This was our first cruise experience, and had an absolutely FABULOUS time!!! We arrived at the terminal much later than planned at 11:30. The check-in line was very long. But once we made it through there it was a breeze--we got the kids checked in at the kids clubs, got Palo reservations, signed up for the Wine Tasting and found our room all by 2:00.
Our DS10 was able to check himself in and out of the Oceaneers Lab by himself, and our pager never went off the entire week. He had a great time when he was there, but he only went for a few hours a day. Our DS13 never went to the Stack after the first day, but found plenty of other things to do.
We had early dinner seating, and our servers (Roberto & Baiyok) were the greatest! They bent over backwards for us all week!!! We all wanted to take them home with us so bad! Definitely tipped well above the suggested amount. Funny, I had read on these boards before we left about tipping above and beyond, but I figured they should do their job well and the suggested amount should be satisfactory. However, I was so blown away by the level of service, they absolutely deserved more! And about Palo...what more could be said about that? It was the best dining experience I've ever had, and the most I've ever eaten. Sasha was our server, and I can't recommend him highly enough.
St. Martin was fabulous--my DS10 & I did the Dolphin Encounter on Anguilla while DH & DS13 did the 12 meter Regatta--we thoroughly enjoyed them both. DH said the shopping (or rather, the vendors) were a little scary when they tried to "pull" you into the stores, but nothing he couldn't handle.
The St. Thomas immigration check took us only about 20 minutes total, but we were in the first group since we had a morning excursion planned. We ended up cancelled our snorkeling excursion to St. John when the location was changed (the new location didn't really have a beach, and I didn't know how the kids would like snorkling--first time for both), so we got a refund and went shopping and sight-seeing instead. Took a taxi (that was a thrill ride in itself) to the Paradise Point Tram--absoultely beautiful scenery! Shopping was good, and much more "controlled" since it was a U.S. territory.
We loved the evening shows--even the kids did, which kind of surprised me, but they wanted to come with us every night. My DS13 about died laughing at the comedian on the last night.
But one of the best parts of the entire cruise was all of the wonderful people we met along the way, especially at breakfast, lunch and the late night buffets. We learned so much, and had a great time with you all. A HUGE thank you to fellow DIS'ers Stacy, Ken and Tracy for sharing your Palo dinner with us on Monday night--you guys are the best! We also met Denise & Tom & their family briefly one evening as we were waiting for formal pictures--they were very nice! We did the meet on the first day, but I was still frazzled from all the chaos so wasn't as sociable as I am normally. Most of those I met there, we unfortunately didn't see again. I hope you all had a great time though.
Obviously disappointed that we didn't get to
Castaway Cay, but we had such a great time anyway, that we rebooked for October 2006 (with TWO stops at Castaway Cay). I don't know how I'll be able to wait until then!!!
Yes, still getting my land legs back. Today, I almost feel normal again. Surprised by how much rocking I was still doing yesterday. Fortunately, none of us got sick on the ship--not from the waves or food. Boy, returning to reality is a tough thing--have to clean and cook again--it sucks! Got my pictures back already and am so excited to start my scrapbook and relive all the memories. Thanks to all of you for sharing!
We also had a wonderful cruise - unfortunately I didn't get to meet any of you. We were traveling with a large group so I didn't make it to the meet - although many times in the hot tub and at shows I wondered if I was sitting next to an online friend 
I thought the seas were a bit rougher than our last 3 cruises, and the sail away party was certainly cold - but I was with good friends and much warmer than I would have been in MN
St. Maarten and St. Thomas were beautiful days - I have nothing to complain about. Hope to sail with you again!
