bubba's mom's annual trip report to Univ...wait! WHAT?! NO Universal?!?!?!?!

[bubba's mom]

i'm running in permanent vacation mode he he

duh

You're making Royal sound better and better lol

I'd love to do Disney again, but it's so much more $$ (as in about double!). I'm sure one day in the future we might again... So, in order: Royal, Disney and be a loooong time before Carnival again. Don't get me wrong, they were very budget friendly for the group we had, but in our case, it was "get what you pay for". I don't doubt we'll try them again someday in the future....but for now, we're sticking with Royal.

I am JUST starting to get caught up again...I know ....no excuses..

But when I looked at this picture you KNOW what I saw 1st!

OK, back to more reading!

yeah...I know what you saw.... That big Royal ship in Disney's way

 

[jenseib]

duh




yeah...I know what you saw.... That big Royal ship in Disney's way

 

[bubba's mom]

Did you eat in the same dining room each night then? I am trying to remember how other cruiselines do it. My last cruise before DCL was NCL with free style so we could eat in either dining room when we wanted. Of course same food each place.

And how are those other food places? Do you have to pay extra for places like Johnny Rockets, icecream, etc? I know alot of NCL ships have put more eating places, but I am pretty sure the yal lhave an upcharge of some sort.

It was so nice to see the Dream too. So how do you compare RCCL to DCL?

There is 1 dining room, but it's on 3 levels. Decks 3, 4 and 5. Each 'level' has it's own name (we were Isaac). I believe they use Deck 5 for the My Time Dining, which we didn't use. (mostly because you have to prepay ALL your gratuties and when I did the math, it was more $ ) So, yes...we ate in the MDR each nite...never in Windjammer (buffet).

We did eat at Johnny Rockets (it's comin) and that place is $4.95 cover charge (but no cover charge for take out) plus beverages. They accept soda cards and have limited bar selection. Milkshakes were $4.50 each. We didn't eat at Ben & Jerry's...which costs extra (menu on wall behind their counter). We at once (Bubba twice) at the Cupcake Cupboard. All cupcakes are $2.50 (one reason we only went once). I just had to try 1 and I didn't think it was anything special...but, now I can say I tried one and report on it

They also have 2 specialty restaurants at the entrance to the Windjammer...Chops (steakhouse) and Portofino (Italian). They are extra cover charge also. Altho, I believe for a $14 charge (i think?), you could order a steak from Chops in the MDR. One of them (think it's Chops) has a Murder Mystery Dinner you can do also...for extra $ of course

The other extra charge place is Vintages Wine Bar. You swipe your Set Sail Pass card and can choose 1, 3 or 5 ounces of wine at a time. It's a great place to sample if you like to do that. I, however, did not and have no clue how much each sample costs...sorry

I can only compare to the Wonder. Both ships had good food and great service. I think we had more room on the Wonder in our cabin, than the same type of room on Royal...but both were good for the 3 of us. I'd go on either again... We all think there may be a bit more to do on the Freedom (which is a ship in their fleet geared toward families/kids). Both private islands are great...but would have to give the edge to Freedom. The cost is what will make us choose Royal over Disney...we just don't drink enough alcohol to make up that difference!!

 

[jenseib]

There is 1 dining room, but it's on 3 levels. Decks 3, 4 and 5. Each 'level' has it's own name (we were Isaac). I believe they use Deck 5 for the My Time Dining, which we didn't use. (mostly because you have to prepay ALL your gratuties and when I did the math, it was more $ ) So, yes...we ate in the MDR each nite...never in Windjammer (buffet).

We did eat at Johnny Rockets (it's comin) and that place is $4.95 cover charge (but no cover charge for take out) plus beverages. They accept soda cards and have limited bar selection. Milkshakes were $4.50 each. We didn't eat at Ben & Jerry's...which costs extra (menu on wall behind their counter). We at once (Bubba twice) at the Cupcake Cupboard. All cupcakes are $2.50 (one reason we only went once). I just had to try 1 and I didn't think it was anything special...but, now I can say I tried one and report on it

They also have 2 specialty restaurants at the entrance to the Windjammer...Chops (steakhouse) and Portofino (Italian). They are extra cover charge also. Altho, I believe for a $14 charge (i think?), you could order a steak from Chops in the MDR. One of them (think it's Chops) has a Murder Mystery Dinner you can do also...for extra $ of course

The other extra charge place is Vintages Wine Bar. You swipe your Set Sail Pass card and can choose 1, 3 or 5 ounces of wine at a time. It's a great place to sample if you like to do that. I, however, did not and have no clue how much each sample costs...sorry

I can only compare to the Wonder. Both ships had good food and great service. I think we had more room on the Wonder in our cabin, than the same type of room on Royal...but both were good for the 3 of us. I'd go on either again... We all think there may be a bit more to do on the Freedom (which is a ship in their fleet geared toward families/kids). Both private islands are great...but would have to give the edge to Freedom. The cost is what will make us choose Royal over Disney...we just don't drink enough alcohol to make up that difference!!

Thanks forall that info. I think our friends sailed that ship last winter. It looks gorgeous.It's hard to believe it's actually slight smaller than the Dream. It looks huge

 

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

Disney is actually testing this out at AS Sports right now. they have regualr cups with chips and the refillable mug with chips.

Yes I know - that was the point of my post

 

[RVGal]

Allure of the Seas was docked next to us (on the Dream) in Nassau. Holy Mother Nature, that is one huge ship! I tried to take a picture and couldn't get the whole ship in one shot.

We are debating who will get our next cruise (probably in 2013). Right now I'm leaning more toward RCCL and Brad wants to wait for the DCL Fantasy iteneraries. The Dream was great, but I had some issues (will go into detail in my own trippie later). The main argument Brad is using is that DCL really goes for the "family" market and therefore has plenty for all of us to do together (my boys aren't "kid club" kids, they want to hang with us... dammit...) and there isn't that adult vibe without casinos and with all the bars/lounges sorta all in one location and off by themselves on the DCL ships. So, in your expert and recently sailed opinion, would my family of four have plenty to do together on an RCCL ship? I'm looking for fresh ammunition to send his way.

 

[bubba's mom]

Was hopin' to post next day...will have to wait for morning. Meantime....

It's hard to believe it's actually slight smaller than the Dream. It looks huge

Must be taller...it's only 3ft shorter in length

Allure of the Seas was docked next to us (on the Dream) in Nassau. Holy Mother Nature, that is one huge ship! I tried to take a picture and couldn't get the whole ship in one shot.

We are debating who will get our next cruise (probably in 2013). Right now I'm leaning more toward RCCL and Brad wants to wait for the DCL Fantasy iteneraries. The Dream was great, but I had some issues (will go into detail in my own trippie later). The main argument Brad is using is that DCL really goes for the "family" market and therefore has plenty for all of us to do together (my boys aren't "kid club" kids, they want to hang with us... dammit...) and there isn't that adult vibe without casinos and with all the bars/lounges sorta all in one location and off by themselves on the DCL ships. So, in your expert and recently sailed opinion, would my family of four have plenty to do together on an RCCL ship? I'm looking for fresh ammunition to send his way.

In my "expert and recently sailed opinion"... yes. Bub hung with us a lot this time for whatever reason, but left for *some* activites. Thinking your oldest (by 2013) will be old enough for sign out priveledges, there should be lots to do. That way, he could go do dodgeball or the scavenger hunt or whatever IF he wants to.

If not, there's plenty (at least for us there was). Mini golf, flowrider, rockwall, ice skating, (on deck-) shuffleboard, pingpong, checkers, tic tac toe, arcade, basketball court, the pool and H20 Zone...of course!, movies, learn to decorate a cupcake (not sure if there's an age requirement) and they have family activites too. Not sure what the Dream had, but Freedom IS one of their ships geared toward families. We also don't like many sea days...this week long trip had 4 port days, 2 days at sea...that helps too.

I'm getting the report done...just wait and see. Then, you can 'load up' and let Brad have it
(not to mention...it's prolly cheaper than Disney...IF you book as soon as it's available to book!)

eta: we had just as much, if not more fun, on Royal than Disney. I love Disney, but the price is just so much more than other lines...it really is the only thing that keeps us from going back!

 

[bubba's mom]

Day 12 -- Tuesday, July 12

Cruise Day 3 -- Labadee, Haiti

Today's Compass.

We had asked our cabin attendant yesterday to switch pullman beds for Bubba. I was hoping maybe the bed over top of my side of the bed would be quieter...and it was! He wasn't happy on that side, as he couldn't lay in bed and watch tv then....but, I was happier not hearing his every move during the night!

This morning we woke up at 7:30 to the sound of the gangway ramp being put out. Turns out this was right directly below our room. So, if you want to sleep in (on port days), this is probably one room you don't want! If you needed to be up early (like we do on Thursday), this is a welcome 'wake up' call.

We didn't need to get up quite so early, so we lounged around in bed and slowly woke up. We finally got up about an hour later and headed for breakfast at the Windjammer. We probably got to the Windjammer around 9am or so and had a nice, leisurely breakfast. There was no packing breakfast up on us this morning. Plenty to eat. Make sure you find a table before you get your food. If you get your food first, by the time you wander around looking for a table, your food could cool off. We'd always find a table first and someone (usually me) would have a seat while the others went for their food first. The system worked pretty good for us. Also, after you fill your plate, put another plate over top of your food. Helps keep it warm.

Labadee is Royal Caribbean's private island. Actually, they lease a pennisula off the northern coast of Haiti. It's fenced off from the rest of the country and guarded. I actually didn't see the fence or guards, but I didn't go looking for them either. It's a beautiful place...comparable to Castaway Cay.

After breakfast, it was back upstairs to change into swim duds and head ashore. DH & Bubba had an 11am waverunner tour. They needed to check in at 10:45 for that. We headed off the ship, and by now there wasn't any crowd or line. We scanned our cards and walked toward Labadee. It looked beautiful and we had a beautiful day! We took some pictures before checking in for the waverunner tour because we were early. Our family, our son...who was still tired apparently. Some random pictures: a local boat, a fountain, a pathway up the hill, the ship, another picture of the ship, another fountain, directions on Labadee and some tunes to set the island mood.

We decided to check in because there weren't any lines. We were a bit early so we sat and waited to be called at 11:00. They called the 11am tour into the room for the safety video first. You always have the little talk about how to operate the waverunner, how to do it safely, basic rules of the water, etc... After the 'chat', it was time to get lifejackets on. Unlike years ago when my husband & I did this on Coco Cay, the driver now wears an additional vest. This vest has handles on the sides for the passenger to hold onto.
Their actual departure was more around 11:15am. Waverunner pix: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9. Here are some of the pictures DH captured from his video from their tour: 1, 2, 3, 4, this was a local boat selling goods out there, and starting to head back, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9.

After they left on the waverunner, I decided to roam the island and take some pictures. I passed by that fountain again! I decided to head to Dragon's Point Lookout. The sign posted was informative and it was easy to find...just go by the end of the zipline! I walked around and came across the entrance to the Lookout. I climbed up to the point, taking pictures along the way. Here are some of the sights from the path up to the Lookout Point: literal end of the zipline, the beach and the Cafe.

Pictures from the Point: 1 and 2.

I was all by myself up top at the Point. It was very quiet except for the water you could hear...making the 'dragon breath' sound. I thought it was neat and enjoyed about 5 minutes there alone. Before I left, I took video and many pictures.

I checked the time and it was almost 12:15 already! I figured the guys would be back from their waverunner tour and I had their flipflops! I started to head back.

I decided to take the 'road to the right' path. I didn't know where I'd come out, but it seemed to head in the direction of the ship (where I needed to go) along the coastline. This turned out to be the 'scenic' route back and it was pretty empty. Most of it was an easy walk and downhill (of course).

Some pictures from the walk back down: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, looking back at the Point where I just was, 10, 11 and 12.

Walking along the coastline had some beautiful scenery and it was a quiet path...I didn't come across but a few people on my way back. Here are some pictures from that walk: the ship, the water is just so beautiful, 1, 2. Earlier in the day, I'd seen a party of what looked like a vow renewal (or a wedding). I had to guess this is where that happened. If so, it was a beautiful spot for it.

As I got closer to the ship, I came across a little outcove. There was a bench under a tree there with this beautiful view of the ship.

This was the path I came from. I realized it was near this fountain...in case you wanted to take the shortcut TO Dragon's Plaza.

After stopping for those pictures and video along the way, I arrived back at the spot where we waited for the waverunner excursion to begin. The guys were there looking at the video DH had taken while out on the waverunner. I came up behind and asked how it was. They said they had a fun time. That was the first time my son had been on a waverunner. He liked it...a lot!

Video from the day up to this point.

They asked what I did while they were gone and I told them where I went. They wanted to see where I'd been, so we headed to the Lookout Point. A bit more crowded now, but we stayed a few more minutes and then went back down the stairs/path we came up. (didn't take the scenic way down this time)

Our family at the Lookout Point: Ryan at the point, looking beat? It's only 1:30 son! Wake up! Lots more fun to be had today!! A pic with his Dad, his Mom and Mom & Dad together. After a few more pix, we were ready to go. 1, 2 and 3.

We came back down to the beach and took a few pictures. Beach pix: 1, 2, Lookout Point & the 'dragon', 3 and 4. Then we went to the Cafe to get some ice for the bottled water we'd brought with us. While here, we also took advantage of a bathroom break.

While we were over in the Dragon's Point area, Bubba wanted to ride the Dragon's Tail Coaster. While over here, why not? We walked in that direction. Tucked far away in that part of that area, it took a little while to walk to. It was an easy walk though, since they have paved pathways. Not sure what kind of tree this was, but I took a picture because it was pretty.

We arrived at Adrenaline beach where the DragonTail Coaster was. More pix of Adrenaline beach first: 1, 2, 3 and 4.

We turned in our excursion ticket at the coaster counter and signed the waiver release. DH didn't want to go, so I was going to go with him. Turns out, I sat in the back and ended up being the driver/braker because I was taller. There is a handle in the front of the coaster car for the passenger to hold on to, but when Bubba would hold onto it, he was sitting more upright. You need to know my son is only about 3" shorter than me, so when he'd hold on and sit more upright and I could not see the track ahead of us...just the back of his head! When the worker told him to hold on, I explained I couldn't see (to brake) and he was actually better off leaning back against me. After showing him, he agreed he could lean back and then was nice to take our picture for us.

We started our ride up the mountain. Bubba videotaped our ride while I worked the brakes (and snapped a couple of pictures along our ride ). We seemed to be going up forever. Just when we thought we were finished our climb, nope. We continued up.... We finally did make it and had some GREAT views!! Some pix from the ride: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10. DH waited for us at the bottom, or end...whatever you want to call it. The cruiseline also has someone there taking your picture. Here we come : 1, 2 and 3.

It was a nice ride down...very curvy. They do warn you where to brake before some of the curves. Bubba really enjoyed it and could have done it again. I don't know that he, or I, could do it all day long over and over, but at least once...maybe 2 or 3 more times would have been enough..... No matter, we had a good time doing it and I'm glad I went! Here is the video of our ride.

After the coaster ride, made our way to Columbus Cove, taking pictures along the way. The island is beautiful and very well laid out. It never felt crowded while we were there. We did see a tram stop, but decided to walk since it was a nice walk. The tram runs continously from one end of the island to the other.

We had to take this picture. It looks like an apple fell from the palm tree! Kinda rude to have left it there, but now that it was there, our son took the opportunity for a Sir Issac Newton photo op. This was kind of strange in a way, because just last night before the doors opened for dinner, we were reading something on the wall about Isaac Newton (who the "Isaac Dining Room" was named after) and about how the story of him sitting under the tree when the apple fell on his head was a little exaggerated. I wish I'd taken a picture of what we read about him....I just found it ironic to have seen this apple under the tree after that!!

We walked past the market area (with little pressure to buy anything) and once at the beach, I found 2 chairs in the shade (under a palm tree) and plopped our stuff on the 2 chairs. You know I found shade for my dear hubby...I woulda preferred the sun, but I was heading out to the water, so it didn't matter.

It was around 1:30 when we got to the beach area. I checked Bubba in at the Aqua Park & signed his waivers. They said to meet at the lifejacket area (he pointed it out to me) in about 15 minutes for instructions. We checked out the Aqua Park from the dock and took some pictures of it and before we knew it, it was time for him to check-in for his lifejacket.

Pix of the Aqua Park: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, emptying out, looking back at Columbus Cove beach 7 from the dock, 8, 9, back on the beach.

He got his instructions and headed down the dock with the group to get in the water for the water park. He went right in and got busy right away. His swim session: 1, 2, he's on the right of the trampoline, him jumping in the middle, 3, him in the center triangle of the slide and 4. Looking back, DH should have gone with him. I think he would have had more fun with a buddy than just by himself.

After some video of him and pictures, I went to get my floaty mat and drinks for DH & I while he checked out the buffet. He was back before I was! He had missed it. We were so busy exploring the island and doing stuff, we didn't keep an eye on the time and it had already closed for the day. Oh well.....come back another day. DH said he could wait till we got back on the ship to get something to eat. He enjoyed his beer instead. I wanted a Labadoozie, but the bartender said he'd run out of the ingredients to make it. So, I just asked for some ice (I had water with me) and how much for a souvenir cup? (I have one from CocoCay and I wanted one from Labadee to go with it.) He said he wouldn't charge me for the cup and he'd give me ice in it. I forget how the conversation went, but I just ended up buying a water and getting the cup. I think he charged me like $3.95 or something like that. It was worth it to get my cup...and have some ice water.

I got my mat, my drink, my husband and headed for water. This late in the afternoon, people actually started leaving the beach area! The water was nice and the bottom was easy walking on the feet. (Although a little deeper it was that grassy bottom, fyi.) I laid on my mat and just soaked in the sun. It was so nice...the water, sun, cold drink.....just relaxin..... I relaxed, DH took pictures. These are shots from the water: 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. And then I got to take some pictures: 6, 7, 8 and 9.

While in the water, we got a few pix of the boy playing in the Aqua Park. We could have sworn he saw us, but later said he never saw us? We saw a mass of peeps leave the water park area around 2:30-2:45 I think? We heard lots of people were getting stung by jellyfish and the staff was spraying something on them. Bubba said he didn't get stung though. He stayed the whole time.

Bubba crashed on a chair with us when he was done in the Aqua Park. He stopped me from washing ashore while on my mat... seemed the tide was coming in, as I found myself holding on to his chair to keep me next to him!

Seemed he had the last scheduled slot of the day. I thought there'd be a 3pm time, but I guess not because there wasn't another group going into the water. The place seemed to empty around 3pm. The beach, the chairs... We figured the early seating for dinner people were heading back to get ready for dinner?

So Bubba was relaxin' in a chair in the water, DH was hanging around and I was on my mat. A couple of kids that were leaving with their folks managed to find a crab and were chasing the poor thing under the chairs. The little boy got a plastic cup from somewhere and managed to chase down and catch the poor thing! Poor Mr. Krabs, he was probably freaking out! After a couple of pictures, he let him go and he scurried under the chairs again. At one point he dug back into the sand in the surf, but resurfaced again. I'm sure all he was doing was looking for some food.....

Around 3:30 we headed back to the ship. Besides being hungry, we wanted to get some pix of Labadee from the top deck before we left.

We ended up taking a different path back to the ship than the way we took to get there (from Dragon's Plaza). Here are the cool pictures from that pathway: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.

Nearing the ship, still more pictures: the boy, ah....the long walk back, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, see the hottub?, 6, 7, 8, 9, how YOU doin?, in case you forgot where you were, http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/barbpics/Vacation 2011/Cruise Day 3 - Labadee/DSCN6686.jpg and looking up at the hottub this time.

Back onboard, since we were only on Deck 2 (right above the gangway, remember?) DH wanted to get a quick shower to rinse off. When he was done, we headed up to the top deck for our pix while Bubba got his shower.

Pictures from top deck: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and us crazy kids in Labadee.

When we got back to the cabin, he was finished with his shower and we decided to go grab a bite to eat and then go to the 'all skate' at the ice rink. It was sandwiches at the Cafe and pizza at Sorrento's. It killed some time before the ice skating session started. Pictures of sandwiches: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. Pix of some of the cookies: 7, 8, 9 and desserts: cinnamon crunch cake, 10, lemon poppy seed loaf, chocolate chip scones, 11 and 12. The cookie offerings varied at times. They did usually have a carmel cookie to die for! Of course chocolate chip, peanut butter, oatmeal raisin...and they did have some sugar-free offerings of them also. This was a popular spot to hit before bedtime. And, they do have little milks there too....so it was cookies and milk for Bubba before bed most nights. And there is beer here too.

After DH got a couple sandwiches, we went to Sorrento's because Bubba wanted pizza. Here's some pix of food from there: 1, desserts and breads: 2, 3 and 4 and salads & etc.

You will see pictures of the same things throughout the trip....same pictures I've already taken. But, I just walked by and HAD to take the picture. Like the Cupcake Cupboard, nobody there, great shot. So if I was walking somewhere, chances are, I'd snap a picture 'just because'. Besides, who doesn't like pictures?

It was near time for the ice skating session, so we left for Studio B. Along the way, a picture of the Champagne Bar.

We checked in at Studio B and signed up for the skating session. Tip: if you want to go, make sure you go early and sign up for that session you want. They only allow a limited amount of skaters per session. We did this our last day and by the time we got there, the session we were going to go to was already full, so we signed up for the next session. You can leave and come back once you've signed up, but, if you are going to skate, try to do the whole session. (Particularly the last day) some people came and skated for like 10-15 minutes and then left. It's a 45 minute session and some people were turned away because it was full. I felt bad for those who couldn't get it because of the kids/people who wanted 10 minutes on the ice. And, helmets, long pants and socks required. If you're like me and get chilly easily, bring a lightweight jacket too. They have elbow and knee pads, but they are not required. And, the ice is chippy and awful (because of the figure skates) and the skates haven't been sharpened in forever...so don't expect great skates, unless you bring your own.

But, we had fun and we were proud of Bubba. My boys had fun horsing around too...here is Dad comin in for the check into the boards. And this is the pic of my son & I. He hadn't been on skates in a while and he did really well! I know it's from being older with a stronger core (from years of taekwondo) and having better balance because of it. Matter of fact, within a week of being home, he and his Dad went ice skating and he did even a little bit better.

We were there till they closed the session. To our surprise, they even have a mini zamboni. I just HAD to have a picture of that thing! It was smaller than my car!

Here is video up to this point in our day.

After our skate session, as we were leaving Studio B, I noticed we were on our way from Labadee. I took this picture from a window in Studio B. Already cruisin' at a pretty good clip! Here is a picture of the On Air club just outside of Studio B. A lot of karaoke and 'Finish the Lyrics' shows go on here. Bubba asked me to take his picture here too...don't even ask what he's doin!

We headed back to our cabin so I could get my shower & get ready for dinner. We were 10 minutes early for dinner, so we went to check out the photos that were taken of us earlier in the day. This would end up being our usual thing...checking out our photos either before or after dinner...since the Photo Gallery was on the same deck (opposite) our dining room.

Menu for tonite: Appetizers, Entrees, Vitality and Desserts.

Tonight Bubba didn't like any of the appetizers, or want to try any, so he didn't order anything. He tried DH's crabcake and liked it so we got our Assistant Waiter to bring him his own and I had the New England clam chowder soup. For dinner we had: slow-roasted double-cut pork loin, chicken breast with seasonal herbs and beef stroganoff.

Bubba didn't care for any of the dessert offerings, but I think there was something going on in the Living Room he wanted to do anyway. So, he left and DH had the berrymisu and I ordered the orange chocolate parfait. Not that I was all that hungry, but we both wanted to try it. Very orange-y. I felt bad there wasn't anything Bubba liked, so we decided to get him a cupcake at the Cupcake Cupboard.

After dinner, we got cupcakes (to go) and put them in our cabin with a note for Bubba to "DO NOT TOUCH". We were only going to get 1 each, but when I asked what the Special of the Day was, they told me it was cinnamon, I had to get it.
Bubba loves cinnamon. We decided to get 1 of those and we'd split it...3 ways!

DH & I headed to the Promenade to catch the 70's Dancin' in the Street party. We ended up standing in front of the Cafe and it was convenient when DH wanted a beer during the show! It was a lot of fun and Graham Seymour (cruise director) was funny! He was especially funny when he had to climb onto the roof of Ben & Jerry's to retrieve a wayward beachball. While he was up there, he knocked on the neighboring cabin's window & ran.... What a riot! It was a good show with dancing, the Village People, had a 'love train' going, doing the 'brickhouse', dance tunes from the 70's...

Some pix: beachball in the crowd, here too, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.

It wasn't a long show...maybe 30-45 minutes or so. Here's some video of the fun.

After the show, we went back to the cabin. We were surprised Bubba was already there.

We had our cupcakes with some milk (I picked the milk up at the Cafe after the Dance Party). I'd say the cupcakes were pretty darn good, but probably not worth $2.50. But, I wanted to try one, and I did...try 1. Although, I found myself in there just about every day...checking out the cupcake/special of the day and taking pictures. Remember that one we were going to split? Hard to do if you don't have a knife!

After cupcake snack, we were relaxin' and Bubba got ready for bed. Good thing because he fell asleep watching tv. DH & I gave him a kiss and he woke up just enough for us to tell him we were going to go out and about the ship to take some night pictures. He was okay with that and went back to sleep.

Some pictures: H20 Zone, here too, the pool, and here too. The Solarium, the hottub, Windjammer entrance, Promenade pix: here and here. The travel agency (or whatever they call the place to book your next cruise), yet another pic of the Promenade, looking down at the end of the Promenade, Pharoh's Place (club that I actually never made it IN!), and we poked our nose into an empty Arcadia theater.

After ship pictures, we went outside to just sit and relax. It was a beautiful night; the moon was out and we sat at the helipad for awhile just taking in the warm breeze (surprisingly, it wasn't all that 'windy'...just breezy). We tried to get a picture of the moon reflecting off the ocean, but with a point & shoot camera, you can only do so much.... (and it was cloudy, which didn't help). Here are some of the best pictures he could get: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7. Not enough light for a good shot of the front of the ship, so we put the flash on...kinda weird?

After a little while there, we figured we'd better head back to the cabin. Taking some more pictures along the way. The Schooner Bar, the Arcadia theater again, a quiet Sorrentos, looking up at the decks from the Promenade and a picture of the car in front of Vintages...since nobody was around. And, we noticed, after 12-1am...this ship was empty! Not sure if it's the 1am kid curfew, but the Freedom is QUIET at night!!

It was about 2:30am when we got back. It was okay to be up late tonight. Tomorrow is Jamaica and we don't have to get up early because we don't have any plans for tomorrow.

 

[RAPstar]

Great update! Labadee looks fun!

 

[schumigirl]

Oh my goodness your pictures are beautiful, I`m loving reading about your trip.

I have to confess I have never wanted to do a cruise......Tom always has.........but I think I`m convinced I want to do one now

I had never heard of Labadee, it`s so beautiful......not how one would imagine Haiti to be......

 

[keishashadow]

great pics! bet bubba can't wait to drive one. so how would u honestly compare CC to Labadee?

waiting to hear ur take on johnny rockets. i've been drug to one in Myrtle Beach & we have one in the mall few minutes from my house (same company owns it that jr works for, he refused to train to work thereno down with the hoopla) but i do think it's a bleh.

 

[bubba's mom]

Great update! Labadee looks fun!

It was!! It was probably my second favorite day of the cruise (Cayman being my favorite).

Oh my goodness your pictures are beautiful, I`m loving reading about your trip.

I have to confess I have never wanted to do a cruise......Tom always has.........but I think I`m convinced I want to do one now

I had never heard of Labadee, it`s so beautiful......not how one would imagine Haiti to be......

thank you.... You really should give a cruise a try...maybe 3 or 4 nites at first just to try it out. I've never really come across anyone who didn't like the cruise and I've come across people who kick themselves for not trying/starting sooner than they did because they love it.

I was surprised Haiti was that mountainous too...who'da thot?

great pics! bet bubba can't wait to drive one. so how would u honestly compare CC to Labadee?

No...he can't wait to be able to drive his OWN waverunner

Honestly...I liked it as much, if not better than, CC. Even with as much as I liked that bike ride on CC, I liked the coaster, beach and scenery at Labadee. If the zipline wasn't so much $, I woulda done that Labadee seems more laid out...more room... CC seems kinda squished. I guess Labadee has more open space....CC seems to just have the beachy areas (and the bike ride).

You need to show the Mr these pix (& vid) and get him to read about it to convince him it's PERFECTLY SAFE.

waiting to hear ur take on johnny rockets. i've been drug to one in Myrtle Beach & we have one in the mall few minutes from my house (same company owns it that jr works for, he refused to train to work thereno down with the hoopla) but i do think it's a bleh.

my take on JR is this: Nothin special and the milkshake (which was what I was dying to try), was nothing special either. Coulda got the same kinda one at home. But...never ate at one before...now I have and know I'm not missing anything. That part of trippie will be in the Cozumel day.

stay tuned.....

 

[keishashadow]

we finally got to go to the adult side of CC, a whole 'nuter ballgame & the food was better too - they even had steaks for lunch!

labadee does look beautiful, but u know how it is...once a dude makes their mind up there's no going back

so many peeps rave re johnny rockets on the cruises, i thought maybe i had just hit the wrong 2 lol.

 

[natebenma]

GREAT pictures of Labadee!!! I love the one of all of you when you are getting onto the island (penninsula) and Bubba looks too cool sitting in the lounger after the Aqua Park.

What a fun day you had!

We were at Labadee in 2006 and 2007- it has really changed a lot since then. They were just building the ziplines and I didn't even know about the Dragon Coaster until seeing your description and pictures/video. We would love this!

This has been one of our favorite cruise stops. Just a fun, beachy day and like you observed, there is a lot to see, lots of places to roam, and it doesn't seem all that crowded. Haven't been to CC so I can't compare.

I'll save my rants on Johnny Rockets until your post. We have tried it once on the Voyager and once at Atlantis/Paradise Island and let's just say my picture caption is "Johnny Ripoffs" Guess I didn't save my rant!

 

[DrDoofenshmirtz]

Wow, what a terrific trip report! I just joined Dis boards to tell you how much I enjoyed this. You've got a very friendly writing style, and the pictures are terrific. Thank you very much.

 

[bubba's mom]

we finally got to go to the adult side of CC, a whole 'nuter ballgame & the food was better too - they even had steaks for lunch!

labadee does look beautiful, but u know how it is...once a dude makes their mind up there's no going back

so many peeps rave re johnny rockets on the cruises, i thought maybe i had just hit the wrong 2 lol.

-i peeked at that part of CC during our bike ride. didn't want to be long, Bubba was waitin.... seemed quiet...peaceful. Isn't the beach rockier tho? can't remember....

-Labadee is beautiful...and spacious. I have NO doubt in my mind, that if YOU were persistant enuf, he'd go. Can't 'knock' a place you ain't been

-not seeing the big deal w/ JR's....really not?

We were at Labadee in 2006 and 2007- it has really changed a lot since then. They were just building the ziplines and I didn't even know about the Dragon Coaster until seeing your description and pictures/video. We would love this!

This has been one of our favorite cruise stops. Just a fun, beachy day and like you observed, there is a lot to see, lots of places to roam, and it doesn't seem all that crowded. Haven't been to CC so I can't compare.

I'll save my rants on Johnny Rockets until your post. We have tried it once on the Voyager and once at Atlantis/Paradise Island and let's just say my picture caption is "Johnny Ripoffs" Guess I didn't save my rant!

Everyone has said how much Labadee has improved and what great changes they've made. They all have ME wonderin' what it used to be like As for JR's, we didn't consider it a ripoff because the $4.95 was WELL WORTH a REAL BEEF burger at that point. Besides, we prefer Red Robin here at home...and well, those burgers are more than that easily. Besides...it's vacation....

Wow, what a terrific trip report! I just joined Dis boards to tell you how much I enjoyed this. You've got a very friendly writing style, and the pictures are terrific. Thank you very much.

I am honored to be your first post and reason you joined. WELCOME to the DIS!

 

[RVGal]

I have been to a couple of Johnny Rocket's and I have to agree. One was in a casino in Biloxi (before Katrina). They are okay. I mean, they aren't bad and I wouldn't refuse to eat there... but I'm not going out of my way to find one either. It is good, but not above average good IMO.

The coaster looks cool. When you say you had to see to drive and break... do you mean you are in control of the thing? Like you have to steer or you will fly off the rails or something?

 

[RVGal]

Wow, what a terrific trip report! I just joined Dis boards to tell you how much I enjoyed this. You've got a very friendly writing style, and the pictures are terrific. Thank you very much.

I love your user name! My sons are huge Phineas & Ferb fans and I have to admit that Dr Doofenshmirtz is my favorite part.

 

[bubba's mom]

The coaster looks cool. When you say you had to see to drive and break... do you mean you are in control of the thing? Like you have to steer or you will fly off the rails or something?

You don't steer...only brake. But, it's just a car sitting on the track...no place will the TRACK slow you down. YOU have to slow yourself down, hence the brake. So, yes, you are in control of your own car. (and not hitting the car in front of you!) I guess your car would fly off the track if you didn't maintain a safe speed I assumed that's what the fences were for. DH said it was for safety if anyone had to walk up along side of the track. While true, I'm still sticking with my theory of "if the car flies off the track, it'll [sorta] catch you".

And, you need to see the track, to see the signs, that tell you where to brake...hence the "seeing" part

It was a great little ride!

 

[DrDoofenshmirtz]

I love your user name! My sons are huge Phineas & Ferb fans and I have to admit that Dr Doofenshmirtz is my favorite part.

Thanks...it's become my latest Disney addiction.