Somewhat non live blog of 9/3 sailing

[Ikaikalani]

Thanks for the reports! Question: if you're in a bar drinking cocktails, do you need to keep your mask on unless actually taking a drink? Or are you able to keep it off throughout, putting it back on once you've finished with your beer? Thanks, enjoy Palo brunch!

 

[jrapps]

The seafood and meat antipasti was very good. And they will let you order as many as you want.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

Morning. Back in paradise. Hopefully the weather is better today. I was going to enjoy my balcony again this morning but we woke up to find it saturated! A nice morning rain shower. Fine with me, get it all out now hopefully.

So I asked guest services, official guest count for this sailing was 1,579 guests and 1,259 crew. I would have guessed less from how uncrowded everything felt.

I felt that way as well. We could literally go anywhere, anytime.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

I believe that is closed, but you can order them from the MDR.

I can attest to this. I had Mickey waffles and dh had an omlet in RP last Saturday. It was nice but took a while and my waffles weren't as hot as I'd like them so we switched to Cabanas for the next 2 mornings.

 

[tvguy]

So I asked guest services, official guest count for this sailing was 1,579 guests and 1,259 crew. I would have guessed less from how uncrowded everything felt.

So if my math is correct, 39% of capacity.

 

[jrapps]

Thanks for the reports! Question: if you're in a bar drinking cocktails, do you need to keep your mask on unless actually taking a drink? Or are you able to keep it off throughout, putting it back on once you've finished with your beer? Thanks, enjoy Palo brunch!

When we were in the pub, everyone had their masks off while eating/drinking.

 

[DMMarla07860]

Following along, not questions, but enjoying what you share

 

[jrapps]

Brunch is over. And I am stuffed. I still can't get photos to upload but happy to answer questions. I will get photos up tomorrow.

Finally had the Balsamic Grande...it was very good. I got it with Tito's since that is the only vodka I can stand. The strawberry flavor was very pronounced.

The desserts are full sized now.. As is my waist line. I am dreading throwing on a bathing suit now but Castaway becons...

 

[LeiaOfAlderaan]

On my last cruise they would not give me candy and said it was only for the kids.

That’s why I asked…I have heard several reports in the past that adults were told the candy was only for kids. My October cruise will be my 1st solo cruise and I will be mighty unhappy if I don’t get candy because I’m too old! Adults can get candy at the Halloween parties in the parks. Yes, I know I could just buy my own but it’s not as exciting as returning to the stateroom to a bag full of candy lol.

 

[jrapps]

Day 2 at Castaway in the bag. A beautiful day on the beach.

We rented 2 day floats for these beach days. I am NOT in any way suggestions doing something wrong or unethical here, but just an FYI at no point did anyone ever check that we in fact paid for our rental. A lot of "honor system" here. We just told them we had the rental and they said to grab whatever we want.

We did not eat on the island but I walked over to Cookies2 just to check it out and they had new food items different from Day 1 at Cookies. Kielbasa, fried chicken sandwich, grilled snapper, vegetarian Jamaican patties. And Banana bread.

Gotta love Disney's small attention to detail. The cold towel when boarding the ship is so awesome!

 

[jrapps]

Casting off soon. Will update more when I get real internet in the morning. Sad to see Castaway go (will be a year before I'm back) but grateful for the 2 days here in paradise!

 

[jrapps]

Well we are back!

Currently enjoying the See ya Real Soon breakfast...aka get off our boat now please.

We had a great time. I'll try to upload the final photos as we eat.

We did the Halloween dance party last night. It was ok, perhaps a bit small and lame. I know they are doing the best they can. I think party of the issue was that a Halloween dance party when it's still sunlight or just didn't have the same feel. If you have late dining, your dance party is at 6:30.

 

[jrapps]

Ok, back to my Palo update. Yes it was different, but it was still memorable. I didn't mind the plated antipasto plates as much as I thought I would. If you think about it keeps the food fresher and probably reduces waste. I wonder how many people take food that they don't eat when it was a buffet. That said they need to bring back missing items like the scallops and caviar.

The bread service:

 

[jrapps]

Antipasti

 

[jrapps]

Balsamic Grande

 

[jrapps]

Celery Soup

 

[jrapps]

Goat Cheese Pizza

 

[jrapps]

Chicken Parmesan

 

[jrapps]

Desserts

 

[jrapps]

What else can I say... It was a wonderful trip that was too short. Even with the changes, we had a great time. Loved the fact that the ship never felt crowded. Covid protocols were manageable. Food was as good as ever. Service was exceptional. The crew is so happy to be back at work, and you can tell.

If you are sailing soon and have Peter and Vinny as your dining team, tell them Jason says hello!

And if anyone is thinking of booking that Cat5E balcony, DO IT. I think the best part of our cruise was watching sunset on that balcony.