mmouse37
DCL Diva!!
- Joined
- Jun 29, 2001
- Messages
- 34,779
Hey everyone....well, we also sailed on the 1/4 Magic and to set the stage it was myself, hubby, our three teens, two neices, sons friend and my sister and her family of six, plus my friends. We were a total group of 16. Had a GTY Cat 9 and found out we had cabin 2550 when we checked in. We also had cabins 2548, 2514, 2506, 2508. I thought the location of 2550 was the best. This was a great location just a few door down the from mid-ship elevators. We found it so convenient being so close to the atrium. Not a noisy cabin in the least...we also liked this area because we were facing the island at Castaway Cay and when we docked back in Port Canaveral we were on the terminal side and got to see them unloading all the luggage...it was very interesting...We also saw all the new crew boarding with their bags and the the departing crew and entertainers leaving...
Most of us stayed at the Radisson the night before and it was great, but chilly!!! We had the 2 king bed suite plus a regular room and my sister also had a suite for her family. We rented Avis cars at the airport. We had a nice dinner at Zachary's next to the Radisson. We first went to Kelsey's but it was an hour wait.
On Sat morn it was sunny, but cold!!! Went to Dunkin Donuts and brought back bagels for breakfast. We then dropped the luggage and most of our group at the terminal at 10:45 and it didn't take long for us to check in. We were about 5th in line to board. I was getting a bit worried because my hubby and DD who returned the rental did not get back to terminal until almost 12:15....they had to wait for several shuttles to finally get on one. I thought we would have to board without them!! LOL. They got checked in and joined us in line and they started the countdown to board...it was a lot of fun. Our names were announced when we boarded and we first ran into Robin from the Cruise staff who remembered us from our other many DCL cruises. Had lunch in Parrot Cay and then I took my sister and her kids to sign them up for the clubs. Hubby and the rest of the gang headed to the room to drop off carryons and make Palo brunch ressies. The older girls made spa ressies.
We all had late seating (or so we thought) except my sister because she had small children and wanted to eat early). When I called DCL just to confirm everything I was told that we definately had late seating. Never questioned it...just by chance when we got to our stateroom I check the dining tickets on the desk and saw that we had early seating! Now I had to try and get 10 people switched to late dining and this was at about 3:00 pm.
We all went down to Sessions where they were doing dining changes and explained the situation. At first it did not look like it was going to happen, but with a bit of pixie dust we were switched to late dining, Lap rotation. I asked for APl rotation but it was all full. We were to check with Alen from Croatia when we got to the dining room to see where our table was. It turned out we were at a table for 10 towards the very front of Lumeire's. When you come down the steps, make a hard right and we were the table in the corner against the front wall of the rest. You could see our table from the Atrium windows. It was fine and we had the best server team of Beckie from Canada and Girish from India (Irish with a G...that's how he told us to remember his name!) Their service was fantastic the whole cruise and they genuinely seemd pleased we were added to their section.
We just walked around until the lifeboat drill which was in the Walt Disney Theatre...as comfortable as can be with those life preservers around your neck!!! Next it was off to the DIS meet. I had made name tags for everyone and Barb had brought a tray of goodes for all to share. We were so pleased that so many DIS'ers took time from their busy day to come say hello. Barb and Tony took a great group shot and then everyone went up to the Sailaway Party. It was a great party, but again, it was chilly. At least we got to have it outdoors. Our last two cruises the sailaway was held indoors due to heavy rain.
I am not going to go into a day by day things...I think I will just highlight from here on in or this will be criminally long!!!! We went to every show except Morty (our least favorite). We attended every theme night and participated. My son and his friend were picked as Bon Jovi and drummer on 80';s night and my DD and niece were both picked as Go Go's at the battle of the bands. I was asked a trivia question up on stage during the show and received a free drink...it was pretty easy since the cruise staff told you the answer ahead of time!!!!
My DD15 did not meet many other teens this time around. She chose to hang out with her older sister and cousins and us quite a bit. My son and his friend has the pleasure of hanging out with some other DIS'ers daughters Shaylee and Dani. They had a great time with them!!! Dani's mom just posted a pick of them all on formal night on her website over on the regular cruise board under Cruisers with stomach problems thread. My older DD and her two cousins spent every night at the adult clubs and theme nights. They had a great time. They all just hung around the pool during the day trying to soak up the sun before heading back to Upstate New York and tons of snow!!!!
My hubby, son, and his friend were picked to do the Disney Legs competition on the Sunday morning and my DD and niece were picked as judges for this game. They had a ball, excpet Hubby chickened out and never made it up on stage to strut his stuff!!!
Since we did Key West on our August cruise we decided to use our Sheraton Points and rent a room for the day at the Sheraton Suites in Key West and use their pool. It was great, but chilly when the wind blew. The resort is very nice and we took a taxi for $20 there. On the way back the resort had a comp. shuttle that dropped you off on Duvall street and we just walked back to the ship after some shopping.
On Monday, I think it was, we attended the Q&A with the Captain and Steering Commitee. Of course the question about a new ship was brought up and the Captain said that it is just rumors....no ship or itinerary is planned at this point. Jacqui the Cruise Director said that a new show will be coming this year to replace one of the stage shows (but not Disney Dreams). It should be out around August/September). We also had Palo Brunch on this morning. We had the wonderful opportunity to have Andrew as our server....he was awesome...very friends, not pushy, just great. He is married to Monica from the Mickey Mates shop. We noticed a lot of married crew onboard....good way to get to see each other!!!
Went to WWTBAM and of course I am an Arm Chair Trivia Quarterback....I knew all the answers but I am sure it would have been a different story had I been in the Hot Seat!!! They really look for the most enthusiastic people for the the Panel and they randomly pick the contestants from the computer which picks a row and seat number. If no one is in that seat or they are ineligible (a CM) then they pick the seat to the right of them.
So many people were disappointed that we did not make it to Grand Cayman, we on the other hand, didn't mind at all. We were looking forward to our time in Cozumel. DCL of course refunded everyone's GC shore excursions automatically. They made an announcement they you did not have to wait in line to get a refund. They also credited back our GC port charges to our onboard accounts. It was quite breezy this day up on deck but the sun was shining and we all hung out up on deck 10. You could feel the excitment among the crew knowing that they would be getting a night off. We docked late at night were finally given the all clear to go ashore at about 12:15 am or so. A lot of guests got off the ship, but about 50% of the crew got off as well. We saw most of them at Carlos and Charlies and the bar even welcomed all the guests and crew from the Disney Magic!!! When we first arrived the bar was empty, but within 30 minutes it was packed and rocking. It was so different seeing the crew in their street clothes and cutting loose. All seemed to have a great time. We headed back to the ship at about 4:30 am. I had way too many frozen Margaritas and my older teens were laughing at seeing mom a bit tipsy!!! Had to wake up early for our Cozumel Jeep Safari tour and it was great....although the bumps and grinds of the trip did little to help the pounding in my head!!! I went with my friend and her hubby and I got to drive the jeep since I was the only one who could drive stick. My hubby and the teens all spent the day at Mr. Sanchos beach sunning. The jeep tour was fantastic. It lasted about 4.5 hours and we drove off road through the jungle along the coast. We then stopped for a great lunch and swimming on a deserted beach and then headed back to town. This night we attended the Mexicali deck party....I cannot say enough of the cruise staff who never seems to lose their energy. There was a bit of technical difficulty with the microphones when some of the main stage dancers came out...but it was soon corrected. The cruise staff danced and led the party for almost two hours straight. They must lose 10 lbs. a day!!! Everyone onboard was dressed in their Tropical best. Hate repeating myself...but again it was chilly up on deck!!!
Spent another breezy sea day on Thursday trying to get as much sun as possible. In the morning we took the line dancing class with the cruise staff and it was great. We learned the basic steps they use at all the deck party songs. Too bad I did not take the one earlier in the week!! During the afternoon we attended, like always, the pool games at the Quiet Cove Pool. These are just so much fun to watch...I really get a kick out of them. Just seeing a bunch of guys trying to do syncronised swimming is just too funny. When it was the girls turn....they pulled a fast one and pulled DJLA and Big John from the cruise staff into the pool with them (wearing white shorts). They were really good sports about it and we could tell they were freezing when they came out. DJLA and John joined right in the syncronised swimming!! Everybody was cracking up!!! John and DJLA were commenting in jest on how they were very glad they wore underware that day!!! LOL. We also attended the napkin folding which is part of the Enrichment series. It was hosted by Ian from the cruise staff and Beckie our server!!! She was great and showed us all how to make fans, hats, etc out of napkins. We all had to wear our napkin hats!!! They hand out directions you can take home with you.
Then it was off to Jackpot Bingo. I have never played in all our other cruises, but thought what the heck...the pot was over $5,000 bucks. We did not win, but the lady who did was so happy she was reduced to tears. It was so touching to see. She really could not believe it!!!!
Friday dawned sunny and warm at CC. It was very windy and I was up on deck watching the officers back us into the dock. We found out later from the staff that it was iffy if we would be able to dock due to the wind. But, we made it...that makes 7 for 7 for us!!!! I was very surprised when there was no line to disembark. We just walked off and took up camp near the snorekling area. The day was great when the sun stayed out but very cold when the sun ducked behind clouds. There was also a steady wind off the water that made them cancel all banana boats and parasiling. I could not believe all the people who still got into the water...not me....just the thought of being cold when I came out kept me on my chair reading!!! We headed back to the ship around 3:30 and started packing so we would have the evening free. We went to the Farwell show and I cried...partly because of the show and mostly because I knew our fantastic week was coming to an end. We really had the best time, chilly weather and all. My two nieces, Karen and Ann 20 and 21 enjoyed their first DCL cruise. They could not thank me enough for taking them. We were so glad they had a good time.They particpated in everything they could and I think that is what really makes the difference. We went to all the theme nights and became very close with the cruise staff. They all feel like old friends. DJLA came up to our group and said it's guests like you guys that make this job fun for us....we love when people participate and are not afraid of making fools of themselves. They really try to engage everyone in what is going on. THE CRUISE STAFF ON DCL IS THE BEST ON ANY LINE WE HAVE SAILED.
Something that they did not have on our last cruise was TILL WE MEET AGAIN in the Atrium. This was a wonderful "show" where all the characters and cast from the shows came down the atrium stairs and posed for pictures. It was a great photo op. They actually turned to each side of the ship so everyone all around on the all the decks overlooking the atrium could get a good picture. The the cruise staff sprinled pixie dust from the decks above!! It was "Magical"...
Got all our luggage outside our cabin and took some of our last walks around the ship. It really is drepressing knowing that you have to get off the ship in the morning. Half our group had an early flight so we skipped our dining room breakfast and went to Topsiders to grab something. We did stop in to say goodbye to our server team and took some pictures with them. Beckie was really wonderful and if anyone gets her in the future tell her Mary Jane and family had a great time with her onboard and at Carlos and Charlies!!!!
After we disembarked the ship my two neices, my DD19 and myself headed to Downtown Disney to do some shopping and catch a movie before our 6:30 pm flight home. The rest of our group had a 12:30 flight and decided to take the DCL transfers to the airport that I purchase for them the morning we disembarked. It was $25 per person from the terminal to the airport. We also were able to check in all 10 pieces of our luggage right at the Continental desk at the port. This saved us tons of room in our rental car and I was able to downsize to a smaller car at the Radisson Avis. The girls and I actually went to Wal-mart on Merrit Island to pick up a few essential that we needed for the trip home and saw the DCL crew bus....many crew go shopping there on Saturday morning. We did not run into any since we just ran in and out, but the cashier was telling us that come in quite a bit to purchase all their CD players, steros, CD's, etc. A good CM gift for those that go above and beyond would be Wal-mart Gift Cards instead of phone Cards....that's what I am doing next time around!!!
I will be posting a link to the our pictures in the next few days...so stayed tuned. Sorry this was so long...if there are specific questions please don't hesitate to ask. This was our second Western Cruise and we have also done the Eastern twice and the 3 and 4 day cruises as well. I also may be adding stuff as I remember it. Thanks for taking the time to read my trip report.
http://community.webshots.com/album/61021700mgkcmV
http://community.webshots.com/album/61027011UZJmCn
The best way to view them is to click on VIEW SLIDE SHOW. YOU CAN ADJUST HOW LONG EACH PIC WILL BE ON SCREEN BY CLICKING EITHER 3 SEC, 5 SEC, ETC.
MJ
Most of us stayed at the Radisson the night before and it was great, but chilly!!! We had the 2 king bed suite plus a regular room and my sister also had a suite for her family. We rented Avis cars at the airport. We had a nice dinner at Zachary's next to the Radisson. We first went to Kelsey's but it was an hour wait.
On Sat morn it was sunny, but cold!!! Went to Dunkin Donuts and brought back bagels for breakfast. We then dropped the luggage and most of our group at the terminal at 10:45 and it didn't take long for us to check in. We were about 5th in line to board. I was getting a bit worried because my hubby and DD who returned the rental did not get back to terminal until almost 12:15....they had to wait for several shuttles to finally get on one. I thought we would have to board without them!! LOL. They got checked in and joined us in line and they started the countdown to board...it was a lot of fun. Our names were announced when we boarded and we first ran into Robin from the Cruise staff who remembered us from our other many DCL cruises. Had lunch in Parrot Cay and then I took my sister and her kids to sign them up for the clubs. Hubby and the rest of the gang headed to the room to drop off carryons and make Palo brunch ressies. The older girls made spa ressies.
We all had late seating (or so we thought) except my sister because she had small children and wanted to eat early). When I called DCL just to confirm everything I was told that we definately had late seating. Never questioned it...just by chance when we got to our stateroom I check the dining tickets on the desk and saw that we had early seating! Now I had to try and get 10 people switched to late dining and this was at about 3:00 pm.
We all went down to Sessions where they were doing dining changes and explained the situation. At first it did not look like it was going to happen, but with a bit of pixie dust we were switched to late dining, Lap rotation. I asked for APl rotation but it was all full. We were to check with Alen from Croatia when we got to the dining room to see where our table was. It turned out we were at a table for 10 towards the very front of Lumeire's. When you come down the steps, make a hard right and we were the table in the corner against the front wall of the rest. You could see our table from the Atrium windows. It was fine and we had the best server team of Beckie from Canada and Girish from India (Irish with a G...that's how he told us to remember his name!) Their service was fantastic the whole cruise and they genuinely seemd pleased we were added to their section.
We just walked around until the lifeboat drill which was in the Walt Disney Theatre...as comfortable as can be with those life preservers around your neck!!! Next it was off to the DIS meet. I had made name tags for everyone and Barb had brought a tray of goodes for all to share. We were so pleased that so many DIS'ers took time from their busy day to come say hello. Barb and Tony took a great group shot and then everyone went up to the Sailaway Party. It was a great party, but again, it was chilly. At least we got to have it outdoors. Our last two cruises the sailaway was held indoors due to heavy rain.
I am not going to go into a day by day things...I think I will just highlight from here on in or this will be criminally long!!!! We went to every show except Morty (our least favorite). We attended every theme night and participated. My son and his friend were picked as Bon Jovi and drummer on 80';s night and my DD and niece were both picked as Go Go's at the battle of the bands. I was asked a trivia question up on stage during the show and received a free drink...it was pretty easy since the cruise staff told you the answer ahead of time!!!!
My DD15 did not meet many other teens this time around. She chose to hang out with her older sister and cousins and us quite a bit. My son and his friend has the pleasure of hanging out with some other DIS'ers daughters Shaylee and Dani. They had a great time with them!!! Dani's mom just posted a pick of them all on formal night on her website over on the regular cruise board under Cruisers with stomach problems thread. My older DD and her two cousins spent every night at the adult clubs and theme nights. They had a great time. They all just hung around the pool during the day trying to soak up the sun before heading back to Upstate New York and tons of snow!!!!
My hubby, son, and his friend were picked to do the Disney Legs competition on the Sunday morning and my DD and niece were picked as judges for this game. They had a ball, excpet Hubby chickened out and never made it up on stage to strut his stuff!!!
Since we did Key West on our August cruise we decided to use our Sheraton Points and rent a room for the day at the Sheraton Suites in Key West and use their pool. It was great, but chilly when the wind blew. The resort is very nice and we took a taxi for $20 there. On the way back the resort had a comp. shuttle that dropped you off on Duvall street and we just walked back to the ship after some shopping.
On Monday, I think it was, we attended the Q&A with the Captain and Steering Commitee. Of course the question about a new ship was brought up and the Captain said that it is just rumors....no ship or itinerary is planned at this point. Jacqui the Cruise Director said that a new show will be coming this year to replace one of the stage shows (but not Disney Dreams). It should be out around August/September). We also had Palo Brunch on this morning. We had the wonderful opportunity to have Andrew as our server....he was awesome...very friends, not pushy, just great. He is married to Monica from the Mickey Mates shop. We noticed a lot of married crew onboard....good way to get to see each other!!!
Went to WWTBAM and of course I am an Arm Chair Trivia Quarterback....I knew all the answers but I am sure it would have been a different story had I been in the Hot Seat!!! They really look for the most enthusiastic people for the the Panel and they randomly pick the contestants from the computer which picks a row and seat number. If no one is in that seat or they are ineligible (a CM) then they pick the seat to the right of them.
So many people were disappointed that we did not make it to Grand Cayman, we on the other hand, didn't mind at all. We were looking forward to our time in Cozumel. DCL of course refunded everyone's GC shore excursions automatically. They made an announcement they you did not have to wait in line to get a refund. They also credited back our GC port charges to our onboard accounts. It was quite breezy this day up on deck but the sun was shining and we all hung out up on deck 10. You could feel the excitment among the crew knowing that they would be getting a night off. We docked late at night were finally given the all clear to go ashore at about 12:15 am or so. A lot of guests got off the ship, but about 50% of the crew got off as well. We saw most of them at Carlos and Charlies and the bar even welcomed all the guests and crew from the Disney Magic!!! When we first arrived the bar was empty, but within 30 minutes it was packed and rocking. It was so different seeing the crew in their street clothes and cutting loose. All seemed to have a great time. We headed back to the ship at about 4:30 am. I had way too many frozen Margaritas and my older teens were laughing at seeing mom a bit tipsy!!! Had to wake up early for our Cozumel Jeep Safari tour and it was great....although the bumps and grinds of the trip did little to help the pounding in my head!!! I went with my friend and her hubby and I got to drive the jeep since I was the only one who could drive stick. My hubby and the teens all spent the day at Mr. Sanchos beach sunning. The jeep tour was fantastic. It lasted about 4.5 hours and we drove off road through the jungle along the coast. We then stopped for a great lunch and swimming on a deserted beach and then headed back to town. This night we attended the Mexicali deck party....I cannot say enough of the cruise staff who never seems to lose their energy. There was a bit of technical difficulty with the microphones when some of the main stage dancers came out...but it was soon corrected. The cruise staff danced and led the party for almost two hours straight. They must lose 10 lbs. a day!!! Everyone onboard was dressed in their Tropical best. Hate repeating myself...but again it was chilly up on deck!!!
Spent another breezy sea day on Thursday trying to get as much sun as possible. In the morning we took the line dancing class with the cruise staff and it was great. We learned the basic steps they use at all the deck party songs. Too bad I did not take the one earlier in the week!! During the afternoon we attended, like always, the pool games at the Quiet Cove Pool. These are just so much fun to watch...I really get a kick out of them. Just seeing a bunch of guys trying to do syncronised swimming is just too funny. When it was the girls turn....they pulled a fast one and pulled DJLA and Big John from the cruise staff into the pool with them (wearing white shorts). They were really good sports about it and we could tell they were freezing when they came out. DJLA and John joined right in the syncronised swimming!! Everybody was cracking up!!! John and DJLA were commenting in jest on how they were very glad they wore underware that day!!! LOL. We also attended the napkin folding which is part of the Enrichment series. It was hosted by Ian from the cruise staff and Beckie our server!!! She was great and showed us all how to make fans, hats, etc out of napkins. We all had to wear our napkin hats!!! They hand out directions you can take home with you.
Then it was off to Jackpot Bingo. I have never played in all our other cruises, but thought what the heck...the pot was over $5,000 bucks. We did not win, but the lady who did was so happy she was reduced to tears. It was so touching to see. She really could not believe it!!!!
Friday dawned sunny and warm at CC. It was very windy and I was up on deck watching the officers back us into the dock. We found out later from the staff that it was iffy if we would be able to dock due to the wind. But, we made it...that makes 7 for 7 for us!!!! I was very surprised when there was no line to disembark. We just walked off and took up camp near the snorekling area. The day was great when the sun stayed out but very cold when the sun ducked behind clouds. There was also a steady wind off the water that made them cancel all banana boats and parasiling. I could not believe all the people who still got into the water...not me....just the thought of being cold when I came out kept me on my chair reading!!! We headed back to the ship around 3:30 and started packing so we would have the evening free. We went to the Farwell show and I cried...partly because of the show and mostly because I knew our fantastic week was coming to an end. We really had the best time, chilly weather and all. My two nieces, Karen and Ann 20 and 21 enjoyed their first DCL cruise. They could not thank me enough for taking them. We were so glad they had a good time.They particpated in everything they could and I think that is what really makes the difference. We went to all the theme nights and became very close with the cruise staff. They all feel like old friends. DJLA came up to our group and said it's guests like you guys that make this job fun for us....we love when people participate and are not afraid of making fools of themselves. They really try to engage everyone in what is going on. THE CRUISE STAFF ON DCL IS THE BEST ON ANY LINE WE HAVE SAILED.
Something that they did not have on our last cruise was TILL WE MEET AGAIN in the Atrium. This was a wonderful "show" where all the characters and cast from the shows came down the atrium stairs and posed for pictures. It was a great photo op. They actually turned to each side of the ship so everyone all around on the all the decks overlooking the atrium could get a good picture. The the cruise staff sprinled pixie dust from the decks above!! It was "Magical"...
Got all our luggage outside our cabin and took some of our last walks around the ship. It really is drepressing knowing that you have to get off the ship in the morning. Half our group had an early flight so we skipped our dining room breakfast and went to Topsiders to grab something. We did stop in to say goodbye to our server team and took some pictures with them. Beckie was really wonderful and if anyone gets her in the future tell her Mary Jane and family had a great time with her onboard and at Carlos and Charlies!!!!
After we disembarked the ship my two neices, my DD19 and myself headed to Downtown Disney to do some shopping and catch a movie before our 6:30 pm flight home. The rest of our group had a 12:30 flight and decided to take the DCL transfers to the airport that I purchase for them the morning we disembarked. It was $25 per person from the terminal to the airport. We also were able to check in all 10 pieces of our luggage right at the Continental desk at the port. This saved us tons of room in our rental car and I was able to downsize to a smaller car at the Radisson Avis. The girls and I actually went to Wal-mart on Merrit Island to pick up a few essential that we needed for the trip home and saw the DCL crew bus....many crew go shopping there on Saturday morning. We did not run into any since we just ran in and out, but the cashier was telling us that come in quite a bit to purchase all their CD players, steros, CD's, etc. A good CM gift for those that go above and beyond would be Wal-mart Gift Cards instead of phone Cards....that's what I am doing next time around!!!
I will be posting a link to the our pictures in the next few days...so stayed tuned. Sorry this was so long...if there are specific questions please don't hesitate to ask. This was our second Western Cruise and we have also done the Eastern twice and the 3 and 4 day cruises as well. I also may be adding stuff as I remember it. Thanks for taking the time to read my trip report.
http://community.webshots.com/album/61021700mgkcmV
http://community.webshots.com/album/61027011UZJmCn
The best way to view them is to click on VIEW SLIDE SHOW. YOU CAN ADJUST HOW LONG EACH PIC WILL BE ON SCREEN BY CLICKING EITHER 3 SEC, 5 SEC, ETC.
MJ
