fireguy5620
05-27-2004, 12:03 AM
I'm finally going to take the time to put together a feeble attempt at a trip report from our recent cruise. This report is just reflective of my opinions and exeriences while on our cruise.
We ended up staying at the Radisson the night prior. We checking in fairly late, almost 10:00pm. We got to our room and it was the wrong room. I reserved a room with a bed and a hide a bed. We only had one bed, which wouldn't work out. I called the desk and they moved us to a two room whirlpool suite for no additional charge, very nice...worked out well. This was a great hotel, spectacular pool, nice rooms and beautiful grounds.
Next morning we woke up and enjoyed a slow paced breakfast at the hotel. Made our way to the port via budget rental car van. We arrived at Port around 10:30. Dropped our bags at the tent across the street. I was putting out DCL tags on the luggage and one of the luggage guys came up to me and took them out of my hand and insisted that he put them on for me. He stated "Your on vacation now, from here on out everything will be done for you...You'll have to do nothing." We tipped him and made our way to the terminal.
We got into the terminal fairly quick. There were a ton of people but the check in process moved along rather quickly. It was at this time we met up with fellow Dis'r LeahPie and her family. I am so thankful for meeting them, they made our trip that much more enjoyable.
They actually let us begin boarding around 11:30 or so. We made our way onto the ship and went right for Palo reservations. We booked Palo's on Formal night, which was Monday. We then went to the spa to make our resis there. Both my DW and I booked the Hot Stone Massage for our day at sea on Thursday. Then to the Oceaneers Lab to check our DD's in. Finally we went and booked Sting Ray City excursion. Everything complete, lets eat.
We went to PC for lunch, which was great. We could then get into our room, which was an inside stateroom 2141. We unpacked all of our luggage and put everything away. Stowed the luggage in the closet. I was very impressed with the amount of storage that was available.
Time for the lifeboat drill, what a drag but necessary...
Dropped two brand new still in package pillow cases off at GS. They said no problem, pick em up on Friday night.
We really enjoyed the sail away celebration, what a festival and a do not miss event. We met up with our new found friends again.
That night we had dinner at AP. Our servers were Robert and Tibor. Both of them were a real hoot. We received a magic trick from one or both of them each night, what a highlite and they were actually great tricks. These guys really made our trip special. Always referring to us as family, my daughters as princesses and my wife as Lady...We really became close to them by the end of the cruise. Actually swapped addresses. I am going to send them all of the pictures that they were involved with. We made it a custom to have a "server" picture everynight with some sort of goofy pose. What a couple of great guys.
We also played bingo. It was fun, but rather expensive I thought so no more bingo for us during the cruise.
Key West day. This is a wonderful place and it was really neat to watch the boat dock. We spent the day strolling around the town with our new friends. We also visited the Key West Aquarium. This is a neat place to see, highly recommended.
We went to Who wants to be a Mouseketeer with Leahpie and family. This was entertaining and everyone did fairly well. Dinner at PC this evening. We finished off the night by going to Match your Mate. This is do not miss, what a riot. Wonder if any of the contestants are still married. I wanted to play, but my DW was too afraid of what I would let out of the bag..haha
The next morning was our Character Breakfast. This I thought was very impersonable as far as the characters go. Photographers just rush them in and rush them out as fast as they can. Servers again were wonderful. Nice way to start your day with such friendly people. We basically just laid around on Deck 10 all day and watched the kids swim. THey bonded really well with Leahpie's DD and DS. We bonded really well on deck 10 with Leahpie and her DH....what great people-except their son is a Jeff Gordon fan...blaaaa.
Disney's Leg contest on Deck 9 at 2:00 was a riot. Very funny and a lot of good sports. I took my DD's to Tea with Wendy, this was somewhat fun...kind of enjoyed it. The girls like it. How sweet, a dad taking his girls to tea..haha. My DW went to have her hair done at the Salon. She looked smokin hot when we got back to the room.
Tonight is Formal night all of us got dressed to the nines for the Captains Gala. Had a few of the complimentary drinks and took some photos. Met the captain, Cpt. Tom...what a Bozo, he had ZERO, ZILCH, NADA as far as Personality goes. Can't believe he is the guy driving this ship...
Kids ate dinner on Deck 9 real quick...and chose to hang out in the room while we went to Palo's. PALO'S is an absolute do not miss. This was spectacular. Dinner was taking forever though. We and the people next to us had to move our waitress along since we were going to miss the 8:30 Golden Mickeys. Have evey dessert, they are all wonderful..especially the Chocolate Souflet. It's about 8:30 and we finished up and ran back to the cabin to get the girls, deck 2 AFT then run to deck 4 forward to WDT. Standing room only, so we stand in the back. Very nice show, but glad it was over I was sweating through my tux..it was a roaster in there. Back to the cabing to get out of the Tux. We went to Rockin Bar D and watched the musical madness of John Charles, very funny and again a must see. We hung around for some of the 70's show, which was also entertaining.
Tuesday, Grand Cayman day. Ate Breakfast at Top Siders. Off to Stingray city excursion, first one of the day. Nice excursion, not worth the money though. Stingrays are great animals, but it would be nice if you could snorkel in more than ankle to knee deep water. Plus we were the only dorks out there with a life/snorkel vest on since they said DCL required them. Better safe than sorry I guess.
Hung around GC for a while, ate luch at Hard Rock Cafe. 60.00 for 4 OUCH....many people were complaining about the prices on GC. Exchange rate of 1.00 GC $ to 1.25 US. I didn't care for GC too much, neither did my DW or DD's. People there were very rude and the whole town really stunk (literally). Glad to be back on ship.
Tonight is HerCules the Muse-Ical...funny, funny, funny, Haites makes this show. Enjoyed this show with LeahPie and Family. Dinner back in AP. Very entertaining as usual. Then we watched David Dimuzio (juggler). Entertaining show, but not the best of the week. He seemed to be stuck on himself and arrogant, begging for applause after every trick.
Cozumel Day. We wandered around for a bit and then hopped in a cab and made our way to Paradise Beach. What a magnificent place, highly recommend it to everyone. No cost, everything is free to use with a deposit on the snorkel gear of 10.00 per set. Good food and great service...this place was paradise and the big Iceberg was a blast. Back in cab and did some shopping. Back on boat for MEXICALIfragilisticexpialidocious...donned the tropical attire and went off to PC for dinner...very good time and an appropriate place for dinner on this night. Enjoyed the Deck party on Deck 9. They had a fabulous buffet set up...didn't eat anything, too full from dinner.
Thursday was a day at sea. We hung out with our new friends once again. They were kind enough to include us on their PALO Brunch reservations.....THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU...what a great experience. And Louise, Tibors Girlfriend was our waitress. Do not miss Brunch at Palo's. Had our Spa appointments in the afternoon. Hot rock massage. That was heaven...I was tired already and had fell asleep in the loungers in the changing room so the massage just made it worse. I really liked it and must have been out of it since I bought one of those 47.00 dollar bottles of cooling gel. Dinner was at Lumiere's, semi formal night. We dressed up again, I put the Tux to use once again. Great night of dinner and entertainment. We caught the 7:45 show of Michael Harrison who was a ventriloquist. He was so funny that we went back to the adult 10:45 show, even funnier...Tonight was also Disney Dreams, what a sleeper of a show. Not what I expected. It was OK at best, nothing to rave about. Midnight (11:45) desert buffet. Very impressive, but not much taste to any of it...believe me, we ate one of everything.
Friday, Castaway Cay Day. Another great day. This is a beautiful place. All of us found a great spot, including LeahPies Family. The two DH's snorkeled quite a bit saw some great stuff, sting rays, baracuda's and other strategically placed items. Kids played and dug a huge jacuzzi in the sand, as they called it. Huge hole though. Easy day, just hung out. You have to be back on ship way too early this day. Cleaned up for dinner at AP one last time...First all of us went to the Farewell Variety show...very entertaining and our favorite Ventriloquist was performing again. This time he used a kid out of the audience, HILARIOUS STUFF. And then you had David Dimuzio, zzzzzzzz.....Great show overall though and a nice way to end the trip.
Dinner that night was actually kind of sad. We had developed a great relationship with our servers and with our new Dis friends and it was setting in that this would be it. Our servers even experienced a slight bit of tear shed, very heart warming considering the amount of people that they meet. The character meet and greet that evening is a blast. Nice return home. I still have a pocket full of pixie dust.
Took our time the next morning, had breakfast at AP, strolled around a bit and then left by 9am.
A few pointers and thoughts-
1. Found the food at dinner to have a very much prepared and sitting in a warmer for hours feel and taste. Mostly all bland or old.
2. They plan too many things on the ship for activities. You are always rushed to take it all in. Not a place to go to relax.
3. Our servers were the best. We could never make up our mind about what appetizer we wanted, so they brought them all out every night...same with desert.
4. I got two lobster tails on Thursday night.
5. We had an inside stateroom, deck 2 room 2141. It was great. Very roomy, very dark at night and the beds/pillows were comfortable. We slept like babies all week. Haven't slept well since I've been back home.
6. Did I mention how cheap the food seemed. I have eaten all over the US at some of the best restraunts and this wasn't even close. The service you receive makes up for the lack of food quality.
7. Shuttters, they are rude. They could care less if your smiling in your picture or if your eyes are closed, move as many people in and out as fast as you can.
8. Seemed as though many kids had a hard time adjusting to the freedom along with responsibilities. Heard many parents talking about how their kids were acting up. Mine were, for the first couple of days. Too overwhelming for them.
9. The Pillow cases are great after they are signed. DW picked them up on Friday night and put them on the pillows. The kids were shocked when they went to bed.
10. Must have milk and cookies via room service every night...
11. I gained 5 pounds by the time I got home. Lost it though already.
12. Meet a family with kids the same age as yours. Me, my DW and two DD's have met people that will be friends for years to come hopefully.
13. Try not to take everything in, it's impossible and you will wear yourself out.
14. Do not miss acts: Michael Harrison (ventriloquist), DV8 (Magician), John Charles (Musical Comedian), and if you have nothing else to do..David Dimuzio (juggler).
15. Do not miss shows: Hercules, Golden Mickeys, Farewell Variety Show, and if you have nothing else to do- Disney Dreams.
16. Do not miss eats: PALO Dinner, PALO Brunch, Thursday Lobster Day, Milk and Cookies, Midnight Buffet.
17. Rainforest was pleasant, hot rock massage was arrousing.
18. We had a plastic enhanced blonde on our cruise who was constantly in hardly any clothes that had everyone talking. Dimitri, the Asst. Cruise Director had a liking to her child...can't imagine why. He paid a ton of attention to her kid. It was obvious what his motive was, found it very inappropriate for a DCL CM to act as he was.
19. Must have- Over the door shoe holder for the bathroom. We used it and filled it up, very handy, keeps the bathrooms picked up. Great Tip.
I'm sure I have forgotten something....
Great cruise, spectacular service and attention to detail (except the Dining room HS who messed up my two DD's Birthday date, he was 3 days early). Couldn't walk in the halls and pass a CM without them speaking to you. Always working and cleaning/fixing the ship-DAILY 24/7. I found it slightly over rated overall, don't get me wrong, it was a great experience but not sure if I would ever do it again. But the MAGIC is Spectacular.
We ended up staying at the Radisson the night prior. We checking in fairly late, almost 10:00pm. We got to our room and it was the wrong room. I reserved a room with a bed and a hide a bed. We only had one bed, which wouldn't work out. I called the desk and they moved us to a two room whirlpool suite for no additional charge, very nice...worked out well. This was a great hotel, spectacular pool, nice rooms and beautiful grounds.
Next morning we woke up and enjoyed a slow paced breakfast at the hotel. Made our way to the port via budget rental car van. We arrived at Port around 10:30. Dropped our bags at the tent across the street. I was putting out DCL tags on the luggage and one of the luggage guys came up to me and took them out of my hand and insisted that he put them on for me. He stated "Your on vacation now, from here on out everything will be done for you...You'll have to do nothing." We tipped him and made our way to the terminal.
We got into the terminal fairly quick. There were a ton of people but the check in process moved along rather quickly. It was at this time we met up with fellow Dis'r LeahPie and her family. I am so thankful for meeting them, they made our trip that much more enjoyable.
They actually let us begin boarding around 11:30 or so. We made our way onto the ship and went right for Palo reservations. We booked Palo's on Formal night, which was Monday. We then went to the spa to make our resis there. Both my DW and I booked the Hot Stone Massage for our day at sea on Thursday. Then to the Oceaneers Lab to check our DD's in. Finally we went and booked Sting Ray City excursion. Everything complete, lets eat.
We went to PC for lunch, which was great. We could then get into our room, which was an inside stateroom 2141. We unpacked all of our luggage and put everything away. Stowed the luggage in the closet. I was very impressed with the amount of storage that was available.
Time for the lifeboat drill, what a drag but necessary...
Dropped two brand new still in package pillow cases off at GS. They said no problem, pick em up on Friday night.
We really enjoyed the sail away celebration, what a festival and a do not miss event. We met up with our new found friends again.
That night we had dinner at AP. Our servers were Robert and Tibor. Both of them were a real hoot. We received a magic trick from one or both of them each night, what a highlite and they were actually great tricks. These guys really made our trip special. Always referring to us as family, my daughters as princesses and my wife as Lady...We really became close to them by the end of the cruise. Actually swapped addresses. I am going to send them all of the pictures that they were involved with. We made it a custom to have a "server" picture everynight with some sort of goofy pose. What a couple of great guys.
We also played bingo. It was fun, but rather expensive I thought so no more bingo for us during the cruise.
Key West day. This is a wonderful place and it was really neat to watch the boat dock. We spent the day strolling around the town with our new friends. We also visited the Key West Aquarium. This is a neat place to see, highly recommended.
We went to Who wants to be a Mouseketeer with Leahpie and family. This was entertaining and everyone did fairly well. Dinner at PC this evening. We finished off the night by going to Match your Mate. This is do not miss, what a riot. Wonder if any of the contestants are still married. I wanted to play, but my DW was too afraid of what I would let out of the bag..haha
The next morning was our Character Breakfast. This I thought was very impersonable as far as the characters go. Photographers just rush them in and rush them out as fast as they can. Servers again were wonderful. Nice way to start your day with such friendly people. We basically just laid around on Deck 10 all day and watched the kids swim. THey bonded really well with Leahpie's DD and DS. We bonded really well on deck 10 with Leahpie and her DH....what great people-except their son is a Jeff Gordon fan...blaaaa.
Disney's Leg contest on Deck 9 at 2:00 was a riot. Very funny and a lot of good sports. I took my DD's to Tea with Wendy, this was somewhat fun...kind of enjoyed it. The girls like it. How sweet, a dad taking his girls to tea..haha. My DW went to have her hair done at the Salon. She looked smokin hot when we got back to the room.
Tonight is Formal night all of us got dressed to the nines for the Captains Gala. Had a few of the complimentary drinks and took some photos. Met the captain, Cpt. Tom...what a Bozo, he had ZERO, ZILCH, NADA as far as Personality goes. Can't believe he is the guy driving this ship...
Kids ate dinner on Deck 9 real quick...and chose to hang out in the room while we went to Palo's. PALO'S is an absolute do not miss. This was spectacular. Dinner was taking forever though. We and the people next to us had to move our waitress along since we were going to miss the 8:30 Golden Mickeys. Have evey dessert, they are all wonderful..especially the Chocolate Souflet. It's about 8:30 and we finished up and ran back to the cabin to get the girls, deck 2 AFT then run to deck 4 forward to WDT. Standing room only, so we stand in the back. Very nice show, but glad it was over I was sweating through my tux..it was a roaster in there. Back to the cabing to get out of the Tux. We went to Rockin Bar D and watched the musical madness of John Charles, very funny and again a must see. We hung around for some of the 70's show, which was also entertaining.
Tuesday, Grand Cayman day. Ate Breakfast at Top Siders. Off to Stingray city excursion, first one of the day. Nice excursion, not worth the money though. Stingrays are great animals, but it would be nice if you could snorkel in more than ankle to knee deep water. Plus we were the only dorks out there with a life/snorkel vest on since they said DCL required them. Better safe than sorry I guess.
Hung around GC for a while, ate luch at Hard Rock Cafe. 60.00 for 4 OUCH....many people were complaining about the prices on GC. Exchange rate of 1.00 GC $ to 1.25 US. I didn't care for GC too much, neither did my DW or DD's. People there were very rude and the whole town really stunk (literally). Glad to be back on ship.
Tonight is HerCules the Muse-Ical...funny, funny, funny, Haites makes this show. Enjoyed this show with LeahPie and Family. Dinner back in AP. Very entertaining as usual. Then we watched David Dimuzio (juggler). Entertaining show, but not the best of the week. He seemed to be stuck on himself and arrogant, begging for applause after every trick.
Cozumel Day. We wandered around for a bit and then hopped in a cab and made our way to Paradise Beach. What a magnificent place, highly recommend it to everyone. No cost, everything is free to use with a deposit on the snorkel gear of 10.00 per set. Good food and great service...this place was paradise and the big Iceberg was a blast. Back in cab and did some shopping. Back on boat for MEXICALIfragilisticexpialidocious...donned the tropical attire and went off to PC for dinner...very good time and an appropriate place for dinner on this night. Enjoyed the Deck party on Deck 9. They had a fabulous buffet set up...didn't eat anything, too full from dinner.
Thursday was a day at sea. We hung out with our new friends once again. They were kind enough to include us on their PALO Brunch reservations.....THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU...what a great experience. And Louise, Tibors Girlfriend was our waitress. Do not miss Brunch at Palo's. Had our Spa appointments in the afternoon. Hot rock massage. That was heaven...I was tired already and had fell asleep in the loungers in the changing room so the massage just made it worse. I really liked it and must have been out of it since I bought one of those 47.00 dollar bottles of cooling gel. Dinner was at Lumiere's, semi formal night. We dressed up again, I put the Tux to use once again. Great night of dinner and entertainment. We caught the 7:45 show of Michael Harrison who was a ventriloquist. He was so funny that we went back to the adult 10:45 show, even funnier...Tonight was also Disney Dreams, what a sleeper of a show. Not what I expected. It was OK at best, nothing to rave about. Midnight (11:45) desert buffet. Very impressive, but not much taste to any of it...believe me, we ate one of everything.
Friday, Castaway Cay Day. Another great day. This is a beautiful place. All of us found a great spot, including LeahPies Family. The two DH's snorkeled quite a bit saw some great stuff, sting rays, baracuda's and other strategically placed items. Kids played and dug a huge jacuzzi in the sand, as they called it. Huge hole though. Easy day, just hung out. You have to be back on ship way too early this day. Cleaned up for dinner at AP one last time...First all of us went to the Farewell Variety show...very entertaining and our favorite Ventriloquist was performing again. This time he used a kid out of the audience, HILARIOUS STUFF. And then you had David Dimuzio, zzzzzzzz.....Great show overall though and a nice way to end the trip.
Dinner that night was actually kind of sad. We had developed a great relationship with our servers and with our new Dis friends and it was setting in that this would be it. Our servers even experienced a slight bit of tear shed, very heart warming considering the amount of people that they meet. The character meet and greet that evening is a blast. Nice return home. I still have a pocket full of pixie dust.
Took our time the next morning, had breakfast at AP, strolled around a bit and then left by 9am.
A few pointers and thoughts-
1. Found the food at dinner to have a very much prepared and sitting in a warmer for hours feel and taste. Mostly all bland or old.
2. They plan too many things on the ship for activities. You are always rushed to take it all in. Not a place to go to relax.
3. Our servers were the best. We could never make up our mind about what appetizer we wanted, so they brought them all out every night...same with desert.
4. I got two lobster tails on Thursday night.
5. We had an inside stateroom, deck 2 room 2141. It was great. Very roomy, very dark at night and the beds/pillows were comfortable. We slept like babies all week. Haven't slept well since I've been back home.
6. Did I mention how cheap the food seemed. I have eaten all over the US at some of the best restraunts and this wasn't even close. The service you receive makes up for the lack of food quality.
7. Shuttters, they are rude. They could care less if your smiling in your picture or if your eyes are closed, move as many people in and out as fast as you can.
8. Seemed as though many kids had a hard time adjusting to the freedom along with responsibilities. Heard many parents talking about how their kids were acting up. Mine were, for the first couple of days. Too overwhelming for them.
9. The Pillow cases are great after they are signed. DW picked them up on Friday night and put them on the pillows. The kids were shocked when they went to bed.
10. Must have milk and cookies via room service every night...
11. I gained 5 pounds by the time I got home. Lost it though already.
12. Meet a family with kids the same age as yours. Me, my DW and two DD's have met people that will be friends for years to come hopefully.
13. Try not to take everything in, it's impossible and you will wear yourself out.
14. Do not miss acts: Michael Harrison (ventriloquist), DV8 (Magician), John Charles (Musical Comedian), and if you have nothing else to do..David Dimuzio (juggler).
15. Do not miss shows: Hercules, Golden Mickeys, Farewell Variety Show, and if you have nothing else to do- Disney Dreams.
16. Do not miss eats: PALO Dinner, PALO Brunch, Thursday Lobster Day, Milk and Cookies, Midnight Buffet.
17. Rainforest was pleasant, hot rock massage was arrousing.
18. We had a plastic enhanced blonde on our cruise who was constantly in hardly any clothes that had everyone talking. Dimitri, the Asst. Cruise Director had a liking to her child...can't imagine why. He paid a ton of attention to her kid. It was obvious what his motive was, found it very inappropriate for a DCL CM to act as he was.
19. Must have- Over the door shoe holder for the bathroom. We used it and filled it up, very handy, keeps the bathrooms picked up. Great Tip.
I'm sure I have forgotten something....
Great cruise, spectacular service and attention to detail (except the Dining room HS who messed up my two DD's Birthday date, he was 3 days early). Couldn't walk in the halls and pass a CM without them speaking to you. Always working and cleaning/fixing the ship-DAILY 24/7. I found it slightly over rated overall, don't get me wrong, it was a great experience but not sure if I would ever do it again. But the MAGIC is Spectacular.