First Caribbean Cruise since the Med - 9/1-9/8

[Epperbiker]

We’re just back and this was the best of the 3 DCL cruises we've been on. The food was terrific. We noticed an improvement in food in all areas. Our Serving team was also excellent, thanks to Sabucci from Hungary and Michael from the Philippines. Room steward was perfect - Efficient and friendly but unobtrusive. We enjoyed Palo for Tea, Brunch, and Dinner - Each time was really fantastic. Too bad for those cruising in the near future because our wonderful Server Ciao Romano is leaving tomorrow for the Philippines for two months vacation. Our 3 year old DS was with us so we can't comment on any Nightlife, but I did see Dreams and it was really great.

I'll post photos of Food on the food photo board in the next day or two and will try to get Navigators scanned soon also.

I believe the shows were the same as before the Med cruises. The only remnants of the Med cruises was the merchandise at 75% off (Woo Hoo!) and a few weird condiments.

We had a private guide in St. Martin No Rush tours. This was perfect for us because we saw the whole island and learned much from the very knowledgeable guide, Beau. Perfect for folks like us with younger kids.

Went to Coral world on a Disney excursion. Our son had fun and got a big kick out of the huge iguanas roaming around. The drive back to the ship was not for the faint of heart We also rode the Tram which was cool even though it was Hot.

Castaway Cay was fantastic. Saw a lot of fish but also a few jellyfish. I found a huge starfish. The snorkeling area seemed to be a lot bigger than remembered, and it let me get to crystal clear water away from the beach.


Best cruise yet!!!

 

[kamgen]

Thanks for the info! Glad your cruise was so wonderful. We leave in 4 days for FL then on the Magic on 9/15! Would LOVE to see those Navigators! We are also traveling with little ones and appreciate the tips!

 

[AmberDaClown]

]We [/COLOR]had a private guide in St. Martin No Rush tours. This was perfect for us because we saw the whole island and learned much from the very knowledgeable guide, Beau. Perfect for folks like us with younger kids.

Hi great report. May I ask how much it cost for the three of you. What all did you see and do? When did you get back to the ship?

TIA

 

[Babs417]

I cant wait

 

[ragdoll]

Sounds great! We will be on the next Eastern. Please tell me that DCL has brought back the Steel Drum Band. We really miss them!

 

[Epperbiker]

Sounds great! We will be on the next Eastern. Please tell me that DCL has brought back the Steel Drum Band. We really miss them!

Sorry, no Steel Drum band on board. But there were two great ones at the dock in St. Maarten.

 

[Epperbiker]

Hi great report. May I ask how much it cost for the three of you. What all did you see and do? When did you get back to the ship?

TIA

It was $120 total for the three of us. It's your tour so you can do whatever you'd like. We met Beau at 9:30 a.m. and he had us back to the Ship at 4:00 - Here's our basic itinerary.

Maho/Sunset Beach to see to low flying planes - Mullet Beach (Dutch side) to swim and snorkel - Fort Louis in Marigot - drive up and down the valley of Colombier - Grand Case, Mont Vernon - Orient Beach - Lunch at Chez Raymond on the beach - Butterfly Farm - French Quarter, Oyster Pond, St. Maarten Zoo - and back to the ship.

 

[AmberDaClown]

Thanks. What night was Pirate Night. Were any of the menus new? We are thinking of trying for PALO on either Pirate night or the night of the Captain's Gala. That is the menu that appeals the least to me.

 

[Epperbiker]

Thanks. What night was Pirate Night. Were any of the menus new? We are thinking of trying for PALO on either Pirate night or the night of the Captain's Gala. That is the menu that appeals the least to me.

Pirate Night was Tuesday - St. Maarten Day.

Menus were the same as the last Easterns and are available on castawayclub dot com.

 

[kamgen]

Thanks for the info. Do you have the Navs?? We are trying to plan when things are and figure they cant change too much in a week! LOL!

 

[Epperbiker]

Sorry, have not been able to get Navs scanned yet.

 

[vpalmer]

Thanks for your report. Did you notice any new activities that might have been added during the Med cruises? Or did the Navigator looks pretty similar to your last cruise? Like Ragdoll, we are also on the next Eastern Cruise and I was hoping for some new additions since our cruise last fall.

Thanks!!

 

[tinkerone]

subscribing

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Hi great report. May I ask how much it cost for the three of you. What all did you see and do? When did you get back to the ship?

TIA

We used Beau this past week as well. I paid $160 for our family of 4 plus baby (no charge for the baby). My eldest daughter stayed on the Glory but I still paid Beau. (Didn't ask him to change his price).

He did mention that his rates increased (by just a few dollars) so when you contact him, your rate may be a little bit more than what we got for the excursion.

We were set to meet Beau at 8:45am (don't know "yards" so wandered a bit too far from our meeting point--oops!). I think we got back about 4:30 maybe?? Could have arrived much sooner but he went through the shopping area which was a bit busy. We had to be on ship by (I think) 5:30pm so we had plenty of time!

I asked him to take us to a an authentic Patisserie--the best happens to be on the Dutch side and it was our last stop on the way back to the boat. YUMMY!!!

I think we had mostly the same itinerary but we went the opposite direction. Paradise Point was closed for rehab, so we did lunch at Maho beach where we saw the airplanes. (Yummy conch fritters, but too much for my tummy to handle. )

He can customize the tour however you like!

 

[jns]

Maho beach where we saw the airplanes
is this worth seeing