jaletu2000
<font color=deeppink>I am a DISneyholic...<br><fon
- Joined
- May 14, 2001
- Messages
- 214
Got home about a week ago and found I couldn't get to the boards! Man! I was suffering major withdrawals. So, sorry this is late but here goes....
Our trip included DH, myself, DS, 13 and DS, 11
We left Memphis a week earlier than our cruise to visit relatives first and then go to the port. We drove from Gainesville at 6:15 am and arrived at Port Canaveral about 10:30.
I'm happy to tell you that we found the drive very uneventful and easy. I had printed a map off of Dave's site to help us find the port and it helped alot! Was a very easy drive.
When we got to the port and turned in, we had a misstep and wound up having to turn around and get back to the turn lane that leads up to the terminal. We thought we had to park first but that's not true. We waited about 20 minutes in the turn lane before they let us drive up to the dropoff zone in front of the terminal. Then we drove up and dropped off bags. Helpful porters were right there to take care of bags. It was well worth it! DH then took the van to parking.
I can't say it enough - Arrive early! We had it easy compared to those who arrived about 30 minutes later. By then there was a line out the door of the terminal to get in to check in.
We went through an informal security check, then up the escalators to the check in. Had to wait for DH in order to check in though. He had to show his ID. Here's what I learned - bring as few carry-ons as possible! Next time I will have one bag only. Luckily ours were on wheels.
Once DH arrived check in was a breeze. We Got AN UPGRADE! I could not believe it. We went from a cat 9 to a cat 5! We feverishly checked our cruise line passporter and YES it was a verandah! I was so surprised and excited. I tried to explain to DH how special that was. I don't think he understood til we got on board.
After check in (which went smoothly as we had everything filled out) you can either sit down and wait or go ahead and get in line before the entrance to the ship. We chose to get in the line. I'm kind of glad we did as boarding was so fast once it started. Our kids were all over the place - looking at the ship model, looking out the windows, etc. - and we had a hard time getting them to the line when boarding started. But all went well and we crossed over to the ship about 11:30 (I think).
It's kind of a blur at that point - there's so much you want to see and so many people. It was kind of controlled chaos but I think that was the excitement level. I completely missed our names being called out - it was just too loud and hot!
That was one thing that I was surprised at - the heat. It was so close feeling and the elevators were really crowded. But that was just for the first hour or so of being on the ship. I guess with the doors opened it was hard for the ship to cool down. And at that time and not ever again, everyone was crowding into the elevators instead of using the stairs. Tip - use the stairs as often as you can - it's faster half the time.
We went up to deck 9 and checked out Beach Blanket. I got a table near the plexiglass at the Mickey Pool while DH checked out the buffet. No one could use the Mickey Pool yet. DH turned his nose up at the buffet. I left him there at the table and went to fill up. Those shrimp ARE good. It was all great. I think one of the hamburger/hotdog places was open because I remember getting something for DS. DH also found something to eat.
If you get a table by the Mickey pool, try to get one in the open as it's very warm by that glass. There's more breeze toward the pool. We had to sit there for a while as we had those bags. I had my bathing suit on under my clothes and I won't do that again. Too hot! I bought a great non alcoholic cooler (tropical fruit drink - still have the glass) to help cool off. Get all of these you can.
Finally the pool opened and DS was in 7th heaven. It's real shallow so you just don't have the fears you do at regular pools over the kids. This pool is the best thing about the cruise for kids.
My DS loved it. Older DS (13) disappeared as though he had evaporated. I had given him his card and directions to the room. Just turn the big ones loose. I think we saw him in time for dinner.
We left to go to the stateroom around 1:30. What a TREAT! It was a pretty large room to be on a boat. At least I didn't expect it to be so roomy. I don't guess we'll ever be happy without a verandah now.
We were very comfortable. I only wish I had discovered the room service tags before we were packing to leave! That's right. I had a verandah and I didn't even get to have coffee on it. Look for those hangar type tags on your desk (they may be in the drawer) and use them for breakfast or coffee.
Anyway the room was great and our stewardess was Winnie. Really nice girl and very helpful. We got a swan on the first night, then a hanging monkey and last a rabbit. So cute! She was also very neat and helped me keep our room straight. Thank you Winnie!
We did the obligatory life boat drill and then went to the upper decks to watch the ship leave. Now that was very impressive. I've never been on a ship before and to see us leaving all land behind was an exciting feeling. The ocean just looks misty, grey and mysterious. The temp on the ship dropped almost immediately. What a relief. Stand up on the bow and watch all this and see if you don't get the tingles. The Carnival Fantasy left at almost the same time as did the Explorer of the Seas and we were neck and neck for a while.
Left reluctantly to get ready for dinner. We had the first rotation - 6:00. Dinner was about 1 1/2 to 2 hours long! So be prepared. It is very leisurely. Our restaurant was Tritons and its pretty formal. Most of the people we saw were in suits and nice dresses. I didn't like Tritons as much though the food was good. Why is it your appetite just drops off when you're excited? There was a shrimp appetizer, wonderful salads, steak and fish galore (I had the fish - it was good) and all kinds of desserts and I could hardly eat! ARGH! But I did enjoy the sugar free chocolate cheesecake. It is really too good for sugarfree.
We went to the variety show that night. Don't miss the shows! They are so good. Jeff the juggler was entertaining that night and it was so funny. DS had taken off to the room. Cartoons were calling. We had checked out the Lab before but he didn't want to go. He really liked that upper berth. We locked the verandah just in case and left strict orders. We also had some radios with us and gave him one.
We went to the movies that night and saw half of Chicago. We left before it was over and headed back to the room. I wanted to sit on my verandah! Older DS showed up at the same time and he and I sat on the verandah and watched mystery lights out on the sea. I think we stayed up til 1:00!
I still woke up at around 6:30 and was thrilled with the view of the Bahamas. Atlantis was this tiny dot on the horizon - but I knew that's what it was. And I was right - I watched it grow bigger and bigger as we approached. I woke everyone up by this time and we got ready for breakfast.
Alert! always watch your kids as they try to come down that ladder from the upper berth. My DS fell! He slipped and went right into the desk behind him. We were lucky he wasn't hurt - just bruised and shakened. It put a damper on the morning but he was better after he ate. Also, we went to Beach Blanket for the mornings - we skipped the restaurants. Unfortunately, there are no pancakes just waffles. DS didn't eat very well. They rest of us certainly did! They have everything else you can imagine including donuts. Even their grits were good! And if you can, eat outside - it's a deliciously rich feeling. Look at me - I'm a Kennedy!
The stewards are very helpful and will carry your trays for you if you need help.
If I had it to do over, I would try the restaurant at least once for breakfast. But Beach Blanket was just so convenient. We watched them dock as we ate. Nassau was more picturesque than I had imagined. It's really very pretty. We had an excursion to Atlantis so we got ready. They walked us all over Nassau to get to the launch for Atlantis. Two tours in one. Note - wear your best and toughest walking shoes! Also - the Bahamas are really BRIGHT. Take shades for your kids as well as yourself. Use sunscreen liberally and wear a hat. My kids complained about the brightness all day.
On the upside - Paradise Island is a very pretty place! They have the most colorful vegetation. I wish I knew the name of those orange flowered trees. Like nothing I'd seen before. Atlantis was really something too. We took the aquarium tour and it was very good. Buy your souvenirs as you see them, though, as you may not have the energy to backtrack when the tour is over. We didn't. We left for the launch and the ship as soon as it was over. It was so very hot!
Back on the boat, we had lunch and hit the pools. That night we were in Animator's Palate and it was so much better than Tritons. The food was to die for and the show was great! I won't spoil it for you. My dessert wasn't the best though. Kaluah(?) trifle. No, stick with chocolate. The lobster and shrimp wraps were good though.
The show was Hercules the Muse-ical. My younger DS went with us and we had a blast! Great show. Then we went to shop and hit decks for the tropical party. The dancing was really good. We missed the late buffet. We went to see the last showing of NEMO in the Walt Disney Theater! Really good movie. We all loved it.
Forgot the verandah and went to bed. Got up at 7:00 the next morning and we were coming into Castaway Cay! Spent the morning on the verandah watching it all. Our side of the ship was portside. We layed out plans on what to do that day and flubbed up a little. After getting off the ship, finding a spot, and settling in, I had to turn around and go back! Thank goodness for that tram! I was worn out. And I hadn't even been swimming yet.
Things got better after that. We had the snorkel, bike and float package (good deal) and had a good time in the water. DH was the only snorkeler though. I just had no energy. Be careful while doing this to get enough sunscreen on your back. DH got burned alittle. Older DS disasperated. Turned out he had enough ocean after an hour or so and went back to the ship to swim. The bike tour was fun. The bikes are easy to handle and the route is pretty good. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would.
Lunch at Cookie's was fabulous! We were really famished and they had more than we could eat. The cookies are really good. We took our two mugs with us for drink and they also had water, tea, etc. The shopping was great too. After 2:30 we were ready to go. We took time to get showered and wound up in a long line to get onboard ship. Turned out we needed to wash off that sand anyway before boarding. They have lots of opportunities to take pictures when you first get off ship. Take advantage of them - when you're fresh. There were more opportunities when we were trying to get back on board. But by then you are so tired and hot!
Likewise there are many opportunities on the ship to get portraits but we didn't take advantage of them. Wish we had now. We were always on our way somewhere else! Take some time and get a few pictures.
This was our last night and I saved my appetite for Parrot's Cay. It was in some ways the best dinner of all. We didn't make my older son come with us so the pressure was off. When younger DS got tired, we sent him back to the room on his own. He loved that! Heck the kids knew the ship by this time better than we did. At this restaurant, it's so festive and relaxed. We were underway again by this time. So long Castaway Cay! They had a live band playing for us in the restaurant and we had brought along our tip envelopes. We were sad to say goodbye - our servers were so sweet. We got to talk to them a little more this night. Tino and Lloyd - great guys. Another table's server was an amature magician and he entertained all the kids (adults too). Then they did a rumba around the dining room and got kids and adults to join in. We twirled napkins and sang. It was fun! I also ate too much. Chocolate Mousse - yum!
The last show was a real treat. Disney Dreams. If you miss everything else, see this one. The songs and special effects are great. Then, sadly, it was time to get back and pack. We were asked to have our stuff out by 11:00. We really had to push but we made it. It really made things easier the next morning. The last night was really rushed. I got so tired and had ate so much, I think it got me a little queasy. I went to bed and didn't move til morning.
The next morning we had breakfast topside as usual but the selections were a lot less of course. Much more a continental breakfast for the last day. Getting off the ship was a breeze after that. We already had our belongings with us and just walked to deck 2. Now let me warn you. The luggage pick up was a little intimidating if you haven't been before. They lump all luggage together by deck (I think) and you have some of your stuff that's together and some that's separate. Anyway, you have to hunt alittle. Just be sure you put those luggage tags your steward leaves you on your luggage the night before. We had no real problem finding everything but at first I was worried. It all looks so much alike when put all together!
We flagged down a porter right there in the luggage room and he took good care of us. You fill out your declaration form the night before too and we gave it to him for our luggage. Then we just showed our key card and ID and off we went to the car! It was very fast and we were driving away before we knew it.
It was all in all a spectacular vacation but short. If I could do it again I would do 4 nights.
I would also take less carry-on but definitely have the kids wear their swimsuits.
In our upgrade stateroom we didn't need the shoeholder over the door. There was alot of space. Might not be true in the cat 9.
Take advantage of that verandah. Get coffee!
Talk to everyone you can - it's fun to learn about new people. Everyone was very friendly.
Study the navigator- there is so much to do.
I would try the second rotation for dinner - just to see if I could cram anything else in my day.
I wish I had had the time to play bingo.
I wish we had done the Studio Sea thing.
Oh there's so much I could tell you that I can't think of now. Wish we were well off enough to do this cruise every year. However, it will be at least two years. *Sigh*
Even is you hate Disney World you must do this cruise. It's so much better. Even my DH and older DS thought so.
Bahama Dreams!
Our trip included DH, myself, DS, 13 and DS, 11
We left Memphis a week earlier than our cruise to visit relatives first and then go to the port. We drove from Gainesville at 6:15 am and arrived at Port Canaveral about 10:30.
I'm happy to tell you that we found the drive very uneventful and easy. I had printed a map off of Dave's site to help us find the port and it helped alot! Was a very easy drive.
When we got to the port and turned in, we had a misstep and wound up having to turn around and get back to the turn lane that leads up to the terminal. We thought we had to park first but that's not true. We waited about 20 minutes in the turn lane before they let us drive up to the dropoff zone in front of the terminal. Then we drove up and dropped off bags. Helpful porters were right there to take care of bags. It was well worth it! DH then took the van to parking.
I can't say it enough - Arrive early! We had it easy compared to those who arrived about 30 minutes later. By then there was a line out the door of the terminal to get in to check in.
We went through an informal security check, then up the escalators to the check in. Had to wait for DH in order to check in though. He had to show his ID. Here's what I learned - bring as few carry-ons as possible! Next time I will have one bag only. Luckily ours were on wheels.
Once DH arrived check in was a breeze. We Got AN UPGRADE! I could not believe it. We went from a cat 9 to a cat 5! We feverishly checked our cruise line passporter and YES it was a verandah! I was so surprised and excited. I tried to explain to DH how special that was. I don't think he understood til we got on board.
After check in (which went smoothly as we had everything filled out) you can either sit down and wait or go ahead and get in line before the entrance to the ship. We chose to get in the line. I'm kind of glad we did as boarding was so fast once it started. Our kids were all over the place - looking at the ship model, looking out the windows, etc. - and we had a hard time getting them to the line when boarding started. But all went well and we crossed over to the ship about 11:30 (I think).
It's kind of a blur at that point - there's so much you want to see and so many people. It was kind of controlled chaos but I think that was the excitement level. I completely missed our names being called out - it was just too loud and hot!
That was one thing that I was surprised at - the heat. It was so close feeling and the elevators were really crowded. But that was just for the first hour or so of being on the ship. I guess with the doors opened it was hard for the ship to cool down. And at that time and not ever again, everyone was crowding into the elevators instead of using the stairs. Tip - use the stairs as often as you can - it's faster half the time.
We went up to deck 9 and checked out Beach Blanket. I got a table near the plexiglass at the Mickey Pool while DH checked out the buffet. No one could use the Mickey Pool yet. DH turned his nose up at the buffet. I left him there at the table and went to fill up. Those shrimp ARE good. It was all great. I think one of the hamburger/hotdog places was open because I remember getting something for DS. DH also found something to eat.
If you get a table by the Mickey pool, try to get one in the open as it's very warm by that glass. There's more breeze toward the pool. We had to sit there for a while as we had those bags. I had my bathing suit on under my clothes and I won't do that again. Too hot! I bought a great non alcoholic cooler (tropical fruit drink - still have the glass) to help cool off. Get all of these you can.
Finally the pool opened and DS was in 7th heaven. It's real shallow so you just don't have the fears you do at regular pools over the kids. This pool is the best thing about the cruise for kids.
My DS loved it. Older DS (13) disappeared as though he had evaporated. I had given him his card and directions to the room. Just turn the big ones loose. I think we saw him in time for dinner.
We left to go to the stateroom around 1:30. What a TREAT! It was a pretty large room to be on a boat. At least I didn't expect it to be so roomy. I don't guess we'll ever be happy without a verandah now.
We were very comfortable. I only wish I had discovered the room service tags before we were packing to leave! That's right. I had a verandah and I didn't even get to have coffee on it. Look for those hangar type tags on your desk (they may be in the drawer) and use them for breakfast or coffee. Anyway the room was great and our stewardess was Winnie. Really nice girl and very helpful. We got a swan on the first night, then a hanging monkey and last a rabbit. So cute! She was also very neat and helped me keep our room straight. Thank you Winnie!
We did the obligatory life boat drill and then went to the upper decks to watch the ship leave. Now that was very impressive. I've never been on a ship before and to see us leaving all land behind was an exciting feeling. The ocean just looks misty, grey and mysterious. The temp on the ship dropped almost immediately. What a relief. Stand up on the bow and watch all this and see if you don't get the tingles. The Carnival Fantasy left at almost the same time as did the Explorer of the Seas and we were neck and neck for a while.
Left reluctantly to get ready for dinner. We had the first rotation - 6:00. Dinner was about 1 1/2 to 2 hours long! So be prepared. It is very leisurely. Our restaurant was Tritons and its pretty formal. Most of the people we saw were in suits and nice dresses. I didn't like Tritons as much though the food was good. Why is it your appetite just drops off when you're excited? There was a shrimp appetizer, wonderful salads, steak and fish galore (I had the fish - it was good) and all kinds of desserts and I could hardly eat! ARGH! But I did enjoy the sugar free chocolate cheesecake. It is really too good for sugarfree.
We went to the variety show that night. Don't miss the shows! They are so good. Jeff the juggler was entertaining that night and it was so funny. DS had taken off to the room. Cartoons were calling. We had checked out the Lab before but he didn't want to go. He really liked that upper berth. We locked the verandah just in case and left strict orders. We also had some radios with us and gave him one.
We went to the movies that night and saw half of Chicago. We left before it was over and headed back to the room. I wanted to sit on my verandah! Older DS showed up at the same time and he and I sat on the verandah and watched mystery lights out on the sea. I think we stayed up til 1:00!
I still woke up at around 6:30 and was thrilled with the view of the Bahamas. Atlantis was this tiny dot on the horizon - but I knew that's what it was. And I was right - I watched it grow bigger and bigger as we approached. I woke everyone up by this time and we got ready for breakfast.
Alert! always watch your kids as they try to come down that ladder from the upper berth. My DS fell! He slipped and went right into the desk behind him. We were lucky he wasn't hurt - just bruised and shakened. It put a damper on the morning but he was better after he ate. Also, we went to Beach Blanket for the mornings - we skipped the restaurants. Unfortunately, there are no pancakes just waffles. DS didn't eat very well. They rest of us certainly did! They have everything else you can imagine including donuts. Even their grits were good! And if you can, eat outside - it's a deliciously rich feeling. Look at me - I'm a Kennedy!
The stewards are very helpful and will carry your trays for you if you need help.
If I had it to do over, I would try the restaurant at least once for breakfast. But Beach Blanket was just so convenient. We watched them dock as we ate. Nassau was more picturesque than I had imagined. It's really very pretty. We had an excursion to Atlantis so we got ready. They walked us all over Nassau to get to the launch for Atlantis. Two tours in one. Note - wear your best and toughest walking shoes! Also - the Bahamas are really BRIGHT. Take shades for your kids as well as yourself. Use sunscreen liberally and wear a hat. My kids complained about the brightness all day.
On the upside - Paradise Island is a very pretty place! They have the most colorful vegetation. I wish I knew the name of those orange flowered trees. Like nothing I'd seen before. Atlantis was really something too. We took the aquarium tour and it was very good. Buy your souvenirs as you see them, though, as you may not have the energy to backtrack when the tour is over. We didn't. We left for the launch and the ship as soon as it was over. It was so very hot!
Back on the boat, we had lunch and hit the pools. That night we were in Animator's Palate and it was so much better than Tritons. The food was to die for and the show was great! I won't spoil it for you. My dessert wasn't the best though. Kaluah(?) trifle. No, stick with chocolate. The lobster and shrimp wraps were good though.
The show was Hercules the Muse-ical. My younger DS went with us and we had a blast! Great show. Then we went to shop and hit decks for the tropical party. The dancing was really good. We missed the late buffet. We went to see the last showing of NEMO in the Walt Disney Theater! Really good movie. We all loved it.
Forgot the verandah and went to bed. Got up at 7:00 the next morning and we were coming into Castaway Cay! Spent the morning on the verandah watching it all. Our side of the ship was portside. We layed out plans on what to do that day and flubbed up a little. After getting off the ship, finding a spot, and settling in, I had to turn around and go back! Thank goodness for that tram! I was worn out. And I hadn't even been swimming yet.
Things got better after that. We had the snorkel, bike and float package (good deal) and had a good time in the water. DH was the only snorkeler though. I just had no energy. Be careful while doing this to get enough sunscreen on your back. DH got burned alittle. Older DS disasperated. Turned out he had enough ocean after an hour or so and went back to the ship to swim. The bike tour was fun. The bikes are easy to handle and the route is pretty good. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would.
Lunch at Cookie's was fabulous! We were really famished and they had more than we could eat. The cookies are really good. We took our two mugs with us for drink and they also had water, tea, etc. The shopping was great too. After 2:30 we were ready to go. We took time to get showered and wound up in a long line to get onboard ship. Turned out we needed to wash off that sand anyway before boarding. They have lots of opportunities to take pictures when you first get off ship. Take advantage of them - when you're fresh. There were more opportunities when we were trying to get back on board. But by then you are so tired and hot!
Likewise there are many opportunities on the ship to get portraits but we didn't take advantage of them. Wish we had now. We were always on our way somewhere else! Take some time and get a few pictures.
This was our last night and I saved my appetite for Parrot's Cay. It was in some ways the best dinner of all. We didn't make my older son come with us so the pressure was off. When younger DS got tired, we sent him back to the room on his own. He loved that! Heck the kids knew the ship by this time better than we did. At this restaurant, it's so festive and relaxed. We were underway again by this time. So long Castaway Cay! They had a live band playing for us in the restaurant and we had brought along our tip envelopes. We were sad to say goodbye - our servers were so sweet. We got to talk to them a little more this night. Tino and Lloyd - great guys. Another table's server was an amature magician and he entertained all the kids (adults too). Then they did a rumba around the dining room and got kids and adults to join in. We twirled napkins and sang. It was fun! I also ate too much. Chocolate Mousse - yum!
The last show was a real treat. Disney Dreams. If you miss everything else, see this one. The songs and special effects are great. Then, sadly, it was time to get back and pack. We were asked to have our stuff out by 11:00. We really had to push but we made it. It really made things easier the next morning. The last night was really rushed. I got so tired and had ate so much, I think it got me a little queasy. I went to bed and didn't move til morning.
The next morning we had breakfast topside as usual but the selections were a lot less of course. Much more a continental breakfast for the last day. Getting off the ship was a breeze after that. We already had our belongings with us and just walked to deck 2. Now let me warn you. The luggage pick up was a little intimidating if you haven't been before. They lump all luggage together by deck (I think) and you have some of your stuff that's together and some that's separate. Anyway, you have to hunt alittle. Just be sure you put those luggage tags your steward leaves you on your luggage the night before. We had no real problem finding everything but at first I was worried. It all looks so much alike when put all together!
We flagged down a porter right there in the luggage room and he took good care of us. You fill out your declaration form the night before too and we gave it to him for our luggage. Then we just showed our key card and ID and off we went to the car! It was very fast and we were driving away before we knew it.
It was all in all a spectacular vacation but short. If I could do it again I would do 4 nights.
I would also take less carry-on but definitely have the kids wear their swimsuits.
In our upgrade stateroom we didn't need the shoeholder over the door. There was alot of space. Might not be true in the cat 9.
Take advantage of that verandah. Get coffee!
Talk to everyone you can - it's fun to learn about new people. Everyone was very friendly.
Study the navigator- there is so much to do.
I would try the second rotation for dinner - just to see if I could cram anything else in my day.
I wish I had had the time to play bingo.
I wish we had done the Studio Sea thing.
Oh there's so much I could tell you that I can't think of now. Wish we were well off enough to do this cruise every year. However, it will be at least two years. *Sigh*
Even is you hate Disney World you must do this cruise. It's so much better. Even my DH and older DS thought so.
Bahama Dreams!
