Sorry...I haven't had time to write a lengthy trip report, but will try to field the questions. The weather was lovely except for the first day. That was a little overcast with some rough seas. After that, it was fun in the sun on every island and on deck.
We arrived, checked in, waited in line, and boarded about 11:50. Went to dining changes to get our favorite server, then to Palo reservations and spa. Then unpacked and all the "necessary" stuff before lifeboat drill. Took DD to The Stack so Mommy could check it out. She is 13, and absolutely loved it. There is a room for activities and also "hang out" places. She says the counsellors are "teen wanna-bes" or adults who never grew up. They partied every night...did activities, played games, and hung out during the day. On Castaway, she did the Wild Side excursion, which she loved.
The air temp went into the 80s each day. The water felt cool when you first got in, but was quickly comfortable. Translation, I fell over while getting into my snorkel fins, so was totally wet in seconds. The best part of Castaway was that it was my first time as an adult without kiddo attached. I went to Serenity Bay (adult beach) and enjoyed the buffet there. The food is different than at Cookies (Salmon and steak sandwiches!!!). Yummy. I even violated my diet and had the cookie dough ice cream. Serenity Bay is unreal. No crowds, no kids....grab a lounger and enjoy the day. It was kinda funny--grandparents and the 20 somethings were there. Then I realized that the people my age were on the family beach with the kids. Just lovely!
I worked out in the fitness center 4 days ( not bad) and hit the rainforest every day. The rainforest tile has been replaced, and things seemed to be working except for one of the lounge chairs and some of the side water jets on the showers. I've never seen those working (10 cruises). It was much cleaner than previously, and the spa ladies seemed to be much nicer--less snotty attitudes, or is it that I'm much thinner than last time).
They've tweaked some of the menus. My favorite beef tenderloin is on the last night now, not on the same night as lobster. Hooray! Some of the desserts are different. The strawberry shortcake was wonderful. My server was really concerned about my weight loss and the fact that I didn't eat enough to satisy him. I tried everything I wanted, and really enjoyed the food.
I met some wonderful people from the Dis boards, as well as some not from the boards. Did some of the adult programming....the shrimp is back at the Captain's
Castaway Club reception (yeah!)
Donna, the re-booking gal, quoted me higher than the internet again. She told me that either I was wrong or the rate had been raised. I booked with her, then called
DCL today after finding the rate I knew I wanted was still on the internet. They changed my reservation and kept the 10% discount plus $200 stateroom credit, so we're going for my birthday in September. This is the second time Donna has quoted me higher than the internet. Not sure what her problem is.....I've heard of this from other people too, but she sometimes honors the internet rates if you have printed them out.
Saturday for our arrival back in port was foggy. This made some of the arriving flights late and our drive a bit slower than I'd have liked......
Jacqui (cruise director) is on her break, so we had Rachel. She's ok, but we like Jacqui better. The entertainers were basically the same as a year ago. Some had updated material, others hadn't. The Golden Mickeys was great. Don't miss that one!
Dueling Pianos doesn't exist any more. We have seen it with 2 different sets of pianists, and had our favorite....but no show at all was sad. The pianist in the atrium was just ok, but you need to keep in mind that I'm spoiled with excellent music at home. My DD walked past one of the pianists, whispered to me, "Dan's better," and kept on walking. The guy hit all the right notes, but had no technique.
I did realize how very noisy the dining rooms are....I need to mention that to DCL. SOme sound absorbing materials in the columns and ceilings would go a long way. It was so loud that it was hard to carry on a conversation with a person across the table during dinner.
I really can't do a "day by day" for you like some people do as I lived the vacation, didn't take notes (sorry). I do like Eastern better than Western because of the extra sea day. Also like the beaches better on Eastern.
OH, they now have a
point chart for DVC members who are repeat cruisers. It is available on board, and you just have to mention it when you book thru DVC. New hats at the DVC meeting, and tea and pastries to eat.....
We had a lovely 5 days at WDW before the cruise....Typhoon Lagoon was closed for refurbishing, but Blizzard Beach was nice. Again, sun and great temperatures...79-84 in Orlando before cruise.
Best report is that on the way home, DD asked if I couldn't just turn the car around so we could get back on the boat.
