Cruising the Dream on our 1st cruise ever!!! (5 Night Double Dip)

[Pinkocto]

Amazing pics of the parasailing!! What a wonderful thing to do....for now I can only live through this trip report! Such a great job you are doing, thanks for sharing it all.

Thank you! Just book it and say this is what we're doing. Or would that go over like a ton of bricks?

 

[Pinkocto]

it is a DVC only offer, put using cash not points, and yes I got it in email early this morning.

Looks like the offer is only for June. I love being in MD in the summer because I love going fruit picking at Larriland Farms, so a June deal doesn't grab me.

Loved the update and the pictures from above!

Thank you

 

[Pinkocto]

HA! What's up with DH? Well, he is not a risk-taker AT ALL. This is one of those things that I'm so thankful for because he's my dependable, solid-as-a-rock husband that I can always count on, except when I'm trying to get him to do something like parasailing. My 10yo DS is just like his dad, but my 7yo DD will try anything. She did Summit Plummet at Blizzard Beach when she was 6 (as soon as she hit 48 in), while others older and bigger were doing the walk of shame back down the steps. I know she'll do it with me!

Thanks so much for the info. I am so glad to know we'll be able to do it together, and I can't wait to show my DD your pictures.

We LOVED our cruise, and I am kicking myself for waiting so long to try it. I was always hesitant b/c I get motion sickness, but we took Bonine, and we were fine. I'm writing about our 4 day cruise if you want to check it out (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2922952), but it will not include the fabulous parasailing adventure. I did think of you, however, when we were at Castaway Cay. I had already read about your trek to the observation tower when we left for our trip, so I thought of you as I looked down that long road!

I will definitely go over and check it out.

Very cool, thanks for thinking of me It was a long road that's for sure!

It will be a wonderful experience to share, I hope you're able to go parasailing in December

 

[MEK]

That parasailing looks absolutely amazing. During what part of the cruise is that offered? I had no idea that was an activity/excursion. The pictures are beautiful. WOW!

 

[Pinkocto]

With our spirits very high from our fabulous experience we headed back to the room for the promised tip and to pick up our snorkling equipment which we had brought from home.

Of course took some pictures on the way.

We couldn't see our guide when we returned with the tip, so asked a CM if we could go look for him on the dock but we weren't allowed back there without being on an excursion. But not to fear, he saw us and quickly made his way over. I'm sure they get much of their income from tips so I'm definitely glad we went back for one.

We then headed to Serenity Bay for lunch but I messed up with the tram stops so didn't have us get off at the right one. There was no announcement to get off at that point for the second tram to SB, so I was very mad at the tram driver.

We ended up walking along a part of CC I don't think we would have otherwise, but I was still mad at the tram driver. We had every intention of heading to SB for lunch but came across Cookies Too BBQ so decided to stop and try the selection. I do not think we'll be back. There was some delightful little banana breads, but the corn was not fresh, the fish overly cooked, and fries too crispy. I utterly failed at food pictures on CC this whole trip, I apologize. I was starving I guess and didn't even think about pictures even though I had the camera out taking pictures of other things...

We found a nice silent area behind the buffet area.

this was another area to sit.

we found this funky bush like thing.

and finally made our way to the magnificent Serenity Bay.

 

[Pinkocto]

That parasailing looks absolutely amazing. During what part of the cruise is that offered? I had no idea that was an activity/excursion. The pictures are beautiful. WOW!

It was only offered on the Castaway Cay days, and it was available to book online. Since it was our first cruise we could only book things 75 days in advance and there were plenty of spots available, but it did get sold out later on. I highly recommend it, it was absolutely amazing. When I ask mom what she wants to make sure we do next cruise, she immediately says parasailing. I'm afraid it will be a must do on every cruise she enjoyed it so much. It was $79 each person, and you were only up there for 8 minutes. You do get a lovely boat ride since you have to wait while everybody else in the group goes up.

On the DCL website they have all the excursions available under each port, so very early on in the planning I sat mom down and had her go over each and every one to see what she'd like to do. When we go to Nassau again I must must must do the sea lion excursion. Another reason to go back, as if I needed one...

Thank you so much at some point I made myself put the camera down and just enjoy the view, it was a fabulous experience and over much too quickly.

 

[jennyjinx3]

Thank you! Just book it and say this is what we're doing. Or would that go over like a ton of bricks?

Trust me, I have thought of that approach!! Many times, many many times... BUT I am trying to the diplomatic wife. It may come to that though.

However, I do think tonight is decision night. Stay tuned!! I have some tricks up my sleeve!

 

[Shell54]

Caught up on your TR and loving your parasailing pics!!! So you're obviously not afraid of heights..that's what keeps me from booking this excursion next month. It's still available on our cruise and I've asked my son and DH if they'd do it with me for moral support..but neither are enthusiastic enough to book it. It looks so awesome though!!! You had a great room location for viewing CC..nice verandah

 

[Leshaface]

All caught up!

I still can't believe the verandah you got for your room. It is SO spacious and wonderful. I need to remember your room number for next time.

Aw, so no Palo!? Guess you'll try it on your next trip????

The parasailing pictures are amazing! Isn't it the coolest thing? I think I mentioned it on my TR too, how unbelievably peaceful and quiet it is up there. You'd think it be so noisy and windy, but it was great!

 

[Pinkocto]

Caught up on your TR and loving your parasailing pics!!! So you're obviously not afraid of heights..that's what keeps me from booking this excursion next month. It's still available on our cruise and I've asked my son and DH if they'd do it with me for moral support..but neither are enthusiastic enough to book it. It looks so awesome though!!! You had a great room location for viewing CC..nice verandah

I definitely don't like to get near edges of big drops, but heights themselves don't bother me I guess. You are so safely in that harness and the excursion guides are so professional. If you've been thinking about doing it I'd do it. It was absolutely one of the most peaceful and wonderful experiences I've ever had.

Thank you, we were in love with the verandah. Couldn't have been luckier to get it since I had no idea there were such a thing as extended verandahs. Unfortunately since it was so wonderful I don't know if we can do anything different. The verandah on next years stateroom is double the size and the same price. There are some secret gems on the Dream and Fantasy. I'm still trying to find their equal on the Wonder and Magic.

 

[Pinkocto]

All caught up!

I still can't believe the verandah you got for your room. It is SO spacious and wonderful. I need to remember your room number for next time.

Aw, so no Palo!? Guess you'll try it on your next trip????

The parasailing pictures are amazing! Isn't it the coolest thing? I think I mentioned it on my TR too, how unbelievably peaceful and quiet it is up there. You'd think it be so noisy and windy, but it was great!

I know, it was really amazing. It's a category 5E, and I'm pretty sure I'll have to get that every time now. The problem is we were completely happy to have an inside stateroom before, and this spoiled us rotten.

No, no Palo, but no regrets at all. If we never see our tablemates again, we're both glad we didn't short change our time with them. But oh yes, it's on the list for next time. I had been dreaming of all the delicious food we'd be trying, so must try them at some point

Your parasailing pictures and description were the reason I was quite excited to try it out. It was truly a magical experience.

 

[Contessafester]

OMG! I love the pictures from parasailing. I signed my husband up, but I couldn't decide whether to do it myself. After seeing your pictures, I don't think I would forgive myself if I didn't try it. My worry was that we have a 7-year-old who won't be able to go with us on the excursion, but then I realized we can check her in at Scuttle's Cove while we go. I just added myself to the parasailing excursion and I couldn't be more excited! Thank you for making up my mind!

 

[Pinkocto]

We had just arrived at Serenity Bay after a wonderful morning of parasailing, but not so wonderful lunch. Oh well, I have said this whole time I wanted to try everything so that we know what we want to do next time.

This person has the right idea! The weather was so perfect, nice and hot with a wonderful breeze. We had however, lugged our snorkle gear from home, so we were absolutely going snorkling.

It was at this point where we found some of our tablemates and told them about our evening plans. They were very happy we'd be joining them, which warmed our hearts and made us very happy we had changed our plans. We chatted for a while and then mom and I went snorkling.

The water looked great, but was very choppy. We didn't stay out long but of course I got some photos.

not very much to see.

ahhhh, finally something.

some more sites to see.

The waves buffeted us so much I just couldn't handle it so had to swim back in. We decided we'd head over to the Family Beach and the official snorkling lagoon which was sheltered from the waves.

Back on land we chatted with our friends alittle more since they were still around, and after they left we enjoyed the sun for a little bit before heading to the Family Beach.

Leaving Serenity Bay was mellowing. We wouldn't be back until next trip.

I guess I had to get one last look.

The umbrellas a where the lunch area is.

I did not do this.

 

[Pinkocto]

OMG! I love the pictures from parasailing. I signed my husband up, but I couldn't decide whether to do it myself. After seeing your pictures, I don't think I would forgive myself if I didn't try it. My worry was that we have a 7-year-old who won't be able to go with us on the excursion, but then I realized we can check her in at Scuttle's Cove while we go. I just added myself to the parasailing excursion and I couldn't be more excited! Thank you for making up my mind!

Excellent!!! It's AMAZING!

 

[Leshaface]

You got some excellent shots! Ah, how I wish I could be back there right now...stretched out on one of the loungers, sipping on a Konk Kooler, reading a book. Castaway Cay is beautiful! Now if they could only bring back the double dip itineraries.

 

[Pikester]

Yay, an update!! Love the pictures of Serenity Beach. I can't wait to be there!!
Yah right that you didn't put that fork in the tree.

 

[Pinkocto]

You got some excellent shots! Ah, how I wish I could be back there right now...stretched out on one of the loungers, sipping on a Konk Kooler, reading a book. Castaway Cay is beautiful! Now if they could only bring back the double dip itineraries.

With four ships now I really hope they do. I would book another double dip in a heartbeat.

Konk Koolers, oh how I love thee they were so scrumptious!

 

[Pinkocto]

Yay, an update!! Love the pictures of Serenity Beach. I can't wait to be there!!
Yah right that you didn't put that fork in the tree.

I didn't, promise!

 

[cjlvsccm]

Enjoying the updates! Our stop at CC (two wks ago today!) was so nice, but a cloudy day with super cool water. Mind if I copy some of your pix?? Got to show friends just how amazing it is!!

 

[Pinkocto]

Enjoying the updates! Our stop at CC (two wks ago today!) was so nice, but a cloudy day with super cool water. Mind if I copy some of your pix?? Got to show friends just how amazing it is!!

Absolutely, feel free. I think at two weeks I was still amazed the trip had come and gone already. I can't say enough how wonderful it was