Takia
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Apr 18, 2005
- Messages
- 159
To start with some of the basics:
Solo traveler
6th Disney cruise
I packed just the right amount of clothing.. 2 pairs of jeans, 3 t-shirts, 3 dresses that were universal (I only ate dinner in Palo and Remy), 2 bathing suits, and 1 cover-up.
My room (6562) was a 5d (stateroom w veranda), it was a gty ogt cabin, was in a good location. Mid-ship.
Packed my own wine for dinner in my suitcase, worked but wouldn't recommend it if you weren't prepared if something broke. I packed bottles in bubble wrap then in a book bag inside my suitcase.
Embarkation Day
(Thursday, January 26, 2012)
Flight arrived at Orlando 25 minutes early, but I had checked luggage so it worked out well... since I had wine packed in my bag I had to claim my bag. Baggage claim was on terminal A, transportation was terminal B. Wine survived! Pulled out the book bag to carry on (per dcl policy, alcohol cant be left in baggage that they porter). Proceeded to terminal B for check-in. Painless, provide on-line check-in form, passport, etc. Once I had my kttw card I proceeded to the shuttle. Dan, the driver, quickly took my bag and I boarded. I was one of the first to board so I did set on the bus approximately 20 minutes. Once we were off the ride was quick and painless.
Once we arrived at port I was pleasantly surprised that the people who take dcl transfers had no wait for security. After screening it was directly up the escalator to the actual terminal. Once up there were photo opportunities with Mickey and Chip & Dale. Boarding was general so no boarding groups to wait for. The line was minimal and backed up due to photos then check-in. I skipped the photo line. Also the announcement, so I walked right on to the ship. Once on board I proceeded to Palo to make my third night dinner reservation (they, rightfully so, wait listed me so that everyone had a chance to make a reservation). Then to lunch at Cabanas. The food was good; shrimp was some of the freshest I had in a long time. I sat outside as it was really noisy inside.
Rooms were opened at 1:30 as promised. Room is nice. Minor issues, clock would not set, top of table looks distressed (but not in a good way), bathroom smells like White Linen perfume, the bottom trim on the closets was coming off, there was no stationary or pen in the desk, but that's all being nitpicky. Luggage was delivered about 3:00.
I did go to the spa raffle. I won. But it was the men's shave and mini massage. I gave it to the man standing next to me.
Drill was pretty straight forward and easy. My station was in ad theater on deck 3. Was over by 4:15.
I ordered an all hands on deck plate to enjoy during sail out, agree with many who have said this has shrank over the years. Still good though.
Because I like to watch the sun set at Palo, dinner was at 6. Borys was my waiter and I left my selections up to him for dinner. Antipasta was great, but then he brought grilled pesto shrimp which was wonderful! Osso Bucco for my main course... WOW. So tender and out of this world flavor! Best marrow ever too. Okay, now I confess... I had the soufflé, usually love it, but didn't. Wasn't cooked all the way and was gummy, but the Osso Bucco made up for it. By the time dinner was done it was 7:30. I went back to my room. I did have a snake towel animal and an invitation the DVC Informational meeting. No navigator though. Unpacked and watched Money Ball on demand. Early night.
Nassau Day
(Friday, January 27, 2012)
Since I'm not a big buffet person breakfast wasn't until 8:00am. Went to deck 4 to submit info for booking next cruise, explored the art gallery and got coffee at vista cafe (note, make sure you get a frequent coffee card, I didn't). At 8:00, I went to Royal Palace and had pineapple fruit and pineapple French toast with oj. It was okay. After breakfast I went back to room and changed, off to Quiet Cove! Well, not so much..... ordered another coffee (where the frequent buyer card came from)... sat down in a lounger for some quiet time. Well, it would be quiet if the area wasn't a pass through for every loud misbehaved child on-board. It was disappointing. Moved to the deck above, which was slightly better.
Had a fire and ice pedicure at 11:30. Denise was very kind and good. She didn't try to upsell me, which I appreciate. The salon was empty, I was there an hour and the only other client I saw was a mani that was finishing when I got there. The cost of the treatment was $70, plus a $15 tip.. While the treatment was nice, that is a bit steep as besides location there was nothing different/ better than what I get at home for $35 including the tip.
After pedi I returned to the room. The pirate night info was on the bed as well as a brochure about booking future cruises. I changed and went to lunch at Royal Palace. The seafood platter appetizer was unpleasant at best. Shrimp was okay, scallops were bay and overcooked, best yet... crab claw was frozen. Get it is to be cold, but it really was frozen. Mango soup (I sail because of this soup) as always was the tastiest ever, halibut was good, but you must like olives.
After lunch I had some time to kill before the DVC presentation (wanted to learn more and figured as good a time as any)... Went to the district for a beer and to sit on 687 to watch Sports Center and some X Games. Took a bit to get a beer, but no one was difficult even though none of the bars were open. After having my beer and catching up on x games o went to the DVC meeting. It was a waste. More than half of the attendees were members but no one was willing to say what the point value of a cruise is, and the sales rep was evasive at best. A current member also won the state board credit. The discount offered was $10 per point and if you bought on board a $500 stateroom credit.
After I wasted an hour at the DVC Meeting, I went to the martini tasting. Whoa! So great and much fun. The martinis were dangerous... haha. Try the Bourbon apple.. well, really demand it. Was a well spent $15. Afterword, I went back to the room and took a brief nap. Then off to dinner at Remy, but not before a martini at Meridian.... key lime, yum.
So, here is my Remy experience.. Jerry was my server and he was wonderful, so much so in fact I went back the next night and wanted him and the same table.. I HIGHLY recommend you find out what time the sun is setting and try to book your dinner for a little before that time (this holds true for Palo as well), it is such a beautiful experience. The table I had at Remy was a small booth that could hold two people, but was just perfect for me and out of the way.
The meal started with Jerry, my server, making a cocktail of pear vodka and the inaugural champagne. It was good, but my key lime martini so was better. I had also taken a bottle of wine with me that I had brought. Reijo, the sommelier, was more than willing to open and decant my wine, as well as tell me about the wine since he was familiar with it.
First- Started with a one bite of cubed tomato soup. Yes. Cubed. Not Campbells! Wonderful. One bite, remember or you will have a mess!
Second was an amuse-bouche of chives, bread and cream of spinach soup. Light and refreshing..
Third was langoustine...good, but a bit salty... was presented beautifully...
Fourth was asparagus on truffle puree with a poached hens egg. Truffle gelee was so good as a garnish.
Fifth was Atlantic sea bass wit baby winter vegetables. A little salty but still wonderful...
Sixth was duck breast 3 ways... one was bacon, very good but one bite, second was a pate and it was divine also... the third and largest was a poached breast. It was a little tough for me.
Seventh was veal. . Baby vegetables was terrific, veal was cooked wonderfully.
Eighth (and best), Wagyu! Baby vegetables with potatoes. Clean and fresh, wonderful. Potatoes were good but cold. Beef was wonderful, cant rave enough.
Dessert was mango pound cake. Okay, it was really the best thing I ate at the meal... Was so creamy and light. Since the wine I had was a heavy red I asked Reijo to select a wine for me, his selection was a glass from Château Doisy-Védrines for 22.50 per glass. That same bottle of wine at home costs $17.99, it was NOT worth the price to me.
After Remy I wondered around the ship some and explored. The interactive artwork is impressive. The shops were ho hum, but could see the appeal for children. Since I was on the starboard side I went back to my room to watch the fireworks. They were beautiful as always. Bedtime quickly followed.
Castaway Cay
(Saturday, January 28, 2012)
I started Castaway day by having room service deliver fruit and coffee at about 7:15. At 8:15, I went to deck 1 to disembark since I had a 9 o'clock cabana massage scheduled. Disembarkation was quick and easy. I got on the same tram as the masseuse, Sarah. While she sat up for our appointment I sat under an umbrella and drank a bottle of water that she provided, perk of the massage... She provided a wonderful experience and again, no upselling. The only complaint I could make is there was a group of women right outside the cabanas that were loud. Obnoxious and I could not even hear Sarah talking to me.
After my massage I went to the beach and lounged until 1. It was wonderful. Peaceful, warm and just the right amount of breeze. I fell asleep, and I am paying for the peaceful sleep in the form of the sunburn. And maybe some other way... when I woke op I was crawling with little tiny yellow-orange bugs. They were very small, but they were biting me When I moved one of the towels I brought with me they just fell off of it. Oddly, the other towel I was using had NO bugs on it. I was done then, bit a fan of any bug. I stopped at the BBQ for lunch. Highly doubt I would do that again. Meat was dry (both chicken and ribs) and the place was so inundated with smoke one couldn't enjoy. BUT, I did meet Bruce Vilanch who was traveling with a large group of men. They were so funny.
After leaving the bbq I walked all the way back to the ship. Gave me time to stop and enjoy things I passed. I also stopped and purchased the only souvenir of the trip. A toy for my dog... What I did notice is that none of the dining areas at the main beach had the same issues as the one on Serenity Bay. So, the quality of the food and the smokiness may just be because of the location and how closed in that space is.
Once I border the ship I Bee lined for the shower for obvious reasons. After a quick shower I met with future bookings to confirm all of my info and then went to the theater to watch the Muppet, yes I'm such a kid, but it was relaxing though. Word of caution, the concessions stand closed 10 minutes before movie. Make your way to 11 for snacks and soda. This will save you money too! After movie I went back to my room and started packing. 6:45 comes early! Diner was at Remy similar to night before... I did not blog the second experience, I wanted to enjoy it more, however I did take photos which I will post here. Basically, I had everything on the menu over the course of 2 nights.
Again, I called it an early night, X Games were on But I needed to get packed and had a 6:00AM wake-up call.
Disembarkation Day
(Sunday, January 29, 2012)
My wake-up call came as scheduled, but was not needed. As I was midship starboard I could hear the crews unloading, etc. Not a bad thing as I know I am a light sleeper. I did not have the team take my luggage off the boat. I carried it since I had to be on an early bus back to MCO. However, looking back that is not really necessary, my flight was 11:20AM and I was at the airport by 8:30AM.
At approximately 7:00AM I went down to guest services, since most people were at breakfast there was no wait. I never met my servers during the cruise and would not have known who they were to give the gratuity envelopes to, they said they would take care of it.
Off the boat, straight through to customs with no wait since I was all ready to go. Again, I was at the airport at 8:30AM so everything was quick and easy with no waits at DCL. However, there was a MESS at Southwest, so word to the wise, if you are flying SWA try and get to an outside check-in point. It saved a BUNCH of time.
Conclusion
In total this trip costs $2001 for a solo passenger:
$889- Cruise
$301- Flight
$223- Tipping (including Remy, Palo, Spa, etc)
$219- Remy & Palo Dining
$217- Spa
$70- Gifts
$40- Alcohol
$34- Parking
$8- Coffee
It was money well spent. The whole experience was great and the things that I would do differently are noted above. Nothing major, just things I was not expecting or anticipated. It was a DREAMY trip, and I look forward to doing it again in September!
**I will add navigators to this on 1/30/12**
Solo traveler
6th Disney cruise
I packed just the right amount of clothing.. 2 pairs of jeans, 3 t-shirts, 3 dresses that were universal (I only ate dinner in Palo and Remy), 2 bathing suits, and 1 cover-up.
My room (6562) was a 5d (stateroom w veranda), it was a gty ogt cabin, was in a good location. Mid-ship.
Packed my own wine for dinner in my suitcase, worked but wouldn't recommend it if you weren't prepared if something broke. I packed bottles in bubble wrap then in a book bag inside my suitcase.
Embarkation Day
(Thursday, January 26, 2012)
Flight arrived at Orlando 25 minutes early, but I had checked luggage so it worked out well... since I had wine packed in my bag I had to claim my bag. Baggage claim was on terminal A, transportation was terminal B. Wine survived! Pulled out the book bag to carry on (per dcl policy, alcohol cant be left in baggage that they porter). Proceeded to terminal B for check-in. Painless, provide on-line check-in form, passport, etc. Once I had my kttw card I proceeded to the shuttle. Dan, the driver, quickly took my bag and I boarded. I was one of the first to board so I did set on the bus approximately 20 minutes. Once we were off the ride was quick and painless.
Once we arrived at port I was pleasantly surprised that the people who take dcl transfers had no wait for security. After screening it was directly up the escalator to the actual terminal. Once up there were photo opportunities with Mickey and Chip & Dale. Boarding was general so no boarding groups to wait for. The line was minimal and backed up due to photos then check-in. I skipped the photo line. Also the announcement, so I walked right on to the ship. Once on board I proceeded to Palo to make my third night dinner reservation (they, rightfully so, wait listed me so that everyone had a chance to make a reservation). Then to lunch at Cabanas. The food was good; shrimp was some of the freshest I had in a long time. I sat outside as it was really noisy inside.
Rooms were opened at 1:30 as promised. Room is nice. Minor issues, clock would not set, top of table looks distressed (but not in a good way), bathroom smells like White Linen perfume, the bottom trim on the closets was coming off, there was no stationary or pen in the desk, but that's all being nitpicky. Luggage was delivered about 3:00.
I did go to the spa raffle. I won. But it was the men's shave and mini massage. I gave it to the man standing next to me.
Drill was pretty straight forward and easy. My station was in ad theater on deck 3. Was over by 4:15.
I ordered an all hands on deck plate to enjoy during sail out, agree with many who have said this has shrank over the years. Still good though.
Because I like to watch the sun set at Palo, dinner was at 6. Borys was my waiter and I left my selections up to him for dinner. Antipasta was great, but then he brought grilled pesto shrimp which was wonderful! Osso Bucco for my main course... WOW. So tender and out of this world flavor! Best marrow ever too. Okay, now I confess... I had the soufflé, usually love it, but didn't. Wasn't cooked all the way and was gummy, but the Osso Bucco made up for it. By the time dinner was done it was 7:30. I went back to my room. I did have a snake towel animal and an invitation the DVC Informational meeting. No navigator though. Unpacked and watched Money Ball on demand. Early night.
Nassau Day
(Friday, January 27, 2012)
Since I'm not a big buffet person breakfast wasn't until 8:00am. Went to deck 4 to submit info for booking next cruise, explored the art gallery and got coffee at vista cafe (note, make sure you get a frequent coffee card, I didn't). At 8:00, I went to Royal Palace and had pineapple fruit and pineapple French toast with oj. It was okay. After breakfast I went back to room and changed, off to Quiet Cove! Well, not so much..... ordered another coffee (where the frequent buyer card came from)... sat down in a lounger for some quiet time. Well, it would be quiet if the area wasn't a pass through for every loud misbehaved child on-board. It was disappointing. Moved to the deck above, which was slightly better.
Had a fire and ice pedicure at 11:30. Denise was very kind and good. She didn't try to upsell me, which I appreciate. The salon was empty, I was there an hour and the only other client I saw was a mani that was finishing when I got there. The cost of the treatment was $70, plus a $15 tip.. While the treatment was nice, that is a bit steep as besides location there was nothing different/ better than what I get at home for $35 including the tip.
After pedi I returned to the room. The pirate night info was on the bed as well as a brochure about booking future cruises. I changed and went to lunch at Royal Palace. The seafood platter appetizer was unpleasant at best. Shrimp was okay, scallops were bay and overcooked, best yet... crab claw was frozen. Get it is to be cold, but it really was frozen. Mango soup (I sail because of this soup) as always was the tastiest ever, halibut was good, but you must like olives.
After lunch I had some time to kill before the DVC presentation (wanted to learn more and figured as good a time as any)... Went to the district for a beer and to sit on 687 to watch Sports Center and some X Games. Took a bit to get a beer, but no one was difficult even though none of the bars were open. After having my beer and catching up on x games o went to the DVC meeting. It was a waste. More than half of the attendees were members but no one was willing to say what the point value of a cruise is, and the sales rep was evasive at best. A current member also won the state board credit. The discount offered was $10 per point and if you bought on board a $500 stateroom credit.
After I wasted an hour at the DVC Meeting, I went to the martini tasting. Whoa! So great and much fun. The martinis were dangerous... haha. Try the Bourbon apple.. well, really demand it. Was a well spent $15. Afterword, I went back to the room and took a brief nap. Then off to dinner at Remy, but not before a martini at Meridian.... key lime, yum.
So, here is my Remy experience.. Jerry was my server and he was wonderful, so much so in fact I went back the next night and wanted him and the same table.. I HIGHLY recommend you find out what time the sun is setting and try to book your dinner for a little before that time (this holds true for Palo as well), it is such a beautiful experience. The table I had at Remy was a small booth that could hold two people, but was just perfect for me and out of the way.
The meal started with Jerry, my server, making a cocktail of pear vodka and the inaugural champagne. It was good, but my key lime martini so was better. I had also taken a bottle of wine with me that I had brought. Reijo, the sommelier, was more than willing to open and decant my wine, as well as tell me about the wine since he was familiar with it.
First- Started with a one bite of cubed tomato soup. Yes. Cubed. Not Campbells! Wonderful. One bite, remember or you will have a mess!
Second was an amuse-bouche of chives, bread and cream of spinach soup. Light and refreshing..
Third was langoustine...good, but a bit salty... was presented beautifully...
Fourth was asparagus on truffle puree with a poached hens egg. Truffle gelee was so good as a garnish.
Fifth was Atlantic sea bass wit baby winter vegetables. A little salty but still wonderful...
Sixth was duck breast 3 ways... one was bacon, very good but one bite, second was a pate and it was divine also... the third and largest was a poached breast. It was a little tough for me.
Seventh was veal. . Baby vegetables was terrific, veal was cooked wonderfully.
Eighth (and best), Wagyu! Baby vegetables with potatoes. Clean and fresh, wonderful. Potatoes were good but cold. Beef was wonderful, cant rave enough.
Dessert was mango pound cake. Okay, it was really the best thing I ate at the meal... Was so creamy and light. Since the wine I had was a heavy red I asked Reijo to select a wine for me, his selection was a glass from Château Doisy-Védrines for 22.50 per glass. That same bottle of wine at home costs $17.99, it was NOT worth the price to me.
After Remy I wondered around the ship some and explored. The interactive artwork is impressive. The shops were ho hum, but could see the appeal for children. Since I was on the starboard side I went back to my room to watch the fireworks. They were beautiful as always. Bedtime quickly followed.
Castaway Cay
(Saturday, January 28, 2012)
I started Castaway day by having room service deliver fruit and coffee at about 7:15. At 8:15, I went to deck 1 to disembark since I had a 9 o'clock cabana massage scheduled. Disembarkation was quick and easy. I got on the same tram as the masseuse, Sarah. While she sat up for our appointment I sat under an umbrella and drank a bottle of water that she provided, perk of the massage... She provided a wonderful experience and again, no upselling. The only complaint I could make is there was a group of women right outside the cabanas that were loud. Obnoxious and I could not even hear Sarah talking to me.
After my massage I went to the beach and lounged until 1. It was wonderful. Peaceful, warm and just the right amount of breeze. I fell asleep, and I am paying for the peaceful sleep in the form of the sunburn. And maybe some other way... when I woke op I was crawling with little tiny yellow-orange bugs. They were very small, but they were biting me When I moved one of the towels I brought with me they just fell off of it. Oddly, the other towel I was using had NO bugs on it. I was done then, bit a fan of any bug. I stopped at the BBQ for lunch. Highly doubt I would do that again. Meat was dry (both chicken and ribs) and the place was so inundated with smoke one couldn't enjoy. BUT, I did meet Bruce Vilanch who was traveling with a large group of men. They were so funny.
After leaving the bbq I walked all the way back to the ship. Gave me time to stop and enjoy things I passed. I also stopped and purchased the only souvenir of the trip. A toy for my dog... What I did notice is that none of the dining areas at the main beach had the same issues as the one on Serenity Bay. So, the quality of the food and the smokiness may just be because of the location and how closed in that space is.
Once I border the ship I Bee lined for the shower for obvious reasons. After a quick shower I met with future bookings to confirm all of my info and then went to the theater to watch the Muppet, yes I'm such a kid, but it was relaxing though. Word of caution, the concessions stand closed 10 minutes before movie. Make your way to 11 for snacks and soda. This will save you money too! After movie I went back to my room and started packing. 6:45 comes early! Diner was at Remy similar to night before... I did not blog the second experience, I wanted to enjoy it more, however I did take photos which I will post here. Basically, I had everything on the menu over the course of 2 nights.
Again, I called it an early night, X Games were on But I needed to get packed and had a 6:00AM wake-up call.
Disembarkation Day
(Sunday, January 29, 2012)
My wake-up call came as scheduled, but was not needed. As I was midship starboard I could hear the crews unloading, etc. Not a bad thing as I know I am a light sleeper. I did not have the team take my luggage off the boat. I carried it since I had to be on an early bus back to MCO. However, looking back that is not really necessary, my flight was 11:20AM and I was at the airport by 8:30AM.
At approximately 7:00AM I went down to guest services, since most people were at breakfast there was no wait. I never met my servers during the cruise and would not have known who they were to give the gratuity envelopes to, they said they would take care of it.
Off the boat, straight through to customs with no wait since I was all ready to go. Again, I was at the airport at 8:30AM so everything was quick and easy with no waits at DCL. However, there was a MESS at Southwest, so word to the wise, if you are flying SWA try and get to an outside check-in point. It saved a BUNCH of time.
Conclusion
In total this trip costs $2001 for a solo passenger:
$889- Cruise
$301- Flight
$223- Tipping (including Remy, Palo, Spa, etc)
$219- Remy & Palo Dining
$217- Spa
$70- Gifts
$40- Alcohol
$34- Parking
$8- Coffee
It was money well spent. The whole experience was great and the things that I would do differently are noted above. Nothing major, just things I was not expecting or anticipated. It was a DREAMY trip, and I look forward to doing it again in September!
**I will add navigators to this on 1/30/12**
