Our Magical Cruise 2/14/09 to 2/21/09

[MassDisLovers]

I'm enjoying your trip report, as we're going the same week next year. How was your weather? We did the Eastern several years ago and it was very cool all week (OK... actually is was COLD most of the week.) We never even put on a bathing suit on the at-sea days. We did force ourselves to sit at the beach on the CC day - we're from New England and who knows when we'll have a beach day around here- but very few people were in the water. We love the extra sea day of the Eastern , but are concerned about the weather.

 

[PURTYPAT1]

I really wanted to try the spa, and for some reason, never made it there! .

I loved the showers there & steam room.

But we decided we want to go back on the Eastern anyways! So we will wait till we can book 2010. They told us they dont start booking it till about a year out??? .

The Eastern is more relaxing from what I read. We rebooked for next year

I like your reports. Keep em coming.

Thank you

I wish we had done Palo for brunch. We did it the last night, and to be very honest, we did not find the food any better than the dining rooms. The chocolate souffle was yummy. Next time we will try the brunch and see if it is alot better.

Palo Brunch was the best meal of our trip. We ate so.....much

What dining room did you have for formal night?

Parrot Cay
We had APLAPLA did you have early dinner?

I actually think I know the woman you are speaking of at the pool! I dont know her personally, but I watched her do this with bags several times. In fact, a man came along and moved one of her bags one day, and she came over later and yelled at him! He told her" no saving, period. You werent here for an hour". I couldnt believe he did it! But there were definetly alot of chair savers. The staff said that if you notice it, you can have them move the towel and if anyone says anything to you, refer them to the staff.

That is so funny. I thought she had a lot of nerve. I saw her quite a bit on the ship too lol This is good to know, thanks for the tip, I am going to tell the staff next year to remove the towels.

 

[PURTYPAT1]

I'm enjoying your trip report, as we're going the same week next year. How was your weather? We did the Eastern several years ago and it was very cool all week (OK... actually is was COLD most of the week.) We never even put on a bathing suit on the at-sea days. We did force ourselves to sit at the beach on the CC day - we're from New England and who knows when we'll have a beach day around here- but very few people were in the water. We love the extra sea day of the Eastern , but are concerned about the weather.

Great should we start a thread for next year? My DD in on a Disney cruise face book 2/13/10 with her loft friends.

Our weather was sunny everyday. All week the weather was perfect. Castaway Cay, the Captian announced that it would be cold. It was a bit windy early in the AM & as the day progressed it got hot, perfect beach weather. Got a bit of a burn on CC. The water was a little cold on CC other than that perfect.

We rent every year down the Jersey Shore. The water is always cold.

I am glad your enjoying, was a bit nervous about writing the report.

 

[PURTYPAT1]

Tuesday 2/17/09
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Today, we docked in St. Maarten. I know a lot of families book their own tours & the excursions are much cheaper, but I like having the security of Disney. I booked all my tours with Disney last year on the Mediterranean cruise. While in Europe, without my husband with us, I felt,God forbid we got a flat tire or any other problems, if we were on the Magic tour, the boat wasn't going to sail away & would wait for us to return. The tours of the Mediterranean, were first class with Disney, as well as our lunches & tour guides (well almost there was a few hiccups)

Because, of the good experience in the Mediterranean , I just decided to do the same with our excursions on this trip. Once again, Disney did not let me down. From what I've read, you can do this trip yourself, and save some money.

I booked the trip for the three of us. DB decided to skip the beach & go to the Casino. I booked the girls & I on the French Riviera Beach Rendezvous. It was five hours long. $59.00 for Adults $40.00 for child. I knew DN is a fussy eater, so, I ordered chicken fingers the day before(with packages of ketchup) and put them in a plastic bag & bought it along just in case. If your child is a picky eater, this is a smart thing to do.

Had breakfast at Parrot Cay at 8:00 am Our meet was at 9:00 AM. After breakfast we were to meet our group tour at Rocking Bar D. Everything was very organized. They passed out towels, we had our swim gear our raft, & we were lead out to deck 1 where the bus was waiting for us.

It took about 30 minutes to Orient Bay. Our guide on the bus was very informative. She explained all about the Dutch side & the French side. It felt like we were on a tour of the entire island, not just a ride to the beach. When we got to the beach, the tour guide would not take a tip (this is a first).

We were greeted with a complimentary rum drink shown where the showers & restrooms were. We were given a lunch ticket, than lead to the beach which was roped off with lounge chairs for only Disney people. We were told that we might see some nudeness on the beach. I saw one woman topless, & it wasn't a big deal. Nobody really noticed except the men LOL. It was nice to mingle with the Disney people, & I had made lots of new friends. Lot's of natives selling items on the beach. I was able to bargin & get beautiful necklaces on the beach for $5.00 each. They had all sorts of goodies for sale.

After a few hours, time for lunch, which was barbecue chicken breast, ribs, or fish with French fries & soda. All was paid with our tickets, except our tip. DN didn't like any of the food selection. No kids meal. AHH...Luckily, I had the Disney chicken strips in the bag. Life saver! DN was happy. Honestly, what a perfect beautiful day. Before we knew it, it was time to board the bus, for the ride back.

I went to the Spa, & showered. Then I ventured off the Magic again & bought some souvenir's for my family at home. The prices for cigarettes were much cheaper in St. Maarten than in St. Thomas as well as tee shirts & hats. Everything seemed cheaper here.

Once again boarded the Magic, swam my laps, then sat by the pool & talked to a wonderful lady, who had so many good stories that before I knew it, it was time for dinner. By the way DB won a few hundred at the casino. He had a great time!

We had a delicious dinner in Animator's Palate tonight with our favorite dessert soufflés. Everyone was dressed for the Pirate in the Caribbean Party. After dinner we went to the theatre to watch "Confessions of a Shopaholic" Great movie. I enjoyed it very much. After the movie we went to Deck 9 just in time for the Pirate Party. Perfect weather, Perfect party & fireworks. DB & DN went to bed, & DD was at the stack they had many activities again until the wee hours. I stopped to look at the buffet, which looked sooo good… but just couldn't eat anything.

Went back to my stateroom to pack for tomorrow's excursions.

 

[PURTYPAT1]

Hi Pat and Billy
We really enjoyed our brunch and dinner with you two. Ken and I both agree that the brunch was the best, but dinner was wonderful also. I an editing my pics now and hope to post some next week. I was amazed by the service everywhere. Even when I said I was chilly and Alexandro made me a shaw from a black table cloth that was so cool. I tried so many new foods and really enjoyed them. The lobster was very good and so was the asparagus( both of which I have never enjoyed). Ken tells everyone about the pizzas at Palo's. Hope you are feeling ok.
Dale

We had a great time with you & Ken!!! Glad your DSIL is home!!!

 

[smeecanada]

We're going on the Eastern in July. Is US currency accepted at St. Maarten and St. Thomas? I haven't gotten this far in my research yet.

 

[chrissyt27]

We went to brunch on Thursday at Palo, we missed out character breakfast, but o well. I LOVE BRUNCH. We also had Fernado. Our tablemates joined us as they couldn't get a reservation. We were very lucky and I took whatever they gave us. I liked going with more people since you can share the food and try everything.
We always buy the rainforest pass. I liked to go there after we swim to shower, warm up, and rest in the heated chairs. But anyone can go in the locker room.
Sounds like you had a good sea day.

 

[PURTYPAT1]

We're going on the Eastern in July. Is US currency accepted at St. Maarten and St. Thomas? I haven't gotten this far in my research yet.

Yes, American dollar was welcomed everywhere off the boat on the Eastern except the Magic Disney stores & Bars on the ship. Cash tips, on the ship is welcomed. You are going to have a great time in July !!! Be sure to read the end of my report for some important stateroom tips.

We went to brunch on Thursday at Palo, we missed out character breakfast, but O well. I LOVE BRUNCH. We also had Fernando. Our tablemate's joined us as they couldn't get a reservation. We were very lucky and I took whatever they gave us. I liked going with more people since you can share the food and try everything.
We always buy the rainforest pass. I liked to go there after we swim to shower, warm up, and rest in the heated chairs. But anyone can go in the locker room.
Sounds like you had a good sea day.

Chrissy, I think you made the right choice!!! I agree, more people, the more you share!!! Wasn't the brunch great. No more Palo's dinner for me, only brunch. I gained 3 pounds on this trip(I think from brunch or maybe the souffles ) As of this morning, it is finally gone. Well worth the work. LOL
I had, reservations booked at the Spa, due to Health reasons, I had to cancel, I guess that's why I had the nerve to use the locker room. I'm glad I did. I also used the lounge chairs in the locker room after my shower for a nice peaceful 5 minute mediation. (I saw another women doing this, & said, hay I'll try this too, glad I did ) Heated chairs????? This is a first I'm hearing about this, please explain.
Did you rebook next year?

So jealous Pat! I wish I could have been there. Can't wait for the rest.

Steph, our post 9/11 Med cruise was a dream come true. I don't think anything would ever
compare to our Med Head trip, though this was close. LOL

 

[smeecanada]

Yes, American dollar was welcomed everywhere off the boat on the Eastern except the Magic Disney stores & Bars on the ship. Cash tips, on the ship is welcomed. You are going to have a great time in July !!! Be sure to read the end of my report for some important stateroom tips.

Thanks, it's our third trip with DCL, so have the ship pretty much figured out. The Ports however are a totally different story. Looking forward to the Eastern. I've read quite a few reports saying it's a very relaxing cruise. We chose it over the Western to have the extra sea day.

 

[pillow]

Great report, Patricia! We are supposed to go on the Eastern in November. I was thinking that we might have to cancel due to some cuts at DH's job. Your report makes me want to beg, borrow, steal, and perhaps turn to prosititution in order to afford this trip!

I'm so glad you're doing well. Phew! I think you need to switch to T-giving week and join us!

Would love to hear more about Orient Bay. I was thinking that we would catch a cab over and hang out all day. For those not on a Disney excursion, would it be easy to rent chairs? Was it crowded? I hate to spend the money on the Dis excursion if I don't have to - esp with 4 of us.

Jodie

 

[PURTYPAT1]

Great report, Patricia! We are supposed to go on the Eastern in November. I was thinking that we might have to cancel due to some cuts at DH's job. Your report makes me want to beg, borrow, steal, and perhaps turn to prosititution in order to afford this trip!

Prosititution, LOL that's a first.

I'm so glad you're doing well. Phew! I think you need to switch to T-giving week and join us!

I would love to join you, can't take DD out of school

Would love to hear more about Orient Bay. I was thinking that we would catch a cab over and hang out all day. For those not on a Disney excursion, would it be easy to rent chairs? Was it crowded? I hate to spend the money on the Dis excursion if I don't have to - esp with 4 of us.

Jodie, Orient Bay, beach was simply magnificent. I was not thrilled about St. Thomas will write about it in my report tonight or tomorrow I did read about getting to both places on your own in the Passporter. They gave exact directions with the amounts $ for taxi & beach costs. In St. Thomas, they were charging $5.00 for a beach chair. Orient Bay, was crowed, but not uncomfortable. St. Thomas was, crowed uncomfortable and very expensive & the beach was not great (kinda weird )JMO

 

[pillow]

St. Thomas was, crowed uncomfortable and very expensive & the beach was not great (kinda weird )JMO

Which beach did you go to? I've heard Magens Bay was just wonderful.

 

[PURTYPAT1]

Wednesday 2/18/09
--------------------

Today, we docked in St. Thomas. Got up early & had the buffet breakfast at Parrot Cay. We took some boxes of cereral, & bananas for the beach. I again, took chicken strips & ketchup in a plastic bag, just in case one of us got hungry.

We booked with Disney, "Magen's Bay Beach Break" which lasted about 5 hours. Cost was $47.00 Adult & $37.00 for a child.

Meet time was at 9:00 AM Studio Sea. All four of us went on this excursion along with our raft. We were given towels lined up and guided to deck 1. Once we left the boat, open taxi's were waiting for us that resembled jeeps with 6 rows of seats. Almost like a tram, but more dangerous. We found a seat, & I realized, I better hold on to my purse & put little Jenna in the middle. One lean to the left & we could have fallen out. Our driver had no personality, & drove us to a scenic site, some got out to take photos.

We then were driven to, it looked like a park at first, but it was the beach. As we were let out, the driver handed us a water bottle. We were shown where the bathrooms where, & told where the restaurant was. They had chairs reserved again for Disney. Most of the chairs were in the shade under trees (not that it was sunny, it was kinda cloudy & overcast) I have to say, it was the strangest beach I ever saw. There was the water then about 3 feet of sand then was our lounge chairs under more sand followed by trees & bushes. Not any room for kids to make sand castles or play. DD slept most of the time, since she was out late the night before in the kids club. DN played in the water a bit, & then stayed remained in her lounge chair for a nap. DBstayed in his chair too. After a few hours we opened the Chicken strips cereal & bananas and had a nice lunch. When the sun finally came out, I went out of the Disney zone, & asked the boys who were renting the chairs if I could have a lounge chair, out of the Disney rope zone, I would like to be in the sun. First they wanted $5.00 I told them I was with Disney, showed them my band on my wrist, & they gave me the chair, & let me lay in the sun out of the Disney zone.

Parked next to me, was a friendly couple from Ireland, earlier that week they flew into USA Bayonne NJ and was sailing on a huge cruise ship. They filled my head with wonderful stories about there homeland and there family. I think next year, I convinced them to try Disney. Before I knew it, time flew by, and I was getting a sunburn.

DB came & got me, it was time to head back to the Magic. We ran into our Disney Boards friends in the picnic area.They were eating 2 hamburgers 2 hot dogs 1 french fries, & 4 cans of soda for $60.00 Other families were complaining the food costs were high. We boarded the jeep back to the ship. I really wish we had a guide, it would have made the ride much better. Once on the Magic the kids, wanted to go to the clubs.

DB & I left the ship again to do some shopping. We don't smoke but some of our family does. Cigarettes in NY & NJ area are $60.00 a carton. Since we paid $17.00 in St Maarten, I though maybe we should buy more in St. Thomas The cigarettes were $23.99 The tee shirts were double the amount we paid also, everything seemed very high. Even the same $5.00 necklaces I bought on the beach in St. Maartan was $10.00 in St Thomas. I did see a lot of jewelry stores & lot's of people shopping in them. Maybe the prices of the jewelry watches & gold was good. DB & I bought nothing & went back to the ship. We shopped later in the Disney Store. They were having a sale, I bought some nice things.

Went to guest services charged my tips. Because DB & I are eating at Palo's tomorrow night, I decided to give out the tips tonight. I loved all of my servers and choose to give everyone "double tips" from the recommendation list for the 2 of us. DB did the same for him & my niece.

We sailed away about 5 PM just enough time for swim & shower. We had a nice dinner tonight. The boat was rocking as we were headed into choppy waters. A Gentleman fell in the dinner room. Thank god he didn't get hurt. People were swaying. Tonight we gave our tip envelopes out during dinner, & suddenly our very friendly servers, seemed to fall all over us. They really were a great team and earned every penny.

After dinner we went to the Theatre to see Alfred & Seymour comedy team. They were so....funny. By this time the ship was really rocking. After the show, I went back to the room. For the first time in 5 cruises I was seasick. I put on my "sea sick wrist bands" Thank god Chanel 7 ABC came in tonight, I watched my favorite show, "Life on Mars" as my face became greener & greener. I could see the white waves hitting my port hole. Several trips to the bathroom, I was feeling a bit better. Finally I feel asleep being rocked like a baby. Please note: the rest of my family had no problem with rocking, just me.

Tonight we had a time zone change we had to turn our clocks back 1 hour tonight.

 

[skohrs]

I actually think I know the woman you are speaking of at the pool! I dontknow her personally, but I watched her do this with bags several times. In fact, a man came along and moved one of her bags one day, and she came over later and yelled at him! He told her" no saving, period. You werent here for an hour". I couldnt believe he did it! But there were definetly alot of chair savers. The staff said that if you notice it, you can have them move the towel and if anyone says anything to you, refer them to the staff.

Wow! I admire that guy. I have wanted to do that so many times, but just didn't want to deal with the conflict. Maybe I will try to ask the CM to move the towel next time.

 

[pillow]

Patricia, can you post some pictures, or post a link to your pics. I would love to see them.

Bummed about Magens Bay - had heard good things.

A great idea to pack up food from the ship to take on the excursions. I hate to pay elsewhere when we've already paid for the ship's food.

Jodie

 

[Snow What]

re-living it all!
I am really enjoying your trip report Patricia.
I too got sea sick that night...and we were at Palo! Couldn't really eat much...but did try the souffle, but I couldn't really enjoy it. After dinner, I went directly to the cabin, changed and laid on the bed. I didn't move for 2 hours until DH came back with our princesses at 11:30ish.

 

[PURTYPAT1]

re-living it all!
I am really enjoying your trip report Patricia.
I too got sea sick that night...and we were at Palo! Couldn't really eat much...but did try the souffle, but I couldn't really enjoy it. After dinner, I went directly to the cabin, changed and laid on the bed. I didn't move for 2 hours until DH came back with our princesses at 11:30ish.

Are you rebooked for 2/13/10

 

[Beauty & the Best]

Hi Patricia - I'm really enjoying your cruise report! Thanks for posting it
It sounds like all of your party got what they wanted out of the cruise...how did your DB like it?

Bummed about Magens Bay - had heard good things.

Just my 2 cents - we've stayed in St. Thomas for 2 separate week-long vacations & Magen's Bay is our "happy place." It can get crowded at the start of the beach. To get away from it, just walk down towards the other end, away from the restaurant/beach chair area. Also a good idea to bring some $1 floats from Walmart to use at the beach.
If you take a taxi, try to get the driver to stop by "Udder Delight" on the way back from the beach - they have THE BEST liquor milkshakes from the dairy there and it's right on the road to/from Magen's.

And, if you're worried about crowds, try to find out how many cruise ships are in port the day you're there - that makes a difference.

*end of thread highjacking*

 

[jinia]

I have really enjoyed your trip report! Thanks!

 

[PURTYPAT1]

I have really enjoyed your trip report! Thanks!

Thank you Jinia, your complement mean alot to me!!!