Thank you to all of you on the thread and all who participated in the FE. You helped make this trip truly special for me and my family. We really had a great time.
You may have seen a few of my negative comments on the cruise -- these are a result of my disappointment in Disney, particularly the staff. I don't even have specific complaints about most of the staff, just that they seemed to be mechanically doing their jobs with no joy or spark. This is a big change from our cruises in 2004 & 2005 when we really experienced the Disney difference -- hence the disappointment. I was also appalled in the condition of the ship, particularly since many things could be upgraded quickly and relatively inexpensively. Bed spreads, carpets, etc. And I don't know if anyone else did the Rasul, but the mildew smell in there??? Needless to say the smell made it less than romantic.
Highlights:
ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING we did with fellow DIS'rs ... from brunch, excursions, wine tasting, the CC 5K, the FE, to just hanging out. Fantastic!
Our rockin' tablemates from up north. Comparing our days every night was so fun! Marcy, Chris and Greg, I hope you think about stopping in Missouri on one of your drives south...we would love to have you.
Excursions. Every one we did was great. My favorite was the bike ride on Water Island culminating in beer and a cheeseburger in paradise; DH's fave was the 12M regatta in St. Maarten.
Feeling like the vacation was going on and on. I loved getting to Day 7 -- and having 4 more days.
Partying like rock stars on the second to last night in Rockin' Bar D. Note to The Gales: You guys know how to have FUN!
Shopping the gift stores with Melanie, drinking wine with Pam, getting lost with Liz during the CC5K and meeting Chip and Dale by the adult pool on -- was that Day 2 -- with Joanne and Pam.
Enjoying the 90 deg weather on Christmas Day and watching my DD and her new friends take part in the stage show at Goofy's Pool. Wow! What a fantastic way to spend Christmas.
Having Flannery describe to me the new ice cream flavor she'd invented (called "The Flannery") at the ice cream station on Deck 9.
Watching my DH really unwind and have fun.
Lowlights:
The snotty guy who manages Lumieres. I wanted to punch him at Christmas Brunch.
DD9 having little to no interest in the Kids' Club. She's normally all over stuff like this. I lay the blame at Disney's feet, but could be off base.
Peter, the blase cruise director. Promote Tissa and can him. She's fantastic.
Our head server. I didn't know who he was until Pam told me the final morning. He never checked on us once. Didn't even come by for his tip. Why I gave it to our server to give to him is beyond me.
Attitude of CM's generally. No joy, no verve, nothing. I noted no special attitudes. Maybe it was just the ones I came into contact with, but geeze, we were on the boat 11 days.
Worn out bedspread, carpet and bathrooms. For this I paid $X??? Shame on you
Disney Cruise Line.
Condition of ship. Plastic 5 gallon buckets everywhere for the leaks. Come on -- this isn't the Red Roof Inn. She's a gorgeous ship. Take care of her.
Mildew smell in Rasul Room. EEEEW.
Anyway -- thanks again to everyone here. You all made the trip for us!!! Jeff (DH) even said this morning it drove him nuts how I was always checking the boards on my iPhone before our trip -- but that being part of this group made the cruise great! I wouldn't sail without ya.
but feel sure I have it. The problem is, no scanner! However, I have a new Apple Macbook scheduled for delivery tomorrow (thanks German!) and am then gonna head to the Wal-Mart and buy me a scanner/printer. If that all goes according to plan, I'll get it to you then.Can't wait to do it again.
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