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

[shadowryter]

We went through the line and remember stifling a cough and crossing my fingers when asked on paper if I was feeling un-well. It was just a sore throat. I would be fine. We received our boarding pass, # 2 and didn’t wait very long before our number was called. Then it was on to get our picture taken, being announced and heading for lunch. I had nothing to sign and though we waited at Guest Services to check out the available tastings, nothing seemed of interest to either of us so off to Cabanas we went.
Boarding pass

We found a nice little place to sit and went to check out the offerings. We returned to find a Disney Bride and Groom seated at the table next to us and struck up a conversation. It was their first cruise and I couldn’t figure out what was more exciting to them, the wedding or the Dream. They were a cute couple, all dressed up in their Disney wedding ears, she wearing the white veil with Minnie and him wearing the Mickey top hat. It somehow made me wish that I had a reason to wear something like that. Lol…Do you think a 25th anniversary celebration would qualify?
Some of Cabanas offerings

When we finished lunch we headed to the top deck to take in a drink as well as the sites. Dan and I found the perfect place to sit and enjoy our frozen concoctions as we waited for the magic hour to arrive so we could check out our first aft state room.
What's on the drink menu?

Before we realized it was time to go to up to deck 10 and check out our room. I must admit that I was filled with anticipation as this was the first time we had a Aft state room with an oversized balcony. I had seen pictures but this was for real. Dan unlocked the door and my first impression was well it’s like any other state room. I saw that we had a new Silver Castaway Club gift but it was different than the ones in the past, a nice little striped tote which would be perfect to take to the island of Nassau or just around the ship.

Dan made a beeline right to the slider door and opened it to reveal our oversize balcony. I think were both kind of surprised at how big this actually was and Dan was excited hoping that we might be able to have lunch or maybe breakfast out here. From the looks of the following pictures you can see how nice and roomy this area was, with two chairs, two lounges and two tables there was plenty of room for more than just the two of us. Sitting out on our balcony we could hear the music playing as a sail away party was about to get underway. For some reason we didn't even try to join the festivities and just decided to sit there and relax and watch as a Disney Dream began to move from Port. We could hear the countdown when Mickey and pals shouted out as it reverberated off the walls in the port. We had some bubbles from our previous cruise and tried to use them but it really didn't work. Note to self…next time bubbles with a larger wand.
Our Balcony

Posing for a shot

Timer shot

Watching the sun set while leaving Port Canaveral


More to come...

 

[nicswife]

I love your trip report! Thanks for being so detailed!

 

[Campbem]

Great TR! Loving all the photos and details. It's getting me excited for my December Fantasy cruise!

I'll be following along but did you do Castaway Cay on the Dream? How was the weather for you?

 

[Linda67]

I had a few updates to catch up on!
Beautiful photos of the Fantasy.
Yay for your upgrade at WL. It's our fave resort and I've just realised that we were staying there at the same time!
We were over in the villas
Hope your sore throat didn't come to anything

 

[Kim1964]

I'm really enjoying your report! I envy you being married to a guy who likes DCL as much as you do.

 

[shadowryter]

Great TR! Loving all the photos and details. It's getting me excited for my December Fantasy cruise!

I'll be following along but did you do Castaway Cay on the Dream? How was the weather for you?

Thank you for joining in. CC day on the Dream was beautiful but.....

I had a few updates to catch up on!
Beautiful photos of the Fantasy.
Yay for your upgrade at WL. It's our fave resort and I've just realised that we were staying there at the same time!
We were over in the villas
Hope your sore throat didn't come to anything

That has happened to me several times. Maybe sometime I'll actually meet someone from the DIS.

I'm really enjoying your report! I envy you being married to a guy who likes DCL as much as you do.

Thanks. It wasn't always that way with Dan. Our first cruise took around 8 years of convincing. But once he took that first one he was hooked.

 

[shadowryter]

Once we were out of the port and we waived to Fish Lips to our friends back home it was time for me to get out our magnets and banners and decorate our door.
State room 10164 all set for the next four days

We knew in just a little while we would be called down for the lifeboat drill so we waited in our state room for the call to come. When the alarm sounded we headed down to deck 4 and this time we were directed outside. This drill was quick and professional and when it was over we started that daunting climb up p 6 flights. This is when you realize that you may be a little out of shape. Maybe you should have worked out on the treadmill a bit more to get in shape and pushed away seconds at the dinner table.
Either way we made the climb, stopped by our room to pick up my camera and with our small lunch behind us we decided to go up to deck 11 and see what Flo’s had to offer.
BBQ chicken pizza and Ham, mushroom and blue cheese pizza

Turkey on Foccacia with Swiss cheese and cranberry

Oriental chicken salad

Regular salad

I was feeling a tad tired and then realized that I not had my caffeine today so we stopped by the Cove Café for a quick Pumpkin Latte.
Neglected to take a picture I guess since it was the same as the one on the Fantasy
A little snack
Mini Éclair and Toll House cookie on a stick

Cove Cafe

Regardless of the fact that we had been snacking practically all day it was now time to return to our state room to get ready for dinner at the Enchanted Garden. I admit I was a little nervous that I might get seasick again but so far so good and I was happy about that. Dan and I took our time getting ready and slowly made our way down to deck two for what I hoped would be an enjoyable dinner with my dear hubby without any foreseen problems.
Our first towel creation

We approached the gates and made our way to the podium where were brought to our table and to our surprise we were led to one of those cute little booths. We were soon greeted by our head server who introduced us to our server and assistant server. I have to admit that that was the first time we had all men which was fine with us. Dan and I made our orders, skipping alcohol and just having sodas.
Place setting

Chickpea – garlic purée
Multi-grain loaf and Country Current Bread

Thyme and Garlic Brioche…filled with Chanterelle, Hedgehog and Black Trumpet Mushrooms and Leek Stew in a light buttermilk cream

Dan and I taken by our server

Cream of asparagus soup

Romaine Wedge…Fresh Crisp Romaine topped with a Creamy Romano Dressing and Homemade Spiced Croutons

Caramelized Sea Scallops x 2…With Roasted Asparagus, Sun-dried Tomatoes, and Pearl Pasta, garnished with Caramelized Leeks and Veal Jus Reduction

Banana Foster Sundae…Rum-glazed Bananas, Vanilla Ice Cream, Whipped Cream, and Caramel Sauce

Passion fruit gelée and chocolate truffles

I held back ordering dessert because I knew what was coming next. Our server had already mentioned our anniversary and Dan’s birthday so I realized a cake was to follow. Sure enough in a little while we were surrounded by a group of servers including our own who presented us with a cake and anniversary pins and proceeded to sing happy anniversary with the traditional kiss…kiss, which we eagerly obliged.
Dan and I during our anniversary sing-along...note the boy and his mom in the background. They kept staring at us with evil eyes. Turns out they were waiting for a birthday celebration cake and it wasn't coming quite quick enough.


Next…A quiet day at sea with Palo Brunch, Pirate Night and a surprise sight at sea…

 

[kimchey12]

Ok just have to ask ????? What was the towel creation on the bed lol I just can't figure it out. Loving the TR so far.

 

[MC0810]

I will be using my samsung galaxy 4 on our trip to WDW next month, any tips for using the phone as a camera? were you satisfied with the photos it took?

 

[shadowryter]

Ok just have to ask ????? What was the towel creation on the bed lol I just can't figure it out. Loving the TR so far.

That was a lobster.A big one!

 

[shadowryter]

I will be using my samsung galaxy 4 on our trip to WDW next month, any tips for using the phone as a camera? were you satisfied with the photos it took?

I also have a Samsung Galaxy 4. The pictures came out pretty good except for some night time shots. I also have a lot of photography apps on my phone that I can turn to for different situations. Outdoor shots as well as flash shots came out great.

 

[shadowryter]

December 9th…A busy day ahead

After a good night’s sleep Dan and I awoke and took turns hopping in the shower. I checked our Fish Extender first which held some more surprises. The previous night on our return I found our Palo invitations in our fish but didn’t think to take a shot of them until morning. We both got dressed for our first venture of the day…a 10 am reservation for Palo brunch.
Our Palo invitations

Origami flower given to me at last night’s dinner

We arrived promptly at ten and was yet again seated at table with a lovely view. Our server, Drina introduced herself and after ordering Mimosa’s for two she led us to the buffet.
Palo Plate

Palo Table setting

Table with a view

Brunch choices

Mimosas

More choices

All I’d been hearing from Dan for the past year or so was how great the Chicken Parm was so I decided to humor him and give it a try. On the other hand Dan wanted to try something different (what no Chicken?) We thought we would share a pizza so we did a split; half for him and half for me.
Palo’s famous Chicken Parm…everything I’ve heard and more

Pizza split…Grape and Gorgonzola with balsamic drizzle and sundried tomato with feta

We went off to explore our dessert options and when we returned we found this at our table. Compliments of Drina.
Anniversary surprise

The happy couple

Followed by desserts

When our delicious meal was over I asked Drina if we could have a picture taken with her. She seemed surprised but happy to be in the photo.
Perfect ending to a perfect morning

We went back to our cabin and found a reminder that tonight was pirate night but for now and after a filling brunch we just relaxed, did some shopping and watched some TV. I wasn’t feeling my best. I had a sore, scratchy throat and now a cough that I controlled with throat lozenges. After a little window shopping, we headed back where we just hung out and I rested until, you guessed it…our tummies called out. Dan thought room service would be best so we ordered in.

Mac and cheese

Buffalo wings

All hands on deck…cheese and crackers

Ham and Swiss on a baguette

We shared it all!!!

Continued next post...

 

[shadowryter]

The time passed where we realized we had to get our pirate outfits on. I wasn’t feeling that much better but wasn’t going to let it ruin my evening. We ran into out stateroom hostess who was blown away by our costumes. She told us that the Magic was near us and to go to the top deck as there would be dueling fireworks at sea. We made our way to the Royal Palace and was promptly seated.

Now a month or so before we sailed I had called and asked to have a table just for the two of us. First because we were celebrating and wanted to have a romantic table for two and second I never really connected with anyone on forums or Face Book on this cruise before we left unlike my Fantasy cruise. I even forgot to write that we had a little meet before the lifeboat drill on our embarkation day. It was by Frozones, was quick and cordial but I guess not very memorable or I would have remembered to tell you all about it a few posts ago.

We were seated at our table and to my surprise there was a family of 3 seated merely a few inches away from us. Basically they divided the tables and barely left enough room to get in between. I didn’t considered this a problem until a little time passed. I will tell you right now that these people wanted nothing to do with us. I don’t think they were happy with the table arrangement either. They never spoke a word and barely noticed that there were two people almost beside them. I would have struck up a conversation but I felt a little uneasy. Thank god this only happened at the RC, which we dined at twice and what a first impression, Dan and I dressed up like pirates. The youngest one did stare. Lol!

We chose to skip apps and cocktails this time in lieu of room service and in the hopes of finally making it to the pirate buffet we made our choices.
Johnny Cake with a pigeon pea relish

Captain Hook's Macadamia Nut-dusted Mahi-Mahi …Jasmine rice and sautéed pineapple on a mild curry sauce

Treasures of the Seas Grilled Shrimp and Seared Scallops …served on strings of pasta and fresh creamy tomato sauce

Shells removed by our server

Always room for dessert
Crunch Time Sundae …Rum Raisin Ice Cream, Pineapple, Whipped Cream and Croquant…Larry would be proud as the Rum raisin wasn’t very Rum or raisin-y on the Fantasy.
Yes Larry..there were raisins!


Fruit Cobbler …with vanilla ice cream…simple yet incredible!

Somewhere along the line we had our photos taken by Shutters photographers and had an uncomfortable time crawling in between the table to get a shot of the both of us together. Our un-tablemates declined the photo op. When our dinner was over we couldn’t get out of there fast enough and we headed to Deck 11 to wait and see the Magic.
The Dreams stack

We got a great spot right against the railing. The wind was blowing like crazy so I tied up my hair in my bandana to keep from eating it and held on to my hat for dear life for fear it would blow off in the deep blue. I can’t tell you how long we stood there. It was a beautiful night, the moon was the only light on the blackened sea. Other people started to come near and a couple stood right off to my right. I guess somewhere along the line she got tired of standing and decided to sit practically at my feet. Not a good idea as the wind was blowing my skirt something fierce and it kept whipping her in her face. Do you think she would stand or move? Not at all. You could see at least three ships on the horizon, one a Celebrity and maybe a NCL, the other, not so sure.

There was an announcement that the Magic was out there…somewhere I guess and that she would have the honors of doing her fireworks first followed by us. You had to laugh, everybody was all excited, the lights of the Dream dimmed and there it was. The teeniest…tiniest spec on the ocean. Not even a sound of her rockets she was so far away. I couldn’t even grab a picture.

When the lights came back on I turned to view the show and OMG…where did all the people come from. I never even noticed.
Crowded to the rail

The show came and went and the fireworks were spectacle as always. Then it was time for Club Pirate. We waited for the crowd to shrink and slowly and I do mean slowly went down the stairs and right through the buffet…again…No buffet. I blame it on room service.
Here thar be Pirates…Arrgghhh!

Again with the wind

Just the moon

We stayed at the Pirate party a little while, Dan got us some drinks and then we called it a night. Returning to our cabin we found the next day’s Navigator and a little monkey.
Party the night away…well not us

DCL mail

Towel Monkey


Next…Port of Nassau and photos of a nearly empty Disney Dream!

 

[dclwonderprincess]

You take lovely photos. I'm truly enjoying your trip report, you seem like my kind of cruiser. DH and I are taking a 1st anniversary cruise on the Dream May 8th. I look forward to more pictures and the rest of your report since this will be our first time on the Dream.

 

[shadowryter]

You take lovely photos. I'm truly enjoying your trip report, you seem like my kind of cruiser. DH and I are taking a 1st anniversary cruise on the Dream May 8th. I look forward to more pictures and the rest of your report since this will be our first time on the Dream.

Thank you. What a great way to celebrate your first anniversary. Congrats. You will love the Dream. She's a beautiful ship!

 

[shadowryter]

December 10th…a Day in Nassau

We awoke this morning to find that we were pulling into port. Dan and I got dressed and headed for some breakfast at the Royal Palace. We easily got a table, ordered some coffee of course and our choices for this morning.
Breakfast pastries

Breakfast Express…Scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, grilled ham and hash brown…Dan’s traditional

French Toast and Pineapple Stack…Layers of French Toast and Grilled Pineapple, topped with Strawberry Coulis, Maple Glaze and Fruit Salad…for me…Yes I stole a piece of his bacon.

By the time we finished breakfast we were in port. We headed back to our cabin for a last minute pit stop before disembarking and as we left were greeted by our stateroom hostess who excitingly told us that we were docked right beside the Magic. Cool!!!
Dream and Magic side by side

We had no particular plans for today. I thought about going to the rum shop, maybe stop by Senior Frogs but it was too early for a drink. My may interest was a plan to seek out the woman who sold us some beautiful and unique jewelry a couple of years ago so we made our way to our first stop: the Straw Market. I was so excited to hear how they were now under a permanent roof but not so much when I arrived. It reminded me of a flea market, rows upon rows and isles and isles of basically the same things for sale. T-shirts, clothing, hats, jewelry but the cheap stuff. We spent an hour or more going in circles but I couldn’t fine her. I thought she might have had her own shop, the quality of her worked seemed like she would but I guess it wasn’t to be this time.

We went about checking out the local shops. The Bacardi store had burned down and we didn’t feel like shopping for rum or rum cakes. To tell you the truth I have the recipe for the Tortuga Rum Cake and mine came out just as good as an even better than the ones I purchased in the past. We walked down to the end of the dock by Senior Frogs but never went in. To tell you the truth I believe it was closed but a good vantage point to see the ships and get some photos.
Senior Frogs

Ships in the harbor

Officer directing traffic

Back to port

Shots of the Magic and Dream

Atlantis Resort and Casino

A panorama of all 5 ships

More Magic and Dream


Continued Next Post...

 

[shadowryter]

The closer we got back to the ships the darker the skies turned. I wanted to get some shots up front of both ships and in between the drops we ran from cover to cover but soon it was time to call it a day in Nassau so we returned.
The Atlantis and town from the Dream

By now it was time for lunch so we headed to Cabanas to check out the buffet. They weren't open as of yet but we grabbed a table with a view, got some drinks and waited.
Magic from Cabanas

Cabanas...didn't realize that Dan was in the shot until now.

Table with a view

Buffet choices

Desserts

With lunch behind us we headed outside to check out the view and take some more pictures but when the rain started it was time to go inside and grab some quiet shots of the Dream.

Carnival on the other side of us

Hustling in from the rain

Rain-soaked Dream

Dan and I started a walk of the lounges and as I hoped they were open and empty. Time to get some photos,

Next...Another practically empty ship!

 

[TeresaNJ]

Whew, I've been reading for days trying to catch up, and I finally did! What a great trip report! I've only cruised once, 20 years ago, on Norwegian's the Norway, and I'm dying to take a Disney cruise. My husband & I are hoping for next March, a 4 day on the Dream.

Loving your report, and your photos are awesome! I'm truly getting a feel for what a Disney cruise is like after reading your report. Can't wait for the rest!

 

[shadowryter]

Whew, I've been reading for days trying to catch up, and I finally did! What a great trip report! I've only cruised once, 20 years ago, on Norwegian's the Norway, and I'm dying to take a Disney cruise. My husband & I are hoping for next March, a 4 day on the Dream.

Loving your report, and your photos are awesome! I'm truly getting a feel for what a Disney cruise is like after reading your report. Can't wait for the rest!

Glad you're all caught up. You will love the Dream.

 

[shadowryter]

A good thing to remember is that when you are at port the bars and lounges are closed as well as the shops. Great time to get some photos.
Skyline Bar

Evolution

The District...bathrooms behind those cylinders.

687

Pink

Continued next post...