only1mouse
Annual Passholder Disneyland Resort
- Joined
- May 20, 2004
- Messages
- 371
Where do I start??? Last cruise we went on was Disney Magic in 2005 off the west coast to Mexico. It was our first cruise on any line. I booked a few years later to cruise over Thanksgiving 2009, in a Suite, to the Caribbean; but because of furloughs I had to postpone. After shifting a few dates we finally settled on a 4 night cruise to the Bahamas on the Dream on 10/27/2013.
From the moment we were driving to the port, I could hardly contain myself. I'm a huge Disney fanatic, my husband - not so much. And my kids, are not really kids anymore, both are 19 and live in a different state than we do. Never being to Port Canaveral before or seeing the Dream, I was on cloud 9 just pulling into port.
We arrived right at 11, being in a suite, we were able to board anytime and I wanted as much time on the ship as possible. Once through security; we went to the concierge check in and from there the magic really started. We were personally escorted through a small waiting area, into our own line, up the ramp to another crew member who then escorted us to the concierge lounge. We started the cocktails early as they were free flowing from 11:30 - 3:30. The concierge deck was amazing especially with it's mister table! Concierge staff were truly amazing- Andy, Wensdae,and Ashley.....Our room seemed to be ready quickly, we were almost directly across from the side entrance to the concierge.
Stateroom 12506 - WOW, last cruise we had a porthole, this cruise - WOW, again it's all I can say. 12506 is a one bedroom suite, once inside we immediately went to the verandah and again WOW, this verandah was huge. We had two doors leading to the verandah, one from the "living room" and the second from the dining room. Made it much better when the beds were out. Two chairs, two chaise lounges and it was amazing to be able to have the doors open and fresh air flowing in. (remember last cruise porthole, 4 ppl in the room and NO fresh-air). The dining room is sort of wasted space IMHO, but it was nice to have the space. We never sat and ate at it, nor really sat at it. It just accumulated our "things". King size bed in the bedroom, which closed off completed by three sliding pocket doors. Huge TV, and little vanity next to the bed and two nightstands. The bathroom - again WOW -- huge spa tub, and yes I used it! In the huge mirror was another television, so while relaxing in the tub you could watch a movie. Double Sinks, plenty of storage, etc etc etc. the only thing I did not appreciate was the SCALE - why on earth would they put a scale on a cruise ship in the first place. The living room had the pull out sofa, a refrigerator which was stocked with water and soda. another TV DVD player etc. Then there was another little area that had the Murphy bed and a desk. 3 closets and the other bathroom. This place was simply amazing. I felt so spoiled and I don't think I could cruise again without cruising in concierge. To me it was amazing service, amenities, people and that special Disney feel.....
Anything we wanted we could ask for and it arrived quickly. Pillows, extra blankets. Food, bottled water, soda, and sunscreen were abundantly available whenever we needed or wanted them. I bought an Animators Palette plate and asked to have it signed by the fab five! We were asked if we wanted any special reservations, excursions etc. I signed up for a massage, but already had nail appts and my excursions booked via pre trip concierge. We had a bowl of fresh fruit in the room when we arrived, plus our Castaway Club pack, water bottles and key chain. The best surprise was the beautiful limited edition lithograph we received the night before we disembarked. Ducky Williams is amazing - and about had a heart attack when I arrived at the airport and realized I had left it in the hotel! (more on that later).
Our first full day was a sea day, and it was packed with onboard activities. Massages, Mani and Pedis, hair braiding, simulation golf, martini tasting etc etc etc. Was a very busy but very special day.
We didn't do any excursions our previous cruise, so decided to go all out this time. One item on my bucket list was to swim with the Dolphins, after reading about them, I decided to choose the Blue Lagoon Dolphin swim. Upon our arrival, we went immediately to a boat that took us on a half hour boat ride to Blue Lagoon Island. Never being to the the Bahamas, I was in awe. We immediately went to the Lagoon and waited for all our adventurers to arrive. The Dolphins were wonderful, we got to pet, dance, swim and hug them. They are very amazing animals. The best part was being pushed through the water by them. Nothing better than seeing those big smiles on our kids faces! After our excursion we went to get something to eat, and since the kids are legally able to drink in the Bahamas we all had a cocktail in a coconut. It's funny seeing your kids drink. Then from there we went back to Nassau and I bought a 3Liter bottle of Bacardi, we went to Senor Frogs and back to ship ---- Though they wouldn't let us take our coconuts back on the ship (I really wanted to keep it too)
Castaway Cay we got off to run in the 5K, and although my family is not a running family (I've been doing them this year), we all participated, finished and received our medallion as a nice souvenir. Then immediately had to get ready to get our next excursion which was an hour ride on jet skis. I had never ridden one before and although the waters were chopping, it was so much fun and I would love to buy some for home! After our busy morning we ate lunch went to the adult beach hung out in the water for a bit and got back onto the ship.
It was definitely worth the money we spent, at least I think so. It was a great family vacation. The shows, as usual were spectacular. The restaurants and our servers were wonderful. 4 nights is not long enough but I think I'd be selling my kids to pay off the vacation if we had stayed any longer!
After disembarking on Halloween, we spent 3 days in Cocoa Beach, we went to NASA and the beach. By Saturday we were ready to go home. As I mentioned earlier we got to the airport and I realized I left my print in our hotel room. I'm frantically calling over and over and over again until I get confirmation that they have it, and are holding it for someone to come pick it up.... UM HELLO, what part of I'm at the airport getting ready to fly home to California. Luckily they were willing to box it and get it to UPS for delivery to me! It cost a pretty penny to do that, but it arrived last Tuesday and it's in perfect condition!!!
Disney really knows how to make vacations special. I don't think I'll ever cruise another line. I don't mind the extra cost for Disney, I think they go above and beyond in so many ways. Just as in the parks the customer service is top notch and concierge can't be beat. We felt so welcome and "loved" by all..........
From the moment we were driving to the port, I could hardly contain myself. I'm a huge Disney fanatic, my husband - not so much. And my kids, are not really kids anymore, both are 19 and live in a different state than we do. Never being to Port Canaveral before or seeing the Dream, I was on cloud 9 just pulling into port.
We arrived right at 11, being in a suite, we were able to board anytime and I wanted as much time on the ship as possible. Once through security; we went to the concierge check in and from there the magic really started. We were personally escorted through a small waiting area, into our own line, up the ramp to another crew member who then escorted us to the concierge lounge. We started the cocktails early as they were free flowing from 11:30 - 3:30. The concierge deck was amazing especially with it's mister table! Concierge staff were truly amazing- Andy, Wensdae,and Ashley.....Our room seemed to be ready quickly, we were almost directly across from the side entrance to the concierge.
Stateroom 12506 - WOW, last cruise we had a porthole, this cruise - WOW, again it's all I can say. 12506 is a one bedroom suite, once inside we immediately went to the verandah and again WOW, this verandah was huge. We had two doors leading to the verandah, one from the "living room" and the second from the dining room. Made it much better when the beds were out. Two chairs, two chaise lounges and it was amazing to be able to have the doors open and fresh air flowing in. (remember last cruise porthole, 4 ppl in the room and NO fresh-air). The dining room is sort of wasted space IMHO, but it was nice to have the space. We never sat and ate at it, nor really sat at it. It just accumulated our "things". King size bed in the bedroom, which closed off completed by three sliding pocket doors. Huge TV, and little vanity next to the bed and two nightstands. The bathroom - again WOW -- huge spa tub, and yes I used it! In the huge mirror was another television, so while relaxing in the tub you could watch a movie. Double Sinks, plenty of storage, etc etc etc. the only thing I did not appreciate was the SCALE - why on earth would they put a scale on a cruise ship in the first place. The living room had the pull out sofa, a refrigerator which was stocked with water and soda. another TV DVD player etc. Then there was another little area that had the Murphy bed and a desk. 3 closets and the other bathroom. This place was simply amazing. I felt so spoiled and I don't think I could cruise again without cruising in concierge. To me it was amazing service, amenities, people and that special Disney feel.....
Anything we wanted we could ask for and it arrived quickly. Pillows, extra blankets. Food, bottled water, soda, and sunscreen were abundantly available whenever we needed or wanted them. I bought an Animators Palette plate and asked to have it signed by the fab five! We were asked if we wanted any special reservations, excursions etc. I signed up for a massage, but already had nail appts and my excursions booked via pre trip concierge. We had a bowl of fresh fruit in the room when we arrived, plus our Castaway Club pack, water bottles and key chain. The best surprise was the beautiful limited edition lithograph we received the night before we disembarked. Ducky Williams is amazing - and about had a heart attack when I arrived at the airport and realized I had left it in the hotel! (more on that later).
Our first full day was a sea day, and it was packed with onboard activities. Massages, Mani and Pedis, hair braiding, simulation golf, martini tasting etc etc etc. Was a very busy but very special day.
We didn't do any excursions our previous cruise, so decided to go all out this time. One item on my bucket list was to swim with the Dolphins, after reading about them, I decided to choose the Blue Lagoon Dolphin swim. Upon our arrival, we went immediately to a boat that took us on a half hour boat ride to Blue Lagoon Island. Never being to the the Bahamas, I was in awe. We immediately went to the Lagoon and waited for all our adventurers to arrive. The Dolphins were wonderful, we got to pet, dance, swim and hug them. They are very amazing animals. The best part was being pushed through the water by them. Nothing better than seeing those big smiles on our kids faces! After our excursion we went to get something to eat, and since the kids are legally able to drink in the Bahamas we all had a cocktail in a coconut. It's funny seeing your kids drink. Then from there we went back to Nassau and I bought a 3Liter bottle of Bacardi, we went to Senor Frogs and back to ship ---- Though they wouldn't let us take our coconuts back on the ship (I really wanted to keep it too)
Castaway Cay we got off to run in the 5K, and although my family is not a running family (I've been doing them this year), we all participated, finished and received our medallion as a nice souvenir. Then immediately had to get ready to get our next excursion which was an hour ride on jet skis. I had never ridden one before and although the waters were chopping, it was so much fun and I would love to buy some for home! After our busy morning we ate lunch went to the adult beach hung out in the water for a bit and got back onto the ship.
It was definitely worth the money we spent, at least I think so. It was a great family vacation. The shows, as usual were spectacular. The restaurants and our servers were wonderful. 4 nights is not long enough but I think I'd be selling my kids to pay off the vacation if we had stayed any longer!
After disembarking on Halloween, we spent 3 days in Cocoa Beach, we went to NASA and the beach. By Saturday we were ready to go home. As I mentioned earlier we got to the airport and I realized I left my print in our hotel room. I'm frantically calling over and over and over again until I get confirmation that they have it, and are holding it for someone to come pick it up.... UM HELLO, what part of I'm at the airport getting ready to fly home to California. Luckily they were willing to box it and get it to UPS for delivery to me! It cost a pretty penny to do that, but it arrived last Tuesday and it's in perfect condition!!!
Disney really knows how to make vacations special. I don't think I'll ever cruise another line. I don't mind the extra cost for Disney, I think they go above and beyond in so many ways. Just as in the parks the customer service is top notch and concierge can't be beat. We felt so welcome and "loved" by all..........
DH, however, felt like you. 
