Wishes 10/8/11 WP/GF-- Love's First Kiss-- Trip Report Complete

[CourtenayB]

Congrats on the nomination! I recognized your wedding right away and of course, voted!

The Aqua Duck sounds awesome (is it kind of like Crush-n-Gusher but on a boat?)!! An hour wait, geesh! The perks of staying on ship when everyone gets off! I'll admit I'm not the most adventure-type tourist, so we haven't ever really just gotten off the ship and checked it out, we (I) always plan excursions. I know, I know, I'm no fun. haha I've been to Nassau twice now and did excursions twice which ended up being nice, but we just went to the beach both times. One was to a place called the "Poop Deck" which was actually a cute private beach with no locals hounding us, and then when we sailed on Oasis we went to some private island that I think shares or is owned by Sandals (Blackbeard's Cay I think?). It was also really nice. I have been dying to get to Atlantis, but otherwise have no desire to tour Nassau. It's awesome you guys took it in stride and headed for the pool and a pina colada, my kind of day!

oh Cake Boss. haha Were cameras following them around crazy the whole cruise?

Yes, I am going to comment on every Nassau quote lol...Tricia....Nassau is nothing like what you guys see getting off the boat. I know, I lived there for 6 years and visit my brother who lives there still. The Poop Deck is more of a place that has a real Nassau feel. Also, the other side of the island, places like Lyford Cay, are much nicer. Atlantis is amazing. Anyone who doesn't like it is strange. It is so fun at great restaurants and just plain beautiful. Come on girls, don't knock my old home It's really really nice. Just stay away from the straw market.

 

[CDsSleepingBeauty]

I just wanted to say congrats on your nomination! I voted for you and hope you win!

 

[NoOrdinaryPrincess]

I'm sorry to hear that-- everything ok? I would be happy to listen if you need to vent!

Thanks. Days like yesterday make me wish I had a PJ, so I can get good advice, but then I come to the realization, that days like yesterday I probably don't want preserved for posterity.

 

[One_Song]

ugh..I cant stand Nassau.

I've been there a couple of times and my family insists on going to the straw market and I hate it. People selling the exact smae stuff as the booth next to them, and they yell at you and try and force you to buy things. Its so uncomftable. If I go again I think ill either stay on the ship or maybe go see Atlantis, but I dont even know if thats worth it.

Trace and I once went to Ocho Rios, Jamaica on a cruise and felt the same way about it as nassau. People on the street were just coming up to you with stuff to buy. We even were just sitting on a beach, and watching people climb up rocks and wood beams to try and sell things to people eating at a beach restaraunt...crazy...

Next time we go to those places...we stay on the ship..lol

I agree, Nassau is not fun. I understand that this is their livelyhood but some of them are just so pushy and rude. Next time we are at port, we are staying on the ship!

We are considering a Dream cruise for this September, and I think we would likely stay on the boat. Especially when it's just a 3 or 4 day cruise, the ship has so much to keep you occupied. Jay, I agree, I was disappointed in the straw market. Charleston SC has a really fun straw market and I was expecting something similar.

I haven't been to Nassau but I have been to Jamaica and I agree it is exactly like that. I wasn't just there on a cruise, I was there for 7 whole days. It was very sad and I cried a lot. No, I am not one to cry all the time and I don't think I have ever cried on a vaca before but everyone is so poor and it was just really upsetting to see the conditions the children lived in.

I love your description of the slide! It sounds really fun! More please

I've never been to Jamaica, but one of my close friends went there for her honeymoon and she didn't like it, either. We ruled that out as a honeymoon destination because her experience was so negative.

Congrats on the nomination! I recognized your wedding right away and of course, voted!

The Aqua Duck sounds awesome (is it kind of like Crush-n-Gusher but on a boat?)!! An hour wait, geesh! The perks of staying on ship when everyone gets off! I'll admit I'm not the most adventure-type tourist, so we haven't ever really just gotten off the ship and checked it out, we (I) always plan excursions. I know, I know, I'm no fun. haha I've been to Nassau twice now and did excursions twice which ended up being nice, but we just went to the beach both times. One was to a place called the "Poop Deck" which was actually a cute private beach with no locals hounding us, and then when we sailed on Oasis we went to some private island that I think shares or is owned by Sandals (Blackbeard's Cay I think?). It was also really nice. I have been dying to get to Atlantis, but otherwise have no desire to tour Nassau. It's awesome you guys took it in stride and headed for the pool and a pina colada, my kind of day!

oh Cake Boss. haha Were cameras following them around crazy the whole cruise?

Thanks for the vote! Yes, I think the Aqua Duck is like Crush-N-Gusher (although I've never been to the WDW water parks), but they are both listed as water coasters, so I assume the mechanic-side is similar. The line was shortest whenever the ship was docked, so that was definitely the time to ride it! I thought about planning an excursion in Nassau, but we were going to be in Castaway Cay the next day so we weren't looking for beach stuff. The day turned out great anyway, we just had fun on the ship instead! That was the only time we saw Cake Boss without the cameras-- every other time, they were there for sure!

First, let me say I have really enjoyed your TR and have spent a lot of time at work (uh oh) looking at it. It's is fantastic. Very happy for you two.

I am very disappointed to see your comments about Nassau. I hold Nassau VERY dear to my heart, as I spent 6 years growing up there and my brother still lives there (married with two children). I have to say I disagree with you that it is boring and not beautiful. It is actually a very beautiful place and there are tons of things to do there. With that said, I have taken a few cruises to Nassau since moving and the initial area near where the ship docks is just not that nice, it is basically a tourist area, and does not represent what Nassau is. So please don't let your experience ruin a truly wonderful and fun place. You just have to get away from that area which is hard to do without transportation or someone who knows where to go. I hope if you visit again that you will be surprised and will get to see the beauty that Nassau has to offer. I am surpirsed you guys did not go to Atlantis...even though it's super touristy it is amazing. That in itself would have kept you busy for hours.

Well sorry fo rmy rant, just really sad you didn't get to see what I know about Nassau. Anyway, love reading your posts, so much fun!

We should have talked to you before our cruise! It's a shame then that the cruise lines dock on a lacking side of the island. We weren't really interested in Atlantis, it looked a bit too crowded for our taste. We made it out to Vegas when we still lived in LA, so I think we got spoiled on casino resorts.

I just wanted to say congrats on your nomination! I voted for you and hope you win!

Thank you, I appreciate it!

Thanks. Days like yesterday make me wish I had a PJ, so I can get good advice, but then I come to the realization, that days like yesterday I probably don't want preserved for posterity.

I know what you mean. I tried to be very selective about including negative posts in my PJ/TR, not only because they're not as nice to read, but because I make myself feel worse when I dwell on something. If I can bring it up and dismiss it, fine. Or if I'm looking for advice, that's good too. But if it requires too lengthy an explanation, I usually skip it. It will bring me down if I re-read it.

 

[DoomBuggy0922]

-Ugh. I felt the EXACT same way about Nassau. I was so frustrated with all of the women yelling “Pretty lady wanna get your hair braided?!?” No, this pretty lady does NOT want to get her hair braided. Staying on the ship was definitely your best bet. (Although, we DID go check out Atlantis: beautiful hotel!)
-Aqua Duck sounds fun. I can’t believe how long the line was.
-Your report SO makes me want to go somewhere relaxing…

 

[jeanico2000]

-Ugh. I felt the EXACT same way about Nassau. I was so frustrated with all of the women yelling “Pretty lady wanna get your hair braided?!?” No, this pretty lady does NOT want to get her hair braided. Staying on the ship was definitely your best bet. (Although, we DID go check out Atlantis: beautiful hotel!)…

LOL! you reminded me of a joke I once heard on a cruise ship about where else than in Nassau will you find a taxi driver who will actually braid your hair while driving you to the Atlantis!

Nassau has some very beautiful areas to visit, but sadly none of them are anywhere near the cruise ships (I am talking walking distance). As for Atlantis, it is quite wonderful and beautiful, but sooooo expensive to visit and even more so to stay. Just gorgeous, though, for those who can afford it!

 

[jeanico2000]

Michelle: Even though I don't have any business on these boards as I am no newlywed myself (been married for 30 years!), I wanted to let you know how much I am enjoying your wonderful journal and many adventures!

 

[Bewitch324]

I voted! I think all the details of your wedding were beautiful and all came together in a way that looked magical! Good luck!

 

[One_Song]

-Ugh. I felt the EXACT same way about Nassau. I was so frustrated with all of the women yelling “Pretty lady wanna get your hair braided?!?” No, this pretty lady does NOT want to get her hair braided. Staying on the ship was definitely your best bet. (Although, we DID go check out Atlantis: beautiful hotel!)
-Aqua Duck sounds fun. I can’t believe how long the line was.
-Your report SO makes me want to go somewhere relaxing…

I didn't encounter any hair braiders, that sounds obnoxious! I had a bad experience with a hair braider on a cruise many years ago, she tried to claim the braid was MUCH longer than it obviously actually was (and wanted me to pay way more). I try my best to avoid them now! On a brighter note, the Aqua Duck was a-ma-zing. The line was super long most of the time, though, we got lucky a few times. And writing this part of the TR is making me miss the Disney cruise so badly! I really have been pressuring Brandon that we should take another later this year.

Michelle: Even though I don't have any business on these boards as I am no newlywed myself (been married for 30 years!), I wanted to let you know how much I am enjoying your wonderful journal and many adventures!

Thank you! Wow, 30 years, that is so wonderful. It makes me so happy to think of all the years Brandon and I will get to spend together. And you're just as welcome on these boards as any others (at least on my TR, for sure!)

I voted! I think all the details of your wedding were beautiful and all came together in a way that looked magical! Good luck!

Thank you so much!

 

[One_Song]

For lunch, we went to Royal Palace (I can't remember why we chose the one we had already been too... I think only certain restaurants are open for lunch on a given day). I can't remember what we ate, it must not have been that memorable.

After lunch, I wanted a little more time by the pool. We were still in our swim suits and cover ups. I had no make up on and my hair was frizzy from the humidity. We made our way toward the lobby, to get to the elevators (to go up to the pool). When we stepped into the lobby, it was obvious the Cake Boss was filming something! Cameras and lights and equipment were everywhere, and people were stuffed into every crevice of the lobby's main floor. All of the people in the middle were cast members.

I whispered to Brandon, "Let's get out of here, I don't want to be accidentally in the shot looking like this!" We dashed around the hoard toward the elevator, and almost ran STRAIGHT INTO A CAKE! A massive cake, maybe five feet long, made into a very impressive replica of the Dream ship. And pushing that cake were all of the men from Cake Boss, including Buddy Valastro. We apologized and slipped away, praying we weren't in the shot (we weren't, at least not in the episode's final footage).

We rode the elevator up two decks and stepped out along the railing to watch the cake presentation. The Cake Boss was giving the cake to the crew members. All of the characters were lined up on the staircase, which was so cool to see! I can't remember if it was some special cruise, like the 100th sailing, or just a Disney Cruise Line ploy for publicity. Anyway, it was neat to watch them film a "reality" show. The director guy would have them repeat certain lines, or say it a different way, or use different words. Sometimes he would tell the crowd to cheer after certain things. It was interesting to see how unrealistic reality shows are.

When we had our fill of the show, we returned to the pool for a little while longer. It was getting close to time for the Pirate Party (tonight's theme), so we decided to go back to our room and clean up for dinner. And it was good timing... look how burned Brandon was getting!

 

[One_Song]

After showering and dressing, we stopped by the Club Level Lounge for some drinks, then headed up to the pool deck for the Pirate Party! The theme night consisted of a stage show, a dance party, and fireworks that were launched from the ship. The stage show was first, so we went to the family pool to get a good viewing spot.

It had been raining (go figure) and was very slippery on deck.

We got a great little spot right along the top railing

3 things about this picture: 1) Yes, I was rocking the Pirate Party bandana they left for us in our stateroom. 2) I know this is hard to believe, but THIS is tan for me. I had put in some serious hours in the sun over the past few weeks and the day at the pool really brought out my color. Honestly, this is about 20 shades darker than I am naturally. It is so difficult for me to have or keep any semblance of a lovely golden tan. 3) That lady over my shoulder got there after us, but continually tried to weasel me out of my spot. I did not budge. Umm, excuse you, no please, thanks!!

Everyone milling about and waiting for the show

It wasn't long before the show got started. I always love little Disney stage shows, parades, things like that. This one was really cute EXCEPT it had this annoying skull & crossbones-narrator-graphic thing. I suppose it was supposed to appeal to the very young guests, but my word it got on my nerves.

I love this one because of the "Arrr!"

 

[Jennifer48]

Ouch on the sunburn! Good thing you guys didn't stay out much longer!

Honey, you are preaching to the choir about tanning. I'm redheaded and fair skinned, you are darker in that photo than I'll ever be!

Good for you standing your ground and not letting that woman push you out!

 

[NoOrdinaryPrincess]

Wow! That sunburn looks painful! The cake boss story sounds insane!

 

[lilsqueakrr]

Eek! That sunburn looks so painful! Rough!

Sorry to hear about your pale-ness.. heh. My brother's the same way. Either white or red. No other options.

The pirate show looks adorable!! I so wish I can go on a Disney cruise..

 

[tinydancr06]

Hi! I started reading your PJ a couple days ago and just now finished. I've been devouring PJs lately and I have to say I have absolutely LOVED reading yours! Everything about your wedding was so gorgeous and your retelling of everything so far has been so fun to read. I'm impatiently awaiting my DFTW so thank you for letting me live vicariously through you! I am a musician so I just have to say that I really adored your ceremony music selections! I'm also very meticulous about musical choices for things so it was great to see that you chose such unique and personal pieces! I am so glad your planner backed down because I am sure the end product was enchanting.

 

[tric8783]

Yes, I am going to comment on every Nassau quote lol...Tricia....Nassau is nothing like what you guys see getting off the boat. I know, I lived there for 6 years and visit my brother who lives there still. The Poop Deck is more of a place that has a real Nassau feel. Also, the other side of the island, places like Lyford Cay, are much nicer. Atlantis is amazing. Anyone who doesn't like it is strange. It is so fun at great restaurants and just plain beautiful. Come on girls, don't knock my old home It's really really nice. Just stay away from the straw market.

Hey Courtenay!! Sorry I wasn't knocking the entire island, I just have no desire to hang out in the area near the boat... you're lucky enough to get to see the beauty of the island and knowing where to go! I did say the Poop Deck we went to was really pretty, give me some credit!

 

[tric8783]

ouch that sunburn!! hopefully you guys brought some aloe!! Too funny you almost walked straight into a massive cake- that would totally be me. lol

you did get a great spot on the railing for the show- I hate those people that try to inch in too, especially when they come super late and push you. Good job not budging I really like the picture of you along the railing too- so pretty! Maybe it's your golden tan but that's definitely a happy glow! I definitely thought that was a cute headband too until you mentioned it was your pirate gear.. hahaha

 

[One_Song]

Ouch on the sunburn! Good thing you guys didn't stay out much longer!

Honey, you are preaching to the choir about tanning. I'm redheaded and fair skinned, you are darker in that photo than I'll ever be!

Good for you standing your ground and not letting that woman push you out!

As I'm sure you have noticed, both Brandon and I are as fair as can be-- but when I'm in the sun, I coat myself in sunscreen, but Brandon just roughs it. I had enough horrific sunburns in my teens that I almost never go without. At least your hair makes sense with your skin tone! Lots of my friends have dark hair, like mine, but they all have tan skin. I got a spray tan last year (not wedding related), and I loooooved it, but I'm just not motivated to keep it up.

Wow! That sunburn looks painful! The cake boss story sounds insane!

I have no idea how, but Brandon insisted it didn't hurt much. I think his pain tolerance is not natural. When I have an angry sunburn like that, I don't want ANYTHING OR ANYONE to touch it!!

Eek! That sunburn looks so painful! Rough!

Sorry to hear about your pale-ness.. heh. My brother's the same way. Either white or red. No other options.

The pirate show looks adorable!! I so wish I can go on a Disney cruise..

That's me, although I usually just stick with white. I'm too scared of skin cancer. I resented being fair skinned as a teenager, as it isn't exactly our society's beauty standard. As I get older, though, I like it more. I think it's just part of becoming more comfortable with who I am.

Hi! I started reading your PJ a couple days ago and just now finished. I've been devouring PJs lately and I have to say I have absolutely LOVED reading yours! Everything about your wedding was so gorgeous and your retelling of everything so far has been so fun to read. I'm impatiently awaiting my DFTW so thank you for letting me live vicariously through you! I am a musician so I just have to say that I really adored your ceremony music selections! I'm also very meticulous about musical choices for things so it was great to see that you chose such unique and personal pieces! I am so glad your planner backed down because I am sure the end product was enchanting.

Thank you so much! I am so glad that you liked it. Music was so very important to me, I am flattered that you approve It took me months to choose all the songs. I had tons of ideas, but I had to make sure that the flow was natural and constant. West Side Story was sort of a tribute to my love of musical theater growing up, plus the lyrics resonated so powerfully with me once I met Brandon. The Swan reminded me of all of my years of ballet. Love's First Kiss, as I have said before, came to me as a vision about a year before I got engaged. Maybe it's because that part of the film, when the prince finds Snow White, was the epitome of magic to me as a child. Something about it just radiates dreams coming true. It was my magic moment.

ouch that sunburn!! hopefully you guys brought some aloe!! Too funny you almost walked straight into a massive cake- that would totally be me. lol

you did get a great spot on the railing for the show- I hate those people that try to inch in too, especially when they come super late and push you. Good job not budging I really like the picture of you along the railing too- so pretty! Maybe it's your golden tan but that's definitely a happy glow! I definitely thought that was a cute headband too until you mentioned it was your pirate gear.. hahaha

Oh that woman was so rude! I avoid confrontation whenever possible, I just don't get people that feel entitled to get in your personal space like that. I was soooo happy in that picture! I think that's what DCL does to you! I loved those little bandanas. I have them tucked away in our bathroom now, not sure when we'll ever have use for them, but I'm ready regardless!

 

[DisneyLaura]

Hi. I am not a Disney bride but I love reading about Disney weddings. I have been married for 16 years (this October) and have three children. My wish is to have a VR for our 20th anniversary. I get a lot of ideas from these reports and yours is not exception! Everything was absolutely gorgeous. I wanted to comment on so many things, it took me all day to read your whole PJ/TR today but I'm finally caught up.

Snow White is my favorite princess too! So your theme is great for me.

I also had to comment about when you were at the F&W that you had no idea who Billy Ocean was. I laughed out loud because I know exactly who he is (made me feel old LOL). He sung Carribean Queen, maybe you can look it up on you tube.

I want to go on a Disney cruise too. I was thinking about doing my VR on the cruise but I know my kids would want to be at WDW as well. Maybe do the VR at WDW and then go on a cruise, just like you.

Again I love everything about your wedding and might have to steal some ideas for when it's my turn.

Can't wait to read more!

Laura

 

[Dream426]

As I'm sure you have noticed, both Brandon and I are as fair as can be-- but when I'm in the sun, I coat myself in sunscreen, but Brandon just roughs it. I had enough horrific sunburns in my teens that I almost never go without. At least your hair makes sense with your skin tone! Lots of my friends have dark hair, like mine, but they all have tan skin. I got a spray tan last year (not wedding related), and I loooooved it, but I'm just not motivated to keep it up.



I have no idea how, but Brandon insisted it didn't hurt much. I think his pain tolerance is not natural. When I have an angry sunburn like that, I don't want ANYTHING OR ANYONE to touch it!!



That's me, although I usually just stick with white. I'm too scared of skin cancer. I resented being fair skinned as a teenager, as it isn't exactly our society's beauty standard. As I get older, though, I like it more. I think it's just part of becoming more comfortable with who I am.

Haha My husband and I are the same way with sunburns. I am too afraid of cancer and I have had some really bad ones when I was a teen. I was a stupid teen thinking, as fair as I am, I could still get tan. My husband just toughs it out also. Granted he isn't as fair as me but he def. can burn the first time out in the sun. He always roughs it out when we go to Disney and on the cruise. I don't get how he does because I can't handle it either and I become a major ***** when I have a sunburn...haha