Just back from Fantasy - wow!

[Tiger926]

Just got off the Western itinerary yesterday morning, so wanted to post a quick review of our trip.

What we loved:

- perfect weather
- amazing service, especially our servers and stateroom host
- shows
- Aquaduck, Aqualab and Nemo's Reef
- attention to detail on ship
- characters everywhere!
- Castaway Cay
- seeing Brave in the theatre
- Cat. 9B Deluxe Oceanview stateroom with huge porthole window on Deck 2. Loved deck 2!!!
- mini golf
- relaxing on deck 4 and playing shuffleboard


Neutral:

- kids did not care for kids club at all, as it was very busy and chaotic (wish they would have given it a better chance as awesome activities planned and great character interaction)

- despite having lots of characters, they were only out for very short periods of time, and this caused some sadness with the kids at times.


Need for improvement:

- pools are ridiculously small and not really useable

- food was not that great in terms of menu selection and variety. Animator's Palate and Royal Court had same children's menu 2 nights in a row! Too much fast food, small room service menu and should have juice available as not everyone drinks pop

- Costa Maya is not really an appropriate family friendly environment with 2 bars there and a huge emphasis on drinking (half naked lady was pouring shots down a guy's throat). We also were on some special itinerary in which we docked at Costa Maya from 1:00 pm until 1:00 am. The last email I received from Disney a few days before still mentioned a short Costa Maya stop, so not sure why the change?

- must book excursions as there really isn't much to see, although we did really enjoy walking around Cozumel. Bonus was that we were back on ship early, and had it to ourselves!

- more family activities on ship as we don't karaoke nor play bingo



We received our awesome Dreams gift basket, as well as Castaway Club backpack (but it was missing lanyards, so they delivered those later), as well as DVC goodies all week.

My daughter's favourite thing was dressing up for dinner each night, and seeing our amazing servers. Incredible service and interaction with the kids!

We booked a placeholder cruise and will cruise again in 2014 as it was a great experience.

Please feel free to ask any questions! Tiger

 

[jilljill]

We received our awesome Dreams gift basket, as well as Castaway Club backpack (but it was missing lanyards, so they delivered those later), as well as DVC goodies all week.

YOu should have received the lanyards when you checked in, they are not included with the CC gift that is left in your cabin.

 

[Tiger926]

YOu should have received the lanyards when you checked in, they are not included with the CC gift that is left in your cabin.

Thanks. Thought they were in backpack, and Guest Services told us they should have been there too.

Not sure what happened, but we got them and DVC ones that we used all throughout the cruise.

Tiger

 

[camtheriot]

Thanks for the review!! I'm really glad to hear you liked you deck 2 9B cabin... You mentioned that the porthole is "extra large"... I have been stressing because from what I've Read on DCL website... The deck 2 cabins have a porthole that is smaller than the ones on the higher decks. Your posts
Gives me hope!!!
Would you happen to hve any pics of your cabin that you can post ?? Thanks so much!!!

 

[Silverfox97]

We also were on some special itinerary in which we docked at Costa Maya from 1:00 pm until 1:00 am. The last email I received from Disney a few days before still mentioned a short Costa Maya stop, so not sure why the change?

They do this for the crew - its a reward. We were on a double dip where we stayed docked at Nassau until 2am & the best head server we've ever had in 6 cruises (Wayne from South Africa) said it was something special done to reward the crew.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[Magic3forme]

Glad you had a great time!! We did the Western in June and share alot of your opinions. ( We didnt get off in CM.. it was downpouring the whole time.)

 

[shburks]

Good review. We were just on the Eastern about two weeks ago, and I mostly agree with you...except the on-board activities. We found lots to do...trivia games, magic shows, juggling, etc. We didn't play Bingo or do karaoke either and found lots interesting on the Navigators every day.

 

[sue]

Thanks. Thought they were in backpack, and Guest Services told us they should have been there too.

Not sure what happened, but we got them and DVC ones that we used all throughout the cruise.

Tiger

interested in knowing if you booked using some DVC points? We have a cruise on the Fantasy coming up in November and used points for the 3rd and 4th persons. We paid cash for 1st and 2nd persons. What kind of DVC gifts did you receive?

 

[Tiger926]

Thanks for the review!! I'm really glad to hear you liked you deck 2 9B cabin... You mentioned that the porthole is "extra large"... I have been stressing because from what I've Read on DCL website... The deck 2 cabins have a porthole that is smaller than the ones on the higher decks. Your posts
Gives me hope!!!
Would you happen to hve any pics of your cabin that you can post ?? Thanks so much!!!

Sorry, I have thousands of photos, but they are still in my laptop, and I can't post right now.

These portholes are a bit smaller (as we could see from outside of ship), but both of my very long children fit in them just fine. My DD is as big as me, and she loved it. My hubby sat it in as well!

They do this for the crew - its a reward. We were on a double dip where we stayed docked at Nassau until 2am & the best head server we've ever had in 6 cruises (Wayne from South Africa) said it was something special done to reward the crew.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

Interesting to know. Thanks.

Glad you had a great time!! We did the Western in June and share alot of your opinions. ( We didnt get off in CM.. it was downpouring the whole time.)

We were lucky considering that Tropical Storm Isaac is lashing out there, that we had perfect weather.

Good review. We were just on the Eastern about two weeks ago, and I mostly agree with you...except the on-board activities. We found lots to do...trivia games, magic shows, juggling, etc. We didn't play Bingo or do karaoke either and found lots interesting on the Navigators every day.

These activities were during times we were doing other things. There were periods like I said, where they were in between character greets or no movies in theatre because of bingo. We had a few periods during sea days where everything we wanted to do was packed and crowded, and when we actually checked Navigator and highlighted stuff, we noticed the gaps in programming during those times.

interested in knowing if you booked using some DVC points? We have a cruise on the Fantasy coming up in November and used points for the 3rd and 4th persons. We paid cash for 1st and 2nd persons. What kind of DVC gifts did you receive?

No, as using points is way too costly, plus restrictive cancellation policies with points, IMHO. We paid cash for the cruise.

We received the following gifts (keep in mind, if there is a glitch like with us, and they don't know you are DVC, you have to visit the desk or attend a DVC presentation): lanyards, Aulani litho, 2 folios, sticker tatoos for kids, car decal, pin, hats and bag.

Tiger

 

[DreamGirl90]

- Costa Maya is not really an appropriate family friendly environment with 2 bars there and a huge emphasis on drinking (half naked lady was pouring shots down a guy's throat). We also were on some special itinerary in which we docked at Costa Maya from 1:00 pm until 1:00 am. The last email I received from Disney a few days before still mentioned a short Costa Maya stop, so not sure why the change?

As someone posted, I know they occasionally do that as a reward for the crew. It's too bad they can't make it a regular thing as a reward to the guests! Four and a half hours, and that's if you push the limits, is not a worthwhile amount of time to be in Costa Maya. There are some great non-Disney diving, snorkeling and fishing excursions available too far away to risk trying to get to and back without missing the ship. People are forced into roaming around town or doing one of the standard excursions. It's no wonder so many say DCL should skip Costa Maya and find a better port. It isn't wonderland, but there is more to see and experience that DCL's port time does not allow. With so short a time there, I agree that they should switch to some other port, and with more time!

 

[Tiger926]

As someone posted, I know they occasionally do that as a reward for the crew. It's too bad they can't make it a regular thing as a reward to the guests! Four and a half hours, and that's if you push the limits, is not a worthwhile amount of time to be in Costa Maya. There are some great non-Disney diving, snorkeling and fishing excursions available too far away to risk trying to get to and back without missing the ship. People are forced into roaming around town or doing one of the standard excursions. It's no wonder so many say DCL should skip Costa Maya and find a better port. It isn't wonderland, but there is more to see and experience that DCL's port time does not allow. With so short a time there, I agree that they should switch to some other port, and with more time!

Yup, we agree as there are some great excursions (from what we heard) on Costa Maya, but not enough time to do it, so this extended itinerary allowed for that.

Guests didn't really know about it though, so CD Brent was making announcements the night before about excursions still being available for the late afternoon and we were confused as Navigators weren't out yet which had the extended time listed in there.

We didn't book any excursions this trip, as our child still sits in a harnessed car seat, so didn't want to risk having safety issues.

For Grand Cayman and Costa Maya, you must book excursions though, as there is nothing to do for those of us with young kids, except for bars and shops. Our kids were so disappointed that they didn't see one beach all week, until we got to Castaway.

We now know from others on board, some of the good excursions to book for next time.

Tiger

 

[DizzyFORDisney]

I agree with all of your observations!

We were on the same sailing....also on deck 2!! (we had the crazy-decorated doors 2512 and 2514)

Very sad to be back to reality......

 

[Tiger926]

I agree with all of your observations!

We were on the same sailing....also on deck 2!! (we had the crazy-decorated doors 2512 and 2514)

Very sad to be back to reality......

Cool! Glad you enjoyed yourselves.

We didn't see many decorated doors at all. The one next to ours was very decorated, but that was it in our hallway (we were 2036).

Tiger

 

[momto2redheadgirls]

We sailed at the beginning of August and were in 2038. We LOVED it down there. It was so easy to get to everything!! Deck 2 definately ROCKS!!

 

[Euphscott]

For Grand Cayman and Costa Maya, you must book excursions though, as there is nothing to do for those of us with young kids, except for bars and shops. Our kids were so disappointed that they didn't see one beach all week, until we got to Castaway.Tiger

That's unfortunate you missed out - Grand Cayman has 7 Mile beach - easily reached by taxi or even city bus - and a short taxi ride (or a long walk) to Majahual at Costa Maya takes you to 2 very nice beaches. No excursions required for those ports to enjoy inexpensive beach days.

 

[Tiger926]

That's unfortunate you missed out - Grand Cayman has 7 Mile beach - easily reached by taxi or even city bus - and a short taxi ride (or a long walk) to Majahual at Costa Maya takes you to 2 very nice beaches. No excursions required for those ports to enjoy inexpensive beach days.

Thanks, but if we can't walk, then it's an excursion, as we have a little guy who still is in a car seat.

We aren't comfortable taking a city bus, as we have no idea where we are going, and as for walking in Costa Maya, no thanks.

We discovered we were in an armed fortress of sorts, as we noticed near the taxi/shuttle pick up area, armed guards, and a fenced in area where we were with guards there as well. Didn't like any part of that whatsoever, so we absolutely would never walk into an unknown area, especially with young kids.

I did research the ports, so knew that we probably wouldn't see much at the ports, but things looked a bit different online. I didn't see any reports of just how busy Grand Cayman is (kids hated it and didn't feel safe with cars zipping back and forth), and as for Costa Maya, I read on here that so many people skip it as it's normally a very short port day (I can see why), so I wasn't expecting much there, but seeing it in person just left us feeling unsettled.

Next time, we will register for some excursions, Tiger

 

[ilovetexas]

Just got off the Western itinerary yesterday morning, so wanted to post a quick review of our trip.

We booked a placeholder cruise and will cruise again in 2014 as it was a great experience.

Please feel free to ask any questions! Tiger

When you go back, eat at Remy. Best. Meal. Ever.

They do this for the crew - its a reward. We were on a double dip where we stayed docked at Nassau until 2am & the best head server we've ever had in 6 cruises (Wayne from South Africa) said it was something special done to reward the crew.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

I believe that! We didn't leave Costa Maya until midnight and I told DH that on a DCL ship there wouldn't be any problems with pier runners that time of night. Oh, was I wrong. We could hear the crew hooting and hollering running to the ship at midnight. We stepped out on the balcony to watch them make their way back and it was obvious they had enjoyed their "liberty".

 

[sammatt]

For Grand Cayman and Costa Maya, you must book excursions though, as there is nothing to do for those of us with young kids, except for bars and shops. Our kids were so disappointed that they didn't see one beach all week, until we got to Castaway.

Hmmm...we have been to Grand Cayman several times and just take a taxi to 7 mile beach. It's beautiful, there is a restroom, and shaded areas for sitting. Cheap, easy, and beautiful!

 

[madscrapper]

We aren't comfortable taking a city bus, as we have no idea where we are going, and as for walking in Costa Maya, no thanks.

We discovered we were in an armed fortress of sorts, as we noticed near the taxi/shuttle pick up area, armed guards, and a fenced in area where we were with guards there as well. Didn't like any part of that whatsoever, so we absolutely would never walk into an unknown area, especially with young kids.

I'm sorry - but I must disagree. We were on the same cruise and while yes, the port is fenced in, it is not an armed fortress. You can simply choose to stay at port or take a taxi from the port or walk out and catch a taxi from a taxi stand outside the pier. We went into Mahahual via taxi - with seat belts. While this may have been your impression, please do not pass it off as fact. If you are not comfortable in foreign settings, that's your comfort zone. But to call a perfectly safe area an armed fortress is a bit of an exaggeration and misleading to others.

 

[Tiger926]

Hmmm...we have been to Grand Cayman several times and just take a taxi to 7 mile beach. It's beautiful, there is a restroom, and shaded areas for sitting. Cheap, easy, and beautiful!

As I said, we have a little guy who needs a harnessed car seat, so no taxi for us. We considered anywhere other than walking distance to be an excursion, so we chose not to go anywhere except directly in port.

I'm sorry - but I must disagree. We were on the same cruise and while yes, the port is fenced in, it is not an armed fortress. You can simply choose to stay at port or take a taxi from the port or walk out and catch a taxi from a taxi stand outside the pier. We went into Mahahual via taxi - with seat belts. While this may have been your impression, please do not pass it off as fact. If you are not comfortable in foreign settings, that's your comfort zone. But to call a perfectly safe area an armed fortress is a bit of an exaggeration and misleading to others.

That is your impression, and ours upon first glance was several armed guards standing behind a closed fenced in area. We were all uncomfortable, and didn't like what we saw at all and we felt as if we were being protected behind an armed fortress.

That is great that you took a taxi into another area, but first impressions speak volumes. We didn't like what we saw, and didn't feel safe, so we went back on ship.

I am not trying to mislead anyone, as I said we didn't actually go out and investigate the area. I gave my impression of what we saw upon entering Costa Maya. Didn't like the bars, armed guards and fenced in area whatsoever.

And I would disagree that an area is perfectly safe with armed guards and a fenced in area/guarded gate. Neither Grand Cayman, nor Cozumel had either of these, nor did they have signs that said Level 1 Security Zone upon first entering the area.

Glad you had a great time once you ventured out, but first impressions in a foreign setting are important in setting a comfort and safety zone as that is all one has the first time one visits a place, and we did not like what we saw, nor the atmosphere of the place.

Not trying to dissuade others from visiting Costa Maya, but the artificial port area that they created was not to our liking whatsoever, as it made us feel uncomfortable and unsafe.

Walked around Cozumel and Grand Cayman with no problems, as they were just different than the Costa Maya port experience.

Tiger