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Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Trip Report: Disney Fantasy Western Caribbean [Day 5] Falmouth, Jamaica

May 14, 2014 - Falmouth, Jamaica

This was the first time that the Disney Fantasy had ever visited Falmouth, Jamaica.  The Disney Magic had visited before, and we were told that passengers had rated Falmouth 3rd place as overall cruise port.  The Fantasy had been visiting Costa Maya, Mexico, which passengers had only ranked 10th.

Falmouth, Jamaica was a first for us, as well.  I had been to Jamaica once before with my family, visiting Ocho Rios on Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas in 2008, years before the port of Falmouth had opened.

Max has always wanted to visit Jamaica.  In fact, I learned years ago that it was his number one place to visit because Jamaicans have dreads, and Jamaica just sounds awesome.

When we had visited Ocho Rios, Royal Caribbean instructed us not to take any cabs outside of the cruise port and encouraged us to take their excursions.  This was a warning that we remembered when going to Falmouth and assumed it to be the same (note: we received no warnings on the Disney Fantasy about crime in Falmouth, so I think I assumed wrong).  Therefore, this was the one day that we actually booked an excursion in advance.  We selected Chukka Beach Express for $32 per person which included transportation to and from a nearby beach, as well as beach chairs.

Chukka Beach Express

The downside to booking a beach excursion through Disney Cruise Line was that we had to get off the ship early in the morning and returned to the ship in the early afternoon, while on our own, we would leave the ship around 10 or 11 AM and return later in the afternoon.

We met at 8:45 AM in the Buena Vista Theater which is where first-run movies are shown throughout the cruise.  This was actually the only time that we went in that theater.  It seemed that Disney had given us an early meeting time so that everyone would be there on time.  Because when it was our scheduled time to meet, there were 20 guests still missing!  When our excursion was called to leave the ship (about 15 minutes after our scheduled meeting in the theater), there were still guests who hadn't checked in, yet.  We ended up on the last bus to leave which ended up waiting for the late guests.

Falmouth, Jamaica



Falmouth, Jamaica

When our bus finally got moving, our bus driver took us through downtown Falmouth while our tour guide told us a bit of history.  I think the bus driver might have been new on the job because there were a few times when our tour guide had to turn around and quickly tell him which way to go.  After we went downtown, we ended up.... back at the cruise terminal.  We had just taken a loop of the city.  Then we went on towards the beach.

Falmouth, Jamaica

This was taken from the bridge that James Bond drives across in Dr. No (1962).  Also, Usain Bolt is from Falmouth.  His family still lives there.  We were told that we would see Usain Bolt today, and if we didn't... it's because he's just too fast.

The actual name of the beach is not listed in the shore excursion description.  It just says "nearby beach".  The sign in front of the beach said "Good Hope Beach", however, we were at a private portion which was only for Chukka guests.

Chukka Beach Break

Chukka Beach Break

When we got off the bus, we received complimentary punch. I was disappointed to discover that this was not rum punch, but just normal punch. Yuck.

We learned that a bus would come to take guests back to the ship every hour, starting at 1 PM. So the excursion could actually be extended past the three hours listed on the description.

Chukka Beach Break

Chukka Beach Break

On both sides of the Chukka beach were huts with outside vendors. Guards stood at each side so that independent vendors could not sell on the Chukka beach. It was nice to not have to pretend that I was sleeping to avoid the people trying to sell souvenirs on the beach.

Chukka Beach Break

This beach has incredibly soft, fine sand. It's so fine that it is almost silt. I believe it is the softest sand that I've ever encountered. Max loved the sand so much that he filled his Red Stripe bottle full of it and brought it home.

Chukka Beach Break

At about noon, the bottom fell out of the sky. I pulled my towel over me for cover, and Rachel did the same. I didn't realize that Mom, Dad, and Max had sought cover in the trees. After several minutes, the water had completely soaked our towels, so Rachel and I figured that we might as well give in and decided to wait out the rain in the water.

Chukka Beach Break

The sky was completely dark, and it didn't appear that the sun would be coming out anytime soon, so we decided to take the first bus back to the ship.

Overall, the Chukka Beach Express excursion was very good.  The beach was clean and private, and the chairs were nice and new.  Not to mention, the sand is the softest ever.  There were also foam floats available to rent.

Port of Falmouth

After returning to the ship, eating lunch, and changing into dry clothes, we decided to check out the Port of Falmouth and do some shopping.  Rachel was looking for an Alex and Ani bracelet, and Max and Rachel both collect shot glasses.

Disney Fantasy

Disney Fantasy

We were in port with Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas.

Disney Fantasy

Disney Fantasy

Disney Fantasy

The shopping center is very well-developed. There are several jewelry stores (including, of course, Diamonds International), Del Sol, Cariloha, Shade Shack, Dufry Duty-Free, Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, and several other souvenir stores. There is also a covered market-type area for vendors to sell artwork, and several kiosks for hair braiding, henna tattoos, and beverages.

Disney Fantasy

Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville - Falmouth, Jamaica

Margaritaville Falmouth

We, of course, visited Margaritaville. It's a very large complex with a store, pool, outdoor eating area, restaurant, and several bars.

Margaritaville Falmouth

Margaritaville Falmouth

Margaritaville Falmouth

Margaritaville Falmouth

Margaritaville Falmouth

There is a pool with a swim-up bar.

Margaritaville Falmouth

And a hot tub inside of a giant Margarita glass.

Margaritaville Falmouth

I was on the ground taking a picture of everyone else inside of the Margarita glass when a kind stranger offered to take a photo of all of us. She and her friend then insisted that we jump. We were a little skeptical because we didn't want to fall inside the hot tub. However, I'm really glad that we did because the shot turned out hilarious...

Margaritaville Falmouth

Margaritaville Falmouth

Honestly, you could easily spend your entire port day at Margaritaville.

Margaritaville Falmouth

Margaritaville Falmouth

Margaritaville Falmouth

Margaritaville Falmouth

Max spent over $30 at the Margaritaville store and had earned a 20% off drinks coupon, so we decided to use it on Frozen Concoctions.

Falmouth, Jamaica

Falmouth, Jamaica

Disney Fantasy

Disney Fantasy

Sail Away Falmouth

I insisted that we watch the ship sail away from Falmouth.  I was very excited because the Freedom of the Seas was in port, so I assumed that a horn battle would take place.  We had participated in a fun horn battle with the Allure of the Seas while on Royal Princess over Christmas.

Falmouth, Jamaica

Falmouth, Jamaica

Falmouth, Jamaica

Falmouth, Jamaica

We were all set to go and honked, "When You Wish Upon a Star" to Freedom of the Seas. We waited. Waited. Waited. NO RESPONSE!!!! We were very disappointed that Freedom of the Seas did not honk back. I was then disappointed that the Disney Fantasy didn't taunt the Freedom by honking again.

Falmouth, Jamaica

Good-bye, lame Freedom! I will note that there were many Freedom of the Seas passengers on deck waving good-bye to us. I love waving good-bye to ships or people on land because there is something amazing and beautiful about hundreds or thousands of people waving all at once.

Falmouth, Jamaica

Falmouth, Jamaica

Disney Fantasy

Disney Fantasy

Disney Fantasy

Disney Fantasy

Pirates IN the Caribbean

Now, when telling Rachel what to pack, I had told her to bring a pirate costume.  That was easy for her because she had been a pirate for Halloween before.  I didn't have a pirate costume, and in all of my pre-cruise craziness with getting the Fish Extender Gifts ready and designing our stateroom door, I kind of forgot to come up with one.  Luckily, Disney Cruise Line provided us with some bandannas to wear, but I really regretted not getting a pirate costume together.

Pirate Night

Pirate Night

Pirate Night

Before dinner, we went to the Pirates in the Caribbean show on deck with Captain Mickey and his Pirate Crew. By the time we arrived, the top deck was already packed, so we didn't have the best spot.

Pirate Night

Pirate Night

It's a cute show where Mickey teaches us how to be pirates, and then the ship gets taken over by Captain Hook and his villainous crew. This results in a pirate show-down where we prove that we are pirates.

Pirate Night

Pirate Night

Pirate Night

Pirate Night

Pirate Night

Pirate Night

Pirate Night

It was quite windy up on deck. By the time the show was over, my hair was so wind-blown and tangled that it didn't seem to matter that I had fixed it.

Aqua Duck

It was so windy that they were only allowing double passengers on the Aqua Duck.

Dinner - Pirate Night in Royal Court

Pirate Night

The napkins were folded like pirate ships!

Pirate Night

And a we had a special pirate menu.

Pirate Night

Pirate Night

Pirate Night Menu

Black Beard's Jumbo Crab Cake

I had Black Beard's Jumbo Crab Cake as an appetizer. I'm not sure if I would use the word "jumbo" to describe it.

The Buckaneer's Sun-Ripened Pineapple

Mom ordered the Buckaneer's Sun-Ripened Pineapple. They really went all out with these names.

Pirates Golden "Pot Stickers"

Max and Rachel had the Pirates Golden "Pot Stickers"... that's dumplings in non-pirate lingo.

Jerk Chicken Salad

I had the Jerk Chicken Salad. I found the chicken to be a bit dry for my tastes.

Dijon Crusted Sirloin of Beef

For an entree, I asked Tana if he would recommend the beef sirloin (excuse me... The Dutchman's Dijon Crusted Sirloin of Beef) or the mahi mahi. He suggested that I get both.

Captain Hook's Mahi Mahi

He brought Captain Hook's Macademia Nut Dusted Mahi Mahi on a smaller dish.

Pirate Night

ARGHHH

Pirate Night

Remember how my mother had asked Tana about Key Lime Pie? Well, tonight he brought us all Key Lime Pie!!! I was really impressed. I've never had a waiter go out of his way to get us our favorite dessert before.

Key Lime Pie

Pirate Night

Pirate Night

This photo reminds me of the time Mom and Dad scarfed down an ice cream sundae...

Rum Soaked Chocolate Cake

Rum Soaked Chocolate Cake.... not as good as our Key Lime Pie.

Pirate Night

Magical Porthole Stateroom - Pullman Bunk

Pullman Bunk

We had been asking Mom and Dad all week to have their cabin steward pull down the bunk bed so that we could see it. I had heard that there were stars over the bed.

Pullman Bunk

Pullman Bunk

Pirate Night

They got such a cute towel animal!

And I forgot to show you earlier -

Door Decorations

I had decorated Mom and Dad's door for Mothers' Day.

Pirates IN the Caribbean Buccaneer Blast Fireworks

Pirate Night

We were goofing off in Mom and Dad's room when we should have been reserving a spot on the deck for the fireworks. We were a bit too late to get a good spot on deck 12 overlooking the action, so we found a place in the standing zone on deck 11.

Pirate Night

This show stars Jack Sparrow.

Pirate Night

It was absolutely the worst Jack Sparrow acting I had ever seen. I think Jack Sparrow would have rather walked the plank than participated in that show. His voice and overall demeaner weren't that bad, but his deliver was terrible. His excitement was equivalent to that of a telephone operator. On top of that, the plot and dialogue were really bad and hard to follow. I would have to say that this was absolutely the worst show we had seen all week.

Pirate Night

I had brought my tripod with me, but I didn't bother to set it up because I wasn't sure exactly where the fireworks were going to be, and I was in the center of the crowd, so my line of sight was limited. I slowed down the shutter a bit to capture the light as I hand-held my camera.

Pirate Night

Immediately following the fireworks was a deck party.

Pirate Night

Pirate Night

Pirate Night

Pirate Night

Rachel's dance moves earned her a spot on the Funnel Vision several times. The camera loved her... and so did this lady...

Pirate Night

She actually tried to set Rachel up with her son back home. She even brought her phone over so that she could show Rachel Facebook photos of her son.

Dad's response?

Pirate Night

After Rachel had enough of the spotlight, we left the deck party to change into our swimsuits so that we could ride the Aqua Duck which was open until midnight that night (on all other nights, it was scheduled to close at 10 PM).

We had to walk through Cabanas to get to our room, which is when we discovered the buffet! A midnight buffet? I haven't run into one of these in years! We weren't at all hungry, but Max got nachos and Rachel got a turkey leg.

Pirate Night

"These cost like... $16 at the parks! Heck yeah, I'm getting a turkey leg!"

By the time we changed into our swimsuits and had arrived back on the pool deck, the party had abandoned.... because it was raining! They were still running the Aqua Duck, though, and there was no wait, so we took advantage of the opportunity. It was really fun at night, and the water actually felt really warm compared to the cold rain.

Turn Down

Towel Animal

Next: Day 6 - At Sea

17 comments:

  1. So we are booked on the Disney Fantasy in August... activity booking window opening soon. Planned to book Remy's one night... Is the pirate dinner a good dinner to skip in lieu of Remy's?

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    1. It really depends on what you like. Besides the cute pirate names, I didn't find the menu that night to be anything out of the ordinary. However, many guests enjoy the theme and dressing up like pirates. Animator's Palate has a special pirate-themed animation show. So personally, if my dining rotation put me in Animator's Palate on pirate night, I would almost definitely choose that night to book Remy (while others request the rotation that gets them Animator's on Pirate night)!

      While making your reservation, you might keep in mind the times of the Pirate Night shows and events. For our cruise, Mickey's Pirates In the Caribbean Deck Show was at 7:45 PM and the Buccaneer Blast Fireworks were at 10:30 PM.

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    2. Thanks...... We are doing a 7 night cruise, so each restaurant twice and once scheduled a third time. Pirate night is the middle night, so if we book Remy's that night, we still get each restaurant twice. I definitely want to see the fireworks, but would missing the Pirate Deck show be a big deal?
      We do have youngish children, and I don't want to deprive them... But pirate night actually seems the most "missable" in terms of entertainment and menus.

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    3. Hi Adam, I was recently on the Fantasy in September - hope you don't mind me butting in, Victoria.
      The Pirate deck party/show is a short little skit about pirates, I barely paid attention because we were all trying to keep an eye on the kids, who were all too busy running around. I think it's not a big deal to miss it. However, you would want to be on the higher decks for the fireworks.If you are too low, the tubes of the water slide will obstruct your view. We went early to save spots as it does get pretty crowded. But I noticed all of the younger kids, who were there for the pirate show or who were there with their parents early to save spots, tired themselves out and fell asleep during the fireworks. I wouldn't miss the fireworks! I mean, how often can you say you saw fireworks at sea!

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    4. Thanks BoraBora..... My plan was an early-ish adult dinner at Remy's... Still finishing up by 9... Picking up the kids, and getting a fireworks spot by 9:30-10. I believe the fireworks are at 10:30.

      And agree with the praise on Victoria's blog... great reading and photographs.

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    5. Thanks, guys! I agree with the Mickey deck show being no big deal to miss. If you've been to Magic Kingdom, I would compare it to the castle show - very brief, no real set changes, and you have to stand to watch! Your plan sounds good!

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  2. I'm reliving the entire cruise through your review, Victoria! Keep up the awesome reviews..
    If you were wondering, I came across your blog from a cruise forum a year ago when I was doing research on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Thanks for having such an informative blog :)

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much! I am flattered that you still keep up with me and enjoy my blog, and I appreciate the feedback! Out of curiosity - what type of posts do you appreciate, and/or what would you like to see more of?

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    2. I've read your photography blog too, and sad that you don't keep it up. In this blog, I'd love to see more of your developing photography skills... more featured artistic shots (whether long exposure, or whatever). As just because I'm a foodie, I do enjoy seeing your food shots and descriptions.
      You've got a great personality, keep letting it shine through in your posts.

      I honestly have no idea how you squeeze in so much travel.

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    3. Aww, I've been thinking recently that I would like to get back to my photography blog! I abandoned it quickly, as I became busy with school and, of course, my vacation blog. It is something that I would like to revive later this summer. I actually had a folder of photography projects that I had lined up to post.... I might just have to make a new post this week!

      Yay! A foodie!! A few months ago when I was working on my Carnival Breeze photo review, there was a really negative thread on the Cruise Critic forum talking about everything they hate about reviews.... popular responses were photos of the bathroom and photos of food. Personally, I enjoy seeing both - I knew I couldn't be the only one (well, about the food, anyway)!

      Thank you so much for your feedback!

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    4. lol..... You're too young to remember, but there was a time it was considered improper to show a bathroom on tv... It was a big deal that the Brady Bunch showed a bathroom, but they never actually showed a toilet!

      I like descriptions and photographs of the food, with the same caveat I'll apply to most photographs -- well composed, well exposed photos. I don't like a dark picture of a half-eaten donut. But decent food is often artistically presented, so it's perfectly nice to look at.

      I know your photo skills are still evolving, but you should use this blog to showcase some of your best vacation photography.

      Speaking of which --- I will try to photograph the fireworks on the Fantasy in August... Do you have a recommendation for a good spot to set up a tripod? Preferably a spot to get some of the ship into the frame, along with the fireworks. This seems much more challenging than shooting Disney World fireworks (aim a wide shot at the castle and you're good to go!)

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    5. Photography skills are always evolving. It is something that I am interested in and enjoy learning about. The idea with my vacation blog is that it's about telling a story while providing information. So while I think that great photos are important in telling a story, I in no way think that all of my vacation photos are worthy of being displayed in an album or on a wall. In fact, maybe I get two or three wall-worthy photos per vacation.

      That was the reasoning behind my photography blog - to showcase some of my vacation photography, explain how I took the shot, what I learned, and what I would do differently next time. And perhaps the reason that I stopped is because while I enjoy learning and sharing my experience with others, I do not claim to be an expert or a master of the subject.

      Ugh, tripod positioning on the for fireworks on the Fantasy! It depends on which way the wind is blowing as to which side of the ship they shoot the fireworks. They send them to the side so that they blow away from the ship. So if the wind is blowing to the right, the fireworks will be shot to the right, and you should stand on the left side of the ship. Also, because you are moving forward (actually, my sister thinks they stopped the ship during the fireworks, but I have no idea), the fireworks are more towards the back funnel than the forward funnel. So I would recommend standing towards the forward funnel and shooting back, which side of the ship depending on the direction that the wind is blowing. Does that make sense? Perhaps I should draw a diagram!

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    6. A diagram might help, lol, but I get the gist.

      With your photography, don't take it as you being the expert teaching others -- You're a student of it, still very much learning, and it's your chance for your readers to share along in the learning process.
      And for many of us, getting some nice travel photographs is just as much part of the vacation experience as eating in the restaurants or going on excursions. So just as you've shared your advice on which beach to hit, or what dishes were good at dinner, I think an element of this blog could also incorporate your photography development.
      "How to take food pictures -- to the value of golden hour. Practical skills like low light vacation photography.

      I really liked this shot of yours:
      https://flic.kr/p/nNmyNp

      So a little blurb about the difficulty of having the sun in your shot, the use of a small aperture to get the "starburst"... the framing by the rule of 3rds...
      Heck, I could write a post about what you did right and wrong in that shot. (Mostly right.. except that I do notice your sensor really needs to be cleaned!)

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    7. Ugh. Don't talk about my sensor. I purchased a cleaning kit right before the cruise and cleaned it, but it's still dirty. Big improvement to how dirty it was, though. Perhaps I'll give the swipes another go, or maybe I should just send it in.

      I appreciate the suggestions on talking about vacation photography! You just gave me inspiration for some future posts!

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    8. Hey Victoria, I really enjoy your travel reviews - whether its Disney or cruise related - I love both. And your pictures are always amazing to look at, you have great photography skills. :) Your food pictures always have good lighting!

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  3. Victoria - you probably know I have been following your CC posts and blog for years - since we both have many of the same travel interests (Disney, Europe and cruises). In response to your "what types of posts do you like?" question, I'd say keep doing what you're doing. You do a great job of telling the story, incorporating enough pictures to keep interest, and including personal and family snippits. You also give good tips, and it's obvious when you give your opinion on certain experiences, so people don't take it as necessarily a recommendation. I think you have nailed all of the elements of a great travel blogger and I respect and appreciate all of your posts! Looking forward to more adventures with you!

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    1. Hey, Susan - I was hoping you would find this conversation! Lately, I've been doing a bit of research on how to create a successful blog, and one of the suggestions was to think of your most engaged, "ideal" audience member, and you were the first to come to mind!

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