Tips + comments from Aug 31 to Sept 4th

[SAGE]

Here are a few comments and tips for fellow cruisers. I don’t have the talent that so many of you do to write an entertaining TR.

Tigger98 is writing a great report from the same cruise – check it out.
(Tigger98 - looking at your sail-away pic, I was standing just to your right)

Cabin: We had a Cat 11 SIDEWAYS cabin – loved the layout + steamer truck. Our stateroom host was wonderful & kept the room spotless.

Seasickness medicine: The first night the sea was quite rough & our dining room had a number of empty seats. We had taken Bonamine prior to boarding that morning and had no problems. (I don’t ride roll coasters and couldn’t be paid to ride Space Mountain!) . We also took a few ginger tablets.
It seemed there were many people who hadn’t brought any meds on board and therefore had to see the doctor that first night.

TIP: Purchase the seasickness medicine at home – take 1 or 2 at home to try it and definitely take something the morning before you board. No fun to miss your first evening if you can prevent it ahead of time.

Vista Spa showers: Ladies, the shower area in the Vista Spa is heavenly. There are lots of towels + robes. Great lighting and large counters to put your stuff on. I just packed a bag with a change of clothes, make up and my blow brush. There is a hair dryer if you need it.




Most of the time it was empty and I found it helpful to run up there and get ready for dinner.

Hydrocortisone cream & Pure Vitamin E cream: I picked up a small tube of each before we left. SO glad I did. The Vit E cream is great for sunburns.
I thought my son had sunburn on his foot after Castaway Cay however by the next morning it was a rash and spreading. Put some cortisone cream on several times which helped with the itch. I did speak with a nurse on the last day and it turned out to be sand fleas. She said the cortisone cream was exactly how to treat the rash and next time spray his feet with insect repellent.

Tip: Pack a tube of both creams + repellent – you never know when you’ll need it.

Dolphin Encounter Lockers: There are lockers however I struggle to get the key to work, so we just put our bags in and never did lock it. (I wasn’t the only one who couldn’t get the darn things to work). Luckily I bought a thin plastic pouch (waterproof) and put our KTTW, credit card + photocopied ID in it. Perfect.
We loved the Dolphin Encounter. The boat ride over was really nice too.
The boat went around the island past so many beautiful mansions – very nice excursion. (We did buy the photos + video).


Food: We thought the food was very good. I know many of the posts refer to poor quality and I was concerned this trip. However the food was fine. A dish or two, I didn’t like – but that’s just my choice in ordering.
Palo brunch was great. I ordered a veal dish/with mushrooms – Excellent!
Crème brulee and cheesecakes were so good. (I ate 2 – 3 a day!!!):

Tip: Do not schedule a cholesterol test within a week of disembarking – your doctor will faint.

Overall this year’s cruise was better than our last. The service from all the staff was excellent and despite the surrounding hurricanes, the weather was hot and sunny.
If anyone has specific questions, please post.

 

[Tigger98]

Thank you Sage. I had started out on Deck 9 for the going away party and then moved to Deck 10 for better pictures.

My DH and DS also got a rash, but it went away. Now I know the cause - sand fleas - and how to get rid of them. I agree with putting the cream on sunburns. I got one from CC and started using the cream that evening.

We also did the Dolphin Encounter (need to develop those pics). We were in the group that went to the left and the uncooperative dolphin.

 

[iu97alum]

Great tips~! Where do you find vitiman e cream?

 

[SAGE]

Any drug store should carry it. Webber Vitamin E cream - 12,500IU

 

[TCB in FLA]

Thanks for the tips -- I will certainly remember that about the showers.

We are doing the Dolphin Encounter as well. If you don't mind me asking, what were the prices for the video and pics? I don't want to die of sticker shock.

 

[rhondamccollough@hot]

A couple of tips I'd like to add is:

Do the character greetings as soon as possible....when the end of the cruise gets there the lines are wayyyy longer....show up early and get in line...it pays off!

Don't miss the Disney Dreams show!!

Board as early as possible and Swim while waiting for the sail away party...you will have alot more room!

Also, when disembarking make sure to park someone in the customs line while another person gets the luggage....can save you alot of time!
p.s. Porters are awesome if you have anything except rolling carryons!

 

[Alice_on_WONDERland]

Sage-

Thanks for your tips and info. My family and I are taking our first Disney cruise in March '09 and I am combing through these message boards for info. Yours is perfect!

I have taken a cruise to the Bahamas before, back in June of 1997, on Carnival. I remember those darn sand fleas! My feet were so swollen I couldn't wear shoes for almost a week. (Made it a little tricky on the plane ride home since I HAD to wear shoes then!)

I had completely forgotten all about that until I read your post - so thank you tremendously for reminding me, and for alerting everyone else!

Have a blessed day!

 

[SAGE]

Thanks for the tips -- I will certainly remember that about the showers.

We are doing the Dolphin Encounter as well. If you don't mind me asking, what were the prices for the video and pics? I don't want to die of sticker shock.

I paid $97.00 US for 3 "5x7" photos + the dvd. They threw in 2 magnets & keychains. The dvd is only about 10 minutes or so.
It was quite an expensive day but well worth it.

 

[SAGE]

Sage-

Thanks for your tips and info. My family and I are taking our first Disney cruise in March '09 and I am combing through these message boards for info. Yours is perfect!

I have taken a cruise to the Bahamas before, back in June of 1997, on Carnival. I remember those darn sand fleas! My feet were so swollen I couldn't wear shoes for almost a week. (Made it a little tricky on the plane ride home since I HAD to wear shoes then!)

I had completely forgotten all about that until I read your post - so thank you tremendously for reminding me, and for alerting everyone else!

Have a blessed day!

I'm glad you found the few tips I had to offer helpful. I certainly have loved getting tips and advice for people on this board.

The rash on my son's foot is still there today. It's fading but still..... (I'd never seen this type of rash - guess there are no sand fleas in Canada )