You're Booked & Received Your Documents
We will be journeying with PinCruiser as she embarks on her first Disney Cruise Line cruise, and we will be with her every step of the way. 
PinCruiser's first day begins as she receives her Disney Cruise Line documents. These documents are very important and each of the following items need to be checked.

1) If you booked air with Disney Cruise Line or with your travel agent - please verify that your tickets are correct for the right date and from the right place! Sometimes Columbus Ohio can be confused for Columbus Georgia!

2) Since documents are sent out anywhere for 2-3 weeks prior to your cruise - hopefully you have located your birth certificate or passports for all members of your party. (Passports are not required for either of Disney Cruise Line's itineraries, but a certified copy of your birth certificate - must have state raised seal - is required. If you can not locate your birth certificate PinCruiser's friends at VitalChek can assist you. Each state in the union is listed on this service and birth certificates can be sent within a day or two with credit card as a form of payment. If you email me, I will give you the web address to go to for information if needed.

3) There will be lots of information in your packet such as Shore Excursion information, required documents that need to be completed before you check in at Port Canaveral, and general information about the cruise. Make sure that you pack your documents in your carry-on bags, just in case your checked luggage gets misplaced.

4) Check and make sure that everyone's name in your party matches EXACTLY the documentation from Disney Cruise Line. If it doesn't contact Disney Cruise Line or the travel agent that booked your cruise for you.

Transfers & Transportation from the Airport
Well, PinCruiser has checked over her documents, packed them in her carryon bag and heads to the airport. PinCruiser is going on a 3 day cruise on the Disney Wonder and is going straight to Port Canaveral from her departure city.

PinCruiser has purchased the transfers from the Orlando International Airport to Port Canaveral and back to Orlando International Airport upon the completion of her cruise. Using the luggage tags provided in her documents, PinCruiser will not see her luggage again until they have safely arrived in her stateroom on the Disney Wonder.

PinCruiser arrives in Orlando International Airport, and after having her Mocha Latte from Starbucks, she sees the Disney Cruise Line representatives at the airport to direct her to the Mears shuttle area outside of Baggage claim. PinCruiser does not need to claim her baggage here, it will automatically follow her to Port Canaveral. The Disney Cruise Line buses are operated by Mears Transportation and exclusively used (on Disney Cruise Line departure days - Saturday for the Disney Magic and Sunday and Thursday for the Disney Wonder) to transport guests to and from the airport to Port Canaveral and Walt Disney World resorts.

PinCruiser climbs onboard the Disney Cruise Line bus, and an informational video about documentation for check-in at Port Canaveral and various information on the cruise itself is presented to help make the hour to hour and 15 minute trip pass by very quickly. This is a good time to make sure that all of your documents have been filled out properly and completely for each member of your party.

Documents and Citizenship Requirements
PinCruiser is traveling in her Disney Cruise Line motorcoach (joined my Mickey, Goofy & Donald in the backseat) on the way to Port Canaveral. As soon as the busdriver turns off 528 and travels toward Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral, start to look for the ship way out in front on the horizon. Your first sight of her will be when you get on top of the high bridge (can't remember the waterway underneath).

Since the events of September 11, the security precautions have been quite increased. If you traveled before September 11th, please be aware of the following changes:

You will be greeted by a Disney Cruise Line cast member who will ask for identification for all adult members in the car that are traveling. Please have your photo IDs ready. They will check the names against a manifest. If all members in the car are not traveling, you will NOT be able to drop off your luggage. You and your party will be directed across the street to the day parking area. At this time, a cast member will be there to again check your stateroom number and will shuttle your luggage over while the guest that is traveling walks across the street. However, if all members in the vehicle are traveling, you will be allowed to leave the luggage at the curbside terminal and then proceed to the parking lot across the street. When walking back to the terminal, you will again be required to show Photo ID and only guests traveling will be allowed entrance.

Parking at Port Canaveral is $12 per day. The Port Authority does accept credit cards.

Once PinCruiser arrives at the Disney Cruise Line terminal, there are many wonders inside to explore. The Disney Cruise Line terminal was built exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests and has a beautiful turquoise terrazzo floor that represents the Atlantic Ocean and features icons of Disney (Cinderella's Castle) and all the islands of the Caribbean and their very own Castaway Cay. The ceiling has "waves" of silver that look like the ocean and really gets you in the Cruise mood!

PinCruiser mentioned before that there were documents that needed to be filled out before arriving at Port Canaveral. They are:

1) Immigration Form must be filled out one per person.

2) Cruise Contract - One per person must be signed - children under 18 must be signed by parent or guardian

3) Charge Authorization Form - One per person (even little ones) must have a form filled out. You may use one credit card for this, and may settle your account with the same form of payment, or even cash at the end of the cruise. Keep in mind, however, that once you reach $200 on your account onboard, they will go ahead and charge your credit card at that time until you reach $200 again and so on.

4) Passport or Birth Certificates and Photo IDs

If one person is checking in the party - make sure that you have all of these forms and the photo IDs and Proof of Citizenship for each person.

After this is done, a Key to the World card will be issued for each person. This card is extremely important, as you will not be able to leave or get back on the ship without it. It is also your room key and your form of payment for everything onboard. The ships are on a cashless system, and everything is charged back to your stateroom including alcoholic beverages, items in the shops, spa treatments, etc.

The ship is ready for boarding around 12:00pm. There is a line at the far end of the terminal that will go through a huge pair of Mickey Ears where you will present the newly issued Key to the World cards to actually code your keys for the ship. You will then proceed to the security checkpoint where your carry-on luggage will be scanned and then you are on!

Boarding the Ship
Palo & Spa Reservations

PinCruiser has just stepped on the Disney Wonder for her three day sailing. If you are getting onboard before 1 or 1:30pm, you may be directed right to lunch (all staterooms may not be ready). Disney Cruise Line normally has Parrot Cay and Beach Blanket Buffet serving a lunch buffet for you.

If you are planning to participate in any of the following - you must book them as soon as possible:

1) Palo - Adult Only Restaurant


2) Spa Treatments 
Vista Spa and Salon
Aromaspa Ocean Wrap with Well-Being Back Massage
Combining the powers of seaweed, sage and aromatherapy, the Aromaspa Ocean Wrap detoxifies the body while relaxing the mind. The active ingredients work to re-mineralize the body with vital trace elements from the sea, giving an instant boost of energy while increasing the metabolism. Musclease and Cellutox helps to remineralise the skin, detoxify the body, and soothe stiff and sore joints (great for athletes and also recommended for those who suffer with arthritis and lower back pain). During the wrap you will receive a foot, ankle and scalp massage. After rinsing in a warm shower your therapist will continue with a relaxation massage to the legs, back, neck and shoulders.
Duration: 75 minutes
 


Elemis Absolute Spa Ritual
The Elemis Absolute Spa Ritual has been created to treat the mind, body and soul holistically to help restore balance and harmony. Using potent aromatic oils and a combination of reflexology, shiatsu and pressure-point techniques, stress is gently eased away. In addition to the treatment of the body, we incorporate a rejuvenating scalp massage and complete the treatment with an aromatic pressure-point facial.
Duration: 105 minutes
 


Ionithermie Algae Detox
If you have not detoxified in a while, perhaps you should try the Ionithermie Detox. Toxins in the body not only contribute to a cellulite build up in the thighs, buttocks, abdomen, and tops of the arms, but they can also make you feel lethargic and drained of energy. The Ionithermie Detox works by using a pure algae, helping to drain the body of excessive impurities. Not only will you emerge with a body that is firmer and trimmer, you will also feel revitalized and energetic.
Duration: 55 minutes
 


LT Oxygen Lifting Facial
The skin on the face and eye area is the most sensitive on your body. The La Therapie facial is a necessity for the skin, to regenerate, re-vitalize and renew the skin cells at the deeper layers of the epidermis. Using gels and creams, rich amino acids and nourishing plant extracts, the La Therapie Facial not only deep cleanses, drawing out impurities from the lower layers of the skin with the use of galvanic stimuli, it also transports active ingredients into the skin. High frequency then sterilizes the skin and adds an invisible barrier of ozone. The facial ritual is completed with a purifying mask, which helps to close the pores and moisturize the skin.
Duration: 55 minutes
 


Elemis Pro Collagen Facial
Using an exclusive Japanese pure silk protein mask combined with natural serums, this beautiful hands on facial helps to restore youthful radiance working to hydrate and plump up the skin. Providing immediate results and relaxation, the Pro Collagen facial includes a hand, arm, scalp and facial massage.
Duration: 75 minutes
 


Exotic Lime & Ginger Salt Glow
A truly invigorating treatment using the lime and ginger exfoliating salt glow, to leave your skin feeling satin smooth. This treatment is wonderful for dry or sun stressed skin, and is an effective preparation for those wanting time in the sun. We complete this treatment with an aromatherapy back of body massage.
Duration: 50 minutes
 


Wellbeing Massage
The full body massage is an all over body massage from the ankles up to the neck. The Elemis Aromatherapy oils will be applied during your treatment to ensure you emerge both revived and relaxed.
Duration: 50 minutes
 


Spa Taster
The spa taster is a wonderful way to experience a combination of treatments designed to alleviate areas of stress. This massage begins at your ankles, working slowly up the back of the body, concentrating on the neck and scalp - the two key areas of stress. Your therapist will then turn you over to cleanse, tone, and exfoliate the face applying a soothing aromatherapy mask. Completing the treatment with a relaxing massage to the scalp, you will leave feeling relaxed and re-vived.
Duration: 50 minutes
 


Tropical Rainforest
Exclusive to the Disney Magic® and the Disney Wonder®, this thermal suite consists of cozy saunas, steams and showers to help relax the mind, cleanse the body and soften the skin. Essences of eucalyptus, chamomile and orchid fill the air. To refresh the body, a fog shower sprays a mist of cool fresh water over the body, while giving off the aroma of mint. Relax on our heated rock lounges between relaxation treatments, or enjoy with a group of friends.
Duration: All day
 

Rasul Steam Bath
The Surial Steam Bath has Oriental origins; it is derived from an ancient purification ceremony for the body and is a fun treatment to enjoy alone or with a partner. After a shower, medicinal earth from Austria's untrodden mountains is applied to the entire body and face. Once the mixture is applied, you enter the herbal steam-bath chamber and unwind, while the earth and heat withdraw impurities from the body. It's a sensuous experience that evokes profound relaxation.
Duration: 60 minutes
 


Alpha Capsule
Using aromatherapy, lights, dry heat and relaxing sounds the Alpha Capsule will transport you into the Alpha dimension -a highly relaxed state of mind that is experienced just before deep sleep. You will feel as though you have had two and one half-hours sleep in the twenty five-minute period.
Duration: 25 minutes
 


Ladies' Shampoo, Cut and Style 
Ladies' Blow dry 
Ladies' Hair Up-Style 
Men's Cut  
Highlights 
Permanent Color: Roots 
Semi Permanent Color 
Permanent Color: Full Head 
Frangipani Scalp Ritual 
(add blow dry)
Spa Manicure* 
Spa Pedicure* 
*These services will also include a
French Spa Treatment.


Go to your stateroom after lunch and read the Personal Navigator - your daily "newspaper" with hour by hour activities and happenings. Find out where the ship will be taking reservations for Palo. Sometimes it is in Palo itself, but depending on how full the ship is, they may have it in Wavebands or the Cadillac Lounge on Route 66 (usually from 1:30pm to 3:30pm). You may want to send one person in your party to Palo for reservations and the other to make spa reservations.

Reservations for Vista Spa treatments and massages can be made directly at the Spa and they usually open at 2:00pm. If you are unsure about these treatments, the spa offers tours and explanations of all treatments - so take advantage of that.

The ship conducts a walking ship tour onboard around 2:30pm, but PinCruiser enjoyed exploring the ship on her own and discovering her favorite spots!

 If you are a coffee drinker, there is a coffee stand on Deck 9 by the Mickey Pool that has fresh coffee 24 hours a day.

There is a mandatory lifeboat Drill at 4:00pm on the ship and usually takes about 20 minutes. Pick up your lifejacket from your stateroom and the cast members will guide you to your designated station.

Sail-Away Celebration starts at 4:45pm as the Disney Wonder prepares to set sail for Nassau in the Bahamas - 269 nautical miles away.

Staterooms
PinCruzer forgot a very important installment in her voyage aboard the Disney Wonder - your stateroom!

Disney Cruise Line classifies their staterooms (other cruiselines call them cabins) as categories. Category 1 - 12, 1 being the highest and most expensive and 12 being the lowest and least expensive.

Some of the terminology used when talking about staterooms is Inside or Outside. Simply stated, Inside Stateroom means that you have no window in your room to see the ocean. Outside means that you either have a window for a view of the ocean or a verandah where you can actually stand outside and view the ocean.

PinCruzer has been on short and long cruises and wants to share that you spend very little time in your stateroom. On longer voyages, you may spend more time, but for shorter cruises, no. Some people like the inside staterooms just for getting a good night sleep. You are quite unaware of the world outside of room when you don't have a window, and you will get a very restful sleep. A word of caution, though...once you have a verandah, you become spoiled and then you always want to have that sound and view of the ocean. 

Categories 11 & 12 - Inside Staterooms
Sleeps 3, Some Sleep 4 - 184 Square Feet

Category 10 - Deluxe Inside Stateroom
Sleeps 3, Some Sleep 4 - 214 Square Feet
(Difference between 10 & 11 or 12 is Category 10 has a split bath)

Categories 8 & 9 - Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms
Sleeps 3, Some Sleep 4 - 214 Square Feet

Category 7 - Deluxe Stateroom w/Navigator Verandah
Sleeps 2, Some Sleep 3 - 268 Square Feet

Categories 5 & 6 - Deluxe Staterooms with Verandah
Sleeps 3, Some Sleep 4 - 268 Square Feet
(Only Difference between Category 5 and 6 are the location on the ship - Category 5 staterooms are one deck higher)

Category 4 - Deluxe Family Stateroom with Verandah
Sleeps 4, Some Sleep 5 - 304 Square Feet
(Difference between Categories 5 & 6 is the Pull Down Murphy Bed to accommodate 5 people)

Category 3 - 1 Bedroom Suite
Sleeps 4, Some Sleep 5 - 614 Square Feet

Category 2 - 2 Bedroom Suite
Sleeps 7 - 845 Square Feet

Category 1 - Royal Suite
Sleeps 7 - 945 Square Feet

Ship Terminology & Route 66
PinCruiser is enjoying her time on the Disney Wonder and since the lifeboat drill is over and the ship has sailed away from Port Canaveral, she is ready to start exploring the ship. Just a few technical terms that you will hear and see alot:

Aft - This is the back of the ship
Forward - Exactly the opposite - the front of the ship
Midships - Middle of the ship

Starboard is the right side of the ship and Portside is the left. The way I remember the difference between Starboard and Port is P-O-R-T and L-E-F-T both have four letters...

If your stateroom ends with an odd number - you have an inside stateroom, if your stateroom ends with an even number you have an outside stateroom or verandah. Inside stateroom means simply that your stateroom does not have a window or oceanview. Outside stateroom means you DO have an oceanview or window or verandah.

PinCruiser's suggestion is that you take the map of the ship provided in your Welcome Aboard Personal Navigator and explore the ship deck by deck. This will help you become accustomed with how to get from place to place.

Just a few highlights:

Route 66 is the adult entertainment area on Deck 3. The following venues are located here - The Cadillac Lounge which provides soft piano music with very unique Cadillac theming; WaveBands - the dance hall/disco of the Disney Wonder with various activities taking place such as Bingo, Match Your Mate gameshow, etc. WaveBands is the venue that is open the latest (until 2:00am); Diversions is newly remodeled and is a wonderful quiet place during the day for reading, it also has multiple plasma TV's


Studio Sea is the family lounge onboard. Family Karaoke, Walk the Plank and other family entertainment take place here on Deck 4.

Another great area is the new Cove Cafe on deck 9. This is a 18 and older coffee bistro and has 5 internet terminals.

Walt Disney Theatre - where the evening entertainment shows take place. Currently on the Disney Wonder - Hercules The "Muse"ical, Disney Dreams, and "Who Wants to Be A Mouseketeer". 

The Golden Mickey's
The most technically sophisticated stage show at sea, The Golden Mickeys, is the newest performance in the line-up of original Disney musicals aboard the Disney Cruise Line®. Now playing aboard the Disney Wonder and coming soon to the Disney Magic, The Golden Mickeys combines live-action theatre with film, video, music and colorful pyrotechnics in a toe-tapping salute to Walt Disney and his legacy of classic animated films. This new, character-filled, musical review uses all the glitz and glamour of an awards show to honor the wonderful animated films and characters that have filled our lives for over 75 years. As if attending a distinguished Hollywood awards show, guests entering the 977-seat Walt Disney Theatre are treated as celebrities and given red carpet treatment lined with "paparazzi." Once inside, this spectacular live stage show takes guests on a wonderful journey to celebrate comedy, romance, heroes and those characters we love to hate, the villains of Disney films.


Remember that you will not need to choose between dinner and the shows. If you have selected 6:00pm seating - you will have dinner and then see the show afterwards at 8:30. If you have dinner at 8:30, then you will see the show BEFORE dinner at 6:00pm.

Buena Vista Theatre - This is the cinema onboard. You will receive a schedule in your stateroom of the first run movies that are playing in the theatre. Also you will be able to find this information in your Personal Navigator daily and also on your in-room television.

Restaurants on the Disney Wonder
PinCruzer is looking over the dining ticket that was placed in her stateroom. This ticket will have your dining rotation on it. It is called dining rotation because each night you AND your waitstaff will rotate to a different restaurant. PinCruzer is on late dining and has no children so her rotation is:
Sample Menu's
 Triton's

STARTERS
G Deep-fried Camembert Fritters
with Red Current Jelly or Marinara Sauce
Shrimp Medley
served with Cocktail Sauce
Pearls of Seasonal Melon
with Port Wine
G Escargot
with Diced Mushrooms and Garlic Butter
Cream of Cauliflower Soup
Mixed Garden Salad
tossed with Red Wine Vinaigrette and topped with
Goat Cheese Croutons
MAIN COURSE
Cheese Ravioli
served with a Tomato-Basil Sauce
Garlic-roasted Beef Tenderloin
served with Mashed Potatoes and a
Green Peppercorn Sauce
Herb-crusted Sea Bass
with Sauteed Spinach and Champagne Sauce
Braised Lamb Shank
served with Portobello Polenta and a Red Wine Sauce
G Roasted Duck Breast
with Sauteed Parsnips and an Orange Sauce
Chefs Vegetarian Selection of the Day
Additional selections of Sirloin Steak,
Grilled Chicken Breast, fresh Fish, or Lighter Fare 
are available. Kindly ask your server.
DESSERTS
Chocolate Mousse Cake
served with Rum-Caramel Sauce
Cherries Jubilee
served with Vanilla Ice Cream
Grand Marnier Souffle
with Chocolate Sauce
G Creme Brulee
Chefs Sugar-free Dessert
G Restaurant Specialty
 

Animator's Palate

Starters
Lobster and Shrimp Wrapper
rolled in a Soft Crepe with Avocado Puree
Duck and Goat Cheese Flatbread
garnished with Spring Onions
Smoked Salmon
served on a crisp Potato Cake
Chilled Gazpacho
with Calamata Crostini
Caesar Salad Ð Tossed Tableside
with Shaved Parmesan and Focaccia Croutons
Baked Stuffed Tomato
with Vegetable Rice and Monterey Jack Cheese
Main Course
Cheese Cannelloni
served on Creamed Spinach
Maple-glazed Salmon
with Green Beans and Smashed
Red Skin Potatoes
Pan-fried Veal Chop
in a Parmesan and Herb Crust with
Corn Risotto and Asparagus
Roasted Chicken Breast
with Smashed Potatoes, Vegetables,
and Cabernet Sauce
Grilled Sirloin
with Glazed Carrots and Potato Skins
Chefs Vegetarian Selection of the Day
Additional selections of Sirloin Steak, Grilled
Chicken Breast, fresh Fish, or Lighter Fare
are available. Kindly ask your server.
Desserts
Strawberry Shortcake
Boston Creme Pie
New York-style Cheesecake
Double-Fudge Chocolate Cake
Chefs Sugar-free Dessert
Restaurant Specialty
 
  Parrot Cay

 Starter
Island Crab and Shrimp Salad
with Butter Lettuce and Citrus Sauce
Coconut Prawns and Onion Rings
Crisp Fried and served with Pineapple-Curried Mayonnaise
Jamaican Grilled Chicken Wings
and Seared Pot Stickers
with Banana Pepper Sauce
Caribbean Okra Gumbo Soup
Tropical Fruit Salad
D Grilled Vegetable Salad
served with a Mango-Chili Salsa
Main Course
D Large Pasta Shells
stuffed with Ricotta Cheese, Sautéed Tomatoes,
Toasted Garlic, and fresh Basil
Cuban-style Grilled Rib-Eye
marinated in Tamarind-Ginger, served with Mashed Yucca
and Fried Onion Straws
Pepper-seared Grouper
served with Market Vegetables and Fried Sweet Potatoes
Roasted Chicken
marinated with Chili and Lime and served with Corn Risotto
and Plantain Chips
Seafood Creole
with Shrimp, Fish, Lobster, Chicken, Shellfish, Spicy Pork
Sausage, and Achiote Flavored Long-grain Rice
Chef’s Vegetarian Selection of the Day
Additional selections of Sirloin Steak, Grilled Chicken Breast, fresh
Fish, or “Lighter Fare” are available. Kindly ask your server.
Desserts
Roasted Pineapple
Caramelized in Sugar-cane Syrup and served with
Vanilla Ice Cream
Rich Vanilla Cream
with Crispy Topping, Chocolate, and Candied Black Pepper
D Banana Flambé
prepared “on-stage” and served with Vanilla Ice Cream and
Butterscotch Rum Sauce
Kahlúa Trifle
with English Cream and Caramelized Macadamia Nuts
Chef’s Sugar-free Dessert
D Restaurant Specialty
 

The rotations are scheduled so that like guests are dining together. Families with children in one rotation, adults in another, etc.


Tonight PinCruiser dines in Triton's. A statue of Ariel is the focal point in the atrium on the Disney Wonder, and directly behind her is the Triton's restaurant (Deck 3). The restaurant is designed to be "Under the Sea" and the ceiling, lighting and decor strives to make you feel like you really are! On the back wall of the restaurant is a spectacular mosaic with characters from "The Little Mermaid". The cuisine is continental with a focus on seafood. If you do not like Seafood, there are other options.

Your waiter is going to be with you for the duration of the cruise, and he/she will strive to get to know you - do you like coffee, lemon in your water, etc. If you have any questions about the menu or "What wine goes with this"?, they are a wonderful source and will be glad to answer anything!

Triton's is the most upscale restaurant onboard (except for Palo), and jackets for men are suggested, but not required. Dresses or pantsuits for women are appropriate.

After dinner, it is a show and let's see what happens on the ship after dark!

First Night Onboard - Pin Trading Times
PinCruzer looks over her Personal Navigator for the night and finds the following activities going on:

Every night in the atrium of the Disney Wonder - there is PinTrading going on from 7:30 to 8:30pm. If there is a limited edition pin - this is where the ship releases these - not in the merchandise shops - Mickey's Mates or Treasure Ketch. 

Studio Sea is the family hangout and many activities for families are here:

1) Mickey Mania - Gameshow and Disney Trivia for families
2) Family Karaoke - Does your child think they are the next Brittany Spears or Backstreet Boy? Check this out - it is a blast and so much fun to watch...

In Wavebands, several activities here throughout the night

1) Jackpot Bingo - Starts at 7:45pm - Children can attend with you, but must be 18 or older to play
2) 70's Night - Starts at 10:30pm - you are bound to see John Travolta here! PinCruzer even had the opportunity to sing "I Will Survive". Lots of fun!
 


Don't forget to go by Shutters (Photo Studio) and find your family's pictures that were taken when you were in the terminal and when you got on the ship and during dinner tonight...There are photo packages available for purchases of more than one photo. Much better value.

 

 Nassau & Nassau Shore Excursions
 

Well it is Friday morning and as PinCruzer was sleeping, she felt a little shift in the ship's movement! PinCruzer gets dressed and heads up to Deck 9, grab some coffee and sees that we are heading into the Nassau Port Area. Most of the time the Captain backs the ship into the docking area, and it quite amazing to watch. The best seat to watch this is on Deck 10 Forward by the Basketball court on the Starboard (right side) of the ship.

Don't rush to get off the ship - unless something drastic with the weather happens, you will be there until 10:30pm. It is senseless to go to Deck 1 and wait in the stairways until the ship is cleared for you to go to shore. If you have made arrangements for a shore excursion; however, make sure that you have all of your things with you - Bag with sunblock, sunglasses, hat, etc and report to the designated place. If you forgot one of these important items, purchase these items onboard the ship the night before because these items in Nassau can be quite expensive and there is only one drug store in the Nassau area.

The shops onboard will remain closed while in Nassau until 7:00pm. This is the time when most of the shops in Nassau are closed.

Each member of your party will need their key to the world cards and adults will also need a photo ID. You need both of these items to get off the ship and to get back on. Since the events of September 11, the dock area where the cruiseships are have been made much more secure. No one is allowed near the ships without proof that you are sailing with one of the cruiselines.

Remember that you are in a foreign country and everything is not as clean and grand as the old USA. Of course, the Bahamians have the wonderful weather, and gorgeous beaches, and lots of watersports and diving!

When you get to the exit of the port area, Ladies - be aware, you will be asked if you want to get your hair braided at least a couple of times before you get the town area of Nassau. If you want to get your hair braided - do so! It's a great look for the cruise, but if you don't, just politely say "No Thank you". A lot of locals will also be in this area to try and offer you tours of the island, etc. This is a completely safe adventure, but if you opt to do this, make sure that you negotiate fare BEFORE you get in the car..

My recommendations are - Go walking around in the main shopping area in Nassau. Check out some of the duty free prices on Jewelry and souvenir items like bags, hats, etc.


As you pulled into Nassau, you will notice out in the distance is a beautiful pink Castle looking structure. This is the Atlantis Resort. It has had some additions over the years, and is a beautiful place to go see. You may take a taxi - about $8 or $10 roundtrip, and may shop and use the impressive casino all you like. You may not however, use the beaches or pools without purchasing a package with either Disney Cruise Line or the resort itself. You are identified by a wristband and they want to reserve those areas for paying guests. There are some beautiful and massive aquariums at Nassau and the new DIG. If you are into sealife, I would definitely splurge on that and check this out.


You do not have to leave the ship at all if you don't want to. The ship will be operating normally, including meals, swimming pools, movies, etc throughout the day. If you want to go onshore and come back for lunch, feel free!

Usually during days at Nassau, the Vista Spa offers specials, so make sure that if you are interested in Spa treatments that you see what they have available.

A sample of activities that are going on onboard the ship are:

Ping Pong Tournaments
Belly Flop Contest at the Adult Pool
Island Magic - a Live Character Stage Show with Mickey and pals
Princess Party - Character greetings with princesses
Several fitness seminars and activities
 

Evening in Nassau & Castaway Cay Shore Excursions
Let's talk about Castaway Cay.  

You won't need towels, those will be provided. If you plan to send a postcard from the Post Office at Castaway Cay, bring some cash, because that is all they accept. You will probably be home two weeks before you actually receive the postcard, but it is fun nonetheless.. Remember sunscreen, bathing suit, a good book....
 

Castaway Cay - Disney's Private Island

 

Upon arrival into Castaway Cay, your breath will be taken away by her beauty! The water is so blue, it looks as if it has been painted! Spectacular!

Castaway Cay was purchased by Disney in the mid 90s and used to be called Gorda Cay. There has been some speculation as to it's use in prior years, but there is a landing strip on the island (adults will see it on the way to Serenity Bay - the Adult Beach).

Please enjoy your morning and have some breakfast, there are plenty of beach chairs and umbrellas for everyone.

When you get off the ship - make sure that you have your Key to the World card for each person in your party. As you debark the ship, there will be cast members just off the ramp to hand you towels for your day in Paradise!

To your immediate right is the Castaway Cay Post Office. From here you can send a postcard back home with a genuine postmark from Castaway Cay. It will probably take several weeks to receive your postcard at home, but it will be a memento that you will treasure. Please bring cash for the stamps at the Post Office, they do not accept any other form of payment. In your staterooms in the drawers of the dressing tables are complimentary postcards that you can use, or you can purchase other ones in the shops onboard or in the post office.
 

There will be several characters (Captain Hook & Smee, Mickey & Minnie & Goofy) in different locations at Castaway Cay for photo opportunities. Since the ship docks right at the island, most of the photos will have the ship in the background and the photos are wonderful.

You can opt to take the tram to the main area of Castaway Cay or you can walk it. The walk takes about 10 minutes... Upon arrival at the main area of the island, there is "She Sells SeaShells" gift shop, First Aid, and a pathway to Gil's Fins and Boats - the place where your pick up your snorkeling equipment to start your adventure. The snorkel excursion at Castaway Cay is good for all day and is acceptable for first-time snorkelers and experienced ones. There are several hidden Disney treasures along the way, so make sure that you look for them. Disney is concerned about the environment at Castaway Cay, and they have installed "Reef Balls" at the bottom of the ocean to encourage new plant and sealife. Hint: You will see Mickey, but you have to look for him...

If you did not get your hair braided in Nassau and wanted to, you will have the opportunity to do so at Castaway Cay.

For adults, there is a tram that will take you to Serenity Bay. If you reserved a massage at Castaway Cay, you will have to go to Serenity Bay to enjoy it....The adult beach is beautiful and quiet and you will not have to come back to the main island to be served lunch. It will be provided there.

Lunch is served on the Family Beach area at Cookie's Barbecue. Food served is Ribs, Hamburgers, Chicken, Hot Dogs and normal Barbecue fare such as Coleslaw, Potato Salad, etc...


Make sure if you want to purchase Castaway Cay merchandise, that you do it at Castaway Cay. Most of the merchandise (including some pins) are exclusive to Castaway Cay and you will not be able to get those items anywhere else.

 Debarkation Procedures
Your final evening after a day at Castaway Cay is a memorable one. 

Remember where you eat dinner tonight is where you will eat breakfast tomorrow. If you have first seating - your breakfast will be at 6:45am. If you have second seating - your breakfast will be at 8:00am.

All of this information will be discussed in the debarkation talk that is usually held around 4:30pm in the Walt Disney Theatre. However, this information will be playing on your in-room television if you are unable to attend. Here are the basics:

You need to remove all the old luggage tags from your luggage and replace it with the new ones that your room steward will provide in your stateroom. The tags are color-coded so that luggage will be easy to locate the following morning upon your departure. Your luggage will need to be outside your stateroom for pickup by 11:00pm if you do not want to carry your luggage off yourself. One word of caution - DON'T FORGET TO PACK SOMETHING TO WEAR TOMORROW! Once your luggage is taken at 11:00pm, you will be unable to retrieve it, so make sure you have a change of clothes and medications and passports and photo ID with you for tomorrow.

There will also be an US Customs Declaration Form in your stateroom that needs to be filled out. Only ONE per household needs to be filled out. Please complete the itemized detail section on the back of the declaration ONLY if you exceed the allowance.

Total Duty Free Allowance per Person is $800.00. Your total purchase (merchandise) may be combined in any way to make up the $800 limit, however, no more than $400 can be puchased onboard the ship. (remember this is Per Person allowance, not per Family)

Total Liquor Allowance per person: One liter is the base exemption (either from the ship or Nassau). The second liter is exempt if purchased and produced in the Bahamas (Nassau Royal or local specialty rums)

Tobacco Allowance - per person: One carton of cigarettes and 100 cigars. In accordance with Federal Law, you may not bring any items manufactured in Cuba from the Bahamas - including Cuban Cigars.

Upon retrieving your luggage, you will present this form to the Customs agent before you are allowed to go to your transportation home or to Walt Disney World.

If you put a credit card on your stateroom account, you will not need to go and settle your account, it will automatically be charged. If you are paying by cash, I suggest that you do it later on in the evening, as there is always a line at Guest Services. You will receive a copy of your shipboard account underneath your stateroom door by 6:30am. If you need a copy before then, Guest Services can provide it.

Two final reminders...

When debarking the ship, make sure that any flowers or plants or fruit of any kind must be either left on the ship or surrendered before you meet the Customs agent. You can be fined if you intend to take any of these items out of the terminal.

After completion of breakfast, you will immediately be able to leave the ship. Sometimes there are delays if Customs has not cleared the ship, but most of the time as soon as breakfast is over, you can get off.

Pin Cruzer is ready for her next cruise adventure, aren't you?

As she gets home and starts reviewing her pictures and reminiscing over the past few days, PinCruzer would like to highlight a different room on the ship throughout the next few days. If there is a particular area of the ships that you would like to know more about, please let me know!