A Mother's Day Cruise on the Fantasy sandwiched between BCV (Complete 10/12, p.33)

[rentayenta]

Pam, some of your photos are grey to me and appear not loaded all the way.

Breakfast looks delicious. That ship is so lovely.

I didn't realize I was so behind. Your beach day sounds wonderful.

The artwork of Pinocchio is great. I always say *faaaather* to Michael like Pinocchio does when he's under water.

 

[Pinkocto]

Its just over two months away. My next ticker.

hopefully you'll be well rested by then and ready for another adventure

I missed your update while I was in Vegas. The run in with Minnie was just magical!

I immediately turned into a little kid, it was awesome!

Its easy to overeat before a big meal especially on the ships. Fran does that a lot in every day life. You really have to watch yourself and have a game plan when so much food is readily available.

It's so easy on the ships, no thinking about do I want to spend money on something, just ask and it's given to you

The day in Jamaica sounds just great so far. I really like the idea of staying on the ship while everyone else is on the shore. We might do that on our Dream cruise. Your shots of the Fantasy are just great! I can't wait to be on that ship!

The ship is so amazing, and even better when most of the people are on shore. Makes for a very special day.

 

[Pinkocto]

The Fantasy really is a beautiful ship. It looks like you made the right decision staying on the ship. The game sounds a lot of fun. I love the towel butterfly.

Corinna

The game is great fun, but can get quite busy with lines waiting for a portrait. Port days are the best to do them on. We were very glad about staying on the ship when it kept raining and raining.

 

[Pinkocto]

Finally getting caught up!

Loved the Cozumel and Grand Cayman pics!

How cute, that you ran into Minnie Mouse!

I didn't know the Fantasy made a stop in Jamaica. I might have to look into that in the future.

You got some great pics around the ship!

Jamaica was a brand new stop for the Fantasy, people were excited for the new port. We docked at 7:00 am so I'd hate to think when the excursions started, it's too early for me on vacation.

Running into Minnie was super special. We both turned into little starstruck kids.

 

[Pinkocto]

Playing catch up again!

The cruise looks fun so far! I love the Midship Detective games....I really want to book the Fantasy again so I can play.

Jill in CO

Perfect time to book onboard next month

 

[Pinkocto]

I love the photo's of the hallway floors with the different colors and the stars on the floor that always point you to the forward part of the ship which comes in handy when you can't remember if your going towards the aft or forward I love the presents you were left with to. I just found some in my carry on bag recently

It only works when you remember what the carpet means, very often I forget

How fabulous you found some products! Their aroma takes me right back to the cruise

 

[Pinkocto]

What a beautiful ship she is! The atrium oh my why book an excursion there's your eye candy right there! The games looked fun isn't that carpet just the bomb!

That atrium is so gorgeous. I can't get enough of those carpets!

The Dream has the games too.

I would have had any spare french toast lol..

It was so good!

Good move to book Palo that night believe me it's not just vegetarians that struggle with that menu. It isn't a popular food night with us either! How great you got to watch Winter Soldier. Just watched the first Captain America on Netflix

I have mixed feelings now about Palo on Pirate night, but more on that to come.

Winter Soldier was good enough I could have watched it again the next day.

Oh my it's my dream to own a Hermes scarf! I just adore them. There is a store in London that we visit sometimes and I gaze at the scarfs longingly! One day Jo says lol..

Are they very expensive?

Great update! Thank you Shame about the weather and missing Jamaica but it's only nice to enjoy the ship!

We did not regret missing Jamaica at all, the ship was practically ours and that was so cool.

 

[Pinkocto]

Such a cute picture of you with Minnie!

Thanks!

Love all the pictures of the ship! Just lovely!

I can't wait to hear what you think of the Dream, she's gorgeous too.

The table mates still MIA????

It was very strange. The first night I saw two women being led to our table but then the CM took them somewhere else. I wonder if they saw us and didn't want to sit with us for whatever reason.

Animators Pallet looks so fun!

It is, amazing what they did with a restaurant.

You update has me very excited for my cruise in just a couple months. I am all paid up and I made a Palo dinner reservation for the first night? Is that weird? Many of the other time slots were completely full.

The only thing with Palo on the first night is you won't meet your tablemates and servers right away. And Palo's food is a step above the food in the main dining rooms so hopefully you won't be comparing everything to Palo. But that will be a really special first evening on your first cruise

I also scheduled the kayak tour on CC for Denny and I. So excited!

That excursion looks like great fun. It's on my list for one day. Can't wait to hear about it

 

[Pinkocto]

I love your butterfly towel animal! So cute!

It was so pretty, we were really impressed.

I will have to try that Detective game. I think they have it on the Dream, too, right? Looks like a fun way to spend some time! Maybe on the Nassau day, when the ship is quieter.

Oh yes, the detective game is also on the Dream, but not the Muppets. Nassau day would be perfect, it can get quite busy on sea days and sometimes has lines at the portraits.

The movies ARE always freezing!! The last time I went to the BV Theatre I wore black yoga pants and a hoodie and I was STILL cold!

Much too cold!!!

 

[Pinkocto]

That is strange that they closed Cabanas early. Was it because the boat was docked?

I'm really not sure. Could be that, and they expected most people to get off. Also we docked at 7:00, so I think they opened earlier than usual. Lesson learned is I need to check the navigator.

Love the ship photos. It looks so beautiful!

It really is, I can't wait to get back onboard next year.

Have you gotten around to see Saving Mr. Banks yet? It's such a great movie!

Not yet, I've heard that from everybody who has seen it. I need to buy it now.

 

[Pinkocto]

Great trip report so far! I was looking for something on the Fantasy as I am hoping to book a 7 day for 2015. We have only done one cruise on DCL and it was a 3 night on the Magic and I am ITCHING to get back! Your review is not helping with that

Thank you for reading the more people I influence to book a cruise the better! You MUST book another!

 

[Pinkocto]

Pam, some of your photos are grey to me and appear not loaded all the way.

I looked again, they're all there for me. Still showing up gray?

Breakfast looks delicious. That ship is so lovely.

Delicious delicious breakfast! the only problem with breakfast is that it made me too full for lunch

I didn't realize I was so behind. Your beach day sounds wonderful.

No worries, it's not going anywhere!

The artwork of Pinocchio is great. I always say *faaaather* to Michael like Pinocchio does when he's under water.

I must hear that!

 

[Pinkocto]

Hi everybody sorry for the delay in updates, life has been busy with work and summer and my Conner dog has a problem with his eye that stressed me until it was figured out.

Maybe a recap is in order:

Day 1: we were at BCV, had a Dismeet at DTD, enjoyed SAB, and watched Chubby Checker at Epcot.

Day 2: Watched turtles from our balcony at BVC, cruise started, watched Muppets Most Wanted instead of going to the evening show, dinner at Animator's Palate.

Day 3: At Sea, lounged in the sun, watched Bears, went to Remy for Mother's Day.

Day 4: had an adventure on Cozumel, saw the ruins, I sat on a giant cow, we hunted for candies. Saw a hypnosis show. Had dinner at Royal Court.

Day 5: Grand Cayman, went to the beach, had a bizarre bus trip back to port, saw Minnie Mouse in the elevator, mom skipped dinner which was at Animator's Palate again. Went to the ventriloquist show after dinner.

Day 6: we stayed onboard but the ship was at Jamaica. We did laundry and several mysteries around the ship. It was raining most of the day.

 

[Pinkocto]

Day 6 continued:


After watching Captain America: Rise of the Winter Soldier in the coldest theater ever we went up for a small snack. While in the movie we had felt the ship leaving port.

Dessert first from the Cove Café, I had a kiwi tartlet which I never need to get again.




And mom went with her new favorite, the chocolate chip brownie bite



Then over to Flo’s for some other food, I had a salad and mom had a greek wrap and some pineapple. We didn’t want to eat too much, we would be at Palo in a couple hours.



Our view from the table



When we were done eating we decided to finish our Muppet mystery that we started earlier. We went up to Deck 12 to try and see the rainbow better. And noticed it was a double rainbow!







Some pictures on Deck 12











Is this not the cutest splash area ever!





Up to the sports deck to see if there was a better view up there. The wind was FEROCIOUS!









I tried to get a close up of the colors touching the ocean





The wind was so bad at this point I decided to run inside after getting some pictures of the mini golf course.







But I quickly thought I wanted to try and get a few more rainbow pictures so braved the wind again.







Sorry for so many pictures but I kept trying to get a better one. There were many others. It was amazing to see a double rainbow while sailing away on a cruise ship. It made me really aware that we were very far from everything familiar.

 

[Pinkocto]

They have the cutest Muppet size door that has tons of clues for this adventure. You have to refer back to the clues on this door several other times so to save you from having to walk back best to take pictures of all the info.



After discovering Camilla the Chicken was the culprit we headed up to the room, that was 6:30. Our Palo dinner was at 7:30 so we relaxed for a little bit and then got ready. Mom had seen an old movie she hadn’t seen in many many years while we were looking at all the offerings before, Darby O’Gill and the Little People. This has a very young and super gorgeous Sean Connery in it. There wasn’t enough time to finish it but we’d come back later.

Up to Palo dinner at 7:20



We had to wait a few minutes so waited in Meridian. A Jamaican CM asked us how we liked Jamaica. She was appalled we had not gotten off the boat. We did not regret that decision in the least.

As we were walked to our table we saw a familiar face, Predrag had taken care of us the year before for brunch and dinner and I was upset with myself to not think of requesting him.



An older man, Kristian, was our server. Very nice but not chatty at all. We like chatty. I tried to catch Predrag’s eye all through dinner but he never came over.

The bread offerings were tasty as usual



And the antipasti platter was scrumptious. We ask for no meat or peppers and get extra of the others.



I started with the calamari which was fabulous



And mom had the mushroom polenta which she says is to die for



And the caprese salad which could be better. I’ve had this on a previous dinner and thought the same.



Then our palates were cleaned with some refreshing lemon sorbet



I opted for something different this time around. Since I discovered I really don’t like the gorgonzola sauce they usually put on the gnocchi I asked for gnocchi with red sauce. I didn’t like this any more than the other dish. I don’t think I’ll get gnocchi again at Palo.



Mom got a small portion of the gorgonzola gnocchi which she really likes



And a small portion of the mushroom risotto



Our Palo dinners pretty much look the same every time. I should have gotten one of the fish dishes, they have always been fabulous.

All through dinner CMs were stopping at the table behind us chatting with the two guests there. I tried to get a look at them to see if they were famous or something but I couldn’t without being obvious. So I turned the camera their direction and took a picture. My curiosity was too much. Does anyone know who these people are?




Then to dessert, we both got the soufflé. I haven’t enjoyed this in the past, usually mine isn’t cooked very well, but this time it was very tasty.



And also got the Amaretto Indulgence which was basically chocolate pudding, not much flavor.



Stuffed to the gills we headed out seeing Predrag on the way. We said hi and he said he kept looking at us because he remembered us from before. Too funny. Next time we’ll request him. He doesn’t know if he’ll still be working there next year but it doesn’t hurt to ask.

Then up to watch the fireworks which would be starting soon. We got a really good spot by the railing and waited for the fireworks. I was getting super sleepy so decided to go sit on a lounger where I actually fell asleep. Mom came and collected me after the fireworks and we went back to the room.



I don’t think we’ll be doing Palo on pirate night again, I was sad we missed the shows and we were of course too full to even think of the dessert party. What I thought would be a great idea turned out not to be the greatest for us.

Mom watched Darby O’Gill until the end but I fell asleep almost immediately. The next day we would be at sea heading to Castaway Cay.

 

[franandaj]

I'm sorry some of the dishes weren't up to par at Palo. I can't wait to eat there again and I'm finally starting to get excited.

We're switching up our Palo game this time. We are going to experience pirate night and go to Palo on formal night instead. Mostly because of your recommending the dessert buffet.

 

[Pinkocto]

I'm sorry some of the dishes weren't up to par at Palo. I can't wait to eat there again and I'm finally starting to get excited.

We're switching up our Palo game this time. We are going to experience pirate night and go to Palo on formal night instead. Mostly because of your recommending the dessert buffet.

That dessert buffet is fabulous. And not only desserts, make your own tacos/nachos, turkey legs, baked potato bar, and then all the desserts, and freshly made crepes with tons of toppings.

I think I've finally decided which dishes at Palo are my favorite and which ones to avoid.

 

[franandaj]

When dies the dessert buffet start? After the fireworks?

We are going to have to make sure and save room this cruise. I don't think that will be too hard nothing on the Pirate menu sounds that great too me. Too much coconut and other flavors that don't interest me. Thats usually why we go to Palo. But with the rumor that Pirate night may become Star Wars night, I want to experience at least one of them.

Did yours and Jenny' joint TR ever wrap up? I don't remember any outcome, did I unsubscribe myself and miss the ending?

 

[Pinkocto]

When dies the dessert buffet start? After the fireworks?

Usually at 10:30, right after the fireworks.

We are going to have to make sure and save room this cruise. I don't think that will be too hard nothing on the Pirate menu sounds that great too me. Too much coconut and other flavors that don't interest me. Thats usually why we go to Palo. But with the rumor that Pirate night may become Star Wars night, I want to experience at least one of them.

There is a seafood pasta that's really good. I think a steak dish too. And they can always make something different for you I'm sure. Here so accommodating the rest of the time.

Did yours and Jenny' joint TR ever wrap up? I don't remember any outcome, did I unsubscribe myself and miss the ending?

No, we're at night four right before dinner. There's dinner, the next day is CC, and then disembarkation day. Plenty of juicy drama left to unfold

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

I love the catchup summary at the start! Oh I love Palo! Sorry your main dishes weren't exciting. The fish is amazing! Jo had that dessert too and loved it as sell. The first one.

Lol re the Jamaican CM being appalled. We had the same once when we didn't get off at Nassau. But like you we had a great day on the ship!

The muppets game looks fun and I just adore the double rainbow How fab that must have looked.

Sorry about Conner's eye.