Trip log, day three. Inaugural Call to Nassau, Bahamas.
5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral, Florida (Maiden Voyage)
July 16, 2022
Guests Ashore: 8:30 am Guests Onboard: 5:15 pm
Today is a big day, we are making the ceremonial inaugural call to Nassau. Ceremonial is a key word here in that the Disney Wish was previously in Nassau on July 5th during a test cruise. Busy schedule ahead, so it was up and out of the stateroom early to find a spot on deck to film the arrival.
So much for an impromptu game of shuffle board now that the equipment is only available from 9:00a-9:00p and must be checked out at Port Adventures and the Guest Services desk…. Not sure if this is just one of the remaining punch list items that needs to be complete, but there is no storage rack on deck 4 to hold the store the shuffle board equipment. I am giving them the benefit of the doubt for now given there is still work being done and there are still various levels of health protocols in place. It would be disappointing if this the new normal in the years ahead. Not only does it take away a spontaneous game, but also could lead to an awkward moment when you are finished and another group asks to play, but you tell them you must return the equipment like a library book and in doing so look like a jerk for not sharing. Besides, its not like this is a running/walking track anymore…
A little bit of Maiden Voyage pomp and circumstance surrounds the ceremonial arrival of the Disney Wish. As we approached, you could see a line of morning showers moving out like a theatrical curtain. Then, as we entered the port, the Disney Wish was welcomed by a traditional fireboat welcome. To cap it off, there was a rainbow.
I set up on deck 5 promenade to capture the arrival of the Disney Wish in Nassau, and the footage is presented below as a time-lapse.
The Incredibles Incredi-Course was set up in Hero Zone and for about 5 hours the course was available for open play. Later in the day, The Incredibles Incredi-Games were held, which is a more of a structured competition.
Lots of plans for today, so I rope dropped the obstacle course and in doing so, I was able to see the course come to life which you will see at the beginning of the video below where I take on the Incredi-Course. Not only was I up against the obstacle course, but was also racing one of my neighbors – it’s a small world after all.
The Incredi-Course was a lot of fun, and by the turnout was really popular with guests of all ages. Well, guests 40″ and taller which is the only physical measurement restriction. Unfortunately, I lost the race, however, I am partially blaming this on the fact I lost a sock and turned back to retrieve it losing my early lead. Pro tip: in the spiral area, try to walk through the tubes, bear crawling was not a good technique.
Next on today’s schedule was brunch at PALO Steakhouse at 10:30 AM. The food and company were great. Honestly, I didn’t miss the buffet component, but I do wish they utilized a antipasti cart similar to the way they used to bring it to the table during dinner service. Rather, the antipasti was pre-plated so depending on your group there may be some items that go to waste and other items that disappear in a hurry.
I really enjoyed the Limoncello Torte, it was not what I expected, in a surprisingly good way. Circling back to the old buffet on the other ships, A number of people in our group commented on the lack of pastries and in particular one of the PALO brunch favorites, sticky buns. While not the same, there is a sticky bun on the dessert menu.
Our PALO Steakhouse brunch experience lasted a little over 2 and a half hours – please note this is a statement, not a complaint, as we had a nice view of Nassau, great (sorry excellent otherwise it is noted as not excellent which can be construed as a negative) service, and conversation. So, be prepared when planning for your day. If you have plans and are under a time constraint, it may be worth mentioning this to your server when you are seated so that accommodations may be made.
Remember earlier when I mentioned today was the ceremonial inaugural call to Nassau? Well, that’s because Bahamian officials and Nassau Cruise Port representatives were on board for a traditional plaque exchange ceremony to commemorate the inaugural call of the Disney Wish to Nassau. In attendance for Disney Cruise Line was Captain Marco, Thomas Mazloum (President of Disney Signature Experiences), and Sharon Siske (Senior Vice President, General Manager Disney Cruise Line).
In a true multiverse and sacred timeline mashup, I was able to cover the event. Just kidding, this isn’t the Marvel Cinematic Universe, I could not have pulled this off without the help of some friends.
I had plans to meet up with a friend and go ashore around noon, but it was now 1:30 PM so time was tight due to some other plans later. The rain was moving back into the area, but not enough to keep us from walking around. Aside from the liquid sunshine, the weather was great. On the pier there was a carnival of sorts set up with local entertainers and there were even sno cones. Our spot at the dock offered a some great views of the bow which is difficult to photograph on the 3- and 4-night itineraries since the pier is not accessible at Port Canaveral, and she is backed in at Castaway Cay. If you want photos of the ship, Nassau offers the best viewing angles.
We walked around a bit stopping at a gift shop to pick up some hats and stopped at the Pirates Republic Brewery before heading over to see the Margaritaville Beach Resort, specifically the water park. At the time of publication, you can purchase a Fins Up Water Park day passes for $79 plus tax for adults and $35 plus tax for children (12 years and under). Given the weather and the timing of the day, we did not have an opportunity to experience the water park, but we did get a chance to walk around. It looks great and there is a nice view of the cruise ships.
Please do not take this as a review or endorsement of the water park, just simply sharing that this exists. If you happen to head over there please let me know if it is worth the price. I will say, it was only about a 10 minute walk from the entrance to the cruise terminal. This is something that interests my family and we will be considering on a future stop back.
Currently, the Nassau Cruise Port is currently in the midst of a major development project leaving the port entrance to be a series of tents and modulars. As you re-enter the secured port area, you can head back through a gate to get your passport stamped. Since, we just renewed our passports, my passport was craving the first stamp.
The rain never bothered me anyway so why not take a few pictures before heading back onboard.
To cap off today’s ceremonial inaugural call to Nassau, there was a Junkanoo held on the pier as we departed.
After drying out and cleaning up, it was down to 1923 for dinner. The restaurant is lovely and a great break from the dinner shows in the two other restaurants.
Deck 5 is the new deck 4. There is something missing on the ships promenade deck and I’m not talking about a continues walking/running track – the rest of the chair pads are missing. It’s like someone ordered pads for seats, not loungers. Alternatively, this is could be a way to deter guests from relaxing for hours on end.
Tonight in the Walt Disney Theatre we were treated to a special guest performance from Disney Legend, Jodi Benson, known best for giving Ariel her voice. The performance featured Benson singing songs from her life on Broadway and on screen with anecdotes about her career mixed in. We have now had the pleasure of seeing the voices of Megara from Hercules / Belle (Broadway), and now Ariel aboard a Disney cruise – Susan Egan was a special guest performer during our 9-night Alaskan cruise in 2017.
After the show, I noticed a Disney Wish magnet set in Mickey’s Mainsail. Also, I tried to figure out if the Disney Wish Maiden Voyage display was capable of swapping out the Maiden Voyage portion of the sign for something else… because, I could give this a good home if this is a just for this sailing. Best guess is that this will be swapped out for say, inaugural sailings, or turned around and just be a blank.
The Disney Dream was in the area, and sure enough, she could be see off the starboard side of the Disney Wish.
Guess what? It was Pirate Night on the Disney Dream and we were close enough, I could hear guests onboard cheering during the finale. Not the best video, but video none the less.
Tonight’s movie on Funnel Vision was Soul, but it was already underway and I have yet to see the film so it was time to call it a night.
Watching over the stateroom was an octopus folded from the blanket.
Tomorrow is our day at Castaway Cay, which I am hoping for better weather after two days of on and off liquid sunshine because I am eager to see the new items in the snorkeling lagoon.
Loved the time-lapse video. The fireboat caption seemed to be having a great time. I am glad it was only your sock that fell off, as I could see some folks losing their shorts in the obstacle course.
was your family on this cruise with you?