Cruisin into Spring Training-VWL & 4 Nt Dream 3/22-28/13 COMPLETE! 8/11

[podsnel]

Day 2 we would be docking in Nassau- and our plan was to stay onboard and act like it was a sea day. I didn't want to go to Atlantis, I'm saving that for a trip in itself when my boys are in college, and with only 4 days on the Dream, Timmy didn't want to get off anyway. Fine by me! We were going to start our day with something new that I had meant to do on the last cruise, but didn't- have the Table service breakfast in Royal Palace. On the way-



The menu-



Our server from dinner, Heidi, was working here this day, and when she saw us, she escorted us to one of her tables. Timmy was nice enough to join me on this particular morning-





I forgot to mention in my last post, our dinner servers were Heidi and her asst. was Francisco. We thought both of them (and our head server) were fantastic! I was actually very impressed when Heidi recognized us, like she has known us for years. Do they get photos of all their tables or something? Because even the Dining Room Head Server recognized me at CC! I didn't even know who he was, but he knew me! Anyway, Timmy started with a donut-



I wanted to try Mango Mountain Hike
fresh blend of mangoes, honey, granola and low-fat yogurt. When I ordered it, Heidi tried to explain to me that it was blended- but I did not understand until it was put in front of me.



She was so sweet, she was very worried I might not like it because it was almost like a drink- but the flavor of it was so good! Timmy had Disney Cruise Line Breakfast Trio
French toast, Belgian waffle, and buttermilk pancakes served with cinnamon butter, syrup and whipped cream, accompanied with bacon



He probably finished about half- it was a lot of food. I went with Traditional Eggs Benedict
Toasted English muffin with grilled Canadian bacon, served with poached egg topped with hollandaise sauce, grilled roma tomatoes and link sausages



I had not had that in such a long time- and it was very, very yummy. So yummy, in fact, that I had to come back here another morning to have it again! I was really loving this non-buffet brekkie!



Once done, tim rushed off to Vibe....and I did what was MOST important, went to book another cruise!



Funny thing about this particular booking- I know this woman got everything right, I saw her do it. But when we got the confirmation, it was for 2 cabins, one for me & Tim, one for Pods & Tyler. Except.....this was the cruise we were going to take with no kids, and 2 other couples on November 13, 2014- Joan & Peter already had their cabin, and I just needed to get cabins for Pods & I and Evie & Tom. ANd THEN....the next confirmation had Evelyn Tom in that cabin- with Santo Salvo. Except...their name is Evelyn and Tom SantoSalvo- so....how weird! Now, of course, in case you have not heard, we have been switched to October 23rd, in the great Dream/Magic/Wonder/Miami/Port Canaveral switcheroo of Fall 2014. BIZARRE. I also picked up a cool drawstring DVC bag from the DVC desk while I was there. Then changed into gym clothes and worked out-







Then back up to the cabin to change into my swimsuit, passing by the laundry near us on the way-





I bet that room does not see a lot of action on a 3 or 4 night cruise! Up on deck, who should I see but Timmy- who said the door to Vibe was locked, and he couldn't get in (more on that later). So we decided to ride the Aquaduck- the wait was about 30 minutes. So much for being in port, looks like no one wants to go to Nassau, huh?



See where the line began?



The CM would not let me ride with my camera, so I left to get rid of it. But first-



Really, no big deal getting rid of the camera- on the NCL Breakaway (the ship we are cancelling next summer) they won't let you ride the slides with jewelry- so if you can't get your wedding ring off, you don't get to slide. Probably you are allowed to smoke on the slides, though.

Really enjoyed the ride, but when we got off Tim did not want to wait in the line again, and he took off to shoot hoops. I went to have a coffee at Vista Café because Alex was working, and she clued me in about Vibe- the kids who are the right age are issued different room keys when they board that will open the door. (I thought it was odd that a DCL kids club would be closed, even on a port day! Of course, on NCL Breakaway, the clubs are closed til 7pm on Port days. Oh man, I really need to cancel that cruise! I don't like that ship at all, can you tell? ). So I ran to Customer Service, and they issued Tim a new card, which I then ran to the Sports deck to give to him. He was a VERY happy boy!

Me? I went up to be a grown up on the Adult deck.





It was very empty up there- it was also not broiling hot like it was last May. Very nice!

OK- time for a little break- Photobucket is being a royal PITA.... see ya later!

 

[eandesmom]

I bet your booking showed up like that as I think with the new restrictions you can only book 2 cabins on the same cruise if it is family.

I am SO sad we didn't have breakfast at RP, that looks and sounds perfect. Very glad Tim got his correct card, it seems to me that K's was changed at Vibe, it didn't start out that way but they swapped it on her first visit.

How lovely that you has such great servers!

Nice start to the day!

 

[JKSWonder]

We are booked on the Fantasy for August 2014. But on Allure, we can get the same itinerary, with TWO balcony cabins for less than the cost of one on the Fantasy.

The only thing holding me back from switching is Michael. He loves, loves, loves the DCL kids clubs. He will only be 8 next year. I think I have to stay with Disney for him, for now. Change is not his thing at all. Guess I will just have to accept that extra cost as all part of the Disney magic.

When he gets older though, RCL is definitely going to be the way we go.

 

[englishrose47]

Ellen I had the exact same breakfast as you !! Twice in fact !!It was delish both times !!!I am a smoker what was the cruise line again !!How neat that your dinner partners were so compatible !!!!

 

[dizneeat]

Ah, just what I needed, another Ellen update!

Isn't that too funny how DCL are able to pick the BEST table mates? We met some of our best friends that way.
But to pick boys who are almost "identical" in their interests is awesome.
Funny about grandma I am sure she enjoyed your company.

Ellen, didn't I always tell you to have breakfast at RP? We just love it there and I usually have the same breakfast you had (exchange the Mango thingy for the strawberry one. )

What a LONG line for the Aquaduck!!! We rode it last in the summer (too cold for us in February) and went when the show and first dinner seating were on. We more or less had it to ourselves. We rode 5 times in a row.

Okay. Guess that's it, I am finally, slowly catching up on all my threads. Not that I have been away, but we had a bit of a natural disaster in our area (see pics on my PTR )

 

[franandaj]

Hey! How's my favorite San Fran tour guide? Just over two months til we arrive- and I will most definitely be doing a CA TR- I am going to do my best to finish this one in July so that I won't have so many going at once (I also have a DISmoms TR going now. that is a VERY different vacay from this mommy and me one, LOL! No 5:00 problem on THAT trip! ).

I think I have my San Fran stuff just about figured out- for a nice dinner, Pods and I are going to try Boulevard without the boys- we feel like its close enough to the Hyatt to feel comfortable leaving T&T. REALLY I wanted to go to Chez Panisse, I am a HUGE Alice Waters fan, but ultimately we did not feel right leaving the boys with that much of a distance, of course, so we'll save it for a wine country trip in the future. I have the Boulevard cookbook, so I have eaten that food and LOVED it (WOW! Is it a process to produce, but glorious results) so I am happy with Boulevard, I think. I also have Pier 23, Hog Island, Sotto Mare, and Scomas, on my list but I keep flip flopping on Scomas. I just saw a Diners drive ins dives with a cool little diner but the name escapes me- kind of a fusion of Asian and Mexican food? Very cheap, looks amazing! Dim Sum for lunch one day- any place you'd recommend for that?Planning to visit the Ferry Building often! Waffles at Blue Bottle and the pochetta Sammy from Prather Ranch. We have hired White Lion for a 4 hour tour, renting a car to hike Muir Woods one the morning, Alcatraz one morning, bikes over the bridge Sausalito for lunch and ferry back, Giants tour.....also want to do Segways through Golden Gate Park-doing Lands End and the Cliff House for lunch on our way out- hope to meet you Sat morning at the Ferry Building before we head out-really looking forward to it! I hope Timmy can stay awake!

What about So Cal? Need any help?


So I saw you mentioned about the whole random placement of you with the other kid who was Tim's clone. I can guarantee you that this is no random act. I have suspected since 2010 that Disney kept a Dossier on us and that was confirmed at least two years later. I'm not sure what prompts the capture of that Dossier, but things like DVC frequent cruising and other things put you in their "list".
.
When we meet up in August I'll tell you my personal experience but I'm sure you're on the list and they knew to place you with others sharing your interests and stuff.

 

[MEK]

Oh Ellen - I miss your TR's, so I am happy to see you are bumped this morning.

Alex really does know how to rock that UPS uniform! OMG! That goodness she's so adorable.

Yay to Timmy for meeting his alter-ego.

Food looks amazing and I could go for that breakfast right about now!

Great pictures. Can't wait for me cruise!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Hi Ellen! How is baseball season going? I'm surprised you had time to update.

May I say WOW! The Dream has amazing detail, especially the kids' area! I don't think I have seen any pics from any other passengers - thanks for sharing those. Too bad about the rained out sail away - looks like they have figured out how to handle it as best they can.

Yeah, the smokey Breakaway doesn't sound too appealing -

I had the same reaction from my server when I tried to order Karin's fav breakfast item - the Tugboat - like she said, a strawberry version of the mango thingy. Thinking it was yogurt and granola, I only wanted that - he kept saying, "no, it's not enough - I bring you a real breakfast!"

 

[KristiMc]

Loving the pictures of the Dream. What great tablemates! Nice for Timmy to have someone to chat with.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Love that you booked another cruise! You have so many fun future trips - Disney and other- in the works!!

Sounds like your tablemate arrangement couldn't have been any better!!

So glad Timmy found a friend and enjoyed Vibe.

 

[rentayenta]

Fun update Ellen. Glad Tim found a friend to chill with. I'm hoping Joshua has such luck. Looks like you had a good balance of mommy/son time and you time.

And you went to the gym? Good girl! I always say I'm going to work out on vacation but never do.

 

[Princess Bette]

Hi Ellen!

Enjoying your report - entertaining and informative as always! Hoping you are having a great summer so far. It was so nice to meet you and spend a little time getting to know you. Thanks for the advice on DVC as well - haven't bought yet, but still considering it. Lots of changes here - I'm changing jobs - going full time. (Yay! More money for DCL!) We are looking to sell our home and buy another. Busy, busy, busy. So glad you and Timmy enjoyed your mommy and me cruise!

Bette

 

[jenseib]

How awesome that you had such great table mates. A match made in heaven. I am so glad it worked out so well for Timmy too. I have heard things about how Disney does such a great job at pairing people up and I just wonder how the heck they do it.

I wonder too how the cm's recognize everyone. I was in a port and our asst. server came over saying high to me and I had no clue who she was in her normal clothes. I thought it was so nice. Of course I tend to have a big mouth at times and I do have a unique hair color, so that probably helps.

 

[podsnel]

I bet your booking showed up like that as I think with the new restrictions you can only book 2 cabins on the same cruise if it is family.

How would they know if Evie was my sister? Or Tom was my brother?

I am SO sad we didn't have breakfast at RP, that looks and sounds perfect. Very glad Tim got his correct card, it seems to me that K's was changed at Vibe, it didn't start out that way but they swapped it on her first visit.

It took me til my 4th cruise to have breakfast in the dining room- sorry I waited, ESPECIALLY for the muesli I had on the last day- OMG, it was amazing, I am still dreaming of it!

How lovely that you has such great servers!

It does make a big difference.

Nice start to the day!

We are booked on the Fantasy for August 2014. But on Allure, we can get the same itinerary, with TWO balcony cabins for less than the cost of one on the Fantasy.

We are planning on 2 cabins for August '14 on Allure- we will have just been on the Fantasy in January, so unless my kids decide they want to do the same vacation twice in a row, we need to try something else.

The only thing holding me back from switching is Michael. He loves, loves, loves the DCL kids clubs. He will only be 8 next year. I think I have to stay with Disney for him, for now. Change is not his thing at all. Guess I will just have to accept that extra cost as all part of the Disney magic.

Timmy is the same, and he is 14- LOVES the DCL clubs. Tyler says he will go on any cruise, any time- but that Disney was better by far.

When he gets older though, RCL is definitely going to be the way we go.

This will most likely be our last family cruise for a while- in 8/14...sniff sniff....

Ellen I had the exact same breakfast as you !! Twice in fact !!It was delish both times !!!I am a smoker what was the cruise line again !!How neat that your dinner partners were so compatible !!!!

LOL, Rosie- you would LOVE NCL, it's a smokers paradise! And I agree, it was very cool we were sitting with those people.

Ah, just what I needed, another Ellen update!

Hi Karin!

Isn't that too funny how DCL are able to pick the BEST table mates? We met some of our best friends that way.
But to pick boys who are almost "identical" in their interests is awesome.
Funny about grandma I am sure she enjoyed your company.

I am sure she did- at the end she said this was quite lovely. I said pretty much the same!

Ellen, didn't I always tell you to have breakfast at RP? We just love it there and I usually have the same breakfast you had (exchange the Mango thingy for the strawberry one. )

Yes, you DID! But I kept getting lost on the way to the Dining room! And I was totally thinking of you when I was enjoying my eggs benne.

What a LONG line for the Aquaduck!!! We rode it last in the summer (too cold for us in February) and went when the show and first dinner seating were on. We more or less had it to ourselves. We rode 5 times in a row.

WOW!!! 5x!!! I want to ride at night next time- hope it's not freezing for NYE-

Okay. Guess that's it, I am finally, slowly catching up on all my threads. Not that I have been away, but we had a bit of a natural disaster in our area (see pics on my PTR )

I need to find your PTR! Are you all ok?

What about So Cal? Need any help?

Ironically, SO Cal is our downtime on vacation- although how Disney anything can be the relaxing part is kind of crazy! I think by then we will be in RnR mode- so planning some nice meals at DL (Napa Chef's Table, Cathay, Cata), Pods & Boys going to an Angels game the night I see you, maybe a day at the beach (which one?) or at least a few hours, a day at Knotts BF.... lots of time at Trader Sam's (because it looks like a blast!) and I might do the walk in walt's footsteps, too. Drea & family are coming for the weekend, so I am guessing that will fill in the blanks!

So I saw you mentioned about the whole random placement of you with the other kid who was Tim's clone. I can guarantee you that this is no random act. I have suspected since 2010 that Disney kept a Dossier on us and that was confirmed at least two years later. I'm not sure what prompts the capture of that Dossier, but things like DVC frequent cruising and other things put you in their "list".

WOW- how was it confirmed?? Who keeps the dossier? Do they read our TRs?
.
When we meet up in August I'll tell you my personal experience but I'm sure you're on the list and they knew to place you with others sharing your interests and stuff.

I seriously can't wait for that!

Oh Ellen - I miss your TR's, so I am happy to see you are bumped this morning.

How can you miss me? I feel like I never shut up!

Alex really does know how to rock that UPS uniform! OMG! That goodness she's so adorable.

She is- inside and out- she and her hubby just got off the ship for their break between contracts- We are planning to get together in NYC. Can't WAIT to hang out with them!!!!!

Yay to Timmy for meeting his alter-ego.

It was the best! Avery was such a great kid!

Food looks amazing and I could go for that breakfast right about now!

Great pictures. Can't wait for me cruise!

When are you going again? Sign up for Oct 23, 2014!

 

[podsnel]

Hi Ellen! How is baseball season going? I'm surprised you had time to update.

Baseball season has been on sabbatical the past few weeks- there is always a little break between the spring and summer teams- it will be rearing its nasty baseball head again tomorrow til the beginning of August. Perfect timing, as I am hosting a PTA end of year meeting at my house tomorrow night and installing the new officers. No problem.

May I say WOW! The Dream has amazing detail, especially the kids' area! I don't think I have seen any pics from any other passengers - thanks for sharing those. Too bad about the rained out sail away - looks like they have figured out how to handle it as best they can.

Tammie, it was really impressive in those kids areas. REALLY.

Yeah, the smokey Breakaway doesn't sound too appealing -

Unless you smoke!

I had the same reaction from my server when I tried to order Karin's fav breakfast item - the Tugboat - like she said, a strawberry version of the mango thingy. Thinking it was yogurt and granola, I only wanted that - he kept saying, "no, it's not enough - I bring you a real breakfast!"

They must have alot of people thinking its a parfait, would be my guess.

Loving the pictures of the Dream. What great tablemates! Nice for Timmy to have someone to chat with.

Hi Kristi! It was AWESOME- he had SOOOO much in common with that kid, and he really was a very nice boy. Nice even for me to talk to!

Love that you booked another cruise! You have so many fun future trips - Disney and other- in the works!!

I'm insane- I already know where I want to go in 2015 - on a Windstar cruise in the Caribbean with Pods. I clearly have BIG issues and REALLY need a job to pay for my vacation fetish!

Sounds like your tablemate arrangement couldn't have been any better!!

It rocked!

So glad Timmy found a friend and enjoyed Vibe.

Yes he did!

Fun update Ellen. Glad Tim found a friend to chill with. I'm hoping Joshua has such luck. Looks like you had a good balance of mommy/son time and you time.

I bet he will- just make SURE he goes the first night when they do all the ice breaker stuff. That's when all the kids hook up, and the staff is very encouraging to that end. It makes it much harder if you wait til the next day, because all the kids are buddied up by then. KWIM?

And you went to the gym? Good girl! I always say I'm going to work out on vacation but never do.

I ALWAYS go to the gym on vacation- I love working out in the different space, and on a ship it's the best because you are looking at the ocean while you work- it's a pretty great experience. I would look like a supermodel if I had access to ship gyms all the time!

 

[podsnel]

Hi Ellen!

Hi Bette!

Enjoying your report - entertaining and informative as always! Hoping you are having a great summer so far. It was so nice to meet you and spend a little time getting to know you. Thanks for the advice on DVC as well - haven't bought yet, but still considering it. Lots of changes here - I'm changing jobs - going full time. (Yay! More money for DCL!) We are looking to sell our home and buy another. Busy, busy, busy. So glad you and Timmy enjoyed your mommy and me cruise!

Bette

It is not really summer here yet- we get out of school 6/21- because we go back after Labor Day (this year not til 9/9 because of the Jewish holidays- woohoo!!! That's an extra vacay for us to visit family in Fla!Congrats on the new job- happy to answer any DVC questions when you've got them again!

How awesome that you had such great table mates. A match made in heaven. I am so glad it worked out so well for Timmy too. I have heard things about how Disney does such a great job at pairing people up and I just wonder how the heck they do it.

I was very impressed by our group!

I wonder too how the cm's recognize everyone. I was in a port and our asst. server came over saying high to me and I had no clue who she was in her normal clothes. I thought it was so nice. Of course I tend to have a big mouth at times and I do have a unique hair color, so that probably helps.

I do know on other cruiselines they post pics of the passengers so the crew can get to know them- I will ask the next time I see a DCL CM (which hopefully should be soon!).

 

[jedijill]

Tell us how you really feel about smoking. You guys really did hit the table mate jackpot. I do love a sit down breakfast...the buffet really doesn't do it for me.

I've never been in the gym on the ship except to stand around to wait for the spa raffle on the first day.

Jill in CO

 

[G'sMaman]

I think I have my San Fran stuff just about figured out- for a nice dinner, Pods and I are going to try Boulevard without the boys- we feel like its close enough to the Hyatt to feel comfortable leaving T&T. REALLY I wanted to go to Chez Panisse, I am a HUGE Alice Waters fan, but ultimately we did not feel right leaving the boys with that much of a distance, of course, so we'll save it for a wine country trip in the future. I have the Boulevard cookbook, so I have eaten that food and LOVED it (WOW! Is it a process to produce, but glorious results) so I am happy with Boulevard, I think.

Oh, I love Boulevard! You have such great taste (pun intended)!! I may have mentioned before that we go to Boulevard's sister restaurant Prospect quite a bit so we are big fans of Nancy Oakes. As for dim sum, you are in luck! You are within a short walk of one of the best dim sum restaurants in the city called Yank Sing at the Rincon Center location (lunch only). Their signature dish is the Shanghai steamed dumplings. So yummy! The other dish we like is the crispy pan fried noodles. It's not on the menu or the carts they push around, but you can order it from the waiter. It's a good idea to make a reservation - ask for a table inside. The tables in the courtyard can be quite loud. Yank Sing is pricey for dim sum. If you want to watch your budget, two items I suggest you avoid are the sea bass ($19.00) and peking duck ($5.75 a piece! ) unless of course you are big fans of either. If you just want a place for Chinese food in Chinatown (no dim sum) I suggest R&G Lounge. It's not great, but not bad. The best Chinese restaurant in the Bay area is actually in a city south of SF at a restaurant called Koi Palace. Given your packed schedule, I'd say it's not worth the drive.

Whew Ellen! You sure know how to do a town right! It sounds like you've hit the highlights in terms of seeing and eating your way around the Bay area. There are a few other restaurants not far from your hotel that you might want to check out. Certainly not destination restaurants, but if you happen to be nearby and need a place to eat then Heyday (http://heydaysf.com/about-us/) is good for a quick bite. It's the SF version of a fast food restaurant (organic, locally sourced, sustainable . . . yadda yadda). The chicken is delicious! The other restaurant on your way to the ballpark is called Townsend (http://www.townsendrb.com/index.html). Not a must do, but a good neighborhood restaurant that does serve consistently good breakfast/brunch. For drinks and a pretty view along the Embarcadero, I would recommend the Waterbar (http://www.waterbarsf.com/). The oysters are great, but the entrees not so much, especially for the price.

I was walking past the Embarcadero near your hotel recently and I noticed that there's a bike rental place nearby. Not sure where you're renting from, but if you're picking up at Fisherman's Wharf you might see if you can drop off at the Embarcadero location. That way once you get off the ferry you are practically home. That gives you more time to take a nice little break in Sausalito and get some tasty ice cream at Lappert's. Although the BEST ice cream in SF (really anywhere!) is Mr. & Mrs. Miscellaneous, especially their lemon poppyseed, earl gray, and blueberry cream . . . but I digress.

Your story about your table mates gave me a good chuckle because it reminded me of our experience. On our Disney cruise to Alaska we were at a table with 2 other families. One had a 4 year old son and the other family had a 16 year old boy. I got to the table first and the 16 year old was looking forward to meeting my daughter. Imagine his surprise (and disappointment) when my 3 year old DD showed up. He was such a nice young man and I did feel bad for him that he was "stuck" with two preschoolers the whole week. Anyway, looking forward to reading more!

 

[eandesmom]

serious table mate jackpot! I do think they are very good about matching folks up. We had amazing luck on both our cruises with compatible families and like aged kids. On our Alaska Cruise the E's hung with our table mate kids for much of the tirp. Really wonderful!!! And even more so at Tim's age, it can really make a trip for someone.

 

[anewmac]

and now this one:

Originally Posted by toniosmom
Hi Ellen! Antonio LOVES the kids areas.....there are so many amazing things to do there. Speaking of the Toy Story room, they have the kids pretend they are toys and the counselor shouts "Mom is coming" and they all drop to the floor, then she shouts "Sid is coming" and they all run around screaming then hide. It's so funny to watch. OMG, that is HILARIOUS!!!!!! I love it!

OMG that is sooo cool. I meant to do that when we went in May on our Dismoms trip but I forgot. Yet I hear Buzz and Woody dont do it anymore. Anyhow how fun for the kids.

P.S. In this day and age of dealing with work, etc.....
your TR's always bring a smile to my heart.

I concure!

I decided to go say hi to my friend Alex who was over there in Pink-
Now your talking!

I gave up smoking before I got pregnant with Sean, and I really just do not like the smell now- sorry if that offends anyone).
Same here... Now my allergies act up when Im around it and i get all stuffy es no bueno!


The BEST part of our tablemates was, however, Steve and his son, Avery. I swear, we felt like Disney must have bugged our homes to find out about us to match us up! Tim and Avery's first conversation went like this-

Ok- so it was like Timmy was meeting the West Coast version of himself- it was CRAZEEEEEE AWESOME!!!!!!!
That is AWESOME!!! I hate to say it but im not sure the boys will have much in commen when we meet up in August.. other than age, ipods in the ears, and maybe checking out girls LOL

Life of Pi. And Steve says, "David Magee?"
Btw FINALLY saw this... when I rented it the boys and E just looked at me like really??? ... we now own it LOL We finished watching it and were just in aww.

Timmy tried •Marjoram Scented Organic Chicken
Half a Chicken served with Baked Sweet Potatoes and Sautéed Baby Spinach
it looked really good!

For dessert, I decided to go sugar free-•Strawberry Cheesecake
With Whipped Cream and Fruit Coulis
sugar free and you go to the gym.. your GOOD!

went off to visit Alex in Pink- once again, no photos- but I do know for sure that this time I had a Moet Ice with a lemon peel. Sooooooooo good, that champagne!
THATS my girl.. I have taught you right LMAO

, a girl at the bar screamed, "ELLEN!" and I got to meet the lovely Princess Bette. She was enjoying her second Ooh La La and thanked me for writing about it (along with Kara) in last year's DISmom TR. AND they were making them like martinis- not mojitos- so of course I had to change plans and have one too!
TEAR, your making me proud!

See you soon with Day 2 in Nassau!

even readding that city name, freaks me out still LOL Dont go to the post office alone I tell ya LOL

Day 2 we would be docking in Nassau- and our plan was to stay onboard and act like it was a sea day. I didn't want to go to Atlantis, I'm saving that for a trip in itself when my boys are in college, and with only 4 days on the Dream,
Its not enought time to really take it all in and explore it on a port day. We did it and I regret it.would have rather just sat on the beach and let J parasail. oh well next time lol

She was so sweet, she was very worried I might not like it because it was almost like a drink- but the flavor of it was so good! Timmy had Disney Cruise Line Breakfast Trio
French toast, Belgian waffle, and buttermilk pancakes served with cinnamon butter, syrup and whipped cream, accompanied with bacon
WOW talk about carbo loading, that would be perfect for me after a day/night of drinks LOL

He probably finished about half- it was a lot of food. I went with Traditional Eggs Benedict
Toasted English muffin with grilled Canadian bacon, served with poached egg topped with hollandaise sauce, grilled roma tomatoes and link sausages
my fav on vacation

Once done, tim rushed off to Vibe....and I did what was MOST important, went to book another cruise!
awesome!

Funny thing about this particular booking...this was the cruise we were going to take with no kids, and 2 other couples on November 13, 2014- Joan & Peter already had their cabin, and I just needed to get cabins for Pods & I and Evie & Tom. Now, of course, in case you have not heard, we have been switched to October 23rd, in the great Dream/Magic/Wonder/Miami/Port Canaveral switcheroo of Fall 2014. BIZARRE.
SOOO whats the actual date and how many days now... just wondering

Then back up to the cabin to change into my swimsuit, passing by the laundry near us on the way-I bet that room does not see a lot of action on a 3 or 4 night cruise!
OMG its huge (thats what she said LOL) Im guessing the Fantasy is that big also.. the one thing I hated about the Magic is they were so small when i needed to iron a shirt or 2 for dinner (carni was like that also)

So much for being in port, looks like no one wants to go to Nassau, huh?
Maybe they heard about my postal issue too!

The CM would not let me ride with my camera, so I left to get rid of it.
what was the reason you couldnt take it?

Really, no big deal getting rid of the camera- on the NCL Breakaway (the ship we are cancelling next summer) they won't let you ride the slides with jewelry- so if you can't get your wedding ring off, you don't get to slide.
NO WAY.. thats cray cray

Oh man, I really need to cancel that cruise! I don't like that ship at all, can you tell? ).
Yet you were trying to get me to book it.. THANKS lol

We are booked on the Fantasy for August 2014. But on Allure, we can get the same itinerary, with TWO balcony cabins for less than the cost of one on the Fantasy.

The only thing holding me back from switching is Michael. He loves, loves, loves the DCL kids clubs. He will only be 8 next year.
When he gets older though, RCL is definitely going to be the way we go.

We have friends that love RCL, their kids love it (the larger ships that is) but Ya Im with you if I had a younger one I would probably do disney still.. Now we are all about the ports and Disney doesnt seem to venture off much.

And you went to the gym? Good girl! I always say I'm going to work out on vacation but never do.

your not alone LOL

When are you going again? Sign up for Oct 23, 2014![/QUOTE]
hmm im gonna check it out...

I ALWAYS go to the gym on vacation- I love working out in the different space, and on a ship it's the best because you are looking at the ocean while you work- it's a pretty great experience. I would look like a supermodel if I had access to ship gyms all the time!

You would be the exception.. I would have to get my hourly DOTD's and hit the buffets LOL

I've never been in the gym on the ship except to stand around to wait for the spa raffle on the first day.

Jill in CO

HA ditto... I knew I liked you!