Our very DREAMy Spring Break Cruise!

[wigdoutdismom]

Hi Stacy!!!
Just found your report and have subbed in....

I can't wait to read all the fun details of your cruise.

Oh my, Ben doesn't want to wear shorts anymore? He is going to sizzle this summer...

Ugh to the bed at the Radisson. I hope it was more comfortable on the ship!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Well... unimpressed with the hotel and the food so far.... is this part of what you learned along the way? We learned quite a few things as well during our cruise, but I'm determined that it will just make the next one better. It seems like no matter how much research you do before trying something new, you still have bumps in the road and things you'll change for the next time.

Sorry the beds were so bad. We stayed at a Rad. before our '09 trip and the sleep number beds were wonderful! You must have gotten some duds. Not a good way to start a cruise.

We are beach lovers as well! Having lived close to the coast my whole life, we have always made a few beach trips each year. There is just something magnetic about it that you can't resist going down and taking a look. I can't believe how crowded that beach was though! I guess I am just used to the empty beaches of the Outer Banks. Glad to hear that you and John were able to reminisce a bit about old times.

 

[Skyw]

We are staying in Jacksonville near my Step D. I would love to stay closer!!!!!! I am going to loose my mind with the 2.5 hour drive to the port.

Good start, can't wait to hear more!!

 

[stace208]

Hi Stacy!!!
Just found your report and have subbed in....

I can't wait to read all the fun details of your cruise.

Oh my, Ben doesn't want to wear shorts anymore? He is going to sizzle this summer...

Ugh to the bed at the Radisson. I hope it was more comfortable on the ship!

Hi there! I haven't done a very good job keeping up this week but I am glad you found me. This may become more of a picture report. I thought I'd have more time after spring break but I was very, very wrong!

Ben will wear shorts in the summer. Just right now, at school, he's going through some weird thing...who knows!

The bed on the ship was wonderful!!

Well... unimpressed with the hotel and the food so far.... is this part of what you learned along the way? We learned quite a few things as well during our cruise, but I'm determined that it will just make the next one better. It seems like no matter how much research you do before trying something new, you still have bumps in the road and things you'll change for the next time.

Sorry the beds were so bad. We stayed at a Rad. before our '09 trip and the sleep number beds were wonderful! You must have gotten some duds. Not a good way to start a cruise.

We are beach lovers as well! Having lived close to the coast my whole life, we have always made a few beach trips each year. There is just something magnetic about it that you can't resist going down and taking a look. I can't believe how crowded that beach was though! I guess I am just used to the empty beaches of the Outer Banks. Glad to hear that you and John were able to reminisce a bit about old times.

I guess you could say I learned something that night...check the bed! I wouldn't hesitate to stay in that hotel again though.

Yea, I have seen crowded beaches before but that one takes the cake! It was good to just put my toes in though.

We are staying in Jacksonville near my Step D. I would love to stay closer!!!!!! I am going to loose my mind with the 2.5 hour drive to the port.

Good start, can't wait to hear more!!

Yes, I am super glad we were that close to port. The next morning we were all busting at the seams to get on that ship!!

 

[stace208]

After my less than stellar night, I was tired but ready to get going. The hotel came with 2 complimentary hot breakfasts so we headed down there to eat. We headed back to the room to finish packing up and then got the luggage out of the car. We pulled the luggage around to the front to wait. We were supposed to get on the shuttle at 10:30. It wasn't quite 10 yet so we figured we had plenty of time. John left to park the car in the long term lot. As soon as he left the lady came out and called our names and then a shuttle drove up. I checked us in for that and John made his way back. All the luggage, and the kids and I, got on the shuttle with some other families. Another dad and John were still in the hotel checking out. The shuttle guy pulled up because yet another shuttle showed up. Poor John and the other guy came out and thought they had been left! The driver hopped off and grabbed them and we were off!

Just about 5 minutes later we arrived at the port. They were waiting there to take our luggage which was nice. We were so excited! We made our way down to get in line to go through the first check point.

The line moved quickly and we were soon past the first checkpoint. Make sure you know your cabin number-they ask for that everywhere! Right as we were walking up, the security guard told us to go up the escalators as opposed to the door where everyone in front of us was going. I figured we weren't going to get into the terminal or something, I wasn't sure. When we checked in online, it would only let me choose 1:00-2:00 to board so I was very confused about it all. But, after going up we were right in the terminal with everyone else so it's a mystery to me!

We got right in line and checked in at the counter. We were given boarding number 26 I didn't know how this compared to our supposed 1:00 boarding time but was just glad to be there. We scoped out a place by a TV. I took Ellie and checked her into the kid's club and got her bracelet. There was no line at this time but later there was a very long line. If there's a long line, I think it would be easier to check in once on the boat. Also, if you register online, make sure you remember the "password" you put in. Luckily, I remembered mine! LOL!

By this time it was just about 11. The terminal quickly filled up. They started calling boarding groups about 11:15. I knew soon that we would be on the ship before 1!! I talked to my sister at some point in here. She'd had a snafu with her luggage and was hoping they found it before she got on the bus from the airport to come to the port or otherwise she'd have only the clothes she was wearing! Yikes! I wished her luck and ran to the restroom when they were on group 24.

I will close tonight with pictures that we took in the terminal. The first one is what time we got on the ship. Next up will be the rest of the first day!

 

[anewmac]

cant wait to see how you like the Dream!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Yay! Boarding time! I feel excited for you! Does that make me a dork? Don't asnswer that. I really could feel your excitment though. Isn't it awesome standing in the terminal knowing you are about to get on that big gorgeous ship and having no idea what fun awaits you! Love it!

So glad it all went smoothly for you. I know it can be a tad bit stressful when you are doing something like that for the first time and you aren't sure if you are in the right place, doing the right thing....

But your sister!!! Whoa! Sure hope she got the luggage settled! That would be a nightmare!

Love, love, love your Mickey head shirts!

 

[In Luv with Disney]

Hi! Another Castaway Crew Cruiser, here! Can't wait to read more.

 

[JanBlessed]

WoW! This is my first time reading a DIS cruise report...how exiting! NOW I see what all the fuss is about

I will be traveling on my first DCL cruise aboard the DREAM in June. Should I read on, or will I ruin the experience for myself? Did you read any reports before boarding? I'm very curious as to what happens when you board.

 

[bluejasmine]

Enjoying the report Cant wait for more!

 

[pooksma]

Jumping in! As another teacher who has to travel on breaks, looking forward to reading your report

 

[stace208]

cant wait to see how you like the Dream!

Welcome! We loved the ship! More coming up

Yay! Boarding time! I feel excited for you! Does that make me a dork? Don't asnswer that. I really could feel your excitment though. Isn't it awesome standing in the terminal knowing you are about to get on that big gorgeous ship and having no idea what fun awaits you! Love it!

So glad it all went smoothly for you. I know it can be a tad bit stressful when you are doing something like that for the first time and you aren't sure if you are in the right place, doing the right thing....

But your sister!!! Whoa! Sure hope she got the luggage settled! That would be a nightmare!

Love, love, love your Mickey head shirts!

I was sooo excited but yes, nervous a bit too because I didn't know exactly how it all would go. The time really passed quickly and it did all go smoothly so I was grateful for that!

I was really worried about my sister...she has a lot going on and this was a much needed break for her so then to have this too just seemed so unfair! Result coming up in the next update though.

Hi! Another Castaway Crew Cruiser, here! Can't wait to read more.

Hi there! Thanks for joining in!

WoW! This is my first time reading a DIS cruise report...how exiting! NOW I see what all the fuss is about

I will be traveling on my first DCL cruise aboard the DREAM in June. Should I read on, or will I ruin the experience for myself? Did you read any reports before boarding? I'm very curious as to what happens when you board.

Hi there! I, personally, don't think you ruin anything by reading reports. I read quite a few and still had many surprises. For me, reading reports gives me an idea of how things are done and then I know what I want to do and what I can avoid. I do hope you'll stay!!

Enjoying the report Cant wait for more!

More coming right up!!

Jumping in! As another teacher who has to travel on breaks, looking forward to reading your report

Hi there! Thanks for joining in! I think I have seen you and your DH over on MeMom's report!

 

[stace208]

I hope everyone is enjoying their holiday weekend! This late in the school year, a day off is heavenly for sure. We have 14 more days and this year can't end soon enough!!

After we boarded, we went straight to lunch. We were all in awe of how beautiful the ship was and looked every bit of the tourist as we walked along with our mouth open! Cabanas and Enchanted Garden were open for lunch. We chose Enchanted Garden because it was literally right around the corner from our cabin.

After lunch, it was 1:30 so we headed to our cabin. The door opened and we dropped off our carry on bags, took some pictures, and then headed out to explore.

This is the view from our porthole.

While we were walking around I got a call from my sister. She was just getting to the terminal. Luckily, they had found her luggage and she had gotten it back. I was so happy for her!!

Pretty soon we met up with her and it was time for the sail away party. The cute little blonde is my great niece Alexandra.

The sail away party was fun but HOT! We then walked around a bit more before heading to our cabin to get ready for dinner. We had the early seating.

 

[stace208]

Our dinner the first night was Royal Palace.

After dinner we walked around some and then headed to the theater to see the show. The Golden Mickeys!!

The show was good. Not my favorite, but I liked it.

After the show we headed back to the room. We were very tired and needed to unpack some and get settled. I knew we'd have a busy day the next day with our first stop at Castaway Cay. I was also looking forward to a night in a comfy bed...and boy, was it comfy!! These last few pictures are of the room once set up by our awesome room steward.

 

[Erin13178]

Ohhhhh joining in to hear all about it. So excited cause we are going in November!

Erin

 

[wigdoutdismom]

It looks like Ellie is enjoying having a little girl along. So much fun for her to share the trip with a pal. How did Ben make out? Did he meet any boys on the ship?

 

[anewmac]

How fun! So what was in the pirate box? YA im nosey like that LOL

 

[theduck619]

We are onboard! We sail on the Dream next year. Great pics!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Yay for the found luggage! I'm so glad to hear that.

Looks like you guys were off to a great start! Love the porthole view in the room.

So how did you like the food? RP was our least favorite of the 3 restaurants, but it was still ok.

I didn't think the shows on the ship were as good as the ones at WDW. I really liked the GM and Believe, but hated the Villain show. I'm curious to see what you thought of all of them.

Our Sail Away party was insanely hot too!!! I thought I would pass out! Only for Disney entertainment would I endure such things!

Can't wait to see your great pictures from CC!!!

 

[pixidustmom]

following along and looking forward to hearing more.