Back to back on the Dream, Feb 23-Mar 1 (1 gluten free, 1 gluten lover)

[DisneyNoob13]

First, some background: DW and I had taken a couple cruises with RCI about ten years back and after taking a three day Disney Dream cruise in mid-November after a few days at the park, I looked at my wife and told her “I had forgotten how much I liked cruising!”. She knows that once I get interested in something, I'm hard to contain (thus explains our four trips to DisneyWorld in the last three years after me NEVER having been there before!). We booked a WC cruise on the Fantasy for October of 2014 while on board, but after having returned home we both thought that was a long time away. We were blessed with some unexpected money at Christmas and so we hatched the idea of another cruise. I had looked into the Fantasy EC for the last week of February, but the cost seemed rather steep for a balcony ($4500 territory). Then after researching more about a back to back on the Dream, that was considerably less and that's what we opted to do.

I'll try and be thorough without being too long winded (I hope) in a series of posts as a way to give back to the DIS for all the help it gave me in planning. We are in our mid-40's and our kids are grown well past the Disney stage, so it's time for us to play! I have Celiac disease, so that's an additional factor as to why I love Disney so much as they do a splendid job dealing with allergies in my experience.



Saturday, February 22: We drove down to PC and arrived around 5pm and checked in at the Country Inn and Suites. We dropped our luggage and made it over to Fishlips for dinner, but too late to see ships sailing away. I ordered off their GF (gluten free) menu (Crab) and DW had Mahi Mahi...both were fine, but we had opted to sit outside and it was far windier than we expected! So we quickly ate and got out of there before freezing!


Sunday, February 23: We headed to the port around 10. We checked in and then waited a bit (boarding #4), and I believe we got on board around 11:30? after the requisite picture and announcement (so cool, BTW). We decided to head to EG for lunch and because reading is a skill, and I didn't, we got there too early and they weren't open yet. I was confused because I thought it was open for lunch, but we decided to head to Cabanas and battle the chaos. Being GF, I'm not a huge buffet fan and the chaos of Cabanas makes it more difficult. I know that you can ask for some assistance from a chef, but I just opted to go with what I know to be safe (mostly shrimp!). We meandered down to the Cove section to relax until we could get in our rooms at 1:30 (veranda, 7652). I had previously ordered a bottle of Asti Spumonte and a small floral arrangement for our room as a post Valentines day surprise and they were waiting for us on arrival! Also, from a tip on the Dis, I had called ahead to ask about distilled water for DW's Cpap and that was waiting as well...awesome!

We met our cabin steward Jaime (Honduras) and we talked about our back to back and that we'd see him for the next week! He did a great job all week. We ask for very little and throughout the week he would say hello and ask us how things were going and if we needed anything. He always had things taken care of by the time we returned to the room and also followed up with us on whether we needed an extension cord for the cpap (we did not).

We got some cheese and fruit delivered after muster and enjoyed our own sail away party on the veranda. We then went on to Villains Tonight (probably our favorite of the shows) before changing for dinner, which was in Animator's Palate.

Our serving team was awesome. I wasn't sure at the beginning because some things were a little different than when we were on in November, but my doubts were put to rest and we ended up having an awesome week with them. Our head server was Pascal (USA/France...or the French part of Orlando as he told us), server Anthony (from India) and assistant Neville (from St. Vincent).

We had requested a table for two and that was granted and very enjoyable. I can be anxious about my allergy and not having to go into great detail to strangers about it every night was nice. The first night, I had to order what I thought to be safe (and they would confirm before bringing it) from the menu. (My notes didn't list the menu title/description, so bear with me). I had the smoked salmon tartar, a salad with figs, the red snapper and mango mousse for dessert. DW had black truffle pasta, potato/cheddar/bacon soup, red snapper and the “make your own pie” with a glass of Riesling.

At the end of the meal, being GF, they bring the menu for the next night to pre-order so they are more prepared. What threw me was they didn't offer to pre-order breakfast or lunch for me like happened previously. Honestly, this wasn't a huge deal because for me it's hard to say what I want for all three meals the next day in advance. So I knew those meals would take longer (it's advised to eat in the dining room, which was Royal Palace, where they can guarantee better GF options/serivce), but that was fine...this trip was about relaxing.

We headed back to the room to change and then went off to Evolution for Match your Mate. Always amusing, but despite MC David's best efforts, this wasn't the best we'd seen. DW had a glass of wine and I had a Strongbow (hard cider, gluten free) as our nightcaps and it was off to bed after a long day!

 

[DisneyNoob13]

Monday, February 24: Having been to Nassau twice previously, we knew we were staying on board today. Being an early bird, I was up around 6:30 and got coffee from the beverage station and took some back to DW. After relaxing on the verandah some more, we headed to breakfast at Royal Palace. DW had the express and I asked for GF pancakes with a side of eggs. It was amusing the difference in eggs...with the express, you get about 3 tablespoons of eggs...with my GF pancakes, I got probably three eggs worth (a fact not lost on DW).

After breakfast, we headed up to the sports deck and played some foosball and Goofy Golf, and then got started on one of the Midship Detective Agency cases. More relaxing, then to Behind the Dream before heading to lunch at RP (LOTS of eating on this trip!). DW was hungry so she went for the veggie quesadilla, carrot ginger soup, halibut and key lime pie. I had the mango soup, the burger on a GF bun (which was WAY to small for the size of meat patty!) and a mixed fruit mousse for dessert (that wasn't on the menu). We chilled in the Cove area before going to an Art of Animation class and then back to the room for what would become an almost daily nap! One annoying thing we found on this leg of the cruise, was the smell of cigarette smoke on our balcony. We were on the aft side and nowhere near smoking areas...we were never able to determine where it was coming from, but it was close (strong) enough to chase us inside.

The show tonight was Taylor Mason, and after a little bit of a slow start, he was hilarious (to the point of tears for us a couple times) when he got involved with the audience! We missed out on Skyline last cruise, so we made sure to stop in for a cocktail before pirate dinner. Dinner was at EG, and DW had the pineapple/coconut banana appetizer, with a bibb salad, the dijon crusted beef sirloin and we can't remember her dessert for anything. I had the same app, with the conch chowder, the macadamia mahi-mahi and Anthony brought me a flourless chocolate cake for dessert!

We changed, headed up to watch the fireworks and then hastily made our way to the theatre for the late showing of Saving Mr. Banks. Very good movie and it was sparsely populated being so late and not as geared towards the little ones. So it was a late night to bed!


Tuesday, February 25: Sea Day In the end, we were disappointed slightly in the sea day. You literally come to a stop and park for the most part. Since we were facing the sun, and there was little to no breeze, it made it pretty untenable to be on our balcony this day. I got my usual morning coffee and walked around a bit as DW wasn't feeling very well after a couple late nights (we're usually asleep by 10 most nights at home!). She rebounded though and off to breakfast we went. She had the express again with a side of toast. Our evening server was in RP this morning, so he brought me some GF donuts and muffins to eat and I had the express minus the hash brown patty.

We did some souvenir shopping and more or less relaxed the rest of the morning up to lunch. We had a dinner reservation at Palo at 8, so we ate fairly early. DW had the antipasto, a Reuben sandwich and an apple crumble. I had the strawberry soup and a tuna Nicoise salad. I wasn't planning on dessert until our head waiter happened by and ordered the caramel flan off the kids menu for me!

After lunch, we headed off to Pink for our wine tasting seminar. We did it in the fall and enjoyed it and learned some more this time. Ivan, from Palo, was our host and we soaked up the information he provided. One small peeve though was a group of four that really enjoyed talking to each other while Ivan was talking...very rude IMO. Thankfully we had a solid lunch to soak up the wine and after lounging on deck 4, we went to the lobster ravioli demo in the D lounge. I couldn't partake of course, but I'm a home cook and love to watch food being prepared.

Then it was nap time before going to the early show of Monsters University. The stage show was the Golden Mickeys and we found that the least enjoyable show last cruise (and I know it's much loved by others!). We enjoyed the movie outside of the toddler that was allowed to run up and down the aisle throughout the last half of the movie. I never blame the children...but those that should be watching them.

Next up...an incredible dinner at Palo.

 

[DisneyNoob13]

Tuesday, February 25 continued...Palo!

We were quickly ushered to our table and then greeted by our spectacular server, Marko, who gave us the breakdown of how Palo works, etc. Ivan, who gave the wine tasting earlier, stopped by the table and after talking with DW, picked out a glass of wine for her (Summus), while I opted for a glass of Prosecco. I'm not a big wine fan, but I had a sip of the Summus and it was some of the smoothest I've tasted.

DW started with the Caprese style salad, followed by the Palo Tenderloin and after waffling on the beef ravioli, was given a small side of it to try as well. I struggled picking an appetizer and opted for the Cioppino and received a side of the grilled shrimp on the side, and also had the tenderloin. The apps were good, but the tenderloin was perfect! I got the chocolate souffle for dessert, which they made up specially gluten free, and DW had it as well (although in an odd turn, she never actually ordered it, it was just brought to the table). As we finished, Marko told us that he hoped we had room because since it was our first visit, they brought a dessert trio out with panna catta, orange almond cake and strawberry basil sorbet. All were very good and by this point we were busting at the seams!

After talking with us for a few minutes, Marko asked about being married, how long, etc. since he had been somewhat recently married. He then brought out a plate with Happy Anniversary in chocolate that was a very nice touch! Then to finish things off, a shot of something that had vodka, sparkling wine and apple cognac, I believe.

A fantastic dinner and we waddled back to the room and sat for a bit on the balcony. We had intended to go to Taylor Mason's adult show, but knowing he was doing it the last night as well, we crashed instead!

 

[DisneyNoob13]

Wednesday, February 26: Castaway Cay day!

I was up first as usual and did a little walk around deck four and drank my coffee before heading back with some for DW. It was going to be sunny for the most part and around 80, so a nice beach day lay ahead.

Off to RP for breakfast...GF pancakes, eggs and a GF donut for me. DW had the express with a side of grits. Then it was quickly off the ship and on to the family beach. We snorkeled for about an hour or so. Saw plenty of fish (more varieties than we saw in November) and at one point we found ourselves in a school of them that were darting all around us (black and white striped). Because it's fairly far out to the better spots, we get wiped out pretty fast. So it was off to Serenity Bay for the remainder of our time! We had margaritas on the beach and just relaxed in our chairs (under the umbrella for the most part). We headed to lunch around 1-1:30 I believe. We did eat at the adult beach, and I wasn't starving so just went for protein and some ice cream for dessert (both usually safe bets for GF). And then we started to make our way back to the ship after 2 for cleanup and a quick snooze.

We were hungry by then and went up to Flo's for a snack and then off to Believe. After the show, we got ready for dinner and then back to Skyline for a drink before dinner which tonight was in RP. For most this was their goodbye dinner, but doing a back to back really makes this dinner relaxing! I branched out a bit and tried Duck (confit) for the first time ever. Onion soup (with GF “crouton”) and the Chateaubriand. I love Creme Brulee, so dessert was a no-brainer! DW had the fried brie, leek and potato soup and the Chateaubriand as well with the Strawberry shortcake sundae.

We watched a little of the goodbye party in the atrium before going for a walk on deck four. Then it was the Taylor Mason adult show, which was also hilarious, and had our nightcap of a margarita/Strongbow before calling it a night.

Up next...Turnaround day!

 

[cheryllarsen]

Very interesting reading! Thanks for posting

 

[maggonz9]

I'm gluten free so I greatly appreciate your trip report and the info on the meals you had.

 

[DisneyNoob13]

Very interesting reading! Thanks for posting

You're welcome...thanks for following!

I'm gluten free so I greatly appreciate your trip report and the info on the meals you had.

You're welcome...after having experience with how Disney handles allergies at the parks/resorts, I figured they'd be fine on the ships as well, and they haven't disappointed. I'd guess that the longer the cruise, the more in tune with your needs your servers are as well.

 

[DisneyNoob13]

Thursday, February 27: Turnaround day

We were up fairly early (6:30 ish) and took our time getting ready for our 8am breakfast in RP. Last cruise we did the express walk off and skipped breakfast altogether. Lots of sad faces in the restaurant that morning, and it was hard to hide our cheshire cat grins over knowing we were getting right back on!

DW had the “Almost Home” which was corned beef has with eggs and hash browns. I had a GF donut/muffin (as usual!) and the express (eggs, meat basically). We had gotten some instructions on our FE the night before for how this was handled. We took our time eating and then went up on deck four near the Vista lounge and just relaxed and people watched. It was interesting to see SO MANY people waiting until the last minute to get off. So the line to get off was longer than we expected when we headed that way around 9:10.

After going through Customs, we headed right back upstairs to check in. We were directed to wait in the concierge waiting area (with what looked to be maybe a dozen other folks) with the other back to back cruisers. By 10:10 we were back on the ship. We stopped back by our room to drop off passports, etc. and then we walked around and snapped some pictures in the empty areas, but of course very little was open. We went up to the Cove Cafe and had a latte and caught up on email, etc.

We went down to EG (at the correct time, this time!) to have lunch. Although it is nice to have your drink service handled, the congestion around the buffet areas was even greater due to the smaller size, than you find in Cabanas. We had a light lunch and then headed back to our room at 1:30 (you're asked not to go under the ropes as it were once other guests are on board). The afternoon was mostly spent relaxing on the balcony and doing our usual nap. This was when we discovered the one issue we had on the 3-day leg of the journey. Next door was an apparently inconsolable toddler who pretty much did nothing but shriek (when happy or sad) for the better part of three days. Even our stateroom attendant asked us about it at one point. Oh well...

We skipped the show (Golden Mickeys) and got dressed for dinner (ERA rotation this time) and went to Pub687 and had drinks with fine service provided by Alui and Wan. For dinner DW had lobster ravioli, tomato basil soup, prime rib with the apple crumble for dessert. I had the Ahi Avocado tower, spinach salad the see bass and a gluten free apple crumble. After dinner we returned to our room and changed clothes and sat on the balcony a bit before catching the late showing of Frozen. A lot fuller theater this time out after the late show of Saving Mr. Banks on the 4-day portion! Finally back to the room and to bed late!

 

[DisneyNoob13]

Friday, February 28: Nassau, take two

Once again, we treated Nassau as a sea day. One thing I will say, from reading the forum, folks had remarked how there is a different (hurried) vibe on the 3-day versus the 4 and I really noticed that. This didn't effect us really, but I noticed other guests seemed less patient and in some cases less happy.

I was up around 7 and got my coffee and did a couple laps around deck 4 before returning to the room and we got ready for breakfast. RP as usual and DW went for something different with the French Toast Pineapple Stack, which she enjoyed. I went the usual route of GF donut/muffin with some eggs. After breakfast we began work on the second case of the Midship Detective game to walk off our breakfast. The remainder of the morning was spent either on our balcony, or up in the adult cove area. We did grab a snack of ice cream (me) and fries (DW) at one point.

Of course, then it was time for lunch...more food! DW had the fruit cocktail, meat loaf and key lime pie, while I had the mango soup along with a burger (GF bun...although this time I just ate it with a knife and fork!) and fries. We did the Art of Animation drawing again before lounging around on the balcony for the better part of the afternoon. I also dropped off our form for a quote for a future cruise during this time.

The evening rolled around again, and we went to Villains Tonight for the second time, and this time we went early to secure front row seats (on the side) to see it from a different perspective. It was interesting to watch different things with the actors and how they interacted with each other and the audience. We changed and had a drink at Pub687 before dinner, which was at Royal Palace.

We both went out of our comfort zone a little at dinner as DW had the duck confit (new for her), farmhouse salad, chateaubriand and the strawberry shortcake sundae. I had the iced lobster/shrimp, with the roasted duck breast and crème brulee. The duck was better than I expected (even after having the confit on the 4 day leg) and wouldn't think twice about getting it again.

After dinner, we confirmed our 4-day cruise on the Dream for next January (which I remembered as we drove home, that I will have to change due to some work conflicts...sigh!) and shopped a bit before catching the fireworks and then off to bed.


Up next, Castaway Cay x2!

 

[DisneyNoob13]

Saturday, March 1: Castaway Cay again!

Today's plan was to do nothing but relax on the beach. After getting up and getting the requisite coffee, we headed down to RP for breakfast. Expresses for both of us and off we went. The weather was pretty nice, a bit windier than the previous visit, which made it a little cooler. The wind had canceled some excursions I noticed and we were probably fortunate to have docked as I've seen several posts of late about missed days at CC.

We found some loungers about 2/3 of the way down at Serenity Bay and just enjoyed the experience (minus ending up downwind from a smoker, but that was easily rectified by moving a few spots down). We hung out until 1:30 or so and again headed over to eat on the adult side. After a quick lunch we took a tram back into the middle sections where we did some souvenir shopping before making our way back to the ship sometime after 2. We changed and got a(nother) snack before going to another Art of Animation class (Pluto this time!).

The rest of the afternoon was spent between napping and reading on the balcony as we skipped the evening show. We had drinks at Skyline again and this should have been the first sign of trouble. We weren't drinking enough water...and we know better (DW is in medical research). Couple dehydration with a pretty empty stomach, and my two cocktails kicked me hard. We made our way to dinner (me more slowly than normal) at AP and enjoyed our last night's meal. We both went for the same things (Serrano Ham, Butternut squash soup, lemon thyme chicken) with DW getting cheesecake and I got a special GF chocolate cake again plus Anthony, our server, rounded me up another crème brulee since he knew it was my favorite!

We went back to the room with the intention of watching Snow White on demand, but both fell asleep fairly quickly. Sometime around 4 am, I knew I was in trouble. I had a migraine and when I get those, they have a tendency to make me sick...and the cold sweats started. Uh oh.


Sunday, March 2: Waaah...we have to leave.

I got sick twice and my wife was nervously trying to figure out how she was going to get me off the ship. Thankfully I had a small window where I felt well enough to walk and we hastily headed for the gangway, skipping our 8am breakfast (which was too bad because we were really looking forward to saying goodbye to the folks that took such good care of us!). We made it out, found a porter to pick up our bags and got to the car in probably 30 minutes. We were staying a day at AKL before heading home, so we were hoping to get there and check in so I could sleep.

Two more bouts of sickness in the car and we got there about 9:30. Praise Jesus, they had a room ready for us. I was able to take some medicine and sleep for a couple hours while DW watched the animals. After that, she went off to Sanaa for lunch (I didn't want us to get dinged for not showing up). She ate a light lunch and told the server about my problems and the chef went back and made a GF chicken noodle soup that she brought back to the room early in the afternoon. After sleeping and hydrating, I was feeling better and the soup brought me all the way back! We enjoyed the splurge of the savannah view room and went to Boma later for dinner (where for the first time, they probably made $ off of me!) and then to bed before our drive back home.

Lesson learned 1: Drink Water! I drink at least two bottles a day when I'm at home, and I was averaging less than one/day on the cruise.
Lesson learned 2: If you aren't drinking water and get dehydrated...two cocktails on an empty stomach is a bad idea. Oh well, alls well that ends well. Of course, any time I've told someone about getting sick, immediately they tell me I had norovirus. Then I have to explain to them what noro is, and I can decidedly say, I did not have that. My illness was more or less self inflicted, and I know better.

Anyways, I hope it made for an enjoyable read and if anyone has any questions, I'd be glad to answer them. Only 7 ½ more months to go until our next cruise...sigh.