We boarded the Disney Fantasy the next day around noon and immediately went to the buffet! There were crab legs, shrimp and all kinds of other food. Once done with lunch the boys changed into their swim trunks and headed to the pool. They rode the AquaDuck which is the only water coaster on the seas. Our room was ready and we all headed down to see it and also check out the kids club.
The kids club was absolutely incredible. There was the Oceaneer Lab and the Oceaneer Camp. These consisted of a 'magic floor', computer terminals in the shape of a boat wheel to play pirate games, xbox, wii, animation studio, movie area, reading area. Then there was the science area where they did experiments and then a Monsters Inc Room, Andy's Room (from Toy Story), a submarine with more computers in it. There was probably more, I just can't remember! The boys were required to wear a band on their arm which was a GPS so they could locate them when we picked them up, that is how much space the area took up. I think both boys really enjoyed the clubs, but Hayden more so than Evan. All Hayden wanted to do was 'go clubbin', he didn't even get off the ship in San Juan Puerto Rico, he just wanted to stay in the club.
They have a movie theatre on the ship as well and we watched the Avengers in 3D and Evan and Chris watched Lincoln. Evan said he really enjoyed it. I had no interest in seeing it.
We were at sea for the first 2 days and the boys hung out with us until after breakfast then 'went clubbin' then we would pick them up for lunch and then they would usually go clubbin for a couple more hours, picked up to shower and get ready for dinner and then we thought they would want to go to the shows with us. Well they both went to the first show and then Evan went to Aladdin as well but Hayden just wanted to go back to the club.
Our first stop was to St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands. We got on the Sea Blaster and went snorkling. We got SOAKED on our way to the snorkle sight, the seas were high and it was a speed boat so we knew we were going to get wet. I had to put goggles on so I could keep my eyes open. I am sure it was a ridiculous site seeing all of these people on a boat with masks and goggles on! Once we slowed down Hayden asked me 'Mom, when are we getting to the drop zone?' Soon Hayden, soon. We got a quick tutorial of where we needed to go and what we may see. Unfortunately the boat captain brought up sea urchins.... So we all jumped off the side of the boat, which I was really proud of the boys for doing this because it was probably a 6 foot drop and off we went. They were both a little nervous as this was their first time in the 'middle' of the ocean. Once they started swimming they saw a puffer fish and then a sting ray. We were in about 15 feet of water and it was just sand on the bottom. Then as we kept swimming there were sea urchins on the bottom. EVAN FREAKED OUT. He started crying that he wanted to go back to the boat, he was worried about the sea urchins. I tried and tried to explain to him that they were on the bottom and going to stay there, didn't matter. I should have used video game analogy and said 'it isn't a video game where they are going to start floating up from the bottom and you have to get out of the way'. I took him back to the boat and told him to sit in the shade. Then off to find chris and Hayden as they had kept going. Hayden was having trouble with his mask and snorkle and of course Chris is trying to fix it while treading water. So when I showed up Chris said, he's yours. So we swam a bit and then Hayden was ready to get back on the boat. We only had about 10 minutes left so we decided just to get back on too. I think they had fun but I won't spend the money again any time soon to take them snorkling again.
Our next stop was San Juan Puerto Rico. It was inauguration day for the Govenor so there were police EVERYWHERE. We didn't plan an excursion so Hayden decided he wanted to stay on the ship. The 3 of us went into town and walked around a fort and learned about the history. It was pretty warm and Evan was ready to head back to the ship after about 2 hours but we decided to make a stop at Senor Frogs and we got a 'real' drink while Evan got a fake drink!
Another day at sea was spent just like the previous days except we played a game, the Mid Ship Detective where you are given a badge and have to go to designated spots around the ship and waive your badge in front of a picture. It will then give you a clue and you are supposed to figure out the mystery. It was a lot of fun. Chris and Evan went on their own game and Hayden and I teamed up.
Our last day was spent at Castaway Cay and it was INCREDIBLE. We went to the stringray lagoon and were supposed to feed the rays but Chris was the first one and it bit him, he jerked his hand and said OW really load then then the boys (and myself included) were like no thank you on feeding the rays. We then got snorkel gear and could swim with them. The water was so cold that I didn't get in past my waist. Evan didn't either, he was not particular fond of going in with the rays and then there was Hayden that just swam and swam and swam. We got back to our lounge chairs and Evan played in the sand and Hayden swam and swam and swam. We were on the island for 6 hours and I bet Hayden was in the water for 5 of it!
This was the boys on the car ride from the port to airport which was about 50 minutes. This is what happens when you let kids stay up to midnight everynight for almost a week when they are used to going to bed between 8 and 9!
When we returned I described it to people that it was like a wedding. I had planned and looked forward to it for so long (almost 20 months) and now it was over.
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