Just off Fantasy - First Time DCL Trip Report of our Western Caribbean Voyage!

[ArthurUSCG]

On the Dream and fantasy they also gave there bow.

 

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On the Dream and Fantasy the fish and seahorse face the bow. I think there is also something in the carpet that points to the bow.

 

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[ArthurUSCG]

From dinner, we headed to the show. I was impressed right away with the talent and state of the art theatre.

 

We got our first towel animal when we returned to the stateroom, and relaxed a bit before our next adventure.

 

 

 

Here is what the bunk bed looked like made up:

 

 

Will and Bayleigh decided they fancied some pizza and ice cream, so we went up to deck 11 to get some!

 

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It was good! I’d rate the pizza better than NCL and on par with Carnival. I think Celebrity’s is best. The ice cream was a huge hit, as were the sodas. I like the light lemonade.

 

From there, we decided to check out the Sing and Scream Nightmare Before Christmas 3D/4D show in the main theatre.

 

 

 

It was good, but it was just so late! All of us fell asleep at some point. We made it back down to our cabin and promptly collapsed into a wonderful sea-rocked sleep :-)

What's this? What's this?

There's something very wrong

What's this?

These people singing songs

 

 

I have done 2 Halloween cruises and both times missed the Nightmare before Christmas nighttime events. [emoji22]

 

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[Viva_la_Vida]

Day 2 - At Sea

 

Let’s start with the Navigator!

 

 

There was also a Zika notification letter on our bed:

 

 

It was a beautiful morning!

 

 

We had a great breakfast in Cabanas and then commenced fun in the sun! We got chairs by the family pools first. First-time DCL cruisers should note that there are not traditional loungers out by the pool, they are just chairs that recline.

 

 

The perk is that more will fit, but I would miss stretching out if I used that area a lot. We ended up spending most of our time at the Quiet Cove pool, which has full, very nice, padded loungers. Pics of the Cove to come later.

 

In the afternoon, I was excited to see and hear that we were passing Havana!

 

[Viva_la_Vida]

One more pic of beautiful Cuba.

 

 

After our fill of sun, the kids, Donna and I headed to a scavenger hunt in The Tube. The Tube is a bar by night, but in this case, it was re-purposed for a kid’s event.

 

 

The event was well run, the staff members were wonderful!

 

Time for dinner in Animator’s Palate! This was the restaurant the kids were most looking forward to. It’s located at the end of this long hallway - Royal Court is to the left.

 

 

 

 

As soon as you walk in, it’s about 10 degrees hotter from all of the screens, so dress appropriately if you’re hot natured.

 

The artist theme was everywhere. I get why kids love this place!

 

[Viva_la_Vida]

Here is the menu:

 

 

 

I asked for the entree tuna without any sides as an appetizer and they were more than happy to accommodate this request. It was fantastic.

 

 

Next I had the butternut squash soup:

 

And finally the ginger teriyaki tenderloin:

 

All were great. I had the cookie sundae for dessert. YUM!

 

[Viva_la_Vida]

I loved the plates:

 

 

It was formal night, so we were all dressed up!

 

 

 

 

I will say here as a side note that one in our party became ill after eating the tuna tartare that was most certainly the culprit. We did notify the staff that this happened. It could have been a coincidence but she was the only one who ate it and the only one who got sick in our party.

 

We then got in line for pictures on the grand staircase. This was the captain’s gala and there were lots of free drinks! This is good because the lines were very long. We actually missed the first bit of Aladdin and got really bad seats because we were stuck in line. We had waited so long and hated to get out of line when we were so close! At least Will got to talk to Captain Fabian while we waited!

 

 

Aladdin was absolutely spectacular. It was my favorite show by far, and I really wish they had done two nights of it. In fact, it was so packed they were turning people away.

 

Sunday’s towel animal:

 

 

[Viva_la_Vida]

Donna and I took some time to hit up Europa! It is the collection of themed bars. There is La Piazza, the italian bar; O’Gill’s Pub (Irish), The Tube (British), Ooh La La (French), and my favorite, Skyline which features an enormous screen that rotates between various world skylines.

 

We visited La Piazza first and ended up meeting a very nice couple we would see around all the time on board. It’s funny, it’s a large ship, but you end up seeing the same people over and over. I never felt that it was too crowded (aside from the muster drill).

 

 

Next up was the champagne bar. It was a beautiful place, but very expensive if you ordered from their menu. It was pretty empty and it actually closed at midnight :-(

 

 

 

 

I was a bit shocked. Coming from NCL where the nightlife was way better, this was a bit of a disappointment. We thought it was funny that the kid’s club stayed open later than most of the bars. We found out later in the week that the tube stays open until 2.

 

So it was a forced bedtime for us. Next up, our adventures in Mexico!

Edited September 29, 2016 by Viva_la_Vida

[NYGirl1002]

Can't wait for the rest. You have a way with words!

 

I definitely agree with you about a drink package. I always purchase them on Royal Caribbean and it's so much better when you pay ahead of time. I too was looking for some sort of drink plan for my cruise so I was disappointed.

[ArthurUSCG]

We thought it was funny that the kid’s club stayed open later than most of the bars.

 

So it was a forced bedtime for us.

 

I am going to leave this right here. :D

 

[YOUTUBE]

[/YOUTUBE] Edited September 29, 2016 by ArthurUSCG

[Viva_la_Vida]

I am going to leave this right here. :D

 

[YOUTUBE]

[/YOUTUBE]

 

Oh no, it won't play! I'm so curious!

[Viva_la_Vida]

Oh no, it won't play! I'm so curious!

 

Just clicked on the link and it worked HAHAHAHAHA!!!! :D That's awesome.

[Viva_la_Vida]

Can't wait for the rest. You have a way with words!

 

I definitely agree with you about a drink package. I always purchase them on Royal Caribbean and it's so much better when you pay ahead of time. I too was looking for some sort of drink plan for my cruise so I was disappointed.

 

Thank you so much!

[Viva_la_Vida]

Day 3 - Cozumel, Mexico

 

 

 

It was another beautiful day! We had reservations at Mr. Sanchos, an all inclusive (or as Will called it, all exclusive) beach club about a 10 minute cab ride away. We basically followed tour groups off the ships. You get directed through a shopping area with lots of vendors trying to entice you to purchase their items. For those with mobility issues, research the location of elevators ahead of time. I saw many people struggling down the stairs and many strollers being carried, so either there is no elevator or it’s well hidden.

 

Once we were down on the ground level of the mall, the taxis were right in front of us. There was a sign that clearly laid out the beaches and pricing. It was, I believe, $36 one way for all six of us.

 

Mr. Sancho’s has two sections - an a la carte and an all inclusive. The adult price is $55 and includes all drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), food, beach loungers, and pool access. It’s a fantastic deal. The kids were $35 and also purchased the aquatic park pass for an additional $12 per person.

 

Here is the beautiful beach:

 

 

 

You can see the aquatic park in the left corner of the pic:

 

 

The kids loved the aquatic park!

 

[Viva_la_Vida]

The pools were great - there were two large pools just for the all-inclusive people. They both had swim up bars.

 

 

 

Will loved trying out my waterproof camera :-)

 

 

And Bayleigh loved getting her hair braided!

 

 

The adults enjoyed just lounging, drinking, and watching the kids have a blast. Darla and Bubba had massages as well. There was a nice outdoor area for massages.

 

The service was fantastic. Our server was Jesus and he kept us fed and watered all day!

 

The coconut shrimp and Cozumel breezes were especially delicious!

 

 

The only thing not wonderful were the restrooms. They were kept very clean, but they were a little rustic from an American perspective. It was no big deal to us, but I thought I should mention it.

 

Too soon, it was time to go back to the ship.

 

We had a great ride back in one of the many cabs that were waiting. There was only one other ship in port (Carnival Triumph) so it was pretty empty.

 

 

We learned an interesting fact when we were mistakingly calling Mr. Sancho's "El Sancho's" - El Sancho is a term for a boyfriend on the side. We had fun with that one!

Edited September 30, 2016 by Viva_la_Vida

[davidmbfonz]

Our experience of Mr. Sancho's paralleled yours very closely. What a good setup they have! Love the water right there, and you can't beat that tasty buffet and the drinks. Did you try the "Green Monster" drink? Good stuff!

 

I can see the appeal of Cozumel!

 

Great review!

[Viva_la_Vida]

The Fantasy is really a beautiful ship.

 

 

 

 

We made it back on board in plenty of time. Bubba and I had some fun watching runners from the 11th deck (looked like everyone made it!) and seeing the sailaway. I loved hearing the various disney tunes played by the ship’s horn! So unique!

 

Monday’s dinner was in the Enchanted Garden. We always loved eating there since it was just so close to our rooms!

 

It truly is enchanting. The elaborate screens that reflect the time of day really make you feel that you’re outside in a garden. My favorite was seeing the sunset!

 

 

 

[Viva_la_Vida]

Here is the menu:

 

 

Sorry for the glare on this one.

 

 

Lobster ravioli:

 

That’s all the food pics I got that night, but I did get our awesome towel animals!

 

 

Laurel was always so kind to make us different ones for each stateroom.

 

 

 

 

[Club Disney Chandler]

Thanks for taking the time to write this review, thoroughly enjoying it!

 

I'd like to point out that not all guests are outside for muster on DCL, 3 of our 4 Disney cruises we mustered in the theatre, only one was outside, it just depends on where your cabin is located.

 

Also, if you ever make it back on a Disney ship be sure to order the Black Truffle Pasta Purseittes at Animators, they are amazing!

 

 

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[meatloafsfan]

Still enjoying your review.

 

There is indeed an elevator at the pier at Cozumel. If you approach the pier using a mobility device (wheelchair, scooter or walker), they are quick to point you in the right direction.

[kands1960]

Loving your review of the Fantasy, my family is booked for August 2017 can not wait! Was on the sister ship the Dream last year, only 4 nights which was to short for me.

Thanks!

[Viva_la_Vida]

Loving your review of the Fantasy, my family is booked for August 2017 can not wait! Was on the sister ship the Dream last year, only 4 nights which was to short for me.

Thanks!

 

Thank you!

 

I would think 4 nights is too short also. I was feeling sad after a wonderful 7 nights!

[Viva_la_Vida]

I was planning on writing a lot tonight, but I had a long hard day at work and am up early tomorrow morning to conduct my choir in my town's fall festival.

 

"See ya real soon"! Have a great night, everyone! :)

[Tkerniroc1986]

I'm subbed for this review! We were on the Fantasy for the western Caribbean last year. We also stayed on deck 2! Love the lower staterooms, and they are close to everything! We are a little over a year away from our next Disney Cruise on the Magic! Here's my stateroom video which is the same category as yours. My channel also has videos of all of our days on the Fantasy!

 

 

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[Viva_la_Vida]

Tuesday, September 20th

Day 4 - Cayman Islands

 

 

 

We started out our morning at a character breakfast. This was an event that you had to book ahead of time. I know we had ours booked for several months at least. We did it through our TA, but you can also do this on your Disney Cruise Line site.

 

Tickets are delivered to your stateroom at the beginning of the voyage, and you need to remember to bring these with you because they will check them at the door.

 

I am a little embarrassed to admit I only knew one of the characters - Mickey! The other three the kids seemed to know, but weren’t particularly excited about.

 

 

 

 

 

I kind of thought Disney would pull out all the stops with this special breakfast. Maybe it’s just me, but I thought they should have had more well-known characters. And there were only 4 total. DCL is very strict and the “bodyguards” as we started to call them, would come around ahead of time and warn you to stay in your seat. It kind of made for an intimidating situation. I do understand why they do that but it made picture-taking difficult.

 

We were also really squeezed in together next to the other tables. I am not sure why they do that, as only a very small portion of the restaurant was being utilized and it seemed cumbersome for the characters in their large costumes to maneuver around. It was an enjoyable enough breakfast, but I don’t think any of us, including the kids, would necessarily do it again.

[Viva_la_Vida]

We recognized the “bodyguard” (in white) as one of the leads in the opening night show.

 

 

 

Yay, our favorite!

 

 

Here is the menu. I was hoping for some eggs benedict, but I did really enjoy the muesli.

 

 

 

And look who Bayleigh spotted on the way back from breakfast!