Magic 7/20 Western - Part II

[DOOGIERUNNER]

On Gran Cayman, we booked our own excursion through Captain Marvin’s (http://www.captainmarvins.com). It was excellent and was only $122 for the four of us. We met at the Waterfront Centre at 9:15 and they dropped us off back at the port around 1:30. We had three snorkeling stops behind the barrier reef. The guide lured a Moray eel out from beneath a large rock and he also hand fed a Barracuda. He said it was only the 2nd time he’s been able to do so. They videotape the excursion with an underwater camera and offer to sell it for around $45 + shipping. We purchased and watched it the first time today, it’s was well worth the $$$. Swimming at stingray city is a trip!! They are huge, but as docile as kittens. I think every kid on our excursion was clinging to their parent’s back. I felt like a momma possum!! Shopping on the island isn’t that great.

In Cozumel we did the Fury Catamaran (http://www.furycat.com ) . Well worth the $$$. It was about a 30-minute catamaran ride to get to the snorkeling location. We had 45 minutes to snorkel then about 5 minutes to the beach where we had an hour maybe an hour and a half, then a 35 minute return to the Magic. Beer, soda and margaritas are free. The music was blasting; alcohol flowing and folks were dancing on the way back. I wouldn’t say anyone got “drunk” but were having a good time. We had a few hours to shop before our excursion. Got some rum and a 3 pairs of fake Oakley’s for the kids. My wife and daughter got their heads “corn rowed” for $14/head. We went back out shopping that night but didn’t buy anything. I felt much safer in the daylight!!!
I spoke to some other DISers and they hit a beach near where we snorkeled for a lot less money. The beach had a large trampoline and an inflatable slide/climbing wall out in the water. Sorry but I can’t remember the name of the beach….

Thursday… another day at sea. I can’t remember exactly what we did. Ate, swam, relaxed.

On Castaway Key we rented bikes and spent the rest of the day on the beach. The bike trail wasn’t long maybe 1 ½ miles. I ran in the morning before getting off the ship. Many times on my longer runs, my wife and kids ride their bikes while I run. I wish I’d saved my run for Castaway Key. It’s short but very pretty. If I’d suggest any changes to Castaway Key, make the trail longer. We got back on the boat around 3:30 for the kids club presentation. If you want some interesting background on Castaway Key visit: http://www.outsidemag.com/magazine/0199/9901blackbeard.html .

Overall we had a “magical” time. We went to the Variety Show and caught some of the performers later in the week in Rockin-D Bar. We skipped Hercules and Disney Dreams as we had seen those last year. Yes, they are both awesome shows, but there’s so much to do on the ship!! My favorite places are anywhere in the sun on deck 10 during the day; Deck 7 aft in the evening; Deck 4 for running in the morning and relaxing there in a lounge chair at night. Our kids loved the club and the lab. I’d compare the cruise to sending your kids to camp… you may not see them. Don’t get me wrong, we don’t cruise to send our kids to the club, it’s a family vacation and there were times we didn’t allow them to go.

 

[Doctor P]

Thanks for your report!

 

[jan lyn]

Your review of the Western Magic cruise is excellent. We just returned from the 8/3 sailing of the Western Magic.. and had a wonderful time. Can't wait to next year on the Eastern portion!

 

[disneyholic22]

This is Candace from NJ who sat at your table during the Sunday morning DVC party. I found the boards!!! Now I get to relive the fun time we had by reading your posts and others. It was a great time.

Joe Namath was a great hour to spend in the Rockin D Bar; we are from the NY area, but are not football fans. We really enjoyed what he had to say. We appoached him on Friday for autographs, to which he graciously gave, along with a nice chat about kids, the cruise, and his performing in the play "Damn Yankees" many years ago.

Tommy Smothers was also on the ship, I would have liked to have said Hi, as that show was one of my favorites years ago. My husband said he saw him, but did not point him out to me. I would not have bothered him for an autograph, as I assumed he just wanted to relax with his family, as we all did.

So, see you on the next cruise, we have no date yet, but its in our head for the future!!

 

[DOOGIERUNNER]

Hi Candice,

Nice to hear from you!! We've already booked for next summer. If you e-mail (message me from the boards) I can let you know. I'm an internet administrator and am paranoid about security.... I don't think it's a good idea to post on the internet, to the whole world, when you'll be out of town.

Take Care,
Doogie