1st Time Cruiser just Got Back

[TexDisneyMom]

Great report! I cant wait for my trip in July, and reading your report makes me even more excited!!!

 

[Fatima1922]

I have a question about the Wydham. Did you have to buy a pass for your DS? With the pass, did you access to the Sheraton pool or did you just decide to go there?

I was the first one up and since I didn’t want to make too much noise, I picked up a magazine to read. DS moved around in his bed, gave me a disgruntled look and “Shhhh’ed” me, then went back to sleep. I had to suppress a laugh. This was a good time to get up and get out of the room. There’s no way, I can just lay here for another hour and a half waiting for the Sleeping Beauties to wake up. So I took the FEs, made my deliveries and explored the ship.

There were not a lot of people up and about around 6:30 in the morning, so I really enjoyed walking around the ship with some quiet time. I walked all over the ship. Deck 4 is a wonderful place to just enjoy the view and lounge on the chairs. Other than a few joggers, deck 4 was pretty empty. Deck 9 had a few people that got up early to get coffee and do some reading. Deck 10 was a great place to just take in the view and have a nice stroll.

View of Nassau as we are coming into port

After a couple of hours, I went back down to get the boys. I woke them up right before our phone rang. DS picked up the phone; it was Mickey with the wake up call. DS was so excited that Mickey called him, he could hardly contain himself. While DH was getting ready, DS and I hung out on the verandah enjoying the view of the pretty bright yellow and purple port terminal building. Later, we went up to deck 10 to hang out until it was time to get off the boat. While we were waiting, we ran into this guy just goofing around the deck 10.

We had decided against the pricey Bahamas excursions and opted to do Nassau on our own since we’ve been to Nassau and have enjoyed Atlantis a couple of years ago. We got off the boat, got in a cab and headed to the Wyndham on Cable Beach about 15 minutes away. The cab ride was about $15.00 or you could take the public bus for a fraction of the cost of a cab. We didn’t want to hassle with public transportation and decided to splurge for convenience. We bought our day pass at the Wyndham for $40.00 per adult which included a lunch buffet and use of their amenities, pools, beach, towels, and beach/pool floaties. The Front Desk manager gave us a personal tour and told us that our day pass also gave us access to the Sheraton, which is right next door. A nice surprise for us. We hung out at the beach at the Wyndham, where we practically had the beach to ourselves. Then, we went over to the Sheraton pool since they had a zero entry pool, which was great for our DS. And again, we had the pool to ourselves. The whole day was very relaxing and enjoyable. We hated to leave but it was way past nap time.

Sheraton Pool

The only downside is the lunch buffet at the Wyndham was quite disappointing. It was the only bad meal I had the entire trip. Although the food was not good, we would probably go back to the Wyndham again because we enjoyed the beach and the pools there so much and getting access to the Sheraton was a huge bonus.

Tonight was our dinner reservation at Palo. I was really looking forward to it since it got rave reviews from fellow DISers. We ordered room service for DS and got him ready for the drop off at Flounder’s. We took DS to Flounder’s Nursery with a bit of hesitation, grabbed our pager and headed upstairs to dinner. Dinner was lovely. The grilled shrimp appetizer was delicious. DH had the osso bucco and I had the beef tenderloin, both extremely tasty. We followed that with the chocolate soufflé and the panna cotta. YUM! I have debated getting the tiramisu and our server, Ferhat from Turkey brought it for us to try. Wow…3 desserts! They were all delicious!

I forgot to mention during dinner, we were paged once. DS was not having a good time in the nursery. I was worried that he wouldn’t be entertained since most of the activities and toys in there were more geared towards infants and toddlers. When DH went down to check on him, he was playing with one of the CMs and was fine. Nevertheless, we promptly went to get him after dinner. When we went back, he was crying for us again. The CM he was playing with earlier, Ace had to leave. Apparently, they rotate staff in and out of the kids programs quite a bit depending on how busy they are in there. One of the CMs told us that he had just starting crying for us, when we got there. We noticed that the little ones were doing fine and but some of the older ones like DS seemed a little bored, most of them were watching television instead of playing. Our preference is always to have DS be actively playing rather than watching television.

By now, we were late for Toy Story, so we skipped it and headed to the Mickey’s Mates to check out the souvenirs. DS decided he needed a new stuffed toy, which I promptly purchased, still feeling guilty about the whole nursery thing. He hammed it up for the CMs in the store and put on quite a show for them before we left for the lobby. There we found Minnie and Chip and Dale. We spent the next 30 minutes spending time with the characters and getting pictures. And DS had a great time meeting the characters.

As a last stop of the evening, we stopped by Shutters to pick up our photos. The staff at Shutters was great. Ian, one of the CMs spent time with my DS, to my surprise DS let Ian hold him and was laughing and carrying on conversation, while I was trying to pick out photographs. (If I can only get Ian to work the nursery. LOL) When we got back to our room, DS found a bunny towel sitting on the bed to his delight. Another night of trying to get a very excited DS to settle down for bed. It took a bit for him to wind down but once he was out, he was definitely down for the count!

 

[LC30]

I have a question about the Wydham. Did you have to buy a pass for your DS? With the pass, did you access to the Sheraton pool or did you just decide to go there?

We didn't have to buy a day pass for DS since he was not quite 3. I believe they didn't charge for children under 5. The Wyndham day pass gave us access to the pool and beach at the Wyndham as well as the Sheraton. The pools at the Sheraton was much better for younger children since they have a zero entry pool. The day pass also included the buffet lunch at the Wyndham, although the food was disappointing.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

 

[Alice_on_WONDERland]

Hey Friend!

I just finished reading your TR. I loved it! And I LOVED seeing pictures of your Jackson - what a great name!

I was really impressed by a few things you listed. First of all, we had a terrible hotel in Cape Canaveral, and I was really happy to see pics and read info on the Country Inn and Suites.

The night before our cruise we ate at Rusty's too - LOVE that place!

My DH really wants to get off the ship in Nassau, and I haven't really found anything that excites me - until now! I think I'm going to spend some time researching Cable Beach. I really liked your review of getting the day pass at the Wyndham. I've been to Nassau a few time before and have done Atlantis too, as well as Ardastra Gardens. I HIGHLY suggest taking your little guy there, that place is great for young kids. (Check out my TR in my signature for pics.)

Thanks for a great TR and all your great ideas! And thanks for sending a postcard to my Jackson this fall.

 

[gfolchick]

Great trip report! Would you mind telling me what the second gift was from Shirley (DCL). Was it a drawstring bag? I haven't seen it before. My kids are getting older (10 & 12) and probably won't need the sand pail anymore but they still think that Mickey sends them a welcome basket. I was looking for alternatives.

Also, after 5 cruises I didn't realize that you could ask Shutters to print the pictues without their borders. THANKS for that info. I'm not wild about some of the character borders.

 

[LC30]

Hey Friend!

Thanks for a great TR and all your great ideas! And thanks for sending a postcard to my Jackson this fall.

Hi there. Happy to send the postcard. it's all about making wonderful memories for our children. I definitely have to check on the gardens that you recommended. Love the title of your trip report. Looking forward to reading it.

 

[LC30]

Great trip report! Would you mind telling me what the second gift was from Shirley (DCL). Was it a drawstring bag? I haven't seen it before. My kids are getting older (10 & 12) and probably won't need the sand pail anymore but they still think that Mickey sends them a welcome basket. I was looking for alternatives.

Also, after 5 cruises I didn't realize that you could ask Shutters to print the pictues without their borders. THANKS for that info. I'm not wild about some of the character borders.

Thank you. I enjoy doing the trip reports. The 2nd gift was a six pack of beer, a lime, a gadget to push the lime into the beer bottles, pretzels, crackers, bags of assortment of nuts to go with the beer. It was in a lightweight canvas bag with the DCL logo on it. Even though it wasn't very big, it actually came in handy during the trip.

I know what you mean about the bordersfor the pictures. I kicked myself for not finding out about it before I got of the cruise.

 

[Sand]

Thank you. I enjoy doing the trip reports. The 2nd gift was a six pack of beer, a lime, a gadget to push the lime into the beer bottles, pretzels, crackers, bags of assortment of nuts to go with the beer. It was in a lightweight canvas bag with the DCL logo on it. Even though it wasn't very big, it actually came in handy during the trip.

I know what you mean about the bordersfor the pictures. I kicked myself for not finding out about it before I got of the cruise.

Hi there! Thanks for posting a trip report. We are going on our first cruise next October. I think we will be sailing together! So, forgive me for asking again, but who is Shirley? A place to order gift baskets? Was the beer and lime from DCL? Our girls will be 3 and 4 when we sail and I was thinking about getting them a basket with sand toys. We too will be celebrating our anniversary and our 3 year olds bday. We waited until she turned 3 so both kids can go to the Oceaneers Club. Yeah, time with DH! I agree, I didn't think the nursery, from what I have read, would keep a 2 year old engaged.

I don't know why DCL doesn't have photopass. Can a cd be bought with all the photos?

 

[ljseay]

I really enjoyed your trip report. We are leaving on the Magic on July 20th for seven days....and you have inspired me! Perhaps I'll give it shot...

I loved hearing about your little boy. You have some awesome insights.

 

[LC30]

Hi there! Thanks for posting a trip report. We are going on our first cruise next October. I think we will be sailing together! So, forgive me for asking again, but who is Shirley? A place to order gift baskets? Was the beer and lime from DCL? Our girls will be 3 and 4 when we sail and I was thinking about getting them a basket with sand toys. We too will be celebrating our anniversary and our 3 year olds bday. We waited until she turned 3 so both kids can go to the Oceaneers Club. Yeah, time with DH! I agree, I didn't think the nursery, from what I have read, would keep a 2 year old engaged.

I don't know why DCL doesn't have photopass. Can a cd be bought with all the photos?

Hello. Shirley offers gifts baskets, flower arrangements etc deliveries to the cruises. You can order things from her website or call her. http://theperfectgift.cc./ I called her because what I wanted wasn't on her website, so she customized it for me. The beer and lime was actually put together by Shirley. She was really helpful with fun ideas. It was a great surprise for my DS to get a gift from "Mickey and friends" and my DH to get a little anniversary gift from "Flirting Minnie". That's how Shirley signed the cards.

The sand bucket and toys kept my DS entertained in the room and I was grateful since I didn't pack a lot of toys for him to play with on the cruise.

As for the CD, you can't buy a CD with all the photos. At least not that I know of. I had to buy the print, get a photo release and scan the pictures into my computer when I got home. If some of the veteran cruisers know different, I would love to get that info as well.

I look forward to sailing with you. It will be lots of fun celebrating your anniversary and birthdays on board.

 

[LC30]

I really enjoyed your trip report. We are leaving on the Magic on July 20th for seven days....and you have inspired me! Perhaps I'll give it shot...

I loved hearing about your little boy. You have some awesome insights.

Hi! I would love to read your trip report when you get back. Have a great time on the Magic! Less than a month to go for you!

 

[Sand]

Thank you for the website! It is so hard now trying to pack everything for active toddler/preschooler in 1 suitcase because of the airline restrictions. I may ship a box to the ship but getting a baskets would be great "surprise". More vacation expenses but sanity is priceless!
I have emailed photopass a few times requesting they incorporate it into DCL. Will see, maybe by next year. I look forward to meeting you! I think I saw you on our serenity now thread. Cool! I am still working on our FE. Thanks for all the great info!!

 

[LC30]

Thank you for the website! It is so hard now trying to pack everything for active toddler/preschooler in 1 suitcase because of the airline restrictions. I may ship a box to the ship but getting a baskets would be great "surprise". More vacation expenses but sanity is priceless!
I have emailed photopass a few times requesting they incorporate it into DCL. Will see, maybe by next year. I look forward to meeting you! I think I saw you on our serenity now thread. Cool! I am still working on our FE. Thanks for all the great info!!

I'm excited about our serenity cruise especially since there are so many DISers, it would be like going on a cruise with friends. And it will be our first 7 day cruise, so that will be a new experience for us. Looking forward to our FEs.

 

[OurOhana]

Great trip report - and I'm so glad we'll be on your cruise with you this Fall. Your son is adorable. I'm sure he'll love the Oceaneer Club. He can definitely find plenty to do in there, or at least my daughter always seemed to stay busy.

 

[princess22]

I loved your TR! It got me excited about my cruise in 2 weeks. Then it finished and I started thinking about how sad we will be the day we leave! How old was your son when you cruised? My DD is two and I'm hoping to do a trial run in the oceaneer club. Before I read your TR I thought she would be bored in Flounders (based on pics I had seen), and your experience confirmed that. I wanted to see how similar in age they are.

 

[LC30]

Great trip report - and I'm so glad we'll be on your cruise with you this Fall. Your son is adorable. I'm sure he'll love the Oceaneer Club. He can definitely find plenty to do in there, or at least my daughter always seemed to stay busy.

I'm so glad to hear you say this. He's making progress on potty training, so I'm hopeful that he will be able to enjoy Oceaneer's Club. A little over 2 months for our cruise!

 

[LC30]

I loved your TR! It got me excited about my cruise in 2 weeks. Then it finished and I started thinking about how sad we will be the day we leave! How old was your son when you cruised? My DD is two and I'm hoping to do a trial run in the oceaneer club. Before I read your TR I thought she would be bored in Flounders (based on pics I had seen), and your experience confirmed that. I wanted to see how similar in age they are.

Hello. Our DS was about a few months from being 3 years old. He definitely did not enjoy Flounders. He had fun playing with a few of their toys but it kept him occupied for only a few minutes. I hope your DD will be able to go to Oceaneer Club. She will enjoy it much more. Our DS enjoyed it there when we visited together.

I have to say leaving was really sad....it was really unexpected. I always am sad to have a vacation end but the feeling of leaving the cruise was like leaving a little more sad. Good news is it gave me motivation to get working on the next cruise! I wasn't a believer in cruises before and now I'm a total fan. Have a great time on your cruise!

 

[alldiz]

Hi,
Great TR....I'm going on my 1st 3 day Dec 3rd....and reading your TR is making me soooooo excited

Quick question. Was the bed your son slept on the "convertable sofa". When that bed is made....Is there a place to sit besides the bed to watch TV?

Also....How much was the Wyndam....in total.....Was this a day pass or did you get a room?
Thanks
kerri

 

[LC30]

Hi,
Great TR....I'm going on my 1st 3 day Dec 3rd....and reading your TR is making me soooooo excited

Quick question. Was the bed your son slept on the "convertable sofa". When that bed is made....Is there a place to sit besides the bed to watch TV?

Also....How much was the Wyndam....in total.....Was this a day pass or did you get a room?
Thanks
kerri

Hi Kerri. I'm excited for you! I can't wait for our next cruise.

The bed was a convertible sofa. Basically, they took the cushions off and it was a bed underneath. The bed was usually made when we went to dinner, so once the bed is made, you can sit on the sofa bed or your bed in the room to watch tv. There is a small stool for the dressing area but we never used it because it was always in the way.

As for the Wyndham, we got a day pass for $40/person and it included a lunch buffet. My DS was free since he was under 5. The lunch buffet was not very good at all. But the day pass got you access to both the Wyndham pool and Sheraton pools and beach. The Sheraton pools are much more young children friendly. Its right next to the Wyndham, so you can walk right over. Bring your own floaties for the little ones, since their pool toys like inner tubes are huge.

I hope you have a great time. If you would like any other info, just drop me a note.

 

[alldiz]

Thanks so much for the info
I can't decide if I want to do a beach day at Nassau....or take a quick walk off then come back to enjoy the ship.
Decisions....Decisions:surfweb
Kerri