This is kind of long....hope you don't mind!
We just got back Sunday from our first ever cruise on the 3 night Wonder 1-11-14. I can still see my DS9 eyes light up when we saw that magnificent ship as we came upon Port Canavarel. The ship was everything - and nothing - I could have ever imagined. From the details, service, and food - everything was wonderful.
The only damper on our trip was our first night at sea as my DS13 and I got extremely motion sick and had to leave Triton's during dinner. But after that first rocky night at sea, we were on our verandah the rest of the nights watching the waves splash against the boat.
The boys loved swimming in the pool our 1st day, as they had it almost to themselves. I remembered from the board to pack swimsuits in a day bag - the best tip of all!! The water was a little too chilly for me, even with my Pittsburgh blood that is used to the cold! The boys especially loved going to the ice cream and snack stations. They ate non-stop. We also enjoyed breakfast each day at Beach Blanket Buffet (expect long lines around 9-10) and Animator's Palate is not to be missed. My DBF and I did Palo Sat. night and loved the filet mignon. The service was impeccable. He loved the Tiramisu, but I wasn't too impressed with the chocolate souffle. I would have rather had the chocolate cake from Animator's Palate again! I'm a simple girl at heart I guess!
Also, I was so worried about getting dressed up for Palo. My DBF forget to pack his sport coat and tie, but even with his dress shirt and black pants, we were among the most dressed up. There were men with sneakers and khakis; women in jeans. So my suggestion is wear whatever makes you happy!
In Nassau, we did the Dolphin Encounter, which was one of the highlights of the trip. The boat ride was nice and the interaction with the dolphins was even better! My sons were thrilled and are still talking about it. Worth the money for sure. After that, my DS9 wanted to go back to the Oceaneer Lab, so the rest of us did some shopping in Nassau. My DBF went to the Discovery Shopping presentation with Tracy the first day and bought a $20 shopping book. It was well worth the $$ as I got free earrings, a charm bracelet, tennis bracelet and some other freebies at the many jewelry shops in town. We also did the Straw Market and my DS13 found some fun souvenirs very cheap.
Our day at CC was probably the best. The water was a bit chilly in the a.m., but it got nice and hot by mid-day. Cookie's BBQ was excellent. It was a perfect day in paradise and I wished we could have had another day there!
The tips I got from this board were great and so helpful. Just some tips from my experience: I didn't need the extension cord, the hairdryer wouldn't work in the outlet; didn't use the Motorolas, nor the shampoo or conditioner as their H20 line was great!; wished I brought a pop-up hamper; and packed too much for the boys.
Also, don't expect to do everything on a 3 night. We didn't do nearly half of what was offered on the ship, but that was OK as we just went with the flow and everyone was happy. And, expect cranky, tired kids at night. My sons were exhausted by night's end and our plans to hit the clubs for a few hours in the evening while they were at the labs didn't work as they were just too tired from all of the day's activities and fun. We did manage to go to Karaoke Friday for awhile in Wave Bands, which was a lot of fun and watched NFL playoff games in Diversions for awhile late Sat. afternoon.
We also decided against packing up on Sat. night and instead used that time to have more fun. I couldn't see taking the time to pack while we were at Palo when we could do it early Sunday. Plus, you just have to wait in another line Sun. a.m. to retrieve your luggage. Just my opinion, of course!
Overall, it was a dream vacation! I just wished it were longer. We will definitely sail with DCL again, but on a longer trip!
Stacy
We just got back Sunday from our first ever cruise on the 3 night Wonder 1-11-14. I can still see my DS9 eyes light up when we saw that magnificent ship as we came upon Port Canavarel. The ship was everything - and nothing - I could have ever imagined. From the details, service, and food - everything was wonderful.
The only damper on our trip was our first night at sea as my DS13 and I got extremely motion sick and had to leave Triton's during dinner. But after that first rocky night at sea, we were on our verandah the rest of the nights watching the waves splash against the boat.
The boys loved swimming in the pool our 1st day, as they had it almost to themselves. I remembered from the board to pack swimsuits in a day bag - the best tip of all!! The water was a little too chilly for me, even with my Pittsburgh blood that is used to the cold! The boys especially loved going to the ice cream and snack stations. They ate non-stop. We also enjoyed breakfast each day at Beach Blanket Buffet (expect long lines around 9-10) and Animator's Palate is not to be missed. My DBF and I did Palo Sat. night and loved the filet mignon. The service was impeccable. He loved the Tiramisu, but I wasn't too impressed with the chocolate souffle. I would have rather had the chocolate cake from Animator's Palate again! I'm a simple girl at heart I guess!
Also, I was so worried about getting dressed up for Palo. My DBF forget to pack his sport coat and tie, but even with his dress shirt and black pants, we were among the most dressed up. There were men with sneakers and khakis; women in jeans. So my suggestion is wear whatever makes you happy!
In Nassau, we did the Dolphin Encounter, which was one of the highlights of the trip. The boat ride was nice and the interaction with the dolphins was even better! My sons were thrilled and are still talking about it. Worth the money for sure. After that, my DS9 wanted to go back to the Oceaneer Lab, so the rest of us did some shopping in Nassau. My DBF went to the Discovery Shopping presentation with Tracy the first day and bought a $20 shopping book. It was well worth the $$ as I got free earrings, a charm bracelet, tennis bracelet and some other freebies at the many jewelry shops in town. We also did the Straw Market and my DS13 found some fun souvenirs very cheap.
Our day at CC was probably the best. The water was a bit chilly in the a.m., but it got nice and hot by mid-day. Cookie's BBQ was excellent. It was a perfect day in paradise and I wished we could have had another day there!
The tips I got from this board were great and so helpful. Just some tips from my experience: I didn't need the extension cord, the hairdryer wouldn't work in the outlet; didn't use the Motorolas, nor the shampoo or conditioner as their H20 line was great!; wished I brought a pop-up hamper; and packed too much for the boys.
Also, don't expect to do everything on a 3 night. We didn't do nearly half of what was offered on the ship, but that was OK as we just went with the flow and everyone was happy. And, expect cranky, tired kids at night. My sons were exhausted by night's end and our plans to hit the clubs for a few hours in the evening while they were at the labs didn't work as they were just too tired from all of the day's activities and fun. We did manage to go to Karaoke Friday for awhile in Wave Bands, which was a lot of fun and watched NFL playoff games in Diversions for awhile late Sat. afternoon.
We also decided against packing up on Sat. night and instead used that time to have more fun. I couldn't see taking the time to pack while we were at Palo when we could do it early Sunday. Plus, you just have to wait in another line Sun. a.m. to retrieve your luggage. Just my opinion, of course!
Overall, it was a dream vacation! I just wished it were longer. We will definitely sail with DCL again, but on a longer trip!
Stacy
ead Man's Chest, The Santa Clause 3:The Escape Clause, The Guardian.
