Boardwalk to the Beach Club.. with a cruise inbetween! April 2015
- Thread starter disneybarbie
- Start date
cindianne320
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 27, 2010
What a wonderful day at sea and then a fun day at port! I can't wait to try out the spa on our next cruise.
I actually just finished Gone Girl last week! Great book, and the movie was pretty good, just not as good as the book!
I actually just finished Gone Girl last week! Great book, and the movie was pretty good, just not as good as the book!
disneybarbie
Disney Princess
- Joined
- Nov 5, 2006
Great ReportI am loving all of the pictures and can't wait to see more!
Thank you for reading along so far!
Hope you enjoy the spa, it's a Must Do for us now on each cruise! Completely agree on Gone Girl.. I watched it on the plane home from this trip actually! I thought they got the setting and most of characters completely spot on.. but it's just two complex a book for a 2 hour movie... IMO
Thank you.. less than a year.. that's soon!
disneybarbie
Disney Princess
- Joined
- Nov 5, 2006
Wednesday 22nd April 2015
San Juan, Puerto Rico
I woke up early and got see the very end of the sun rise!
We got ready and went up to Cabanas for a light breakfast, the ship was already making its way into San Juan port.
Fairly simple breakfast for me... a banana and porridge (oatmeal)! But I also had a cinnamon roll, we were on vacation after all
Lifeboats extended out over deck 4... later we saw them sailing the boats around the port!
We made our way to D Lounge to check in for our excursion – we'd booked an adults only tour of the Bacardi rum factory and a walking tour of the old town and fort.
From the ship, we were led to a coach which took us to the factory – it was on the far side of the bay and took almost 30 minutes to get to. The bus driver gave us some information and facts about the island.. one of them was that there are almost as many cars as people!
At the factory...
The tour was about an hour, we got to learn about the Bacardi family and how the rum is made –
Like any good attraction, it ended in the gift shop but this was actually really good as we bought some limited edition rum to take home for family – and it was well priced (I think about $13 per bottle!).
We got a complimentary cocktail as part of our tour – either a fruit punch or a cuba libre – and we got to keep the glasses too.
A banana plant I noticed in the grounds!
Back on the coach, we made our way to the old town.
As a group, we got to walk around the old fort – it was a fascinating building and we learnt a lot about its history.
We left the tour group just before the end – as we wanted to walk into the old town and find somewhere for lunch, rather than be driven back to the ship.
The town was so pretty! A great mix of Caribbean and Spanish styles.
Again, I felt very safe wandering around this port.
We popped into a Starbucks.. just to buy a souvenir mug! And then spotted a busy restaurant for lunch – there was a short queue at the door and they served something that I really wanted to try – mofongo.
The food was excellent and really reasonably priced – we both enjoyed the local dishes too! I had tried to order sweet potato fries as a side, but must have used the wrong Spanish phrase as we got a side dish of mashed potato instead! :rofl:
DH tried a local beer..
Mofongo..
........
San Juan, Puerto Rico
I woke up early and got see the very end of the sun rise!
We got ready and went up to Cabanas for a light breakfast, the ship was already making its way into San Juan port.
Fairly simple breakfast for me... a banana and porridge (oatmeal)! But I also had a cinnamon roll, we were on vacation after all
Lifeboats extended out over deck 4... later we saw them sailing the boats around the port!
We made our way to D Lounge to check in for our excursion – we'd booked an adults only tour of the Bacardi rum factory and a walking tour of the old town and fort.
From the ship, we were led to a coach which took us to the factory – it was on the far side of the bay and took almost 30 minutes to get to. The bus driver gave us some information and facts about the island.. one of them was that there are almost as many cars as people!
At the factory...
The tour was about an hour, we got to learn about the Bacardi family and how the rum is made –
Like any good attraction, it ended in the gift shop
but this was actually really good as we bought some limited edition rum to take home for family – and it was well priced (I think about $13 per bottle!).
We got a complimentary cocktail as part of our tour – either a fruit punch or a cuba libre – and we got to keep the glasses too.
A banana plant I noticed in the grounds!
Back on the coach, we made our way to the old town.
As a group, we got to walk around the old fort – it was a fascinating building and we learnt a lot about its history.
We left the tour group just before the end – as we wanted to walk into the old town and find somewhere for lunch, rather than be driven back to the ship.
The town was so pretty! A great mix of Caribbean and Spanish styles.
Again, I felt very safe wandering around this port.
We popped into a Starbucks.. just to buy a souvenir mug! And then spotted a busy restaurant for lunch – there was a short queue at the door and they served something that I really wanted to try – mofongo.
The food was excellent and really reasonably priced – we both enjoyed the local dishes too! I had tried to order sweet potato fries as a side, but must have used the wrong Spanish phrase as we got a side dish of mashed potato instead! :rofl:
DH tried a local beer..
Mofongo..
........
disneybarbie
Disney Princess
- Joined
- Nov 5, 2006
...........
We walked around a bit longer, then made our way back onboard.
Back in our stateroom, our bandanas had been delivered... it was Pirates In the Caribbean night!
Duffy in a bandana..
While the ship was quiet, we decided to ride the Aqua Duck – got to be done on each cruise! Then we got a drink as the ship sailed out of the port.
Sunken Treasure
The ship played several of the horn tunes as we left the port
Walking through an empty Cabanas.. time to get a shot of the beautiful Nemo mosaic!
We attended another quiz later in the afternoon at O Gills, it was ultimate Disney trivia! We did fairly well, but it turned out I wasn't the biggest Disney geek onboard The quiz master was excellent and made it really good fun.
We got ready for dinner and then went back up to Currents – it was a perfect warm and breezy night.
The pirate party was going on so we watched the show for a while, it was fun to see the cruise director and crew dancing along too!
For dinner we were back at Royal Court, but had the Pirates menu which was fun.
After dinner, we had about half an hour before the fireworks began, so we popped back to the room.. and then I fell asleep! So did DH, we completely missed the fireworks – must have been tired after two days of excursions – at least we'd seen the show before!
Tomorrow... day at sea with brunch at Palo.
We walked around a bit longer, then made our way back onboard.
Back in our stateroom, our bandanas had been delivered... it was Pirates In the Caribbean night!
Duffy in a bandana..
While the ship was quiet, we decided to ride the Aqua Duck – got to be done on each cruise! Then we got a drink as the ship sailed out of the port.
Sunken Treasure
The ship played several of the horn tunes as we left the port
Walking through an empty Cabanas.. time to get a shot of the beautiful Nemo mosaic!
We attended another quiz later in the afternoon at O Gills, it was ultimate Disney trivia! We did fairly well, but it turned out I wasn't the biggest Disney geek onboard
The quiz master was excellent and made it really good fun.We got ready for dinner and then went back up to Currents – it was a perfect warm and breezy night.
The pirate party was going on so we watched the show for a while, it was fun to see the cruise director and crew dancing along too!
For dinner we were back at Royal Court, but had the Pirates menu which was fun.
After dinner, we had about half an hour before the fireworks began, so we popped back to the room.. and then I fell asleep! So did DH, we completely missed the fireworks – must have been tired after two days of excursions – at least we'd seen the show before!
Tomorrow... day at sea with brunch at Palo.
cindianne320
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 27, 2010
That looked like a fun tour! I wonder how it works now with the new policy to bring back the rum? I think you have to check it in at the gate and pick up at the end of the cruise.
Glad you enjoyed your day, even if you slept through the fireworks!
Glad you enjoyed your day, even if you slept through the fireworks!
oceanmarina
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jan 10, 2004
Great updates!!
Love the Duffy Buccaneer photo!!
Love your photo of sunset at sea - just beautiful
Yep, I had the cheese plate at Narcoosees last week - it was great but yours looked better, much fancier ( ;
Looking forward to your next update & pics
Love the Duffy Buccaneer photo!!
Love your photo of sunset at sea - just beautiful
Yep, I had the cheese plate at Narcoosees last week - it was great but yours looked better, much fancier ( ;
Looking forward to your next update & pics
snoopygirl79
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Aug 3, 2006
I'm loving your report!! I really want to go on a Disney cruise but I can't persuade anyone in my family....yet!! We've been on other cruise lines, just not Disney yet!!
I got my girls into Duffy Bear and their bears both came with us on our recent Disney trip!! We were very excited to buy them Eeyore and Tigger outfits while we were in Disney World as my girls love those characters!!
SG x
I got my girls into Duffy Bear and their bears both came with us on our recent Disney trip!! We were very excited to buy them Eeyore and Tigger outfits while we were in Disney World as my girls love those characters!!
SG x
disneybarbie
Disney Princess
- Joined
- Nov 5, 2006
I bet that was a great trip! I love being able to see the Disney ships docked when we're at parts - they always look so majestic.
Ooh I didn't know they were changing the policy - yes I guess they would hold duty free items for guests and then you'd pick them up at the end of the cruise. It was a shame to miss the fireworks, but we are lucky that we'd seen them on our two previous cruises!
Thank you for reading! Yes I can imagine the price is quite high when you have a family of five
they are amazing vacations though, hope you get to try it one day.Exciting! I wonder if you'll book one
Great updates!!
Love the Duffy Buccaneer photo!!
Love your photo of sunset at sea - just beautiful
Yep, I had the cheese plate at Narcoosees last week - it was great but yours looked better, much fancier ( ;
Looking forward to your next update & pics
Thank you! Hope you had a great trip at WDW, I've not eaten at Narcoosees yet, plan to one day - the location looks perfect.
Thank you! Hope you get to try out a Disney cruise one day - we weren't completely sure it would be our thing before our first one.. but then both absolutely loved it!
disneybarbie
Disney Princess
- Joined
- Nov 5, 2006
Thursday 23rd April 2015
Day at Sea
We had brunch booked this morning at Palo for 11.30 – we were both really excited as this had been a real highlight of our last cruise!
I got up and went for a run around deck 4 – I just did 2 miles (5 laps), but wanted to get in a little practice run as we'd registered to run the 5k race on CC tomorrow! It is a bit surreal running on a moving cruise ship, but I enjoyed it and liked saying good morning to other runners and walkers who were out.
I got showered and then we made our way to Cove Cafe for a latte... DH tried one of the miniature pastries too... we didn't have breakfast as wanted to make sure we were hungry for our brunch.
We got dressed up and then made our way up to the Meridian lounge, checked in and waited a few minutes until we were called through to the restaurant.
We were seated in one of the tables right by the windows
After ordering our beverages, our server walked us around the buffet – and then two servers stepped forward to fill our plates with what ever we liked from the cold selections.
My first plate...
Our server took our order for the hot dishes, we chose a blue cheese and grape pizza, chicken parmigiana, steak, salmon pasta and baked oysters.
Everything tasted so good!
While we were there, I recognised our server from our last cruise! Luciana – she had been promoted from main dining to Palo
I managed a few of the desserts too – these are a really nice sample size...
After a great meal, we spent several hours reading and sunbathing on deck 13, both too full up to move!
Rainbow on my sunbed
..............
Day at Sea
We had brunch booked this morning at Palo for 11.30 – we were both really excited as this had been a real highlight of our last cruise!
I got up and went for a run around deck 4 – I just did 2 miles (5 laps), but wanted to get in a little practice run as we'd registered to run the 5k race on CC tomorrow! It is a bit surreal running on a moving cruise ship, but I enjoyed it and liked saying good morning to other runners and walkers who were out.
I got showered and then we made our way to Cove Cafe for a latte... DH tried one of the miniature pastries too... we didn't have breakfast as wanted to make sure we were hungry for our brunch.
We got dressed up and then made our way up to the Meridian lounge, checked in and waited a few minutes until we were called through to the restaurant.
We were seated in one of the tables right by the windows
After ordering our beverages, our server walked us around the buffet – and then two servers stepped forward to fill our plates with what ever we liked from the cold selections.
My first plate...
Our server took our order for the hot dishes, we chose a blue cheese and grape pizza, chicken parmigiana, steak, salmon pasta and baked oysters.
Everything tasted so good!
While we were there, I recognised our server from our last cruise! Luciana – she had been promoted from main dining to Palo
I managed a few of the desserts too – these are a really nice sample size...
After a great meal, we spent several hours reading and sunbathing on deck 13, both too full up to move!
Rainbow on my sunbed
..............
disneybarbie
Disney Princess
- Joined
- Nov 5, 2006
........
I popped down to the DVC desk at one point as we'd had a note in our stateroom that they had some free gifts for us (as we hadn't attended a DVC meeting while onboard) – and we were given so many things! Water bottles, cup holders (to use on the beach.. perfect for Castaway Cay!), light-up bracelets and temporary pirate tattoos
In the afternoon we went to O'Gillls for a general knowledge quiz – for ages we were the only people there! Then two other teams arrived... it was pretty tough but we had fun anyway.
In the evening, we tried out a different bar before dinner, La Piazza, it was very quiet again but there was a live band performing who were really good.
Dinner tonight was at Animator's Palate – we'd missed the Crush/Finding Nemo night there as we'd been at Remy, so it was nice to visit this restaurant – the theming is so well done!
First of all, we had to each draw our character on our place mats, which our servers then took away.
The menu is a little different on this evening, due to the show, so it was a set appetiser and soup – then we had to choose entree and dessert at the start.
My favourite dish was the melting middle chocolate pudding!
The animation show began, and was really good except.. none of the characters drawn by our table were included! DH and I weren't too bothered, as we'd seen it before, but our table mates (and the table next to us, who had kids), called the servers over and asked what had happened... they were very apologetic, and asked us if we'd mind waiting after dinner for a few minutes.
We did that... and got a private viewing of the show with just our characters! (It was a little awkward when they reset the screens and it came up with a 'windows restarting' logo though!)
Tonight's magic trick was how to hold two forks using just two cocktail sticks... DH managed to do it
Back at the room, we were greeted by a towel animal and the next day's Navigator.
I decided to put together the gift bags I was going to give our room steward and servers along with their gratuity envelopes the next evening – a selection of treats and things from the UK!
Tomorrow.... the best island in the world... Castaway Cay!
I popped down to the DVC desk at one point as we'd had a note in our stateroom that they had some free gifts for us (as we hadn't attended a DVC meeting while onboard) – and we were given so many things! Water bottles, cup holders (to use on the beach.. perfect for Castaway Cay!), light-up bracelets and temporary pirate tattoos
In the afternoon we went to O'Gillls for a general knowledge quiz – for ages we were the only people there! Then two other teams arrived... it was pretty tough but we had fun anyway.
In the evening, we tried out a different bar before dinner, La Piazza, it was very quiet again but there was a live band performing who were really good.
Dinner tonight was at Animator's Palate – we'd missed the Crush/Finding Nemo night there as we'd been at Remy, so it was nice to visit this restaurant – the theming is so well done!
First of all, we had to each draw our character on our place mats, which our servers then took away.
The menu is a little different on this evening, due to the show, so it was a set appetiser and soup – then we had to choose entree and dessert at the start.
My favourite dish was the melting middle chocolate pudding!
The animation show began, and was really good except.. none of the characters drawn by our table were included! DH and I weren't too bothered, as we'd seen it before, but our table mates (and the table next to us, who had kids), called the servers over and asked what had happened... they were very apologetic, and asked us if we'd mind waiting after dinner for a few minutes.
We did that... and got a private viewing of the show with just our characters! (It was a little awkward when they reset the screens and it came up with a 'windows restarting' logo though!)
Tonight's magic trick was how to hold two forks using just two cocktail sticks... DH managed to do it
Back at the room, we were greeted by a towel animal and the next day's Navigator.
I decided to put together the gift bags I was going to give our room steward and servers along with their gratuity envelopes the next evening – a selection of treats and things from the UK!
Tomorrow.... the best island in the world... Castaway Cay!
Looks like another fabulous day at sea. Animators palate is one place I'd love to try and one reason I really want to go on a Disney cruise.
Your steward and servers are going to love you!
Your steward and servers are going to love you!
Dugette
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Dec 26, 2009
Caught up on your last few updates! I love hearing about your cruise and all the fun excursions and relaxing times, etc. Very different from our cruise (ours was great too, but a two-year-old sure changes things). The excursions you did sound like a lot of fun. And glad you enjoyed another yummy Palo brunch. Looking forward to more!
Leshaface
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Dec 14, 2008
Love how relaxing this is.
I enjoyed it so much! As soon as I put the book down, a lady nearby asked if I'd liked it and if I'd seen the movie yet.. we talked books for a little while, she mentioned she'd not read Gone Girl yet, so I offered her my copy... she was so pleased! I made way back to the room, feeling great that I'd passed a book onto someone... then suddenly remembered... someone had actually lent me that book to read, and it wasn't mine!!(All turned out ok and the original book owner didn't mind at all
Oops! Glad that your friend was okay about it!
Seriously, the ships have the best artwork.
Ooh that does sound delicious!
Right?I HATE that! Don't they know that if someone really does like a product, they'll purchase it without being hounded? I thought I had read somewhere when you check in or make the reservation, you can ask them to pass on the sell at the end.
Awesome!
I love the challenges that they give you. So fun!
Curious, what kinds do you guys have?
Like any good attraction, it ended in the gift shop
I wouldn't mind that gift shop
Ooh love those glasses. Great souvie!
Yep, beautiful. Want this in my entryway of my house.
Wow you guys must have been wiped out!Woah, so many entrees!
I popped down to the DVC desk at one point as we'd had a note in our stateroom that they had some free gifts for us (as we hadn't attended a DVC meeting while onboard) – and we were given so many things! Water bottles, cup holders (to use on the beach.. perfect for Castaway Cay!), light-up bracelets and temporary pirate tattoos
I can't wait to take our first 'DVC' cruise so I can get all that loot. Now to figure out when that will be
Cute drawings!
Yeah that is a bit awkward.
Good job DH!
Very nice!
disneybarbie
Disney Princess
- Joined
- Nov 5, 2006
Thanks for your comments - I really like putting together the gift bags for our servers and steward on the cruise, I pick things up when we visit London or other popular places in the UK!
Hehe I bet your cruise was pretty different with DD! More updates on the way x
Love how relaxing this is.
I always look forward to room service on a cruise - love that it's included in the price too!
Oops! Glad that your friend was okay about it!
Seriously, the ships have the best artwork.
Ooh that does sound delicious!
I HATE that! Don't they know that if someone really does like a product, they'll purchase it without being hounded? I thought I had read somewhere when you check in or make the reservation, you can ask them to pass on the sell at the end.
I'll have to remember that - it always seems very 'unDisney' like and ends the experience on a bit of a bad note, when overall we loved the Spa Villa!
Awesome!
I love the challenges that they give you. So fun!
Curious, what kinds do you guys have?
We have 'OK' and other celeb magazines.. but I never seem to know many of the 'famous' people (mostly from reality TV shows!), whereas I like how the US ones are written, more sensationalist
I wouldn't mind that gift shop
Ooh love those glasses. Great souvie!
They are plastic too so easy to transport home!
Yep, beautiful. Want this in my entryway of my house.
That would be amazing in a home!
Woah, so many entrees!
I know.. I'm so glad we skipped breakfast (and lunch) that day!
I can't wait to take our first 'DVC' cruise so I can get all that loot. Now to figure out when that will be
Cute drawings!
Yeah that is a bit awkward.
Good job DH!
Very nice!
disneybarbie
Disney Princess
- Joined
- Nov 5, 2006
Friday 24th April 2015
Castaway Cay
Today we were very excited to be back at one of the most beautiful places we've ever visited.. Castaway Cay!
I woke up fairly early, and could see we were approaching the island. I got dressed in my running gear then popped up to Cabanas to get some bananas, boxes of cereal (for breakfast later) and filled up our water bottles... this morning's 'excursion' was going to be pretty active... the Castaway Cay 5k Race!
We had to check in for the race at The Tube – we took all of our things for the beach with us (they have a place you can put your belongings while you run.. we hadn't done this on our last cruise and wasted 30 minutes walking to/from the ship after the race!).
As we approached the desk to show our ID and tickets – DH noticed the crew member checking people in was our safety officer from the muster drill! So rather than say 'Hi' .. we said 'whoop whoop!' (as he'd instructed us to do if we were having a fun and safe cruise ) - he smiled and did it back to us.
This race has got so much more popular than when we ran it in 2013 – rather than 50 participants there seemed to be nearer 250! I think it's because RunDisney has really taken off in the last couple of years.. and now runners for the CC 5k are given an official runDisney medal too. A lot of people were wearing past Disney race shirts or other events... I always feel intimidated before a run, I don't know why it makes me nervous.. it's just for fun!
We made our way off the ship – on our last cruise, one of the perks of taking part in the race was that we were the first group allowed to disembark.. however this time, the crew member leading us off the ship took a wrong turn, and we ended up taking nearly 15 minutes to get off the ship!
Eventually we made it to the start line, dropped our belonging off in the box provided and lined up at the start line.
We both set off way to fast (under 7 min/pace according to my Garmin!) - think we were both just so excited! After half a mile we eased the pace to something more comfortable for us (around 7.45/8 min/mile... we knew from last time that it's a hot and testing course.. even though it's wonderfully flat!
Despite the crazy heat we both really enjoyed the race... we both finished in the top 20 runners and I was second fastest female! My time was about 23:43 … my Garmin watch had worked on the day.. but unfortunately when I went to upload the workouts from our vacation when we got home, there was a software update and I lost them all! I had really wanted to see the map it produced from Castaway Cay. Never mind, will just have to go back and do it again one day.
At the finish line we saw two of our tablemates, they were making their way to the beach and couldn't believe we'd started the day with a race
We made our way to the tram car stop and got on the next tram to Serenity Bay.
My new medal!
We spent a couple of hours in the sea, sunbathing and reading. We also had a post-race celebration cocktail!
For lunch we ate at the BBQ nearby, the food here is always excellent and we'd both been looking forward to it... especially the mahi-mahi.
............
Castaway Cay
Today we were very excited to be back at one of the most beautiful places we've ever visited.. Castaway Cay!
I woke up fairly early, and could see we were approaching the island. I got dressed in my running gear then popped up to Cabanas to get some bananas, boxes of cereal (for breakfast later) and filled up our water bottles... this morning's 'excursion' was going to be pretty active... the Castaway Cay 5k Race!
We had to check in for the race at The Tube – we took all of our things for the beach with us (they have a place you can put your belongings while you run.. we hadn't done this on our last cruise and wasted 30 minutes walking to/from the ship after the race!).
As we approached the desk to show our ID and tickets – DH noticed the crew member checking people in was our safety officer from the muster drill! So rather than say 'Hi' .. we said 'whoop whoop!' (as he'd instructed us to do if we were having a fun and safe cruise
) - he smiled and did it back to us.This race has got so much more popular than when we ran it in 2013 – rather than 50 participants there seemed to be nearer 250! I think it's because RunDisney has really taken off in the last couple of years.. and now runners for the CC 5k are given an official runDisney medal too. A lot of people were wearing past Disney race shirts or other events... I always feel intimidated before a run, I don't know why it makes me nervous.. it's just for fun!
We made our way off the ship – on our last cruise, one of the perks of taking part in the race was that we were the first group allowed to disembark.. however this time, the crew member leading us off the ship took a wrong turn, and we ended up taking nearly 15 minutes to get off the ship!
Eventually we made it to the start line, dropped our belonging off in the box provided and lined up at the start line.
We both set off way to fast (under 7 min/pace according to my Garmin!) - think we were both just so excited! After half a mile we eased the pace to something more comfortable for us (around 7.45/8 min/mile... we knew from last time that it's a hot and testing course.. even though it's wonderfully flat!
Despite the crazy heat we both really enjoyed the race... we both finished in the top 20 runners and I was second fastest female! My time was about 23:43 … my Garmin watch had worked on the day.. but unfortunately when I went to upload the workouts from our vacation when we got home, there was a software update and I lost them all! I had really wanted to see the map it produced from Castaway Cay. Never mind, will just have to go back and do it again one day.
At the finish line we saw two of our tablemates, they were making their way to the beach and couldn't believe we'd started the day with a race
We made our way to the tram car stop and got on the next tram to Serenity Bay.
My new medal!
We spent a couple of hours in the sea, sunbathing and reading. We also had a post-race celebration cocktail!
For lunch we ate at the BBQ nearby, the food here is always excellent and we'd both been looking forward to it... especially the mahi-mahi.
............
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