"Dreamy" 15th Anniversary adult trip (Or...by ourselves?? What will we talk about?)

[MinnieDiva]

Sorry, Kim. We all hope Ash feels better!

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I hope Ashleigh is feeling better! Poor thing!

Thanks, guys! She's doing waaaaayyyyyy better. Only wears her immobilizer at night and actually ran at practice yesterday NO upper body activities, yet. We follow up again the end of next week with ortho to re-xray and see how healing is going.

So where in the world did I leave off?? Right, finished Nassau. So the next day was our eagerly anticipated Castaway Cay day! Sean and I were looking forward to relaxing and doing NOTHING! Well, after the 5k, of course...We got up early-ish and headed up to Cabanas for some breakfast. I cannot run on an empty stomach. Need my fuel! So a bit of fruit and muesli later, we ran back to our room to grab a few pics as I failed to bring my camera to breakfast. The view was lovely:

We met in 687 as directed and found Mindy and Jim already there. Signed up, collected our numbers, and headed outside. So, did you notice the clouds in the above picture? This is critical to the next part of the story. Remember how I was hating the weather at the 10-miler? This was daytime, and the staff was warning everyone how hot and humid it was and how you needed to drink the water supplied on the course. Ok, whatever. I didn't bring my hydration pack, as it was only a 5k. And I wasn't thinking that the weather was all that bad at that particular time. So, we walked a really long ways to get to the starting area, where there was a big box in which to keep our bags. This was nice, as that way we wouldn't have to go back to the ship after the run. I had brought my little camera and kept it in the bag (thankfully). So we set off. Sean ran ahead of me (thankfully). I was able to find a pace and keep to it. Felt pretty good, actually! We get to the turnaround spot, and I see Sean, surprisingly not all that far ahead of me. Ok, what ever. And I have to insert here, in spite of the directions on HOW to run the loop, people still did it backwards. Sigh. Then...the rain starts. Big, fat, hairy raindrops that coalesce into a sheet of dumping rain! Holy COW! We don't get rain like that in the Pacific NW. To say I was soaked is the world's biggest understatement! But you know what? It was a cool rain and felt GREAT! Sean finished 3rd overall. I didn't pay attention. But, when we found some cover, we took off our shoes, and....no kidding....turned them upside down and poured out the water! Yikes!

This is what we looked like after:

A really bad wet t-shirt contest!

Ok, more later. Sean nagging me to go to the grocery store.

 

[MinnieDiva]

The nice thing about all that rain was that it washed away all the sweat!! I'm sure we all smelled far better as a result of that down pour!

So, Jim and Mindy were able to score a cabana on Serenity Bay! They had just had one the month prior on the family beach and loved it. We took the endless tram over to the check in area and were met by our host (whose name I cannot recall at this point). He was very nice, and encouraged us to use the call bell if we needed anything. He was a little frustrated with us later in the day when we simply got up and walked to lunch or the restroom, though...

We lazed around the cabana awaiting the sunshine's return, but eventually headed out to the sand and alternatively used the floats, sat in the chairs, swam in the water, rinse, repeat....Eventually Sean and I broke out some snorkeling equipment as there was a stingray out there swimming around! Got a few good looks before everyone and their brother was out there kicking up sand. I was actually very surprised at how populated the adult beach was. Considering that the ship was supposedly not very full......Lunch was decent. A little heavy, IMO, would have preferred some better veges or fruit options. Jim was fully entertained at the cabana with various thing he pulled out of his bag, and Sean pinged back and forth between different locales while Mindy and I pretty much sat on chairs in the sun!

We all decided to head back a bit early to accomplish a few things: 1) ride the Aquaduck. We figured the line would be better earlier while people were still on the beach. 2) Use the rainforest room again. Yum. and 3) shower and get ready for Remy!!! We were all really, really looking forward to this. All 4 of us had experienced Victoria and Alberts last November and loved the experience and the food, and couldn't wait to see how this compared!

 

[mindelmouse]

So, Jim and Mindy were able to score a cabana on Serenity Bay! They had just had one the month prior on the family beach and loved it. We took the endless tram over to the check in area and were met by our host (whose name I cannot recall at this point). He was very nice, and encouraged us to use the call bell if we needed anything. He was a little frustrated with us later in the day when we simply got up and walked to lunch or the restroom, though...

His name was Pius....

I will continue. Between the Hurricane and catching up at work and some personal stuff...Life has been a bit hectic...hopefully I can start catching up tonight.

 

[MinnieDiva]

This was an amazing experience! Well worth the expense, IMO. If you're not a foodie and don't care for french food, don't bother going here. But for the four of us, it was a true gastronomic experience!

I didn't take many pictures here, as we were far too busy enjoying our wine and dinner. But, I did catch this lovely photo of the sunset:

And, our meal started off with a lovely Champagne cocktail:

Nom, nom, nom....We all decided that we were going to do the menu with the wine pairings. Now, FYI, there was an ala carte option, that all of us promptly ignored. So, I have no memory of what it consisted of for comparison purposes. But, I do remember that there were 2 different menus to chose from from the pairings options. Sean chose one of the menus, and Mindy, Jim and I chose the other (so I got the bonus of trying it all!!). Our wait staff was fabulous...Mathilde was our main waiter and she was from the Netherlands but had a North Carolina accent !!! What?? She lived in NC after her parents divorced, but went back to the Netherlands to go to college (where it was free) and did a few restaurant jobs before getting hired by Disney! I love being able to talk with the Cast Members and finding out their stories.

Pic of Mindy and Jim:

And us:

I had to rip that picture off of Mindy's Facebook page, BTW. She hasn't emailed me a thing...

It was very interesting to not only peoplewatch the patrons, but the staff as well! We'd observe their across-the-room non-verbal communication so as to make quite the presentation with our food. Mindy and I once got up simultaneously go use the restroom and I thought they'd have a conniption as they would escort you out the room....

But, as we were celebrating our anniversary, the staff brought us this:

Which I thought was very nice! They also brought additional dessert, which was a bit much considering how much we'd consumed. Our night also ended with a rose for Mindy and I as well as a box of chocolates (that got to come home!!)

It was pirate night, and while it might have ben nice to see the fireworks, we all opted to wander thru the nearly empty shops! Far easier to take your time when there aren't so many people around! It had been a full day and when we got back to our room, I had to take the daily towel animal picture:

This just cracks me up! Sean posing so cheesily (don't think that's a word, but it'll have to do...)

 

[mindelmouse]

And us:

I had to rip that picture off of Mindy's Facebook page, BTW. She hasn't emailed me a thing...

Stop your whinning....it's not like I've seen ANY of your pictures yet and at least I put mine on FB...You never posted yours anywhere

 

[mindelmouse]

Geez...very far behind Kim on my take on the trip....I think I left off finishing dinner at Artist's Point. We then headed back to our hotel to take the transport over to HS and the race. We got there about 1/2 hour before the start and saw a mass of people. We went over to the starting line to try our best to see if we could catch a glimpse of Kim and Sean. I kept texting Kim to find out where they were....we actually found them 2 minutes before they started but some un-Disney like woman wouldn't let me get close enough to call to them...if you see the upturned visor...that would be Sean

They started the race and we went into HS to enjoy the bash. Kim said they should return around the 1 hour 45 minute mark. When we entered the park, we checked our where the finish line was so we knew where to go back to. Then we went and did the Toy Story Ride ( I had never done that one before.) It was really cool. Then we went in search of race memorabilia...even though we weren't in the race we were experiencing a first time event. We picked up some pins and visors. We then started hearing them cheering for the first people to start coming back. They had set up a DJ right under the Sorcerers Hat and the runners had to run through there to get to the finish line. We decided to stake out spots there to catch them when they passes. Some other runners:

Well we waited there for about 45 minutes and Jim was standing in an awesome spot to get photos. My camera was freaking out with all the weird lighting. Well Kim and Sean come running by and I called to them, but they didn't hear me and I turn and I see Jim staring down at his camera...:confused Having no idea that they just ran by. I was so angry at him... he missed the photo op...

After some choice words, we went to greet them as they exited the finish line and went with them while they changed...then we got this photo

We all went on a few rides and all pooped and tired we went back to our respective hotels, knowing that tomorrow would be DCL day.,,,,YEA

 

[mindelmouse]

So the next morning we were up and waiting outside our hotel at 9 am as instructed. My friends are former military so it never occurred to me that they wouldn't be precisely on time Guess I was wrong!!! But alas they only made us wait 15 minutes. As Kim mentioned we tried the upgrade line but decided it was a no go and lookie what I got...for the first time I might add

My first gold lanyard yea

Now for the rest of this and to catch up...I'm going to just add to Kim's rantings since we were all together for most of the rest of the trip.

 

[mindelmouse]

Ah....Nassau.....

Ok, lets get back to reality. I did do some research before the cruise to see if there was anything that would interest me (us) prior to sailing. I got a Fodor's book on the Bahamas from the library, in hopes that I could find something, anything, that I could find interesting to do. You see, I don't gamble....I work too hard for my $$. Waterpark? Nah. Dolphins? Meh. Lying on a beach? Gonna do that the following day at Castaway Cay. So what did I learn? Not much. It was a british colony and there were pirates. I already knew that.

So, with the promise of free wi-fi, we got up at our leisure, took in a spell in the Rainforest Room after doing a light workout on the ellipticals, showered, and had a lovely breakfast at Enchanted Garden (?). I know that wherever we were, it took forever to get an egg white omelet made for Min & Jim. The crew was getting ready for their drill, so it must have been fairly close to 10am. We probably go there about 0930. Food was good, and off the boat we went. We wandered into their port building:

[And turned on the phones and connected to wi-fi. I started texting our DD as Mindy got the horrible news that her children were not being perfect angels (I'll let her dish on that). !

Yes my wonderful 11 year old twins. Who had just been on a cruise the month before mind you, were doing everything in their power to make sure that Grandma would never come watch them again. My ADHD son was being particular bad. He wouldn't take his medication, shower or do anything he was told...I was exasperated and couldn't wait until we were out of cell phone or texting range.

 

[mindelmouse]

Ah....Nassau.....

I had booked a couple's choice!! Once we got there, it became readily apparent once they led us in the villa that Sean had paid absolutely NO attention when I described what we'd be doing when I'd booked this so long ago! We initially had a lovely view of.....a Carnival cruise ship. But, as we were finishing up our pre-relaxation foot cleansing and hot tub time, the cruise ship was beginning to depart. Now, Mindy has done this spa experience a few times, and what I'm about to recount, she says she never got the option: We got to order wine/sparkling wine from Cove Cafe to have with our chocolate-dipped strawberries after our massages! Yum! Both Sean and I opted for a hot stone massage. We both had one of these for the first time in the Med and it was so memorable that it's become our repeat "treat" on vacations. The ladies did a fabulous job, and Sean fell asleep (no snoring), and I was so almost there, until they hit a sore muscle I didn't know I had! remember...we'd just run a race...! So after the massages, we enjoyed our wine, berries, and chocolate chip cookies on a stick. What? Jim ran in to one of our masseuses in Cove cafe and when they said what stateroom to bill it to, he told them to add the cookies (he knows I love cookies, and isn't all food better on a stick? maybe not, but you get the idea). Sean was probably the most relaxed I'd seen him in YEARS. He loved the time in the spa, and it's lavishness was a total surprise, so I guess his lack of listening skills was a bonus in this case!

Meanwhile, Jim and I had booked the mixology course. We had a blast...we got to make a whole bunch of drinks and actually consume them. It was a hoot and our bartender was great....he was from South America and it seems like it was so long again, I can't remember his name or the name of the bar we were in... I also think Jim and I had hot stone massages before dinner on the first day, but my age is effecting my memory....yes we did...while Kim and Sean were in the Rainforest room we were having massages LMAO

 

[mindelmouse]

So where in the world did I leave off?? Right, finished Nassau. So the next day was our eagerly anticipated Castaway Cay day! Sean and I were looking forward to relaxing and doing NOTHING! Well, after the 5k, of course...We got up early-ish and headed up to Cabanas for some breakfast. I cannot run on an empty stomach. Need my fuel! So a bit of fruit and muesli later, we ran back to our room to grab a few pics as I failed to bring my camera to breakfast. The view was lovely:

We met in 687 as directed and found Mindy and Jim already there. Signed up, collected our numbers, and headed outside. So, did you notice the clouds in the above picture? This is critical to the next part of the story. Remember how I was hating the weather at the 10-miler? This was daytime, and the staff was warning everyone how hot and humid it was and how you needed to drink the water supplied on the course. Ok, whatever. I didn't bring my hydration pack, as it was only a 5k. And I wasn't thinking that the weather was all that bad at that particular time. So, we walked a really long ways to get to the starting area, where there was a big box in which to keep our bags. This was nice, as that way we wouldn't have to go back to the ship after the run. I had brought my little camera and kept it in the bag (thankfully). So we set off. Sean ran ahead of me (thankfully). I was able to find a pace and keep to it. Felt pretty good, actually! We get to the turnaround spot, and I see Sean, surprisingly not all that far ahead of me. Ok, what ever. And I have to insert here, in spite of the directions on HOW to run the loop, people still did it backwards. Sigh. Then...the rain starts. Big, fat, hairy raindrops that coalesce into a sheet of dumping rain! Holy COW! We don't get rain like that in the Pacific NW. To say I was soaked is the world's biggest understatement! But you know what? It was a cool rain and felt GREAT! Sean finished 3rd overall. I didn't pay attention. But, when we found some cover, we took off our shoes, and....no kidding....turned them upside down and poured out the water! Yikes! .

Jim and I walked the race, we are not runners, but we do walk, but not together. JIm walks too slow for me, so I just put my headphones and my walking music on and go to it. I did expect it to be brutal. I had just done it the month before and I thought I was going to die. But alas, as Kim mentioned the storm hit. I was drenched. I put my iphone in my bra face down hoping it would keep in dry enough that it wouldn't get ruined. My fit bit (pedometer) was water logged though. I must say though, it was invigorating. I was soaking wet but I had so much more energy than last time, I actually jogged part of it, wet sneakers and all. I actually finished 10 minutes faster than the previous time and so did Jim.

 

[MinnieDiva]

Stop your whinning....it's not like I've seen ANY of your pictures yet and at least I put mine on FB...You never posted yours anywhere

Ah hem. I emailed a bunch of good ones to you?

 

[mindelmouse]

Ah hem. I emailed a bunch of good ones to you?

maybe a couple, but not too many...

 

[MinnieDiva]

maybe a couple, but not too many...

Lol.

I texted you a bit ago....got snow yet?

 

[MinnieDiva]

Sea days are so lovely...but the bad thing about a 4 day cruise is that the sea day had the whole packing thing hanging over you..

We originally had reservations for Palo Brunch that morning (late, like 11:30 if not later), but none of us were really inclined to eat after the feast we'd had the night before. We all agreed to cancel and wing it instead. Sean and I headed upstairs to Cabanas again to get fruit, then headed for the gym to work out a bit. I was curious about the Boot camp that was advertised, but much to my dismay, it wasn't an individual class. In theory, they wanted to book you 4 sessions and do the whole body composition analysis hard-sell thing. And...they'd give it to us today....get this......for $30/person. Um, hello? I just wanted a workout. Thanks, but I'll go to the gym and use the equipment there. Really? Do people actually go do that class and buy into the whole shebang? People who have never done a bootcamp class have, IMO, no business doing it on a cruise. Why, you ask? Because it kicks your rear and you won't be able to move the next day, let alone be able to get back up to enjoy the rest of the cruise you paid for. The ONLY reason I considered it was that I'd been alternating running and Insanity for the last 2 months. But, I digress. ANd yes, we did eventually hit the rainforest room Money well spent!

So, with no brunch, the next item on our agenda was to see if we could get into the wine tasting at 1:30. Ah...so our brunch would have conflicted with this...so brunch would have been lunch. Anyway, space was still available, and while I was working on this, Jim got us into the galley tour! In the midsnt of all this, I managed to get Sean ato join me on the Art of the Theme Tour. I had done most of one of these last summer on the Wonder and found it very interesting. We started in Meridian and they took us all over, explaining various details. I could bore you with the details, but let it suffice to say that if you are interested in the little things that make up the ship, this is for you. Here are some pics I took that day:

In Remy...couldn't have gotten a good shot the evening before:

In Palo...the wall is textured with something akin to beads:

Skyline Bar:

Our wine tasting:

And the galley tour:

Notice how there is absolutely NOTHING out? This was 3-ish? Between lunch and dinner, anyway. Absolutely everything made fresh.

We did go to the show that evening. It was Disney's Believe, unique to this ship, or at least not on the Magic or Wonder. It was really good, and left you trying not to cry at the end. Dinner that evening was at the Royal Palace. The table of kids that our servers also had was out of control and made for a less than perfect night. The parents simply ignored their kids...while they were standing on the seats and running around the restaurant. Bloody amazing. I felt so bad for our servers. They, however, didn't let it get them down . They brought over to us a little anniversary "cake", which was very sweet.

We did head over to Pub Night, which was hysterical....never gets old no matter that I've seen it now 3 years running. We'd already gotten our suitcases out prior to heading to dinner, so when pub night was over, we headed to bed. Surprisingly, our floor was quiet. The last 2 cruises was chaos and noise that last night.

 

[Tracerr00]

I sure wish I was on the same cruise as you two! Mixed drinks and wine tastings sound like my kind of cruise! I've never been to Palo or Remy but I've decided that my sister and I need to do at least one of those on our Med cruise. That's awesome that you did the CC 5K after doing the ToT 10 miler. I think I probably would have hung up my shoes and pigged out and rested for the entire cruise after that! And great job shaiving 10 minutes off of your time Mindy, wow!

I'd love to get a galley tour on the Magic. My sister would go ape wild about that (ok, I'd kind of dig it too)! Hopefully they have them!

 

[mindelmouse]

I sure wish I was on the same cruise as you two! Mixed drinks and wine tastings sound like my kind of cruise! I've never been to Palo or Remy but I've decided that my sister and I need to do at least one of those on our Med cruise. That's awesome that you did the CC 5K after doing the ToT 10 miler. I think I probably would have hung up my shoes and pigged out and rested for the entire cruise after that! And great job shaiving 10 minutes off of your time Mindy, wow!

I'd love to get a galley tour on the Magic. My sister would go ape wild about that (ok, I'd kind of dig it too)! Hopefully they have them!

On the med cruise you'll only get to try Palo (sorry). No Remy (yet) on the Magic. We only got to do the galley tour on the Dream because there was availability. It was only available to platinum level cruisers but since it wasnt filled up they let us go. I havent seen a galley tour offered on the Magic since 2008.

 

[Tracerr00]

On the med cruise you'll only get to try Palo (sorry). No Remy (yet) on the Magic. We only got to do the galley tour on the Dream because there was availability. It was only available to platinum level cruisers but since it wasnt filled up they let us go. I havent seen a galley tour offered on the Magic since 2008.

Well we'll do Palo for sure then (I hope!)!! Too bad about the galley tour. My sis did one with another cruise line and she said that we absolutely have to do one with Disney. That's too bad. We've only gone on one Disney cruise before (on the Dream) so I wasn't sure what is offered on other ships/itineraries. Thanks for the info!

 

[MinnieDiva]

Well we'll do Palo for sure then (I hope!)!! Too bad about the galley tour. My sis did one with another cruise line and she said that we absolutely have to do one with Disney. That's too bad. We've only gone on one Disney cruise before (on the Dream) so I wasn't sure what is offered on other ships/itineraries. Thanks for the info!

You'll enjoy Palo! And it was funny...Jim followed the rules and waited until we could get in on the tour (like noon the day of), as even tho it was a Platinum benefit, you still had to register for it. A very large group came up right as it started, hadn't registered, but they still accommodated them.