Surprise! We're NOT going to Disney! 9/18-9/25 <<Update 3/24 Page 21>>

[vleeth]

Tell me it didn't rain!

We spent a week in Costa Rica (during the rainy season) for our Honeymoon. We went to the volcano, the rainforest and the last two days were the black sand beaches. Guess which two days were the only days we had rain!

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

What was that noise? Was it the chairs on deck? Why in the world would they be moving them at 6:30am?? Oh well, the views were gorgeous off your deck! The beach looked like fun but those dark clouds sure looked menacing!!

They wash down all the exposed public decks every night and reset all the chairs. Especially on the lido (or pool) deck.
They do it early so that everything is ready to go when the guests start arriving in the morning.

A good thing for most cruisers...
not so good if your cabin happens to be right below the spot where most of that action is occurring.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Ugh, was all that noise just from them prepping the deck for guests that morning? I mean, they obviously have to do what they have to do - but that doesn't help you sleep

That sounds like an excellent deal / idea you did for the beach and it really made for some great pictures with the Dream in the background.

no, no, it couldn't possible rain!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

I woke up a few times during the night from noise... there was banging & screeching coming from above our room.

Did you hear about the new Walking Dead spin-off, set on a cruise ship?

We started our walk to the Hilton walking by hundreds of people trying to sell us clothes, offering rides around the island, offering horse & buggy rides, selling nik-naks, etc. You try to be nice and say no thank you till you just stop answering all together.

Welcome to paradise!

There were great views from the beach with the Dream as a backdrop.

It certainly looks like you could do a lot worse.

We tried to get one more picture before the next ship pulled into port, however the people we asked to take the picture weren't impressed with the Dream.

We need to give all complete strangers a class on photo composition.

Pay no attention to those dark clouds, it couldn't possibly rain...

Sounds like famous last words.

Up next..... it couldn't possibly rain, could it?

 

[bellesBFF]

joining in!! i love land/sea trips!!

 

[Poolrat]

Caught up and

The boat, the boat you are on the boat!!!!


Sorry Gabby was having character fright and it looks like poor Christopher just got all spun up and scared on that slide.

It is tough getting 3 kids all out the door to get anywhere so I am sure you did the best you could.

 

[that's nice]

Twice in a row that I'm about to log off and you have another update. You'd think I was stalking you or something.

Suuuuuure you aren't stalking me. Suuuure.

So did you ever figure out what the noise was above you that woke you and Gabby up?

Does Ana sleep in her bathing suit?

Only on vacation.

Very strange about that little boat pulling up along side of the ship.

It was but it looks like Rob figured it out.

A great picture of all of you in front of the Islands of the Bahamas sign.

Thank you.. I like that one a lot.

That's a pretty darn good deal on the beach and food and drink. I'd imagine it would be hard to do excursions with Gabby still being so young, so this turned out perfect.

Yes, it worked out great for us. Just a beach excursion at Atlantis would of cost us at least double, if not more.

Gabby was very determined to get those buckets apart.

She is really silly. She was so determined.

Great pics on the beach that is getting darker and darker as you post them. I truly hope it doesn't end up raining. Or if it does, not for long.

It was getting a bit dark wasn't it? Some of the pictures were hard to see because it was getting really dark.

i love reading your trip report.

Thanks for reading!!!

Never been on a Disney cruise before.

It was really a great time. We had so much fun!

Your pictures really put in perspective in how B-I-G huge the ship is!!!

The ship dwarfed the Carnival ships and was almost as bug as the Norwegian Breakaway which is Norwegian's newest ship. That thing is huge.

humm maybe you can climb up there and hide their chairs?!? that would be a feat!

I could of but I think I could of gotten in some kind of trouble if I threw a few hundred deck chairs off the ship.

How was the buffet food for breakfast??

It was good.... there was tons of fruit, pastries, donuts, bacon, bacon, bacon, Mickey waffles (which didn't taste like the WDW Mickey waffles- we were disappointed in that), breakfast potatoes, eggs, etc.

you are selling me on this cruise!!!!

Sweet! When do I collect my commission?

As always your family is just the cutest!

Awww, thanks!

Official beer of the Bahama's.. and the verdict was?!?!?!

It is a lager which is on par with Budweiser, Miller Lite, Coors. But the dirrence is I was drinking it on a beach in the Bahamas. So of course it was better than any of those.

 

[that's nice]

Hummmm…
There’s a fairly important thing to keep in mind when booking cabins on Deck-10.
Will have to file that one away for future reference.

I'm sure it doesn't happen everywhere on deck 10 but our room must of been under the pool area.

That’s the Pilot Boat.

No large ship is ever allowed to enter a controlled harbor without an experienced Harbor Pilot who is certified for those waters being on board. Were it not for the obstructions you’d have seen someone from the boat grab onto a rope ladder and climb aboard the Dream. Once aboard, the pilot is effectively in charge of the ship and tells the Captain where and how he wants him to go about entering and docking within the harbor.


It would have looked something like this...

Thanks Rob! I knew someone would know what was going on. I guess I never noticed that happening before on any of our other cruises- probably because I was never up that early on any other cruise.

I looked up what a harbor pilot makes and I need to quit DJing. 100-500k a year... not too shabby!

Not a bad deal comparatively. Will also make not of that one.

We would do it again in a second. I think to worked out very well for us.

Yah, they can be right persistent.
Silence is the best policy here. They’ll move on quicker if you don’t answer. Once you start talking, they figure they’ve got a shot.

We knew that was going to happen. I usually ignore but sometime we say no thank you. With 4 ships docking tin Nassau, there were plenty of people to hit up for money.

Excellent image there. That is a right nice location for a port day in Nassau

Thank you! The location was really great!

A dollar saved

Sure was... only cost us $150.

And this place just got even better.

The bar was only a few short steps from the beach.

Hummmm… bad omen there. Rain is a near daily fixture in the summer time down that way.
May that either miss y’all or move on quickly.

I figured September was past their rainy season. Hey, we missed all tropical storms and hurricanes, so we had that going for us, which was nice.

Yuck... I hope the loud chair scooters above you don't do that all night every night.

I bet chair scooters wouldn't be dearly as loud.

Great pictures of the boat from your spot on the beach. That actually looks like a great spot to swim and spend some time hanging around with the backdrop of getting to watch ships move in and out of the harbor.

It was a perfect spot and the short walk was key considering we only had a single stroller with us. The views really couldn't been beat.

Just your luck. Spend all that money for some beach time, only to get rained out. Barry had to have something to do with it.

I just might of cursed him out... true story.

Ugh...sorry about the chairs scraping! Not a great way to wake up. Looks like (most) everyone was having fun at the beach!

Luckily, everyone else slept through it. Juliana wakes up at the crack of dawn everyday, so her waking up early was nothing new.

I rode up the elevator with the habor pilot in Barbados...not sure that means anything but I thought it was cool.

Jill in CO

Did you get his autograph? Take a selfie? Wait a sec.... pic or it didn't happen.

 

[that's nice]

Oh no, I hope it didn't end up raining on you guys!

That looks like the perfect excursion for Nassau. We weren't overly impressed with the island when we went a few years ago (the people trying to sell you something every 2 feet gets old), but you guys had a great idea! I will definitely keep that in mind if we end up with Nassau on a future itinerary.

It was a nice walk on a busy street. We always felt safe even with 3 little ones in tow. The hotel was really nice and the grounds were well kept. Plus you really couldn't beat they view.

What was that noise? Was it the chairs on deck? Why in the world would they be moving them at 6:30am?? Oh well, the views were gorgeous off your deck! The beach looked like fun but those dark clouds sure looked menacing!!

Rob is spot on with his post. At night the noise was people moving sliding the chairs, and in the morning it was the CMs washing the decks and moving the chairs.

We did have some nice views from our veranda. I'm glad we booked the starboard side of the ship.

The clouds were getting darker and darker... dun dun duuuuuunnnnnn.

Tell me it didn't rain!

Ummmm, ok. It didn't rain.

We spent a week in Costa Rica (during the rainy season) for our Honeymoon. We went to the volcano, the rainforest and the last two days were the black sand beaches. Guess which two days were the only days we had rain!

LOL.... that stinks. Sounds like something that would happen to us.

They wash down all the exposed public decks every night and reset all the chairs. Especially on the lido (or pool) deck.
They do it early so that everything is ready to go when the guests start arriving in the morning.

A good thing for most cruisers...
not so good if your cabin happens to be right below the spot where most of that action is occurring.

Yep... that was what was going on.

 

[that's nice]

Ugh, was all that noise just from them prepping the deck for guests that morning? I mean, they obviously have to do what they have to do - but that doesn't help you sleep

Yea I think so.. unless there were 100 people up on the deck at 6am.

That sounds like an excellent deal / idea you did for the beach and it really made for some great pictures with the Dream in the background.

It was great... and from what I could tell, we were the only ones who did this. The rest of the people on the beach seemed like hotel guests (i didn't notice any other wristbands like we had)

no, no, it couldn't possible rain!

No. Why would it do that? :roll eyes:

Did you hear about the new Walking Dead spin-off, set on a cruise ship?

That could be a really fun or scary show. Know any executives in TV land?

Welcome to paradise!

YUP!

It certainly looks like you could do a lot worse.

You're right... I mean I could of been sitting in a DOT office in Delaware.

We need to give all complete strangers a class on photo composition.

Or just start bringing tripods with us.

Sounds like famous last words.

Are you saying I'm famous?

joining in!! i love land/sea trips!!

Thanks for reading!!!

Caught up and

The boat, the boat you are on the boat!!!!

Yes Pat... we're on a boat!!!!!

Sorry Gabby was having character fright and it looks like poor Christopher just got all spun up and scared on that slide.

Don't worry, I'm sure Gabby would get used to the characters later on in the vacation.

It is tough getting 3 kids all out the door to get anywhere so I am sure you did the best you could.

And the times we are ready to get out on time, someone decides they need to use the bathroom (#2) or fills up their diaper.

 

[Dreamport]

Hoping on board. I couldn't sleep last night and saw your humorously written TR at the top of the list. Never read one with a cruise before. Your family is adorable, by the way.

 

[cajunfan]

Wow! It has been a while since I have actively read trip reports...the last time I read one of yours was when you and Melody had just found out you were expecting Christopher! First Congrats on the expanded family!, second, I cannot believe how grown up Juliana is! And the "littles" are so CUTE...ok...you grown ups have not changed a bit (that's a good thing, LOL!)

Enjoying the report, and looking forward to reading the rest of it.

Thanks for sharing!
Lynn

 

[petals]

Great beach pictures. I love how eager Juliana is to get going in her swimming togs so quickly!

 

[disneygirlll]

Umm, just to let you know, your index is not updated.

I’ve never been on a cruise. Although I know it’s important and NEEDS to be done, the whole drill thing seems to be a pain.

Love the “I am full” plate for Juliana, and also the pic of her after. Cute cute

Oooooo, you took a forbidden picture (at the Golden Mickeys) and had the nerve to post it on the world wide web…..you are so bad.

Juliana got to swim, dad got to watch some football. Win/win.

I have no desire to be in open water, on a boat, a thousand miles from land. I feel so relieved to see your land pics.

Adorable beach pics of the family. (Tell Melody I love her swimsuit coverup outfit!)

And I thought the little boat was bringing Mickey and Minnie to their day job. duh

 

[that's nice]

Hoping on board. I couldn't sleep last night and saw your humorously written TR at the top of the list. Never read one with a cruise before. Your family is adorable, by the way.

Thanks for joining in! Thank you for the kind words.

Wow! It has been a while since I have actively read trip reports...the last time I read one of yours was when you and Melody had just found out you were expecting Christopher! First Congrats on the expanded family!, second, I cannot believe how grown up Juliana is! And the "littles" are so CUTE...ok...you grown ups have not changed a bit (that's a good thing, LOL!)

Enjoying the report, and looking forward to reading the rest of it.

Thanks for sharing!
Lynn

Lynn! Nice to see you here again!

Yes, the family has expanded, again.

The kids are all growing up quickly. Juliana is in 3rd grade now and really is growing up into a little lady. Christopher stared pre-K this fall and is still an animal. Gabby spends a lot of time with her brother and is learning from him.

 

[that's nice]

Great beach pictures. I love how eager Juliana is to get going in her swimming togs so quickly!

Ya think? She would sleep in her bathing suit if we let her.

Umm, just to let you know, your index is not updated.

Ummmm, yea. About that... ummm..... thanks for the reminder.

I’ve never been on a cruise. Although I know it’s important and NEEDS to be done, the whole drill thing seems to be a pain.

It is a pain but it is necessary.

Love the “I am full” plate for Juliana, and also the pic of her after. Cute cute

I couldn't believe she turned down dessert. We were laughing so hard when they brought out the plate.

Oooooo, you took a forbidden picture (at the Golden Mickeys) and had the nerve to post it on the world wide web…..you are so bad.

I know, I'm a rebel! I hope they allow me to take another cruise someday.

Juliana got to swim, dad got to watch some football. Win/win.

Yea, it worked out quite well for me.

I have no desire to be in open water, on a boat, a thousand miles from land. I feel so relieved to see your land pics.

Well, when you go from Florida to the Bahamas you probably aren't more than 50-75 miles from land. I hope that makes you feel a bit better.

Adorable beach pics of the family. (Tell Melody I love her swimsuit coverup outfit!)

Thank you! And I'll tell her.

And I thought the little boat was bringing Mickey and Minnie to their day job. duh

What is their day job? Working at Chef Mickey's?

 

[Chicago Mo]

Ahh all the puzzle pieces are now in a row. you were under the main Deck!
and you needed a captain to park a boat.

Carry on.. the not so swift readers are back on track...

Maybe.

 

[that's nice]

Ahh all the puzzle pieces are now in a row. you were under the main Deck!

Yea, I guess being high doesn't always work out for the best.

and you needed a captain to park a boat.

Well, technically we already had a captain but we didn't have a pilot. The pilot is an expert for the port. The pilot can dock the ship but usually the captain maintains control of the ship. The captain has the power to override the pilot at any time. Usually the pilot is there to give advice to the captain, let the captain know of any changes to the port, and is an expert of said port.

Carry on.. the not so swift readers are back on track...

Maybe.

Who knows, I might have an update today. Or I might not.

 

[that's nice]

We were enjoying the beach at the British Colonial Hilton in Nassau for about an hour when the dark clouds started rolling in. There was thunder in the distance and we knew it was time to start packing up and heading for cover. Before we made it to the cover of the restaurant, it started raining on us. It went from light to heavy in a flash. Luckily, we didn't get too wet.

We looked back out towards the beach and it was coming down. Hard.





Every table was taken and Melody & I were just standing there looking at each other trying to figure out what to do, when a nice couple offered us a spot at their table. They were vacationing from Louisiana. We ordered up some lunch and sat there watching it pour. I forget what everyone ate but we enjoyed lunch. The prices were a little high but it wasn't costing us any more money out of pocket so it didn't really matter. The kids were very well behaved and I really appreciated that. By the time we were done eating, the rain was letting up some. Melody & I both got a cocktail and tried to relax a bit- well as much as you can with three kids in a confined area. The rain finally stopped after about an hour and a half.

We figured we'd try out the pool for a bit before heading back to the beach.





Juliana was practicing snorkeling.





She really had the hang of it now.



Christopher is turning into a fish- just like his sister.



After a while in the pool, we decided to head back to the beach for a while. I gave Melody a break, and took all the kids swimming.





Then they started attacking me...



....with kisses!



Christopher gave the beach a thumbs up!



Juliana really liked it too.



It was about 3 o'clock when we decided to pack up and head out. I squared up at the bar and I owed $6. Not too bad considering we ate lunch and had drinks all afternoon. We popped Gabby in the stroller and I think she was passed out even before we made it out of the hotel. She was wiped out! We walked back towards the Dream and stopped at a few stores including the Tortuga Rum store, a little corner store, and a liquor store. We did buy some rum cake and rum, and Melody bought some hair bows and a few nicknacks.

We would of stayed longer on the beach but there was a Halloween party and trick or treating starting on the Dream at 4:30!


Up next... Yo Ho Let It Go(Let It Go)

 

[KatMark]

We were enjoying the beach at the British Colonial Hilton in Nassau for about an hour when the dark clouds started rolling in. There was thunder in the distance and we knew it was time to start packing up and heading for cover. Before we made it to the cover of the restaurant, it started raining on us. It went from light to heavy in a flash. Luckily, we didn't get too wet.

We looked back out towards the beach and it was coming down. Hard.





DARN RAIN!

Every table was taken and Melody & I were just standing there looking at each other trying to figure out what to do, when a nice couple offered us a spot at their table. They were vacationing from Louisiana. We ordered up some lunch and sat there watching it pour. I forget what everyone ate but we enjoyed lunch. The prices were a little high but it wasn't costing us any more money out of pocket so it didn't really matter. The kids were very well behaved and I really appreciated that. By the time we were done eating, the rain was letting up some. Melody & I both got a cocktail and tried to relax a bit- well as much as you can with three kids in a confined area. The rain finally stopped after about an hour and a half.

That was very nice of the couple to invite you to share their table.

We figured we'd try out the pool for a bit before heading back to the beach.





Nice pool!

Juliana was practicing snorkeling.





She really had the hang of it now.

She is doing awesome!



Christopher is turning into a fish- just like his sister.



No surprise there!

After a while in the pool, we decided to head back to the beach for a while. I gave Melody a break, and took all the kids swimming.



Such a good daddy!



Then they started attacking me...



....with kisses!



I love these pictures...they are priceless.

Christopher gave the beach a thumbs up!



Such a handsome boy with that devil look in his eye.

Juliana really liked it too.



Of course she did...there was water and swimming involved.

It was about 3 o'clock when we decided to pack up and head out. I squared up at the bar and I owed $6. Not too bad considering we ate lunch and had drinks all afternoon. We popped Gabby in the stroller and I think she was passed out even before we made it out of the hotel. She was wiped out! We walked back towards the Dream and stopped at a few stores including the Tortuga Rum store, a little corner store, and a liquor store. We did buy some rum cake and rum, and Melody bought some hair bows and a few nicknacks.

Not bad at all. And, in case I forget later, THANK YOU again for the Tortuga Rum gift pack. We really enjoyed it immensely. You shouldn't have done that!

We would of stayed longer on the beach but there was a Halloween party and trick or treating starting on the Dream at 4:30!

Ooooh.... a party!

Up next... Yo Ho Let It Go(Let It Go)

Can't wait to hear all about it.