2/20/11 and 2/24/11 Dream B2B 4day/3day Updated 3/11/11 w/pics

[ddavis860]

Hi Debbie!!

It was great to meet you! I can't wait to hear about your version of our 2/20 cruise! You lucky guys were kid free!!!

My DD and I really enjoy our cruise. I got a kick out of you tearing up at the sail away party but then thought of you as I lost it near the end of the 'Believe' show! I always get choked up at those shows...and movies...and DD just elbows me and rolls her eyes!

Liz

Hi Liz!! It was nice to meet you in person too! Yeah, I teared up at the party Happens every time! We never did get to see the Believe show Just didn't work into our day

 

[ddavis860]

I was also on the 20th cruise, I don't think we got a chance to meet though. You going to post pictures on your report? I'm doing a report and I'll be posting pictures and videos.

No, we were late to the sail away party and only met Liz on the trip

In the process of posting the pics now...

 

[mommy2mrb]

waiting....

 

[DMMarla07860]

No, we were late to the sail away party and only met Liz on the trip

In the process of posting the pics now...

haha, I saw myself in a picture you posted. the first picture from the sail away party in blue jersey, so I'm sure I saw you just didn't know it was you

 

[ddavis860]

Nassau... Day #1​

Pulled into Nassau early AM. I was up and took pictures. We sat on the veranda and had a nice snack as Captain Tom somehow managed to maneuver this huge ship into the port. We were facing away from Nassau, looking out at the beautiful Caribbean. Until our view was blocked by another cruise ship.

We did not have an excursion planned, just wanted to walk around. DH wanted the "perfect souvenir", not some touristy one, so we were going on a hunt...

We went up to Cabanas for breakfast. I have to say I'm not thrilled with the way it was working. I'm not a negative person, and I'm pretty happy with anything, but that was the most stressful breakfast. First they want to "seat" you inside, but everyone just was getting food and sitting at open tables, so the crew was getting annoyed and showed it. They they don't want you to "cue". But to cut in a line is rude too, and telling children to cut in the line was making me crazy! I'm reaching for a spoon and a child grabs it...most unpleasant! They are going to have to rethink how Cabanas works, as both crew and passengers were frustrated.

When we could go ashore, we walked thru the Welcome Center, and made it to the street.
She has a big backside...I can relate

The smell of smoke was strong to me, as the fire was only a week before.

We found a great little alley shopping mall, and I found a shirt for DS22. We decided to go back for it later, and kept moving. We went to DelSol, and to the Straw Market. Outside there were guys carving wood. I spotted a huge parrot, carved and beautiful. Showed it to DH and we talked to the carver.

We went into Senior Frogs and had a wonderful lunch. DH got me a yard margarita...

DH waving, the water is sooo clear!

View from our table

DH'd lunch

My lunch

Outside DH haggles with the carver for the parrot. I give DH all my cash and walk away. DH walks up holding his new friend... We never did make it back for the tee. DH's new friend was a bit heavy to carry around the island.

Back to the ship and I had to take a nappy, tooo much Senior Frogs and The Yard! DH did his pool thing, and came back with snacks from the hot spots. Yummies of pizza, wraps, and fresh fruits...it was sooo goood!! This became something we did every night, snacks and wine on the verandah... heaven!

We then start to get ready for dinner at Enchanted Garden.

 

[ddavis860]

Nassau... Day #1​

Pulled into Nassau early AM. I was up and took pictures. We sat on the veranda and had a nice snack as Captain Tom somehow managed to maneuver this huge ship into the port. We were facing away from Nassau, looking out at the beautiful Caribbean. Until our view was blocked by another cruise ship.

We did not have an excursion planned, just wanted to walk around. DH wanted the "perfect souvenir", not some touristy one, so we were going on a hunt...

We went up to Cabanas for breakfast. I have to say I'm not thrilled with the way it was working. I'm not a negative person, and I'm pretty happy with anything, but that was the most stressful breakfast. First they want to "seat" you inside, but everyone just was getting food and sitting at open tables, so the crew was getting annoyed and showed it. They they don't want you to "cue". But to cut in a line is rude too, and telling children to cut in the line was making me crazy! I'm reaching for a spoon and a child grabs it...most unpleasant! They are going to have to rethink how Cabanas works, as both crew and passengers were frustrated.

When we could go ashore, we walked thru the Welcome Center, and made it to the street.
She has a big backside...I can relate

The smell of smoke was strong to me, as the fire was only a week before.

We found a great little alley shopping mall, and I found a shirt for DS22. We decided to go back for it later, and kept moving. We went to DelSol, and to the Straw Market. Outside there were guys carving wood. I spotted a huge parrot, carved and beautiful. Showed it to DH and we talked to the carver.

We went into Senior Frogs and had a wonderful lunch. DH got me a yard margarita...

DH waving, the water is sooo clear!

View from our table

Outside DH haggles with the carver for the parrot. I give DH all my cash and walk away. DH walks up holding his new friend... We never did make it back for the tee. DH's new friend was a bit heavy to carry around the island.

Back to the ship and I had to take a nappy, tooo much Senior Frogs and The Yard! DH did his pool thing, and came back with snacks from the hot spots. Yummies of pizza, wraps, and fresh fruits...it was sooo goood!! This became something we did every night, snacks and wine on the verandah... heaven!

We then start to get ready for dinner at Enchanted Garden.

Forgot to get the link again...

Added a couple more pics too...

 

[ddavis860]

Enchanted Garden​

I liked this restaurant. We were on time, and the lone was long long long... Hmmm, we now had a plan for arriving at dinners... Leave the cabin at time, and by the time we get to the restaurant, the line is moving, and we are at the end. Worked perfectly for the rest of the cruise.
The decore is like a French garden party. Vines and nice sage greens are the theme. The one wall starts as if you are looking out on the countryside, but then changes to sundown and dusk...very pretty. And I remembered my camera tonight!

We ordered:
Ahi Tuna and Avocado Tower (no pic)
Thyme and Garlic Brioche (no pic)
Romaine Wedge Salad

Spinach salad

Pan-seared Sea Bass

Grilled NY Strip Steak

Desserts
Trio

Sundae

Everything was fresh and good. Our servers were great, and we had a very nice meal.
　

 

[mommy2mrb]

Great pictures Deb....I would of needed a ride back to the ship after that drink
food looks so yummy!!!
the Cabanas would drive me crazy too! guess that will be something they will hopefully get figured out!

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

haha, I saw myself in a picture you posted. the first picture from the sail away party in blue jersey, so I'm sure I saw you just didn't know it was you

How cool is that?


liked this restaurant. We were on time, and the lone was long long long... Hmmm, we now had a plan for arriving at dinners... Leave the cabin at time, and by the time we get to the restaurant, the line is moving, and we are at the end. Worked perfectly for the rest of the cruise.

Do you mean you left your stateroom when dinner was supposed to start and then you didn't have to stand in line?
Just wondering... We've never cruised before & just trying to pick up hints.
Thanks for posting your trip report so far. Sure would like to see a pic of that parrot!!!

 

[ddavis860]

How cool is that?


liked this restaurant. We were on time, and the lone was long long long... Hmmm, we now had a plan for arriving at dinners... Leave the cabin at time, and by the time we get to the restaurant, the line is moving, and we are at the end. Worked perfectly for the rest of the cruise.

Do you mean you left your stateroom when dinner was supposed to start and then you didn't have to stand in line?
Just wondering... We've never cruised before & just trying to pick up hints.
Thanks for posting your trip report so far. Sure would like to see a pic of that parrot!!!

That's right. We had 8:30 seating, and left the room at 8:30ish. By the time we got the elevator and got to the place, the line was moving and we were at the back...

 

[ddavis860]

Great pictures Deb....I would of needed a ride back to the ship after that drink
food looks so yummy!!!
the Cabanas would drive me crazy too! guess that will be something they will hopefully get figured out!

Yeah, I was pretty done in for the rest of the afternoon!

 

[KayW]

We were also on the 2/20 cruise. Had the same dining rotation too!

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

Thank you, Debbie. Enjoying your trip report!

 

[mama22]

Hi, we were on the same sailing, with the same dining rotation at the same time! Nice report so far. I completely agree with you regarding Cabanas, not set up well and difficult to figure out the lines. I did not mind having the CM seat us, but managing the crowd with 3 kids and plates of food was not fun. We were just on the Norweigian Jewel in Aug'10 and their buffet area was much larger with multiple stations so I guess I was surprised Disney would cram everyone in such a narrow area. It was also odd to have the CM individually serve the fruit and desserts. I like your pictures!

 

[ddavis860]

DH's New Friend​

For those that were interested, here is DH's new friend.

This picture was taken at Kidani Village post cruise

Here is a pic of one of the carvers outside the Straw Market across from Senior Frogs

 

[ddavis860]

Castaway Cay Day #1​

We arrived at the beautiful Castaway Cay early morning. The ship needs to make a big turn to back in to dock. It always amazes me how this big ship can be maneuvered!

Making the turn

DH and I made our way to the Enchanted Garden for breakfast. Then we started out on the island. Always a pleasure to be at Castaway, and we walk to the tram stop to make our way to Serenity Bay. It’s so peaceful and beautiful. The water was a little too cold for me, but DH jumped in for a quick dip.

Pirate poop

Fat Bottom Girl

After lunch, I headed back to the ship, shopping as I went. Back on board I grabbed a deck chair overlooking Castaway on deck 11 by the adult pool. I watched a huge stingray swim around the kayaks and just enjoyed the view.

After a bit it was time for pre-dinner snacks and cocktails on the veranda as the ship left Castaway. Tonight is Pirate Night and dinner at the Royal Palace.

 

[mommy2mrb]

The bird carving is so detailed! great souveniour!!

love your toes photos!

when we went to castaway in 05, was very windy, took the captain 6 tries before he docked us...was very interesting to watch from the back on deck 7 (Magic)

 

[ddavis860]

Pirates Night at Royal Palace​

Royal Palace is beautiful! It’s a tribute to the Disney princesses.

The menu I was told is the same in all the restaurants.

We ordered:

Black Beard’s Jumbo Crab Cake

Caribbean-style Conch Chowder

This was on the table... Pigeon Pea Relish

Captain Hook’s Macadamia Nut-dusted Mahi Mahi
The Dutchman’s Dijon-Crusted Sirloin

Desserts

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

Love that parrott!

 

[ddavis860]

A Day at Sea​

For our last day of this cruise we had a day at sea. It was raining in the morning, and Captain Tom was trying to keep us in the sun. We could see Grand Bahama Island in the distance. We did slow, lazy circles for the day till it was time to head back to port.

I was able to score brunch ressies for 1030 at Palo. So glad I did, it was the best! The servers were friendly, the food was great!

According to the server, this isn't finished yet. They didn't have any safety railings in this area, and had to add them

After we stepped into Meridian, and DH went out on the deck. It was still wet from the rain, but it looked like we were going to have nice weather for the rest of the day.

Then we had the day on the ship, which for DH means lay at the pool. I’m good there for a bit, but then need to get out of the sun. We had a couples Villa reserved for 5:15, and headed up there around 5. The whole thing took almost 3hrs. We got the hot stone massages (I highly recommend!), and were totally relaxed after. Then we had to rush to get ready for dinner at Royal Palace again. Tonight is regular menu.