Operation Triple S - Land/Sea Trip Report 3/30-4/6! The Conclusion 9/5

[Pryncesa]

When we last left off, we were getting ready for our first dinner on The Disney Wonder. Our dining rotation had us at Parrot Cay for the first evening. We were met by our servers and settled in for a nice dinner. I can’t recall exactly what everyone ordered, but it was okay. I can’t really say that it was anything wildly exciting, but it wasn’t bad. Here are a few pictures. Notice PG's yummy-looking dessert.

After dinner, Private Goofy decided to head to the kids’ club and check things out there. Private Happy and I decided to explore the ship. We loved the elevators, but they were a tad small, especially at embarkation time. The pools were small, of course, but seemed great to those enjoying them. We didn’t have a chance to do so throughout our entire trip, because we had other things to do. But, next time, we’ll be sure to take a dip, at least once. The hot tubs looked relaxing, but I didn’t get in. Maybe next trip.

We checked out the teen area, but my teen wasn’t interested at all. We did find the basketball court, which he would enjoy later in the trip. We checked out the shopping and located the other restaurants that we would be enjoying later. We found ourselves getting hungry, so we decided to check out Pluto’s for a snack.

Here are a couple of pics from our evening on deck.

Shortly after, it was time to pick up PG from the kid’s club. He had nothing but nice things to say about it. He couldn’t wait to return the following day. By this time it was nearly midnight. So, we decided to get some sleep, since the next day would be an early one, to be filled with lots of fun! I decided to fill the boys in on the final surprise of the trip. We would be going on an excursion, and it would be one that they wouldn’t soon forget.

Oh, after dinner, we found our beds set up, sheets turned down, and this sitting on my bed.

Up next: Operation: Salvador, Day 6 Part One

 

[Pryncesa]

On day six, I awoke before dawn so that I could make sure that I saw at least one sunrise aboard the ship. Seems that I got up too early, and the sun was just below the horizon.

So, I laid back down, and by the time I got up, the sun was as well. Luckily Private Happy was awake, so he was able to snap a few shots for me.

We were easing our way into Nassau, and we decided to get dressed and head up for breakfast to fuel up for the day. We enjoyed the buffet once again, and headed back down to our room to gather our things for the day. At the designated time, we headed down to the meeting area for our excursion. We signed in, and grabbed a few towels, and waited patiently.

Once we finally got under way, it was so exciting. We disembarked, and began our trek through the port entrance of Nassau, Bahamas. We made our way over to the dock where our boat was waiting. It was to ferry us over to the home of our soon-to-be new friend Salvador.

The boat ride was a bit long, about 30-40 minutes or so, if I’m remembering correctly. I can recall that it was enough time for me to doze off a few times. It was nice passing by all of the Nassau scenery in the boat.

Once we finally arrived at Blue Lagoon Island, we went up to listen to one of the guides discussing the history and significance of the island. She also talked about the importance of taking care of the environment, not only for ourselves, but for the animals with whom we share the Earth. Finally, we were sent over to meet our instructors. I can’t recall the name of ours, but he was funny. We were led in to sit around a square area to await the arrival of our host, Salvador. If you haven’t guessed by now, Salvador is a dolphin. Here he is.

Anyway, each family was led into the FREEZING water to spend time with Salvador and take pictures. We were able to touch his skin, his teeth, give him a hug, dance with him, and feed him. PH got a kiss from him.

It was a really great experience that I’m sure the boys, and I, will never forget. PH loves animals and he is especially fond of dolphins. So, I knew if we did any excursion/s at all, it should be this one. I’m happy to say, we weren’t disappointed.

Once our time with Salvador was done, we dried off, changed, and got a little snack and waited for our pictures to be ready. Then, we went out and waited on our boat to take us back to the port. We decided to go through a few shops to get a souvenir or two. We didn’t make it to the straw market because by then PG was getting hungry, which meant he was getting grumpy. So, we made a few small purchases and made our way back to the ship.

We grabbed something to eat, though I can’t recall what it was right now. Then, we relaxed for a bit. The boys went to play a little basketball, while I relaxed in the room for a while. It was so nice and peaceful. I decided that this would definitely not be my last cruise.

Up next: Operation: A Pirate's Night for WE!! Day 6 Part 2

 

[Pryncesa]

Yay!!!!!!

I have been waiting the cruise post!!!!!!

I love all your pics!!

It was so great!!

I'm absolutely amazed your boys didn't guess the entire car trip to the port! Well done for keeping it such a surprise! The look on their faces is fantastic, glad they look as if they loved it!

I swear I was about to burst with excitement the whole while keeping the secret! They never expected the cruise at all. It was fabulous!

Yea, a new post. What a wonderful surprise for your boys. I can't wait to read about your cruise. Thanks for the update.

I can't belive how much we enjoyed that cruise. Definitely made us into future cruisers for sure!

I found this an thought you would find as awesome as I did

Too funny!!

Happy Independance Day

Thanks! I hope you had a wonderful 4th as well!!!

 

[Bloodhound]

Im so jealous...I want to swim with dolphins

 

[Bloodhound]

 

[Nicole786]

Awesome TR!!! I'll be staying at AKL for the first time in 2 weeks, I cant wait!!! Do you know if all the rooms have flat screen tvs?

 

[Pryncesa]

When we last left off, I was relaxing in the stateroom while the boys were off playing basketball. They had a blast with all of their new buddies. When they came back, it was time to get ready for dinner. This night would be the lovely Triton’s. It was another nice-looking restaurant. Once again, I can’t recall what everyone ordered, but I know that it was probably some sort of beef dinner for PH and I, and chicken for PG.

After dinner, PH went back to the room for a bit, while I went to escort PG to the club. On the way up, we noticed a line for pictures and autographs with Captain Jack Sparrow. How could we ever pass up that opportunity?! PG had left his autograph book in the stateroom, so he raced upstairs to get it while I stood in line for us. I hoped I didn’t get to the front of the line before he got back. I didn’t want to seem like a Cap’n Jack groupie, even though I think he is pretty easy on the eyes.

PG returned in record time, and soon it was his turn with the Captain. PG was really impressed with how Cap’n Jack spoke to him and joked around with him about Davey Jones. It was such a thrill for him. Maybe next time I’ll join in the pictures with PG.

After meeting Jack, PG and I made our way to the club so that he could hang out and have fun with his buddies. Then, I went back down to find PH. He wanted to go exploring, so that we did. Along the way, we decided to do a little shopping. We got a watch set for him, some earrings for me, and a couple of other items. Soon, it was approaching 8:30, and we had to get ready for the Pirates IN the Caribbean party. We took our “booty” back to the room, and went up to grab PG for the party.

We made our way to deck ten, at first, but there was no seating there. So, we went down to deck 9 instead. Pretty soon, the party was in full swing. I tried to get the boys to get up and dance, but they weren’t having any of it. I told them that next time, they would have to dance and they agreed. It was great seeing the characters dressed up in their pirate outfits. The little “skit” was great as well. Of course, Pirate Mickey saved the day. If you haven’t taken a Disney cruise before, you don’t know what you’re missing. It is a must-do, even if you don’t have any children. We loved it!

Once that was done, it was time for the fireworks. Yes, indeedy, fireworks at sea. It was nothing like the fireworks in the parks, of course, but still great! I am really bad a capturing fireworks pics. I have no idea how to get my camera set correctly. Even when I select the actual fireworks setting, they are still all blurry and terrible. I guess I really need a tripod, but I'm not about to lug one around. Ah well, anyway, here is the "best" picture I got.

Then, it was time to partake of the yummy dessert buffet. There were all kinds of cakes and cookies, etc. They had turkey legs, also. And the boys and I have always talked about getting one while in the parks. Since they were “free” on the cruise, we decided to try one out. It was really good. They actually got a second one, but of course, no one could finish it.

With our bellies full once more, it was time to hit the sack and rest up for our final day in the Bahamas. The next stop was Castaway Cay, and we were all looking forward to a lazy day on the beautiful beach, relaxing as much as possible.

Up next: Operation: Relaxation, Day 7

 

[Pryncesa]

Im so jealous...I want to swim with dolphins

You should definitely do it one day. My boys will never forget that experience, for sure! Neither will I.

So cute. I love Garfield. I got so busy with life and then we took a vacation, but my TR was never far from my mind. Gosh it's almost been a month since I updated.

Awesome TR!!! I'll be staying at AKL for the first time in 2 weeks, I cant wait!!! Do you know if all the rooms have flat screen tvs?

Gosh, I'm so late replying that you're probably already there now! I'm not 100% sure what the answer is to your question, but I think the answer is yes! Hope you have a fantastic trip!

 

[Pryncesa]

We got up about 7:30, dressed, and went up for breakfast. As usual, we enjoyed the buffet. Then, we went down for our beach bag, and headed off the ship. We strolled taking pictures of the scenery and the Flying Dutchman, in the distance. It was really cool for the boys to see the ship docked next to The Wonder.

We picked a spot on the family beach, next to a palm tree and an umbrella for maximum shade-age. It proved to be the greatest location ever! The boys went off to take a dip, and I decided to join them later. When I did get up from my laziness, I went on down to the beautiful blue water, and couldn’t wait to relax in it. I stepped in a little, and could not believe how incredibly COLD this water was. I was so disappointed. I had this “vision” of warm-ish water…relaxing water.. not ice cold freezing water. I have no idea how the boys stood that temperature.

And, it turns out that PH didn’t for long. PG, however, was like a little fish. He had the greatest time in the frigid blue. Better he than I. It was beautiful, though. And the beach was so hot. Such a shame that the water was too cold for me to enjoy. Maybe next time we’ll take a trip later in the Spring or maybe even summer. Surely the water will have warmed by then.

PH came over and hung out with me while PG went over to the playground in the water. He had a great time on it.

Come to think of it, I saw very little of PG that day. He did, of course come around when it was about time for lunch. We made our way over to Cookies BBQ, and made our plates of ribs and burgers, chips, fruit, and cookies. It was tasty. After lunch we lounged and people-watched as we digested. A bit later, it was time for PG to hit the water again. A bit later, it was time for a little ice cream. After the ice cream, we decided to make our way to the tram back to the ship. We’d had a long day, at the beautiful beach. We vowed to return someday soon.

(The view looking up from my beach chair)

When we got back to the ship, the boys decided to go play basketball for a while, and I relaxed on the Verandah. I couldn’t believe I was in the middle of the Caribbean, on one of the most beautiful cruise ships in the world, with my two favorite people on Earth. The sky was gorgeous and the water as blue as any blue I’d ever seen. I was peaceful and happy, and truly didn’t want to leave so soon.

The ship left the port before the boys returned from basketball. I was trying to get our clothes ready for dinner, since this was our “dress up” night. We would be dining at Animator’s Palate this evening. After getting all spiffied-up, we made our way to., what I thought, was the coolest restaurant on the ship. For those who haven’t sailed on a Disney ship, I won’t give it away. But, for those of you that have cruised with Disney before, you know what I’m talking about.

The food was about the same, and once again, I don’t recall our menu selections, but again, it was good. Not great, but good. Dinner was lovely and we bid farewell to our servers, as this would be our final dinner of the cruise. Private Happy received his birthday cake this evening. He said it was pretty good. Once we were done, we headed up to drop off PG at the club. PH decided he wanted to play more bball, and I decided to grab a cocktail and head back to the room and start packing.

After the packing was all done, the luggage was placed out in the hall to be picked up for debarkation. Shortly after this, we got into bed. It would be a really early morning for us, up at 5:30 in order to have breakfast at 6:30, and then leave the ship. It was sad to see it coming to an end.

Note: Sorry these pictures are so large. I blame photobucket. I can't fathom resizing at this point. I hope you don't mind.

Up next: Operation: Reality - Day 8, Leaving the Wonder Behind and Happy 16th Birthday!

 

[tink1957]

Welcome back! Great update, I love the pics of CC, it looks like heaven on earth, we definitely are going to plan a Disney cruise in the future, when the water is warm, I hope.

 

[froglover2]

I'm glad you loved your trip so much!!!
We have cruised but I would love to do a disney cruise it would be our two fav's in one!!!!!!

 

[Bloodhound]

Great Update...the pics are awesome an the free food sounds great....lol oh an what about those cocktails were they included?

 

[Pryncesa]

Welcome back! Great update, I love the pics of CC, it looks like heaven on earth, we definitely are going to plan a Disney cruise in the future, when the water is warm, I hope.

It really did feel like heaven on earth. I can't wait to go back to "my" island.

I'm glad you loved your trip so much!!!
We have cruised but I would love to do a disney cruise it would be our two fav's in one!!!!!!

Absolutely! We have a cruise planned for next year, non-Disney. I think it will be our new favorite way to vacation!

Great Update...the pics are awesome an the free food sounds great....lol oh an what about those cocktails were they included?

Alas, the cocktails were not included. But, if you're like me, and on vacation, you add those into the vacation budget!

 

[Bloodhound]

Alas, the cocktails were not included. But, if you're like me, and on vacation, you add those into the vacation budget!

Wishfull thinking on my part....LOL I would most definately have a couple too many :yes1:

 

[S'sMom]

Wonderful TR. You guys had a wonderful time and I can tell that they were surprised. Good.

I have taken 4 Disney Cruises and they are soooo addictive. WE will be on our next one in December.

I cant wait to read your next tr for your next trip

 

[Pryncesa]

Wonderful TR. You guys had a wonderful time and I can tell that they were surprised. Good.

I have taken 4 Disney Cruises and they are soooo addictive. WE will be on our next one in December.

I cant wait to read your next tr for your next trip

Hi! Thanks for reading! Please be sure to tell me all about your December cruise. I'm interested in how a cruise would be that time of year, and my birthday is in December. I'd love to celebrate my birthday on a Disney cruise in the future.

 

[Pryncesa]

Day 8 began slowly and sadly. It was our last morning on the Wonder, and no one wanted to leave. We had to get up at the butt crack of dawn, otherwise known as 5:30 AM, which didn't make things any better. Our breakfast time was scheduled for 6:30, so we had to get out of bed and get ourselves down there. The one happy thing about this day, was that it was actually Private Happy's birthday! My baby boy, my first born, had turned sixteen. He's getting old, while I'm still young.

We dressed, gathered up our final items for the bags that we would carry, and headed down for breakfast at Animator's Palate. Everyone seemed a bit quiet and somber as we filed into the restaurant for our last meal aboard our ship. Your basic breakfast fare was offered and consumed. We bid a final farewell to our wait staff, which seemed none too pleased to be rid of us. Though, I'm sure they will miss us lots.

After breakfast, we got in line to leave the ship. After just a short while, we were on our way, and easily went through to get our luggage. We enlisted the assistance of a porter and made our way to the lot. He helped us load up, got his tip and was on his way to assist the next sad family of former passengers.

As we piled into the truck, we talked about what a WONDERful vacation we'd just had, and how it was all due to my first born's birthday. We truly had a great time and can't wait to board another Disney ship for another fantastic cruise.

The drive home was uneventful. We got a bit of rain as we went through Florida, but nothing major. It was an easy drive, and we made it home in time to relax and enjoy the evening. PH was glad it was his birthday, though he said he felt like it was his birthday during the entire trip. That was nice to hear, and it was my pleasure giving him this present. He is such a special young man, and I could not ask for a better son.

So, we got home and happily celebrated PH's day, even though we had to leave our Wonder in Florida.

Up next: Final Thoughts

 

[Pryncesa]

This trip report was a while in the making. I appreciate those of you who read along, and posted, and even those who just lurked. This will likely be my first and last report, but it will also likely be our most special trip.

I have to say that our resort this trip, AKL, was beautiful. We truly enjoyed staying there, and could not have asked for a better room. It fit us perfectly. The art was gorgeous and the animals were a joy to watch each day. PH was thrilled to be there, and it anxiously awaiting another stay at this fabulous resort. Our goal it to try almost all of them, at some point. So, it may be a while before we revisit this one for an actual stay.

The cruise was out of this world. We had a fantabulous time and will absolutely do another cruise with Disney at some point in the future. We enjoyed ourselves immensely and it was a real treat to be in the Caribbean on such a beautiful ship with such an amazing crew. I do have to say that the food can be brought up a notch or two, as far as taste goes, but it was still a great cruise nonetheless.

I have a few tips that I'd like to pass along, also.

1. Bring a roll of quarters, two if you plan on doing any laundry whatsoever. Machines break.
2. Bring extra tip $ if you pack too much.
3. Don't pack too much.
4. Bring extra money for pictures. I swear those cruiseline pictures were really great, and they wiped me out.
5. Take more pictures than you think you should. The memories you'll have are priceless.
6. Enjoy your loved ones, especially at the places you love.

Thanks for reading everyone. This concludes (finally) Operation Triple S. I proclaim it successful!!

 

[Bloodhound]

Hi, I have really enjoyed your TR ...thanks so much for sharing :

 

[disneyhockeymad]

Aww so sad your report is over, but I'm so glad PH enjoyed his birthday trip! I really enjoyed reading about it!