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Note - this page contains multiple reviews.
Name: Dawn Phillips
Email: dp_is_me@hotmail.com
Age: 38
Occupation: private golf club in SW Indiana
NumberOfCruises: 0
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Disney-Wonder
SailingDate: Nov. 5, 2000
Itinerary: Nassau; Freeport; Castaway Cay
Cabin: inside, deck 5 aft
FoodDiningRoom: 90
CruiseDirector: 90
CabinComfort: 50
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 80
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck: 85
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 85
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 80
ShoreExcVariety: 90
FoodVariety: 95
DeckService: 85
ShoreExcValue: 90
GoodForHoneymoon: 40
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland: 75
GoodForFamilies: 100
LoungeService: 90
TenderService: 90
GoodForSeniors: 70
BeautySalonStaff: 90
EntertainmentLounges: 95
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 90
EntertShowLounge: 95
OverallPortsofCall: 80
BeautySalon: 100
EntertainmentPoolside: 80
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino:
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs: 85
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 80
ShopsOnBoard: 80
SpaceRatio: 75
OverallCruiseValue: 90
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 24 Jan 2001
Time: 00:45:07
Remote Name: cable-f-163.sigecom.net
Remote User:
Comments
This was the first cruise for my family (husband, me, son 14 and daughter 10) and we brought my widowed
mother-in-law (65) with us. The cruise was the finale of a 7 day land/sea package with WDW.
We were greeted at the Orlando airport terminal by a friendly DCL agent wearing a bright blue blazer and
carrying a rather unobtrusive DCL clipboard. I walked right past the first lady. They don't really stand out or
maybe I was just too excited to be there.
At any rate, they ushered us to a small waiting area and finally on to the bus with no trouble. At WDW we
checked into our resort and were given the key to the world which also acts as a key to your cabin so it is
highly important not to lose this card.
Getting on the ship was surprisingly simple. We walked right on and got our photo taken as we entered the
ship's atrium. The picture was horrible but the ship was unreal. We looked like the Griswalds with all our
mouths wide open in awe of this immense floating palace. Did I mention this was our first cruise? Next time I'll
be more composed.
Anyway, we dashed to our cabins (we booked 2 insides next to each other so we'd have an extra bathroom).
Our daughter and Grandma had one and me, husband and son occupied the other. This was a total and
major disappointment. The cabin was cramped and the couch that was intended to serve as a bed for our son
was way too small. I hated this claustrophobic feeling we got from this cabin. Instead of heading off for spa
reservations, I spent the next half hour trying in vain to get us relocated to an outside cabin. No luck. The ship
was booked to capacity.
We were all starving so we went up to Beach Blanket Buffet for the huge shrimp and assorted lunchmeats and
to me at least, it all tasted just fine. We bought refillable mugs for everyone (soft drinks eat you alive at
Disney) and headed for the kids' areas on the ship.
We were impressed with the programs available for kids of all ages which shouldn't come as a surprise when
it's a Disney cruise but at any rate, they were excited to have the freedom to get out on their own and we felt
totally comfortable with it as well.
Needless to say we spent very little time in the cabin because of the size and wound up changing clothes one
at a time because there was just no privacy or enough room! The cabin shared by our daughter and
mother-in-law was perfect for the 2 of them, however.
Time flew and dinner was being served (late seating) tonight at Triton's. Right about the time I was getting my
makeup on, we started crossing the gulf stream. I ended up looking more like I was going to a Kiss concert
than to dinner at a beautiful restaurant. And by the time we got seated I was a pale shade of green from the
rolling of the ship. Yuck. What turned out to be what I thought was the best food of the entire cruise was
ruined by rough seas. And our servers said that was 'calm'. Rough means they take away your water glasses.
Okay.
That night I chewed Bonine like sweet tarts. From that night on I couldn't tell if it was the pills or me just
wearing myself out but I was dead asleep by 10:00 each night. Talk about a wimp. Our 10 year old came by
one night to show us something she'd made during one of her kid programs only to find her mom and dad
sound asleep. Wild ones we wanted to be but couldn't.
Day 2 was in Nassau. We had booked shore excursions onboard for the dolphin encounter/blue lagoon island
day. Talk about paradise! For all the ripping Nassau gets the people should never pass judgment until they
see this beautiful and peaceful island. The transportation to and from was delightful. A live Calypso band
played and the sun was setting on the way back! Plenty of paths, sparkling clear water and mature palm trees
beckon you only to offer relaxation in a comfy hammock while the tropical breeze lulls you to sleep. The best
thing we could have done. The Dolphin Encounter was worth every penny too.
Day 3 was Freeport. Another story. Walked off the ship and into a little villa-type straw market full of women
hollering about braids and bargains. Not our thing. We headed back to the ship and enjoyed the rest of the
afternoon getting our hair done and experiencing the couple's surial bath (not to be missed).
Day 4 was spent on Castaway Cay. Not as great as I expected from what I'd read. Palm trees are scarce and
not fully grown. Everything is clean but gives the appearance of being too man-made here. I didn't like the
ocean floor at Serenity Bay (adult beach) it is the pits for your feet so wear water shoes or stay outa the
ocean. We spent most of the day on the family beach passing time by drinking expensive cocktails and having
mine and Jess's hair braided. The ladies here are nice and do a good job. Still, braids can get expensive so I
told her I wanted just $20 worth of braids. And I walked away with 10 little braids around the crown of my head.
Definitely different. Jessica got cornrows that looked like a headband and that little 'do' ended up costing $50!
Wow. Nice souvenir though. Be sure to put sunblock in the parts or you'll roast your scalp worse than your
wallet.
Nice gift shop on Castaway Cay. Lunch here was excellent as were all the tropical drinks we got. Feeling good
and heading back towards the ship at the end of the day, we decided Blue Lagoon Island was the best of all.
We wanted to go back there.
Last night on the ship we ate at Parrot Cay and lo and behold they were playing Jimmy Buffet. My husband's
eyes lit up and all of a sudden this was his kind of place. The food was good here too, and featured a master
chef series offering various recipes from around WDW. This was in contrast to the night before when a
tropical themed menu was what we were offered. Animator's Palate was my least favorite in terms of both
ambience and food quality.
The food available on the pool decks is just great for snacking. The chicken breast was delicious. Again, don't
forget refillable mugs or your bill for soft drinks will be outrageous.
Worth mentioning is the ESPN Skybox. The bartender doesn't bother measuring his pours here if you know
what I mean. The view is lost though. Weather for our cruise was perfect as were the incredible
sunsets/sunrises we experienced.
Disembarkation was as painless as embarkation. Down to a science. Just don't try smuggling coconuts back
on dry land. I bet we counted 30 or so coconuts confiscated on the table at customs. Certain airlines (most
major) offer ticket agents right at the bus terminal at port so your bags are checked through to home which is
a big plus for weary travelers!
We're going to take the 7 day next time because we felt WDW combined with the cruise was overkill. These
are 2 very separate vacations! Vacation? Did I say vacation? This is hard work having this much fun!
Name: Kathy Coats
Email: Kite@egl.net
Age: 39
Occupation: Sales
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Disney-Wonder
SailingDate: 2/8/01
Itinerary: Bahamas/Castaway Cay
Cabin: 7035
FoodDiningRoom: 90
CruiseDirector: 80
CabinComfort: 90
FoodRoomService: 90
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck: 80
DiningRoomService: 85
CabinQuietness: 90
FoodMidnightBuffets: 75
CabinSteward: 90
ShoreExcVariety: 90
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService: 90
ShoreExcValue: 75
GoodForHoneymoon: 85
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland: 100
GoodForFamilies: 95
LoungeService: 90
TenderService: 85
GoodForSeniors: 70
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 90
WheelchairAccess: 90
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 90
OverallPortsofCall: 75
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 90
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino:
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs: 90
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 85
SpaceRatio: 90
OverallCruiseValue: 90
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 16 Feb 2001
Time: 13:26:49
Remote Name: pm6m35.egl.net
Remote User:
Comments
Embarkation is a piece of cake if you have the seven night land and sea package. When boarding the
ship, you have already checked in at the resort so you are free to board the ship with your key to the
world. We dropped off our small travel bags and purse in our stateroom and went to the buffet
immediately after boarding. I've read other reviews and expected the food to be lousy but it wasn't.
Everything was great, and everyone seemed to be in a happy mood. After our lunch, we walked
around the ship and had a quick life boat drill. Soon after, the sail away party began on the pool deck.
It was a lot of fun and the staff is very good at getting people to come down and dance. It was quite
windy and cooler in Cape Canaveral than it was in Orlando. We had shorts and short sleeve blouses,
and everytime we went to our room to check on our luggage, we were disappointed that our bags were
not there. We all wanted sweatshirts. It took a while for us to notice we were moving, and hoped our
luggage was on the ship. The next time we checked (well after 5:00pm)it was there:) We were so busy
checking out the ship that we forgot about the 6:30 show. We made it in time and somewhat enjoyed it.
The show was fine, but the wind was so strong, it was really moving the ship around. The theater is on
deck 3 and you could really feel the waves.
Our oldest daughter went back to the room sick, and our
youngest kept telling me her head hurt. I kept pinching my wrist to take my mind off the motion. After
the show we had a great dinner, our servers were terrific. All three meals were a delight and I cannot
say anything bad about any of it. They want to please you and will get you anything you want. Instead
of spending time in Nassau, we purchased the Atlantis day excursion and spent it in the lost city. It was
beautiful and well worth going to. We went back to the ship in the late afternoon, and changed, and
went to Nassau for about an hour. Thats all you need there and most of that is walking to and from the
ship.
Castaway Cay is beautiful, and we had an incredible day there. Beautiful doesn't sum it up, you
just have to experience it. Fortunately, after the first windy day, our weather was exceptional. The
cruise director announced that they had not had two consecutive days of great weather since
November. We were very lucky. Back on the ship, one more great dinner, and partying, and you wake
up back home. We had our last breakfast at Beach Blanket Buffet, and it was delicious. I've heard that
Disney's diembarkation is superior to others and it definately was smooth. On the last night you have
to put your luggage in the hall by 11:00pm. The employees collect your bags and in the morning you
pick up your bags in the designated area you were assigned. Our pick up was the "red" area, and it is
5 or 6 rows wide. We had to search the whole area as all 5 of our bags were in different rows. Now if
you pick up 5 bags on one dolly, whats so hard about dropping all five off in the same location? That
was the only hassle that I would even bother mentioning. Most people will have a great time on this
ship, and we loved it and felt it went way too fast!
Name: Marilyn Bertelsen
Email: Doziebert@yahoo.com
Age: 40
Occupation: Accountant
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Disney-Wonder
SailingDate: 12/17/00
Itinerary: Nassau/Freeport/Castaway Cay
Cabin: 8026/4
FoodDiningRoom: 90
CruiseDirector: 85
CabinComfort: 85
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck:
DiningRoomService: 75
CabinQuietness: 85
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 90
ShoreExcVariety: 90
FoodVariety: 85
DeckService: 85
ShoreExcValue:
GoodForHoneymoon: 75
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 100
LoungeService: 75
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors: 50
BeautySalonStaff: 95
EntertainmentLounges: 85
WheelchairAccess: 75
ExerciseFacilities: 85
EntertShowLounge: 85
OverallPortsofCall: 75
BeautySalon: 95
EntertainmentPoolside: 90
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino:
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities: 95
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs: 75
DeckSpace: 95
Stabilization: 80
ShopsOnBoard: 75
SpaceRatio: 85
OverallCruiseValue: 90
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 26 Feb 2001
Time: 17:51:27
Remote Name: spider-wj041.proxy.aol.com
Remote User:
Comments
We sailed on the Wonder after spending three very hectic days at Disney World. We thought it would
make sense to fly in the night before our vacation started, so we could hit the parks first thing in the
morning. Of course, our flight got delayed, and we did not arrive in Orlando until almost 3 am.
Normally, the cruise line would provide transportation, take care of your luggage, etc., but when you
get in at an 'off' hour, all bets are off. You are on your own. I think the important thing to remember is
this: Disney knows what it is doing. Follow their rules, and all will be well. Don't try to add an extra day
to your vacation. We were so exhausted after our first night, that several of us wound up sick. No fun.
Embarkation was fairly easy, and we had three kids with us. The ship was decorated for Christmas,
and was very elegant. The first thing they do is feed you (which is nice) and after lunch you can get
into your room. We were on the 8th deck, very nice accomodations. The room comfortably slept all 5 of
us, and the verandah is a must-have. It was nice to be so close to the 9th deck, where all the action is.
But it was only noisy the night we left Nassau--they had a lot of on-deck parties that night.
The kids loved the children's programs--my kids are 10, 8 and 5. We had to go and get them out of the
club to spend time with us! Our children never left the boat in the Bahamas. My husband and I went
into Nassau, and because it was so dirty we felt the kids could skip it. They had a lot of fun just
hanging out at the pool. There is kid food available (free) all day long. Chicken strips, hamburgers, hot
dogs and ice cream. Take advantage of it! We had the late seating for dinner, but the kids were
usually hungry before that, so we used the kid food as a late afternoon snack. The shows were great,
don't miss 'Disney Dreams.' I had a massage and facial at the spa; everything there is first-rate,
including the service. We ate at Palos (the adults only restaurant), and the food was excellent.
One thing you should be aware of--our cruise did not include a stop at Castaway Cay (we still feel
cheated) because the seas were too rough for us to dock. They told me that only happens 5% of the
time, but it is a real disppointment if it happens to you! We have decided we will just have to take
another cruise! Debarkation was a snap, our bags were easy to find, and all the major airlines have
baggage check-in for the Orlando airport.
Name: Tami Froelich
Email: bfufam@gte.net
Age: 37
Occupation: Occ Health & Safety Consultant
NumberOfCruises: 2
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Disney-Wonder
SailingDate: 9/10/2000
Itinerary: Bahamas
Cabin: 11
FoodDiningRoom: 88
CruiseDirector: 85
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService: 95
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 100
FoodLidoDeck: 80
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 100
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety: 90
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService: 85
ShoreExcValue: 75
GoodForHoneymoon: 80
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland: 100
GoodForFamilies: 100
LoungeService: 90
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors: 70
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 85
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 85
EntertShowLounge: 85
OverallPortsofCall: 75
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 80
CruiseActivities: 80
Casino:
AirSeaProgram: 80
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 100
DiscoNightclubs: 100
DeckSpace: 95
Stabilization: 95
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio: 85
OverallCruiseValue: 95
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 06 Mar 2001
Time: 17:28:33
Remote Name: 1cust203.tnt4.kennewick.wa.da.uu.net
Remote User:
Comments
Overall, we loved our Disney World/Cruise vacation. We just wish that Florida wasn't clear on the other
side of the country! (We live in Washington state.) The flight from Seattle to Orlando pretty much took
one entire day of our vacation.
Our group consisted of me, my husband (age 43), his daughter (age 17), and my 2 sons (ages 9 &
14). After spending 4 great days at DWorld, we were looking forward to the cruise. We were not
disappointed.
We had two inside Category 11 cabins w/an ajoining door. The cabins were small, but all 5 of us did
just fine. My husband and I stayed in one and the kids in the other. There is lots of storage space and
it helps greatly that the shower and toilet are in seperate 'roomlettes'. The decor is nostaglic 'ocean
liner' themed and was well maintained and tasteful. We heard nothing from the other cabins, hallway or
adjacent conference rooms. We did not spend a lot of time in the cabins, however.
The 9 year old was excited about the kid's club and spent almost the entire day with them on our first
full day out. After our evening of dancing and partying, we went to pick him up (around 11:30 pm). We
found him playing bingo and not ready to call it a night. We left him there and he found his way back to
the kid's cabin well after we had gone to sleep. He loved the freedom and so did we! (Kids his age can
check themselves in and out of the program if that arrangement is okay with the parents.) He spent
less time there on days 3 & 4 because there were a few bullies there that he didn't want to deal with.
The teenagers did not enjoy the so-called teen program. I would estimate the 'teen' activities to be
most appropriate for kids 15-17, not much older. The 14 year old would have loved to play with the
computer games that were available to the up-to-12 year olds. They did enjoy watching several new
Disney movies that were shown each night in the ship's theatre and the late-night availability of room
service. (this became an every night ritual for them; dinner w/us, the 'show', hanging around or
shopping, movie and then room service.)
As far as adult activities go, they were fairly average. I participated in a wine tasting ($15 pp) in Palo's
hosted by the someliers. It was somewhat informative, but in some cases their English was so poor it
was difficult to understand them and I wasn't crazy about most of the wines. I also went to an group
aerobics class one morning and was disappointed that it was in an unairconditioned part of the ship -
too hot to workout even at 8 am! (I am a certified aerobics instructor).
Palo's adults-only restaurant - don't waste your first hour on the ship waiting in line to get reservations!
The food was not much better than the other dining rooms and it seemed a bit pretentious. I sent my
first appetizer (calamari) back because it was overbreaded and overcooked. By the time I got my
alternative appetizer, we were finished with our salads and the main course was coming. I got the
impression that they were in a hurry to get you out of there because others had "reservations". I'd skip
this and eat with the kids next time. Don't worry about kids ruining the dining atmosphere in the other
dining rooms - we didn't witness this.
The rest of the food; Good to above average. Breakfast buffets were very good in terms of variety and
freshness. Not very original, however. Same kind of 'brunch buffet' that you would find in a typical big
hotel restaurant (Red Lion, Hilton, etc.). We never ate in the 'order off the menu' dining room for
breakfast because the hours were limited to approx. 10 am and we wanted to sleep a little more than
that. Lunches were great for kids at the poolside pizzeria and hamburger place. Lunch buffets were
even better. One day they had a Chinese food lunch buffet that looked great, but I had only eaten
breakfast an hour & a half before! Dinners were very good and the kids really stretched themselves
and were able to try things we never thought they would; escargot, lamb, goats cheese, scallops. No
one meal stands out, however. The only real drawback to the food, I thought, were the desserts. They
were unimaginative, small and not that good. I was disappointed. My 14 yo son said the ice cream from
'Scoops' (the poolside ice cream parlor) was of very low quality. Our waiters were excellent and acted
like real people, not grinning servants hoping for a big tip at the end.
Evening entertainment; Great!! Just as you would expect from Disney, the stage show every night was
wonderful. The last night when they did 'Disney Dreams', my 9 year old was on the edge of his seat
beaming from ear-to-ear (the reaction I was looking for the entire time we were at DWorld!). This was
one of the highlights of the cruise. Lounges were nice and quiet and adult oriented. Dancing got
started a little late and ended fairly early and, although the music was good in the disco, I could have
used more dancing and less group-participation baloney. The karaoke bar didn't seem to be open
very much and we were only in there once and the whole thing ended quickly.
Excursions; lots to choose from, typically priced. We only purchased one shore excursions as a group
and that was the snokelling boat in the afternoon in Nassau. We had a great time, but we were very
dilligent about the sunscreen and didn't take the 9 year old with us (A WONDERFUL thing about the
kid's club - if you go for a shore excursion that isn't to the kid's liking or in this case his abilities, you
can leave them onboard at the club w/o you!) The equipment was provided and was in good shape,
the boat operators were informative and the reef location was great. We had plenty of time in the water
and all-in-all it was a fun afternoon. My husband also took the kayaking trip in Freeport. He is a
birdwatcher and really wanted to see some wildlife. He enjoyed it but said WE were glad we stayed on
the ship and swam!
The Ports-of-Call; don't bother going shoppping in Nassau; the prices are not great, there isn't
anything there that you can't get elsewhere and the Straw Market is boring. The only thing that I
enjoyed was that you could negotiate with the vendors because they all speak English well. We didn't
bother getting off in Freeport (except my husband for his kayaking trip). The location where you dock
is a really ugly industrial area. Why Disney takes you there instead of another day of Castaway Cay, I
do not know.
Castaway Cay!!!!!!!! Everyone says it but I'll say it again - MORE TIME, please!!! This place is
wonderful, clean, beautiful, fun and interesting. The barbeque was good and there were lots of places
to explore. Plenty of beach space, hammocks and area to snorkel. Limited fish, but this should change
over time when the man-made reef gets established. We loved the live band and the shopping
on-island.
My 14 yo wants me to mention the pin collecting. At both DWorld and the ship, they bought and traded
pins everyday. They are going to save them for trading on subsequent visits and/or for their kids. It is
a unique, and inexpensive way to start collecting 'Disneyana'.
Best parts about the trip; CASTAWAY CAY, PIN TRADING, 'KEY TO THE WORLD' CARD, NIGHTLY
SHOWS and MOVIES.
Worst parts; PORTS-OF-CALL, TEEN PROGRAMS, PALO'S.
Name: Julie Dobbs
Email: dobbsjd@aol.com
Age: 31
Occupation: stylist
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Disney-Wonder
SailingDate: August 3, 2000
Itinerary: 3day Bahama
Cabin: 6030
FoodDiningRoom: 75
CruiseDirector: 90
CabinComfort: 100
FoodRoomService: 85
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 100
FoodLidoDeck: 75
DiningRoomService: 85
CabinQuietness: 100
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 90
ShoreExcVariety: 90
FoodVariety: 70
DeckService:
ShoreExcValue: 90
GoodForHoneymoon: 65
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland: 75
GoodForFamilies: 85
LoungeService:
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors: 65
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges:
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge:
OverallPortsofCall: 75
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 80
CruiseActivities: 75
Casino:
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 90
EmbarkDisembark: 100
DiscoNightclubs: 75
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 100
ShopsOnBoard: 75
SpaceRatio: 90
OverallCruiseValue: 75
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 10 Mar 2001
Time: 18:18:02
Remote Name: spider-wn033.proxy.aol.com
Remote User:
Comments
This was our family's first cruise. There were four of us, my husband, myself, my daughter (10yrs), and
son (7 yrs). We chose Disney because we are avid Walt Disney World fans and appreciate the quality
and care Disney puts into the resorts and parks. Unfortunately, we didn't find that to be the case on
our cruise. We unanimously agreed that our experience was quite mediocre in comparison to what we
expected.
Embarkation: We drove to Cape Canaveral from Atlanta the day before our cruise and woke up
bursting with excitement the Thursday morning of our trip. We arrived at the terminal at 11:00 a.m. and
were greeted curbside by an attendant who took our luggage and directed us to parking and the inside
of the terminal. My husband parked and met the kids and I inside the terminal. The checking in
process went very well with no problems. I had made doubly sure to have all my ducks in a row so this
would go smoothly. We were early to the terminal and there were'nt many folks there yet, but around
11:30, cruisers started to line up in front of the entrance to the ship in anticipation of Noon when we
could board. Disney made this very exciting with a 10..9...8... countdown. We were so excited we were
beside ourselves. Once onboard the ship, our names were announced and our photo was taken. That
photo shows how fabulous we felt at that moment! There was a group of singers in the lobby greeting
everyone-nice! We had a choice of 2 buffets, Parrot Cay or Topsiders. There was a very long line for
both and we one of the first families on the ship! Soon after, our bags arrived in our state room.
Cabin: We had an outside state room on deck 6 with verandah. I can't say enough positive things
about the quality of this cabin. I have seen many photos of other Cruise Line's ships and Disney's
appear much larger. We never wanted for space, even with the 4 of us. The verandah was very
spacious with enough room for 2 chairs and 2 people to stand as well. Our cabin steward was friendly
and average. He didn't do any of the cute little things you hear about with towels or kid's stuffed
animals and such. He just kept the room clean. I was sort of disapointed. The ship itself was fairly easy
to navigate. I did get turned around every so often.
Deck space and pools: There was plenty of deckspace for everyone and the pools were never horribly
crowded.
Cruise Staff: We were accidently given the early dining instead of the late. The staff in charge of fixing
this was very unsympathetic and unacommodating. They acted quite confused about solving our
problem, even though I brought it to thier attention at 3:00 p.m. on embarkation day. They told me my
only hope was to (basically beg) the person in charge of each resturant each night to allow us to dine
late. Let me say, this was a grand inconvenience to say the least. We are LATE eaters, especially on
vacation. The persons in charge of the resturants acted like we were crazy and never allowed us a
table for a late dining time. At Animators Palate, the manager ignored me in order to harshly reprimand
a waiter in front of myself and other cruisers. This was NOT the 'Disney Magic' we were accustomed to.
Other cruise staff were generally friendly but nothing out of the ordinary. Only one offered unsolicited
help to us on board (one of the half dozon times we were turned around in the hallways).
Cruise Director: We met her once on board and she was wonderfully friendly and charming.
Food: The food in Parrot Cay our first night was good. Not outstanding, but good. Our second night on
ship was Lumiere's night. The food was hospital cafeteria quality. I am not embellishing this. It took
almost an hour to arrive at out table and was honestly like what you're served in a hospital. On top of
the quality, it was cold. Our third night was Animators Palate. I didn't eat there because I had food
poisoning. I don't know exactly where I got it, I am a very picky eater, but I was deathly ill none the less.
My husband and children ate at Animators Palate and said it was WONDERFUL! I am sorry I missed it.
They really enjoyed the service and the pomp and circumstance that makes that resturant so popular.
Other than evening meals, we didn't find any food abundant on the ship. There were hot dogs and
hamburgers on deck 10, but only at certain times, and the ice cream bar was closed every time we
went there. We ate breakfast at Topsiders one morning and it was very good with a large selection.
The other mornings, we had cereal via room service. The room service staff were some of the nicest
employees we encountered on board. My husband and I ate at Palo and it was outstanding. The food
was simply sublime as was the service. It was equal to any 4 star resturant I've dined in. Do not miss it!
Shore excursions: We went to the Gilligans Island beach in Nassau. It was beautiful. Abundant shade
and hammocks made for a fabulous day. The barbeque was average. The Bahamaians serving it were
rude. This excursion was well worth the price. Beautiful water, shallow, wonderful.
Castaway Cay: Just picture 2000 people all lathered up in the creamiest, thickest sunscreen products
available, jumping into a 300 yard stretch of water at the same time and you have a picture of
Castaway Cay. The beautiful blue Carribean water was as murky as pea soup once all those people
jumped in! You couldn't see 6 inches below the surface. I am a healthy 31 year old. I excercise
regularly and am not overweight, but walking from the ship to the far, far place where we finally found a
lounge chair nearly killed me. I can't imagine how someone older or more physically impaired could do
it. The staff on Castaway Cay were as nice and as helpful as can be. The island was beautiful and also
very clean. However, I feel that there should be much more transportation available to folks. That area
was really lacking.
Entertainment: We missed all three Disney shows. Partly because of the dining blunder and partly
because I was ill on the last night. There was a deck party on the Nassau night of the cruise with
Characters and it was fabulous. It was the most fun we had while on board.
Kids Club: My children went a couple of times and decided they wanted to hang out with mom and dad
instead. I think for the right kids, the program is great. Mine are just shy.
Debarkation: Went absolutely without a hitch. No different than checking out of a hotel, really.
In conclusion, we always felt very safe on this cruise. Things were generally well organized and well
run. We didn't, however, experience any thing dazzling or fabulous and we are not hard to please. We
don't have a high income that makes us accustomed to fine things. We are just regular 30 somethings
with kids who like to have fun. We didn't have that for the most part on this ship. I did hear other
families talking about how much fun they were having, so maybe it was our inexperience at cruising
that jaded our opinion, I don't know. This cruise did make me want to try it again, just on another cruise
line.
Name: teresa koch
Email: tkoch@valkyrie.net
Age: 38
Occupation: registered nurse
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Disney-Wonder
SailingDate: 04/05/2001
Itinerary: 4 day
Cabin: 11
FoodDiningRoom: 95
CruiseDirector: 95
CabinComfort: 92
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 100
CabinAmenities: 95
FoodLidoDeck:
DiningRoomService: 90
CabinQuietness: 95
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 99
ShoreExcVariety:
FoodVariety: 95
DeckService: 95
ShoreExcValue:
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland: 98
GoodForFamilies: 100
LoungeService:
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 100
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 75
EntertShowLounge: 95
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 90
CruiseActivities: 100
Casino:
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 100
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 95
Stabilization: 93
ShopsOnBoard: 93
SpaceRatio: 94
OverallCruiseValue: 93
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 15 Apr 2001
Time: 19:59:16
Remote Name: wstr-usr1-014.valkyrie.net
Remote User:
Comments
This was our first cruise and we thoroughly enjoyed it! The staff were friendly and the ship is kept
immaculately clean! The rooms were bigger than I had expected! The meals were great! Tritons was my
favrite and my boys ages 9 and 11 as well as my husband enjoyed Parrots Cay.The waiters are very
pushy about ordering alcohol and smoothies that are not free with your meals.Beware!I would
recommend getting off the ship at Castaway Cay as sson as possible and going to the beach furthest
from the boat that you can with your family since the beach nearest the boat is most crowded.It would
also give you an opportunity to get one of a few hammocks. The shows are spectacular!The kids
programs are unbelievably great.My oldest son could come and go as he pleased but they would page
me on the pager they provided and let me know when he was leaving and where he was going. My
younger son had me paged when he was ready to be piched up. I would hughly recommend yhis cruise
to anyone considering a cruise.
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