Get Off The Ship - we are running out of towel animals! Update 10/25 Day 31

[jenseib]

Thanks Tom! I love it!

 

[annmarieda]

Just a short little update on future trips planning.



We actually bought our flights for that trip some time ago. I had thought of using airmiles to pay for it, but the price was too good not to pay cash for them.

So, we are set for this trip, which will mean that we will leave Linz in the afternoon of Jan 3rd, arrive in Paris at around 7pm and pick up a rental car (which we will book on Tuesday - I found a really good price for it!) and drive to DLRP to check into the Hotel New York.





Then we will spend two full days in the park and on Monday the 6th we will check out of the hotel, spend all day in the parks and fly home at 7pm. We should arrive back home at 10.30pm. I only start in the afternoon on the following day, but poor Tom will have to go to work again at 6am.





Summer Med cruise on the Magic

I checked prices for flights a few days ago and again found an incredible price on Lufthansa (a little over 400 Euros) for return flights for both of us! Needless to say I booked them right away.
We are now flying in 3 days prior to our cruise and flying back home one night (2 days) after the cruise.
Still have to make my mind up for a hotel, but that should be done soon!

After the cruise and stay in Barcelona we will stay at home over the weekend and on Tuesday fly out again (and again the price was more than right, so we are saving our miles) - this time to



Paris! We renewed our APs last May and they gave us 18 months instead of 12, so why not take advantage of them and add a little trip to Paris too.

We have booked a villa at the Adagio Access,



the place where we always stay for 9 nights



and are flying home on Thursday the following week.

I guess we will squeeze in a trip or two to Italy as well, but no definite plans here.

Then, yesterday the booking window for our upcoming cruise opened - 120 days out.
I was at my computer at 6am (midnight EST) and booked us a Palo dinner, a Palo brunch and

yes, you guessed it

a Cabana again. This time we will be in Cabana 20!



So, there you have it ...... all the planning updates. ​

Looks like you have some wonderful memories that will be made in the not so distant future!!!

 

[dizneeat]

Thanks Tom! I love it!

I am glad you do, Jen!
He comes up with so many fun ideas to make my trip reports more interesting.

Looks like you have some wonderful memories that will be made in the not so distant future!!!

Yes, we were so lucky that the stars aligned and everything kind of fell into place. It all seems so much more real, now that we have everything booked. The flights to Paris (both times) and to Barcelona were really cheap (considering European pricing and that we only want to fly out of our home airport) and I found some really lovely hotels in Barcelona, that fit right into our budget.

 

[dizneeat]

Day 5, August 11

Are you from Austria? - Part 5

She stayed for a few minutes and soon after she had left us again our starters were served. Tom had ordered the



Pomegranate Glazed Duck Breast with Gewurztraminer gelee and pomegranate glaze, while I had my favourite Royal Court appetizer, the



Double Baked Spinach Souffle, coated with a three cheese cream. Both were incredibly yummy and we both left a pretty clean plate.
Next course was served right after the plates were taken away, we both had ordered the



Comtesse Du Barry's Soup, a rich velvety cauliflower cream, topped with salmon caviar croutons. As delicious as it had been on the Dream and we gobbled it all up. Next up were the main courses. I had opted for the



Roasted Wild Boar Tenderloin, sweet carrot and onion potato cake with a red currant reduction, while Tom had the





Aged Angus Grilled Beef Tenderloin topped with Garlic Shrimp, Sautéed Snow Peas and Marquis Potatoes with a Cognac Reduction. Both were as good as the description had sounded and we were getting really full again, but this time we did not want to skip dessert,



we had been looking forward to it too much for a long time. So we both ordered the



Grand Marnier Souffle, infused with fresh orange zest and served with creme Anglaise. The perfect way to end a food and fun filled evening. Once we had finished our meal we said goodbye to our servers and slowly made our way back to our stateroom where we found more gifts in our Fish Extender



and a huge towel lobster on the bed.





Raj had outdone himself again and since we had just seen him in the hallway, I picked up some candy for him and headed out into the hallway to say thank you for his creation.
We found him right away and after thanking him we asked if he liked sweets. His answer? He loved them, so we handed over his little treat and he was as happy as we were.
Back in our stateroom we dressed in something more comfortable, then picked up a drink out of the fridge and sat out on the veranda. It was so relaxing to see the ship glide through the water. The family with the medical emergency came back to our mind and we hoped they were safe. We never found out in the end.
After about half an hour we were so tired we just wanted to do one more thing. Go to bed and have a good night’s sleep.

To be continued ............

 

[dizneeat]

Day 6, August 12

What does one do during a day at sea? – EAT of course! - Part 1

Another beautiful day had dawned. We were up around 7am and after getting ready we had decided to try a “light” breakfast at the Enchanted Garden.
We took the elevator down and got into the short line, then were seated in one of the round booths close to the buffet. Our server was there to greet us almost immediately and took our orders for coffee for Tom and orange juice for myself.





Then we headed over to the buffet. Since it was still early at around 8am we were sure we could indulge a bit before our ADR for lunch. Needless to say that with all the goodies that were there we loaded up far more than we had intended to.



I had filled my plate with fresh tomato slices, a grilled tomato, some breakfast potatoes, scrambled eggs, bacon and kind of a breakfast wrap. Tom had gotten the same things plus



some sausage, hash and toast. We sat and gobbled up our yummy food and talked about the lazy day we had ahead of us.
Once we had cleared our plates and tipped the server we headed back to our stateroom. And after having cleaned up the stateroom a bit, so Raj could work his magic in it we spent a little time on the veranda watching the waves.









But we did not sit out too long as we were itching to get going again and walk around the ship for a bit. So we took the aft stairs up to Cabanas,







then walked outside the restaurant and ended up in the Cove Café. As I had mentioned before, we had a reservation for lunch, but a coffee treat sounded too good to pass up.
So we both ordered a





Frozen Cappuccino, 1/3 Espresso, blended with Vanilla Ice Cream. Very filling! But, oh so good and we just loved sitting in the cool coffee shop, watching people in the adult pool and enjoying our frozen treat.
Then, we walked around the pool deck,



















stopping ever so often and enjoying all the fun.

To be continued ............

 

[dizneeat]

Day 6, August 12

What does one do during a day at sea? – EAT of course! - Part 2

Then, we walked around the pool deck,





































stopping ever so often and enjoying all the fun.





Around 10.30am we were back in our stateroom to get changed for our lunch ADR at Remy. At five minutes to eleven we walked up to Remy and checked in.
We were asked to have a seat in Meridian until our group was ready and so we did. There were already a few people waiting and we found a seat and just waited.
It didn’t take long and the Maitre d´ entered to room to lead us into the restaurant. We could not believe our eyes, when we saw the Maitre d’. It was Benoit from the Dream.
We had gotten to know him last summer when Mathieu had been our favourite server and we had come back again and again, just because of Mathieu. And when we made our way into the wine room and we went past Benoit, I just could not help and say to him, “So you jumped ship, didn’t you?”
He was a bit stunned, but the presentation began and the chef and sommelier explained what was to happen next and we all were handed a glass of champagne and a small plate of Iberico ham.
There was a short introduction of the team and the menu and champagne pairing, then the chef explained the machine to cut the ham and soon after we were led to our table.



It seemed that Benoit had taken the time to check who we were, as when he came to take us to our table, he seemed to perfectly well know who we were and even mentioned Mathieu. We had a nice table in the extra room, right by the window.

To be continued ............

 

[jenseib]

I LOVE the Grand Marnier Souffle! it's one of the best desserts on the ship!!

I am so blue right now. I want to sail and nothing seems to work right now for us. (Plus a husband who seems to think we should stay home )

I am living through you right now with all you updates.

 

[annmarieda]

And after a little more friendly chit chat we headed to the Enchanted Garden for lunch.
But soon we had filled our plates with yummy food and returned to the table. Tom had filled his plate with mash, roast beef, asparagus and carrots, some wraps, shrimp and I guess some other yummy things.





I wasn’t all that hungry, so my plate was less full, but I had chosen some really tasty bacon wrapped salmon, coleslaw mixed with tiny shrimp, olives, a wrap, shrimp and some asparagus, carrots and snap peas.

For buffet food, those plates look VERY appetizing!!!

There was one more thing we needed to have taken care of. We needed to get to Royal Court to check on our table assignment for dinner. I had requested a table for two and was not sure if we had been granted it or not. So we got in line in front of the restaurant, which had not opened up by then. About 10 minutes after we had gotten in line the doors were opened and a cast member directed everyone to the right dining room managers. We were second in line for the main dining rooms and quickly seated. And it only took about 1 minute to describe what we were there for and to get the answer we had hoped for. We had been assigned a table for two. Yippie.

Next stop guest services, to sign up for the galley tour and tastings. Again, we got in line and were soon handed our tickets for it.

Sounds like things moved smoothly for you!

There were only about 10 minutes left until we would be able to get into our stateroom, so we headed to the midship elevator, but it was too crowded and we decided to walk to the aft elevator which would get us closer to our stateroom anyway. There was a uniformed cast member at the entrance of Animator’s Palate, who was pointing guests towards the elevators and right after we had past her, something hit me and I turned around. I looked at her and she looked at me and smiled. And then it came to me why she looked so familiar. She had been our server at Palo the year before on the Dream. So I asked if it was her and indeed she had been our server. We all hugged and exchanged a few more words before we waved goodbye and headed over to the elevator.

I am so impressed by how you remember everyone. You have the most amazing memory. Most days, I am lucky to remember who I am.

We were back, back at our happy place, a Disney cruise ship. There was the Castaway Club welcome gift





right on the bed and a gift basket from our Dreams Unlimited.

Looks like some nice gifts!!!

We unpacked and pretty soon it was time to head to the Tube for the DVC presentation. We were handed a folder and some hats and found a table and soon after were served two glasses of sparkling wine.

Is this a meet and greet sort of thing or a sales presentation?

There was just a small window of time between the DVC meet and the lifeboat drill and actually we should have gone to the DISmeet, but I could not bring myself to go there, as there were several members who I was not looking forward to meet. So we just skipped it, hauled some more of our luggage inside and did a little more unpacking

I am sorry to hear that. Dismeets are usually so fun. But I suppose we don't always find ourselves compatible with each and every person we come across.

And after having unpacked the last of the suitcases we noticed that it was about time to head up on deck to watch the ship sail out. There were not all that many people on deck 12, so we found a spot and watched the Fantasy pull away from the terminal,



http://s326.photobucket.com/user/ti...ay 04 August 10/DSC_0181_zpse84e3f71.jpg.html

What a pretty day! Am I wrong in thinking that it is not always so sunny when you sail out?

out onto the open sea.

[URL=http://s326.photobucket.com/user/tinkerbellat/media/Reisen%20USA/Summer%202013/Day%2004%20August%2010/DSC_0198_zpsab36df7e.jpg.html]

beautiful pictures!

All the while we were waiting for Captain Tom to use one of his Mickey whistles, but nope, everything stayed quiet. It was a sign of what’s to come. We didn’t hear these whistles all that much.

Oh no! I know I am terribly far behind... but I hope that when you say "sign of what's to come" just means a lack of whistles...

 

[pas130]

Doing my monthly check-in Karin The food oh my.... it looks amazing! The patient being evacuated is one of the many reasons I won't cruise I am one of the nurses who come and rescue people off of a ship, and it scares me. I had no idea how many people remain on the ship...for hours days even, critically ill since they do not involve coast guard and evacuations very often. They treat them on the ship until they get to the closest port. But I will mention, they are highly skilled and good at what they do for the most part. Again, it's like getting hurt on an island, medical care, but it's not optimal. I am super paranoid, but it's only because I am a nurse I am hopeful the patient did well!!

I did enjoy getting to go on a cruise ship for the first time...it was cool, and since it was docked, my phobia of big ships wasn't kicking in... So thanks to your TR I can enjoy DCL But I really really want to eat that food!!!

 

[dizneeat]

The face on the cm IS PRICELESS After the tasting. what liquor was so bitter????

Michelle, I asked Tom and he remembered! The CM, Jessica, tasted the Fernet. She really didn't like the taste at all.

I LOVE the Grand Marnier Souffle! it's one of the best desserts on the ship!!

I am so blue right now. I want to sail and nothing seems to work right now for us. (Plus a husband who seems to think we should stay home )

I am living through you right now with all you updates.

That is one good souffle! It took me a while to give it a try, but Tom has always enjoyed it.

Tell me about feeling down for not cruising for some time. We still are a little over 100 days out until our next one.
I am keeping my fingers crossed for you for something really good to come up!

For buffet food, those plates look VERY appetizing!!!

All buffets have amazing food, Ann! If only I could get those plates to the table while the food is still HOT!

I am so impressed by how you remember everyone. You have the most amazing memory. Most days, I am lucky to remember who I am.

Ann, most of the CMs we remember we had some kind of connection with. Gabriella, the one we met the first day we had had as our server twice and the other Palo server we had had before had introduced her as her "mini me". So these kind of things stick to my memory.

Looks like some nice gifts!!!

We love those backpacks. Really nice not to have to bring one. And the gifts from the TA came in handy as well.

Is this a meet and greet sort of thing or a sales presentation?

It's more a sales presentation, even though they are not really pushy. And it is always nice to start your cruise off with a glass of free bubbly.

I am sorry to hear that. Dismeets are usually so fun. But I suppose we don't always find ourselves compatible with each and every person we come across.

It was the only time I really did not want to meet anyone from that cruise. There had been a few things before we sailed and they really ticked me off. Thankfully we did not run into any one of them.

What a pretty day! Am I wrong in thinking that it is not always so sunny when you sail out?

So far we only had one rainy "sail away", but then we usually travel in the summer season.

Oh no! I know I am terribly far behind... but I hope that when you say "sign of what's to come" just means a lack of whistles...

You read that perfectly right, Ann. Commodore Tom does not use his Mickey whistles if he does not have to. And they are so much fun and isn't everyone waiting for them, while sailing out?

Doing my monthly check-in Karin The food oh my.... it looks amazing! The patient being evacuated is one of the many reasons I won't cruise I am one of the nurses who come and rescue people off of a ship, and it scares me. I had no idea how many people remain on the ship...for hours days even, critically ill since they do not involve coast guard and evacuations very often. They treat them on the ship until they get to the closest port. But I will mention, they are highly skilled and good at what they do for the most part. Again, it's like getting hurt on an island, medical care, but it's not optimal. I am super paranoid, but it's only because I am a nurse I am hopeful the patient did well!!

I did enjoy getting to go on a cruise ship for the first time...it was cool, and since it was docked, my phobia of big ships wasn't kicking in... So thanks to your TR I can enjoy DCL But I really really want to eat that food!!!

I think the medical team on board is pretty well trained. Sure people get sick everywhere, but I'd rather get sick and know there some kind of help on board, than being sick during a 12 hour flight.
But I do understand about not wanting to cruise. Our reasons were different before we took our first. I was so afraid I would feel locked in and would not be able to relax, but the complete opposite was the case. We love our days at sea.
Oh, and there is lots more food to come.

 

[annmarieda]

then headed inside to turn on the TV.

What a sweet little message on the tv

But we didn’t have much time to enjoy our lovely balcony as all too soon we had to get changed to get ready for tonight’s show. We found nice front row seats and about 15 minutes later Clayton, the cruise director opened “A Fantasy come true”.
It was a nice show, but got a bit long and boring, with all of Clayton’s comments.

So not your favorite show? hopefully you saw one that you enjoyed more. I love disney shows!!!

Once the show was over we strolled through the shops, had a look at all the Chamilia charms that were still “missing” from my bracelet

You don't mention the shops too much. Do you spend much time in them?

finally walked back to our stateroom to get ready for dinner.
When we got to the door we were surprised at how full our Fish Extender already was. We emptied it out and opened the door to be greeted by a towel animal dog, wearing my sunglasses.

I love that you do the FE gifts. I imagine it helps to make the trip more magical.

and then, after freshening up and searching for our dining “tickets” we headed to the Enchanted Garden for dinner.

yay! More food pics to come!!!

 

[annmarieda]

Ann, most of the CMs we remember we had some kind of connection with. Gabriella, the one we met the first day we had had as our server twice and the other Palo server we had had before had introduced her as her "mini me". So these kind of things stick to my memory.

I still think you are impressive in how you are able to remember. Or maybe it is just that I am a horrible person who can't? The cm who took me on the tour.. nope, I can't remember her name. I even told myself to... but by the time I got back to the room and thought to write it down... nope it was gone.

It was the only time I really did not want to meet anyone from that cruise. There had been a few things before we sailed and they really ticked me off. Thankfully we did not run into any one of them.

I think it is easy to forget that the people we come in contact with here on dis are not always people that we can get along with... I am no stranger to that. I just thought it was me though..

 

[Linda67]

Don't you just love sea days
Totally relaxing - ahh bliss
Can't wait to hear all about your lunch at Remy as it's something I would love to try when we are on the Fantasy next year

 

[RGirl]

Mmm - love all the tasty food!

And the pics - one of my favorite things is sitting out on the verandah watching the ocean go by. Your water pics took me right back there. And all the pool pics! I love that ship so much!!!

Can't wait to hear more about your Remy experience. That was definitely a MAJOR highlight of my cruise.

 

[scottny]

All the food looked so good.
Love the towel lobster. LOL
The deck is so pretty.
Great updates and pics

 

[annmarieda]

while Tom surprised me with his choice, the

Steamed Lemon Buttermilk Pudding with citrus reduction.

while your entire meal looked amazing... this stood out! YUM!!

We stood out on the veranda for a while before deciding that we would call it a day and get a good night’s sleep.

What a long day, I can't say I blame you!

 

[dizneeat]

What a sweet little message on the tv

Gets you in the right mood!

So not your favorite show? hopefully you saw one that you enjoyed more. I love disney shows!!!

Some of the later shows were just awesome. This one would not have been so bad if the Cruise director would not have come on stage ALL the time, doing his "vacation dance".

You don't mention the shops too much. Do you spend much time in them?

Ann, the shops are pretty small and actually one trip would be enough. It was just fun to browse through now and then.

I love that you do the FE gifts. I imagine it helps to make the trip more magical.

The FE is so much fun! We love sneaking around the ship and filling all the pockets. Getting a few presents back doubles the fun!

yay! More food pics to come!!!

Lots more!

I still think you are impressive in how you are able to remember. Or maybe it is just that I am a horrible person who can't? The cm who took me on the tour.. nope, I can't remember her name. I even told myself to... but by the time I got back to the room and thought to write it down... nope it was gone.

Ann, than I am the same horrible person. I have one week's vacation and for the life of me I cannot remember the names of my pupils any more. Guess, being on vacation jogs my memory.

I think it is easy to forget that the people we come in contact with here on dis are not always people that we can get along with... I am no stranger to that. I just thought it was me though..

Yes, you might be on to something here. Usually the people on the trip reports and meet threads are excited and try to help each other - this group (or some people on there) not so much.

Don't you just love sea days
Totally relaxing - ahh bliss
Can't wait to hear all about your lunch at Remy as it's something I would love to try when we are on the Fantasy next year

Oh, we just love our sea days. We are so torn about what to do in 2015 - we wanted to do a 4 - 5 week California tour, but now we have decided that we need another cruise that summer. I am pretty sure we will be on the Fantasy (hope the price is right ) and if so it will definitely be an Eastern Caribbean again. Can't beat two sea days to start it all off.

If you haven't done a lunch at Remy - PLEASE do so next time. It really is a neat experience - I can recommend the Champagne pairing as well.

Mmm - love all the tasty food!

And the pics - one of my favorite things is sitting out on the verandah watching the ocean go by. Your water pics took me right back there. And all the pool pics! I love that ship so much!!!

Can't wait to hear more about your Remy experience. That was definitely a MAJOR highlight of my cruise.

Ah, watching the sea, so peaceful and relaxing! We just love to sit out there and recap the day. We only wanted to cruise ONCE in our lifetime and decided to go all out with a veranda stateroom and now we cannot do without it.

We really enjoyed Remy - but then it was easy we had had fun with Benoit in the first place.

 

[dizneeat]

All the food looked so good.
Love the towel lobster. LOL
The deck is so pretty.
Great updates and pics

Raj outdid himself with his towel animals. They were just awesome every day, so much creativity.
The pool deck is just so colourful and it is all so clean and neat.

while your entire meal looked amazing... this stood out! YUM!!

What a long day, I can't say I blame you!

It was a good dessert, it just amazed me that he ordered it.

 

[annmarieda]

We got up around 7am the next morning after sleeping like a log all night.
And after taking a wonderful rainforest shower and getting ready for the day we headed to the Royal Court for breakfast.

Your breakfast on your cruises always looks yummy! i think I would be surprised if you chose something different though.

And once we were done and had tipped both servers we went over to Guest Services to ask if we could still sign up for the Italian Liqueur Tasting that afternoon and were lucky they still had 2 spots. Then we headed towards the shops and browsed them for a bit before heading over to check out Europa, the adult area on the ship.

Very nice! Your two spots were just waiting for you!!! It is neat to read about the more adult things that you can do on the ship.

 

[KatMark]

More food. I gain five pounds just looking at each of your posts.


Love the photos around the ship by the pool. It looks really fun. Mark and I've decided a cruise is not for us (we're going to try to hit New York next year and Disneyland the year after and then Aulani the year after that so have to save our pennies), but I do enjoy seeing all the photos.