Fantasy Eastern Feb 8-15 2014-Cupids in the Caribbean-TRIP REPORT COMPLETED 7/17!

[JacksonFamily]

I enjoy following your trip report. We will be taking this same trip next July. Thanks for sharing!

 

[LoveMyTwoPrincesses]

I enjoy following your trip report. We will be taking this same trip next July. Thanks for sharing!

Thanks for stopping in! We really enjoyed this itinerary and I hope you will too!

 

[LoveMyTwoPrincesses]

Our next stop on our tour was Maho Beach. The draw of Maho Beach is its proximity to Princess Juliana Airport, which we passed along the way.



We arrived and parked in a parking lot that was near the beach. Junior advised us that we would have 45 minutes at the beach. At this point the four of us were starving, so we made our way to the Sunset Bar and Grill. The bar is located right at the beach. It was hopping, but we were able to find a table. Everyone in our little party was starting to wear out.





We waited for quite a while and we weren't getting waited on. It got to the point that we knew we weren't going to get food in enough time to make it back to the bus on time. We just were not having any luck getting food on our stops! We decided we might as well explore with the time we had left. There was a gentleman that was playing the steel drums in the bar area that was pretty cool.





We made our way over to the beach, which was actually pretty small. The beach is pretty narrow. The people that are on the right are standing at the edge of the beach and behind them is the road that we took in. The draw was definitely seeing the planes, not for relaxation.





There was a sign posted warning of the dangers of being near the planes during take off.



Soon enough we saw a small plane coming in. It literally came in right over the beach.





We hung our for a little while longer taking in the surroundings before it was time to head back.





When we got back to the bus Junior asked us if a large jet had come in yet. We told him that it hadn't and he said we could stick around until it arrived. We were a little frustrated because we were so hungry and we would have had time to eat if we knew we were going to be there longer. There was a small place that served Mexican food near where we were parked, so DH ran over there to see if we could get something to eat real fast. They made us up some nachos. I don't know if they were even that good, but at that moment they were the best nachos I had ever eaten!

We all gathered to leave and as we driving out there was a large jet on the runway getting ready to take off. Junior stopped so we could see it take off. It was crazy the power the engines put out and it actually blew peoples bags and items out into the water. If you are there during take off be sure to hang onto your stuff!

On our way back to the ship Junior said we could be dropped off in the shopping area or be brought back to the ship. We were so worn out from our day that we decided to just go back to the ship. Our home for the week was a sight for sore eyes. What a beauty!











Up next: Pirate Night

 

[JulieODC]

That beach is pretty cool --- I've seen photos of the large planes, it's crazy!!

She really is a beautiful ship!!

 

[LoveMyTwoPrincesses]

That beach is pretty cool --- I've seen photos of the large planes, it's crazy!!

She really is a beautiful ship!!

It was worth a quick stop, but we enjoyed our time at Orient Beach a lot more. It was crazy to see the force that the plane put out when it was getting ready to take off.

I am really missing the Fantasy today. We got snow AGAIN last night. It has really been the winter that just won't end!

 

[WhitGB]

I feel your pain, we too are having awful weather.

How long was your trip with Bernards total? We have a large enough group that we can do the private tour and I was wondering if stopping to see everything was worth it or if we should just pick a stop or two. I know the kids will want to be at the beach for a couple of hours. I am sure the planes will interest them. I just dont want to do too much.

I also have my parents along. So we need to make "group" decisions.

 

[LoveMyTwoPrincesses]

I feel your pain, we too are having awful weather.

How long was your trip with Bernards total? We have a large enough group that we can do the private tour and I was wondering if stopping to see everything was worth it or if we should just pick a stop or two. I know the kids will want to be at the beach for a couple of hours. I am sure the planes will interest them. I just dont want to do too much.

I also have my parents along. So we need to make "group" decisions.

Thankfully the weather is much improved today. At least the sun is shining!

For our tour we started at 9 and if I remember right we were back at the ship around 3. If I had one thing to change I wish we had more time at Orient Beach. We all had a lot of fun there and the time went by way too quickly. If I could have eliminated any of the stops I would have skipped Marigot and spent more time at the beach. Hope that helps!

 

[idex]

This is an awesome report....keep it coming.

 

[LoveMyTwoPrincesses]

This is an awesome report....keep it coming.

Thank you so much! Working on an update right now!

 

[LoveMyTwoPrincesses]

Once we were back aboard we decided to head up to Deck 11. It was nice because a lot of people were still on the island, so we got a couple of rides in on the Aquaduck and a little dip in the pool. We grabbed a snack at the grill before making our way back to the room to ready ourselves for Pirate Night!

At Halloween time I had bought the girls matching pirate costumes thinking that they could reuse them on the ship. DD10 was not happy with me because she didn't think they would be "girly" enough, but once she got it on she actually loved it. I thought that they looked pretty cute.





I saw in the Navigator that Jack Sparrow would be out for a meet and greet before dinner. I don't think that the girls cared if we met him or not, but sometimes they need to do things to make mom happy! He was perfect and he made a comment that he was going to steal me away from Stu. He knew the way to my heart!





Once I was done flirting with Jack we made our way to the line for Pirate Minnie. The meet and greet was finishing up for Captain Hook and Smee while we were waiting and DD7 was disappointed that she wasn't going to meet them. Thankfully when they came by when they finished they acknowledged her and she was satisfied with that.





Soon enough it was our turn to meet Minnie in her special outfit for Pirate Night. It was so fun to see the characters in their pirate best.





Tonight we were back in Enchanted Garden for dinner. During our meal there was a photographer coming around taking pictures. We didn't think they would end up turning out very nice, but they ended up being some of our favorite pictures. I will have to share our photo purchase later on in the report.

Everyone was is good spirits at dinner tonight. Being pirates apparently brings the best out! For dinner tonight DH and I both had to pot stickers and short ribs, which we really liked. DD7 had her nightly mac and cheese, while DD10 stuck with her nightly steak.



Dessert was also a hit with a brownie for DD7 and a Mickey bar for DD10.







Our server decided that DH made a perfect Peter Pan, so he created a napkin hat for him. It was really fun for us to see DH be a little silly.





After dinner we went to the Pirate Celebration. We stood in the same spot on Deck 12 that we did for the Sail Away Party and were able to have a good view of everything. Sorry no pictures, we ended up taking video instead!

Tonight the show was the movie Frozen. The girls were really excited to see it again. When that finished up we made our way back to the room to get into our jammies. We decided that we wouldn't make our way back to Deck 11 for the fireworks because we were starting to fade fast. We ended up watching the fireworks from our verandah and it was fabulous way to end a fun filled day.

Up next: St. Thomas

 

[RatherDrive]

Thanks for sharing!! I am really enjoying your TR, it makes me want to go on our Christmas cruise right now! Your descriptions of the meals is relevant for us, since we are first time cruisers and don't know what to expect at all.

 

[LoveMyTwoPrincesses]

Thanks for sharing!! I am really enjoying your TR, it makes me want to go on our Christmas cruise right now! Your descriptions of the meals is relevant for us, since we are first time cruisers and don't know what to expect at all.

The meals are such a great experience. Our serving team was very engaging with the kids doing things like telling jokes and making puzzles to entertain them while there was any waiting time. The girls were just so happy to have so many great choices every evening, but they each seemed to stick to their favorites!

 

[JulieODC]

Cute pirate costumes -- great planning ahead!! Sounds like a nice night overall --- I'm excited to see the fireworks, and figure it will be a later night than usual for DD, but worth it!

 

[LoveMyTwoPrincesses]

On Wednesday morning we were up bright and early for breakfast at Cabanas. It was tough since we had the kids up late the night before for fireworks and we needed to meet up for our excursion at 8 a.m. Today we would be doing the Doubloon Turtle Cove Sail and Snorkel. We decided to go with this excursion because it was only half a day and would allow us some time to do some shopping in the afternoon.

Prior to the cruise we bought a couple of sets of snorkeling equipment to practice with at the pool at our gym. I would highly recommend this if you have never been snorkeling before. For myself I am a nose breather, so it took a little getting used to breathing through my snorkel by mouth. I was glad that I found this out at home and practiced so that I could enjoy the time I had actually snorkeling. There were a lot of people that struggled with the equipment and getting used to things while on the excursion. By the time they were set we were pretty much done with our time snorkeling. We probably looked like goofballs at the gym, but I really felt like it was worth it!

Our excursion met in the Walt Disney Theater. When it was our time to leave the ship we were led to the waiting area that ended up being right in front of the Fantasy.



We had a bit of a wait for our boat because they could only bring in so many at a time. The girls were getting a little impatient, especially DD10, so I tormented them by taking pictures.





She finally figured out that if she just smiled I would leave her alone.



We ended up waiting for about 30 minutes and it was our turn to board the Silent Lady!



Our surroundings were just gorgeous. The area around us was full of amazing yachts and sailboats.











My crew was pretty happy to be on their way!





This next picture is looking back at the loading area where we waited for the Silent Lady. The moorings that you see are from the Fantasy, so it didn't take long at all to reach the area for the excursions.



The Fantasy is to left of us. It was amazing to be so close to it while in the water.



Parked behind the Fantasy was the Norwegian Getaway. It didn't look nearly as pretty to me as the Fantasy did.



We had a few different choices for beverages on board. If I remember right there was Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, and water. The rum punch also came out after we were done snorkeling.



We made our way out of the port area for the journey to the Turtle Cove. I believe that they said it was about a 4 mile trip. If you have trouble with getting seasick I recommend taking Dramamine or whatever works for you prior to going. Being on the Fantasy didn't bother me, but being in this smaller boat going across open water sure did.









This picture of us cracks me up. If it doesn't scream tourist, I don't know what does!



Up next: Look, it's a TURTLE!

 

[LoveMyTwoPrincesses]

Cute pirate costumes -- great planning ahead!! Sounds like a nice night overall --- I'm excited to see the fireworks, and figure it will be a later night than usual for DD, but worth it!

I was glad to get a couple of uses out of the outfits and I am glad that they were "girly" enough for my princesses!

The fireworks were awesome! It did get late, but everyone was in good spirits watching fireworks at sea. You don't get to say that every day!

 

[LoveMyTwoPrincesses]

On the trip out to the cove the guys were busy getting everyone fitted with fins, masks, snorkels, and vests. You could tell this wasn't their first time, as they got everyone fitted with fins just by glancing at their feet and were right on with most everyone. We got talking with one of the guys and he said that he was from Pennsylvania and that his son had been living in St. Thomas. He would come down to visit him and after visiting several times he decided that it was no longer necessary to put up with winter in Pennsylvania. He would spend his winter in St. Thomas and then head back to Pennsylvania for the summer. Smart guy!

When we arrived at our stop there were already several boats there, but there is definitely room for everyone. I think the girls were surprised that we were supposed to just jump off of the boat. I could see where it would be a little intimidating for them to just jump in!



They offered the kids the use of a noodle to help them feel more secure. With the density of the water and your vest you are able to float pretty easily, but I also decided to take them up on a noodle. I don't know that it really did anything for me, but it made me feel better!

The crew from the boat quickly found some turtles and stingrays and led the group in that direction. It was amazing!





I was surprised that it ended up being DD7 that had the most trouble with snorkeling. She was a fish in the pool, but she was really bothered by the saltiness of the water and she just couldn't get past it. I knew that DH had really been looking forward to this excursion, so I sent him off to explore while I hung out with DD7. DD10 on the other hand was having a blast! She decided that she liked to hang out where there was a turtle that would periodically come up to the surface for air. I don't know how many times I heard "Look, it's a turtle!"







After about 30 minutes DD7 decided that she had enough. I brought her back to the boat and was going to get out with her. The gentleman that we had been talking with earlier told me he would be happy to keep an eye on her. She was happy as a clam when he gave her some crackers and some Sprite. I thought that was awesome that he was willing to do that so I could enjoy some more snorkeling. I went back and hung out with DD10 near the boat while DH went closer to the shore to do some exploring.













Our time went by way too fast at the turtle cove, but I was glad that we hadn't committed to a full day tour since DD7 was done after 30 minutes. All too soon it was time to load up and head back to the Fantasy. DD10 got talking with another girl on the trip back. I love how kids make such fast friends!



It was an enjoyable ride back to shore. DD7's freckles were sure starting to pop out!





DD10 liked the island life. Maybe I will be visiting her for the winter in St. Thomas some day!





Home sweet home!

 

[Tink&Belle's Mom]

My husband and I went on the same excursion in St. Thomas. I am kinda sad that we will not be stopping in St. Thomas on our cruise in January--I know my kids would love that excursion, too. I would highly recommend it!

 

[LoveMyTwoPrincesses]

My husband and I went on the same excursion in St. Thomas. I am kinda sad that we will not be stopping in St. Thomas on our cruise in January--I know my kids would love that excursion, too. I would highly recommend it!

We just loved St. Thomas! The crew on the a Silent Lady were so great and they made sure that everybody was having a good time. It was definitely a

Where will you be stopping instead of St. Thomas?

 

[RatherDrive]

Where will you be stopping instead of St. Thomas?

Not to answer for Tink&Belle's Mom but there is an Itinerary C, stopping off in St. Maarten and San Juan instead. This is the route we are taking for our Christmas cruise.

 

[JulieODC]

What a fun snorkeling adventure -- and seeing a turtle is so cool!!

I always admire people, like your guide, who can ditch life in colder climate and make the move to the Caribbean - I can see how that is appealing!!