Pirates of the Tennessean - Dave and INC's Dream Cruise!

[CCIntrigue...aka Gwen 547]

I'm so glad to hear that you and Snow White buried the hatchet!

[DaveInTN 3,247]

After my reconciliation with Snow White, we made our way back to the cabins to relax before dinner. On the way, I snapped this picture of Mitt Romney's yacht. Or is that a Carnival ship? The logos confuse me a bit.

While waiting for an elevator, I noticed this attention to detail that is so typical of Disney. Even the elevators are themed!

In the cabin, I popped open a Red Stripe and poured INC some sangria. As usual, Sana had filled our ice bucket with fresh ice this afternoon. I also called down to room service and ordered a couple of cheese plates to snack on while we dressed for dinner.

We were dressed and ready for dinner a bit early, so we walked around the ship a bit to check things out. Minnie was dressed in her finest and greeting her guests.

We all got in on the picture.

And the Shutters photographer was there too...to take better pics than our little camera could get.

After visiting with Minnie, we headed to D Lounge, which is the family entertainment lounge onboard. They were holding a game show where contestants had to sing the next line of a Disney song...like the Singing Bee I guess.

Izzy volunteered to be a contestant.

She did quite well, correctly answering 2 or 3 of the songs. But if a contestant doesn't know, they will open it up to the audience. INC knew the first one but didn't raise her hand. However, Dopey noticed and pointed the MC to her, and she sang it correctly.

Way to go, INC and Izzy!!

At this point we needed to leave to get to Animators Palate for dinner. We were dominating the contest anyways and needed to let some of the other losers guests have a turn. :rofl3:

We brought a bottle of wine with us for dinner. That's another nice thing about DCL...not only can you bring your own alcohol onboard, but you can bring your own wine to dinner. They charge a $20 corkage fee, which is pretty standard even on dry land. We're not big drinkers with dinner normally, but for our dress up dinner it seemed appropriate. We figured we'd drink a glass each, and take the rest with us.

Hmmm, that one glass idea flew out the window. We were feeling no pain!

The restaurant is pretty neat, with large screens all around creating the illusion that you are under the sea. Crush swims around interacting with people at the tables near the monitors.

Before dinner, they served a nice bread basket with a roasted garlic dip.

Sisters were enjoying the love.

The little ones ordered the kids Alfredo pasta with steak fries and veggies.

While the rest of us started with our appetizers. Several of the ladies ordered the Black Truffle Pasta Purseittes - Pasta Purse filled with Truffle scented Cheese and coated with a delicate Champagne Sauce.

I decided to start with the Smoked Salmon Tartare, capers, onions and micro greens topped with american black caviar, seasoned with celtic salt.

A couple of the girls tried the Baked Potato and Cheddar Cheese soup.

While INC and I had the Curly Endive, Arugula and Watercress Salad with peaches, toasted almonds and tossed in a sherry vinaigrette.

Some of the women folk had the pasta dish for their entree....White Shrimp Pennette Pasta tossed with a basil and Reggiano Parmesand Cheese Sauce and topped with a Parmesan Cheese wafer.

I opted for the Animator's Trio of Veal, Grilled Tenderloin, Pulled Shank and Tortellacci Pasta with a sun-dried tomato and sage reduction and garnished with a potato crisp.

This dish was awesome! So many interesting flavors that complimented each other so well. I practically licked the plate.

Picture limit....to be continued!

[doodlebug....Cherie 461]

I should not have started this update before dinner. Nothing I could possible serve up would sound as good as what you had.

[DaveInTN 3,247]

We had a lot of fun at this dinner.

Anna got another dish of ice cream for dessert.

Stella had another Mickey bar!

Anna posed again.

Our servers taught us all the Crush dance.

This is Victor, our Assistant Server.

And this is Tomas, our main Server.

For dessert, a couple of the girls had the Cookies and Cream sundae.

This was the Chocolate Brownie Cheesecake.

There was also a trio dessert...Sweet Tempations, that someone tried, but I dont' have a pic.

Every night at dinner, Tomas would show us tricks with crayons, where we had to solve puzzles.

I think he tricked us this night, but by the end of the cruise we had gotten good at them.

INC and Anna had some fun.

By this point, we were stuffed, laughing and very content. And INC and I were feeling no pain. We left Animators Palate in a great mood! And when we got ouside onto the deck, this is the sight that greeted us.

Isn't that beautiful??

It was such a stunning sight, I decided to jump overboard and go for a swim in that beautiful water.

Ok, that may not have happened. But Red Stripes and Cabernet will make you pose for very stupid pictures.

Like this one.

Yeah.

That's probably enough of that.

Back out on deck, a rain storm was brewing in the distance.

And on that note....I'll sign off for now.

[doodlebug....Cherie 461]

Aww man, dessert is calling me. You guys did look like you had a lot of fun at dinner. And what a beautiful evening. I'm glad you decided against the swim though.

[Katman1356...Jason 1,140]

I should not have started this update before dinner. Nothing I could possible serve up would sound as good as what you had.

Fortunately i had just finished eating dinner when I started reading this. And no my leftover roast chicken is not comparing.

[liv luvs disney 2]

Wow. I think that was my favorite update. ^-^

[liv luvs disney 2]

Fortunately i had just finished eating dinner when I started reading this. And no my leftover roast chicken is not comparing.

I know what you mean. The homemade pizza I was so excited about earlier all of a sudden seems kind of drab now. :laugh:

[stefa70 205]

Outstanding installment!!

Great family pic with Minnie. Is Stella giving the "I'm not impressed" face?

INC looks mortified to be singing.

Definitely love the wino pics!!

What is Celtic salt? Is that salt that does a jig?

INC & Anna snuggling pics... :heart:

Stella guards her Mickey bars just like I guard my nutella waffles.

I must learn the Crush dance.

Post-bottle of wine pics are AWESOME!

Very cool sunset & rain cloud pics.

I feel so warm & fuzzy, almost like I was there.

(I should have been, but I picked that "other family" to be adopted by. Nice folks, but when they went on a Dsiney cruise, they left me home)

[Nicki aka Rebelstand 272]

anna cracked me up this update

1. she is too stinkin cute showing her ice cream

2. She looks like she gloating over getting ice cream two nights in a row

3. It looks like she licked INC on the face!

4. Love the cuddling pics

5. Love the tongues sticking out pics

6. Tell stella to guard those mickey bars closely

[mouseketab.....Carol 1,261]

Looks like a really fun dinner!!!!

[Judy in Texas 150]

$20 uncorking fee... Is it still $20 if it's a $5 bottle of wine with a crew top?

Nice to see you letting loose a bit. :banana:

(corrected spelling of bottle. oops)

[SCTigerCock 171]

$20 uncorking fee... Is it still $20 if it's a $5 bottom of wine with a crew top?

Crew as in Tarzan on top? $20 is a STEAL!!!!

[DaveInTN 3,247]

You can even save funeral costs, just have them toss you over the side.. :rofl2:

Economical AND ecological!

I'm so glad to hear that you and Snow White buried the hatchet!

Yes, but I am a bit concerned about where exactly that hatchet may be buried in December!

I should not have started this update before dinner. Nothing I could possible serve up would sound as good as what you had.

Aww man, dessert is calling me. You guys did look like you had a lot of fun at dinner. And what a beautiful evening. I'm glad you decided against the swim though.

I hope you enjoyed your dinner after all, Doodle. We had sloppy joes tonight....so I do know what you mean!

Fortunately i had just finished eating dinner when I started reading this. And no my leftover roast chicken is not comparing.

Hmmm, leftovers do have a tough time comparing to cruise food. Did you at least have gravy with your chicken?

Wow. I think that was my favorite update. ^-^

I know what you mean. The homemade pizza I was so excited about earlier all of a sudden seems kind of drab now. :laugh:

Glad you enjoyed the update! Sorry I ruined your pizza...

Outstanding installment!!

Great family pic with Minnie. Is Stella giving the "I'm not impressed" face? Always.

INC looks mortified to be singing. Yep!

Definitely love the wino pics!!

What is Celtic salt? Is that salt that does a jig? Yes, it dances in a pretentious manner.

INC & Anna snuggling pics... :heart:

Stella guards her Mickey bars just like I guard my nutella waffles. You are both smart women.

I must learn the Crush dance. My girls will give you lessons in January.

Post-bottle of wine pics are AWESOME!

Very cool sunset & rain cloud pics.

I feel so warm & fuzzy, almost like I was there.

(I should have been, but I picked that "other family" to be adopted by. Nice folks, but when they went on a Dsiney cruise, they left me home) That's just not fair.

[DaveInTN 3,247]

anna cracked me up this update

1. she is too stinkin cute showing her ice cream

2. She looks like she gloating over getting ice cream two nights in a row

3. It looks like she licked INC on the face!

4. Love the cuddling pics

5. Love the tongues sticking out pics

6. Tell stella to guard those mickey bars closely

Anna love ice cream, and loves her tongue. Hilarious!

Looks like a really fun dinner!!!!

It was!

$20 uncorking fee... Is it still $20 if it's a $5 bottle of wine with a crew top?

Nice to see you letting loose a bit. :banana:

(corrected spelling of bottle. oops)

I think you can avoid the fee by chugging the bottle of wine on deck before going into the restaurant. :wine:

Crew as in Tarzan on top? $20 is a STEAL!!!!

Easy now! Easy!!

[DaveInTN 3,247]

As a follow up to my picture of the Carnival ship above....do these logos not look alike??

Somebody's got some splainin' to do.

[lklasing 16]

Oh my gosh - great update!

While waiting for an elevator, I noticed this attention to detail that is so typical of Disney. Even the elevators are themed!

I know - I couldn't believe how beautiful that ship was!

In the cabin, I popped open a Red Stripe and poured INC some sangria. As usual, Sana had filled our ice bucket with fresh ice this afternoon. I also called down to room service and ordered a couple of cheese plates to snack on while we dressed for dinner.

Oh my gosh - that is what I ordered every.single.night as a bedtime snack from room service. I absolutely loved it.

I love this one, like all of the professional pics y'all took. It makes me wish we had done that too! We just bought a few loose ones, but if I had it to do over again, I'd definitely do like y'all did and take advantage of photographers in such a beautiful place!

My kind of night!

Sisters were enjoying the love.

Such a cute pic!

Looking forward to more!

[Momoffive aka Loretta 34]

Wow, I so love reading every entry. Your girls are all beautiful. I have to say my most favorite picture so far is the one of Stella and Anna. Beautiful, pure, sisterly love. Dave you have a beautiful family. Loving the TR. oh and PS I wish you luck in keeping the truce between you and Snow, but after all of these years, do you think it will last? or was it just the honeymoon of the cruise?

[mommy rainbo.....Bo 41]

Between this TR and TCD's report I may have to consider getting on one of those floating cities. I love the pictures & your family is beautiful. I am also glad you restated what started the feud with Snow. You had me wondering... Specially with your old avatar.

Glad it is resolved for now....

[TnBob 311]

I told everyone in chat the other night that if we stayed in chat too long we would get pages behind on this TR, I went to a ballgame and got 4 pages behind today. If you look at the time stamp you see how late I was up catching up!

Yes Liv I saw that jab, tisk tisk

So far so good I give this 3z's and 2 snaps so far

Looking forward to more, I took the sea sick pills to be able to read along.

[CCIntrigue...aka Gwen 547]

Another wonderful update! Family pics are beautiful, and I'm drooling over all the food. Especially the cheese plate with the gorgonzola.

I used to go on a cruise once a year, sometimes twice, but we bought the moho and I gave it up. You and TCD are really making me want to cruise again!

[Hotmamac aka Misty 11]

Another wonderful update Dave! Anna looks so serious when she shows you her ice cream...you are raising her right! Such a beautiful family you have there!!

Can't wait for more!

[liv luvs disney 2]

Yes Liv I saw that jab, tisk tisk

What? I have no idea what you're talking about.

[DaveInTN 3,247]

Oh my gosh - great update!

I know - I couldn't believe how beautiful that ship was! Yes, they did a great job designing it!

Oh my gosh - that is what I ordered every.single.night as a bedtime snack from room service. I absolutely loved it. Did you enjoy it with some wine to help you sleep?

I love this one, like all of the professional pics y'all took. It makes me wish we had done that too! We just bought a few loose ones, but if I had it to do over again, I'd definitely do like y'all did and take advantage of photographers in such a beautiful place! Yeah, it was a once in a lifetime splurge for a once in a lifetime trip.

My kind of night!

Such a cute pic!

Looking forward to more!

Wow, I so love reading every entry. Your girls are all beautiful. I have to say my most favorite picture so far is the one of Stella and Anna. Beautiful, pure, sisterly love. Dave you have a beautiful family. Loving the TR. oh and PS I wish you luck in keeping the truce between you and Snow, but after all of these years, do you think it will last? or was it just the honeymoon of the cruise?

Thanks Loretta! I'm glad you are still reading and not bored to death yet.

Between this TR and TCD's report I may have to consider getting on one of those floating cities. I love the pictures & your family is beautiful. I am also glad you restated what started the feud with Snow. You had me wondering... Specially with your old avatar.

Glad it is resolved for now....

I was always so anti-cruise....but I knew that if I took a DCL cruise I would likely love it. It was magical.

I told everyone in chat the other night that if we stayed in chat too long we would get pages behind on this TR, I went to a ballgame and got 4 pages behind today. If you look at the time stamp you see how late I was up catching up!

Yes Liv I saw that jab, tisk tisk

So far so good I give this 3z's and 2 snaps so far

Looking forward to more, I took the sea sick pills to be able to read along.

Wow Bob....you lost sleep just to catch up AND you gave me 3 z's and 2 snaps. I feel honored.

Another wonderful update! Family pics are beautiful, and I'm drooling over all the food. Especially the cheese plate with the gorgonzola.

I used to go on a cruise once a year, sometimes twice, but we bought the moho and I gave it up. You and TCD are really making me want to cruise again!

Move to Florida to get those resident rates and then GO!

Another wonderful update Dave! Anna looks so serious when she shows you her ice cream...you are raising her right! Such a beautiful family you have there!!

Can't wait for more!

She does take her ice cream seriously.

What? I have no idea what you're talking about.

Neither do I.

[Big Kahuna aka John 71]

Finally caught up again... Dave, this whole truce and at peace with Ms. Snow is not going to last... I've seen the photos... she is not the fairest in the land while your family is around.... You have at least six members in your family that surpass her.... It is a trap... Make sure that she doesn't give them apples at Christmas... I'm just saying... be careful...