Howdy everyone,
Well I am back after a really awesome trip!!!!!
Here are a few of the highlights. I wont go into a lot of details because that could spoil some surprizes for those of you going for the first time. i don't want to do that.
My adventure started friday afternoon when I went to the airport to pick up my daughter Marie, her DH and 2 of my grandkids. As I was standing by security waiting I saw a bright pink flash down the walkway and thought WOW!!! Someone has a flurescent pink shirt on. To may SHOCK, it wasnt a shirt or even a hat, it was my daughter Marie's hair!!! It was bright, hot pink on top and blonde underneath. AAHHhhhhhhh!! What is going on I thought to myself, but using my motherly restraint i didnt ask. Finally she said, mom it wasnt suppose to be pink. Thank heavens!!! He teenage daughter started laughing as her mom explained that she had put 2 dark purple streaks in her hair on thursday for the mentally and physically disabled kids she teaches. she does that often because the kids love it and it helps to keep their attention. But them late thursday night as she showered, instead of washing out her shampoo had a bad chemical reaction with the dye and turned it hot pink and faded throughout her hair. No time to dye it again because her plane wa sleaving 3 hours after her shampoo, plus, it might get worse.
So she was the talk of the ship, lots of whispers behind her back. She didnt care, she decided maybe she should pretend to be a rock star. She had a blast and of course she was so easy to spot in the crowd.
Well now back to our cruise with our daughter. e arrived about 10:30 at the terminal and got #5 for boarding. While waiting in the terminal I was able to spot several disers by their descriptions and I went and introduced myself. Which was kind of funny because some of them were talking about the lady with the HOT PINK HAIR, saying things like, I'll bet she's a real party animal and such. Then I politely told them she was my daughter, boy did they get red faced, but I laughed and explained her situation to them. I would of thought the same thing If I didnt know her. I told them at least I would be easy to find, just look for the lady with pink hair and I would probably be close by.
We boarded early, 11:40 and it went really smooth. After they called #1 , about 3 minutes passed and they calle dit again, then 2 more minutes then they started calling in groups of 1, 2 , and 3. Then in 3 or 4 minutes they would call 3, 4, 5 and so on. It went really fast.
Then the atriumm was decorated very nicely with garlands strung around all the decks in that area, a large tree by the staircase and a huge gungerbread house by the promenade lounge as we walked by. we decided to eat lunch in the buffet on deck 9, which was excellant with a big variety of foods. My DH is diabetic so we were very pleased to find out they had changed their sugar free desserts and they were much better than on all the other cruises. They had sugar free chocolate mousse, strawberry mousse, cinnamon apple crumble, spice cake, chocolate brownie with vanilla sauce, new better tasting ice cream, mango mousse, mango cake and a few others. That was wonderful for those who cant have sugar, after all the desserts are a big part of cruising for most people.
After lunch I dropped off a couple of pillowcases with sharpie markers at guest services for signing which they did and it was in my room late friday waiting for me.
Next was the Dis board meet in the promenade lounge. I met about 35 or 40 great people. We ran into each other all over the ship that week and it was so much fun to have people always saying Hi and asking how things were going for your group. That really added a lot to our cruise.
Then we went to our room and I unpacked my carry on bag and discovered they had new life jackets for the safety drill and they are so much easier to put on than the old ones were. The drill was quick and easy this time too.
Then we were off to the sail away party with Junction 21. They were a good band, but not as good as Charles Marshall band. It was a very lively group of passengers this trip , maybe because of all the dis board members??? It was a rocking party and of course characters did make an appearance too. As we pulled out at 5, my DH and I went up on deck 10 to watch us pull out the channel, but we had 5:45 dinner so we couldnt stay too long.
Our first dinner was in parrot cay. Our wait staff was good, but not as good as usual. The food was very good and they have a few new items this time.
After dinner I went back and unpack all the luggage, then off to the tree lighting ceremony in the atrium. We sang a few carols, then characters appeared, dressed in their holiday best clothes and one lucky family was picked to stand on the staircase with the characters and blow pixie dust onto the tree, then it lit up and it started to snow in the atrium, which is a great touch to top of the ceremony. Then it was off to the welcome aboard show featuring Gary DeLena, a comedian, and Mike Super a magician. They were very good. I have seen them both before. excellant show!
Then we wandered through the stores to see what was new and I always buy photo albums when we cruise in december to put our pictures in, they are less than 1/2 price at the end of the year because they have 2005 on them. so i bought enough to use for all our cruises this year. I took them back to the room, then on to shutters to view our boarding picture. Usually it takes my 20 minutes to find it, but it took 2 minutes this time as I just looked for bright pink hair and spotted it immediately. after that we went around some of the hallways looking for door signs. we did this many times during the week and saw many great signs.
Our 13 year old grandaughter had a great one. I had sent her a picture of her grandpa (my DH) asleep on deck 4 on a previous cruise, not a flattering picture. she put it on a door sign with anote under it that said:
Here's my grandpa on deck 4, oh my how he can snore!
If you see him around the ship,
Please tell him you say this!
Love Ana
So My husband actually had people come up to him and told him they saw his picture on the sign. It was really funny,if you saw the picture you would understand, it was embarassing for him, but funny too. It really added to the experience for him.Then we were tired so off to bed early the first night.
Key West
No excursion for us, we just explored on our own. We paid $8 for a tram that stopped near all the major attractions and rode it around, we got off and went to the southern most point marker and saw th eoldest house in the southern most point and we went to the ship wreck museum and on top of it is a wooden staircase that goes up 65 feet for a fantastic view of mallory aquare area of the ships. Most of the rest of our day we just walked through tons of shops. Didnt buy much, just trinkets. One tip if you go there, when you first walk to the end of the port there are some nice stores, then when you walk about a block and turn left for mallory square the stores there are 1/2 the price of the first ones you come to. So dont buy in those first ones until you look in the others, because one block off the port the prices drop drastically. It was a warm day, but cloudy, so we didnt get to see the famous key west sunset they always talk about. at night they block off lots of the roads around mallory square area for party time. we didnt go out for that but our family did go and walk around some. They did an excellant excursion that they do recommend. It was sailing, snorkeling, and kayaking. They had a blast!!!
Then off to dinner in animators palate. after dinner we went to see Gary DeLena show, which was hilarious. It was the adult version of his show. Then we saw who wants to be a mouseketeer show, and then off to the 60's dance party where junction 21 played a lot of beatle songs, which we really enjoyed. Also sometime we saw another Magic show with Mike Super which was awesome! I love magicians.
I almost for got, one bad thing was when we returned from our excursion they were varnishing our balcony. The smell was horrible so we had to leave the room immediately. They said the smell would be gone in one hour. WRONG!!! We went back 2 hours later and I still couldnt stand to be in the room. by night it was finally gone,but we couldnt use our balcony for hours and had to stay out of the room. Then the next day while we were out they came in and touched up their mistakes and again made the room stink and we lost another afternoon where we could not use our balcony. That was NOT a good thing.
Sea day:
We woke to beautiful sunny skies
buffet for breakfast, omelet bar at the back was awesome.
we went to a trivia game show, we missed 6, so not too bad for us.
we saw the matinee performance of Golden Mickeys.
The new DIVE IN movie screen was great.
they played cartoons, and everyday they played a movie in the afternoon and another one at night or a sporting event. I know they played clash of the titons, and the incredibles and of course after the pirate party they played Pirates of the caribbean.I did an adult craft which we made mosaic picture frames. The person suppose to lead this was ill so the DJ from the clubs was there and he knew nothing about it, so that made for some funny moments. then we checked out more door signs, then off to the mickey 200 race. In the evening we saw the family comedy show and got formal pictures done for the first itme in 10 cruises. I was pleasantly surprized how well they came out. One tip for those of you wanting to do these pictures that evening. arrive 10 minutes before they start. They have 4 different areas with different backgrounds at each. The lines get very long, very fast, so we arrived early, were 2nd in line and by the time we finished we stepped over to spot 2 and 3 with very little wait and when we finished that it was 5:15 ( started at 5) but line #4 was 30 deep by then. so go early. because each family will take a group shot, a shot of parents, group of kids, individual of kids, so it really can take a long time if a family with 2 or 3 kids are ahead of you. we finished and still had plenty of time to go to dinner on time.
Grand caymen
off the ship at 8:15 for city tour.
good excursion, great guide, knowledgible, friendly, spoke good english
we went to a turtle farm, rum cake factory with free samples and of course some to buy if you wanted to, we saw the governors house and the oldest house still standing on the island, they call it a gingerbread house, also visited Hell, which is rock formations which wre really erie to see. we got back to the ship just in time for lunch, which was very tasty.
then we saw the matinee of the show Twice Charmed which was very good, not our favorite, but well worth seeing. When a matinee is offered we usually go so the crowds are less and it's less hectic around the dinner time for shows. Then we decided to stretch out on deck 4 in the comfy lounge chairs. We had seen 2 pirate ships in the bay that are for excusions and one of them pulled up close to us and then fired it's LOUD cannon at us and all of the people on board cheered and waved at us. The crew was dressed as pirates and it was full of kids having a blast. Then they sailed up to the other end of the Magic and fired the cannon again. it was a neat surprize for us and of course I had just put away the cam corder, however we did get a picture of it when we tendered in earlier in the morning.
Then we met up with our family as they returned from their excursion where they swam with the stingrays. They said it was awesome!!! Kind of spooky when they swarm around you, but a fantastic experience and they would highly recommend it to anyone who was interested. We did nt care for the shopping here. All the stores were right at the dock, very convenient, but most was jewelry, designer clothing, booze and cigars which we had no interest in. but for those of you whose are interested , it is very convenient.
There was a musical sail away party as we left port, not big like sail away at the port. we did the family cabaret show with David DiMuzio, a juggler/comedian. who also did a class for anyone to learn to juggle too.
after dinner it was 80's night in the club which was great.
Costa maya day
early morning character breakfast at parrot cay. fun for all. last time there were professional photographers taking pictures, this time there was none, but he person who was with the character did volunteer to take a picture with your camera, so be sure and bring your own camera and dont forget your cam corder because there is a show of sorts you may want to tape.
we then did the Chacchoben ruins tour, which was excellant! Our guide was great, knowledgible and spoke very good english. some guides have such srrong accents you have trouble understanding them. Our guide brought several items to pass around for people to see on the hour bus ride to the ruins. there are rest rooms there, not the best, but I've seen worse too. expect long lines for the ladies side. we did find out that just inside the gift shop is a second ladies room, so check both places if you gotta go!! After the tour they give you a bottle of water. I wont take the time to explain the tour, if interested PM me and I will answer your questions if I can.
we had great weather,but it did rain at the port. we got back about 4:45 and had to be on board by 5:30 and all the shopping was right at the dock so we zipped through a few shops and saw the beautiful pool in the center of the shops. It was really neat. It had one of those swim up bars for the guests and it was free to use the pool. Nobody was in it that day, too cool.
as we approached the ship there was a huge line and nobody was boarding. then we saw a huge wave wash over the gangplank! I thought HUM, this isnt good! Then we noticed the ship was really bouncing around. The seas had become rough while we were inland. Then we saw the top of the gangplank come loose from the ship and raise up about2 feet in the air. Ok I thought, I dont swim so it better stay put when I get to go across . Then a couple of crew members came along asking for any towels from the ship that guests may have. They took them and scurried back to the ship. about 5 minutes later we saw one crew member standing on each end of the gangplank and they let a few people go across at a time. then more waves came and we had to wait again. Then more crew members came along and told us to put away our ID as we wouldnt need them. So finally our turn came as as we zipped across to the ship we stepped onto dozens and dozens of towels oozing water all over the place and a man running a machine to suck up the water. They said a big wave came through the door and left all the water there and they couldnt use their electric machines to check us in because water and electricity dont mix. well by now it's almost time for our 5:45 dinner time and it's pirate night so it takes longer to get ready. But we were just a little late. We were in Lumier'es and at least 1/2 the people were dressed
up in full costumes and most of the others had bandanas and pirate t-shirts on. People were really in the spirit of the theme. at the party almost evreryone had something pirate like on. The party had changed some since we last saw it, due to the movie screen being in the way. It was really windy at first, but then the wind just died! The show was great, the fireworks were awesome and the buffet was scrumptous, and the desserts speak for themselves!!! Wait til you see them!!! Then after that they played the POTC movie on the screen. we sat on deck and chatted with lot of people then retired for the night.
Thursday:
we did the theater tour, family karoake, towel folding to make the animals the hosts leave in your room each night.Ice carving on deck 9.They had a matinee performance of Narnia and a wonderful seafood buffet for lunch. In the afternoon we watched something you rarely see on a cruise ship. Unfortunately someone was seriously ill and had to be taken by coast guard helicopter to a hospital. It was extremely windy and we slowed down alot. They blocked off the front of the ship on deck 10 and the copter hovered above an dlowered 2 men onto the ship to help with the transfer. then the copter circled around for about 20 minutes, then returned to the ship where they hoisted a gurney up on a cable. It was so windy that it was very scary to watch. My heart went out to the family, to have such a tragic event happen. Later someone said they were in the spa nd they heard 2 crew members discussing it and they said it was a toddler who was having seizures.
So I dont know for sure if that was it, but that is all any of us had heard. I hope the little guy is ok now. The show was Disney dreams which is my Dh's favorite show.Then we went to a family cabaret show again, and then some rock n roll music and show before the music. we had to duck out at 11
o for the dessert buffet in Lumiere's. The decorations were as elaborate as the desserts with a huge chocolate fountain at one end. AWESOME!! Then back to the 70's disco party.
Castaway Cay
Beautiful sunny skies, I thought the water was cool, but everyone was in the water, so it was probably just me. We walked to the other side of the island as we usually do. They have added a new bike path on the airstrip. We returned in time for cookies BBQ, then to the grouper game room with daughter and grandson for a few games, then some shopping. Of course on the way onto the island there were characters for pictures, and Christmas carolers by the post office. The dock was decorated for Christmas with alarge tree and several snowmen beside it in snow and from behind them it was blowing snow out towards the guests who were posing for pictures. The tram had a large red nose, but brown antlers on the front, garlands strung down both sides of the tram, then a large brown tail off the back of the tram. It was really cute. As people returned to the ship they had eggnog and sugar cookies which I thought was a nice touch, however I did notice they ran out of cookies before everyone got one. I was watching from our balcony. Characters also appeared as people were getting on the ship too for photo's. Now it was time for the last dinner, then off to the room to pack everything so I wouldnt have to spend the final evening in our room packing,. Just had to be back between 9 and 11 to set out the bags for pickup. Had to dash to shutters to check out the pictures taken on CC that day and buy them. It was very crowded but managed to get through ok. saw a few new friends to say Hi to for the last time before leaving. By the end of the week they all feel like family to you and you know you will miss them and how much getting to know these people has added to the enjoyment of your trip.
Up very early the last day, must be out of your room by 8 a.m..
Of course being the mature adult I am it only took 6 crew members to drag me kicking and screaming I dont want to go!!! Off the ship. I told them, "I'LL BE BACK!!!! And I will and then I will get to meet a whole new set of friends which I am looking forward to very, very much.
see you all soon,
mom x4,grandma x4
Did you daughter get her hair back to normal soon after? what a brave lady & great attitude to go on the cruise with her pink hair! 
that's gonna make great memories...and I almost choked on my toast reading the part about "grandpa on deck 4" LOL!!! too funny.
Now the real count down can begin. I am already thinkling of what to do for room signs for our door. It was so much fun last time to make them and we saw so many neat signs on peoples doors. 
just going to be on the opposite side that we are on now. About a 80 miles move due to job promotion.
It is so much fun! your gonna love it 
ug: Stehanie aka Princess Daisy (our pug's name, actually! heheh)
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