Let Sleeping Dogs Lie in the Sand: Magic Southern Caribbean 9/20-9/27

[jedijill]

Regardless of over carbing in the morning, sounds like a great day. I have to remember that spa treatment, it sounds awesome! I love the two soufflés as well, and I pretty much roll out of there, but doing late dining, it's right to bed. You are so getting me psyched for my cruise! I can't wait.

I just hope we don't have the sucky Palo Brunch experience. What was up with that? Did your table mates order the entrees before everyone finished with the buffet part, or did he just start randomly bringing entrees? I want my own Chicken Parm every time! So good!

It was a really good day!

I'm sure you won't have a bad experience. It was an aberration from every other Palo experience I've ever had. I think he overheard some of us during the tour and put in orders for hot items right then. It was just a very odd and disjointed experience. The food was really good though!

The spa treatment is awesome. They have the same villas for couples as couples. The price is really not bad either. It's $199 for the single.

Jill in CO

Jill in CO

 

[franandaj]

I think he overheard some of us during the tour and put in orders for hot items right then. It was just a very odd and disjointed experience. The food was really good though!

I think I will be clear about the entrees and not speculate during the tour. Besides we also know what we want pretty much. Strawberry Soup first, Chicken Parm next, I'll take some of Fran's pancakes and if there is any room left, split a pizza. Then dessert!

 

[jedijill]

I think I will be clear about the entrees and not speculate during the tour. Besides we also know what we want pretty much. Strawberry Soup first, Chicken Parm next, I'll take some of Fran's pancakes and if there is any room left, split a pizza. Then dessert!

Sounds like a really good plan!

Jill in CO

 

[rentayenta]

Great day Jill! I agree, Disney ships have the best chicken fingers.

You passed on the free rum? You must have been feeling sick. Glad it was fleeting.

Your spa treatments sound amazing.

 

[pkondz]

If I don't make total sense with my comments, blame lack of sleep.
I unfortunately had insomnia last night and didn't fall asleep until 4:30...
then work called at 5:30... oh well.
Here we go.

A good portion of the passengers were from Puerto Rico so I thought this was a nice touch...until Miguel rambled on 2-3x longer than Natalie talked.

I hate that.
Even when I understand both languages (rare).
If you're going to do something in two languages, make them the same!

I slept in a bit and then got up and headed to the DVC presentation. I was hoping to win the $200 OBC but it was not to be.

OBC?

I did get a free mimosa...free always taste better!

Free is always good.

Shield your eyes from the nuclear white legs!

They're not that bad are they?
Lemme look.

MY EYES! MY EYES!

I didn't see any rice crispy Mickey's on the way out but friends got them.

And they didn't save any for you?
Are they still your friends?

Most of us sat down but one person was over chatting with one of her clients. The waiter didn't acknowledge us so we figured he was waiting for our missing person to finally sit.

Hey! So it's not just us.... or Famous Dave's!

I told the waiter I wanted a chicken parm. It never came so on one of his trips I finally clearly told him I wanted my own chicken parm.

Well there ya go. That's your problem right there.
When you asked for a chicken parm, you didn't specify that it was for you.

The waiter kept telling us that it wasn't his fault, it was the chef's fault if we didn't like the food. He said this several times and quite frankly it was super annoying!

ugh. I bet! Just that first sentence had me gritting my teeth with displeasure.

I have never had service this bad at Palo.

That's too bad.
Here's hoping further visits will be better

I stopped and told the maitre d' that we were not happy with the service and we really wanted someone different for our dinner reservation later in the week. He was very apologetic and asked for feedback on the service. We filled him in and he assured us that he would see that it was corrected.

Very interested to see if that happens.

I passed out a couple of floors worth of gifts and then headed to my mixology class.

Whoa! A stack two floors high! That's a lot of gifts!

The bartenders came over and dispersed the rum...I guess they didn't trust us!

And I'm guessing it's based on previous experience.

The class was fun and the drinks were strong...it's a great deal for $15!

I think I headed back to my cabin and then distributed the rest of my FE gifts.

You think?
Those drinks really were strong, huh?

I started with an empanada.

So that's what an empanada looks like.
As you can guess, I've never had one.

They did have banana bread! I asked for some extra and our servers brought another entire basket! Two of our tablemates didn't show up so there was banana bread to go around!

mmmm... Banana bread. Love that stuff.

I ordered what was listed as a ribeye but was really prime rib. It was tasty and HUGE!

Holy cow, Jill! There's an entire heifer on your plate!

(Looks good, though)

For dessert I had the Coconut Tres Leches cake. It was really good!

Nope.
pkondz does not do coconut... ever.

I had ordered breakfast the night before and it came right at 7.

That's nice.
I've wondered, does it cost extra to have breakfast delivered?
Or is that part of the inclusive meals?

We started the drive to the Dockyards and passed some old sugar mill ruins. Our driver didn't stop so I tried to grab a picture through the window.

And you've hit the nail on the head of why I don't much care for tours.
I like having the control to stop where (and when) I want.

This wheel was used to pull the mast down so the workers could scrape and repair the bottom of the ship.

Really!
I would never have guessed that, I would've thought that I'd be scared to snap the mast.

(I thought it was for hauling ships into a dry-dock.)

DCL had someone set up outside handing out ice cold washcloths. OMG, they felt so good! Brilliant move Disney!

Nice touch!

I could see the island and the water from the hot tub.

Oh, man. That sounds amazing.

She ld me back inside and gave me a 50 minute Thai poultice massage.

Which is what?

She had tea and a plate of fruit (pineapple and strawberry skewers) and chocolate covered strawberries. Mmm! The pineapple was perfect...so good and refreshing. It started raining but it was still relaxing sitting there relaxing and watching the rain.

Wow. Talk about total relaxation. Sounds wonderful.

After my time was up, my therapist came back with my bill.

And then it's crashing back to Earth time!

After leaving the spa, I floated back to my cabin.

Nicely put!
And I bet you did!

Fried cheese...how could it be bad?

And? How was it?

French onion soup. Yum!

One of my faves. Yum, is right!

Notice there are 2? Yeah, not your standard serving size but Luis heard that its my favorite and brought me two.

Sounds like a much better dining experience than your last one!

Next up: St Lucia.

Can't wait! Thanks for posting!

 

[linetbo]

Wao, the room is very small. My first 2 cruises where on a Verandah room, but me next 2 will be on the inside room.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

There is no danger of me adding on through DVC since the point prices are now completely outrageous. If and when I add on, it will be through resale.

Don't worry, there's no danger of me ever being able to buy into DVC in the first place!

Shield your eyes from the nuclear white legs!

Oh, like I have room to talk.

I told the waiter I wanted a chicken parm. It never came so on one of his trips I finally clearly told him I wanted my own chicken parm.

C'mon, dude. Just assume everyone wants chicken parm. It looks really good!

The waiter kept telling us that it wasn't his fault, it was the chef's fault if we didn't like the food.

It's funny the first time...actually, it's not that funny.

Carioca's is the new dining room that used to be Parrot Cay. I like the new decor but it is LOUD. I wasn't super excited by the menu but ended up being pleasantly surprised. I started with an empanada.

This food actually looks just as appetizing to me as Palo. Is that bad?

DCL had someone set up outside handing out ice cold washcloths. OMG, they felt so good! Brilliant move Disney!

They do this at golf courses in Arizona too. It's heavenly!

Nice pictures of Antigua. Some of the views look gorgeous.

Fried cheese...how could it be bad?

 

[KatMark]

Jill, I'm sorry...I got a bit behind.

First, I think last night was nerves...I think they will come back in Game 2.

I got a headache just listening to you describe Miguel.

Antingua looks lovely.

Best Chicken Fingers ever? Wow...if I ever do the cruise I'll be sure to check them out.

Your filet and onion soup look like heaven right about now. I'm drooling all over my computer.

 

[pkondz]

Your filet and onion soup look like heaven right about now. I'm drooling all over my computer.

Someone get her a napkin, stat!

 

[KatMark]

Someone get her a napkin, stat!

 

[jedijill]

Great day Jill! I agree, Disney ships have the best chicken fingers.

You passed on the free rum? You must have been feeling sick. Glad it was fleeting.

Your spa treatments sound amazing.

It was so hot...all I wanted was water! I love the spa...I just know that I build that into the cost of the trip.

Jill in CO

 

[jedijill]

If I don't make total sense with my comments, blame lack of sleep.
I unfortunately had insomnia last night and didn't fall asleep until 4:30...
then work called at 5:30... oh well.
Here we go.





I hate that.
Even when I understand both languages (rare).
If you're going to do something in two languages, make them the same!



OBC?



Free is always good.



They're not that bad are they?
Lemme look.

MY EYES! MY EYES!



And they didn't save any for you?
Are they still your friends?



Hey! So it's not just us.... or Famous Dave's!



Well there ya go. That's your problem right there.
When you asked for a chicken parm, you didn't specify that it was for you.



ugh. I bet! Just that first sentence had me gritting my teeth with displeasure.



That's too bad.
Here's hoping further visits will be better



Very interested to see if that happens.



Whoa! A stack two floors high! That's a lot of gifts!






And I'm guessing it's based on previous experience.



You think?
Those drinks really were strong, huh?



So that's what an empanada looks like.
As you can guess, I've never had one.



mmmm... Banana bread. Love that stuff.



Holy cow, Jill! There's an entire heifer on your plate!

(Looks good, though)



Nope.
pkondz does not do coconut... ever.



That's nice.
I've wondered, does it cost extra to have breakfast delivered?
Or is that part of the inclusive meals?



And you've hit the nail on the head of why I don't much care for tours.
I like having the control to stop where (and when) I want.



Really!
I would never have guessed that, I would've thought that I'd be scared to snap the mast.

(I thought it was for hauling ships into a dry-dock.)



Nice touch!



Oh, man. That sounds amazing.



Which is what?



Wow. Talk about total relaxation. Sounds wonderful.



And then it's crashing back to Earth time!



Nicely put!
And I bet you did!



And? How was it?



One of my faves. Yum, is right!



Sounds like a much better dining experience than your last one!



Can't wait! Thanks for posting!

Ugh on the insomnia! I used to have it every night. Its gotten much better but I've had a couple of nights this week and its not fun. Hope you get some sleep!


OBC= On Board Credit or free drink money!

Room service is free!

Fried cheese is


Jill in CO

 

[jedijill]

Jill, I'm sorry...I got a bit behind.

First, I think last night was nerves...I think they will come back in Game 2.

I got a headache just listening to you describe Miguel.

Antingua looks lovely.

Best Chicken Fingers ever? Wow...if I ever do the cruise I'll be sure to check them out.

Your filet and onion soup look like heaven right about now. I'm drooling all over my computer.

You are forgiven.

Looks like the Royals are back tonight! I'm too scared to watch though..I think I jinxed them last night.

You guys should do a cruise! The chicken fingers are awesome...and free!

I think pkondz already got you a drool rag.

Jill in CO

 

[jedijill]

Someone get her a napkin, stat!

Jill in CO

 

[PrincessInOz]

Pity about your Palo brunch server. I hope that he got assigned elsewhere and you never have to deal with him again.

The food all looks great and I loved looking at the Bacardi tour.

The West Indies play cricket; and it's one of my dreams to follow the Australian Cricket team on tour in the West Indies and watch the test matches. I think I'm going to have to move this up my bucket list. I suspect that it may well have to be a solo trip (neither of my boys are interested in cricket at all!!) The islands look lovely! Antigua looks amazingly green.

Thanks for sharing.

 

[jedijill]

Pity about your Palo brunch server. I hope that he got assigned elsewhere and you never have to deal with him again.

The food all looks great and I loved looking at the Bacardi tour.

The West Indies play cricket; and it's one of my dreams to follow the Australian Cricket team on tour in the West Indies and watch the test matches. I think I'm going to have to move this up my bucket list. I suspect that it may well have to be a solo trip (neither of my boys are interested in cricket at all!!) The islands look lovely! Antigua looks amazingly green.

Thanks for sharing.

I'm not interested in Cricket but I'll go explore the islands with you! Just let me know!


Jill in CO

 

[DWGal210]

Joining in!

Looks like you had a nice time pre-cruise in San Juan. I would love to go there - looks beautiful!

That is a shame about your Palo server - I'm glad you said something. I mean, everyone has a bad day but to take it out on you guys was not right. Those servers in Palo are supposed to be the best-of-the-best.

I have heard those chicken fingers are great! 6 cruises under my belt and have never had them - I'll have to remedy that this next time around!

The fried brie is one of my top 5 DCL appetizers. SO GOOD. That and the pasta pursettes. I could have just a meal of those.

Your room looks nice!

I am going to check and see if that Alone Time treatment is available in February - sounds AWESOME to me!!

 

[perfectmatch300]

Great TR, Jill! I was really hoping Disney would offer this itinerary again in 2015 so I could fit it into our schedule. Unfortunately for me it wasn't offered, so I am going to have to make a different plan to get to the islands you visited on this trip.

We do have stops in San Juan and St Kitts on our next cruise, so I have started to look at excursions there. I'm glad you liked the Segway tour in San Juan because that is what we will most likely do there. I can't wait to see what you did on the remaining islands!

We just cruised on the Dream in Sept and I absolutely fell in love with the fried brie! I want some now!

Your furbaby is really cute. I'm glad she is feeling better.

 

[PrincessInOz]

I'm not interested in Cricket but I'll go explore the islands with you! Just let me know!

Jill in CO

Oooh!

Australia will be heading to the West Indies in 2015; but that's not the right time for me. Maybe the one after that. 3 or 4 years.....I just need to *tell* DH that I'm going to go solo without him and go with you instead.

 

[RedSox68]

Did you like the Sheraton in San Juan? We are flying in day before our cruise in 2016 and have to find a hotel.