Our greyhound is faster than your ship- 10/25/08 Double Dip-4/09, The Home Stretch!

[PaDisneyCouple]

The Spa Villa:
Upon entering the room, you're in the massage area. This part has a sliding glass door, and from door to door, is 10-12 feet deep (I'd say). The outside (verandah) portion is about as deep, maybe slightly deeper. Outside, on the right as you face the water, is a wide, cushioned, lounge. More than enough room there for 2. On the left as you enter the area, is the shower. Between the shower and the railing at the side of the ship is a 2 person hot tub.

After taking our massage orders, the attendants led us to the lounge, where they described the timeline of the experience, and showed us the tea selections. Never having had tea before, I selected the chamomile (spelling?). I don't recall the selection of DW, but there were only 3 choices.

As tea was being described by one attendant, the other began to prepare the hot tub. 2-3 additives were being mixed into the water, based upon our needs (those darned forms again!). A pitcher of ice water with cucumbers, and 2 glasses, sat on the edge of the tub. The attendants went inside to prepare the massage area, and closed the curtain between inside and out. DW and I doffed our robes, and swimsuit-clad, hopped into the hot tub.

The hot tub experience was about 25 minutes long, I think. We enjoyed taking turns in each of the 2 seat positions: one looking towards the ship, the other out to Cozumel. Swathed in bubbles the whole time. At the appointed time, we were told that the massage area was ready. We showered off, and took our positions on the tables.

The massage portion lasted 50-60 minutes, but without a watch or clock, who can really tell? DW reports that hers was a good massage. Mine was ok, but those stones, they're HOT! I don't know how my attendant was able to hold them. I think she saw me flinch at one point, because she asked about the temperature. I told her it was a bit too much for me. The stones got cooler for a while, but then she seemed to be using hotter stones again. Something for those with tender skin, or good pain receptors, to consider.

Now the consistency of well cooked spaghetti, we went back out to the lounge. There, we were presented with a platter of fruits. I remember melon, honeydew, and chocolate dipped strawberries. They were on a total of 3-4 skewers. The tea experience was thus: I took a couple of sips, and DW finished my tea. We were allowed to lounge out there for 20-25 minutes. Despite the grinding, etc. being done on the Caribe ship, we were forward of it, and it was quiet. (that ship was much shorter than the Magic) Chris and I noticed that a small boat had broken loose, and was being pounded against the sea wall as we lay there. High winds, and rough seas, for sure!

You know what's next: the sales pitch. They reviewed the various products used on both of us, and we did agree to buy 2. One was a bottle of green bath solution that we'd bought in 2005, and really liked. The other was a cream/gel to soothe tired muscles. We paid our tab, and headed back to the locker room. Now, one thing in the Passporter that we forgot: tipping. I believe they say some tip less than x % of the total price, as you've got so much alone time built into this. We forgot, so they got a real nice tip. Those 3 hours (or so) put more onto our shipboard charge account than the rest of the trip, I think.

Would we do it again: yes, but only if we were feeling really good about our finances. It is very expensive, even without erroneous tipping, and product purchases. Is it worth the money: possibly/probably. The service was quite attentive, but not invasive. I should've spoken up more about the stones. Next time, we might get massages at home, before leaving, instead. Was it something we look back on happily: yes.

Time to go, for now. Mr. Max needs some family walking time.

 

[TotallyAngelic]

It sounds wonderful Sean - really relaxing! I might get some sort of spa treatment on our next cruise - we didn't find the time to even visit the spa last time, which is a shame.

 

[Tink rules]

Thanks for the review... next time tell them ahead of time that you don't want the sales pitch and they won't do it...

 

[PaDisneyCouple]

Thanks for the review... next time tell them ahead of time that you don't want the sales pitch and they won't do it...

True, and good advice for all. DW was happy to get another bottle of that bath stuff, though. Also, I neglected to mention: we cut back on anniversary/Christmas/Birthday activities as a trade-off.

 

[PaDisneyCouple]

As stated before: now the consistency of pudding, we next enjoyed lunch (at Lumiere's, I think). A hidden gem (IMHO) is lunch at Lumiere's. Especially on a port day. Now, they might be open on sea days, but we've only lunched there on port days. I had the blackened shrimp salad. Other than good general feelings about lunch there, that's about it. It could be spa goggles, but I actually don't think so. Again: a nice place for lunch.

Our Wednesday was supposed to be Costa Maya, but had been changed to Grand Cayman, due to continued repairs from hurricaine Dean. We continued out of Cozumel, and into the rough seas. As always, we awoke early the next morning... to rough seas (I sense a trend!). I commented to DW how we were to tender in to GC, and that there must be a limit to the seas for the tender boats. Admittedly, we've never tendered anywhere, but I know enough about boating, and safety. Sure enough: the report from the bridge channel said it all. Our position and course suddenly didn't quite work out for a heading to GC. I told DW, "we're not going to GC. We've changed course."

Next: why, the fitness center, of course! Once again, we missed the big announcement. Now, an editorial comment for all DCL staff hanging upon the every word typed from my fingertips: please pipe important announcments, like port changes, over the speaker system in the fitness center. On our way out of the fitness center, we noticed that it seemed to be an "all hands on deck" kind of staffing at the Vista Spa desk. I inquired as to what had been announced. I was correct (a theme that would continue throughout the day). One staffer said they'd cancelled GC, then quickly said to check with desk services. Almost like she wasn't allowed to tell us what 2000+ people had just heard over a PA system. But, we understood, as their phones were really starting to ring.

"So, if we're at sea today, what do you think they'll do?" asked DW. "The only port I can think of to go in a timely fashion is Key West. Its not like we're going to drop in on Cuba," I replied. Brent announced just then that they were working on something, and retold the tale of the first announcement. Port authorities at GC had declared the port closed (unable to use the tenders) due to the winds and wave action. The report from the bridge channel continued to show us 7 nautical miles from GC for most of the morning.

Fresh Navigators were being printed as fast as possible, and we went looking for one as soon as we finished breakfast (priorities).

Next up: ahh, a relaxing day at sea...RIGHT!

 

[jns]

Great to seee you back working on the trip report

 

[PaDisneyCouple]

We acquired 2 copies of the fresh, sudden day at sea Navigators. Now, we're sure that they always have a "plan B", but boy, they can change things quicky when they have to. With our desire to try new things in mind, we scanned the Navigators for items of interest. Of course, there was shopping to do, as the stores would now be open all day. And, we didn't want to wait until the last day or so to make our final purchases. We spotted a Latin dance class in the afternoon, at Diversions (I believe), and made plans to attend.

On the way to the class, we got the obligatory shopping out of the way. To maximuze frugality, we often try to think of things we might like to buy/feel we need before leaving for the mouse. Then, we target to those things when shopping. In this case, it was a new hooded sweatshirt for me. DW got one too, albeit in a different color. They've come in handy this cold winter.

There was quite a good crowd for the class. Probably 50 or so. All ages, shapes, and sizes. The instructor was very energetic, and had fun with some of the folks who weren't quite getting it. But, in a friendly, laughing together, sort of way. It was an hour well spent. For those who don't dance much (at all), YOU WILL feel it afterwards. We learned several moves of the merengue (spelling?), and had a lot of fun doing it.

Later that evening, as my sinuses began to deteriorate, and the muscle soreness set in, I was certain for a while that I was coming down with influenza. Then, I remembered the pilates, deep massage, and dance class. I knew I was getting a head cold, but had reasons to explain my muscle pain. Dinner would've been so much better if I hadn't had that 1-2 punch hitting me. I believe DW again indulged in a Konked Kooler.

Next: we do it. We go to the Pirate party.

 

[jenn&nelsonrego]

Just checking in, it has been awhile! I wish we could go back!

So glad that your parents adopted a greyhound. He/She??? is a really beauty!

I enjoyed the spa as well, I did a spa taster on the first day (during sailaway) and we did a Cabana Couples Massage on the second CC day. We enjoyed the massage at CC, but probably would not do it again, preferring to enjoy the island instead.

Looking forward to hearing more...

 

[PaDisneyCouple]

We're early to bed, early to rise kind of folks, DW and I. Haven't seen a single show since our first 4-night in 2005. Desert buffet? Nope. I know- blasphemy! So, it was our stated goal to attend the pirate night party on our 2008 cruise.

Sorry to be so brief, but I had to work last evening until 0100. And then, back into work this morning. I'm tired. And, I'm starting to feel it. Time for early bed. I'll try to get working on this tomorrow.

 

[PaDisneyCouple]

Ahrg, where be we? Oh, Pirate Party!

This was our very first Pirate party. And, quite possibly, the latest we've ever stayed up while on a cruise. I believe that the party was scheduled to begin at 10pm. We headed up around 15-20 minutes early, to find several hundred people already participating in the pre-party. DW and I went straight to deck 10, and finally found a good spot, just in front of the rear funnel. The skies were clear, but the winds strong. My Latin dance legs, and head cold, were not pleased. You could see people having to shift, from time to time, to brace against the strong gusts. They were loudly playing all sorts of dance music, while some "pirates", including our tour guide, egged everyone on. Those people had the stamina of aerobics instructors. Very high energy.

Every so often, a skull came onto the Dumbotron to announce how long it was to the real party. You could see staff working up above us, on the rear funnel, and various rigging components. With the winds...lets just say that those items weren't used, and I'm thinking that normally they are. The party was about 20 minutes long, perhaps a few more. No doubt, they were working off of the plan B script. But, they did a very good job of misdirecting people's attention, so much so that I don't think that woman knew that Mickey was standing next to her until they were spotlighted.

Now, where in the world are we? Somewhere off the northern coast of Cuba. And how do they conclude the Pirate party? Fireworks! I mentioned this to DW as the party reached its conclusion, and we wondered just how smart it would be to launch pyrotechnics. But, we're here today to say that nothing adverse happened. Ours was a very good vantage point, as the winds were effecting the trajectory of the items launched. It was then that we realized why the back areas of deck 10 were blocked off, and nobody was allowed there.

Quickly down the port side aft stairs (just forward of the Mickey pool), and we spotted the buffet. It appeared to be presided over by the Palo chef and his team, though it did look like the chef was watching the fireworks instead of the food. But at this time, it was well past our bedtime, we were cold, and I had a cold, so to bed it was.

Next stop: the Conch Republic!

 

[PaDisneyCouple]

Just checking in, it has been awhile! I wish we could go back!

So glad that your parents adopted a greyhound. He/She??? is a really beauty!

I enjoyed the spa as well, I did a spa taster on the first day (during sailaway) and we did a Cabana Couples Massage on the second CC day. We enjoyed the massage at CC, but probably would not do it again, preferring to enjoy the island instead.

Looking forward to hearing more...

Dodgie (a boy) has been a big hit up in upstate NY with Mom and Dad. Everybody wants to love him, which he gladly accepts. His fur is as soft as cashmere.

There will be tales of our island exploring on the 2nd CC day coming soon.

 

[miztigg]

excellent max is adorable

 

[PaDisneyCouple]

Key West wasn't on the original (v 1.0) itinerary for this cruise. But now, we're up to v 3.0. DW and I looked at the list of excursions provided by DCL, as well as our trusty Passporter. In the end, we decided upon the Trolley tour, with the Little White House. Booked it at the Shore Excursions desk on our (unscheduled) day at sea.

We could see KW in the distance, off the port bow of the Magic. It appeared that we were already (breakfast time) in a specific channel into the port. Another ship was already there. In time, we realized it was an older RCCL vessel. Problem was: they got the good parking space. It would seem that there is only one main berth for cruise ships at KW. Being a late addition to the party, we would be docking at the old Navy pier. DW and I went up to deck 10 to observe the docking process. First, we had to turn 180 degrees, then slowly float over to the pier on the port side. We could see trollies and Conch Trains coming down the pier to a staging area by the ship. Next, we headed back to our stateroom.

I got out and powered up my cell phone, to surprise DM/DD/Max with a call. DW went to the shub to primp. Before I got the call placed, I was summoned to the shub room by DW. Since I hesitated, she provided some incentive: "my engagement ring just fell down the sink drain". "Were you running water before/after it?" "I don't know, I took it off to apply sunscreen, and it slipped out of my hand". (breathe, remain calm, getting upset won't help, etc.) FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS HOLY, DON'T RUN ANY WATER! So I jump on the room phone to maintenance, but there's no answer after double digit rings. Next, I try Guest Services. "Room 6624, my wife's engagement ring just fell down the sink" "Help is on the way. I'll send someone immediately". Within 5 minutes, a gentleman with a wrench was at the door. He had the pipe under the sink off in seconds, and the ring was retrieved. I'm no plumber, but one of my grandfather's was. It looked to me like there was an extra segment in the outflow pipe, possibly designed to catch things, like engagement rings, that fall down sinks from time-to-time. I was then able to relax a bit, restart my heart, and was even given permission to tell the tell to Mom/Dad during the call. (I waited until we were home)

Mom/Dad were surprised by the call, but with caller ID on their cell, they knew it was me. They told us how Max had experienced his first snow, and several excursions to pet stores. What I didn't know, is that they'd fallen even deeper in love with Max, and greyhounds in general.

As we were back in the U.S. after visiting a foreign port, we had to pass through Customs. This wasn't quite as smooth as the St Thomas Customs in 2007. It seems that the KW Customs agents are a bit on the shy side, and didn't want to come out of their shells unless/until they were all present. And one of them was running late. Fortified by a dose of coffee, or the sight of an almost full (by now) Walt Disney theater, they bravely forged ahead without their missing team member. Of course, those with early excursions had to be there first, and we talked to some who'd been waiting in the theater for 90 minutes. Fortunately for us, ours was a later excursion, so we were slotted to be at the theater a little later. Our wait was in the 30-40 minute range.

Next up: Key West, sanitized for the little ones!

 

[elderfam]

Great report!

 

[PaDisneyCouple]

There was a bit of confusion on the pier as to what conveyance was for whom. Our tour seemed to contain 12-15 of us, and we were deposited onto a trolley. It was sunny and warm, but Christine quickly discovered how to operate the window next to us, so that we might enjoy some breeze. We then proceeded to sit there, as many confused souls came by to inquire of the driver or clipboard toting supervisor if they should be on the trolley with us. In the end, the trolley filled up, as there was another excursion for the trolley tour only.

We thoroughly enjoyed this part of the excursion (the trolley tour). The name of our guide/driver escapes me, but he was easy to hear, not a bad driver, and very informative. The trolley tour lasted about an hour, I believe. During this time, I'd say that we covered most of the streets of Key West- or at least it felt that way. The trolley seats were a bit uncomfortable on the derriere after a while, but not intolerable. Items discussed/shown on the tour: bars, swimwear shops, Jimmy Buffet's recording studio, houses of the famous, houses that are known or important for various reasons, the cemetery, the Southernmost point buoy, landmark trees, the Mile 0 marker for US-1, and an elusive search for chickens. We debarked the trolley at the main trolley hub, and were met by our 2 guides from the Little White House (LWH).

They walked us over to the old Naval Yard area where President Truman spend many days on vacation. By this time, we were hungry, I had my tired Latin dance legs, and I was fighting the onset of illness. As a result, we probably didn't get as much out of the tour as we would've normally. I do recall that we were able to learn many interesting things about the house, and its artifacts. There were some in our group who didn't have as good as time as we did, however. There must've been some confusion as to what was truly included in this excursion. After we saw the view the video at the start of the tour, a LWH staff member came in, and made an announcement of apology for the confusion of some of the group. And that any issues related to how the excusion was presented/marketed should be taken up with the DCL Excursion Desk. We think it had to do with Hemingway's house...that perhaps it was to be an actual stop on the tour, and not a drive-by.

After the LWH tour, we headed back to trolley central, and caught the first available back to DCL. After some lunch (that helped), we enjoyed the rest of our afternoon and evening.

Next up: A 2nd stop at CC. They've finally had a CC day, now will they get a CC stop with Chamber of Commerce-type weather?

 

[Disneygrl36]

Hey Sean & Christine
Glad to see you are finishing this up.
I remember the day I got my massage my muscles being really sore after it too......but wow did it feel great during. Latin dancing sounds like fun!!!!
Glad you finally made it to the Pirate party too!
Are you guys booked on another cruise yet?

 

[PaDisneyCouple]

Hey Sean & Christine
Glad to see you are finishing this up.
I remember the day I got my massage my muscles being really sore after it too......but wow did it feel great during. Latin dancing sounds like fun!!!!
Glad you finally made it to the Pirate party too!
Are you guys booked on another cruise yet?

Hi Melanie! We ARE booked on a 7 night eastern, around 10/23/2010. Just booked 7 nights at the BC for late September this year. Got in on the free dining, and are saving money some other ways. We're also booked at Discovery Cove.

Are you there now???

 

[PaDisneyCouple]

I'm on vacation this week. Today, I cut up cardboard for recycling, mowed the bank, thoroughly vaccumed under the refrigerator, got groceries, and had a haircut. Yesterday, I mowed the back yard, sealed cracks in the siding, and got the new gas grill up and working. Doesn't seem as interesting as this vacation was. So that means its time for some Mouse reflections, as I add an update...

Now remember, our notes are about as skimpy as the average Marisa Miller swimsuit.

Friday. 2nd day at CC.
We'd booked the kayak and walking adventure for our 2nd CC day. Upon rising, we had breakfast. You just know that there was some cherry lattice going on somewhere. By now, you're thinking this stuff must be laced with hallucinogenic drugs, and served upon plates of gold. But no, its just one of life's simple little things to enjoy. Like yesterday, when Max and I sat out on the deck, and watched the afternoon westbound planes fly over. Got our Castaway Club bag all packed up with sunscreen, waterproof camera, etc. Slathered a couple of layers of sunscreen on ourselves before heading down to meet at the Promenade Lounge (#3 use of our verandah: sunscreen application, behind reading a book and just relaxing). It was at the PL that we got the bad news: sea conditions where we'd be kayaking in the ocean were unsafe, and the tour had been cancelled. Oh, well, we turned lemons into lemonade, and treated the money refunded like lottery winnings. It would help to decrease our stateroom charge tab.

Now, we had the entire day to enjoy. Already packed and prepared, we headed off the ship, and walked to She Sells Seashells. There, we shopped for souvies with our refunded kayak fees. Got some items for baby showers at my work, and a 50% off Mickey hawaiian shirt for me. And, we'd spent <$40! Our next stop was a set of hammocks out by the Head's Up bar. Hadn't been there but a few minutes when it started to rain. Steadily. Hunkered under our multiple towels, we were cozy, but it just wasn't the same. And so, the debate began: return to the ship, or wait it out.

In the end, we began our trek to the ship, as we thought there'd be more food and fun there. Along the way, we came to a fork in the road, so we decided to take it. Now, the rain had let up at this point, so we did this intentionally. We knew that the path led to the airstrip. From there, we decided to walk the bike path loop out to the observation tower and back.

Next up: wandering about the island, looking for a really big boat.

 

[acomasdiaz]

Got word of the decision this afternoon: Dodgem will be joining Mom and Dad later this month.

Here's his photo page on Keystone's site:
http://www.keystonegreys.org/wpsdodgem.htm

I'll post more info later...

Oh my goodness! Both Max and Dodgem are absolutely adorable. We have an Italian Greyhound right now but have already decided that we will be adopting a "regular size" greyhound in the future.

 

[PaDisneyCouple]

We must have looked odd, 2 people walking along the bike path. I'm certain we're not the first, but I think some of the bikers were surprised when they came up on us. If I recall correctly, the bike path loop is about a mile. We were going at a nice pace, but below WDW speeds. Some of the bikers who passed commented on how quickly we got to the observation tower after they did.

The tower is about 4 stories, I'd say. I think you can spot it from the ship, if you know what you're looking for. It was rather windy at the top that day. The view was quite impressive. The ship stuck out like a sore thumb, off in the distance. Nothing even close to its size (of course). 180 degrees from that, lay Serenity Bay. We could also see marshlands between us and SB, which we speculated we would've explored if the kayaks hadn't been cancelled. Disney even had a few items that they'd placed to look at, which I think you can only see from the tower. I'll effort to find out photos.

On the walk back, we could hear, but not see, the sounds of construction. Perhaps it was just normal stuff, but maybe it was in preparation for the new ships. After running into those Lovable Gluttons, and having a nice chat, we trekked all the way back to the Magic. Lunch that day for us was aboard the ship. We then headed to the Quiet Cove pool, where we found some of those nice wood and fluffy padded loungers just waiting for us on the port side. We lounged there for the remainder of the afternoon. During this time, 101DalmationFan (Lennie) and her husband (Al), came by. We traded tales of the day, and found out that they're also skipping 2009 cruises, and have rebooked for the same 2010 as us. Interestingly, their table was right next to ours on this cruise, first seating, with the same service team. But they always seemed to get done with dinner well before our table. We also talked about linking dining next time, as their friends/family wouldn't be with them. If it happens, it will be our 3rd time on a cruise with them. She's great with Fish Extenders (FE's), by the way.

Of course, the last evening involves saying goodbye to tablemates (which we thoroughly enjoyed, despite some bumps at the start), server team, a final stroll of the ship, and the dreaded packing. Back on the ship for most of the afternoon, we had a head start. Walking back to our room, we could already hear unhappiness in other cabins, as they realized that the clock was ticking. Someone was already pleading with their stateroom host about what the "real" deadline was to get their luggage out. We spent time on our balcony, watching the lights of Freeport in the distance as we headed northward. A quick trip to Shutters, to select final photographs, and we were done for the night.