Disney and a wonderful DREAM - Our Family Vacation 8/17 - 8/27

[Coolcruise02]

Love your review and loved our cruise on the Dream! :)

[Catrin]

Hi Catrin,

 

Loving your review! We are planning to sail the Dream next summer when the kids are out of school if we can get a good price. I met you on the Carnival Victory years ago. We were discussing Camp Carnival because my dd was only 18mo at the time. Glad to see you still here and cruising. Hard to believe our dd's are 6 now!!! I also have an almost 3 year-old. Both my kids love camp carnival as well. It sounds like you had a great vacation!!

 

HI Julie.. I certainly remember you, Atul and your THEN toddler! I was actually looking at pictures of that cruise yesterday.... what a great time.

 

Thanks for reading... and hope things are well!

 

Catrin

[Catrin]

They gave you pins! I'm jealous:D. We only got the coolers.:confused: Perhaps they only give them out on the Dream, now. We were on the Liberty, but we're platinum.

 

We were actually surprised! We have them for all our ships now. My DD puts hers on Funship Freddy.

[brazilgirl]

A timely review for us! We will be spending a week at Disney/Universal and then sailing on the Dream in January. We also have 2 boys and a girl....so lots of great info.

 

Keep it coming , really enjoying it !Nice photos!

 

Km

[Catrin]

I'm loving your review! We were on the Dream in April and loved it.

 

We are going back to Cozumel next year and looking for something relatively inexpensive to do. We swam with Dolphins at Chankanaab last time and just want a beach day this time. Have you been to Chankanaab and if so, would you recommend Paradise Beach over it? Our kids will be 17, 15, 10 and 8 at the time. I was concerned about the rocks at Paradise, but you're saying they can be avoided?

 

Thanks and keep the review coming!

 

Everyone...

 

I made a HUGE error here!

 

I meant... stay to the RIGHT!!! I guess I was writing that well past my bedtime last night...

 

So .. to repeat.... at Paradise Beach, our chairs were all the way to the RIGHT!! At the end of the beach away from the pier. On the right, there are NO rocks. The more left you go.. it gets rockier.

 

Sorry for the confusion!

 

Catrin

[Catrin]

We decided it was time we said goodbye to Paradise Beach... we spent about five hours there.

 

We took a taxi ride back to the Ship.... at the Port there are tons of shops and a Fat Tuesdays. While the boys went right back on the ship, DD, DH and I browsed the shops. One thing about Cozumel, it is a great place for shopping. Los Cinco Soles is one of my favorite places to browse. They also have a Ron Jon Surf shop as well. But.. with all that browsing, all I bought was DD a bracelet with her name on it and a Tshirt for DS2.

 

At Fat Tuesdays, they have some fun picture opportunities!

 

With us in Cozumel was the Oasis of the Seas. Holy Cow that ship is HUGE .... and although I am loyal to Carnival, even I admit I would love to sail on her just for the experience!

 

We got back to the room around 3 and ordered some room service sandwiches for DH, DD and I. The boys had gone to the Lido Deck for Hot Dogs and Pizza. DD took a well needed nap and I read my book in our room. I loved resting in the middle of the day... it sure beats work any day!

 

All five of us went to dinner together that night. For dinner, I had the French Onion Soup, which is my favorite soup the whole week. I had the braised short ribs, terrific... and DH had the Chicken Sicilian which he really loved. We also tried the Fried Chicken.. I put the plate in the middle and DS1 and I each had a piece. Yes, it was fried chicken, but it was GOOD! DD could not decide between pizza and hotdogs, so our server brought her both! She thought that was so amazing!

 

After dinner, we brought DD to Camp Carnival once again. This night, they were doing a Night Owls party from 10-12, and since she napped earlier, we signed her up. This is a great deal. Kids who participate get a backpack and an Owl stuffed toy.... and really seem to have fun. It was something she was only going to do ONCE... and she really loved it!

 

DH and I decided to hit the show. I really wanted to see Karen Grainger, "Canada's Premier Female Singing Impressionist" because I had heard really great things about her from John Heald's blog. And she did not disappoint. I thought her show was cute, fun, and enjoyable. DH wasn't as thrilled, but then again, he doesn't love female pop singers as much as I do!!

 

When we got out of the show, the Fun Force - a group of break dancers were performing in the Atrium. They were getting a huge crowd and enthusiastic responses. To me, they are fun... but sometimes it just seems that the crowds get excited over "Stupid Human Tricks"! ;)

 

After the show, we ventured again to the Piano Bar. We had considered going to a comedy show, but said we would go another night. We never made it, so now I regret that we did not go that night.

 

At midnight, we picked up a tired and very happy little girl. We called it a night and had a wonderful nights sleep on our wonderful Carnival Bed!

[PlanningToCruise]

LOVING your review, we cruise the dream in Feb and it seems soooo far away. Looking forward to the rest of your review. Btw, our son also loves the carnival party the first night and so do we:p

[Catrin]

Tuesday 8/23 Roatan

 

We once again ordered Room Service for Breakfast on the Door Cards. Cereal, Fruit and Danish worked for all of us. It was just so easy to eat in the room as we all took turns getting ready for the day.

 

Today's Plan - The boys were going Zip Lining via ClipnZip right outside the port, while DD and I were going to Mohagany Bay Beach. We read about Clip'nZip through Cruise Critic. They did not require reservations, and the ZipLines were right outside the port. If you want info, here is the website...The cost was $45.00 pp.

 

http://www.clipnziproatan.com/en/rates-reservations.html

 

I do not have much info on this, other than they all loved it and were treated very well. Here are some pictures....

 

 

[Catrin]

 

While the boys were Zip Lining, DD and I went to Mohagany Bay. We purchased an excursion from Carnival before we left.. not really an excursion, more like a beach package. For $38.00 we rented a Clam Shell, Two Mats and The Flying Chair Rides. A little expensive maybe, but a great call. She loved the flying chairs.... imagine a ski lift to a beach. A neat idea. The flying chairs are totally optional, however.. the path to walk is not long at all, and if I did not buy the package, we would have easily walked.

 

When we arrived at the beach, we checked in the rental hut and handed in our tickets. We were escorted to reserved Clam Shells in the front row. Then we were given our mats and bracelets for the return flight back to the ship. DD and I went swimming for a bit, then I returned to the Clam shell and watched her play at the end of the water.

 

Then....

out of the blue she came out of the water crying....No, not crying.. screaming! "My leg hurts, my leg hurts!". I had NO idea what to do. I was trying to console her, when a wonderful woman came up to me..... who said... "My son just got bit too... make sure it isnt a sea urchin" Luckily it wasn't, but something certainly did get her. She walked with me to the rental hut again, where they had a first aid spray and sprayed her leg. Being alone and without DH, I was nervous, to say the least. Remembering when she was upset during Tower of Terror.... and how we consoled her with Doritoes, I said... "do you want to get some Nachos?" What a wonderful mom ;).

 

We went back to the Clam Shell where she eventually calmed down and I ordered Nachos that we shared. Fat Tuesdays at the Beach has a menu and waiters come down to the beach. Very overpriced, but under the circumstances, I would have paid $100 for her!

 

Right as she finished her snack, DH and DS2 found us. Where is DS1? He had fun, but had no desire to be social with us, so he went back to the ship. He also brought the camera back, so I was able to get a few shots of the beach.....Here the clamshell that we rented. I loved it in here!!

[Catrin]

She looks sad here, but actually was not.... she was quite happy again that Daddy was back..... here are the mats.. the kids loved just relaxing on them....

 

A couple notes about Mahogany Bay. This beach worked out great for us, as the boys wanted to go Zip Lining and I did not have to travel far with DD. The beach, obviously was made for cruise passengers in mind.. and it served a great purpose. But, if you are looking for a beautiful Caribbean beach with crystal blue waters, this may not be your first choice. The water was not dirty, but .. had a lot of stuff in it.. seaweed maybe, grass, dirt, I am not sure.. then .. whatever bit my baby... who knows what that was! Please do not think I am trashing it at all... we actually had a great time here.... and I loved sitting at the beach with some shade. There is no cost to use the beach chairs, and the ship is close enough that it is easy to return to the ship for "Free" lunch instead of buying lunch from the bar.

[Catrin]

 

The flying chairs... see? The snacks I bought at Publix sure come in handy!

DH on the walking path, picture taken from the Flying Chairs with the Zoom.

 

The shopping area at Mahogany Beach is useless, in my opinion. All the usual cruise shops.. Diamonds International, Del Sol, etc.. plus some arts and crafts.... and ... another Fat Tuesdays! DD had another opportunity to take some silly pictures....

 

[Catrin]

 

 

That is all I have in me for tonight.... I will finish up this day and continue tomorrow!

 

Catrin

[Haylersmom]

I am loving your review! We were in Disney 8/20-8/26 in 2 rooms at the All Star Movies.(stayed at Port Orleans last year...gotta love that trundle bed:p) Then we left on Friday to stay at Country Inn & Suites, so we can park our car for the week and take your place on the Dream!(Cabin 1384) I actually had no idea that there were drawers under the couch!!

 

I'm waiting to hear how your last night was!:eek: A Camp Carnival staff member was telling us it was her worst experience ever and everyone was sick! I was so nervous that "Irene" was gonna affect our trip, but it looks like you had to deal w/her! We did have 2 (half)days of pouring rain in Disney though.

 

We did room service for breakfast on port days too. It made it so much easier to get ready and get off the ship! My 8 y/o daughter loved Camp Carnival too. She was nervous about going since this was our 1st cruise w/out the cousins to keep her company, but all went well! (lucky me:D)

 

I look forward to reading the rest of your review, and I am so gonna look into the Western itinerary next time!

[spcopps]

I am with you on LOVING disney. Our last visit was last October and we did a 7 night split stay, POR/Polynesian. DH said NEVER again will he go unless we stay at the Poly. Luckily our kids can still sleep in 1 bed so we didn't use the trundle at POR. DH LOVES cruising so next Monday will be the first sailing for our kids. Loved ur review and the pics...makes me homesick for the mouse and more excited for Monday. Hey maybe you and I should get together with our kids and leave the DHs at home ;).

[Catrin]

I am loving your review! We were in Disney 8/20-8/26 in 2 rooms at the All Star Movies.(stayed at Port Orleans last year...gotta love that trundle bed:p) Then we left on Friday to stay at Country Inn & Suites, so we can park our car for the week and take your place on the Dream!(Cabin 1384) I actually had no idea that there were drawers under the couch!!

 

I'm waiting to hear how your last night was!:eek: A Camp Carnival staff member was telling us it was her worst experience ever and everyone was sick! I was so nervous that "Irene" was gonna affect our trip, but it looks like you had to deal w/her! We did have 2 (half)days of pouring rain in Disney though.

 

We did room service for breakfast on port days too. It made it so much easier to get ready and get off the ship! My 8 y/o daughter loved Camp Carnival too. She was nervous about going since this was our 1st cruise w/out the cousins to keep her company, but all went well! (lucky me:D)

 

I look forward to reading the rest of your review, and I am so gonna look into the Western itinerary next time!

 

Oh... 1384 was right next door to us! Did you like that location? We thought it was terrific. Only bad side about deck one is the elevators took forever at times....

 

Stay tuned for our last night adventures! ;)

Catrin

[Catrin]

I am with you on LOVING disney. Our last visit was last October and we did a 7 night split stay, POR/Polynesian. DH said NEVER again will he go unless we stay at the Poly. Luckily our kids can still sleep in 1 bed so we didn't use the trundle at POR. DH LOVES cruising so next Monday will be the first sailing for our kids. Loved ur review and the pics...makes me homesick for the mouse and more excited for Monday. Hey maybe you and I should get together with our kids and leave the DHs at home ;).

 

He took me to the Poly without our kids for my 40th birthday... what an awesome place. DH was not impressed with Port Orleans at all.... and he thinks the same thing!!

 

Thanks for reading and have fun on your trip!

[KrystalWaters]

I love your review. You have a beautiful family.:)

I was wondering what type of camera are you using? Your pictures are beautiful. I am in the market for a camera and when i see such beautiful pictures my curiosity is peaked.

I am cruising on the Dream but not until next year. :o

[Catrin]

I love your review. You have a beautiful family.:)

I was wondering what type of camera are you using? Your pictures are beautiful. I am in the market for a camera and when i see such beautiful pictures my curiosity is peaked.

I am cruising on the Dream but not until next year. :o

 

Hi! I use a Canon Powershot SX120 IS ..... 10.0 Mega Pixels and 10x Zoom. It takes wonderful outdoor shots.. .but I have issues with the indoor shots. I am not sure if it is the camera, or the fact I really do not know how to use the right settings! I love the zoom, which is why I picked this one. It is hard to find a 10x zoom on a small camera, but it makes tons of difference!

 

I do not think they make this model anymore... here is a link for the 130IS, which looks like the one they replaced it with.

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-SX130IS-Stabilized-3-0-Inch/dp/B003ZSHNG8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1317470625&sr=8-1

 

I bought the camera last Black Friday at Target for only $129.00... a great bargain.... maybe you can find one this year!

Catrin

[gelo7]

 

 

That is all I have in me for tonight.... I will finish up this day and continue tomorrow!

 

Catrin

Nice pics.

[Haylersmom]

Oh... 1384 was right next door to us! Did you like that location? We thought it was terrific. Only bad side about deck one is the elevators took forever at times....

 

Stay tuned for our last night adventures! ;)

Catrin

 

 

I actually loved our location too! We heard loud rumbling as we walked down the hall (forward) and were so thankful we picked the room we picked b/c I could never hear that all week long! Elevators were definately tough.

 

My kids wanna go back to Port Orleans, but Alligator Bayou was so far away from everything! I wasn't totally impressed. (we pd. $1600 for adjoining rms for the week at the All Star w/dining for 3 of us) We had season passes from our visit last year which was nice!

 

Gotta go read more reviews;)

[smalltowngirl504]

I am enjoying your review we are debating the same cruise next year on the same ship :)

[Catrin]

Thank you all for the nice comments. I just found a review that I did of a cruise 3 years ago and it was fun to read. I had not done a full blown review like this for years.. but I am about to make a scrapbook with my DD and having this diary will be a nice addition at the end.

Back to Roatan......

This is where life gets a big foggy. I would be lying if I remember every single detail this day. I needed to find out fun times to help me jog our memories!

We had lunch when we returned on board, and that was the day I discovered the Burrito Bar. My selection, however, was more like a Fajita. You can pick what type of wrap, Beef, Chicken, Shrimp... plus whatever filling you like... I picked Beef and Chicken with Corn, Lettuce, Onions and Cheese. A bit boring maybe, but it was sure tasty! My DD had a liking to the Hot Dogs, so how easy can that be!!

Skipping to dinner, since.. well...I have no clue what was next....

Dinner.... this is the night we would have picked for the Steakhouse, but we decided for this cruise we would just eat in the dining room. It is by far, my least favorite night of choices. But that being said, I was about to discover something that would change my mind forever! I had the sliced beef and noodle salad for appetizer, and the Grilled Pork Steak for dinner. Both were excellent. But for dessert... I had for the first time, Bitter and Blanc. Why in the world did it take me 12 cruises to discover this??? It was delicious and now is my favorite dessert. My mouth is watering now!

I cannot remember if DD was with us at dinner, but I know that DS2 was.. as he went with us every night. But after dinner, we browsed through the Photo Gallery to check out our Formal Night Pics. A note on pictures on the Dream.... They have a new kiosk that uses facial recognition to find your photos. It was terrific!! We were able to browse through the kiosk without searching high and low for our pictures. The second to last day, I ordered right off the kiosk and the pictures were ready that night.

We were very late arriving to the show "Dancing in the Streets". We went up to the top floor, near the doors and stood at the railing and watched it. This show featured the Break Dancers, and was set in a city setting. It was just ok, and got a bit boring. Break Dancing is fun to watch for a bit, for a whole hour show?? I felt at one point we were just watching two guys do stupid human tricks! ;)

We left the show and went to the Piano Bar for a bit, then sat at the sports bar and watched some of the Red Sox game.... We knew we had a very early day in Belize the next morning, so we decided to pick up DD at Camp Carnival and call it a night. We are getting old! haha.. gone are the days of staying up until the wee hours every night!!

Coming Up... Cave Tubing in Belize...

Catrin

[Denisern2]

Loving your review!!! Will be Dreaming in Two weeks. Thank you for getting the excitement factor up!

[singley5]

Wonderful review I am so glad you took the time to write this. We are a family of 5 also DD 15, DS 11, DD 10. Glad to know the kids had a great time:D. This is my childrens first cruise so I am a little nervous. My DH and I always wear the sea sick patches behind the ear and I am a little worried that my oldest DD will get sea sick. She does not do well in cars. If you don't mind me asking is this a problem you have had with any of your kidos. We are on the Dream in March of 2012 and have the oceanview room also. Again your doing a great job and can not wait to read more.

[Me76]

Wonderful review I am so glad you took the time to write this. We are a family of 5 also DD 15, DS 11, DD 10. Glad to know the kids had a great time:D. This is my childrens first cruise so I am a little nervous. My DH and I always wear the sea sick patches behind the ear and I am a little worried that my oldest DD will get sea sick. She does not do well in cars. If you don't mind me asking is this a problem you have had with any of your kidos. We are on the Dream in March of 2012 and have the oceanview room also. Again your doing a great job and can not wait to read more.

 

 

First, loving the review. We are going on the dream for Halloween, with 2 kids, around the age of your DD.

 

Singley5 - my DD has major problems with motion sickness, she doesn't really have any problems on her previous cruise. I asked her doctor before we went if there was a prescription medicine like the patch for her (she's 8 now, and was then), and he said to use Benydryl. It is the exact same medicine as Dramamine, just in different packaging, so it's much easier to find the dosing for kids. I gave both of my kids a dose right before we left port, since departure night always seems to be the worst, and they were fine. With all the excitement on the ship, they never got sleepy or grumpy either! HTH :) (I know Target has their Up & Up brand of liquid Benydryl for usually around $2/bottle, so very cheap).