Just Back!! November 3rd-10th Western Cruise report

[roliepolieoliefan]

1st day!! It was DH, myself, DS (9) and DD (4). We haven't cruised DCL in 7 years but frequent the parks.

Idiot me put the luggage tags on the suitcases even though we weren't taking DCL transportation. After some confusion, since our bags never got to baggage claim, we were off with Sunrise Tours to the port. Great town car and driver. Only $140.00 r/t from MCO.

Because we wasted 1/2 hour trying to figure out about our luggage we were in the 10th group to board. We got pics with Mickey and before you know it were on the ship. The kids were so excited. I ran to change our dining rotation, immediately upon boarding, no problem, got 5:30pm. I packed swimsuits but it was chilly. The kids swam anyhow though for a little while. We had some lunch by the pool and then our room was ready. 6118. I missed the Dis Meet by the pool at 3pm, due to overexcited kids wanting to see the ship, so I never did get to meet anyone.

We went to the drill. This didn't take long. It was funny to see everyone walking around in their lifejackets.

The sailing away party was fun. DS and I were dancing , having a good old time. Poor DD fell asleep at one of the tables with DH waiting for the party to start, she missed the whole thing. She woke up to walk back to the room and get ready for dinner.

Our servers, Leo and Bomin were the absolute best! And we had the best rotation, AP the 1st night, so Parrot Cay for Pirate night and Luminere's for formal night. The boat was a little rocky the 1st night. It wasn't too too bad, but I felt like I had too much to drink and didn't drink anything. It was difficult to walk at times.

The kids were dying to go to the clubs, so DH and I dropped them off and explored the ship some more. We picked them up in a couple hours, which they weren't happy about, but DH and I were tired and wanted to go to bed.

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

Day 2- Key West

We had our character breakfast at 8am. I thought as well as the kids that it was alot of fun. No the characters didn't go table to table but the kids (even the 9yo) had fun dancing around with them.

We really had nothing planned for this day. We got off the ship about 1:30. It was windy but the weather was in the high 70's and sunny.

We walked around, toured the Pirate museum (kids loved it) and walked to the Southern most point for pics. The boat races were going on so there was a big parade. We got to see the Clysdales and the huge expensive race boats. The people on the boats threw beads, so DD came back to the ship with about 10 sets of different colored beads.

We got back just in time for dinner. We took the kids to their dinner. Great service again, loved Leo and Bomine. DH and I had something light, because we had Palo reservations at 8pm.

After the kids ate, DH and I got ready for dinner We dropped the kids off at the club and lab and off we went. We got a table at the window. Carmen was our server. DH and I both got the filet. It was excellent. DH and I walked around a little then went to get the kids. DD came with us, DS wanted to stay at the lab. We took DD back put her to bed, then DH went back later for DS.

We all had a great, but exhausting 2nd day .

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

Day 3- At Sea

We slept in a little. Got up about 8am. Grabbed something light for breakfast at the buffet and hit the pool. Of course all the loungers by the Mickey pool were gone but it actually only took me 1/2 hour to find one after someone left. The weather was good. Windy but sunny and warm.

We stayed at the Mickey pool until about 1pm. DS wanted to go to the Goofy pool but it was ridiculously crowded, way more then the Mickey pool. So he stayed with us. We ate lunch at Topsiders, peel and eat shrimp and salad, yummy, . We dropped the kids off at the club and lab, then DH and I went to the Margarita tasting. It was fun, but way too much alcohol for so early in the day (and I love my tequila). I was a little tipsy, after 3 shots of tequila and 2 margaritas but it was alot of fun .

We picked the kids up and all took a little nap. Got up and ready for dinner. Its formal night. DH and DS wore their suits and DD and I wore fancy dresses. We got our pics taken before dinner. The dinner and service was excellent again.

After dinner we changed and took the kids to the club and lab. The Steelers were on Monday Night football. We all dressed in our Steeler gear (kids included). DH and I went to Diversions to watch the game. The Steelers pounded the Ravens (of course ) 38-7. Its all good. Had a great time. There was some other Steeler fans there and the Ravens fans left early.

We picked the kids up . I found out there is a girl frm Pittsburgh who works in the Oceaneers club. She seen DD with her Steeler shirt on and asked her if she was from Pittsburgh. DS was happy the Steelers won, and of course though he didn't want to leave the lab.

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

Day 4- Grand Cayman

We woke up to a cloudy, drizzly day. We were doing the Pirate Encounter at 11 :45am.

We went to Topsiders for breakfast, then relaxed and took the tender about 10:45am to shore. DH and I were in Grand Cayman many years ago and boy has it changed since we've been there and not for the good. Almost reminded me of Jamaica.

The excursion meeting place was at the dock. It started later then it was supposed to. Then when it finally did, the lady who starts it , gives us this long winded story about Grand Cayman history. Maybe some people enjoy this, but my kids attention spans are 30 seconds. They were beyond bored. Then it starts pouring, but that was kind of a good thing because it halted the history lesson.

The boat finally comes and it takes us to the Pirate ship. Its rocky and my belly is feeling queasy. We get on the Pirate ship and its really not alot better. ( I knew I shouldn't have eaten breakfast) When we finally get started it gets better, The "Pirates" make the kids swab the deck and pour water on them because they aren't doing a good job. The kids liked it, even my 4 yo was into it. Then some unsuspecting dad was tied with roap and had cold water poured on his head.

They cruise past the DCL and "shoot" at it. Cute! Then we went to a part in the ocean where everyone can swim. There are lifejackets and the water I thik is like 20 feet deep. There is a board to jump from so you can "walk the plank." MY DS jumped in like 20 times and DH took DD in also. She even walked the plank , and DH caught her. The "pirates" provided, punch, rum punch and soft drinks. This excursions started out slow but the kids had a real great time. Mom was happy to get back to land.

We didn't walk around Grand Cayman after the excursion because DH forgot to bring money. We got back to the ship, relaxed a while and got ready for dinner. Dinner again was excellent. Today was my birthday so I got a cake and got Happy Birthday sung to me in the dining room, it was nice. DH even bought me a Jack Sparrow card from the kids. Pretty impressive for him. This evening we went to see Twice Charmed and got some character pics.

All in all a good day!

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

Day 5- Cozumel

Nice warm, sunny day. We had a little to eat from the breakfast buffet this morning.


We did the Cozumel Beach break excursion. It was about a 20 minute bus ride from the port to Playa Di Maya beach park.

There was an area roped off for DCL people. There was supposed to be water trampolines, and a climb wall in the water. Nope on the beach. Didn't matter to me, but some people with older kids were beyond mad.

The beach was really rocky. I tried to take my DD in the water and thought I sliced my foot when I stepped on this huge rock. She was content to play in the sand, thank goodness. DS met some kids he knew from the lab and they played in the waves. The alcohol and soft drinks were included as well as lunch. I walked over to the buffet and there were flies everywhere. Yuck! We got some nachos I seen the guy just put out and that was it!

The kids had a great great time. But for the money spent on this , DH and I didn't think it was worth it. On the ride back, you aren't brought back to the pier but to a mall across the street. We walked around a little and got the kids some $5.00 t shirts.

Its a short walk back to the ship. We rested, showered and got ready for Pirate night. DS was Jack Sparrow last year for Halloween and DD was a pink Pirate this year. DH and I wore pirate shirts. It was alot of fun. The waiters are dressed too and we got a pic with Leo our server. After dinner, we got pics, with Jack Sparrow, Captain Mickey and Captain Hook and Mr. Snee.

This may not be a popular opinion but I think the Pirate party is too late. I know it needs to be late due to the late diners, but then maybe change it to a sea day. Its just so much going on. So many kids were cranky, mine included from being in the sun all day. I really think the party is alot of hype. Its alot like the sailing away party. Half way through it started pouring. They finished the dancing part but no fireworks. They are supposed to be rescheduled for Thursday night. We got some desserts and a turkey leg and headed back to the room. DD was half sleeping already , but DS ate some desserts then off to bed for all of us.

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

Day 6- At Sea


We woke up to a sunny day. It was a little chilly and neither of the kids wanted to swim. We had some breakfast at the buffet. Then DD wanted some braids in her hair. I didn't know I needed an appointment, but Yvonne squeezed her in since she just wanted a couple braids on each side of her head. DH took DS to the arcade for a while.

DD and I then headed to the room to get changed into princess gear for the gathering at noon. We got to the lobby at 11:30am and were 3rd in line. She wore her Belle dress, since she wore her Cinderella wedding gown, on Tuesday. There was Snow White, Cinderella and Belle. When we got to Belle and she opened DD's autograph book, she must have noticed her name in the front and called DD by name. Belle is her favorite so DD was beyond excited.

After the gathering, we ate lunch then watched "Game Plan" in the movie theatre. It was a funny movie and we all enjoyed it.

We then got ready for dinner. Tonight was Lobster night. Yummy! We had a great dinner as usual. We got pics with Leo and Bomin our servers and had them sign the kids autograph books.

We shopped in the gift shops and got some more character pics. Then took the kids to see Disney Dreams. Great show!

The fireworks were scheduled for 10:45pm. The kids were beyond tired, even the 9yo. Neither are fireworks fanatics, so neither cared they were going to miss them if they went to bed. We put them to bed about 10:30pm and DH went to get him and I some drinks and we sat on the verandah.

It was a nice way to end the day.

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

Day 7- Castaway Cay


We woke up to a sunny warm, perfect day. We watched them dock the ship from our verandah and unload everything. We got to see Mickey, Minnie, Max and Goofy, get off the ship too.

No one was hungry so we just waited until we were clear to go ashore. We got off the ship a little after 9:30 am. Turk was at the Post Office so we got a pic with him. We found a good spot down the beach and the kids, swam and played in the sand. DS loved the rope, climbing thing in the water.

We seen the character dance party, but didn't get any other pics other than Turk. DD wasn't concerned with character pics,she wanted to play in the water and sand. We had plenty from inside the ship.

We ate lunch at Cookies, Very good! DD and I went to make sandcastles and DH and DS went snorkeling. We loved our time at Castaway Cay. We all had a great time. We waited until the last minute and finally walked back to the ship around 4pm. We bought some shirts and a beach towel. And got some pics of the ship and the Flying Dutchman. My DH overheard some lady in front of us say, "Wow that ship really looks like the one from the movie, but how would Disney have been able to bring it here, that couldn't be the same one. " Duh!

We got back to the ship and got ready for our last dinner. The dinner was great as usual but it was very sad. Our servers were great and we were going to miss them. We hugged them and said our good-byes.

The kids wanted to go to the club and lab one last time. DH and I bought some last minute things at the gift shop. And bought the pics we wanted from Shutters. I spent $100.00 and could have easily spent twice that, if not three times.

We went back to the room and packed everything up. We also inquired about booking another cruise . Leslies computer she said was beyond slow, so with 6 people ahead of us, she told us to write our info down and she would get back to us this week and we would still get the onboard discount.

We picked the kids up, reluctantly, and got them to bed. DH and I sat on the verandah, one last time for a while, then got to bed ourselves.

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

Going Home


We were docked before 6am. We opted not to eat breakfast because our time would have been 6:30am. The kids didn;t want anything from the buffet either, so we showered and waited to be cleared.

The kids were very sad. They both had a spectacular time!

We got off the ship about 8:30 am. Customs and finding our bags was painless. Sunrise Tours, same driver again showed up on time to take us to MCO.

Security was a pain in the butt. I know its for our safety and all but there are so many inconsistencies from airport to airport, even person to person its ridiculous. Some of these TSA agents think they're God. I usually go with the flow, but she was beyond snotty. I even heard her swear, not at me, but in general. Real professional!

We visited the Disney Store at the airport and the CM was from Pittsburgh too. His name was Mickey, no lie. We chatted about the Steelers and he gave DD a tink pin, then he gave DS a Donald pin. Another CM had pics of all the princesses, like flash cards, and asked DD if she knew them by name. Of course, she did my princess crazed daughter , so they gave her a "princess award".

Our flight on SWA was on time and uneventful.

We all had a great time on the cruise. I'm looking into booking another one either in the summer or maybe an Eastern next October. The kids loved it and both loved it better then the parks.
DS loved the freedom he had. DD loved the kids club and DH and I got alot more alone tme then we ever imagined. The characters were easier to see then at the parks also.

The only negative was some of the kids. The parents who let their kids, run up and down the hallways yelling late at night and early in the AM. And some of the teens parents. DH and I were out late a couple nights. Some of the kids were running around, chasing each other , screaming, through the lobby and around deck 4. Where are these parents? It was late, do you even know what your kids are doing, obviously not!


But like I said, it was a great trip. I forgot to add our towel animals were out of this world. A dog, a bunny, an alligator eating my DD's bear. A monkey hanging from a hanger dressed in my DD's bathing suit and hair tie. Just wonderful!

Hope everyone else who was on the cruise with us had a great time too. Any questions feel free to ask.

 

[plutospup]

Sounds like you had a great vacation!
Yea, the Steelers really did a number on the Ravens...and to be able to watch that in Diversions had to be great.
Thanks for the info on the Grand Cayman Pirate cruise. It sounds like a lot of fun. Hopefully we can do that next year.
Thanks for a great trip report!

 

[LovableGluttons]

Your report makes me wish I was there with you!

The pirate ship is intriguing!

We saw a few kids acting up a bit on our cruise and wondered where their parents were too. Actually, my kids were wondering too.

Thanks so much for writing this!

 

[JoiseyMom]

Great trip report!

Realize that the teens don't need permission to check themselves out of the clubs. They basically have the run of the ship. So the parents of these children, unless they are following them, would not know where they are.

Our DD11 was allowed to check herself out of the clubs with permission. We didn't give it to her at first, but she made freinds with a Dis'ers DD and as long as she told us where she was going, and to be certain places at certain times. She followed our rules, and we knew where she was most of the time.

Without a way of communicating with them, or a gps on your older kids, there is really no way of knowing where they are. If kids are being unruly, I would thing the CM's should stop them.

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

Great trip report!

Realize that the teens don't need permission to check themselves out of the clubs. They basically have the run of the ship. So the parents of these children, unless they are following them, would not know where they are.

Our DD11 was allowed to check herself out of the clubs with permission. We didn't give it to her at first, but she made freinds with a Dis'ers DD and as long as she told us where she was going, and to be certain places at certain times. She followed our rules, and we knew where she was most of the time.

Without a way of communicating with them, or a gps on your older kids, there is really no way of knowing where they are. If kids are being unruly, I would thing the CM's should stop them.

Thx!

I understand there is no way of knowing where your kids are. But one night I went out to get drinks at midnight and these kids are running around the ship still. These weren't 17 yo kids, these were 12 and 13 yo's it looked like, probably younger, kids look so much older now adays.

My DS signed himself out too, but he had to check-in every once in a while and he certainly wasn't out at midnight. I seen many CM's pass these kids and none said a word.

Its not like they were running up and down the stateroom halls making noise, but what the heck, your kid is yelling around the lobby at midnight on the DCl and you don't have a clue. It in no way ruined or even put a dent in our trip, but I was just surprised that these kids were up so late , acting as they were, thats why I mentioned it. In regards to the CM's, its not up to them to babysit and as old as these kids were, they should have known better too.

One dad did come check on his son though while DH and I were standing there and he was one of the yelling, running kids. The dad snatched him up and was not a happy camper. The kid was pretty embarrassed.

 

[crash2000]

Thx!

One dad did come check on his son though while DH and I were standing there and he was one of the yelling, running kids. The dad snatched him up and was not a happy camper. The kid was pretty embarrassed.

offtopic:
ever been in a hotel/motel during a hockey tournament... i have and never will again...

the kids had the run of 3 floors, the pool, and the outdoor areas, complaints to the parents almost started a fist fight, because the parents of many of these kids were loaded drunk...and complaints to the front desk yielded a sorry but no refunds, and told that since the hockey teams book yearly they get to do what they want basically...

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

offtopic:
ever been in a hotel/motel during a hockey tournament... i have and never will again...

the kids had the run of 3 floors, the pool, and the outdoor areas, complaints to the parents almost started a fist fight, because the parents of many of these kids were loaded drunk...and complaints to the front desk yielded a sorry but no refunds, and told that since the hockey teams book yearly they get to do what they want basically...

No I haven't.

pretty sad!

 

[Cin929]

1st day!! It was DH, myself, DS (9) and DD (4). We haven't cruised DCL in 7 years but frequent the parks.

Idiot me put the luggage tags on the suitcases even though we weren't taking DCL transportation. After some confusion, since our bags never got to baggage claim, we were off with Sunrise Tours to the port. Great town car and driver. Only $140.00 r/t from MCO.

Because we wasted 1/2 hour trying to figure out about our luggage we were in the 10th group to board. We got pics with Mickey and before you know it were on the ship. The kids were so excited. I ran to change our dining rotation, immediately upon boarding, no problem, got 5:30pm. I packed swimsuits but it was chilly. The kids swam anyhow though for a little while. We had some lunch by the pool and then our room was ready. 6118. I missed the Dis Meet by the pool at 3pm, due to overexcited kids wanting to see the ship, so I never did get to meet anyone.

We went to the drill. This didn't take long. It was funny to see everyone walking around in their lifejackets.

The sailing away party was fun. DS and I were dancing , having a good old time. Poor DD fell asleep at one of the tables with DH waiting for the party to start, she missed the whole thing. She woke up to walk back to the room and get ready for dinner.

Our servers, Leo and Bomin were the absolute best! And we had the best rotation, AP the 1st night, so Parrot Cay for Pirate night and Luminere's for formal night. The boat was a little rocky the 1st night. It wasn't too too bad, but I felt like I had too much to drink and didn't drink anything. It was difficult to walk at times.

The kids were dying to go to the clubs, so DH and I dropped them off and explored the ship some more. We picked them up in a couple hours, which they weren't happy about, but DH and I were tired and wanted to go to bed.

We were on the same cruise!! My DS is also 9 years old, his name is Justin what's your son's name? Justin had a ball at the lab maybe they played together. We were in rooms 6018 and 6016, right up the hall. We also missed the DIS meet, too busy getting situated in our room. We did the Cozumel beach break as well The staff at the beach told my DH that they wouldn't put up umbrellas or the water trampoline/rock climbing because of the wind ? Who knows we had fun though. We thought that the first night was rocky as well, we were at Lumiere's and didn't enjoy dinner much. Formal night was also a bit rough in my opinion, DS9 had to take Bonine and wear his sea bands. All in all I think we found the seas more rough than on our 4 day Cruise 4 years ago. I agree that Pirate Night was too late, the first night they tried it the kids struggled to stay up and didn't make it, the rescheduled night, the little one slept in his stroller and DS9 stayed at the Oceaneers Lab. We had a great cruise though and DS9 made so many friends, we can't wait to do it again. We rebooked on board, Leslie was having problems with her computer but she did manage to get us our reservation to our room on our last night, time to start planning our next trip!

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

We were on the same cruise!! My DS is also 9 years old, his name is Justin what's your son's name? Justin had a ball at the lab maybe they played together. We were in rooms 6018 and 6016, right up the hall. We also missed the DIS meet, too busy getting situated in our room. We did the Cozumel beach break as well The staff at the beach told my DH that they wouldn't put up umbrellas or the water trampoline/rock climbing because of the wind ? Who knows we had fun though. We thought that the first night was rocky as well, we were at Lumiere's and didn't enjoy dinner much. Formal night was also a bit rough in my opinion, DS9 had to take Bonine and wear his sea bands. All in all I think we found the seas more rough than on our 4 day Cruise 4 years ago. I agree that Pirate Night was too late, the first night they tried it the kids struggled to stay up and didn't make it, the rescheduled night, the little one slept in his stroller and DS9 stayed at the Oceaneers Lab. We had a great cruise though and DS9 made so many friends, we can't wait to do it again. We rebooked on board, Leslie was having problems with her computer but she did manage to get us our reservation to our room on our last night, time to start planning our next trip!

Hi Cin,

My DS's name is Brandon. He had a really great time. He bugged my DH and I all day to book another cruise.

My DH complained about the beach in Cozumel, but I told him , look at the kids. They are having a great time, they don't even care about the trampoline or rock wall or the rocky beach. My DD went and jumped on the trampoline on the beach. IMOP, if the kids had a good time, everything else is secondary. So instead of eating I just drank more Dos Equis than I should have.

The water was a little rough. I felt it in my belly a little the 1st night but DH and the kids were OK.

What cruise did you guys book? We're thinking of doing an Eastern this time, maybe in October. Hopefully DCL will get back to me soon, they haven't yet with prices.

 

[fairfax]

I enjoyed your trip report! I've never been on the Western so this really gave me an idea of what it would be like. Sounds wonderful, thanks for posting!!

 

[sherry]

Thank you for sharing your trip. I am really excited for our January Western!

 

[michboro]

We were on the cruise too. Sorry we didn't get to meet you. My DS's 8 & 9 loved the pirate cruise, but we were disappointed with the Cozumel Beach Break. They really wanted to go on the water trampoline and iceberg, and I didn't really care for the beach. But overall we had a great time on the cruise.

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

We were on the cruise too. Sorry we didn't get to meet you. My DS's 8 & 9 loved the pirate cruise, but we were disappointed with the Cozumel Beach Break. They really wanted to go on the water trampoline and iceberg, and I didn't really care for the beach. But overall we had a great time on the cruise.

I was thinking about alot of the Diser's because I knew some of us had the same excursions planned. We were probably next to each other and didn't even know it.

Did you jump off the plank on the Pirate Encounter? The kids liked that one.

My son isn't very daring so he didn't care about the trampoline and the ice berg , and DH was happy it wasn't in the water because DD (4) is my daredevil and would have wanted to go on them , so that means DH would have had to swim out with her.

I agree the beach did stink. My kids don't go to the beach too often so they didn't know any better. When DS heard me tell DH that I thought the beach was horrible, DS said, what do you mean mom this is great. Ok, whatever you say.

Glad you had a good time though .