You Best Start Believing in Ghost Stories...Halloween on the Dream | The End P40 8/15

[middlepat]

They need to work on the interactive portions.

Next time I'll bring my magic tricks and juggling act.

 

[amandaw]

Seems like y'all had some nice time in Nassau!

Love the "Dirty Barry" bike!

 

[MEK]

Great update! So funny that you had to crop out the dumpster.

Good for you for going shopping and for finding reasonable deals (not the $35 t-shirt).

Love the dirty barry bumper sticker! Perfect.

 

[Dugette]

Just caught up on the last few updates. Great early-morning pictures of the ship! Sounds like you had a nice morning aboard the ship and sounds like the Aquaduck is worth a (short-lined) try. And the kids got to visit a foreign country. Not bad for a day's work (with Halloween evening still to come). Those flying scenes in the elevator shaft are cool too! I really love all the little details on the ship.

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

You done yet?

For now…
I’m sure other opportunities will present themselves.

Oh, I'm glad you decided to join the rest of the class.

This ain’t the first time I’ve been told to go stand in the corner.

Just kidding. Go read Rob's TR if you want good solid cruise advice. Keep reading mine if you want a hodge podged bunch of pictures and descriptions that may or may have ever happened.

Thank you sir, but…
hodge podged seems to be far more entertaining. You’ve easily got eight times the reader then I’ve been able to draw in.


Must be the puns.

It appears that in my excitement to write about the AquaDuck, I forgot to include my humble opinion.

So, without further ado I am here to officially announce that without any more delay that my formal opinion on the AquaDuck....will be given at the opening of my next update.

Now then…
About your actual TR update….

As several of you were gracious enough to point out,

Just another service we offer….

I described the AquaDuck in wonderful detail, relating every heart-pounding moment in beautifully written and majestically edited prose. My wordsmithing abilities had you believing that you were there right along with us as we soaked up the Caribbean sunshine and rocketed around the perimeter of the ship. (I may have paraphrased there a little bit).

All right Shakespeare… lets move it along.

The AquaDuck is absolutely a blast. It's fast enough to get a thrill, but not too fast that the little ones would get scared. I recommend getting to it early or at an off time - because as fun as it is, I don't think I can justify an hour plus wait for it.

Agreed. It’s worth your time (if you have the time). Like the fireworks at sea, it is most certainly a unique experience that no one else is offering.

Yet.

The real question is… what’s next?

We headed down to Deck 1 (I think),

You are correct sir.

had our room key scanned so Disney knew we got off the ship, and walked down the gangplank.

The amazing thing here is that they knew they we rid of ya’ and yet they still let you back aboard.

At the end of the dock they have that nice photo op you see above set up. I had to crop out the dumpster, but other than that it turned out to be a pretty nice picture.

Dude! The folks of Nassau went to a lot of trouble to put that dumpster there. You should have left it in. It would have supplied a bit of context for those that haven’t been there yet.

I didn't take too many pictures in Nassau. Maybe it was because I was just taking in all the newness of everything and forgot. Or maybe because the places we went really weren't worth photographing.

Depends on where you end up, but in general…

You exit the ship and have to walk through the "Straw Market" to get into the city. It's basically a large building with vendors set up as far as you can see offering all sorts of....stuff. Honestly, I didn't really look. I wasn't in the market for anything and I've heard that as soon as you make eye contact they won't leave you alone.

I had a vendor try (rather insistently) to sell me cigars. When I responded: “Sorry, I don’t smoke”, his reaction was to say wildly: “But these are Cuban!”

Oh well sure, once you put it that way…
I guess maybe I will trade you some dollars for cancer.

Ok, I'm going to come clean with you here. If you're looking for a comprehensive guide to Nassau, you've come to the wrong place. But this is generally what that street looked like that we were walking down.

It's an interesting mix of large, international chains (Hard Rock cafe) and local vendors. And jewelry shops. All kinds of jewelry shops.

That’s a pretty comprehensive description of the shopping district.
You’re doing just fine by me.

And by the way… it looks exactly like what I encountered in the Grand Caymans and at Cozumel (just with different people). If you want to learn about a different culture you need more then part of one day and you need to get far outside of the main tourist city. Cruising is more about enjoying yourself (and trust me you will), but “traveling” is a different thing altogether.

But if you think my time on Nassau was a waste, you'd be completely wrong. I enjoyed walking the streets, checking out the shopkeepers peddling their wares. Watching the hustle and bustle of the city. Just soaking up the Bahamanian atmosphere.

And that’s the best way to approach it. If you expect too much you’ll be disappointed. Best to take it for what it is.

But none of them were a neon green dirt bike with a sticker that had the words "Dirty Barry" wrapped around a one finger salute.

See… there is something to see in Nassau!
Unless you not Barry, then it just a green motorbike.

On the 2nd floor, we found the bathroom down a short hallway. It was, shall we say, not up to the cleanliness standards I'm used too. It wasn't unsanitary (as far as I could tell) it was just old and had a smell to it.

Welcome to “Not North America”…
We just don’t know how good we got it.

Isn't she beautiful? (Oh, and the ship ain't bad either)

You sir… have you priorities perfectly in order.

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

Here's a random question. Were you guys able to get your passports stamped? We had read that most people didn't get that unless you went to some side office and specially requested it.

I think it’s a good question
(and I wish I’d have been more concerned about it on prior cruises).

Here’s a quote I found on the DCL forum about getting a passport stamped in Nassau…

“Go to the Government House office on Prince George dock and they'll be happy to stamp your passport. It's on the left side of the shore-front plaza, just after the dock. There's a guard at the drivway, simply tell them you want your passport stamped and they'll direct you. Anyone in the shopping area there can direct you to the building.”​

I believe that they’re talking about the one on the far left in Barry’s picture here where the clock tower is.

Also (and I did not know this), you can get you passport stamped at Castaway Cay. Here’s another quote discussing that process…

“For Castaway Cay, you should drop your passports off at Guest Relations on deck 3, the night before. They'll get them stamped for you and you can pick them up the night after returning from the island. The stamp used on CCay might say "March Harbor, Abaco, Sandy Point or somethiing else, depending on which Bahamian official is on the island for the day. As far as I know, there is no "castaway Cay" passport stamp.”​

Looks about right. Rob can shamelessly plug his comprehensive guide to Nassau here, too.

Well… if you insist.

Nassau – Part 1

Nassau – Part 2

Nassau – Part 3




Now, when I tell Barry: “yah, but… Mark made me do it!”…
I suspect that he’s going to make me go and stand in the corner again.

 

[E3yore]

I think it’s a good question
(and I wish I’d have been more concerned about it on prior cruises).

Here’s a quote I found on the DCL forum about getting a passport stamped in Nassau…

“Go to the Government House office on Prince George dock and they'll be happy to stamp your passport. It's on the left side of the shore-front plaza, just after the dock. There's a guard at the drivway, simply tell them you want your passport stamped and they'll direct you. Anyone in the shopping area there can direct you to the building.”​

Great, now we have to get off the ship in March. I will have to strongly think about getting Ryder a passport. Just doesn't seem worth it but then again...

Also (and I did not know this), you can get you passport stamped at Castaway Cay. Here’s another quote discussing that process…

“For Castaway Cay, you should drop your passports off at Guest Relations on deck 3, the night before. They'll get them stamped for you and you can pick them up the night after returning from the island. The stamp used on CCay might say "March Harbor, Abaco, Sandy Point or somethiing else, depending on which Bahamian official is on the island for the day. As far as I know, there is no "castaway Cay" passport stamp.”​

Good to know and the reason I may need to strongly consider a passport for the little one.

Now, when I tell Barry: “yah, but… Mark made me do it!”…
I suspect that he’s going to make me go and stand in the corner again.

Barry has the authority to put someone in the corner? Who knew? My kids could teach you a few moves to keep you out of the corner.

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

Great, now we have to get off the ship in March. I will have to strongly think about getting Ryder a passport. Just doesn't seem worth it but then again...

Legal proof of citizenship in a foreign land may be even more important for the younger ones (depending on where you’re traveling of course).

Barry has the authority to put someone in the corner? Who knew? My kids could teach you a few moves to keep you out of the corner.

It’s more of a delusion then an “authority”.
A little like the way he believes that the Mini-Van-of-doom is jet propelled or his insistence that the motorcycle that y’all encountered in Nassau is capable of light speed.

It’s just best to humor him on a few subjects and then move on.

 

[afwdwfan]

It’s more of a delusion then an “authority”.
A little like the way he believes that the Mini-Van-of-doom is jet propelled or his insistence that the motorcycle that y’all encountered in Nassau is capable of light speed.

It’s just best to humor him on a few subjects and then move on.

Really??? You're telling Bambi how to deal with Barry??? You think she didn't figure that out a few years ago???

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

Really??? You're telling Bambi how to deal with Barry??? You think she didn't figure that out a few years ago???

No…
I’m relating to Bambi how we deal with Barry.

She deserves instant Sainthood for actually choosing to be around him on a day in day out bases.

 

[E3yore]

It’s more of a delusion then an “authority”.
A little like the way he believes that the Mini-Van-of-doom is jet propelled or his insistence that the motorcycle that y’all encountered in Nassau is capable of light speed.

It’s just best to humor him on a few subjects and then move on.

I see no reason to humor. The best way is to ignore him. By humoring him he continues to believe that there may be a chance he may one day have authority. Although, I see why he likes the disdads if you allow him this delusion.

Really??? You're telling Bambi how to deal with Barry??? You think she didn't figure that out a few years ago???

I just roll my eyes and walk away.

No…
I’m relating to Bambi how we deal with Barry.

She deserves instant Sainthood for actually choosing to be around him on a day in day out bases.

Or a trip to the nut house.

 

[DrMomof3]

Maybe we'll get passport stamps when we go on our cruise. In 16 days. Not that I'm counting.
Love the AquaDuck pictures. My kids are dying to go on that! Luckily all 3 are tall enough.

Amanda

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

…Although, I see why he likes the disdads if you allow him this delusion.

We’re dads…



By definition, we’re all delusional.

 

[FreezinRafiki]

I got behind again! Great pictures of the ship, the Halloween decorations are fun!

But now you're caught up, and that's what matters.

Never underestimate the power of free stuff to lure the ladies in. I'm glad you enjoyed your walking tour

Plus there was shiny stuff to keep Evan and I entertained.

Nice picture.

Thanks!

We've never been to the Bahamas, but I have a memory of it. It is the FIRST place my son got a tattoo.

Call me crazy, but if I were to ever get a tattoo, I'd want to do it where there is at least the thought that a health dept. inspector looked over the place.

 

[FreezinRafiki]

Maybe just slightly.

Poetic license. It's my TR, I can write it how it was....in my mind.

I want to comment, but this is a family board.

I know, I know, the green just isn't "John Deere" enough for you, is it?

Yeah... very few shirts are that neat.

Maybe if it came with a built in bottle opener or something...

Well at least you survived a trip onto foreign soil, and for some reason they must have let you come back to the good old US of A.

Nah, getting out of Nassau was the easy part. Come to think of it, they seemed kind of relieved that I left.

What were we talking about again?

Tower of Terror.

Makes sense. There aren't a whole lot of things I'd wait over an hour for. Thank goodness for FastPasses.

They had a pizza kitchen on the ship too. Line was never more than 2 or 3 minutes long.

It wasn't even a scenic dumpster?

Well, it was kind of a pretty tan, unlike the standard American Green Dumpster. So I guess it was tropical.

Here's a random question. Were you guys able to get your passports stamped? We had read that most people didn't get that unless you went to some side office and specially requested it.

We didn't. I wish we had, but I didn't know you even could until I read your random question.

Looks about right. Rob can shamelessly plug his comprehensive guide to Nassau here, too.

You think he will? That doesn't really sound like the Rob I know...

What are you saying here? That I'm old? I'm not sure I like your tone, sonny.

And GET OFF MY LAWN!

It's getting close to 4:30. Shouldn't you be getting ready for bed?

I was wondering if that little drawing was what I thought it was. They must have remembered how Evan hurt his finger in your other TR.

Its nice how the universe pulls things together like that just for me.

Good call. If it was free, it would be for...him. That doesn't have the same ring to it.

I think we need to work on that one.

Sounds like it was a long way from those Mickey-mirrored bathrooms on the Dream.

Nah, couldn't have been more than a mile .... oh, you mean't something else, didn't you?

Well done, sir.

 

[FreezinRafiki]

Barry, great updates. (I'm just catching up again)

Thanks Brian!

So does the Dirty Barry have the same mechanic as the Minivan of Doom?

It's a top secret vehicle performance laboratory deep inside Mt....wait. I've said too much already.

How come Lou's doesn't have FastPasses?

I think Brian forgot to slip the hostess crispy new George Washington.

I think they do. Brian just wanted to make sure everyone had the opportunity to experience the queue.

Excellent themeing. They really nailed that "Chicago street corner" vibe.

They need to work on the interactive portions.

What do you mean, the 8 kids had an iPod to share.

Next time I'll bring my magic tricks and juggling act.

Dance, Brian, Dance!

 

[FreezinRafiki]

Seems like y'all had some nice time in Nassau!

Love the "Dirty Barry" bike!

I don't know if I'd call it the highlight of the trip, but certainly the highlight of Nassau!

Great update! So funny that you had to crop out the dumpster.

The guy that took our picture must work for Photopass.

Good for you for going shopping and for finding reasonable deals (not the $35 t-shirt).

I've heard you're supposed to haggle with the shopkeepers for a better price, but I didn't. I'll haggle with a used car dealer all day, but for a few reasonably priced t-shirts it just didn't seem right.

Love the dirty barry bumper sticker! Perfect.

Just caught up on the last few updates. Great early-morning pictures of the ship! Sounds like you had a nice morning aboard the ship and sounds like the Aquaduck is worth a (short-lined) try. And the kids got to visit a foreign country. Not bad for a day's work (with Halloween evening still to come). Those flying scenes in the elevator shaft are cool too! I really love all the little details on the ship.

It was a good day on the cruise. (Spoiler: they were all good days. )

 

[FreezinRafiki]

For now…
I’m sure other opportunities will present themselves.

Feel free to take them as they come.

This ain’t the first time I’ve been told to go stand in the corner.

Probably not the last, either.

Thank you sir, but…
hodge podged seems to be far more entertaining. You’ve easily got eight times the reader then I’ve been able to draw in.

Well, I do have a specific literary style that had mass appeal...

Must be the puns.

...looks like you figured it out.

All right Shakespeare… lets move it along.

Not a fan of Shakespeare. To many "thys" and "thees". I can't keep it straight. Needs more "y'alls" and "you'ins"

Agreed. It’s worth your time (if you have the time). Like the fireworks at sea, it is most certainly a unique experience that no one else is offering.

Yet.

The real question is… what’s next?

WATER SKIING!

You are correct sir.

I like being right. It don't happen often.

The amazing thing here is that they knew they we rid of ya’ and yet they still let you back aboard.

We snuck back on through the garbage chute.

Dude! The folks of Nassau went to a lot of trouble to put that dumpster there. You should have left it in. It would have supplied a bit of context for those that haven’t been there yet.

They could have at least painted it up like the Festival Place.

I had a vendor try (rather insistently) to sell me cigars. When I responded: “Sorry, I don’t smoke”, his reaction was to say wildly: “But these are Cuban!”

Oh well sure, once you put it that way…
I guess maybe I will trade you some dollars for cancer.

Yes, but it's Cuban cancer!

That’s a pretty comprehensive description of the shopping district.
You’re doing just fine by me.

And by the way… it looks exactly like what I encountered in the Grand Caymans and at Cozumel (just with different people). If you want to learn about a different culture you need more then part of one day and you need to get far outside of the main tourist city. Cruising is more about enjoying yourself (and trust me you will), but “traveling” is a different thing altogether.

I'm just here for the weather.

And that’s the best way to approach it. If you expect too much you’ll be disappointed. Best to take it for what it is.

See… there is something to see in Nassau!
Unless you not Barry, then it just a green motorbike.

Luckily, I am!

Welcome to “Not North America”…
We just don’t know how good we got it.

Or as the Fates said in Hercules..."Indoor plumbing. It's gonna be big!"

You sir… have you priorities perfectly in order.

 

[FreezinRafiki]

I think it’s a good question
(and I wish I’d have been more concerned about it on prior cruises).

Here’s a quote I found on the DCL forum about getting a passport stamped in Nassau…

“Go to the Government House office on Prince George dock and they'll be happy to stamp your passport. It's on the left side of the shore-front plaza, just after the dock. There's a guard at the drivway, simply tell them you want your passport stamped and they'll direct you. Anyone in the shopping area there can direct you to the building.”​

I believe that they’re talking about the one on the far left in Barry’s picture here where the clock tower is.

<Scribbling down notes>

Also (and I did not know this), you can get you passport stamped at Castaway Cay. Here’s another quote discussing that process…

“For Castaway Cay, you should drop your passports off at Guest Relations on deck 3, the night before. They'll get them stamped for you and you can pick them up the night after returning from the island. The stamp used on CCay might say "March Harbor, Abaco, Sandy Point or somethiing else, depending on which Bahamian official is on the island for the day. As far as I know, there is no "castaway Cay" passport stamp.”​

<Flipping the page, scribbling more notes>

Nice sleuthing Rob! Thanks!

Well… if you insist.

Nassau – Part 1

Nassau – Part 2

Nassau – Part 3

Wow, Mark was right. You did.

Now, when I tell Barry: “yah, but… Mark made me do it!”…
I suspect that he’s going to make me go and stand in the corner again.

Well, i was going to take you to task for having the nerve to post relevant, useful information in my TR, but since you threw Mark under the bus, I'll let it slide.

 

[FreezinRafiki]

Great, now we have to get off the ship in March. I will have to strongly think about getting Ryder a passport. Just doesn't seem worth it but then again...

Luckily, it's a short walk. And maybe we can find the Dirty Barry Bike again.

Good to know and the reason I may need to strongly consider a passport for the little one.

Good thing the kids' expire in 5 years. He's going to change a lot from when his picture will be taken.

Barry has the authority to put someone in the corner? Who knew? My kids could teach you a few moves to keep you out of the corner.

Well, we're on the Internet, so it's more of a virtual corner.

It’s more of a delusion then an “authority”.
A little like the way he believes that the Mini-Van-of-doom is jet propelled or his insistence that the motorcycle that y’all encountered in Nassau is capable of light speed.

Yeah, like I can really tell you how fast the minivan of doom really goes. Everyone knows that classified.

It’s just best to humor him on a few subjects and then move on.

Wait, what?!?!