August 5 - 12 Eastern (updated 8 - 24)

[Tarabra]

We've only been home for a few hours, so still unpacking, etc. so this will be short for now, but will update later.

Even with the threat of a Hurricane from the week before, we had picture perfect weather, except for day 2 at sea, when it rained for most of the day. We had so much going on to keep us occupied that it didn't really matter too much. Although I did end up swimming, if you can call it that, in the adult pool later in the afternoon. Both kids pools were closed because the water was too rough, but the adult pool was still open and was one giant wave pool! There were only 2 or 3 of us in there, but what a blast. It was so much fun! A little dangerous, but fun!

This was our first time travelling w/ a child, so it was a totally different cruise than our past 5. Our daughter is 21mos old, so we looked at it through her eyes. She had a ball, except at dinner time, which we sort of expected. DH and I just took turns eating and walking around w/ her. We also never made it to any of the clubs. We did do Palo, which was very good, although our server didn't give us any more than we ordered. In the past, it seemed we got plate after plate of different things. The brunch was MORE THAN AMAZING. We had a seafood brunch, not sure if that's what they always have or if it was just because it was seafood day on the ship. There were plenty of available tables for both meals, so don't get too nervous if you don't get one right away. We booked the brunch on Monday for Thurs. 6:00 on Pirate night also had quite a few empty tables. We really didn't miss too much at dinner, and of course the Pirate Show in the evening was lots of fun. MUCH MUCH better than the Mexicali celebration they used to have. The fireworks were also better than I thought they'd be, but nothing like WDW's. DD was right up front watching all the characters dance and loved it when Mickey flew over the crowd. She got a kick out of seeing herself on the Giant screen too. A few different things on this cruise since we've sailed in '04. Lots for the better. I don't like the new Navigators though. A little too awkward to read. I'll try to add more later, but just wanted to get this out there. Had a ball!

 

[ma_t_gus]

Don't forget the time where we had to go back to the dock in St. Thomas because we had to pick up a family of four. I guess their watches was 2 hours late. We were about 200 yards away from the dock and had to go back and pick them up.

 

[Babs417]

Oh my gosh misted the ship everyones nightmare

 

[racrj]

Hi! I'm glad you had a great time on the cruise!
We are cruising the Magic Eastern on Sept. 2 and I would love to hear about any excursions you may have taken.
We are traveling with DS(3) and DD(7). PLEASE keep writing about your experiences. We are first time DCL cruisers and would love to hear about your experiences. We are SOOOOO... excited.

 

[Tarabra]

Don't forget the time where we had to go back to the dock in St. Thomas because we had to pick up a family of four. I guess their watches was 2 hours late. We were about 200 yards away from the dock and had to go back and pick them up.

Yea, I was wondering what was going on. I thought we started moving, then we weren't, etc. We didn't know they went back until the next day when the cruise director, Andy, sent a thanks out to the Captain for heading back to pick up the family.

We didn't do any excursions, although we have done the islands before. With DD21mo, we didn't want to take any chances. She really enjoyed the free beach in St. Maarten which you get to by water taxi for $5, kids under 12 are free. The water was beautiful, but the beach slopes pretty much and there is a bit of a drop off in the water, so it's not your typical level beach, but I held her and we played in the water for quite a while. In the morning, we walked around the shops, but w/ a stroller and VERY narrow roads, I wouldn't do it again. We should've spent the day at the beach! We did head back to the ship after going to the shops for lunch and came back out in the afternoon to the beach. I liked the 2 for $3 Carib beer that one of the beach front bars was selling!! I'll add more later.

 

[carol31j]

Our first cruise was to the Eastern Caribbean. That was in 1997. And, I loved the sunrises and sunsets at sea. Truly amazing!

The Virgin Islands are beautiful too. And, the shopping there was delightful. Charlotte Amalie has great shops. Unique stores, beautiful jewelry, great deals--shoppers' paradise!

 

[disneypoor]

I can't wait to hear more! We are going on an eastern on spring break, so I'll be reading everything you post atleast twice!

 

[Tarabra]

I can't wait to hear more! We are going on an eastern on spring break, so I'll be reading everything you post atleast twice!

Oh no, the pressure's on!!! I'm actually trying to download some pics right now to post. It may take a day or two to get more on here.

 

[Tarabra]

Here are just a few of the many pics we took. Sorry they're so huge.

"I think the elephant is hungry for some chocolate mom!"

"But she won't stand still for the pic!!"

"Hhhmmm...we have Topsiders all to ourselves!"

"Dumbotron"

"I thought the refrigerator was for my beer not the toys??"

 

[disneypoor]

Tarabra--don't worry--I'll only check back every ten minutes or so to see if you've added anything. Not really! I just started back to work today (I'm a teacher), so my time on the DIS is quite a bit more limited now! I'm looking forward to hearing about your trip though!

 

[racrj]

Oh no, the pressure's on!!! I'm actually trying to download some pics right now to post. It may take a day or two to get more on here.

Thanks you for including some pictures. Your daughter is so cute. I am also looking forward to your posts. We are leaving for our cruise in 12 days!!! I am so excited!!

What was your dining rotation? I hear that if you have kids you are, I think, LAP rotation. I was just curious.

Thanks, again, for your pictures and all the information!!

 

[Tarabra]

I think I'm ready for Day 1!!

We stayed at Saratoga Springs for 2 days prior to the trip so we left straight from there via Bus at a little after 1. We spent the morning swimming at the pool before we had to be on the bus at 12:45. It was running late, so I think we arrived at Port around 2 or so. Just a small line at the security check in, and really no line at the counter. Walked onto the ship to one of my favorite parts of the cruise, being announced. This time as a family. First time w/ our DD21mos. Our DD's eyes lit up right away, and of course, I had tears in my eyes. We ran to the room to put our bags down and were greeted by our basket from Shirley at the Perfect Gift. Wow, very nice bucket w/ lots of toys and snacks. DD loved it! We got to Topsiders at 2:45, grabbed our food, and I immediately ran off for our 3 o'clock Dis meet at the Promenade. Quite a few people there and it was great to finally meet everyone in person. I didn't want to quickly run off, so stayed for about 15 mins. DH was nowhere to be found at Topsiders when I got back, but our cameras were still on the table, but my full tray of food was GONE!! I guess the baby was upset that I was gone, so he picked her up to walk her around, so they took my food. I only had about 10 mins. to grab more food, so I just grabbed a couple of shrimp and ate very quickly. DH was already irritated w/ me, and we hadn't even left yet!! We went back to the room to prepare for the Drill. I haven't laughed so hard in a long time. The new toddler life vests are hilarious. They have a hood, long sleeves, and a place for your legs. DD was so excited about playing w/ her bucket and toys that she didn't even notice what she was wearing. She then started crying when we had to leave her new toys. Thanks Shirley!! The drill was very hot and DD started fussing. We were right in the sun, and with the long sleeves on that she was very hot. They said she could take it off and that they just wanted to be sure there was a vest for her in our room.

The sail away party was probably the most enjoyable I've ever been to. DD and I were right up front and she danced to all the songs. We were on the Dumbotron quite a bit too, which she got a kick out of. Even though it was just the back of us. She loved the characters! As we took off, I tried to make one last call on my cell phone, since they hadn't been working all day. Once again, I was gone longer than DH and DD would've liked, so they went back to the room to look for me! I probably walked the entire decks 9 and 10 5 times looking for them and missed my sailaway drink and watching from the sides. Wow! I've already lost my family twice and we are still in FL!!

We had late seating at 8:00 at Animator's Palate. Very nice tablemates. 2 different families. We had Filet Mignon that first day and it was VERY good. We were pretty tired after dinner, so we just walked around for a little then went back to the room and crashed! The ride was very smooth. We had a sideways room which we really liked. It seemed like lots of extra room since our hostess moved our coffeetable between the bathroom and the closets and we had the extra storage of the trunk.

More later.......

 

[racrj]

Tarabra...THANK YOU.

Too funny. Losing family..... I wish there were times I could "lose" mine. At least they knew you were on the ship.....

You DD looks so cute in the life jacket. Were the sleeves itchy? My DS(3) has an issue with things that are itchy.

What category were you in? We are staying in a cat 10 on deck 2. My DS has just started to get nervous in the dark. What a time for that to start.

I love reading about your days. As I am approaching our trip(18 more days!!!) , I look forward to more.

As you go - I hope you don't mind the questions...This will be our first cruise.
Thanks.

Jen

 

[Tarabra]

I don't think the sleeves were itchy. They seemed to be a satin type of material. She got a kick out of it. Your son may get to wear the regular child's vest, but not sure.

We were in Cat. 11 deck 6 forward. VERY forward, but close to the theatre and stores, fitness center, etc. A little far from the drink station, but not bad for Lumiere's and the atrium. Very smooth sailing. Most of the cruises, we've had a little bit of rattling of the hangers, but nothing at all on this one. Not sure if it was the location or just smooth seas.

It IS dark in the inside rooms. I forgot to bring a nightlight, but DD was fine. She sleeps better when it's dark than if we even leave the hall light on at home.

 

[racrj]

:quote:I don't think the sleeves were itchy. They seemed to be a satin type of material. She got a kick out of it. Your son may get to wear the regular child's vest, but not sure. :quote:

Thank you for the information about the vest. I sort of hope he can wear the one your daughter wore, just for the picture!!

My parents are staying on deck 6, so they will be happy to hear that there is not too much noise. However, they are staying in a cat 6.

 

[SpideyHulk24]

Great pics!

 

[CourtneyMc]

Yea, I was wondering what was going on. I thought we started moving, then we weren't, etc. We didn't know they went back until the next day when the cruise director, Andy, sent a thanks out to the Captain for heading back to pick up the family.

We didn't do any excursions, although we have done the islands before. With DD21mo, we didn't want to take any chances. She really enjoyed the free beach in St. Maarten which you get to by water taxi for $5, kids under 12 are free. The water was beautiful, but the beach slopes pretty much and there is a bit of a drop off in the water, so it's not your typical level beach, but I held her and we played in the water for quite a while. In the morning, we walked around the shops, but w/ a stroller and VERY narrow roads, I wouldn't do it again. We should've spent the day at the beach! We did head back to the ship after going to the shops for lunch and came back out in the afternoon to the beach. I liked the 2 for $3 Carib beer that one of the beach front bars was selling!! I'll add more later.

I thought the beach at St. Maartan was supposed to be within walking distance of the port. How did you know what water taxi to take and to where? All we were planning on St. Maartan was a beach day, so any advice would be appreciated!

Thanks,
Courtney

 

[Tarabra]

Auuuggggh!!! I just spent the last half hour typing up a report of day 2, went to Photobucket to get some pics, came back to add them and my post was GONE! I'm going to cry. I have to start all over again.

Anyhow in answer to the question about the water taxis, as soon as you walk off the ship, you come to a little area w/ shops, and to the left is the water taxi, you can't miss it. It's $5 round trip, all day. Kids under 12 are free. There are 2 stops, but you can walk from one stop to the other and you'll see the beach. There are shops in between both stops. The beach is the middle stop, not the one right in front of the ship. I think the first boat took us right to the beach area, then the 2nd time we went over, it stopped at the smaller stop first.

 

[Tarabra]

I sent this to someone as a Private Message in regards to travelling w/ a 21mos., but I thought others may find it helpful so I decided to post it. It may repeat a little from above.

We've cruised 5 times w/out a child, so this was a different experience. lol! She LOVED it. Loved seeing Mickey all over the place, loved the shows. She did get bored when there weren't characters, and wasn't interested in the juggler, etc. We sat on the far right of the theatre on the end, and whenever it got a little slow and she started squirming, I just took her out until the characters came back out. The final farewell show was pretty rough at the beginning. They put on little skits, etc. I have a photo progression of what she did while she was supposed to be at the show, ie. her running by herself down deck 4 (we were the only ones out there, so the pics are cool), climbing all the way up the stairs to deck 5, running down the hall, and into Flounders, and crying because she couldn't stay. More on Flounders later! She was incredibly tired by this point due to no nap while on CAstaway Cay. She LOVED CC by the way and kept saying beach the whole next day. Dinners were o.k. at the beginning of the week. Servers were very attentive and meals came fast. By the middle of the week, she knew what was coming, and others at table and other table our servers had were late. Even though they rushed to take our order, they slowed down toward the end to catch up. She was o.k. for about an hour, then got antsy. DH and I took turns walking her around. I think day 3 we brought along our little DVD player which kept her occupied. I also found that if they brought her meal when they brought ours, it helped. They would bring it out right away so we could feed her then eat ourselves, but by then she was bored. I love eating at Topsiders, but we found it a little easier to eat at one of the restaurants for lunch especially w/ a stroller and highchair (less crowded). As far as Flounders, it was great. They have open hours on days at sea. It's not listed anywhere, but go and ask. We played w/ her 1 day for about an hour, and she got a kick out of all the new toys. We did Palo the one night, and between courses, I ran down to check on her. They have a 2-way mirror, and I peeked in and she was crying and hyperventilating, and one of the cm's was holding her and she was pointing to the door saying mommy, mommy. Meanwhile, she didn't even see me. I asked what I should do, and the girl said if I let her see me, it would be worse. She asked if she was hungry or tired. I told her tired and when we came to get her, she was crashed in one of the cribs. We missed the next play time, we were in the pool instead. One thing that was VERY hard to do, was get naps in. Her schedule was just a mess. I think next time we might just make nap time, but w/ the matinee show at 2:00, etc. it was tough. Let me know if you have anymore questions.

Tara

Here are a few pics of DD's adventure while we were supposed to be at the Farewell Show!!!

She had to find the one puddle and step in it!! (It's from them having the lifeboats out at CC)

 

[Marypoppinsiam]

Tarabra, it is great to read your trip report! We had a really good time on the cruise. It was fun to finally meet everyone at the DIS meeting. I am so happy to hear Ava had a wonderful time. It is a truly different experience cruising with and without children. I look forward to reading the rest of the report.