4 Night Wonder out of Miami (update 3/1-Complete)

[dolphingirl47]

I love all your photos. Castaway Cay looks even prettier from the top deck then it does close by.

Corinna

[Leshaface]

How funny that our birthdays are only a few days apart! Mine's the 31st

Where you got your food at CC, is that Cookies Too? That place was actually really good. I remembered really enjoying our food there, even though it's pretty simple.

Boo. I see luggage tags on the bed.

[Linda67]

On a very cold day in England I needed to see those CC pics!!

Thank you

[Pinkocto]

We left the Rainforest Room for the last time around 5:00. We had a little bit of time before the show so headed down to the room to do some packing. On the way mom wanted to show me a little public area on Deck 8. I didn’t believe her since I have never ever heard it mentioned but it was indeed there. I think there was only enough space for two chairs. We had started to sail away from CC so we watched that for a few minutes and then headed to the room. We packed until it was time to head to the show.

There was a new trivia question so we stopped at the DVC podium. The question was, ‘what kitchen appliance is at Aulani that no other DVC resort has?’ There was a group in front of us who was guessing so we heard the answer to be a rice cooker. Mom tried to play off that she knew the answer herself… Justin saw us listening; he knew she was trying to pull a fast one. We ‘won’ cute red DVC luggage tags anyway and headed to the show. Disney Dreams was the show of the evening and probably my favorite show so far. It was very touching and magical. I will admit a few tears escaped when Mickey came onstage at the end.

After the show we headed back to the room and finished up the packing. We have decided we need a third bag to keep with us for disembarkation morning. The window had just opened up to put the bags out so we did that and then headed down to dinner.

We saw Pluto on the way.



Our last dinner was at Tritons



For the first time ever we were the first people to the table



I started off with tomato soup, which was quite tasty.



Mom had the French onion soup which she really enjoyed. She was chatting so much and took so long to finish her soup everyone else had their entrees before she got her salad course. She was enjoying her meal which is the main thing.



I had the Market Green Salad: Cherry Tomato, Cucumbers, Peppered Goat Cheese, and a Raspberry Vinaigrette. This was very delicious.



Mom had the Avocado - Citrus Salad with Iceberg and Radicchio Leaves and an Orange Vinaigrette which she said was very good as well.



One of our tablemates got in the spirit and said I could take a picture of her Slowly Braised Lamb Shank with a Creamy Polenta and Portobello Mushroom in a Red Wine Sauce which she said was very good.



For my entrée I had the Three-Cheese Lobster Macaroni Lobster Meat, Gruyère, and Cheddar Cheese Sauce tossed with Tubular Pasta and topped with a Parmesan Wafer but without the lobster. It was pretty good.



Mom had the Porcini Mushroom-Stuffed Pasta in a Vegetable Broth topped with Watercress, Shaved Parmesan Cheese, and Paprika Oil Drizzle. She only ate a few, said it would have been much better in a creamy sauce like mine was.



I had been looking forward to dessert because mom had absolutely raved about the grand marnier soufflé last cruise and I wanted to try it. I was disappointed. The soufflé itself tasted too eggy.



I also got the Chocolate Mousse with Brandy-marinated Cherries. This was ok but I won’t get it again.



Mom got the grand marnier soufflé



A Mickey bar



And crème brulee



Jack brought her extra crème brulees as a joke. If they had been good she would have been on cloud nine. She said they tasted like they were made from a mix and the top was definitely not crunchy enough. Our tablemates had long been done and they left after they had finished their desserts.

Here’s a photo of all of us. We had a lovely time sharing our meals with them.



After mom had eaten all she could we headed back to the room. I think we made one more walk through the shops and then called it a night.

Our last towel animal.

[Pinkocto]

Originally Posted by dolphingirl47

I love all your photos. Castaway Cay looks even prettier from the top deck then it does close by.

Corinna

Thank you I think the beach umbrellas are so pretty from a distance.

[Joysnote]

[QUOTE=Pinkocto;47664286]We left the Rainforest Room for the last time a>>>

Thank you for the report and all of the photos.

I am curious, this is our 7 th cruise and I am actually an authorized vacation planner for this cruise line However I do not know the answer to this since we have always sailed before with a whole group of extended family ranging from parties of 17 to 21.

This will be our first cruise with just dh and our kids so there will be 4 of us, oldest is in college and can't come. Will we be seated along or with table mates?

[Joysnote]

I thought I would throw out my pre trip report cruise plans since I am so excited and it is getting so close!

Cast: Joy, dh Lynn, DS Noah 17 and DD Maddy 13

We sail on Wonder out of Miami on 3/7/13. This is our 7th DCL, 3rd on Wonder, first time out of Miami.

Plans: We live in Windermere, Florida, so just a few minutes North of Cinderella's castle in the Magic Kingdom. It should be a 3 1/2 hour drive to Miami port for us. We plan to get on the road by 7 am, we have 11:30 check in time at port. I think we will make it about 10:45 with no problems but gives us a cushion.

Thursday: Arrive, board, have lunch and we will have swim suits so we can go right up to pool deck after lunch. Excited to find out dining rotation and hope we can get Maddy into Vibe with Noah. I know you have to ask counselors after you board. she is just a month shy of 14 and the kids would rather be together.

Friday: Key West day. we had just met my parents and brother and family and sister and family in Key West in January on their port day off the Magic so we just did the Trolley Tour with them. I highly recommend it. This time though we are going to wander around on our own and see stuff we did not get to explore too long. We plan to tour Truman's Little White house. DH and I also plan to visit the rain forest after lunch. I am guessing they will premiere OZ this night since it opens today? So we are really looking forward to seeing the movie at sea!

Saturday: Nassau day, we have no excursions planned. Since we know live in Florida, moved here August of 2011, a beach day can be any day we want. We plan to just enjoy the ship. We will get off briefly to hit the Straw Market for shopping. Dh and I have a couple's massage reserved for this day.

Sunday: Castaway Cay day, we love it here and have the getaway package. We have "our spot" we always get off ship as early as they let us and set up our stuff in "our spot". We love riding the bikes to other side of island and going up the lookout tower and taking photos. We love snorkeling and been lucky to see all kinds of fish and marine life in past trips.

Monday: Disembark, I get to re board about 10:30 am to do a ship inspection as part of my progress in keeping my CLIA status and moving up the ranks. Is stay on board for lunch and should get off about 1 pm or so. I feel sad for my family having to wait in port, but it makes sense to get it done now since it was offered and save me another trip driving to Miami. It is great for me because I get a little extra half day on board

So excited, can't wait to sail!

[Pinkocto]

Originally Posted by Leshaface

How funny that our birthdays are only a few days apart! Mine's the 31st

Where you got your food at CC, is that Cookies Too? That place was actually really good. I remembered really enjoying our food there, even though it's pretty simple.

Boo. I see luggage tags on the bed.

Very cool! Are you going to DL again for your birthday? I think I'm remembering you went last year.

I just found my map because I was confused. There is no name for the eating area at Serenity Bay. Cookies BBQ is at the snorkling lagoon and Cookies Too is in front of Pelican Plunge. We ate at Cookies BBQ on the second CC day on our first cruise and did not like it as much as Serenity Bay. I thought there were more options and at SB for vegetarians.

I know, those luggage tags are a sign the end is near

[Pinkocto]

Originally Posted by Linda67

On a very cold day in England I needed to see those CC pics!!

Thank you

You're welcome I forgot the waterproof camera this trip or there would have been more.

[Pinkocto]

[QUOTE=Joysnote;47664384]

Originally Posted by Pinkocto

We left the Rainforest Room for the last time a>>>

Thank you for the report and all of the photos.

I am curious, this is our 7 th cruise and I am actually an authorized vacation planner for this cruise line However I do not know the answer to this since we have always sailed before with a whole group of extended family ranging from parties of 17 to 21.

This will be our first cruise with just dh and our kids so there will be 4 of us, oldest is in college and can't come. Will we be seated along or with table mates?

Glad to help. There are several scenarios. I'm pretty sure it all depends on how full the sailing is. You can request to sit alone if you'd like. There are tables that just seat four so you might be given one of those tables without asking. You can also have it noted on your reservation that you'd prefer to share a table. If you prefer one over the other I'd definitely have it noted on your reservation.

[Pinkocto]

Originally Posted by Joysnote

I thought I would throw out my pre trip report cruise plans since I am so excited and it is getting so close!

Cast: Joy, dh Lynn, DS Noah 17 and DD Maddy 13

We sail on Wonder out of Miami on 3/7/13. This is our 7th DCL, 3rd on Wonder, first time out of Miami.

Plans: We live in Windermere, Florida, so just a few minutes North of Cinderella's castle in the Magic Kingdom. It should be a 3 1/2 hour drive to Miami port for us. We plan to get on the road by 7 am, we have 11:30 check in time at port. I think we will make it about 10:45 with no problems but gives us a cushion.

Thursday: Arrive, board, have lunch and we will have swim suits so we can go right up to pool deck after lunch. Excited to find out dining rotation and hope we can get Maddy into Vibe with Noah. I know you have to ask counselors after you board. she is just a month shy of 14 and the kids would rather be together.

Friday: Key West day. we had just met my parents and brother and family and sister and family in Key West in January on their port day off the Magic so we just did the Trolley Tour with them. I highly recommend it. This time though we are going to wander around on our own and see stuff we did not get to explore too long. We plan to tour Truman's Little White house. DH and I also plan to visit the rain forest after lunch. I am guessing they will premiere OZ this night since it opens today? So we are really looking forward to seeing the movie at sea!

Saturday: Nassau day, we have no excursions planned. Since we know live in Florida, moved here August of 2011, a beach day can be any day we want. We plan to just enjoy the ship. We will get off briefly to hit the Straw Market for shopping. Dh and I have a couple's massage reserved for this day.

Sunday: Castaway Cay day, we love it here and have the getaway package. We have "our spot" we always get off ship as early as they let us and set up our stuff in "our spot". We love riding the bikes to other side of island and going up the lookout tower and taking photos. We love snorkeling and been lucky to see all kinds of fish and marine life in past trips.

Monday: Disembark, I get to re board about 10:30 am to do a ship inspection as part of my progress in keeping my CLIA status and moving up the ranks. Is stay on board for lunch and should get off about 1 pm or so. I feel sad for my family having to wait in port, but it makes sense to get it done now since it was offered and save me another trip driving to Miami. It is great for me because I get a little extra half day on board

So excited, can't wait to sail!

Great plans Joy! Is your DH going to take the kids to do something fun while waiting for you? They will definitely be showing Oz on the 8th. Probably midnight of the 7th as well. Less than a week to go!

[lorimay]

Originally Posted by Joysnote

I thought I would throw out my pre trip report cruise plans since I am so excited and it is getting so close!

Cast: Joy, dh Lynn, DS Noah 17 and DD Maddy 13

We sail on Wonder out of Miami on 3/7/13. This is our 7th DCL, 3rd on Wonder, first time out of Miami.

Plans: We live in Windermere, Florida, so just a few minutes North of Cinderella's castle in the Magic Kingdom. It should be a 3 1/2 hour drive to Miami port for us. We plan to get on the road by 7 am, we have 11:30 check in time at port. I think we will make it about 10:45 with no problems but gives us a cushion.

Thursday: Arrive, board, have lunch and we will have swim suits so we can go right up to pool deck after lunch. Excited to find out dining rotation and hope we can get Maddy into Vibe with Noah. I know you have to ask counselors after you board. she is just a month shy of 14 and the kids would rather be together.

Friday: Key West day. we had just met my parents and brother and family and sister and family in Key West in January on their port day off the Magic so we just did the Trolley Tour with them. I highly recommend it. This time though we are going to wander around on our own and see stuff we did not get to explore too long. We plan to tour Truman's Little White house. DH and I also plan to visit the rain forest after lunch. I am guessing they will premiere OZ this night since it opens today? So we are really looking forward to seeing the movie at sea!

Saturday: Nassau day, we have no excursions planned. Since we know live in Florida, moved here August of 2011, a beach day can be any day we want. We plan to just enjoy the ship. We will get off briefly to hit the Straw Market for shopping. Dh and I have a couple's massage reserved for this day.

Sunday: Castaway Cay day, we love it here and have the getaway package. We have "our spot" we always get off ship as early as they let us and set up our stuff in "our spot". We love riding the bikes to other side of island and going up the lookout tower and taking photos. We love snorkeling and been lucky to see all kinds of fish and marine life in past trips.

Monday: Disembark, I get to re board about 10:30 am to do a ship inspection as part of my progress in keeping my CLIA status and moving up the ranks. Is stay on board for lunch and should get off about 1 pm or so. I feel sad for my family having to wait in port, but it makes sense to get it done now since it was offered and save me another trip driving to Miami. It is great for me because I get a little extra half day on board

So excited, can't wait to sail!

You will love the Truman house tour.
My husband and I did it in July while there.
Our tour guide was President Truman's paper boy. He was so pleasant. I enjoyed the tour and hearing his stories.

Have a wonderful time.
Also, Blue heaven has the most amazing key lime pie.

[Joysnote]

Originally Posted by lorimay

You will love the Truman house tour.
My husband and I did it in July while there.
Our tour guide was President Truman's paper boy. He was so pleasant. I enjoyed the tour and hearing his stories.

Have a wonderful time.
Also, Blue heaven has the most amazing key lime pie.

>>

Thanks for the tips!

[Leshaface]

Uh oh...you better not let Alison see a disappointing review for the Grand Marnier Souffle! She may kick your butt!

I just noticed that Jack was your server. He was our head server too for our Mexican Riviera cruise! He was great and fun!

[Pinkocto]

Disembarkation Day:

I managed to wake up around 7:20 and finished up my packing. Mom had been up for a while already so was fully ready. She watched Wall-e while I got myself together. I braved my claustrophobia and used the shower. It was tolerable.

After checking and rechecking all the drawers and safe we headed down to breakfast at 8:10. We needed to be there at 8:15 and were probably a few minutes late because we encountered a giant crowd waiting to get into Parrot Cay. We were heading to Tritons again. For your last breakfast you go to the restaurant you were scheduled to have dinner at the night before. If you have early dinner you have breakfast at 6:30. If you have late dinner you have breakfast at 8-8:15. I think it depends on which restaurant you're going to. You can always go to BBB if you'd rather, but this is one last time you can see your servers and/or tablemates.

Everyone was already there and it was a bit crowded with all our bags. Even though we put out suitcases the night before we still had purses, backpacks, and I had my camera bag. We will definitely be bringing an extra suitcase for disembarkation day so we don't have so many loose bags.

Someone other than our serving team came around with pastries. There were none of my beloved cinnamon rolls but he said hed look for some. The wonderful CM did not forget and brought me three. I did offer to share with the table before I devoured them all. I can not say I was disappointed nobody else wanted one. Nothing on the menu looked exciting to me so I asked if I could just have a cheese and mushroom omelet. Jack warned me this would take a little longer than everyone else's food but that wasnt a problem for me. Mom got the same thing as I did. The preset menu just didnt appeal that morning.

The omelet was very delicious. Please don't hesitate to ask for anything on DCL. They really aim to make you happy. I also ordered some hash browns; they are exactly like McDonalds which I think are so good.



We took our time and had a lovely last breakfast with everybody. Eventually everybody was full and ready to head out. We said our goodbyes and wished everyone safe travels home. I checked us into our SW flight sometime during breakfast and was able to get an A boarding group.

The line out of the ship was monstrous so we walked around a little longer. We just enjoyed the ambiance until we felt we really should head out. There were still plenty of people but the line kept moving. It seemed like it took ages to get down to our bags. This is one negative about the Port of Miami, they funneled everybody down one hallway and to get down to the bags you had to take an elevator or escalator. This slowed the process considerably. We eventually made it down and through customs smoothly. I called SAS and they picked us up within ten minutes. I would not hesitate to use this company again the next time I fly into Fort Lauderdale. We had a couple hours to wait until our flight at 3:00 so I caught up in my journal and mom took a nap. It was a smooth flight home.

Neither of us had the end of cruise blues. We had such a fabulous and relaxing time that it seemed the cruise was twice as long as it was. Plus the fact that we had another cruise in six weeks helped the situation.

Thank you all for sharing my adventure. Looks like this became a full fledged TR instead of just a photo TR like I said at the beginning. I need to put together a comparison list and then Ill post it.