Just the two of us! (Need I say anything more?) Our Fantasy & Dream trip~many photos

[RweTHEREyet]

I am enjoying your trip report.

Two tastings in one day would more than do me in. I am seriously considering the Wine and Chocolate tasting on our May cruise, but even that might do me in for the afternoon.

We used to vacation in St. Maarten quite a bit, this was before the cruise ships used Maho as a tour stop. Before they put a concrete barrier up, cars used to stop right at the end of the runway, people would get out, stand behind their car and wait for the jets to land in front of them. On one of our trips, the exhaust flipped over a car and killed the people standing behind it.

Sarafina's in Marigot is just the best. We used to stay on the Dutch side, but we always drove to Marigot for dinner--just the best ever.

Seems there was something else I was going to comment on, but it escapes me right now.

Again, really enjoying the report and your pictures.

 

[Linda67]

Just caught up
Your pirate costumes are wonderful. You really do both look great
Ooh I can't wait to sample some of those cocktails

 

[Luv2Diz]

Very enjoyable TR! It's fun seeing your beautiful photos of the Fantasy. We loved the Magic and Wonder but I'd like to sail the Fantasy one of these days.

 

[TinaRN]

Once we were in open water the ship was at full tilt. Since we were forward you could feel every little break of the waves as we cruised on through. And so did I. Last time I got a bad dose of sea sickness and this time would be no different. I noticed it when I was just sitting on the bed. Then I went to wash my face and re-apply my make-up when I felt it. I've come to realize that if you are feeling a little nauseous the worst place to be is standing in a tiny bathroom looking into the mirror as the background sways to and fro. Now, I did take Dramamine an hour or more before we left port. It was the non-drowsy kind and guess what? It didn't work.

Linda, I have a tip for you. My family members get motion sickness quite often, so we've discovered a pretty good remedy. Start taking your Dramamine or Bonine at bedtime 1-2 nights before getting on the boat and take it every night before you go to sleep while on the ship. It has worked for many cruises and fishing trips!

Oh, great trip report! Thanks for sharing!

 

[shadowryter]

Oh my gosh, so much to comment on!

First, we ate at Palo's for brunch the same day as you but we had a 12:30 reservation. I was surprised when we were walked through the buffet by a CM who put the food on our plates. I wasn't aware that it was because of an outbreak. That makes sense now. We loved Palo!

Wow two tasting in one day! That would've done me in. It looked like fun though.

I loved your pictures of the ship at night. I can tell you that when you were taking those pictures my family was probably already crashed for the night. We never made it past 10:30 most nights. DH and I never made it to Europa or Oh La La either. Actually, I don't even know where those are located on the ship. We walked through LaPiazz (or however it is spelled) several times; are they anywhere near there? I loved the picture of the hallway to Europa. Again, where was that hallway? See, we really need to go back on the Fantasy so I can explore all the places I didn't get to this trip. More reason to book another trip!

Our St. Maarten day was beautiful. We did the Bernard's Tour and really liked it. I had wanted to get to Sarafina's but our stop in Marigot was only about 30 minutes and until we made a bathroom stop we were only left with about 15 minutes so I didn't want to chance missing our bus. We did enjoy walking around the open-air market and got some good pictures. We didn't see the KLM jet land but we did see it take off. How awesome!

You are Dan looked great in your pirate attire!

I can't wait to hear about your St. Thomas day!

We heard about the problem with Palo from one of the servers. The fact that they served us just made the experience more elegant. The tastings were great. We enjoyed them both. The wine and chocolate was just something different and though this was our second Mixology it was with our cruise mates and that made it a blast. La Piazza is in Europa which is the name of the adult district. Ooh La La and Skyline were just around the corner from there as was O'Gill's and way down the hall is the D Lounge. Dan and I are kind of night owls and it was fun to see the ship at night and take so many uncluttered photos. Thanks to Kris and Larry we had a wonderful visit of St. Maarten. Sarafina's was the best and the jets were fun...for me anyway. Dan was bored and I later found that when he was a kid on many Army bases that that was what he would do with his dad. So getting blown over by a jet engine is nothing new to him. Lol! I always love pirate night. It's a time to be a kid with everyone else.

I've GOT to subscribe to this one!!

Thanks so much for sharing the dinner table with us- we hope that you both had as much fun as we did...

Hi there dear...we had a fantastic time with you two. I have so many fun memories that I will cherish.

I am enjoying your trip report.

Two tastings in one day would more than do me in. I am seriously considering the Wine and Chocolate tasting on our May cruise, but even that might do me in for the afternoon.

We used to vacation in St. Maarten quite a bit, this was before the cruise ships used Maho as a tour stop. Before they put a concrete barrier up, cars used to stop right at the end of the runway, people would get out, stand behind their car and wait for the jets to land in front of them. On one of our trips, the exhaust flipped over a car and killed the people standing behind it.

Sarafina's in Marigot is just the best. We used to stay on the Dutch side, but we always drove to Marigot for dinner--just the best ever.

Seems there was something else I was going to comment on, but it escapes me right now.

Again, really enjoying the report and your pictures.

Well I can see why there are fences and barriers in place now. Sarafinas and Marigot in general were great. You have to try the wine and chocolate. It's truly and worthwhile experience.

Just caught up
Your pirate costumes are wonderful. You really do both look great
Ooh I can't wait to sample some of those cocktails

Thanks. Love pirate night!

Very enjoyable TR! It's fun seeing your beautiful photos of the Fantasy. We loved the Magic and Wonder but I'd like to sail the Fantasy one of these days.

All the ships have wonderful photo ops you just need to know when to take advantage of them.

Linda, I have a tip for you. My family members get motion sickness quite often, so we've discovered a pretty good remedy. Start taking your Dramamine or Bonine at bedtime 1-2 nights before getting on the boat and take it every night before you go to sleep while on the ship. It has worked for many cruises and fishing trips!

Oh, great trip report! Thanks for sharing!

Thanks for the tip. I actually did try this on the second part of our trip and I did much better but then again we were aft so it was a different location.

 

[shadowryter]

December 4th…St. Thomas

We really didn’t have any specific plans for today. The only thing I really wanted to do was to ride the Skyride to the top of Paradise Point to just take in the view. Since we weren’t in a hurry we decided to have breakfast at the Enchanted Garden. The buffet had so many choices so we just took our time sampling.
Origami flower from last nights dinner

A couple of choices

Muesli...so good

Enchanted Garden

Since we already had what we needed we proceeded to disembark right after breakfast. I had heard that the Skyride had been involved in bankruptcy and was supposedly under new management so hopefully it would be up and running today. Sure enough as we got closer it was indeed running and after paying $21 dollars each a nice man placed a band around our wrist and away or should I say, up we went.
The view was quite amazing and before we were even half way to the top of the summit you could see the Fantasy in the harbor with two other ships behind her and then three more ships docked at another place on the island in the distance.
Our view as we ascended:

Our ride ended at the top of Paradise Point where we got off and found several little gift shops as well as an open-air bar where they serve their famous Bailey’s Bushwhacker frozen concoction but it was a bit too early in the morning for alcohol. The first gift shop had some very unusual jewelry which I fell in love with and knew that Heather would like also. Here I found two necklaces for my daughter and one for myself along with a few postcards. From here you could take a stairway down where more shops could be found along with the bar. The view here was completely unobstructed and perfect for a few shots of the Fantasy below. Along the way we found a little shop with some adorable exotic birds and I innocently took a few pictures not realizing it was a no-no as the woman who owned the business charged people $20 to have your picture taken with your own camera posing with and holding the birds. Oh well I did grab a shot of this shy little guy/lady???
Banana Trees

The harbor below

Even the bird knew not to take a picture
[URL]

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[shadowryter]

Way at the top


A little tropical flower[/B]

The ride back down was just as nice and when finished we hit some of the local shops hoping to find a few more souvenirs as well as some t-shirts for Heather and her boyfriend. I liked the shirts much better in the little mall shops than up at Paradise Point. For one there were more size choices here and there it was large and larger. Not a good fit for my daughter who would swim in a medium. We found a lot of interesting shops though most were the same: Diamonds…liquor…t-shirts and typical souvenirs. I was happy to leave with a St. Thomas for each of us and a couple of refrigerator magnets.

After a couple of hours of browsing we headed back to the ship. With passports and ship ID in hand we proceeded to the gate only to be stopped. It would seem that we never signed our passports and this officer was the first to take notice. He handed us a pen, watched us sign, smiled and said, “Welcome to the United States.” I have to remember to have Heather sign hers.
Christmas tree near port

Tram from the ground

Found this little guy near the street

A half size “Little Mermaid”

You could crawl inside this to have your picture taken

Once back onboard we headed to our stateroom to drop off our shopping and then find some place for lunch because my Enchanted Garden breakfast was now nothing more than a fond memory. We happened across the Royal Court which was still open and happily went inside.
A few photos along the way

We were shown to a table and given a lunch menu. Our server brought us some rolls and it wasn't until that moment that I realized how hungry I was. We made our order and I couldn't help myself when I saw how the center table was empty. Photo time!

While taking a few shots I ran into Heny our MDR server. She knew how much I loved taking photos and told me that the private rooms were empty. I took advantage of her offer and these are the results.
Center table

Cinderella Coach Lamp

Continued next post...

 

[shadowryter]

Wall Mosaic’s

And painting

A server posed so here he is

Private rooms

I returned to our table to Dan and our food.
Rolls

Lobster Ravioli…Much like the one they serve for dinner but so much better. The sauce was creamy, not a tomato broth

Prosciutto, Tomato and Arugula salad…Very tasty

Pineapple Mojito…love this

Not a clue…sorry but Dan said it was good

An origami butterfly

Clams with white sauce over pasta…Dan ordered this and loved it

Seafood trio over risotto…Shrimp, scallops and salmon over risotto. This was my choice and it was heavenly. I almost ate every little bit

Coconut Cream Pie…Very yummy

Hmmm….All I remember is that the bottom was a layer of strawberries top by a luscious custard and a buttery crumb topping.

Sorry for the poor descriptions. I guess I should have taken a moment to snap a photo of the menu. Lol!

To be continued…

 

[rentayenta]

This is such a great report. Love the Nothing dessert.

 

[TinaRN]

All of the food for lunch looked sooo good! I bet the food is tastier at lunch in the dining rooms especially on port days! They don't have to serve as many people, so they can take a little more time.

 

[Linda67]

Firstly, wonderful photos as always
Wow, your lunch at Royal Court looks really good. We never seem to go to the MDRs at lunch time - it looks like we should!

 

[tessasmom]

I am loving your TR!! There was so much to enjoy and explore on this trip! We took a lot of the same pictures to...lol. Thanks to you, I now NEED a Chocolate Croissant from Serafina's now. Loved every port, every sea day and can't wait to go back!! Thank you for sharing your gorgeous photos and memories! At least we got to meet up over Dole Whip's!!!

 

[tweis]

Lunch from the Royal Court looked amazing! We tried lunch at the Royal Palace on our last cruise and it looked nothing like that! It turned us off from the MDRs for lunch but you may have just changed my mind.

 

[shadowryter]

This is such a great report. Love the Nothing dessert.

Thank you. Glad you're enjoying it. I loved the Nothing dessert. Hey, I warned him.

All of the food for lunch looked sooo good! I bet the food is tastier at lunch in the dining rooms especially on port days! They don't have to serve as many people, so they can take a little more time.

The food was so good and you're right, the dining room was a virtual ghost town but service was impeccable

Firstly, wonderful photos as always
Wow, your lunch at Royal Court looks really good. We never seem to go to the MDRs at lunch time - it looks like we should!

If you can squeeze it in, I would. Cabanas might be quicker but there was something nice abut jyst taking your time and waiting to be served for lunch.

I am loving your TR!! There was so much to enjoy and explore on this trip! We took a lot of the same pictures to...lol. Thanks to you, I now NEED a Chocolate Croissant from Serafina's now. Loved every port, every sea day and can't wait to go back!! Thank you for sharing your gorgeous photos and memories! At least we got to meet up over Dole Whip's!!!

I really enjoyed the Ports on the Eastern. Such beautiful Islands and so many photo ops. It was fun even without planned excursions. I know, talk about a small world. Disney World at that. Funny how things work out, I saw your beautiful little girl and I knew.

Lunch from the Royal Court looked amazing! We tried lunch at the Royal Palace on our last cruise and it looked nothing like that! It turned us off from the MDRs for lunch but you may have just changed my mind.

I will definitely be doing this again. No disappointments here.

 

[shadowryter]

December 4th continued....

After lunch we went up top to take in the view of St. Thomas. I liked visiting here and though we didn't take any excursions we still had a great time.
Views from the ship

When it was time to leave St. Thomas we headed to the back of the ship to watch as the island slowly disappeared in the distance and after it was time for coffee so we headed to the Cove Café.
Good-bye St. Thomas

Specialty Coffees

A few little treats

All the pretty layers

We finished our coffee and headed back to our stateroom to change for dinner. In only a couple of hours we would be heading to Remy for our 24th anniversary celebration. I was excited and nervous at the same time and I knew Dan felt the same. I had heard about Remy but I was a bit worried. I’m a Longhorn Steakhouse/ Ruby Tuesday/ Applebee’s kind of gal. This was to be a whole new experience for us and I had been looking forward to it and dreading it at the same time. Dan had bought a new suit just for this occasion and he looked quite handsome. I had a full length black chiffon skirt with a sparkly top and wore a little bling to finish. With a few last minute looks we were ready.

We arrived a little before 7 and were escorted to our table, a lovely half circle booth, big enough for four but just cozy enough for two. I saw a couple sitting across from us in a similar booth and laughed a bit when I realized they were the same couple from the Wine and Chocolate tasting. I guess he finally got over his sea sickness too. They were a course or two ahead of us but acknowledged Dan and I also. Our server soon approached our table and introduced himself as Vincent from Canada. He asked if this was our first time dining at Remy and proceeded to explain things. He said he was there to help us in any way that he could, that some French restaurants could be stuffy or snobbish and this wasn’t the case here. Just relax and enjoy. So we did.

Vincent started by preparing at our table a Colette, made with bits of fruit; apricot, raspberry and mint, it had Absolute Pear and was topped off with Taittinger Champagne. This was very nice and set the mood for the rest of our dining experience.
Champagne cocktail

Amuse-Bouche…Deep fried tomato soup…yes a cube of tomato soup, breaded and fried. We were asked to wait a few minutes for it to cool enough to eat. Just pop it in your mouth and incredible tomato soup.

Rolls with butter and sea salt

Palate cleanser…it tasted like a vanilla custard but I’m sure it wasn’t


Continued next post...

 

[shadowryter]

Next he went about explaining the menu to us and how if there was something we didn’t like he would suggest a substitute that would be just as delicious and pleasant. Vincent asked for our choices in wines and sent the wine sommelier over to our table. As comfortable as Vincent made me feel, she made me feel very uncomfortable. I’m not a wine drinker and I told her as such but when I asked for suggestions she kind of blew me off and we ended out settling for Taittinger. That behind us it was time to order from our prospective menus.
Dan Chose Chef Arnaud Lallement while I chose Chef Scott Hunnel. The following photos are in order of Chefs creations.
Taittinger Champagne

Little Lamp and Floral arrangement

Edge of our booth...little Remy's

Signature “R” on napkins

Dan…
Alaskan King Crab…Cannelloni, Hearts of Palm and Caviar Vinaigrette

Saint Pierre…John Dory with Chorizo Espuma and Spicy Carrot Mousse

Pigeonneau…Young Pigeon Pie with Foie Gras, Spinach and tomato

Cochon Cul Noir…Black pork loin with Siffon Potato, Pork Trotter Stew and Glazed Ham

Linda…
Declinaison Tomate…Variations of tomato, Tart, Iced, Parmesan Espums and Tomato

Lobster…with Vanilla, Bisque and Lobster Roe Foam

Turbot Cotier…Coastal Turbot with Vin Faune and Gnocchi

Australian Wagyu…This was something new described as a deconstructed taco

Next came the cheese course if we weren’t already getting full at this point. There were many choices. Hard cheeses, soft and in between.
Cheese cart and cheeses

Next..Dessert
Red napkin for final course

Peruvian Chocolate…Gelato

Chocolate…Praline with edible gold

Champagne and chocolaty compliment to dessert


Continued some more...

 

[marquislaura]

Following along, great TR.

 

[lorimay]

I started reading your report before we left for our first Fantasy cruise and now I am back and its over .
We had dinner at Remy also, our menu was a bit different than yours, but delicious none the less.

We never did try a sit down lunch, If I had seen those pictures before we left of the Royal table we would have gone for sure.
Everything looked so good, especially the desserts!
Must do an Eastern Caribbean in the fall!!! Now to convince my hubby.

 

[shadowryter]

Following along, great TR.

Thanks so much. Thank you for reading.

I started reading your report before we left for our first Fantasy cruise and now I am back and its over .
We had dinner at Remy also, our menu was a bit different than yours, but delicious none the less.

We never did try a sit down lunch, If I had seen those pictures before we left of the Royal table we would have gone for sure.
Everything looked so good, especially the desserts!
Must do an Eastern Caribbean in the fall!!! Now to convince my hubby.

I love Remy. How did you love your first Fantasy cruise? Ready for another I bet. See you have to convince hubby so you can try those great lunches.

 

[shadowryter]

More of Remy and the end of a perfect day.

A little anniversary surprise from Vincent

Even more surprises

Dan and I taken by Vincent…he arranged the table for the picture

Dan and I with Vincent

All in all this was an unforgettable evening despite our less than elegant wine sommelier. The food was spectacular and all the little touches made it magical. Such as when a course is about to be served hidden under silver domes another server approached our table and both course were revealed at the same time. Every course. Dan dropped his napkin and it was replaced with a new one. The homemade candies, chocolates, marshmallows and pops…unbelievable and to end it all I was presented with a beautiful long stemmed red rose. Our worries were left behind us as soon as Vincent approached our table. He was warm and friendly and made our special celebration even more so.
Chocolates, pops and a long stem rose for the ladies…lovely

At around 10 pm there was a meet with our cruise companions. Just a simple impromptu Christmas Party to see who was participating in the Ugly Sweater Contest along with some board games and such. Since we were leaving from Remy we were far from casual but headed to O’Gills for the meet. Unfortunately when we arrived I didn't see anyone that I knew from our group so Dan and I waited a bit before heading over to the Skyline for a night cap. I later learned that the venue was changed to the D-Lounge and with the absence of our green bracelets (didn't go well with evening attire) that the staff at O’Gills had no idea we were part of the party that they were supposed to tell about the move. Oh well. Live and learn. We both had our fave, Paris 75 mixed by Julian and served by Priscilla and shared some nice conversation with a lovely young couple who Dan had fun teasing about what to expect when their 2 year old becomes 23, before calling it a night.
Our towel bat

Time to set clocks back


Next…Another sea day and another medical emergency...