Donald's 1st Mate
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- May 29, 2005
- Messages
- 16
Anyone else back from the relocation cruise? Have just got back home and now in post-cruise depression following a fantastic trip. 
Sat 14/5: Embark Port Canaveral. Got there for the first time via Cruise Line Coach from Boardwalk Villas at WDW. Smooth comfortable ride, took about 75 mins. Arrived - no queues at about 3:30pm - quickly through the terminal/passports and onboard (hoorah). Compared to previous times (when arrived early by car) only downside was that you miss the characters during the pre-boarding period and the excitement/atmosphere. Anyway dumped handluggage in cabin - 7510 (arriving late meant could go straight to cabins rather than wait until 2:00pm) and then to topsiders for a quick snack. Realised that they have changed the system so that the drinks station aft now has all the soft drinks you require - and for free (you used to have to buy a mug in order to get free soft drink refills). Managed to arrange a late booking on an excursion for Curacoa at Shore Excursions desk (cheers Heath - brill Aussie who sorted it). Watched the sail away party from deck 10 - brill - especially the horn. Late dinner sitting (8:30 pm) so changed and was down for photos in foyer etc at 8:00 pm. Had Ronald (Phillipines) and Nos (South Africa) as Server and Assistant Server - good humoured, efficient guys. Food and service up to usual very high standard; also compared to early sitting (which we tried later on in the trip) the ambient level of noise was a lot lower. Father-in-law arranged for cauliflower soup to be his starter (despite the menu) for the rest of the trip - as he absolutely loves it! Sandy, my wife, a little sea sick (usual for the first night as we cross the gulf stream towards Castaway Cay) - this trend continued throughout the voyage (the only guest to not gain weight on the Cruise - tried a variety of remedies from grated fresh ginger tea through salt on green apples to Dramamine - none of which particularly effective esp the latter which made her zombified
).
Sun 15/5: Castaway Cay. Arrived early (0700) but went for breakfast at Topsiders first. Then onto the family beach which was empty compared to normal cruises! Apparently a reflection of the fact that unusually of the 2500 passengers, only 400 or so were children(figures approx). Thus no need to go to serenity bay (adults beach). Snorkelled; had a great time, but I enjoy the water anyway - saw a stingray and lots of fish. See that they have now sunk a small vessel to snorkel around as well as the usual bits (albeit for safety it is roped off from close inspection). Back onboard at 1600 after having eaten and drunk way around the Cay and sent postcards from the Cay Post Office! Sail away 1730 for 2 days at sea.
Mon/Tue 16/5 and 17/5. Sea and 'Pins Sleepover'. After breakfast in Topsiders on both days, lots to do onboard: Martini tasting, bingo, Golden Mickeys show, Trivia quizzes, ventriloquism, pictionary, basketball challenge, digital photography sessions, behind the scenes on panama canal talk and Murder Mystery (plus loads more - all detailed in the "Personal Navigator" delivered the night before to your cabin). Thoroughly enjoyed the latter item: Crew members acted out the parts of various people - Lance Overboard, Ira Bow, Mike Stern etc- and you had to listen in and detect the clues - great entertainment - 1st installment of 3 sessions. Only downside was the trading pins and merchandising fiasco on 16/5 . Clearly Disney had not realised that there would be a clamour for the limited edition comemorative trading pins detailing the special ports of call that were being issued for the relocation (nor the speed with which the very limited amount of special merchandise - 2 tee-shirts and a map- in the shops would sell: massive merchandising naiveity!!! - who would have thought that such a one-off cruise would cause a swell in demand for special merchandise? 
). This meant that people started queuing in the corridors from Sessions at 2030 the night before for the trading pins; the queue at 0700 the next morning was looping all the way aft and around parrots cay itself! Safety? Unfortunately Disney did not handle demand very well either; instead of limiting it to one pin per cabin and satisfying most people, they allowed all to be able to lay seige and demand one - this meant that only the first 500 in the queue got one - unfortunately, the result was a lot of very disappointed and tired people. It was made even more bitter by the fact there were greedy people who queued up and straight away put for sale on ebay their pins and multiple demands from cabins that really did not need more than one set per couple (some had already put sets for sale prior to sailing in expectation and are clearly in it just for the money they could make!). Disney attempted to make it up by stating that they would be issuing another limited edition pin per person - but that cannot make up for the commerorative value of the special ports-of-call pins that were made up specially for the trip nor make up for the damaged customer service reputation (sack the merchandising director, Mary Jo, I say). Mind you the merchandising departments handling of this fiasco was the only downer of the trip... Also had first formal night of the cruise on Mon evening. Most people had a go at Black Tie (Tux), although many were in suit/tie,with the occasional military dress uniform. A great opportunity to have many formal photos taken with various backgrounds - and given that you can review them the next day in Shutters and throw them away if you do not like them - it is a lot cheaper than hiring a professional photographer for a session!
Wed 18/5: Curacao - Scuba Diving
Arrived Curacao at 0730 to a very cloudy, overcast morning, but tremendously humid and hot. Arranged for cabin service for breakfast as I was going on a diving trip, whilst my family were going to see Willemstad (the capital). Amazingly colourful town - very dutch and carribbean colonial - similar in architecture to parts of Amsterdam! I am told that there was not a lot to see in the town itself - there were shops with the usual duty frees (jewelry, cosmetics and clothing). Picked up an authentic bottle of Blue Curacao! However, for me the highlight was the diving trip to Beacon Point and Saba (part of an arranged trip by Disney). It started off a little dubious and disorganised, gathering diving kit off the back of a truck, but then once we started off (16 in the party) it picked up. In fact the dive itself was well organised and you felt that they were looking out for you. But WOW 
what amazing coral and marine life! Underwater visability great, saw eels, turtles and many different varieties of fish and coral. Got some good underwater pics too. Unfortunately, we got back quite late (by the time the floating bridge allowed us back into the harbour) so that it did not allow us much time to go see the town itself. On leaving th eport Disney Magic entered into a "Ships' Horn" singing contest with the Adventurer of the Seas ship which was also berthed. Of course Disney won hands down 
Thur 19/5: Day at Sea. After breakfast in Topsiders (do you get the feeling I prefer the freedom of choice of a buffet to a silver service breakfast in the other restaurants?) went to a DVC members gathering and the final murder mystery session (even managed to correctly identify whodunnit). Lots available to do again (dancing, pool parties, behind the scenes looks, craft sessions etc), but had a relatively relaxing day and early night ready for Panama Canal the next day. Clocks went back 1hr so had an extra hour in bed!
Fri 20/5: Panama Canal Transit What a day! Started at about 0530. Rushed up to watch our approach to the first locks (Gatun Locks) at the Panama Canal and see the sun rise. Disney had laid on breakfast points around the upper deck for coffee, orange juice and pastries. Some people had slept on the deck to get a space, but to be honest it was best to be able to move around and see all angles (approaching the lock, in the locks and sailing out of the locks meant that you needed to see fwd, midships and aft). What a feat of engineering. We entered the first lock alongside a container ship, which allowed us to see the locks opening/closing and for the two to rise at different rates for comparison. Not much space for us in the locks either (matter of about 1 foot either side) which considering Disney Magic is 80000 tonnes of metal is a considerable management risk! Cleared the 3 Gatun locks at about 0830 and waited in the Gatun lake for a while. Allowed for us to go back to the cabin, shower, change, have a proper breakfast and prepare for the next stage. For me the next big event was going through the Guillard Cut (where the canal cuts through a hill thereby creating two hills - named gold and constructors hill - either side. Again the history behind it and to actually see it and pass through it is amazing. How they managed to dig it so many years ago without current machinery and in the terrible conditions is bewildering. I then lingered around Deck 10 fwd talking to people who were camped out in front of the basketball court and watched as we approached the Pedro Miguel and Miraflores locks. Took loads of pics and then at about 1300 went to deck 9 for some lunch (the theme was barbeque). Returned a little later when we finally emerged under the Bridge of the Americas in Panama City and into the Pacific at about 1530. But what an experience - I would recommend it to anyone 
. Pictures to follow...
Sat 21/5 and Sun 22/5: Sea Spent a lazy day at sea. Morning usual start with breakfast in Topsiders at 0900. Then just a 'do nothing' relaxing bit of time until spotted some friends on Internet terminal, watching 'live' text upadtes from FA Cup Final (for non-UK readers - this is the 'soccer' equivalent of the superbowl in the UK). My father-in-law and our friends (Nicky, Terry, Terri & Shannon) are fanatical Manchester United followers and thus we had to follow the match, including penalties, until the end (unfortunately Man Utd lost). This loss meant that we had to drown our sorrows until lunch time! After lunch in Topsiders (I forget what the theme was on this ocassion) as usual with morning drinking sessions, this means an afternoon snooze and a very relaxing rest-of-the day. In fact Sun was very much the same; bit of doing not alot at all (lots to do, but personal choice). Tried an alcoholic coffee in Cove Cafe (more alcohol in the coffee than was in a Long Island Iced Tea). Certainly had me on a high fora few hours! Got changed early for dinner and watched 'National Treasure' in the Buena Vista theatre, before proceeding to pre-dinner photo opportunity and then dinner itself (and the now customary trying of all the dessert options - our server, Roland, thought that we should try them all - thanks Roland for the extra 11 lbs that I have gained through the cruise!).
Mon 23/5: Acapulco Watched arrival into Acapulco (approx 1000) - beautiful surrounding mountains and beaches with hot weather. After a quick topsiders breakfast we decided to take a foray ashore. Had a scout around the terminal shopping centre (few small shops - jewellry, alcohol, t-shirts). Bought some of the sunlight reactive t-shirts. Then off to see what the local shops were like; was not prepared for the onslaught of taxi drivers constantly approaching you for a ride in their taxis - it was oppressive; in the end just had to ignore them completely and not even talk to them to say no, or acknowledge their presence, otherwise they would engage in a meaningless discussion with you in an attempt to entice you into the taxi. All the way to the main shops (out of the terminal and turn left, follow the road around for about 800m and cross the road at the main traffic lights, but take care!). The shops themselves were ok. There were some little markets that sold decent jewellry and clothes, but overall I was dissappointed. After a return to the ship for a bite to eat, then went on a shore excursion (the Acapulco highlights). Met in Diversions and was escorted across to the Fort San Diego (which is alongside the berth). Had a look around the fort and some of the compartments, given a brief by the guide for our tour about the history etc. Then boarded a coach to have a look along the 'Playa', the main beach front length of road and given a run down of the main points of interest. After this went on to see the famous cliff divers. You were given a can of soft drink, then directed down the stairs to find your own vantage point to see the divers; you had to be early to get one close to the front as there were many coaches specially laid on for Disney, although there were lots of vantage points to be able to see the divers first jump off the cliff, the ones near the fron allowed you to also see them enter the water and get a better sense of how they have to time their dives with the waves. Back onto the bus to return to the main shopping area and a look around a specially selected indoor market. Whilst this was ok, and you did get a free drink (alcoholic or soft drink), it wasn't special. Nor was the outdoor market we were then taken to (in fact we had seen this one as a result of our earlier foray - i.e. we were not far away from the ship). Overall I was a little disappointed with Acapulco - I was expecting something more romantic, cosmopolitan and upmarket than what it actually was. Would I go back again - probably not. For me the evening was the highlight. It was Pirates in The Caribbean (but actually in the Pacific!) theme night. We had a wonderful, colourful themed dinner in Parrots Cay followed by a dance and entertainment on the upper deck. Fireworks as we were moving into the bay just finished it off nicely (I understand we then lurked around the bay in Acapulco for a while as the 'Boyz II Men' baggage was late arriving so we couldn't leave).
Tue 24/5: Sea After breakfast in Topsiders it was down to play another game of bingo. Didn't win this time, but got close! Que, who hosted many of the entertainment events and is a wonderfully lively character, really made bingo come alive. With his cries of 'gimme an I' and crowd response of 'IIIIII' as well as many other outbursts such as 'Dohhhh' and 'Yeah baby' once a number has been called (it loses effect in translation, you have to see it to understand....).Unfortunatey it was around about this stage that I started with a cold. My wife (a medical practitioner) dosed me up with medicines and I lurched around the ship for the rest of the day in a dazed state! We did go and see Boyz II Men though at 1800. Not a bad show - not that I'd really heard of them, but I did recognise a couple of songs (well, the last one anyway). Clocks went back again, so another hour extra in bed!
Wed 25/5: Mazatlan Got up early to watch us arrive into Mazatlan (approx 0700). Great weather (again) but no shore excursions booked (the one we wanted to do - Sierra Madre Mountain range - sold out before we even arrived on the ship). Went ashore after a leisurely breakfast. Had to catch a little tram that was laid on to take you to the terminal entrance (only about 800m or so, bout Disney did not recommend you walking). Had a brief look around the shops at the entrance (lots of leathers and clothes) before seeking transport to the 'Golden Zone', which was too far to walk. Found out that the little business cards for a particular jewellers you could take just before leaving the ship (at the gangway) were for a company that allows you free return transport to the Golden Zone, with no obligation. We in fact did have a look at the wares and some of the other shops in the area. Bought quite a few items of Senor Frogs (merchandise that has a special label called senor frogs - sad really isn't it?). Then decided that we needed to go visit Walmart to replenish the medicines I was depleting through my cold. Thought originally it was within walking distance, found out very quickly that it wasn't, and even if it were the heat was too much for us to be walking around in. Flagged down a taxi (a pick-up truck that you climbed onto the back of, and which had a cheap cover on the top in case it rained!) and bartered a price of $10. Had a quick look around Walmart, then bartered another taxi back to the ship. Gave up then with Mazatlan as was not really that impressed (recommend to anyone else they consider an organised trip instead). In fact we have re-named the town Matalan, after a cheap cothing chain store in the UK (gives you an idea of what we thought of it anyway). Back on board by 1600 so that could change and get ready for an early dinner seating (it was our friend's daughter, Terri's birthday - so we went in early for her celebration) and then onto the 2030 showing of the 'Special Celebrity Performance' with Kermit the frog/friends and Bob Saget. Started off alright with Kermit and some funny ensembles of videos of him around various parts of the ship, then went downhill very quickly. Bob Saget was embarassingly bad - he used unfunny material and poor crowd partcipation/gags. Alot of his material was unfamiliar to the audience unless you really knew or watched him on TV (unfortunately as a Brit I didn't even know who he was let alone having seen him). Expected that if he was a true entertainer, he would have better guaged his audience and kept it general (and perhaps funny). The highlight was when he did something and blew the sound. They tried ad libbing without mikes and this ended up being the best part of the skit! When sound returned the moment had passed and we were keen for him to go and the show to end. Disney, pleeeaaassse do not ask him to come back.
Thur 26/5: Cabo San Lucas Got up early to watch us drop anchor off Cabo San Lucas (approx 0630). Saw some amazing yachts/ships at anchor (one crew member later told us that the small ship at anchor just in front of us and which had its own hwlicopter, speedboat, mini yacht, sailing boat and jet skis 'attached' was in fact George Lucas' ship) - what a beauty. Leisurely breakfast before waiting for the tannoy announcement that people not booked on an excursion could have a 'free gangway to the tenders' (prior to 1030, you had to get a pass to be allowed ashore from the Buena Vista theatre). Boarded the tender and had one of the most scariest tender experiences of my life (and having been a sailor for 16 years in the Royal Navy that is saying something). The idiot responsible for tieing us up (from Disney) hadn't tied us up tight enough. Thus the ship started in an uncontrollable oscillation cycle (from the oncoming waves) of increasing amplitude. He then stupidly just watched and tried to board more people (as the tender reached over 45 degrees from the vertical) - what he needed to do was cast us off to let the boat settle; unfortunately it took him several minutes and much protestation to do this! Eventually reached the safety off the port and had a lovely walk around what I could only describe as the mini 'St Tropez' of Mexico - lots of expensive yachts and luxury shops. Again had no excursions planned, but this time did not regret it (out of all the mexican resorts I enjoyed this one the most, despite feeling the worst as a result of my cold). Got back onboard for a late lunch and before we departed (1600 ish). Got changed ready for the second formal night and went to see the new show, Twice Charmed. Basic idea is that it is a follow on from Cinderella. The show was good, but it did suffer from a technical hitch and they had to close the curtains for about 5 mins whilst they sorted it (and once again Que and his entertainment team came out to plug the gaps). Then onto photos in the lobby and dinner in Animators Palate. Afterwards, like many others, went straight back to cabin to get changed and went for a few drinks. Clocks went back again - extra hour in bed!
Fri 27/5: Sea Relaxing final day at sea. Didn't do too much during the day. Had alot of packing to do anyway, especially with all the bits that they gave away (thats why we brought the extra empty bag!). Went to the final jackpot bingo in the main theatre at 1515 (having queued up for card pre-sales at 1230 at Preludes). Absolutely packed game and came very close for the main jackpot game. Had to instead settle for being one of 16 winners in one of the other games (still $42 was better than nothing!). Took the credit receipt they give you straight down to Guest Services to credit the mounting room bill! Arranged the tip receipts for the server, assistant server, head server and cabin attendant. Went to dinner and it felt like our last ever supper - very sad. Said our main goodbyes to the serving staff and gave them our tips, took photos etc. Went back to our cabin to sort out the last bit of packing, change into our clothes for the last day, pack the gift picture that they delivered late in the evening (very nice but they could have delivered it the day before, when I had a half-decent chance of re-packing!). Then put our cases outside the cabin door (approx 2100). Later on at 1030 tried to get into the Pub Night in diversions as fancied some proper beer, but it was packed (Disney take note - Rockin Bar D would have taken the crowd, and was empty - whilst Diversions was too small - perhaps swap the events?). Stayed on for the 70s theme disco and entertainment (best male/female dancer contest and a very funny ventrilloquist) until the early hours - thankfully as a non-US citizen we didn't have the usual farce of having to get up at 0500 to clear US customs and re-gather our passports.
Sat 28/5: Disembark LA A very sad day. Up early to watch us arrive in LA (approx 0700 ish). Not the fanfare that I was expecting, just a number of Disney staff members and port personnel; however, we did see a helicopter circling us - I wonder if we made the news? Back down to the cabin for shower and then our final breakfast in Luminiers at 0830 (as a late sitting we were allocated a later disembarkation time - a 'donald' disembarkation). Had our breakfast and was disembarking at 0915 ish. Unfortunately the disembarkation procedure was no where as slick as at Port Canaveral - as non-US citizens they decided that we had to fill out new visas (why not tell us prior to berthing and let us fill it out before hand as opposed to getting us to fill out the visas whilst about to approach the front of the line?). This meant a considerable delay/wait. Eventually (1.5 hours later) we got through and found our luggage. Walked out to the coaches to utter chaos. Disney had laid on repeated coaches to Disneyland, but only limited numbers to the airport. They also had not taken heed of the fact that we all needed to go to different terminals. The result was people putting luggage on the coach, then having to take it off when they realised it wasn't going to the right terminal and a frenzy to try get on the coach. Disney need to address this quickly as it was uncontrolled and disorganised. Finaly got to the airport at about 1100 for a 1730 flight (not alot at LA airport either!) - only another 20 or more hours until we reach our house! Eventually made it home to the UK the next morning and began the recovery from jet lag - I knew I'd have to pay for the 8hr time difference. In retrospect I wish we had arranged for at least 2 days in Disneyland to prepare for our return instead of the wasted day at LA airport.
... still wishing after nearly 2 weeks that I was still back onboard. Anyone fancy a reunion trip (and soon?).
Pete & Sandy, UK
Sat 14/5: Embark Port Canaveral. Got there for the first time via Cruise Line Coach from Boardwalk Villas at WDW. Smooth comfortable ride, took about 75 mins. Arrived - no queues at about 3:30pm - quickly through the terminal/passports and onboard (hoorah). Compared to previous times (when arrived early by car) only downside was that you miss the characters during the pre-boarding period and the excitement/atmosphere. Anyway dumped handluggage in cabin - 7510 (arriving late meant could go straight to cabins rather than wait until 2:00pm) and then to topsiders for a quick snack. Realised that they have changed the system so that the drinks station aft now has all the soft drinks you require - and for free (you used to have to buy a mug in order to get free soft drink refills). Managed to arrange a late booking on an excursion for Curacoa at Shore Excursions desk (cheers Heath - brill Aussie who sorted it). Watched the sail away party from deck 10 - brill - especially the horn. Late dinner sitting (8:30 pm) so changed and was down for photos in foyer etc at 8:00 pm. Had Ronald (Phillipines) and Nos (South Africa) as Server and Assistant Server - good humoured, efficient guys. Food and service up to usual very high standard; also compared to early sitting (which we tried later on in the trip) the ambient level of noise was a lot lower. Father-in-law arranged for cauliflower soup to be his starter (despite the menu) for the rest of the trip - as he absolutely loves it! Sandy, my wife, a little sea sick (usual for the first night as we cross the gulf stream towards Castaway Cay) - this trend continued throughout the voyage (the only guest to not gain weight on the Cruise - tried a variety of remedies from grated fresh ginger tea through salt on green apples to Dramamine - none of which particularly effective esp the latter which made her zombified
).Sun 15/5: Castaway Cay. Arrived early (0700) but went for breakfast at Topsiders first. Then onto the family beach which was empty compared to normal cruises! Apparently a reflection of the fact that unusually of the 2500 passengers, only 400 or so were children(figures approx). Thus no need to go to serenity bay (adults beach). Snorkelled; had a great time, but I enjoy the water anyway - saw a stingray and lots of fish. See that they have now sunk a small vessel to snorkel around as well as the usual bits (albeit for safety it is roped off from close inspection). Back onboard at 1600 after having eaten and drunk way around the Cay and sent postcards from the Cay Post Office! Sail away 1730 for 2 days at sea.
Mon/Tue 16/5 and 17/5. Sea and 'Pins Sleepover'. After breakfast in Topsiders on both days, lots to do onboard: Martini tasting, bingo, Golden Mickeys show, Trivia quizzes, ventriloquism, pictionary, basketball challenge, digital photography sessions, behind the scenes on panama canal talk and Murder Mystery (plus loads more - all detailed in the "Personal Navigator" delivered the night before to your cabin). Thoroughly enjoyed the latter item: Crew members acted out the parts of various people - Lance Overboard, Ira Bow, Mike Stern etc- and you had to listen in and detect the clues - great entertainment - 1st installment of 3 sessions. Only downside was the trading pins and merchandising fiasco on 16/5
. Clearly Disney had not realised that there would be a clamour for the limited edition comemorative trading pins detailing the special ports of call that were being issued for the relocation (nor the speed with which the very limited amount of special merchandise - 2 tee-shirts and a map- in the shops would sell: massive merchandising naiveity!!! - who would have thought that such a one-off cruise would cause a swell in demand for special merchandise? ). This meant that people started queuing in the corridors from Sessions at 2030 the night before for the trading pins; the queue at 0700 the next morning was looping all the way aft and around parrots cay itself! Safety? Unfortunately Disney did not handle demand very well either; instead of limiting it to one pin per cabin and satisfying most people, they allowed all to be able to lay seige and demand one - this meant that only the first 500 in the queue got one - unfortunately, the result was a lot of very disappointed and tired people. It was made even more bitter by the fact there were greedy people who queued up and straight away put for sale on ebay their pins and multiple demands from cabins that really did not need more than one set per couple (some had already put sets for sale prior to sailing in expectation and are clearly in it just for the money they could make!). Disney attempted to make it up by stating that they would be issuing another limited edition pin per person - but that cannot make up for the commerorative value of the special ports-of-call pins that were made up specially for the trip nor make up for the damaged customer service reputation (sack the merchandising director, Mary Jo, I say). Mind you the merchandising departments handling of this fiasco was the only downer of the trip... Also had first formal night of the cruise on Mon evening. Most people had a go at Black Tie (Tux), although many were in suit/tie,with the occasional military dress uniform. A great opportunity to have many formal photos taken with various backgrounds - and given that you can review them the next day in Shutters and throw them away if you do not like them - it is a lot cheaper than hiring a professional photographer for a session!Wed 18/5: Curacao - Scuba Diving
Arrived Curacao at 0730 to a very cloudy, overcast morning, but tremendously humid and hot. Arranged for cabin service for breakfast as I was going on a diving trip, whilst my family were going to see Willemstad (the capital). Amazingly colourful town - very dutch and carribbean colonial - similar in architecture to parts of Amsterdam! I am told that there was not a lot to see in the town itself - there were shops with the usual duty frees (jewelry, cosmetics and clothing). Picked up an authentic bottle of Blue Curacao! However, for me the highlight was the diving trip to Beacon Point and Saba (part of an arranged trip by Disney). It started off a little dubious and disorganised, gathering diving kit off the back of a truck, but then once we started off (16 in the party) it picked up. In fact the dive itself was well organised and you felt that they were looking out for you. But WOW what amazing coral and marine life! Underwater visability great, saw eels, turtles and many different varieties of fish and coral. Got some good underwater pics too. Unfortunately, we got back quite late (by the time the floating bridge allowed us back into the harbour) so that it did not allow us much time to go see the town itself. On leaving th eport Disney Magic entered into a "Ships' Horn" singing contest with the Adventurer of the Seas ship which was also berthed. Of course Disney won hands down Thur 19/5: Day at Sea. After breakfast in Topsiders (do you get the feeling I prefer the freedom of choice of a buffet to a silver service breakfast in the other restaurants?) went to a DVC members gathering and the final murder mystery session (even managed to correctly identify whodunnit). Lots available to do again (dancing, pool parties, behind the scenes looks, craft sessions etc), but had a relatively relaxing day and early night ready for Panama Canal the next day. Clocks went back 1hr so had an extra hour in bed!
Fri 20/5: Panama Canal Transit
What a day! Started at about 0530. Rushed up to watch our approach to the first locks (Gatun Locks) at the Panama Canal and see the sun rise. Disney had laid on breakfast points around the upper deck for coffee, orange juice and pastries. Some people had slept on the deck to get a space, but to be honest it was best to be able to move around and see all angles (approaching the lock, in the locks and sailing out of the locks meant that you needed to see fwd, midships and aft). What a feat of engineering. We entered the first lock alongside a container ship, which allowed us to see the locks opening/closing and for the two to rise at different rates for comparison. Not much space for us in the locks either (matter of about 1 foot either side) which considering Disney Magic is 80000 tonnes of metal is a considerable management risk! Cleared the 3 Gatun locks at about 0830 and waited in the Gatun lake for a while. Allowed for us to go back to the cabin, shower, change, have a proper breakfast and prepare for the next stage. For me the next big event was going through the Guillard Cut (where the canal cuts through a hill thereby creating two hills - named gold and constructors hill - either side. Again the history behind it and to actually see it and pass through it is amazing. How they managed to dig it so many years ago without current machinery and in the terrible conditions is bewildering. I then lingered around Deck 10 fwd talking to people who were camped out in front of the basketball court and watched as we approached the Pedro Miguel and Miraflores locks. Took loads of pics and then at about 1300 went to deck 9 for some lunch (the theme was barbeque). Returned a little later when we finally emerged under the Bridge of the Americas in Panama City and into the Pacific at about 1530. But what an experience - I would recommend it to anyone . Pictures to follow...Sat 21/5 and Sun 22/5: Sea Spent a lazy day at sea. Morning usual start with breakfast in Topsiders at 0900. Then just a 'do nothing' relaxing bit of time until spotted some friends on Internet terminal, watching 'live' text upadtes from FA Cup Final (for non-UK readers - this is the 'soccer' equivalent of the superbowl in the UK). My father-in-law and our friends (Nicky, Terry, Terri & Shannon) are fanatical Manchester United followers and thus we had to follow the match, including penalties, until the end (unfortunately Man Utd lost). This loss meant that we had to drown our sorrows until lunch time! After lunch in Topsiders (I forget what the theme was on this ocassion) as usual with morning drinking sessions, this means an afternoon snooze and a very relaxing rest-of-the day. In fact Sun was very much the same; bit of doing not alot at all (lots to do, but personal choice). Tried an alcoholic coffee in Cove Cafe (more alcohol in the coffee than was in a Long Island Iced Tea). Certainly had me on a high fora few hours! Got changed early for dinner and watched 'National Treasure' in the Buena Vista theatre, before proceeding to pre-dinner photo opportunity and then dinner itself (and the now customary trying of all the dessert options - our server, Roland, thought that we should try them all - thanks Roland for the extra 11 lbs that I have gained through the cruise!).
Mon 23/5: Acapulco Watched arrival into Acapulco (approx 1000) - beautiful surrounding mountains and beaches with hot weather. After a quick topsiders breakfast we decided to take a foray ashore. Had a scout around the terminal shopping centre (few small shops - jewellry, alcohol, t-shirts). Bought some of the sunlight reactive t-shirts. Then off to see what the local shops were like; was not prepared for the onslaught of taxi drivers constantly approaching you for a ride in their taxis - it was oppressive; in the end just had to ignore them completely and not even talk to them to say no, or acknowledge their presence, otherwise they would engage in a meaningless discussion with you in an attempt to entice you into the taxi. All the way to the main shops (out of the terminal and turn left, follow the road around for about 800m and cross the road at the main traffic lights, but take care!). The shops themselves were ok. There were some little markets that sold decent jewellry and clothes, but overall I was dissappointed. After a return to the ship for a bite to eat, then went on a shore excursion (the Acapulco highlights). Met in Diversions and was escorted across to the Fort San Diego (which is alongside the berth). Had a look around the fort and some of the compartments, given a brief by the guide for our tour about the history etc. Then boarded a coach to have a look along the 'Playa', the main beach front length of road and given a run down of the main points of interest. After this went on to see the famous cliff divers. You were given a can of soft drink, then directed down the stairs to find your own vantage point to see the divers; you had to be early to get one close to the front as there were many coaches specially laid on for Disney, although there were lots of vantage points to be able to see the divers first jump off the cliff, the ones near the fron allowed you to also see them enter the water and get a better sense of how they have to time their dives with the waves. Back onto the bus to return to the main shopping area and a look around a specially selected indoor market. Whilst this was ok, and you did get a free drink (alcoholic or soft drink), it wasn't special. Nor was the outdoor market we were then taken to (in fact we had seen this one as a result of our earlier foray - i.e. we were not far away from the ship). Overall I was a little disappointed with Acapulco - I was expecting something more romantic, cosmopolitan and upmarket than what it actually was. Would I go back again - probably not. For me the evening was the highlight. It was Pirates in The Caribbean (but actually in the Pacific!) theme night. We had a wonderful, colourful themed dinner in Parrots Cay followed by a dance and entertainment on the upper deck. Fireworks as we were moving into the bay just finished it off nicely (I understand we then lurked around the bay in Acapulco for a while as the 'Boyz II Men' baggage was late arriving so we couldn't leave).
Tue 24/5: Sea After breakfast in Topsiders it was down to play another game of bingo. Didn't win this time, but got close! Que, who hosted many of the entertainment events and is a wonderfully lively character, really made bingo come alive. With his cries of 'gimme an I' and crowd response of 'IIIIII' as well as many other outbursts such as 'Dohhhh' and 'Yeah baby' once a number has been called (it loses effect in translation, you have to see it to understand....).Unfortunatey it was around about this stage that I started with a cold. My wife (a medical practitioner) dosed me up with medicines and I lurched around the ship for the rest of the day in a dazed state! We did go and see Boyz II Men though at 1800. Not a bad show - not that I'd really heard of them, but I did recognise a couple of songs (well, the last one anyway). Clocks went back again, so another hour extra in bed!
Wed 25/5: Mazatlan Got up early to watch us arrive into Mazatlan (approx 0700). Great weather (again) but no shore excursions booked (the one we wanted to do - Sierra Madre Mountain range - sold out before we even arrived on the ship). Went ashore after a leisurely breakfast. Had to catch a little tram that was laid on to take you to the terminal entrance (only about 800m or so, bout Disney did not recommend you walking). Had a brief look around the shops at the entrance (lots of leathers and clothes) before seeking transport to the 'Golden Zone', which was too far to walk. Found out that the little business cards for a particular jewellers you could take just before leaving the ship (at the gangway) were for a company that allows you free return transport to the Golden Zone, with no obligation. We in fact did have a look at the wares and some of the other shops in the area. Bought quite a few items of Senor Frogs (merchandise that has a special label called senor frogs - sad really isn't it?). Then decided that we needed to go visit Walmart to replenish the medicines I was depleting through my cold. Thought originally it was within walking distance, found out very quickly that it wasn't, and even if it were the heat was too much for us to be walking around in. Flagged down a taxi (a pick-up truck that you climbed onto the back of, and which had a cheap cover on the top in case it rained!) and bartered a price of $10. Had a quick look around Walmart, then bartered another taxi back to the ship. Gave up then with Mazatlan as was not really that impressed (recommend to anyone else they consider an organised trip instead). In fact we have re-named the town Matalan, after a cheap cothing chain store in the UK (gives you an idea of what we thought of it anyway). Back on board by 1600 so that could change and get ready for an early dinner seating (it was our friend's daughter, Terri's birthday - so we went in early for her celebration) and then onto the 2030 showing of the 'Special Celebrity Performance' with Kermit the frog/friends and Bob Saget. Started off alright with Kermit and some funny ensembles of videos of him around various parts of the ship, then went downhill very quickly. Bob Saget was embarassingly bad - he used unfunny material and poor crowd partcipation/gags. Alot of his material was unfamiliar to the audience unless you really knew or watched him on TV (unfortunately as a Brit I didn't even know who he was let alone having seen him). Expected that if he was a true entertainer, he would have better guaged his audience and kept it general (and perhaps funny). The highlight was when he did something and blew the sound. They tried ad libbing without mikes and this ended up being the best part of the skit! When sound returned the moment had passed and we were keen for him to go and the show to end. Disney, pleeeaaassse do not ask him to come back.
Thur 26/5: Cabo San Lucas Got up early to watch us drop anchor off Cabo San Lucas (approx 0630). Saw some amazing yachts/ships at anchor (one crew member later told us that the small ship at anchor just in front of us and which had its own hwlicopter, speedboat, mini yacht, sailing boat and jet skis 'attached' was in fact George Lucas' ship) - what a beauty. Leisurely breakfast before waiting for the tannoy announcement that people not booked on an excursion could have a 'free gangway to the tenders' (prior to 1030, you had to get a pass to be allowed ashore from the Buena Vista theatre). Boarded the tender and had one of the most scariest tender experiences of my life (and having been a sailor for 16 years in the Royal Navy that is saying something). The idiot responsible for tieing us up (from Disney) hadn't tied us up tight enough. Thus the ship started in an uncontrollable oscillation cycle (from the oncoming waves) of increasing amplitude. He then stupidly just watched and tried to board more people (as the tender reached over 45 degrees from the vertical) - what he needed to do was cast us off to let the boat settle; unfortunately it took him several minutes and much protestation to do this! Eventually reached the safety off the port and had a lovely walk around what I could only describe as the mini 'St Tropez' of Mexico - lots of expensive yachts and luxury shops. Again had no excursions planned, but this time did not regret it (out of all the mexican resorts I enjoyed this one the most, despite feeling the worst as a result of my cold). Got back onboard for a late lunch and before we departed (1600 ish). Got changed ready for the second formal night and went to see the new show, Twice Charmed. Basic idea is that it is a follow on from Cinderella. The show was good, but it did suffer from a technical hitch and they had to close the curtains for about 5 mins whilst they sorted it (and once again Que and his entertainment team came out to plug the gaps). Then onto photos in the lobby and dinner in Animators Palate. Afterwards, like many others, went straight back to cabin to get changed and went for a few drinks. Clocks went back again - extra hour in bed!
Fri 27/5: Sea Relaxing final day at sea. Didn't do too much during the day. Had alot of packing to do anyway, especially with all the bits that they gave away (thats why we brought the extra empty bag!). Went to the final jackpot bingo in the main theatre at 1515 (having queued up for card pre-sales at 1230 at Preludes). Absolutely packed game and came very close for the main jackpot game. Had to instead settle for being one of 16 winners in one of the other games (still $42 was better than nothing!). Took the credit receipt they give you straight down to Guest Services to credit the mounting room bill! Arranged the tip receipts for the server, assistant server, head server and cabin attendant. Went to dinner and it felt like our last ever supper - very sad. Said our main goodbyes to the serving staff and gave them our tips, took photos etc. Went back to our cabin to sort out the last bit of packing, change into our clothes for the last day, pack the gift picture that they delivered late in the evening (very nice but they could have delivered it the day before, when I had a half-decent chance of re-packing!). Then put our cases outside the cabin door (approx 2100). Later on at 1030 tried to get into the Pub Night in diversions as fancied some proper beer, but it was packed (Disney take note - Rockin Bar D would have taken the crowd, and was empty - whilst Diversions was too small - perhaps swap the events?). Stayed on for the 70s theme disco and entertainment (best male/female dancer contest and a very funny ventrilloquist) until the early hours - thankfully as a non-US citizen we didn't have the usual farce of having to get up at 0500 to clear US customs and re-gather our passports.
Sat 28/5: Disembark LA
A very sad day. Up early to watch us arrive in LA (approx 0700 ish). Not the fanfare that I was expecting, just a number of Disney staff members and port personnel; however, we did see a helicopter circling us - I wonder if we made the news? Back down to the cabin for shower and then our final breakfast in Luminiers at 0830 (as a late sitting we were allocated a later disembarkation time - a 'donald' disembarkation). Had our breakfast and was disembarking at 0915 ish. Unfortunately the disembarkation procedure was no where as slick as at Port Canaveral - as non-US citizens they decided that we had to fill out new visas (why not tell us prior to berthing and let us fill it out before hand as opposed to getting us to fill out the visas whilst about to approach the front of the line?). This meant a considerable delay/wait. Eventually (1.5 hours later) we got through and found our luggage. Walked out to the coaches to utter chaos. Disney had laid on repeated coaches to Disneyland, but only limited numbers to the airport. They also had not taken heed of the fact that we all needed to go to different terminals. The result was people putting luggage on the coach, then having to take it off when they realised it wasn't going to the right terminal and a frenzy to try get on the coach. Disney need to address this quickly as it was uncontrolled and disorganised. Finaly got to the airport at about 1100 for a 1730 flight (not alot at LA airport either!) - only another 20 or more hours until we reach our house! Eventually made it home to the UK the next morning and began the recovery from jet lag - I knew I'd have to pay for the 8hr time difference. In retrospect I wish we had arranged for at least 2 days in Disneyland to prepare for our return instead of the wasted day at LA airport.... still wishing after nearly 2 weeks that I was still back onboard. Anyone fancy a reunion trip (and soon?).
Pete & Sandy, UK
