7/22/06 or The Oh-Seven Double-Deuce Double Dip Desperados,now updated trip report

[HeelMD]

Having a great time here, too. Missed the meet-up party on Deck 10 on Embarkation due to some scheduling issues. Now I don't have any faces to put to the names I have seen on the Cruise Meet thread.

Day 1: Spent the prior night at the Hyatt Orlando which was great. The kids loved the pool and watching the planes take off. One complaint was the beds were tiny. Seemed even smaller than a standard double. Took the Disney Cruise Line bus to the port and arrived at about 11:30. Check-in was smooth and we went right onto the ship.

Took the kids to the pools after meeting with the concierge staff. After the pool, we got the kids their wristbands for kids clubs and went to our room. Two words to describe the Walt Disney Suite...HOLY CRAP! The pictures don't do it justice. It was incredible and enormous. We had a beautiful flower arrangement and some fruit in the room for us when we arrived and a really nice birthday card for my DS3 signed by all the characters.

Walked around the boat to get re-acquainted with everything and then got together with our friends who are also on the cruise. Had to be on the phone about some issues at home and missed the DIS meet-up party.

Dinner at Animator's Palate which was great. DW and DD6 went to a show after dinner and I went with DS3 to the Oceaneer's Club for him to look at it. Movie after that and off to bed.

Day 2 (Castaway Cay): Up early (as always with our kids) and off to breakfast at Topsider's after watching the boat dock from our balcony. Decided to go to the island early to beat the heat. A quick shower that only lasted about five minutes. After that, it was HOT and humid with very little breeze. Kids played and swam at the family beach and DD then went to the Whale Dig which she loved. I had to go back in doctor-mode on the beach where a man collapsed and I took care of him until the medical staff arrived. Looks like a combination of his blood pressure medicine and the heat got the best of him. Check on him later at the Health Center and they said he was fine. Didn't get his name but glad to hear he was ok...the family was very nice to me and thanked me for the help.

Had lunch at the buffet and you have to have the Mahi sandwich and the chocolate chip cookies. Back to the boat where DS had a two-hour nap (everything caught up to him) and DD went to Oceaneer's Club. After DS's nap, we all went to see Chicken Little at the Buena Vista theatre and then to a Concierge sail-away reception on the aft of Deck 9. We all went to dinner after that at Parrot Cay. This is my least favorite places to eat, but I had the Grouper and it was one of the best seafood dishes I have ever put in my mouth and I highly recommend the French Banana Bread Pudding.

Bingo after that and DS off to bed and DD off the Oceaneer's Club. We all collapsed about 10:00 and slept like logs.


It's currently Day 3 at sea. Worked out at the gym this morning after breakfast and DW went for a run on Deck 4. Kids at Oceaneer's and DW now getting a facial at the spa. I'll update you later.


P.S. Bethipooh, drop me an email on how I can recognize you and the others. I feel cheated that I missed meeting everyone at the pary.

 

[Verandah Man]

A doctor's work is never done, glad you were there to help him!!! My DW got very faint and dizzy during our stay at CC in May and was rushed to the Medical Center, after cooling down in there and getting fluids in her, she felt much better. The good thing is, we got a ride back from the medical center to the gangplank of the ship on one of the golf carts!!!

Enjoy the rest of your cruise, we're on the next "Double Dip Cruise" in August!!! This time I will make sure my DW drinks plenty of water on CC!!!

Have fun cruisers!!!

 

[Marypoppinsiam]

Can't wait to hear the rest of the trip report...

 

[Bethipooh4]

Hello everyone from Costa Maya!!!

I am taking some time to myself, DH and DS are off on a ruins tour, DS(9) is in the lab and has no clue I am back on the ship. WOW is it hot!!! Well the seas were rough last night and this boat was rockin. I have never felt it rock that bad before, but the seas were moderate. Tell that to the few people who lost their dinner during the shows.

Oh what a cruise so far...I plan on doing a detailed report once I get home, but I like to check in and post(ok I am being smug, I AM ON THE SHIP) a little when I can...
We went to Palo last night, and after alot of finagling, PJ got all 8 of us together at the same time..heres the kicker, we were at the Captains table, the table for 8 in the center of the room. Now we are not a quiet bunch, remembe rthis is a reunion cruise of sorts for us. Well Palo was lively last night... We had Florencia for our server. AMAZING....I think there wasn't a item we didn't try. And like..I did take the recommendation of another DIS'er and have a bottle of Banfi..OMG my new favorite....3 bottles later(between 8 adults) we were toast. I swear we had to be rolled out.

We saw Rich Purpura adult show, and had a good time. After the show the now famous PIKEY came and sat with us and talked for a few, what a nice guy. I have some good pictures.

Well, the mom in me has kicked in, guilt time, I am gonna take DS to the pool.
TYpe at all of you later.

HEEL, I think we have the same rotation as you, animators, PC, Lumieres?? We are early seating table 29. Look for the loud large group of 12.

 

[lillygator]

Glad you are having fun!

 

[Ker-Bear]

Have a drink of the day by the pool for the rest of us who are stuck in "real life" Sounds like you had a blast at Palo's!

 

[HeelMD]

Day 4 (Costa Maya): DD slept until 9:00 am (very late for her) after seeing the late movie at Oceaneer's the night before. After breakfast at Topsider's, DW and DD went off to the Dolphin Encounter. Both had a good time although the sea was a bit rough today. DS and I went to Mickey Pool after breakfast and had it to ourselves for a while. After changing, we went to Costa Maya for a walkabout. Picked up a few things then back on the boat for lunch. DS napped for about 1 hour and he and I went to see "The Wild" in the Buena Vista....had a great time, but I must say the movie was terrible.

Back to the room for showers. Sat with the kids at Animator's and then both of them went to Oceaneer's and DW and I were off to PALO. Thumbs up for the warm shrimp salad appetizer. I had the Salmon with risotto which was fantastic. DW had the wild mushroom risotto which was much better on the last cruise. At Palo, I FINALLY met one of the DISers. Roysbrew and DH were at the table beside us. Told them how we missed the party on Day 1 and they said all had fun, but it was HOT. Also met a nice couple from Sarasota there. DW had the souffle and I had the strawberry and banana gelato. Both were excellent. Found the green Mickey ears on our door upon returning and left a note and forwarded it on to 8042.

Picked up DS from Oceaneer's and DD wanted to stay for the late movie again so picked her up at about 11:40. All collapsed...

Now Day 5 in Cozumel. Brief thunderstorm this morning that passed quickly. DD at Oceaneer's and DW and DS at the Mickey Pool. Somewhat of a bummer that we now have to take a boat ride to Cozumel instead of docking, but we will probably stay on the ship today as we have been to Cozumel recently. DW has a facial in a little while and I have a massage this afternoon. Going to see "Cars" in the theatre later since both our kids love it.


Great to meet you Roysbrew and I will look for Bethipooh tonight at Parrot Cay.

 

[Buddy Bear]

Keep the live reports coming!! If anybody has their cell phone and you want to try an experiment on Friday, let me know.

According to Bahamas.com there is a direct access number you can use to call the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

Those of you who don’t leave the house without your cell phone will find that it’s easy to keep in touch while visiting The Islands Of The Bahamas. BaTelCo has roaming agreements with many companies from the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Roaming rates are $3.00 per day and 99¢ per minute, and will be billed through your home carrier. In order for you, as a non-BaTelCo subscriber, to receive calls while in The Islands Of The Bahamas, the caller must dial 1-242-359-7626, wait for the second tone and then dial your number.

Since CC is a Bahamian Island and I have seen the Beach Patrol use their cell phones on the island because they are BaTelCo subscribers then in theory using the above number to call home should work.

I would like someone to call me on my cell phone when they get to CC just to see what the charge is and if this really works.

Any takers? Please PM me and I will send you my cell phone number.

Personally I think it would be cool to call someone from CC!!

Thanks in advance for your anticipated help,

Jeff

 

[castlegazer]

This is very exciting to see the two of your reporting separately! I am loving this! Thanks for bringing us along with you!


BethiPoo4 - so sorry about Lady & Sons - try and hit it on the way back! They opened after I left college in Georgia so I never have been either. I have it on my wish list. I LOVE butter!

Next CC visit - try a Konk Kooler! Ooo, I fell in love with these drinks and can't wait to have another one.
HeelMD - tell us more about the suite. We had a wonderful sailaway party and return party in one of the one bedroom suites for our cruise with all the DIS'rs, but we did not know the people staying In the Walt Suite - didn't stop us from peeking, though. Nice! Are you loving your concierge team?

 

[Bethipooh4]

Hello again from our second sea day!!!!!

We just finished up our character breakfast.....we saw Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto and Snow White. Only half of our group of 12 made it, the rest are sleeping, the bums...

Oh the pirate party. WHAT A BLAST....we were on deck 10 overlooking the goofy pool. For dinner we all wore shirts created on the DIS boards and when 12 of us went through the ship wearing them, well we got noticed. After dinner the gals changed into Johnny Depp/Orlando Bloom shirts and yet again we got noticed. Finally met HEEL MD who is in our DIS group!!! At the party, again the DIS favorite PIkey was right under us, so I have some good shots of Pirate Pikey!!

Well Costa Maya was nice, DH and DS went on the Chacchobben ruins tour, and totally enjoyed it, the pictures were awesome. I just did a little shopping and back to the ship and pool.

Cozumel: The island is recovering nicely from the devestation, and the work on the pier is coming along. I am amazed considering I saw the pictures right after the hurricane. OK...the tours.....
DH and DS did the reef snorkle....now we have snorkled before where they take you out to a reef and you go in...NOT ON THIS ONE....WARNING...if you have it booked...CANCEL IT.....the took them 200 yards off a beach. AND THAT WAS IT. This was the biggest waste of money ever spent. It is just listed as a reef snorkle. DS and I did the ATlantis sub. It was fun, rain lightning, thunder and all while going out to the sub..lol but very amazing to see the devestation to the underwater reef as well.

Well time to get ready for Palo brunch. I hope to get online later.
Beth

 

[HeelMD]

Day 5 (Cozumel): After an early breakfast, DS and I went to Mickey Pool, but it was closed shortly after we got there due to some thunder. Took him to the arcade (concierge left arcade gift cards for both the kids the night before). After playing, back to the pool since the thunder was gone. DD went to Oceaneer's and DW off to a facial that I won for her at Bingo.

We all met up for lunch at Parrot Cay and DS off for a LONG nap. DD and I went to pool and then arcade then I went for my massage. Watched a movie in the suite and then off to the concierge reception with the Captain. Dinner at Parrot Cay where I got to meet Bethipooh and her crew. All very nice people.

After supper dropped by Future Cruise desk and got on list for Summer 2008 (sorry won't be on the boat next year...it is 10th Anniversay for me and DW and I have surprised her with a transatlantic on the QM2). Whole family then off to Walt Disney Theatre to see "Cars."

Didn't go on shore given we have been to Cozumel recently. From the deck, it does look like there has been a lot of progress on rebuilding since our last visit.

It is now second day at sea. Kids have finished breakfast and off to Oceaneer's and DW, our friends from home and I are going to brunch at Palo.

 

[PrincessJasmine53]

Hi everyone! Made it back to NJ safely! Hope everyone else did too! Hard to believe we were on the ship only hours ago! Our group had a great time! - Yes, I think even Iceman did too - of course he'll never admit it! Can't wait to hear about everyone's trip. Bethipooh - loved your group pirate picture! It was great meeting so many of you! I've got to get to sleep! It's almost 1AM!

 

[HeelMD]

Well, back at home and back to reality. Here is kind of a brief pros and cons:

Positives:

-Castaway Cay: This was our first visit there since we didn't make it there on our first cruise. What a fantastic stop. Family beach was great and DD loved the whale dig. Food was great and it was REALLY nice having the boat so close to the island.
-Dining staff: We had Beckie as our server and Viviane as our assistant server. They were very knowledgable about the menu and were spot-on with recommendations. Great with the kids. Chetan was our head server. Favorites were the grouper dish and the celebration cake.
-Stateroom Attendant: Lyndon was our stateroom attendant and was great.
-Costa Maya: I had heard mixed reviews about this stop, but we really liked it. DW and DD loved the Dolphin Encounter which was arranged very well. The dock area was great and the vendors were not too pushy.
-Palo: Still one of the best meals I have ever had.
-The Walt Suite: Wow! Very spacious and the concierge staff were great.
-Embarking Day: This was done very smoothly. Well organized and a very friendly staff.

Negatives:

-Staff of 3-4 year-old Oceaneer's: Very unimpressed with this group. They seemed to be at the end of their contract rotation and were going through the motions. They were overheard complaining about their jobs on more than one occasions in front of parents and kids. Lala in particular was very unimpressive.
-Flight: I know this is not really under the control of DCL, but I forget how bad US Airways is until I fly with them again. I can't imagine an airline stinking more than them. Bad attitudes, late flights, you name it...
-Shutters Staff: WAY too pushy....always trying to get you to buy more things you didn't ask for. When I purchased a photo, I knew I would have to go through about a three-time back and forth about the hard-sell for other things. It got really annoying after a while....

 

[Bethipooh4]

Hi everyone,

Glad to hear everyone is slowly making it home safe and sound.

I want to apologise for not doing this thread the justice it deserved. Between the issues trying to use my laptop, then not being able to, to finding a seat at either Cove Cafe or the internet cafe, to not being able to get a connection, well, my live posts are now going to be done from home.

So if everyone can bear with me a hour or two, I want to unpack and do some laundry then do a true trip report..semi live(i am breathing, just not on the ship).

I plan on taking it day by day, so I need to find my navigators then I will be back.

IT WAS A AWESOME TRIP!!!!

 

[castlegazer]

Welcome home you guys!!!


Thanks for writing all this.

HeelMD - In April, the 3-4 yo staff were pretty impressive. But,that being said, I didn't like all the free time and how, contrary to the reports on the boards, they did not get everyone to participate - so my shy 4 yo was often found to be sitting watching the TV with the sound turned down with a bunch of other kids looking pretty morose - just sitting there doing nothing after having worn himself out on pirate ship - while there was a fun event going on. Not their fault if he actually said he didn't want to participate, but I know him and he probably wanted to participate but was too shy to just walk up and join in. He would have needed to have been asked to join in. When we were in the room with him we helped him go up and participate with the events and he had a lot of fun. But again, I just wished they had encouraged participation a little more and had a few more things going on during the day for the kids. This seems to be a marked difference in reports from a year ago or longer of the way the 3-4 yo club was run.

 

[Bethipooh4]

Well, where to start...
Ok, the Radisson,
I know in the past I have read alot of negativity about the resort, its showing its age, dirty, etc.
We had stayed there last year prior to our cruise, so I had nothing to base my opinion on. We stayed there again this time, basically for the good military discount we receive, and the shuttle to the port.

I was very impressed with the Radisson this time. The room was spotless, and the linens on the bed all looked new. The mattress was the sleep number kind(very interesting). The bathroom was extremely clean and I could only find one small rust spot. All in all it was immaculate and I would have no problem staying there again.

We had the 11 am shuttle reservation for our group of 12 and actually made it onto a shuttle by 10:45. It was very crowded BUT much more organized this time. I did hear alot of complaining about the wait, but if you consider the port traffic the shuttles have to go through, ruinning 15 minutes behind is not to bad to me. I give my whole experience with the Radisson a thumbs up.

We had dinner the night before at Grills, very good food and so much fun to sit there and watch the ships go by. Go to their website and get yourself the 10% off coupon. Every little bit helps.

We had breakfast at Zacharys next door, very good food also, and alot of food for the little money we paid.

Its time to go to the ship!!!!!!

There is nothing quite like seeing the ship for the first time....It was our first time on the Magic, so we were all excited. By the time we got there, it was a little after 11 and we received boarding cards number 11. Roodoll and I went to the CC member line(no wait at all) and check in was a breeze. The other 2 families had a bit of a longer wait, but it went by very quickly. We received 4 CC member lanyards and 4 sets of pins(each card had 2 pins on it) I don't think we were suppose to receive that many, but I wasn;t going to argue with the CM checking us in. I took DS(9) to check in, but the line was HORRIBLE, so we decided to wait till we got on the ship. Took a few pics of the terminal, and had a few taken with the characters that came out.
We were called for our number a little after noon, and the line went quickly. In the port I met DB in MV....I guess our shirts gave us away. All 12 of us had matching shirts(some in different colors) created by the talented DIS'ers over in the creative DIS boards. Had our group shot taken and on the ship we went!!!!!

Our plan was to go and try to straighten out our Palo mess ( 2 of us had 8 pm on Monday, one had 7:30 on Monday and one had 8 on Wednesday. Only 2 of us were able to get brunch, so we wanted to see if we could add to our reservations). We lucked out and got in the line who was manned by the FABULOUS PJ from Palo!!! At that time he was able to get us 2 tables for 7:45 on Monday, close by each other...perfect!!! We had to go on the wait list for brunch for 8, but we weren't worried, the guys would give up their seats if need be, and it would be a girls only brunch. PJ told us to come back after dinner to Palo and he would try to work some Magic for us!!!

On to lunch.....we really wanted to eat at Parrot Cay, since there was 12 of us, and 2 of us(including my DH) were on meds that said to limit exposure to sun(ok, we are cruising to Mexico in July...hello...SUN) so we waited, but got 2 tables close to each other....one for adults one for kids....lol

Hello shrimp and mango soup.....enough said....

Ok, laundry has the nerve to beep at me, so I am gonna pause for a reality check and continue day 1 in a few....

 

[Bethipooh4]

Well here goes the rest of day 1...
After lunch its time to go to the rooms...we all scatter and off we go to ours...we are in cabin 6542. On the bed were the baskets from Shirley..WOW..everything I have heard about her baskets were true...A million thanks Shirley for the great baskets you put together.
Checked in DS at the lab, and DS at the Stack, very painless and fast. Got our beeper and off we went...We all checked out each others cabins and finally discovered our dining rotation..We had Animators, PC and Lumieres. PERFECT....PC for pirate night, and Lumieres for formal and semi formal. The only BAD thing was our time...5:30....ouch...but we made it work for us no problem. Unpacked a few bags and next thing I knew...its time for the long awaited DIS meet...

I want to thank everyone who worked on making this so memorable. It was a awesome turnout on Deck 10. Professorandmom put together a DIS bag exchange for those who wanted to participate in it, and to me it was a huge success. I got the bag from Disney? Again? (THANK YOU THANK YOU) who went far beyond the recommended guideline...LOL we all did!!! I received some cool stuff from Illinois, and the camera came in handy, since my underwater one ran out after stop 1 at CC. Who got mine?? I think it was Roysbrew??? Anyway, Iggbee's made us our official pins,thank you so much, I made small magnets and was thrilled when I would see them on others Dis'ers doors. It was so nice to finally put faces to names!! And what a nice group of people I have the pleasure to meet.

Off to the lifeboat drill(painless but hot). Then off to the sailaway and my usual sail away drink!!! Uh oh....dinner time....whoops, 5:30 is EARLY....
We had table 29, our server is Leo from India and assistant server is Gerry from the Phillipines, head server Cheetan(ok I nicknamed him Cheetah or Cheeto, depending on the alcohol in me). WHAT A AMAZING TEAM....this is our 3rd cruise(2 on the Wonder) and these 2 servers are the best by far we have ever been assigned to. We had some small confusion with the drinks but other then that the first night dinner was great. Ok, well, one of our group who has never cruised before was a little green around the gills , especially since we were in AP and it was a little bouncy and rocky. I couldn't even tell you what all we ate. But it was hot and good...

So we all decided to skip the first nights show to explore the ship. And take more pictures...and more pictures..lol between the 8 adults we had 5 cameras going. Took DS(9) to the lab to get the scoop on the can we drop off or can;t we rumor..TRUTH...YOU CAN...there are no organized activities(that didn't change much,but more on that later) and off he went, no bye mom or anything, he did remind me its his vacation too, and he didn;t need us to stay.
Then we realized..PALO...PJ....reservations...OH MY....up to deck 10 we go, dragging poor green John with us(dramamine is not working at all). Well to my surprise PJ remembered me. (is this good or bad?) OK...here is the first of our MAGICAL MOMENTS..not only could PJ get us in for dinner on Monday, but...he got us all together at a table for 8....in the center of the room...also called the Captains table....WOW (poor Palo we are not a quiet group) AND....he got all 8 of us in for brunch. INCREDIBLE....thank you PJ.

So by this time, we decided to go to Match your Mate(still dragging now sleepy green John with us). Well.....we did the DIS boards proud....Poor green John and his wife Shirley were chosen as couple number 3(married 27 years). OH NO....well he was a good sport and on stage they went, to the cheers of the rest of our group. (remember we are all Air Force) And this was my first encounter with the famous PIKEY!! what a cutie!!! Well even though they didn't win, ( hard to compete with a couple who just got engaged on the dance floor) they are winners in our book for even going on stage!! Score 1 for the DIS'ers...

So that concludes day 1 for us....I do have pictures, but have no clue where DH hid them on my computer...so I will have to edit later and add them day by day. Met our room steward Pichet. And out towel animal that night was a cobra/snake...DS loved it...
I am sorry if I rambled, I am trying to make up for not posting on the ship as much as I wanted to.
GAsp, my boys want lunch....how dare they....

Day 2 to follow...

 

[Bethipooh4]

Well I had day 2 all typed up and hit post.....

And it was lost in the great internet in the sky...

So back to typing I go, from now on I copy and paste before I hit post reply

 

[Bethipooh4]

Ok lets try this again,

Day 2, stop 1 at Castaway, my personal heaven....

I woke up early and snuck up on deck to grap a cup of coffee and a chocolate danish, then back to the room to sit on the verandah and watch us dock. DH woke up and came out in time to see the rain move in. Just a brief shower and a beautiful rainbow formed over the Magic and the island. I have pictures(just can't find them still on the pesky computer). After it cleared, to our awe was the Flying Dutchman just off our verandah. There went DH and the camera, snap snap snap....after that, off he went to get us some umbrellas on the family beach.

The 2 teens in the group had the Wild Side scheduled, so off they went as well. Around 10 the rest of us headed off to find DH and play in the water. DH took DS out to snorkle, us girls grabbed some floats and took off for some girl talk, and the guys just hung out in the water.

Around noon we headed in for lunch....catch of the day was talipia (or was it mahi mahi, i don't know, I don't like fish) sandwiches, BBQ ribs, jerk chicken, burgers and dogs, warm chocolate chip cookies and fresh fruit...
Ok complaint number 1: on previous cruises, there was the fresh fruit cart with assorted sliced fruits. Now it is fresh cut fruits while you wait, which I love the idea of. But not standing in line a half hour for. We are pretty simple, some watermelon, pineapple and grapes. Yes, we could have gotten the mixed fruit, but wasted alot to get just the kind we liked out of it. So I waited in line... I recommend 2 carts...one with already sliced fruit, and one with the speciality kind to be sliced, the mangos, papayas, etc...

After lunch back to the beach for some more swimming and a Konk Kooler for mommy. Pure bliss....
Around 2 we headed back to the ship, the sun was getting to us all. DH took DS to the pool, while I had a cheese platter and ginger ale from room service. Then a nap for me....Good thing dinner was casual, my shoulders were a tad fried.
We spent the evening on deck just catching up since one couple in our group had transferred to Guam. Even green John was feeling a bit better having switched to Bonine which seemed to work better for him.

As we all decided to turn in (private time for mommy and daddy) the beeper went off...very unusual for DS(9) as he is usually the last one out of the lab, being drug kicking and screaming he doesn't want to go...
Now please keep in mind the following is from a 9 yr old, and will unfold in future posts...
When he came into the room, I asked him if everything was ok...to which he told me no, he wanted to leave cause one of the counselors was mean. I was like, maybe you were just tired from the sun and were imagining it, he was like, no mommy, she is mean to all the boys. hmmmm....ok, Michael, well maybe she was tired too, and needs some sleep. I won't name name's, but in future posts, it will go to show he was right. And I did include her in my survey I filled out on the last day.

Our towel animal of the day was a elephant...

Next up, sea day, missed tea, and Palo dinner..OH MY

 

[MrShiny]

Great report so far! Can't wait to hear the rest!