4DisneyAddicts
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Oct 18, 2004
Returned a couple of days ago and thought I'd post a brief review(turns out it isn't so brief after all!), as I had a hard time finding info on the New Years cruises.
Holiday related
- For New Years there were fireworks so we had 2 fireworks nights
- They had a complimentary champagne and sparkling cider toast on the top decks with a DJ dance party and the traditional countdown. They were in cute, plastic souvenir champagne glasses that had a logo and said New Years cruise 2019. Hot hor d'oeuvres were also passed. Shutters photographers were there taking photos.
- I was happy that Christmas decorations were still up, they were being removed as we disembarked. Giant gingerbread house was nice, but I think would have been great as a cruise ship or more creative theming.
Spa related
- First cruise were I really enjoyed Senses spa. Most services were very nice and technicians were friendly and professional.
- There was definitely heavy push on selling products at the end of services. But they weren't pushy if i declined. Products were very expensive.
- I tried the couples villa (hot tub time, two massages (i per person), foot ritual, tea, fruit skewers, choc. covered strawberries with about 20 minutes of free time on private verandah to enjoy hot tub and loungers. It was relaxing and I enjoyed it, but the price (almost $600 with tips) was way more than I would pay and I wouldn't do it again. But I am glad I at least tried it.
- I also did the Rainforest Room. I purchased the couples pass for duration of cruise and shared with my friend, so it was only about $80 for the 4 days for me. I used it ever day. Only issue was that several times people in the heated longer area were not quiet. I think a few signs reminding people to be quiet would have been an easy fix. For a future 4 day I would probably do a one day, because I almost felt obligated to go use it to get my money's worth. But that's just me trying to get the value for my money.
- With regards to the Rainforest Room, the spa staff was pushing the sales, stating that "only 30 passes would be sold". Another spa cast member stated 35. I didn't really question it, but it had to mean 30-35 couples passes. And I would also assume they sell additional single day passes, because I definitely saw quite a few different people in there. That being said, for a full cruise, it was never full. It was busy at peak times.
- My friends and I all took advantage of the red Carpet Blow Out "special" . It was a treat to have my hair done the last night for dinner and then it was good for the early disembarkation. The scalp massage was a little disappointing, but I was very happy with my hair style.
- My friend did the quick keratin. Her hair grew in super curly after chemo and it was difficult for her to manage with the curls, wind, and humidity. She looked amazing afterwards and was very happy with the results.
GENERAL
- Cast members were friendly, but i felt not as friendly as in past 4 cruises I did. I noticed it was usually with members form countries I didn't recognize on past cruises, so I winder if it was just a cultural thing. ??
- Food in restaurants was a little disappointing. From past cruises I knew portions were small, so I did order two apps or entrees on occasion, and that worked out well. Specifically the "lobster and shrimp" appetizer that was literally 3 shrimp and a sliver of lobster. I don't like to waste food, but with two servings, I was still able to eat everything (and I am a small female who doesn't eat a lot). The taste and presentation were okay. Many of our entrees were lukewarm. Our servers were nice, but we felt they were all business. We missed the "Disney magic" we experienced on most other cruises. Our asst server (drink server) hardly spoke, seemed confused a lot, and was very slow. We were patient, but noticed a difference from past experiences.
- We had 2 Castaway Cay days (I always wanted to do this!) and we had perfect weather. The water was unexpectedly pleasant. I always think the water is cold there, but it was great this trip.
- My teen and I did the parasailing trip. At $110 per person I was disappointed we only received about 8 minutes in the air, but I always wanted to do it and Castaway Cay is a great place to experience it, for me. My teen said it was the highlight of the trip, so it was worth in in that regard. The first mate did take lots of photos and video on my phone, at my request. I tipped he and the captain a little extra for that.
- Serenity Bay was awesome. So quiet, practically empty. We did spend the second day at the family beach since 3 of the kids on our travel group were under 18 and it was a little bit of a hassle to meet with them to give them items they "needed".
- I'd like a little change (upgrade) on the food on CC. Crab cakes and shrimp would be nice.
- The ship app was wonderful for keeping track of events and character meetings. The texting was awesome. Make sure you set up everyone's account and share your codes right away. We created a group text and it was helpful for communication. Wifi was pretty good, but on Castaway Cay it was unreliable, so keep that in mind and make plans for meeting times in case the texts aren't gong through.
- For the app, you can also set up a request to meet with the travel guide to talk about future cruises. It saved A LOT of time waiting in the line. It put you in a queue that updated regularly.
- The ship was very clean and I was pleasantly surprised at how it didn't really feel much more crowded that past cruises, which were likely not as full.
- Shops had nice merchandise. Large liquor store is gone and replaced by high end clothing brands. I got the larger DCL Dooney & Bourke and I LOVE it.
-Beauty and the Beast show was wonderful.
- My candy-loving 12 year old loved Penelopes. He ordered the huge ice cream sundae in the souvenir trophy cup and it was delivered as his dessert at dinner. Prices were reasonable (when compared to Disney prices) but i guess when you are paying extra for something on an expensive cruise, that should be expected.
- This was the first cruise where we had kids between 18-20. They had a great time and enjoyed the 18-20 Society group for age appropriate activities and gatherings.
All in all a great cruise. Hope this is helpful.
Holiday related
- For New Years there were fireworks so we had 2 fireworks nights
- They had a complimentary champagne and sparkling cider toast on the top decks with a DJ dance party and the traditional countdown. They were in cute, plastic souvenir champagne glasses that had a logo and said New Years cruise 2019. Hot hor d'oeuvres were also passed. Shutters photographers were there taking photos.
- I was happy that Christmas decorations were still up, they were being removed as we disembarked. Giant gingerbread house was nice, but I think would have been great as a cruise ship or more creative theming.
Spa related
- First cruise were I really enjoyed Senses spa. Most services were very nice and technicians were friendly and professional.
- There was definitely heavy push on selling products at the end of services. But they weren't pushy if i declined. Products were very expensive.
- I tried the couples villa (hot tub time, two massages (i per person), foot ritual, tea, fruit skewers, choc. covered strawberries with about 20 minutes of free time on private verandah to enjoy hot tub and loungers. It was relaxing and I enjoyed it, but the price (almost $600 with tips) was way more than I would pay and I wouldn't do it again. But I am glad I at least tried it.
- I also did the Rainforest Room. I purchased the couples pass for duration of cruise and shared with my friend, so it was only about $80 for the 4 days for me. I used it ever day. Only issue was that several times people in the heated longer area were not quiet. I think a few signs reminding people to be quiet would have been an easy fix. For a future 4 day I would probably do a one day, because I almost felt obligated to go use it to get my money's worth. But that's just me trying to get the value for my money.
- With regards to the Rainforest Room, the spa staff was pushing the sales, stating that "only 30 passes would be sold". Another spa cast member stated 35. I didn't really question it, but it had to mean 30-35 couples passes. And I would also assume they sell additional single day passes, because I definitely saw quite a few different people in there. That being said, for a full cruise, it was never full. It was busy at peak times.
- My friends and I all took advantage of the red Carpet Blow Out "special" . It was a treat to have my hair done the last night for dinner and then it was good for the early disembarkation. The scalp massage was a little disappointing, but I was very happy with my hair style.
- My friend did the quick keratin. Her hair grew in super curly after chemo and it was difficult for her to manage with the curls, wind, and humidity. She looked amazing afterwards and was very happy with the results.
GENERAL
- Cast members were friendly, but i felt not as friendly as in past 4 cruises I did. I noticed it was usually with members form countries I didn't recognize on past cruises, so I winder if it was just a cultural thing. ??
- Food in restaurants was a little disappointing. From past cruises I knew portions were small, so I did order two apps or entrees on occasion, and that worked out well. Specifically the "lobster and shrimp" appetizer that was literally 3 shrimp and a sliver of lobster. I don't like to waste food, but with two servings, I was still able to eat everything (and I am a small female who doesn't eat a lot). The taste and presentation were okay. Many of our entrees were lukewarm. Our servers were nice, but we felt they were all business. We missed the "Disney magic" we experienced on most other cruises. Our asst server (drink server) hardly spoke, seemed confused a lot, and was very slow. We were patient, but noticed a difference from past experiences.
- We had 2 Castaway Cay days (I always wanted to do this!) and we had perfect weather. The water was unexpectedly pleasant. I always think the water is cold there, but it was great this trip.
- My teen and I did the parasailing trip. At $110 per person I was disappointed we only received about 8 minutes in the air, but I always wanted to do it and Castaway Cay is a great place to experience it, for me. My teen said it was the highlight of the trip, so it was worth in in that regard. The first mate did take lots of photos and video on my phone, at my request. I tipped he and the captain a little extra for that.
- Serenity Bay was awesome. So quiet, practically empty. We did spend the second day at the family beach since 3 of the kids on our travel group were under 18 and it was a little bit of a hassle to meet with them to give them items they "needed".
- I'd like a little change (upgrade) on the food on CC. Crab cakes and shrimp would be nice.
- The ship app was wonderful for keeping track of events and character meetings. The texting was awesome. Make sure you set up everyone's account and share your codes right away. We created a group text and it was helpful for communication. Wifi was pretty good, but on Castaway Cay it was unreliable, so keep that in mind and make plans for meeting times in case the texts aren't gong through.
- For the app, you can also set up a request to meet with the travel guide to talk about future cruises. It saved A LOT of time waiting in the line. It put you in a queue that updated regularly.
- The ship was very clean and I was pleasantly surprised at how it didn't really feel much more crowded that past cruises, which were likely not as full.
- Shops had nice merchandise. Large liquor store is gone and replaced by high end clothing brands. I got the larger DCL Dooney & Bourke and I LOVE it.
-Beauty and the Beast show was wonderful.
- My candy-loving 12 year old loved Penelopes. He ordered the huge ice cream sundae in the souvenir trophy cup and it was delivered as his dessert at dinner. Prices were reasonable (when compared to Disney prices) but i guess when you are paying extra for something on an expensive cruise, that should be expected.
- This was the first cruise where we had kids between 18-20. They had a great time and enjoyed the 18-20 Society group for age appropriate activities and gatherings.
All in all a great cruise. Hope this is helpful.
