4/17 Eastern

[jeanie]

We (DH, DD12, DS10 and me) just got back last night and it was such a great trip!

I will post the highlight and the lowlights of our trip...


First the Highlights...

The food was Excellant! Our servers were "excellant" and our head server was "excellant" We joked and gave our servers a hard time about the "excellant" speech and we (including our servers) laughed everytime they said the word. It became our joke. The servers were great with our kids. My son was crying last night because he missed them! The head server was at our table every night to talk with us. We met the head chef at Lumiere's.

The Rhino riders on St Martins.... These are not jet skis but they are incredible easy to ride! We took a ride along the coast and saw the most incredible scenery on the way to a secluded beach (Happy Bay). We docked for about 45 minutes to swim or snorkle or lie on the beach. It was a short swim to the beach but it is quite deep so you are limited as to what you can bring to the beach. The snorkling was not great but it gave my kids a chance to try it out before we went to Trunk bay...which brings me to the next highlight!


St John's! Wow!!! It was a cloudy overcast day and in the morning I thought the day was going to be a bust becasue it looked like rain... I soon learned that a rainy day in St John is better then a sunny day anywhere!!

We did the Trunk Bay Snorkle excursion. Just a warning to anyone thinking about doing this... The ride over can be really rough so sit outside (but not near the front if you do not want to get wet!) There were a few people who got sick on the way over and more than a few who were pretty green looking, if you know what I mean... Take your meds before you get on and you will be fine! Once you get to Cruz Bay you board a "bus" which is a truck with rows of seats across the bed of the truck.

The island is absolutely beautiful!!! Because it is a national park the first thing you notice is that it is less crowded than the other islands, most of the houses are on one side of the island. The road to Trunk bay is windy, curvy, steep and narrow. The driver stopped a few time so we could take pictures of Lind Point (beautiful!) Hawknest Bay (beautiful!) and final that famous view of Trunk Bay (absolutely beautiful!!!!) We went into the park (clean!) and grabbed our snorkle gear which is all lined up and waiting for you as you come in...) and found a spot to leave our stuff while we snorkled. I felt completely at ease leaving my stuff on the beach while we snorkled

Trunk Bay was a lot smaller than I had pictured so I was concerned that it was going to get crowded really quick (We were in port with the Explorer and the Golden Princess) The Leyland Sneed soon pulled in also.... I am not sure if it was because of the cloudy skies or what but it never got as crowded as I had expected.... We snorkled the underwater trail which was awesome. I can only imagine what it would look like with the sun shining. Trunk Bay was definitely THE highlight of our trip...
Also, I did notice that the Leyland Sneed left well before we did. I think we got there around 10-10:30 and left at 12:00.... This was more than enough time to snorkel and swim.

And last but not least Castaway Cay!! Disney really knows how to make people happy! The day was great! We did the personal water craft eco tour. This was Excellant!! I had never driven a jet ski before and my DD got stuck with me!
I had a little trouble driving the jetski so needless to say we were way behind everyone!!! The chase driver stayed with us as I tried to figure out how to drive straight! He was very patient and we were all were laughing as I sceemed everytime I started going too fast. The ski WILL stop immediately if you let you finger off the throttle! As I found out over and over and over.... I was laughing so hard I couldn't drive!! Anyway (this is sooooo funny!!) the rest of the skis were so far ahead of us that they looked like dots in the distance... As I got closer and closer I could not figure out what was happening. Here we were, out in the middle of the ocean and all these people are walking on water !!! Wow what a ride I thought!!! As I got closer, they were all stinding on this sand bar in the middle of the ocean WOW!!!! This is a must do excursion!!! And don't forget to bring a camera...(we didn't bring ours)

The shows!!!

Every show was awesome.... Disney Dreams, Hercules, WWTBAMK, and the Farewell Show was just awesome!! (We missed Golden Mickey's) We all laughed so hard at the comedian and the magician. Just fantastic!!

Sea Days, laying in the sun, reading a book on deck 10, deck 4 chairs, our veranda, drink of the day! I know I am missing something but we all had a great time!


And now the lowlight...

The lab...

We did the Wonder 2 years ago and I couldn't get my kids out of the clubs. This time my DS did a few things that interested him and my DD wanted nothing to do with the clubs. Disney should really think about changing the age groups....
My daughter (who is extremely shy and only went because I asked her..) tried to join in with a group of girls one day for bingo and was told to go sit somewhere else because she couldn't sit with them!!! I was watching the whole thing and believe me it took everything I had from going over there and giving the girls a piece of my mind!! I looked at here face and could tell she was fighting back the tears but she went over and sat with her brother and played the game... I felt so bad but I have let her figure this stuff out for herself too... Needless to say she never went back to the clubs again... Oh Well....


Other than that everything was great....



If you have any questions, just ask!!


Thanks to all on these boards for helping me plan this trip!!!

 

[Catnip0113]

Hi, I was on the cruise with you, we got back late Saturday night. My DD12 never went to the clubs either because she felt she belonged with the 13 year olds more. She is also shy though, I was hoping she would meet someone. I wish she met your DD... She had a great time anyway, and I got to spend time with her shopping, movies, shows and reading. She liked to go off exploring on her own and got to know the ship very well. My husband and I had time to try the adults only stuff. She only went in the pool once because it was so crowded with little kids. Too bad she couldn't come over by the adult pool. She loved the beach days (Magan's Bay in St. Thomas and Castaway Cay). She also didn't like coming to late dinner and sitting so long, she did room service, Deck 9 food, and Topsiders a lot. Our servers were great and kept asking about her. She came a few times and did the character breakfast. It was wonderful! I will do my trip reports after I do some laundry. My husband had to leave on a business trip this morning - yikes!

 

[jeanie]

I agree about changing the ages of the kids club. I think RCCL has it right... They group the 12-14s together... 9 and 10's are together... I will tackle the laundry in a bit, I am still rocking and it is not a good feeling!!

 

[EmmasGrammy]

Thanks for the fantastic trip report!! You have made me even more excited about our upcoming cruise (and I didn't think that was possible!).

We are intrested in the Jet Ski Eco tour but we will have our DGD (3) with us. Perhaps we could go one at a time. How big are the groups going out? How long did the tour take? Are they offered at several times in the day? Did you make your ressies for this tour while you were on board ship or not until you were on CC? Sorry for the barrage of questions!!

Again thank you for the report. These really help me pass the time until we get to go!!!

 

[herrbeeb]

jeanie, thanx for the informative report. we are debating orient beach v. cc for jet skis and your report was very helpful.

our trip is 6/26.

thanx again.

 

[jeanie]

I think there is a minimum age for being on the jet ski so I am not sure if your DGD would be able to go ... maybe 5?? There were only 5 jets skis on our tour but I am sure they would have taken more.... they have about 15 machines all together...

I went to the shore excursion desk the first day and asked about availability. Everything was open. We decide to wait to see how the Rhino Riders went before we signed up. On Thursday, I went down to the shore excursion desk and booked. Everything was still opened. I don't think many people know about it yet. Some people were even signing up right there on CC.

The tour lasted about an hour...There are about 6 different tour times...Once I dig out my papers I can post the times...

 

[NYDisneyMom]

Originally posted by jeanie
I think there is a minimum age for being on the jet ski so I am not sure if your DGD would be able to go ... maybe 5?? There were only 5 jets skis on our tour but I am sure they would have taken more.... they have about 15 machines all together...

I went to the shore excursion desk the first day and asked about availability. Everything was open. We decide to wait to see how the Rhino Riders went before we signed up. On Thursday, I went down to the shore excursion desk and booked. Everything was still opened. I don't think many people know about it yet. Some people were even signing up right there on CC.

The tour lasted about an hour...There are about 6 different tour times...Once I dig out my papers I can post the times...

Thanks for the info on the jet skis at CC! I'd love to know how much this cost, also. My husband is going to be doing the bottom fishing in the morning at CC. I'd love to do this sometime after lunch with the four of us, sounds like a blast!!!

 

[jlawall]

Thx for the highlights of your trip! Do you remember the name of your comedian and cabaret acts?

 

[tbuot]

Great report! One question..did you go to the spa? Were there any new treatments?

 

[Skuba2]

Hi all--Thought I'd stick this on the existing thread instead of making a new one.

We had a great time despite the rough seas. Me, DH, DDs 6 & 9 and we had the Cat 1 Roy suite.

Conditions---The wind was whipping and the seas were 13-20 for most of the first sea days. We had Palo Reservations for Sunday night and it was half empty. The server said most cancelled due to sea sickness and they even called the whole wait list--no takers. We all did fine with the seas but I did get either "the bug" or bad food on Monday night. I assumed it was bad food because I had no chills or fever and no one else in my family got it. Just prayed to the porceline god until my system was empty. 5 hours and it was over. I did figured out that downy dryer sheets make great room freshners. We had extras and I put one in the bathroom. That aside--we had a blast.

Palo--Dinner on Sunday night and brunch on Thursday. Both excellent. Chocolate souffle great as always. Had both the white and chocolate sauce with a side of ice cream. At the brunch I pigged out on seafood and had 2 of the most delicious cinnamon rolls---yummmmmmmy. If you don't get a dinner reservation---call the day you want one or get on the wait list. The rough seas may just be on your side. Same goes for the spa.

We saw the Golden Mickeys and Dreams. Both were great. I definitely wouldn't sit in the front row for Golden Mickeys if I had a young child. Those villians can be scarry. No problem getting seats together. I don't think there is a bad seat in the house.

St. Martin--We did the 12 meter Regatta. It was our 3rd time. If you bring or wear your old t-shirt to the excursion, you get a new one free. We each brought our old one---$30 saved that we spent on a photo.

St. Thomas--We spent the morning enjoying the goofy pool and the mickey slide. There was hardly anyone there. During sea days--we called the pools human soup. They were jammed packed. We got out on the island after lunch. Shopped and DH bought me a tanzinite necklace in white gold. It is hard to find in white gold. Got some rum cake and a small bottle of rum.

Castaway Cay--DH and DD did the eco tour. Someone asked about the cost. The age requirement is 8 I think but I saw younger go out. Double rider is $160.00 for a couple and a single rider is $95. The guides are good and you get to motor past the ship. You have to be 18 to drive but can get parents permission to drive if you are 16 or 17 but you can't take a passenger. I just want to thank Dianne, Cruisecrazy, and her family for sharing their loungers with us. We got over so late that there wasn't any chair in sight. We made fast friends of Dianne and her family. They are all so nice. Christine couldn't wait to show her nana a picture of Michelle.

DISers--I met Rae at the sailaway and then saw her again about 5 days later. Found out as we were docking at Castaway Cay that Lynn ,Luv2dream (I think that is right), was my neighbor. LOL!! We met around the verandah divider and then she popped over for a quick tour of the room.

Misc--There were the usual family or two who showed up at 9 am to put towels on 6-8 chairs all in the front row and then leave to do other things only to return later in the day. Then they spent the whole time in the pool with their kids. Why they just couldn't use 1 or 2 for their stuff and let others have some too. The same thing happened in the rainforest. I found that people "saved" the heated loungers as they went from steam room to steam room. There are only 4 loungers. I can see a quick trip to a shower to cool off and back. I just don't get the mentality of some people that they are the only ones that matter. Sorry if that offends anyone. My kids are older--so I sit in one lounger to keep an eye on them with their stuff at my feet. I try to get one in the back row.

I did see one girl get hurt in the pool by another child's flying plastic squirt gun. As I was reviewing my videos that night, I found out I actually got it all on tape. It was truly an accident, but one that could have been avoided had he been more closely surpervised.

Did laundry twice. Both times someone added minutes to my dryer and changed the setting. The dryers and washers are top and bottom machines. There is one coin slot for both. The dryer settings are on top of the heavy black line--you have 3 choices. The washer settings are on the bottom of the black line--you have 6 choices. Be careful you push the right button.

My kids LOVED the camps. I forced a family day, dinner times and other times out of them. I did let the older one stay in from 9 am to 11 pm. I checked in on her and she would get this panic look on her face when she would see me. Then I'd give her the ok sign and she would give me one back and relax. I pulled the 6 year old out for naps and bedtime. They both hated to leave.

We rebooked on board--Donna is great and really knows her stuff. If you want to see her---earlier in the week is better. There was always a line toward the end of the week. I just happened by her desk one night and noticed she was due in 10 minutes. I just took a seat and waited.

We had a full boat but never really noticed until Castaway Cay when the family beach was packed. It amazed us that there were that many people onboard.

I think that covers the highlights.


DG

 

[Catnip0113]

Thanks Skuba2! I am still working on my reports but I keep stopping to read others. I couldn't believe the 13 to 20 ft waves for two days, but I was surprised none of us were sick at all. I only felt queasy during Bingo (like if I try to read in the car), but as long as I looked up and let DD12 do the card I was okay. I put the sea bands on just in case. We actually missed the rocking later in the week at bedtime. I think it made us feel like napping more too. I should have put my name in for Palo, but I found out later you only get one time in Animator's Palate with the colors and that was Sunday night for us. Every night was different so even in the same restaurant you had different theme and server uniforms.

 

[staylor]

Thanks for posting everyone. I cannot wait to read more!

 

[Catnip0113]

Hey staylor, you will be cruising on my birthday, wish I could be but it doesn't coordinate with school breaks. Once she is in college we can go when we want to I guess, but I don't want to rush that either!

 

[jlawall]

What is the ecotour on CC?

 

[jeanie]

jlawall, The personal watercraft tour is a guided jet ski eco tour. The guide stops at two points of interest and talks about the bahamas vegetation and marine life as well as the history of the islands..... The second stop is amazing! A sand bar in the middle of the ocean....Pretty cool. if you go bring a camera...


The comedian was Gary delena and the magician/comedian was Rich Purpura. The kids are still telling the canadian joke!

C ay N ay D ay! They think it is hysterical!!! And the scary yellow hankerchief ooooohhhh!

No one gets their joke (as I am sure no one else will but the 4/17 cruisers) but they crack themselves up!! Tooo funny


Also I am not positive but there doesn't appear to be any new treatments at the spa... (I compared the list to what barb has on her site and it appears to be the same...)

 

[jlawall]

Thx your updates were terrific, we'll have to check out the ecotour this time!!

 

[cruisecrazy]

Finally a few minutes. We were back into soccer and baseball within hours of our return. Oh how I wish we were back on the ship.

We (all 15 of us) had a great time. We were celebrating my mother's special ?? birthday. There seemed to be something to keep everyone happy.

Even though the seas were rough, those of us prone to motion sickness took Bonine and had no problems at all--fortunately.

My DS13 and DD10 did not spend as much time in the kids club as they did last year. My son liked the freedom of the teen program but actually like the video games and activities of last year's program better. There seemed to be a lot of boy/girl pairing off in the teen program. He and DN14 just wanted to play sports and video games so that's what they did.

Four of us went to the spa and enjoyed a massage and the Rain Forest Room. What a wonderful and relaxing experience. I highly recommend it. Get your reservations early.

Our dining experiences at Palo for brunch and dinner were truly amazing. We had Kristen and Kristoff. They really seemed to enjoy what they were doing and catered to our every need. At dinner my sister was with a sick child and they had her meal prepared and delivered to her room so she could enjoy as well. Both Kristen and Kristoff were heading off for vacation for the months of May and June. They were going to Hungary for a DCM birthday party and reunion. If you ever go to Palo be sure to ask for one of them.

We met some very nice DISers especially Deb and her family. Michelle had a great time with Christine. DH and I very much enjoyed spending time with Deb and Bruce. We also were fortunate enough to get a tour of their suite. What an amazing suite. Thanks to Deb and her family for an enjoyable evening.

We all had a wonderful time at Castaway Cay. It was a beautiful day. We enjoyed snorkeling, biking, tubing and most of all relaxing.

The two DH in our group that went scuba diving on St. Marteen said it was very great but it was very rough. Many of the divers were getting sick. I guess it would have been better if the seas were not as rough as they were at the beginning of the week.

We loved the shows that we saw. In particular Disney Dreams and Golden Mickeys. My favorite variety show was the Ventriloquist/Comedian-Michael Harrison. We had seen him last year and it was basically the same show, but we enjoyed it as if we were seeing it for the first time. The kids really enjoyed the Juggler-Chuck Gunter.

We can't wait to go back next year. We booked on board so hopefully everything will work out.

Deb~Please PM me or e-mail me. We managed to lose your address and Michelle would love to get in touch with Christine.

Catnip0113~I'm sorry your DD did not have a good experience. My DD met some very nice girls. Christine and Allison in particular. We had 7 children in our group and they all had a positive experience. I think it all depends on who you meet.

Dianne

 

[barbarac]

hi jeanie:

i booked the trunk bay excursion via the catamaran. did you take the ferry? i've been to trunk bay before and know how beautiful it is - i am worried about getting sick on the catamaran - last time i was on one i barfed the whole way to the island!!! it doesn't seem like there was alot of time on the island - where did you have lunch that day?

 

[jeanie]

Hi Barbarac,

We booked the Trunk Bay beach and snorkel tour and the boat over to St John's literally picks you up next to the ship. It is not the ferry that goes out of Charlotte Amalie but it follows the same route. The day we went it was very choppy and a few folks were really feeling it.....But if you take bonine or dramamine and you are out in the fresh air you may be alright.... My husband tends to get seasick and he did fine... but everyone is different...

Which catamaran tour are you doing? I only thought that Leyland Sneed (5 star snorkel) sailed into Trunk bay? That sounds really fun! We actually got off in Cruz bay and took a taxi to Trunk bay...Unfortunately we did not get to do lunch or any shopping on St John.... The taxi driver's picked us up at 12:00 to head back. Even though it was a cloudy day Trunk Bay was absolutely beautiful!

The boat also drops you off at the Havensight pier after so we ended up eating on the ship...


Let me know if you have any other questions....

The Rhino riders on St Maartens were a blast! There were only 9 people from Disney who signed up for this excursion and two from RCCL so we had a great time..