Live from the Panama Canal Cruise with Jennifer, Dave, and Alexander About This Page:

[Jennifer Marx]

Day 9

Sorry for skipping two days in our reports, but we've been recuperating from our Panama Canal passage and I've gotten a little chest cold.

Monday was another day at sea. We had brunch at Palo with our friends Bruce and Marta, while Alexander enjoyed his time in Flounder's Reef Nursery. That afternoon I worked on the videos of the Panama Canal and Alexander walking while Dave took in a matinee showing of the new stage show, Twice Charmed. (I also tried to see it, but Alexander wasn't in the mood to watch it.) This evening was our second formal night, so we got all gussied up again. And now with Alexander walking, he looked even cuter in his tux. Later that evening we went to see Twice Charmed again, with the understanding that if Alexander fussed Dave would take him out. But wouldn't you know it, Alexander watched the entire show with hardly a sound. I guess he really likes his princesses. Twice Charmed was, indeed, charming -- it still doesn't beat the Disney Dreams show, but it's definitely a winner! And it's fun to see a new twist on a beloved story. Dinner was at Animator's Palate and the menu was "Prince and Princess" and featured inventively named dishes.


Alexander at Animators Palate

[Jennifer Marx]

Day 10

Tuesday was our visit to Curacao. We got up early and ate breakfast in Topsider's with Bruce and Marta, then ventured off the ship into town. Curacao is very colorful, clean, and pleasant -- easy to walk around and plenty to see. We stopped in the Jewish museum, walked by the postal museum, had some Cokes at a little outdoor cafe, and saw the fort.


Colorful Buildings on Curacao


A Fruit Stall at the Curacao Market

There were many shops, most selling jewelry and textiles. The only thing to mar our outing was the heat, which was oppressive. Thankfully there were some cool breezes off the ocean from time to time. Back onboard Dave went up to take a nap on deck 4 while Alexander and I napped in the cool, dark stateroom. I love being able to take naps on vacation -- to me it means I'm truly on vacation!


Dave naps on deck 4 overlooking Curacao

Tonight was the new "Pirates IN the Caribbean" theme night, so we donned our best pirate gear. Alas, this is one thing I had a problem getting before we left home. The best I could manage was a "Pirate Bear" bib for Alexander and some Mickey/Goofy pirate ears from Walt Disney World (and it turned out DCL was selling these same ears in Mickey's Mates anyway). Dave also improvised by wearing his tuxedo shirt with the sleeves rolled up and only halfway buttoned up, which I thought looked REALLY good. All I had was some tropical wear, but that was fine.


My Two Pirates

Anyway, tonight's show was Susan Egan, the original Belle from "Beauty and the Beast" on Broadway. She was also the voice of Meg in Hercules, and has been in several other Broadway performances. Susan was spectacular! I particularly liked it when a scene from Hercules was displayed on the screen behind her and she sang her part from it -- it was like seeing the scene come to life! Alexander decided he'd had enough after this number, so we went out to the elevator lobby where he practised more walking, as well as stair climbing. He actually managed to climb up the staircase with his feet by hanging onto the balustrade the whole way. I was impressed.


Even Pirates Enjoy Fine Dining

Dinner was the Pirates in the Carribean menu, which again featured inventively named dishes and interesting preparations. The servers (also in pirate garb) brought our a limbo stick and encouraged guests to dance under it. I'd say at least half of the guests I saw were in some sort of pirate dress, and some got very elaborate. The deck party began at 9:45 and BOY was it crowded. It turned out the best views were on deck 10, midship, port side. We could see most of the show, the fireworks on Curacao as we were sailing out, and the magnificent fireworks from the ship at the climax of the deck party. Plenty of Disney characters put in an appearance, including a Pirate Stitch. It was really well done. The only problem were the crowds, so be prepared if you see it. After the fireworks we strolled around deck 10, admiring the stars (Alexander had fallen asleep in the middle of the deck party). It was really a lovely night.


The Pirates In The Carribean Deck Party

[Jennifer Marx]

Day 11

Wednesday we were back at sea again, heading towards "home." We slept in until noon (ahhhh) and grabbed lunch up at Topsider's. Dave took in the Captain's Q&A session where he learned that the Magic did NOT scrape the side of the locks as it went through, contrary to public belief. Dave also had an opportunity to chat with one of the imagineers who was onboard for a Navigator Series seminar -- Gary Landrum. Tonight's sunset was a glorious, Caribbean display, which we enjoyed from deck 4.


Enjoying the sunset on deck 4

The show this evening was comedian Mark Curry with a special appearance by Kermit and various Muppet friends. Mark was fine, but the Muppets were fantastic! The crew really put a lot of effort into making the Muppets come off and it was delightful! We later asked cruise director Rachel if the Muppets would become a regular thing, but she said it was special just for this cruise. Oh well! What made the show so fun, besides hearing Kermit sing the Rainbow Song, was the behind-the-scenes glimpses as the muppets "ran" through the ship creating havoc and hilarity (this was displayed on the video screens). Lots of fun! Alexander (who was dressed up as Mickey tonight) watched the entire show and seemed to enjoy it, so when we strolled through the shop later on and I spied a Kermit doll, I gave it to Alexander to see if it interested him. Sure enough, he held onto it tightly and seemed to like it. I purchased it and he's been playing with it every since. Very cute.


Alexander Naps with Kermit

After the show I convinced Dave to have his picture taken with Sorceror Mickey in the lobby atrium (Sorceror Mickey is his favorite character), and I think the photos turned out nicely. After dinner I took a sleepy Alexander back to the stateroom while Dave, Bruce, and Marta took in the adults-only Crew Talent Show. The word is that the show was fantastic, and pretty adult by Disney's standards. Too bad I missed it!


Dave, Alexander, and Sorceror Mickey


Mini Mickey Walks

We have just two days left -- today (Thursday) and tomorrow (Friday, Castaway Cay day). Then we'll be hanging out with Allie in Florida until Sunday night, so I probably won't have time to do more updates before I get home. So here's a preview of what's coming our way. Tonight I booked Alexander into Flounder's Reef so Dave and I could have an adults night out and use the hot tub and maybe go to the 70s party. Tomorrow morning we're going to special sneak peek of the new Castaway Ray's Stingray Adventure on Castaway Cay, so we'll certainly report back on that. And then comes the adventure of packing after two weeks on a cruise ship -- what fun that will be!

As an aside, we'd heard bits and pieces about Hurricane Katrina, but no details. Last night I turned on the TV to CNN and learned about the horrible tragedy in New Orleans. Our thoughts go out to all who have been hit by Katrina.

Thank you to all who've followed us along our once-in-a-lifetime adventure! I promise to write more when I'm home.

[DrDolphin]

Great updates Jennifer - and wonderful photos!!!

[zacksmom_1993]

Jennifer,

Your trip report is bringing back such wonderful memories! And, that picture of Alexander clinging to his Kermit in his sleep is too cute. Have a safe trip home; we'll all be looking forward to the rest of the story!

Karen

[JoanW]

I can't believe your trip is coming to an end. I loved reading every day so far. I can't wait to see what the Stingray thing is on Castaway Cay. Love the photos of Dave and Alexander. We are so wearing pirate outfits next June. Must start shopping NOW.

[iamgrumpy]

What a great update! I am so excited to cruise now in April! Alexander looks so cute in that Mickey outfit and walking already time flies!

Have fun on CC and let us know about the new excursion!

Amy

[Tink and co.]

Sounds like a few more lovely days. Thanks for sharing with us!

[CarleyT]

Jennifer, Dave and Alexander:

Thank you for sending all these reports and pictures. Almost like being right there on the ship with you at moments! Priceless, the video of Alexander and his takeoff first steps! Watched it at least 10 times. Have a great trip, a wonderful time on Castaway Cay (love that place!), fun with Allie, return safely, and we'll look forward to your stories and more pictures on your return home.

Love, Carolyn, Mom, Gramma

[chezp]

Great updates Jennifer - Alexander is too cute and it sounds like you're enjoying a lot of once in a lifetime experiences on this cruise. Thank you so much for sharing them with us - I've loved reading every word.

[gwugirl03]

I have reallly enjoyed reading all the updates, Jennifer. Good luck with the packing and have a safe trip home! Thank you so much for sharing it all with us!

[Tig&Poo]

I hope your cold is better Jennifer. How lovely your trip sounds and thanks again for the pictures. I hope your final days are as pleasant for all of you.

[Crystal]

WOW, Jennifer! First I thought that Alex in his tux was the cutest thing ever, and then the Stitch costume totally blew it out of the water! SO cute! That kid needs to come with a cuteness warning label or something! Yesh!

[Colexis Mom]

More great updates Jennifer Thanks for sharing them

[katspjs]

What a great report! Thanks so much for sharing with us. Alexander is a cutie pie!