First time cruisers trip report--8/20/06 Wonder

[TSBRN]

Welcome to my trip report. Since I have never written one before, I hope you will bear with me as I try to write a decent (probably long winded) report. I appologize in advance as the report will probably jump around a bit, but that's how my mind works.

Special thanks to all the folks on the DIS board who were so helpful answering my questions. The information I found on the boards was invaluable and made for a much smoother trip (especially for us first timers).

First time cruisers on this trip: Myself--single mom and Disney lover (41), DS (16), DS (13). We live in Erie but drove to Pittsburgh for our Southwest flight on 8/19 since it was much cheaper than anything we could book out of Erie.

We arrived 2 1/2 hours prior to our flight since I was worried about the long lines I had heard about getting through security. However, no worries were needed because there was no line and security took only five minutes to get through even with one glitch. DS (16) had packed spray deoderant and axe spray (you never know when you might need to smell good for a cute girl) and it was quickly confiscated and thrown out. I was midly irritated since DS knew the rules which we had discussed prior to packing. He rolled his eyes at me and said "what's the big deal?" Oh well, any of you with teenagers out there know you can never figure out what is going through the mind of a 16 year old, nor do we want to know.

We passed the time by shopping and sleeping. I forgot to mention that I had stayed up all night packing and only slept one hour. This didn't make for a very happy mom! Unfortunately due to my work schedule, I didn't have time to pack prior to our trip. I would definately do things different next time like take a few days off prior to leaving. This was the most stressful part of the whole vacation for me.

Oh geez, I also forgot to mention that Southwest does strictly enforce the 50 lbs per suitcase rule which we were quickly made aware of. So there we are in line checking our bags and one of the boys suitcases they had packed themselves (what was I thinking????) was over by about 20 lbs. I had to pull stuff out of their suitcase and distribute among the other bags and it was at this point I learned of my DS (16) severe case of overpacking, but more on that later. Due to my lack of sleep and the fact that my sons couldn't follow my instructions I had given about packing...I feared my head was about to spin off and spew green vile liquid all over the terminal. I just kept saying to myself....I'm on vacation....I'm on vacation.

Our flight was smooth and uneventful (thank goodness since I am a very nervous flier) and we arrived in Orlando in about 2 hours. I slept most of the time (surprise) and my DS's informed me I had been drooling. I'm sorry, but I forgot why am I taking my children on this cruise?

I had booked a rental car through Budget and was soooooooo glad I had signed up for their express service called Fastbreak online. I would recommend this to anyone and it only takes about five minutes of your time online to fill out the form. Since I had Fastbreak, we stolled by the Budget line (which was huge) in the airport and right out to the garage where the rental cars are. I went to the kiosk and gave the man my Fastbreak card and five minutes later we were on our way!!! Yah hoo....let the vacation begin.

Originally, I had booked a rental car just for one day and planned to return it to the Budget office at Cape Canaveral and take the shuttle to the ship. However, after checking out more prices on the Budget web site, it was actually cheaper for me to rent the car for the whole time and return it back to Orlando. This included the parking fee at the cruise terminal. It really worked out great for us, no shuttles, no confusion...definately would do the same thing again.

Uneventful trip to Cape Canaveral, very easy to get there, even for those who are sleep deprived! We came over the bridge where you can see the port and I saw the Disney Magic in the distance, I almost wanted to cry it was so beautiful. I was very excited and the boys were not understanding my excitement and asked if I was going to be like this the whole cruise? Yes, as a matter of fact I am dear sons. I drove right to the port so I could see the ship and it was amazingly beautiful. I couldn't wait for tomorrow when it would be our turn to get on the Wonder.

We then drove to the Residence Inn and checked into our room which was lovely. Very clean, everything is new, can't say enought good things about this hotel. Then, I looked out the window and actually saw the Magic leaving the port....more excitement....more eye rolling from my children. Drove around the area a bit, ate dinner at Durango's steak house (ok food), went to beach for kids to swim and watch sunset (beautiful), then went to Ron Jons for some shopping. In case anyone wonders, Ron Jons is open 24 hours in case at 2am you decide you need a surfboard, very convienent.

The kids never did go in the pool at Residence Inn which made me glad I didn't pay for a room at the Ron Jon resort (overpriced for just a one night stay IMO). The pool was medium sized at the Residence Inn and there was an outdoor bar next to the pool area.

Tomorrow is the BIG day!!!

 

[RoyalVizier]

Excellent start!

Can't wait for the next installment! This could be interesting with two teen boys along for the ride. I cruised with my 13 year old daughter so I somewhat understand where you're coming from.

 

[jrose529]

Great report so far! We took DD who was 16 at the time on the Magic 2 years ago and I so know what you mean about teens and overpacking!

I look forward to your nexr intallment.

 

[E&BMom]

Love your report so far!!!!!! Can't wait to hear more about the boys!!!!!
Don't keep us waiting long!!!!!!!!!!

 

[TSBRN]

WOW, today is the big day!!! I'm so excited I can't stand it. We had plans to leave promptly at 10am (only a five minute drive to port) to be one of the first on the ship. You know how those best laid plans work out? It was not to be. Kids didn't want to wake up, I had to go to Wal Mart for a forgotten item, etc, etc. I decided not to stress about it and put my mind in vacation mode....no worries. The boys wanted breakfast as they were starving and Residence Inn has a very nice free breakfast with tons of food.

We were off to the port around 11:30am and once again my excitement is building. When you first see the ship it is something you can't describe (at least for me). The Wonder was so beautiful, it put the other ships to shame (sorry Royal Caribbean and Carnival). The size of the ship was jaw dropping; how does something that big float? Obviously I'm not an engineer!

Parking was easy and smooth. Dropped off our bags, gave the nice porter a tip and we parked the car (after paying the parking fee). Short walk to the terminal and HERE WE ARE!!!! The terminal itself is so nice, very well done and lots of room for everyone. Things to look at to pass the time and lots of places to sit if you want. The model of the ship (The Magic) is very well done and has interesting detail.

Let me say that even after all I read on the DIS boards, The Passporter, and anything else I could get my hands on couldn't prepare me for what to do next because I was in a state of awe just looking around. I must have stood there looking like an idiot, not knowing what to do next when a nice cast member told me which line to get in. Check in was quick and painless and our boarding number was 9. We had a bit of a wait (maybe 15 mins) and then we were on our way onto the ship.

They took our embarkation picture and then walked onto the ship where they announced our family name......very exciting. However, I am still disoriented as to where we even are on the ship. So I am just looking around not knowing where to go and they direct us to Parrot Cay for lunch. Once to Parrot Cay we were then directed to the buffet on deck 9 since Parrot Cay was full.

The buffet was nice, lots of selections. Nothing screamed eat me, but the kids found lots of stuff they liked. The layout of the buffet (the room itself and the seating areas) is kind of weird (or maybe it's just me), but I never figured it out the whole cruise. The kids are eating (as teenagers love to do) but I have developed a headache to rival all headaches so I am not really hungry. I think maybe a drink will help....hmmm....as a nurse I should know better, but I drink it anyway.

Our cabin (7544-starboard, off the midship elevators) is promptly ready at 1:30 and I go down to check it out and to lay down as I feel I may pass out. The luggage is already there outside the door which is quite impressive.
Unfortunately I miss our DIS meet at 2pm because I am not feeling well at all. Kids show up at the room around 3pm and inform me they have explored the whole ship and have checked out Aloft.

I'm feeling a bit better in time for the mandatory drill, but DS (16) who has been playing basketball in the hot sun informs me he feels dizzy. I offer fluids, but he says no, I'm fine. Off to the drill anyway, sick or not. Made it through most of the drill then DS (16) informs me he is going to pass out (he is pale, clammy, sweaty). I inform him to sit down (of course he won't, that wouldn't be "cool"--much better to pass out). He whips off his lifevest (we were to keep them on till back in our rooms) and throws it at me and proceeds to go up the stairs to our room. We were on deck 4 for the drill and our room is on deck 7....why are you going up the stairs? DS responds that it would be quicker....oh my gosh, I'm going to kill this kid before the cruise is over. I follow him up the stairs (he is dragging himself along by the rail) and we get to our room and he collapses on the bed. After rest and lots of fluids, he is his old self. I inform him that he needs to listen to me because not only am I his mother, I am a nurse. He informs me that it's his body and he knows what to do. Ha ha ha. I need a drink.

Our room---Love it!! I am so glad I spent the extra money for the verandah. The room much exceeds my expectations and I find it to be quite roomy with plenty of storage. Love the decorating and all the wood touches, makes it look warm and inviting. I am somewhat claustrophobic (thus the verandah) but this room is plenty big enough for the three of us.

Unpacking---So glad I brought the over door shoe holder. Really great suggestion. I didn't use it for shoes, but rather for lots of other stuff. It's easy to see what you have and grab it quick, very convienent. It is at this point in time I realize the error of my ways in letting the sons pack themselves. After all, I did give them instructions and guidelines, why would I think they wouldn't follow them? Oh you silly, silly woman will you never learn? As I start unpacking, I notice that DS (16) has too much stuff and DS (13) does not have enough. I'm going to have a stoke....I feel it coming. Well, DS (16) has brough every shirt in his closet and all his socks (20 pairs), two pair sneakers, two pairs sandals, dress shoes and lots of pants and shorts he couldn't wear in two weeks time. But DS (13) only brought 3 pairs of underwear and only a couple shirts and shorts and a couple pairs of pants. They are going to be sharing, because I am not doing laundry on vacation. DS (16) will have a fit having to share his clothes, but at this point I don't care! Fortuantely they are about the same size.

Dinner--tonight dinner is at Parrot Cay. We have 8:30pm seating. Seems kind of late to start eating, I would have liked 8pm better, but oh well. Going to make the best of it. Our rotation is PC, T, T, AP. They escort us to our table and it is not in a desirable location. Table 38 is directly over the engine and way at the back of Parrot Cay. We are seated with two other single moms and their kids (younger than mine) and they are nice people but not very talkative. I feel as if we are crashing their party since they know each other and they kind of talk around us, not really to us. I don't remember what we ate because I was feeling so dizzy (kids were also) even though we had started taking Bonine yesterday. Dinner was a very long production (for us less cultured folks) and our wait staff was less than stellar. I'm not going to mention their names because they were decent, but didn't go out of their way in any aspect. Our server was much better than our assistant server. She was very sloooooooow. I drink a lot of ice tea, and I was only able to get one refill out of her the whole dinner. I ended up drinking both sons water I was so thirsty. I was not impressed as I have had much better service at the local steakhouse. I am not one to complain (out loud that is) so I am going to give them the benefit of the doubt and see if things improve tomorrow.

We were all very tired after dinner and went back to the cabin and promptly fell asleep. Tomorrow....Nassau.

 

[E&BMom]

The packing by your sons cracks me up!!! Hope it all worked out. Sorry you weren't feeling so well the 1st day. Hope you got better.

Can't wait for the rest of your report!!

 

[TSBRN]

Woke up in time to see the ship pulling into Nassau. The verandah was wonderful, I love it! Unfortunately, it is raining....really raining. Since it is raining and we have no excursions planned, I am in no big rush to get going....after all, I'm on vacation.

At this point, I am very glad I didn't pay to reserve a room at Atlantis because I doubt we could have gotten our money back. They have made announcements that many excursions are cancelled and have added more on board activities due to the rain and many people not getting off the ship.

Boys didn't want to wake up (ongoing theme) so I showered and went up for the breakfast buffet. Since I was feeling more like my usual self, most of the food looked fresh and appealing and I enjoyed a very nice breakfast. The boys came along in a while and ate also while we discussed what to do for the day. The vote was to get off the ship later on and explore Nassau and maybe by then the rain would let up a bit.

Later in the afternoon we made our way off the ship into Nassua. This is the boys first experience outside the States other than Canada, so I thought it would be interesting for them to see a different culture. My DS (16) was dying to go to the straw market because he wanted to "get stuff for a good price" as he put it. I didn't want to go, but obviously was not letting him go alone. DS (13) didn't care either way so off we went. Well, the straw market was yucky as expected (IMO).

Let me say I was glad it was raining because it was so hot and humid I wouldn't have lasted long walking in the hot sun in this kind of heat. It was even hotter in the market. DS (16) was totally in awe of the place and wanted to look at everything even though I explained that most rows sold the same stuff.

If you have little children I wouldn't recommend the straw market, it just seemed icky and small children could get easily lost. Because of all the rain, we were walking through large puddles of unknown stuff....like garbage mixed in with who knows what. The vendors were kind of pushy but I just kept politely saying no thanks and they left you alone.

After the straw market we walked for many blocks looking at the other stores and made our way to Del Sol where DS (13) wanted to get a t-shirt. Very nice store, very clean, more of what we are used to. The boys were amazed at how crazy the drivers were in Nassau and how people just jumped on and off the busses as they were moving. I honestly don't know if I would have taken a cab there after seeing how they drive.

Now DS (16) wants to go back to the straw market because he wants a wallet and feels he can get the price down to $10. Oh no....don't make your old mother go back there, but I can't talk him out of it, he wants to see that straw market again. Good grief. Off we trott through rain (not complaining, thankful for the rain) back to the market. I use the excuse that I have run out of hand sanitizer and wipes so we can't go back.....it's not working. Well, back at the market he doesn't get the wallet, they don't seem in the mood to deal....maybe it's the rain. The vendors seem to be getting pushier and I want to go back to my ship!!!! After what seems like an eternity, he finally buys some more stuff and we are waving good bye to the straw market. Now that I have been to Nassau, I never feel the need to go back. It was ok, but I would rather stay on the ship.

Bingo is calling my name, so I play before dinner. I come very close to winning, it was fun and worth the money. Very entertaining in my opinion. Boys are doing their own thing. DS (13) loves to order room service and watch movies on TV which seems like something you can do at home (except for the room service), but it's his vacation too so I'm letting him do what he wants (for the most part). DS (16) loves playing basketball so he spent much of his time up on the sports deck. Neither boys seem too interested in going to Aloft, so I don't push it.

Dinner tonight is dress up night, Captains Gala at Tritons. I forgot to mention on day one that on this cruise they are trying out all new menus for the 10 and 11 day cruises, so everything is different. We also get to have a character breakfast one morning!!! Yahoo.

Had our photos taken in front of the fake ship facade since everyone was dressed up, the sons didn't smile. Well DS's, let me review my few requests for the trip....proper behavior, SMILE for pictures, dinner every night with your dear mother. Other than that you can do what you want. Not too many requests in my opinion.

Off to dinner at Tritons. I am pretty sure that they wouldn't stick us in the back again at a bad table....after all, why should one family have to have the crappy table the whole cruise? Well, I am wrong. This table is actually worse. We are at the back on the side in a corner where you can't see anything. I am not happy, but I don't say anything as not to spoil the mood.

The dinner menu looks wonderful and DS (16) is excited to try lobster for the first time. DS (13) ate steak every night (he does not like to try new things) and once again ordered the steak. I don't recall what I had, I am allergic to shellfish so it may have been chicken....whatever I had I know it was good.

Our tablemates are still not very talkative. I guess it could be much worse. They are polite and well mannered and well dressed.....so that is great. I just feel like dinner is taking too long when I have no one to talk with and once again....no ice tea to drink. My sons are not the most talkative, especially at mealtimes so I mostly looked around from our limited vantage point and wondered how long it would take to get a iced tea.

As you can tell, dinner is becoming my least favorite activity on the ship. This is the time I wished I had brought another adult along with me to share conversation and later night activities that the kids couldn't attend. Our wait staff have not improved and although they are nice, I am not impressed at all. At one point when I politely asked for another ice tea I was told my by our assistant server that she would be around again in a "bit" to take more drink orders. Good grief, I felt like walking up to deck 9 myself and getting an ice tea. How she worked was that she took our initial drink orders (by writing it all down) then would only take drink orders one more time (writing it again) during our meals. Now mind you, no one at our table had anything special, just pop, tea and milk. This was to become my major gripe for the cruise.

After dinner DS (13) was tired so went back to the cabin. DS (16) and myself went to see Pirates 2 which was a lot of fun even though we had already seen the movie. After the movie, I walked around up on deck 9 and 10 (which I did most nights). It was so beautiful, quiet and peaceful at night on the ship....really not to be missed.

Tomorrow---Castaway Cay!!!

 

[TSBRN]

Today is the day I have been waiting for....Castaway Cay. From everything I have read and pictures I have seen it looks like heaven. I wake up early and just in time to have a wonderful view from my verandah of the island as the ship docks. Our room on the starboard side is a good choice since I have a wonderful view of the island. It is everything and more than I expected, I am thrilled!!

The boys have the teen excursion booked---The Wild Side and are to meet at 9am at Aloft escorted by a parent. I want to get off the ship so bad to see the island I am very irritated that the teen counselor doesn't show up until 9:15. Ok, I know...no big deal, but I couldn't wait I was so excited.

I'm finally off the ship walking into paradise. The day was specatacular, sun was shining, breeze was blowing, I am soooo happy.

While walking down the path I happen upon Captain Jack Sparrow and get my picture taken with him (we make a good couple by the way)! I stop at the gift shop and buy a few things I don't really need and I catch the tram to Serenity Bay Beach.

Serenity Bay Beach.....love it, love it, love it!!!! No kids, quiet, peaceful, beautiful, very few people, what more can I say. I hike down to the end of the beach and set up shop, I am not kidding when I say I have the beach to myself. There are a few people further down towards the start of the beach, but I am the only one down in my area. This is great! I swim for a long time and can go out quite far before it's over my head. I brought goggles and I see a large starfish and a few fishes but not too much else. The water is perfect, warm and clear. I have to watch the time because I am meeting the boys for lunch at 1pm. Time went so fast here, I would love to do a cruise that went to Castaway Cay twice. It was my favorite place by far.

Met the boys for lunch. They had fun on their excursion of kayaking, bike riding and snorkeling, but are exhausted. Lunch was good, lines were long but went fast....no complaints about the lunch. Plenty of fresh food, and heck I could have as much iced tea as I wanted...life is good.

Next on the aggenda is our wave runner excursion (officially called something else, but I can't recall what) at 2:45. Unfortunately, some ominous looking clouds are looming in the distance and thunder can be heard. Still no word if they are cancelling the excursion or not. DS (16) would be upset, this is what he has talked about doing the whole trip. In the end, it starts to rain and they cancel it for safety reasons. DS (13) wants to go back to the ship because he is tired so off he goes. Myself and DS (16) decide to go snorkeling....heck, we aren't going to let a little rain stop us. DS is a great at snorkeling even though today was the first day he has ever done it. Me, not so much. I am a good swimmer, but once I put those flippers on and the thing in my mouth and went underwater I panicked and started flopping around like a dead fish. DS swam away as not to share in the horror of seeing his mother drown in 6 feet of water. I managed to tear off all the equipment and swim to shore carrying all the stuff. Well, check that off the list of things you can't do!

Back to the ship for clean up, rests, room service and then some BINGO! I talked the kids into playing bingo and they really had a good time. My DS (13) came very close to winning, but it was not to be. Checked out the gift shop for a while and found some more stuff I couldn't live without.

Shows....so far I haven't mentioned the shows because we haven't attended any. We just aren't show people, especially the boys. Tonight I decided I would go to The Golden Mickeys just so I could say I saw a show. The show was good, very well done but the constant interruption of people coming in late and making you move so they could sit down was very irritating to me. If you are that late to a show, don't come at all. That's just my opinion.

Dinner tonight is Pirates in the Caribbean at Tritons. The boys brought pirate t-shirts and hats to wear, plus they give you pirate bandanas at dinner also. The dinner itself was excellent again but the drinks continue to be an issue. Tonight I only received one iced tea and ice water....with no ice. My glass was empty for most of dinner, no refills tonight I guess. Dessert was wonderful again and I left feeling very full.

Pirates party is right after dinner since we had late seating. DS (13) doesn't want to come because he is tired. So it's just me and DS (16) off to the party. He goes his own way most of the time and I watched the party from deck 10. It was a lot of fun with singing, dancing, characters and of course the fireworks which were beautiful. The only thing was....there was so many people, really rude people who were quite pushy (literally) I don't know if I would go again for that reason. The dessert buffet is right after the party, but I was still so full from dinner I didn't even look at it so I can't tell you if it was good or bad....but how could a table of desserts be bad?

Tonight I am really tired from all the sun and fresh air....and nearly drowning!
Off to bed.

Tomorrow---Day at Sea

 

[TSBRN]

Today is our last full day on the ship.
I am finally oriented for the most part to the lay out and I have to get off tomorrow!

Our character breakfast is at 9:30am at Parrot Cay. DS (16) wont get up, but I talk DS (13) into going with the bribe that it will be a really good breakfast. The character breakfast was really fun, but fast moving. The characters kind of breeze through and you have to be ready or you will miss them. I loved it because I am a Disney lover, but DS was just there for the food. He did smile for the pictures, kind of. I was glad they included it on this cruise, I would go again if it was offered.

DS (16) really wants to have a sit down lunch today. I am in total agreement, in fact, why hadn't we thought of it sooner? I am not really that hungry, but we head off for a late lunch at Tritons and are glad we did.

Lunch at Tritons....in one word-wonderful. Our server is fabulous. I wish I could remember his name, but he was as I expected a server to be. Very personable, joking with boys, excellent service, as many iced teas as I wanted (he haw) and just an all around great guy. I also had my best meal here at lunch. It was salmon that had been rubbed with some spices and served over some kind of rice....just out of this world. We then mentioned to our server (as we had mentioned to our regular server) that we would love to find creme brulee (sp?) somewhere on the ship. Low and behold, he came back with crem brulee....I couldn't believe it. I thanked him over and over again for his wonderfu service and he seemed genuinely happy to be taking care of us. It was a great experience.

We basically just hung out and enjoyed the ship on our last day. The boys went their ways and I relaxed on deck 10 reading and sunning. The breeze up on deck 10 is so nice, it doesn't even feel hot up there to me. None of us went in any of the pools, so I can't comment on them. The adult pool was the least crowded and seemed like a relaxing place to be. The goofy pool was more crowded with a mix of adults and kids and the mickey pool, well, you couldn't pay me to be there. Wall to wall kids and adults...not for me as I am not one for crowds.

Dinner tonight was at Animators Palate. Very nice setting, lots to look at. Our table was in a much better area although still at the back...but not as bad as Tritrons and Parrot Cay. I wish I could remember what all we ate, but I don't have copies of the menus so it's hard to recall. I know this was my least favorite meal, not bad, but not great. I'm really not that picky about food because if I'm not cooking or serving I am pretty happy! Drink service was the same, maybe a slight improvement but not up to par. Tonight we gave our tips and although I tipped above the recommended amount, it was not as much as I had planned on giving.

I forgot to mention our room steward. He was great. I rarely saw him, but he did a fabulous job and was tipped accordingly. We had towel animals every night and fresh ice twice a day. I was very happy with how he kept the room.

Back to our rooms at around 10:15pm. Not thinking I had to have luggage out by 11pm. Oh my gosh. This is just like leaving for the trip....I packing frenzy. I managed to get it done in time and breathed a big sigh of relief.

Tonight is kind of sad because the ship seems all shut down and I know we will be getting off in the morning. Went for a last walk around the ship at night......

Tomorrow--Debarkation

 

[TSBRN]

Breakfast at 7:45 in Animators Palate. Not much talking, I don't want to leave the ship, I am just getting the cruising groove.
Breakfast was ok. Servers aren't talking at all, I sense tension. Maybe someone didn't give them any tip?

Debarkation--quick and painless. Just walked off the ship after breakfast. Found our luggage, porter took it to the car and off we go to two days in Orlando visiting with family.

Final thoughts on the cruise--
Positives:
*Ship was beautiful, clean, well kept, can't say enough good things about it.
*The ease of check in, boarding area very nice.
*Staff very helpful and friendly (for the most part).
*Our room-loved it, plenty of room, never felt crowded.
*Activities-lots to do even thought I didn't do much which was my choice.
*Disney theme was carried through in everything, well done.
*Castaway Cay-paradise, can't say enough good things about this island.
*Room service was fabulous. Quick service, friendly people, good food.
*Free drinks at the drink station-great perk. Water tasted fine to me.
*Fast food areas were very kid friendly with things kids love to eat.
*Decorating on the ship and rooms, I really liked it.
*Shutters photo quality- we had great photos done of the boys.
*Ease of embarkation and debarkation.
*Luggage delivery to room.

Negatives:
*Our wait staff was not up to par.
*Table location terrible.
*Other guests--the rudeness of some people is amazing, but that is found everywhere.
*Dining with people you don't know, this could be hit or miss, but I didn't enjoy it.
*Guests with small children who think they should have preference over everyone else because their kids are younger...we all paid around the same price for the cruise, we all would like the same experience. If you want a better vantage point at a show or deck party, come earlier. Don't expect others to move because your child can't see.
*Family pools look too small, although this didn't affect me.
*Unsupervised children (of all ages) running around the ship, this goes back to parents being responsible.

What I would do different:
*Cruise at a time of year where there are less children. I know it's a Disney cruise, but it seems that parents are just becoming more carefree about letting kids run wild.
*Take at least a week long cruise or longer.
*Start packing a week a head of time.
*Do a double dip cruise.
*Enjoy more formal sit down lunches.
*Take another adult along.
*If I wasn't enjoying dinner because of my servers or tablemates, don't go.
*Order room serivce more often.
*Attend more activities.

In conclusion, I loved the cruise....it was a great vacation. For what I paid, I was a little disappointed, especially in the dining category. I probably will try another cruise line next time just to see what they have to offer, but I will cruise Disney again in the future. I think my sons would love to try one of the new Royal Caribbean ships so we might do that in 2008. Thanks for taking the time to read my very long trip report!!

 

[GavinsMom]

They really now serve LOBSTER on the Disney Wonder?

At Tritons?

When I cruised last time I wanted Lobster and wasn't able to find it anywhere on our 4day Wonder Cruise.
I'm cruising again in Feb. and would love to have it!!!

Did your son like it?

 

[teach22180]

:
I'm sorry, but I forgot why am I taking my children on this cruise?

I had that thought a time or two on my 4 day cruise with my 19 year old!

We had the 8:30 PTTA dinner, and I wasn't thrilled at first but it turned out okay. Wish you had been at table 44 with Pearl and Francisco! They were great and would have kept that iced tea glass filled. I was also with another single mom and a honeymooning couple, and we had great conversation at dinner. In fact, I really enjoyed the adult company! Sorry that didn't work out for you.

Thanks for the report; it felt like being back on the ship. I totally agree that just as we felt comfortable on the ship, it was time to go. Next time must be a longer cruise!!

 

[RoyalVizier]

Thanks for the report!

 

[TSBRN]

Thanks for the replies!

Gavins mom---I think the only reason we had lobster was because they were trialing new menus for the 10 and 11 day cruises. My son loved it!

 

[disneypoor]

Thanks for the great report. I am in total agreement with you when it comes to the service at dinner. That was the only part of our trip that was a let down. I had bragged to my husband about how good the service was and then we had to practically BEG for drinks! We had to wonder if we were paying for them if they would have come quicker? We didn't let it ruin our take on Disney though! We'll be doing the 7 night Eastern on spring break!

 

[SoDakMinnie]

The service at dinner and the table mates kind of make me nervous about our upcoming trip (first cruise, ever)

Just wondering, from those of you who have been more often, is this at all typical? Would it have done any good to say anything to the dining room manager (I think that is what I read someone was called)?

IMHO, nothing can ruin a good meal like poor service!

 

[TSBRN]

I wouldn't worry, from what I have read on here, poor service is not that common. Most folks come away with great experiences at dinner, I am sure that we were in the minority. I probably could have spoken to the head waiter, and in retrospect it may have been the right thing to do. I just wouldn't want to get someone in trouble.

 

[CastleCreations]

Hi. I was on your boat. I was with my mother and 2 little girls. I wanted to do more with another adult, but my mother wasn't interested. So I did a lot of wandering around by myself. I'm glad you had a good time. Nassau was the same for us as well. I can't wait for the next one!!
Elisa

 

[Jillpie]

I'm still laughing at your "just in case you need a surfboard at 2 am comment"!! omg, hysterical.

Loved your report. I think the drink situation was a fluke, we had terrific servers and they had our drinks poured before we asked for them. Thats pretty much the norm on DCL. Next time you'll be luckier. I also have teen boys, I could relate to your unspoken thoughts! Very funny and appreciated your honesty throughout your whole report, excellent and thank you!!!!!

 

[lindaso]

I enjoyed reading your report. Our servers better be quick on the drinks, our family goes through an unbelievable amount of liquid in one meal!! I will try to take your advice about packing early...I'm also a last-minute packer and I'm hoping to change!!