this was a long awaited trip for me and my 2 little ones (6 and 3 y.o.) ... there was so much to do - we skip a lot and kept to a minimal to avoid burn out. We love the Castaway Bay - totally worth the heat. We didn't do any sailing and snorkling because our kids are still young. but as mommy, boy, did I enjoy doing "nothing". as for nassau on shore, if you are not a big shopper or wants to do any of the glass bottom boats stuff, you can skip. It was really hot! If you like to work out, I found plenty of space outside the gym to run and kick! We avoided the gift shop until the last minute - as you would guess, things are over - priced. But heck, it's disney memobilia - I paid $90 for about 10 professional photos. I did do one spa treatment - the robe did not fit me and was way too big! After treatment, I was all relaxed - then she started into the sales pitch. I didn't buy any of the stuff because partly the items they sell are only good with the therapist and the room comes with it! I would do the spa treatment again but still won't buy their products.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
Since we booked late, we had to seat at a 8:15 seatings... it really not great for my 2 kids - they both felt asleep by the time we ordered. So we were able to get them food earlier at a different place and the food is just as good. It's really salty for our taste so if you want less, you can always ask for sauces on the side, etc... and we loved our server - my little one is a picky eater - they were able to get his favorite foods steamed w/ no other added ingredients. The animator restaurant had the best ambiance - as we sat, there's a very subtle light show. Most cocktail drinks and non-alcoholic drinks are very expensive - ranging from 5 - 9/ per 8-10 oz servings.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
wow, the live shows are the best! go see them all - it's worth the cruise ticket you paid. and my kids love the disney characters running around and taking pictures with them. The theatres are very cold - we all had to wear extra shirt to keep us from freezing.
Children's Programs
5 out of 5
they got everything from a year old to 12 year old! Most parents tell me they don't feel "guilty" letting their kids around on their own. I saw groups of 8-9 y.o.s to teenagers having a good time. Wow, a teenager having a good time! ;-) heee hee.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
I saw a captain pick up a piece of paper off the floor - no personnel was above in treating the ship as if it was their pride and joy. When you have a tray and try to hold a crazy toddler at a buffet, some one would come up to you and get your tray and help you get seated! My older one slipped at the swimming pool (of course, after we told him not to step on the wet slippery part!) and banged his head, the life guard came over to tell us because we missed it as we were attending to his little brother for something else. Life guard even suggested that we take him down to get him checked out just in case. But the pool is "child" friendly enough w/i 2 minutes, my older one is back to splashing and sliding.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
My little one (3 y.o.) just loved the elevators - so going up and down was no big deal. the elevators & stairs are well placed so everything was accessible. We just had to always figure out which is forward and which is aft! Everything was very clean. I am definitely missing my statement host! He cleaned and folded those animal towels with STYLE! The Mickey's pool was cleaned at least twice while we were on a 4-night cruise... so #1 or #2 sure was not there for a long time. As for the ocean club and lab for the kids, they were really cute! The club was very well cushioned so that certainly decreased the possibility of high sugared filled children! the counselors are great and very friendly! they have eternal patients and I saw one for safety reasons asked a very good climber to get down in a very nice way! When climber did not listen, she gently picked her up and put her down. Also, the entire staff is wipey obsessed! they were everywhere! no > dirty hands!
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Considering the expected small size, we were very comfortable w/ 2 adults and 2 little kids. our statement slept 4 people. even it was closed to the stairs, I was so sleepy and the swaying of the ocean put me to sleep in no time. My little one kept asking why we have 2 bathrooms - well, if someone is taking a shower or bath, someone can go to the toilet w/o having to wait.
very private - you won't be bother about getting hair braided, massaged or cocktailed to death. The food is from the ship - so just expect more of the same salty food. the corn was overcooked - i like it cruchy. The sand is amazing! I saw fish in the water and it was really clear! We also so a gekco. My little loved that! We didn't do everything because it was really hot. Get there early to get off early! They have towels there for you - and lots of places for water and shower off.
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