CScott095
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Apr 8, 2013
- Messages
- 193
I am ashamed to say that this cruise was our first family vacation because I do not like vacation as a general rule. Disney has changed my mind and we have already booked next years cruise!
My husband, daughter (9), and I flew out of DEN to Galveston on the morning of March 29th. After arriving, we easily navigated our way to baggage and over to the Disney Cruise Line transportation area. After boarding the bus, we had a hour and a half ride that included informational videos and some cartoons. The ship came into sight and the bus filled with Ooos and Ahhs. After some brief instructions, we left the bus to verify our luggage made it intact and then, because we were right on time for our embarkation times, made our way through the security and check-in procedures. This too was a breeze. As we came onto the ship, they announced our family and several crew members were on hand to clap for us. As the rooms are not ready until approximately 1:30, we made our way to the lunch buffet, which was over-whelming with yummy food. Our cabin was on the 6th deck and an inside stateroom - perfect for the three of us, though comical at times. We unpacked and stashed our luggage under the bed, in the closet, and anywhere else we could. The drill felt seamless and the cruise was amazing. From the booking agents to the disembarking process, each crew member really emphasized "The Disney Spirit". Our stateroom host, Albert, made my daughter feel special by greeting her by name every time we saw him. Our room was incredibly well taken care of as though Albert had a sixth sense about when we had been there to mess it up. At dinner, Putu and Eduar were spectacular in their service. Putu made recommendations each night and took an interest in our likes/dislikes. He recommended we try new things and went out of his way to make sure we were satisfied with our meals - taking them back for something different if we were disappointed. Eduar was kept on his toes by the children at our table once they discovered Shirley Temple's, but he was proactive and efficient in addition to going out of his way for the adult beverages. In entertainment, seek out Austin from Ohio (not from Texas) and Andy from England. Both are personable, hilariously funny, and amazing in their dedication to your positive experience. In the Promenade lounge, say hi to George - who really should be in entertainment as he is so funny, especially when he banters with Austin or Andy during trivia. He is also efficient, on the ball, and makes sure you have everything you need while in the lounge. The Cove, and its staff, are amazing as an adults only retreat - complete with pastries and lattes in the morning and dessert and drinks in the afternoon. The staff who work in this area are extremely prideful in their ship and the outward appearance for the guests. In fact, the staff was constantly cleaning to make sure there was never a cluttered or messy area anywhere on the ship.
The ports of call for this cruise were Castaway Cay, Port Canaveral, and Key West. The port adventures were cancelled for Castaway Cay due to rough waters, but we were not disappointed by the beach, water, or the food. We rented two tubes ($6 a piece) and floated around in the sun before laying out on the lounges. The food was great and there were crab races. There was much more to do, but we were content in our lazy day. WDW was amazing, though extremely crowded. The cruise included the top tier ticket that allowed access to any of the four parks and fastpasses. We stayed in WDW as our 9 year old had never been and we wanted to experience as many rides as we could. Key West was a great Port Adventure for us - we saw dolphins, kayaked, and snorkeled. My only complaint is the brevity of this port as its only a half day and if you sign up for a 3 1/2 hour adventure as we did - then that is pretty much your time there.
I cannot say enough about this trip as it was first class and so easy at every turn. Adding in the transportation option really is a no-brainer and every thing is taken care of from the time you land until you have to re-enter the airport. The crew was incredible and there are so many more personal kudos I would throw out to Vernia, I Ketut, Mike, Praceta, and so many more. If you do not enjoy vacation, try DCL, they will change your mind in a hurry!
My husband, daughter (9), and I flew out of DEN to Galveston on the morning of March 29th. After arriving, we easily navigated our way to baggage and over to the Disney Cruise Line transportation area. After boarding the bus, we had a hour and a half ride that included informational videos and some cartoons. The ship came into sight and the bus filled with Ooos and Ahhs. After some brief instructions, we left the bus to verify our luggage made it intact and then, because we were right on time for our embarkation times, made our way through the security and check-in procedures. This too was a breeze. As we came onto the ship, they announced our family and several crew members were on hand to clap for us. As the rooms are not ready until approximately 1:30, we made our way to the lunch buffet, which was over-whelming with yummy food. Our cabin was on the 6th deck and an inside stateroom - perfect for the three of us, though comical at times. We unpacked and stashed our luggage under the bed, in the closet, and anywhere else we could. The drill felt seamless and the cruise was amazing. From the booking agents to the disembarking process, each crew member really emphasized "The Disney Spirit". Our stateroom host, Albert, made my daughter feel special by greeting her by name every time we saw him. Our room was incredibly well taken care of as though Albert had a sixth sense about when we had been there to mess it up. At dinner, Putu and Eduar were spectacular in their service. Putu made recommendations each night and took an interest in our likes/dislikes. He recommended we try new things and went out of his way to make sure we were satisfied with our meals - taking them back for something different if we were disappointed. Eduar was kept on his toes by the children at our table once they discovered Shirley Temple's, but he was proactive and efficient in addition to going out of his way for the adult beverages. In entertainment, seek out Austin from Ohio (not from Texas) and Andy from England. Both are personable, hilariously funny, and amazing in their dedication to your positive experience. In the Promenade lounge, say hi to George - who really should be in entertainment as he is so funny, especially when he banters with Austin or Andy during trivia. He is also efficient, on the ball, and makes sure you have everything you need while in the lounge. The Cove, and its staff, are amazing as an adults only retreat - complete with pastries and lattes in the morning and dessert and drinks in the afternoon. The staff who work in this area are extremely prideful in their ship and the outward appearance for the guests. In fact, the staff was constantly cleaning to make sure there was never a cluttered or messy area anywhere on the ship.
The ports of call for this cruise were Castaway Cay, Port Canaveral, and Key West. The port adventures were cancelled for Castaway Cay due to rough waters, but we were not disappointed by the beach, water, or the food. We rented two tubes ($6 a piece) and floated around in the sun before laying out on the lounges. The food was great and there were crab races. There was much more to do, but we were content in our lazy day. WDW was amazing, though extremely crowded. The cruise included the top tier ticket that allowed access to any of the four parks and fastpasses. We stayed in WDW as our 9 year old had never been and we wanted to experience as many rides as we could. Key West was a great Port Adventure for us - we saw dolphins, kayaked, and snorkeled. My only complaint is the brevity of this port as its only a half day and if you sign up for a 3 1/2 hour adventure as we did - then that is pretty much your time there.
I cannot say enough about this trip as it was first class and so easy at every turn. Adding in the transportation option really is a no-brainer and every thing is taken care of from the time you land until you have to re-enter the airport. The crew was incredible and there are so many more personal kudos I would throw out to Vernia, I Ketut, Mike, Praceta, and so many more. If you do not enjoy vacation, try DCL, they will change your mind in a hurry!
