The Lloyd’s – Just Us Two on a Dream Cruise – January 2-6, 2013

[Dixielady908]

Enjoyed your first day....looking forward to day 2....I agree with you and the verandah....I love the verandah rooms....they are the best.

 

[Cheryl726]

I do remember that show on Travel Channel, I wish they still had Disney shows but I haven't seen one in a while. Enjoying reading your TR and seeing pics. Our first Disney Cruise was for our 10th anniversary, without the kids, and the next year we took them!

 

[Dave Dizney]

Day #2

So our second day was completely at sea. This is a less usual itinerary (usually at sea days are on the last day), but I really prefer this schedule. This way you get a full day to explore the ship and really get to know her. The night before we ordered room service for the morning – it became our daily wake-up call. Each day we requested a carafe of hot water and two chocolate croissants. We called it “First Breakfast” in the Hobbit style, followed by “Second Breakfast” in Cabanas.

It was a partly-cloudy and warm day and the sea was very calm. We sat outside and watched a couple of ships that were nearby with binoculars, then got dressed and headed to Cabanas.

This was followed with some more ship exploration. The Christmas decorations were still up. It really looked nice.

We visited our friends in the shop and I tried on hats.

These were two shirts we finally purchased.

The public restrooms on Disney cruise ships have been noted many times before – I agree, they’re really attractions in themselves!

Then it was time for the diaper dash. Let’s just say this one wasn’t even close.

We then rode the Aqua Duck (lots of fun), jumped in the adult pool, and sat out to get some sun.

Trying to do our "King of the World" line.

We went to the spa to check out the Rainforest area to see if we’d be interested in the day pass. I was a little disappointed in the staff at the counter – they acted like they weren’t interested in us, and when I asked about the Rainforest area, she told me about all the parts (the showers, saunas, heated chairs, and whirlpool), but then added on a scrub. I recognized the price was elevated. We told her we’d “think about it” and walked out – I’m SO glad we did (you’ll see why later).

By now it was time for lunch – again at the Cabanas.

Now you must know, my DW ate a full lunch, but every time we stopped by Flo’s, she HAD to grab a piece of pizza. I present to you, Exhibit A:

After (second) lunch, we headed down to 687 and played “Ultimate Disney Challenge” trivia game. We had a great cast member leading the game, and though I consider myself a Disney aficionado, I was stumped on a few of the answers. They were not easy questions, thus the “ULTIMATE” in the title.

We also went to play bingo – we thought we’d play a single card just for fun. We then found out how much it cost to play, and decided we could easier spend that amount in the gift store.

Ooh – Exhibit B:

In my own admission, I found a trio of wraps that were pretty tasty.

Look at that sky – the whole week was like this!

Nigel got a little fresh.

The evening was one of our most memorable - we celebrated our anniversary and got to be in the "Match Your Mate" game! Stay tuned!

 

[MrsKP]

Looking forward to the rest of your report

 

[Dave Dizney]

Part 5 - Day 2 (PM)

After a full day, it was time for semi-formal night. We got dressed up and headed to the “Golden Mickey’s.”

It was a lot of fun to get there early and listen to the red carpet interviews. This time we took a seat on the main floor. Again, the show was great and a lot of fun. Afterward, we got some photos with the top Mouse.

Let’s just say, the cast members nearby don’t always do a good job with your camera. Just makes us have to buy those photos in Shutters.

Tonight was our anniversary celebration in the Enchanted Garden. We followed the advice of many on these boards, and got to the dining venues a couple minutes after they opened. We were always taken right to our seats.

Here’s tonight’s meal: Bread – I forget what the spread was this day, but the white bread had cranberries or raisins in them and were GREAT:

Someone had the Romaine Wedge

I had the Lobster Ravioli – delish!

This was a soup DW had. The menu I have says a Curried Carrot and Apple soup, but this wasn’t it. None of us remember this mystery soup.

I had the asparagus crab soup. It was different and good!

DW had the Marjoram Scented Organic chicken. She ALWAYS gets chicken – and isn’t overly excited about it.

I could not chose between the Prime Rib or the Scallops – so they brought me both

Someone at our table got the Sea Bass

Dessert included Banana Foster Sundae

DW of course had chocolate whose name was Sacher.

I had the trio of Strawberry Cheesecake, the Sacher, and I think a mango tart.

We were also given a nice cake for our anniversary

Our table service folks were top-notch.

What you don’t see in photos (and if anyone has a photo of it, PLEASE send it to us). We visited Evolution again after dinner and watched a unique little scavenger hunt followed by “Match Your Mate.” We had planned for a fun evening watching the three couples duke it out, but were surprised to find we were the oldest married couple in the crowd (really???)! So we became “Couple #3” – and eventually won the show. It was a whole butt-load of fun! We never knew that we’d be sharing about a personal story involving a baptismal font with a room full of strangers – but throughout the trip, we kept running into folks who seemed to really enjoy recalling the story.

And, we won two tickets to Senses Rainforest!!! We were SO glad we didn’t buy the passes, but we’re sure the spa would never be the same after our visit (more on that later).


Lobster says, G-Night - come back later for our day at Nassau!

 

[MichelleVW]

I am soooo glad we went to Match your Mate!!!

 

[Dave Dizney]

I am soooo glad we went to Match your Mate!!!

You didn't happen to take a photo - or know someone who did???

 

[Dave Dizney]

Part 6 – Nassau - Day 3 AM

By now, we were getting quite used to having our wake-up call of coffee and croissants – but this morning, we noticed a little different feel in the engines at about 7:30am. My DW ran to the window and threw open the curtains and yelled “I SEE LAND!!!” The room is nice and dark and tranquil until someone behaves in such a way.

But sure enough, we watched (with first breakfast) the shore go by

The ship did a 180 about-face and backed into its birth.

Ah those poor Carnival folks!

At second breakfast, we had to fend off the buzzards!!! I could have sworn a few of them looked at my eggs and said “Mine, mine, ..mine!”

We got off the ship to spend the morning in Nassau. From the docks, you can really see the size of this beautiful ship!

We went through the short line and ended out with the taxi stands. When they piled 7 more people into the minivan, who did we meet, but some friends from the DIS boards! Small world! We asked to go to the public access area on Paradise Island by the Rui hotel.

We knew this area gave us access to the beach close enough to Atlantis. When those who also got off at this stop crested the hill, they all stopped. It was just that beautiful.

We walked down to Atlantis, and spent about an hour just wadding and sunning.

We then explored the “free” areas around the back of Atlantis. In many spots you can see the fish from their aquariums.

We then walked through this back door into the casino.

The place is quite opulent.

So we decided to go all in and spend a dollar on a single slot machine. First, DW goes…

Then me…

This is why we’re glad Disney doesn’t have a casino!

More about this day to come!!!

 

[MichelleVW]

You didn't happen to take a photo - or know someone who did???

No sorry. We were all the way in the back and I didn't have my camera.

 

[Dave Dizney]

No sorry. We were all the way in the back and I didn't have my camera.

Dang! Of all the times, we didn't take the camera with us that night thinking "nothing's gonna happen tonight."

 

[Dixielady908]

great update....congrats on winning Match your mate!!

 

[Dave Dizney]

great update....congrats on winning Match your mate!!

Thanks - it was totally unexpected to be chosen because we had been together the longest. How did we get to be THAT???

 

[pooksma]

I have been reading several TRs since we booked our cruise and have to say that yours is one of the few that has me getting excited to travel.

Great idea about the public access part of Atlantis. DH and I have been debating what we should do in Nassau. I will be visiting the spa in the afternoon but based on what you have shown, do you think we have time for a quick visit? My appointment is at 1:30.

Looking forward to reading more

 

[macfinn]

this is great! we are going with the kiddo's in november, i heard some where that they have whirlpools that are over the water? i have never seen this can you verify and post a pic...also how where the pools and how is the sun situation in or around the adult pool?

 

[Dave Dizney]

I have been reading several TRs since we booked our cruise and have to say that yours is one of the few that has me getting excited to travel.

Great idea about the public access part of Atlantis. DH and I have been debating what we should do in Nassau. I will be visiting the spa in the afternoon but based on what you have shown, do you think we have time for a quick visit? My appointment is at 1:30.

Looking forward to reading more

If you look here, you can see the path I took to get on the beach. It's just to the right of the RIU Hotel - tell the taxi this and they'll take you right there.

You should have plenty of time if you get off the ship when they first disembark. Grab a taxi (not the water taxi - they take longer), and as soon as they fill up, you'll get there. You can also catch a taxi back from any of the hotels. We got back around 2:00, but we got off the ship around 9:30 or 10:00. We spent a long time on the beach and getting a drink, and wandering around Atlantis and getting a Tortuga cake, etc.

 

[Vertigo127]

Dave- Loving your report- so funny that we were on the same boat and had some very different experiences! So glad you guys finally got your great cruise- you guys deserved a wonderful celebration of your years of wedded bliss!
As a side note, we met at least 3 other families from our area during the cruise! I am thinking DCL should consider a Missouri Resident Rate sometime... . (From my fingers to THE Mouse's ears!)

 

[Dave Dizney]

this is great! we are going with the kiddo's in november, i heard some where that they have whirlpools that are over the water? i have never seen this can you verify and post a pic...also how where the pools and how is the sun situation in or around the adult pool?

Yes, there are both family whirlpools and adult-only whirlpools that have glass against one wall and glass on the bottom. Thought it's not that clear unless you put your face in the water (and who wants to do that??), it's still pretty cool! Though they frown on me taking any photos with my waterproof camera in the whirlpools - who knows why.

The only pool we two "adults" visited was the adult pool in the forward section of the ship. The two others were quite full of kids and families - so we stayed clear of those areas. The sun is pretty good around the adult pool, but there's also two decks above that pool that are even better. Most of the photos of us on the deck are around that area.

 

[Dave Dizney]

Dave- Loving your report- so funny that we were on the same boat and had some very different experiences! So glad you guys finally got your great cruise- you guys deserved a wonderful celebration of your years of wedded bliss!
As a side note, we met at least 3 other families from our area during the cruise! I am thinking DCL should consider a Missouri Resident Rate sometime... . (From my fingers to THE Mouse's ears!)

Wow! What are the odds on a ship that size that there'd be others from our neighborhood???

I'd be interested to hear what was similar and different in your trip. You planning a TR - or do we need to meet you again at Panara???

Walt was from Missouri - we ALL should get some kind of financial recompense for that!!

 

[Vertigo127]

Wow! What are the odds on a ship that size that there'd be others from our neighborhood???

I'd be interested to hear what was similar and different in your trip. You planning a TR - or do we need to meet you again at Panara???

Walt was from Missouri - we ALL should get some kind of financial recompense for that!!

I would have a hard time being able to detail things near as well as you, so a panera trip is in our future!
And Walt was from Missouri.... c'mon DCL- be nice to us in these cold winter months!

 

[Dave Dizney]

I would have a hard time being able to detail things near as well as you, so a panera trip is in our future!
And Walt was from Missouri.... c'mon DCL- be nice to us in these cold winter months!

I made the day trip to Marcelene once - that was fun. Also worked briefly on the "Thank You Walt Disney" board that is helping restore the Laugh-O-Gram Studio in KC. We should at least get a theme park out of that history!!!

You name the time, we'd be glad to grab a coffee with you!