Just returned from 8/3 Western C (made a few college visits on way home for 17 year old DD). Had a blast. Our dining servers David and Anita made every evening very special and even when DH and I went to Palos, they made sure the kids had a special evening!
Key West we did the Conch Train - nice since neither of us had ever been there - got the lay of the land then we just walked around. Next time, we may skip the Train and rent one of those little bittty cars - look like golf carts with style.
Grand Cayman went snorkeling = 7 mile beach. Kids and I were not keen on stingrays so didn't do that one but heard great things. We stopped at a couple of good spots, lots of varied coral and pretty fish. The beach was very nice, kids and I talked about just staying there and taking taxi home later but it started raining. Rained for a while but we just shopped and finally decided that getting wetter was not a bad thing (philosophy: every ride is a water ride when it is raining!)
Cozumel - so many things we wanted to do, so little time. Finally, because DH really wanted to we did the Tulum ruins excursion. It was very informative, our guide was Mayan and was very knowledgable and proud of his heritage. ONE NOTE = children under 10 or 11 SHOULD NOT go on this trip unless they have indicated a clear desire to learn about Mayan culture (and maybe done a little research). We had some young ones and they really just wanted to be at the beach. I felt sorry for them because it was hot and the day was long. On the other hand, their whining kept me from hearing everything the guide was saying, so it was a little "lose=lose". Overall, good excursion though. When we got back to ship kids had to hussle to get quick shower and make it to the Teen Cruise. They had a good time except that the electricity on the catamaran cut out about half way through the cruise so there was no music from then on.
On sea days I did the Disney Entertaining Series and DH did the Disney Navigators Series. I learned about fusion cooking, he learned about the ship. I also attended a couple of exercise classes and worked out in the gym. I did not do any of the Spa stuff although the rainforest looked tempting.
Also, on sea days, I enjoyed laying out by the adult pool. I saw in a post on the discussion board that someone was *complaining* about folks who get out real early and put towels on the chairs to save them and then never come back. First day I looked every chair had 2 towels (back and seat). I thought perhaps Cruise people had put them out for us, so when I saw a chair with no shoes, book, beach bag, etc. identifying that it was taken, I took it. (That's my story and I'm sticking to it) Anyway, there is a policy about not saving seats in the theatre, etc. so I'm sure it applies to the pools, too!
Castaway Cay was great. DD wanted to parasail but we called too late, so she just hung out on teen beach. We rented snorkle geat and bikes. DH and I biked around to the adult beach (better food and beautiful beach), then hung out on the family beach so the kids could find us. Snorkeling at CC was OK but not the same as other islands.
A little excitement on Thursday pm - ship stopped to render assistance to Cuban refugees, ended up taking them on board and turning them over to coast guard. Sad situation, those who were outside when Magic approached said the Cubans were trying to wave her off (they knew consequences). They had been without food/water for a few days - two young kids in boat.
Checking next year's school calendar to see when we can go again (maybe for 2 weeks this time).
Key West we did the Conch Train - nice since neither of us had ever been there - got the lay of the land then we just walked around. Next time, we may skip the Train and rent one of those little bittty cars - look like golf carts with style.
Grand Cayman went snorkeling = 7 mile beach. Kids and I were not keen on stingrays so didn't do that one but heard great things. We stopped at a couple of good spots, lots of varied coral and pretty fish. The beach was very nice, kids and I talked about just staying there and taking taxi home later but it started raining. Rained for a while but we just shopped and finally decided that getting wetter was not a bad thing (philosophy: every ride is a water ride when it is raining!)
Cozumel - so many things we wanted to do, so little time. Finally, because DH really wanted to we did the Tulum ruins excursion. It was very informative, our guide was Mayan and was very knowledgable and proud of his heritage. ONE NOTE = children under 10 or 11 SHOULD NOT go on this trip unless they have indicated a clear desire to learn about Mayan culture (and maybe done a little research). We had some young ones and they really just wanted to be at the beach. I felt sorry for them because it was hot and the day was long. On the other hand, their whining kept me from hearing everything the guide was saying, so it was a little "lose=lose". Overall, good excursion though. When we got back to ship kids had to hussle to get quick shower and make it to the Teen Cruise. They had a good time except that the electricity on the catamaran cut out about half way through the cruise so there was no music from then on.
On sea days I did the Disney Entertaining Series and DH did the Disney Navigators Series. I learned about fusion cooking, he learned about the ship. I also attended a couple of exercise classes and worked out in the gym. I did not do any of the Spa stuff although the rainforest looked tempting.
Also, on sea days, I enjoyed laying out by the adult pool. I saw in a post on the discussion board that someone was *complaining* about folks who get out real early and put towels on the chairs to save them and then never come back. First day I looked every chair had 2 towels (back and seat). I thought perhaps Cruise people had put them out for us, so when I saw a chair with no shoes, book, beach bag, etc. identifying that it was taken, I took it. (That's my story and I'm sticking to it) Anyway, there is a policy about not saving seats in the theatre, etc. so I'm sure it applies to the pools, too!
Castaway Cay was great. DD wanted to parasail but we called too late, so she just hung out on teen beach. We rented snorkle geat and bikes. DH and I biked around to the adult beach (better food and beautiful beach), then hung out on the family beach so the kids could find us. Snorkeling at CC was OK but not the same as other islands.
A little excitement on Thursday pm - ship stopped to render assistance to Cuban refugees, ended up taking them on board and turning them over to coast guard. Sad situation, those who were outside when Magic approached said the Cubans were trying to wave her off (they knew consequences). They had been without food/water for a few days - two young kids in boat.
Checking next year's school calendar to see when we can go again (maybe for 2 weeks this time).
Too funny!!! Do you suppose they sprinkled a little "Pixie Dust" on the towels for us, too? Enjoyed your trip report. Thanks for posting one. 
