stitchfan
06-17-2018, 04:16 PM
We're back from the 7-day Western Caribbean on the Fantasy. As usual, everything was great and we're ready to go back. Staff, logistics, and food were all up to DCL high standards. We already have a marker down for our next cruise.
1 - It was HOT. We were expecting what we northerners consider hot weather, but nothing like near 100 degrees and near 100% humidity that we encountered every day. We simply weren't prepared. If you go, you'll want loose, light clothing and a hat.
2 - no bugs! They had repellent available, but we really didn't need it. YMMV
3 - traveling with small children (3.5 year-old granddaughter) is different than traveling with adults. We did everything on toddler time. Early seating, no lingering over coffee, none of the adult venues or entertainments and none of the broadway-style shows. We did see Frozen three time over the course of the week and attended every Oceaneer's club open house and EVERY princess-related event. She had a blast, which was the point of this adventure. There is a LOT to do, and the kids are stimulated all the time. I don't think we could have taken her any earlier and had her enjoy it. Every kid is different, of course, but if asked, I'd recommend a minimum age of 3.
4 - Try Remy. Expensive but worth it. It make's Palo look like a food truck.
5 - the Disney app for your phone is worthless, and the in-room cell phones are not much better. They need to improve their wireless infrastructure for either of those tools to be useful. We tried to use them to keep our family coordinated, but the messages were usually delayed by up to 24 hours, making the chat feature useless. Also, it didn't pick up all of your reservations, and didn't update any changes. I recommend other cruisers rely on the Navigator and take a good watch.
Safe travels
Stitchfan
1 - It was HOT. We were expecting what we northerners consider hot weather, but nothing like near 100 degrees and near 100% humidity that we encountered every day. We simply weren't prepared. If you go, you'll want loose, light clothing and a hat.
2 - no bugs! They had repellent available, but we really didn't need it. YMMV
3 - traveling with small children (3.5 year-old granddaughter) is different than traveling with adults. We did everything on toddler time. Early seating, no lingering over coffee, none of the adult venues or entertainments and none of the broadway-style shows. We did see Frozen three time over the course of the week and attended every Oceaneer's club open house and EVERY princess-related event. She had a blast, which was the point of this adventure. There is a LOT to do, and the kids are stimulated all the time. I don't think we could have taken her any earlier and had her enjoy it. Every kid is different, of course, but if asked, I'd recommend a minimum age of 3.
4 - Try Remy. Expensive but worth it. It make's Palo look like a food truck.
5 - the Disney app for your phone is worthless, and the in-room cell phones are not much better. They need to improve their wireless infrastructure for either of those tools to be useful. We tried to use them to keep our family coordinated, but the messages were usually delayed by up to 24 hours, making the chat feature useless. Also, it didn't pick up all of your reservations, and didn't update any changes. I recommend other cruisers rely on the Navigator and take a good watch.
Safe travels
Stitchfan