Mandymouse's Fabulous Fantasy B2B ~ Sept 2015

[mandymouse]

Yes, I am still trying to get all my photos sorted - that's the hardest part!

We haven't ever done Nachi Cocum either. We were going to do it this trip but it was closed because it was a Sunday. Pina Coladas look nice. I never usually order one because if I'm going to consume that many calories I want more booze in it! I see the saga continues with the table mates . Looking forward to the next installment.

Nice one, let me know when you get it started Jenny

Great report as usual

Thanks hun

 

[mandymouse]

Tuesday 22nd September

I started moving around about 8.30am, and by 9.30 we were ready for some brekkie. I started with my usual skinny latte, which Leach decided I could have for free as a Magical Moment (yay!!), we then had some fruit with a yoghurt for me and a croissant for Paul


We then grabbed some towels and headed down to the Walt Disney Theatre to pick up our tender tickets and sat down till our row was called and we were escorted to the boat


We were taken to our tender boat around 10.30 and arrived on Grand Cayman a short time later. We went to find a taxi and a woman told us to wait a couple of minutes, after 5 minutes the taxi hadn't arrived, as they like to get the taxi filled before heading off. Moments later a little bus pulled up so we hopped on and he took us to the Royal Palms resort, and we were charged $5 for the both of us

It cost $2 each to get into the resort, we also paid $8 each for a lounger. As I laid my towel out I could few the odd spit of rain. When we first arrived we could see the funnels of the Disney Fantasy, then moments later the Fantasy was covered by a dark cloud and you could see the rain in the distance, and it was heading our way

As the rain got heavier we moved to the bar area, and for the next 45 minutes or so we watched the downpour and listened to the thunder, never mind the Piña Coladas made the time more bearable

When the rain finally cleared, for the next half hour it was comfortable with the slight cloud in the sky, but then the sun came out and it was soooooooo hot


I returned to the bar area to read and have a bottle of water. Paul cooled off in the sea, but then it was even too hot for him


We left to get a taxi back to town. Again the taxi driver waited till the taxi was full, even at one point trying to get a family of 8 with a baby and pushchair in while there was actually only 3 seats free. We really wished we walked up to the main road to hail the bus again


Anyway it cost us $4 each to be dropped by the cruise terminal. We walked through the town and arrived at the Hard Rock Cafe. If you remember my trip report from las t year, we were gutted that the taxi driver had dropped us right outside, only to find the Hard Rock had closed down. Luckily I found on FB that it had reopened and had planned a Hurricane or two there

We were seated and for the next few hours shared some chicken tenders, onion rings and a couple of Hurricanes, and took advantage of the free wifi, it was a very chilled afternoon


I treated myself to a new HRC t-shirt, then we made our way back to the ship

When we arrived at our room, our Platinum Castaway Club gift had arrived, a box of 5 delicious chocolates, which were devoured in about 2 minutes

We decided to head up to deck 13 for a final sit out and to watch the ship leave Grand Cayman and to watch the sunset at 6.20

Dinner tonight was back in the Royal Court. We were joined by our tablemates, who seemed quite chatty, except for 'card playing on her phone the first night lady' who rarely acknowledged us

To start we both had the sausage & lentil soup, then I had the turkey dinner again, which was delish, and Paul had the New York strip, then to finish off we had lemon cheesecake, which was all very nice, as were the golden slipper cocktails we enjoyed too

We really weren't in the mood for a late night, so had an Asti at La Piazza before calling it a night

Tomorrow ~ Jamaica

 

[ukintheus]

We went to Royal Palms for the first time and really enjoyed our day there. It sounds like you battled the elements a bit, we did too, we always seem to catch rain in the Caymans. Glad to hear game playing lady is consistent at least. I finally got my TR started over on the DCL TR board but it's going very slowly so don't bother to rush over there. ha ha

 

[mandymouse]

We went to Royal Palms for the first time and really enjoyed our day there. It sounds like you battled the elements a bit, we did too, we always seem to catch rain in the Caymans. Glad to hear game playing lady is consistent at least. I finally got my TR started over on the DCL TR board but it's going very slowly so don't bother to rush over there. ha ha

I'm sure your's won't take as long to do as this one has, I have been unbelievably slow this time, though I'm hoping to have it finished by Christmas (famous last words ). I'm off to check your trippy out now

 

[mandymouse]

Wednesday 23rd September

I started moving around about 8.30am, making enough noise to wake Paul up (lol). We got changed and did our morning walk. It was a lovely view walking around the deck as we had already docked in Falmouth and the Fantasy had been joined by the Independence of the Seas


After our jaunt we got changed into our swimwear then went to get my skinny latte which Kamar let me have for free (I am so going to miss these guys, I wish they worked at my local Costa)


We then went to Cabanas together some fruit etc then went up on top deck for a sunbathe before it got too hot. It was already 84F that morning, but there was a lovely welcome breeze that cooled us down.. We lasted a couple of hours, where I read,caught up with my trip report and enjoyed a couple of Sunken Treasure cocktails which were the drink of the day

We returned to the room, had a quick shower and ready for lunch. We decided to eat in the Royal Court, where we had an Absolutely Fabulous Cocktail which was err absolutely fabulous We also both had chicken curry followed by rhubarb crumble for dessert, it was all very nice and made a nice change from the madness of Cabanas

Next we disembarked into Falmouth port. We wandered around the shops at the port and ended up at Margaritaville where we enjoyed a few Hurricanes and Red Stripes. After the first round the barman gave us a bill for $15, so we assumed 3 rounds was going to be $45, not sure if something dodgy was going on behind the bar, but we happily walked away after paying $34

It was starting to thunder, so most people starting heading back onboard and a short time later it began to rain as we pulled out of port. When the rain subsided we had a quick game of crazy golf

We had a couple of drinks in O'Gills then got ready for dinner. Tonight we were in Animator's Palate and it was Pirate Night. I think it was the first time we'd been in here for Pirate Night as we hadn't seen the screens change into different pirate scenes before

To start we both had the jerk chicken, then we both had the steak, and to finish off we had the fruit cobbler, and it was very nice too. All our tablemates joined us and the couple were celebrating their wedding anniversary, they were all quite chatty except for 'playing cards under the table on your phone lady', nothing new there then


After dinner we went up to Deck 11 for the Pirate Party. It was really busy, and the Captain did very well to steer us away from a storm where lightening went on for about an hour. Once the fireworks were done we had a boogie for a while, and when that finished we went down to the Tube, where the disco was going to carry on

I think we got back to our room around 1.30am, which was really 2.30 as the clocks had gone forward an hour

Tomorrow ~ Last Day at Sea

 

[ukintheus]

I thought of you when I saw Margaritaville in Falmouth. We didn't make it in there but the kids took a photo outside. Sounds like another lovely day of relaxing.

 

[mandymouse]

Thursday 24th September

I didn't sleep well and woke around 8am but lay in bed till 9.30. I really wasn't in the mood for our 2 mile fast walk around Deck 4, but I'm glad we decided to do it. It was a lovely sunny morning, and it was good to walk off the squiffyness


I didn't get my morning latte till gone 11.30. We walked around Cabanas which was just starting to serve lunch, but we didn't see anything we fancied, so we went to Flo's Cafe where I had some bacon & brie paninis and a slice of pizza and Paul had a cheeseburger and fries


Next we made a reservation for our next cruise. We hadn't got a date to book, but the $200 deposit reserved our 10% discount and $200 onboard credit


The morning was over too soon and it was gone 12.30 before we found some loungers on top deck. There was a lovely breeze and the wispy cloud kept it comfortable to lie out in


Later in the afternoon we went to O'Gills. A 70's music quiz was shortly starting and the place filled up quickly. We listened to the quiz, and enjoyed a couple of ciders and lagers and shared some nachos and dips


Before we knew it the afternoon was coming to an end. We put some money on our room and sat on top deck with some ice-cream, then it was time to get ready for dinner, which was again at Animator's Palate


It was the animation show tonight where you draw picture on the layout they give you, then later on during the meal you see your picture come to life on the screens

The food is a bit limited tonight, there's a platter or soup, Paul had the platter and I had the soup, then Paul had the venison and I had chicken. The picture show came on, then we both had the sweet temptations for dessert


I think our tablemates will be glad to have the table to themselves tomorrow, just as much as we'll be happy to be heading to Palo. It's been a funny week with them and I have found myself wanting to throttle a grown man who needs to check his Facebook during dinner his wife who yawns constantly and is always resting her head on his shoulder, and don't get me started on 'playing card games on your phones under the table lady' thankfully the one guy of the group was quite chatty and seemed good fun too. Paul and I were even thinking of coming down to dinner after Palo, just to piss them off


Any who, back on track. After dinner we, or should I say I, was feeling shattered (though I didn't feel the need to rest my head on Paul's shoulder ). So we decided on a couple of Cosmo's at the Skyline, which I'm hoping will knock me out for the count, as I need a good nights sleep

Tomorrow ~ Last Castaway Cay

 

[mandymouse]

Friday 25th September

We were woken around 8ish when an onboard announcement was made, and once I checked the ships view from our TV, I knew we had already arrived at Castaway Cay


While Paul got ready, I went to get my latte and we disembarked around 9.15am


It was a very overcast day, but nice and warm. We made our way down to Serenity Bay, and by 10.30 I had my first Konk Kooler

There was very fine rain on and off all morning, but it didn't matter as it was so hot


Around 11.15 a cast member came round to say the BBQ was ready. We were worried that they knew something we didn't and that bad weather was on the way and they wanted the BBQ out of the way, so we headed over for an early lunch

After lunch we sat at the Castaway Air Bar as it was still drizzling

Sadly the sun didn't make an appearance today, but it remained warm enough to lie out and the light rain was rather welcoming. Paul took his GoPro out into the sea and came very close to a stingray


We made our way back to the ship and went to see the characters, then watched from deck 4 as we pulled away from Castaway Cay

We began the sad task of packing, then we got ready for dinner as we had a 6.30 reservation at Palo


We grabbed a drink in Meridian Bar then were shown to our table


Once again we had an amazing meal and Marie was again our server

We ordered a bottle of Rosa Regale, then Marie brought the breads and a plate of anti pasti over

For our starters I had a small portion of the risotto and Paul had the sea bass

For mains we both had the Palo tenderloin, me with both sauces and Paul with just the wine one

Next we had the palate cleanser, then we both ordered the delicious chocolate nutty icecream I had last week

After the shot of lemoncillo we left after thanking Marie and Gonzalez (the manager) for our wonderful meals this cruise


After changing into something more comfortable we said goodbye to some of our favourite bar staff, then went to the Tube for one last drinky before calling it a night

http://smg.photobucket.com/user/MMM120/media/September 2015/25th/DSC_3176_zpsoudry6ng.jpg.html
What an amazing two weeks we have had !!

Tomorrow ~ Disembark All Star Sports and see our girls

 

[ukintheus]

Two weeks goes by so fast. The only thing about rain on CC is making sure it doesn't dilute the Konk Kooler.

 

[mandymouse]

Saturday 26th September


We had decided to do express disembarkation today, where you carry your own luggage off the ship a little earlier than general disembarkation. It was due to start at 7.15am, so after grabbing my coffee for one last time, we headed down to deck 3 at 6.50


Thankfully the line wasn't too bad, just by the main stairs in the atrium, but it grew very quickly. We were finally off at 7.20 and caught a taxi that was waiting outside the terminal. It's only a 15 drive to the car rental which cost $15 and moments later we driving off to WDW


We arrived at the All Star Sports where our girls were staying and checked in. Our room wasnt ready, but we just wanted our magic bands. We went to see Kerry and Becky and their friends, and after a little chat about meeting them later in Epcot, Paul & I took the bus to DHS


Our first FP was for RockNRollerCoaster (yay!), then we rode Tower of Terror (love this ride). Next we had some coffee and a cake each (muffin and apple Danish yum), then we slowly wandered over to Star Tours, meeting Mike & Sully and taking pics along the way

We rode Star Tours, then had some lunch, cheeseburgers and fries, then got another FP for Star Tours

We decided to head back to the resort for one last sunbathe and I did some washing. The girls messaged to say they were at Epcot, so we got ready and took the bus there (though it stopped at each of the All Star resorts on the way, my pet hate of staying at these resorts!!!)

We took some pics, and the place was heaving as it was the first weekend of the Food & Wine Festival

We had some pink champagne from the Desserts & Champagne stand, then we tried some moussaka and chicken dish at the Greece stand

We just had time for a Grey Goose Slush & beer in France and a Tokyo Sunset each in Japan when Kerry messaged to say they had checked in at the Rose & Crown

It was lovely to catch up with them after a few weeks apart, though we had messaged most days to hear what they'd been up to


For dinner we had cottage pie, veggie pie, 2 chicken tikka, fish & chips and bangers & mash, it was all lovely. Most of us were stuffed after, but Kerry and Bex shared a Jaffa cake dessert

We wandered around World Showcase, which was still so busy, then the girls went off to do their own thing

Paul & I had a lager and Rosa Regale in Italy, then a vino in Germany


The fireworks were at 10pm to tonight, so we watched from Italy, then we following the hoards out, stopping of at MouseGear to do some shopping

We took the bus back to the resort, and after finishing off the packing, crawled into bed around midnight


Tomorrow ~ Meeting friends (briefly). Magic Kingdom, heading home

 

[mandymouse]

Sunday 27th September


We were up around 7, and after a quick shower, Kerry had arranged with our American friends Sandy and Tori to meet up for a quick chat in the food court as they had just checked into the All Star Sports

We were lucky to have a good half hour chat before Paul and I had to get our luggage dropped off at the Virgin check-in desk at DownTown Disney at 8.30 and they headed for Animal Kingdom. It was so lovey to see them both


When we got to DTD, the Virgin desk was empty, so by 8.50 we were in our way to the Magic Kingdom


We took the ferry over to the park, and our first stop was a latte and choc chip cookie each

We ran into the girls a little later as we wanted to ride the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train together, we explained to the Castmember that our Fastpass finished at 10.45 and the girls started then, but he kindly let us all go on together a little early

Next we watched Mickey's PhilharMagic, which I love, then we wandered over to Pirates of the Caribbean but it was closed. We looked in the shops then I had a pineapple float

We then decided to have lunch at Cosmic Rays .. Yay ! Rotisserie Chicken !

We then said goodbye to the girls at least they'll be home on Friday


We stayed in the park a little longer and the girls went off to the Florida mall. We rode the TTA, did some shopping, then exited the park, our visit to WDW was over far too soon

It was so hot and muggy today, I felt for the girls as it would be exhausting at the Halloween party in their outfits tonight, here's a pic of them all dressed up

We were beginning to flag so took the monorail back to the car and decided to head to the Florida Mall too for some air con

We slowly wandered around the shops, and Paul did buy some headphones, but by now we just wanted to be home. We ran into the girls at the food court, and after one last kiss we headed to the airport


I quickly got changed, off came the strappy too and shorts and on went the new Hard Rock Cafe t-shirt I bought in the Cayman Islands and the cropped jeans i wore outbound, (which were considerable tighter by now) then we went through security, which went fine. Once airside we bought some coffees, turkey sandwich, crisps and cakes, so we didn't need to eat onboard and could hopefully sleep all the way home

[

The flight was leaving on time, the plane was Hot Lips, began boarding 5.45 for our 6.50 flight ....... and that's where my notes end. We did sleep quite well and the flight was uneventful

Thanks for reading along, and sorry it has taken so long to finish this, and all I can say is that it was yet again another amazing holiday

 

[Tony Bush]

Another wonderful report Mandy!! - I'm itching to do a cruise !!!!

Tony

 

[ukintheus]

Awwww...over all too soon. The WDW visit at the end must have just flown by, but fun to meet up with the girls there. I'm sad that there won't be any more updates but two thumbs up for sticking with getting it done by Christmas.