2/10 Western Magic

[Mr. Moose51]

A quick, or maybe not so quick, report on our seven day Magic Cruise.
First, the cast of characters. My wife and I were on our 4th Disney Cruise. We're from West Michigan, I'm a school administrator and she is a nurse. I am a die-hard Disney person, who wore Mickey ears and vest with my tux at our son's wedding reception. (It was a halloween costume reception) We have been to WDW more than a dozen times, it'd be more but West Michigan is a tad to far for a quick trip. We were accompanied by our friends (Marc & Mary) who were on their first cruise. He also is an administrator in a school and his wife is a stylist. We flew down the day before using the Disney package program. Flights were great, and the Hyatt was an excellent place to spend the night, though a bit pricey. But it was warm! After ten days of below zero to 10 degree weather, and checking roads for school busses at 4:00 every morning, warm was wonderful.

1st day of the cruise. When you've been getting up at 4 it doesn't stop just because you are on vacation. We're up and ready for breakfast long before breakfast was ready for us. Hauled the luggage out in the hall (why did we take so much?) to be taken to the ship, grabbed our day bags and were among the first to receive the coveted "Captain Mickey" ticket for the first bus out of town. Watching the (new to us, been two years since the last cruise) video with the check in proceedures, and of course crossing the big bridge and seeing the ship in the distance got everyone on the bus pretty geeked. Our friends could hardly sit still. The major early comments were, "what a big, beautiful boat." Went through security w/o any real problems, why can't I remember to remove my watch? Got upstairs in group #4, checked in and pointed out the "map" of the caribbean inlaid on the floor. Our friend who were born with Nikon's in their hands went berserk clicking and flashing at everything, and that was before the characters showed up. Too bad that cameras are digital now, or I would have gotten rich by owning Kodak stock. Group 4 was announced and into the line we sprang. Picture (I looked good, at least as good as a "chubby, bald 55 year old guy" can look, and my wife was as gorgeous as always), walking into the atrium and hearing you name over the speakers with people clapping, how grand! Trust me, you don't get much of that kind of treatment working in a school.

We had made all Palo reservations on-line so we were free to go up to deck 9 and have lunch and enjoy the sunshine. What is that shiny thing, in west Michigan, home to cloudy days 95% of the winter thanks to "lake effect" it warmed my heart, and would have burned my head, had I not been wearing my trusty "Tilly" hat. So I look like a dork, nobody knows who I am. We got to our verandah cabin on deck 6, luggage arrived (why did someone pack so much?) and we started making our week long home look homey. Great suggestion by the way on the transparent shoe holder for the bathroom. We met Gerish, our room steward, donned our life jacket and headed to the drill. How humiliating! We lined up in height order. Of our two rooms I was the shortest (only by an inch, cause my wife had heeled sandals, and her hair was sticking up from the wind, and of course as previously mentioned, I have little to none to stick up). I got to stand with the youngsters in the front of the line. Once that humiliation was over, we finished unpacking and headed to Lumiers for dinner (first seating). Our servers were Chand from France, and Sanjeve from India. Jeevan was the head server. Great group, and we had an excellent dinner, not that anyone was hungry. We wandered down to the show after showing our friends all the entertainment venues (Is this really a boat?), and had a great time watching the juggler and the "World's Greatest Magician - almost", especially when one of the younger volunteers mentioned that his father slept w/o underwear. Ah, how good it is to know that your children are safely silent over 1,000 miles away. It was now 10:00, and after stalking around deck 10 with the wind in my, on my head, it was time to get acquainted with our first towel animal, and read the navigator before the first nights sleep. No snow day tomorrow!

 

[CapnJackGroupie]

You're doing great........don't let that snow in Michigan slow your TR down!

 

[Mr. Moose51]

day 2
It is really hard to believe it was only 4 days ago that we exited the ship. It seems like it has already been a month. I noticed my spelling ability came through a few times in post #1. Our Asst. Server was Chanda, not Chand, and obviously I can't spell Lumiere's. I also neglected to name the entertainers on night #1, Jeff Civillico was our extremely talented juggler and of course Rick Purpura was the World's Greatest Magician.

I woke up to a cloudy (actually it was dark at 4:00) morning at sea. Not a snowflake or snowplow in sight. What a blessing that was. Put on shorts and examined my flashy white legs. Been a little cool to lay out on the Lake Michigan beach. Hope no one mistakes me for Moby Dick. Saw two coast guard vessels escorting us into the port at Key West. There be pirates about, matey! Savvy! Our friends were up and shutter snapping, as we breakfasted at Top Siders. Love the omelet station. Walked around deck 4 a couple times to get my "sea legs" limbered up, as we were planning an assult on Key West later. DW's both attended the shopping talk, and my wife Pam, won two tickets (valued at ??) to the Butterfly House. She is always the person to get on your team when playing trivial pursuit. Went to the Doghouse for some chicken tenders (over 3,500 served each day), and headed off the ship. My buddy had to get a shirt at Hog's Breath Saloon, then Diamond International called. Both of the ladies were ready to win the give away. Ha! We waited for about 30 minutes (the only ones in the store, other than the cruise shopping guy), until with two minutes to go, half the cruise ship arrived with entries in hand. Curses, foiled again. No free jewelry this trip, matey. So Pam and I hit the Key Lime place and headed for the Butterfly House. It was in the 1300 block, so I figured a mile, right. Around here it is a block to "100", and these (Key West) blocks were small, so it was a good assumption. Oh my sore foots! Key West has two blocks per "100" street numbers. We finally got there and I would like to say it was worth every step, especially since it was free! Well, it was pretty slick, but I don't believe I would hike there again. Duval Street is certainly a sight for "sore" eyes however. We have walked portions of it before, and I'd have to say it hasn't changed much. Started the long road back to the Magic (I know we could have taken the trolley, but what are legs for?) Started to drizzle somewhere around "Sloppy Joe's", so we exited stage left onto the ship, and prepared for another dinner, tonight in Animators Palate. Once again great food, and the show as always was wonderful. Having two "new" cruisers along with us helped us experience it as a first time all over again. Our servers already know our drink orders, and we are warned that it will be no sleeping in tomorrow as it is our turn for the Character Breakfast! Sleep in, right. Time to wander down to the Walt Disney Theater again, to see Rick Purpura in his own show (no sharing tonight). He was even better than the previous evening, and would be having another show at 10:15. Unfortunatly I am still on 4:00 wake up calls, watching out for lurking ice bergs, and after a couple laps of deck 9 and 10 it was off to see our newest addition to our small towel animal family. "Nighty, night and God Bless" as Red Skelton used to say.

 

[plutospup]

Great report!
After experiencing about 20 inches of snow and ice last week I'm loving your "not a snowflake or snowplow in sight" references. Of course last week during the storm there were no Pennsylvania snowplows in sight either...but I digress.
I'm looking forward to the next installment!

 

[Mr. Moose51]

Day Three (At Sea)
The relaxation of a day at sea. What more can one ask for on a trip that is being used to recover from a Michigan winter.

Still cool as we wander onto our verandah. But still much warmer than home, hope it is still snowing, and according to CNN it was. As we look out we can see the mountains of Cuba looming in the distance. That's cool. Then our friends were banging on the side of the verandah, "look ahead!" A Cuban gun boat is sitting slightly south of our route looking quite ominous. Lucky for us we both stayed on our own sides of the invisible line, and as went down to Parrot Cay for our Character Breakfast, she (aren't warships of the feminine gender?) was fading from view. Our rooms were on deck 6, which was pretty convenient, as it was downhill to the food. I love listening to all the Disney music as you march along the hallways, "...we're following the leader, the leader...". Reminds me of staying at the Wilderness Lodge, my favorite resort.

We arrive at table #45 and are immediatly seated by Chanda, and our napkins placed in our laps. She hasn't yet learned that I should wear mine as a bib. Suddenly the Characters are upon us. We started out with Chip (or was it Dale, they look alike to me), and then it was the "Big Cheese" himself. Mickey complete with handler and photographer was at out table. Once I could see again after the frantic flashing of cameras, our breakfast was being delivered. I actually felt that the breakfast has improved since the last time we cruised. Same menu, but the food seemed better. As we continued to eat, Pluto, Goofey, Minnie and the other chipmunk visited our table, signed autographs and were assulted by several camera flashes. It's amazing that in less than an hour the characters can visit every table, be exposed on hundreds of cameras, and still make each person feel special and welcome. I wish my organization ran as smooth. While all this was going on you are served breakfast by your unobtrusive servers, and made to feel like royalty.

It is now mid-morning, and we head up to deck 9 to wander for a bit until the Castaway Club reception. Back down to "Rockin Bar D" we go. Rather than a straight reception type program which we had experienced in the past, the new format is much more interactive as you are given an opportunity to meet other cruisers and interact with the ship's officers. We met Rick & Steve who were on the inaugural cruise and have 10+ cruises with Disney. Got some time to talk to Capt. Tom, who I'm sure must have wished he was up on the bridge rather than having to talk to all of us. Saw some video of the building of the ship, heard that our feedback is very important (Build another ship!!!) and got some time to talk to Cruise Director Christiaan. What a great CD he is. It is only our 4th Disney Cruise, but he is by far the best CD we have been involved with. He's very outgoing, approachable and just plain friendly. I mentioned that I had seen on the Dis boards that he was the CD, and that he was doing a wonderful job. He almost blushed. He also said he had started on the ship 6 years ago as a dancer and worked his way up. Well IMHO he has worked wonderfully, and we spoke with him several more times througout the cruise. I'm really out of my comfort zone when we do "meet and greet" things. I have to do this at my job, but I prefer being quiet, and in the background. Still the reception was arranged in such a way that everyone (I think) felt comfortable and had a good time.

We must have eaten lunch again somewhere, but I can't remember where, then it was down to deck 4 to lay out on the padded chairs. The sun was out, people were galloping around the deck, I was in my element, reading a good book, watching people and doing nothing. What a life! I was reading so hard I almost was sleeping when an announcement came from the Bridge that a rain squall was approaching. Sure enough, here it came, rain going sideways from port to starboard, so we retired to our rooms. Besides the Golden Mickeys and formal night beckoned.

After suiting up in my tux, and helping Pam by staying out of the way, we and our friends head down to the reception. Just time enough for a picture with Capt. Tom, and one on the deck with the moon in the background. Why are we on the wrong side of the deck rail? Then in to Parrot Cay for dinner. I wish that we were in Lumieres on formal night, but our rotation gets to parrot Cay for both formal and semi-formal nights. Another fine dinner was had by all. Sanjeve has now learned that while our friend Mary is not an adventurous eater if he brings her two entrees she will try some new things. And so it was, we ate, we drank and we had dessert. What's not to like about this? Good thing it is only for a week, or they'd have to roll me out in a wheelbarrow.

Time for the Golden Mickeys. What a great show, especially with everyone all dressed up. You feel like you are really part of "a really big show". Everyone on stage as well as the stage crew do such a wonderful job, that its a full house, everyone leaves with star dust in their eyes, and with the thought that we can make a difference by following our dreams. A great day on board the ship, and tomorrow we reach Grand Cayman. Shopping, stingrays and still more food. Eighty degrees and warm, not frozen, water. Adieu!

 

[ohMom]

great report -- we are gearing up for our Western in april and your report is fabulous! keep it coming, i'm freezing here in ohio

 

[HawkeyeGal]

Day Three (At Sea)
We met Rick & Steve who were on the inaugural cruise and have 10+ cruises with Disney.

How funny! I met them while I was checking in at the terminal. We kept running into each other all week. They are great! Anyone know if they are on the boards? We were sick the last day, so I didn't get a chance to drop by and say goodbye. Small world!

 

[LITTLEKID58]

Great TR txs for sharing

 

[Mr. Moose51]

Day 4 - Grand Cayman

I had hoped we could bring some sun and warmth back to Michigan, but that wasn't the case this weekend. At least we have our memories until April, or May or June when it finally begins to warms up here.

We were up early to watch as the Magic pulled into Grand Cayman. "Look at all the cruise ships" were the phrases used as we had an early breakfast before heading to "Rockin Bar D" for our Stingray City Snorkel Trip. DW and I had done this three years ago and had a great time, and were sure our friends would as well. They had brought their own snorkel stuff, while we weren't planning to actually snorkel. Both DW and I are blind as the proverbial bat, and once our glasses are off, and goggles on, we couldn't tell if it was "The Flying Dutchman" or our hand if it was more then three feet from our eyes, so it is really a waste to even try.

We followed Charles to the tender and onto the dock. We crossed the main street, remembering again that these people drive on the "other" side of the road and headed to our a/c buses. Three years ago we were on a school bus which was decidedly not air conditioned. After the hurrican damage they have changed the street structure, or else I can't remember where we went three years ago, but in short order we were boarding the Don Foster catamaran and heading out to sea. We reached the sand bar, and had a great hour wading around with the "rays". We fed them squid, rubbed their undersides, and had our photo taken with one. As we reluctantly boarded the boat for the ride back we spoke with our guides. They mentioned how bad business has been since Steve Irwin's untimely death. We remembered that three years ago both top and bottom decks were full of vistiors, and this year the bottom deck wasn't even full. They confirmed that fact, telling us in years past they took around 300 people a day on the excursion, and this year they are averaging less than 100. They said all the groups are hoping to hold on for another year, but that these excursions were really hurting. Ugly economic truths intrude even on a Disney vacation.

We returned to the ship for lunch, a shower and a change of clothing, not quite in that order. We then returned to the tender for a return trip to town. Jewels beckoned, but fortunately they didn't beckon very hard. We bought our DD a stuffed "ray" and a t-shirt to make up for leaving her home in the snow. Back again to the tender. Some waves now, and the tender was rocking back and forth about a foot. A couple small kids were a bit concerned with the "leap" from dock to tender, and I can see why "tendering" is not all that exciting. We spent most of the mid to late afternoon lying in the sun near the adult pool, then it was time to get "duded up" again, as we are heading to Palo's for dinner.

At 6:30 we presented ourselves along with our friends to PJ at the Palo desk. I don't know how long PJ has been "running" Palo's, but he was here three years ago and definitely keeps everything in top notch shape. Our server was Carmen from Romania, and she was wonderful. We talked about Romania with her, as our son and his wife went there on their honeymoon. My wife who prefers a leisurely pace to her meals loves Palo's. From the pre-appetizer (proscuitto and aged swiss), to the appetizer (calamari - wonderful) to the pizza, the salad, the main course (tuna steak), by far the best tuna I have ever had, and finally the chocolate lava souffle for dessert. It was a 2 1/2 hour feast fit for royalty. As we concluded with a tiny bit of alcoholic beverage, Carmen asked us who our regular servers and head server were. After we gave her the names she asked us if we would deliver a fruit tart to Jeevan, our regular head server who was transferring to Palo's in a couple weeks. Of course we could handle that. Then she asked if we would pretend our Palo's visit was a lackluster experience. We looked at each other, and the thought went through our minds, "we all work with the public, what's one more fabrication?'

Down to Lumieres we went. One of the servers rounded up Jeevan for us, and he remarked that he understood we were at Palo's this evening but they missed us. "How was our dinner." Marc and I were in the front with our wives holding the fruit tart behind us. I said, "Dinner was ok, but we have had better in the regular dining rooms." Marc added that, "we wished we would have skipped it and stayed with our regular rotation." To say that Jeevan's face fell would be like saying that the Disney Magic is just another brick shaped cruise ship. I was afraid we had killed him. He stammered something about everyone having an off night, then asked who our server was. When we told him Carmen, he recovered rapidly and told us we shouldn't be doing that to a man with a weak heart. We presented him with his fruit tart, the ladies (and men) received hugs and we parted, though he was still a bit shaken. How could a couple sober tourists pull such a prank. We would see Carmen again on Thursday (and get her report on Jeevan) when we did the champagne brunch.

The 2 1/2 hour dinner and the time spent devastating Jeevan had extended us past showtime for "Twice Charmed". In fact it was almost time for the show to end, so we wandered through Treasure Ketch, then headed back upstairs to catch some warm sea breezes before turning in. The trip is now half over, and it is probably still snowing in the "mitten" state. Tomorrow Cozumel and a major shopping attack awaited us, or so I was told. Better rest now, and limber up the credit card. Once we're through shopping the poor thing will probably be melted plastic, and they will throw me to the Pirates tomorrow night. "Walk the plank you penniless knave, no more "Key to the World card for the likes of you."

 

[disneymom7851]

Mr. Moose - great TR but you missed the best show of the cruise.

 

[Mr. Moose51]

I figured we would miss a good one, but we were trying to avoid Pirate's night, and didn't want to miss formal night or "lobster" night on Thursday. Better luck next time around. I knew my DW should have eaten faster!

 

[plutospup]

Thanks for the "day in Grand Cayman"! I'm looking forward to the next installment.

 

[curlybop]

Great report so far! Keep on going!!

I love the pranking. Totally sounds like something DH & I would do.

 

[Mr. Moose51]

Day 5 - Cozumel

Well here we are in Cozumel, weather in the mid 80's and it's Valentines Day. Red pink and white balloon hearts surround the entrance to Lumieres. We have watched the Magic pull up to the dock, no tendering today, and have also noticed many hurricane related changes to the waterfront since three years ago.

Breakfast is over, pictures are snapped in front of the balloon hearts (aren't they just so CUTE!) and we head to the gangplank to begin our shopping assult on the city. Don't forget, it is Valentine's Day! Was there ever a pair of words that so chilled the blood of the male.

We walk out into a bright sunshiny (hot) day. Must add sunglasses, to be able to see on this bright (hot) day in the tropics. Must wear trusty hat to prevent sunburn on the top of the (mostly) hairless head on this beautiful (hot) day. You may have noticed I wasn't totally ready to go from minus 10 degrees to nearly 85 degrees in just five days. Thick winter blood was still moving sluggishly through my veins. I need an oil change. As we moved past the huge ropes/hawsers (pretty nautical phrases, right- it's Pirate day), Marc asked what the big round metal things are around the ropes. Since there is nothing that I don't pretend to know about, I told him that kept rats from climbing the ropes. We'll just say he didn't express a lot of confidence in my answer, rather than burden all of you fine readers with an old anglo-saxon phrase. We walk down the pier and along the sea wall seeking out a wives best friend, the Diamond International store. "Woe is my wallet."

Mary wanted Tanzanite. Of course we all know there really isn't any Tanzanite. On our first cruise 7 years ago, Pam attended the Disney shopping talk, and we were told that the tanzanite mines were virtually empty. Buy it now, 'cause there isn't any more. Stores will be empty within a couple years. Naturally since it was a "Disney" person telling us, we believed it, and made sure to purchase a couple pieces of that elusive, scarce gem (the dark blue color, of course - much more rare). I informed Mary of this but I don't believe she totally accepted what I said. C'mon, it came from Mickey's mouth, or at least his representative. But then those were the Eisner years, things have changed. Pam wanted nothing, she just wanted to look around. Famous last words like,"it's low fat", "Chocolate is good for you", "Your check is in the mail", "Cruises aren't that expensive." Right. The whole concept sounded good to me. Mary wanted to bargain, "get that Tanzanite cheap". We would simply wander the store where the air was cool. I don't think there is any need to go into what happened next. Everyone knows who forked over the plastic, and whose wife left with the Valentine ring on her finger. We'll just finish our shopping with a quote from the other nurses who work with Pam, "It's the most beautiful sapphire ring ever." No Tanzanite bargains for Mary, so Marc left with a (wipe that off) smirk on his face.

We had scheduled an afternoon shore excursion so we would have plenty of time for (as the old '60's song goes, "What kind of fool do you think I am")shopping. The excursion was the Eco-Park and Snorkel tour. We would see some Mayan ruins, a lighthouse, and have some time to snorkel/swim in the gulf waters. Just a three hour tour. Actually 3 and 1/2 but the "Gilligan" reference just seemed appropriate.

We boarded our wind conditioned (tarp on top, no windows) bus and headed south of town, down to the end of Cozumel Island. This took 40 minutes, and I was growing a mite suspicious of our tour on the S.S. Minnow. We turned into the nature preserve, saw several crocodiles, some lizards, some Mayan structures and arrived at the lighthouse. This looked like a "real" lighthouse. Many of our Michigan lighthouses appear more as a two story house with a little tower. We were given twenty minutes to visit the "restrooms", climb the lighthouse (did I mention it was hot, especially in a windowless 80' tall building), visit the local vendors, before heading on to the snorkel spot. We have now been on our tour (ominous music) an hour and a half. We returned to the bus and headed along the coast to a beautiful beach and a large open air shelter. "Ok gang, we'll have a little over an hour to group snorkel or enjoy the beach." It is now 3:15 (a 2 1/2 hour tour). I've discussed my snorkeling ability earlier so we won't go there again. Marc, Mary and most of the rest of the bus followed our guides to the snorkeling spot, while about ten of us remained at the shelter/beach area. We had a great time in the warm (not hot) water, and watched the sun edge closer to the western horizon. At 4:45 (now a 4 hour tour) everyone saddled up and we started the ride back to the lighthouse to pick up our drink coolers, which had to be left at the lighthouse. I guess that was to keep us tourists from littering the beach. Probably a good idea. Coolers picked up, we start to head out of the nature preserve when one of our fellow tour members examines her watch and says (and I am not quoting exactly here), "It's after 5:00 and we have 5:30 dinner seating." As the Disney T-shirt showing "Stitch" on a tropical island puts it, "Trouble in Paradise.". Lets just say, that the boat pulled away from Cozumel at 6:45 and we were on it with plenty of time (20 minutes) to spare. Yes, most of us ate our Pirate Night dinner at Topsiders, but the trip was great. Really! Even better than Tanzanite. We all agreed we would do it again, but we wish the "real" time of the trip had been part of the plan. I would still rate it top notch.

We stopped in at Animators Palette and picked up our pirate bandanas and headed up to deck 10 to watch the show. Personally I am not a great lover of deck parties. Having said that, I will admit that this was a high energy event, how the CM's could go so long was beyond me. Even when I was young I couldn't do that. Well, after the pirate takeover we had the infamous fireworks. We were standing on the port side of the ship, not quite even with the screen, about even with the stage, and did see the one firework (is that a word) hit the opposite side of deck 10 around the Palo's entrance. We (I) didn't notice the fire crews or anything else, though I did hear the call on the speaker system. I know there are several other posts talking about it, so I'm stopping here with what I actually saw (all we want are the facts, ma'am). We finished watching the show (lots of energy and excitement, and I still don't get into deck parties) and took a look at the huge buffet. Sorry gang, but I just can't eat more stuff at this time of night. Beautiful ice sculptures, great displays of food, and a perfect night. But we're now heading back north. I can almost feel the cold Michigan wind sweeping down towards us. Or maybe it was that dessert I just ate. Time to return again to our home away from home. A Palo brunch tomorrow, then lazing around the deck. Only a couple more days of this, so I'd best enjoy it. Another day of gluttony to come.

Hard to believe it is now two weeks since that wonderful warm (hot) day. Also to bad the Michigan winter hasn't yet decided to back off a little.

 

[plutospup]

MrMoose...Since your return from the sunny, warm Caribbean, how many school delays/cancellations have you faced? Mentally, how hard was it to deal with them after having a week for your body to thaw in the southern sun?

I'm enjoying your trip report!

 

[Mr. Moose51]

Since we returned, our school district has had a delay for fog, but no days school was actually closed. Our daughter is student teaching about 15 miles to the north and east, and they have had two days closed. We are getting sleet and freezing rain today, but it started after the busses were already picking up kids. We had checked roads at the usual hour (actually in the 9 school days since I have been back we have done the early morning road checks 5 times), so I have returned to the early to bed/early morning wake-up. Our district has an "instant alert" system, where we can let all parents and employees know within 10 minutes of school closings. It is really handy, and it even text messages to your phone. The day we were in Cozumel, I received a text message that school had been closed. Are you still getting it in PA?

 

[Mr. Moose51]

Day 6 - At Sea

What could be finer than a day at sea, nothing to do but lay around all day.

We started our day out by sleeping late! Yes, it is true, no 4:00 wake-up call (hpoe someone on the bridge was watching for ice bergs), and so, on the next to last day of vacation we don't get up until nearly 8:00. Champagne brunch at Palo's is calling us this morning, so off we go. We are greeted by PJ and escorted to our table and to Carmen, our excellent server. We begin with a champagne drink which is much better than the straight stuff. Perhaps that is because I seldom imbibe in champagne on a regular basis. But anyway, we are seated and Carmen greets us with a smile on her lips, and a sparkle in her eyes. "Jeevan came up here yesterday, and gave me some grief over the gag you pulled on him" she said. "You must have done a wonderful job, he said he was totally convinced." We acknowledged the praise with regal airs. It's so nice to spread cheer and goodwill whereever we go.

First things first, we take a of the various food tables which are available for grazing. The cold meat and seafood, the breads and cheese table, the pastry table, the dessert table, the specialty pizzas, and then the traditional breakfast foods and the "main" course. Oh to be young again before acid reflux. Bring on the plates.

Since it is "free" we started sampling things that we wouldn't normally ever get. I haven't mentioned this before, but in addition to being "public employees" we are also all of Dutch extraction, in other words, cheapo's. Cavier, oysters which I had never tried just because of the image of a gelatinous "something" sliding down my throat has never excited me. Also smoked trout, salmon, scallops crab legs, prosciutto. Then on to the cheeses and pastrys. The stollen bread with whipped cream and berries was superb. The fruit pizza also looked good, but Carmen wouldn't let us order that until after our main course as it was "sweet'. So on we went until I reached the unmistakable conclusion that the tank was full (must have been the oyster) and I hadn't even received my main course a wonderful chicken parmesan. Oh the shame! After I was about half (all right only a third) through the chicken, Carmen asked if we were ready for our fruit pizza. Neither dw nor I was able to handle the thought of more food, so we apologized and declined. I was afraid I wouldn't fit between the tables as we exited. Either that or the ship would start rolling towards the side we were walking.

Thank goodness there was only a deck chair with my name on it (Disney Cruise Line) waiting the rest of the day. We headed to deck 9 after exchanging our dressier clothing for swimwear. Being of light complexion (polar white) I head for the shaded area. Pam, Marc and Mary move up to deck 10 to savor the sun. I begin to read my book, and find the wonderful food, warm temperatures and recling position is to much for even an excellet thriller by Beverly Connor to contend with. If any of you on this cruise heard the horn making a different noise on Thursday afternoon, I think it was me. I was awakened by Marc placing a cold gin and tonic on my forehead. What a friend, just what the doctor would have ordered. And so passed a great afternoon watching a couple ships sail by, the beautiful blue of the sea, and the quiet location in the adult area. Felt like our yearly summer trip to Traverse City where we spend a week on the east bay just relaxing.

Time passes, far too quickly, and it is soon time to dress for dinner. The captain's gala. Lobster! The thought doesn't excite me as much as it did a week ago, but I am beginning to feel a bit peckish. The G/T smoothed everything out.

So here we go, back to Parrot Cay and our regular servers who we haven't seen the last two nights. Chanda greets us with hands on hips and an accusing stare. "Where have you been, you were supposed to be back here last night." Ma, I didn't know you were on this cruise. We explained what had happened with the shore excursion, were scolded for not coming in anyway, were seated and the food began. After the wonderful seafood brunch, no one was interested in the oyster appetizer, which was what was recommended by Sanjeve. So he brought some anyway. Despite the fact that I already have another appetizer I take another oyster and find it was better than the raw oyster from the morning. Dinner was excellent as always, and we had just ordered dessert when a "Magical Moment" occurred. I've said before that I love Disney. I have always felt that I've received an excellent value for the money I spent, and the cruise line has always been the same way. They know how to do it right, within the limitations that everyone is human and we know that nothing in this life can be perfect. Back to the moment at hand. Carmen appeared with the fruit pizza we were going to order at brunch. She had found our seating time, she knew our servers and so knew where we were located, but had gotten the Palo chefs to make us a fruit pizza during regular dinner hours, and then left her station on deck 10 to bring it to us right at dessert time. Now I ask you, what other place would go to those lengths to provide a "magical experience". I don't want to overdo this, but everyone on the Disney ship makes an effort to brighten your day, from the poor guy scraping and painting who every morning greets us with a cheery "good morning or have a good day," to the servers and cruise staff. We've sailed Carnival once, and yes it is cheaper (remember - Dutch), but it just isn't the same. It takes a longer time to save for Disney, but IMHO it is more than worth the cost. To make a long story, longer, it was a wonderful experience, even though it was Thursday and the end is coming into sight.

On to 'Disney Dreams". Now don't get too upset with me, but I really like Hercules - The Muse-ical best, and I'm sorry they dropped it from the seven day cruises. I would like to say DD is a bit too sentimental, but by the end I am always cheering and clapping with everyone else. Go figure. Our friends loved the show as well and we headed back to our new towel animal. Mary knocked on the door and said, "there is a dessert reception at 11:30, over 150 desserts. Do you want to go?" I didn't think I could do that, and so we said "Goodnignt" to day 6. Only Castaway Cay to go, and then back to the real world. I would like to switch that and have Disney as my "real world", and work as the unnatural world, but then wouldn't we all.

 

[T&Tmom]

Mr. Moose,

I am really enjoying your Trip Report. We leave in three weeks (Woo Hoo!) for the Magic. I can't wait to escape the cold/snow/ice/sleet/etc. of Chicago. We have only had one snow day this year - so we have not had it nearly as bad as some of you to the north and east. This weather will make me appreciate our vacation even more.

Can't wait to hear about Castaway Cay.

 

[ohMom]

thank you so much for continuing your report. i have YET to have a fruit pizza and that MAGIC moment was awesome!!

 

[plutospup]

Day 6 - At Sea

Oh to be young again before acid reflux. Bring on the plates.

Too funny!!!!! ...but I completely understand!

Your cruise took place during one of PA's snowiest weeks of the
year. In fact this month we have had school delays/cancellations for extreme cold temps, ice, snow, and oh yeah, the state had to close two main interstates (I-80 & I-81)for several days because traffic was stuck in the snow. Your trip report with iceberg references, sunshine, and more food than I can imagine has brought a smile to my cold,snowy heart. Thanks!