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

[scottny]

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!!

Very smart.

You're a TA?

Yep.

The food looked good at Enchanted Garden.
He pulls off that bra well. LOL.
The lobby looked so pretty.

 

[tink too]

We were considering sailing with DCL over the holidays and found your TR while doing a bit of research - you sure seemed to be having a great time!

We've never done the "Quest" games, but think this is definitely something we need to check out on our next cruise!

 

[podsnel]

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!!

Thanks for the heads up, Rosie! I went right over!!

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.

Good thing!

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

Yes- it would appear she had had a LOT of practice- and that's all I'll say about THAT.

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.

LOL! That's right- I did say that to you, I forgot!! Well, you did an AWESOME job being a whole team until the final two minutes when we arrived!

This was one of many highlights of the week.

Yup- I wish you were coming on our Alaska this summer- it will for sure be lonely without you-

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

Practice makes perfect!!

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!

It was one of MANY fun nights we had together- this was probably the most fun cruise we have been on yet!

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

Thanks! He will probably love hearing that- usually people say he looks like me- prob would prefer to look like his Dad over his Mom!

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

It's all timing- either stay up late, or get up early-

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?

It is a scavenger hunt for adults- many cruiselines have a version of it, with varying degrees of adult-ness. DCL's version is adult, but stays pretty clean. It is a lot racier on some other lines...

 

[podsnel]

So- I will come back to answer the remaining replies later- just would like to update because this day in SXM was soooooo awesome and I would just LOVE to relive it today!!

We were pulling into port and able to disembark after 8:30 am or so- and would be spending the day on a boat with two other DIS families- one of whom was the Mcs, of course!! The boat company is REALLY well rated on trip Advisor- Soualiga Destinations, or Captain Bob Cass- anyway, it was reasonable, and it was EXCELLENT!

We pulled into St Maarten-



We grabbed a quick breakfast from Cabanas before heading out to the island.
Our confirmation told us to meet up with Capt Bob at the Marina next to the port at 9:30 am- it was a 10 minute walk, he gave us great directions. Outside-



We were docked next to Norwegian Epic. That is one HUGE and very odd looking ship!



Walk this way...



Enter here-



Well, we all checked in- there were 12 of us on the boat- many others going on other boats of Capt Bob's, and many other DISers to boot- I think a lot of them were DVC4Life's friends. Including Christine and family who were with us. The Captain warned us- it was rough out there today. It was not certain whether we would be able to make all the stops. If we were at all frigtened or scared, we could turn around at any time. They first put us on one boat, then came back and moved us to another Captain. Then, we were off!







The first area we saw was Simpson Bay and it was filled with Yachts. There are a LOT of yachts, we came to learn, in SXM.





Then we were here-



And next was Marigot? I think the Marina section??



And then we were told, it was about to get really rough- if we were all ok with that, he would do his best to get to the next stop, which was Tintamarre, for snorkeling. As he readied the boat, he put today's braless wonder in charge-



We were all ok with getting tossed around, so we HIT IT!



OMG- it was hilarious!!! Like a roller coaster!!



The rough stuff lasted about 10 minutes, maybe a little longer- and wow, was it worth it! Tintamare is just for diving and snorkeling and deserted beaching now, but it has an interesting history being once owned by St Kitts as well as being some sort of refueling station for Nazi U-Boats in WW2, in addition to many other incarnations. It is small, only about 80 acres.



Looking back to St Martin- looks like Hawaii!!



I want to say we were one of maybe 3 boats here. And after copming through all that rough stuff, was it worth it? You tell me- here are my un-retouched pics from snorkeling with a new friend-









He was swimming right with me- it was the BEST!! I also saw an entire school of needle nose fish- really I have seen one or two in the past at a time, so that was also cool, but my photos did not come out very well. Some guy from another boat asked me if I wanted my picture taken, and since my family wa who knows where since I had followed the turtle, I said sure! Who else will take it?



That was a great experience, always love snorkeling when you see a turtle. We were all back on the boat, and heading to our next stop, Pinel Island. This was SXM-



For the record, we have been to St Martin one other time, on an RCCL Explorer of the Seas cruise. THAT time, we rented a car and drove around to see the island. Can I just say, I like seeing St Martin MUCH MUCH more this way. We did not need a map this time or ANYTHING lol-



Have to run to a baseball game- back later!

 

[rentayenta]

Wow Ellen, swimming with that turtle looks amazing! I always opt for the beach vs land anytime I can. I know when I make it to Hawaii, I'll never see those cool volcanos or forests or anything because I won't be able to be preyed from the beach!

That square ship looks really weird.

Great update. Can't wait for more.

 

[jedijill]

I loved SXM. Love your turtle friend!

Jill in CO

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Hi Ellen! Nice updates! It looks like your servers were great! Did you feel like Enchanted Garden was as magical as it looks in the marketing?

We went to Pinel Is snorkeling too. We got to a neighboring island by boat, and then rode in a dingy over - I was given the job of bringing a baby sea turtle out to set him free out there! He was so cute. They are cute even as adults. I love the pics of the one you were swimming with - great job getting those! How special that he chose you to swim with.

 

[podsnel]

Our next stop was a little place called Pinel Island, again, very near to SXM (which is what this is)-



This is a very tiny island where there are 2 restaurants/bars and lots of chairs/umbrellas to rent for the day. People come across from SXM by ferry, boat or kayak- it is really lovely, and it felt very European to me rather than completely Caribbean. Our Captain threw down the anchor and told everyone to grab a soda or beer (free from him) rather than purchase one on the island. Just a few feet away was one of the other boats of Soualiga's- with more of DVC4Life's & Christine's friends.



Hoppin off!



Soggy dollars for all!



Where we are headed-







Well, I was in the Caribbean, and beer and soda are nice and all, especially when they are free, but when in Rome-



I'll be having a Bushwacker. Sil vous plait! Tyler was busy relaxing, but not for long-



Happy New Year's Eve!



Typical beach fare- like bein on the boardwalk at the Jersey shore, lol-



They did also rent chairs and umbrellas here,2 and a parasol were 25E. We'll stand instead today!



We thought it was so cool they had tables in the water!



Tyler was not as impressed- apparently he has seen it all before...







Ah! This must be where they have the sausage and peppers, lol-





So pretty here, right? I would love to spend a day-





Well, that may happen someday, but today we were getting back on our boat- it was time to visit SXM- and have some lunch... goodbye, pinel Island....



I mean au revoir...oops...

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Still looks the same For some reason the food and drink was closed when we were there - the place was almost deserted. We rented a locker for our snorkel, and we were told we could rent a chair from "Sharrrrone" if we wanted to sit. We decided since we weren't there long, we just parked on the sand for a little bit after our snorkel - we were sitting just on the other side of the dock, right behind where Tyler is standing in his first photo - just below a little rum shack. Of course, our sitting there made the sand fleas really happy. That's what we get for being cheap. Beautiful pics of the island and the water. That would be the life wouldn't it?

 

[tink too]

Great photos and how awesome to have a turtle be your swimming buddy for a while.

 

[podsnel]

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

I was so relieved when my kids said yes! They have been saying no for years-

Very smart.
Thanks!

Yep.

Yay! Me too!

The food looked good at Enchanted Garden.
He pulls off that bra well. LOL.

That's what I thought- pretty sure it wasn't his first time- just sayin....
The lobby looked so pretty.

It's gorgeous for sure!

We were considering sailing with DCL over the holidays and found your TR while doing a bit of research - you sure seemed to be having a great time!

It is a wonderful choice! There were so many extra things either given to us, or just around- really nice- it's a bad time for my hubby tho- so not sure we will ever get to do it again-

We've never done the "Quest" games, but think this is definitely something we need to check out on our next cruise!

Even if you don't get to play, it is hilarious just watching everyone runnin around like a nut!

Wow Ellen, swimming with that turtle looks amazing! I always opt for the beach vs land anytime I can. I know when I make it to Hawaii, I'll never see those cool volcanos or forests or anything because I won't be able to be preyed from the beach!

It is always incredible when turtles are around! I love the beach too- but you have GOT to see more stuff when you go to Hawaii- it's not just a beach!!

That square ship looks really weird.

I agree- Epic has a lot of weirdness....

Great update. Can't wait for more.

Thanks Girlie!

I loved SXM. Love your turtle friend!

Jill in CO

We did NOT love it last time, so it was GREAT to see it a new way- we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves! Beautiful all around.

Hi Ellen! Nice updates! It looks like your servers were great! Did you feel like Enchanted Garden was as magical as it looks in the marketing?

EG is very beautiful- but some of the tables (although not ours this time) can feel pretty tight. But the flowers above are very cool.

We went to Pinel Is snorkeling too. We got to a neighboring island by boat, and then rode in a dingy over - I was given the job of bringing a baby sea turtle out to set him free out there! He was so cute. They are cute even as adults. I love the pics of the one you were swimming with - great job getting those! How special that he chose you to swim with.

Yes, I felt very blessed he picked me! So did you release your turtle (HOW AMAZING!!) on Tintamare or Pinel Island?

 

[podsnel]

Still looks the same For some reason the food and drink was closed when we were there - the place was almost deserted. We rented a locker for our snorkel, and we were told we could rent a chair from "Sharrrrone" if we wanted to sit. We decided since we weren't there long, we just parked on the sand for a little bit after our snorkel - we were sitting just on the other side of the dock, right behind where Tyler is standing in his first photo - just below a little rum shack. Of course, our sitting there made the sand fleas really happy. That's what we get for being cheap. Beautiful pics of the island and the water. That would be the life wouldn't it?

That's weird! What time of year were you there? The water was really pretty there, as well as the island- so much nicer than the Gang graffiti we saw instead on our last trip here! And yea- that would be the life!

Great photos and how awesome to have a turtle be your swimming buddy for a while.

Thanks! I got a little camera happy on Pinel Island- I really did like it there!

 

[MEK]

That snorkeling looks amazing. Great pictures of the turtles. Very, very cool!

That adult beverage looks pretty good too! Sounds like a great way to spend the afternoon!

 

[podsnel]

All of us were back onboard with Captain Tyrell and headed over to SXM, to an area called Grand Case which is known for its food- restaurant after gourmet restaurant.... a place I would love to spend more time in one day!

On the way over-



Clearly, we were all having a miserable time!



Here when we hopped off, the Captain told us NOT to bring the boat beer, etc, but we were welcome to use the lounge chairs on the tiny beach while we waited for lunch.



Steve is a really great Dad. With or without his wife's bra.







On St Martin, they grow a fruit called guavaberry. It has nothing to do with guava, and I guess it must be some kind of berry. But what they make out of this mystery fruit is what counts- Guavaberry Rum. It's kind of sweet but tart- and from it comes the awesome SXM frozen concoction, a Guavaberry Colada-



Ohhhhh yeaaaaaaaaaa.......

We went into the Creole restaurant for lunch- there was a choice of fish (mahi), chicken or ribs. My family had ribs or fish-





My fish was REALLY good- that sauce that came with it was yum and the rice and beans very tasty. We were all happy with our (included) lunch here!

Merry Christmas!



More typical beach fare here on SXM-



We were here-



Looks like there's always room for one more Guavaberry-



Steve was taking notes on Holiday decorating ideas SXM Creole style. I think the residents of Ohio are in store for QUITE a show this Christmas....



It's the white icicle lights that really make it, don't ya think? LOL!!! We hung around a little longer-



Another of "our" boats pulled in, and we heard that one of the boats, a private charter, had turned around super- early in their trip and wanted to go back. Just a little bit of waves was all it took. So sad for them- they REALLY missed out!!





Then we were back to the boat- we still had MORE to see!

 

[jenseib]

I love the turtle pictures. Every time I see pictures like that I long to go somewhere and snorkel with them!!!!

 

[podsnel]

That snorkeling looks amazing. Great pictures of the turtles. Very, very cool!

That adult beverage looks pretty good too! Sounds like a great way to spend the afternoon!

It was an excellent tour- it was so much better than getting on some boat with 50 other people to snorkel somewhere- I would do it again in a heartbeat! Great value for the $$

 

[rentayenta]

That guava berry colada looks de-lish! I am a blended tropical drink girl too especially when on the beach. Heaven!

Bummer for the folks that didn't make it due to a little chop water. It's so blue and wonderful. The sand looks so fine and white.

Lunch looks great too. Bad to be reading right now as I am starving.

It's hard to believe that all this goodness is just one afternoon. Love that about the Disney cruise, it's like a bunch of little different vacations in one.

 

[KristiMc]

We had such a great day on our excursion. What a bumpy ride! Snorkeling was fun - though I didn't get to see the turtle up that close.

Lunch was our second favorite meal of the cruise (Remy was first ). I loved the Guavaberry Colada!

I would highly recommend the excursion!

 

[DWGal210]

What a beautiful day! I'm glad you braved the waves so you could get to these beautiful places.

Can you believe I missed out on the Guavaberry cocktail when I was there last summer!!?? Only one wait to remedy that - go back!

LOVE LOVE LOVE your turtle pictures. So pretty!

 

[Beth D]

Great update! That boat trip looks like fun! What's a little wave action slowing anyone down when you've got a final destination of gorgeous beaches and islands?

Love the turtle pics! I took so many pics underwater on our cruise too. Love my waterproof camera!

MMMM Guavaberry coladas are delish SHHH i still have most of a bottle of guava berry rum left and hidden. Now I need to go buy some coconut milk and make one!