The McSparklesons Sail the Magic... AGAIN! $500 Potato Chips! 3/13

[Grumpy's Wife]

It's so nice that your daughter has a cruising buddy.

The ship looks beautiful. We need more, more, more.

 

[jenseib]

That boarding video....fabulous!!!!!! I have some just like that too.

 

[ohboyx3]

Hurry up with DA update!!!! Enjoying DA report!

 

[kgoldenh]

Loving it so far!!!! You are right about CISbfsat room - good gracious it was packed. we ended up by the pool (which was fine). we ate fast so others could get seats. Poor Stephen thought about seconds til he saw the line and then decided to wait til he got on board.

great report so far. So bummed the DIS meet was not recorded. aaawwww.

cannot wait to read the next installment

kate

 

[CRdisMom]

im good at treading water so I'm good right plus there always will be a door floating by that I can grab... I know I'm a freak but thats why ya tolerate me

 

[karajeboo]

It's so nice that your daughter has a cruising buddy.

The ship looks beautiful. We need more, more, more.

The ship IS beautiful! I cannot figure out who these people are that keep saying she's "showing her age" or "looking old." Not this ship. Looks great!

That boarding video....fabulous!!!!!! I have some just like that too.

Oh, you married Steven Spielberg, too????

Hurry up with DA update!!!! Enjoying DA report!

We in da house!!!! You hear da gangsta in my voice? Yeah, I'm all redneck gangsta from South Kakalaki!

Loving it so far!!!! You are right about CISbfsat room - good gracious it was packed. we ended up by the pool (which was fine). we ate fast so others could get seats. Poor Stephen thought about seconds til he saw the line and then decided to wait til he got on board.

great report so far. So bummed the DIS meet was not recorded. aaawwww.

cannot wait to read the next installment

kate

Ya know, I thought I saw you that morning, but didn't want to embarass myself before I even go to port..... I almost came up and asked. But I decided that Ally would have enough embarassing moments with me for the week, and just in case it wasn't you......

im good at treading water so I'm good right plus there always will be a door floating by that I can grab... I know I'm a freak but thats why ya tolerate me

Nearrrrrrr, farrrrrr, whereEVER you are............ don't ever let go, Laura, don't ever let go!!!!!

Thank you, thank you very much. And I"m sure Jeff got my performance recorded....

Doh!

 

[LuvEeyore]

More please!!

 

[chiamarie]

Haha! Love the boarding video.

I'm pretty sure half of my video's from the cruise are of me saying "Crap, I did it again" because I was really meaning to take a photo, and not use video.

Looking forward to more!

 

[nenner1]

Did I seriously not post to say I was here??? i went to my user CP to pull it up in my subs and..crickets.

I'm losing it I tell ya!

Love the shoutout in the first post and am I alone in saying I would love a Magic to Magic comparison? I'm sure YOUR husband wouldn't get mad at you for giving YOUR opinion.....!

Will catch up tonight at work, I have yours and Tammie's all tabbed out and ready to go for my 12, 2 and 4AM reading pleasure.



PS- Is there a Dismoms Cruise PTR yet? Or will you all be waiting to bomb us after the fact?

 

[karajeboo]

Although you missed our grand entrance, no comments.... I'll give you the lowdown... down low.

There was clapping. There was smiling. There may have been drooling, and I'm sure there was some bowing and

After all, McSparklesons are... wait for it....

On Da Ship!!!!

I was worried that it wouldn't be as "magical" the second time, but it was. It really really was just as magical!!!

And then I saw Dana and Karrieanne clapping for the McSparklesons!!!! I'm just glad Karrieanne was finally packed!

A little background... we had a great fish extender group and we created our own facebook page in the weeks preceding our cruise, so we were all on there chatting and really getting to know one another.

And I'm a planner. I think we've all established that fact, right? So when folks were posting that they had not even begun to pack the week before the cruise, I started getting nervous. I mean, I was packd, suitcases closed, locked and ready to roll......

The night before most of us were leaving for Port Canaveral and STILL some saying they were not packed.... Karrieanne?

I got the shakes. I may have even shed a tear or two wondering just what she'd be forgetting!!!!

So when we boarded to the thunderous applause of Dana and Karrieanne and their families (they KNEW the McSparklesons were here!!!!), the first thing Karrieanne said to me, when she introduced herself, was, "Kara, relax, I'm packed!!!!!"

Ally would spend of lot of time with Dana's daughter Molly, and Karrieane's kids, Faith and Noah, on this cruise. Great families and I'm so glad I got to know y'all!!!!

OK, enough of the kumbaya.......

We felt so cool when the crew member met us to show us where to go once we boarded. Yeah right. Dude! Do you know who we are???? We had our own line for check-in!!! That's right...... step back, brother, we are the McSparklesons and we know the way.....

And up to Topsiders we went....

So I could have.... THIS!

It was, without a doubt, the BEST drink of the day the whole cruise..... Because it was the FIRST! And I knew there would be more to follow!

AFter lunch, we made our way up on deck to wave farewell to all those saps, er, fine folks, on land....

Off in the distance.... see her?

Stay tuned, you'll see more of the FAntasy than you ever could have imagined, reading a trip report about the Magic......

At exactly 1:30pm.... ready.... set..... GO!!!!! Rooms are ready!!!!

Our steerage cabin.....

All decorated for Ally's birthday!!!!

Last year, we were about 6 doors down, but across the hall. And when you have an inside cabin, "across the hall" means a BALCONY!!!!

Everyone told us that there was no way we could go from a balcony cabin, to an inside cabin. "You're spoiled now!" "No way will you be happy inside." "You'll be clausterphobic!"

And you know what? They were all WRONG!!!!!

We had absolutely ZERO issues with an inside cabin!!! It was perfect for us! And when we think that the difference in price would allow us to cruise more often? No brainer!!!

When I say we went steerage, I mean, not only did we give up the balcony, we also gave up the split bath. The split bath is two SEPARATE areas, one with shower and sink, the other with toilet and sink, so it makes it much easier for a family to get ready.....

But with only 3 of us, Jeff would get ready first and then head out so Ally and I had the whole room. But if you've never experienced the split bath, that is unique to DCL, you'd never know what you're missing, right?

So there you have it. McSparklesons are more like Jack than like Rose..... and we'll never let go!!!!

When we got to our cabin, Jeff's suitcase was there, as well as the suitcase with water....

Water???? Did you read that right? After all the posts about NOT packing water, the photos that I posted about how poorly the luggage is treated, and cases of liquids breaking open in suitcases, why would I actually pack water???

Well, because I'm a conscientious rule breaker.... I bought the jumbo size ziplocks and packed a case of water IN the ziplock, then in the suitcase, and then padded it with my over the door shoe holder (to hold toiletries), my fish extender, some hats, and a couple pair of shoes..... So I felt pretty safe that our water would not burst, and if a bottle or two did crack, it would be secure in the ziplock......

So there.

We wandered around the ship for awhile to reaquaint ourselves... and it really did feel like "home."

The same gaudy chandelier.....

The same funnel vision, just waiting for sail away....

All of them shouting, "Welcome back McSparklesons!!!!"

Well, in my mind I heard that. But then I hear lots of things that others don't hear, but that's another report, one written by my therapist......

Jeff decided he wanted to take the spa tour so off we went while Ally was off with Tori, and maybe even with Molly too..... it didn't take her long to dump her boring ole parents.....

We made appointments for massages later in the trip, and registered for the spa drawings, to be held at 3:15 in the gym......

We made our way down to the Promenade Lounge for the DISmeet for our group that met on DISboards, and stayed in touch on Facebook. So we had already gotten to know each other pretty well in some cases, and the meet was quick and painless.....

Jeff even showed up and filmed it!!!! Wanna see it?

Me too..... but James Cameron showed up again to film it so use your imagination.

Jeff and I snaked out about 3:13 to get up to the spa so we could win BIG!!!!

NOT!

"Must be present to win" didn't get us anything, but I did get to see the gym.....

We left the drawing and headed back to our room to get the "call" for muster drill. Thank goodness they improved this dramatically since last year!!!! Last year we met in Animator's Palate, same this year. Last year there were about 10 different "stations" all with bullhorns, all talking at the same time. So we heard absolutely nothing. We just knew to meet in AP in the event of a collision with an iceberg.

This year there was ONE person with a bullhorn talking to the whole room and we were in and out in less than 10 minutes and I felt much better about how to handle myself in the event of a collision with an iceberg.

Just saying.....

Up next, Mickey and friends sail away, and "epic horn battle" with the Fantasy!!!!

 

[luvslikepi]

Last year, we were about 6 doors down, but across the hall. And when you have an inside cabin, "across the hall" means a BALCONY!!!!

Everyone told us that there was no way we could go from a balcony cabin, to an inside cabin. "You're spoiled now!" "No way will you be happy inside." "You'll be clausterphobic!"

And you know what? They were all WRONG!!!!!

We had absolutely ZERO issues with an inside cabin!!! It was perfect for us! And when we think that the difference in price would allow us to cruise more often? No brainer!!!

I agree - my first cruise I had a balcony room. My second cruise I didn't and I love it simply for the fact that it forced me to leave the room to eat, watch arrivals and departures from ports, get involved with activities. I was also cruising solo when I went with the interior room so it was great that I got out and met people.

 

[Cinderella's slipper]

The only problem with reading your updates, is that I when I'm done reading, I want more. Ahhh such is life. Love the great wit - thanks for continuing to share your experiences with us.

 

[jcarwash]

Last year, we were about 6 doors down, but across the hall. And when you have an inside cabin, "across the hall" means a BALCONY!!!!

Everyone told us that there was no way we could go from a balcony cabin, to an inside cabin. "You're spoiled now!" "No way will you be happy inside." "You'll be clausterphobic!"

And you know what? They were all WRONG!!!!!

We had absolutely ZERO issues with an inside cabin!!! It was perfect for us! And when we think that the difference in price would allow us to cruise more often? No brainer!!!

This was on deck 6 right?

Glad to get your take on an inside stateroom! That is what we will have next time too...although with one of them new fangled vir-choo-all portholes.

 

[kid-at-heart]

The only problem with reading your updates, is that I when I'm done reading, I want more. Ahhh such is life. Love the great wit - thanks for continuing to share your experiences with us.

Me too! Same thoughts.

kate

 

[CRdisMom]

okay feeling better that they tell you how to deal with those rare caribbean Icebergs....lol

 

[rndmr2]

Great pics of the ship so far! I agree, I have no problem with an inside cabin, I mean, a balcony or window is nice but most of the time the price is SO much higher, I'd rather save the $$.

 

[karajeboo]

I agree - my first cruise I had a balcony room. My second cruise I didn't and I love it simply for the fact that it forced me to leave the room to eat, watch arrivals and departures from ports, get involved with activities. I was also cruising solo when I went with the interior room so it was great that I got out and met people.

I was so nervous, after everything I'd heard, but I've learned to trust my own opinions.... just like when people told me "you can't even feel it" with regard to being on a ship.... uh, yes you can!!!!

The only problem with reading your updates, is that I when I'm done reading, I want more. Ahhh such is life. Love the great wit - thanks for continuing to share your experiences with us.

I'll be bach. Or bethoven..... but I'll be back.....

This was on deck 6 right?

Glad to get your take on an inside stateroom! That is what we will have next time too...although with one of them new fangled vir-choo-all portholes.

Yup, deck 6.... On the Fantasy for NYE, 2013, they have not released any of them thar vir-choo-all porthole rooms, so we have a REAL porthole room right now.... Funny that the interior rooms are MORE than the outside rooms!!!!

Me too! Same thoughts.

kate

Bethoven, Bach, Vivaldi......

okay feeling better that they tell you how to deal with those rare caribbean Icebergs....lol

Well, ya never know!!! Just remember, the Titanic was "unsinkable."

Great pics of the ship so far! I agree, I have no problem with an inside cabin, I mean, a balcony or window is nice but most of the time the price is SO much higher, I'd rather save the $$.

I couldn't agree more! I'd gladly take an upgrade if it was offered to me, but not worth it for me to pay for it.....

Now we do have an aft view balcony reserved on RCI next year and THAT I am really looking forward to!!!

 

[KristiMc]

Glad you liked your inside room. I was wanting to know. We have a balcony for our June cruise out of NYC but we booked a inside on the Dream for next June.

I wish we had done the Facebook page for the cruise last year - we would have gotten to know each other beforehand and would have hung out. Next time! There is still room on the June 2nd cruise. I know you want to do it.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Oh wow! I didn't realize your cruise was the one with the Fantasy! HOW FUN!!! I can't wait to see the video and pictures!

Good to know you went from the Verandah to the Inside without any problems! I can see us taking advantage of some Inside rates on future cruises as well - it can save a bundle!

I see Kristi mentioned the June 2 cruise. There is still LOTS of room! Come join us!!!

 

[anewmac]

I was worried that it wouldn't be as "magical" the second time, but it was. It really really was just as magical!!!
i have so many comments that arent appropriate i want to say.. lol so for now ill just say "THATS WHAT SHE SAID"

And then I saw Dana and Karrieanne clapping for the McSparklesons!!!! I'm just glad Karrieanne was finally packed!

And I'm a planner. I think we've all established that fact, right? So when folks were posting that they had not even begun to pack the week before the cruise, I started getting nervous. I mean, I was packd, suitcases closed, locked and ready to roll......
I knew we had a lot of thing in common
So I could have.... THIS!

THATS MY GIRL!

Our steerage cabin.....
you cant be steerage you were on deck 6, ... try deck 1.. I thought they were going to have us row we were so low

Everyone told us that there was no way we could go from a balcony cabin, to an inside cabin. "You're spoiled now!" "No way will you be happy inside." "You'll be clausterphobic!"

And you know what? They were all WRONG!!!!!
I dont know.. I did inside, then balcony and Im not sure i could go back to a none sunlight room. That is the only way I would sleep the day away cuz if its pitch black i can sleep in.

When I say we went steerage, I mean, not only did we give up the balcony, we also gave up the split bath. The split bath is two SEPARATE areas, one with shower and sink, the other with toilet and sink, so it makes it much easier for a family to get ready.....
and with 2 girls and only 1 bath. ok you were totally roughing it!

Well, because I'm a conscientious rule breaker.... I bought the jumbo size ziplocks and packed a case of water IN the ziplock, then in the suitcase, and then padded it with my over the door shoe holder (to hold toiletries), my fish extender, some hats, and a couple pair of shoes..... So I felt pretty safe that our water would not burst, and if a bottle or two did crack, it would be secure in the ziplock......
So did any break?

Up next, Mickey and friends sail away, and "epic horn battle" with the Fantasy!!!!

cant wait I watched you sail while at work (SHHHH lol) and it was so neat to watch.

okay feeling better that they tell you how to deal with those rare caribbean Icebergs....lol

and as long as you find a door your ok.. HECK if Rose would have moved over there was ton of space for Jack to lay... see!!!! ill share a door when we cruise Laura....