Well, we're back from the 8/9 Eastern Magic, and I am finally unpacked, have the laundry done, am caught up at work and have time to post a few observations about our cruise.
First of all it was better than I ever dreamed. All of the advice and tips I got here on the boards, along with the amazing organization skills of my friend Anita, made it a wonderful trip.
Check in and baggage went like clockwork.
Our room was ready by about 1:30. Our stateroom steward was absolutely wonderful. His name was I-Made and he was from Bali. He was quiet, but very attentive.
There were only my son and I in our stateroom, but I thought our Cat 11, room 6587, was quite spacious. We never needed the extension cord I brought, nor the over-the-door hanger. Our suitcases, which are rather deep, did not fit under the bed, so we had to put them in the closet.
As for shipboard activities, we enjoyed Bingo, Fidelio and Anton, family karaoke, the shows, the movies, and "Who Wants to be a Mouseketeer". Imagine my surprise and excitement when my seat was called to be a contestant! I'm not as quick with my Disney Trivia as I should be, but thanks to my "lifelines", I won $175 in shipboard credit and a contestant pin. Anita really should have been called... she knows all kinds of Disney trivia! She might have won the cruise!
Our shore excursions were absolutely fantastic. We did our own excursion to Pinel Island in the morning while on St. Maarten, then spent the afternoon shopping. Pinel Island was quiet and beautiful, and yes, there were topless sunbathers there. No big deal. We took the DCL Champagne Catamaran Sail and Snorkel excursion to Honeymoon Bay, St John while in St Thomas. That excursion was my very favorite part of the cruise. The catamaran ride was relaxing, the crew was friendly, and the food and drinks were great. The snorkeling was absolutely amazing. When the captain blew the conch shell to tell us it was time to leave, I really didn't want to go. Sigh...
The food was great in all the restaurants. I had veal the first night in Animators Palate that was absolutely excellent. And the food and service at Palo was impeccable. Maurizio the manager and Janina our server were truly wonderful hosts. They made us truly feel welcome.
At the spa, I bought a Rainforest Room package, 3 days for $30, and even though I loved it, I only went twice. There was just too much to do on that ship! I want one of those tile recliners for my house!
Anyway, I've gone on long enough. I had a great time and I wish I was still there!
--Katrina
First of all it was better than I ever dreamed. All of the advice and tips I got here on the boards, along with the amazing organization skills of my friend Anita, made it a wonderful trip.
Check in and baggage went like clockwork.
Our room was ready by about 1:30. Our stateroom steward was absolutely wonderful. His name was I-Made and he was from Bali. He was quiet, but very attentive.
There were only my son and I in our stateroom, but I thought our Cat 11, room 6587, was quite spacious. We never needed the extension cord I brought, nor the over-the-door hanger. Our suitcases, which are rather deep, did not fit under the bed, so we had to put them in the closet.
As for shipboard activities, we enjoyed Bingo, Fidelio and Anton, family karaoke, the shows, the movies, and "Who Wants to be a Mouseketeer". Imagine my surprise and excitement when my seat was called to be a contestant! I'm not as quick with my Disney Trivia as I should be, but thanks to my "lifelines", I won $175 in shipboard credit and a contestant pin. Anita really should have been called... she knows all kinds of Disney trivia! She might have won the cruise!
Our shore excursions were absolutely fantastic. We did our own excursion to Pinel Island in the morning while on St. Maarten, then spent the afternoon shopping. Pinel Island was quiet and beautiful, and yes, there were topless sunbathers there. No big deal. We took the DCL Champagne Catamaran Sail and Snorkel excursion to Honeymoon Bay, St John while in St Thomas. That excursion was my very favorite part of the cruise. The catamaran ride was relaxing, the crew was friendly, and the food and drinks were great. The snorkeling was absolutely amazing. When the captain blew the conch shell to tell us it was time to leave, I really didn't want to go. Sigh...
The food was great in all the restaurants. I had veal the first night in Animators Palate that was absolutely excellent. And the food and service at Palo was impeccable. Maurizio the manager and Janina our server were truly wonderful hosts. They made us truly feel welcome.
At the spa, I bought a Rainforest Room package, 3 days for $30, and even though I loved it, I only went twice. There was just too much to do on that ship! I want one of those tile recliners for my house!
Anyway, I've gone on long enough. I had a great time and I wish I was still there!
--Katrina
