9/8/07-9/15/07 First Cruise (Western)

[bonnielynn]

Well I am not good at putting things down in words, but I am going to give this a shot.

This was our first cruise and we decided to go with Disney because we would be traveling with our 10 yr old...

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DH - 39
ME - Turning 40 at the end of the cruise and the reason we went..

DS - 10...


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So I had read and read about what to expect. We had a town car pick us up and we were one of the first to board... blown away was our reaction...

Our stateroom was 1066 and I have to say that it was fine for us... we could hear a pump here and there, but nothing that bothered our sleep. I enjoyed the portholes, but would rather have a larger one as compared to the 2 smaller ones..or perhaps try the verandah next.. we shall see.

Our 10 yr old loved loved the camp and we (hubby and myself) got alot of alone time... we even tried to get him to come to dinner and he would refuse.. I did manage to get him to spend some time with us, but he didn't actually want to. I loved having the pagers.. felt very secure knowing he was having fun and I could be reached if he needed or wanted me.. Never happened.. plus we used the pager as a clock.. since we didn't have a watch!

I never felt like the drinks were that expensive.. in comparison to going to restaurant around our way..although I thought the wine was expensive... and did buy a couple bottles in Key West.. I did take a glass every night after.. just cant see paying $13.00 for a glass of wine from a bottle that cost less..

We did the Western cruise... we have visited Key West before and that was just a stop that we shopped for specific things and ate a fish sandwich at the Conch Republic Seafood Factory, which is my husbands fav..

In Grand Cayman we did the island tour with a visit to the butterfly farm.. I would say it was nice for a first visit to get a feel of the island, but I feel like I missed out on something.

In Cozumel we did the sub tour... it was very nice... I would recommend this for someone who doesn't swim but loves the ocean.. was scuba diving w/out the worry of swimming or oxygen>>>

Parrot Cay was gorgeous... but I felt crowded... and the weather was above warm... but I enjoyed it..

The food on the ship was good, but not spectacular.. we did all 3 rotations and some topsider trips as well... we enjoyed it all..

We did the martini and margaritta tasting... and wow... strong... but very enjoyable..we watched a couple shows... watched a movie... relaxed by the pool... walked very deck over and over... ate till I thought I would explode... and most of all relaxed...

I have to say that we didn't spend as much as I thought we would and we did everything we wanted.

All and all I am hooked.. and looking to buy into the DVC.. I think the cruise convinced me..

We did go to WDW after.. stayed at the Wilderness Lodge and did as many rides as the 10 yr old wanted...

All in all it was a fantastic 40th birthday...

 

[JDBlair]

Thank you for sharing your trip!!!

 

[spayne]

Thanks Bonnielynn. We are doing the Western for the first time in May 2008. I'm glad you had a good time. I can't wait! We just bought AKV DVC and I'm excited about that also. Happy Birthday- Sue

 

[bonnielynn]

Thanks Bonnielynn. We are doing the Western for the first time in May 2008. I'm glad you had a good time. I can't wait! We just bought AKV DVC and I'm excited about that also. Happy Birthday- Sue

We did enjoy it and are thinking of buying the DVC.... I am already ready to go back...

Thanks for the b-day wishes..

 

[LITTLEKID58]

Tfs

 

[Selket]

Thanks for the report! I've been looking for one on a recent Western - any more you know of? We go in 2 weeks!

My older son is 9 but turning 10 in a few weeks so he could go to either the 8-9 or the 10-12 group. I'm curious if you have any more info about why your son loved the kids club so much - any favorite activities?

 

[bonnielynn]

Thanks for the report! I've been looking for one on a recent Western - any more you know of? We go in 2 weeks!

My older son is 9 but turning 10 in a few weeks so he could go to either the 8-9 or the 10-12 group. I'm curious if you have any more info about why your son loved the kids club so much - any favorite activities?

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He doesn't tell me anything.. not even when I ask... I know he liked the activities and I think most playing with the kids on board. He is the youngest of 3... the others are full grown.. so being around kids for him is always fun... I know they did alot of things that he has mentioned to others.. like Kareoke, making their own pizza, flubber, etc.. he really just enjoyed being there...

I did enjoy the Western... I was afraid of being sea sick, but did bonine the day before and every night on the cruise.. and we were fine.. the waves were 4-8ft.. which isn't bad at all.. we lucked out..

If you want any specific information that I can give you, please feel free to ask.. I did bring back the navigators for all the nights... a friend of mine is reviewing.

One thing that I didn't know is that you can change your excursions.. We did this 2x.. one was cancelled by Disney and the other we changed... it wasn't a problem at all..

If you are going to do the beer/wine/martini/margaritta tasting.. buy the tickets when you board.. easier and everything is planned..

Oh.. and we had late seating and it was fine for us... (8:30 every night).. we didn't feel rushed and we didn't miss anything... I asked for a table for 4 and we did get one.. which was great..