Are we finally sailing? The Disney Difference Sep/Oct 2016 it's a wrap!

How exciting! At least the end of the first cruise isn't as depressing as it normally would be as you get to cruise again.

Paula Sedley-Burke said:

The host was moving it all for us including items hanging up, our host was beyond nice.

Click to expand...

I was going to say that this is a shame that DCL is not doing this. Apparently this is what happens on Royal Caribbean.

Paula Sedley-Burke said:

We were moving 2 doors down to stateroom 11000.

Click to expand...

At least you did not have far to go.

Paula Sedley-Burke said:

Plus it is not manufactured by siemens Freezers.

Click to expand...

That is a definite advantage.

Paula Sedley-Burke said:

I woke up still feeling a little out of sorts but not as bad as the day before.

Click to expand...

I am sorry that you still felt unwell.

Paula Sedley-Burke said:

Just as I said that she shouted a victory yes! Got up and got my passport from the bottom of a bag. Phew!

Click to expand...

I am glad that it was found.

Paula Sedley-Burke said:

We really enjoyed never having to go to guest services for anything.

Click to expand...

That is definitely a nice perk.

Paula Sedley-Burke said:

Click to expand...

That is a rare photo indeed.

Paula Sedley-Burke said:

There were probably about 20 people.

Click to expand...

I am surprised that there were not more.

Paula Sedley-Burke said:

I went to the empty adults only area and Jo went to deck 9 to put some laundry on.

Click to expand...

That is one aspect I miss on Royal Caribbean. They don't have self-service laundries.

Corinna

Paula Sedley-Burke said:

Mustard drill again, Sail away party and Royal Table

Click to expand...

Two mustard drills, yuk! But then again, very worth it to be able to do a b2b. So glad you were feeling better for this portion of the trip.

Kate

I think I am all caught up. I've read all the lovely updates, and think I might be able to pick it up now from here. Love what I've been reading this evening!

Disneymadhouse said:

Hi Polly,

Look at you two with your gold cards!! Whit woo!! Glad you are feeling a bit better for the start of the 4 day cruise.

Claire xx

Click to expand...

I know it was interesting the gold cards get you a lot of attention from the crew. I felt like a winner in Carlie and the chocolate factory! Thanks for your time Claire!

Grumpy's Wife said:

How exciting! At least the end of the first cruise isn't as depressing as it normally would be as you get to cruise again.

Click to expand...

I know that is exactly how we felt. Another bite of that DCL cherry. Thank you for reading.

kid-at-heart said:

Two mustard drills, yuk! But then again, very worth it to be able to do a b2b. So glad you were feeling better for this portion of the trip.

Kate

Click to expand...

I know! This was the downside but as you can see later they let us off easily the second time around. Thanks for your coments!

Steppesister said:

I think I am all caught up. I've read all the lovely updates, and think I might be able to pick it up now from here. Love what I've been reading this evening!

Click to expand...

How kind to read along. I am pleased you have enjoyed it. You write these reports and worry if they are boring or self indulgent!

dolphingirl47 said:

I was going to say that this is a shame that DCL is not doing this. Apparently this is what happens on Royal Caribbean.



At least you did not have far to go.



That is a definite advantage.



I am sorry that you still felt unwell.



I am glad that it was found.



That is definitely a nice perk.



That is a rare photo indeed.



I am surprised that there were not more.



That is one aspect I miss on Royal Caribbean. They don't have self-service laundries.

Corinna

Click to expand...

Thanks for your replies. I was also surprised there were not more b2b folks plus of 20 half were conceriege. What a shame no self serve laundries on RC. That must hike the price up!

Day 10 continued

The ship was filling up with excited boys and girls young and old. We had this unique feeling of not quite a new guest and not quite a crew member. By now you see the crew were getting to know our faces. They noticed we were still onboard and were very positive about our b2b stay. So we were looking at new guests thinking we are not one of you. I know on some longer world cruises people get on and off. This is how they must feel.

We went to the conceirge lounge to ensure our bookings for Palo dinner and brunch were all good. They also sorted out our free wifi. We had got very friendly with one of them. She was from South Africa and very nice. She had been training for a few days at sea for her life boat duty. She had got caught in a few of the storms. Poor thing!

Brunch was set for the following day I was really hoping I would feel better for this. How we love that Palo brunch. Palo dinner was on Pirate night ( we do not care for the Pirate menu ) on the 3rd night. This worked out well with our dining rotation as this was the repeat restaurant night. On a 4 night cruise you get one of the restaurants twice as there are only three.

The hosts were concerned about my health and asked if I wanted to see the onboard doctor. I declined but thanked them. I should have said yes on reflection.

We took a few nibbles to not be rude and smiled at the other guests. We didn't see the dressing gown party in there much but we did notice there was another British couple and we smiled at them. Later we would make friends with the couple Paul and Shirley.

We then checked out our new stateroom...



It was perfect.

Then we headed up to Cabanas for lunch followed by eye scream. It was it's usual standard of yummy to the max.

We went to sit on the concierge deck. I checked my emails and my Mum had written me a long email back in my response that I had a feeling all was not well back home. The reply email started ' Me and Daddy debated a lot if we should tell you or not...' I gulped and read on. It was our little dog Huey. Lisa the lady looking after him had phoned my parents as Huey had taken very sick. He is prone to bladder and kidney stones and has already had kidney failure and countless life saving operations. He had got bladder stones stuck again at only 6. Lisa had to decide if they should operate. We left instructions to do what we would do and she decided we would go ahead and save him at any expense. He had been in surgery twice already and nearly died but he had pulled through and was currently still at the vets but stable. I gulped. Then told Jo. We phoned Lisa immediately. She was pleased to hear from us but she did not want to ruin our vacation but my email had provoked my Mum to realise I would rather know! We agreed to contact Lisa on a daily basis. I purchased more internet that would cover the cruise and we went to to mustard drill.

Just a reminder of our dog Huey. He is a Shih Tzu. Here he is back home just going out for a walk in the rain...



To be continued...

I hope your stateroom on this cruise is much warmer for you. Being able to hang meat where you hang your clothes just won't work.

Your dog Huey is adorable. I hope he is feeling better and I just love his little rain coat.

Hi Polly
You certainly know how to leave a cliff hanger .Alot of readers including my self will be wondering how Heuy is faring in your next update.But Im sure I did see him changed into a pumpkin earlier in Your report.It must have been hard not to think of your little dog at all times.whilst on board.

Paula Sedley-Burke said:

What a shame no self serve laundries on RC. That must hike the price up!

Click to expand...

It is and it isn't. I am not sure how long the cruise needs to be for them to offer this (can't remember this from our 7 night cruise, but it was on offer in May), they have a laundry special where you can fill a bag with stuff like t-shirts, trousers, swimwear, socks, underwear, etc and they wash, dry and fold it for you for I want to say $20, which is a pretty good deal. I think we had about 30 items in our bag.

Paula Sedley-Burke said:

We had this unique feeling of not quite a new guest and not quite a crew member.

Click to expand...

I know precisely what you are talking about.

Paula Sedley-Burke said:

I should have said yes on reflection.

Click to expand...

Oh dear, that does not sound good at all.

Paula Sedley-Burke said:

It was our little dog Huey. Lisa the lady looking after him had phoned my parents as Huey had taken very sick.

Click to expand...

Poor Huey.

Paula Sedley-Burke said:

Lisa had to decide if they should operate. We left instructions to do what we would do and she decided we would go ahead and save him at any expense.

Click to expand...

I am glad that Lisa made the right decision. I had not realised that he had surgery while you were away as well. He really has been in the wars.

Corinna

Was behind a couple updates but am caught up now.

Sounds like your transition between cruises went smoothly. Too funny about the family in the bathrobes

Your new room looks really nice and still pretty spacious.

Sorry your doggie was sick, hope he is ok now

Grumpy's Wife said:

I hope your stateroom on this cruise is much warmer for you. Being able to hang meat where you hang your clothes just won't work.

Your dog Huey is adorable. I hope he is feeling better and I just love his little rain coat.

Click to expand...

Thank you! Lol re the meat hanger exactly! It was just like that. Huey is doing well now thanks. Little trooper.

Mac Brew said:

Hi Polly
You certainly know how to leave a cliff hanger .Alot of readers including my self will be wondering how Heuy is faring in your next update.But Im sure I did see him changed into a pumpkin earlier in Your report.It must have been hard not to think of your little dog at all times.whilst on board.

Click to expand...

Thank you for reading. Apart from his transformation into a pumpkin Huey is doung well thank you! It was hard indeed re Huey but we knew Lisa and the vet were doing all possible for the little fur ball.

dolphingirl47 said:

It is and it isn't. I am not sure how long the cruise needs to be for them to offer this (can't remember this from our 7 night cruise, but it was on offer in May), they have a laundry special where you can fill a bag with stuff like t-shirts, trousers, swimwear, socks, underwear, etc and they wash, dry and fold it for you for I want to say $20, which is a pretty good deal. I think we had about 30 items in our bag.



I know precisely what you are talking about.



Oh dear, that does not sound good at all.



Poor Huey.



I am glad that Lisa made the right decision. I had not realised that he had surgery while you were away as well. He really has been in the wars.

Corinna

Click to expand...

Thanks Corinna. Wow I like the sound of that laundry deal. Not having to do it myself priceless.

Yes in fact Huey ended up having two surgeries whilst we were away as number one went wrong. But he is now recovering and had a third op on Monday we hope will help him moving forward. Signs look good so far thank you.

rndmr2 said:

Was behind a couple updates but am caught up now.

Sounds like your transition between cruises went smoothly. Too funny about the family in the bathrobes

Your new room looks really nice and still pretty spacious.

Sorry your doggie was sick, hope he is ok now

Click to expand...

Thanks for reading. I know those bathrobes were cute. Huey is doing well thank you for your well wishes.

Day 10 continued

First of Huey is alive and well by the way. He is home with me right here!

Next up was the 'mustard' drill and this time we were determined to see the sail away party after. As we felt no need to repeat the DVC meeting as this always has us miss the main part of the sail away party by not getting a good viewing spot. Maybe today we could get there nice and early.

We went to the stateroom to change so we could go straight from the party to the Conceirge lounge to dinner.

At the mustard drill the crew at our station B recognised us and were surprised to see us back. They sat us at the back of the theatre. We had a crew member to ourselves and after the usual demonstrations where you picture yourself bobbing around in the water blowing a lame whistle in ice cold water she let us leave early. We noticed the difference in the weather was quite remarkable. It was raining and dark. Somebody had turned off the lights..

Shortly after there was an announcement that due to an incoming storm the sail away party was going to be held inside in the atrium. I was really disappointed. First time in 6 cruises I was ready to score my space on the deck and again I was stopped by mother nature. However my tantrum would not last long..

We went to the deck 3 where the elevators are to get a good view. It was already very busy. Soon there was an appearance on the balcony...


And dancing..



And entertainment..



It was brilliant! We really enjoyed it. It was actually better inside we thought the atmosphere was electric.

After this excitement we went to the concierge lounge. I took a selfie..



Jo did a drive by of the offerings... I think that is Paul she is talking to. The British guy.



Tonight we had dinner at the Royal Table. I adored the kids plate here with Royal Table on it. I had salmon. It was lovely. Jo thinks she had chicken but enjoyed whatever it was!



We thought about ordering our ice cream racing car for the last night but it was still raining so thought we would do it tomorrow. We had a Frozen meet and greet booked in the morning. We were looking forward to this. We had not done that on DCL before.

We hit the stores and bought a Christmas decoration and a sleepy t shirt for me. Then went back to our warmer stateroom. Tonights animal we think is a seal. Very cute whatever it was.....


We then watched some shows on TV. Transfixed by the gypsy weddings again...


Next up day legs 11 , Frozen meet and greet, Nassau but but no thanks I'll skip on the ship and Animators Palette.

Seal hey? I kind of think the towel animal looks like Olaf.

So glad Huey is doing better. And that you have a warmer room. I hate being cold. Do we get to see a photo of the Christmas decoration and t-shirt?

Kate

kid-at-heart said:

Seal hey? I kind of think the towel animal looks like Olaf.

So glad Huey is doing better. And that you have a warmer room. I hate being cold. Do we get to see a photo of the Christmas decoration and t-shirt?

Kate

Click to expand...

Thank you! My wife put the Christmas dec away someplace I will ask her if I can get a photo. I will also see if I can get a photo of my nice t shirt with little anchors on it. I can't do it myself being disabled and she is so busy swooping in from work and feeding us! I should have taken a photo at the time! Thanks for reading.

kid-at-heart said:

Seal hey? I kind of think the towel animal looks like Olaf.

So glad Huey is doing better. And that you have a warmer room. I hate being cold. Do we get to see a photo of the Christmas decoration and t-shirt?

Kate

Click to expand...

By the way I hadn't thought about it being Olaf! How cool!

I feel like I am so behind with comments... I have the tendency to read updates on the phone or the iPad and I hat typing on both of them... But now I am at the computer and can comment!

First, I am so happy that your dog is fine. Of course I knew he was going to get through this as we was recently turned into a pumpkin and looked very peaceful just before the transformation. But what a scary event to go through while on vacation. It seems like you really went through a couple of not so magical days with the freezing room, feeling lousy and lousy weather. Even though in the end the lousy weather got you a really good spillway party!

I also see that you changed out your lanyard between the cruises. The black one is very stylish!!

I love the look of the new room. I guess this was an accessible stateroom? It looks different from a normal one. And it looks like there is no sofa to sit on or was that just not in the picture?

And for me the seal/Olaf looked like a penguin. Very cute!