Sorry for the delay, just slow getting back to reality.
First let me say this was our 6th cruise, and it was as amazing as the others. Although we had to change plans last minute, and sail without our 16 yr old and his friend, we made the best of it. (The spent the week in Disney with family and got to see Rise of the resistance for the first time)
Now the Cruise:
The first thing I want to point our is that port arrival and check in were super easy. Disney has this down. We arrived at 12:15 tested by 12:30 and were notified of result by 12:55. We got through check in and were on the ship and eating at Cabanas by 1:20. For those of you concerned or anxious about this process... so was I... but it really went smooth.
Next I have to mention the number of passengers. Unofficially we were told 1000, and let me tell you, it is like being on the ship by yourself. We would be on decks sometime alone.... never waited in line for anything.... and had our pick of seats on Castaway.
Next entertainment. one of our bigger "onboard" concerns was lack of entertainment. We were very fortunate, both Beauty and the beast, and believe were available. Shang chi and Jungle cruise were in the theater, they had a singer in lounges, also a violinist. There was a comedian/ventriloquist and several games/trivia/activities too choose from. We were never at a lack of something to do if we wanted. Fireworks were great!
Next food. Definitely a different feel, but I found the food to be the same as our previous cruises, in fact I believe the menus in the main dining rooms were the same as our 2018 cruise on the Dream. Cabanas was definitely different with the crew serving you, and limited in choice, but it did not impact us we were able to find plenty we enjoyed the few times we went. The only thing not up to our expectations was Palo. I say this with the understanding that is was still very good, just not up to our previous visit. I had excepted the up charge of 45, but was not prepared for the Pre fixe menu. It is limited and they do not budge from it. In hind sight I would definitely do the ala carte next time.
Next Castaway Cay. Easily the best part of the cruise. I loved 2 days at the island, never felt rushed like we had in the past. We had our choice of seats at Serenity, and family beaches. For the first time ever we did bike ride. We snorkeled, and at one point were the only 2 people in the water!!!
I have to correct my food review from above. We were very disappointed with the food at serenity. in fact, on the 2nd day we left the island and ate on the ship before returning to the island for the afternoon, but that was so easy that we will do that on all future cruises, and I would Highly recommend it. (side note, I did hear that a lot of the activities on Castaway got canceled do to lack of participation, but we had none scheduled so did not impact us)
Just some tidbits to close out. The weather was awesome. only a spot of rain at Castaway but still bright an sunny during it. The ocean was like a lake, smooth as could be. Staff could not do enough for us, they were everywhere and super helpful. Very few teenagers on board, Mostly adults, and a few younger families. Cat 5E is amazing. Onboard laundry service is very reasonable, if you have thing to be pressed wait and have it done on the ship. Laundry rooms, and irons were open and available. Not sure if it was always this way, but gratuities are added to everything you order (that's not included in normal meals and drinks) Also wait staff, and room staff gratuities are automatically added to your folio. You can always add more, but I do not recall these being automatic in the past.
If anyone had any specific questions I will do my best to answer.
First let me say this was our 6th cruise, and it was as amazing as the others. Although we had to change plans last minute, and sail without our 16 yr old and his friend, we made the best of it. (The spent the week in Disney with family and got to see Rise of the resistance for the first time)
Now the Cruise:
The first thing I want to point our is that port arrival and check in were super easy. Disney has this down. We arrived at 12:15 tested by 12:30 and were notified of result by 12:55. We got through check in and were on the ship and eating at Cabanas by 1:20. For those of you concerned or anxious about this process... so was I... but it really went smooth.
Next I have to mention the number of passengers. Unofficially we were told 1000, and let me tell you, it is like being on the ship by yourself. We would be on decks sometime alone.... never waited in line for anything.... and had our pick of seats on Castaway.
Next entertainment. one of our bigger "onboard" concerns was lack of entertainment. We were very fortunate, both Beauty and the beast, and believe were available. Shang chi and Jungle cruise were in the theater, they had a singer in lounges, also a violinist. There was a comedian/ventriloquist and several games/trivia/activities too choose from. We were never at a lack of something to do if we wanted. Fireworks were great!
Next food. Definitely a different feel, but I found the food to be the same as our previous cruises, in fact I believe the menus in the main dining rooms were the same as our 2018 cruise on the Dream. Cabanas was definitely different with the crew serving you, and limited in choice, but it did not impact us we were able to find plenty we enjoyed the few times we went. The only thing not up to our expectations was Palo. I say this with the understanding that is was still very good, just not up to our previous visit. I had excepted the up charge of 45, but was not prepared for the Pre fixe menu. It is limited and they do not budge from it. In hind sight I would definitely do the ala carte next time.
Next Castaway Cay. Easily the best part of the cruise. I loved 2 days at the island, never felt rushed like we had in the past. We had our choice of seats at Serenity, and family beaches. For the first time ever we did bike ride. We snorkeled, and at one point were the only 2 people in the water!!!
I have to correct my food review from above. We were very disappointed with the food at serenity. in fact, on the 2nd day we left the island and ate on the ship before returning to the island for the afternoon, but that was so easy that we will do that on all future cruises, and I would Highly recommend it. (side note, I did hear that a lot of the activities on Castaway got canceled do to lack of participation, but we had none scheduled so did not impact us)
Just some tidbits to close out. The weather was awesome. only a spot of rain at Castaway but still bright an sunny during it. The ocean was like a lake, smooth as could be. Staff could not do enough for us, they were everywhere and super helpful. Very few teenagers on board, Mostly adults, and a few younger families. Cat 5E is amazing. Onboard laundry service is very reasonable, if you have thing to be pressed wait and have it done on the ship. Laundry rooms, and irons were open and available. Not sure if it was always this way, but gratuities are added to everything you order (that's not included in normal meals and drinks) Also wait staff, and room staff gratuities are automatically added to your folio. You can always add more, but I do not recall these being automatic in the past.
If anyone had any specific questions I will do my best to answer.
