Fantasy 5/14-21 … a few notes

[jlynch924]

The good: it was so great to be back to cruising! We stayed at MCO Hyatt night before and did the DCL bus to port the next morning. I’ve heard others mention that they were on different types of buses, but these were the same DCL-themed ones we’ve been on in the past. A fun way to get the trip started!
Testing was fine and the way everyone is spaced timing wise, we literally walked right into the ship once cleared. The terminal was practically empty. That was around 12:30 or so.
I was told by an officer that there were 2,447 (500 of which were kids) on board, but I’ve seen a number of other people who were all told different numbers, so I’d guess the real number is between 2100-2500. Other than a lot of empty tables in the MDRs, the population seemed about usual.
We did the TT44 Treasure Island Swim & Snorkel at Tortola… highly recommend!!! It was terrific.
Did the SkyTram in St Thomas. Another highly recommended suggestion! The food at the restaurant at the top (The Taste) was mediocre, but the Bushwacker was potent and tasty.
We did a few tastings… all very fun and informative and tasty.
Our 19yo spent almost all her time hanging with 1820 Society people. I was worried that since they didn’t have a “place” it might not be as as fun. She said this was the most fun she’s had on 9 cruises!
The bad: some of the entertainment wasn’t as good as we’ve experienced in the past. Like, the singing wasn’t quite as top notch as it has been. Also, we encountered two rude crew members… I know everyone has a bad day from time to time, but we’d never seen it before on DCL. Perhaps they are also having a tough time securing the best of the best.
The ugly: DD and I both tested positive after getting home. It’s mild, but still.
LMK if I can answer questions.

 

[jujubiee4]

The good: it was so great to be back to cruising! We stayed at MCO Hyatt night before and did the DCL bus to port the next morning.

What is the earliest bus you can take now?

 

[jlynch924]

What is the earliest bus you can take now?

The DCL desk in the Hyatt lobby opened around 8-830. They were taking around 45-50 on a bus, so they needed that many people to get there before sending a bus off. By the time we made it to the front of the line, we were given a bus time of 10am. Our bus left around 10:20.

 

[WDWAurora]

The DCL desk in the Hyatt lobby opened around 8-830. They were taking around 45-50 on a bus, so they needed that many people to get there before sending a bus off. By the time we made it to the front of the line, we were given a bus time of 10am. Our bus left around 10:20.

What time did you arrive in the lobby for that time? Just trying to figure out our morning.

 

[jlynch924]

What time did you arrive in the lobby for that time? Just trying to figure out our morning.

I think around 9. I’d recommend going down at 8 if you want to be on a earlier bus.

 

[RadekBonk]

Can you walk through the process to go from the Hyatt to the bus? Do they get your luggage or do you bring it with you? We're planning on staying at MCO the night before our cruise as well.

 

[Kwami]

Can you walk through the process to go from the Hyatt to the bus? Do they get your luggage or do you bring it with you? We're planning on staying at MCO the night before our cruise as well.

They'll come to your room quite early to collect luggage. Or, you can take it with you down to the lobby. There's a representative there that will check you in. If you have luggage that wasn't collected earlier, then you'll leave it with the representative. Another cast member will escort you to the bus, which is in a different location than the other MCO buses.

At least, that's how it was for me.

 

[1200emily]

Hi, I was on the fantasy the cruise before you and did the 1820 society. Who was the crew member in charge of the 1820 society for your cruise?

 

[lizzyb]

I was on the cruise with you.

Sorry to hear you got covid and glad that it was mild.

 

[erik3dis]

Were you tested upon leaving the ship?

 

[jlynch924]

Hi, I was on the fantasy the cruise before you and did the 1820 society. Who was the crew member in charge of the 1820 society for your cruise?

It was Kendall, but they also spent a lot of time with AJ

 

[jlynch924]

Were you tested upon leaving the ship?

No… we are domestics travelers, so we weren’t required to test upon leaving. We started feeling bad almost immediately after getting off (thinking it might be a reaction to getting back on land) and tested the next morning at home.

 

[1200emily]

It was Kendall, but they also spent a lot of time with AJ

Great, thank you so much!