Dream CAME true! June 21-26, 2011 TR w/LOTS of pics! Update 8/1 Day 6, Part 4

[bangzoom6877]

I love your pics!! You guys are all beautiful, and having a great time!! And of course, as always...lovin' the food porn!

Yeah, there's not much to do in Port Canaveral. The first thing we were going to do was Kennedy Space Center, but the tour is 7 hours long! DH and I don't even want to spend that much time there, I can't even imagine how it would be for the boys! Yes, it is about an hour from Orlando and all the theme parks. So, we dock at noon, by the time people get to the shuttles for the theme parks and get there, it will probably be around 1:30 at the earliest. Around the time we usually LEAVE the parks for an afternoon break when we go to Disney! But, I completely understand people who want to go there on that day, since for a lot of people that is the only time or the first time they get to go there. As far as I'm concerned, it is another day on the cruise anyway! So we will just enjoy the ship.

I don't know if you ever got a chance to check out Cruise Critic, but I will definitely be writing a review of our cruise on the message boards over there when we get back. I will be including whatever we do in the ports, so be sure and stop by and find me (I am bangzoom6877 over there too!).

Now, DH and I are thinking of going onto the private island with the boys, even though we dock there around 11am and it will be super hot...we could always stay on the beach about an hour, have the BBQ lunch, then take the ferry back to the ship afterwards...since we're staying on the ship in Florida. We'll see...any way it works out, we will have a great time! I am just starting to worry about the weather since it is hurricane season. I always get like that...out of 13 cruise I have been on, 11 have been in the summer during hurricane season, and we have always been OK. One time, we were in a tropical depression (I was 14 years old) on the way back from Bermuda, but we were all fine. It is crazy though...you sit in the lounge, and you look out the window on one side and all you see is ocean...meanwhile, on the other side, all you see is the sky. A lot of people on the ship didn't make it to dinner that night, but we were all there, and as usual, we ate like pigs! But, I always get neurotic about the weather anyway.

 

[hardingk]

Loving your review so far! We sail 2 months from tomorrow!

 

[Toria]

Really enjoying your TR! I am glad that they stopped picture taking at the shows.

 

[franandaj]

I love your pics!! You guys are all beautiful, and having a great time!! And of course, as always...lovin' the food porn!

Yeah, there's not much to do in Port Canaveral. The first thing we were going to do was Kennedy Space Center, but the tour is 7 hours long! DH and I don't even want to spend that much time there, I can't even imagine how it would be for the boys! Yes, it is about an hour from Orlando and all the theme parks. So, we dock at noon, by the time people get to the shuttles for the theme parks and get there, it will probably be around 1:30 at the earliest. Around the time we usually LEAVE the parks for an afternoon break when we go to Disney! But, I completely understand people who want to go there on that day, since for a lot of people that is the only time or the first time they get to go there. As far as I'm concerned, it is another day on the cruise anyway! So we will just enjoy the ship.

I don't know if you ever got a chance to check out Cruise Critic, but I will definitely be writing a review of our cruise on the message boards over there when we get back. I will be including whatever we do in the ports, so be sure and stop by and find me (I am bangzoom6877 over there too!).

Now, DH and I are thinking of going onto the private island with the boys, even though we dock there around 11am and it will be super hot...we could always stay on the beach about an hour, have the BBQ lunch, then take the ferry back to the ship afterwards...since we're staying on the ship in Florida. We'll see...any way it works out, we will have a great time! I am just starting to worry about the weather since it is hurricane season. I always get like that...out of 13 cruise I have been on, 11 have been in the summer during hurricane season, and we have always been OK. One time, we were in a tropical depression (I was 14 years old) on the way back from Bermuda, but we were all fine. It is crazy though...you sit in the lounge, and you look out the window on one side and all you see is ocean...meanwhile, on the other side, all you see is the sky. A lot of people on the ship didn't make it to dinner that night, but we were all there, and as usual, we ate like pigs! But, I always get neurotic about the weather anyway.

I'm guessing the 7 hour tour is the excursion you book through the ship. We visited Cape Canaveral on our 1st DVC trip and the tour we took was about 2 hrs, but they drop you off at this "hub area" where all the tours land. You can have a sub standard lunch there and view a bunch of other attractions before taking a bus back to the main area. If you took a cab there you could probably "create your own" excursion, but it sounds more relaxing to just hang out on the ship.

OK, back to Lesha's TR!

 

[Jktrush]

Great trip report can't wait for the rest! Love all the pictures your showing!

 

[Leshaface]

That looks like so much fun! The Skyline Lounge looks way cool!

I love a Grand Mariner souffle! Now I need to figure out where in LB they serve them.

The Skyline Lounge was super neat! Wish we had more time to frequent this bar and the Pink lounge more often Next time for sure!

I REALLY want to learn how to make souffles, just so I can make this one! It was sooooo yummy!

I love your pics!! You guys are all beautiful, and having a great time!! And of course, as always...lovin' the food porn!

Yeah, there's not much to do in Port Canaveral. The first thing we were going to do was Kennedy Space Center, but the tour is 7 hours long! DH and I don't even want to spend that much time there, I can't even imagine how it would be for the boys! Yes, it is about an hour from Orlando and all the theme parks. So, we dock at noon, by the time people get to the shuttles for the theme parks and get there, it will probably be around 1:30 at the earliest. Around the time we usually LEAVE the parks for an afternoon break when we go to Disney! But, I completely understand people who want to go there on that day, since for a lot of people that is the only time or the first time they get to go there. As far as I'm concerned, it is another day on the cruise anyway! So we will just enjoy the ship.

I don't know if you ever got a chance to check out Cruise Critic, but I will definitely be writing a review of our cruise on the message boards over there when we get back. I will be including whatever we do in the ports, so be sure and stop by and find me (I am bangzoom6877 over there too!).

Now, DH and I are thinking of going onto the private island with the boys, even though we dock there around 11am and it will be super hot...we could always stay on the beach about an hour, have the BBQ lunch, then take the ferry back to the ship afterwards...since we're staying on the ship in Florida. We'll see...any way it works out, we will have a great time! I am just starting to worry about the weather since it is hurricane season. I always get like that...out of 13 cruise I have been on, 11 have been in the summer during hurricane season, and we have always been OK. One time, we were in a tropical depression (I was 14 years old) on the way back from Bermuda, but we were all fine. It is crazy though...you sit in the lounge, and you look out the window on one side and all you see is ocean...meanwhile, on the other side, all you see is the sky. A lot of people on the ship didn't make it to dinner that night, but we were all there, and as usual, we ate like pigs! But, I always get neurotic about the weather anyway.

Yes I was able to go over and browse around Cruise Critic! Will you not be doing a TR over here on the DIS? If not, i'll definitely check it out over there!

I can definitely understand why people would want to check out WDW, especially if they'll never be able to go again, and being so close, it's hard to pass up. However, you guys will be there in a year so you're good there!

That would be SO scary to be caught in a storm while out there in the ocean I'd probably just drink a lot and pass out so I wouldn't have to deal with it

Loving your review so far! We sail 2 months from tomorrow!

Thank you! You're going to have so much fun on your cruise!

Really enjoying your TR! I am glad that they stopped picture taking at the shows.

There were still one or two flashes during each show that I saw (they can't catch everyone), and I can see why it would throw off the performers. Especially when they're doing some of the stunts.

Great trip report can't wait for the rest! Love all the pictures your showing!

Thank you so much!

 

[bangzoom6877]

I'm not planning to post a TR here on the DIS about our cruise, since it is not a Disney Cruise. I'm just going to review it over on Cruise Critic.

I finally made my packing list this morning!!!!! And boy oh boy, am I realizing how much easier it is to pack for a 7-night cruise than it is to pack for a road trip that is close to 3 weeks long, even with using the laundry in the DVC villa! It took me all of about 10 minutes to complete my packing list, which includes everything for myself plus the boys!

It is even easier to pack for the boys this time, because we ordered a bon voyage package for each of them. It's a Nickelodeon Bedtime package, and includes all kinds of things they can keep after the cruise also...most is Spongebob themed, and they love Spongebob! We ordered one for each of them, so they don't fight over them! They set it up every night when they turn down the beds also! We thought it would be a nice surprise for them. It includes a toothbrush too, so one less thing to pack. There will be several events on this cruise with the Nickelodeon characters, and the boys are very excited about that!

OK...back to your TR!!

 

[bangzoom6877]

I'm guessing the 7 hour tour is the excursion you book through the ship. We visited Cape Canaveral on our 1st DVC trip and the tour we took was about 2 hrs, but they drop you off at this "hub area" where all the tours land. You can have a sub standard lunch there and view a bunch of other attractions before taking a bus back to the main area. If you took a cab there you could probably "create your own" excursion, but it sounds more relaxing to just hang out on the ship.

OK, back to Lesha's TR!

We thought about going there and exploring on our own, but as you said, it is more relaxing to stay on the ship. We could always go to KSC when the boys are older, since we are in Orlando every other year anyway!

 

[Leshaface]

Thursday, June 23, 2011


SEA DAY!

I was super excited for this morning because there was quite a few things we wanted to do on the ship and today would be the best day to do it!

I woke up about 7:30 and knew I needed to go workout. Luckily, the Fitness Center is just one deck up, right above our room, so it was a 30 second walk.

Very nice fitness room, with big windows that you can look out of while using the cardio machines (very new and nice cardio equipment). There are quite a few weight machines and a smaller free weights station, but it was all very clean and lots of options. There’s even a small area for a cycling class, if you’re so inclined! DH joined me about 5 minutes after I got there. We did a quick work out and headed up one more deck to check out the breakfast buffet at Cabanas!

Holy Moly! There is SO much food to choose from! We’re talking eggs, different pancakes, sausages, bacon, oatmeal, cereals, fruits, muffins, croissants, bagels (with the option of putting smoked salmon and capers!), and SO MUCH MORE! There are lots of stations running and the CM’s are constantly clearing off tables so there’s always places to sit. We were so happy that we worked out before!

After our huge breakfast, we went back to the stateroom to get cleaned up so we can explore the ship. While we were in the room, we started discussing what was going to be happening today on the ship and tomorrow at Nassau. We started looking over the Navigator and picked out what we will be doing today:


- Gnomeo & Juliet Movie @ 1:30pm in the Buena Vista Theater
- ESPN Partner Playoff @ 4:00pm in the 687 Lounge
- Tequila/Margarita Tasting @ 5:45 in Evolutions


We needed to sign up for the Tequila tasting at Guest Services and DH did NOT want to ‘Discover Atlantis’. So after we got showered and dressed, we headed to the Ports Adventure desk and picked up a Ports Adventure guide and wanted to look into switching our excursion to the ‘Blue Lagoon Island Beach Day’ instead. So we head down to Guest services and I take some pictures while he’s dealing with Guest Services.

Bon Voyage Lounge

My DB and Dsil came into Guest Services about 1 minute after us. DB came in shoeless. LOL! Turns out, he left without his sandals from the pool last night (how can you leave the pool without shoes?....OH now I know what happened ---> LOL) so he went to see if anyone had returned them to Lost and Found. DH started telling my brother what we were going to be doing that day and he DEFINITELY wanted to do the tasting with us, so he signed up for that as well.

DH successfully changed out excursion and signed us up for the Tequila tasting! It was now time to head over to the Buena Vista Theater to watch Gnomeo & Juliet.

The movie was SUPER cute! If you haven’t seen it, go rent it! You’ll love it. The theater was very comfortable and clean!

After the movie ended, we headed up to Deck 11, to grab some quick snacks (salad, pizza, sandwiches) before going to 687 for DH’s partner playoff.

On the way back down to Deck 4, I saw this pic:

This had to be my most FAVORITE picture on the entire ship. I just LOVE Ratatouille!

So we make it to 687, and it’s very cozy and quiet with about 6 or 7 T.V.’s with all sports. DH was definitely in heaven here.

687 makes their own draft, which you can see in the picture above, and it was actually pretty tasty!

Here’s the menu:

The game started promptly at 4pm. There weren’t too many people in here to play this game, but it’s a Sports trivia game, where you play solo at first, then collaborate with another player in the room towards the end of the game. DH enjoyed it, since he’s a HUGE sports fan, so if you need to put your hubby somewhere for an hour, drop him off here. It’s like the Kids Club, but only for men!

The game lasted about 40 minutes, so we had some time to spare before the Tequila tasting, so we went up to Deck 13 to check out the Miniature Golf!


Ping pong table near the first hole:

We played a quick 9 holes (so fun and the layout of all the holes are super cute and quirky) and went to explore the main pool area.

Cont..

 

[bangzoom6877]

What a beautiful ship!

I love the days at sea, relaxing and just exploring the ship and all there is to do. I don't even care where I go on a cruise anymore...I really love the ships themselves. If I went on a 7-night cruise to nowhere, I would be happy!

Alcohol tastings are awesome on cruises! They are a great deal, and you get to see which drinks are your favorite! I love the margarita tastings. I am looking forward to that in a few weeks! There is a Mexican/Tapas restaurant on the ship we will be going on, and I read that they have a sangria and tapas tasting one day. I am SOOOO there!

Looking forward to reading more!

 

[Cheryl726]

Nice update! Thanks for posting the drink prices, I should start saving up! And love your idea of the kids club for men! My DH is also a huge sports fan so maybe he'll do that too.

 

[jenifred]

The game started promptly at 4pm. There weren’t too many people in here to play this game, but it’s a Sports trivia game, where you play solo at first, then collaborate with another player in the room towards the end of the game. DH enjoyed it, since he’s a HUGE sports fan, so if you need to put your hubby somewhere for an hour, drop him off here. It’s like the Kids Club, but only for men!

LOL! They really should market it that way. Ladies: what do you do with your DH during spa time? Disney Daddy Day Care!

 

[mamaboogie]

Beautiful photos!

I love the lobby and the tours of the bars!

 

[Leshaface]

Cont..

The Aqua Duck

So we rode this yesterday, just forgot to post about it. We rode it when we returned back to the ship from Castaway Cay, I believe. There was quite a line, and it took about 30 minutes for us to get on the ride itself. The ride was SUPER quick but very fun! I’m surprised at how wet you actually get on this ride! It’s NOT worth the 30 minute wait, but I would definitely wait about 10 minutes for it. I know it was probably the worst time to ride, but it was either now, or who knows when, and thank goodness we rode it then, because this was the only time we rode it.

This played Disney movies ALL DAY! I loved seeing the various movies they had playing throughout the day. Now if they can only adapt this for the adult pool area, I’d be in complete bliss!


Random Pic

We decided to back down to the 5th deck to wait around for the tasting, so we went and sat outside the walking deck.

It was very serene and quiet here on this deck. It was very nice.

FINALLY, it was time for tequila tasting located at Evolution!

So this is something you have to plan for once your on the ship (can’t do it 75 days out) and you must go to Guest Services to sign up for it. It’s $15.00 per person and it includes 3 shots of tequila AND a top shelf margarita!

You taste the Patron Silver, Patron Reposado, and the Patron Anejo. The instructors gave a quick course of where/how it’s made, and I learned something very important regarding tequilas: Whenever you decide you want a shot/mixed drink with tequila, always make sure the tequila contains 100% agave. This is the key to NOT getting a hangover! Cheaper tequilas that are mixed (or not 100% agave) is what gives people wicked hangovers. This has been a Lesha Tip! And no, you do not take the ENTIRE shot at once at this tasting. You sip on the first half of the shot, then down the rest. It’s actually a very interesting class. Then at the very end, they send you on your way out with a top shelf margarita made with patron silver, grand marnier, and other good stuff!

I think he's only had one shot in this picture!

We were all quite toasty as we made our way to the Walt Disney Theater to watch Golden Mickeys (thank goodness we were on the same deck!) Dsil, was saving us all seats, since the tasting went past 6:15. We were about 10 minutes late, so we didn’t see the very beginning. But we came in right as it started to get good luckily. It was super adorable! Probably my second favorite show!

After the show ended, we needed to go up to our rooms to get changed for dinner, and tonight was formal night. When DB and Dsil were done getting changed, they came over to our stateroom so we could pour them some wine that we brought with us onto the ship *Lesha Tip: Bring your own Booze! We brought two bottles of wine with us from home and packed them in the Wine Skins you can buy at World Market or Bevmo’s. You need to carry the alcohol on the ship yourself. Meaning, you cannot pack it in your luggage that will be handled by the CM’s. You need to have it in your carryon that you have with you once your board the ship. This allowed us to bring wine with us (ask for wine glasses at any bar or ask your stateroom host) to dinner and saved us some mula! Will definitely bring Vodka along next time as well!*

Cont..

 

[Leshaface]

I'm not planning to post a TR here on the DIS about our cruise, since it is not a Disney Cruise. I'm just going to review it over on Cruise Critic.

I finally made my packing list this morning!!!!! And boy oh boy, am I realizing how much easier it is to pack for a 7-night cruise than it is to pack for a road trip that is close to 3 weeks long, even with using the laundry in the DVC villa! It took me all of about 10 minutes to complete my packing list, which includes everything for myself plus the boys!

It is even easier to pack for the boys this time, because we ordered a bon voyage package for each of them. It's a Nickelodeon Bedtime package, and includes all kinds of things they can keep after the cruise also...most is Spongebob themed, and they love Spongebob! We ordered one for each of them, so they don't fight over them! They set it up every night when they turn down the beds also! We thought it would be a nice surprise for them. It includes a toothbrush too, so one less thing to pack. There will be several events on this cruise with the Nickelodeon characters, and the boys are very excited about that!

OK...back to your TR!!

I totally forgot you weren't doing a Disney cruise! So then I will FOR SURE be over there to read about your adventures!

Yay!!! Bet you're happy that your list is done! Now you can check that off your list of things to do! Gosh, I couldn't IMAGINE all that you're going to have to do next Summer for your WDW trip. I bet it's a LOT of work!

And wow, they set this package up for your boys every night? They're probably going to look forward to going to the room every night to see what they get

What a beautiful ship!

I love the days at sea, relaxing and just exploring the ship and all there is to do. I don't even care where I go on a cruise anymore...I really love the ships themselves. If I went on a 7-night cruise to nowhere, I would be happy!

Alcohol tastings are awesome on cruises! They are a great deal, and you get to see which drinks are your favorite! I love the margarita tastings. I am looking forward to that in a few weeks! There is a Mexican/Tapas restaurant on the ship we will be going on, and I read that they have a sangria and tapas tasting one day. I am SOOOO there!

Looking forward to reading more!

DH and I were just talking about a cruise to nowhere! I wish Disney would do something like this. We were saying that if we do another Disney cruise to the Bahamas again, that we wouldn't get off at Nassau and just stay on the boat and do more things. I couldn't believe how much activities were available for adults!


I was surprised at how cheap the tequila tasting was, considering all that you get. For $15, also, we could have done the beer tasting, and we're like, "ummm, let's do the tequila tasting!"

Nice update! Thanks for posting the drink prices, I should start saving up! And love your idea of the kids club for men! My DH is also a huge sports fan so maybe he'll do that too.

Yeah no problem! It's nice to see how much the drinks are, so you know what to expect to pay. Yes! You should definitely point him in the direction of the 687 bar! ....just don't try to get yourself dragged into there as well!

LOL! They really should market it that way. Ladies: what do you do with your DH during spa time? Disney Daddy Day Care!

The DDDC! Love it!!

Beautiful photos!

I love the lobby and the tours of the bars!

Thanks mama!

 

[Shell54]

You guys look like you planned your days really well...so fun. Your TR is really getting me excited for our cruise..we leave in 10 days. It's just DH and me so Iam enjoying reading about all the adult activities you've done. My DH will want to do the tequila tasting..I wonder if they have it on the 4 day cruises?

 

[pjstevens]

WOOHOOO Another update!!! Loving your TR!

 

[Leshaface]

You guys look like you planned your days really well...so fun. Your TR is really getting me excited for our cruise..we leave in 10 days. It's just DH and me so Iam enjoying reading about all the adult activities you've done. My DH will want to do the tequila tasting..I wonder if they have it on the 4 day cruises?

You know, i'm not sure if they would do it on the 4 day cruise. Do you have a sea day? If you do, i'm sure they would offer tastings!

 

[Leshaface]

WOOHOOO Another update!!! Loving your TR!

Thank you! Another one coming up!

 

[Leshaface]

We took a few pictures out on our verandah:

Then it was time for

As soon as we got seated, the picture taking began!

And the menu (sorry it’s so dark)

So let’s get right into the food, shall we?

My appetizer: Smoked Salmon Tartare

This is served with capers, onions and micro greens topped with American Black Caviar. Very clean tasting and delicious!

DH ordered two appetizers. The first one: Sesame flavored Rock Shrimp and Caramelized Onion Cheesecake

This was very interesting. I think it threw me off a little bit because when you see it, you see cheesecake. But when you taste it, it’s DEFINITELY not cheesecake. It’s a very innovative dish and something to be tried, for sure.

His second choice, was DISGUSTINGLY DELICIOUS!

Black Truffle Pasta Purseittes. Pasta purse filled with truffle scented cheese and coated with a delicate champagne sauce.

This was one of the BEST appetizers throughout the whole rotational dining, IMO! It was so good in fact, Dh ordered a second plate, because me and DB kept eating some of his! Please DO NOT skip this! This dish is insane!

I wanted some soup, so I ordered: Creamy Butternut Squash Soup with chives and drizzled with sour cream.

It actually wasn’t as creamy as I was hoping it would be. It was still very good, but DH’s soup was way better.

DH ordered the Baked Potato and Cheddar Cheese Soup with bacon bits and chives.

Very good and filling!

For Entrees, I ordered the Marinated Angus Beef Tenderloin served on wasabi mashed potatoes with bok choy and a tamarind barbeque reduction.

This was super yummy! The mashed potatoes were so stinkin’ good!

DH ordered the Animator’s Trio of Veal

Grilled tenderloin, pulled shank and tortellacci pasta with a sun-dried tomato and sage reduction and garnished with a potato crisp.

Didn’t taste it (don’t eat veal) but DH said it was very good!

Next up, the most important part of any meal:

Desserts!

I ordered the Chocolate Brownie Cheesecake

Served with whipped cream and raspberry coulis. UGH. Cheesecake on TOP of a brownie!? Pure genius!

DH ordered two desserts! The Crunchy Walnut Cake and the Cookies and Cream Sundae (he loves sundaes!)

The cake was so decadent! Too rich for him, so I ate it!

Overall, this dinner was fantastic! Lots of food this time!

As we were leaving dinner, we saw the main area of the ship filled with photographers and lots of backdrops to take formal pictures. Here is the one we bought

After we took some pictures we went to Evolution to check out the entertainment for the night, John Ekin, a magician and comedian! Best of both worlds! We all grabbed a drink of the day (High Tide) and sat at the bar. He was super funny! If he’s ever doing the entertainment on your ship, definitely check him out!

We decided it was time to retire to our rooms, since tomorrow was going to be a busy day at Nassau! And of course saw this on our bed when we got back to our stateroom.

And a goodnight pic!