Just got back from 1st DCL trip

[rjcisme]

We went for my Dad's 75th Birthday. 10 adults and 9 kids. We have a 2YO son.
The trip was fantastic. Rooms and food were great. (especially Palo)

Not much to do in Nassau with a toddler so we spent most of the day on board. Castaway Cay is awesome. Would rather spend 2 days there. Talent in the shows was excellent.

We flew down Wednerday night and rented a car from Budget.(Hotwirte) Spent the night at Cooca Beach Holiday Inn Oceanfront. (Priceline)
Let me know if youhave any questions.

 

[EmmasGrammy]

Thanks for the report!! Glad you had a great time!!

What cat. of cabins did you stay in? Did you do any excursions?

Thanks for the info!!

 

[rjcisme]

Stateroom 6526, (Cat 8 I believe).
Great location! 215 sq ft- Nice large porthole.

We did not take any excurisons. Nothing looked appealing for a toddler.

 

[CAMICKEY]

Glad your group enjoyed their cruise. How was the weather and waves? - Mike

 

[rapunzal]

How was the Holiday inn at Cocoa Beach? Is it clean? Safe?

 

[CheapMom]

HI Oceanfront- priceline- I got this hotel on priceline and I am way scared about it- I have heard bad things- any light you can shed appreciated.

 

[rjcisme]

The Weather on the cruise was Great!

About the Holiday Inn Oceanfront- I really wanted to stay in Cocoa Beach so we could enjoy the beach prior to boarding. I tried for weeks to get a deal on Priceline or Hotwire for a 3 Star hotel around $40. Finally got one for $64 and it turned out to be the Holiday Inn Oceanside.
First of all, I would not rate this a 3 STAR. Definitley a 2 STAR.
The rooms have been updated but they are still old. Just new furniture and fresh paint. They were clean and I did not see any bugs.
We were put in a handicap room first and I wanted a sofa bed or roll away for our 2YO. They moved us into a kidsuite for no additional fee. This is just a regular King room with walls built into one corner. Inside the walls are bunk beds another single bed and a TV for kids. The room also had a small Fride and Micro. Turned out we didn't need the extra bed as our son slept with us.
The good-- Food was good a resturant and kids under 12 eat free. The pool area is great for kids and our son loved playing in the pirate ship that had slides into the water.

It was fine for one night but not much longer. I am a little bit of a snob when it comes to hotels.

 

[JJsmama]

Did you use FLounders for your 2 year old? My brother's twins will be 18 months when we go and they are nervous about using FLounders.

 

[rjcisme]

I used Flounders 2 of the 3 nights. You need to reserve as soon as you board. The staff was great. All the other kids were asleep both nights but mine! He was happily playing or sitting in a lap watching Baby einstein. Cost is $6/hr and you have to pay for what you reserve if you don't use it all. Cancelation must take place 4 hrs prior.

 

[jodifla]

Thanks for the tips! We cruise in September with our almost-3 year-old, and I'm trying to get a handle on things we could do with him. Right now, we have the early seating, but I'm thinking maybe I should switch to the late seating, feed him early, then put him in Flounders while DH and I enjoy a later meal.

In Nassau, I was thinking maybe we'd find a beach or go to the gardens.

What did you do with your DS on the ship? Did DS enjoy the shows? Did he have meals with you, or was he in Flounders?

thanks in advance.

 

[reses4]

Did you have a connecting door? How was it ? I will be in 6528 and was curious. Also did you feel much motion? Glad you enjoyed your trip.

 

[CheapMom]

Thanks rjcisme- our son will be 23 months when we cruise so it is nice to hear from someone like you. Glad you had a great trip!

 

[rjcisme]

jodifla- We had the early seating and took our son all 3 nights. He enjoyed it. During the meal we got up and walked around a few times but he also had 8 cousins to help keep his attention.
We went to Palo one night but still took DS to dinner first. We only took him to one show- Hercules, and he really enjoyed it even though it was past bedtime.
He really enjoyed the Mickey Pool and Scoops Ice Cream.


reses4- Our connecting door was to my brothers family's room.
We had 5 rooms in a row. Location was great and our steward took good care of us.