sillysully
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Dec 28, 2003
- Messages
- 210
Family of 5 - 3 kids (10, 9 and 6). Stayed in connecting cat 9's and wouldn't do it any other way. Loved having two bathrooms, two tvs, just two rooms in general w/extra space and storage.
Service was outstanding - particularly the kids' club counselors, our room steward and server at Palo. Dinner servers were good; I just had high expectations I think and they didn't live up to them - no over the top attention to the kids - type stuff. But nothing to complain about either.
Palo was spectacular - were able to get both brunch and dinner ressies. If you really want Palo, you must get to the terminal and board early. According to our server, they only allow so many ressies via online booking and many are for 9 pm. Once you get on board you can change it to an earlier seating usually if you get there early enough.
Kids Clubs - our kids truly enjoyed them, but everyone's child is different. That is one of the main reasons for us rebooking to go again while they will enjoy this feature. To be honest, it was a bit of a logistical nightmare b/c they liked to come and go throughout the day and we have 3 kids in 3 different clubs and none had sign in/out privileges. They made great friends and loved the counselors, in fact our 9 y.o. had tears in her eyes saying goodbye to Gemma! We will definitely give our oldest two sign in/out privileges next year to make it easier on ourselves and Ill feel better about it as they will be older and know the ship better.
Entertainment again, outstanding! Another reason to rebook my kids missed Disney Dreams b/c they were in the clubs; I will strongly encourage them to attend next year what a spectacular show! My son and daughter ended up onstage w/Rich Purpura comedian/magician. He was so funny, but my son upstaged him by revealing one of his tricks one of the highlights of the cruise for us. Too funny!
Excursions we booked Native Ways Reef, Rays and Rum Point for GC, but were unable to go due to weather. I was really disappointed, but thankful they didnt make us go w/little kids and gale force winds. We enjoyed a few hours at Margaritaville and the roof top pool (one of many times we chatted w/Love2travel and her lovely family). We did the dolphin swims on our own at Coz Royal Swims for the girls and Encounter for our little guy. Again, extremely windy day w/strong current, but we all enjoyed ourselves and the time spent with these amazing creatures.
Finally, food we didnt really think the food was all that great, other than Palo. Actually, breakfast was downright awful and we tried sit down and buffet. Lunch was usually poolside, but tried Topsiders a few times and it was okay. Dinner was second seating so our kids only joined us twice, too late for them. They either ate with their kids clubs or poolside and then went to a show with us and then to club. Food was okay to good, IMHO. Also, I expected entertainment during dinner, but that didnt happen. Dont know where that thought came from and AP was nothing to write home about either.
Few tips that came in handy you may already know about order PBJ from room service by the half dozen! Kids snacked on them and we brought them on our excursions (my children eat very little variety). Cookies and milk at night were a special treat. Bonine saved my life! I was really feeling horrible Monday evening, couldnt attend formal night even, finally realized I was seasick and took the Bonine and felt fine by morning. Took it daily thereafter. Stayed on ship during Key West day and kids enjoyed pools which were relatively quiet.
Also, stayed at Hyatt night before which was fine. Nice to arrive and truly feel like youre on vacation the moment you step off the plane. Would suggest runway view; we had a courtyard view and it was pretty noisy. Took Tiffany Towncar to port and arrived at 10 am psyched we were among the first in the terminal met Love2travel there. As she said, easy to pick up pager and be amongst first to board. Wow, does that place get crowded!!!
All in all, we had a great vacation! We have never cruised, nor done all inclusive so this was new to us. I dont think my DH and I would go on a cruise alone, but for the kids enjoyment it is well worth it.
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!!
Service was outstanding - particularly the kids' club counselors, our room steward and server at Palo. Dinner servers were good; I just had high expectations I think and they didn't live up to them - no over the top attention to the kids - type stuff. But nothing to complain about either.
Palo was spectacular - were able to get both brunch and dinner ressies. If you really want Palo, you must get to the terminal and board early. According to our server, they only allow so many ressies via online booking and many are for 9 pm. Once you get on board you can change it to an earlier seating usually if you get there early enough.
Kids Clubs - our kids truly enjoyed them, but everyone's child is different. That is one of the main reasons for us rebooking to go again while they will enjoy this feature. To be honest, it was a bit of a logistical nightmare b/c they liked to come and go throughout the day and we have 3 kids in 3 different clubs and none had sign in/out privileges. They made great friends and loved the counselors, in fact our 9 y.o. had tears in her eyes saying goodbye to Gemma! We will definitely give our oldest two sign in/out privileges next year to make it easier on ourselves and Ill feel better about it as they will be older and know the ship better.
Entertainment again, outstanding! Another reason to rebook my kids missed Disney Dreams b/c they were in the clubs; I will strongly encourage them to attend next year what a spectacular show! My son and daughter ended up onstage w/Rich Purpura comedian/magician. He was so funny, but my son upstaged him by revealing one of his tricks one of the highlights of the cruise for us. Too funny!
Excursions we booked Native Ways Reef, Rays and Rum Point for GC, but were unable to go due to weather. I was really disappointed, but thankful they didnt make us go w/little kids and gale force winds. We enjoyed a few hours at Margaritaville and the roof top pool (one of many times we chatted w/Love2travel and her lovely family). We did the dolphin swims on our own at Coz Royal Swims for the girls and Encounter for our little guy. Again, extremely windy day w/strong current, but we all enjoyed ourselves and the time spent with these amazing creatures.
Finally, food we didnt really think the food was all that great, other than Palo. Actually, breakfast was downright awful and we tried sit down and buffet. Lunch was usually poolside, but tried Topsiders a few times and it was okay. Dinner was second seating so our kids only joined us twice, too late for them. They either ate with their kids clubs or poolside and then went to a show with us and then to club. Food was okay to good, IMHO. Also, I expected entertainment during dinner, but that didnt happen. Dont know where that thought came from and AP was nothing to write home about either.
Few tips that came in handy you may already know about order PBJ from room service by the half dozen! Kids snacked on them and we brought them on our excursions (my children eat very little variety). Cookies and milk at night were a special treat. Bonine saved my life! I was really feeling horrible Monday evening, couldnt attend formal night even, finally realized I was seasick and took the Bonine and felt fine by morning. Took it daily thereafter. Stayed on ship during Key West day and kids enjoyed pools which were relatively quiet.
Also, stayed at Hyatt night before which was fine. Nice to arrive and truly feel like youre on vacation the moment you step off the plane. Would suggest runway view; we had a courtyard view and it was pretty noisy. Took Tiffany Towncar to port and arrived at 10 am psyched we were among the first in the terminal met Love2travel there. As she said, easy to pick up pager and be amongst first to board. Wow, does that place get crowded!!!
All in all, we had a great vacation! We have never cruised, nor done all inclusive so this was new to us. I dont think my DH and I would go on a cruise alone, but for the kids enjoyment it is well worth it.
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!!
