MAY 20TH WESTERN - 1ST CRUISE/ROY SUITE REPORT Updated with Pictures!
- Thread starter crazypom
- Start date
eeyoregon
I have DDD: Disney Destination DISorder
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- Feb 8, 2006
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- 5,336
Hurry up already!! 
We went on our 1st Disney cruise in April...I can't believe it has been over a month already! I am re-living every moment through your post. WOW, that RD Suite is something else. I truly appreciate you sharing the photos as we will never see the inside of it in person!
Thanks for taking to the time to post and include photos!
We went on our 1st Disney cruise in April...I can't believe it has been over a month already! I am re-living every moment through your post. WOW, that RD Suite is something else. I truly appreciate you sharing the photos as we will never see the inside of it in person!
Thanks for taking to the time to post and include photos!
DCL Repeaters
DCL addicts
- Joined
- Apr 8, 2001
- Messages
- 950
Thank you for your awesome trip report! We've known Don since Sept. 2001 and he is the BEST server on the Magic.
DutchsMommy
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Dec 12, 2003
- Messages
- 2,766
REally enjoying your posts so far - so much so that I was sad to come to the end - so hurry up already LOL, just kidding....I'm sure you are quite busy enough with your brood!! 
I also really like the pic of the kiddos in KW - even though it was $30 (was that US or CDN?? - although with the exchange these days it's getting close to not mattering). Nice to see a fellow CDN 
I also really like the pic of the kiddos in KW - even though it was $30 (was that US or CDN?? - although with the exchange these days it's getting close to not mattering). Nice to see a fellow CDN 
....this is the song (report) that never ends, it just goes on and on my friends........
Day 3, Monday at sea
after a very restful sleep, the bed in the Roy suite is the most comfortable bed DH and I have ever slept in, found myself wide awake at 5:30 am
(remember, the clocks went back last night) Decided around 6am to get up and head up on deck for a look around. I was surprised there were a few others and even one dad with his kids in the mickey pool!!! The crew were busy cleaning everywhere - wiping down every rail, hosing everything. We were all very impressed with the cleanliness of the ship and the efforts to stop the spread of germs (handwipes galore!) Wandered around with my coffee and took some pictures - it was so muggy that my camera fogged up but thought the pics were kinds cool. Very peaceful to wander deck 9 & 10 this early.
Back to the palace, kids running amok and ready to go! Sorry guys, no kids clubs at 7:30 am!! Today was our character breakfast so hurried to get ready for that at 8:15. Kids enjoyed that, quick photo stops by the characters and the food was good.
Big kids raced out of there at 9am as it was free time in the Stack for their group. They actually said they liked their club better as there is more to do. DD11 "when I am a teenager I will like it better 'cause I will just want to hang out" (great, something to look forward to!) Adults just had fruit as today was our Palo brunch at 11am. We did enjoy it and ate way too much. It was nice that you could order 1/2 size of the main courses. My favorite thing was the pizza, I thought it was excellent! That said, we did end up cancelling our dinner reservation for Thurs (I can hear the gasps of horror
) and decided to eat in regular dining room. Our servers were alot of fun and we just enjoyed the regular restaurants more (weird huh??? 
)
Kids busy at their clubs today, kept checking on little ones as I was feeling slightly neglectful but they never wanted to leave!! (I did get over it quickly
) They stayed for lunch which they now serve right in the club which I liked. Big kids did juggling workshop, chip it golf (DD11 won a medal), basketball shootout (DS9 won a medal), and their club. Grown up enjoyed wandering the ship, laps on deck 4 (to wear off the brunch!), and reading on deck. By the way, I loved the wraps at Goofy's Galley! It really was a great, relaxing day. Had great intentions to do martini tasting, wine tasting, margarita tasting but didn't make it to a single one!
Got everyone rounded up for dinner, tonight at Parrot Cay. Fun, colorful restaurant but prob my least favorite of the 3 (DH's was animators, DMIL liked them all!) All the kids anxious to leave at 7pm for activities in their clubs so we enjoyed dessert and after dinner drinks in peace! As a side note, the kids usually got their dinner when we got our appy's, dessert with our main course, and we took them to their clubs before dessert. Big kids had sign out privaleges which worked out really well, we used walkie talkies for them, and they could page us if needed. Once we established the ground rules I felt very comfortable with that, they took their responsibility very seriously!
(cause they knew sign out could be revoked!)
Didn't find it alot of time between dinner and the shows, just enough to look at a few pics, see a character or two, or check out the shops. Tonight was the Golden Mickeys so met up at the theatre at 8:15 (little kids wouldn't leave the clubs so didn't see a single show all week!!!) We all really enjoyed the show and the pre-show is very funny!
Gathered up the little kids for bed, relaxed on the balcony with a book and a drink (can you tell I really like doing that! ) and hit the sack around 11pm.
The kids kept every towel animal all week for "pets", thank goodness for the large area as they were starting to take over!
We have not made it out to a single late night adult activity!!!!!! Oh well, maybe tomorrow!!! Stay tuned, swimming with the stingrays is next! At this rate though, you will all still be reading next week!
Day 3, Monday at sea
after a very restful sleep, the bed in the Roy suite is the most comfortable bed DH and I have ever slept in, found myself wide awake at 5:30 am
(remember, the clocks went back last night) Decided around 6am to get up and head up on deck for a look around. I was surprised there were a few others and even one dad with his kids in the mickey pool!!! The crew were busy cleaning everywhere - wiping down every rail, hosing everything. We were all very impressed with the cleanliness of the ship and the efforts to stop the spread of germs (handwipes galore!) Wandered around with my coffee and took some pictures - it was so muggy that my camera fogged up but thought the pics were kinds cool. Very peaceful to wander deck 9 & 10 this early.
Back to the palace, kids running amok and ready to go! Sorry guys, no kids clubs at 7:30 am!! Today was our character breakfast so hurried to get ready for that at 8:15. Kids enjoyed that, quick photo stops by the characters and the food was good.
Big kids raced out of there at 9am as it was free time in the Stack for their group. They actually said they liked their club better as there is more to do. DD11 "when I am a teenager I will like it better 'cause I will just want to hang out" (great, something to look forward to!) Adults just had fruit as today was our Palo brunch at 11am. We did enjoy it and ate way too much. It was nice that you could order 1/2 size of the main courses. My favorite thing was the pizza, I thought it was excellent! That said, we did end up cancelling our dinner reservation for Thurs (I can hear the gasps of horror
) and decided to eat in regular dining room. Our servers were alot of fun and we just enjoyed the regular restaurants more (weird huh??? ) Kids busy at their clubs today, kept checking on little ones as I was feeling slightly neglectful but they never wanted to leave!! (I did get over it quickly
) They stayed for lunch which they now serve right in the club which I liked. Big kids did juggling workshop, chip it golf (DD11 won a medal), basketball shootout (DS9 won a medal), and their club. Grown up enjoyed wandering the ship, laps on deck 4 (to wear off the brunch!), and reading on deck. By the way, I loved the wraps at Goofy's Galley! It really was a great, relaxing day. Had great intentions to do martini tasting, wine tasting, margarita tasting but didn't make it to a single one!
Got everyone rounded up for dinner, tonight at Parrot Cay. Fun, colorful restaurant but prob my least favorite of the 3 (DH's was animators, DMIL liked them all!) All the kids anxious to leave at 7pm for activities in their clubs so we enjoyed dessert and after dinner drinks in peace! As a side note, the kids usually got their dinner when we got our appy's, dessert with our main course, and we took them to their clubs before dessert. Big kids had sign out privaleges which worked out really well, we used walkie talkies for them, and they could page us if needed. Once we established the ground rules I felt very comfortable with that, they took their responsibility very seriously!
(cause they knew sign out could be revoked!)
Didn't find it alot of time between dinner and the shows, just enough to look at a few pics, see a character or two, or check out the shops. Tonight was the Golden Mickeys so met up at the theatre at 8:15 (little kids wouldn't leave the clubs so didn't see a single show all week!!!) We all really enjoyed the show and the pre-show is very funny!
Gathered up the little kids for bed, relaxed on the balcony with a book and a drink (can you tell I really like doing that!
) and hit the sack around 11pm.
The kids kept every towel animal all week for "pets", thank goodness for the large area as they were starting to take over!
We have not made it out to a single late night adult activity!!!!!! Oh well, maybe tomorrow!!! Stay tuned, swimming with the stingrays is next! At this rate though, you will all still be reading next week!
no, not day 4 yet
forgot to tell you BethA, concierge team was Crunch, Arnaldo, and Richard. They were very good (nothing to compare to but we thought they were great ) and we saw them usually twice a day to "check on us" and deliver goodies. They often called and left messages to remind us of things or check if we needed anything. Everyday we got a plate of goodie or appies delivered late afternoon (usually returned to find it in the suite) and they would stop by around 5-5:30 (they knew we would be getting ready for dinner) with something for the kids - coloring books & crayons, arcade cards, DCL fact sheets, popcorn for the movies, (can't remember what else at the moment). We also got a lovely "Ducky" Williams picture at the end, Snow White and the Prince on the ship (DD5 figures its for her as that is her favorite princess!)
We really were spoiled all week, they made it harder to return to reality!!!
forgot to tell you BethA, concierge team was Crunch, Arnaldo, and Richard. They were very good (nothing to compare to but we thought they were great
) and we saw them usually twice a day to "check on us" and deliver goodies. They often called and left messages to remind us of things or check if we needed anything. Everyday we got a plate of goodie or appies delivered late afternoon (usually returned to find it in the suite) and they would stop by around 5-5:30 (they knew we would be getting ready for dinner) with something for the kids - coloring books & crayons, arcade cards, DCL fact sheets, popcorn for the movies, (can't remember what else at the moment). We also got a lovely "Ducky" Williams picture at the end, Snow White and the Prince on the ship (DD5 figures its for her as that is her favorite princess!)We really were spoiled all week, they made it harder to return to reality!!!
I just spent over an hour on my post with lots of pics and "lost it" when the server was too busy 
Will try again but now it will be the condensed version!!
Day 4 , Grand Cayman.
up early as we have to meet on the pier at 8:30 for our excursion - Reef, Rays, and Rum point with Nativeways. Breakfast from room service again, what a great thing The tender process was relatively painless - got to the theatre around 7:45, 10-15 min wait for the next tender, and on the pier at 8:30. (found out after that concierge would have taken us right to the tender boat!!) Met with our tour group and boarded the bus for the marina. We were fortunate to have our captain, Sheldon, give us a narrated tour on the way there. All aboard for a 15 min ride to the stingray sandbar. We have been really excited about this, and a little bit freaked out 
took awhile for everyone to get in the water, as some had to work up the courage (DH "I thought they were in pens??") It was a little freaky to have a bunch of rather large stingrays with stingers intact brushing up against your legs! You are supposed to shuffle your feet but I actually completely forgot about that! Our guides were great and everyone had a chance to hold, pet, kiss, feed, and get a back rub. They even found a male who was much much smaller for the little kids. They are certainly attracted by the squid and are quite happy to push past you to get it!
it was a bit tricky to get good pictures with kids wrapped around your head and neck! DS 3 lasted about 10 minutes. DMIL opted to stay on the boat, and the other kids got quite comfortable with the creatures and really enjoyed it! "The best sea experience ever" according to the big kids!
Next we are off to a reef to snorkel. Lots of fish (look, there's Dory!) and a rather large eel (don't worry they said, that's the small one )
Had about a 1/2 hour to snorkel which was about right as it is a bit tiring.
ordered our lunch for our arrival at Rum Point beach, lots of choices and included in the tour. Rum Point is absolutely beautiful!!! The water is amazing and the kid played in the sand and did some more snorkeling. Lunch was great, drinks at the bar were pricey but hey, we're on vacation!!! I think we were there about 1 1/2 - 2 hours.
Got back to the ship just before 4pm and time to get ready for dinner. Major note to self.....reapply sunscreen to shoulders when snorkeling
Kids all had early activities they wanted to go to so got dinner for them at Pluto's and enjoyed an adults dinner in Lumiere's. Went to twice charmed which we really enjoyed and big kids and I to Mickey Mania. Didn't get picked so DS9 off to arcade. DD11 really enjoyed it, so much so that she jumped up and blurted out an answer before the contestants - oops
ok, tonight I had great plans to go to 80's night with DH as this was the music of our "youth". Got back from Mickey Mania to find everyone asleep, including DH! Boy, that glass of wine on the balcony was great again!!! I vow to at least make the last pub night on Fri......ha ha
It was a great day had by all Would highly recommend the nativeways tour to anyone. The time at the 3 locations was fine, food was good, and the guides were excellent. They were great with the kids and the entire boat of people seemed to have a great time. Forgot to mention I finally met KimandChris (hi guys), another DISer! It is hard to find an excursion that suits all our age ranges but this certainly did. "Dad, can you get a job here "
this better post or I am going to cry...more to come later and I found more pics of the roy suite but will make you wait!!!!
Will try again but now it will be the condensed version!!
Day 4 , Grand Cayman.
up early as we have to meet on the pier at 8:30 for our excursion - Reef, Rays, and Rum point with Nativeways. Breakfast from room service again, what a great thing
The tender process was relatively painless - got to the theatre around 7:45, 10-15 min wait for the next tender, and on the pier at 8:30. (found out after that concierge would have taken us right to the tender boat!!) Met with our tour group and boarded the bus for the marina. We were fortunate to have our captain, Sheldon, give us a narrated tour on the way there. All aboard for a 15 min ride to the stingray sandbar. We have been really excited about this, and a little bit freaked out
took awhile for everyone to get in the water, as some had to work up the courage
(DH "I thought they were in pens??") It was a little freaky to have a bunch of rather large stingrays with stingers intact brushing up against your legs! You are supposed to shuffle your feet but I actually completely forgot about that! Our guides were great and everyone had a chance to hold, pet, kiss, feed, and get a back rub. They even found a male who was much much smaller for the little kids. They are certainly attracted by the squid and are quite happy to push past you to get it!
it was a bit tricky to get good pictures with kids wrapped around your head and neck! DS 3 lasted about 10 minutes. DMIL opted to stay on the boat, and the other kids got quite comfortable with the creatures and really enjoyed it! "The best sea experience ever" according to the big kids!
Next we are off to a reef to snorkel. Lots of fish (look, there's Dory!) and a rather large eel (don't worry they said, that's the small one
)Had about a 1/2 hour to snorkel which was about right as it is a bit tiring.
ordered our lunch for our arrival at Rum Point beach, lots of choices and included in the tour. Rum Point is absolutely beautiful!!! The water is amazing and the kid played in the sand and did some more snorkeling. Lunch was great, drinks at the bar were pricey but hey, we're on vacation!!! I think we were there about 1 1/2 - 2 hours.
Got back to the ship just before 4pm and time to get ready for dinner. Major note to self.....reapply sunscreen to shoulders when snorkeling
Kids all had early activities they wanted to go to so got dinner for them at Pluto's and enjoyed an adults dinner in Lumiere's. Went to twice charmed which we really enjoyed and big kids and I to Mickey Mania. Didn't get picked so DS9 off to arcade. DD11 really enjoyed it, so much so that she jumped up and blurted out an answer before the contestants - oops
ok, tonight I had great plans to go to 80's night with DH as this was the music of our "youth". Got back from Mickey Mania to find everyone asleep, including DH! Boy, that glass of wine on the balcony was great again!!! I vow to at least make the last pub night on Fri......ha ha
It was a great day had by all
Would highly recommend the nativeways tour to anyone. The time at the 3 locations was fine, food was good, and the guides were excellent. They were great with the kids and the entire boat of people seemed to have a great time. Forgot to mention I finally met KimandChris (hi guys), another DISer! It is hard to find an excursion that suits all our age ranges but this certainly did. "Dad, can you get a job here "this better post or I am going to cry...more to come later and I found more pics of the roy suite but will make you wait!!!!
- Joined
- Feb 8, 2003
- Messages
- 10,626
Awesome trip report- I really enjoyed it! Love the pictures too. 
I wonder how come they served lunch in the club for your trip but then the next or so later they didn't for us? Every day they transitioned the kids somewhere to eat lunch (usually AP). I don't recall any day them eating in the club- I'll have to refer to my navigators (yes I saved them LOL) to see if that ever happened and I missed it. We had "issues" with always trying to get Rita out or take her in right during transition periods. LOL
I wonder how come they served lunch in the club for your trip but then the next or so later they didn't for us? Every day they transitioned the kids somewhere to eat lunch (usually AP). I don't recall any day them eating in the club- I'll have to refer to my navigators (yes I saved them LOL) to see if that ever happened and I missed it. We had "issues" with always trying to get Rita out or take her in right during transition periods. LOL
the lunch was for my kids that were in the 3/4 group as we moved DD5 down to be with her brother. It was great for the kids and I'm sure alot easier for the counsellors. They had a choice of 3 types of sandwich, chips, fruit and a juice box. My kids really enjoyed it!
not sure if the 5-7 group did that or not???
not sure if the 5-7 group did that or not???
More, more! I always made Word files of my TRs. I would print out a copy, too, so I could keep them. Make the file, then copy and paste it in on the DIS server. I don't want your condensed version! Give me every detail so I may vicariously stay in the Roy Suite. If you cut and paste, then get bumped out, all is not lost. And maybe it is just hand waving, but seems like if I click and hold down on the link a bit, I am less likely to get "Server busy".
Carla
Carla
anty30
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 26, 2005
- Messages
- 893
Crazypom,
I am sorry we did not get to meet you. Your trip report and pics are great. We were in the theater for the 1st tender also, so I guess we crossed paths. We also used Nativeway that day for the Island Tour and Stingray City. They were great. I highly recommend them.
I am sorry we did not get to meet you. Your trip report and pics are great. We were in the theater for the 1st tender also, so I guess we crossed paths. We also used Nativeway that day for the Island Tour and Stingray City. They were great. I highly recommend them.
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