FIRST COMMENT: THIS WAS THE MOST FANTASTIC VACATION I HAVE EVER BEEN ON.... ABSOLUTELY THE MOST FABULOUS EXPERIENCE!!!
FIRST TIME CRUISERS:
Myself: bbump,
Hubby: Jim
Daughter: April (5)
We used the Disney Air program and flew down the same day from the North. Arrived in Olrando at 11:30... and found the Cruise Line Rep at the airport and followed her to the Disney Bus Transportation.
We watched the Cute Disney cruise video on the way to the port... I remember going over a high bridge... AND THERE IT WAS... I HAD MY FIRST GLIMPSE OF THE DISNEY MAGIC AND I GOT GOOSEBUMPS... There is something about the first sight of the ship...absolutely beautiful!
Arrived at the port at about 1:30, which must have been prime time, because the lines were huge, and there were many people who belonged to the "coalation" there at the time. April admired the ship model and got to chat with "Alice" from Alice in wonderland. (1st shutter picture purchase.... beginning of many)
After waiting in the long line, it was our turn at last! We were not announced, but had the famous "Welcome Aboard" photo taken.
(2nd Shutter picture purchase.....)
Went to Topsiders for the buffet, and it was PACKED!!!! there were seats only available outside, and it was VERY windy and chilly that day.... it felt like our food was blowing away, and I had my hair down (which is quite long) and I think I ended up with some new styling pomade in my hair after lunch. (he he)
The Sailaway party was fun.... I didn't even realize we were moving at first... and I almost missed seeing the famouse "White Glove waving". I must have been paying too much attention to the dancing characters.
we had the APLAPLA dining rotation (2nd seating). We enjoyed the B&W to color show. Our servers were Andrew (South Africa) and Sherwen (Trinidad) We loved Sherwen... he was always finding ways to make us smile and always remembered that we drink milk at dinner. He did toothpick balancing acts and even turned April into a fully set table. (tablecloth on her, plate, silverwear, glass and menu)
We loved the late seating because we could see our show, do family activities and get our pictures done before dinner, then chill out and digest when dinner was done (arround 9:30-10pm)
It always seemed pretty quite in the dining rooms.
DAY 2 (SUNDAY).... FIRST DAY AT SEA.......
In the morning we had our character breakfast in Parrot Cay... since our late seating was pretty quiet, the breakfast was very quiet too... the characters spent alot of time with the tables... goofy came out in his tropical shirt and danced. April wore her costume to breakfast because afterwards was the DIS group trick-or-treating.... April was dressed up as a "Princess Bride" and the waiters held her veil for her as she walked to the table... Goofy got down on one knee and took her hand and posed for an adorable picture (annother Shutters purchase... boy was I in trouble!!!)
The DIS trick-or-treating was VERY well organized... there was a great treasure hunt map.... GLOW necklaces were given out, and the kids started at Deck 2 and worked their way up to the DIS group staterooms. Ginny's stateroom was the "haunted stateroom" and the kids were thrilled about that stop. I was kind of jealous of all the wonderful things April got. (lots of toys, snacks, stickers... even DISNEY dollars and an arcade card!!! THANKS AGAIN FOR EVERYONE'S GENEROSITY!!)
After we trick-or-treated, we all met at Lumier's and had a formal lunch.
It was cloudy and cooler today so, the indoor activities worked for me!!!
Tonight was the first FORMAL NIGHT... and the free coctail reception. I didn't think I would enjoy formal night as much as I did.... it was so fun. Hubby even had a good time.. we felt like moviestars. We saw Hercules the MUSE-ical, had fancy-dancy pictures taken (cha-ching- cha-ching at Shutters) went to a family show and then had dinner at Parrot Cay. (pretty fun on formal night to be in the bright atmosphere.)
then after dinner we noticed that the lines for the pictures were tiny, almost non-existant, so we posed for a couple more pictures.
DAY 3 (MONDAY) ........2ND DAY AT SEA.....
Today was perfect!!! It was sunny and warm!!! there was tropical music playing on deck 9... busted out the swimwear and tried out the pools. woo hoo!!!!
I was suprised the pools wern't as crowded as I had read about on this board... I think it was due to the large "Religious Group" that was on board.... kept noticing more and more shaved heads on men, women, and seniors who belonged to this group... I wonder what that was all about...??????
Today consisted mostly of lounging arround, eating, swiming, and eating some more.... oh of course meeting characters and taking pictures (more money spent at shutters)
today we had PALO BRUNCH with the DIS group. It was very tastey and nice. It was great knowing so many "halloween cruisers". We enjoyed the champagne and I ate lots of cheese.
Tracy (tinkhappy) gave us all a "key to the world" holder.... I loved mine! I was now prepared to pay in style at Shutters!!!!
DAY 3: (TUESDAY)...ST. MAARTEN.......!!!!!!
The first thing hubby and I wanted to take care of when we got up... was to CHECK OUT THE COLOR OF THE WATER. We went on this cruise feeling very sceptical of the pictures in the brochures and postcards showing the water being so blue... so hubby wanted to know right away what the water looked like, so up he dashed to Deck 9 to get a good look.
He came back to our stateroom announcing that the water "REALLY WAS TURQUOISE BLUE!!!" I couldn't wait to get ready and check it out.
We went up to Topsiders for breakfast and got a good view. April was excited to swim in the ocean for the first time. I couldn't wait to check out the white sand beaches I've been dreaming about so much.
We bought a 5 dollar flat rate water taxi bracelet (kids were free) and went to Great Bay Beach. (which was very quiet when we were there.) We were asked many times for hair braiding. (not for me... I put my hair in a bun to avoid the questions... but April got asked constantly...and her hair is so thin and fine.... )
April and I were amazed at the great shell collection lying on the beach, tiny colorful shells were everywhere!!!! we enjoyed playing in the beautiful water... it was fabulous.!!!
Then we made the mistake of trying to go shopping down the main street. It was very crazy..and busy!!! More hair braid questioning. Finally we found a McDonalds to escape to for a bit...then someone in McDonalds asked me if I wanted April's hair braided!!! AUUGGGHHHHHHH!!! Can't even order a happy meal in peace.!!!!
After about the 20th time being asked, we finally agreed to 6 braids for $1 each...just to stop the questioning. They turned out pretty cute too.
By then, we were ready to go back to the boat and eat.
We ate, showered, enjoyed the pools on the ship, then got decked out in our tropical wear for "tropical night!!!"
Tropical night was one of my favorite nights.... everyone looks so colorful and happy, there was a "Tropical Island" background set up for photo sessions (Racking up a bigger bill at shutters), and the characters are hanging out in their tropical gear too.... ready for hugs and pictures. DON'T MISS OUT ON THE TROPICAL NIGHT PICTURES... they were my favorites!!!
At dinner, our servers started a CONGA line, our main server picked up April and I got up and followed them arround the dining room, by now , a line and formed, and we had to do the "limbo" it was great!!! Got some cute pictures on the camera. Flower Leis were given to everyone to brighten up their tropical wear.
After dinner, there was abig Tropical Dance party on Deck 9... April was getting tired by now, but she went on the Dance floor for a bit and boogied.
had no troubles sleeping tonight.... the gentle rocking of the ship is very soothing at night.....
DAY 4 (WEDS) HALLOWEEN.....ST. THOMAS.....
Had to wake up very early today to go through immigration at 6:30 am. It went pretty smooth, plus coffee, juice and rolls were passed out while we waited. It was organized very well. We had to get up early anyways for the 5-star-Trunk Bay Beach and Snorkel excursion.
After leaving the ship, we boarded a SNEED boat which was docked close to the MAGIC...and we had a fun, wavy ride to Trunk Bay. (the water was GORGEOUS again...) snapped lots of pictures of the lush green hills and sparkly water.
The ride was about 45 minutes..and it was very fun and exciting. April went with us and loved the ride there.
ONce we got to Trunk Bay, we had the option of either jumping of the boat, going into the water with a ladder, or taking a small "dingy" to the shore..... keep in mind that the water is VERY deep, and the shore is farther than it looks.... hubby got quite a suprise AND a workout when swimming to the beach.
The waves were REALLY active and April had a few waves crash over her and she freaked out.. and refused to go back in the water. That was OK I guess... but I didn't get a chance to snorkel.... we walked along the soft, white, sand beach, admired the palm trees, and WATCHED the waves crash over everyone else. It was PARADISE there.
Jim had fun snorkeling, we had a waterproof camera and he got some cool underwater pictures (including one of himself that he took himself underwater! he! he)
We loved the beauty of trunk bay and it was hard to leave. One the way back to the Port, fruit punch and RUM punch was served. April was pooped and feel asleep on top of some towels.
We went back on the MAGIC to have some lunch, then did alot of shopping close to the port. (didn't take a taxi, just walked a short distance)
Then we got back on the ship to get ready for the Halloween Trick-or-Treat sailaway party.
WHAT A BLAST!!!! Horns of the cruise ships started blowing... they sure were LOUD!!!! then the MAGIC blew it's horn and blew the others away... then the party started!!! Cruella De-Ville and Captian Hook came out.... then lots of Dalmations came on the stage, and danced to "Who let the Dogs Out??!!!!" woo... woo.. woo.. wo!!! c'mon.. .we all sing that song whether we like it or not!!!!.... some of the dalmations passed out candy to the kids... there were alot of nice things given out.... THERE WERE SO MANY UNBELIEVABLE COSTUMES!!! IT WAS LIKE ONE GIGANTIC COSTUME PARTY!!!... then there was a dance on the Stage to the greatest Halloween Song: "THRILLER!!!!"
we went to the show "Who Wants to be a mouseketeer"...and we stayed in our costumes all night. April went to the kids club tonight for the Halloween Party, and Goofy's PJ party. This was the first night Jim and I had dinner by ourselves... and who would have guessed that we chose the "Mickey Mouse Ice cream bars for desert????" So much for romantic dinners!!!
April had a blast in the club that night.... she made a pillowcase, and goofy stopped in for a bit.. she had fun...but she was tired from the long day.... so were we.......
DAY 5 (THURS).... 3RD SEA DAY....
We were happy to have a relaxing day at sea after the buisy day in St. Thomas/St. John. It was VERY rocky today... I woke up early to take a shower, and could barely stand up strate in the shower... and wooopss.... didn't take BONINE until after my shower..... TOOO LATE.... hurled before breakfast.... this was the only time I ever got sick... shame on me!!! Hubby is always the one with the sensitive tummy on rides and I was the only one to get sick.....
I just kept eating and everything was fine after that.
We did the usual, relax, eat, relax eat,swim, see shows....eat... go to Shutters... buy pictures...........
We were bummed that the matinee of Disney Dreams was cancelled. (we were told it was due to the rocky ship)... but I heard another rumer that it was due to the "meditation" in the Walt Disney theatre at the time.
It would have been cool to see it twice.
We really enjoyed the show....even hubby was impressed, and he usually doesn't like plays.
tonight was our 2nd formal night... there were 2-for 1 drinks today... which we thought were a good deal (this was before dinner only)....
Tonight we ate the Lobster tails for dinner....was the first time Jim had lobster. He thought it was just OK.
DAY 6: (FRIDAY) ATTEMPTING TO GET TO CASTAWAY CAY....
Woke up, and went up to Topsiders for Breakfast...what a sight at Deck 9.... Castaway Cay in the distance! Took some pictures... then ate outside on the deck at topsiders..and watched as we edged closer and closer... we were soooo excited.!!!! What a view we had...eating in style.......
then we started backing away... ???????????????????
The captain made the announcement that the waves were rough, and it wasn't quite safe enough to dock yet... and would make annother attempt later.
So, new navigators were passed out, and the evening activiites were switched to the morning so we got the Disembarktion talk out of the way... and the Kids Club play "Discover the Magic" was held early too.... how adorable it was... and the kids got VERY nice T-shirts for participating (April almost immediately stained hers up... thank goodness for shout wipes.)
We had a sit-down lunch at Lumiers then heard the announcement that the Captain had tried a 2nd time to Dock at Castaway, but to no avail.
We were bummed out, but at least it was partly sunny at sea (suppose-adly it had rained most of the day at Castaway Cay according to our server).
We enjoyed the pools on Deck 9, and a Castaway Cay deck party was held with free fruit punch and rum punch to make up for the let-down.
At the farewell Variety Show that night, April started shedding tears and said "I don't want to leave!!!!" I felt the same way as her... but we had one more dinner tonight...at Animator's Palate, our favorite dining room...I was happy we got to eat there 3 times.
After dinner April went to the Oceaneer club for 1 last time, while we did the fun job of packing, and paying our bill (consisting mostly of purchases at Shutters...imagine that....) We gave the counselers little thank you gifts at the Club and they were VERY appreciative. We heard many, many thank yous. They did an awesome job. April was not in there all the time. we wanted to spend time with her too. She enjoyed the activiities, but was rough-housed one day, and she was a little "iffy" after that. One of the counselers told me "We have the best job on the ship...we get to play all day!!!" What a good attitude!
We went to sleep that night feeling very sad......
SATURDAY MORNING...DEBARKING.....
Thank goodness for late seating... breakfast was at 8am in Animators.... we were served very quickly.... and then we grabbed our carry-ons and took one last look at the aetrium, and said good bye to the Disney Magic.
We went to get our luggage, and got quite a suprise... one of our suitcases had a plastic garbage bag tied arround it and we thought the worse.... and it happened... a bottle burst in our bag!!! the smell of tequilla followed us everywhere we went... got a few strange looks at the airport.... SO PACK LIQUER IN YOUR CARRYONS... IT IS QUITE GROSS TO HAVE THAT NASTY SMELL ON YOUR LUGGAGE, AND BELONGINGS... (and the looks from others are quite embarrasing too....)
Took the Disney bus back to the airport... and it was back to MN we go.....
good news.... we booked on-board (for a good deal) and hope to go next Halloween again on the WESTERN cruise if everything goes well.
this was the most fantastic vacation ever immaginable... I am so glad we went... we were debating about cancelling the cruise because this has been a rough year for our family with layoffs and surgery... but the cruise really was a stress reliever.... we will definately be cruising again!!!! love it! love it!
thanks for bearing with me through this long and tedious report... I can't believe I finished it in one sitting!!!
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO POST YOUR QUESTIONS.
THANKS FOR READING.!!!!
Becky
FIRST TIME CRUISERS:
Myself: bbump,
Hubby: Jim
Daughter: April (5)
We used the Disney Air program and flew down the same day from the North. Arrived in Olrando at 11:30... and found the Cruise Line Rep at the airport and followed her to the Disney Bus Transportation.
We watched the Cute Disney cruise video on the way to the port... I remember going over a high bridge... AND THERE IT WAS... I HAD MY FIRST GLIMPSE OF THE DISNEY MAGIC AND I GOT GOOSEBUMPS... There is something about the first sight of the ship...absolutely beautiful!
Arrived at the port at about 1:30, which must have been prime time, because the lines were huge, and there were many people who belonged to the "coalation" there at the time. April admired the ship model and got to chat with "Alice" from Alice in wonderland. (1st shutter picture purchase.... beginning of many)
After waiting in the long line, it was our turn at last! We were not announced, but had the famous "Welcome Aboard" photo taken.
(2nd Shutter picture purchase.....)
Went to Topsiders for the buffet, and it was PACKED!!!! there were seats only available outside, and it was VERY windy and chilly that day.... it felt like our food was blowing away, and I had my hair down (which is quite long) and I think I ended up with some new styling pomade in my hair after lunch. (he he)
The Sailaway party was fun.... I didn't even realize we were moving at first... and I almost missed seeing the famouse "White Glove waving". I must have been paying too much attention to the dancing characters.
we had the APLAPLA dining rotation (2nd seating). We enjoyed the B&W to color show. Our servers were Andrew (South Africa) and Sherwen (Trinidad) We loved Sherwen... he was always finding ways to make us smile and always remembered that we drink milk at dinner. He did toothpick balancing acts and even turned April into a fully set table. (tablecloth on her, plate, silverwear, glass and menu)
We loved the late seating because we could see our show, do family activities and get our pictures done before dinner, then chill out and digest when dinner was done (arround 9:30-10pm)
It always seemed pretty quite in the dining rooms.
DAY 2 (SUNDAY).... FIRST DAY AT SEA.......
In the morning we had our character breakfast in Parrot Cay... since our late seating was pretty quiet, the breakfast was very quiet too... the characters spent alot of time with the tables... goofy came out in his tropical shirt and danced. April wore her costume to breakfast because afterwards was the DIS group trick-or-treating.... April was dressed up as a "Princess Bride" and the waiters held her veil for her as she walked to the table... Goofy got down on one knee and took her hand and posed for an adorable picture (annother Shutters purchase... boy was I in trouble!!!)
The DIS trick-or-treating was VERY well organized... there was a great treasure hunt map.... GLOW necklaces were given out, and the kids started at Deck 2 and worked their way up to the DIS group staterooms. Ginny's stateroom was the "haunted stateroom" and the kids were thrilled about that stop. I was kind of jealous of all the wonderful things April got. (lots of toys, snacks, stickers... even DISNEY dollars and an arcade card!!! THANKS AGAIN FOR EVERYONE'S GENEROSITY!!)
After we trick-or-treated, we all met at Lumier's and had a formal lunch.
It was cloudy and cooler today so, the indoor activities worked for me!!!
Tonight was the first FORMAL NIGHT... and the free coctail reception. I didn't think I would enjoy formal night as much as I did.... it was so fun. Hubby even had a good time.. we felt like moviestars. We saw Hercules the MUSE-ical, had fancy-dancy pictures taken (cha-ching- cha-ching at Shutters) went to a family show and then had dinner at Parrot Cay. (pretty fun on formal night to be in the bright atmosphere.)
then after dinner we noticed that the lines for the pictures were tiny, almost non-existant, so we posed for a couple more pictures.
DAY 3 (MONDAY) ........2ND DAY AT SEA.....
Today was perfect!!! It was sunny and warm!!! there was tropical music playing on deck 9... busted out the swimwear and tried out the pools. woo hoo!!!!
I was suprised the pools wern't as crowded as I had read about on this board... I think it was due to the large "Religious Group" that was on board.... kept noticing more and more shaved heads on men, women, and seniors who belonged to this group... I wonder what that was all about...??????
Today consisted mostly of lounging arround, eating, swiming, and eating some more.... oh of course meeting characters and taking pictures (more money spent at shutters)
today we had PALO BRUNCH with the DIS group. It was very tastey and nice. It was great knowing so many "halloween cruisers". We enjoyed the champagne and I ate lots of cheese.
Tracy (tinkhappy) gave us all a "key to the world" holder.... I loved mine! I was now prepared to pay in style at Shutters!!!!
DAY 3: (TUESDAY)...ST. MAARTEN.......!!!!!!
The first thing hubby and I wanted to take care of when we got up... was to CHECK OUT THE COLOR OF THE WATER. We went on this cruise feeling very sceptical of the pictures in the brochures and postcards showing the water being so blue... so hubby wanted to know right away what the water looked like, so up he dashed to Deck 9 to get a good look.
He came back to our stateroom announcing that the water "REALLY WAS TURQUOISE BLUE!!!" I couldn't wait to get ready and check it out.
We went up to Topsiders for breakfast and got a good view. April was excited to swim in the ocean for the first time. I couldn't wait to check out the white sand beaches I've been dreaming about so much.
We bought a 5 dollar flat rate water taxi bracelet (kids were free) and went to Great Bay Beach. (which was very quiet when we were there.) We were asked many times for hair braiding. (not for me... I put my hair in a bun to avoid the questions... but April got asked constantly...and her hair is so thin and fine.... )
April and I were amazed at the great shell collection lying on the beach, tiny colorful shells were everywhere!!!! we enjoyed playing in the beautiful water... it was fabulous.!!!
Then we made the mistake of trying to go shopping down the main street. It was very crazy..and busy!!! More hair braid questioning. Finally we found a McDonalds to escape to for a bit...then someone in McDonalds asked me if I wanted April's hair braided!!! AUUGGGHHHHHHH!!! Can't even order a happy meal in peace.!!!!
After about the 20th time being asked, we finally agreed to 6 braids for $1 each...just to stop the questioning. They turned out pretty cute too.
By then, we were ready to go back to the boat and eat.
We ate, showered, enjoyed the pools on the ship, then got decked out in our tropical wear for "tropical night!!!"
Tropical night was one of my favorite nights.... everyone looks so colorful and happy, there was a "Tropical Island" background set up for photo sessions (Racking up a bigger bill at shutters), and the characters are hanging out in their tropical gear too.... ready for hugs and pictures. DON'T MISS OUT ON THE TROPICAL NIGHT PICTURES... they were my favorites!!!
At dinner, our servers started a CONGA line, our main server picked up April and I got up and followed them arround the dining room, by now , a line and formed, and we had to do the "limbo" it was great!!! Got some cute pictures on the camera. Flower Leis were given to everyone to brighten up their tropical wear.
After dinner, there was abig Tropical Dance party on Deck 9... April was getting tired by now, but she went on the Dance floor for a bit and boogied.
had no troubles sleeping tonight.... the gentle rocking of the ship is very soothing at night.....
DAY 4 (WEDS) HALLOWEEN.....ST. THOMAS.....
Had to wake up very early today to go through immigration at 6:30 am. It went pretty smooth, plus coffee, juice and rolls were passed out while we waited. It was organized very well. We had to get up early anyways for the 5-star-Trunk Bay Beach and Snorkel excursion.
After leaving the ship, we boarded a SNEED boat which was docked close to the MAGIC...and we had a fun, wavy ride to Trunk Bay. (the water was GORGEOUS again...) snapped lots of pictures of the lush green hills and sparkly water.
The ride was about 45 minutes..and it was very fun and exciting. April went with us and loved the ride there.
ONce we got to Trunk Bay, we had the option of either jumping of the boat, going into the water with a ladder, or taking a small "dingy" to the shore..... keep in mind that the water is VERY deep, and the shore is farther than it looks.... hubby got quite a suprise AND a workout when swimming to the beach.
The waves were REALLY active and April had a few waves crash over her and she freaked out.. and refused to go back in the water. That was OK I guess... but I didn't get a chance to snorkel.... we walked along the soft, white, sand beach, admired the palm trees, and WATCHED the waves crash over everyone else. It was PARADISE there.
Jim had fun snorkeling, we had a waterproof camera and he got some cool underwater pictures (including one of himself that he took himself underwater! he! he)
We loved the beauty of trunk bay and it was hard to leave. One the way back to the Port, fruit punch and RUM punch was served. April was pooped and feel asleep on top of some towels.
We went back on the MAGIC to have some lunch, then did alot of shopping close to the port. (didn't take a taxi, just walked a short distance)
Then we got back on the ship to get ready for the Halloween Trick-or-Treat sailaway party.
WHAT A BLAST!!!! Horns of the cruise ships started blowing... they sure were LOUD!!!! then the MAGIC blew it's horn and blew the others away... then the party started!!! Cruella De-Ville and Captian Hook came out.... then lots of Dalmations came on the stage, and danced to "Who let the Dogs Out??!!!!" woo... woo.. woo.. wo!!! c'mon.. .we all sing that song whether we like it or not!!!!.... some of the dalmations passed out candy to the kids... there were alot of nice things given out.... THERE WERE SO MANY UNBELIEVABLE COSTUMES!!! IT WAS LIKE ONE GIGANTIC COSTUME PARTY!!!... then there was a dance on the Stage to the greatest Halloween Song: "THRILLER!!!!"
we went to the show "Who Wants to be a mouseketeer"...and we stayed in our costumes all night. April went to the kids club tonight for the Halloween Party, and Goofy's PJ party. This was the first night Jim and I had dinner by ourselves... and who would have guessed that we chose the "Mickey Mouse Ice cream bars for desert????" So much for romantic dinners!!!
April had a blast in the club that night.... she made a pillowcase, and goofy stopped in for a bit.. she had fun...but she was tired from the long day.... so were we.......
DAY 5 (THURS).... 3RD SEA DAY....
We were happy to have a relaxing day at sea after the buisy day in St. Thomas/St. John. It was VERY rocky today... I woke up early to take a shower, and could barely stand up strate in the shower... and wooopss.... didn't take BONINE until after my shower..... TOOO LATE.... hurled before breakfast.... this was the only time I ever got sick... shame on me!!! Hubby is always the one with the sensitive tummy on rides and I was the only one to get sick.....
I just kept eating and everything was fine after that.
We did the usual, relax, eat, relax eat,swim, see shows....eat... go to Shutters... buy pictures...........
We were bummed that the matinee of Disney Dreams was cancelled. (we were told it was due to the rocky ship)... but I heard another rumer that it was due to the "meditation" in the Walt Disney theatre at the time.
It would have been cool to see it twice.
We really enjoyed the show....even hubby was impressed, and he usually doesn't like plays.
tonight was our 2nd formal night... there were 2-for 1 drinks today... which we thought were a good deal (this was before dinner only)....
Tonight we ate the Lobster tails for dinner....was the first time Jim had lobster. He thought it was just OK.
DAY 6: (FRIDAY) ATTEMPTING TO GET TO CASTAWAY CAY....
Woke up, and went up to Topsiders for Breakfast...what a sight at Deck 9.... Castaway Cay in the distance! Took some pictures... then ate outside on the deck at topsiders..and watched as we edged closer and closer... we were soooo excited.!!!! What a view we had...eating in style.......
then we started backing away... ???????????????????
The captain made the announcement that the waves were rough, and it wasn't quite safe enough to dock yet... and would make annother attempt later.
So, new navigators were passed out, and the evening activiites were switched to the morning so we got the Disembarktion talk out of the way... and the Kids Club play "Discover the Magic" was held early too.... how adorable it was... and the kids got VERY nice T-shirts for participating (April almost immediately stained hers up... thank goodness for shout wipes.)
We had a sit-down lunch at Lumiers then heard the announcement that the Captain had tried a 2nd time to Dock at Castaway, but to no avail.
We were bummed out, but at least it was partly sunny at sea (suppose-adly it had rained most of the day at Castaway Cay according to our server).
We enjoyed the pools on Deck 9, and a Castaway Cay deck party was held with free fruit punch and rum punch to make up for the let-down.
At the farewell Variety Show that night, April started shedding tears and said "I don't want to leave!!!!" I felt the same way as her... but we had one more dinner tonight...at Animator's Palate, our favorite dining room...I was happy we got to eat there 3 times.
After dinner April went to the Oceaneer club for 1 last time, while we did the fun job of packing, and paying our bill (consisting mostly of purchases at Shutters...imagine that....) We gave the counselers little thank you gifts at the Club and they were VERY appreciative. We heard many, many thank yous. They did an awesome job. April was not in there all the time. we wanted to spend time with her too. She enjoyed the activiities, but was rough-housed one day, and she was a little "iffy" after that. One of the counselers told me "We have the best job on the ship...we get to play all day!!!" What a good attitude!
We went to sleep that night feeling very sad......
SATURDAY MORNING...DEBARKING.....
Thank goodness for late seating... breakfast was at 8am in Animators.... we were served very quickly.... and then we grabbed our carry-ons and took one last look at the aetrium, and said good bye to the Disney Magic.
We went to get our luggage, and got quite a suprise... one of our suitcases had a plastic garbage bag tied arround it and we thought the worse.... and it happened... a bottle burst in our bag!!! the smell of tequilla followed us everywhere we went... got a few strange looks at the airport.... SO PACK LIQUER IN YOUR CARRYONS... IT IS QUITE GROSS TO HAVE THAT NASTY SMELL ON YOUR LUGGAGE, AND BELONGINGS... (and the looks from others are quite embarrasing too....)
Took the Disney bus back to the airport... and it was back to MN we go.....
good news.... we booked on-board (for a good deal) and hope to go next Halloween again on the WESTERN cruise if everything goes well.
this was the most fantastic vacation ever immaginable... I am so glad we went... we were debating about cancelling the cruise because this has been a rough year for our family with layoffs and surgery... but the cruise really was a stress reliever.... we will definately be cruising again!!!! love it! love it!
thanks for bearing with me through this long and tedious report... I can't believe I finished it in one sitting!!!
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO POST YOUR QUESTIONS.
THANKS FOR READING.!!!!
Becky
