Birthday Back to Back Wonder Cruises 2/16-2/26, 2014
- Thread starter WiscBill
- Start date
We only received a flier on port excursions in Miami for the second cruise (Probably because we were staying on board, the only items on our bed at the end of the first cruise were the letters telling us where to meet and the customs form). That flier only listed a hop-on,hop-off bus option. I can scan and post that if you are interested. According to the DCL website, there are other excursions they offer post cruise in Miami and that may be the case on the other itineraries.
We checked in around 1030. We then waited about 15-20 minutes before being allowed to board just before 11 AM.
With the exception of the Cove Cafe, which was well stocked with drinks and food, all other services were closed, including all pools.
My thoughts on the turn-around day are that you can treat it either as limited service sea day or a limited service port day. If you treat it as a sea day, you may spend about 2 hours of that just waiting. If you treat it as a port day, you will need to return by 3 PM, so if you go off with the first group at 7 AM, it's a short port day. If you don't take a DCL excursion, it would be like any other on your own excursion. You will need to keep track of time and have transportation arranged to get back by 3 PM and check-in and reboard. On our letter, it stated that if we wanted to get back on, we would need our passports/id. But you need that anyway to clear customs and border control when you disembark
The second cruise turned out to be very different than the first, mostly in a good way. The overall atmosphere was very different, with our fellow cruisers skewing to much younger kids and extended families. This was probably due to this cruise not overlapping with a school vacation period. There is also much more chair saving, both at the pools and theater (Really folks, sending one person to hold two rows front center at the WDW theater is asking for a confrontation) and the adult pool area turned into the mostly adult area some of the time, with no policing by cast members. Overall we had a great time, maybe even better than the first cruise , despite each of us getting sick at different times. One big factor in that is that this time instead of being seated at dinner on a four top by ourselves, we were seated with another family (from New York) who also had a young daughter. They truly made each dinner a real treat and DD has now added a new friend. The two of them even did the interview for the Golden Mickeys together.
I found the hop on hop off bus tour sold on the website www.miamitours.us so I'm sure you could book it on your own too.
Receptions--These were DVC and Castaway Club on the first sea day. I was not feeling well, so DW went solo. (I dutifully reported to the clinic and was quarantined for a day) She got another Tervis style cup and a great bag at DVC. At the Castaway Club reception (which was held in Diversions), she had a very nice chat our cruise director, Darren, who sent us three DCL caps that evening.
Excursions--At Grand Cayman, DD and DW went scuba diving. This time there was no private dive master. They really liked the operator, Red Sail, a lot and had a great time.
I had originally planned to do a golf excursion on my own (DCL doesn't offer golf in Grand Cayman) but after Cozumel, I decided to just wander around the port. About half the shops were opened because we were there on a Sunday, but it was enough for me to have a pleasant time. While I was out walking, I went to beachfront cafe and bar called the Paradise Cafe. It was just past the Atlantis submarine building. There was a snorkeling area out front (with the Wonder in the background) and you could rent equipment for $18 per person or bring your own.
I didn't do the snorkel because of time, however it looked to be full of fish and had a few water toys to rest on.
After I returned, I compared notes with a colleague who had just returned from a dive and snorkel vacation in Grand Cayman and he had been to the Paradise Cafe and the snorkel area and said he thought they were both quite good.The food was also good and reasonable for Grand Cayman.
We had originally planned to meet up at Margaritaville and take the dive gear back to the ship before returning for a short beach break. While I was walking to Margaritiville, the Red Sail dive boat pulled in on a beach area near where the tenders where coming in, so we decided to just catch the tender back instead of going to Margaritaville first. Unfortunately, DW got sick shortly after returning to the boat. She also reported to the clinic, was given some medication, but was not quarantined and had no restrictions placed on her (or DD and me). She was tired, so DD and I went to the pirate party. On this trip, we were given the warning not to go on the balcony for the fireworks. Later that night (very early in the morning), DD got sick and she was quarantined. Guest services were very nice and we were not charged for any soda, powerade, or pedialyte pops from room service. The kids club sent up this backpack
which contained all of this:
I should add the medical staff were great and did check up on us throughout the day. Also, there was no charge for DD.
Excursions--At Grand Cayman, DD and DW went scuba diving. This time there was no private dive master. They really liked the operator, Red Sail, a lot and had a great time.
I had originally planned to do a golf excursion on my own (DCL doesn't offer golf in Grand Cayman) but after Cozumel, I decided to just wander around the port. About half the shops were opened because we were there on a Sunday, but it was enough for me to have a pleasant time. While I was out walking, I went to beachfront cafe and bar called the Paradise Cafe. It was just past the Atlantis submarine building. There was a snorkeling area out front (with the Wonder in the background) and you could rent equipment for $18 per person or bring your own.
I didn't do the snorkel because of time, however it looked to be full of fish and had a few water toys to rest on.
After I returned, I compared notes with a colleague who had just returned from a dive and snorkel vacation in Grand Cayman and he had been to the Paradise Cafe and the snorkel area and said he thought they were both quite good.The food was also good and reasonable for Grand Cayman.
We had originally planned to meet up at Margaritaville and take the dive gear back to the ship before returning for a short beach break. While I was walking to Margaritiville, the Red Sail dive boat pulled in on a beach area near where the tenders where coming in, so we decided to just catch the tender back instead of going to Margaritaville first. Unfortunately, DW got sick shortly after returning to the boat. She also reported to the clinic, was given some medication, but was not quarantined and had no restrictions placed on her (or DD and me). She was tired, so DD and I went to the pirate party. On this trip, we were given the warning not to go on the balcony for the fireworks. Later that night (very early in the morning), DD got sick and she was quarantined. Guest services were very nice and we were not charged for any soda, powerade, or pedialyte pops from room service. The kids club sent up this backpack
which contained all of this:
I should add the medical staff were great and did check up on us throughout the day. Also, there was no charge for DD.
Many times on these boards, people ask the question What's so special about DCL compared to other cruise lines? I read many answers but I wanted to share two special moments that happened on our cruise.
On the morning after DD and DW had got sick, I was feeling a bit down. We were on our second stop in Cozumel and the weather was great. We were supposed to do the Fury Catamaran Sail, Snorkel, and Beach excursion, but of course that wasn't happening.
Even a great breakfast in Triton's with our tablemates (total coincidence) didn't perk me up that much. I had gone to the Cove Cafe and was sitting outside drinking a mocha when Captain Thord walked by. He asked me how it was going and I had to answer that we had a rough night with all the sickness. He then spent the next 10 minutes or so talking with me, making sure we were being taken care of (I told him everyone, especially the medical center were great), and telling me I should get off in Cozumel anyway and just walk around. After all, he said, we could have been just as sick at home. I thanked him and took his advice. I grabbed one of those shopping guides and went out and proceeded to gather up all those free gifts that were mentioned and brought them back for DD and DW. I had a nice mocha in the Starbucks (got my credit card hacked, also, but that happens). So the next time someone asks what special about DCL, I am going to tell them that every member of the crew, from the Captain on down, makes you feel like you are the most important guest they have on board.
On the morning after DD and DW had got sick, I was feeling a bit down. We were on our second stop in Cozumel and the weather was great. We were supposed to do the Fury Catamaran Sail, Snorkel, and Beach excursion, but of course that wasn't happening.
Even a great breakfast in Triton's with our tablemates (total coincidence) didn't perk me up that much. I had gone to the Cove Cafe and was sitting outside drinking a mocha when Captain Thord walked by. He asked me how it was going and I had to answer that we had a rough night with all the sickness. He then spent the next 10 minutes or so talking with me, making sure we were being taken care of (I told him everyone, especially the medical center were great), and telling me I should get off in Cozumel anyway and just walk around. After all, he said, we could have been just as sick at home. I thanked him and took his advice. I grabbed one of those shopping guides and went out and proceeded to gather up all those free gifts that were mentioned and brought them back for DD and DW. I had a nice mocha in the Starbucks (got my credit card hacked, also, but that happens). So the next time someone asks what special about DCL, I am going to tell them that every member of the crew, from the Captain on down, makes you feel like you are the most important guest they have on board.
Movies--We had Disney's Planes added to the movie list on this cruise. I saw Thor: The Dark World (ok, since it was free) and DD went to all four versions of Frozen again. The Thor showing I went to was at the same time as early seating, so it was nearly empty. Nevertheless, a family with a young child decided to sit behind me. The child talked through the first five minutes, kicked the seat with his light up shoes, and then I just moved. Seriously folks, the movie is free and rated PG-13!!
Entertainers--The ventriloquist was good,as was the comedian. Not as good as the magician from the first cruise, but still a lot of fun.
Clubs--DD and DW did Wonder Quest. They came in second. On Cozumel night, I went down to go to listen to the piano player (we had Tim Moss on both cruises, who we enjoy) but stopped by Diversion to pick up some snacks first. JD, the club manager, was just starting trivia , so I decided to stay and have a scotch. I won another DCL hat, so we wound up sharing with our tablemates the next night. However, as with the previous cruise, we probably spend more evenings in the Outlook Cafe than in the bars in Route 66.
Shows--We skipped Toy Story again. We did the matinee on Disney Dreams. It was fun because they change up the cast from the evening shows. Since some of the cast are very distinctive it is neat to see the way they assume the different roles. (As near as I can tell, the actor who plays Ensign Benson does Belle at the matinee but not in the evening performance.) The matinee is definitely more relaxing and the kids seem more excited.
Palo--We were unable to keep our reservation for dinner at Palo. We did do brunch again. It was good and we tried different cooked dishes this time. However, I am still having trouble coping with the $80 charge.
Room Service--We did it every day for breakfast and for multiple snacks. I made a major mistake and ordered the grilled cheese with the tomato basil soup at around 430 PM. It was excellent but then I was too full to eat dinner. We also received a treat each day. The first day, it was from Pierre the hotel director and had a note that said it was because we were back to back. But after that we got cheese plates, cupcakes, petit fours, and cookies with no notes. They were all appreciated.
Verandah views--On our previous cruise, we had a windjammer in port in Cozumel.
We saw a similar one sailing by later (not sure if it was the same one). Even the crew members on deck went to look at it.
Entertainers--The ventriloquist was good,as was the comedian. Not as good as the magician from the first cruise, but still a lot of fun.
Clubs--DD and DW did Wonder Quest. They came in second. On Cozumel night, I went down to go to listen to the piano player (we had Tim Moss on both cruises, who we enjoy) but stopped by Diversion to pick up some snacks first. JD, the club manager, was just starting trivia , so I decided to stay and have a scotch. I won another DCL hat, so we wound up sharing with our tablemates the next night. However, as with the previous cruise, we probably spend more evenings in the Outlook Cafe than in the bars in Route 66.
Shows--We skipped Toy Story again. We did the matinee on Disney Dreams. It was fun because they change up the cast from the evening shows. Since some of the cast are very distinctive it is neat to see the way they assume the different roles. (As near as I can tell, the actor who plays Ensign Benson does Belle at the matinee but not in the evening performance.) The matinee is definitely more relaxing and the kids seem more excited.
Palo--We were unable to keep our reservation for dinner at Palo. We did do brunch again. It was good and we tried different cooked dishes this time. However, I am still having trouble coping with the $80 charge.
Room Service--We did it every day for breakfast and for multiple snacks. I made a major mistake and ordered the grilled cheese with the tomato basil soup at around 430 PM. It was excellent but then I was too full to eat dinner. We also received a treat each day. The first day, it was from Pierre the hotel director and had a note that said it was because we were back to back. But after that we got cheese plates, cupcakes, petit fours, and cookies with no notes. They were all appreciated.
Verandah views--On our previous cruise, we had a windjammer in port in Cozumel.
We saw a similar one sailing by later (not sure if it was the same one). Even the crew members on deck went to look at it.
On our second night, our wonderful tablemates gave DD an extra gift they had brought for the FE exchange. It was a great bottle cap key chain.
It was very generous and DD was thrilled to have received it. On the way back to the cabin, DD managed to drop it down the small gap between the elevator and the door. She was, of course very upset. When we got back to the room, we called guest services and asked if they could do anything. After checking with engineering, they said they would have to wait until Cozumel day to shut down the elevator and look for the key chain. On the evening of Cozumel day, they called and said they had not found it in the elevator shaft we had identified and were going to search all the elevator shafts. On dinner on the last night, an officer from engineering came to our table with every item they had found in the elevators. (You can't believe what falls down there, including some impressive jewelry). No bottle cap key chain, but I was so impressed they tried. Our tablemates had one more which they gave to us and I secured it until we got home. So DCL is special in that all cast members go the extra mile to make your cruise enjoyable and your fellow cruisers are incredibly generous and make it great also.
It was very generous and DD was thrilled to have received it. On the way back to the cabin, DD managed to drop it down the small gap between the elevator and the door. She was, of course very upset. When we got back to the room, we called guest services and asked if they could do anything. After checking with engineering, they said they would have to wait until Cozumel day to shut down the elevator and look for the key chain. On the evening of Cozumel day, they called and said they had not found it in the elevator shaft we had identified and were going to search all the elevator shafts. On dinner on the last night, an officer from engineering came to our table with every item they had found in the elevators. (You can't believe what falls down there, including some impressive jewelry). No bottle cap key chain, but I was so impressed they tried. Our tablemates had one more which they gave to us and I secured it until we got home. So DCL is special in that all cast members go the extra mile to make your cruise enjoyable and your fellow cruisers are incredibly generous and make it great also.
For reasons that are way too complicated to go into detail (the snow days back home had screwed up the school schedule and some key activities that were supposed to take place before the winter break were re-scheduled for after the winter break), we needed to get back home early which meant we were taking a 10 AM flight from FLL. I had never booked a flight back from a cruise before 1 PM and usually a little later than that. When we knew we had to make the change, we read all the reviews of the various car services on the boards and on Cruise Critic and decided to use Larry's Limos. When I called, I actually talked with Larry who assured me that if we were off the ship by 8 AM, they could get us to FLL in time for the flight. We were more than a little worried about getting off by 8 am, not because of ship arrival time (we knew from the previous cruise, we docked pretty early) but because of delays in Customs. Other people had reported waiting nearly an hour, even using the walk off option that involved carrying your own luggage and we had certainly experienced that in our first stop in Miami. In this case, since it was a Wednesday, the Wonder was the only ship in port and there were absolutely no delays in customs. In fact, we were outside the port building and on the street by 715, having started the walk off at 705. We still needed to wait for our limo driver, Rod, who arrived promptly at 8 AM. There was an accident on I-95, but Rod (a former NY high school coach), expertly got us to the airport by 8:45. We used the curbside check-in and were past security before 9 AM. The only mistake we made was not grabbing breakfast at 630 AM on the ship (even grabbing muffins at Cove Cafe would have been possible), because the food service at the FLL terminal that serves Southwest is really minimal. Our flight was on-time and DD arrived back in school in time her for activities.
So if you are disembarking from Miami, the first thing you should do is just look around and see how many ships are in port. If the Wonder is alone (as it was on Wednesday), have a nice leisurely breakfast. If there are multiple ships in port like on Friday and Sunday, expect delays in security and customs and plan accordingly.
So if you are disembarking from Miami, the first thing you should do is just look around and see how many ships are in port. If the Wonder is alone (as it was on Wednesday), have a nice leisurely breakfast. If there are multiple ships in port like on Friday and Sunday, expect delays in security and customs and plan accordingly.
At this time, cruises on the Wonder are much less costly than comparable cruises on the other DCL ships. That is no doubt due to the fact that it is now the "oldest" ship in the fleet, lacking the upgrades that were recently made to the Magic and most of the special features on the Dream class. The only unique features on the Wonder are the Outlook Cafe and the show "Toy Story". However, the price difference is substantial. In our case, we were able to cruise for 10 days on the Wonder for considerably less than a 7 day Fantasy Cruise. In my opinion, the real bargain is if you do the 5 day Cozumel Grand CaymanWestern followed by the 4 day Nassau-Key West-Castaway Cay cruise.
There are many people on these boards asking the question if they will be disappointed taking the Wonder compared to the other ships? I have not been on the re-imagined Magic (we were supposed to go in January, but had to cancel) or the Fantasy, but I have been on the Dream. I have to say that the only features I missed on the Dream were the aquaduck (which is a blast ) and the mid-ship detective agency. Animators Palette on the Dream is great if you get Crush to talk with you, but otherwise is not that much different on the non-show night from the Animators Palette on the Wonder. I prefer the pools on the Wonder (less crowded and you can swim in the adult pool) and I found the nightclubs on the Dream to be a little smallish (687 is much smaller than Diversions) Palo on the Dream was very dark, but bright and spacious on the Wonder.
So I would have to say if you were planning on only taking one Disney Cruise in your life, go for the Dream class for as long a cruise as you can afford. If you are a repeat cruiser who has been on both ship classes, the Wonder is the same great Disney experience that you and others enjoyed for over 10 years at a reduced price. If you have only done the Dream class, I really don't think the Wonder will be a disappointment. It's the same ports with the same excursions. The smaller ship, the less crowded pools and Castaway Cay, and the increased attention from the crew will more than compensate for the missing attractions, which may not be missing for long. That work crew I mentioned earlier that also had to clear customs when we did the first stop in Miami was installing fiber optic and ethernet cable up and down the stairwells in the same spots the mid ship detective agency art is on the Dream.
There are many people on these boards asking the question if they will be disappointed taking the Wonder compared to the other ships? I have not been on the re-imagined Magic (we were supposed to go in January, but had to cancel) or the Fantasy, but I have been on the Dream. I have to say that the only features I missed on the Dream were the aquaduck (which is a blast ) and the mid-ship detective agency. Animators Palette on the Dream is great if you get Crush to talk with you, but otherwise is not that much different on the non-show night from the Animators Palette on the Wonder. I prefer the pools on the Wonder (less crowded and you can swim in the adult pool) and I found the nightclubs on the Dream to be a little smallish (687 is much smaller than Diversions) Palo on the Dream was very dark, but bright and spacious on the Wonder.
So I would have to say if you were planning on only taking one Disney Cruise in your life, go for the Dream class for as long a cruise as you can afford. If you are a repeat cruiser who has been on both ship classes, the Wonder is the same great Disney experience that you and others enjoyed for over 10 years at a reduced price. If you have only done the Dream class, I really don't think the Wonder will be a disappointment. It's the same ports with the same excursions. The smaller ship, the less crowded pools and Castaway Cay, and the increased attention from the crew will more than compensate for the missing attractions, which may not be missing for long. That work crew I mentioned earlier that also had to clear customs when we did the first stop in Miami was installing fiber optic and ethernet cable up and down the stairwells in the same spots the mid ship detective agency art is on the Dream.
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