Deluxe DDP and Food & Wine??? loosen your buckle a notch cause here we go!

[oboedm]

Signing on to your TR! Can't wait for your next update!

 

[shadowryter]

Enjoying your TR !! I can't wait to see your photos of the Dream.

Hi there and thanks for reading. Disney Dream on the way.

Signing on to your TR! Can't wait for your next update!

Thank you for joing in. It's been a while since my last post so I guess I better get a move on.

 

[shadowryter]

Well hi everyone. It's been a while since my last post. I've had internet issues again and had my whole house rewired yesterday. So far so good. Fingers crossed. So now that Disney World is just about out of the way it's on to our cruise. So here we go.

Day one ~ The Dream is a Wish Heart Makes…How we managed to sample 38 desserts in only 4 nights!

I had just about everything packed the night before and after waking Heather and Dan we we’re all ready and set to check out of the Coronado Springs Resort. I had a town car pick up scheduled for 10 am for our port arrival at 11 am, so I called the front desk at around 9:30 to let them know we were ready to leave. I thought we would have to cart our bags to El Centro and was pleasantly surprised when bell services arrived to transport our luggage and us to the front on one of those cute little golf cart things that we had been dodging for the past 5 days. The bell person stayed with us as we were already checked out and right on the dot our town car arrived. We had a very pleasant 45 or so minute drive to the port and when we arrived the place really seemed kind of vacant. The green tarp walls that we remembered from our last cruise were now gone and once through the gates it was on the way to security which took all of 2 minutes to pass through.

Now being silver Castaway Club members we went to our designated check in and by the time I collected our silver status lanyards, got our boarding number and rested for a few they were already calling us. We were #3...compared to last years #5. We went through the Mickey ears, whizzed right on, had our picture taken and then stood at the entrance of the atrium of the Dream. A young woman asked our family name not once but three times. I plainly said Kuzian….with a K…but we were announced as the Guzian family and got quite a laugh out of it. Oh well.
Our boarding pass

Mickey says, “Welcome Aboard.”

We made our way directly to the lunch buffet at the Enchanted Garden, got a table and stood in line. It took a little while but it was well worth the wait. After picking up all sorts of goodies we finished at the dessert section where Dan and I sampled a few yummies and Heather opted for gelato asking the cute cm behind the counter for a chocolate chip cookie which is replied in a charming Italian accent… “I give you two.”
Delicious buffet choices

Potato Leek soup

Mint Chocolate Chip Gelato with 2 chocolate chip cookies

Assortment of desserts

Beautiful chandelier out front of Enchanted Garden

Elevators outside Enchanted Garden

When lunch was over we started to look around the ship heading up to deck 11 where we grabbed a tall drink and a lounge chair. At this point my leg was in need of some rest and it was welcomed. Drinks finished it was time to head to our cabin but the yellow tape was still up which was removed just as we arrived. We headed to our cabin and was in awe as soon as we opened the door. Of course I had seen the pictures online but to see things in person was something. Our cheese and crackers and bottle of Asti on ice was waiting for us, so we dug in, noticing tat we only had 2 glasses and Heather was 21 so none for her…No but next time I think I have to ask for 3 glasses. No fun toasting our cruise with plastic. We also had our first Silver Castaway Club gift which was kind if cool. Loved the bag and water bottles along with the little key ring. Dan and Heather fought over the Rice Crispy flip flops and that was fine we me. Never had a taste for those. Lol! While they snacked I began to decorate our cabin door since everything was neatly placed in our backpack.
Welcome aboard drink

Our cabin - 10134

Fruit and Cheese

Asti on ice…note 2 glasses

Continued next post...

 

[shadowryter]

Various papers and tickets

Close up of cheese and crackers

Our Silver Castaway Club gift…really cool

Our finished cabin door with my makeshift Mickey pirate. (long story short…ran out of colored ink so I made Mickey a bandana to match the ones I made for ourselves.)

Next came the safety drill sans life jackets. It was quicker and more efficient than the Wonder and we were headed back to our cabin in no time where my package that I sent to the port was waiting for me. The package upon inspection was crushed and the inside was just as bad. I packed this thing so carefully but I think a lot of the glow bracelets were activated so I spent the next half hour replacing them and hoping that anything else wasn’t damaged. I was so relieved that I had brought extras in a solid cardboard tube. Putting this aside for now we were headed up to the Sail Away party until I heard a knock at our door. Our room steward carried in 2 pieces of luggage. 2...as in 2 of 3???I was told not to worry about the third and that it would most likely be delivered a little later. So off to the party!

Next....Sailing away with the mouse

 

[oboedm]

Great update! I love all of the pictures of the room and can't wait to hear about the Sail Away party!

 

[shadowryter]

Thanks Paula....
Disney Dream....Day One...Time to sail away...

The party was just getting started when we arrived so we grabbed our Sail Away drink and found a spot on deck 12 overlooking all the action. It was such a beautiful day not like last time where we literally froze no matter where we went. I admit that I kind of missed the music that played during the Wonders party but this was fun also. Soon we heard the ships horn… “A dream is a wish your heart makes,” and we were off. We found a place to sit with our drinks and drank in the sunshine as we slowly moved out of the port and into the open sea.
Sail Away Party

Sail away drink

Leaving Port Canaveral behind

Heather enjoying her drink

We slowly made our way back to our cabin so we could relax and get ready for tonight’s Golden Mickey’s. When I opened the door there was no more luggage and we were out to sea. Now what? Now I had to make a report of the missing piece…like what color???? Great black on black. Any idea how many people have black luggage? The importance of personalizing your suitcases…just in case and as we were to learn later on.

The Golden Mickey’s was great just like I remembered from the Wonder. This time we all made a promise that we would catch all the shows unlike the last time where we missed two of them for one reason or another. I won’t go into details. Don’t want to spoil it for you but it was a cute show.
The Golden Mickey’s

Elevator Mickey hand

After the show we hustled back to the cabin to find our beds turned down and this cute little guy.
Cute towel swan

Heather’s bed

Our little misfit piece of luggage decide to come home and I was so relieved. We made a quick change but regardless my leg was throbbing from the last 5 days at Disney and I could barely put weight on it. I bit the bullet and we made it to dinner at Animators Palate, though almost ½ hour late. We were seated and met our servers Pogi from Hungary and Simona from Solvakia. I explained my injury and that was why we were late. Pogi took our meal orders while Simona took our drink orders and that was where things took a funny turn.

Continued next post...

 

[shadowryter]

All three of us loved the sound of the Blueberrilicious so we all ordered the same drink. Problem was when it arrived it was horrible…I mean really bad. When Pogi came over to ask about our drinks I had to tell the truth. He said we were not the first ones to complain, so we ordered a different drink and it was fantastic…so good. In the meantime Pogi told us that the head server would be coming around and that we should make a complaint. I couldn’t do that so when we were asked how everything was we said excellent. I wasn’t going to get anyone in trouble over a poorly made drink. Pogi came by once again and asked if we said anything to which we said no. I don’t understand why he and Simona took this so personally but Pogi said he was going to make it up to us and would be bringing us a sampling of every dessert that night. Sounded like fun, besides how many could there be? When our entrees were finished desserts arrived. OMG…how many are there really? Regular…sugar free and yes…kiddie desserts. We had a good laugh and managed to sample all, though Dan did more than just sample.
Blueberrilicious….not so licious - tequila, fresh blueberries, passion fruit juice, triple sec and sour mix

Golden Breeze - vodka, amoretto, Galliano, orange juice and pineapple juice

Herb Focaccia and Ciabatta bread with roasted garlic dip

Clever little palate knives

Black Truffle Pasta Pursettes - Pasta purse filled with truffle scented cheese and coated with a delicate Champagne sauce

Baked Potato and Cheddar Cheese soup - with bacon bits and chives

Sesame-flavored Rock Shrimp and Caramelized Onion Cheesecake - with Asian barbeque sauce, topped with micro greens

Me and my crew

White Shrimp Pennette Pasta - tossed with basil and a Reggiano Parmesan cream sauce and topped with Parmesan cheese wafer

Marinated Angus beef tenderloin - served to order on Wasabi mashed potatoes with Bok Choy and a Tamarind barbeque reduction

Animators Trio of Veal - Grilled tenderloin, pulled shank and Tortellacci pasta with a sun-dried tomato and sage reduction and garnished with a potato crisp

Here comes desserts...
Crunchy Walnut Cake - dark chocolate mousse and raspberry coulis

Chocolate Brownie Cheesecake - with whipped cream and raspberry coulis

Lemon Mousse - with mango coulis and dark chocolate

Pineapple Financier - almond cake served with whipped cream

Cookies and Cream Sundae - vanilla ice cream, chocolate wafer cookies and whipped cream

Shots of AP

Next…Day two on the Dream and Nassau…Let the downpour begin!

 

[NancyLuvsMickey]

Heather’s bed

I had to look twice at the picture of Heather's bed... The first time I saw the two white things on the wall I thought to myself "why does she have 2 toilet paper holders by her bed??? Where is she sleeping???"

Then it dawned on me that the 2 white things are lights... Duh...

 

[shadowryter]

I had to look twice at the picture of Heather's bed... The first time I saw the two white things on the wall I thought to myself "why does she have 2 toilet paper holders by her bed??? Where is she sleeping???"

Then it dawned on me that the 2 white things are lights... Duh...

 

[shadowryter]

Disney Dream...Day Two...Nassau, shopping and a little rain!

I woke at a decent hour and I stood out on the verandah and watched as we neared Nassau. You could see the Atlantis Resort and it looked like it was going to be a perfect day with blue skies and puffy white clouds. Dan soon joined me and said he was in need of a good cup of coffee so we decided to try Cabanas for breakfast. Heather, still not feeling her best, wanted to sleep a bit more so Dan and I got ourselves ready but realized our do not disturb sign was missing. I happened to catch our stateroom host in the hallway who quickly remedied the problem. Once the sign was in place, we locked our sleeping daughter in and climbed one flight above to Cabanas.

The food choices were wonderful and there was a lot. I opted for my breakfast favorites as did Dan. We luckily and immediately found a table and with the crowd I was sure that we wouldn’t. Once seated we grabbed some coffee and juice and enjoyed our meal and some pleasant conversation with the couple next to us who happened to have a teenage grandson who was also sleeping late. LOL! When we finished I made my way back to the buffet line and got bacon and hash browns for Heather. Some OJ and a cup of coffee and we were on our way to wake our sleeping daughter and get ready for Nassau.
Breakfast selections

Cabanas sign with Finding Nemo seagulls

Sand sculptures of the Disney Parks Worldwide

We returned and gave Heather her food. I went directly to the slider and threw open the drapes to see that we had a visitor anchored beside us in port. I went outside and people were waving to us so we returned the gesture. It was so picture perfect outside; a beautiful yet balmy breeze was in the air and I knew I had to get my daughter moving if we were going to enjoy our stop at Nassau. Once Heather ate her breakfast she popped in the shower and soon we were heading through security and down the gangway.
Aida

We didn’t have any particular plans for this morning. Unlike our last visit we did the Atlantis Casino and aquarium tour and we hadn’t planned on a repeat of this. But there was something that Heather really wanted to do and once I convinced Dan that the Straw Market wasn’t a taxi drive arrive, that’s just where we headed. The market was interesting…lots of white tents pitched together. Some of the islanders selling their wares were actually in between and behind others. Our very first stop displayed some beautiful and unusual jewelry. The woman made her pieces from shells, sea glass and bone held together with either gold or silver wire and they were absolutely gorgeous. Her knowledge of the glass was particularly interesting. For instance red sea glass is from bottles used for poison back in the day. After making a few purchases here we made our way down the road to the other vendors. A quick stop at Senior Frogs and we headed back. The sun was blazing hot and I am allergic to it but I was smart enough to carry my red umbrella with me which I used to duck out of the sun when needed.
The Dream from Senior Frogs

An ocean view

Senior Frogs sign

On our way through I noticed the sign for the famous Tortuga Rum Shop. I heard so much about this place that it was definitely on my list of places to visit in Nassau. We went down the narrow street and entered into air-conditioned bliss. The next half an hour or so was checking out all the flavored rums and goodies and of course the infamous rum cakes. We left with enough rum allowance for one, (yep…light drinkers here) a couple of real cool Tortuga tee shirts and naturally an assorted 6 pack of flavored rum cakes.
Shots taken at home…
Tortuga Rum…Spiced, Light, Pineapple, Vanilla and Mango

Tortuga rum cakes…Coconut, Golden, Pineapple, Mango, Banana and Chocolate

Rum cakes in cute little hexagon boxes

Not as big as you think???

We made our way back past the Straw Market and stopped at our favorite jewelry outlet. Making a few more purchases and getting a hefty discount for our shopping choices we headed back to the Dream a few dollars lighter but very happy. Now I was forewarned that the vendors in Nassau can be quite pushy but I never really witnessed that. Yes they were all trying to catch your attention and we were kind of bombarded by women who kept shouting, “Hey lady want your little girl’s hair braided?” I heard this about a dozen times to and from the port and turned to Heather at one point who was sporting a cute short do. “Awww, mommy’s little girl want her hair braided?”
Heather’s earrings…left to right…blue and purple bone…Conch…black and blue sea glass…The blue is from old Milk of Magnesia bottles…ick. She actually searches the beaches for this stuff…incredible!

My necklace and Heather’s two. The one's on the left and right are a georgeous pink. This shot doesn't do it justice. Notice the clever little catches. I really love this.

The Festival House (better shops than last time but didn’t buy anything here)

As we approached the Dream we looked back at the Straw Market and some very dark ominous skies. We took our time, taking photos and videos along the way and by now realized it was past lunch.
Something's brewing

Disney Dream and Aida

Looking way up

Continued next post...

 

[shadowryter]

A couple shots of Nassua

We boarded the ship and headed back to our stateroom so we could drop off our packages and find somewhere to eat. Dan had pizza in mind but as we were about to head out it started pouring. I looked out and people were running everywhere to the Dream and the Aida. I wanted lunch but was afraid I might slip on wet floors with my bum leg so after a bit of attitude from my disgruntled hubby we called room service.

We had a big order…kind of wanted one of everything at this point. Lol! They said it would be about a half hour but I swear it was much sooner. There was a knock at the door and lunch was served.
Caesar Salad

Mickey bars for dessert….hey they forgot one

6 pack of diet Coke

BBQ hot wings (2 orders)….so good!

Ham and cheese

BLT

Cheese Burger…better than upstairs

Ahhhh….My Mickey bar at last….OK….Dan and I shared one

While enjoying our bountiful lunch we all watched Aladdin on television as the rain outside slowly began to subside.
Random shots

About two hours before the showing of Villains’ Tonight we all decided we’d dress before the show so there would be no rush for dinner afterwards and we wouldn’t be late this time. Besides it was slow going for me and I had to share the bathroom with Heather.
By the time we were ready there was still plenty of time to kill so we made our way into the atrium where the professional photographers were set up. We had our pictures taken on the stair case and by the statue of Admiral Donald and still had some time so we headed for the District Lounge where we met Oscar the bartender and some really yummy drinks.
District Lounge

Godiva Chocolate Martini...Absolut Vanilla, Godiva chocolate liquour, White creme de cocoa, Frangelica

Melon Vine...Barcardi melon rum, Sauvignon blanc, Sweet and sour topped with pineapple juice

Peach Margarita...made with Patron Silver

More shots

Continued next post...

 

[shadowryter]

Our Cruise Pictures

We finished our drinks and headed out stopping along the way so I could take a picture of Heather seated in a gilded chair in front of one of the murals.

Aida leaving port...Nassau revealed

Next...Villians Tonight and some more surprises at dinner!

 

[NancyLuvsMickey]

Cool looking jewelry!!! My daughter would have a blast shopping at the Straw Market, she LOVES jewelry!!!

I really need to get my kids passports so we can go on a cruise... Someday...

Beautiful pictures of you, Dan and Heather...

 

[newtexan]

jumped over from your disign thread to read along, love the photos you've taken

 

[WDWnut9230]

I love this thread. We'll be going on the Fantasy this September, so this gives me some great ideas, of what to be looking for and what to do. Thanks for sharing!!

 

[oboedm]

Loved the update! Definitely makes me want to go on a cruise ASAP! Did you feel safe while walking around in Nassau? Some people say that they didn't feel safe, and I have never been.

 

[shadowryter]

Cool looking jewelry!!! My daughter would have a blast shopping at the Straw Market, she LOVES jewelry!!!

I really need to get my kids passports so we can go on a cruise... Someday...

Beautiful pictures of you, Dan and Heather...

Loved the Straw Market though I heard it hads moved indoors...no more hot sun and tents.

jumped over from your disign thread to read along, love the photos you've taken

Welcome to my TR and thanks for reading.

I love this thread. We'll be going on the Fantasy this September, so this gives me some great ideas, of what to be looking for and what to do. Thanks for sharing!!

Thank you...it will be the Fantasy in October for us...can't wait.

Loved the update! Definitely makes me want to go on a cruise ASAP! Did you feel safe while walking around in Nassau? Some people say that they didn't feel safe, and I have never been.

You should do a cruise...as for myself...I'm addicted now.I felt pretty safe in Nassua but we didn't venture to far off. Visited mostly where a lot of people were around plus Dan is 6 ft 3 and around 225 lbs. A bit intimidating when needed.

 

[shadowryter]

Day Two...Disney Dream...continued

We entered the theater but decided to try the balcony this time. Almost front and center…can’t complain about that and the view was fantastic. The show was great and had every villain that you could possible imagine in it. I’m glad we saw it as I vowed we would. Well two down…one to go. I might add that flash photography was not permitted which is why the quality isn’t that great, besides if you are too far away you won’t get much using a flash…but others did. At one point I saw a CM looking my way but he spotted the one behind me and reprimanded him in a nice way. No flash means no flash not flash a lot.
Villains Tonight

After the show we did some shopping and then returned to our stateroom to find our next little towel guy greeting us so cool wearing his sunglasses and our pillow was flipped over to display the message of the Dream…I love this!
Our towel critter

Dream pillow

We found our way up top to take in the night time view of Nassau…a beautiful sight. After a couple of pictures we headed to the Enchanted Garden and we were on time. We were hoping to be seated at one of the lovely booths that I had admired through pictures before our cruise and at lunch the day before but were seated at a nice four top. We were soon greeted by Pogi and Simone and made our drink and food orders. We all ordered the same drink and it was fantastic and Simone seemed to beam at that fact.
Nassua at night

Summer Leafs - Rum, pomegranate, peach Schnapps, Cranberry juice and soda water

Multi-grain Loaf and Country Current Bread with Chickpea-Garlic Purée

North Atlantic Lobster Ravioli - (for three) with roasted garlic and sweet Basil scented tomato juice…I took a bite before I remembered to take a picture so I tried to camouflage it by strategically rearranging the ravioli.

Caramelized Sea Scallops with roasted asparagus, sun-dried tomatoes and pearl pasta garnished with caramelized leaks and veal jus reduction

Pan Seared Sea Bass with Fava beans and pea risotto and a sweet chili glaze

Roasted Pork Tenderloin seasoned with smoked salt citrus flavored polenta cakes and oven roasted carrots, parsnips and caramelized Granny Smith apples

Our dinner was delicious and we had saved just enough room for dessert when all of a sudden Pogi comes around the corner carrying a large tray and began to place dessert after dessert on our table. On my. I thought it was just last night not tonight too? I nibbled a bit off of each and spent most of my time taking pictures of all of them.
Chocolate Truffles and Mango Gelee….I think this is what it was called. It wasn’t on the menu but it was really good.

Sweet Temptations - A trio of Esterhazy Cake, Strawberry Cheesecake, and Chocolate Silk Mousse

Steamed Lemon Buttermilk Pudding with Citrus Reduction

Silky Dark Chocolate Mousse with Whipped Cream and Berries

Banana Foster Sundae Rum-glazed Bananas, Vanilla Ice Cream, Whipped Cream, and Caramel Sauce

Continued next post...

 

[shadowryter]

Strawberry Shortcake with Whipped Cream and Fruit Coulis

"Sacher" Chocolate Torte with Apricot Sauce

Esterhazy Cake Almond Meringue soaked in Maraschino Liqueur and layered Pastry Cream

After a very filling dinner I stopped to take a picture of the fountain and a young couple approached and asked if I would take a picture of them in front of it. I took a couple of them and then they did the same for us.
Enchanted Garden

We took a stroll to the top deck and found a place to sit and relax by Currents. There was a sultry breeze but it still felt good. We no sooner claimed our spot then we were greeted by a waiter and decided why not…we’re on vacation. So we ordered drinks and relaxed until it was time to call it a night.
Two Bahama Mama’s and a Rum Runner

Disney Dream deck 12 by night

A little windy

Our Professional Pictures

Long walk back

　
Next….Day three….Castaway Cay and Pirate party X’s 2

 

[jecskc]

Loving your TR !!! Thank you so much for sharing. Your pictures are amazing and I love all of the food porn. I was especially interested in your Nassau day. We weren't sure if we were even going to get off the boat on our Nassau day, but your post made me rethink it. So we might see .......

We have 46 more days nd we are so excited about our cruise. Can't wait to read more !!!