Photos from Fantasy Eastern Concierge cruise

[jegsnakkernorsk]

I'm not sharing photos I took of Dad and I working out in the absolutely packed gym at 7am. But instead, here's photos of the food we enjoyed a little later...

They have a nice selection that changed slightly daily of danish and coffee breads. They have fruit and muslix or oatmeal and yogurt. They also had lox or something similar as well. Like I said before the tea selection is nice, the hot chocolate is great and they are very proud of the top of the line coffee machine. The concierge will make your drink for you.

I loved the logo on everything concierge!

see I told you it was always on

 

[Uncleromulus]

I am enjoying this thread a great deal!!!

 

[tinkerbellerina]

I'm loving living vicariously through your pictures and words. Thanks for sharing!

 

[jegsnakkernorsk]

I am enjoying this thread a great deal!!!

I'm loving living vicariously through your pictures and words. Thanks for sharing!

Oh I'm so glad! Really pleased I can payback the favor of sharing. Hope this helps in your planning and day dreaming.

 

[speedo]

OK looks like we are up to Day 2 with the pictures so time for more rambling from me : )


It was an early morning. I have a hard time sleeping in even on vacation : ) But it was nice to look out on the verandah in the early morning. My sister and dad went to the gym which was packed with people trying to impress each other. So that was the only time they went to the gym.

We ate breakfast in the Concierge Lounge. They have some breads, yogurt, cold cuts, and cereals – basic continental breakfast offerings. It was good though.

That morning my dad planned to compete in the longest drive competition with the golf simulator. My sister and I went with him. We were early so we played a round of mini-golf. Goofy’s mini-golf is a lot more fun and challenging than I expected! We finished in time for the competition. It was almost comical seeing all the men going to the competition. We signed our dad in and made sure he would make friends before leaving : )

My dad said it was difficult to use the simulator on a rocking ship so he didn’t sign up for it again.

My sister and I went to the art of animation demonstration to learn how to draw Mickey. When we were kids we took a class at Walt Disney World on animation and this reminded me a bit of that class. This class on the boat was a mix of adults and children so you can definitely go even if you don’t have children. In the end I did better with the front view of Mickey and my sister did better with the profile. The class took about an hour.

At 11:30 we had brunch at Palo. The brunch was fantastic. We had a great table looking out to the water. The brunch was different than I expected. I thought it would be all buffet. But only appetizers and dessert are at a buffet - the main course and pizza are displayed at the buffet but actually ordered from the server. I liked this set up but you have to remember which main course you wanted when you got back to your seat : )

After brunch my dad, sister and I played the midship detective agency game. There are three games: stolen puppies, stolen art work, and the Muppets. We chose the stolen art work. While playing it we noticed that there were mostly kids playing although I suspect the adults were interested also and just using their kids as an excuse to play : ) The game is a lot of fun and you really go all over the ship. It was great way to learn the ship and to see all of the décor and art work.

My sister and I knew we wanted to book the Panama cruise in May 2013. My mom was having such a nice time that she agreed that she wanted to go also but my Dad was adamant that he didn’t want to be on a cruise ship away from his business that long. So at the onboard booking desk we rebooked for a one bedroom suite for the three of us. We chose a suite at midship but near the front so we should be under quite cove pool or near it for easy access : ) My dad was standing by the desk and my mom asked him one more time if he was sure but he said that he didn’t want to go so we booked the one bedroom suite for just three.

It was formal night and the musical Aladdin. I really enjoyed the musical, even though it isn’t my favorite Disney movie. I was impressed with all they could do on a cruise ship stage!

We went to Ooh-La-La for cocktails before dinner. It was Mom’s hen party for the night before her vow renewal. Our friends were all there and we shared some good laughs. I had a cocktail with champagne and peach puree which was very good and lasted me through dinner. The prices were very high in the bar (cheapest is $5.75 but most are in the $20s) and just didn’t feel comfortable – at least not as much as it looks. We all agreed that we missed Sessions on the Magic!

We headed to Enchanted Gardens for dinner. I really enjoyed the theming of that restaurant. Our head server, Jaimie stopped by at one point. He said we were the best table. And we all replied that "of course" we were and one of the sisters from Buffalo told him about how we were matched on the Magic. He confirmed that Disney does try to gather as much information as possible to match tablemates. Of course there was one glitch last year with the couple none of us liked : )

At the end of the night Jaime came by again and said he had a surprise for us the next night since we were the happiest table!

That night we walked around the 4th deck for some air and exercise before bed. We went to sleep dreaming of what our surprise could be!

 

[jegsnakkernorsk]

I highly recommend your family take time to play a round of Goofy Golf on the back of the ship on the 13th deck. My Dad, sis and I played the first morning at sea and had a blast. It brought back a lot of old memories from playing as kids.

The course has nine holes and two options for tee-off - one is Max and one is Goofy. You are encouraged to place your feet as they have a pattern: sometimes your feet are going in completely opposite directions.

This morning we played as Goofy and later in the cruise we played "the back nine" as Max. Both were challenging and a lot of fun.

This morning I eeked by Dad to lead, but later when we played Max, Sis got three holes in one and won.

Here's some photos of the cutely designed and challenging/fun course.

And some shots of the Aqua Lab that I never went into but secretly wished I had children so I had an excuse to go in there!

Oh and for anyone wondering what the end of the Aquaduck looks like - these yellow bumpers are where you end up on the ride. Unless the person working isn't paying attention you wont hit them. I did twice - the guy kept getting a call. But it doesn't hurt. They hold the raft and you pull yourself out and step over the side to get out.

After the round of mini golf we dropped Dad off at the Golf Simulator for the Longest Drive Challenge. This was free (the simulator has a fee normally). About fifty men showed up for this event and once we made sure dad was in the right place and all settled with new friends, Sis and I left. It was like Dad-care.

 

[jegsnakkernorsk]

Thanks for posting, Sis!

Here's proof that you are the artistic one of the two of us. I'm not sharing my evil chipmunk Mickey.

 

[jegsnakkernorsk]

I don't think Sis mentioned this, but I attended the free Make Over Session in the Spa this morning. Lucy convinced me to sign up on our tour of the spa.

Since we had already splurged for mom and dad to have a vow renewal, sis and I decided to get up dos for the ceremony. Sis had never had an up do (and she has hair long enough to do a really convincing Princess Leia) and it has been years and years and years since I went to a high school dance. Lucy said that at the seminar we could talk about what might work for our updos the next day.

The session is more of a sales pitch for Phyto hair products. There are three stylists and they did go around and give each woman tips for her hair. One they said to use a straightener or curlying iron instead of hot rollers. For me one asked, "what color is your hair?" I had to laugh and say "yeah that's a good question." I've had it colored so long I don't remember the natural shade - it varies between red and blonde - spanning the strawberry blonde range but good to know even professionals don't know. Hey, let's just enjoy the view...

 

[jegsnakkernorsk]

This view means

We're at the back of the ship! Palo, Remy and the Meridian bar are in the Aft of the ship.

I never sat here but I should have.

This is what I picked up from the appetizer buffet. It went nicely with my complimentary glass of champagne (or mimosa). In the small dish is what DCL calls "ground chickpea and garlic" and what I call "hummus".

We also had a pizza we split (goat cheese and roasted tomato) between three of us (Dad pouted that he doesn't like goat cheese). And then we each ordered an Entree from our very friendly and funny waiter, Laszlo. I had the chicken parmasean and realy liked it.

Check out the desserts! This was on a buffet and I took the Sacher tort that was different from the one at Enchanted Garden. Also the mousse and a chocolate tart thing. Very good.

Some of the decor in Palo...

Venetian Glass on the ceiling

This is in Meridian the bar. The seats are like luggage! Don't remind me of luggage!

I liked the sophisticated world traveler theme. Wouldn't it have been awesome if they did something like the old Adventurer's Club from downtown disney on board? I loved that place.

Concept art in the stairwell.

That afternoon we got a nice note from our server at Palo.

 

[wishuponastarforever]

Thank you so much for your wonderful thread. You should get a discount for your next cruise for being an amazing Ambassador. Concierge has not been considered by DH and I in the past. Must admit I am drooling and rethinking our next cruise. DCL has you and your sister to thank.

The evil part of me enjoyed your stories of the crazy couple. It was lucky everyone else got along. Can't even imagine sharing a table with people like that with no one else to buffer.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Being somewhat of a Restaurants Board "veteran", I am liking pictures of the food and restaurants.

The food (in the evening) in the Concierge Lounge also looked pretty good!!

 

[jegsnakkernorsk]

Thank you so much for your wonderful thread. You should get a discount for your next cruise for being an amazing Ambassador. Concierge has not been considered by DH and I in the past. Must admit I am drooling and rethinking our next cruise. DCL has you and your sister to thank.
QUOTE]

A discount would be great! Concierge is quite the experience on the Fantasy.

If it weren't for our parents going this trip, my sister and I would have booked a Deluxe Family Oceanview with Verandah room. Actually my sister would book it and she'll know the category numbers (I don't really understand that stuff).

Our friends had nice rooms as well. The Scotish were in the aft of the ship in the very center back. Their room had a massive extra long verandah and they had amazing views as we left the ports and CC. The sisters from Buffalo only booked a few months before the cruise and didn't know their room number until they checked in. They ended up in the very front of the ship in an accessible room that was massive - wish the gym was as spacious!

On our next cruise, the Panama canal on the Wonder, my sister and I will be in a Deluxe Family Oceanview with Verandah that is not concierge but it connects to the one bedroom that is concierge. On the Wonder it is possible to have connecting rooms that are concierge and not, but that wouldn't be possible on the Fantasy.

I think Concierge is worth it on the Fantasy - the sun deck and lounge are really worth the upgrade. But no matter where your room is you'll be pleased. They made every stateroom special I think.

 

[jegsnakkernorsk]

Being somewhat of a Restaurants Board "veteran", I am liking pictures of the food and restaurants.

You might have seen my review of the Quick Service Meal Plan at WDW last year then - http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2738414
I'm the nut that took detailed notes and photos of french fries and coke floats! I was on a mission to make the most of the PIN I got randomly in the mail from Disney for free QSDP.

Have you been to Remy? You will be sorry I didn't take photos then but I really didn't want to take away from the meal. It was incredible.

 

[jegsnakkernorsk]

For those who haven't been on DCL before, you're in store to see just about every Disney Character you could want. On several days at several times they have all the princesses out for photos. It seems very organized and I didn't see the massive lines that I did on the Magic once.

They list the times for the character photo ops in the Navigator you get in your room each night for the next day as well as on tv screens around the ship. We saw Peter Pan and Genie from Aladin all sorts. Mickey, Minnie, Daisy and Donald have a few different outfits they wear for photos too. Sis and I got a cute photo with Minnie in her art deco dress. Maybe she'll let me share it.

not my sister

I feel like I see more characters in more exciting outfits on the cruise than I do in the parks.

Just walking down the hall you might run into Goofy on his way to play golf. Or someone might be sitting in the movie theater. You never know!

here's photos from the midship detective game my sister mentioned we played today. We loved it. Dad especially enjoyed it - I think most of all.

You really get to see the ship and if you do the stairs instead of the elevator you get a little work out too. I would encourage adults to do it, with or without kids. I saw a lot of kids doing it and think their parents were missing out on something pretty fun too. Like many Disney things - they are designed for all generations to enjoy.

 

[emmebear]

any pictures of your parents suite balcony?

did your parents book brunch at palo during their 120 day window?

january 26, 2013 feels so far away!

we will be celebrating my daughter's 3rd bday on the cruise (she turns 3 on the second day). any idea who to tell that it's her birthday? i'm hoping they do something special for her.

 

[jegsnakkernorsk]

On the Concierge Sundeck...

A cast member will turn on and off these misters in the center of the sun deck. The mist is so light you don't feel like you are getting wet and the seat backs are actually comfortable and you can rest your feet on the center island.

I loved how they designed the sun deck so that each sun chair got a built in table but it was visually interesting too.

These lounges were so comfortable with all the pillows and the awning could be pulled down.

 

[All American]

Is the sundeck for adults only? I've read that it is but later saw pictures of kids on there with Goofy or something. I can't seem to find an answer on that one.

Thanks again for the pictures although I love hearing about your dad's experience as well. He seems like a gem! Golf and "dad-care".

 

[jegsnakkernorsk]

any pictures of your parents suite balcony?

did your parents book brunch at palo during their 120 day window?

january 26, 2013 feels so far away!

we will be celebrating my daughter's 3rd bday on the cruise (she turns 3 on the second day). any idea who to tell that it's her birthday? i'm hoping they do something special for her.

It will go by fast! My parents didn't book anything (they are in their late 50s and early 60s). It was my 31 year old sister did all the booking at the 120 day mark. She even stayed up to midnight to book the Cabana for Castaway Cay - which I think you should do too!

Concierge team can make Palo and Remy reservations if you didn't before the cruise but the times might not be available that you want. Brunch is very popular, but I heard they are expanding the hours and taking out the Tea.

The dining team will do something for your daughters birthday for sure. The concierge team will also likely know your daughter's birthday. It should be in their system - I think they have everyone's birthdate. It will be a special trip for her no matter what!

As for the balcony my parents' had - the photo at the start of this day was taken from their balcony looking down to mine. Their balcony had the standard two blue chairs and table but also two white chairs that reclined. I would call their balcony a double wide.

 

[jegsnakkernorsk]

Is the sundeck for adults only? I've read that it is but later saw pictures of kids on there with Goofy or something. I can't seem to find an answer on that one.

Thanks again for the pictures although I love hearing about your dad's experience as well. He seems like a gem! Golf and "dad-care".

I never saw kids in the sun deck but I also didn't see a sign saying no children. There was a sign as you leave the concierge sun deck to remind you that the area outside the concierge sun deck is the adult only sun deck and satellite falls. I didn't see kids there also because I don't think it was very attractive to kids - not compared to all the other spaces on the ship.

The photos you saw of kids with Goofy there was probably from the day when they have a meet and greet with a character. Ours was in the lounge but I heard sometimes they do it on the sun deck. They don't promise who will be at the meet and greet but they do arrange for an hour when concierge can get a chance to interact and get a photo with a character, which was really nice. You'll get notice in your room telling you when and where the meet and greet is.

As long as dad can golf, he's happy. Good thing he lives in Florida.

 

[All American]

Thanks for the response!