Hello Everyone: We just got off the 6/29 Wonder. What a beautiful ship. Our party consisted of DH, best friends (all of us in our 50s) and their daughter, Alyssa, (age 6) who has Down Syndrome. This was our first time on the Wonder; we've cruised on the Magic twice. I brought back all the Navigators, including those for the kids, as well as shopping info in Nassau and Freeport. Please feel free to email me at janziegler@aol.com with any specific questions.
Ground Transportation -- We booked through Cartier Towncar (www.cartiertowncar.com). The biggest worry I had was that we would have problems with pick up times, etc. However, the drivers were very efficient and prompt. We used Cartier for transportation from Orlando airport to Port Canaveral; Port Canaveral to Wilderness Villas; Wilderness Villas to Orlando airport.
Gift Basket -- I ordered a gift basket for our friends through Shirley at Perfect Gift (www.perfectgift.cc). She and her staff put together the items I asked for and then some extras. I also sent them Disney Dollars to be added to the basket. They are very accommodating and I would highly recommend Perfect Gift.
Embarkation -- We arrived at the port and a CM met us in the parking lot and at that point, we didn't see our luggage until it arrived in the stateroom. Security is tight and we appreciated that. A suggestion for those over 18 years of age -- keep your photo ID ready to show at least 3 times before boarding the ship. Check in was a breeze and I did not see long lines. We were able to board the ship approximately 12:20 p.m.
Staterooms -- we had insice cabins on deck 6 midship and heard no outside noise. I've read on this Board about cabin odors but did not notice this in either of our staterooms. Two suggestions for items to include in your packing is an over-the-door shoe holder. I bought one at a dollar store. Also, bring an extension cord if you plan to bring your own hair dryer. I used the electric outlet by the dressing table and mirror. I did not see an outlet that I could use in the bathroom.
Pools -- We used the pools frequently. This was the first time I was in the Mickey and Goofy pools. We chose swim times when there would be fewer kids in the pools. We noticed that the CMs made sure that kids were not using the adult pools and jacuzzis.
Kids Activities -- Since we have not cruised with kids before, we experienced the kids activities for the first time. Registration at Oceaneer Club was organized and well-run. Alyssa did not particiate in the Club's events, so we stayed with her at the Club when she wanted to play there. The CMs would put a sticky tag on her that said "visitor". While we were in the Club, we observed the kids and CMs and were impressed with what we saw. The characters were great with the kids during their appearances. We noticed that they did not rush the kids through during the photo sessions.
Restaurants -- We chose early seating for dinners and enjoyed our meals. My DH and I went to Palo which is our favorite restaurant. It's a must! The menu has changed effective 6/30 on both ships. Naturally, we both ordered the chocolate souffle.
Ports -- We did not go on any excursions this cruise as we have been to Nassau before. Instead, we shopped for an hour or so at Nassau. In Freeport, there are a few shops (a sign above these shops reads "Straw Market") within walking distance, but they are souvenir shops, not jewelry stores. We were told that more stores will be built within walking distance. To shop in Freeport, you will need a taxi.
Castaway Cay -- What can I say that hasn't already been said on this Board? It's beautiful and it should be a two day stop. We got off the ship at 9:30 and went to the family beach for the first time and easily found a shady spot. Cookies BBQ was good. Because of the heat and because Alyssa needed to get out of the sun, we were back on the ship by 1:30.
Debarkation -- Again, another smooth operation. We got off the ship at 8:15 and the porter took our bags to our pick up point in the parking lot.
My DH and I booked the 9/18/04 Magic which is sailing to Antigua and St. Thomas. We were able to secure a secret porthole room at an inside cabin rate (thanks Barb and Tony for posting those room numbers on your website).
Let me know if you have any questions.
Jan
Ground Transportation -- We booked through Cartier Towncar (www.cartiertowncar.com). The biggest worry I had was that we would have problems with pick up times, etc. However, the drivers were very efficient and prompt. We used Cartier for transportation from Orlando airport to Port Canaveral; Port Canaveral to Wilderness Villas; Wilderness Villas to Orlando airport.
Gift Basket -- I ordered a gift basket for our friends through Shirley at Perfect Gift (www.perfectgift.cc). She and her staff put together the items I asked for and then some extras. I also sent them Disney Dollars to be added to the basket. They are very accommodating and I would highly recommend Perfect Gift.
Embarkation -- We arrived at the port and a CM met us in the parking lot and at that point, we didn't see our luggage until it arrived in the stateroom. Security is tight and we appreciated that. A suggestion for those over 18 years of age -- keep your photo ID ready to show at least 3 times before boarding the ship. Check in was a breeze and I did not see long lines. We were able to board the ship approximately 12:20 p.m.
Staterooms -- we had insice cabins on deck 6 midship and heard no outside noise. I've read on this Board about cabin odors but did not notice this in either of our staterooms. Two suggestions for items to include in your packing is an over-the-door shoe holder. I bought one at a dollar store. Also, bring an extension cord if you plan to bring your own hair dryer. I used the electric outlet by the dressing table and mirror. I did not see an outlet that I could use in the bathroom.
Pools -- We used the pools frequently. This was the first time I was in the Mickey and Goofy pools. We chose swim times when there would be fewer kids in the pools. We noticed that the CMs made sure that kids were not using the adult pools and jacuzzis.
Kids Activities -- Since we have not cruised with kids before, we experienced the kids activities for the first time. Registration at Oceaneer Club was organized and well-run. Alyssa did not particiate in the Club's events, so we stayed with her at the Club when she wanted to play there. The CMs would put a sticky tag on her that said "visitor". While we were in the Club, we observed the kids and CMs and were impressed with what we saw. The characters were great with the kids during their appearances. We noticed that they did not rush the kids through during the photo sessions.
Restaurants -- We chose early seating for dinners and enjoyed our meals. My DH and I went to Palo which is our favorite restaurant. It's a must! The menu has changed effective 6/30 on both ships. Naturally, we both ordered the chocolate souffle.
Ports -- We did not go on any excursions this cruise as we have been to Nassau before. Instead, we shopped for an hour or so at Nassau. In Freeport, there are a few shops (a sign above these shops reads "Straw Market") within walking distance, but they are souvenir shops, not jewelry stores. We were told that more stores will be built within walking distance. To shop in Freeport, you will need a taxi.
Castaway Cay -- What can I say that hasn't already been said on this Board? It's beautiful and it should be a two day stop. We got off the ship at 9:30 and went to the family beach for the first time and easily found a shady spot. Cookies BBQ was good. Because of the heat and because Alyssa needed to get out of the sun, we were back on the ship by 1:30.
Debarkation -- Again, another smooth operation. We got off the ship at 8:15 and the porter took our bags to our pick up point in the parking lot.
My DH and I booked the 9/18/04 Magic which is sailing to Antigua and St. Thomas. We were able to secure a secret porthole room at an inside cabin rate (thanks Barb and Tony for posting those room numbers on your website).
Let me know if you have any questions.
Jan
