From Possums to Sea and a Rainy day parade! Sep/Oct 2014

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Bahama Mamma but where is my rum cake..

This morning we woke in Nassau and what a beautiful day! Oh my a contrast to the storm we had left behind. Pigs in mud.

We had breakfast in the wonderful cabanas but I could not locate any french toast! I had fallen for this food group when we went to Chef Mickey's with Pam but they were no where to be seen. But I soon got distracted by pancakes and waffles and a wonderful strawberry sauce. Jo had what she described as a bit of everything and we both remarked it was as delicious as ever.

We decided to go to Diamonds international and also to fetch some gorgeous rum cake on our way back. But on our way out of the ship there was a friendly face from London in the Atrium...

We got off the ship and ventured into town. Nassau is not the most accessible place on earth! I was struggling to walk and the crowded cobbled streets were not fair game for a scooter or wheelchair. It was also very hot! We wanted some tanzanite earrings in DI but they were beyond pricey compared to the previous year even with the cruise vouchers. Feeling they were not offering a fair price we headed to get the amazing rum cake. Alas! The little place in the market as you head back to the ship to get rum cake was closed. Oh my I was so disappointed. I adore that cake! They were refurbing this area also. It was a bit hetic.

Back on board we headed to cabanas for lunch. We decided to have a light lunch because tonight we had Palo's but this didn't happen lol. Nor did I make it past eye scream in one piece. How could I with strawberry and banana on the menu?

We got a drink from the concierge lounge. They have canned drinks in the fridge to take all day. Diet coke, sprite, fanta, bottled water. I used the coffee machine again.

Then we decided to head for the concierge sun deck which is accessible from the lounge. But it is via stairs. So I needed to go up to the next deck by the elevator and use the outside door to get in.

Lovely view of The Atlantis on route...

In the private sundeck there is suncream to help yourself, sunbeds with hoods and face spray evian..

Here I am enjoying myself with the face spray..

A selfie of us both..

That afternoon we had a treat instore. Jo had booked us to have our nails done. It was to be my upcoming birthday treat. I had never had this done before and wanted a nice colour on them for our dinner at Palo.

It was a lovely experience at the Senses Spa. I choose a pale pink and Jo had a brown tone. After this we went back to the lounge. What treats did they have in the afternoon?

So yummy savoury nibbles and we showed off our nails...

It was getting time to change because tonight the conceirge host had said we had a private surprise character meet and greet exclusive for conceirge guests on the sundeck. We needed to get ready for Palo to go to the meet and greet first due to timings. We were excited to know who the character was!

Next up an alien encounter!

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Alien - on The Dream nobody can hear you scream.

After we cleaned for dinner we went back to the sundeck keen as mustard to see who the mystery character was for our meet and greet. I brought my autograph album ready for a sign.

The hosts had laid on snacks and drinks which was nice. Soon something blue arrived...yeah it was Stitch in a cute pirate outfit..

Signing my book..

He was larking around as Stitch does..

I have to stay Stitch was the best character meet we have had so far. He was so cute, immediately noting my disability and sitting down. Kissing us on the cheek, taking time. Making us feel so special. I was so impressed. Stitch has really risen in my character favourites since!

We went back to the lounge..

Then it was time for our reservation at Palo.

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

We checked in at Palo then waited in the Meridian bar.

Soon we were called and we got a lovely table by the window. It is just left to the photo..

The chef came to talk to us to discuss my dietary requirements. He was beyond helpful. Our server was amazing too.

They served us lovely breads, olives and cheeses from a charming trolley. Then the mains. Jo ordered the chianti braised beef ravioli

The chef made me a medley from the menu. Canadian sea scallops, new potatoes and ribbons of vegetables.

There are no words how lovely and perfectly cooked the meal was. I love scallops and they are often over cooked making them almost balls of rubber. Not tonight. Perfection Jo said her dish was equally as divine.

I had a strawberry sorbet that was from the same planet as Stitch I think. It was certainly out of this world...

Jo had the chocolate soufflé with vanilla bean and chocolate sauces

Again she said it was spot on.

Then a nice surprise...

It was my birthday soon

What a delightful dining experience once again. We always will try to score a Palo dinner and where there is a day at sea a Palo brunch. One of the elements we enjoyed about conceirge is they contact you at 120 days to ask you about excursions, dining and any other requirements. During the cruise no more going and lining up at guest services. The hosts can do it all from paying your account to any enquiry. They even gave you popcorn when asked to take back to your room to watch movies!

I asked for the following sundry items..

Shower cap
Band aid
Pain killers
A table in the MDR that did not require steps

I did not miss going to guest services!

Next up captain signing, pumpkin tree and the crew.

 

[franandaj]

Getting ready to leave I was so hectic, I missed a bunch of updates! Lovely last day at AK.

How wonderful to travel concierge on the Dream. Sorry about how it came about, but it sounds like it was an amazing experience. We did conceirge on the Wonder, but they dont have the extra lounge and sundeck. Besides the large room, we found that on the Wonder, taking more cruises was more important than the limited amenities. Now on the Dream that might be a different story!

How nice you got such a wonderful meal at Palo! If you come to DLR, I'll clue you in on where to get such excellent service as well!

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Captain Henry and the crew...

I had arranged a small FE to do on the ship. I just started a thread asking for about 5 other families to join in organised by me as I can't do much leg work around the ship. So I didn't want a large FE. Folks had jumped right on this and I was booked quicker than DCL on release day! I did the goodie bags and Jo helped me deliver those to the right cabins. We included many items but I made these candy bags to put in each..

Tonight the Captain of The Dream was doing signings so we headed to get my autograph book signed....

On the way I thought the beautiful night had drawn us a scene from Peter Pan..

It reminded me of the picture by Thomas Kinkade that Jo had bought me for my birthday. I had it early before we went. Too big to bring! ...

Then we stopped and looked at the pumpkin tree in the atrium. You see this was a Halloween on the high seas cruise

Captain Henry was in White caps the store and he was signing neat little models of the ship, Christmas decorations and anything else you wanted ( within reason lol ) . He was super nice and signed my autograph book..

Then going back to the concierge lounge for a nightcap Jo noticed white coats in the atrium. Quick she says and we got this wonderful photo...

I got all their autographs too. They were the cruise director and various other head roles. They chatted to us for quite a while. I was surprise the cruise director recognised me from a previous cruise. I love that about DCL.

What a lovely evening. The official Palo photo we did buy this from shutters.

We had a nightcap at the lounge then headed back jaded to the cabin. Tomorrow was Castsway Cay my favourite port. I wanted to be bright as a button for that.

Next up. Castmeaway I want to stay.

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Getting ready to leave I was so hectic, I missed a bunch of updates! Lovely last day at AK. How wonderful to travel concierge on the Dream. Sorry about how it came about, but it sounds like it was an amazing experience. We did conceirge on the Wonder, but they dont have the extra lounge and sundeck. Besides the large room, we found that on the Wonder, taking more cruises was more important than the limited amenities. Now on the Dream that might be a different story! How nice you got such a wonderful meal at Palo! If you come to DLR, I'll clue you in on where to get such excellent service as well!

how nice to post on your vacation. Yes I was very disappointed to learn that the classic ships have no lounge or sundeck. To be honest this made it for us and the private sundeck. Like you guys we could live without the cabin class and extras for extra cruises. So if it was The Magic or The Wonder I would not upgrade. The Fantasy or The Dream. Oh yeah worth every penny as a treat

We want to do this as our 10 year anniversary hope you vacation is going well!

 

[dolphingirl47]

I just find the soundtrack to Soarin really relaxing and the way my week is going, I need relaxing. I am not sure if it is the music itself or the memories connected with it that have this effect on me. I can see the matching scenery with my inner eye when I listen to this.

What a shame that the shopping did not go according to plan.The sun deck looks amazing. I could imagine spending some serious time up there. The photos with Stitch are precious. I have to say Stitch was not really on my radar until my almost back to back cruise in 2008. I did not see the movie until 2010. I had such a magical interaction with him in 2008 that he instantly became a firm favourite and is just got better and better over the years.

Palo dinner sounded like a winner and the Halloween tree is beautiful. I had forgotten that Captain Henry is on the Dream. It kind of slipped my mind since we found out that Captain Thord as changed from the Wonder to the Dream. We had two wonderful cruises with Captain Henry when he was still on the Wonder. He has a great personality.

The sunset is beautiful and I love your early birthday present.

Corinna

 

[franandaj]

how nice to post on your vacation. Yes I was very disappointed to learn that the classic ships have no lounge or sundeck. To be honest this made it for us and the private sundeck. Like you guys we could live without the cabin class and extras for extra cruises. So if it was The Magic or The Wonder I would not upgrade. The Fantasy or The Dream. Oh yeah worth every penny as a treat

We want to do this as our 10 year anniversary hope you vacation is going well!

Today is a chill day. And what a better way to chill than to catch up with my friends on the DIS. I got so behind getting ready to leave. I'm about to lay down for a nap. Fran has been napping for sometime now. We have a late dinner, as a friend from the host band is going to stop by the hotel and pick up my instrument and an extra suitcase we don't need until after the cruise. Much like you sent your un needed luggage on to the Beach Club.

After he picks up our stuff, we're going to head out for some dinner.

That sounds like a great way to celebrate your 10 year anniversary. I loved the look of that bubble thing you were sitting in!

 

[Disneymadhouse]

Lovely photos once again Paula

Claire

 

[Pinkocto]

What a magnificent day!!!

Bummer about no french toast, hopefully they'll have it next time

Nassau totally failed, sad about the rum cakes.

Cute pictures with Stitch!

Palo more than made up for Nassau. How delicious!

The concierge lounge is lovely!

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Today is a chill day. And what a better way to chill than to catch up with my friends on the DIS. I got so behind getting ready to leave. I'm about to lay down for a nap. Fran has been napping for sometime now. We have a late dinner, as a friend from the host band is going to stop by the hotel and pick up my instrument and an extra suitcase we don't need until after the cruise. Much like you sent your un needed luggage on to the Beach Club. After he picks up our stuff, we're going to head out for some dinner. That sounds like a great way to celebrate your 10 year anniversary. I loved the look of that bubble thing you were sitting in!

that sounds a nice day you were having. I hope you enjoyed your dinner. How nice that the host band is collecting your extra luggage for you

The bubble thing I wanted to bring home! Only I think here the hood would protect from the rain not sun lol....

Have a great day today nearly cruising time!

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Lovely photos once again Paula Claire

thank you Claire. Sweet comments

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

What a magnificent day!!! Bummer about no french toast, hopefully they'll have it next time Nassau totally failed, sad about the rum cakes. Cute pictures with Stitch! Palo more than made up for Nassau. How delicious! The concierge lounge is lovely!

thank you Pam. I think those French must be keeping all that toast to themselves! But fear not for I did not venture far morning one before my plate was no longer visibly white. Day two I went a little further around the corner to find a donut stand. Oh my! If there is one weakness I have in this world apart from baby animals with large eyes it's donuts. I stopped gasped at the myriad of choice and decided that my low weight problem may be cured on this savour cruise!

 

[Pinkocto]

thank you Pam. I think those French must be keeping all that toast to themselves! But fear not for I did not venture far morning one before my plate was no longer visibly white. Day two I went a little further around the corner to find a donut stand. Oh my! If there is one weakness I have in this world apart from baby animals with large eyes it's donuts. I stopped gasped at the myriad of choice and decided that my low weight problem may be cured on this savour cruise!

Oh those donuts are something else! My favorite are the raspberry filled. Mom likes the chocolate covered or plain glazed.

I'm trying to think where the french toast usually is placed and I can't picture it. It might very well be that it was in one of the pods that you missed. Don't worry, I will find us some

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Oh those donuts are something else! My favorite are the raspberry filled. Mom likes the chocolate covered or plain glazed. I'm trying to think where the french toast usually is placed and I can't picture it. It might very well be that it was in one of the pods that you missed. Don't worry, I will find us some

I like raspberry filled also or plain glazed over here you must sample our jam donuts they are a slightly different texture. Very unique. More like churros with a jelly filling in the middle that goes all down your front!

Pam on the french toast hunt. I like it...

 

[Pinkocto]

I like raspberry filled also or plain glazed over here you must sample our jam donuts they are a slightly different texture. Very unique. More like churros with a jelly filling in the middle that goes all down your front!

Pam on the french toast hunt. I like it...

I can honestly say I don't think I had any kind of donuts over there. We'll need a dozen to sample

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

I can honestly say I don't think I had any kind of donuts over there. We'll need a dozen to sample

yes before going to Millie's cookies

 

[Pinkocto]

yes before going to Millie's cookies

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Saturday 27th September

Castmeaway!

Always a pleasure to wake up on DCL, we enjoy the sweet rocking motion of the craft as she sails at night. This together with what feels like the most comfortable beds on the high seas makes for the perfect nights rest. This morning was an extra pleasure for we were docking at our goto favourite Island and highlight of our cruise. The one and only Castaway Cay.

A quick check outside confirms the perfect day. If I was a cat I would purr in delight. Perhaps swish my tail.

On reflection...should I have bought this item from MK ..

Jo was already up and doing selecting her favourite H2O products from the bathroom for her shower. After we were clean little kitties we graced Cabanas door, got the anti bacterial wipe on entry, found a table. Jo piled my plate high with delicious melon, cereal, Mickey Waffles and that amazing strawberry sauce. Jo is more your savoury gal getting herself eggs benedict , bacon and pancakes. Jo reminded me of the donut stand. But this morning I had my eye on the danish array. A cinnamon bun soon found it's way to our table.

Oh my pretty...

After that 'light' breakfast that would have Bob and Gillian mad I hope we went back to the cabin to grab our day things for la isle. We swung past the conceirge lounge for fresh bottles of evian and cans of soda. I also wanted some of their fabulous spray factor 50. Soon we were swiped cards and making our way to the tram. But first we went to the postoffice to post a card and a letter. These have still not arrived! Bahamian timescale?

But we noticed this cute guy..

We got on the tram and got off at Pelican bay to sit on the beach. There was a lovely Scottish wedding occurring..

This was lovely and we waved and congratulated them! We were also delighted they had recently voted yes to stay in the UK. Jo had stayed awake all night when we arrived listening to the votes coming in!

We were very busy this morning. How exhaustion did not grab hold I do not know..



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Jo went into the calm warm sea for a while. Then we decided to go back to the ship for lunch. Bad experience at Cookies BBQ so I prefer to eat on the ship now

Afternoon was a spilt stay affair. First the private sundeck then we watched a movie in the theatre called The Hundred foot journey with Helen Mirren which we throughly enjoyed. Complimentary popcorn from concierge did not go wasted

Next up. Tonight and dinner at Enchanted Palace!

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Those last images did not come out. Photobucket is not working since last millionth ipad update! Beyond annoying!

Try this..