Dec. 29 - Jan 2 on the Wonder Trip Report

[poohfriend]

We had a group of 12 -- grandparents and two families. I will have to give this report in segments.
Kids ages 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9. Adults 60 somethings and 40 somethings.


Day One:

We boarder the transfer bus from WDW. (our land package was booked seperately, so we'll still have a check-in at the port!) We met the bus at 12 pm When boarding we were asked if there was anyone sick... an attempt to control viruses. (This will sound more important later in this report.) After a couple of stops, we were on our way.

We found the transfer bus to be very comfortable. DS (2) fell asleep on the way. We watched some cartoons before a video about the ship was shown. The kids got really excited about the kids clubs by watching the video. The trip took about an hour and 20 minutes. I didn't expect it, but jus the sight of the ship got me excited!

After a quick jaunt through security (less strenuous than an airport) we got our documents out to check in. I'd say we waited in line 20 minutes. We skiped the boarding picture and did not stand in line to get pics made with characters before boarding. (THE kids were stressed from the 20 minute wait already!) Because of our arrival time, our staterooms were ready. Half of our luggage had arrived. We spent a few minutes unpacking what had already arrived and checking out our digs. Very impressed with the spacious cabins. (Had only sailed RCCL's Sovereign before.)

We went to Beach Blanket after that and had plenty of time for the buffet before heading back to our cabins. We unpacked everything prior to our mandatory safety drill.

After the boat drill, we confirmed all of our plans that we'd booked online. (Palo, Spa, Children's activities.) Regarding Flounders. If I had it to do over agian, I would have booked online more hours the first two days. WE were allowed to add hours after 6 pm the second night. But even if there was availability, we couldn't add any time before that. The staff ratio here was great and was impressed by how they tried to engage my DS.

Our greatest dissapointment was that by booking the holiday cruise only 11 months in advance we were shut-out of the early dining time. I would not cruise again without the early seating time. More on this as the trip report continues. (wITH a party of 12, moving times was not an option.)

THE SAIL AWAY PARTY on deck 9 was fantastic. I was surprised that there were so many songs from my High School days. Then it hit me...We're now the target audience for Disney! The kids loved it, the adults loved it. What a fun way to start our trip.

{THanks to DIS we had all our swimsuits in our day bags, but no one wanted to swim. I was still glad to be prepared!}

We ordered our first room service of many after the Sail Away Party. We knew the kids would never make an 8:30 dinner, so we ordered a heavier meal for them. We had the fruit and cheese platter. (yum!)

{THANKS to the DIS boards I had plenty of $1 bills for tips for room service and knew that I could add tips to my account if I ordered something that I paid for.}

Took the kids to the clubs at 6:30 when they opened. Had a debate on if we should move DD "up" to the next club to be with cousin. The staff was supportive of either decision. We decided to let DD try the first night in "her" club and change to the cousin's club if she wasn't happy. Wow was she happy. SHe liked the club better than WDW!!! (The other 4 kids liked the clubs too.) I liked that the club navigator gave us details for each age group for the whole trip. Not just for one day.

At this point, we chilled out. It's impossible to drop the kids off and make the show the first night. (at least with as many kids as we were trying to make comfortable!)

At 8:15 we checked kids out. All but two (the youngest) made it through dinner (I had to go back to the room after the salad course!) ALL were extremely tired when they got back to the cabins. DD (7) was amazed at the pull-down bunk bed. Very comfortable. BTW! Still room for a pack and play on the floor with the bunk beds down. (Category 9, deck 1)

We barely got our PJs on and teeth brushed before sleep hit us all. A very comfortable night. A magical start to a great cruise!

Part two will come on another day!

 

[MomtoAshley]

I was on your crusie with a party of 12 too! I'm axxious to hear you account!

 

[knebel22@frontiernet]

"fruit and cheese platter" from room service?

I preordered one from the cruise line and paid $24. Maybe I should cancel it.
Thanks
Denise

 

[poohfriend]

I have no idea what the difference would be between the pre-ordered one and the room service version. I would have been completely satisfied with the Room Service version. Order two and make sure you have enough!! Or ask for a specific fruit if you want it.

Perhaps you could post a general question on the other board. Maybe someone who has eaten both can give you more information.

 

[knebel22@frontiernet]

Thanks for the reply. I bet I could order from room service and get the same platter and not pay for it. I guess the only difference is it wouldn't be waiting in our room when we board. I think I will cancel it.
Denise

 

[poohfriend]

Our second day on the Wonder was beautiful. The weather in Nassau was HOT and balmy. We're early risers and woke hungry. We went to Parrot Cay for the buffet. It was surprisingly busy and service was not good. the food was fine.

Made the Princess autograph and picture session. DD4 was very excited! Much nicer than the lines at the park.

Dropped all the kids off in their clubs.

Took pillowcases to guest services. {Another outstanding DIS tip!}

Had a manicure. (not worth $48 with tip. Canceled pedicure for later in the trip.)

Took a brief trip (gone from ship 45 min total) to the straw market before returning to the ship for lunch.

Went to TRITONs. This was an excellent meal. There were few people in the dining room and service was impecable. That day on the lunch menu was a pumkin soup that was yummy. Wish it would have shown up again one day or night. Also had a Tillapia fillet that was also great. Plus the unrushed lunch was really delightful.

Grandparents watched the baby for me after lunch and I returned to the Straw market. From my brief visit earlier I knew what I wanted. I was after a "desinger" purse made in china! I also picked up two medium straw bags with disney characters. We had fun bartering. And only spent an hour or so making our purchases. Fun.

The remainder of the afternoon was spent in Mickey's pool. Which was crowded but tolerable.

Got the kids an early dinner before checking them into the club again. I had a Palo reservation. yes, had the chocolate soufle! {ordered two. thanks DIS for yet another valuable tip!} The steak was so much better than waht I'd had at Concourse steakhouse at WDW three days earlier! Outstanding service and atmosphere.

Two kids were checked out of the club by grandparents to attend dinner and when they came back from the 8:30 seating they literally collapsed in bed. ( No pirate party for us!)

We may not have been doing all the activities we thought we'd get involved in, but were having a terriffic time!

 

[jeast]

Keep it coming! This is a great review.

 

[MomtoAshley]

I was a the Signing too! And I was wondering how much you paid for your Disney straw bags?

We got one for my DD with her name on it for 9 bucks. I wanted to get her lower.. But she wouldn't budge. It has a shoulder strap and a snap.

Also my DD wouldn't stay in the kids club! I think she thought she was missing out on things. And now she says it was her favorite part! HAHA

 

[poohfriend]

The bags I purchased were medium sized (with name) no strap and no snap. I only found one aurora that I was willing to buy (some of those ladies are much better and following the artwork than others). I think the woman sensed that I really liked it at wouldn't budge. I paid $10. SO, IMHO you got a much better deal. I did talk her down from 18, but that was outrageous. Actually $10 is outrageous too, but the kids love the bags.

I think the key to the kids clubs is helping them meet someone. My kids had cousins there and that helped. But my oldest daughter had someone come up to her the first night and ask to be friends. That made all the difference. Ironically the girl didn't show up the next day at all, but DD still had a blast!