Coffee on the Verandah - Two by two - 5/21

[eandesmom]

Originally Posted by Poolrat

Well shoot Cynthia if you need a new OKW west mug I will be there next week. Just say the word and it will be on its way to you.

Aww, thanks! I think I'm ok on the mug, I had to check. It's a long saga but since I've had 2 kind offers I'll go ahead and spoil this part of the TR. I returned the melted mug to OKW on our way to AKV without any issues and exchanged it for a new one. Upon our return I emailed Disney merchandise to express my displeasure that any coffee cup (other than if it had metallic trim) should not be dishwasher safe. Feedback purposes only, letting them know I loved the new logos (though super sad about only one item with Minnie and the turtle at OKW and told them so as honestly, I'd have bought something but I don't do nightshirts). They then sent me a merchandise gift card for both mugs, which I put to use in Oct.

I felt a little guilty about it, but not really as I knew it was a matter of time before someone put one or the other in the dishwasher again.

Sure enough, after my return in Oct, Evan put the Vero mug in the dishwasher and it melted away. He felt awful. I couldn't remember which one he melted since all are away at the moment and the xmas ones out (until tomorrow when I swap back). But I peeked and it was the Vero one this time.

So, for the moment, my replacement OKW is intact. Not sure how long that will last. I want to use it but am a little worried about moving it back into the rotation. Part of me wants a backup but I think I'm ok. It is such a great mug though, as long as you handwash!

I am rather curious about the new women's shirt at OKW though.... I can't tell if it's LS, SS or what the cut is. I can't do a mens/unisex cut of shirt and just can't tell on this one at all.

Stealing MeMom's picture



So since you will both be there semi soon, if anyone wants to provide more detail, bring it on! LOL!

[eandesmom]

Originally Posted by KatMark

I missed this earlier...this is such great news.

Very good news!

Originally Posted by MEK

I am glad that both of your friends are wining their battle against cancer. That's very inspiring.

It really is, they have had horrible battles that will continue but recent news were full of hope.

Originally Posted by MEK

Nassau may be dirty and nasty, but your pictures make it look anything but. Nice view. I am on that side of the boat so I am looking forward to seeing the exact same view.

Atlantis looks so close, but I know its not.

No, Atlantis isn't that close, though I believe it is closer than where we went.
It was such a pretty view from the ship (well other than looking at the OTHER ships, who weren't nearly as pretty as ours). I loved our location on the ship, same spot as on the wonder, just a deck higher.

Originally Posted by MEK

I'm still not sure what I am going to do on Nassau day. Probably the same thing you did, but I want a place I can literally walk to.

You definitely cannot walk to where we went. You can however to the Colonial Hilton, which is where Brooke went (I think that's the chain of the hotel lol).

Originally Posted by dizneeat

You are completely right on Nassau - NOT the nicest of ports! But the rum is yummy, and so is the rumcake

We meant to buy rum but didn't stumble across the right place to do so, nor were we inspired to go find the place(s) so...oh well.

Originally Posted by dizneeat

Now that military boat has always been in the harbour whenever we have been to Nassau (10 times) and I think you are right on the Hilton.

10 times? wow!

Originally Posted by dizneeat

There is a nice little walking tour all around the island which leads up to Fort Fincastle, and that is what we do, climb up there and you have a great view over the island.

We had discussed that as an option but Jeff wanted beach which worked for me and we figured, better for the kids.

Originally Posted by dizneeat

I hope you had more for breakfast than a cup of coffee! They offer yummy breakfast at the Royal Palace (which we always have) and also lunch! But since you booked another resort you won't have done that.

Can't wait for your day to unfold!

We did have more than coffee but never made it to RP for breakfast or lunch, though I'd have liked to. We didn't book the other resort in advance, I actually tried but it got very hung up on the fact that we had 5, for a room for 4 and no one seemed to know what to do or be concerned it would be a problem to just do it day of, so that's what we did.

Originally Posted by natebenma

I'm so happy to hear about your friends' good news! Dealing with cancer is filled with so many highs and lows, it is encouraging when you hear positive stories.

It is a roller-coaster to be sure.

Originally Posted by natebenma

I'm sorry that the joy was balanced by the sadness with Jeff's coworker.

It was very sad, more so as Jeff really has been meaning to get together with him, he was a very sweet man who really kept to himself, not even sure if there is any family to speak of.

Originally Posted by natebenma

What a nice morning in port so far! Nothing like enjoying some coffee on the verandah! Best thing ever! You really had some beautiful views pulling in to Nassau and from your walk around the ship.

It was (our) favorite kind of vacation morning. Kids sleeping, coffee on the verandah, a lovely walk...perfection! By the time we wake them up, we have our zen on.

Originally Posted by natebenma

I'll be interested in hearing about your day at the beach. I think we got day passes to the same resort on a cruise stop back in 2007. Pool was cold and my older son cut his knee when we went into the ocean and was inconsolable so we ended up leaving within an hour of arriving! I hope your day was more enjoyable.

I'm going to see Mary Ellen's tribute now.

Oh what a bummer Dee! That's frustrating as it isn't exactly around the corner from the port.

Originally Posted by Flossbolna

Ah - coffee on the verandah! Sounds wonderful, but won't happen on my cruise. Just for the fact that I will have an inside cabin.

Well you'll just have to go get coffee and hit the promenade!

Originally Posted by Flossbolna

Like the idea of the walk around deck 4. I have even thought about bringing my running shoes and going for runs. I think I kind of want to run the Castaway Cay 5k, so a bit of training on the ship beforehand would be sensible (and hopefully help a little bit combating the effects of all the cruise food...). In general I think deck 4 looks like a place that I could fall in love with as it looks so much like a real ship and not an amusement park on water. Those deck chairs are beautiful. But I guess the disadvantage is that there isn't a bar to get drinks from down there...

Oh the bars aren't far at all, and you can definitely take it up to the promenade! or any deck for that matter. That is exactly what we love about it, it's got that classic liner feel to it with the chairs, so pretty and well, classic. Plenty of folks run on it, we attempt to power walk and save the workouts for the gym. Which are quite nice on the ships if you do visit them!

Originally Posted by Flossbolna

I can understand your feelings towards Nassau - that was one of the many reasons for me to decide against a 4 day cruise.

If there would have been a 5 night that worked for our dates, we would have vastly preferred it but sadly, summer in FL left us with only 3-4 night Dream options or crazy expensive 7 night Fantasy options. As K had never cruised and the Fantasy was so overpriced for inaugural, it just didn't work. There were several spring 5 nighters that seemed perfect but with an August trip we had limited options. I do think longer is better. 4 was too short, I can't even imagine 3.

[Charleston Princess]

Originally Posted by eandesmom

I couldn't remember which one he melted since all are away at the moment and the xmas ones out (until tomorrow when I swap back). But I peeked and it was the Vero one this time.

Oh my goodness! I thought I was the only one who put the regular coffee mugs up and brought out Christmas ones for the season.

So glad that you were able to replace the OKW mug, but what a bummer about the Vero one. I do hope that Disney fixes that problem. There is no reason they should make mugs that aren't dishwasher safe in this day and age.

[PracPerfPatricia]

Wow... I had some comments but then I went to listen to Mary Ellen's tribute to Tracy... and I was just so blown away... That was truly lovely and wow... Mary Ellen -you are really very talented...

I'm glad Cynthia about your two friends having some positive news about their cancer... I hope their outcomes continue to be positive...

Hmmm... Nassau... I'm not sure how I feel about it... it's one of the reasons I think I might like the Alaskan cruise...even though the ship is older...I would love that kind of scenery... I've also wondered if Iwanted warmer how some of the cruises that stop in Mexico... East or West would be from that perspective...

The ship is gorgeous either way...

[2xcited2sleep]

So happy to hear good news about your friends battling cancer. And sorry to hear about the loss of Jeff's colleague.

Totally agree with you on Nassau and can't believe how expensive the Atlantis excursions are.... holy cow!!!

Also in violent agreement on the mugs. HOW can you make one that doesn't go in the dishwasher? I wouldn't even think to look.

Regarding New Year's Eve planning, not sure if you listen to the DIS Unplugged podcast but they just did an episode reviewing the evening and had really positive things to say. Crowded, of course, but they said it was really cool. Almost tempts me to try it...

[Poolrat]

Originally Posted by eandesmom

So since you will both be there semi soon, if anyone wants to provide more detail, bring it on! LOL!

Saved the picture to my phone so I can look.


I thought I remembered a replacement mug and I did remember the email to merchandising but not sure which mug got melted. Well now I guess it is both... at one time or another.

I agree something NOT dishwasher safe....

[eandesmom]

Originally Posted by Charleston Princess

Beautiful morning walk and views of Nassau even if part of your walk was blocked off. I like your idea of getting a day pass to one of the resorts.

We really wanted to do something, and get off the ship but had a hard time finding the right fit. I'd have been ok with some of the boat excursion options and I think the kids may have liked it but Jeff wasn't feeling those at all. We figured doing beach only at Atlantis would be a tease for the water park portion so that wasn't an option and was equally overpriced.

Originally Posted by Charleston Princess

Mary Ellen's tribute to Tracy was wonderful.

She did a beautiful job! So talented.

Originally Posted by Disney9.9.10

What amazing news about your friends! That is just incredible!

It is and oh it was nice to hear some good news to balance out some of the bad.

Originally Posted by Disney9.9.10

I love your Bahamas pictures! What a nice tradition to walk the promenade every day. I feel the same way as you about the port. We've been a few times, so I usually just stay on the ship and enjoy its emptiness!

I can definitely see why folks stay onboard. Not sure if we'd ever do it but I can see a very short trip off and back that's for sure! We love our morning walk, it was a spur of the moment thing on the Wonder that stuck for the rest of the cruise and now is a must do. Such a lovely start to the day.

Originally Posted by englishrose47

Cynthia so happy for the news of your 2 friends !!Today I have to attend a wake for my neighbors father who passed this week from cancer !She has been our neighbor for almost 30 years and he was a constant visitor My ex was very close with him and was with him until 1/2 hour before he passed .When I am at the Funeral home I know Mary Ellen's song will be in my heart!! Fly on Home Dominique !

I am so sorry for your loss, it must be especially hard on your Ex. Cancer is such a devastating disease. I hope the wake gave peace and was full of celebration of the life he had.

Originally Posted by GreatBiscuit

Hey Cynthia!

Loved the updates and photos. I have heard similar descriptions of various ports of call and I definitely get where you are coming from. I would have some similar reservations. Loved all the photos! Sorry you got denied by the drill...seems an odd time to schedule such a thing.

We've found they schedule those kinds of drills quite often while in port, it's a bit of a down time for them in some ways so it makes sense. We were fascinated watching a lifeboat one on the Alaska cruise while we were in Ketchikan. I'm not sure there is any good time to block that off and I'm sure they figured most folks were heading off the ship then, or at breakfast but I'd have thought waiting until about 10 or later would make more sense too. We struggle with ports of call when looking at most DCL itineraries, there always seems to be 1 or more that we've no desire to go to. Not the case in Alaska but as we look at possible future cruises in the sun, definitely a concern. I don't know when our next one will be, we have one booked for summer of 2014 but with the big family trip, may not be able to pull it off anyway and Jeff would rather do the med if and when they offer it so who knows.

Originally Posted by GreatBiscuit

The tribute you posted was really nice. It has been an odd week around here. My great-grandmother passed away, BUT she was 104 and her mind has been gone for some time so though we grieve we were glad to see she is now at peace. We have no doubts where she is now and look forward to the time we are together again.

I'm sure she is smiling down on you now, what a blessing that she is at peace. 104, wow!

Originally Posted by GreatBiscuit

I left my job of 7 years and took a completely new direction. Though I am happy to have better hours and something that is going to be VERY challenging, it was hard saying goodbye to folks at my old job and leaving the comfort bubble. Even the weather has been odd bouncing from unusually warm to unusually cold in 12 hours. Leaving me the joy of a head cold.

Wow! Congratulations! It is hard leaving the comfort bubble and going into something totally new. Speaking from experience though, it is SO nice to be challenged, when you haven't been in a long time. Better hours is a wonderful thing, for you and the family, you had some odd and long ones if memory serves.

Originally Posted by GreatBiscuit

Ready for normality to return.

It was great to sit down and enjoy some TR's today. Looking forward to continuing to share in your adventures! Take all the time you want, we'll be here ready to read.

I often wonder, what is normal?

Thanks for taking the time to catch up, it is always such a joy to have you here!

Originally Posted by that's nice

What great news!!! Prayers for continued better health!

Wonderful news!

Originally Posted by that's nice

Loved your pictures from the Bahamas! I could get used to waking up to coffee with that view everyday. One problem- I don't drink coffee.

Water, orange juice, whatever! Perhaps an adult drink later in the day. Oh wait, it's vacation, have a morning one.

It was a lovely lovely view. We are definitely verandah junkies.

[eandesmom]

Originally Posted by GatorAsh

Hi. I just 'officially' joined DIS but have been reading TP's for some time now. This one is especially enjoyable to me as I live in Melbourne, about 30 minutes north of Vero, right up A1A.

He and thanks for joining and delurking! We drove through there on our way to the port.

Originally Posted by GatorAsh

I teach Kindergarten, and we take our students to the Barrier Island Sanctuary every year for a field trip. They love it, we love it- it's so cool to live in this area. Old Florida at it's best. Glad you enjoyed it too, and how neat that you saw hatchlings! I've lived in Florida for 13 years and have seen tons of turtles laying eggs, but never hatchlings. Amazing, isn't it?!

Oh what a wonderful field trip that would be! The emergence was really amazing, most of the staff with us had never seen one either and definitely not on the same night as a nesting. I will never forget it.

Originally Posted by mickeystoontown

What wonderful news about your friends! God is so good!

God is good!

Originally Posted by mickeystoontown

I called that big grey boat/ship the Port Police but I'm not sure that's what it really was. I do know that there were quite a few men in uniform with guns on it when we docked in Nassau.

If memory serves it appeared to be part of the Bahamian Navy and was definitely a working boat. Even if it just sits there and looks official and threatening.

Originally Posted by mickeystoontown

Nassau does look really pretty from the outside looking in. It's just what "in" that's so dirty and nasty. I'm looking forward to hearing what ya'll did the rest of the day.

So very true. I think you saw much more of the highs and lows than we did but yes, that is exactly it. It's sad all around.

Originally Posted by Charleston Princess

Oh my goodness! I thought I was the only one who put the regular coffee mugs up and brought out Christmas ones for the season.

Nope! It is the first thing I do, the day after thanksgiving, the mug swap!

Then again I do it a little each season, I have some Halloween ones, one for valentines but need to work on my other seasons. I would have bought a Halloween one on the Oct trip but didn't really care for the design.

Originally Posted by Charleston Princess

So glad that you were able to replace the OKW mug, but what a bummer about the Vero one. I do hope that Disney fixes that problem. There is no reason they should make mugs that aren't dishwasher safe in this day and age.

There is no reason, I can't understand it at all. Basically the designs are like a vinyl applique on the mug. Looks great but melts right off. I hope they fix it too, the designs themselves are adorable.

Originally Posted by PracPerfPatricia

Wow... I had some comments but then I went to listen to Mary Ellen's tribute to Tracy... and I was just so blown away... That was truly lovely and wow... Mary Ellen -you are really very talented...

Isn't she amazing!

Originally Posted by PracPerfPatricia

I'm glad Cynthia about your two friends having some positive news about their cancer... I hope their outcomes continue to be positive...

Me too, they've been fighting such long hard battles with such strength.

Originally Posted by PracPerfPatricia

Hmmm... Nassau... I'm not sure how I feel about it... it's one of the reasons I think I might like the Alaskan cruise...even though the ship is older...I would love that kind of scenery... I've also wondered if Iwanted warmer how some of the cruises that stop in Mexico... East or West would be from that perspective...

The ship is gorgeous either way...

Personally I can't say that we noticed the "older" part of things at all. There is a lot I preferred on the Wonder, and other things I preferred on the Dream. It is a bit like comparing apples to oranges, between the length and ports being so vastly different. Overall Alaska would definitely win for Jeff, probably for me as well and then the Dream would win for the E's. Really for them though it's all about Castaway Cay (not to spoil anything lol!). That said, we (Jeff and I) did like the stateroom quite a bit more on the Dream.

For me, though Jeff would do Alaska again, I'd lean towards the Med, or one of the Fantasy itineraries. We will see.

Originally Posted by 2xcited2sleep

So happy to hear good news about your friends battling cancer. And sorry to hear about the loss of Jeff's colleague.

It was an up and down day to be sure. Thanks

Originally Posted by 2xcited2sleep

Totally agree with you on Nassau and can't believe how expensive the Atlantis excursions are.... holy cow!!!

It's ridiculous and buying directly at Atlantis doesn't really save you anything. The Comfort Suites option is lovely if you are a family of 4 but other than that, yikes. Plus I am convinced we'd lose Eric there. The size of it scares me.

Originally Posted by 2xcited2sleep

Also in violent agreement on the mugs. HOW can you make one that doesn't go in the dishwasher? I wouldn't even think to look.

Nor should we have to! Crazy, whoever sourced that vendor and agreed to it is nuts. And probably costing Disney a bit in replacement merchandise.

Originally Posted by 2xcited2sleep

Regarding New Year's Eve planning, not sure if you listen to the DIS Unplugged podcast but they just did an episode reviewing the evening and had really positive things to say. Crowded, of course, but they said it was really cool. Almost tempts me to try it...

Oh good to know! I do but haven't in a bit so have a nice backlog of ones to listen to, I tend to go in spurts. I am nervous, I think with the way the calendar falls it will be very crowded for most or all of our trip, but I'm excited at the same time.

Originally Posted by Poolrat

Saved the picture to my phone so I can look.

thanks!

Originally Posted by Poolrat

I thought I remembered a replacement mug and I did remember the email to merchandising but not sure which mug got melted. Well now I guess it is both... at one time or another.

I agree something NOT dishwasher safe....

Very poor buying decision on their part.

[englishrose47]

Just checking in

[PrincePluto]

Originally Posted by dizneeat

Now that military boat has always been in the harbour whenever we have been to Nassau (10 times) and I think you are right on the Hilton.

According to Wikipedia, that is HMBS Bahamas, a patrol boat of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force. "The HMBS Bahamas rarely sails, which many critical locals suggest is due to the RBDF's inability to afford fuel for it."

[jeremysdisneymom]

Hi Cynthia! I have been MIA on here lately and trying to get caught up.

Love that you got to see the turtles laying eggs and making it to the water. How neat! Would love to do Vero some day for that alone!

Your pictures had me longing for another Disney cruise. We were on the Dream in November. I loved your pictures of first spying the ship. My family was estatic and squealing with delight when we saw it. So exciting!!!!

We loved walking throught the Mouse face as Jeremy called it. Great shot! You can tell your family was excited.

I didn't get to eat at Enchanted Gardens. The boys did, but, well.......let's just say the first night of our cruise was not a good one for me. I will NEVER cruise in November again without taking something for days ahead of time. The waters are rough and I all I wanted to do was go home. Sea sick in not fun!!!!

Did you like the Golden Mickey's? It was just okay to me. It could have been that the whole show was rocking for me!!! Litterally, the boat was a rockin that night for sure.

So sorry to hear about your friend. I didn't know her other than through your East meets West trips. She seemed like a remarkable person who was loved by many on these boards.

Congrats on buying BWV! So disappointed as we had planned on Christmas 2013 at WDW but after the crowds at Thanksgiving this year, Tom refuses to even try it. Would have loved to meet you!

Hope you had a great Christmas! So excited for you to be going to Aulani!

[Chilly]

We weren't that excited by the port either we walked round for a couple of hours but were back on the boat for lunch. From TRs i've read most people feel the same.

[Captain_Oblivious]

Great to hear some good news regarding the cancer battles. I sincerely hope that the news continues to be good.

Looks like a very nice morning in Nassau. On our cruise, I felt the same about the city in general and we decided to stay on the ship. Never regretted the decision. I'm sure like any place it has good and bad, but the Disney bubble was a nice alternative.

That being said, you can't beat water that is such a beautiful blue!

[eandesmom]

Originally Posted by englishrose47

Just checking in

Hi Rosie!

Originally Posted by PrincePluto

According to Wikipedia, that is HMBS Bahamas, a patrol boat of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force. "The HMBS Bahamas rarely sails, which many critical locals suggest is due to the RBDF's inability to afford fuel for it."

Oh my goodness, that is hysterical!!!!!!!!!!!

Originally Posted by jeremysdisneymom

Hi Cynthia! I have been MIA on here lately and trying to get caught up.

I know the feeling

Originally Posted by jeremysdisneymom

Love that you got to see the turtles laying eggs and making it to the water. How neat! Would love to do Vero some day for that alone!

I really loved Vero, very relaxing, very "away"!

Originally Posted by jeremysdisneymom

Your pictures had me longing for another Disney cruise. We were on the Dream in November. I loved your pictures of first spying the ship. My family was estatic and squealing with delight when we saw it. So exciting!!!!

We loved walking throught the Mouse face as Jeremy called it. Great shot! You can tell your family was excited.

I didn't get to eat at Enchanted Gardens. The boys did, but, well.......let's just say the first night of our cruise was not a good one for me. I will NEVER cruise in November again without taking something for days ahead of time. The waters are rough and I all I wanted to do was go home. Sea sick in not fun!!!!

Did you like the Golden Mickey's? It was just okay to me. It could have been that the whole show was rocking for me!!! Litterally, the boat was a rockin that night for sure.

Oh no! It must have gotten better if you want to go on another one. Tha tis no fun! I've never had issues on the boat itself, though have foudn the 1st night always seems to be the rockiest. I have had vertigo after the cruise pretty consistently (lasted 2 weeks the 1st time, a month the 2nd) so this time I took Bonine every day to see if that would keep it at bay and it did! No vertigo at all. I was so happy. I did like the Golden Mickeys. I wouldn't say it was my favorite ever or the best ever but I did like it and I liked the version on the Dream better. It can be distracting and hard to enjoy if the ship is moving a lot though, I remember that during at least one movie on the Wonder.

Originally Posted by jeremysdisneymom

So sorry to hear about your friend. I didn't know her other than through your East meets West trips. She seemed like a remarkable person who was loved by many on these boards.

She was very loved and is very missed.

Originally Posted by jeremysdisneymom

Congrats on buying BWV! So disappointed as we had planned on Christmas 2013 at WDW but after the crowds at Thanksgiving this year, Tom refuses to even try it. Would have loved to meet you!

Hope you had a great Christmas! So excited for you to be going to Aulani!

The crowds do scare me too but it is really what works best timing wise. It's either have horrible august weather which no one wants, or NYE with all the festivities...and the crowds. It is a drag being locked into the school calendar. If all the kids were on the same schedule we could consider spring break, but they are not and they are too old to miss a full week, any of them.

Originally Posted by Chilly

We weren't that excited by the port either we walked round for a couple of hours but were back on the boat for lunch. From TRs i've read most people feel the same.

Yes, it is basically a necessary evil. It is registered there and I think as result they have to have so many overall dockings but there are also financial benefits to it being registered there. You would think with all the money that pours in, it would have gotten better over time but for most of these ports, that just isn't the case.

Originally Posted by Captain_Oblivious

Great to hear some good news regarding the cancer battles. I sincerely hope that the news continues to be good.

Me too!

Originally Posted by Captain_Oblivious

Looks like a very nice morning in Nassau. On our cruise, I felt the same about the city in general and we decided to stay on the ship. Never regretted the decision. I'm sure like any place it has good and bad, but the Disney bubble was a nice alternative.

That being said, you can't beat water that is such a beautiful blue!

It was pretty water, no doubt about it. I think staying on the ship is a great alternative and can definitely see why folks do it.

[FauntleroyFAN07]

Originally Posted by eandesmom

[FONT="Trebuchet MS"][SIZE="3"][COLOR="Blue"]Hard to imagine. We've been back oh...almost 5 months and I'm on day 7 of this TR! Hey, at least I'm doing better than a day a month, right?

thats right...

hey what a minute im on the one day per month schedule...4 months back and on day 4 of the trip.

but i am 24 chapters into my report.



anywhoo, i enjoyed the update hope you guys get off the ship at least to bargan back and forth with the locals.