Just Back From 10/12 Western!!!

[alexandrew]

Had an amazing time! Although weather forced us to skip Grand Cayman, we didn't mind...

The ship has never looked better, with no visible signs of wear and tear that I could see...

Please see my trip report soon...

Thanks for all of your help in answering my questions!

Jeff

 

[Dave_from_Marietta]

The word we got was that when you skipped Grand Cayman, you docked at Cozumel an extra night. Is this true? Was anybody allowed onshore during that evening?

 

[MO64RN]

Yes Dave, It is true. We docked in Cozumel that same night we bypassed GC. Per the cruise director the Captain went full throttle as opposed to Celebrity which didn't reach Cozumel until Wednesday morning. We left GC at the same time.

Passengers were allowed to go ashore when we were cleared by customs at approx 10:30 PM. I think a lot of the crew went ashore as well. As DH and I reboarded we saw a lot of people coming out. Several stores were open as they knew ahead that the magic would be docking ahead of schedule.

 

[alexandrew]

I heard from some of the CM's that they partied long into the night at Coz....Good for them, they deserve it!!!

 

[JODIELYN]

Just curious... what does it mean when you bypass because of weather??? Too high of winds to dock???

Hope this doesn't happen on our 12/7 Western.... i would hate to miss our shore excursions...

Jodie

 

[KLDESQ]

I've got a question for your guys: How did Disney handle your shore excursions on GC? I am hoping that they didn't make you pay for them when they couldn't stop at the dock. Please let me know, as we are on the Western 11/9 and am curious what to expect if we encounter bad weather.

I booked shore excursions directly through DCL since I believe (please correct me if I am wrong) that if they don't go to the scheduled location, you don't have to pay. Am I right?

Kyle

 

[AnnMorin]

Jodie I know that Captian Marvins will not charge us if we are unable to come to grand cayman. I asked in advance. But I agree that would stink as I am really looking forward to the stingrays!

 

[ppiew]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think in GC they anchor out (can't dock) and you have to be tendered in to shore. I am shore that high seas would most definitely impact on that arrangement.

 

[alexandrew]

Jim, the Cruise Director, explained that all tender services were cancelled. Therefore, we couldn't "dock".

As for the handling of shore excursion refunds, I'm not sure, since we didn't book any...

 

[tigerhoo]

Hello,

I'm on the 11/9 Western. Some of the recent posts say the dress code for Lumiere has gone casual (except for formal and semi-formal nights).

Is that true?

Any info is appreciated. Thanks.

 

[alexandrew]

Well, to our satisfaction, both formal and semi-formal nights on APLAPLA rotation were in Lumieres, which seemed appropriate...

On casual nights, speaking on behalf of the guys, I'm sure you would look fine in dress pants or khakis, and a dress shirt...

I must say that on this cruise, our fellow passengers were dressed VERY well for formal and semi formal nights (some men in dark suits or tuxes, and quite a few women in the sparkly stuff)

 

[tigerhoo]

Hi Alexandrew,

Thanks for your reply. Glad you had such a good time. I'm just hoping we have good weather and the ship isn't too rocky when we go.

With my luck, I'm going to get the LAPLAPL rotation, so if Lumiere's is formal, with the 2 formal nights and Palo's, I may end up having to dress formal every night.

I thought I had enough sparkly outfits, but now I'm not sure.

Is there anyone else out there who had a rotation other than APLAPLA? Still wondering if Lumiere's has gone casual.

Thanks. GO GIANTS!!

 

[Lumiere999]

We booked our Grand Cayman excursions through Disney and they just credited our account. You did not need to go down to Guest Services...it just showed up as a credit on your final bill.

We were also given a credit on the port charges for GC. I think it was a little over $11 per person.

I also thought people were dressed beautifully for Formal and Semi-Formal nights.

We had a wonderful time. I honestly cannot think of one complaint about the whole trip. I can't wait to do it again!!!

 

[alexandrew]

Lumiere,

Thanks for the info. I was wondering what that $45.00+ credit was for...

 

[quackattack]

I am glad you all had a good trip & got back safely.
We are next on the Western.
Any suggestions for great places to eat in Cozumel?

 

[alexandrew]

As I mentioned in my trip report, Pancho's Backyard was incredible. The best, freshest Mexican food I've ever eaten... Also the cleanest restrooms...from what I heard from people in restaurant biz clean restrooms=clean kitchen.

Pancho's is located at the far end of the shopping street, and is one of the recommended restaurants on the shopping info Navigator for Cozumel...

 

[Dave_from_Marietta]

Originally posted by JODIELYN

Just curious... what does it mean when you bypass because of weather??? Too high of winds to dock???

Tropical Depression 14 was centered on Grand Cayman on the day the Magic was scheduled to visit. TD14 never developed into a tropical storm... it was absorbed into a cold front the next day, but a tropical depression certainly causes unpleasant weather directly in its path while it's still active. It would have been a disappointing day at Grand Cayman even if they were able to visit there.

 

[Canigo]

Disney credited everyone 44 dollars for a family of four because we didnt dock in cc for port charges

 

[KMovies]

I must say that when we heard about the upcoming weather (just a few hours after they tested the ships stablizers), I expect rough times ahead. Although they were some big waves - the ship was pretty stable. For the most part, the calmest of all of my cruises. Especially around Key West - no movement whatsoever. The weather was still nice when we were in the area of Grand Cayman. The storm had stalled and wasn't expected to hit until 4:30 that afternoon. The tenders had been cancelled. If this was a port that the ship could dock in - I am sure we would have. The captain may have made it a short day to avoid the late afternoon.

The cruise was so Magical! So much has changed in the 2 years between my 7-day cruises. Even though it was basically the same shows - they do get reworked. Hercules always has some new bits. Morty was completely redone following the original. The farewell variety show had new touches. The character kiss goodbye at the end of the cruise was redone. And the staff was simply the best. Ian was the best pirate ever for Walk the Plank. Robin and April were great calling Bingo and being the Bingo Bunny.

Just a great time - the 3 and 4 day cruises are Wonderful - but the 7 day cruises give some much more time to bond with the crew. It's really amazing ... scratch that - magical!