Cass, Rob & Kira - Christmas on the Wonder - 2018. Third time's a charm!

[unwritten01]

Joining in a little late but loving it! You always have the best photos and LOL moments. Kira has grown so much - we have six kids and every trip to Disney you look at the last and think he/she was seriously that little back then.. Look forward to more!

 

[jenseib]

How fun! That water is so nice and clear too. When we did it in Tortola, the water was disgusting green and made us itch.

 

[bcwife76]

The cheesy VR experience aside, I think that looks like a fabulous dolphin excursion!!! And a lovely lunch included too!

We did a dolphin encounter a few years ago (so we were in the pool but did not swim with them), we chose the encounter over swimming as our girls were younger at the time (3 1/2 and 6) and we paid about $140US for the cd (usb stick??) for our photos, figuring it would be one and done, too ;-) Meh, when in Rome, right?

 

[DnA2010]

Fellow Canadian (Kamloops) newbie jumping on board, I love your writing style, and am going to be going back to read some of your other reports!
You capture the essence of a Disney cruise wonderfully!

 

[Timon]

I've said it before, Tiana's is the best new restaurant on all of the ships!!!! Beignets for days!!!

Now will I still feel this way after sailing the Magic later this year and trying out Rapunzel's Royal Table??? I know you're on the edge of your seat waiting for it.....

Well, I haven't experienced Rapunzel's yet but yes, Tiana's is awesome!!

I can't wait to hear what you think about it after your cruise on the Magic

Oh boy, a double update from Cass!
Enjoyed the Animator's Palette Dinner review! The portions do look pretty small.
Great idea substituting for the baked potato.

I can see how frustrating it would be to have the pools close so early on Disney ships,
yet the movies go late. I'm not a fan of the blaring glaring movies on deck. You used to
be able to relax up there, but with the movies going, those days, imo, are over. I guess I'm just an old
fogie.

Nice pic of you and Rob at Palo.
The selections from the buffet look delicious! That croissant does look yummy. The chicken parm
looks delicious too. I think I would have wanted to try all the pancakes. Yum.. that looks like a cannoli smack dab
in the middle of Rob's dessert plate.

Thanks for including the art work. Love those sand pails!
So that's how you got those magnets on the lights... you glued them to the battery box. Great idea!
The DCL Christmas trees are gorgeous.

Those sunset pictures are nothing short of breathtakingly beautiful!
It's too bad your neighbors were so inconsiderate.
When you pay a small fortune for a veranda and some people think they have
the right to act as though they are the only ones on the ship to the point that they did, it's really too much (the crying sounds especially fun, Cass).

Did you find much of a difference between the Cove Cafe on the Dream as opposed to the Wonder?... In size
or atmosphere, for example (besides the fact that your dear friend was not there with you)?

It looks like a really nice time!
Loving the updates!
Tink
edited to say that I posted this before your most recent Tiana update

Yes, I remember cruising before they added the Funnel Vision TV screen, it's so weird looking back on those pics and videos but yes, so much quieter!

The main different in QC on the classic ships compared to the new ships...no fun porthole window to laugh at people through

I would say about the same size, just laid out differently

Yeah, the neighbour thing just got worse as the cruise went on sadly but we still managed to enjoy our verandah

I hear you about going crazy with the dressing, I like to pack easy dresses that pop out of the suitcases and are not wrinkled and flat sandals for "dressier" nights and Palo, but I love throwing on a pair of capris and a top and being done with it.
We are doing the 14 night PC cruise next month and my husband does not want to bring his suit for formal night he is leaning toward shirts and ties for that and Palo dinner. I get him, he's on vacation.......

Can't wait to finally try Tiana's.

I can't say I blame him! I like that this cruise it was "optional" and wish they were all like that.

You are going to love Tiana's

Joining in. Great TR!

Thanks so much!

Yay, I'm glad the excursion wasn't cancelled! Also I'm glad it wasn't too hot for you! We were there on our Fantasy cruise end of October (I want to say the 29th?) and it was HUMID.....phew

Now....about this boat.....

Yes, really, the best weather evah

It's normally so hot there that I can't think straight

A boat? how mysterious!

Hahaha, gotta leave some suspense, right?

If it makes you feel any better, my visits to the Cove Cafe in November felt a lot different too. Chuck just doesn’t have your sense of humor. You and I could’ve laughed for hours just looking at a stir stick!

Loved your Palo pic of you and Rob. I would’ve killed for that Tiramisu. It’s my favorite dessert ever. Glad you liked it. Next time you and go to Palo, I’ll have some. It’ll be worth it’s consequences for me.

Are you sure it was your neighbors on the verandah making all that noise? Perhaps they had their own little Remy (and friends).

So funny about Rob on the verandah. Just like Jen, I thought to myself, Hmmmmmm, Cass said it was sunny and there’s our Rob bundled up. Hahahahahaha

I only went in that one time all by lonesome, I knew I would just get sad if I went in without you

Okay, Tiramisu for us both next time

Gosh, I was longing for our Remy after hearing our neighbours

Yup, he's crazy!!

Ahhhh, Cozumel. I think every excursion entails the same routine. You know, the “let’s drag our guests halfway through the city and the mall before they get to their excursion”, routine. When we were there for the Dune Buggy excursion I swear it took us an hour just to get to the cars! I guess it’s their sneaky way to get you to patronize their businesses though. You gotta do what you gotta do, right?

Yup, it took sooo long to get there! I would have rather just walked there on my own, it's close and we probably would have beat everyone there!

Y'all look so nice at Tianas.
The food looks great, too die for desserts! Beignets!
Can't wait to hear about your day in Cozumel.
But a boat, huh?
I know you won't leave us hanging too long, riiiiiiiiiiiight?
Tink

Oh yes! Those beignets, right?

Not long at all

Cliff Hanger....You devil!

So glad the excursion wasn't cancelled.

LOL! The best shows on TV do it...why not a trippie?

I was so disappointed when I caught up on your report, I need more!
I always love your reports, thank you for sharing.

I try to write a post a day when I am feeling good, sorry, it takes awhile to get through these suckers

Following along and anxiously awaiting to find out about the boat. I always enjoy your trip reports and especially all the photos.

Awww thanks for joining in

I love yours and Kira's formal night outfits. The detail on Kira's sleeves is especially fun.

And I am glad you were well enough to do your Cozumel excursion. Looking forward to the rest of the report.

Thanks! I picked it out for her, I thought it was super cute and very age appropriate and she loved it AND it was on sale.

Thanks for letting me know you're reading

Joining in a little late but loving it! You always have the best photos and LOL moments. Kira has grown so much - we have six kids and every trip to Disney you look at the last and think he/she was seriously that little back then.. Look forward to more!

Not even half-way through, so perfect timing

Yes, you are sooo right! I remember going to WDW in 2013, thinking she was so grown up and now I look back think how little she was

They grow up so fast!

How fun! That water is so nice and clear too. When we did it in Tortola, the water was disgusting green and made us itch.

Oh no, that's not fun!

The water was beautiful and I really felt like the dolphins were happy and well taken care of

The cheesy VR experience aside, I think that looks like a fabulous dolphin excursion!!! And a lovely lunch included too!

We did a dolphin encounter a few years ago (so we were in the pool but did not swim with them), we chose the encounter over swimming as our girls were younger at the time (3 1/2 and 6) and we paid about $140US for the cd (usb stick??) for our photos, figuring it would be one and done, too ;-) Meh, when in Rome, right?

It really was a fabulous excursion, perfect weather and I am sooo glad we did it

I hear ya! We will probably do it again one day but I would like to try Discovery Cove again and get a full day experience there again

Fellow Canadian (Kamloops) newbie jumping on board, I love your writing style, and am going to be going back to read some of your other reports!
You capture the essence of a Disney cruise wonderfully!

Hello my fellow Canuck

Thanks for joining in on the fun

Enjoy the other reports, you can go backwards and see Kira get smaller and smaller

 

[MAeroGirl]

Hi — coming out of lurkerdom for the first time in YEARS to say thanks for these great trip reports! We just returned from our first cruise in November, and these TRs give me a wonderful sense of nostalgia for our trip. Love all the pictures, and your family is adorable. Best wishes from the American Midwest!

 

[cheermom2four]

wow, thats some excursion with the dolphins!!! I love the pics!

 

[Lesley Wake]

It was a terrribly cheesy video of you swimming with all of the dolphins in a very polluted ocean. It was basically what we just went over with Luis but in video format.

And then it was over and we took it all off and got off the boat and headed over to the dolphin lagoon.



Really??

While I appreciate the message, this could have easily been done by putting a TV up in the restaurant lounge later and have us watch the video on the TV.

With all of the problems with the goggles and stuff, it probably took about 15 minutes just to get this going and show the video, maybe even longer.

Thankfully, that was the only part of this excursion that I didn't care for.

Yeah, that is a bit annoying. I do appreciate the educational aspect of the excursion, but the whole production of getting on a boat and everything is a bit much.

There were two other swim groups in that lagoon with us, both were trainer for the day programs, I believe and they each had one dolphin and we had two

Sweet! Sounds like the VIP is the way to go!

This was VERY cool! I only wish she could have worn her glasses for this! I didn't think to ask if she was allowed goggles because she has prescription goggles that would have been great for this. Crap.

Darn! Oh well!

Originally, before the excursion, I was thinking of just getting ONE photo of Kira, since Rob and I have swam with dolphins before at Discovery Cove but after seeing the photos and seeing the VIP prices, I decided to get the $204 USD package.

The VIP prices seem to be a little more reasonable than the regular prices and well, it's not often we get to swim with dolphins, right?

I would have gotten all the photos too!

 

[cntkg1]

Beautiful pics, Cass! I love all those close ups of the rides with the dolphins. Were all those taken with just your iphone?

Did you end up ordering anything to eat or am i being impatient (as usual) and it’ll be covered in your next installment?

 

[Timon]

December 23rd, 2018, part 3

It wasn't too long after we ordered that Jorge brought our food. I just got an appetizer, the Mexican platter, which was delicious!! I was worried that it would be too spicy for me since I am a wuss but it was all delicious and the only thing that had a kick in it was the thing on the bottom right but it wasn't too bad. The guacomole was the best I've ever had! I was wishing it came with more!

Rob started with the Lime Soup, which he said was delicious.

And since there wasn't many kid-friendly choices, Kira got a Caesar Salad.

Rob also got the shrimp, which he lovingly share with his girls who were obviously hungrier than they had thought and should have ordered more.

The risotto was soooo good!!!

For dessert, we got two cheesecakes and a brownie. None of us cared for these at all.

Also, Rob had ordered a virgin Pina Colada and Kira and I just had some bottled waters. Alcoholic drinks were included, however.

During this meal, I noticed that Rob was calling Luis, "Louis" and Jorge, "George"

Jorge dropped off our appies and Rob said "Thanks, George!" and I was like...."Did you just call him GEORGE??"

"His name is Jorge...as in HOR-HAY, not George!"

Jorge was very kind and never corrected him and he told us that he gets it all the time.

And then Luis came around with the ipads and Rob said "Thanks, Louis!"

"Babe, this is LOU-EESE, not LOU-IS"

Luis also had a good sense of humour about it and also said he gets it all the time. Like I said, easy to laugh, he was

Rob tries very hard, he really does, but he's not the best at different languages

Once we were done with our meals, Luis made it clear that if he wanted to tip Jorge, to do it here and now because they didn't split tips.

Wink wink, nudge, nudge. Know what I mean.

So, we tipped him and thanked him and apologized once more.

The other group with us had ordered quite a bit and they were only on appetizers by the time we were done so I wasn't sure if we had to wait for them or what?

Luis said when we were ready, he would walk us over to the other side to pay for the photos because that is a separate company/area, so we said we were ready!

This was the other side of Dolphinaris, where most people book. He asked us if we wanted to see the baby dolphin (calf) and we said heck yeah, we do!

The dolphins in this area seemed very happy to see us! There were no other meets or encounters going on, they were done for the day. Some were just swimming, some were getting fed and doing some training. It was so nice to see. Although you just never know for sure but they seemed truly happy here. A lot of people are against dolphins in captivity but I see both sides of the coin here but they did seem happy.

The calf is in the middle below...

The momma seemed particularly happy to see me and kept showing off for me

The calf next to her momma...

We went in through the gift shop/photo area. This is where this side goes to check out their photos.

This is the front entrance of the Dolphinaris side...

The eating area looking over the dolphin tanks...

Back to the gift shop...

Where my daughter tried to get a stuffy but her plans were thwarted by her momma, exclaiming she had two at home already.

Closer look at the dolphin areas, with the calf in the foreground..

And this is where we picked up our three prints. The rest were emailed to us a few days later.

This is the check-in area of Dolphinaris, where we had to pay for our photos.

Once we were done, Luis asked if we wanted to head back to Blu or just head back to the ship. He said he would get us a taxi and pay for it upfront here so we didn't have to walk back and I said "Perfect, Louis!"

He laughed at my joke and then I tipped him and said good-bye and thank you

I loved this tree!

We pulled around and I got a photo of the Dolphinaris entrance.

A few minutes later we were back in the mall!

We passed this and decided to wait in the short line to get a pic.

I had all of our stuff in my hands so it wasn't easy to get a pic and I totally failed

Thankfully the kind lady behind me offered to take a photo of all three of us.

Then we headed back to the ship! I asked Kira if she wanted to do some shopping, get something to remember her time in Mexico but she was very eager to get back on the ship. She sadly missed the ONE Edge activity she actually wanted to do, and that was "Invade Vibe" where the tweens and teens swap clubs.

Sorry doll, we had dolphins to see

We took the obligatory selfie with the ship in the background...

And then we went directly to Pete's because Kira and I were starving marvins!

Delish!!

So, thus ends our Cozumel excursion, which I HIGHLY recommend to those with guests that are 12 and over

I feel the true testament to any experience I have is "Would I do it again?" and the answer for this one is an astounding YES!

 

[bcwife76]

Awww, love the bonus dolphin time you got Safe to say this is an excursion you will remember for years to come

 

[jenseib]

That was a great excursion! That place looks so nice too.

I want those fries....and someone is like me....mayo with ketchup!!! MMMMM!

Ironically, Claire had school off today and we went and had mexican! It was good, but your sampler plate looked divine!

 

[cheermom2four]

I need to remember this excursion because it looks like so much fun and worth it! Great pics of the dolphins!

 

[tinkerbellmagic]

Terrific updates! Those trip excursion, ship, and food photos, are amazing! Thank you for taking the time to share with others!

 

[SplashMom]

Yayy! Just caught up on your newest trip report and loving it! We just cruised on the Magic in mid-December so I love reading your report and remembering my cruise as well, lol. This was our fifth Disney cruise and third on the Magic. I just love the smaller ships. We haven't done the Wonder yet--maybe soon depending on the port.

I love reading all of your details and watching Kira grow up...and she is growing up quickly! Can't wait to read the rest of your report.

 

[Timon]

December 23rd, Part 4

Rob and I took showers after our lunch and then watched us sail away from Cozumel.

Just as we were pulling away, the blanket of cloud that had been so graciously covering us all day began to blow away. It reminded me of Chinooks that we get at home.

While Kira showered, Rob and I watched the sunset from our balcony...

Then we all headed down to the Walt Disney Theater for the variety act.

The Great DuBois...

They were amazing!!

After the show, we did some shopping in the stores and I grabbed this beautiful tote...

We had every intention of skipping Pirate Night completely but Kira wanted to grab an ice cream and wanted me to go with her so we headed to deck 9, which we found out was shut down on the starboard side already, for the fireworks. They close it and water it down for safety.

So, we had to head up to the very windy deck 10, cross over at the funnel and then come back that same way once we procured the ice cream. Crazy crowds , no thanks

Then back to our gloriously, crowd-free room to watch the fireworks from our lovely, quiet verandah

I had moved our lights around a bit because I wanted to see them while I was laying down in bed

Then we heard the show begin and headed out there. Technically, they ask you not to watch from your verandah due to safety concerns but we watched for stray embers and weren't that close to them and I didn't feel like leaving the room

Then it was time for dinner! We didn't have the pirate menu the past two Christmas cruises so it was a nice change.

Arrrrgh, matey, look how piratey we be

This is actually the least piratey we have ever been on a cruise. Normally, we will at least wear our pirate shirts but yeah, I'm so done with pirate night, I didn't even pack anything piratey.

Kira organized all of the crayons

And then Wayan came over and gave her a puzzle (with said crayons) for us to figure out. She's a smart cookie because she figured it out before we did.

She asked for another Caesar salad...

And Rob got this, which he gets every time but then is always surprised when it comes because it looks so weird

I think this was a soup from the kids menu that I wanted to try...

Rob's soup...

My entree...

Rob's...

Rob's...

Mine...

And I think we shared this one? I took a bite but didn't care for it.

Back to the room to change into my swimsuit...

And then I headed to the pool. Normally I don't take my phone with me but that night I did so I could share with you all how peaceful and quiet it is there (most nights!) and why I love it so much!

This was my favourite pool time! The pool had warmed up a bit, so very swimable for me but too cold for most people so I had it all to myself and the hot tubs were rather empty for most of my glorious, serene hour to myself.

I met a few couples (some that I would see again on future pool nights) that were very nice but mostly I enjoyed my alone time. I am the baby of five kids so alone time was not something I had often growing up but 100% need as an adult.

I think my evening pool time is my favourite thing about cruising on the classic ships.

Back to the room to change and get ready for bed. Kira had ventured out to Edge for Heroes and Villains but promptly returned when it was over.

She said she had tons of fun so I don't know why she was still so reluctant to spend more time in there?

It was an amazing day, long and full and fun and we were tired! Need to get some zzzz's because tomorrow was our second port day at Grand Cayman

I will post the Nav's in tomorrow's post because I am already at my 35 image limit.

 

[Timon]

Hi — coming out of lurkerdom for the first time in YEARS to say thanks for these great trip reports! We just returned from our first cruise in November, and these TRs give me a wonderful sense of nostalgia for our trip. Love all the pictures, and your family is adorable. Best wishes from the American Midwest!

Yay, thanks for coming out of lurkdom to let me know you're reading

First cruise? How exciting! I hope you loved it

wow, thats some excursion with the dolphins!!! I love the pics!

It was great

Yeah, that is a bit annoying. I do appreciate the educational aspect of the excursion, but the whole production of getting on a boat and everything is a bit much.


Sweet! Sounds like the VIP is the way to go!


Darn! Oh well!


I would have gotten all the photos too!

Yup, very skippable but definitely would still recommend the VIP tour

Beautiful pics, Cass! I love all those close ups of the rides with the dolphins. Were all those taken with just your iphone?

Did you end up ordering anything to eat or am i being impatient (as usual) and it’ll be covered in your next installment?

You are not allowed to take your phones or camera near any dolphin swim, for the dolphin's safety and so they can charge you a bazillion dollars for photos

Luis took all of the photos and I am wishing I ordered more food

Awww, love the bonus dolphin time you got Safe to say this is an excursion you will remember for years to come

Yes, it sure was memorable!

That was a great excursion! That place looks so nice too.

I want those fries....and someone is like me....mayo with ketchup!!! MMMMM!

Ironically, Claire had school off today and we went and had mexican! It was good, but your sampler plate looked divine!

Beautiful place, even on the other side but we were there when almost no one else was and I know how crowded it can get

Mayo & ketchup, always and forever

Too funny about your getting Mexican that day

I need to remember this excursion because it looks like so much fun and worth it! Great pics of the dolphins!

Definitely, highly recommend

Terrific updates! Those trip excursion, ship, and food photos, are amazing! Thank you for taking the time to share with others!

Thanks for reading, tink

Yayy! Just caught up on your newest trip report and loving it! We just cruised on the Magic in mid-December so I love reading your report and remembering my cruise as well, lol. This was our fifth Disney cruise and third on the Magic. I just love the smaller ships. We haven't done the Wonder yet--maybe soon depending on the port.

I love reading all of your details and watching Kira grow up...and she is growing up quickly! Can't wait to read the rest of your report.

Thanks for the very kind words

Our first 4 cruises were on the Magic, so I hear ya You will love the Wonder just as much

 

[bcwife76]

Glorious adult pool time I guess everyone else was busy with pirate stuff Certainly my least favourite night of any cruise, too Glad you got some nice fireworks shots from your balcony

 

[Timon]

December 24th, Part 1

Here's the Navs for today...

Our plan for Grand Cayman was to head up to the Turtle Farm, which is now called Turtle "Center"

I guess it looks better on paper but they are still a farm, if you know what I mean

They also do a lot of conservation with the turtles and we've never been there so we thought it would be a good thing to do for this trip.

We originally were going to book the big package with the snorkeling but after Rob was using the snorkel mask at Dolphinaris, he decided that snorkeling right now with his mouth issues was not a good idea and I agreed with him so we would only be doing the turtle tanks and not the swim/lagoon area.

We woke up and watched as we sailed into the area..

The tenders were getting ready for us!

Only one other ship that day.

Rob and I headed up for breakfast. Yay, I finally get to have breakfast on this cruise

First, Rob's three plates (technically five actually)

And here's mine

The classic ships don't seem to serve ham or fried eggs at breakfast like the new ships do so I always grab some plain eggs benedict and then just toss the muffins. Works for me but I do hate wasting the muffins

It was delicious, I love breakfast...any time of the day

Kira skipped breakfast and eventually went up and got an apple and cookies from Daisy's

We were not wanting to have to get tender tickets and wait with the crowds so we waited until open tenders so we had time to kill so we did some laundry. Well, Rob did some laundry and I organized and helped him fold

I love how the app tells you when your load is done. It also calls the wave phones and leaves a text message on them.

With a load done, it was now time to head off the ship.

And onto a tender boat. Kira was mad at me because I made her leave her phone in the room. She refused to look at me.

Looking back at the ship...

We got off the tender boat and headed out of the terminal area. I stopped at the taxi area and asked how much it was to go to the Turtle Center and he said it was $8 each one way! Umm no thanks!

$24 USD one way? Ugh! Let's keep walking and either find a cheaper taxi or grab the public bus.

We stopped for a pic at this cool tree

And walked up a bit further. It was hot out but not bad at all actually. Definitely our warmest day but nothing to complain about!

A quick photo op with the two ships...

We didn't see any other taxis and just as we got to a bus stop, the public bus (which is actually a van) pulled up so we decided to hop in. It's only $2.50 USD per person one way all the way to the Turtle Center. They make stops picking up and dropping people off (mostly locals and a few tourists that aren't afraid to take local transport) but the stops were so quick and it was a good experience.

There was one nice couple in the van with us who were staying at the Ritz-Carlton so we chatted with them a bit. And we met another guy from Seattle who had come here three months ago and never went back home



It's weird seeing the driver on the wrong side

Don't be fooled by this smile, she was grouchy the whole way up

She was mad because the ride took 30 minutes and she could have spent those precious moments with her face in her phone but her mean mother made her look around and actually see Grand Cayman

I, on the other hand, loved looking out the window seeing all the different things. We did see some familiar things too, like Esso stations...

KFC...

Wendy's...

Another Esso..

And I took this photo because I loved this cool looking palm tree.

As people would come and go, Kira, who eventually sat far away from her educational mother, would help close to the door Better than being on her phone

Have to stop here because I am at my photo limit

 

[lorimay]

Oh your breakfast.....just perfect!!! Eggs Benedict minus the Hollandaise sauce and the delicious hash browns, yummmmooooo
I usually add some oatmeal, I love DCL oatmeal, then a chocolate pastry for dessert, what better way to start a day???