Nine Pictures From This Cruise That Make My Heart Smile

   We just got back yesterday from our annual January cruise on the Disney Fantasy.  This is a very specific trip for us, set up to unwind and relax after the busy holiday season.  This year we both REALLY NEEDED IT.  We spent the majority of our trip relaxing in the Rainforest, reading books, or just falling asleep wherever we happened to be. (I took three naps one day, which I'm very impressed by.)  Anyway, here are some pictures that will forever remind me of how much fun I had.

   Even though we run around the ship taking care of business (making spa and dinner reservations, getting meet and greet tickets etc...) for the first hour or so, the cruise doesn't start until I refill my Disney Cruise Line mug.  Notice there still aren't many people on board.  The selection of beer has greatly improved onboard in the last couple of years.  In fact, I found myself visiting Frozone Treats quite often because they had Powder Monkey from Heavy Seas on draft. Very good. 

   We rarely get to meet new Disney characters whether we're in the parks or on a cruise...but we got lucky with Geppetto on this voyage.  One random afternoon he was alternating with Pinocchio and Jiminy Cricket. 

   Out of the four previous cruises we had sailed on Adam and I had never booked an excursion through Disney.  Seeing that there wasn't really anything new on the boat we decided it was time. In Jamaica we took a bamboo raft down the Martha Brae river.  It was unbelievably pretty and we highly recommend.  If that sounds boring to you, keep in mind that there are makeshift bars EVERYWHERE in Jamaica and your captain will gladly stop. 

   Part of the excursion was visiting an old church in Falmouth...honestly, it wasn't all that worth it but I liked this picture a lot. 

   This was our second cruise that included a Star Wars Day At Sea, and was far better than the previous year.  Everything seemed a lot more organized in general, plus we got to meet characters that we actually wanted to.  In addition to the two droids we also met Captain Phasma who is beyond fabulous. 

   This one just from Castaway Cay just makes me happy in general. No description necessary. 

   Same with this one...except now you can appreciate my new 2017 Castaway Cay 5K medal.  This is my second race ever and I shaved my time down to 26 minutes.  I'm still sore days later, so I don't really think running is for me. :/ 

   We have been SO LUCKY to be on three cruises with Fine Whines. The entertainment throughout the ship is phenomenal, but it was the Whines that had us most excited.  We were able to catch a few full sets throughout the week.  If you ever find yourself on a cruise with them on board try and make their show a priority. 

   We had some real challenges on this cruise as far as food is concerned...and only ate in main dining twice. However the food at Remy and Palo remain phenomenal.  My favorite meal of this (and every) cruise is the champagne brunch at Remy. Nothing says vacation like six glasses of champagne before noon. Pictured above is cauliflower panna cotta which was my favorite dish of the entire voyage.  A full review of this meal will be coming soon. 

   The real beauty of cruising is the total lack of social media.  Sure, I could have turned on my phone at certain ports.  However the disconnection from real life is what makes these trips so special.  I'm already counting down to our next trip. :)