Just off the Fantasy 6/30 cruise

[assisi811]

This was our first cruise ever. We are a family of 5 with a 10 yr. old, 8 yr old, and 3 yr old. We traveled with a lot of family and friends so in total we made a up a group of 24 people.

We absolutely loved the cruise. It was sold out, but the only time we really noticed it was on Castaway Cay. We had a R,A,E,R,A,E,R dining rotation.

On St. Thomas we booked a tour through Bernards and had a wonderful time seeing the island.

On St. Maartan, we took a taxi to Meghan's Bay and had an even better time.

Both my husband and I ran the 5K on Castaway Cay.

I would be happy to answer any questions.

 

[cjnix29]

How was the CC5K? Just how hot was it?!

 

[wishuponastarforever]

Thank you for your report. One question. Did you enjoy the dining rotation assigned? That sounded like the best to us.
Thank you.

 

[assisi811]

The CC5K was very hot. I am from NJ so I was not accustomed to running in the heat, but the atmosphere was fun and I thought the route was really nice.

I liked the dining rotation. Although all the restaurants are so nice, that I don't think there is a bad rotation.

 

[kault2150]

any advice for travelling with an 8 month old?

 

[assisi811]

My biggest complaint about the 5K was how late we started. We did not begin running until after 10 which made it that much hotter. I think that they should gather the runners around 8:30 and have the runners be the first ones off the ship. It was difficult to try and stay with the group as we were making our way to the course. The course is about a 15min. walk from the ship. Once at the course it was difficult to hear the course instructions because so many people were around. The course was well marked for the most part, but there was one point towards the end of the course where there was a fork in the road. I wasn't positive about which side to take, but thankfully my husband finished way ahead of me and then doubled back so he knew which direction to go.

I am glad I did it and it was my first race ever, but I am not sure I would do it again if they keep the starting time so late.

 

[assisi811]

The youngest in our group was 2 so I am not sure I could give much advice, but definitely book some time in the nursery. The two year old we traveled with loved it and her parents added some extra time. A lot depends on the temperament of your 8 month old like when she takes naps. I highly recommend going to Meghaan's bay on St. Thomas. The water was clear and there were no waves so your 8 month old would enjoy playing in the sand and water. I wouldn't recommend Orient Beach on St. Maartin as the waves were very rough.