MAGICal Cruise - NOT to Tortola! Surprise Double Dip Aug 15, 2009

[PoohJen]

Good morning, Grand Cayman!

We didn’t choose an excursion for this port, so weren’t rushed this morning to get off the ship. Instead, we all enjoyed a leisurely breakfast at Lumiere’s – we knew the kids would love that Castle of Carb’s, er, Lumiere’s Candle feast of waffles, French toast and pancakes.

After breakfast (and teeth brushing!) we casually made our way to the Walt Disney Theatre to line up for the tender to shore. Until around 11, I believe, they had you wait at the Theater, after that you went directly to Deck 1 to exit. At this point, the early excursions had all already departed, so we got the next tender out.

On our original itinerary, we were going to go to the Baths at Virgin Gorda from Tortola on our own, and then do the Doubloon Snorkel on St. Thomas. For Grand Cayman, the cab ride to a public beach was $5/pp – each way I believe. DH is not fond of the beach at all, and it isn’t a novelty for the kids, as we live near Virginia Beach and the Outer Banks (not the same as the Caribbean, I know!). So we eschewed the beaches and sight-seeing for the more traditional cultural experience – T-shirt shopping.

We walked a few blocks and browsed a few shops; Mom checked out perfume prices and some jewelry as well. The t-shirts were a bit pricey! DS16 decided on a cool color-changing pirate themed t-shirt at Del Sol, and one twin got a generic black pirate t-shirt that said on the back: Piracy: Hostile Takeover without the Paperwork.

We head back soon after, because, you know, it was time to eat again! DH and I head to Topsiders (I think this was my first meal there for the week!). It was Asian Buffet. Eh.

I’ll echo Empress Room’s trip report – the food on the buffets this week seemed less plentiful (from a variety standpoint) than I remember from the past. It also seemed to me there was less fresh fruit available. I hope DCL has found these steps reduce food waste, but I expect the economy has a lot to do with it too. Don’t get me wrong, there was plenty of good food to be had all week, it just felt different.

We took in Up! in 3D this afternoon in the Buena Vista Theater. I had been saving it for this cruise! I always save my summer movies for cruise viewing, but then never do see them on the ship, because there always seems too much to do than to sit in the movie theater! I’m glad we got to see Up! - very enjoyable.

This might have been the afternoon Mom and I book our next Magic cruise! We’ve been waiting patiently for a 2011 cruise on one of the new ships – looks like Dreams is debuting first. We booked a dummy date for Dec ’10 til the summer ’11 dates come out; four cabins – Mom wants Dad and the siblings and their families along! Fingers crossed!

Arrgghh, Matey, if it be Tuesday, it be Pirate Night!

I wonder if it’s time to eat again? Of course it is! But first we assemble to dress in our pirate best for dinner. We don’t have full-fledged costumes (but I love the folks that do – well done!), but get as piratey-festive as our normal clothes allow. Some beads, pirate bandanas (with goofy ears), eye patches and tropical shirts - we’re good to go! In the Atrium the Pirate Mickey is just setting up for pics, so we wait our turn – Mom got that one from Shutters later on!

A few Pirate VIPs...

Our pirate night dinner was in Parrot Cay. We had a good time with the bandanas (the DCL ones at dinner were half the size they used to be!) and the kids got up for the limbo. Very festive!

After dinner we took in the main show – Ricky Kalmon’s hypnotist show. The folks that volunteered to be up on stage really made/stole the show! Very entertaining.

On our first cruise the twins were 7 and the eldest just turned 12 – I do miss seeing the cruise through the young child’s eyes. But 5 years later the kids are still enjoying Disney and that’s the vacation they requested! One benefit of their growing up is this was the first pirate night they could actually stay awake for the whole time – and partake in some Pirate Night Buffet goodies!

Brent said Captain Thord had been steering around the weather all day so we could have fair skies for the Pirates In the Caribbean Party and fireworks! Thank you Captain! Always a fun party and gotta love the fireworks! More sentimental tears, anyone? In addition to the fireworks, there apparently was a spectacular lightning show as well that night!

I talked the twins into calling it an “early” (it’s all relative!) night – we brought our Pirate buffet desserts – and Turkey Leg – back to the room and watched some Disney on TV – Jungle Book I think. DS16, on the other hand, insisted on his curfew lasting ‘til the Stack closed – usually around 1 a.m. every night.

Tonight's Towel Animal - one of our favorites!

Another full day! Tomorrow: Zip-lining and Snorkeling in Cozumel!

 

[JDBlair]

Fun TR. Thank you for sharing it with us!

 

[jbm02]

Jen
Great, great trip report. I feel like I am back there!! (don't I just wish?? LOL). We replaced the Dubloon Sail & Snorkel we were scheduled to do (with you!) on St Thomas with the DCL Snorkel excursion offered on Grand Cayman because others in our party didn't want to miss the ruins at Tulum in Cozumel. Because of all the ships (unexpectedly) in port, our 10AM excursion time (from the excursion booklet handed out on embarkation) was changed to 1PM. (This was the first available time for a DCL excursion, probably because the 3 Carnival ships already in port had the earlier times...) While I had been looking forward to the St Thomas snorkeling excursion, this one was alot of fun. The divemasters were young and energetic and very helpful to our novice snorkelers - they even coaxed my 7 year old niece who's oft repeated comment was "No FISH!!!" into the water. One of them stayed by her the whole time and she later declared that she "loved it!". The excursion ran late - the last tender was supposed to be at 4PM and we didn't exit the dive boat til 3:55PM (sadly, not a schooner like the one we planned on in St Thomas but oh well - it gives us something to plan to do on our next DCL cruise!). We walked quickly back to the tender and found the tender boat waiting not only for us but also for some other DCL excursions that also ran late. The tender left about 4:20 or so. But by the time we got back to the ship, it didn't give us alot of time to get ready for our main dining seating at 5:45PM.
I agree - Pirate night was a blast!!
I can't wait to review your review of the zip line excursion - we were soo tempted by that one...but the ruins won out.
Just reading your report makes me remember more and more - thanks!!!

 

[PoohJen]

Hi Jude!
Sounds like you had a great snorkel excursion! I'm glad you did it through DCL, since you got back so late! We were only planning on doing one "official" excursion, that's why we took it easy in Grand Cayman. But it was a shame to be in such a beautiful place and not see beyond the port shops. Next time!

I'll write about the zip line later today - we did have fun, but it probably isn't what you're thinking of. The ruins, I believe, was a long excursion? That would be very neat to go to, but I shy away from the long (5-7 or more hours) excursions - especially if it involves alot of ground transport time! Hence, that limited what excursions we chose from.

Doesn't it stink that we can't even say "this time last week" anymore? Now it's "this time two weeks ago"! Just not the same..

 

[caitlinsdad]

Great start of a report Jen,

I feel like Im back in board.( Oh don't I wish I was)

 

[PoohJen]

Hi Ed,
I didn't see you ONCE on board! Nor on 95North either!

I hope you and your family had a great time! We're booked for 12/10, but that's just a placeholder for the new ship in summer '11!

 

[uncw89]

Hi Ed,
I didn't see you ONCE on board! Nor on 95North either!

I hope you and your family had a great time! We're booked for 12/10, but that's just a placeholder for the new ship in summer '11!

Us too! I wish it was sooner!
When we were going down 95, I was wondering how many of us Disers and others had just gotten off the ship! I should've put one of my signs in the window!

 

[gfolchick]

Another Tortola Treasure Seeker checking in...

Jen, we had table 34 too on the APL rotation. We ended up at Lumieres with a window seat 3 times which was great!

I, too, am waiting to hear about the zip line excursion. We passed one on the way to Mr. Sancho's beach, was wondering if that was the one offered. I would have signed up but we had a 4 year old in our group (and half of our travel party was not up for that either).

We had an awesome week, loved the Double Dip to CC.

I think I remember seeing you guys in the terminal but didn't know it was you. We were there early ourselves.

Gina

 

[caitlinsdad]

Hi Ed,
I didn't see you ONCE on board! Nor on 95North either!

I hope you and your family had a great time! We're booked for 12/10, but that's just a placeholder for the new ship in summer '11!

Yep we booked a placeholder cruise for 12/10 too, Looking for something for summer 2011 or 2012.

 

[jenanderson]

We have a reservation for 12/10 as well - planning on pushing it out a bit! We would love to have Disney offer some longer Caribbean cruises in 2011 or 2012 - that is our dream.

Hello to all the Tortola Treasure Seekers out there!

 

[PoohJen]

Zip-lining and Snorkeling in Cozumel!

Another beautiful day in the Caribbean! Our excursion wasn’t scheduled to meet until 9:45, so we all took a leisurely breakfast at Parrot Cay. This was a buffet, with an omelet station. We had a sunny table by the window – hey, the same table as our embarkation lunch! Sigh…it was going too quickly!

After breakfast I ran up to…Topsiders!!! ... because I had seen some dried pineapple and dried bananas on the PC buffet on the way out and wanted a stash for later. So I ran up to get some at Topsiders (why not just at Parrot Cay? Who knows? I was thinking I had nothing to carry them in – duh!). The line for Topsiders was out the door on both sides! I mentioned to some folks around me that I just came from PC, where there was no line, but that I “forgot something”. Anyway, we now have a full Trip Report paragraph dedicated to my running up to get a bowlful of dried pineapples and bananas – right there by the omelet station – which I put in a ziplock bag in my room and snacked on all week long (well, I kept refilling it!) – you know, in case I got hungry.

I stopped by the Excursions desk to get some more info on our trip. Initially, we had jumped at the “zip line” title, but further investigation showed that this was more of a rock wall type playground, not a tree-tops zip line trip. There was a tree-top excursion available, but it was a 7 hour trip and had some other stops mixed in, not all of which were of interest to us. As mentioned in a reply earlier, we prefer shorter excursions, so we elected to stay with the “Adventure Park, Zip Line and Snorkel”.

We met our group at Studio Sea and proceeded out to the dock. A beautiful, warm summer day. On our last Western, we had to tender at Cozumel because the dock was still damaged from a hurricane the year before. Repairs are all done, and we docked right at the pier. We waited while the tour guides had us fill out more obnoxious indemnification agreements/liability waivers (you will not only not sue us for anything we do, but you will also pay our legal expenses and other losses if something does go awry).

We all boarded taxis and head out to a nice beach resort not far away. That was part of our “adventure” I think – the cab was doing 100km/hr in a 40km zone! No matter to me – I’m from NY!

The group gathered again once at the resort, and was fitted with climbing shoes, helmets and the belt-strappy things you get tethered to. We made our way to the side of the resort, where there were 3 large rock climbing walls, rope bridges and plank bridges and similar apparatus. Now, we pay perfectly good money every month for a YMCA membership that has the rock climbing walls, so I wasn't thrilled at paying $75 pp for this privilege. But the walls were high, and my 68 year old Mom had a blast, as well as the rest of the family – even DS16! Mom even went on the short zip line portion twice!

Yours truly...

A View From The Top...

After everyone had their fill of climbing (and, in truth, I was glad to get the exercise!) we changed and put on snorkeling equipment. We walked into the water from the beach, as the guide led us to various rock/coral areas where the fish were hiding. He would lure them out and scatter food, so that we were soon swarmed by fish. He proceeded to lead us here and there, drawing the fish each time. He also found a small manta ray and …something else…sea urchin? The water was quite clear and the fish colorful and plentiful. Again, everyone in my family was having a great time.

I should mention the guides were great - truly enthusiastic and friendly. Very encouraging, especially in the Adventure Park, where my Mom and one twin were a little nervous. Btw, they took a pictures at the Adventure Park and had them printed up for sale after the snorkeling - Mom bought some of those - negotiated a little since she was buying several.

After snorkeling, we returned the equipment and were given a ticket for a free drink (pina colada for me!). There was a covered open air bar/restaurant where you could order lunch. We just sat by the pool/beach at an umbrella’d table, while the kids swam in the pool. The ocean views were picture perfect. At this point, you were free to take a cab back to DCL (pre-paid as part of the excursion), so we head back soon, because, you know, I didn’t want to miss lunch.

Actually, DH and I had a Couples’ Massage appointment for this afternoon. In Studio Sea, I found out about the “come back when you want” part of the excursion, so luckily I was able to move our spa a little later, just in case.

I grabbed a quick hotdog at Pluto’s – just to say I did – by the way, it was great with sauerkraut, but I wish it wasn’t so big!!! DH and I showered and head for the spa. We were shown to one of the beautiful couples villas (I forget what they are called)…oops, I made sure we didn’t have a miscommunication…we’re just doing the usual couples’ massage, right? (I didn’t want to find a $500 or so charge on my card later!). The nice therapists assured me they use these rooms too when they need space. How nice for us!

DH and I ended up getting full body massages. Both our therapists were very good. Mine spent an awfully long time on my shoulders, which were very tight, I suppose. I was disappointed in that I was expecting a back massage and facial – that’s what we’ve always gotten with the couples’ massage. I kept expecting they would ask – they never did, and then I felt awkward bringing it up, so we just went with the full body. Next time I’ll know to ask about this in advance.

The massages are soooo expensive, but really such a luxurious treat. We felt so much more relaxed…mmmm. After it was over, we were quickly led to the lobby; we had earlier considered getting the Rainforest Room afterward, but no one asked/offered, and at this point, we wanted to head outside anyway.

Looking at the Navigator, I see I missed a Scrabble Tournament while I was at the spa! Mom and I are both cut throat Scrabble players; I would have liked to take in a game!

Our dinner rotation was switched up tonight – we had the Animator’s Palate show tonight – DH’s favorite. A few of us tried the Teleggio Cheese Tart as an appetizer. Very tasty, but we were surprised that is was more like a thin crust pizza than a tart - we couldn't finish them, wish we had shared!

The Teleggio Cheese Tart...

Next DH tried the Gazpacho - very daring for him! I enjoyed the warm butternut squash soup. We both had the grilled tenderloin. By this time in the week, both twins were ordering off the kids' menu! I think tonight there were mozzerella sticks on the kids' menu, and Ali brought us a plate of them for all to enjoy (probably saw us stealing them off the boys' plates!). (ok, these were just freezer-ready and undercooked, but we're always suckers for mozzerella sticks!).

How do I remember all this? Well, I've got the menus right here! Boy, what I would've given tonight at dinner to be back on the Magic!

After dinner it was Twice Charmed, well done, as always. Once again DH and I were too tired to take in the adult comedy show tonight – doh! Next time I will do better! I wanted the kids in earlier tonight, but OQ decided to do an unscheduled Dodge Ball on the sports deck til midnight tonight, so the twins went to that. Ah well, tomorrow is an at sea day, plenty of time to sleep in!

Tomorrow: At Sea and Palo’s Brunch!

 

[kritter]

We have a reservation for 12/10 as well - planning on pushing it out a bit! We would love to have Disney offer some longer Caribbean cruises in 2011 or 2012 - that is our dream.

Hello to all the Tortola Treasure Seekers out there!

That is what we are looking for a longer Caribean cruise in 2011 or 2012~~~~~~~!!

 

[PoohJen]

When we were going down 95, I was wondering how many of us Disers and others had just gotten off the ship! I should've put one of my signs in the window!

Lol, us too! On the way down 95 South, I wrote something like - Disney Magic or Bust in large yellow window paint on the back window...but alas, it washed off in some rain by the time we hit Georgia.

 

[jenanderson]

Your trip report is GREAT! Thanks so much for sharing it with us! It is wonderful to read what others did on the ship...although it is making us say...why didn't we do that? Ahh - I guess we will just have to go back!

 

[uncw89]

Your trip report is GREAT! Thanks so much for sharing it with us! It is wonderful to read what others did on the ship...although it is making us say...why didn't we do that? Ahh - I guess we will just have to go back!

So true!

 

[seashell724]

I love all your tips and details in this TR! I have never cruised before and your tr is def. one of my favorites. Keep it up!

 

[Disney Nana 4]

GREAT TRIP REPORT! We're going in March. We go to Florida for a couple of months in the winter and I was very interested to hear about the fireworks cruise from the Grand Floridian. How do you arrange that and how expensive is it? Thanks so much!

 

[PoohJen]

I was very interested to hear about the fireworks cruise from the Grand Floridian. How do you arrange that and how expensive is it? Thanks so much!

Hi Disney Nana!
Wow, the fireworks cruise was really such a special, unique experience - we all thoroughly enjoyed it - probably more so b/c it's not a common opportunity.

Here is the DIS link with all the information. http://www.wdwinfo.com/recreation/fireworks.htm#mkcruisebasic

As you can see, a bit pricey - but great for a special celebration! Note that the "basic plan" doesn't include the audio feed - that's a bit ridiculous of Disney. The audio feed is great, keeps the Wishes show in context!

Hope this helps! Have a great trip!

 

[Hannosmom]

Sarah has been bugging me all week to read your trip report, so I finally sit down to read it.

OMG, I am so upset!

Pictures of the beach, pictures of menu's, detailed descriptions of everything....and I wasn't there!

Big tears welling up. Sniff, sniff. Don't worry, I'll be ok. But, now I'll have to book the next one with you.

Thanks for the shout-out.

Is your mom going on the next one? I love cruising with your mom! ooo, girls trip! Yeah!

BTW, lovin' the trip report!

 

[PoohJen]

Thanks for all the kind feedback, everyone. I was actually thinking of all my TRs, this TR was quite a snore - so running-of-the-mouth! first we did this and then we did that and so on and blah blah blah. (Seashell...as a cruising novice, may I be so bold as to offer you my first trip report - see my signature below - it is from my first-ever cruise - far less jaded and far more full of wonder and excitement!)
But it really is fun to relive it as I write it all down - and fun to go back to later to re-read with my kids!

Palo's Brunch

We took it easy on this day at sea. The weather was beautiful, the skies clear, the sea a deep blue. Not a care in the world!

Mom, DH and I took in Palo Brunch at 10:30. (Hey Andrew - was that you at the next table?). Our waiter led us around the buffet...elaborate seafood and salads, breads and cheeses, breakfast pastries, desserts, then showed us the main entree' choices (breakfast items such as fancy pancakes and eggs benedict, and lunch/dinner items, including pizzas, veal).

I usually love Palo's brunch, and did enjoy it this time, but - recent cruisers - is it me, or has Palo cut back a bit? I couldn't put my finger on it...maybe because I've been there before (so doesn't have the "new" factor) or, more likely, because it was the end of the week and I was already so FULL by then that the food wasn't as appealing? One thing I noticed is they continuously replenish the buffet stations, so they are always picture perfect for each person that comes in to dine.

Despite not being immediately enraptured (is that a word?) with the brunch, I enthusiastically dove right in (hey, I'm a good sport!). I started with some cheeses and crackers (I love cheese!). There were mainly soft spreads, only one hard cheese I believe, then dabbled a little around the seafood/salads area. Next, onto the breakfast pastry offerings. Our guide did not extoll the virtues of the famous stollen-with-fruit-and-whipped-cream. But based on prior pleasing experiences, I partook (curiously, there was not much fruit to be partook of) ...here's a picture!

I made another tour around the buffet, carrying a fresh, clean plate and...to the amusement of my waiter and another waiter I caught staring at me, I made my way back to the table with nothing but a single cracker and a small ball of mozzerella on a very large plate. It all looked so good but I just wasn't hungry- truly I was really quite full from the week of nonstop eating!! I saw the waiter staring at me and I explained that I was pacing myself - he laughed. I'm sure they all had a good laugh later - "did you see that lady carrying nothing but a cracker?!!!" It was a good cracker.

Oh yes, the brunch comes with a glass of champagne. I enjoyed mine with a splash of peach schnappes and proceeded to combine it all with my orange juice. I am just that sophisticated, aren't I? (well, truth be told, the orange juice all week had been very weak, even at Palo's!).

For the entree, I started with a bleu cheese and grape thin crust pizza appetizer - loved it! Mom and DH helped. Then we all split an order of the chicken parmesan - very good! I switched back to breakfast mode and had the stack of pancakes with whipped cream and rum sauce. Nice and sweet but I didn't care much for the rum sauce (just not my taste).

Onto the desserts! I should just start at desserts and work my way backwards - maybe I'll do that next time! I enjoyed some flan and pots de creme and other rich and caloric desserts too fancy for my vocabulary to name. A nice observation about the desserts - the portions were small - samples really - so feel free to try them all!

The piece de resistance for me:

By now I was looking for those people-moving-hover-carts they have in Wall-E - seriously, we forced ourselves from this succulent buffet and waddled out into the sunlight (one little mint? it's wafer thin...)

We walked it off a bit...or more likely, took a nap on Deck 4. I do notice that I spent alot more time on Deck 4 this cruise than in the past since I didn't have a Verandah room. DH always likes to nap on Deck 4 - he and mom really like the cushioned lounge chairs.

I briefly caught the ice sculpture carving taking place at the Goofy Pool before heading to the hot tubs at the Adult Pool (I can't believe I was willing to present myself in public in a bathing suit after Palo's!!!).

Random pool and ship shots....

Watching Nemo....

Oh! At some point in this week, Mom and I went to bingo. She had some receipts from the Mickey's Mates/Treasure Ketch which gave her a free bingo card. Ok, here is my negative review: the bingo pricing has gotten ridiculous. On our first bingo day, we played paper cards - I think it was around $45. It was in Diversions and VERY crowded - completely packed! It was very difficult balancing the paper cards on our knees and punching the holes. Plus, Trevor...I'm sorry Trevor, but you really were doing this....Trevor was reading the numbers too fast -playing to the pace of the electronic cards, not the paper cards. It just wasn't fun. The game was over in less than 1/2 hour.

On this sea day, DS16, DH and I went to the Final Jackpot Bingo. I was all set to get the $70 "value" package...but wait! The Value Package for final bingo was $130!!!!! Are they out of their freakin' minds? This is a 30 minute bingo game! It's for pleasure, a diversion...if we want hard core bingo we can take a tour bus when we get off the ship at the port!

Sigh. Nonetheless, I got the electronic card and we watched the card play for us for the next 23 or so minutes it took to play four games. We never got to a single number. Phooey.

Congratulations - sincerely - to the winners! (hey, I have won in the past! That's always fun!). But seriously DCL, I for one would play more bingo - and enjoy it - if it were less expensive. I don't need the alure of a $10,000 jackpot - I would prefer more games with more winners with smaller prizes! (for those who follow these things, only one of the winners of the 4 games in final bingo had a paper card).

Tonight was semi-formal dinner in Lumiere's - the "Captain's Gala" menu. The kids were good about "dressing up" again...they didn't blink an eye. Prior to dinner we went to the Officer's pin trading - we were always scouting out trades all week - fun!

At dinner we let Ali know we wanted to see a 7:30 show, so they served us very quickly (I think normally you would be done by 7:30 anyway, but as noted before, earlier in the week there seemed to be some delays). We enjoyed our window seat in Lumiere's as the sea, liked the cruise, passed by.

We went to see the comedian Don Friesen do a comedy show for the family in Rockin' Bar D. He was great!!! Appealed to kids and adults - cell phone humor, video game humor, parents vs kids issues - all could relate. One of my twins was beside himself cracking up - now two weeks later, he can still describe the act to us in detail. I was so sorry DH and I missed his adult show earlier in the week.

From there we went to Disney Dreams. Great flying effects and music, but man, the "little girl" voice really grates on my nerves (sorry Dreams fans!), and the story line is just a bit too forced. However, for new cruisers - you should know that all the Disney shows on board are Broadway quality - beautifully designed sets and special effects and wonderfully talented cast. I definitely recommend seeing these shows if you haven't already!

Tonight's elaborately elegant towel animal...

Hey! DH and I FINALLY made it to one of the adult shows! We went to see hypnotist Ricky Kalmon again in the Walt Disney Theater - a large crowd there for that! The audience volunteers provided lots of laughs, though a bit of a repeat from the other night.

After the show I began packing up, to make packing easier for tomorrow. I can't believe how quickly the week has gone by!

The kids had full nights again at Ocean Quest (pool party) and the Stack (karaoke). Not too late tonight though...we had to rise early tomorrow for Character Breakfast and Parrot Cay!