January 3, 2008 3 Night Wonder

[global_mom]

6 days to go, and departure day does not look good at all. Highs in the 50's and windy, guess no one will be out on deck when we sail. Optimistic that Nassau and CC will be in the 70's.

We've got the parkas ready! Guess we will have to celebrate the sailaway from inside the bar area.

I am having a terrible time packing. The men have it so easy.....DH packed 3 shorts, 4 polos, 2 kakis, 2 button downs and a dinner jacket and he was done. Oh yea, he only needed 2 pair of shoes and some flip flops. I have spent all day agonizing about what to take. I narrowed it way down and still have 5 pairs of shoes! These jan. trips are tough when it is warm for half the time and then cold/cool for the other half of the time. I am going to have to pack a separate duffle bag just for the various coats that will be needed by all 5 of us.

Guess that i had better go sit on my suitcase to try to get it to close....(so much for packing lite)

 

[barney4liz]

Windy, must pack a good hairspray.

GM, I am going to try hard not to overpack this time, but agree that it's hard not to when the weather is iffy. I was trying to limit myself to 2 pairs of shoes. But I need a dressy pair for Palo, something decent for other nights, flip-flops, sneakers. Though I have a pair of Ariat sandals that are also comfy for walking, so they can do double-duty. Maybe I can get away with 3 pairs.

 

[simzac]

5 days to go, and the weather forecast keeps getting worse for our departure day. Windy with a high of 49 is what the weather.com site is saying now. Sunny and 76 when we return though. Nassau is showing 30% chance of rain with a high near 80 the day we are there. This will be my last post before our cruise as we head to HHI early tomorrow morning. Packing was also fun for us as we have never cruised before and the weather forecast looks to be very different over the few days we will be at sea. See you soon, I'll be the one freezing my you know what off on board the Wonder

 

[simzac]

Hi fellow cruisers. Anyone else make it back home yet?

 

[global_mom]

Hi fellow cruisers. Anyone else make it back home yet?

Hi everyone! We just got home, it was a fab trip!! Cant wait to share the details and chat with you guys about the cruise. We booked another one while on board. yea!

So sorry that I did not have a chance to meet any of you, espcially Simzac and Barney4liz as we have "chatted" for the past several months. I had no idea to how to locate you guys and I hated to ask "random strangers" if they participated in the DISboards. people would have thought I was nuts!!

More details tomorrow..... have a good nights sleep (i am still rocking as I sit here typing)
Elizabeth

 

[simzac]

Just a quick note on our cruise before I start work today. Having never cruised before, I had no idea how bad a ship would rock with the rough seas we encountered the first night at sea. To say the least, after seeing Hercules, I spent the rest of that night in bed, never got sick to my stomach, just couldn't keep my head from spinning. Should have took the dramamine sooner than I did, but that's how you learn. Got up the next morning at Nassau still not feeling to good, but vowed to get thru the day as planned. From then on, took dramamine 1 hour before we sailed, and everything was fine. To say the least I went from vowing I would never cruise again after the first night to telling the family that I think we should do a 7 night cruise the next time we do this. Quite a turnaround to say the least. Global mom, I too wondered how to find any of you on board, we should have planned that better, shame on us. I figured I probably saw all of you on board, just didn't know it at the time. I'll add more of our stories in future posts, what a fantastic experience cruising is when done properly. Have a great day everyone.

 

[barney4liz]

Hi everyone!! Maybe we should post pics so we'll know who we passed by without realizing we were acquainted. I also realized too late that we did not plan a real "meet". I have to say, though, that the 3-day cruises are pretty hectic. It's so hard to try to fit everything in. We re-booked another one onboard, but I think we are going to move it further out and try a 7-day. I'm ready for a longer, more relaxing cruise experience and a different itinerary.

That first night was rough! DH, DD, and I were fine -- we also like spinny rides and roller coasters -- but DD's friend was turning at dinner. Got some dramamine in her right away and then she was OK, so we gave her some earlier in the evening on Friday. There were a lot of sick cruisers Thursday night.

What were your dining rotations? We had P-T-A, but only the girls ate dinner at Animators since we were going to Palo. Did anyone else try Palo? We had a wonderful meal.

Did anyone lose money playing bingo? Or perhaps win? I went to the bingo sessions on Friday so I could goodbye to some more money, but did not make it to any of the final sessions on Saturday.

I thought our Castaway Cay day was going to be ruined -- DD woke up Saturday morning feeling ill, and got progressively worse after we got to the beach. I took her back to the ship and spent a couple of hours reading while she slept. At that point, I was sooooo wishing that we had a verandah so I could at least sit outside and fully enjoy the view. Fortunately, she recovered right about the time room service brought my cheeseburger and fries (shhhh, GM, don't tell WW on me ). She ate half of my lunch and then was fine. We went back to CC, and they were able to enjoy the re-scheduled stingray encounter.

We had a great time and saw a lot more of the ship than on our last one. We did the walking tour of the ship on Thursday so the girls could learn their way around, and then the girls and I did the "Art of the Theme Ship" tour which was very interesting.

I'm ready to go on another one!! I think DH is fully hooked now, as I caught him browsing itineraries on Sunday after we got home.

 

[simzac]

I think that the total time we spent with our 2 boys was about 6 hours for the entire cruise, they really had a good time hanging with the other teens in the Aloft and doing all the things the cast members had planned for them. I was one of the sick ones the first night. Our dining rotation was PTA, and I didn't make it to PC the first night, spent it in bed. I was fine the rest of the cruise taking dramamine each time right before we sailed. Lets see, what did I do on the ship after the first day. Went to the shows in the WDT each night, loved all 3 of them. Other than that, I just relaxed. Never went to bingo, nightclubs, or swam in the pools or used the hot tubs. Did attend the DVC meeting on Friday for current owners, they told us that there were 400 DVC members on our cruise, unbelievable. I did eat dinner the 2nd and 3rd nights at Tritons and AP. Our servers were great, on the last night they sang happy birthday to me, even though my birthday is actully tomorrow. DW told them the first night when I was in the cabin sick when my birthday was. That was a special moment I will always remember. Only meals we all ate as a family was the buffett lunch the day we boarded, and then dinner and the following breakfast at AP before we disembarked the ship. Off the ship we all took the harbor cruise in Nassau, then spent the afternoon on the ship. On CC, the boys did the Wild Side, loved it, so glad I signed them up for that. DW got her stones massage that morning in the SPA, she loved that also, earned me some brownie points there I spent the morning at CC on the adult beach camped out in the hammock furtherest down the beach, 3 straight hours with no interuptions, that was heaven DW joined me for lunch at Sernity Bay, then we walked around for about an hour, then went back to the ship to relax some more. Relaxing was my main agenda for this cruise, and I think I succeeded. My top 2 highlights for the cruise were 2nd-viewing CC from the ship, what a truly beautiful sight that island is. And first thing that is embedded in my mind was the morning we arrived at the ship for departure day. Dropped the family and luggage at the designated area, parked the car, then walked back to join them. I was in tears during that short walk, just looking up at the ship, and thinking about how we had finally arrived at the port for our first cruise. It's hard to describe the emotions that were running thru me in those few minutes. Little did I know how much my thoughts would change in the next few hours due to the rough seas we would encounter that first night. Not sure when we will ever be able to cruise again, but if we do, it better be a 7 nighter, and I better take plenty of dramamine. Thanks again to all of you who shared this thread with me over the past several months. I've had a great time getting to know you a little bit, even if I missed out meeting you in person. Best of luck to all of you with your future Disney cruises.

 

[global_mom]

OK Simzac, which one were you at the DVC meeting? We were sitting at a large round booth table and had our 7yo daughter, Parker, with us. Larry was doing the trivia game and when they called our name (The Browns) they did not even ask us a question just had us come pick a prize. Parker went up there and picked a blue DVC pillow which she is still sleeping with. The meeting did not have too much new info. but it was fun to see happy DVC people.

Here is a brief rundown of our adventure: we got to the port at 10:30 to attempt to buy an upgrade. The ship was sold out but we kept trying with no success. All passengers showed up so there were no empty rooms. Had heard that there were over 400 DVCers on board. Low points for that cruise as it falls in DVC value season but it still peak season for those paying cash.

We boarded at 12noon and I got all choked up and teary as I entered the ship. I cant explain why I get so emotional over certain aspects of Disney. Only other "Disney addicts" understand this emotion. My cellphone ring is set to "When you wish upon a star" and that song really gives me chills! Anyway....went to PC for the lunch buffet. Our staterooms were great and peaceful as they were at the end of the hall, no traffic.

The first night was very rough on the kids and DH. They did not get sick but were green all evening. We went to dinner and my anxiety level was high b/c I was so worried that one of the kids would suddenly get sick at the table. Half way thru dinner, a guest walked past our table and got sick on the floor. I thought that there was going to be a huge chain reaction b/c the kids witnessed the incident. Luckily all was well and I put them to bed right after supper.

We did a walking tour of Nassua then enjoyed the ship. CC was the most perfect family day that I can remember in quite some time. The weather was gorgeous and the breeze was amazing. The water was actually warmer than it was last March and the kids swam for hours. I like to set up in the spot that is furthest down the beach just past the bike rentals. This way I can see the children in the water, have a bathroom to my left and a bar to my right. What more could a girl want!!

We booked a 7 night cruise while on board for Jan. 3rd, 2009 but I think that we will change that date. We cant wait another year to cruise again!

Our only disappointment was the food this time around. Palo was perfection but PC and AP were not nearly as good as our last cruise. The buffets were OK but the desserts were dismal. I know that they use 'store bought" for storage purposes but some of them were just yucky tasting even though they looked great. However, we managed not to starve to death and gained 6 pounds in the process (liz, I promise that I will be going back to WW in about 3 weeks!)

We left the ship with tears in our eyes. Our only consolation was that we were headed back to WDW to stay in the Contemporary with a tower theme park view. As an unexpected bonus, we were upgraded to Club level and that was a treat for the children. We had some very minor housekeeping issues with the room and the concierge staff gave us a credit for 50% of our payment. Talk about unexpected pixie dust!

Well, it has been great to be a part of this thread and I am so happy that everyone had a super trip. And as they say on the ship....'till we meet again!!
Elizabeth

 

[global_mom]

OK Simzac, which one were you at the DVC meeting? We were sitting at a large round booth table and had our 7yo daughter, Parker, with us. Larry was doing the trivia game and when they called our name (The Browns) they did not even ask us a question just had us come pick a prize. Parker went up there and picked a blue DVC pillow which she is still sleeping with. The meeting did not have too much new info. but it was fun to see happy DVC people.

Here is a brief rundown of our adventure: we got to the port at 10:30 to attempt to buy an upgrade. The ship was sold out but we kept trying with no success. All passengers showed up so there were no empty rooms. Had heard that there were over 400 DVCers on board. Low points for that cruise as it falls in DVC value season but it still peak season for those paying cash.

We boarded at 12noon and I got all choked up and teary as I entered the ship. I cant explain why I get so emotional over certain aspects of Disney. Only other "Disney addicts" understand this emotion. My cellphone ring is set to "When you wish upon a star" and that song really gives me chills! Anyway....went to PC for the lunch buffet. Our staterooms were great and peaceful as they were at the end of the hall, no traffic.

The first night was very rough on the kids and DH. They did not get sick but were green all evening. We went to dinner and my anxiety level was high b/c I was so worried that one of the kids would suddenly get sick at the table. Half way thru dinner, a guest walked past our table and got sick on the floor. I thought that there was going to be a huge chain reaction b/c the kids witnessed the incident. Luckily all was well and I put them to bed right after supper.

We did a walking tour of Nassua then enjoyed the ship. CC was the most perfect family day that I can remember in quite some time. The weather was gorgeous and the breeze was amazing. The water was actually warmer than it was last March and the kids swam for hours. I like to set up in the spot that is furthest down the beach just past the bike rentals. This way I can see the children in the water, have a bathroom to my left and a bar to my right. What more could a girl want!!

We booked a 7 night cruise while on board for Jan. 3rd, 2009 but I think that we will change that date. We cant wait another year to cruise again!

Our only disappointment was the food this time around. Palo was perfection but PC and AP were not nearly as good as our last cruise. The buffets were OK but the desserts were dismal. I know that they use 'store bought" for storage purposes but some of them were just yucky tasting even though they looked great. However, we managed not to starve to death and gained 6 pounds in the process (liz, I promise that I will be going back to WW in about 3 weeks!)

We left the ship with tears in our eyes. Our only consolation was that we were headed back to WDW to stay in the Contemporary with a tower theme park view. As an unexpected bonus, we were upgraded to Club level and that was a treat for the children. We had some very minor housekeeping issues with the room and the concierge staff gave us a credit for 50% of our payment. Talk about unexpected pixie dust!

Well, it has been great to be a part of this thread and I am so happy that everyone had a super trip. And as they say on the ship....'till we meet again!!
Elizabeth

 

[simzac]

DW and myself sat at a table in the center of the room at the DVC meeting. We were the next to last people to win a prize. I think I remember your daughter going up to get the pillow. Sure wish I could have met you, sounds like you had a great trip Global Mom. Now I'm really glad I skipped dinner that first night if people were throwing up in the restaurant.

 

[global_mom]

DW and myself sat at a table in the center of the room at the DVC meeting. We were the next to last people to win a prize. I think I remember your daughter going up to get the pillow. Sure wish I could have met you, sounds like you had a great trip Global Mom. Now I'm really glad I skipped dinner that first night if people were throwing up in the restaurant.

 

[barney4liz]

Global Mom, is your name really Elizabeth Brown?? 'Cause that's my name, too!!

And we were right where you were on CC -- facing the water, we were just to the left of the bathrooms, with the bar off to the right. DH and my DD's friend were there most of the day (while I took DD back to ship b/c she was ill). Middle-aged guy reading a book, 12 y.o. girl with long dark hair also reading a book? They did a lot of reading waiting for DD to recuperate.

Did everyone love how they played "hi-ho, hi-ho, it's off to work we go" at debarkation? That's just cruel!!

Simzac, now that you know what to expect you will have no problems on the next one -- dramamine is your friend. Thank you for keeping our online-meet going.

 

[barney4liz]

The buffets were OK but the desserts were dismal. I know that they use 'store bought" for storage purposes but some of them were just yucky tasting even though they looked great.

Totally agree. The biggest disappointment was waiting in line for the Pirate dessert buffet and finding most of it inedible. Even the two girls who will eat most anything sweet found those desserts unpalatable. I liked the desserts we had at the restaurants. My meal at Triton's was very good, PC was OK but didn't knock my socks off, and DH and I did not eat at AP but the girls really enjoyed eating there by themselves like adults. We had two wonderful women servers, Pearl and Paty, and they were super nice to the girls that last evening.

I missed eating at Cookie's due to DD's illness. I remember having a very tasty grilled fish sandwich there on the previous cruise. Another reason to go back.

GM, what itinerary are you looking at for your next one? I would love to try the 7-day Western, or one of the double-dips. We are currently booked for another 3-night in November '09 (my 50th!) but DH has his 50th earlier in the year so we may give ourselves a joint present and do a 7-night in the summer.

 

[barney4liz]

Now I'm really glad I skipped dinner that first night if people were throwing up in the restaurant.

It was pretty bad. I walked to the ladies' room with DD's friend, and some poor woman came flying in and upchucked in the trash can and then again in the sink.

There were green people hanging out in that sitting area right outside the WDT -- the servers in the theatre were walking around asking folks how they were doing.

I'm really glad the last two nights were smooth!

 

[global_mom]

Global Mom, is your name really Elizabeth Brown?? 'Cause that's my name, too!!

And we were right where you were on CC -- facing the water, we were just to the left of the bathrooms, with the bar off to the right. DH and my DD's friend were there most of the day (while I took DD back to ship b/c she was ill). Middle-aged guy reading a book, 12 y.o. girl with long dark hair also reading a book? They did a lot of reading waiting for DD to recuperate.

Did everyone love how they played "hi-ho, hi-ho, it's off to work we go" at debarkation? That's just cruel!!

Simzac, now that you know what to expect you will have no problems on the next one -- dramamine is your friend. Thank you for keeping our online-meet going.

My name is Elizabeth Brown. That is just too funny that we share the same name, what a hoot! Your DH was just a few feet away! Too bad that I did not know who you wer b/c my DS12 got a little bored playing with his sisters and would have loved some conversation with another 12yo. What a small world!

And also my thanks to Simzac for leading the thread.

I missed "hiho hiho" when we were leaving. I was so bummed to get off the ship that I was in a daze. I want to go back right now!!

 

[global_mom]

Totally agree. The biggest disappointment was waiting in line for the Pirate dessert buffet and finding most of it inedible. Even the two girls who will eat most anything sweet found those desserts unpalatable. I liked the desserts we had at the restaurants. My meal at Triton's was very good, PC was OK but didn't knock my socks off, and DH and I did not eat at AP but the girls really enjoyed eating there by themselves like adults. We had two wonderful women servers, Pearl and Paty, and they were super nice to the girls that last evening.

I missed eating at Cookie's due to DD's illness. I remember having a very tasty grilled fish sandwich there on the previous cruise. Another reason to go back.

GM, what itinerary are you looking at for your next one? I would love to try the 7-day Western, or one of the double-dips. We are currently booked for another 3-night in November '09 (my 50th!) but DH has his 50th earlier in the year so we may give ourselves a joint present and do a 7-night in the summer.

Maybe they had a new food manager of something b/c the food was definately not as good as last year. When my kids wont eat dessert then you know something is wrong with the food! Cookie's was good. of course, they could feed me dogfood on CC and the ambiance would more that make up for it.

We booked the Jan. 3, 2009 St. Croix itinerary. The western is what I really want to do b/c it has 3 ports other than CC. St. Croix only has 2 ports and then 3 days at sea. That seems like alot of time at sea when we are paying big money. DH thinks 3 days at sea is ideal so we may keep the ressie that we have in place. Crazy things like work and school get in my way of vacationing as much as i would like but I guess that I should not complain.

Have ya'll picked your next itinerary and date? It is soooo addictive!

 

[barney4liz]

Maybe they had a new food manager of something b/c the food was definately not as good as last year. When my kids wont eat dessert then you know something is wrong with the food! Cookie's was good. of course, they could feed me dogfood on CC and the ambiance would more that make up for it.

We booked the Jan. 3, 2009 St. Croix itinerary. The western is what I really want to do b/c it has 3 ports other than CC. St. Croix only has 2 ports and then 3 days at sea. That seems like alot of time at sea when we are paying big money. DH thinks 3 days at sea is ideal so we may keep the ressie that we have in place. Crazy things like work and school get in my way of vacationing as much as i would like but I guess that I should not complain.

Have ya'll picked your next itinerary and date? It is soooo addictive!

We haven't settled on anything, other than 7 days somewhere. DD and I have never been to Mexico, nor have we been to Key West, so would like to visit those ports. I wish we could travel during one of the less-expensive times, but it's hard when they are in school.

 

[EDuke98080]

Hey everyone! Wish we could have met you all. We too were not feeling all so great - my poor daughter was GREEN! We all took our sea calm pills and used sea bands but are still feeling the rockin... People I've talked to say it takes a good three days to stop being dizzy. We are DVC also but didn't make it to the meeting... Loved Castaway Cay, did anyone else go to the adults only beach? It was so peaceful and beautiful. Last cruise no one got sick but this time we all came off the ship saying could we really handle 7 days of dizziness and sick stomachs? Our dining rotation was PTA but we ate at Palo on our T nite. Our servers were Nino and Sutar, they were excellent. The shows were awesome but lost at Bingo the first nite and never made it back to play again. I also thought that the food was better last cruise, especially the desserts. We went on the glass bottom boat tour at CC at 11:15Am, that was really interesting. They were filming for on ship info...so maybe we'll be on the TV next time we sail (If we get over the stomach trauma!) Happy cruisin' keep posting!

 

[simzac]

Hey everyone! Wish we could have met you all. We too were not feeling all so great - my poor daughter was GREEN! We all took our sea calm pills and used sea bands but are still feeling the rockin... People I've talked to say it takes a good three days to stop being dizzy. We are DVC also but didn't make it to the meeting... Loved Castaway Cay, did anyone else go to the adults only beach? It was so peaceful and beautiful. Last cruise no one got sick but this time we all came off the ship saying could we really handle 7 days of dizziness and sick stomachs? Our dining rotation was PTA but we ate at Palo on our T nite. Our servers were Nino and Sutar, they were excellent. The shows were awesome but lost at Bingo the first nite and never made it back to play again. I also thought that the food was better last cruise, especially the desserts. We went on the glass bottom boat tour at CC at 11:15Am, that was really interesting. They were filming for on ship info...so maybe we'll be on the TV next time we sail (If we get over the stomach trauma!) Happy cruisin' keep posting!

We too have experienced post cruising wooziness. New feeling to say the least. I spent 3 hours the morning at CC in the last hammock furthurest down the beach at Serenity Bay, one of my hilights for the week. Having never cruised before, the food for us was very good. Didn't have anything from the past to compare it to. We also were on the 8:30 PTA dining schedule, our servers were Stoyonov and Alex, both were terrific. And our state room host was super also, man do the CM's on the ship work hard. Have a great day everyone.