Thanks for bearing with me as I try to catch up from our cruise last summer.  We're hoping to go again this summer on a different ship with a different itinerary, but another stop at Castaway Cay (more on this soon).  

When we returned to the ship, I wish I could tell you that I remember what we did.  I don't.  If I had to guess, it probably involved getting ready for dinner and the show that evening.  After a long day out and smelling like a fish in the sea, we needed to freshen up...that much I know! 

Looking at our Key to the World card, we knew the next dining location was Enchanted Garden.  We were eager to try out the food there while we talked with our dinner companions. 

Just like the evening before, we enjoyed everything we tried!  The food was delicious.  Each night, you'll start with a bread service.  Tonight was multi-grain and country current rolls with chickpea-garlic puree.  The appetizers included: lobster ravioli, cucumber garden roll, Ahi tuna and avocado, and a smoked bacon wild mushroom tart.  Immediately following were the soup (tomato or cream of asparagus) and salad (spinach and raspberry or Romaine wedge) options.  For the main course, we had the following choices: sea scallops, pan seared bass (which was phenomenal), roasted chicken, pork tenderloin medallions, and slow roasted prime rib.  Additionally, there were five vegetarian options and lighter offerings, too.  

I'm all about dessert, but my pictures weren't the greatest.  There was a variety of choices from ice cream sundaes to date pudding, a pecan tart, and the no sugar added treat was a lemon raspberry mousse. 

Stuffed by another fabulous meal, we made our way to the Buena Vista Theater.  At this point, we decided we enjoyed the seats on Deck 4 vs Deck 5 since you were closer to the stage.  Obviously, the earlier you arrive, the better chance you'll have to choose the seat you want.  On the first night, we arrived about 15 minutes early, and seats were mostly occupied.  We're quick learners though, and we made sure to get there even earlier because "Villains Tonight" was a show we heard that others absolutely loved and we should not miss. It did not disappoint!  With Hades from Hercules as the lead, the audience was hysterical from beginning to end. Sadly, this show is no longer playing, so you'll have to trust me when I say, it was a good one!

We spent some more time exploring the ship and were eager to head to bed.  Day 3 was going to be spent at Castaway Cay (pronounced KEY)!! 

On the second day of our cruise, we stopped in Nassau, Bahamas, and we had arranged an excursion to swim with the dolphins at Atlantis Paradise Island Resort.  The weather still wasn't the greatest as the tropical storm was passing from the west to the east, so we experienced quite a bit of rain along with thunder/lightning that day.

Prior to heading over to Atlantis, we took our excursion tickets provided by Disney Cruise Line and met at the designated time, down in the Buena Vista Theater.  Upon checking-in, we were given stickers to meet up with the other group of people who were also scheduled to depart.  A short while later, we were brought outside and met with a tour guide who checked our tickets and handed us wrist bands that needed to be worn for the dolphin experience and to use the water park area.  They also gave instructions on where to get a meal for lunch that was included.  Then, we boarded the shuttles that took us over to Atlantis.

From there, we were instructed where to meet the shuttles to return back to the port and the latest times we needed to leave to ensure we arrived back on time.  Atlantis is HUGE, so make sure you are fully aware of the location to meet the drivers.   Another guide walked us through the Atlantis resort and over to the Dolphin Cay area (it was not close by) where we were met by the dolphin trainers.  They took us into a room where they explained what the experience would include and answered questions.  Everyone was given a wet suit along with a souvenir mask/snorkel and directed where to put belongings in the lockers provided.

It was time to step into the water and meet our dolphin friends.  Having never been in the water with a dolphin, we were excited to experience the deep water swim with these brilliant mammals.  ​

There were several people visiting with different trainers and dolphins at the same time.  We were introduced to the dolphin assigned to our small group and the trainer explained what we would experience.  Everyone took a turn doing the different things mentioned by the trainers with the dolphins.  Unfortunately, our session was interrupted by lightning.  We were asked to leave the water until it was safe to return.  

About 30 minutes to an hour later, we were able to resume our session.  I opted to take some photos of the kids interacting with the dolphins instead.  

Afterwards, we went to use the water park slides, but due to the storm nearby, all of the attractions were closed, so we ate and waited.  The meal was a quick one with burgers and fries.  We found some chairs to stay by.  Eventually the areas opened up and so the kids went to look at the slides but ended up using the tubes in the lazy river area. 

On the way back to the port, we stopped to admire the surrounding areas at the resort.  It's a beautiful place to visit!

That evening at dinner, we compared our experience with the family who was dining with us.  They too did a dolphin excursion, but they opted for the one at the Blue Lagoon.  While we enjoyed our time with our Flipper friends, it sounded like their experience might have been a little more interactive than ours, and the cost was less too, so if we were to do this again, we would probably try out that one next time.