*LIVE* from the Magic pre-trip and 1/28-2/4 Cruise

[captchris]

We did hear that they were trying to get this cruise to Cozumel, but it still wasn't possible. We spoke with folks from other cruises that tendered there and said it worked fine. There is still alot of damage though, that is what they were saying. Not sure if Disney will change the next few cruises...but it wasn't ready for us.

Thanks for the reply!

I read somewhere else that it may take up to a year to fix the Punta Langosta pier. That seems like a hard time, but I also heard that the tenders that are used are huge, so moving people to shore wouldn't be too much of a problem.

Enjoy your last day!

 

[monsterchaser]

I have been reading these boards for awhile, but signed up today just so I could say thanks so much for the live updates. We are cruising on the 2/25 Magic trip and I have been considering the Native Way tour also. You have helped me to make up my mind and I am booking today!

 

[rjh8115]

I have been reading these boards for awhile, but signed up today just so I could say thanks so much for the live updates. We are cruising on the 2/25 Magic trip and I have been considering the Native Way tour also. You have helped me to make up my mind and I am booking today!

Hi Monster,
We're on you cruise! Hop over to the cruise meets to meet the rest of us DISers. Looks like we're around 160 and growing . . .

Rick

 

[sam08223]

And it's been a great trip -- Met Deb and DH at a Palo Brunch on Wed AM -- I'm and occasional poster here. Didn't recogize Deb from this site until later. Castaway Key today was Great -- DW and I spent 6hrs just laying back at SB - a little cool - I guess mid 70's - but sure beats NJ. Hello again Deb -- Safe travels to all on this cruise and all DIS friends

 

[ibouncetoo]

At about 1150 our family went to Lumiere's to make sure that they had things ready for us. They were all set, and had a portion of the dining room blocked off. As people started showing up, we started filling the tables. Some folks forgot, (having too much fun on their cruise) but the ones who came had fun. I brought the few left over bubbles that I saved from sail away, and we played and talked. The servers were so funny, and were playing bubbles too, and when it came time to sing and cakes...they were so loud and funny! The whole thing turned out great, and we all left full!

What a wonderful idea! We have a mess of birthday/anniversary celebrations on our cruise meets thread, this would be a fun way to all celebrate together. Were you able to arrange this in advance or did you have to set it up with guest services when you got on the ship?

Can't wait to hear about the rest of your cruise!

 

[ddavis860]

Day 5 of the Cruise, Day 9 of our Vacation
(OK so now we are pretending to be live...We are actually *LIVE* from the Hampton Inn in Florence, SC. See, the cruise went to fast, and I wasn't able to stay "LIVE". I had every intention to, but it didn't work out that way....)

A day at sea again....

We woke up to beautiful calm seas, and sun. Wow, what great weather we have had for this cruise!

DS13 is no longer under house arrest, but has had his freedom curtailed big time. The boys are going to see Narnia tonight, and eating at the Topsider's Buffet. Today is Palo Brunch, Spa Villas, Twice Charmed, and Animator's Palette for dinner for DH and me. Wow, what a day...really not sure we can handle the stress....


We grabbed a light snack early from Topsiders, and dressed for Palo Brunch. We have never had brunch there before, so we were really looking forward to doing something new. Our server was Anton. Great server, and stayed and talked with us about how happy he is with the crew on the ship right now. He said that is it a totally different feeling from when he started 3 years ago. He also said that Disney is the best company to work for, but also the strictest. They do random drug testing on 50 crew a day, and if you fail, you are off at the next port...ZERO tolerance. That was something we had never heard before. He also said that they changed the crew bar and other crew areas during dry dock, and that it is much better for them....interesting info, and we could have talked to him for a few hours, really nice guy.

The food at Brunch was wonderful, as others have posted. I recommend going if you have the chance. I tried caviar, and a little of the cold salads. DH ordered the tilapia, and I ordered the Chicken Parm, and we shared a pasta dish. Desserts were yummy too, and we each had Key Lime Pie, and a few other things to try.

After Brunch we took a walk on deck, and then it was time to go to the spa villas. Now, you want to call something decadent, the spa villas are that and more. We weren't going to try it because of the cost, but we were so glad we did. DH picked the seaweed wrap, and I picked the hot stones. Add-ons were DH added a 1/2 body hot stones, and I added a full back exfoliation with Devil's Mint Scrub. When you go in they have the Jacuzzi bubbling away, and there are large bowls of sudsy water for your feet. You put your feet in to soak, and they go over your spa sheets. They then rub your feet with milk bath and give you a quick foot massage. Then it is into the Jacuzzi. Talk about a view, watching the ocean on a beautiful day. The two therapists stayed in the room preparing for our treatments, but they did close the curtain. They then told us to shower and take off our bathing suits, and to lay on the tables, me face down, DH face up.

DH's table was covered with a large piece of foil. She covered him with seaweed, and then wrapped him up. They girls were teasing him that he was going to look like Shriek. I told him he looked like a baking potato. I on the other hand was given a massage first with her hands, then the stones in her hands. The stones were hot, but I like the heat, so it was great for me. She worked all the large muscle groups, up my legs, then my back, then my arms. Wow. Then the back scrub, followed by hot towels...I was so relaxed....

Just about this time, DH was told to go shower...Oh Yeah....Right...now he had to move...was really funny listening to him...I was snickering...till she told me to turn over...ARE YOU KIDDING ME, YOU WANT ME TO MOVE?!? OK, so now DH's distress wasn't so funny any more...

She put the little rice bag over my eyes, and I promptly relaxed again. She did my arms, and my upper chest, and DH had his stone treatment. Then we were left alone to get our robes on, and go relax on the lounge on the balcony. They told us about the different teas, and prepared them as we watched the ocean some more. I had rejuvenating tea and DH had relaxing tea. They bring fruit kabobs, and a basket full of the products they used. They then discuss the things in the basket. We had already bought a bottle of the Milk Bath, so I got the Celutox oil she used on me, and they gave us 2 boxes of the Devil's Mint Scrub.

Then they figured out the bills. They split the treatments in half, and we each had a bill. While we enjoyed the view, they readied the room for the next couple, and then left us to get dressed and figure out our bill and the tips. Good thing they leave a calculator, because our brains had not engaged as of yet, and we were still floating...Now we had time to go to the Quiet Cove pool for a swim, and have another Jacuzzi...and discuss our stressful day...

Then we got ready for "Twice Charmed", and dinner to follow. We enjoyed the show. Disney really does great shows on the ship. There was a problem with the mic on the Wicked Stepmother, but they handed her a hand mic and everything was fine after that.

Dinner was really nice, and DH and I enjoyed a great meal. You know they are good when the servers start taking the menus away from you before you order, and tell you they know what you want. And they were right...Karoy started asking me about what wines I like, and brought me a taster to try, then a glass of one that you can't get in the US. Was yummy with my dessert.

Then it was off the Shutters to find some pics, and back to the room. Kids were there and told us all about Narnia...they really liked it.

More to follow...

 

[ddavis860]

Day 6 of the Cruise, Day 10 of our vacation

Is it really Thursday? Where did the time go? Today is Nassau, and we are going to Atlantis. I booked a room at the Comfort Suites, so we can play at Atlantis, and use the pools and the beach.

Getting off the ship was easy. We shopped a little, and then hailed a cab to take us to the Comfort Suites. DH actually talked the guy down to $3 per person for the ride, which really supprised me, as I had heard that the price wasn't negotiable. You can really see the damage from the hurricane a few years ago still evident as you travel through the area.

The cab ride was really fast, nothing like the water taxi that we used when we did the excursion with Disney. Check-in was fast, and we got the keys to the room we were never going to see. We walked through the hotel, checked out the pool there, and then it was off to Atlantis, a short walk across the street.

We got the map, and started back to the slides. I first wanted to get some different sunscreen for DH and me, but at $15 or $20 a bottle, we decided to forget it. We walked out and into the world of Atlantis...lush, green, and amazing. We walked by the shark tank, and over the rope bridge, and made our way back to the Mayan Ruin like pool that had the slides that the kids wanted to try.

We found some lounge chairs, and that was almost the last time I saw the kids that day, until they wanted some food. They did all the slides, and even DH did some. I think their favorite was the one that goes through the shark tank. Everyone was enjoying the day. I was enjoying the weather, which was partly sunny, and warm. The kids loved the slides, they were a big hit, and I was glad that I knew about the Comfort Suites from the DIS. DH talked to a woman who did the same thing with a different hotel. She was also on the Magic, but he can't remember the name of the hotel, he thinks it was the Towers.

After we had our fill of the pool, we walked through the Dig. It really is beautiful the way they have that set up. We ended up on the far side of Atlantis, and walked through the hotel and casino to get back to the front desk, and out to the front where they hailed us a cab, and we were on our way back to the Magic. While going over the bridge, we could see more of the damage caused by the hurricane. Some boats are still swamped in the water, and the docks are destroyed. We asked the cab driver, and he said that the dock owners were waiting for the government and the government was waiting for the dock owners. And that after 2 years, it still looks the same.

Nassau shops close up at 5:00 so we got right back on the ship. DH and I went for a Jacuzzi, and the kids went off to do their thing. Dinner was at Parrot Cay, and it was Lobster Night. Even DS13 wanted lobster, and loved it. Just an observation...DH thought that the lobster dinner was the only meal that he could see a difference in the quality. Mine was great, as was DS17. DH thought his was a little mushy, and DS13's was mushier than his brother's.

After dinner it was off to Shutter's for pics, and then bed....and we were beat!

More to follow....

 

[GSCM_DisneyScout]

They were holding a rope, and the juggler was walking on the rope. The horn honked and I panicked and left with DS13 to the gangway. DS17 and DH finally finished the show, and came aboard.

Dinner was at Animator's Pallet. Now I have to say that DH and I never really got this room, it was never our favorite. Maybe it was where we were sitting though, because this time we really liked it. And you can tell who the Disney freaks are, because we could name every song that was played, and every movie they showed.

See, now I wish I had gotten Internet access during the cruise. That was MY DD (Miranda) that started out under the rope and MY DH (Tom), that ended up underneath the rope! Of course, Miranda is one that always jumps at the chance to be in the spotlight.

We had dinner at Animator's Pallet, too. I'm guessing you had the late sitting? That's what we had. We were table 26. See, we may have even dined in the same dining room every night and still didn't manage to hook up. I was another Disney nut knowing all the songs, too. We would wander around the ship and my kids kept trying to stump me on whatever song was playing. I think there was only one I missed the whole time.

Kim

Kim

 

[ddavis860]

Debbie- I just wanted to say that I have enjoyed your posts, and I wish you a great day today at Castaway Cay! I would love to know who all you have on your cruise staff, as it seems like a lot of changes have been made recently. I have heard Pike is away, but how about Scott, David, "Key-on," and Jake- any of them around? You can see them all at one place during the skit at Pub Night in Diversions tonight-try not to miss it! Would love to hear a report on that! Enjoy the rest of your cruise!

TCD

We missed Pub Night. I was really upset about it, as I was telling DH that I wanted to go the whole trip. For some reason, I wasn't feeling too good that last night, and I just wanted to get back to the room. Plus we had all that packing to do. Of all the things we didn't get to do, that is one I am really sorry about.

 

[ddavis860]

And it's been a great trip -- Met Deb and DH at a Palo Brunch on Wed AM -- I'm and occasional poster here. Didn't recogize Deb from this site until later. Castaway Key today was Great -- DW and I spent 6hrs just laying back at SB - a little cool - I guess mid 70's - but sure beats NJ. Hello again Deb -- Safe travels to all on this cruise and all DIS friends

Hi Sam

We had a great chat in Palo. I'm still working on my Castaway report...

 

[GhostlyHitchhiker]

I was another Disney nut knowing all the songs, too. We would wander around the ship and my kids kept trying to stump me on whatever song was playing. I think there was only one I missed the whole time.

Kim

Kim

My nephew(5) didn't know who Chernabog's picture was in Animator's, so he asked my DBIL. DBIL told him that if he has ANY Disney related questions he should direct them to me. I was proud of being the Family Disney Expert that night.

 

[ddavis860]

Day 7, Castaway Cay

(OK, so now I am *LIVE* from my living room. I never thought I would have such a hard time keeping up with the trip reports. So, let's pretend that we are still on the ship....)

The day started really sunny. After a Topsiders breakfast, we got our things ready and went to Deck 1. We had to do our obligatory "I'm on the ship, I'm off the ship" while jumping on and off the gang way...a family tradition ever since we saw it on the TV on our very first cruise.

This cruise was very different for us because our kids are older, and we are able to do more adult things. Such As, we were going to check out Serenity Bay. We signed for the kids so they could come and go on the ship, and rode the tram over to the family beach. Kids were given an allowance, their float and snorkel tickets, and reminded that they were expected back on board at 4. We then jumped on the tram to the adult beach.

We had never been there, and it is such a beautiful place! It got a little cloudy for part of the morning, but then the sun came out and it was perfect. DH and I went shell hunting, and wading in the water. The water was so clear and calm. The only thing that I would want changed is they need to put hammocks there. Only 1 for the whole beach is ridiculous! There should be 1 for every set if chairs.

We went to the adult beach BBQ, but I missed Cookie's. I wish we had gone back there for lunch. The food was excellent, but I like the selections at Cookie's are better. I had heard that sometimes they have lobster at the adult beach, but it didn't happen on our cruise. DH and I had a cheese burger, and then DH went back for a "steak sandwich" and ended up with a thinly sliced T-bone steak that they serve on a bun. He ate the steak and said it was excellent. The burgers were great too!

DH had a cabana massage at 2. He got a 1/2 body and facial this time...spa junkie....he really liked it, and was really wishing that he didn't have such a long walk back to me after. When he returned, I was ready to leave paradise. There was some shopping I wanted to do, and I was ready to get back.

We peeked at the teen's beach, no kids there, and then walked back to the ship. I kept looking up to see if one of the kids was on the veranda...then we heard someone yell, and there was DS13 on deck 4 with 2 friends. He came down the elevator, and we were able to get right on and go up to the room.

DS17 was there, and had 3 braids in his hair. They didn't do much on the teen beach, but had a great time snorkeling. DS17 tried and tried to find Mickey, but he didn't see him this cruise. We noticed that the ship was stopping and starting after we left Castaway, and we were going in circles...so we were thinking, was someone left behind? Medical emergency? Another day at Castaway for us? None of the above, I found out upon returning that it was a test of the side thrusters. It would have been nice if there was an announcement, but they must not have thought we needed the info.

DH and I went to guest services to get the tip vouchers, and decided to tip over for everyone. We then went back to the cabin and started to pack. Till 6:30 when we decided to take our nightly Jacuzzi...I could really get into this lifestyle. We found that around 6:30 was the best time to go to the adult pool. We generally had the area to ourselves. After that is was pack for a little more, then dress for dinner.

Dinner was great, but I wasn't feeling too well, so I didn't eat the big dessert, and after DS13 and I went to Shutters. We didn't go to Pub Night because I was not up to it, but went back to the cabin and finished packing...sad, sad job for us, as we knew we were going to be off the ship in a matter of hours.

The ocean was rougher, and we were rocking and rolling a little that last night. When I woke up at 4am, and peeked out we still weren't at Port Canaveral, but were quite a ways away. In the past we have been docked at this time, so I was wondering about that. But, eventually we did dock, and my hopes of the ship turning around were dashed.

 

[ddavis860]

Last morning, Port Canaveral.

I was up early, and got ready for breakfast. DH went to get us coffee, and we were going to enjoy it one last time on our veranda...yeah right....who ordered this cold weather and all this rain? So much for the last coffee, we had it in the cabin. Kids finally believed that it was time to get up and leave, and we were able to do the final walk through to check for belongings. Then it was down to Lumiere's for breakfast.

We were early, and had to wait outside for a few minutes. As usual, I got teary eyed as I realized it was going to be the last time I would be on the ship for a couple of years. Kids started teasing me, that snaps you out of it quick enough...

When we went into Lumiere's, we were really happy to see that our servers were as attentive, and as friendly as they had been all cruise. Because of this great service, and that they made our meals so enjoyable, DH was compelled to slip them a little extra tip. I was really glad he did because these guys really worked hard, and smiled and joked the whole time.

When I left, it was with a tear, but then we were heading to customs. I always get nervous, but our porter was great, and got us to the "right" guy, who just let us pass, no questions...and we were out at the shuttle to go back to the Radisson in a flash. What a rude way to come back to reality, cold and rainy. We got the same driver back to the Radisson, and were there before we knew it. DH got the van from the parking, and we were back in the lobby to get our checked bags in a few minutes. And guess what we saw there....PEOPLE GETTING READY TO GO BACK ON OUR SHIP!!! So we told some of them that we just got off, and what a great time we had. Really brought it home as to how hard the people on the ship work. These new people will be treated as if they are the first ones, just as we were. Disney has some great employees on the Magic.

 

[ddavis860]

Final thoughts...

Things I would do the same:

The large accordion "Mickey Folder" (called this due to the Mickey head I painted on the cover) for all maps, reservations, boarding passes, and Birth Certificates...kept things really running smoothly

The over the door shoe rack for the bathroom...those pockets really came in handy for toothbrushes, hairbrushes, barrettes, etc...

The hanging shoe organizer for the closet.... kept my shoes, evening bags, and accessories under control, and out of the precious drawer space...

The power strip for the only plug on the desk, so we could all power up our toys and my computer over night...at the same time...

The Memory Box that I got from the Disney Gifts. I used it all week to keep the Navigators and other keepsakes. And it packed great for the trip home.

Having the Mini-mag flashlight in the bedside drawer...DH used it a lot so as not to disturb everyone

Keeping the soft-sided cooler outside...was filled with water bottles, and wine for me...

Using the wheeling soft sided cooler for the wet bathing suits and last minute dirty clothes as we were leaving the room...





Things I would do differently:

I would have DH choose which bathroom he was going to use, and have all his things there...this using both to get ready messed me up on many occasions.

I would bring the LARGE sized Oust...the little sprayers didn't do the job...

I would bring 2 pairs of dressy FLAT black sandals. I brought 1 flat pair and heels, but my tootsies were tired every night, and I didn't want to be in the heels.

I will not get the B-day package and cake again. We never ate the cake....



Things I recommend:

Buy postcards when you see them. I didn't and missed getting some good ones because I thought I was going to see them again closer to the ports.

Get the picture package the first night at Shutters. If you don't, you end up at guest services for a copy of your receipt, so you can upgrade to the package...

Buy the pictures when you see them. Waiting causes problems, and I thought I bought some, that I actually didn't, and now am really sad...when will I have another pic of DH and me in our pirate stuff...not for another 2 years....

Bring a soft-sided cooler, great for keeping the drinks cold...that little fridge is a waste...

Take advantage of the 6:30 time at the adult pool and Jacuzzi, we had the place to ourselves...

Enjoy the service while you are on the ship...there is a glaring difference when you are back to reality!

Never say you are going to be doing *Live* trip reports every day...you will end up *Live* from your kitchen before you finish the reports

And finally....If you need guides for your cruise, DH and I are available to help you...TAKE US WITH YOU .....PLEASE!!!

 

[maminnie]

Debbie:

Thanks so much for your live posts and for your trip report. It sounds like you had a wonderful trip. I hope we have as good of luck with the weather for our cruise the week after next.

I can't imagine what it will feel like when this trip is all done. We have been planning it for our group since Sept. '04!!!

Take care and start planning the next one!

Thanks again,

maminnie

 

[ddavis860]

Debbie:

Thanks so much for your live posts and for your trip report. It sounds like you had a wonderful trip. I hope we have as good of luck with the weather for our cruise the week after next.

I can't imagine what it will feel like when this trip is all done. We have been planning it for our group since Sept. '04!!!

Take care and start planning the next one!

Thanks again,

maminnie

Sending for your cruise!!!

 

[maminnie]

Debbie:

Thanks and take care.

maminnie

 

[michelle9343]

Debbie
It was wonderful reading your trip report. It was filled with such great details and it was so apparent how much funny you had.

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

We had an excursion planned with Native Way for the "Rays, Reef, and Rum Point"...The reef was beautiful, and fish were so colorful, and DH and DSs didn't want to stop, but it was time for lunch, so we were off to Rum Point.
They took our orders, and called ahead so when we arrived, the food was hot and waiting for us. Water and ice tea were complimentary, the Mudslide that I had wasn't. Prices are steep, but the place was BEAUTIFUL and I got a sting ray Christmas ornament to remember our day.
The cost was $60 US/per person. It was a bargain as far as I was concerned. They are first rate, and I would go again with them in a heartbeat!

Debbie
Do you mind if I ask you a question? After reading your report I would love to do this excursion, my only question is about the lunch. On the website it states...It’s led by experienced, lively local guides and includes a generous picnic lunch (for you, plus a special meal for the stingrays!) and plenty of beverages.

The lunch you described sounded like a restaurant? They say picnic so if it was a restaurant which one was it? Was the lunch an additional charge?

Thanks for the wonder report
Beckie

 

[ddavis860]

Debbie
Do you mind if I ask you a question? After reading your report I would love to do this excursion, my only question is about the lunch. On the website it states...It’s led by experienced, lively local guides and includes a generous picnic lunch (for you, plus a special meal for the stingrays!) and plenty of beverages.

The lunch you described sounded like a restaurant? They say picnic so if it was a restaurant which one was it? Was the lunch an additional charge?

Thanks for the wonder report
Beckie

Lunch was served picnic style on the beach at Rum Point. There are picnic tables, and there were several reserved for "Native Way". The menu was from the hotel there(I can't remember which one...sorry) at Rum Point and it was really good. It was included in the excursion price, and so was the ice tea and water. The mudslide was expensive.

The stingrays eat the squid that the guides bring on the boat...the stingrays suck it out of your hands. Feeding is after the kissing and photos. I didn't do it, but DH and DS17 did. And the guides are lively...they were joking around and really seemed to have a good time doing their jobs. They came on the beach and ate at with us too, and were really friendly.

If you are thinking about going with a private company, Native Way was great. Any time I can get a big hug from DS13 and the words "That was so much fun...Thanks Mom"... well, ya know it was good....