Our Magical "Celebration" Western Caribbean Cruise, March 7-14, 2009 ~ Completed 5/18
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disneyfaninaz
It takes faith, trust & pixie dust!
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Dateline: Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Port: Cozumel
It was already Wednesday and the week just seemed to be flying by. Here are my special magnets for the day.
It was another beautiful weather day as we approached Cozumel. I stepped out on the verandah to see the moon setting.
We had to do some real coaxing to get DD up to Topsiders for breakfast this morning. But she was rewarded by a visit from Pluto.
Looking for bacon!
We were then greeted by this Mexican Naval ship with what seemed like the entire crew up on its deck. The Magic responded by blowing its horn. They all cheered. Ole!
After breakfast, DH headed topside to watch us come in to Cozumel and DD and I headed down to the stateroom to watch us dock from our verandah. There was no other ship next to our slot this year. I was amazed at the color of the water. It was such a beautiful blue.
It was fun to watch the crew tie up the ship to the dock.
Last year when we visited Cozumel, we booked the Dolphin Discovery Encounter through DCL. We thoroughly enjoyed the experience and wanted to do it again. However, we wanted to do something a little different. DCL, at the time we booked, only offered the encounter. We looked on the Cozumel Dolphin Discovery site and noticed a Swim Adventure program that had just been added. You got to interact with the dolphins, but you also got to swim with them, get a belly ride and get pushed on a boogie board. Sounded right up our alley. I booked directly with Dolphin Discovery. We saved some money by doing this and since we had been to Chankanaab once, we felt confident about getting ourselves there and back this time.
Since we didnt book our excursion through DCL in Cozumel and our dolphin swim adventure wasnt until 1:00 PM, Cozumel time, we didnt feel the need to rush off of the ship. While DCL made the decision not to change our clocks, we were operating on ship time, which today was an hour ahead of Cozumel. So we had to remember that our watches were an hour ahead. We had to take several double takes and really think about the time for the entire day. Anyway, I decided to go up on deck and take some pictures.
The colossal RCL Navigator of the Seas was in port.
The crew was getting set up for the Pirates in the Caribbean party to be held that night.
Finally another cruise ship approached. It looked like we would have neighbors after all. So much for my view!
I have to tell you, I was not at all impressed with this ship. It was not very attractive. We watched the Carnival Imagination dock next to us and got ready to disembark. While the other ship was docking, no one was allowed onto the dock so we had to wait on Deck 1 until we were cleared. Once cleared, we were on our way.
Once we got to the end of the pier, we headed through the mall at Punta Langosta to get a taxi to Chankanaab.
We had no problem getting one and we were one our way. It took about 15-20 minutes of driving to get where we were going. It was comforting to have been there before and know that the taxi was taking us in the right direction. A $10 fare was posted so we knew how much it would cost.
Next: Our date with a dolphin.
Port: Cozumel
It was already Wednesday and the week just seemed to be flying by. Here are my special magnets for the day.
It was another beautiful weather day as we approached Cozumel. I stepped out on the verandah to see the moon setting.
We had to do some real coaxing to get DD up to Topsiders for breakfast this morning. But she was rewarded by a visit from Pluto.
Looking for bacon!
We were then greeted by this Mexican Naval ship with what seemed like the entire crew up on its deck. The Magic responded by blowing its horn. They all cheered. Ole!
After breakfast, DH headed topside to watch us come in to Cozumel and DD and I headed down to the stateroom to watch us dock from our verandah. There was no other ship next to our slot this year. I was amazed at the color of the water. It was such a beautiful blue.
It was fun to watch the crew tie up the ship to the dock.
Last year when we visited Cozumel, we booked the Dolphin Discovery Encounter through DCL. We thoroughly enjoyed the experience and wanted to do it again. However, we wanted to do something a little different. DCL, at the time we booked, only offered the encounter. We looked on the Cozumel Dolphin Discovery site and noticed a Swim Adventure program that had just been added. You got to interact with the dolphins, but you also got to swim with them, get a belly ride and get pushed on a boogie board. Sounded right up our alley. I booked directly with Dolphin Discovery. We saved some money by doing this and since we had been to Chankanaab once, we felt confident about getting ourselves there and back this time.
Since we didnt book our excursion through DCL in Cozumel and our dolphin swim adventure wasnt until 1:00 PM, Cozumel time, we didnt feel the need to rush off of the ship. While DCL made the decision not to change our clocks, we were operating on ship time, which today was an hour ahead of Cozumel. So we had to remember that our watches were an hour ahead. We had to take several double takes and really think about the time for the entire day. Anyway, I decided to go up on deck and take some pictures.
The colossal RCL Navigator of the Seas was in port.
The crew was getting set up for the Pirates in the Caribbean party to be held that night.
Finally another cruise ship approached. It looked like we would have neighbors after all. So much for my view!
I have to tell you, I was not at all impressed with this ship. It was not very attractive. We watched the Carnival Imagination dock next to us and got ready to disembark. While the other ship was docking, no one was allowed onto the dock so we had to wait on Deck 1 until we were cleared. Once cleared, we were on our way.
Once we got to the end of the pier, we headed through the mall at Punta Langosta to get a taxi to Chankanaab.
We had no problem getting one and we were one our way. It took about 15-20 minutes of driving to get where we were going. It was comforting to have been there before and know that the taxi was taking us in the right direction. A $10 fare was posted so we knew how much it would cost.
Next: Our date with a dolphin.
disneyfaninaz
It takes faith, trust & pixie dust!
- Joined
- Apr 19, 2007
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- 13,897
When we arrived we were given directions to where we needed to check in as our Dolphin Adventure included admission to the park. After we got our wrist bands we were instructed to check in with Dolphin Discovery. We were then free to enjoy the park before we were to meet for our swim adventure at 1:00 PM.
The entry plaza into the park.
There was a nice beach next to the snorkeling area with a lot of these grass umbrellas to sit under.
The view from one of these chairs.
Where’s the Corona bottle when you need one?
The views from the park are beautiful.
Snorkel lagoon.
The park has replica Mexican ruins to view.
As well as a Botanical Garden.
They also had resident iguanas roaming everywhere.
We decided to grab a couple of chairs under some shade
and get something to drink and watch people for awhile before our dolphin excursion.
Dolphin Discovery at Chankanaab.
When the time came, we got our lockers, changed into our gear and met our instructor. We got a briefing on how to touch and interact with the dolphin before being broken into groups. We had a group of 6 so it was a nice size.
The first thing we did was get familiar with the dolphin. Our dolpin’s name was Milenche.
She was so sweet. Then we each got to get a kiss, shake fins,
go for a belly ride,
get pushed on a boogie board,
and then hug our dolphin.
We then got to see how it swims under water, play splash and sing with the dolphin before our excursion ended. It was the most exciting thing holding on to this graceful yet powerful creature and getting taken for a ride.
After our excursion we were led to a room to watch our video, then we were led to the gift shop to look at our photos. Of course, we had to buy them.
We then got dried off and changed and got our taxi back to Punta Langosta. We stopped at one of the stores to pick up some last minute souvenirs before it was time to get back to the ship and get ready for pirate night.
Next: Thar be Pirates on deck! Arrgh!
The entry plaza into the park.
There was a nice beach next to the snorkeling area with a lot of these grass umbrellas to sit under.
The view from one of these chairs.
Where’s the Corona bottle when you need one?
The views from the park are beautiful.
Snorkel lagoon.
The park has replica Mexican ruins to view.
As well as a Botanical Garden.
They also had resident iguanas roaming everywhere.
We decided to grab a couple of chairs under some shade
and get something to drink and watch people for awhile before our dolphin excursion. Dolphin Discovery at Chankanaab.
When the time came, we got our lockers, changed into our gear and met our instructor. We got a briefing on how to touch and interact with the dolphin before being broken into groups. We had a group of 6 so it was a nice size.
The first thing we did was get familiar with the dolphin. Our dolpin’s name was Milenche.
She was so sweet. Then we each got to get a kiss, shake fins,
go for a belly ride,
get pushed on a boogie board,
and then hug our dolphin.
We then got to see how it swims under water, play splash and sing with the dolphin before our excursion ended. It was the most exciting thing holding on to this graceful yet powerful creature and getting taken for a ride.
After our excursion we were led to a room to watch our video, then we were led to the gift shop to look at our photos. Of course, we had to buy them.
We then got dried off and changed and got our taxi back to Punta Langosta. We stopped at one of the stores to pick up some last minute souvenirs before it was time to get back to the ship and get ready for pirate night.
Next: Thar be Pirates on deck! Arrgh!
I'm so glad you did the Dolphin Discovery on your own... I'm doing this in two weeks (we set sail a week from this Saturday!). We booked on our own (I've never done this) and have been a little nervous. Your descriptions have been wonderful!!! Thank you!
(PS... can't wait to see/hear if you were able to sneak some pics during the Dolphin Discovery... I saw it said no picture taking and I REALLY don't want to pay the $25 for a 4x6 that I heard it might cost)
(PS... can't wait to see/hear if you were able to sneak some pics during the Dolphin Discovery... I saw it said no picture taking and I REALLY don't want to pay the $25 for a 4x6 that I heard it might cost)
ibouncetoo
<font color=009999>I get excited by the little thi
- Joined
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Ah, that brings back memories of my Royal swim there in 06. 
Parts of the park will still under construction back then, it sure looks lovely.
We were allowed to bring our disposable underwater camera in with us at that time...don't know if they are still allowing it.
Dolphin Discovery also runs the operation in Tortola so I think I'll check and see about the encounter that involves the boogie board (they didn't have that one back in 06), as my brother-in-law who isn't much of a swimmer, might feel more comfortable doing that than the 'foot push' they do in the Royal Swim. I'll show him your pictures!
Can't wait for the next installment.
.
Parts of the park will still under construction back then, it sure looks lovely.We were allowed to bring our disposable underwater camera in with us at that time...don't know if they are still allowing it.
Dolphin Discovery also runs the operation in Tortola so I think I'll check and see about the encounter that involves the boogie board (they didn't have that one back in 06), as my brother-in-law who isn't much of a swimmer, might feel more comfortable doing that than the 'foot push' they do in the Royal Swim. I'll show him your pictures!
Can't wait for the next installment.
.
disneyfaninaz
It takes faith, trust & pixie dust!
- Joined
- Apr 19, 2007
- Messages
- 13,897
The pictures taken of the dolphin and dolphin activities were taken by us with a one time use underwater camera. They do allow you to bring them into the water with you. However, the pictures they take are so much better.
I don't have any way to scan the pictures they took, but trust me they are worth it. They take close ups of your kiss, fin shake and hug.
disneyfaninaz
It takes faith, trust & pixie dust!
- Joined
- Apr 19, 2007
- Messages
- 13,897
Ah, that brings back memories of my Royal swim there in 06.
We were allowed to bring our disposable underwater camera in with us at that time...don't know if they are still allowing it.
Dolphin Discovery also runs the operation in Tortola so I think I'll check and see about the encounter that involves the boogie board (they didn't have that one back in 06), as my brother-in-law who isn't much of a swimmer, might feel more comfortable doing that than the 'foot push' they do in the Royal Swim. I'll show him your pictures!
Can't wait for the next installment.
.
We booked the Swim Adventure, it was added shortly after we booked so it hasn't been available for long. DCL does offer the Swim Adventure in Tortola.
ibouncetoo
<font color=009999>I get excited by the little thi
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- Aug 31, 2003
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Here's one of THEIR pictures:
Here's one taken with a disposable/underwater camera
They get some great close ups that are hard to resist buying.
.
disneyfaninaz
It takes faith, trust & pixie dust!
- Joined
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Thanks for adding the pictures Ibouncetoo! It was very hard to resist their pictures and very well done video of the experience!
disneyfaninaz
It takes faith, trust & pixie dust!
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Special magnets:
We had our Pirate dinner at Animators Palate. Smaller versions of pirate bandanas (basically they were large triangles rather than squares that barely covered our heads) were waiting for us at our table.
The first thing I did was order the Rusty Anchor.
Where's the rum?
DD was feeling much better tonight and enjoyed her dinner and dessert. All Aboard was 6:30 PM ship time (remember we were an hour ahead of port). Shortly after 6:30 PM they started making announcements looking for specific passengers to report to Guest Services. Either they werent paying attention to their watches or the correct time and hadnt boarded yet or their cards didnt get swiped when they did board. Anyway, the crew was looking for them. They made the announcement twice in English and once in Spanish. We never did find out if the passengers were on board, but we started heading out to sea at about 7:00 PM.
After dinner we got some pictures of DD with Pirate Mickey and Pirate Minnie in the atrium and headed back to the room to get ready for the Pirate Party on deck. Our DNW and DNDD1 decided to go see Confessions of a Shopaholic at the WDW Theater before the party. I decided not to go. Im glad I didnt because they didnt get up top until after the party started. Meanwhile, we had gotten up on deck early. They had already set up the tables for the buffet. I love all of the fruit/vegetable carvings.
We then proceeded to the Goofy Pool and got a spot right in front of the rope in front of the main stage. As we were standing there I was feeling drops, it was actually starting to rain. In fact, it started to pour. We could see, based on the position of the moon, that the Captain was turning the ship and trying to get us out of the weather so we could do fireworks and start the party. The crew literally had to squab the deck so the characters could come out and dance. Anyway, the party started on time despite the rain shower and we had a blast.
Pikey, a DISboard favorite!
The good pirates!
Then the trouble making pirates took over the party.
Mickey saves the day!
My hero!
And the fireworks begin. . .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqzulzGnmaY
The big finale!
I dont know why, but we headed right back to our stateroom for the night. I guess I wasnt hungry because I didnt get in line for dessert at the buffet and I totally forgot to stay up on deck to watch the beginning of The Curse of the Black Pearl on Arielvision. Oh Buggers!
Here is our towel animal for the night.
Here are my pirate magnets!
Thoughts: The dolphin experience was wonderful and I whole heartedly recommend it to anybody going to Cozumel. The dolphins are such magnificent creatures. I really enjoyed the pirate party this year. Being up front gets you so much more involved than sitting in the background.
Next: An impromptu tour of the ship!
We had our Pirate dinner at Animators Palate. Smaller versions of pirate bandanas (basically they were large triangles rather than squares that barely covered our heads) were waiting for us at our table.
The first thing I did was order the Rusty Anchor.
Where's the rum?
DD was feeling much better tonight and enjoyed her dinner and dessert. All Aboard was 6:30 PM ship time (remember we were an hour ahead of port). Shortly after 6:30 PM they started making announcements looking for specific passengers to report to Guest Services. Either they werent paying attention to their watches or the correct time and hadnt boarded yet or their cards didnt get swiped when they did board. Anyway, the crew was looking for them. They made the announcement twice in English and once in Spanish. We never did find out if the passengers were on board, but we started heading out to sea at about 7:00 PM.
After dinner we got some pictures of DD with Pirate Mickey and Pirate Minnie in the atrium and headed back to the room to get ready for the Pirate Party on deck. Our DNW and DNDD1 decided to go see Confessions of a Shopaholic at the WDW Theater before the party. I decided not to go. Im glad I didnt because they didnt get up top until after the party started. Meanwhile, we had gotten up on deck early. They had already set up the tables for the buffet. I love all of the fruit/vegetable carvings.
We then proceeded to the Goofy Pool and got a spot right in front of the rope in front of the main stage. As we were standing there I was feeling drops, it was actually starting to rain. In fact, it started to pour. We could see, based on the position of the moon, that the Captain was turning the ship and trying to get us out of the weather so we could do fireworks and start the party. The crew literally had to squab the deck so the characters could come out and dance. Anyway, the party started on time despite the rain shower and we had a blast.
Pikey, a DISboard favorite!
The good pirates!
Then the trouble making pirates took over the party.
Mickey saves the day!
My hero!
And the fireworks begin. . .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqzulzGnmaY
The big finale!
I dont know why, but we headed right back to our stateroom for the night. I guess I wasnt hungry because I didnt get in line for dessert at the buffet and I totally forgot to stay up on deck to watch the beginning of The Curse of the Black Pearl on Arielvision. Oh Buggers!
Here is our towel animal for the night.
Here are my pirate magnets!
Thoughts: The dolphin experience was wonderful
and I whole heartedly recommend it to anybody going to Cozumel. The dolphins are such magnificent creatures. I really enjoyed the pirate party this year. Being up front gets you so much more involved than sitting in the background. Next: An impromptu tour of the ship!
princess aleya
DIS Veteran
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Loving your TR!!
disneyfaninaz
It takes faith, trust & pixie dust!
- Joined
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Date: Thursday, March 12, 2009
Port: Sea Day
I cant believe it was Thursday already. The week really flew by. I woke up and took a look out on the verandah to find this.
I think I went back to bed and we all slept in this morning. I started the day worrying about getting everything packed! DH got up and eventually went up to Topsiders for breakfast and brought some donuts down for DD, whom we let sleep in. I decided to head up to Topsiders myself for breakfast. I ran into DNW and DNDD1 on my way up so I had breakfast with them.
Our fellow DISsers had been so generous all week and we ended up with quite the Fish Extender haul.
Thank you all who left surprises in our little FE tote bag! Our DD was constantly checking our bag, looking for more gifts, every time we went back to our stateroom.
The loot!
While DH decided to go talk to the DVC people about specifics, I decided that DD and I should deliver our FE gifts to our fellow DISers. My gift was pretty lame, but we put the FE exchange together pretty late and I didnt have a chance to get anything together. Besides the fact that Im not very creative that way doesnt help either. Anyway, off we went on a tour of the ship as we had to hit almost every deck to deliver our gift. While I think youre supposed to delivery FE gifts on the sly, we did run into SplashMountainManiac and his family while we were delivering our gift to his room. I even made it down to Deck 2 and Ocean Quest.
Ocean Quest
At 11:30 AM, DD and I went to the Scrapbook Making activity in the Promenade Lounge. It wasnt really what I thought it would be as they just showed the scrapbooking stuff you could buy on board. I had bought some already, but ended up buying the Pirate scrapbook kit (25% off), the DCL punch (which I hadnt seen before) and some stickers for my DD. They had some cardboard, paper, crayons and markers out so you could tie your own scrapbook together and decorate it. My DD enjoyed making her scrapbook cover. Oscar, a CM from Mexico, gave her a cover on which he had drawn Mickey Mouse on. It was very nice.
Afterwards we were supposed to meet DH in the stateroom, but I followed a hunch and looked on Deck 4 for him. I was right, he as comfortably sitting on one of the padded lounge chairs finishing his book when we found him. We then headed up to Deck 9 so he could tell me about what he learned about DVC. We are looking at a big trip to WDW in 2011 to celebrate my parents 50th Anniversary and DHs 50th birthday. We would really like to stay in a villa, but the cost is astronomical and as many times as we travel to Disney, we thought the DVC might work for us. We eventually decided to hold off on making a decision and not sign up on the ship. Anyway, DD started complaining so we headed to lunch at Topsiders. It was the Seafood buffet today. It must be a Southern thing, but I am not used to peel & eat shrimp.
I get my shrimp here at home already peeled, thank you very much! 
Anyway, once you get used to peeling it, it was quite good and the cocktail sauce was just right! 
On our last cruise, we saw all of the shows as matinees. It was great as our evenings after dinner were then free to do other things. Anyway, they hadnt offered any matinee performances until today. Disney Dreams was going to be shown at 2:00 PM. DH had tickets for the tequila tasting at 2:00 PM with DNH and then we all had tickets for the Galley Tour at 3:05 PM. Timing was going to be just right. DD and I went to the matinee. It was just as delightful as I remembered from last year.
Anna Marie
The Blue Fairy pays a call.
Peter Pan
Prince Ali!
Cinderella and Prince Charming
Under the sea!
The Beast
The only problem was, after the Beauty and the Beast scene, the Beast appeared to fall while getting off stage. Half way through the next act, everybody left the stage and an announcement was made that they were having technical difficulties. I took advantage of the break and went up to the bathroom. While I was outside the theater, Brent and several over cast members came running into the theater and up to the control room. Anyway, I went back to my seat, but it was getting close to our tour time and I still had to get DD to the Oceaneers Lab. Unfortunately, we decided to leave the show and I didnt see if they were able to finish it.
I dropped DD off at the lab where they were starting Ratatouille Cookie School, basically they were making cookies. They would also have rehearsal for the Friendship Rocks show that afternoon.
In the meantime, DNW, DNH, DH and myself took the galley tour. It was very interesting hearing about how DCL prepares the food and how many different Chef de Cuisines there are on board and what restaurants they are responsible for. During the tour we each got a freshly made cookie. Did you know that they have just one person cut all of the fruit and veggies! Amazing!
The pastry galley: where they make an astronomical amount of desserts every day.
After the tour, DH and I went back to the stateroom and started the packing process and to get ready for the Friendship Rocks show that we hoped that our DD would participate in. The last time I had asked her, she wanted to do it. When I went down to the lab to check on her, which was my first mistake, she spotted me and informed me that she was ready to go and did not want to participate in the show. Oh well. We headed back up to the room to get ready for dinner.
While we were getting ready, the Captain came over the speaker with an announcement regarding the stabilizers. Evidently, engineers onboard could not repair them. They had ordered a part from Europe but it did not get delivered to them in Cozumel and could not be delivered to Castaway Cay so we would be without stabilizers for the remainder of the cruise. Im not sure we had them up until that point anyway. Fortunately, we had very smooth seas so the extra motion wasnt really that bad.
We had dinner in Parrot Cay. I had the lobster. While DD was feeling better, I started to not feel so well. I headed back to the stateroom after dinner to finish packing. It was my original intent to go back and see Disney Dreams and watch A Pirates Life For Me game show in Studio Sea, but, by the time I was done packing, I was ready for bed. So we had an early night.
Here were the magnets for the day.
Here was our towel animal.
Thoughts: I had fun walking up and down the decks delivery my FE gifts. I had never seen some of the decks before. I also really enjoyed seeing behind the scenes during the galley tour. So much for relaxation, I stressed all day about getting started on the packing. It was also unfortunate that I wasnt able to see all of Disney Dreams this year, bummer.
Next: Paradise revisited.
Port: Sea Day
I cant believe it was Thursday already. The week really flew by. I woke up and took a look out on the verandah to find this.
I think I went back to bed and we all slept in this morning. I started the day worrying about getting everything packed! DH got up and eventually went up to Topsiders for breakfast and brought some donuts down for DD, whom we let sleep in. I decided to head up to Topsiders myself for breakfast. I ran into DNW and DNDD1 on my way up so I had breakfast with them.
Our fellow DISsers had been so generous all week and we ended up with quite the Fish Extender haul.
Thank you all who left surprises in our little FE tote bag! Our DD was constantly checking our bag, looking for more gifts, every time we went back to our stateroom.The loot!
While DH decided to go talk to the DVC people about specifics, I decided that DD and I should deliver our FE gifts to our fellow DISers. My gift was pretty lame, but we put the FE exchange together pretty late and I didnt have a chance to get anything together. Besides the fact that Im not very creative that way doesnt help either. Anyway, off we went on a tour of the ship as we had to hit almost every deck to deliver our gift. While I think youre supposed to delivery FE gifts on the sly, we did run into SplashMountainManiac and his family while we were delivering our gift to his room. I even made it down to Deck 2 and Ocean Quest.
Ocean Quest
At 11:30 AM, DD and I went to the Scrapbook Making activity in the Promenade Lounge. It wasnt really what I thought it would be as they just showed the scrapbooking stuff you could buy on board. I had bought some already, but ended up buying the Pirate scrapbook kit (25% off), the DCL punch (which I hadnt seen before) and some stickers for my DD. They had some cardboard, paper, crayons and markers out so you could tie your own scrapbook together and decorate it. My DD enjoyed making her scrapbook cover. Oscar, a CM from Mexico, gave her a cover on which he had drawn Mickey Mouse on. It was very nice.
Afterwards we were supposed to meet DH in the stateroom, but I followed a hunch and looked on Deck 4 for him. I was right, he as comfortably sitting on one of the padded lounge chairs finishing his book when we found him. We then headed up to Deck 9 so he could tell me about what he learned about DVC. We are looking at a big trip to WDW in 2011 to celebrate my parents 50th Anniversary and DHs 50th birthday. We would really like to stay in a villa, but the cost is astronomical and as many times as we travel to Disney, we thought the DVC might work for us. We eventually decided to hold off on making a decision and not sign up on the ship. Anyway, DD started complaining so we headed to lunch at Topsiders. It was the Seafood buffet today. It must be a Southern thing, but I am not used to peel & eat shrimp.
I get my shrimp here at home already peeled, thank you very much! Anyway, once you get used to peeling it, it was quite good and the cocktail sauce was just right!
On our last cruise, we saw all of the shows as matinees. It was great as our evenings after dinner were then free to do other things. Anyway, they hadnt offered any matinee performances until today. Disney Dreams was going to be shown at 2:00 PM. DH had tickets for the tequila tasting at 2:00 PM with DNH and then we all had tickets for the Galley Tour at 3:05 PM. Timing was going to be just right. DD and I went to the matinee. It was just as delightful as I remembered from last year.
Anna Marie
The Blue Fairy pays a call.
Peter Pan
Prince Ali!
Cinderella and Prince Charming
Under the sea!
The Beast
The only problem was, after the Beauty and the Beast scene, the Beast appeared to fall while getting off stage. Half way through the next act, everybody left the stage and an announcement was made that they were having technical difficulties. I took advantage of the break and went up to the bathroom. While I was outside the theater, Brent and several over cast members came running into the theater and up to the control room. Anyway, I went back to my seat, but it was getting close to our tour time and I still had to get DD to the Oceaneers Lab. Unfortunately, we decided to leave the show and I didnt see if they were able to finish it.
I dropped DD off at the lab where they were starting Ratatouille Cookie School, basically they were making cookies. They would also have rehearsal for the Friendship Rocks show that afternoon.
In the meantime, DNW, DNH, DH and myself took the galley tour. It was very interesting hearing about how DCL prepares the food and how many different Chef de Cuisines there are on board and what restaurants they are responsible for. During the tour we each got a freshly made cookie. Did you know that they have just one person cut all of the fruit and veggies! Amazing!
The pastry galley: where they make an astronomical amount of desserts every day.
After the tour, DH and I went back to the stateroom and started the packing process and to get ready for the Friendship Rocks show that we hoped that our DD would participate in. The last time I had asked her, she wanted to do it. When I went down to the lab to check on her, which was my first mistake, she spotted me and informed me that she was ready to go and did not want to participate in the show. Oh well. We headed back up to the room to get ready for dinner.
While we were getting ready, the Captain came over the speaker with an announcement regarding the stabilizers. Evidently, engineers onboard could not repair them. They had ordered a part from Europe but it did not get delivered to them in Cozumel and could not be delivered to Castaway Cay so we would be without stabilizers for the remainder of the cruise. Im not sure we had them up until that point anyway. Fortunately, we had very smooth seas so the extra motion wasnt really that bad.
We had dinner in Parrot Cay. I had the lobster. While DD was feeling better, I started to not feel so well. I headed back to the stateroom after dinner to finish packing. It was my original intent to go back and see Disney Dreams and watch A Pirates Life For Me game show in Studio Sea, but, by the time I was done packing, I was ready for bed. So we had an early night.
Here were the magnets for the day.
Here was our towel animal.
Thoughts: I had fun walking up and down the decks delivery my FE gifts. I had never seen some of the decks before. I also really enjoyed seeing behind the scenes during the galley tour. So much for relaxation, I stressed all day about getting started on the packing. It was also unfortunate that I wasnt able to see all of Disney Dreams this year, bummer.
Next: Paradise revisited.
disneyfaninaz
It takes faith, trust & pixie dust!
- Joined
- Apr 19, 2007
- Messages
- 13,897
Date: Friday, March 13, 2009
Port: Castaway Cay aka Paradise!
Ah, paradise at last! Last year I got up and took some amazing pictures of the sun rising over Castaway Cay. Unfortunately, by the time I woke up this year, it was already light. A good nights sleep must have done me good, because I felt better. Despite being at a place she loved, it was very difficult getting DD moving this morning. I decorated our door for the day!
We eventually got breakfast at Topsiders, watched the crew unload all the food and stuff from the ship and clean up so guests could debark, got all of our beach stuff together and departed the Magic at around 9:40 AM.
It started out being kind of an overcast day.
I stopped in the post office, which was actually open, to get some postcard stamps. We stopped to get our picture taken in front of the ship and then made our way down to the family beach. We ran into our neighbors getting their picture with Captain Jack. DNH and DNDD1 were on their way back to a parasailing appointment, so DNW and DNDD2 joined us to stake out a spot. It actually started sprinkling on us, but very briefly. We found a spot not too far from the bathrooms and Cookies. DNW and DNDD2 went to the Stringray excursion. We had done this last year so we opted not to do any excursions this year. I had high hopes of renting a bike and riding around the island, but timing just didnt work out. So instead, I plopped myself on a lounger under an umbrella and the shade of a coconut tree and started to enjoy my day.
DH was restless so he decided to explore the island, eventually taking the tram out to Serenity Bay and back again.
DD eventually warmed up to the idea of spending the day on the island and with beach toys in hand, headed down to the beach and the water. She would spend the next couple of hours happily paddling around in the ocean. While she was playing, I wrote out my postcards. After DH returned from his explorations, I went to do some exploring of my own. I walked all the way back to the post office and mailed my post cards. I didnt realize that there was a mail slot there. Doh! I was worried they would be closed on the way back to the ship. Oh well, live and learn. I then spent some time taking pictures.
Mt. Rustmore.
Then I ran across this!
I decided to take the tram back to the family beach and took some more pictures while I waited for the tram. I ended up having the entire tram to myself!
When I got back to our spot, it was time to head to lunch. By this time, the clouds had burned off and it was turning into a perfect day. There was just a slight breeze and it wasnt too hot. DD and I headed over to the fruit cart for some fresh fruit. I was so impressed with the fruit/vegetable carvings. (Oh, and the fruit was delicious too!)
I didnt have much of an appetite but I managed to eat a couple of ribs and some banana bread along with some chocolate chip cookie ice cream!
Anyway, it appeared as though the DCL passengers werent the only ones enjoying Cookies.
After lunch, our DD headed back into the water while DH and I relaxed on the beach. Our DNeighbors had reserved the excursion with the snorkel equipment, bike rental and tube rental. DD got to use the tube for the afternoon and used it well she did! Later I went off and did some shopping. The bar servers must get quite a workout as they traverse the beach, in sand mind you, several dozen times a day. Every time one of them crossed in front of us, they asked if we wanted a drink. I kept telling them I was waiting for 2 for 1 Bahama Mamas. Sometime around 2:30 or so, it was time for 2 for 1 Bahama Mamas and we had several servers come by and offer them to me. Sorry, first come, first serve! Yahoo! My DH and I enjoyed ours under the shade. I went and got DD a virgin strawberry daquari in a cool plastic coconut souvenir cup. She loved it!! We enjoyed our drinks for awhile before we started heading back to the ship. DD and I opted to take the tram back while DH walked.
The beach was starting to thin out.
The tram stop to the family beach.
Look who was waiting to greet us when we got back to the ship.
After we got onboard, I decided to go to the deck 7 Aft, secret verandah, to take some pictures of the island. It was low tide.
Showers before your board.
The Castaway Cay post office.
Good bye Castaway Cay, thanks for a great day!
Next: Now it's time to say good bye . . .
Port: Castaway Cay aka Paradise!
Ah, paradise at last! Last year I got up and took some amazing pictures of the sun rising over Castaway Cay. Unfortunately, by the time I woke up this year, it was already light. A good nights sleep must have done me good, because I felt better. Despite being at a place she loved, it was very difficult getting DD moving this morning. I decorated our door for the day!
We eventually got breakfast at Topsiders, watched the crew unload all the food and stuff from the ship and clean up so guests could debark, got all of our beach stuff together and departed the Magic at around 9:40 AM.
It started out being kind of an overcast day.
I stopped in the post office, which was actually open, to get some postcard stamps. We stopped to get our picture taken in front of the ship and then made our way down to the family beach. We ran into our neighbors getting their picture with Captain Jack. DNH and DNDD1 were on their way back to a parasailing appointment, so DNW and DNDD2 joined us to stake out a spot. It actually started sprinkling on us, but very briefly. We found a spot not too far from the bathrooms and Cookies. DNW and DNDD2 went to the Stringray excursion. We had done this last year so we opted not to do any excursions this year. I had high hopes of renting a bike and riding around the island, but timing just didnt work out. So instead, I plopped myself on a lounger under an umbrella and the shade of a coconut tree and started to enjoy my day.
DH was restless so he decided to explore the island, eventually taking the tram out to Serenity Bay and back again.
DD eventually warmed up to the idea of spending the day on the island and with beach toys in hand, headed down to the beach and the water. She would spend the next couple of hours happily paddling around in the ocean. While she was playing, I wrote out my postcards. After DH returned from his explorations, I went to do some exploring of my own. I walked all the way back to the post office and mailed my post cards. I didnt realize that there was a mail slot there. Doh! I was worried they would be closed on the way back to the ship. Oh well, live and learn. I then spent some time taking pictures.
Mt. Rustmore.
Then I ran across this!
I decided to take the tram back to the family beach and took some more pictures while I waited for the tram. I ended up having the entire tram to myself!
When I got back to our spot, it was time to head to lunch. By this time, the clouds had burned off and it was turning into a perfect day. There was just a slight breeze and it wasnt too hot. DD and I headed over to the fruit cart for some fresh fruit. I was so impressed with the fruit/vegetable carvings. (Oh, and the fruit was delicious too!)
I didnt have much of an appetite but I managed to eat a couple of ribs and some banana bread along with some chocolate chip cookie ice cream!
Anyway, it appeared as though the DCL passengers werent the only ones enjoying Cookies.
After lunch, our DD headed back into the water while DH and I relaxed on the beach. Our DNeighbors had reserved the excursion with the snorkel equipment, bike rental and tube rental. DD got to use the tube for the afternoon and used it well she did! Later I went off and did some shopping. The bar servers must get quite a workout as they traverse the beach, in sand mind you, several dozen times a day. Every time one of them crossed in front of us, they asked if we wanted a drink. I kept telling them I was waiting for 2 for 1 Bahama Mamas. Sometime around 2:30 or so, it was time for 2 for 1 Bahama Mamas and we had several servers come by and offer them to me. Sorry, first come, first serve! Yahoo! My DH and I enjoyed ours under the shade. I went and got DD a virgin strawberry daquari in a cool plastic coconut souvenir cup. She loved it!! We enjoyed our drinks for awhile before we started heading back to the ship. DD and I opted to take the tram back while DH walked.
The beach was starting to thin out.
The tram stop to the family beach.
Look who was waiting to greet us when we got back to the ship.
After we got onboard, I decided to go to the deck 7 Aft, secret verandah, to take some pictures of the island. It was low tide.
Showers before your board.
The Castaway Cay post office.
Good bye Castaway Cay, thanks for a great day!
Next: Now it's time to say good bye . . .
absolutely loving your report, especially the pics! I am already feeling the sadness of your cruise ending. What a spectacular day to end it on though, CC looked fabulous! And you fit so much in, both relaxing and seeing the fun stuff too! Thanks for letting us share!
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