Mandymouse’s ‘Wonder’ful time in the Bahamas ~ Aug ’09 ~ Part Two

[mandymouse]

Castmembers

Mandy, Paul, Kerry (18) & Becky (16)

Pre-trip report
Part One ~ POPping back to WDW


Sunday 16th August '09 ~ High 93F

We were up bright and early to finish our packing and get ready to leave the Pop Century. We left around 9am and arrived at Port Canaveral about 10.15am after stopping for some petrol (or should I say – gas)

The drive was uneventful and it was great to see those red funnels in the distance as we got closer. There’s a bit of work going on outside the Disney Cruise Line terminal for a new car park for when the new ships arrive, so it was a shame that we couldn’t drive right by the ship. But the entrance to the terminal was still the same. Paul dropped us off and a porter took our cases away, then Paul went to park the car ($15 a day). We went through security, then up the escalators to the terminal. Considering it was so early, it was really busy, but thankfully there wasn’t anyone lining up at the Non-US citizen desk. After checking in, receiving our returning cruisers lanyards (no pins anymore) and room keys (stateroom 6606, deck 6, dining rotation – Animators Palate, Parrot Cay, Parrot Cay for Pirate Night, Tritons), we then had to go and have our photos taken (these show up when your room key is swiped when you embark and disembark the ship). The photos are taken in the area where the concierge seating used to be, and sadly the concierge area is now at the back of the terminal – where I used to like sitting.

After having our picture taken, we took some photos by the ship and met Captain Mickey, then we sat in the terminal until our boarding number (#5) was called

We had our embarkation photo taken and then it was my fave part ~ an English CM announced ‘Welcome aboard the Disney Wonder, the Martindale family’. I love this, and it is so cool when the CM’s clap as you enter the atrium

We went straight up to Deck 9 and had some lunch from the Beach Blanket Buffet and sat beside the Mickey Pool to eat it. We got changed into our swimwear and sat by the Goofy Pool and watched Cars on the big screen. It wasn’t long before a waiter came round with a tray of Bahama Mamas. I decided to pace myself and have just the one

It was really hot, so I only lasted out till 1.30pm in the sun, which worked out great as that was when the staterooms were ready. I went down to our room to chill and the cases arrived within minutes

Later in the afternoon, me and the girls popped to the Spa to pick up a price list (even though I knew it would be extortionate), and somehow we got caught up in a tour. The therapist was really nice and the Spa was amazing. She showed us all the different treatments and told us the ‘specials’ of the day. We really enjoyed the tour, and I liked the aromatherapy stones she sampled on my arm ~ maybe one day I’ll give it a try

As soon as the tour finished we raced back to our room to pick up our life vests for the safety drill. It was really hot gathered on deck 4 (our station), but thankfully it didn’t last too long, so when it finished I gave my vest to Paul while I dashed up to deck 10 to get a good place for the sailaway party

The girls didn’t join us for the party, as they were getting ready for the Golden Mickey’s show. After the Adventures Away party, Paul and I waited on top deck taking photos till we were out at sea, and enjoyed the odd Bahama Mama along the way, then we got ready for dinner

Tonight was dinner at Animators Palate, and it was ‘Cruise Casual’, though I like to dress up every night. When we got to our table, we found that we were sharing with another family. Paul and the girls weren’t too impressed at first, but I didn’t mind, and they turned out to be really nice and friendly

The menu at AP was rather disappointing, though I found something easily, the others really struggled. I started with Wild Mushroom Risotto, the girls had fruit, and Paul had nothing, then for mains, I had Lemon Thyme Chicken Breast, Kerry & Paul had a Steak dish and Becky had grilled Chicken with a baked potato. The girls left before dessert to go and see Mickey Mania, and Paul & I stayed to watch the light show and had an Animator’s Sweet Temptations each (a sample trio of different desserts), which was very nice, along with a bottle of White Zinfandel

Later in the evening we caught up with the girls in the Promenade Lounge while they were playing ‘So you think you know your music’, and then it was off to bed, where we found this guy

 

[mandymouse]

Monday 17th August ’09 ~ High 88F ~ Nassau

Paul & I watched from our verandah as the ship manoeuvred into Nassau, then we took our time getting changed and went to breakfast at the Beach Blanket Buffet. We left the girls in bed and mainly had fruit for brekkie

When we got back the girls were getting ready, so we quickly put on our swimwear and headed to the top deck to sunbathe and watch Lilo & Stitch on the big screen

At lunchtime we all disembarked and walked into Nassau. As usual we were harassed with people asking us if we wanted a taxi, or if we wanted our girls to have their hair braided, but we quickly moved on. We took some photos around the harbour, and when it started to rain, we popped into the Hard Rock Café and bought some t-shirts and had a cocktail at the bar

After our quick cocktail we headed to the Straw Market. We’ve never been here before, and I doubt I will ever go there again. It was awful, it was so hot in there and the people harassed us to buy something, I couldn’t get out of there quick enough

After an hour in Nassau, we boarded the Wonder and got some lunch from Goofy’s Galley, followed by a cocktail from Diversions and the Promenade Lounge. On our way to the Promenade Lounge we ran into Chip & Dale by the lifts and they kindly posed for some photos with us

Here's me paying homage to the Debster

The girls went off to see Toy Story the Musical, so Paul & I got ready for ‘dress up’ night.

Dinner tonight was at Parrot Cay. We ordered a bottle of Asti, then we all had the Jamaican Marinated Chicken Tenderloins with a yummy blue cheese dip, then Becky & Paul had Caribbean Chicken and Becky & I had Island Spiced Rib-Eye of Beef. For dessert Becky had vanilla ice-cream with sprinkles and marshmallows (LOL), Kerry didn’t have anything, and both Paul & I had the Parrot Cay Sweet Temptations (trio of mini desserts). The meal was absolutely delish, and we really enjoyed ourselves

After dinner the girls went off to have more photos taken, so Paul & I went to the shop and Paul treated himself to a new watch

We were all going to see The Proposal at the theatre, but it was packed, so the girls stayed and me and Paul turned in

 

[mandymouse]

Tuesday 18th August ’09 ~ High 89F ~ Castaway Cay

When I woke up at 8am, we were already docked at Castaway Cay. It was a beautiful morning, so I had a shower while the lazy gits slept, got ready for the beach and caught up with my trip report

Paul & I had a quick breakfast of fruit and orange juice, then we disembarked just after 10am picking Becky up along the way. Kerry doesn’t like the beach, so she stayed onboard and enjoyed the adults only pool. People had been allowed to disembark around 8.30am, so it was already busy when we reached the family beach.

We found some loungers under a parasol, then we went to find a hammock to take some photos on. We spent a good couple of hours sunbathing, then Becky & I went for a walk along the beach taking photos. At lunch time we went to Cookies BBQ for some lunch. We had cheeseburgers, Caribbean chicken, ribs, salads and cookies followed by cookie dough ice-cream which was all very nice

After lunch we walked Becky back to the ship, and when she caught up with Kerry, me & Paul went back down to the island

When we had disembarked this morning, there had been an announcement that it would be nice in the morning, but there was a chance of a storm in the afternoon, thankfully this didn’t happen, but it would’ve been nice if there had been a little shower as it was now far too hot to sunbathe

There was an announcement that it was ‘Happy Hour’ at the Conched Out bar with cocktails being 2 for 1, so we wandered there and I had a couple of Konk Koolers and Paul had 2 Captain’s Mai Tai. As happy hour came to an end we had another Mai Tai each then had a walk around the Bahamian shop (where I bought a summer dress) and the She Sells … shop where Paul bought a Castaway Cay t-shirt, then we walked back to the ship

Cont'd ..

 

[mandymouse]

Cont'd ..

After a shower and a relax, we went up on top deck to take some photos looking over the island, especially the work that is going on near the dock which I assume is for when the new ships arrive.

Paul stayed to see the ship leave Castaway Cay, and me & Becky legged it down to the Atrium for photos with Pirate Stitch.

Next we dashed up to Preludes to have some pics taken with Captain Jack Sparrow (who was hilarious)

At 6pm, Paul & I had a reservation at Palo for dinner. This is by far the best meal on the ship, and it is worth paying extra for it. When the door to Palo opened we saw Kim, our server from last year there, and as I recognised her, the manager assigned her as our server again.

We spent a wonderful couple of hours here. First we decided on which cocktail to have. I wanted to try something completely different, so I chose a Pomegranate Cosmo, and Paul decided to try one too – Mmm, it was delicious

We ordered a bottle of Asti to have with our meal, and our meal started with Italian breads and dips and a plate of cheeses and palma ham. For starters, I had Portobello Mushroom and Paul had Tuna Carpaccio. For our mains, I had Lasagne (that just melted in my mouth) and Paul had Beef Tenderloin ‘Palo’ with a red wine sauce

For dessert I had Tiramisu, which was made even more special by pouring hot espresso over the top of it – Mmm. Paul had the Panna Cotte, and Kim brought out an extra dish of Gelato with a scoop each of Mango & Strawberry, then to finish off we had the lemon vodka based sorbet drink

We had a great time, it is such a relaxing place to eat, and you never feel rushed, so we were really looking forward to Brunch tomorrow morning

After taking a few photos on top deck, we went back to the room to get changed for Pirate Night, then we joined the girls in Parrot Cay after picking up a couple of Stingrays, the drink of the day on the way

After the girls had their dinner and we watched the show, we went up to top deck for the Pirates in the Caribbean Party. All around us there was lightening going off, so the fireworks looked pretty cool against it, and thankfully the Captain steered us away from any rain

After the show, the girls went off, so Paul & I had a final cocktail in Diversions, then we ran into the girls on the way back to our room and we were all in bed around 11.30pm

An absolutely fab day

 

[mandymouse]

Wednesday 19th August ’09 ~ High 82F ~ Day at Sea

I was up around 8.30am, and as everyone else was asleep, I came out on the verandah to catch up with my trip report, study today’s Navigator and read some more of my New Moon book (btw – absolutely loving the Twilight series)

This morning Paul & I are having Brunch in Palo, and I didn’t know where I was going to find room in my already stuffed tummy for any more food (I’d like to say that I struggled with it, but you know that I didn’t )

At 10.30am, Paul & I headed to Palo. Once again Kim was our server, and our lovely meal began with a Mimosa and a tour of the delish buffet tables of seafood, cheeses, breads, meats and desserts (my fave table)

First we helped ourselves to the buffet items, then we ordered our egg dishes. Next we ordered another Mimosa (is it too early for champagne cocktails at 10.30am ? ) and then we ordered our main dishes, which thankfully are not big at all. I had Chicken with Risotto and Paul had Veal, and we finished it all off with dessert or should I say desserts (they are all too nice to just choose one). I had a Tiramisu, Mango Panna Cotta & a chocolate covered strawberry and Paul had a couple of Mango Panna Cottas and a mini strawberry tart

As usual the meal was delicious, and it was so nice to look out to sea while having our brunch, it really is one of the highlights of our Cruise

After brunch we got changed into our swim stuff and headed up to top deck. Unfortunately it was very cloudy today, but warm, so we lasted an hour or two. Later in the afternoon we got changed and Paul & I went down to deck 3 for some cocktails in Diversions, where I had a couple (well 3 actually) Pomegranate Cosmos ~ my now fave drinky

Our final evening meal was at Tritons. The food was quite nice. Most of us started with Tomato & Basil soup, then Paul & I had Lamb Shank and the girls had the Grilled Beef Tenderloin, and no-one was impressed by the dessert menu

Tonight we were handing out our tip envelopes at dinner. We paid a little more than the suggested amount, but we never felt that our server team were over friendly or had any time for us (not like last Summer where Brent was the best !!). Though our stateroom host had been brilliant and ended up with a very good tip

We got our packing done, and I took a photo of all the cool gifts that we had received with our Fish Extender Exchange (thanks everyone), and our cases were placed outside our room long before the 11pm deadline, so we didn’t need to disembark with them

We had one final look around the shops and in Shutters at the photos, where we treated the girls to the 5 10 x 8’s for about $85 package, and we got to bed about 11pm

Thursday 20th August ’09 ~ Disembark

We were up around 7am and left our room about 8am and had a quick breakfast at the Beach Blanket Buffet, where I ran into Kim from Palo and we said our last goodbyes, and I think we sadly disembarked around 8.45am

Once again we’d had an absolutely brilliant Cruise, and we really hope to sail again next summer

 

[gemmybear83]

Lovely report Mandy!!! I can't wait for our cruise for our honeymoon next December! Were doing a 4 day cruise like you I wish it was this year!

 

[tinks_1989]

Wow what a great update you deffintly have me hooked I really enjoyed reading that thank you

 

[Pinky166]

Oh Mandy that was fab!!!!

I will raise a glass to you at our Palo meal next month.

Does the daily navigator tell you where the character meet & greets will be & at what time? I would love to meet pirate stitch!

 

[Miffy2003]

Fantastic trippie Mandy! What an amazing time you had

 

[buzz for boys]

Fab fab fab mandy !!! I can carry on dreaming that one day we will be able to do a cruise - it all sounds amazing !!

 

[CustardTart]

Fab report, Mandy! And so many beeootiful pics with lots of lovely outfits...

Rest assured I will definitely be trying a Pomegranate Cosmo in a couple of weeks - they sound delicious...

 

[wickesy]

Great report Mandy. Wetted my appetite nicely for our cruise next year.

 

[suzycute]

I've been watching out for the next instalment of your trip and it doesn't disappoint!
It sounds like you had a great trip on the Wonder - it brought back many happy memories of our 25th wedding anniversary trip last year! I was really interested to see the building work going on at CC to accommodate the new ships. It also seems like an hour in Nassau is more than enough - we thought that way too!!

 

[darthtatty]

Fab report Mandy, think id love to go on a Disney cruise one time.xxx

looks like you all had a fab time.xxx

 

[Ware Bears]

Fabulous report, Mandy. I love your green dress, the colour really suits you.

 

[disney fan68]

I have really enjoyed reading your trip report. Loved all your outfits, my favourite was your mickey necklace. We are thinking of adding a Disney cruise onto our next trip, so it was lovely to see it (especially the food and drink )

Julie xx

 

[natalielongstaff]

ooh im even more excited for our cruise now

 

[tennisfan]

Fabulous report Mandy. Awesome photos & I would love to meet Pirate Stitch

 

[UKDEB]

Here's me paying homage to the Debster

Infamy at last!

Wonderful report, Mand. I do think maybe we need to consider another Disney cruise. One of the new ships would be nice...

 

[saratogagirl]

It looks like you had a lovely time Mand, brilliant pictures. You have made me so excited for our cruise next year.

I agree on the straw market, although I must admit we found it far less daunting after a couple of cocktails in Senor Frog.

We would love to do Palo next year, but I am worried that Neil may find it a bit all too much, he is a nervous wreck about the cruise and is only doing it as he reckons he can't let his best mate down when he is 40. I know he is going to love it when he is there, but am unsure about trying to book Palo for the four of us.