I'll Be Good Next Year- Fantasy Eastern NYE 13/14 Updates 6/17

[scottny]

I am here.
Nice Christmas it looked like.
BWV looks so nice.
EEK! You have done Times Square. I could not.
MM< corn dogs.
LOL about BTMRR.
BWV was nicely decorated.
The standard view was very nice.
LOL. The three little pigs building a straw house. ROTF.
Oh my to the line waiting.
Love the snowman ornaments.
Never heard of glow wine but sounds interesting. Is that a typo in the sign? LOl
ROTF! The mars pic.
I want that coffee margarita.
Nice pics of CLP.
BCV looked pretty.
The cruise terminal looks pretty.
My last name gets butchered to. It is german and some know how to pronounce it but most do not.
Love the decorations around the ship.
Cute bathroom.
Funny about Tyler yelling hi and bye.
Love the bread basket at Royal Palace.
I LOVE escargot. YUM!. I cannot wait to get to France in a few months. I am having everywhere. LOl.
Elderbubble sounds good.
Nice ginger bread hosue.
The tasting looked fun. LOL! Don’t give up your day job.
You both look very nice at Remy.
The entire meal looked so good.
Oh that Rose drink at Epcot is the best. I dream about it often.
I have that diploma too. LOL.
Sounds like a nice trip.
So sorry to hear about your SIL.
I have caught up.

 

[podsnel]

I have no idea where I've been that I missed this TR. Mea Culpa. Mea Culpa. Mea Culpa. I just read the entire thing from start to present in one sitting to catch up! Too many items, pics and events to comment on other than to say it is everything I've come to expect from your TRs!

BILL!!! So happy to see you!!

Your trip has been like a Dream come true with just enough Magic mixed with Fantasy to make one Wonder why anyone would go anywhere else!

Could not have said it better myself! Although I did just book a Celebrity Cruise for fall 2015- largely due to itinerary, price and I need to try some other cruiselines (although I have been on one short Celebrity cruise in the past) so that I know what I am talking about with my clients- a tough job, but somebody's got to do it!

I'm looking forward to more because DW and I are going on our first DCL this October and if it is as we expect, we will book the Alaska cruise for the summer of 2015 while on board! More please?

WHEN??? we are on the Dream in Oct- the cruise on the 23rd- MEK is too!

Hi Ellen - catching up as always…..

No apologies necessary- I am so far behind on so many TRs- inclus=ding writing my own!

Oh Remy, possibly my favorite place on the ship! But first, Meridian - I really need to take notes of your cocktails with me next time; I am a HUGE fan of any cocktail that involves champagne.

Me too! They are by far my favorite type of cocktail!

But oh, the food at Remy - it’s almost insulting to refer to it as mere “food,” isn’t it? What a spectacular treat that place is. And you got a pic of my best friend, the sommelier! We totally bonded. And the Cheese Guru - we TOTALLY bonded! I let her pick my cheeses after I told her what I like - she asked me if I was French and proceeded to give me a plate much like yours but for ONE person. Oh, and Benoit - wasn’t he the sweetest???

I agree- remy is amazing- a completely unique experience.

You MUST do the champagne brunch too!!!

one day I will!

Another great drinking “class”! I really need to travel with some other adults someday.

You do!

Just before you posted about the boys, I thought to myself, “wait, didn’t the boys go with them on this cruise???”

We always saw them at dinner (except the Remy night) so it does seem in this part of the trip that we were without them- but they'll be back soon!

So, tell me about this Rainforest situation - what exactly does it offer? I know I have read about it before, but it never sounded all that interesting. But you clearly loved it, so obviously, I need to know more!

I find it very relaxing. There are heated loungers that look out towards the ocean, along with 2 hot tubs. There are several showers, each has a different attribute- one is gentle, another is hot, another cold. There is a steam room (I love the steam!) and a sauna- the sauna has a floor to ceiling window, so you can see the ocean from the bench. You should try it- it is a very nice way to decompress, and a 1 day pass is only $16.

Sorry I took so long to answer this. We were on the Norwegian Gem. I thought the crew wasn't that great, not really friendly like other lines I have been on. Like on Celebrity and RCL (and even Carnival) the crew was great, couldn't do enough for you, etc. NCL just didn't have that extra "Something" that I have seen on other lines.

Yea- I have read that alot. I just booked a quick 2 nighter on the Breakaway for January. I have only been on them once before, on Dawn, and that was also a quickie cruise to nowhere. I will say this- the phone reps are REALLY nice, a lot of fun to book with! Too bad they can't train all the employees!

Another big thing was the "freestyle" dining. Like you I really like having the set times and table. I have been on many cruises (this one was # 12) and It just felt weird to have to get a buzzer and wait for a table (like 30-40 minutes a couple times). then it took a long time for someone to come to the table, long time to get food, etc.

I prefer having the same people every night, too, as well as knowing that my dining is already taken care of- to me, that is one of the perks of cruising. Of course, DCL does it best with moving around with the same servers. It is genius, and I am surprised that someone else has not stolen the idea by now.

I found out later on during the trip that our cruise was about 75% totally NEW crew. They had transferred all the experienced ones off and sent them to the Breakaway. Good parts were that the food was good and the ship was beautiful, our room was great (bathroom was tiny though). The shows were decent and the entertainment staff was good too.

I have a client going on Breakaway this summer, and they specifically wanted NCL because DS20 likes their entertainment best. Thanks so much for all of your input- very helpful!

 

[podsnel]

I'm a little late but I'm joining in. I leave for my 7 day cruise on the Fantasy in the week! So excited, I've been on the wonder and the dream and I'm so excited about this new ship.

Hi!! You must be cruising tomorrow! YAY for you, wish I was going with you!! You will love the Fantasy- she is the most incredible ship of all!

I am here.
Nice Christmas it looked like.
BWV looks so nice.
EEK! You have done Times Square. I could not.

Well, yea, but we were smart- we did not wait in the middle of the chaos all day- we went to a bar in Times Square after a Broadway Show and then just came out onto a sidewalk at midnight to see the ball drop and see the fireworks. DEFINITELY better than hangin in the crowd all day!!

MM< corn dogs.
LOL about BTMRR.
BWV was nicely decorated.
The standard view was very nice.

I thought so too! We have pool/water view for Oct- WL for BW view. But a 2 bdrm- so we shall see how it goes-

LOL. The three little pigs building a straw house. ROTF.
Oh my to the line waiting.
Love the snowman ornaments.

Really should have gotten one and shipped it home.

Never heard of glow wine but sounds interesting. Is that a typo in the sign?

LOL, it's GLUIWEIN, it is just spiced wine. Very yummy!

LOl
ROTF! The mars pic.
I want that coffee margarita.

It was very good!

Nice pics of CLP.
BCV looked pretty.
The cruise terminal looks pretty.
My last name gets butchered to. It is german and some know how to pronounce it but most do not.

Ours id German, too- Geissel. We have been GEEzulls most often of all, although half our hometown calls us Guy-ZELLS, which is also wrong. It is supposed to be Guy-zul.

Love the decorations around the ship.
Cute bathroom.
Funny about Tyler yelling hi and bye.

It was very funny, especially because he is normally so shy and quiet with new kids. Just some Disney Magic on the Fantasy, I think!
Love the bread basket at Royal Palace.
I LOVE escargot. YUM!. I cannot wait to get to France in a few months. I am having everywhere. LOl.

The REAL France? Lucky you!! I have been sending a bunch of people there lately and it is making me REALLY want to go!

Elderbubble sounds good.

It is my favorite champagne drink ever!

Nice ginger bread hosue.
The tasting looked fun. LOL! Don’t give up your day job.

Good advice!

You both look very nice at Remy.
The entire meal looked so good.

The entire meal was spectacular!

Oh that Rose drink at Epcot is the best. I dream about it often.

Me too! My fave frozen cocktail ever- even better than a bushwacker, and that is sayin a LOT!

I have that diploma too. LOL.

You're a TA?

Sounds like a nice trip.
So sorry to hear about your SIL.
I have caught up.

Thanks about my SIL- she was completely wonderful and i am still in shock she is gone.

 

[podsnel]

Well THAT was some break from this TR, huh? See what happens when you make me update somewhere else? Back to the Caribbean....and to the cruise! (Which I am REALLY in cruise mode lately- I have 3 cruises booked for 2015, and 2 are not DCL- I have a quick 2 niter on NCL Breakaway- because I just really have to see for myself what I think about it-a 5 night Magic cruise with Evie and Joanie in May (SO excited to sail on the Magic all new and shiny!) and then in Nov 2015 Pods and I, along with Joanie and husband Peter (and hopefully assorted others!) will be on Celebrity Summit in the Southern Caribbean- Barbados, St Lucia, Antigua, St Martin and St Thomas, all out of Puerto Rico. The price was seriously too good to pass up, and the cheapest place to fly in the Caribbean is PR, so planning to spend a couple of pre-cruise days there to check it out!). So, anyway...back to our regularly scheduled program...

After an afternoon of wonderful RnR, I left Pods on the balcony with his lackluster Stephen King harlequin romance, toasted the sunset myself-





then scurried off to see Aladdin. This show is specific to the Fantasy, and I have to say, is one of their best! Really hilarious and completely entertaining, as Aladdin should be! Sorry, no pics from the show- they put the kibash on photography here as I am sure you have heard.

Afterwards, it was time to dress it up- tonight was semi-formal. Lo and behold, it seems we DO have kids on board with us!



It was the Captain's reception tonight, and they were passing out some nice cocktails and wine. I grabbed a glass of white to bring in to dinner.

Hello Sailor- what's your name?





Tyler's straw had an origami fish- hmmm...it seems like Rudwin may have some hidden talents!



Tonight, dinner was at



I had a Country Currant Roll-



Edward came by to take our order- so adorable and charming!



The kids really liked him-



Picture time!



I started with Ahi Tuna and Avocado Tower with Crispy Noodles and Wasabi Dressing



I have had it before, and it does not disappoint. Love tuna with avocado, always! Also ordered at our table was North Atlantic Lobster Ravioli
with Roasted Garlic and Sweet Basil scented Tomato Juice



and Heirloom Tomato Soup with Sour Cream, Croutons, and Basil



also Spinach and Raspberry Salad tender Spinach tossed with fresh Raspberries, toasted Pine Nuts, and crumbled Gorgonzola and a Raspberry Vinaigrette



and Cream of Green Asparagus with Crabmeat and Asparagus Tips



WOW! I guess we were all hungry that night! On to our main courses... I always choose Pan-seared Sea Bass With Saffron and Fennel Risotto with a Sweet Chili Glaze. Or, at least, I often choose it- it is also delish!



Timmy had pork, but it was different than what is decribed on the menu-



There was also an order of Slow Roasted Prime Rib
Thyme-roasted Vegetables, Double-baked Potato, Horseradish, and Natural Jus



Ouside, Edward showed us it was dark!



Actually I think he was pointing out an island we were passing. The boys looked over the dessert choices-



And although I skipped dessert, I was given a rose- from my favorite asst server ever, most definitely.



Rudwin is so sweet!



Cont'd next post-

 

[podsnel]

Timmy also decided to skip dessert- and left for Vibe, but Tyler stuck around to order his favorite dessert, Creme Brulee.



Yum!



A delicious evening for sure. But we aren't done yet! There was a LOT happening tonight- time to get out there and be in every show, lol! Quest was being held in The Tube at 10, then the Hypnotist, Ricky Kalmon would be performing in the Walt Disney Theatre at 10:45. We stopped back in the cabin to change into something more comfortable. Looks like the boys had done so too- and we are making progress here. Suits laid on the bed with shirts and ties- no crime scene as in the past!



And I had one of my Remy truffles for dessert-



Put my new rose with my Remy rose-



and then we decided we would go to The Tube, even though we thought we would be to late to participate in Quest- since it was already after 10. I had planned to being a bra with me, but ended up leaving it in the cabin thinking that we would only be watching, not playing.

OOPS. Sorry Kristi.

When we got down there, the the Mcs were up there in front, saving us 2 seats- turns out, we were TEAM 4! LMAO, Steve and Kristi had been VERY busy playing Quest while we were taking rose photos in the cabin! I think Pods jumped right in to give Steve a break- and then- it was time for the BRA! Oops. Sorry again, Kristi. That Kristi is a real team player- she had hers off and on her hubby in a flash-



Now here's a man who is very comfortable with his feminine side-



Funniest game ever!!! Go Team 4!





There was some more crazy stuff, and I thought I took pictures, but maybe with Kristi's camera? Anyway....it was time to pick a winner, and Teesa announced-



TEAM 4!!!!!!!!!!! Which should really be called Team Mc, but all I know is that we all got really awesome DCL hats because of it, so....thanks for wearin your wife's Bra, Steve! You did seem pretty comfortable with it, so, thanks also for practcing so often at home pre-cruise too!



Next, Teesa told us we all had to walk right over to the WDT for the next show, the hypnotist, Ricky Kalmon. Fortunately, we scored seats down front when we got there.



Because when they called for volunteers up on stage, Pods moved so fast, threw a couple of Octagenarians out of the way, and HIT IT! He wanted to be up there BAD! (he was next to the guy in the orange shirt). You might think it was so he could find out if this was real or not- or that he wanted an excuse to act stupid (more so than his usual level of stupid)- but I think he just wanted the nap and the end part where you wake up feeling like you have had the best sleep of your life. Zzzzzz.....



Now, some people are more suggestible than others. So this Ricky guy would pick off the ones who weren't as the night went on.





Pods lasted a while, but was eventually one who got tossed. He did say, though, that when their feet and legs were supposed to be tingling or whatever that he actually felt it- so I guess there really is something to this hypnotism stuff! This show was excellent- absolutely hilarious!

Afterwards, I think we all ended up going back to our cabins, rather than working on our passports. Right Kristi?





Tomorrow was New Year's Eve- and we had the BEST day planned in St Martin!! Next time!

 

[JKSWonder]

On Sunday night, I have to stay up until Midnight because that's our 90 day booking window!

My current debate (with myself, of course, since I'm the only vacation planning looney in the family) is what night to do Palo. I'm thinking I might want to go there on semi-formal night because I like doing that stuff on sea days and I will already be dressed up! Two birds, one dress....

Gotta to make sure I still get my free Captain's Gala cocktails though. Last cruise, I believe I had an appletini. And a glass of wine.

 

[franandaj]

Sounds like a great night and the boys look so cute all dressed up. My have they grown from the updates that you posted on the Yosemite TR!

I can't wait to try the larger ships! I have three cruises booked in 2015 too! Mine are all Disney, pretty soon we'll be gold!

 

[podsnel]

On Sunday night, I have to stay up until Midnight because that's our 90 day booking window!

I was up this past Monday night doing the same for Alaska! Kind of stinks that I turned gold but no one else did and we were in 2 cabins- so had to come back for Silver booking after all! Good luck getting everything your heart desires!

My current debate (with myself, of course, since I'm the only vacation planning looney in the family) is what night to do Palo. I'm thinking I might want to go there on semi-formal night because I like doing that stuff on sea days and I will already be dressed up! Two birds, one dress....

I know that's a popular choice!

Gotta to make sure I still get my free Captain's Gala cocktails though. Last cruise, I believe I had an appletini. And a glass of wine.

You GO girlfriend!

Sounds like a great night and the boys look so cute all dressed up. My have they grown from the updates that you posted on the Yosemite TR!

I know, right? It is crazy! I notice it when I post them- here's the current situation, if you missed it on Facebook-





I can't wait to try the larger ships! I have three cruises booked in 2015 too! Mine are all Disney, pretty soon we'll be gold!

They are awesome! You will be in awe- and YAY for 3 cruises in 2015! They are the best- congrats on almost being Gold- in a year from now I will have 2 more to go for Platinum. It seems once you start the ball rolling to Gold, you just can't stop!

 

[DWGal210]

Sounds like another fun day aboard DCL!

So nice of the boys to grace you with their presence. But it is good to hear they were having a fun time. I barely saw my brother and cousins this past January; they were having a blast doing all the activities.

I can't wait to hear all about your Alaskan cruise adventures!!! That is on my bucket list, for SURE.

 

[pillow]

Love the bra post! You know you're a veteran Disney cruiser when you plan to take an extra bra to a show - lol . . .

So, you know the cruise that my kids don't want to go on??? Well, my mother told me today that she is treating ALL of us to that cruise - meaning the 2 of them + my family of 4 + my brother's family of 6 + my 92 year old grandma! NOW my kids are excited!! I spent the afternoon getting everyone booked. So fun! I'm now looking for Mixology photos to send everyone. Gonna be hard to wait a year . . .

Jodie

 

[KristiMc]

Oh no - the bra picture! I love that Tisa is wiping a tear from her eye in the background. We had a great time that night.

The hypnotist show was great too. Yay for Pods for racing up to the stage to take part.

I think we did pass on the Passports that night since we knew we had a big day in St. Maarten coming up.

WOW on all the upcoming cruises! I so wish I could come with you on the one in May but I can't take that much time off of my part-time job - or I would not have the part-time job . If you go down to WDW for a long weekend girls trip - I'm in!

I'm getting psyched for our HHI/Dream trip. Only 22 days to go! The boys do not know about the Dream. We added it after NYE. We thought since we are in SC and only 5 hours from the Port it would be a shame not to go on a cruise - Right?? Seems logical to me. We are going to see how long it takes them to realize that we are driving South and not towards home.

 

[Linda67]

Great update
Your boys all look super smart in their suits (I am counting Pods as one of the 'boys') and of course you look gorgeous!
I've never done any of the adult shows in the evenings (why does that comment sound so wrong??!!)

 

[pillow]

I'm getting psyched for our HHI/Dream trip. Only 22 days to go! The boys do not know about the Dream. We added it after NYE. We thought since we are in SC and only 5 hours from the Port it would be a shame not to go on a cruise - Right?? Seems logical to me. We are going to see how long it takes them to realize that we are driving South and not towards home.

Yes - very logical!! Hate to tell you . . . I sent the bra picture to my entire family to show them what occurs on a Disney cruise . . . Tell your hubbie he is famous!

Jodie

 

[englishrose47]

Great Update !! The food all looked delish , not sure which I would have picked !! ust to let you know I started my TR , link is in my siggie!!

 

[TopRowSeat]

Yes - very logical!! Hate to tell you . . . I sent the bra picture to my entire family to show them what occurs on a Disney cruise . . . Tell your hubbie he is famous!

Jodie

Oh great, yet another town that that I can't show my face in. Nah, it was fun. Go ahead and share. I have no shame.

I have to say I was impressed with how fast Kristi got hers off. Very impressive.

It was a ton of fun. I had never heard of Quest before we were on our way into dinner and Ellen went by the other direction and just said "Quest, 10:00" I felt a bit like I was in a spy movie and had just received a coded message. I had to refer to the navigator to decode the instructions but we figured it out and were in the right place at the right time for some silly fun.

This was one of many highlights of the week.

 

[pillow]

Oh great, yet another town that that I can't show my face in. Nah, it was fun. Go ahead and share. I have no shame.

I have to say I was impressed with how fast Kristi got hers off. Very impressive.

It was a ton of fun. I had never heard of Quest before we were on our way into dinner and Ellen went by the other direction and just said "Quest, 10:00" I felt a bit like I was in a spy movie and had just received a coded message. I had to refer to the navigator to decode the instructions but we figured it out and were in the right place at the right time for some silly fun.

This was one of many highlights of the week.

I'm really sorry we missed it. Its on the list for our next cruise. I need to start practicing my speed bra removal skills now!!

Jodie

 

[jenseib]

What a fun night!!! I have never seen those game shows, but it looks like a riot.
I saw a hypnotist on a NCL cruise many years ago and it was so hilarious!

 

[Beth D]

Great update Ellen! Tyler looks so grown up, and quite a bit more like Pods lately!

I love the pics of the empty lobby with the tree. Never usually get to see that area empty!

What exactly is Quest, and why did the MC's exchange clothing? I'm guessing its some sort of game, but is the bra thing an every time deal?

 

[podsnel]

Sounds like another fun day aboard DCL!

So nice of the boys to grace you with their presence. But it is good to hear they were having a fun time. I barely saw my brother and cousins this past January; they were having a blast doing all the activities.

It is all good- everyone is super duper happy on a Disney cruise!

I can't wait to hear all about your Alaskan cruise adventures!!! That is on my bucket list, for SURE.

I am really getting excited- I have Palo booked for brunch and dinner, also the room of naughty mud love (Secret rasul) and a bunch of amazing excursions (all done independently). Every person I meet who hears we are going tells me about how incredible Alaska is, so I am pretty excited!!

Love the bra post! You know you're a veteran Disney cruiser when you plan to take an extra bra to a show - lol . . .

Next time the bra is going to dinner in my purse! Taking no chances!

So, you know the cruise that my kids don't want to go on??? Well, my mother told me today that she is treating ALL of us to that cruise - meaning the 2 of them + my family of 4 + my brother's family of 6 + my 92 year old grandma! NOW my kids are excited!! I spent the afternoon getting everyone booked. So fun! I'm now looking for Mixology photos to send everyone. Gonna be hard to wait a year . . .

Jodie

I am SO SO GLAD that it worked out for you!!!

Oh no - the bra picture! I love that Tisa is wiping a tear from her eye in the background. We had a great time that night.

It was SOOOOOOOOOOO funny!! GO TEAM 4!!!!

The hypnotist show was great too. Yay for Pods for racing up to the stage to take part.

He was very motivated and determined, wasn't he??

I think we did pass on the Passports that night since we knew we had a big day in St. Maarten coming up.

YES!! We did pass it up!

WOW on all the upcoming cruises! I so wish I could come with you on the one in May but I can't take that much time off of my part-time job - or I would not have the part-time job . If you go down to WDW for a long weekend girls trip - I'm in!

The only weekend girls trip is the pre-cruise two nights this year- probably a longer one next year-


I'm getting psyched for our HHI/Dream trip. Only 22 days to go! The boys do not know about the Dream. We added it after NYE. We thought since we are in SC and only 5 hours from the Port it would be a shame not to go on a cruise - Right?? Seems logical to me. We are going to see how long it takes them to realize that we are driving South and not towards home.

I love that you did that! Can't wait to hear about HHI- you should do a TR, they are scarce-

Great update
Your boys all look super smart in their suits (I am counting Pods as one of the 'boys') and of course you look gorgeous!
I've never done any of the adult shows in the evenings (why does that comment sound so wrong??!!)

Thanks! And you really need to make it to the shows- the entertainment at night has been consistently wonderful for us!

 

[englishrose47]

Alaska is definitely a cruise I want to do !!!