I have received so much valuable advice and input from everyone on these boards, thank you. The least I can do is post a trip report and I hope this is helpful to someone.
Our 4th Disney cruise, we previously did the 4 day Wonder, and twice on the Magic Eastern. This was our first Western Cruise. Me, DH, and DS-15. We had a category 12; no upgrade, but not expected either. Great location, deck 7 in the back of the ship. It was smooth sailing all the way.
I guess I'll post the good and bad; first the good, and I will say overall we had a great cruise.
GOOD: Embarkation was a breeze. We did not get there early, arrived about 11:30 a.m. Got number 9 boarding pass. It really didn't make much of a difference; first group boarded at 11:50 a.m. and we were on by 12:30 p.m. Only 40 minute difference and I liked not getting in a long line right when they open.
We just hung out by the pool and sat in deck chairs until it was time to get to our cabins. Dropped off carry on luggage and then went to lunch. Much less crowded by then as well.
We were very lucky, weather was gorgeous all week. I know Disney has no control here; just so thankful we got such great weather.
Shows were wonderful, quite professional. Definately get there at least 30 minutes early if you want your pick of seats and to avoid the rush.
Food was very good in most cases and even superb in other cases. Never had a bad meal. Really love that lobster night, and no, it wasn't rubbery. We asked for double servings and got it with no problem.
Count me in on those who weren't that impressed with Key West. Loved Grand Caymen, we took the semi-sub ride and it was awesome. Saw lots of fish, turtle, and stingrays. Very nice way to see the reef if you don't want to snorkel. Stayed on the boat in Cozumel, so can't help anyone on excursions there.
BAD: Yes, one major downer for us this trip was our servers and tablemates. We were at a large table and our tablemates just weren't socialable. And, to make dinner even more unpleasant, our servers weren't sociable either. They did nothing to engage with any of us; just silent and businesslike. They were also very slow in service; we had late seating, 8:30 p.m., and we would get our drinks at 9:00 p.m. Boat was full, couldn't be moved, we asked. Service pick up speed a bit after we did mention to head server the problem, but not any friendlier.
So, overall, yes we love Disney and it is a first class cruise line. But, we have had terrible luck with tablemates and this was the worst yet. I really hope the new ships have more flexible dining options, which is the trend. (Guess we aren't the only ones with this problem!). Prices have really increased for next year so I'm not sure we can afford another cruise in 09.
I'd be glad to answer any questions. Happy cruising!
Our 4th Disney cruise, we previously did the 4 day Wonder, and twice on the Magic Eastern. This was our first Western Cruise. Me, DH, and DS-15. We had a category 12; no upgrade, but not expected either. Great location, deck 7 in the back of the ship. It was smooth sailing all the way.
I guess I'll post the good and bad; first the good, and I will say overall we had a great cruise.
GOOD: Embarkation was a breeze. We did not get there early, arrived about 11:30 a.m. Got number 9 boarding pass. It really didn't make much of a difference; first group boarded at 11:50 a.m. and we were on by 12:30 p.m. Only 40 minute difference and I liked not getting in a long line right when they open.
We just hung out by the pool and sat in deck chairs until it was time to get to our cabins. Dropped off carry on luggage and then went to lunch. Much less crowded by then as well.
We were very lucky, weather was gorgeous all week. I know Disney has no control here; just so thankful we got such great weather.
Shows were wonderful, quite professional. Definately get there at least 30 minutes early if you want your pick of seats and to avoid the rush.
Food was very good in most cases and even superb in other cases. Never had a bad meal. Really love that lobster night, and no, it wasn't rubbery. We asked for double servings and got it with no problem.
Count me in on those who weren't that impressed with Key West. Loved Grand Caymen, we took the semi-sub ride and it was awesome. Saw lots of fish, turtle, and stingrays. Very nice way to see the reef if you don't want to snorkel. Stayed on the boat in Cozumel, so can't help anyone on excursions there.
BAD: Yes, one major downer for us this trip was our servers and tablemates. We were at a large table and our tablemates just weren't socialable. And, to make dinner even more unpleasant, our servers weren't sociable either. They did nothing to engage with any of us; just silent and businesslike. They were also very slow in service; we had late seating, 8:30 p.m., and we would get our drinks at 9:00 p.m. Boat was full, couldn't be moved, we asked. Service pick up speed a bit after we did mention to head server the problem, but not any friendlier.
So, overall, yes we love Disney and it is a first class cruise line. But, we have had terrible luck with tablemates and this was the worst yet. I really hope the new ships have more flexible dining options, which is the trend. (Guess we aren't the only ones with this problem!). Prices have really increased for next year so I'm not sure we can afford another cruise in 09.
I'd be glad to answer any questions. Happy cruising!
