No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems: A Tremendously Tropical PTR

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Hmmmm. Honestly, I say if you are not 100% then skip it. 2 TS is pretty steep especially when you don't get appetizers with that. If apps were included than I would say go for it 100% but I'm iffy on it for you. Like you said, you are going to have a lot of formal meals on the cruise.

I just keep thinking about how wonderful it was when we did the Pirate Cruise and we had such an awesome view of the fireworks without the crowds and the mass exit afterwards. I'm now thinking about maybe paying OOP for that meal. We can order 2 entrees and water and get out for a reasonable price. It might be worth it to me to be able to see the fireworks without the chaos. Still thinking though.

Cruise food....yummmy....I can't wait LOL!!!!!!! I am apparently very far behind....sorry about that LOL!!!

As far as CG goes, Leslie is right a lot of people weren't dressed up that night I wore black pants and nice shirt!!! It was a GREAT meal and I love watching the fireworks from there and will be doing it again in October...however that being said if you aren't 100% about it then you might want to wait and do it some other time. It's a hard decision to make that's for sure!!!

Ok going back to look when your dates are?!?! I cannot wait to pick your brain about the cruise!!!

It's ok. I find it very hard to keep up with all the threads I like to read. Some of them, I just don't have time to post on even though I want to, especially when I am doing one of my own.

I'm glad to hear the dress code is more relaxed than I thought. That actually makes me want to keep the ressie. I mean I wouldn't wear jeans, but I can probably do capris.

You won't find any dates for me b/c I don't have any yet! We are still waiting to hear something about DH's job before we finalize our dates, but it looks like time is running out for us. It will be the end of October, but that's all I can say for now.

Love the new camera. I didn't realize that it was your b-day gift. I rembmer a bit ago when you said you got it. I haven't used mine toom uch, but I like it so far. But after using an SLR mostly, I have a real hard time with point and shoots. LOL!

Thanks! I'm excited about it. I think I mentioned it over on Janet's TR, so that's probably why you already knew about it.

I know what you mean about using a different camera. Your SLR probably has so many settings that it is hard to wrap your brain around a p&s. But I'm like that too. It's hard to go from one camera to another. I forget where the buttons are! And I know the pictures with the Lumix won't be as good as the Canon, but it is much better than having no pictures at all or using a disposable (never had any luck with those). I'm taking the Canon too though and will use it for everything that's not near water.

 

[Lady Lallie]

I just keep thinking about how wonderful it was when we did the Pirate Cruise and we had such an awesome view of the fireworks without the crowds and the mass exit afterwards. I'm now thinking about maybe paying OOP for that meal. We can order 2 entrees and water and get out for a reasonable price. It might be worth it to me to be able to see the fireworks without the chaos. Still thinking though.

I think paying OOP for this meal is a great idea. Might I suggest a yummy flatbread to join your entrees? Soooo good!

Have you thought about watching Wishes from the Poly Beach? That is a great place to watch without the crowds as well if you decide against CG.

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

I think paying OOP for this meal is a great idea. Might I suggest a yummy flatbread to join your entrees? Soooo good!

Have you thought about watching Wishes from the Poly Beach? That is a great place to watch without the crowds as well if you decide against CG.

You may suggest anything you think is good! In fact, I plan to make sure I ask for suggestions of what to order at each of our restaurants when I get to the dining part of this PTR. I like to hear what other people thought was good. I HATE it when I go to a good place and order the wrong thing. Right now I am thinking that the pork tenderloin and the filet sound really good at CG. All the appetizers sounded good too. I may just order one of those (maybe the flatbread) and that molten chocolate cake!

We are planning on watching Hallowishes from the Poly beach on our first night. (I had them mixed up in my head and was thinking it was Wishes from the Poly at first, but I had it backwards.) I'm actually really excited about that because the shows at the parties have the really awesome panoramic fireworks look great from a distance like at the Poly.

I think I will just hold off on making a decision on it for right now and wait and see what discount comes out. If there is no free dining or room discount, then I am going to have to rethink everything!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

We have now arrived at day two of our Dream cruise! This is our first port day and it will be spent in the Bahamas! I am very excited about all there is to see and do there! This will be our first time traveling outside of the United States. That alone makes it pretty cool!

My plan is to get up early enough that morning to see the sunrise.

I also want to see the lighthouse as we pull into port.

The Atlantis Resort will be off in the distance.

We don’t plan on actually going into Nassau, although I may change my mind, but I do want to get some pictures of the sign and the port area.

I LOVE the colorful buildings in the Caribbean!

I am really hoping that we see some cool wildlife while we are there.

OK, that’s a little TOO wild! Sorry Bruce, but I have no interest in having a Dismeet with you!

I was thinking more along the lines of…..

Or…….

Sea turtles…. yeah, that’s more my speed!

But I think I am most excited about seeing that gorgeous clear blue water! That is one thing that I will be able to mark off my bucket list! I’ve always dreamed of dipping my toes into someplace like this….

We have a fairly short excursion planned for this day, but other than that we will be spending our time on the ship. I have read some pretty unflattering reviews of Nassau, so I’m pretty sure we will not be venturing out into the city. Most people say it’s, well.......... a dump. And lots of people complain about the really aggressive merchants that hound you to buy their goods. None of that sounds appealing to me. For those of you who have been, I’d love to hear your opinions.

I’ve jotted down a list of things that we would like to do on the ship that day though:

*Ride the Aquaduck
*Go swimming
*Meet characters
*Go shopping in the DCL stores
*Play mini golf
*Play the picture mystery game throughout the ship
*Have DD’s hair braided (on the ship)
*Check out the kid's clubs with DD

I don’t know how much of this we will have time for, but these are the things we are interested in. Any tips or suggestions? I’d love to hear from any of you cruisers regarding what shipboard activities you enjoyed most!

Up next: Our Bahamian excursion… another thing to check off my bucket list!!!

 

[Lovemy3babes]

Yeah, that is crazy about the pool isn't it? I asked them to give me an explanation for such a strange rule and they just said that it was a liability issue b/c I could take pictures of other people in their swimsuits and post them on the internet or something. I thought that was really, really odd. The way I feel about it is that if you don't want to show up in someone's pictures practically naked, then wear a bathing suit that covers your body! What's the difference in having someone look at you live and in person wearing almost nothing or having them look at you in pictures wearing almost nothing? I don't get it at all! I can guarantee them that there is no one at that pool that I WANT in my pictures! Most of the people out there could seriously use some lessons in modesty! I let them know that I thought it was absolutely ridiculous that they allowed women to wear thongs at a "family" pool, but I couldn't even take pictures of my own child!

I completely agree! What a ridiculous rule.

What gorgeous pictures in your update! Since you are traveling out of the US, do you all have to have passports made?

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

I completely agree! What a ridiculous rule.

What gorgeous pictures in your update! Since you are traveling out of the US, do you all have to have passports made?

No, you aren't required to have passports to cruise in the Caribbean. DCL requires a certified birth certificate OR a passport. The only catch is that if you have an emergency and need to fly home from outside the US, you must have a passport. Chances are that won't happen, but you have to weigh that one out for yourself. Jenseib recently cruised with only birth certificates and had no problems at all.

 

[sjs314]

I can not wait to read more about the Bahama part of your trip. Atlantis is on my bucket list and DH was rambling something about some James Bond hotel resort room, which I could use in a heartbeat to lure him there if I am smart.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Great update! Beautiful pics too. I am so jealous!!!

That sounds like a very fun day!

I think when we cruise we will get the passports just to be safe.



Can't wait to hear about your excursion!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Those pictures of Nassau are so pretty! I didn't take nearly enough photos outside of Blue Lagoon Island, I wish I would have now.

We spent a little time in Nassau after our excursion, wish we would have just stayed on the ship. I know many people like the shopping there, but I felt very uncomfortable. If you don't have an excursion planned for the day I think staying on the ship is a great idea

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

I can not wait to read more about the Bahama part of your trip. Atlantis is on my bucket list and DH was rambling something about some James Bond hotel resort room, which I could use in a heartbeat to lure him there if I am smart.

Use whatever weapon you can!

Atlantis does look awesome! You can go over there as an excursion, but I don't think DD is old enough for that. Most of the slides and stuff are pretty intense... not for the little ones. I'd love to go there when she is older though!

Great update! Beautiful pics too. I am so jealous!!!

That sounds like a very fun day!

I think when we cruise we will get the passports just to be safe.



Can't wait to hear about your excursion!

Passports are a good idea but brace yourself... they were over $400 for just the 3 of us!

Btw, I vote for a Disney cruise AND DL for 2013!

Those pictures of Nassau are so pretty! I didn't take nearly enough photos outside of Blue Lagoon Island, I wish I would have now.

We spent a little time in Nassau after our excursion, wish we would have just stayed on the ship. I know many people like the shopping there, but I felt very uncomfortable. If you don't have an excursion planned for the day I think staying on the ship is a great idea

I think that is exactly how I would feel. I am not used to that sort of environment and I know I would freak out if I didn't feel safe. I'm almost 100% sure that we will skip Nassau. I have an excursion planned, just not in Nassau. It might just be a place that you are familiar with!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

We have been to Nassau three times now. The first time we did not have an excursion, just went on our own and took a taxi to Atlantis to look around, then back to town to shop. The shopping (other than the straw market) isn't bad. But if you go into the stores, be prepared to be approached. Especially jewelry stores! We bought jewelry one of the times.
The ladies at the "entrance" from the port are aggressive in asking to braid hair. But we just said no thank you and they stopped asking.
The streets are dirty, there's lots of people lingering around. I've heard and read reports of robberies. That being said, I felt uncomfortable, but not unsafe.

When we went this last trip with DCL, we had an excursion booked to Blue Lagoon. They led us walking down the road to the boat we took to Blue lagoon in a large group and off we went. The hair braiders were still out there, but it was no big deal to walk past in our group.

I think more and more people stay on the ship there - especially repeat cruisers. There are some beautiful parts of the area - mostly Paradise Island. You will have plenty of time to swim and ride Aquaduck if your excursion isn't too long. The mystery game is something you can do in parts so if you want to stop and do other things, you can.

I'd suggest trying - if you're on the ship at that time - to try to have lunch in one of the dining rooms for a different experience. Check your Navigator to see what's open when.

Definitely do mini golf! It's so fun!!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

We have been to Nassau three times now. The first time we did not have an excursion, just went on our own and took a taxi to Atlantis to look around, then back to town to shop. The shopping (other than the straw market) isn't bad. But if you go into the stores, be prepared to be approached. Especially jewelry stores! We bought jewelry one of the times.
The ladies at the "entrance" from the port are aggressive in asking to braid hair. But we just said no thank you and they stopped asking.
The streets are dirty, there's lots of people lingering around. I've heard and read reports of robberies. That being said, I felt uncomfortable, but not unsafe.

When we went this last trip with DCL, we had an excursion booked to Blue Lagoon. They led us walking down the road to the boat we took to Blue lagoon in a large group and off we went. The hair braiders were still out there, but it was no big deal to walk past in our group.

I think more and more people stay on the ship there - especially repeat cruisers. There are some beautiful parts of the area - mostly Paradise Island. You will have plenty of time to swim and ride Aquaduck if your excursion isn't too long. The mystery game is something you can do in parts so if you want to stop and do other things, you can.

I'd suggest trying - if you're on the ship at that time - to try to have lunch in one of the dining rooms for a different experience. Check your Navigator to see what's open when.

Definitely do mini golf! It's so fun!!

Hmmm, I can tell you that what you described would probably be too much for me. I am a really big chicken with that kind of stuff. I don't even want to drive through a shady neighborhood, much less walk through one. I guess we will play it by ear and see how we feel, but I'm betting we don't go strolling around town!

Thanks for all the suggestions!

 

[MEK]

All caught up on your TR. Fun updates. I think you are going to have a lovely time. I think the magical porthole looks so fun! Don't blame you for choosing it.

I think you are very fortunate to be able to drive to Disney in 10 hours. I think my drive would probably be 16 hours non-stop and goodness knows I would be stopping ever two hours.

Love all your terrence gifts and I think the underwater pix turned out just fine! It might be the quality of the water more than the camera.

I also have a black cat!!!!

Looking forward to more!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Those pictures of Nassau are gorgeous -- the one of Bruce -- not so much.

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

All caught up on your TR. Fun updates. I think you are going to have a lovely time. I think the magical porthole looks so fun! Don't blame you for choosing it.

I think you are very fortunate to be able to drive to Disney in 10 hours. I think my drive would probably be 16 hours non-stop and goodness knows I would be stopping ever two hours.

Love all your terrence gifts and I think the underwater pix turned out just fine! It might be the quality of the water more than the camera.

I also have a black cat!!!!

Looking forward to more!

I'm excited about the magical porthole. I hope I can get some pictures of the things that come "flying" by.

I have seen from everyone's comments that 10 hours isn't that bad, so I'm going to try not to pout about it.

The pool water was actually very clear. That's why I know I was doing something wrong since it looked so murky.

That's my rescue kitty. She was going to be put to sleep at the shelter, so we got suckered into bringing her home (and another one actually ) But I love them and they really earn their keep. They are great at getting rid of all the unwanted critters in the yard. They even killed a squirrel one time!

Those pictures of Nassau are gorgeous -- the one of Bruce -- not so much.

Yes, I am very much hoping that I have absolutely NO encounters with Bruce or any of his chums! From what I understand there is a shark net around the family lagoon area at CC. Although I have seen pictures of a very large barracuda INSIDE the swim area! I'm not interested in sea creatures with teeth larger than mine! From what I have read, that barracuda hangs around so much that they actually named him Barry! Every time I see a picture of him I think of Coral and all her eggs meeting their death at their home overlooking the drop off!

I can't take credit for any of those beautiful pictures. In fact, as I was posting them, I thought, "They are going to be really disappointed with my pictures when I get back after seeing these!"

 

[MeMom]

I LOVE the colorful buildings in the Caribbean!

I thought I replied this morning, but maybe I just hit PREVIEW and not SUBMIT. Anyway, yes, this is beautiful! I love the colors, as well, but Carribean Beach Resort will be as close as I ever get to this.

Or…….

My classroom friends for this school year!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

I thought I replied this morning, but maybe I just hit PREVIEW and not SUBMIT. Anyway, yes, this is beautiful! I love the colors, as well, but Carribean Beach Resort will be as close as I ever get to this.

My classroom friends for this school year!

Caribbean Beach Resort............ I like that idea too!

I'd love to "sea" your classroom! I know, that was so nerdy of me, but I couldn't help myself! I hope you'll be posting pictures over at your place!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

I am struggling with weather or not to participate in the fish extender group on our cruise and would love some advice. For those of you who aren't familiar, you can join a fish extender group right here on the DIS for your specific cruise. You just hang a pocket outside of the door to your cabin and people from your group come by and leave you little surprises during the cruise (and you do the same for them). Here's an example of one:

I know DD would love participating in this but I am just wondering how much time it takes. If we do the 3 night cruise, we will be so crunched for time and I don't want to end up rushing around to make deliveries when we want to be doing other things. If we were repeat cruisers or taking a longer cruise, then I wouldn't hesitate. Any insight you could give would be great!

 

[SoonerGirl]

I know Wigd participated in our cruise FE, I chose not to, for the exact reason you described. I didn't want to take time out of our first cruise to walk around and deliver the gifts. And honestly, I'm glad I didn't do it, we didn't have enough time as it was to enjoy the ship! If I were going on a longer cruise, say 7 nights, or if I had cruised on a particular ship several times, then I think the FE looks like great fun!

 

[Lady Lallie]

I've heard great things about this activity on the cruises but I understand where you are coming from with the time crunch. Hmmm. I might pass on it if you think you will be going on another cruise in the future.