It's time to celebrate on a Halloween on the High Seas Cruise!

A Disney Cruise is hard to beat, but during the Halloween on the High Seas themed cruises, it was even more special. This was my first Halloween on the High Seas cruise and I will say, it won't be my last. From the decorations to themed parties, trick-or-treating, story telling, and so much more. My sister and I took my mom for her birthday, so we had something else to celebrate as well. We received a little Pixie Dust by being assigned our stateroom (usually you pick your own stateroom, but I wanted a specific category so I purchased a guarantee category when I booked). The verandah was HUGE! If you haven't seen the video, you need to watch it! I got another huge surprise, my server from my June 2014 cruise was on the ship. Shelly Ann was there and I was so happy to see her. (Thank heavens I posted that huge verandah video as she saw it and told me she was onboard.)
One of the special things about Disney Cruising is that each cruise has it's own Facebook page so you can talk, ask questions, and share information with others prior to cruising. It is started by someone that is cruising on that date. Our group was started by Laura from England who was taking her first Disney cruise (and I am so glad so started the page). I became a co-administrator with her. While this may be strange to some, it's one of my favorite things to do while getting ready to cruise. I have met people from all over and making connections before the cruise just adds a little more. I had scheduled a Meet N Greet in the ship's Atrium so we could put a real face and voice with a name and picture. The turnout was great! See our picture on the stairs in the Atrium, and that's not everyone! 

On a 3 night cruise there is a lot to pack in during a short amount of time. I recommend taking a 4 night if your schedule allows it so that you can really enjoy the ship and various activities scheduled.
Another part of our cruise group page was arranging a Fish Extender Exchange (it's like Secret Santa, but you know who the gifts are coming from, you just don't know when), an Ornament Exchange, and Mixology classes. The gift and ornament exchanges are for anyone to participate in but you must sign up prior to cruising with the FE coordinator for your group. Every time you come back to your cabin you look to see if a gift has been left, it's like Christmas! The Mixology classes are only for those 21 and older. You can take a class with a bartender and  learn how to make 5 drinks. Yes, you get to actually make some of the drinks to share with your friends. It takes about an hour and only costs $20 plus a tip. and it's A LOT of fun! I prearranged 2 private classes just for our cruising group. I actually had people in my class that I have met on other Disney cruises and we realized it on the Facebook group- Mary, Don, and Roy it was great seeing you again! And I met some new friends, Amber, who is a teacher, too, and her husband Kevin. 

On to the Halloween party and then Pirate night, all in the same day on a 3 night. While many did dress up for both, we opted to just be pirates. Captain Jack Sparrow made an appearance for a photo opportunity! We then went to dinner and received a little more Pixie Dust, we were seated in one of the coveted Enchanted Garden booths! This was another first for me. Boy, my daughter was jealous when she saw the pictures. After dinner, we went to the pirate party on deck 11 and saw fireworks at sea. Disney is the only cruise line that shoots off fireworks.
The next day was Castaway Cay day, Disney's private island. It is the only private island in which you do not have to be tendered. This is so convenient if you want to go back and forth to the ship. We started off at Serenity Bay, the adult only beach on the island, can you say QUIET!  Then we were invited to join some new friends, that I had met on the Facebook group, in their cabana. Anita and Marc, thank you for this opportunity. It was something I've never experienced and thoroughly enjoyed! And now I have new friends that are teachers and love Disney, a match made all because of a cruise group!  
There were so many more fun experiences throughout the cruise-BINGO, the Rainforest Room, Palo Brunch, ordering room service, having wine on our verandah as we pulled away from the dock at Castaway Cay...
My mom, sister, and I had a great time and were ready to stay onboard for the next cruise, but it was back to reality! A great escape even for a few days. There is nothing like the sea air to rejuvenate the mind and body!
So, if you're wanting to cruise on Disney, join me June 10, 2017 on the Fantasy. Some of my friends from this cruise and past cruises will be there! Amber, Kevin, Don, Mary, and Michelle, I can't wait to see what's in store for us on the 7 night!