Our Group was a total of eight.
Me (44), DH (50), DD (18), DD (16).
Another family of four traveling with us.
This was our second disney cruise, we did the 3-day wonder in Oc.t 99.
So with that we knew some of what to expect. I have been reading these boards for 6 months preparing for this. The other family kept asking me how I knew so much. I told them I did my homework.
Here goes,
Arrived at OKW on Friday, rented at car from Avis at Tampa Airport. (Cheaper flights and better return times). Spent the day hanging around, kids went to the parks, some went to Daytona for the races.
Left OKW at 9:30 p.m. arrived at the terminal at 10:30. Drove around Coco Beach for bit. Then back to ship, unloaded everyone and DH took car back to Avis, no problems at all.
Boarded the ship 12:30 long line waiting. Ate lunch at Parot Cay. Then checked on rooms, everything was ready and some luggage was already there. Room Host Yande from Malasia #6028 was great. We miss him so much. He made great towel animals everynight but Saturday, he said that its too busy the first night.
Stayed up on deck for the sail away party, then watched the ship leave until 5:30. Then rushed in to get ready for dinner. We had the Luminier's, Parot Cay, Animators rotation. Our servers were Kruno and Willy, they were great. They were actually fun. Our last servers were toooo serious.
Sunday was the captains night, formal night. Everything went well. Sea's were a little more tonight. Me and DD were not feeling great. But made it. Capt. pics taken in the lobby of the Walt Disney Theatre. Met a nice young fellow from Wales, John. He was leaving on Saturday when we left to go home. He has been on board for 4 months. We kinda adopted him throughout the week. Kept running into him all week.
Two days at sea are a long time not to see land, other ships occasionally, which was a welcome sight. I dont know how sailors do it.
Tuesday we pulled into St. Martin, 6 a.m. ish. There was a little cloud with rain, then came out a rainbow. We were on the port side. So of course they turned the ship around before we docked. Oh well. We paid $5 for water taxi all day. Wrist band or they will put it on the bag, etc. We did great bay beach, attacked by hair braiders. We had 3 teenage girls with long blond hair. Two ended up getting hair braided. My daughter said it hurt worst than getting her tatoo
Paid $10 to a guy at the beach for two lounge chairs, umbrella and 2 drinks. I hope they were his chairs? Very strange. Stayed several hours, went back to ship for lunch, drop off beach things, then hit the shopping area, and did catch a local bus behind the courthouse and rode the French Side for $1.50 per person. Interesting trip. Stopped by one casino and dropped $10.00 in slots, it was fun. Bought four bottles of liquor and some souvniers and back to ship by 5 p.m.
All our dinners were great, I wont go into detail. Something for everyone each night. The other mom in our group was a picky eater, she still found enough to eat.
Wednesday at port by 7 a.m. or so. We were the 2nd family off the ship by 8 a.m. Got cab and did the Trunk Bay on our own. Just like it said on the boards. Everything went like clockwork, everyone was so impressed with my knowledge. Taxi/Ferry/Taxi. 30.00 per person roundtrip. We paid each way. Trunk Bay was just what they said, Beautiful!!! It costs 4.00 per adult to enter, kids 16 and under were free. Snorkeling was 5.00 per person. What a deal. The best ever, I have only snorkeled a few times, never like this. My DD's were out for hours at a time.
When we left Trunk Bay our driver was waiting for us, even though we were earlier than expected. Made the 2:00 ferry 30 minutes early. Back to the dock area by 2:35 shopped til about 4 p.m then boarded the ship.
From our veranda we saw the Lady with girl who missed the boat pulling in a taxi blowing the horn, we were about 30 feet or more off the dock. The ship did not wait. She was transported out to the ship 1-2 miles by an Excursion boat, which Capt. Henry said is very dangerous and he does not wait, he has 2700 passengers. And you must get your own transportation to the next stop, or home, etc. So whatever dont be late, give yourself ample time. I found that my ATT Calling cards would not work in St. Maartin. So we all used the phones at St. Thomas with no problem.
Then we heard the next day at the Capt. Q/A session about the teenager who dove off the 4 deck into the harbor, which Capt. Henry confirmed. He said yes, luckily he survived, and he is now getting bread and water. Do this if you have the time. Very interesting facts.
Thursday day at sea, and to stay inside. We got way toooo much sun at Trunk Bay. This is the second formal night.
Friday we were a little late getting to Castaway Cay, we arrived after 9 a.m. But had plenty of time, very hot not enough breeze for me. Lunch was good then, kids said snorkeling was not good at all too many people. Plus this was $25.00 per set. So glad we did Trunk Bay.
Then, we had a heart attack victim about 4 p.m. we were getting onboard on deck one when we heard the call for Brightstar 2 something. A few crew members were running down the hallway. So we knew it was something serious. We were told by Capt. Henry they would helicopter him off the island at 8 p.m. then we would leave for home. By it ended up be closer til 10 p.m. when we left castaway cay. We missed the show waiting for the helicopter to land, then had to finish packing before 11 p.m.
Saturday we were a little late getting to Port due to leaving late from Castaway Cay. We had all day until our flight at 8:30 p.m. So this was a good decision. We waited close to 11 a.m. before trying to disenbark.
Things to do and not to do:
We had Brunch at Palos, took two DDs 18 years old. They automatically poured champaign into all glasses, we did not get a chance to say we didnt want it. Only one person drank it. Food was good and different. We left a little extra tip.
Went to the Spa open house on Saturday, signed DH up for the bath, he had a hurt back before we left. I did the booster package (alpha capsule, and bath) did not like the alpha at all. I could not relax, still could feel the ship swaying, and too warm for me. Bath was great and not a bad price $26.00. Package was 60.00 for both.
DD and I did the rain forest on Thursday, it was ok, that was $30.00 for both of us. We stayed in the room for about 45 minutes and tried the different saunas and steam rooms.
Did the kitchen tour on Thursday very long line, but liked it alot. Get there 15-20 early. Very interesting facts.
Did the bridge tour on Thursday after kitchen tour. Had to go the Capts. Q/A in the a.m. to the tickets for the bridge tour. You get a whole different view from the Bridge. Do this if your at least bit interested, its worth the time.
Dont forget to mail postcards from the Islands, I leff mind on the ship both days, so I had to mail them from home today. St. Thomas is US 21 cents for a regular postcard, 34 cents for a large one.
The Ships store had a lot of things to pick from. Even some sale items.
The interenet i found was worth the $89.99 for the week. Once or twice the connection was off, but not bad at all. I only had to wait 2-3 times for a computer. I tried to use this to keep in touch with family at home and DD's boyfriends. They do have 2 free nights for one hour. But they ask you to let someone else try it. There is usually a wait this night. Also you can send a video email for $4.95. Later in the week (Thursday) its 2-for the price of 1. So wait if you can to do the video. Then on Friday night they give you free cocktails 4-5 p.m. at the internet cafe.
We were so tired at 9 p.m. we barely made it through the shows. I don't know why. Theatres were very cold. We took pool towels to cover up with. We never made it out one night. We are getting old.
I know there is more, but I can't think of it now. Email me if you have any questions. Overall It was a great trip, I've already looked at the point charts for next year or later.
For all you who are going, have a great cruise. We sure did.
Me (44), DH (50), DD (18), DD (16).
Another family of four traveling with us.
This was our second disney cruise, we did the 3-day wonder in Oc.t 99.
So with that we knew some of what to expect. I have been reading these boards for 6 months preparing for this. The other family kept asking me how I knew so much. I told them I did my homework.
Here goes,
Arrived at OKW on Friday, rented at car from Avis at Tampa Airport. (Cheaper flights and better return times). Spent the day hanging around, kids went to the parks, some went to Daytona for the races.
Left OKW at 9:30 p.m. arrived at the terminal at 10:30. Drove around Coco Beach for bit. Then back to ship, unloaded everyone and DH took car back to Avis, no problems at all.
Boarded the ship 12:30 long line waiting. Ate lunch at Parot Cay. Then checked on rooms, everything was ready and some luggage was already there. Room Host Yande from Malasia #6028 was great. We miss him so much. He made great towel animals everynight but Saturday, he said that its too busy the first night.
Stayed up on deck for the sail away party, then watched the ship leave until 5:30. Then rushed in to get ready for dinner. We had the Luminier's, Parot Cay, Animators rotation. Our servers were Kruno and Willy, they were great. They were actually fun. Our last servers were toooo serious.
Sunday was the captains night, formal night. Everything went well. Sea's were a little more tonight. Me and DD were not feeling great. But made it. Capt. pics taken in the lobby of the Walt Disney Theatre. Met a nice young fellow from Wales, John. He was leaving on Saturday when we left to go home. He has been on board for 4 months. We kinda adopted him throughout the week. Kept running into him all week.
Two days at sea are a long time not to see land, other ships occasionally, which was a welcome sight. I dont know how sailors do it.
Tuesday we pulled into St. Martin, 6 a.m. ish. There was a little cloud with rain, then came out a rainbow. We were on the port side. So of course they turned the ship around before we docked. Oh well. We paid $5 for water taxi all day. Wrist band or they will put it on the bag, etc. We did great bay beach, attacked by hair braiders. We had 3 teenage girls with long blond hair. Two ended up getting hair braided. My daughter said it hurt worst than getting her tatoo
Paid $10 to a guy at the beach for two lounge chairs, umbrella and 2 drinks. I hope they were his chairs? Very strange. Stayed several hours, went back to ship for lunch, drop off beach things, then hit the shopping area, and did catch a local bus behind the courthouse and rode the French Side for $1.50 per person. Interesting trip. Stopped by one casino and dropped $10.00 in slots, it was fun. Bought four bottles of liquor and some souvniers and back to ship by 5 p.m.All our dinners were great, I wont go into detail. Something for everyone each night. The other mom in our group was a picky eater, she still found enough to eat.
Wednesday at port by 7 a.m. or so. We were the 2nd family off the ship by 8 a.m. Got cab and did the Trunk Bay on our own. Just like it said on the boards. Everything went like clockwork, everyone was so impressed with my knowledge. Taxi/Ferry/Taxi. 30.00 per person roundtrip. We paid each way. Trunk Bay was just what they said, Beautiful!!! It costs 4.00 per adult to enter, kids 16 and under were free. Snorkeling was 5.00 per person. What a deal. The best ever, I have only snorkeled a few times, never like this. My DD's were out for hours at a time.
When we left Trunk Bay our driver was waiting for us, even though we were earlier than expected. Made the 2:00 ferry 30 minutes early. Back to the dock area by 2:35 shopped til about 4 p.m then boarded the ship.
From our veranda we saw the Lady with girl who missed the boat pulling in a taxi blowing the horn, we were about 30 feet or more off the dock. The ship did not wait. She was transported out to the ship 1-2 miles by an Excursion boat, which Capt. Henry said is very dangerous and he does not wait, he has 2700 passengers. And you must get your own transportation to the next stop, or home, etc. So whatever dont be late, give yourself ample time. I found that my ATT Calling cards would not work in St. Maartin. So we all used the phones at St. Thomas with no problem.
Then we heard the next day at the Capt. Q/A session about the teenager who dove off the 4 deck into the harbor, which Capt. Henry confirmed. He said yes, luckily he survived, and he is now getting bread and water. Do this if you have the time. Very interesting facts.
Thursday day at sea, and to stay inside. We got way toooo much sun at Trunk Bay. This is the second formal night.
Friday we were a little late getting to Castaway Cay, we arrived after 9 a.m. But had plenty of time, very hot not enough breeze for me. Lunch was good then, kids said snorkeling was not good at all too many people. Plus this was $25.00 per set. So glad we did Trunk Bay.
Then, we had a heart attack victim about 4 p.m. we were getting onboard on deck one when we heard the call for Brightstar 2 something. A few crew members were running down the hallway. So we knew it was something serious. We were told by Capt. Henry they would helicopter him off the island at 8 p.m. then we would leave for home. By it ended up be closer til 10 p.m. when we left castaway cay. We missed the show waiting for the helicopter to land, then had to finish packing before 11 p.m.
Saturday we were a little late getting to Port due to leaving late from Castaway Cay. We had all day until our flight at 8:30 p.m. So this was a good decision. We waited close to 11 a.m. before trying to disenbark.
Things to do and not to do:
We had Brunch at Palos, took two DDs 18 years old. They automatically poured champaign into all glasses, we did not get a chance to say we didnt want it. Only one person drank it. Food was good and different. We left a little extra tip.
Went to the Spa open house on Saturday, signed DH up for the bath, he had a hurt back before we left. I did the booster package (alpha capsule, and bath) did not like the alpha at all. I could not relax, still could feel the ship swaying, and too warm for me. Bath was great and not a bad price $26.00. Package was 60.00 for both.
DD and I did the rain forest on Thursday, it was ok, that was $30.00 for both of us. We stayed in the room for about 45 minutes and tried the different saunas and steam rooms.
Did the kitchen tour on Thursday very long line, but liked it alot. Get there 15-20 early. Very interesting facts.
Did the bridge tour on Thursday after kitchen tour. Had to go the Capts. Q/A in the a.m. to the tickets for the bridge tour. You get a whole different view from the Bridge. Do this if your at least bit interested, its worth the time.
Dont forget to mail postcards from the Islands, I leff mind on the ship both days, so I had to mail them from home today. St. Thomas is US 21 cents for a regular postcard, 34 cents for a large one.
The Ships store had a lot of things to pick from. Even some sale items.
The interenet i found was worth the $89.99 for the week. Once or twice the connection was off, but not bad at all. I only had to wait 2-3 times for a computer. I tried to use this to keep in touch with family at home and DD's boyfriends. They do have 2 free nights for one hour. But they ask you to let someone else try it. There is usually a wait this night. Also you can send a video email for $4.95. Later in the week (Thursday) its 2-for the price of 1. So wait if you can to do the video. Then on Friday night they give you free cocktails 4-5 p.m. at the internet cafe.
We were so tired at 9 p.m. we barely made it through the shows. I don't know why. Theatres were very cold. We took pool towels to cover up with. We never made it out one night. We are getting old.
I know there is more, but I can't think of it now. Email me if you have any questions. Overall It was a great trip, I've already looked at the point charts for next year or later.
For all you who are going, have a great cruise. We sure did.
