May 5-15, 2010 MED CRUISE on the MAGIC

[strawberryblonde]

 

[strawberryblonde]

We slept until we woke up this AM, didn't set an alarm. We woke to rain and I wondered if this meant our sailaway party would be held indoors. I hoped it would clear in time, but didn't have much hope.

We took a taxi to the port and arrived around 11am. Don't remember the exact time, sorry. It wasn't crowded and things seemed organized. We got in the Castaway Club line as it was shorter and we were checked in right away and given boarding number 6 or 7 (again, can't remember!). They had not quite started boarding number 1 yet, so we didn't get in line. DD had a visit with Minnie, and that was much cuter than I was expecting. A few younger girls were in front of DD, and Minnie was sweet with them as usual. Then it was DD's turn...Minnie got VERY excited! Minnie LOVED DD's red sailor dress and made a cute fuss. Minnie twirled, and then motioned for DD to twirl....

then Minnie motioned for DD to hold her dress up like Minnie...

then there was much hugging and kissing, quite adorable. I snapped off a few photos, but wasn't prepared to take any video clips. Such a magical moment straight out of the gate!

It was taking awhile for them to call number 4, and when they did, they called 4-6. We waited a beat, and then made our way to the back of the boarding line. Everyone was in line already, the folks in front of us had number 11 or higher and they were not the only ones jumping the gun, this seemed to be the norm. So, we should have been in line sooner, but I had made my family wait to be polite. Not a big deal, just meant about 1/2 hour longer until we had lunch. People were friendly in line, and it was pleasant to chat while our excitement to board increased.

The kids loved it when we were announced at atrium level....it is an emotional moment! We were directed to PC for lunch, first time we have eaten our boarding lunch in PC. I liked this a lot, as it was still quite chilly outside. I appreciated not having to save a table. We were seated with an adorable family of Grandma, Mom and two little girls. They were from the UK and it was their first Disney cruise. It was fun to bump into them throughout the cruise and compare notes on how things were going. They were always happy and having a good time, totally delightful!

When we finished up eating lunch, it was nearly time to check on our room! We were right before the aft elevators, and I liked this location nearly as much as midship. We put up our magnets and FE (thanks Jordak and Milliepie ) ...

and I unpacked our carryons while my guys took a breather.

My luggage and my DD's luggage arrived right away so I started in unpacking those. Our stateroom host was great, I was very comfortable with him. He did an amazing job all 10 days. Our Castaway Club gift was waiting on the bed and the kids were excited about the ricekrispie treats, I was tickled that they randomly happened to match their outfits and I HAD to snap a photo!

 

[strawberryblonde]

Next up, emergency drill time and all necessary photo....poor kids! Ha....

Great news, wonderful news, the sun is out!!!!! Sailaway party on decks 9 and 10. We enjoy being in the thick of things and dancing, so we were front and center. As things progressed, and people squeezed to the front, we ended up a bit center and center while DD stayed as close to the front as she could. It was warmish in the sun and I was thrilled to have it not raining.

Things were off to a great start! We unpacked the rest of the luggage that had arrived, then changed for dinner (except for DD, she stayed in her sailor dress). We were first seating, PC/Lum/AP rotation. We were seated with another family of 4 at a table for 8. First time to be seated with folks we were not related to, and it was so much fun! Easy going family, with girls our kids' ages. The two younger ones hit it off and became fast friends by the end of the cruise. I enjoyed being able to chat with other adults each night about what we had done that day. We got lucky being matched up with such a fantastic family!

DD was off to her club as soon as she was done eating....her first time in the lab and she was quite excited about it. Our DS went with us to the welcome aboard show and then he went to his club, Disney Quest. He isn't as social as our DD, but he did find some pleasure in the "mingle-type" social games they would encourage the kids to participate in. This first night they played a buddy bingo type game that got the kids to mingle and talk with one another....I think it was good for him!

This freed up DH and me to go to the adult entertainment in Rockin bar D...our first time ever! What freedom, what a difference 4 years makes! I did love taking younger kids on a disney cruise, that had a special pleasure that has given way to something different.....each stage is fun and I'm loving the journey. Things got a bit wild in there this night, some kind of scavenger hunt that ended with our team leader wearing a red bra (not mine!). I tried two different flavored martinis, a green one (Ivory Cay, or was it Keys?) and a red one (Passiontini I think, strong and very yummy). They could be why I don't remember this night a whole lot .

 

[eeyorefanuk]

Enjoyed your report so far - looking forward to more

 

[strawberryblonde]

Fun packed, full day!! Kids slept in while DH and I went for our couples' massage. DH and I also enjoyed the rain forest room for a bit before going back to the room to take our cherubs to brunch at Lumiere's.

1PM was wine tasting, 2PM was a dismeet (great bunch of folks!), 3PM was tea at Palo (got to be seated with two sweet disers from our FE exchange, they made this tea a joy )...DH rushed away from tea to make his 4PM beer tasting so I was really glad to have the ladies to finish up with. Too much in one day, I know! This is what happens when you only have two sea days and a husband informs you when you board that he wants wine and beer tasting added, even though you have already planned out the sea days quite full! We had a blast though, even though this is probably not how you should do it.

The kids had no interest in swimming this day....I offered! They both wanted to be in their clubs.

Tonight was formal night, and I had ironed our things earlier in the day to avoid the crush in the laundry room tonight.

It took the guys longer to get into their tuxes than they had counted on. DD and I were done early (perhaps because I had forgotton the curling iron, so I wasn't able to curl our hair) so she and I went down to the atrium to get in line for formal photos. We ran into the lovely ladies I had had tea with and their girls all dressed up. CJ'sMom was wearing a gorgeous red dress, I should have had my photo taken with her, I was in a long red dress too. Our guys joined us just in time, and we had one photo taken in front of the Mickey statue. It didn't get taken on our camera though, not sure why, I had given it to the photographers and they were quite good about making sure of doing it for me on other times....oh well. CJ'sMom snapped one of my family, for me, when we were done with dinner.....thanks!!

We then hurried to Rockin Bar D for Paul Zerdin's family show. There was standing/squatting room only, but he was worth it! DS had really enjoyed him during the welcome aboard show, and I was sad that DD hadn't been there to see him, so I really wanted her to get a chance to catch him in action. He did not disappoint, she laughed just as loudly as DS! Ventriloquism is a big winner with kids and Paul has a clever sense of humor that I adore....fun!

We had a bit of porthole posing after the show....

I then helped DD change out of her formal gown so she could go to her club. DS went with us to see the main show "Twice Charmed". We showed up a bit late, but a CM helped us to seats along the side. We ended up quite close to the front with a fine view and we hadn't missed much at all. I was giddy with happiness. My formal gown was comfortable (stretch silk cut on the bias, didn't bind anywhere!) and my guys were still looking smashing in their tuxes....I snuggled up to DH and enjoyed the show in comfort with many empty seats around us, very carefree moment

The 3 of us changed out of our formals after the show. I threw on some loungewear pants, the kind you see teenagers wearing on planes these days. I'm sold on these, they feel fantastic and keep you from getting too cold up on the chilly outdoor decks, and yet are thin material that doesn't overheat you in the indoor areas. We grabbed some pizza and icecream up on deck 9 and then went to the movie theater and watched "Blind Side"....moving movie, it brought me to tears at many points, of course I was on a cruise high this night as well so that may have had something to do with it . This is the moment when I felt completely on vacation and I soaked it up!

 

[strawberryblonde]

Sunny, warm day!!!

Gorgeous view from our verandah this AM. We are very excited! I had booked the "Blue Grotto" tour online through DCL, it was to have started at 9am, which is perfect, because before noon is when the sun hits the water in the grotto so the water looks clear and amazing, you can even see jellyfish. Sadly, tours had to be rearranged due to later arrival, and our tour was not leaving until afternoon.

My plan had been to explore Malta after our tour, but now I was a bit nervous about going ashore, just to have to hurry back to meet our tour on ship by 12:45. I just wasn't in the mood to hurry and worry, but that is me. I bumped into CJ'sMom, who is carefree and adventurous, as she was leaving ship, even though she had an excursion about the same time as me. So it can be done!

DD dropped off her FE gifts to our list this AM. This was a ton of fun for her! I went with her to help, it felt like exploring with a purpose, I'm so glad we signed up for this activity.

We did like the Blue Grotto tour. I had nearly cancelled it a couple of weeks ago, in favor of doing the HOHO (hop on hop off) bus on our own. I think that would have been fun too, and with the excursion time change, would have worked into our plans better, than we could have been to the grotto before noon. The DCL tour was relaxing and comfortable, though, and our fellow cruisers were a lot of fun to ride and chat with. We had amazing weather, and the blue grotto was beautiful in spite of the sun being in the wrong position.

notice our "sheople" stickers making us look like dorks!

Our camera battery died when we reached the fishing village , so I was only able to squeeze out this shot....

I remembered to tuck our "sheople" stickers in our bag for this shot!

Wish I could have taken more, I loved this village. The boats were so colorful and pretty on the water. The vendors were laidback and friendly, no haggle over prices (which is the way I'm most comfortable). My DD bought a little lace parasol for her stuffed Stitch here and a pen....she actually bought a pen at each port, that is her new collection idea. My DH bought a magnet at each port. We also picked up a sparkly see-through pink scarf here for DD that I may borrow sometimes .

I needed my travel size Charmin for the restrooms here, my DD was very happy I had this in our bag too!

Main theater show tonight, was Phil Keller, a magician. I was thinking of skipping, as I hadn't really cared for him at the all aboard show, but this night DD wanted to come with us, so we went.

Adult show at 10:30pm in Rockin Bar D, was Paul Zerdin, so my DH and I made sure to go to that !! Made up for the main show that night IMO.

 

[Melcatfish]

Great report so far. Sorry that your excursion plans didn't work as intended in Malta but glad you still had a good time.

Mel
x

 

[strawberryblonde]

Slept in on purpose.....ah! Sunny view, life is good. I have some energy this morning and run around the ship a bit, can't remember what all I did, I know I did a little pin trading and that was fun. I found a "hidden mickey" Mickey head pin, pink, one of 5 colors....so now I must collect the other 4 !

I'm conflicted about the camel rides being done on port. Doesn't feel right, yet not exactly "wrong"...I'm not sure what to do actually. If they were elephants, it would feel completely wrong, but these are camels, like half-way between elephant and horse. My DH really wants the kids to ride a camel and they are undecided. I tell them to go ahead and ride if they would like to, not to let my unease take away their chance at a ride. They decide to ride and enjoy it more than they thought they would. Their camel complains quite a bit, seems crankier than most, but gives a fine ride...the best part seems to be the take off and sit down. Here is a shot of the kids' token camel ride....

We walked down the port a bit ....

...and into the duty free shopping area. Must get a pen and magnet ! I had intended this day to be an "at sea-day", so this is all I planned on doing off ship. With such a port intensive cruise, I didn't feel the need to squeeze every last drop out of every last port. We had Rome coming up, so I knew our Roman ruin needs would soon be met.

Back onto the ship for lunch and a swim! Sun....mmmmmm!

DD in the Goofy pool

Little Mermaid was playing on the big screen

Later, DH and I went to the adult pool area for the first time ever and had a bit of a swim and read on some lounge chairs. We soaked in one of the hottubs before leaving...such a relaxing afternoon!

We had Palo dinner tonight and it was tasty! Best steak DH had all cruise. I loved everything mushroom. I had a pomegranate cosmo, yummy! Then I tried a Key Lime martini, even better....my new fav drink !!

We weren't concerned with trying to make it to the show tonight, as it was singing, not our top choice. I did, however, want to make it to "Match your mate" in Rockin Bar D at 10:30pm but didn't make it....I think we got sidetracked....

Ship was a bit rocky tonight. I put on my seabands and didn't feel my best. I crawled into bed with a book and waited for the kids to get done with their clubs. There was to be a "Glow Jam" at midnight for 10-14 year olds. Well, my DD wanted to go, so I walked her there (sports deck up top) and I'm glad I did, because I couldn't see any adults around. Turns out, the couselor was there, he was just taking care of the lights and court situation and the kids we asked, didn't know what was going on.....so I left DS there, but took DD with me to ask at the service desk. They called and found out for me that yes, the party was a "go", so I took DD back up. About this time is when I started to question my "NO ELEVATOR" policy....huff puff! Stairs all the way baby!! They passed out glow sticks and necklaces a plenty to all of the kids, but DD was the only girl and the only younger one, so she decided to come back to the room with me. DS stayed and had a fantastic time playing dodge ball in the near dark. He came right back to the stateroom when it was over, so I was finally able to go to sleep .

 

[strawberryblonde]

Thanks for the positive feedback .

Sun out today!! Hooray, I love the sun. I was such a long, overcast, cold, snowy winter in Germany this year. Looking forward to this cruise helped me get through it. Thanks DH, I love you for wanting to do this for me !!

I kind of dropped the ball for today's port. I thought I had researched it enough. I thought it would be easy and cheap. Just walk to the train station and ride to Pompeii...I had the stop written down. Enjoy Pompeii at our own pace, no rush, no trying to squeeze in too much in too little time, just spend as much time as we want here and then go back to the ship.....what could go wrong?

Well....for starters, I made the mistake of telling DH how easy it would be, so he didn't feel the need to rush off ship and I didn't feel the need to "mush" everyone. I let them sleep in. Remember the midnight glow dodge ball?!! So, DH wanted them to get their sleep and that made sense. Then, it took forever for them to eat their room service breakfast and shower/dress ect. I was long ready, so I took off and made our FE gift dropoffs (DS's and mine), then came back and helped mush everyone out the door. By the time we had dawdled our way off the ship, it was nearly noon !!

I'm still thinking no worries, we still have hours. An adorable family passes us, on their way back to the ship in a hurry. Talked with the Mom and she tells me they only made it across the street before hands were all over her baby buggy and it freaked her out a bit. I didn't blame her! She gave me her map, bless her, and wished us luck. I could feel my discomfort rising to near panic. It felt as though space were closing in and people were just too close. I just didn't want people putting hands on my kids....culture shock, I had it.

DH looked on the map, and decided we could avoid the crush of pickpocketers, by going along the waterline and then up. This looked quite straightforward on the map, and didn't look as though it would take longer. Not sure if it did, or what, but what I had read online should take 10-20 min. took over an hour. We didn't meet up with any pickpockets, but we did see where all umbrellas go to die....that stretch of sidewalk. It looked as though folks go there to relieve their dogs and throw out their broken umbrellas. We risked our lives to cross streets and made it to the train station, it is now 1pm. We stand in line to buy tickets and 15 min. later, are told it is the wrong line. I also realize, that the trains seem to only run about once an hour. I start to panic....it just feels too risky to me. Things seem to take a bit longer than they should, and we kept making small mistakes that were adding up to delays...I started to worry about missing the ship. Once DH lets me off the hook and says we don't have to press on for Pompeii, I relax loads, feel much more able to breathe. I feel awful for him, he really wanted to see Pompeii....I did too, but I messed up.

Had I realized how this port would affect me, I should have booked us an excursion. They were so pricey though, and we chose Rome to be our splurge (which WAS great). Still, looking back, should have sprung for it....ah well. We bought some Italian juice to try out, apricot.....it was delicious. DD liked it so much, she saved the wrapper for her scrapbook. Found some cute magnets and a pen. Bought some gelato . Took things at a slower pace back to the ship. Took a few photos on our way back.

It was easier now, clumps of people had thinned, seemed less aggressive. We still avoided that last few blocks near the port and went near the water line again. I had never been to Italy before, and I think had I had a chance to "get my feet wet" at another Italian port first, I may have done better here. Life is learning! We were off the ship for over 3 hours, but it felt like much more. As we were reboarding, our stateroom host was getting off and he called out to us, so happy and carefree with his buddies. They were in casual clothes and seemed full of energy as they set out in the sun. I can't say enough good things about our stateroom host, he was awesome!

Back onboard, we took in the view from deck 10 and took some photos.

They showed a movie in the Main theater tonight, Oceans. The kids came with us, but soon left to go to their clubs. DH and I went to Diversions and played a game of backgammon....I won, but only because of luck!

Special Mother's Day towel creation greated us tonight

 

[strawberryblonde]

Forgot to post the photo of DD and her new best friend (our tablemate) at the lab for their volcano activity last night. I thought the volcano activity tied in nicely with Pompeii!!

Early to bed last night, early to rise today....must meet for our tour at 7:45am. Everyone is in a good mood and things are going much better than yesterday. The kids mainly sleep on the one hour train ride to Rome, DH and I read and look at the countryside. I like the train and wish my Dad could see it, he loves old trains. I make sure we all use the restroom on the train, who knows when we will see one again! Plus, it is quite fun to use one while the train is in motion. We then board buses and get about an 1/2 hour tour of the city. I love seeing how ancient Rome was one level lower than modern Rome! Our first stop is the colosseum.

Many folks on our tour had to take time out to use the restrooms while the rest of us got to go uptop. I was thankful we had gone on the train, the view was so interesting, I wouldn't have wanted to miss it!

Trevi Fountain was next I believe (it all starts to run together!)....

There was time for gelato and a pen purchase , then more walking through the city. I really enjoyed this, loved poking my head into shops.

The Pantheon was next. Our kids were looking forward to this one, to seeing the open hole in the domed ceiling. It really is impressive from inside, much more so than from outside.

then onto the Piazza del Popolo...the best fountain was behind much fencing but my DH was creative and got some shots that don't show the fence too much....

a gorgeous little area we walked by....

Lunch was included and delicious. We did get that "herded" feeling here. We were lead to a back table that nearly gave you enough room to sit between the wall and table. It ended up being fun to chat with the many couples that were on tour with us. The bruschetta was my favorite part of this meal. They also brought me and the kids grilled veggies, as we are vegetarian. My DH said the lasagna was amazing....the pasta with tomato sauce that they brought me was not, it was only ok. The kids liked it fine, though, and ate it all up. My DS finished off what I didn't eat of mine, which was at least half of it! The white sparkling wine was quite good and the red was too....I drank my entire glass of white and half of my red. I ate all my dessert and drank my entire tiny cup of espresso (yummy!, never had it before, I don't even drink coffee.....but when in Rome ....it was not the least bit bitter, it was very good ). So....food was great, table was not, but table mates were great, service was fine and fast.

A man came around and cut out a silhouette of random folks and did one of DD...I think because of her braid, he seemed to pick those with distinctive hairstyles. Nice little bonus!

I'll continue this day in another post because I'm not sure how many photos are allowed per post....

 

[strawberryblonde]

Next, St. Peter's square and Basilica.

your shoulders must be covered, I had a scarf in our bag for just this purpose

After our tour of this amazing place, we had about 15 minutes of free time. We used it to buy a magnet and postcard/stamp to send to my Mother-in-law. We all wrote on it and mailed it there from the Vatican. She has already recieved it and she was delighted with the Vatican stamp and postmark.

We all read on the train ride home, gazed at the view some and snacked a bit.

No main show tonight. Most folks are too tired. We had planned on seeing Alice in 3-D in the movie theater tonight anyway. The kids came with us and DD's friend sat with us. We went for seats a bit early, thinking they may fill up sooner than usual without there being a main show. It did indeed....that just made it all the more fun to watch.....WHEE, what a fun cruise!!!

 

[strawberryblonde]

Cold, overcast, raining......a bit icky to tell the truth. The kids wanted a sea day, just wanted to go to their clubs. I didn't blame them. Our plan had been to take them with us to Cinque Terre. I knew it wouldn't be nearly as much fun in the rain, so I offered for us to go to Pisa instead. I hadn't wanted to "waste" an entire day on Pisa when I had heard how beautiful Cinque Terre was, but in the rain....may as well go to Pisa if the kids wanted tower pics. My DS did want tower pics, but not enough to leave ship. I realize that this also means no fireworks at the pirate party tonight, so I warn the kids about this, but we all agree the other pirate stuff will still be fun....still, bummer!

So, they stayed, and we went to Cinque Terre. Our terms were that DD was not to check herself out while we were off ship, but that DS would come and get her and take her uptop for lunch. They enjoyed being independent and having lunch together, but stayed in their clubs besides that while we were gone.

We had rotton luck with the tenders at this port. We got to deck one just as the tender was taking off and had to wait about 20 min. for the next one. We were the very first people to be waiting, our timing was so very off .

I liked the walk through La Spezia, it had more character than I was expecting.

This entire street was lined with orange trees in blossom, it smelled heavenly!!

It took under 20 min. to walk to the train station and not too long to buy tickets. We took the train to Vernazza, second town from the top. We spent over an hour here exploring and eating. I loved it and wished so badly I could have seen it on a sunny day. Even with the rain, it was lovely.

this was a good gelato, yougurt with passionfruit jelly

We wanted to walk between the towns, but all the trails but one were closed due to the rain. We got back on the train and rode to Manarola, fourth town from the top. I had read you could get the best gelato here and I had to try it....nevermind that I had already had one scoop today....I went on to buy two scoops at this second place and it was the BEST of my vacation!!!

DH is holding my cone and his

We also bought a magnet in this town and broke down and bought a small umbrella. I lived in Seattle, WA for 3 years, so I don't really like using umbrellas....I feel as though a hood is enough and I won't melt. The umbrella allowed us to protect our camera while we continued to take photos....that was about the only good it did, because my feet got soaked in the end and I didn't last much longer once my feet froze.

on the walk from Manarola to Riomaggiore. Rain was dumping down at this point, but I was able to snap this pic thanks to the little umbrella we had picked up.

This little bar would be sooo adorable on a clear day and the view is amazing. I really want to come back someday! I enjoyed it here, even in the cold rain.

do you spy the locks past lovers have left?

tons of locks behind us

I loved this walk, really enjoyed it. It was covered for part of the way, which helped! We rode the train from Riomaggiore to La Spezia and then walked to the tender....they were pulling up the ramp as we got there, they saw me running!! I was such a sad, wet puppy! The folks at the dock say, no worries, you didn't miss it, there is another tender for you to board right here. But we were the first ones on, and 10 min. later, they make us get off of it, and wait for the one we "didn't miss" to come back and take us to the ship. My cold feet were sooo wet....sigh. I kept thinking to myself "rainforest room, rainforest room"....I was so going to warm up in a steam room.

We got onboard a bit after 4pm. DH went to collect the kids and I ran to the spa. I alternated between steam rooms and the hot tile loungers for one hour....bliss! I walked back to our room on a warm cloud and my family laughed at me when I came in. What?!! What is it?!! I was red, quite red faced....I had really warmed myself up. I splashed my face with some cool water, but it stayed red. Tonight was Pirate night and we were all wearing pirate costumes. I didn't need two "attention getting" things going on with me at the same time....costume or red face, not going out in public with BOTH!! Luckily, the red went away enough so we could go to dinner....and we all got our pirate on !! Fantastic pirate gear was waiting for us in our FE this night, we decked ourselves out in the glowsticks, the kids were very excited (thanks Lara!).

stitch is DD's fav, and she brought her little stuffed Stich along that she bought in Disneyworld nearly 4 years ago

Mickey is DH's fav, especially when Mickey is dressed pirate

Pirate dinner was such a blast with our tablemates!! Some great photos were taken of us all together, but I never did make it around to buying some disney photos....time got away from me, and I had really intended to buy a few from Pirate night...sigh

After dinner and getting photos taken with Stitch and Mickey, we went to "A Pirates Life for Me" game in Studio Sea. DS was chosen to be the mast for his team and our tablemates eldest was chosen for her team! This game was a hoot!

here, DD is running her bucket around DS

We were having such fun this night! Next we went to the main show, a comedian named Heath Hyche. He did make us laugh, some of his stuff is very funny....but, he seemed a bit racist (this is just my opinion, I'm not saying he is, it just seemed this way). I'm not used to Southern humor I think. The kids had a great time, I loved it that they stayed with us for the show. Icing on the cake.....THE RAIN HAD STOPPED!!!! We are going to get fireworks after all, I think, I hope....yes!!

dancing on deck with Daddy

We dance on the pool cover again and I'm thrilled when the song "Hamster dance" plays ....oh yeah! Mickey drops in and fireworks go off, we were on a pirate high

But, we aren't done yet, oh no....must refuel our pirate bellies.

I was inline for dessert with CJ'sMom when DH comes by with this turkey leg...I had to snap and he had to pose ....we are so silly with our meat jokes, that is what happens when a veggie marries a carnivore!

 

[Melcatfish]

Loving the report. Cinque Terre looks lovely even in the rain. Thanks for including lots of pictures, it really brings the report to life

Can't wait for the next instalment!

Mel
x

 

[DMMarla07860]

love the trip report

 

[Redeemed&Loved]

Great photos! Thanks!

 

[strawberryblonde]

Thanks again for the positive feedback, I appreciate it

This day turned out gorgeous! This was my favorite port . Tendering was faster and smoother than yesterday in La Spezia and the view was fantastic. This was the day I had planned to leave the kids on ship while my DH and I went to Monte Carlo and explored the casino and then to Eze for a bit of shopping and view. But, they had stayed on ship yesterday (which was unplanned) and were wanting to come with us today, and we wanted them to spend the day with us as well. I decided to skip the casino (as children are not allowed)....we could go to Eze and Nice instead.

The port was adorable, the atmosphere pleasant, the vendors booths enticing and the gelato delicious. We did walk to the train station, but had decided long before we got there, to just stay in Villfranche and enjoy....and enjoy we did!!

We ate up by Goofy's pool when we got back onboard and I tried the non-alcoholic drink of the day - Mango Smoothie - because I love mango. It was good, but drink of the day didn't mean any special type of deal. It was $4, and you could order it any day of the cruise for $4....too bad they don't do two for one like with the alcohol drink of the day. If you like mango, you may want to try it! Kids ran off to their clubs and DH and I played some shuffleboard with a great view....Villefranche is gorgeous!!

Tonight's show was "Walt Disney: The Dream Goes On" which we all enjoyed. Kids then went to their clubs and DH and I went to Rockin Bar D for the adult show....Heath Hyche and then Tribute to ABBA. We ended up leaving as soon as the tribute started as it fell a bit flat for us, and I LOVE ABBA. No worries, though, always something fun to do on the ship!

 

[strawberryblonde]

Another sunny, gorgeous day!! I love these and never get tired of blue skies

I believe we chose to have sitdown breakfast in Lumiere's this day. DS had the Mrs. Pott's pancakes and they were very yummy! We got to walk off the ship today, which felt like a treat after needing to tender for the last two ports in a row.

I loved the island and the sunny skies, the puffy clouds and the sea breeze....what an amazing day! We walked through the fresh air market and it had a funny smell....I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but it was rather like dog. I know they were not selling dog meat, but the smell reminded me of smelly old dog, I have no idea why. My DD spent some of her money on blue sour gummy candy. For the rest of the day and photos, her tongue was blue .

We explored a bit and climbed a sea wall. Saw a donkey lying in the shade, but my photo of him didn't turn out very well. Walked along to the nearest beach and took in the view. None of our family felt like getting our toes wet, but I had thought we might want to. The sun was warm, but the breeze coming off of the water had a chill.

We shopped in whatever was open and did pick up a colorful pen with dangle charms for DD and a magnet for DH. I wish more had been open, but had a delightful time walking through this town.

When we got back onboard, I believe we were right behind Danny Buckler (the adult entertainment for that night). He looked like the photo that was in the navigator and he was scanning through his carryon sized suitcase....he actually had to squish it down a bit for it to fit through .

We ate by Goofy's pool and watched the end of "Emperor's New Groove"...I enjoyed this, our DVD of this movie got badly scratched a few years ago. I was really enjoying the veggie pizza this cruise and the vegetarian paninis (although the paninis were sometimes a bit soggy, they had great flavor and were usually good). The pizza was a step up from the last time we cruised. The soft serve ice-cream was hit and miss....mainly miss. There was only one day when it was good (firm and white, like DairyQueen softserve), I got so excited thinking they had changed supplier for it and it was always going to be that good from then on, but it was back to being off-white mush the next day....sigh

DD went straight for her club, but DS played shuffleboard with his Dad and me.

DS beat me and then ran off to his club! DH and I went and soaked in one of the adult hottubs. They were carrying around trays of the drink of the day - Napoleon - and offering two for one. DH bought two and drank 1 1/2 ....they were pretty and sweet, just the way I like it! This was such a pleasant afternoon and I felt totally on vacation, hooray!


Tonight was semi-formal and we were in AP....so most of us matched the black and white theme, hadn't even planned that!

The main show was Villians Tonight. We got to sit with our tablemates and had great seats. I had heard bad reviews, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I liked the old Hercules show from years back, and Hades, Pain and Panic were my favorite parts. They were written differently in this show, not as cute this time around....ah well. We did enjoy the show though. My DH likes villians and it was nice to see something new. The ghosts in one music number were very well done!

DD and I went with our tablemates to play "Who Wants to be a Mouseketeer?" in Studio Sea. Their younger daughter was first number called and she took up her teenaged sister for help.....she won!! Then an adult was called and he only made it halfway through. Next was my DD's number and she took me up with her. She was so excited and she appreciated getting a chance to go up there so much. She answered the first two questions all on her own. For the third, she needed my help and the audience did not like the answer we gave. The question was "what was the name of Geppetto's fish in Pinocchio?"....I knew it was Cleo, but the audience was pretty sure it was Figaro (who was the cat). DD held firm to her first answer, but it was hard for her, she could feel the pressure.....the young lady running the game encouraged DD to stick with her first answer, so that was kind of her. The 4th question I mostly knew, but we asked for 50/50 to make sure "what ride took the place of World of Motion in Epcot"....I knew it was Test Track or Mission Space, so when they took Mission Space away, I knew for certain that it was Test Track. The audience was certain it was Innoventions.....so again, much pressure (they were trying to help us win, they meant well!) and again, our game lady helped DD hold firm to her first answer. Each time DD was right, it just made her day, it was very exciting for her....I still feel so lucky that she got to play when I look back on it, it might not have meant nearly so much to her if she were older, and she wouldn't have felt she was doing it on her own if she were younger, she seemed at the perfect time in her life to get to play. The last question I did not know, I wasn't worried, though, because we still had "ask the audience" left and I planned to listen for the CM in the audience, I would follow her advice!! I couldn't hear her though, but the audience seemed to like Nov. best for Walt Disney's birthday month....they were right and DD won two trading pins and a paperweight/mickey clip arty thingy !! She couldn't have been more thrilled. She traded one of the pins right away and kept the other to remember this moment by. Such a great time!

Next, was mask judging in the atrium. None of us had made masks, but we went for the music and characters....it was fun chaos . Oh!...they called it "Villians Ball". Then the kids ran off to their clubs and DH and I took in Danny Buckler at Rockin Bar D....I'm quite sure it was him that I got onboard right after today. I rather liked him! Our tablemates sat right by us and we shared a good laugh.

 

[trezoc]

Wow! What a great trip report and amazing pictures!! Thanks for sharing.I might add that you are an incredibly gorgeous family.Maybe you could work a deal and model for DCL brochures...for unlimited cruising...LOL!!

 

[Kels Sem]

Great report, sounds like you had a fab time. Thanks for sharing

 

[MooksterL1]

I'm still finding my way around this site, but loved the trip report! If my son wouldn't have a meltdown I would cancel Star Wars Weekend and book a cruise instead!