us on the ship, the pro is that we at least were “in” and not having to wait in lines to get checked in, to get our picture taken, etc. We were boarding group 4. That got us on the boat around 12:20 I think it was… In the end, I preferred waiting in the seating area having finished all the minutea, vs. arriving to the port later, and having to stand in lines to get these items done. Here is where this strategy can backfire, however. The CMs on the ship basically send you down one corridor of the ship to the first “buffet lunch location. (Parrot Cay). Once that dining room fills up, they close it, and usher you to a set of elevators to the 9th deck, to the next open location. Well, that first location fills up rather quickly, we had to walk the corridor the length of the ship to be told stand in line and take an elevator (they are small) to deck 9 – along with many many other people. So there was a clog there to catch the elevator. :headache: If we were on foot, not carrying rather heavy carry-ons, I suspect we would have walked up from deck3… BUT we waited. :sad2: By the time we got to the 9th level, the line for the lunch buffet wasn’t terribly long, but there were NO indoor seats, and all outside seating was extremely unpleasant, due to it being very windy. Basically it was over crowded. We had a nice selection for lunch, the food was good, but we didn’t enjoy it much, because of the seating situation. Now, had we been in the first two or even three groups we would have been a little better with timing. Remember, that there are three restaurants, and that means that each can basically hold 1/3 of the total passengers on board, so your odds of having to go to the 9th deck are likely, if you are NOT in the first two boarding groups. HERE is what we would have done differently, basically taken the elevators at midship so turned RIGHT, vs. follow the cattle line to the left down the corridor, only to be told, no actually this location is full so you have to go upstairs… Now I remember there being CMs there standing and waving hello, etc. I don’t know if they “expect” you to go to the left, that is MAKE you... :laughing: but next time we will take the other elevators, which were NOT crowded, no lines, and go up that way, and I think we will do this even if we do get to an earlier boarding group. Now, if you are in a later boarding group, I suspect the first lunch wave will have passed by the time you get on the boat. Another plus would be that you board after 1:30pm… at that point you can actually go to your stateroom directly and still manage to get lunch, and probably miss the crowd. If you do get on the boat early, another option might be to skip lunch right away, get to the pool deck or the Outlook Café, for drinks, and THEN head to lunch, after a few hours. There were still people boarding the ship as late as 3pm. So I think they accommodate for this. Now, lunch, etc. is only available for a specific time frame, but I don’t see that as a problem if you time it right. I suspect you either have to decide to arrive at the ship terminal very early, or late, but if you arrive an hour or so after they open, I think it might just add more time to the process either way. This isn’t a science, obviously, but I am interested to try these theories out. ;)

3.If you do board early, I would say this -- they allow you to have one carry on which will permit you access to whatever you have in that bag once you board. All luggage isn’t going to be available until after the staterooms are open, which is 1:30 (I recall our luggage being there around 2:00 or so…). Regarding your carry on, basically you have to pack this “carry-on” carefully, because it will be with you until 1:30 (when the rooms are available). We didn’t. I have a great new carry on I bought for the cruise – a VB Weekender. I love it. BUT, I put my books in it, a bottle of wine, toiletries, my camera, and a change of clothes. Basically it was packed to the gills, and my DH’s too – he had a small laptop in his! – what we did not anticipate well, was having to negotiate carrying that bag slung on our shoulders along with trying to hit the buffet line, and then of course find a nonexistent table! If we had our kids with us it would have been very very difficult. SO, we will either board after 1:30, or just make sure our carry-on is very light and not as cumbersome. It would have been great to be able to drop it off in the stateroom before lunch, or just decided to have lunch later – and opting for a later lunch seems to make the most sense to me at this point, unless we end up in the first or second boarding group.

4.About that “access” time to the staterooms – they say 1:30. I wonder if the key would work before 1:30. :rolleyes1 I am not sure, we didn’t try it, but I am curious. I think they want to discourage you from being in the halls while they are busy delivering all the luggage – this makes sense as I am sure it would slow the process down, but again, our next cruise will be a chance to see…

5.Now I guess we thought about the advantage of boarding early, and one obvious advantage is being able to reserve dining at Paolo’s, change rotations, vie for a different seating time, etc. that process begins at 1pm. So being on board for this opportunity is worthwhile. I think we would definitely want to suck it up and get on the boat for this reason alone, so we could better our chances of getting a second Paolo’s seating. Or changing our restaurant rotation, if we were going to miss Triton’s or Animator’s on our Paolo night.

Now wiser, I know we will change things a little when we come back next year! :idea:

OTHER ITEMS….

1.I highly recommend getting room service breakfast or being prompt for a sit down breakfast at Triton’s etc., on any excursion day – if you have a plan to be off the boat and on your way, the buffet breakfast always seemed to be very busy. We were not in a hurry on any given morning, but if I had wanted to get off the boat right away, I would have avoided the buffet option. We tried to go there on the day we were in Nassau and it was a line out the door. The sit down breakfast at Triton’s was reasonably quick and the food was excellent. If you are there when they open, you can get in and out quickly. We enjoyed that very much. I think a lot of people just opt for the buffet, but I don’t think it would have taken any more or less time. We enjoyed getting up, using the exercise facility, getting lattes and then having breakfast. It was a leisurely way to start the morning, and it was why we took the cruise. We would have to change those plans obviously if we had excursions that we were trying to head out for, and in that case I would have headed to a sit down breakfast location right when they opened, or, done room service.

2.Eating and Drinking – isn’t this why we go on a cruise!!! :rotfl: Well that was very easy to do, all day long; there is food EVERYWHERE. Did I mention self serve cookies and ice cream until 11pm? The Pirate Party food was probably great – everything looked amazing! Again, we will be able to take advantage of this on our 4 day cruise for sure! Drinks, well that is available all day long EVERYWHERE as well… If you want a little quiet get away, complete with some nice appetizer type snacks – either for cocktails or coffee, go to the Outlook Café! They had some great little two-bite snacks, some were sweet others appetizers, little mini sandwiches, and it was THE BEST place to have a cocktail before and/or after dinner… the coffee drinks were wonderful. Now, of course the latte’s were not “included” but the price for all beverages were VERY reasonable – 2.75 for a sizeable latte. The free drink station gave you unlimited soda, coffee, etc…. but the cocktails at the bar were average $6.00 -- $5.50 for EXCELLENT side car and lemon drop martinis …. Only the “specialty martini’s” were $7.00… and again, to me, that is still a great price. Truly, I was impressed with the cost for alcohol. Cocktails at Disney World are more expensive. :confused3

3.At the end of the trip, we chose to keep our luggage and carry it off ourselves. We chose to do this because we wanted to get going right away, and we didn’t want to use time that evening to pack and have the luggage out by 11pm. I am glad we kept it with us, but we didn’t have far to go with our luggage (had we been on an upper deck it may have been more troublesome. When we got through the terminal to where the luggage was waiting for guests, it was very orderly and organized -- (as everything with Disney is). I think it would have been fine to drop off the luggage that night, and collect it the next morning, but again we left the ship reasonably early – that area is likely to get congested if you were leaving later. I think some people waited for a while and were not rushing, but you could tell the CMs were anxious for people to go. Which is understandable, considering that they basically were cleaning the entire ship for the next guests who would be boarding by noon that day -- they had areas corded off, decks, etc., which I think they had cleaned already.

4.Because we were not traveling with our children, I don’t have much to say about the kid’s club options and the activities. There looked to be plenty of things for kids to do, lots of fun activities, indoors and outdoors. There were parents in the adult pool area whose children were in the clubs, I know, and they had a pager to stay in contact with the directors of the different kids groups. I am quite certain that my boys will heartily enjoy the activities, and so I am excited to be able to take advantage of this when we take our family cruise. :goodvibes Perhaps one of the best reasons to take a Disney Cruise, in my opinion, because I can’t imagine a better experience for children on any other cruise line! Regarding Disney cruising for adults vs. for families, I will say that I was again completely impressed with Disney’s attention to detail regarding adults without children. :lovestruc There was a distinctly different vibe in this area of the ship, and you could really isolate yourself in this area of the boat and be perfectly content! :thumbsup2

All in all, I was so glad we went on this cruise – I can’t wait to do it again!

I hope to learn more before we voyage on THE DREAM, but I really am looking forward to trying that ship, it is supposed to be amazing, and everything I have read about it sure seems like it! :sail: My DH and I fancy going on one of the repositioning cruises... they look amazing, and the price equally amazing!!! Maybe one day that will work out! Anyhow, thanks for reading and sharing. If you are interested in more Happy Dog adventures, please join me on my PTR thread for our Summer adventure... and I WILL post that magnet photo and the link, NEXT!!!!! :rolleyes:
Ta ta for now!! :wave2:

[SoonerGirl]

Great tips HD! Looking forward to that PTR!

[jenseib]

Great thoughts.

though I don't agree about the price for Disney cruises. I have been watching prices year round for 2 years and they are much higher than most other lines. That being siad things like pop included makes it a bit more reasonable.
I sitll want to go on one! I will have to keep nagging DH.

[jenseib]

Did you start your PTR? I can't find a link for it?

[m_kasch]

Excellent Trip Report...I love the pictures!! Quick question...how did you like the room? My DSis and I are cruising in a few weeks, and we got upgraded from our GTY12 to the same room you were in! :cool1:

[Señor DonDuck]

Enjoyed the added observations and tips!

[KSDisneyDad]

2.Embarkation time. .... Here is where this strategy can backfire, however. The CMs on the ship basically send you down one corridor of the ship to the first “buffet lunch location. (Parrot Cay). Once that dining room fills up, they close it, and usher you to a set of elevators to the 9th deck, to the next open location. Well, that first location fills up rather quickly, we had to walk the corridor the length of the ship to be told stand in line and take an elevator (they are small) to deck 9 – along with many many other people. So there was a clog there to catch the elevator. :headache: If we were on foot, not carrying rather heavy carry-ons, I suspect we would have walked up from deck3… BUT we waited. :sad2: By the time we got to the 9th level, the line for the lunch buffet wasn’t terribly long, but there were NO indoor seats, and all outside seating was extremely unpleasant, due to it being very windy. Basically it was over crowded. We had a nice selection for lunch, the food was good, but we didn’t enjoy it much, because of the seating situation.

We faced the same situation on our cruise last week. When we went back to Parrot Cay, they told us that the room was full and to go up to Deck 9. We asked if we could wait for some space and they said "of course". We went into Parrot Cay and there were no lines and there were lots of empty tables! Advice to future cruisers -- if you're told to go to Deck 9, just politely say "No Thank You" and make your way into Parrot Cay.

BTW -- GREAT Trip Report! Any Disney Cruise is great, but we discovered that Longer is Better. We'll be waiting for the Disney Fantasy in 2012 for a 7-night cruise.

[jeremysdisneymom]

Great tips! :thumbsup2 I am definitely getting me a Passporter Guide before February's cruise.

Can't wait to hear all about your summer plans!

Erika

[2xcited2sleep]

Good tips. I will file these away in the event I ever get myself on a cruise!

Looking forward to the PTR! :)

[Happydog]

Good tips. I will file these away in the event I ever get myself on a cruise!

Looking forward to the PTR! :)

:rolleyes1

[Happydog]

Well, that title says it all. here is the Picture of my "WONDERful" magnet :laughing:

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Griffin%20and%20Nolyn%20fun/kidpics010.jpg

And if you take a look below, you will see my latest PTR link. ;)

Thanks again for reading, and happy cruising everyone! :wave2:

[Charleston Princess]

You always have such great final thoughts!!!

I do believe, I will be needing one of those WONDERful magnets :laughing: in the next couple of years or so. :goodvibes

[Happydog]

Yes, I do need to see that magnet. ;)


Well, it is darn cute! See the next post.


We have one more week until our spring break -- it is the week after Easter -- I wish it was this week because then we could spend it doing Easter stuff. Oh well. As long as we have a week off, I will be happy.

I knew you would have some super fun things planned, but I must admit, I am really jealous of your DH headed to Egypt. That is my number one place I want to visit someday. :lovestruc

The Bunny Farm sounds adorable though.

UGH, I know I know. I wanted to go, too. But we are likely to take another student trip there in a few years, and I will feel more comfortable taking the kids then. He takes students on these trips, and anywhere in Europe we would not have batted an eye, but this was totally new territory for us, so we decided to play it safe. I don't think it would be unsafe, but too much to consider that would be new for us, so next time. I could have gone, but the cost in this case would have been the price of a cheap Disney trip for all of us, so I decided to use the money for a project I wanted to take care of in my yard. BUT yes, I agree, it will be a neat place to venture some day. :thumbsup2

We are looking forward to Easter stuff, eggs, baskets, cookies, etc. I will share those in my NEW PTR :)

Great tips HD! Looking forward to that PTR!

Already up and running, please come by :)

Great thoughts.

though I don't agree about the price for Disney cruises. I have been watching prices year round for 2 years and they are much higher than most other lines. That being siad things like pop included makes it a bit more reasonable.
I sitll want to go on one! I will have to keep nagging DH.

Did you start your PTR? I can't find a link for it?


Hi! You know I guess I factor all the wonderful free child "monitoring", and quality care at that, into the package, and for me it was a no brainer. Perhaps the cost for certain decks isn't comparable, but we paid under $300.00 for each of us, and in my mind that is about $100.00 a night for all food and a room with a view! :laughing: So it was a steal in our opinion! Especially for the quality of the cruise experience. There are likely cheaper deals I agree -- I just like Disney :goodvibes

New PTR started, come on over!!

Excellent Trip Report...I love the pictures!! Quick question...how did you like the room? My DSis and I are cruising in a few weeks, and we got upgraded from our GTY12 to the same room you were in! :cool1:

The room was great! That is EXACTLY how we got our upgrade. :thumbsup2 We were not expecting it, and with such a short cruise we were not to worried about it (had we been in a cat 12 room) but it was a nice surprise. the room was perfect for us -- but it was just the two of us. With our two boys we have a bigger room. You will enjoy yourself no question!

Enjoyed the added observations and tips!

Thanks! I am not a seasoned cruiser obviously, but I always like hearing what other people say, so I thought I would share.

[Happydog]

We faced the same situation on our cruise last week. When we went back to Parrot Cay, they told us that the room was full and to go up to Deck 9. We asked if we could wait for some space and they said "of course". We went into Parrot Cay and there were no lines and there were lots of empty tables! Advice to future cruisers -- if you're told to go to Deck 9, just politely say "No Thank You" and make your way into Parrot Cay.

BTW -- GREAT Trip Report! Any Disney Cruise is great, but we discovered that Longer is Better. We'll be waiting for the Disney Fantasy in 2012 for a 7-night cruise.

THAT is a great note to remember! It was a drag that they herded us that way, but I agree with your strategy, I think waiting, and coming back might be the right move. I was worried the dining room would be closed off, but from what you are saying they were still letting people in even after the first seating of the dining room. GOOD for you. :thumbsup2

I agree longer is better, I am DROOLING over this repositioning cruise that you went on a few years ago and are going on another this fall????!!!! VERY VERY COOL!!!! :yay: We are going for four days just as a couple, then for five as a family this coming summer.

Great tips! :thumbsup2 I am definitely getting me a Passporter Guide before February's cruise.

Can't wait to hear all about your summer plans!

Erika

Oh it is a great book, I really liked looking at it, and they have great tips.

Summer plans coming up!

Good tips. I will file these away in the event I ever get myself on a cruise!

Looking forward to the PTR! :)

Well, you consider it -- I think you would really like it :) SAY.... don't you have some ADRs to make in a few weeks??!! :yay:

[IluvXU]

What a fantastic report! I loved it and will go back and pick your brain when we get to cruise again someday.

[DisMomAmy]

Great trip recap! And the magnet is very cute too...

Heading over to your new PTR now! :banana:

[manntra]

Great TR HD!!! :goodvibes
The Dream looks like a majestic ship! Love the Aqua Duck and the virtual portholes :thumbsup2 Two stops at CC would make for perfect sailing!!
Great tips at the end also....I remember having to eat outside too...guess it was on Deck 9...can't remember but the weather was nice :cloud9:

Tracy

[gallmcduck]

Really enjoyed your tr :thumbsup2 tips at the end are really helpful. Going to head over to your ptr :cool1:

[eandesmom]

GREAT recap. As expected! I love how much detail you always have. That magnet is adorable!!!!!!!!!!!

[DisneyMom14]

I know I disappeared again but I came back to read the ending. :thumbsup2 I enjoyed reading about your cruise. It has given me some ideas of my own.;) I'm glad you guys had a great getaway!

[Happydog]

What a fantastic report! I loved it and will go back and pick your brain when we get to cruise again someday.

It was great fun, and I am sure you and your kids would love it! I can't wait to go again!

Great trip recap! And the magnet is very cute too...

Heading over to your new PTR now! :banana:



Thanks for reading! It was fun to write about a totally different trip experience!


Great TR HD!!! :goodvibes
The Dream looks like a majestic ship! Love the Aqua Duck and the virtual portholes :thumbsup2 Two stops at CC would make for perfect sailing!!
Great tips at the end also....I remember having to eat outside too...guess it was on Deck 9...can't remember but the weather was nice :cloud9:

Tracy

Gee thanks!!! YES, we are really looking forward to TWO CC days!!! There are some new updates on ALLEars.net related to the Dream... the new restaurant on board, etc. We were looking forward to trying the virtual porthole, so we will see that on our couple's trip maybe. We upgraded our family trip to an outside room.

Really enjoyed your tr :thumbsup2 tips at the end are really helpful. Going to head over to your ptr :cool1:

Gee thanks! Glad you joined me for this one!

GREAT recap. As expected! I love how much detail you always have. That magnet is adorable!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks! I tend to ramble I know -- I liked the magnet too! there were a few, this one was a couple bucks more than the others, not sure why, but I liked it best.

I know I disappeared again but I came back to read the ending. :thumbsup2 I enjoyed reading about your cruise. It has given me some ideas of my own.;) I'm glad you guys had a great getaway!

Hi! Well glad you came back to read! It was a good reminder to me, this way I finally got to respond! It was a great getaway, and I felt it was very reasonable!

[jenseib]

Most of your signature is not able to be seen. So I can't find your link for your PTR. I'' see if I can find it on the PTR board

[Kay1]

Thanks for the fun report. Lots of good, detailed info in your last ramblings.

:)

[ladybugmom]

All caught up!! Headed to check out your PTR!!!