RellingTwin
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Nov 8, 2000
- Messages
- 1,956
My Trip Report 9/28/02 Mystery Cruise
After watching the Weather Channel for 3 days we (DH, DD10,DS8 and myself) left Charleston S.C. early Friday morning heading for the Raisson.After a few hours on the road my DH began wondering if he left the coffee pot on. A quick phone call to his brother, asking him to check on it, took care of that. The rest of the 7 hour drive was uneventful.
The Radisson and the Radisson DIS meet
We checked into the Radisson and found our room. We had stopped at the Publix grocery store a few miles before getting there and picked up stuff for a late lunch and some cereal and milk for the next days breakfast. The kids wanted to swim, so they headed off to the pool. The mosquito problem from last year was not bad at all this year.
While walking though the lobby, I happened to see some folks who were checking in. They looked like Disney Cruisers (the little girl had a stuffed Mickey in her arms) I stopped to chat and discovered this was a family from Panama City who knows my twin sister!!Small world! I told them my twin sister was on her way from Panama City and would be there soon.
At 8pm we headed to the pool for the DIS Meet. It was great! Mike and Kathy (Papa),
Cathy and Art (@GoofyNut), Dennis and Chrystina (Power Alaska/Power Alabama) Elaine,Bill and William (Eshannon), Lauren, Michael,Ryan and Paige (Mlshields) Donna, John and Chloe (DonnaMD) Beth, Eric Sophie, and Amy (BethE(NJ)) and just as we were meeting my sister and family arrived Ave, Mark, Mary and Case (TwinAve).
Sat morning/checking in and boarding
We had decided that we wanted to be first in line, so we left the Radisson about 9:40 to had to the port. When we got there we were directed to the day parking area because they do not allow you to drop off luggage before 10am. While in the parking lot I got out DH ticket, and birth certificate so he could re-enter the port after dropping the car off of the Radisson and hopping on the shuttle to meet up with us. When he looked at the birth certificate he said This is not mine!!!I looked at it and it was mine! I had brought 2 of my birth certificates and NONE for him! I was very glad I had not eaten breakfast that morning, because I felt like Mike Tyson had just punched me in the gut! We called SC to ask DHs dad to got to our house, get his birth certificate and expired passport and be ready to fax them if needed.I spent the next hour waiting to check in with my gut in a knot! My sister and the kids waited on the boarding line (FIRST IN LINE!) while I waited to hear what happens to people without birth certificates! My fellow Disers kept assuring me all would be ok, but I was sick thinking how I (compulsive planner of the year) could have messed up SO Badly! Thankfully, the DCL check in person said not to worry, that DH would just have to fill out a form. She did mention this would NOT be the case in the future. Once checked in I went to take Aves place with the kids in line, while she checked in.DH arrived and I gave him the good news, then called DHs dad and told him not to get the documents. While on line we meet up with Bette and Kim (BetteMom)Kim and Mike (#1EeyoreFan)Mike and Kerri (Mbaxende) Vonda and Dan (VondaP) Gil and Vickie (Lexsup), Nancy and Norm (PaDisneyfan).Please forgive me if I left anyone out, I was pretty stressed out that morning!
We boarded the ship about 12 noon and headed up to get Palo reservations. They now begin taking reservations at 12 noon in the Rocking Bar D. Thanks to TwinAve we were able to get all the Disers (about 30 of us) into the 10:30 brunch for Monday by booking tables of 4, 6 and 8. Got our dinner reservations for Key West night (Sunday) and headed to Topsiders for lunch and to meet up with DH and family. Once there I realized Id lost my hip pouch! BACK to Rocking Bar D to look for it (yes I left it there). Then BACK to deck 9, for lunch. We then went to our cabin. The gift baskets I ordered were there and DD,DS, and DH tore into them. DH had also ordered me a flower arrangement and bottle of wine! Nice surprise! The bags began to arrive and I unpacked.Life boat drill, then the DIS Sail-a-Way Meet! WHAT A BLAST! Meeting everyone was so much fun. Several Disers brought small items from their home state, and gave them out to everyone. I had my little bags with lanyards spread out on top of a wooded trash container, handing them out as Disers arrived. Then a DCL rep. showed up to be sure we were not SELLING things!!!Too funny! I guess it could have looked like that! I got to meet still more DISers Kimber, Pete,Kelsey and Brett(Kimber1963) Mike, Diane,Dan and Amy(MikeJ), Shelly, Warren and Brandon(Tiiigergirl)Rae,Lillian, and Michael (Rae519), George and Barbara (TheSorcerer1) Karen and Ed(Rikersmom) Julie, Bill Stephanie and Sammi(DisVaclub92), Bruce , Michelle, McKenzie, and Nick(Kidnus)
The Magic sounded that wonderful horn and off we went. By now we had been informed that we would NOT be going to Key West due to Lili. But would be going to Castaway Cay!
Our Cabin
We had a Cat 10 on deck 2 (2103) it was very nice, and comfortable. The cabin was also VERY quite (which was nice for napping!) Our Stateroom Host was Clinton. He was always around. He kept our cooler and ice bucket filled with ice, the room spotless, and always had a smile! My kids loved him! He made us towel/blanket animals at night, and arranged the kids stuffed animals in funny poses!
Meals/Dinner/Room Service/Deck 9/Palo
We had a large table (6 adults/4 children) and our servers Aron and Miklos were very nice. They did their best to entertain the kids, and made excellent suggestions. Maybe because we were a large table, or perhaps where we were in the dinning room, but we always seemed to get our dinner last, and were always the last to leave the dinning room. The servers were very good about bringing the kids meals quickly, and most nights the kids finished and headed off to the room, or a movie.This allowed us to have a leisurely, grown up dinner/converstions.
Room Service was very good! Several times we ordered the continental breakfast, cheese tray (Yum!) and the kids ordered mac and cheese, and burgers. It was always fast, hot and yummy!
Lunch was very often on deck 9. I discovered the BRATWURST on this cruise, which was very good! Chicken tenders, burgers, pizza, ice cream .happy kids!
Palo was as wonderful as always. I had a special which was a chicken filet stuffed with cheese, and of course the chocolate soufflé! The only downside was that we planned our dinner for an evening we were to be in Key West so we would have something to look at and since we changed our ports we were at sea that night.
Brunch was very enjoyable. We had about 30 disers eating at about 5 tables at the same time. It was great fun!
Pools
The kids enjoyed swimming in the Goofy Pool, and would go to the Mickey Pool to use the slide at least once a day. I did not notice any chair saving. I was always able to sit a a nearby table to watch the kids. DH and I did go to the Adult pool and use the hot tub, but it was too hot for DH (felt GREAT to me!)
Shows/Movies
We saw Hercules, Mouseketeer, Disney Dreams and The Farewell Variety Show. I enjoyed them all. I saw Signs Lio and Stitch, My Big Fat Greek Wedding,Monsters Inc. and Spy Kids 2. Loved them all (Signs is very scary!)
Ports
San Juan was very nice. We did a 1 hour bus tour (5.00 per person) and got the lay of the land. The bus dropped me off in the shopping district and took DH and kids back to the ship. The shops had most of the same stuff, but I did find a cute shop with hand made items. The prices were reasonable and the locals very pleasant. A short walk back to the ship where I picked up 2 bottles of booze at the duty free shop, next to the ship. The prices were within a dollar of the ships prices. Once back on board DH headed off to explore the Forts, which he enjoyed!
The Deck Party that night was great fun. The Disney Dancers are so much fun to watch!
St Thomas. We tried to book a snorkel trip, but due to a miscommunication at the excursion desk we were too late, and it was booked. Thats when I ran into VONDA. She told me she and another DIS family were going on their own to Trunk Bay and invited us to join them. What an adventure! We got a cab to Red Hook (a white knuckled ride) and JUST caught the 9am ferry to St John. Then VONDA lead us passed the waiting cab drivers to PUFF DADDY! A very nice man who took us all (about 26 of us) to Trunk Bay, allowing for a few picture stops. We spent the day relaxing on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world! Once the large groups left I did the snorkel trail and enjoyed it very much. Lots of fish!It rained on us a few times but we didnt care! Having the showers to clean up before heading back was wonderful!We caught the 2pm ferry back to St Thomas and another cab back to the ship. It sounds complicated but it really is very manageable.
Castaway Cay (1st time) was GREAT! DD had her hair braided, DS and DH went on the bottom fishing trip. Everyone enjoyed the day. Castaway Cay the 2nd time we all did the snorkel trail, and relaxed on the beach. Lunch was the same both days, although they did add the lobster the 2nd day.
DVC Party /Castaway Club party
Held pretty early in the am (9am) but they still offered free rum drinks!Nice gifts given out. Lots of Disers there!
CC party, didnt make it this year, but did get the nice towel and 2 pins!
Weather/Change of Ports
I felt we were kept informed of the changes, and although we were disappointed we did not make our scheduled ports, it was beyond anyones control. The excursion deck had to scramble to arrange trips, and on the whole I think most passengers were good-natured about the changes. I must say that I (compulsive planner that I am) was somewhat thrown for a loop when San Juan was announced, since I knew NOTHING about this port. But it was a good life lesson for me! Sometimes things happen you just cannot plan for. Knowing that we planned to go on the 10/11/03 trip (Western) did make it a little easier to take.Our weather was beautiful, seas calm for the whole week. We even got a fantastic rainbow on our 2nd trip to Castaway Cay.
Disappointments
Clubs. The kids were NOT at all interested in going to the clubs, or in meeting other kids.I think this is because their cousins were with us and they each had a built-in playmate.I did not force the issue, after all it was their vacation too!J
Photographs. I was a little disappointed to find out that the photos taken of our group in the dinning room on formal night were never offered for sale. This was my nieces 12th birthday, and we were all in our dress up duds! On previous cruises we had LOTS of photos to choose from, not so this time. Oh well I took lots of pictures myself!
Different from last trip.
Deck 9 24-hour beverage center has grown. Punch, Ice tea, water, lemonade, milk, hot tea and coffee.
Music on deck. Much more variety ( I even heard a Hootie and the Blowfish song!)
Announcement before the horn blows .nice so you are prepared for it. Less deck chairs on deck 4 L! At first I thought this was my imagination but DH noticed it also. I hope they get more!
There were lots of things we could have done, if we wanted to. But to tell the truth it was pure heaven NOT having to rush to do something. Sometimes having NOTHING to do is exactly what I wanted to do!
Having all the Disers on board was such fun. Everywhere I went, I saw a familiar face! For my family and me, it was fantastic getting to know everyone. I cant imagine going on the DCL without Disers! Thank you to all who joined our thread, came to the get togethers, and made the effort to get to know each other. It really made the whole trip Magical!
Now counting down to 10/11/03)
After watching the Weather Channel for 3 days we (DH, DD10,DS8 and myself) left Charleston S.C. early Friday morning heading for the Raisson.After a few hours on the road my DH began wondering if he left the coffee pot on. A quick phone call to his brother, asking him to check on it, took care of that. The rest of the 7 hour drive was uneventful.
The Radisson and the Radisson DIS meet
We checked into the Radisson and found our room. We had stopped at the Publix grocery store a few miles before getting there and picked up stuff for a late lunch and some cereal and milk for the next days breakfast. The kids wanted to swim, so they headed off to the pool. The mosquito problem from last year was not bad at all this year.
While walking though the lobby, I happened to see some folks who were checking in. They looked like Disney Cruisers (the little girl had a stuffed Mickey in her arms) I stopped to chat and discovered this was a family from Panama City who knows my twin sister!!Small world! I told them my twin sister was on her way from Panama City and would be there soon.
At 8pm we headed to the pool for the DIS Meet. It was great! Mike and Kathy (Papa),
Cathy and Art (@GoofyNut), Dennis and Chrystina (Power Alaska/Power Alabama) Elaine,Bill and William (Eshannon), Lauren, Michael,Ryan and Paige (Mlshields) Donna, John and Chloe (DonnaMD) Beth, Eric Sophie, and Amy (BethE(NJ)) and just as we were meeting my sister and family arrived Ave, Mark, Mary and Case (TwinAve).
Sat morning/checking in and boarding
We had decided that we wanted to be first in line, so we left the Radisson about 9:40 to had to the port. When we got there we were directed to the day parking area because they do not allow you to drop off luggage before 10am. While in the parking lot I got out DH ticket, and birth certificate so he could re-enter the port after dropping the car off of the Radisson and hopping on the shuttle to meet up with us. When he looked at the birth certificate he said This is not mine!!!I looked at it and it was mine! I had brought 2 of my birth certificates and NONE for him! I was very glad I had not eaten breakfast that morning, because I felt like Mike Tyson had just punched me in the gut! We called SC to ask DHs dad to got to our house, get his birth certificate and expired passport and be ready to fax them if needed.I spent the next hour waiting to check in with my gut in a knot! My sister and the kids waited on the boarding line (FIRST IN LINE!) while I waited to hear what happens to people without birth certificates! My fellow Disers kept assuring me all would be ok, but I was sick thinking how I (compulsive planner of the year) could have messed up SO Badly! Thankfully, the DCL check in person said not to worry, that DH would just have to fill out a form. She did mention this would NOT be the case in the future. Once checked in I went to take Aves place with the kids in line, while she checked in.DH arrived and I gave him the good news, then called DHs dad and told him not to get the documents. While on line we meet up with Bette and Kim (BetteMom)Kim and Mike (#1EeyoreFan)Mike and Kerri (Mbaxende) Vonda and Dan (VondaP) Gil and Vickie (Lexsup), Nancy and Norm (PaDisneyfan).Please forgive me if I left anyone out, I was pretty stressed out that morning!
We boarded the ship about 12 noon and headed up to get Palo reservations. They now begin taking reservations at 12 noon in the Rocking Bar D. Thanks to TwinAve we were able to get all the Disers (about 30 of us) into the 10:30 brunch for Monday by booking tables of 4, 6 and 8. Got our dinner reservations for Key West night (Sunday) and headed to Topsiders for lunch and to meet up with DH and family. Once there I realized Id lost my hip pouch! BACK to Rocking Bar D to look for it (yes I left it there). Then BACK to deck 9, for lunch. We then went to our cabin. The gift baskets I ordered were there and DD,DS, and DH tore into them. DH had also ordered me a flower arrangement and bottle of wine! Nice surprise! The bags began to arrive and I unpacked.Life boat drill, then the DIS Sail-a-Way Meet! WHAT A BLAST! Meeting everyone was so much fun. Several Disers brought small items from their home state, and gave them out to everyone. I had my little bags with lanyards spread out on top of a wooded trash container, handing them out as Disers arrived. Then a DCL rep. showed up to be sure we were not SELLING things!!!Too funny! I guess it could have looked like that! I got to meet still more DISers Kimber, Pete,Kelsey and Brett(Kimber1963) Mike, Diane,Dan and Amy(MikeJ), Shelly, Warren and Brandon(Tiiigergirl)Rae,Lillian, and Michael (Rae519), George and Barbara (TheSorcerer1) Karen and Ed(Rikersmom) Julie, Bill Stephanie and Sammi(DisVaclub92), Bruce , Michelle, McKenzie, and Nick(Kidnus)
The Magic sounded that wonderful horn and off we went. By now we had been informed that we would NOT be going to Key West due to Lili. But would be going to Castaway Cay!
Our Cabin
We had a Cat 10 on deck 2 (2103) it was very nice, and comfortable. The cabin was also VERY quite (which was nice for napping!) Our Stateroom Host was Clinton. He was always around. He kept our cooler and ice bucket filled with ice, the room spotless, and always had a smile! My kids loved him! He made us towel/blanket animals at night, and arranged the kids stuffed animals in funny poses!
Meals/Dinner/Room Service/Deck 9/Palo
We had a large table (6 adults/4 children) and our servers Aron and Miklos were very nice. They did their best to entertain the kids, and made excellent suggestions. Maybe because we were a large table, or perhaps where we were in the dinning room, but we always seemed to get our dinner last, and were always the last to leave the dinning room. The servers were very good about bringing the kids meals quickly, and most nights the kids finished and headed off to the room, or a movie.This allowed us to have a leisurely, grown up dinner/converstions.
Room Service was very good! Several times we ordered the continental breakfast, cheese tray (Yum!) and the kids ordered mac and cheese, and burgers. It was always fast, hot and yummy!
Lunch was very often on deck 9. I discovered the BRATWURST on this cruise, which was very good! Chicken tenders, burgers, pizza, ice cream .happy kids!
Palo was as wonderful as always. I had a special which was a chicken filet stuffed with cheese, and of course the chocolate soufflé! The only downside was that we planned our dinner for an evening we were to be in Key West so we would have something to look at and since we changed our ports we were at sea that night.
Brunch was very enjoyable. We had about 30 disers eating at about 5 tables at the same time. It was great fun!
Pools
The kids enjoyed swimming in the Goofy Pool, and would go to the Mickey Pool to use the slide at least once a day. I did not notice any chair saving. I was always able to sit a a nearby table to watch the kids. DH and I did go to the Adult pool and use the hot tub, but it was too hot for DH (felt GREAT to me!)
Shows/Movies
We saw Hercules, Mouseketeer, Disney Dreams and The Farewell Variety Show. I enjoyed them all. I saw Signs Lio and Stitch, My Big Fat Greek Wedding,Monsters Inc. and Spy Kids 2. Loved them all (Signs is very scary!)
Ports
San Juan was very nice. We did a 1 hour bus tour (5.00 per person) and got the lay of the land. The bus dropped me off in the shopping district and took DH and kids back to the ship. The shops had most of the same stuff, but I did find a cute shop with hand made items. The prices were reasonable and the locals very pleasant. A short walk back to the ship where I picked up 2 bottles of booze at the duty free shop, next to the ship. The prices were within a dollar of the ships prices. Once back on board DH headed off to explore the Forts, which he enjoyed!
The Deck Party that night was great fun. The Disney Dancers are so much fun to watch!
St Thomas. We tried to book a snorkel trip, but due to a miscommunication at the excursion desk we were too late, and it was booked. Thats when I ran into VONDA. She told me she and another DIS family were going on their own to Trunk Bay and invited us to join them. What an adventure! We got a cab to Red Hook (a white knuckled ride) and JUST caught the 9am ferry to St John. Then VONDA lead us passed the waiting cab drivers to PUFF DADDY! A very nice man who took us all (about 26 of us) to Trunk Bay, allowing for a few picture stops. We spent the day relaxing on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world! Once the large groups left I did the snorkel trail and enjoyed it very much. Lots of fish!It rained on us a few times but we didnt care! Having the showers to clean up before heading back was wonderful!We caught the 2pm ferry back to St Thomas and another cab back to the ship. It sounds complicated but it really is very manageable.
Castaway Cay (1st time) was GREAT! DD had her hair braided, DS and DH went on the bottom fishing trip. Everyone enjoyed the day. Castaway Cay the 2nd time we all did the snorkel trail, and relaxed on the beach. Lunch was the same both days, although they did add the lobster the 2nd day.
DVC Party /Castaway Club party
Held pretty early in the am (9am) but they still offered free rum drinks!Nice gifts given out. Lots of Disers there!
CC party, didnt make it this year, but did get the nice towel and 2 pins!
Weather/Change of Ports
I felt we were kept informed of the changes, and although we were disappointed we did not make our scheduled ports, it was beyond anyones control. The excursion deck had to scramble to arrange trips, and on the whole I think most passengers were good-natured about the changes. I must say that I (compulsive planner that I am) was somewhat thrown for a loop when San Juan was announced, since I knew NOTHING about this port. But it was a good life lesson for me! Sometimes things happen you just cannot plan for. Knowing that we planned to go on the 10/11/03 trip (Western) did make it a little easier to take.Our weather was beautiful, seas calm for the whole week. We even got a fantastic rainbow on our 2nd trip to Castaway Cay.
Disappointments
Clubs. The kids were NOT at all interested in going to the clubs, or in meeting other kids.I think this is because their cousins were with us and they each had a built-in playmate.I did not force the issue, after all it was their vacation too!J
Photographs. I was a little disappointed to find out that the photos taken of our group in the dinning room on formal night were never offered for sale. This was my nieces 12th birthday, and we were all in our dress up duds! On previous cruises we had LOTS of photos to choose from, not so this time. Oh well I took lots of pictures myself!
Different from last trip.
Deck 9 24-hour beverage center has grown. Punch, Ice tea, water, lemonade, milk, hot tea and coffee.
Music on deck. Much more variety ( I even heard a Hootie and the Blowfish song!)
Announcement before the horn blows .nice so you are prepared for it. Less deck chairs on deck 4 L! At first I thought this was my imagination but DH noticed it also. I hope they get more!
There were lots of things we could have done, if we wanted to. But to tell the truth it was pure heaven NOT having to rush to do something. Sometimes having NOTHING to do is exactly what I wanted to do!
Having all the Disers on board was such fun. Everywhere I went, I saw a familiar face! For my family and me, it was fantastic getting to know everyone. I cant imagine going on the DCL without Disers! Thank you to all who joined our thread, came to the get togethers, and made the effort to get to know each other. It really made the whole trip Magical!
Now counting down to 10/11/03)
. I also hope our paths cross again!It was a pleasure meeting you and your family.
Hopefully our Cruisetoberfest II won't be re-routed! See you then . .
