The Med Thread - All Sailings - Mediterranean

[Kissimmee]

Since the Mediterranean is a new destination I was thinking a thread to pool everyone's thoughts and knowledge would be a good compliment to the threads for each specific sailing.

I'll ask the first question. We want to do a layover in either Paris or London and were wondering if Orlando - Paris - Barcelona - Orlando will be cheaper than RT Orlando - Paris and a separate RT Paris - Barcelona.

Orlando has direct flights to London and Paris I believe but not to Barcelona.

Anyone have some thoughts on this?

In any case Welcome everyone to "The Med Thread"

[Honu13]

You would probably want to do separate round trips. Flying withing Europe is inexpensive and airlines charge a higher fare when you move around like that.

Beware when making your bookings! London and Paris have two separate airports. Make sure that the one you fly into is the same one you'll use for your connection! I almost booked into London, then realized that the connection to Barcelona is out of a different airport! YIKES!

BTW...I like your idea! Hopefully everyone will use it!

Any of you who live across the pond have any tips for us? It would be much appreciated! :yay: :yay:

[BigBlueMan]

We're doing Paris after the cruise. We looked at a three way flight and it is UNREAL, cost wise.

Instead, we'll have two round trip tickets. First, flying into Paris, then taking a separate Paris-Barcelona Flight. I predict that the price will probably be half what a three way ticket would be.

For comparison sake, I just jump on Expedia and do three way tickets, or multiple round trips.

[MJGirl]

I'm doing Paris before and plan on flying to and from Paris. I haven't decided if I'm going to fly or train it to Barcelona. Price is comparable, however, a lot of people have told me the train trip is beautiful!

[slindamood]

Great idea for a common thread!

It is far cheaper to do two roundtrips. Airfares in Europe are cheap if booked early on the discount lines, but the airports can be pretty remote, meaning big cab fees. The train stations are central and round trip tickets are not much more than one-way. Unless already in the airport, or a very long distance, I prefer trains. There are some really good trains between Paris and Barcelona, and I would take them before flying. raileurope.com is a starting point for schedules and cost.

For information on flying in Europe and the low-down on the different budget airlines, try http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/flights.htm

Happy Planning!
Suzanne

[milestogo]

I've been wondering about a common thread, thanks for doing it!

Has anyone considered driving from Barcelona to Paris or vice versa? While watching the Tour de France it sure looks inviting, but DH says renting a car in Europe has become a nightmare according to an article in the paper. Curious?

[scrapycruiser]

:thumbsup2 Good idea ! We sail Aug 8, 2007. It will be fun reading everyones ideas. Since we've never been to Italy, would like ideas for shore excursions. What about private tours ? Any recommendations ?

Also, how will the ship's entertainment differ from the Caribbean cruises or will it be the same ?

Has anyone stayed at the Meridian in Barcelona ? :artist:

" Planning is half the fun " !!

[Soccermom-Cheri]

We have some links on our web site including trip report. If the group says it's ok to post (we've got pictures), I'll put the link up.

[Kissimmee]

We have some links on our web site including trip report. If the group says it's ok to post (we've got pictures), I'll put the link up.

Trip Report from the Mediterranean? Do you mean on another cruise line?

[Scratch42]

Hi Guys!

Just an FYI regarding flying within Europe!

Fares may be cheap but watch out for their luggage allowances! They will definately "Zing" you there!

Our group will be taking the Eurotrain from Paris to Barcelona. They don't restrict you on luggage, as much! :lmao:

[RJAYL]

I will be flying out of Boston but most major cities have the cheapest fares into London or Paris.

I have found that the ticket price on Air france is cheaper or about the same into Barcelona than Paris!
I also have looked at these Air France flights to Barcelona & they all stop in Paris, have yet to call the airline to see if they will let us break the trip on the inbound leg!
I know if we put Paris on the Bags instead of Barcelona we could probaly pick up our bags in Paris & miss the connecting flight to Barcelona(Woops)!
Go to the airline & rebook a later flight (planning DLP!)

I would rather not do this hoping the airline will let us do a inbound break!

Also still debating flying into London & taking eurotunnel to Paris & booking seperate air from Paris to Barcelona & Barcelona to Paris.

It seems that flights to London are the cheapest & American has morning departures instead of the red eye! (Traveling with 4 children 14,11,6,3) whish me luck!

[wackywexler]

Great idea for a thread!
We are looking at flying into London as well, then "chunneling" to Paris then the train to Barcelona. It is about time to present our three week plan to my husband's boss. Wish us luck! :thumbsup2

[BigBlueMan]

Great idea for a thread!
We are looking at flying into London as well, then "chunneling" to Paris then the train to Barcelona. It is about time to present our three week plan to my husband's boss. Wish us luck! :thumbsup2

Any idea how long that train takes from Paris to Barcelona? We're looking at flying.

[piglet33]

Any idea how long that train takes from Paris to Barcelona? We're looking at flying.

A whole bunch of us are looking at the overnight train. I think it's about 8-10 hours but should be a lot of fun. :banana:

[Hygiene99]

We are looking at flights Today for the first med trip ..
have been using kayak.com and cheapoair.com



__________________

[Mickey02]

YIKES! :scared1: Booking the airfare is totally overwhelming me. I have never traveled outside the US except on the Magic and have never had to worry about flying to another country. I will stay glued to this thead for all your help!!

[slindamood]

Just checked train schedule - appears that the only nonstop train from Paris to Barcelona is a night train - takes about 12 hours.


There is a day train that takes about 8.5 hours, has one change of trains. dep
arr13:24
21:45 time: 8:21 changes: 1

[Kissimmee]

Twenty Questions to be answered before departure

1 ) boarding time in Barcelona. The itinerary says on-board 9:30 PM for the 10 day cruise. Anyone know if this boarding or departure time?

2 ) Any idea when Disney will announce shore excursions?

3 ) The train into Rome. Is the station within walking distance of the boat slip? I looked on Google earth and it looks like it might be.

4 ) Is there a Rome train stop near the Colosseum or Vatican?

5 ) Is the train into Rome a good alternative to taking a bus tour?

6 ) Is there typically a waiting line for the Sistine Chapel? If so how long?

7 ) Will there be a pirate night or some other costume needed?

8 ) On ten day trips do we get two cracks at dinner in Palo's? :cloud9:

9 ) Internet charges for 10 day cruises?

10 ) Jumbotron? Whats the deal with this? Someone said you could put up your own messages and they would even play your digital camera photos and movie clips?

11 ) What Disney movies are coming out in the spring of 2007. Pirates III should be near then?

12 ) Is there a must see in Barcelona?

13 ) Has anyone been to the principality of Andorra la Vella? Is it worth the trip?

14 ) Cell phone? Which carriers will work in Europe?

15 ) Are there crime or other concerns to watch out for in any of the ports we are visiting?

16 ) Cabin upgrades? Any tricks of the trade to remember here?

17 ) Weather?

18 ) How to not look like American tourists? what do the locals wear?

19 ) Shopping? Best port and what items. Of course Leather goods in Rome but what else is good?

20 ) Can you direct me to a local chapter of Disney Planaholics Anonymous.

[wackywexler]

Wow! I'm exhausted thinking about all of those questions but smiling at #20 :rotfl:

[TDC Nala]

Looking at the Paris to Barcelona overnight train too...fun fun fun.

Check on visas...the State Department website should help...I checked at work and it seems visas are needed for France and Spain, but not for a short trip in Italy.

[piglet33]

Check on visas...the State Department website should help...I checked at work and it seems visas are needed for France and Spain, but not for a short trip in Italy.

I checked the State Department website and found this so it looks like Visas are not needed:

SPAIN - *Passport required. Visa not required for tourist or business stays up to 90 days.

FRANCE - *Passport required. Visa not required for tourist/business stay of up to 90 days in France, Andorra, Monaco, and Corsica, and 1 month in French Polynesia.

UNITED KINGDOM (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales) - *Passport required. Visa not required for stay of up to 6 months.

GIBRALTAR - *Passport required. Visa not required for tourist stay of up to 90 days.

[BigBlueMan]

Twenty Questions to be answered before departure

1 ) boarding time in Barcelona. The itinerary says on-board 9:30 PM for the 10 day cruise. Anyone know if this boarding or departure time?
That is the departure time. You will be able to board around around 1 or so. Perhaps a bit earlier.

2 ) Any idea when Disney will announce shore excursions?
I don't know when Disney will announce theirs, but in the DIS thread for our cruise, we're probably going to get up our own. A friend of mine (travel agent) recently went on an 11 day Carnival Cruise that featured many of the same stops we're going on. He wrote an OUTSTANDING trip report that is available on our thread web site.
http://users.adelphia.net/~cknebel/
There's also links to shore excursions type companies that we've already researched in our various ports of call.

14 ) Cell phone? Which carriers will work in Europe?
Supposedly, Sprint works very well overseas. I have Verizon, and I'm going to have to rent a phone for use while over there. It's not cheap to use a phone. There are several European phone carriers from whom you can get a phone pretty cheap, but the number will be European. If you are strictly planning on calling from Europe to the USA, and not have people calling YOU.. that might be the way to go.

Can't help you with the other 17! :thumbsup2

[EpcotKilterFan]

I am trying to figure out BCN to Paris after the Eastbound Repo. Would love to take the train, but it will take too long out of our precious DLP touring!

Since we have no idea what time they will let us disembark on Saturday, it is a bit tough to figure out what time to get a flight.

So anyone that is doing Paris to BCN, what airlines are you looking at. We will just reverse it!

Thanks
Debbie

[CACruisin']

#6 - Yes, pretty much always. When we were in Rome in April 2004, we arrived at the Vatican about 30 minutes before it opened. The line was all the way around the block and back to St. Peters. It moved relatively quickly, but still took some time. Access to the Sistine Chapel is at the end of the Vatican museum tour so you have to walk through a number of other exhibits first to get to the Sistine Chapel. It is stunning. The size of St Peters is also stunning.

#14 - DH's company used Cingular for worldwide access. It worked great (good coverage in Switzerland, Germany, and France), but was expensive.

#15 - Pickpockets are definitely an issue in Rome. I read about it before our trip and then was amazed to actually see some of the ploys I had read about taking place. Didn't notice the pickpockets in Sardinia. I have read that pickpockets are also a problem in Barcelona.

#18 - you are going to be an American tourist regardless of what you wear. Just remember to be respectful i.e. no shorts or bare shoulders (tank tops, etc) in churches or religious buildings, and wear very comfortable walking shoes. Italians tend to dress less casually than Americans. DH wore dockers mostly rather than jeans. DD's and I wore slacks, but it was cold when we went. For the summer cruises, I would opt for easy skirts with simple tops and a light jacket to dress it up for dinner and/or cover your shoulders in churches.

[GrayFal]

Great Thread idea.....

I also have been checking Kayak.com for 1 way European fares......Hoping to arrive early to mid morning and be able to board by 12 noon and CRASH for a few hours....get settled and then tour Barcelona that evening and the next day.

[Scott H]

We have our return flights all set and yes to heed the baggage allowance. Will be flying Virgin Atlantic for the first time. and am not sure how tight they are on carry on allowance. Any one have any experience here?

[BigBlueMan]

So anyone that is doing Paris to BCN, what airlines are you looking at. We will just reverse it!

Thanks
Debbie
Theres a ton of them. I just do an Expedia search and see what pops up. Right now I'm looking at a return flight (back to Paris) in mid-afternoon, as we plan to be on a Parisian dinner cruise that night. The most (and cheapest) flights will probably be Iberia and Air France, but theres a ton of airlines offering them. As for the part about timing the flight, you know they've got to get you OFF the ship pretty early, so I figure a 2PM or so flight shouldn't be a problem.

[RJAYL]

Theres a ton of them. I just do an Expedia search and see what pops up. Right now I'm looking at a return flight (back to Paris) in mid-afternoon, as we plan to be on a Parisian dinner cruise that night. The most (and cheapest) flights will probably be Iberia and Air France, but theres a ton of airlines offering them. As for the part about timing the flight, you know they've got to get you OFF the ship pretty early, so I figure a 2PM or so flight shouldn't be a problem.

Iberia seems to be the airline of choice to & from Barcelona (to other european locations)! Has anyone ever flown Iberia & if so your thoughts please?

There is also some airline called City Air?

[kaseyC]

12 ) Is there a must see in Barcelona?
Picasso Museum- many of his early works displayed, La Rambla- a great place to just sit and people watch, Gothic Quarter and Gaudi's La Sagrada Familia- spectacular If short on time, Barcelona has a hop on hop off tourist bus that follows 3 different routes. It is called the Bus Touristic and it is a great way to just sit and see the sites or you can choose to get off and explore the sites and just catch the next bus. They run about every 20-30 mins


14 ) Cell phone? Which carriers will work in Europe? My DH's Blackberry with Cingular service worked at all the ports and on our cruise ship. My cell phone with T-mobile international service (a free add on) worked at all ports. Your cell phone needs to be either a Tri-band or a Quad-band - just check your phones specs.

15 ) Are there crime or other concerns to watch out for in any of the ports we are visiting? Watch out for pickpockets and purse snatchers. Be forward in protecting personal space.


18 ) How to not look like American tourists? what do the locals wear? Don't worry they already know you are American. Just be aware that many cathedrals will refuse entrance if your shoulders and knees are not covered.

19 ) Shopping? Best port and what items. Of course Leather goods in Rome but what else is good? Limocello in Sorrento or Capri, you can also find wonderful leather goods in Florence. Avoid buying bootleg/knock offs, Italy has big fine for purchasing them.

[scottishwee35]

We have our return flights all set and yes to heed the baggage allowance. Will be flying Virgin Atlantic for the first time. and am not sure how tight they are on carry on allowance. Any one have any experience here?

hI

Before we went to Florida in April 06, my mother in law pay extra £55 pounds (95 dollars) for extra weight case up to 30lbs.

Perhaps you contact Virgin Atlantic and I am sure they have charge for extra baggage or heavy case. I am sure they have it!! Please double check with them.

Scottishwee35

[winotracy]

Unless Florida is your start or stop, try searching for a multi destination ticket instead of two one way tickets. It can be a lot cheaper. Sites like kayak and Travelocity will do that. We did that last year for the Panama Canal cruise -- Milwaukee to LAX and Orlando to Milwaukee. Was less than the price for round trip to LAX.

[scottishwee35]

KISSIMMEE

About Tweny Questions - wow

I only able give you some

2) I am still searching about excursions!!! I have been looking at Cruise Critic, They gave me some idea and about hire private driver sound good to me but again my husband and I both deaf. We are not sure about it, but hopeful near the time someone who going on the Cruise same time as us, hopeful they can share might be cheaper and worthing to see, might be useful but we wait to hear about DCL excursions first.

12) Oh yes, must see in Barcelona as we are staying there for 3 nights in apartment before going to Disney Cruise. :thumbsup2

14) Don't know if it is working in europe depend what kind of mobile. As my mobile was won't working when I was in Florida but my husband's mobile was working!!

15) Yes, be careful in Barcelona, Rome and Naples High Crime but it happen everywhere!!!

17) I think it will be hot, need hat, sunscream and plenty water!!!

That is all I know lol

Scottishwee35

[jlawall]

Great thread idea! We are in the process of booking our flights................would everyone agree that NYC is a better departure than Philadelphia?

I'm toying with Paris before Barcelona, is it really cost effective? How would that compare to London?

[kimkatmom]

This is a great thread. I too am spazing about our air fare. Just tried frequent flyer miles to no avail. No help at all. So now that I have read all of your posts, I am enlightened and will try again.

This is going to be so much fun! :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

[kimkatmom]

OK you smart people. I just booked December for the same as I got this September for last March! There was no way that I was going to get from Sacramento to MCO for less than $311 and with the gas prices going where no man should ever go, I thought I should move quickly. Got it for $266. You guys are so smart. Thanks for your help!

Next challenge --- SFO to CDG or BCN! Here I go again!

[OurDogCisco]

what a great idea... I'm still on the fence about this cruise so this thread will probably be very helpful!

[Andrew DEREK UK]

LONDON
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tube/

LONDON TO PARIS

Http://www.eurostar.com/dynamic/index.jsp

VIRGIN ATLANTIC
Http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/en/gb/index.jsp;jsessionid=Be766dUM30orSOHgYjbbo4XFjWWqf Iaz4XA1HSuy4UTKIbKP9ACr!-1112292905!174843410!8001!7002
BRITISH AIRWAYS
http://www.britishairways.com/travel/home/public/en_gb
DISNEY UK/ LINK TO DLP

Http://www.disney.co.uk/

BARCELONA HOTELS
Http://www.catalunya.co.uk/
Http://www.netpz.co.uk/hotel_spain_hotels/hotel_barcelona_hotels.htm
UP THE COAST
Http://www.apartmentspain.co.uk/blanes.htm
DCLS HOTEL (I THINK)
Http://www.grandmarinahotel.com/
SHORE TRIPS IN EUROPE IDEAS
Http://www.celebritycruises.co.uk/pages/home.php
CAR HIRE SPAIN
http://www.carhireinspain.com/index.php?cID=70

[baileysgm]

This is a great thread!
We are on the inaugural Med...is anybody else just the tiniest bit concerned, security wise, about the Magic sailing around the Mediterannean? I'm not worried enough to not go, but.... :confused3

[woody73]

. . . Our group will be taking the Eurotrain from Paris to Barcelona. They don't restrict you on luggage, as much!

We travel regularly throughout Europe. Although taking luggage on trains is not as restrictive as on airlines, I'd be careful not to take too much. You have to be able to carry the luggage on and off the train.

In March, we were at the Termini train station in Rome and saw an American couple trying to get off the train with four suitcases. The wife was throwing the bags down the three steps of the train to the husband standing on the platform. There were not having a good time.

Woody

[woody73]

4 ) Is there a Rome train stop near the Colosseum or Vatican?


The main train station in Rome is Termini. From there, take the subway (Metropolitana):

Colosseum: take Line (Linea) B to the Colosseo station. The Colosseum is across the street.

Vatican: take Line A to the Ottaviano station. It's a 15-20 minute walk.

Woody

[woody73]

14 ) Cell phone? Which carriers will work in Europe?

I have a BlackBerry, with service through T-Mobile. In Europe, I select a "local provider," then can use both the email and phone functions.

Woody

[woody73]

15 ) Are there crime or other concerns to watch out for in any of the ports we are visiting?


Pickpockets are a big problem, particularly in Paris and Italy. Be especially cautious on public transportation (trains, subways, busses), at tourist sites (churches, museums, monuments), and in queues.

Also beware of purse-snatchers. As we left the d'Orsay museum, we saw this happen to a well-dressed Parisian woman just a few feet away. By the time she screamed, the guy was gone.

Woody

[woody73]

. . . Hoping to arrive early to mid morning and be able to board by 12 noon and CRASH for a few hours....get settled and then tour Barcelona that evening and the next day.

Be careful about taking a nap upon arrival. It often contributes to jetlag.

Woody

[wackywexler]

Any tips on dealing with/preventing jetlag would be appreciated. Our flight is not booked yet but it looks like it will be overnight, leavin los angeles late one afternoon and arriving around noon the next day. thank you!

[woody73]

. . . Will be flying Virgin Atlantic for the first time. and am not sure how tight they are on carry on allowance. Any one have any experience here?

We are generally pleased with Virgin Atlantic.

But they have one of the most restrictive carry-on weight allowances: "9in x 14in x 22in and should not weigh more than 6kg (13lbs)" in Economy and Premium Economy.

Woody

[woody73]

Iberia seems to be the airline of choice to & from Barcelona (to other european locations)! Has anyone ever flown Iberia & if so your thoughts please?

We have flown on Iberia to and from Spain, and were pleased, particularly with the in-flight service.

On the short-haul flights, they use small planes and the overhead bins would not fit DW's small 20 inch carry-on.

Woody

[Soccermom-Cheri]

We are generally pleased with Virgin Atlantic.

But they have one of the most restrictive carry-on weight allowances: "9in x 14in x 22in and should not weigh more than 6kg (13lbs)" in Economy and Premium Economy.

Woody
you are joking, right? 13 pounds? I'm going to end up taking 4 suitcases just for me.

[Scratch42]

We travel regularly throughout Europe. Although taking luggage on trains is not as restrictive as on airlines, I'd be careful not to take too much. You have to be able to carry the luggage on and off the train.

In March, we were at the Termini train station in Rome and saw an American couple trying to get off the train with four suitcases. The wife was throwing the bags down the three steps of the train to the husband standing on the platform. There were not having a good time.

Woody


What No Porters? UH OH!

Good thing I purchased this carry on that has a strap that I can sling over me while I struggle with my two suitcases! DD is on her own!

Thanks for the warning!

j

[figment52]

This is a great thread!
We are on the inaugural Med...is anybody else just the tiniest bit concerned, security wise, about the Magic sailing around the Mediterannean? I'm not worried enough to not go, but.... :confused3

Yes, I am, especially this last week. I am not ready to cancel, but not ready to book air either. It's nice to know I am not alone.

[Skallywag]

Why would you be more concerned with security on a med cruise than anywhere else I wonder.

Terrorism now is a global threat and should not rule your life.

Like the thread - would agree that it is not wise to take a nap after landing. We just put our watches to the arrival time when we board the overnight.

We do the same when coming to the US and although it is a long day adrenalin keeps you going I think.

We are lucky this time as the flight from UK is only about 2 hours to Barcelona.

[baileysgm]

Yes, I am, especially this last week. I am not ready to cancel, but not ready to book air either. It's nice to know I am not alone.

Thank you, figment 52, that's exactly how I feel. We really, really want to go on this trip so I'm trying to remain positive!

[baileysgm]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! These are extraordinarily helpful links. I've been to several and gotten great information.

[woody73]

you are joking, right? 13 pounds?

Not joking. The quote is from the Virgin Atlantic website.

Woody

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Why would you be more concerned with security on a med cruise than anywhere else I wonder.

Terrorism now is a global threat and should not rule your life.

Like the thread - would agree that it is not wise to take a nap after landing. We just put our watches to the arrival time when we board the overnight.

We do the same when coming to the US and although it is a long day adrenalin keeps you going I think.

We are lucky this time as the flight from UK is only about 2 hours to Barcelona.
Can I reassure you that the Western med is very safe, as safe as any part of the USA is today. We have had security measures in place far longer than USA, and many ships with americians travel around the Med and far closer to the Eastend, than the Magic will go, and they all enjoy their trips.

[Scott H]

I have decided to wear one of those travel vests. It will weigh about 150 lbs or 70kgs.

Woody is not joking about the 13lbs. such is the cost of flying in stearage.

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! These are extraordinarily helpful links. I've been to several and gotten great information.
Thank you if you need more let me know. Its nice for us to have more info this time around!

[sbassgva]

just wondering which airlines you were trying to redeem your frequent flyer miles with. it is early yet, and you should be able to find something if you are flexible. i just want to make sure that i am not saving the same miles that you are if you are having trouble booking something for a year away. good luck.

[sbassgva]

one of the biggest problems with booking two different round trip flights is that the baggage allowance for international travel is much different than it is for that within europe. i ran into the problem a couple of years ago when traveling between poland and germany. although the stop in germany was a stopover on my way back to the states, it was still an intercontinental flight, and i almost had to leave my stuff in the airport trashcan. luckily, a little repacking and i made it past the scales. however, it can be tricky.

also, security on many european airlines is different than that of the u.s. carriers. do not be surprised if you have two or three screenings to pass through before boarding a plane. they don't usually have long lines, but they will do a thorough check. upon my return flight aboard lufthansa, each passenger not only went through the metal detector, but also a thorough pat down search. offended? they don't mind, they just won't let you on the plane. i personally was impressed by it.

[slindamood]

Woody is right about the trains and luggage - although you are not restricted, you have to get it on the train in a short time with many others boarding - and do not count on porters - they are quite rare. Then once on the train, you are supposed to keep your luggage in the rack above your seat. This allows for about a 21" suitcase. I never take anything larger for even a 3 week trip. This June in Germany I saw many world cup fans with quite large suitcases - they had to stand at the end of the aisle because they could not get them down the aisle and there was no way they would go in the overhead rack. It was an inconvenience for everyone.

You can check luggage at some stations, but it is not a routine matter and you have to do it in advance. With the amount of luggage for a cruise, I would look into the requirements for checking luggage onto the baggage car. But not all trains have one.

Also - the European airlines are quite restrictive about carry-on - we will be flying SAS this August from Copenhagen to Frankfurt - they only allow one small carry-on item with a very low weight limit - probably a day bag will be the limit. This is typical of European airlines, not just the budget ones.

[woody73]

. . . Also still debating flying into London & taking eurotunnel to Paris & booking seperate air from Paris to Barcelona & Barcelona to Paris. . .

We have taken the Eurostar between London and Paris. It's convenient, inexpensive, and fast. Travel time was three hours each way, and I read they are making it faster.

Woody

[woody73]

one of the biggest problems with booking two different round trip flights is that the baggage allowance for international travel is much different than it is for that within europe. . .

Another problem is if your first flight is delayed and you do not board your connecting flight, the second airline is not obligated to put you on another flight.

Woody

[woody73]

. . . a 21" suitcase. I never take anything larger for even a 3 week trip. . .

That's exactly what we do!

We also limit each carry-on to 26 lbs. That way, we can carry our own bag on and off trains, subways, busses, and vaparettos (in Venice), use the overhead racks, and take the stairs at subway stations. For example, many Metro stations in Paris do not have elevators or escalators.

Woody

[figment52]

Can I reassure you that the Western med is very safe, as safe as any part of the USA is today. We have had security measures in place far longer than USA, and many ships with americians travel around the Med and far closer to the Eastend, than the Magic will go, and they all enjoy their trips.

It is not Western Europe that I am concerned about - it is just a bit unsettleing with the activity going on back and forth between Israel and Lebonan and that whole area that I can't help but wonder what is going to happen in the year. I don't have my geographical perspective in check yet.

I really want to go on this trip because my last plans for touring Italy were November 2001 and I am sure I don't have to remind anyone why that one was cancelled.

Thanks for trying to calm my nerves Andrew DEREK, I will be fine if I just don't watch the news too much :thumbsup2

[Scratch42]

Back to the trains...........

What if you have one of those sleeper cars? What to expect there? Would there be room for a 21" and a 26" x 2?

j

[GadgetGirl]

Hi,
I'm alice, and my sister and I, (as well as the whole family), are going to be In the med with mickey from the 18th of july 2007, We are from England, and have wanted to try disney cruises for aaages, it seemed sensible to do it closer to home.

If you need any advice on things the european end, we know what it is like to fly across the Atlantic, if its a first for you, i'm sure there may besome questions, feel free to ask!

In true disney style, we would be happy to help!

Alice.

[CoolMickster1995]

I should mention that I am logged in under my son's name because for some reason I couldn't switch the logins today. (So, no - I'm not an 11 year old boy asking for this information. :teeth: )

We thought we would look into having a longer layover in Paris on our way back to Mississippi that would allow us to get in a day or two of sightseeing there. I called Delta and they said that this could be arranged assuming they had open seats. What I didn't ask about was the additional cost of doing something like this. I believe she referred to this as an "open flight" (as opposed to an "open jaw flight" that would have us depart from a different city than the one in which we landed.

I wondered if anyone here has ever done this and, if so, how much more expensive it was than flying directly home.

Marie

[slindamood]

I am not certain about how much luggage an overnight compartment would hold. Partly depends on the type of train and compartment - the train to Barcelona from paris is the Elipsos - it is new and different from the old overnight cars.

Here is a link to a really neat virtual tour - you can tour each type of room. To get a detailed floorplan, click on the little floor plan shown with the tour. There is luggage space located above the corridor - I don't know how much it would hold. Some of the rooms have a small recessed space that might hold some luggage.

http://www.elipsos.com/flash/paseo/lnkpaseo.htm

[Honu13]

Just got some feedback from DU.

If you don't book the air through DCL, you don't get to book the pre or post nights stays in Barcelona. You can get the transfers, however, if you book any pre or post nights on your own - you would assume that you wouldn't be able to utilize the transfers.

Just an FYI to our plan-a-holics! :rotfl2: :lmao:

Also, still no word on DLP.

[AnnaS]

:wave2:

Subscribing :goodvibes

[Doingitagain]

Just got some feedback from DU.

If you don't book the air through DCL, you don't get to book the pre or post nights stays in Barcelona. You can get the transfers, however, if you book any pre or post nights on your own - you would assume that you wouldn't be able to utilize the transfers.

Just an FYI to our plan-a-holics! :rotfl2: :lmao:

Also, still no word on DLP.
Interesting. I booked prestay and transfers in Barcelona and we did not book airfare through DCL. I have a confirmation that is just a week old and it has both the prestay (Hilton Diagonal) and transfers on it. I worked directly with DCL. Perhaps they are running short of rooms? I booked the rooms, and will cancel them if I find something better later on.

[kaseyC]

Below is an excellent site for booking European Hotels. We used it to book our hotel in Barcelona this past May. It allows you to sort hotels by Star ratings as well as regions of the city.
http://en.venere.com/hotels_barcelona/

This is where we stayed in Barcelona and probably where my DD and I will stay before the Repo cruise in August. Wonderful hotel right on the North end of La Rambla with a Starbucks attached to it. :goodvibes
http://www.nnhotels.com/presentacion/eng/hotels/h1898/presentation.php

[BigBlueMan]

We thought we would look into having a longer layover in Paris on our way back to Mississippi that would allow us to get in a day or two of sightseeing there. I called Delta and they said that this could be arranged assuming they had open seats. What I didn't ask about was the additional cost of doing something like this. I believe she referred to this as an "open flight" (as opposed to an "open jaw flight" that would have us depart from a different city than the one in which we landed.

I wondered if anyone here has ever done this and, if so, how much more expensive it was than flying directly home.

Marie

I've never booked a flight like you mention, and quite frankly I didn't think the airlines liked to book this way. They normally will charge you for the layover just like its an additional leg in a multi-leg trip.

Multi-legs are normally much higher, depending on the stops involved. We're doing the same thing you're planning, but we're booking two totally separate flights: 1) into Paris, then 2) Paris to Barcelona. In doing some research on the flights, a multi-leg flight for everywhere we're going would be well over $2,000, where buying separate tickets would be less than half that.

Yours could be less, depending on where you are flying out of. Regardless, I'll be interested in what you find out.

[Ltl Mermaid]

Just subscribing and cannot wait to hear more!!

[kaseyC]

If you own an Ipod there is a cool and very useful software program called iLingo- it is a language translator for the Ipod. It is compatible with all Ipods except Shuffles. The English Euro pack covers French, Spanish, Italian, German, Russian and Potuguese. The neat thing is that each translation is displayed on your screen and once you click on it is pronounced accurately. I practiced phrases quite a bit on the long flights from Chicago to Barcelona.

We had great success with it on our recent Med cruise in May. I carried my Nano in my small touring bag and we ended up using it a number of times in shops and cafes in Italy and Spain.

edited to add- you can purchase it at the Apple stores

[BigBlueMan]

If you own an Ipod there is a cool and very useful software program called iLingo- it is a language translator for the Ipod.

Thanks for the info. Here's another one. I have a Tivo that is networked to my computers at home. With the new 'Tivo to Go' software, you can now convert any program downloaded onto the Tivo to a file that will load onto your Ipod.

In anticipation of the Med cruise, I'm getting all of Samantha Brown's "Passport to Europe" series (Travel Channel) that apply, as well as anything else that might be of use next summer. The process can even be set up automatically or manually. In automatic mode, once Tivo has the show, it is automatically copied to your computer, converted and synched the next time you plug in the Ipod.

Once you have the Tivo networked, its a $24.95 software upgrade to be able to utilize this. It's not only useful, it is sooooo cool. I was eating lunch in a local chicken place today, watching WINGS! (no.. not "chicken wings")

[kaseyC]

Thanks for the info. Here's another one. I have a Tivo that is networked to my computers at home. With the new 'Tivo to Go' software, you can now convert any program downloaded onto the Tivo to a file that will load onto your Ipod.

In anticipation of the Med cruise, I'm getting all of Samantha Brown's "Passport to Europe" series (Travel Channel) that apply, as well as anything else that might be of use next summer. The process can even be set up automatically or manually. In automatic mode, once Tivo has the show, it is automatically copied to your computer, converted and synched the next time you plug in the Ipod.


Great Tip!!
You can also download the "Passport to Europe" series from Itunes as well. My DH had the Rome and Barcelona episodes on his video Ipod and his laptop.

[woody73]

Back to the trains...........

What if you have one of those sleeper cars? What to expect there? . . .

I would suggest to anyone considering a sleeper car to do a great deal of research about overnight theft of luggage or valuables.

Woody

[woody73]

I should mention that I am logged in under my son's name because for some reason I couldn't switch the logins today. (So, no - I'm not an 11 year old boy asking for this information.)

You would never see that on MySpace.

Woody

[Scratch42]

I would suggest to anyone considering a sleeper car to do a great deal of research about overnight theft of luggage or valuables.

Woody

With that said..........

It looks like our plans to go to Paris first have been pushed to the back burner and will probably head to Barcelona straight away!

For there, I have already purchased one of those money belts that you wear under you clothes!

Thanks for all the great information!

j

[Ltl Mermaid]

I am hoping to get a bit of advice/help here. We are going on the May 26th Med cruise :banana: :banana: and were not planning on doing any "pre cruise" time in Barcelona. I already am taking May 25th-June 8th off (since I don't want to come back to work for 1 day before the weekend...it just seems sorta pointless to me) which is 10 days off of work (instead of 11 since Memorial day is a day off for us anyway!). So I then decided I would just do an xtra day or two after the cruise and fly home on the 7th or 8th, so I could at least do a bit of sightseeing and it doesn't look like most flights from the US will be getting to Barcelona until about 10:30am on the 26th. Even though I booked air through DCL I am starting to get a little worried about flight times and delays...I do NOT want to miss my cruise! Also, airfar booked online directly through a company is almost $500 cheaper per person!!! I am thinking that I should just cancel the DCL airfar, book it myself, get on the ship right away when we arrive in Barcelona, and then stay for two days at the end...what do you guys think??? I just don't know what to do and I really cannot take more than 10 days off of work, any advice or suggestions would be great! Thank you! :Pinkbounc :cheer2:

[RJAYL]

I am hoping to get a bit of advice/help here. We are going on the May 26th Med cruise :banana: :banana: and were not planning on doing any "pre cruise" time in Barcelona. I already am taking May 25th-June 8th off (since I don't want to come back to work for 1 day before the weekend...it just seems sorta pointless to me) which is 10 days off of work (instead of 11 since Memorial day is a day off for us anyway!). So I then decided I would just do an xtra day or two after the cruise and fly home on the 7th or 8th, so I could at least do a bit of sightseeing and it doesn't look like most flights from the US will be getting to Barcelona until about 10:30am on the 26th. Even though I booked air through DCL I am starting to get a little worried about flight times and delays...I do NOT want to miss my cruise! Also, airfar booked online directly through a company is almost $500 cheaper per person!!! I am thinking that I should just cancel the DCL airfar, book it myself, get on the ship right away when we arrive in Barcelona, and then stay for two days at the end...what do you guys think??? I just don't know what to do and I really cannot take more than 10 days off of work, any advice or suggestions would be great! Thank you! :Pinkbounc :cheer2:

You only live once! Take the time! :thumbsup2
Book the air yourself save some money! fly in a little early see the sites! :3dglasses

[PURTYPAT1]

I just came back from my travel agent AAA & I think I am booking for next June 2007 11 day myself & DD13

I am so......excited. :banana:

Lot's of planing Lot's of $$$$$

[Andrew DEREK UK]

It is not Western Europe that I am concerned about - it is just a bit unsettleing with the activity going on back and forth between Israel and Lebonan and that whole area that I can't help but wonder what is going to happen in the year. I don't have my geographical perspective in check yet.

I really want to go on this trip because my last plans for touring Italy were November 2001 and I am sure I don't have to remind anyone why that one was cancelled.

Thanks for trying to calm my nerves Andrew DEREK, I will be fine if I just don't watch the news too much :thumbsup2

Whilst the flare up in Israel is concerning it is a very long way away from where the MAGIC will be, to be honest it flares up every so often, but the Western Med is safe.

I went to RHODES recently which is far closer to the current troubles and there were many cruise ships in and I would say the bulk of customers were very happy Americians. They didnt seem concerned.

[BigBlueMan]

I just came back from my travel agent AAA & I think I am booking for next June 2007 11 day myself & DD13


Gosh Purty... I'm soooo sorry.... Didn't you get the memo? The one about all the COOL people being on the June 27th cruise? :rotfl2:

Seriously, congrats and welcome to the great 10-12 month planning session!!

[kreedham]

Target sells a wallet with a lanyard that you can take off. The wallet can then go thru your belt. On our last cruise and to DW I used it and only put in my DL, 1 credit card, KTTW card and some cash. Wore it on my belt in front. It would be hard to steal. No regular wallet in back pocket or keys just some change.

Thanks to everyone for the various tips.

[jlawall]

Thx again for all the excellent tips, especially all the helpful links, Andrew!
Soon we will be able to book our flights, we're not quite 11 months out, yet! Our decision is whether or not to extend the beginning of our trip to visit Barcelona or Paris or London.

Also, I was hoping we could start discussing the ports of call and what are the "not-to-be-missed" excursions or places to visit........any suggestions??? :woohoo: :hourglass :wave2:

[woody73]

. . . For there, I have already purchased one of those money belts that you wear under you clothes!

Thanks for all the great information!

j

I always wear one when traveling in Europe.

Woody

[woody73]

. . . I just don't know what to do and I really cannot take more than 10 days off of work, any advice or suggestions would be great! Thank you!

With 10 days off, I would put the extra days at the front end -- adjust to the time zone and wind down before the cruise.

Most importantly, if your flight is delayed or canceled, you'll still make it for embarkation.

Woody

[woody73]

. . . No regular wallet in back pocket or keys just some change. . .

On our first trip to Paris, we rode the Metro with three friends. It was crowded, so some of us stood. Later, one friend told us, "I can't believe what just happened. I'm standing there and this man has his hand in my front pocket!"

Be careful out there.

Woody

[Scratch42]

With 10 days off, I would put the extra days at the front end -- adjust to the time zone and wind down before the cruise.

Most importantly, if your flight is delayed or canceled, you'll still make it for embarkation.

Woody

How many days would you recommend? It's been a long time since I went to Europe and now that I have a DD that likes to sleep alot, teenager! I remember when I returned after a week of being away, my days consisted of School and Sleep only!

j

[sbassgva]

Have enjoyed reading the other posts here. I too have been TIVOing Samantha Brown on the Travel Channel !! Although she can be rather ditzy, she does have some good information and I have been taking notes.

I ordered my iLingo for my iPod Nano...so, hopefully I will be ready to tackle what ever translation difficulties that I may have.

I have room reserved in Barcelona for the night before the cruise right on La Ramblas.

I just got off the phone booking the return flight on the 17th...was able to get business class for entire trip using air miles!!

Boy am I happy...now if someone can just make the next 10 + months go by quickly it will be even better.

[Skallywag]

We are sailing on the 16th June and have booked our flights from London Gatwick to Barcelona. They are booking now and we thought, as usual, they could only be done 11 month out to the return date.

Would advise getting to Europe a couple of days early rather than holding time until after the cruise. From experience will give you time to adjust a bit and they say it takes 1 day for every hour difference in time to adjust.

[Rogillio]

We are booked on Continental - Huntsville, AL/Atlanta/Newark/Barcelona.

It feels stange booking something so far in advance but I read once about vacations that they are planned with great anticipation, experienced with some discomfort and remembered with great fondness.

Anybody have a 'must see' list for Barcelona? We're getting there 1.5 days before we sail so we can explore Barcelona.

~Mike

[DebWills]

I'm a tad nervous doing the 2 round trip tickets. We plan to fly from the states to Paris. Spend a few days at DLP and then to Barcelona. Home the day after the cruise.

I can get decent r/t fares from DC to Barcelona, or DC to Paris. Roundtrip from Paris to Barcelona is around $250; but a ONE way from Paris to Barcelona is over $700!!! YIPES.

Anyone with experience doing the 2 round trips?
Also, anyone have any historical info about the one ways inside Europe..do the prices eventually come down?

Thanks!

Deb

[ImprovGal]

I'm a tad nervous doing the 2 round trip tickets. We plan to fly from the states to Paris. Spend a few days at DLP and then to Barcelona. Home the day after the cruise.

I can get decent r/t fares from DC to Barcelona, or DC to Paris. Roundtrip from Paris to Barcelona is around $250; but a ONE way from Paris to Barcelona is over $700!!! YIPES.

Anyone with experience doing the 2 round trips?
Also, anyone have any historical info about the one ways inside Europe..do the prices eventually come down?


I'm doing pretty much the same game plan as you -- a few days at DLP and then on to Barcelona. I thought I'd had the transportation all figured out for my friend and I, although we're on the 6/27 cruise so can't really book anything yet.

What I had figured on doing for flights was open-jaw -- (in my case Boston-Paris and then Barcelona-Boston). That type of itinerary can be booked online by selecting a multi-city or multi-destination option. (Hitch #1? All of a sudden I can't find the multi-city option on Air France's website. Where the heck did it go?)

To get from Paris to Barcelona, I had looked into a one-way flight on a low cost European carrier like easyjet (heavy luggage restrictions), booking a rt paris-barcelona but only using the first half (risky, i think), booking flight one-way ($$$$), or going back and booking the whole thing on Air France and including a Paris stopover in the itinerary (also kind of expensive). I think we've decided on doing the overnight train. I know someone posted above warning about theft on overnight sleeper trains, though. Could someone please elaborate on that? I can understand the risk factors if one is in a shared sleeping compartment (T4 couchette, for example). However, when I started looking at info on the Elipsos trenhotel, one of the features it advertises in club class and grand class is a private roomette w/magnetic key lock. Wouldn't that be a theft deterrent?

[Soccermom-Cheri]

We are sailing on the 16th June and have booked our flights from London Gatwick to Barcelona. They are booking now and we thought, as usual, they could only be done 11 month out to the return date.

Would advise getting to Europe a couple of days early rather than holding time until after the cruise. From experience will give you time to adjust a bit and they say it takes 1 day for every hour difference in time to adjust.

So now it's time to book airfare... with the cruise still 11 months away (with lot's of time for things to happen), what is the penalty for cancelling airfare? Anyone know specifically about American and their partners?

I, personally, was hoping to put all of this off for a few months. Do you think it would make that much of a difference in $$$ to wait? (I'm hoping to buy cattle and upgrade with miles)

[BigBlueMan]

So now it's time to book airfare... I, personally, was hoping to put all of this off for a few months. Do you think it would make that much of a difference in $$$ to wait? (I'm hoping to buy cattle and upgrade with miles)

Ponders Soccermom buying "cattle"... You a rancher, Cheri? A jolly one?

[RJAYL]

I'm doing pretty much the same game plan as you -- a few days at DLP and then on to Barcelona. I thought I'd had the transportation all figured out for my friend and I, although we're on the 6/27 cruise so can't really book anything yet.

What I had figured on doing for flights was open-jaw -- (in my case Boston-Paris and then Barcelona-Boston). That type of itinerary can be booked online by selecting a multi-city or multi-destination option. (Hitch #1? All of a sudden I can't find the multi-city option on Air France's website. Where the heck did it go?)

The reason you cannot get good pricing is because it is still to early most airlines will no quote untill you are in 11 month window of return leg!
Wait a little while patience fares will be available about the middle of August. I myself am debating about AirFrance however get there best price round trip to Barcelona on-line then call to book & try to delay the Paris to Barcelona leg! All of Air Frances flights go through Barcelona, amusingly their roundtrip price to Barcelona is less expensive than to Paris. Makes you wonder? :rolleyes1

You can also wait a couple of months more without consequences (Cheri) :wave:

[Honu13]

So now it's time to book airfare... with the cruise still 11 months away (with lot's of time for things to happen), what is the penalty for cancelling airfare? Anyone know specifically about American and their partners?

I, personally, was hoping to put all of this off for a few months. Do you think it would make that much of a difference in $$$ to wait? (I'm hoping to buy cattle and upgrade with miles)

Cheri,

While I want to get all this planning done early, I'm more inclined to wait. Generally for the lowest fares, you can cancel the flight - BUT - you have to reshcedule within 12 months of the ISSUE date, not the cancel date. So, if you purchase 11 months out, you will still have to use by August of next year!

Drawback to waiting is that if gas prices continue to rise, so will the cost of airfare. Also, most people traveling to Europe have the same idea as us - buying cattle, using miles to upgrade. When waiting, you risk the chance that all the business or first seats are gone!

:rolleyes: :sad2: :rolleyes: :sad2: :rolleyes: :sad2:

Decisions, decisions, decisions!!! Aargh... :crazy:

[Soccermom-Cheri]

Ponders Soccermom buying "cattle"... You a rancher, Cheri? A jolly one?

:happytv: like a bad episope of Bonanza

Cheri a jolly rancher? Nope, but I'll have one thanks :teeth:
(Jolly Rancher: 2 oz vodka,1 oz Midori® melon liqueur, cranberry juice - in case you don't already have the recipe) :banana:

[slindamood]

We've done the upgrade thing a few times, and I suggest buying as early as possible and upgrading at the same time. They are really inventory controlled on the number of free upgrades - like 2 per flight sometimes - so you need to act quickly. However, sometimes a few weeks before the flight they open up some more seats if the actual sales of that class is below a set mark.

Be sure to say that you want to upgrade when you buy. It used to be that any coach fare could be upgraded. Now it is limited to certain coach fares and the lowest generally is not available to upgrade. In fact, for our trip this past June, we would have had to pay almost twice for a ticket that could be upgraded. We opted for the cheap coach and it actually was tolerably comfortable (well, comfortable considering).

[Hygiene99]

I am hoping to get a bit of advice/help here. We are going on the May 26th Med cruise :banana: :banana: and were not planning on doing any "pre cruise" time in Barcelona. I already am taking May 25th-June 8th off (since I don't want to come back to work for 1 day before the weekend...it just seems sorta pointless to me) which is 10 days off of work (instead of 11 since Memorial day is a day off for us anyway!). So I then decided I would just do an xtra day or two after the cruise and fly home on the 7th or 8th, so I could at least do a bit of sightseeing and it doesn't look like most flights from the US will be getting to Barcelona until about 10:30am on the 26th. Even though I booked air through DCL I am starting to get a little worried about flight times and delays...I do NOT want to miss my cruise! Also, airfar booked online directly through a company is almost $500 cheaper per person!!! I am thinking that I should just cancel the DCL airfar, book it myself, get on the ship right away when we arrive in Barcelona, and then stay for two days at the end...what do you guys think??? I just don't know what to do and I really cannot take more than 10 days off of work, any advice or suggestions would be great! Thank you! :Pinkbounc :cheer2:


Book yourself.. :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2
We leave the night of the 24th arrive Barcelona on 25th 10:25 ish

are going home on the 8th :teeth: :sunny: :wizard:

[slindamood]

Improvgal asked:
I can understand the risk factors if one is in a shared sleeping compartment (T4 couchette, for example). However, when I started looking at info on the Elipsos trenhotel, one of the features it advertises in club class and grand class is a private roomette w/magnetic key lock. Wouldn't that be a theft deterrent?

The problem is with the T4, not with the private rooms. The rooms lock, the conductor watches over the corridor during the night, and only in a T4, or in an open car with seats, is theft even possibly a problem. The luggage storage over the corridor is accessible only from your private room, so little problem there.

I would not let theft enter into the decision of whether to take a night train.

[Kissimmee]

Am I missing some obvious discount? I had the romantic notion that trains in Europe were fast, comfortable and inexpensive. What I seem to be finding is that they are much more expensive than flying. My daughter who flies recommends Easy Jet for the cost conscious.

[PURTYPAT1]

Hi All,

Just want to share with you all what happened to my best friend last year in Barcelona airport. Her husbands suitcase was stolen, within minutes of there landing there.

This summer another neighbor, was in the subway in Barcelona, someone actually threw dirty water at her & her husband. Then someone else came home to help clean them up, with napkins. While they got cleaned up, they also got cleaned out. My neighbors wallet was stolen.

Beware.........

[misseulalie]

This might have been asked, but frankly, I'm too lazy to go through pages of posts..... :goodvibes


I was looking at Hotels com and it states that the hotels are all sold out. I know that all of the hotels in Barcelona cannot be sold out. Does it state this because I am looking for a hotel for next June, so the dates are too far out?

I heard lots of good things about Hotel Colon, I heard it is very kid friendly.
I am also looking at Princesa Sofia hotel. (yes, I'll admit it, I am looking into this hotel because my DD is named Sophia.)

[BigBlueMan]

Hi All,

This summer another neighbor, was in the subway in Barcelona, someone actually threw dirty water at her & her husband..........

...I loveeeeee that dir-teeeeeee waterrrrrrr....
ohhhhhhhh....
Boston, you're my homeeeeeeeee......

[Kissimmee]

It is still a few days before they will let me check the actual fare for the dates I need but by bumping it a week earlier I found that Orlando-London-Barcelona-Orlando with one week in London was not too bad at

1 x Adult (@ $737) = $737.20
1 x Senior (@ $737) = $737.20
1 x Child (@ $644) = $644.20

[pyramid2000]

Subscribing!! :wave:

[jlawall]

Love this thread, keep 'em coming! :thumbsup2

[ImprovGal]

Am I missing some obvious discount? I had the romantic notion that trains in Europe were fast, comfortable and inexpensive. What I seem to be finding is that they are much more expensive than flying. My daughter who flies recommends Easy Jet for the cost conscious.

I'm not comparing the cost of train vs. plane. I'm comparing the cost of overnight train vs. (addl night hotel + plane).

I had seen train discounts on raileurope, but they seem to have changed their website around and now I can't find what I was looking at before. I figure I've got time to work on that, though.

[Skallywag]

There definitely are hotels out there but some have not yet posted their prices for 2007 for some reason. Also believe that it is best to reserve one early as believe the Motocycle Grand Prix is the weekend of the 16th June so that is why people are having problems.

Did originally book the Hillton Diagonal Mar but on checking the Sky Travel web site have found an alternative 5* which looks great and has good reports for about £130 per night cheaper. The only difference is we do not get breakfast thrown in but you can purchase a lot of food if you want for that price. Was also offered the Arts and the Silken Diagonal by BA at quite reasonable prices The hotel we have found is the Hotel Rey Juan Carlos and it is away from the beach but that does not bother us as we live near the coast here.

[RJAYL]

It is still a few days before they will let me check the actual fare for the dates I need but by bumping it a week earlier I found that Orlando-London-Barcelona-Orlando with one week in London was not too bad at

1 x Adult (@ $737) = $737.20
1 x Senior (@ $737) = $737.20
1 x Child (@ $644) = $644.20
What airline? :listen:

[OurDogCisco]

Hi All,

Just want to share with you all what happened to my best friend last year in Barcelona airport. Her husbands suitcase was stolen, within minutes of there landing there.

This summer another neighbor, was in the subway in Barcelona, someone actually threw dirty water at her & her husband. Then someone else came home to help clean them up, with napkins. While they got cleaned up, they also got cleaned out. My neighbors wallet was stolen.

Beware.........

Okay, I have to comment because I sometimes think people make themselves targets without realizing it. First, you never let anyone invade your personal space no matter what they do. You force them to stand back.

Anyways, my in-laws have traveled the world extensively. They have done over 50 princess cruises. They have been on many tours throughout Europe, Asia, and South America. Basically, they have been everywhere. They have never been mugged nor have they loss or had their luggage stolen. The loss/stolen luggage thing can happen here in the US as well. Yes, you do need to be aware but you also need to make sure you aren't a target! GL...

[BigBlueMan]

I urge you to not just buy airfare the first day that it is available, as the prices do fluctuate a lot. I anticipate the airfare on the first day that you price it to be MUCH higher than what you'll eventually get the flight for.

For example, I'm buying two round trip tickets, Nashville to Paris, then Paris to Barcelona.

Although I can't price my cruise dates yet, when I price the N to P ticket in February, I can buy it for $640 per person. This is for the exact days I'll use in the summer, just a few months earlier. (Monday departure, two weeks there, Monday return)

If I go to June, which is right BEFORE my cruise, the same flights are beginning at $1,251 per person. They'll come down.

It may still be higher in June because of the travel season, but I don't think I'll end up paying NEAR this amount for the flight. (But hey, thats my opinion, and we all know what they say about those.....)

[winotracy]

I would also recommend talking to people who have traveled to Europe or more specifically Spain around the time that you are going. I was told that the prices we are seeing for the first Med cruise are low coming from Chicago. Get updates from the places you are looking for prices through (i.e. kayak, Travelocity, Expedia, etc.). I'm afraid with the conflicts going on in the Middle East and the prices of oil that the prices for airfare are not going down much. If you have a good price, no reason not to book. I will book right away if the price is right :thumbsup2

[Skallywag]

Hi everyone,

All the doom and gloom stories about mugging etc can happen in any country and you just have to be aware and be on your guard.

Flights are usually the cheapest when they first come out on the transatlantic route as we have always booked them 11 months out to get the best deal. When they have sold that portion of the aircraft seating then the prices will rise.

[woody73]

. . . Anyone with experience doing the 2 round trips? . . .

Yes, we booked:
L.A. - London, with London - Cologne;
L.A. - London, with London - Edinburgh;
L.A. - London, with London - Paris;
L.A. - Paris, with Paris - Seville; and
L.A. - Paris, with Paris - Nice.

Woody

[woody73]

. . . This summer another neighbor, was in the subway in Barcelona, someone actually threw dirty water at her & her husband. Then someone else came home to help clean them up, with napkins. While they got cleaned up, they also got cleaned out. My neighbors wallet was stolen.

This happened in Barcelona to my neighbor. But it was mustard, and his suitcases were stolen.

Woody

[woody73]

Okay, I have to comment because I sometimes think people make themselves targets without realizing it. First, you never let anyone invade your personal space no matter what they do. You force them to stand back. . .

IMHO, that's easier said than done, especially on subways, trains, and busses. For example, the #64 bus in Rome is nicknamed the Pickpocket Special. And the elevators at the Eiffel Tower have "Beware of Pickpockets" signs.

Woody

[jlawall]

It's good advice to be careful while traveling abroad.....we've all been in situations which we could have avoided if we were more careful. It's helpful to hear what happens to others so we can have a better trip! :cloud9:

Thx for all the suggestions and warnings! :thumbsup2

[astroth]

Am I missing some obvious discount? I had the romantic notion that trains in Europe were fast, comfortable and inexpensive. What I seem to be finding is that they are much more expensive than flying. My daughter who flies recommends Easy Jet for the cost conscious.
It's cheaper to buy a rail pass than to book a non-pass ticket for a specific itinerary. To see the rates for a Eurail France-Spain Saverpass, go to the raileurope main page, and under the "Passes" column, click on "Multiple Country". Scroll down a bit and you'll see "Eurail France-Spain Pass." From there it should be self-explanatory. (Sorry, I can't just include a link because this is my first post and DIS doesn't trust me yet). In the comparison I did, buying the pass saved $113 per person versus buying a "Comfort"-level round-trip ticket.

I don't think we're going to end up doing the train in conjunction with our cruise (Aug. 8), but it's been interesting to look at.

[wackywexler]

Woody 73 and others,

I am an infrequent airline traveler and don't understand the multiple round trip ticket airfare situation and the benefits of this. If you have a few minutes to post an explanation for me I would be very grateful. Thank you! :sunny:

[OurDogCisco]

IMHO, that's easier said than done, especially on subways, trains, and busses. For example, the #64 bus in Rome is nicknamed the Pickpocket Special. And the elevators at the Eiffel Tower have "Beware of Pickpockets" signs.

Woody

I disagree.... I think victims are targets... I'm sorry your neighbors got robbed but they were targeted. Here's a great website that tells you all the pickpocket tricks....

http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Europe/France/Ile_de_France/Paris-99080/Warnings_or_Dangers-Paris-Pick_Pockets-BR-1.html

Some obvious things I got from the reading the stories are never stop to look at maps in a public place. Always keep your bags in front of you. Don't look like a tourist. Don't carry a lot of big bags. Keep your money in a inside pocket. Carry your purse in front of you and your backpacks. Don't bring your entire hotel room with you when you walk around. Be aware of your surroundings even when you see children. Never let your guard down. My in-laws swear by these rules. They have never been mugged.

GL...

[BigBlueMan]

Woody 73 and others,

I am an infrequent airline traveler and don't understand the multiple round trip ticket airfare situation and the benefits of this. If you have a few minutes to post an explanation for me I would be very grateful. Thank you! :sunny:

Depending on where you are traveling to, and the cities involved, sometimes it is cheaper to buy multiple round trip tickets than an all inclusive ticket that takes you to all places.

This will vary greatly by location. For example, for the Med Cruise, I will fly out of Nashville, and intend to stay in Paris a few days after the cruise. when I pull up a 'Nashville to Barcelona to Paris to Nashville' trip, it is several thousand dollars.

Rather than do that, I plan to buy a Nashville to Paris round trip ticket, then a Paris to Barcelona round trip ticket. It will more than likely be half the cost of the other option.

Other markets may be totally different. I've heard people talking about 'Orlando to Barcelona to London to Orlando' for a fraction of what MY trip is pricing out to be. The whole thing is dependent on what cities you are visiting, what airlines go there and either THEIR flights to those cities, or their cooperation with other airlines that go into those cities.

The big advantage of multiple round trip tickets is dollar savings. The big DIS-advantage of this is that if you are taking these on the same day, you'll be responsible for getting your luggage upon arrival in the first city, then rechecking it for the second flight to the ultimate destination. You also have to worry about a delay on the first flight, as the second airline may or may not care about your travel problems oh the previous leg.

We're going to fly to Paris, spend one night at the Airport Hilton, then fly on our second ticket the following morning to Barcelona. Should ease the chance of problems, as well as allow us a day to get by some of the jet lag.

I used to fly on Southwest from Nashville to Houston, then Houston to Dallas for less than the cost of a direct flight on one of the other airlines. (I did it for the Rapid Rewards credits. Of course I once flew to Chicago one night to eat a bar-b-que to finish getting enough credits to fly my wife to the west coast that weekend! It was cheaper to buy the flight to Chicago (about a hundred bucks), than to buy HER flight which would have been 500 or so at the last minute.)

[Scratch42]

Ok for those that are looking to buy round trip tickets and using one way only, there was a reason for not doing this. Something about them charging you the one way price afterall, which is higher.

I'll have to do a search at a later time.

It was not recommended to book return and only use it one way.

j

[buck4568]

Me and my family are sailing on the Med. Cruise in June. My Question is what is the Port Called?? Also we are trying to find a car rental near or at the port because we are going to spend a couple of days in southern france. if anyone has passed this in there research let me know!

[Kissimmee]

What airline? :listen:

British Airways

[slindamood]

It is possible to have the luggage transferred even if you are travelling on two different tickets (e.g. round trip to Paris to get you to Europe and home, and another round trip ticket to Barcelona, to get you to the ship and back to Paris).

Whether your luggage can be checked all the way depends on whether the airlines have agreements. Some very budget airlines do not, hence, you have to gather your luggage and take it to the connecting airline. If they have an agreement, your first airline will check it through to the final destination.

We flew into Paris on an AA ticket bought with miles. We connected using a FinnAir ticket bought through FinnAir. We showed both tickets when we checked in at our home airport, and AA checked our luggage all the way through to Helsinki.

This worked out well because our AA flight was late into Paris. FinnAir put us on a later flight of theirs with no problem, but we had 7 hours to wait. We did not have to worry about luggage because it was checked, but what to do with 7 hours? Hopped on a train in the airport and - We went to Disneyland! Couldn't have planned it better.

[slindamood]

[QUOTE=woody73]IMHO, that's easier said than done, especially on subways, trains, and busses. For example, the #64 bus in Rome is nicknamed the Pickpocket Special. And the elevators at the Eiffel Tower have "Beware of Pickpockets" signs.

I agree - you have to be very careful, carry money in a money belt, but still could be a victim. Places get very crowded, you get pushed, and whatever is not attached to you is gone.

DH was a victim on the #64 bus in Rome. And we are pretty careful. DH carries credit cards and most money in a money belt, under clothing. The day's admission money, lunch money, etc. (never over $60) is in a wallet that he keeps in his pocket, his hand over it. A choice to trade security for convenience.
The #64 is sooooo packed and the thieves are good - the person got the money but not the wallet. DH was holding onto a pole with one hand, got bumped hard, hand moved from wallet, felt pressure on his wallet, put his hand down as soon has he could and the wallet was there. Went to get money at the Colliseum, and no money in the wallet. Luckily, the big stuff was in the money belt where no one could get.

This was one time in 20 years of travel to Europe. Sure we looked and acted like Americans - we speak English to each other when travelling. And at 6'5", DH is taken for a local only in Holland and Scandinavia, not Italy or Spain.

[wackywexler]

Thank you Big Blue Man for the explanation. We are sailing on the westbound repo cruise so I guess the issue of the round trip vs. one way tickets will come up for us.

[kaseyC]

When purchasing flights be sure to check your connection times with the airports you will be connecting through. On the airports website they will usually give you the idea of the amount of time needed to make a connection. Most usually involve a change of terminals.

Also when booking in advance, remember to check and recheck your flight times. Our United flight time out of Chicago changed a few months after we purchased tickets and made our connection time in London Heathrow less than the minimum required by the airport. We called United and they put us on an earlier flight so we could keep our connection with British Airways to BCN.

For anyone considering United for some of their flights if you do not have enough Miles for a Business or First class upgrade look into their Ecomomy Plus Access - 5 inches more legroom. Believe it or not that extra leg room makes a difference. We had it for our ou going flight, luckily for our return flight our Business upgrade came through. :cloud9:

[woody73]

. . . The big advantage of multiple round trip tickets is dollar savings. The big DIS-advantage of this is that if you are taking these on the same day, you'll be responsible for getting your luggage upon arrival in the first city, then rechecking it for the second flight to the ultimate destination. You also have to worry about a delay on the first flight, as the second airline may or may not care about your travel problems oh the previous leg. . .

BigBlueMan offers sound advice. Of the many multiple round trips we have taken (listed above in post #118), only one had two flights on one day (Sevilla - Paris - L.A.).

I doubt that we would again independly book two flights on one day.

Woody

[woody73]

. . . we had 7 hours to wait. We did not have to worry about luggage because it was checked, but what to do with 7 hours? Hopped on a train in the airport and - We went to Disneyland! Couldn't have planned it better.

Disneyland Paris is very convenient from Charles de Gaulle airport.

Woody

[woody73]

. . . I agree - you have to be very careful. . .

DH was a victim on the #64 bus in Rome. And we are pretty careful. . .

The #64 is sooooo packed and the thieves are good. . .

We spent a week in Rome in March. We saw several dozens of people try to cram into the #64 bus after it was full.

So much for the advice to "never let anyone invade your personal space no matter what they do. . . and force them to stand back."

What's the saying, "We're not in Kansas anymore, Toto."

Woody

[jlawall]

Thx to all for the great suggestions!!! Soon, we will be booking our TRIP OF A LIFETIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :banana: :cool1: :thumbsup2 :sunny: ;)

[kaseyC]

FYI, for those of us who will be sailing with our Pre-Teen DDs. In August, the Disney Channel will be showing "The Cheetah Girls 2" and the story takes place in Barcelona. I will use it as an opportunity to show my DD what DH and I saw on our trip this past May and also what she and I will be seeing in Barcelona next August. :)

[tupperny]

We are so excited. We booked airfare ($750 pp), pre-cruise apartment (a nice 2 bdrm NE of Bari Gothic) and post cruise hotel (Marriott near airport).

We searched a long time for apartments but felt that we would want to do some cooking on our own (Dinner after 9 pm wasn't for us).

We are so relieved that we are set with resers. Heard about a couple of events going on and some hotels were already booked (not the Disney ones).

Has everyone else booked their apartments/hotels? We found the www.bcninternet.com a good company to work with and they have great reviews.

Bill

[Skallywag]

Hi,

Glad to hear you are getting accommodation and flights sorted.

Just wonder if anyone has found any reasonable ways of getting from airport other than public transport and taxi and also to the port prior to the cruise.

It will help when we know what time we can start to assemble for boarding. Hope it is nice and early so we can spend a lot of time getting settled in before sailing.

Brenda

[AceFabGirlie]

Me and my family are also going on the Med. Cruise and i am so excited because that is where they shot Cheetah Girls 2!!

[pyramid2000]

We are so excited. We booked airfare ($750 pp), pre-cruise apartment (a nice 2 bdrm NE of Bari Gothic) and post cruise hotel (Marriott near airport).

We searched a long time for apartments but felt that we would want to do some cooking on our own (Dinner after 9 pm wasn't for us).

We are so relieved that we are set with resers. Heard about a couple of events going on and some hotels were already booked (not the Disney ones).

Has everyone else booked their apartments/hotels? We found the www.bcninternet.com a good company to work with and they have great reviews.

Bill

What a good idea!! :thumbsup2 We will probably be in Barcelona for at least a few days prior to sailing and this would solve the 5 member family problem that occurs with hotels! I'll have to wait until August to check on prices! :goodvibes

[Hygiene99]

Me and my family are sailing on the Med. Cruise in June. My Question is what is the Port Called?? Also we are trying to find a car rental near or at the port because we are going to spend a couple of days in southern france. if anyone has passed this in there research let me know!

PORT (http://www.apb.es/en/WELCOME) :thumbsup2

[BigBlueMan]

You might want to use the following link for reference purposes. it searchs over 150 different sources for airfare. (I discovered these guys because '60 Minutes' did a feature on one of their executives a while back)

http://www.mobissimo.com/search_airfare.php

It's too early for me to book my airfare, but in a test airfare two weeks before my trip (of the Nashville to Paris leg), on Expedia I was getting a fare of $1,252 per person. Mobissimo found a fare of $857, using a combination of Delta and Air India. (There were a couple others with the same rate, but I didn't look at details.)

Might be fun to search occasionally, just for planning sake.

[OurDogCisco]

Thanks for the search link.... I had a question. I noticed all these search engines usually the best price is by using multiple carriers. When you use multiple carriers does luggage automatically go from airlines to airlines? Are they using airlines that codeshare? I'm just curious how the luggage thing works out.

[slindamood]

When the entire trip is on one ticket, even with multiple carriers, the luggage is sent to the final destination. If you purchase two separate tickets, it depends on whether the two airlines have an agreement.

I have bought separate tickets several times and have been able to have my luggage sent to the final destination if I show both tickets to the agent at the time of check in. However, this does not always hold true if one of your tickets is on a budget airline in Europe.

[OurDogCisco]

Okay, I have another question about France. We are thinking of flying out the Sunday before our Saturday cruise date. So I was thinking of flying to France to spend time at Disneyland Paris but my kids do want to see some things in Paris. Should we make our home base Disneyland Paris and then, spend a day in Paris sightseeing? Or should we book a hotel in Paris for 1 night then, go to Disneyland Paris for 3 nights? We definitely want to fly to Barcelona on Friday and spend the night at the Marriott at the airport.

The main thing I'm concerned about is when we go on Cruises I tend to pack more clothes than we need. So I'm working on packing less but we'll see how that goes. Anyways, I'm concerned about trying to get to Disneyland Paris from the Paris airports with our luggage. I know you can take a train but is that feasible with the luggage?

Any advice would be great? My in-laws weren't much of help in this department because they travel with Europe with minimal amount of luggage.

[BigBlueMan]

Should we make our home base Disneyland Paris and then, spend a day in Paris sightseeing? Or should we book a hotel in Paris for 1 night then, go to Disneyland Paris for 3 nights? We definitely want to fly to Barcelona on Friday and spend the night at the Marriott at the airport.



We're staying in Paris a couple of days after our cruise. We're making home base DLP. If you do that, you'll have no problem getting around as the mass transit goes to DLP, and most tour groups are set up to pick up and deliver to the resorts. For example, our first night we're doing a river dinner cruise that ends up at the Eiffel Tower. They pick us up at DLP and return us after the pah-tee!

[slindamood]

In terms of ease of travel, DLP is easy to get to from CDG and easier and quicker to get to than central Paris. There are buses and trains to DLP. The train station is in the airport and the first stop is DLP - about 15 minutes. I assume you would then take a taxi to your hotel.

We took the train once to DLP from CDG - it is a nice TGV train and you probably could get the extra luggage on. We saw the buses loading and if I had a lot of luggage it looked easier than the tain, especially if they would drop you off at your DLP hotel. I would think a cab or an airport van would not be too unreasonable for the short distance from CDG to DLP.

I would never take the train from CDG to central Paris - very difficult with much luggage at all. If you decide to stay in Paris, take a cab (very expensive) or a van to your hotel. The prearranged airport vans are reasonable compared to a taxi.

[woody73]

. . . Just wonder if anyone has found any reasonable ways of getting from airport other than public transport and taxi and also to the port prior to the cruise. . .

You could reserve a shuttle.

Woody

[woody73]

. . . However, this does not always hold true if one of your tickets is on a budget airline in Europe.

This is true.

Woody

[woody73]

. . . So I was thinking of flying to France to spend time at Disneyland Paris . . .

DLP is worthwhile. We have had annual passes.

Woody

[woody73]

. . . the mass transit goes to DLP, and most tour groups are set up to pick up and deliver to the resorts. For example, our first night we're doing a river dinner cruise that ends up at the Eiffel Tower. They pick us up at DLP and return us after the pah-tee!

If this is your first visit to Paris, a tour is a very good choice. You will have a great time.

For price comparison, if you wanted to visit Paris from DLP on your own, you could get a one day Moblis pass for 12.10 EUR (zones 1-5), that includes the RER train to and from DLP, and unlimited rides on the Metro. A cruise on the Seine (without dinner) costs ~10 EUR.

(Prices are from our most recent trip to Paris in March 2006.)

Woody

[woody73]

. . . I would never take the train from CDG to central Paris - very difficult with much luggage at all. If you decide to stay in Paris, take a cab (very expensive) or a van to your hotel. The prearranged airport vans are reasonable compared to a taxi.

slindamood offers good advice.

We visit Paris at least twice a year. We take the RER train, but with only one carry-on each.

Woody

[BigBlueMan]

We visit Paris at least twice a year. We take the RER train, but with only one carry-on each.


Woody, the subject came up a while back about luggage limitations on European airlines. You have any knowledge of this?

Domestically you can have 40 pounds on the carry on (per piece) and 70 per piece for checked luggage.

Do you (or anyone) know if this is different in Europe? (I did some searches, but it was all greek to me)

[winotracy]

Woody, the subject came up a while back about luggage limitations on European airlines. You have any knowledge of this?

Domestically you can have 40 pounds on the carry on (per piece) and 70 per piece for checked luggage.

Do you (or anyone) know if this is different in Europe? (I did some searches, but it was all greek to me)

I have no knowledge of the limits in Europe, just wanted to add that the domestic limits vary from airline to airline. We usually use Midwest Express and the limits there are only 50 pounds for checked luggage. Haven't seen a limit for carry ons.

[slindamood]

We will be flying SAS within Europe in September - the limit is a total per person of 20Kg checked (44 pounds) and 8 kg carry on (17 lbs) - but limit of 1 item carry-on.

I also checked Sterling, a budget airline - the limits are 20 kg checked and 10 kg carry-on. Interesting note - Sterling charges extra for everything - including a reserved seat (7 Euro) and emergency row (20 euro). the fares are quite cheap, though.

[woody73]

Woody, the subject came up a while back about luggage limitations on European airlines. You have any knowledge of this?

It's much more restrictive than in the States, and varries by carrier. Some airlines are more restrictive than others, and I suggest checking their allowance before booking.

Some airlines are notorious for enforcing the weight restrictions. (We went from London to Paris on British Airways with some friends, and on the return, a six-pack of Perrier in our friends carry-on luggage required him to check is bag).

Woody

[misseulalie]

We have enough points for 4 of us to travel roundtrip to Barcelona from Orlando.

I just called Delta today and the options are horrible. There were basically 2 flights to choose from. One that leaves Barcelona at 7am (which means we get up at 3am) or a flight with 3 stops before getting to Orlando. (not an option with 2 small children)

They said to keep calling every 14 days. This is ridiculous. What is the point of having sky miles if you can't get a flight?

I guess we may have to fly into Madrid or even Paris and take the train.

So....What are your strategies for using sky miles successfully???

[jlawall]

My questions is.....if we book to NY to Paris, then take the train, can we then return from Barcelona to NY economically, or will that make the price substantially worse? :confused3

[ButterbearUK]

don't know if it would work or not. But for those of you who can travel direct to Barcelona from the US, and want to visit DLP, Paris or London:

Have you considered booking return flights to and from Barcelona, booking into a hotel for one night, then leaving some of your luggage with hotel bell services in Barcelona, and taking the train, or plane up to DLP with just one small suitcase for a few days... You could then return to Barcelona the night before the cruise, pick up the bags and not have to worry about low baggage allowances on internal european flights.

Obviously, you'd have to be staying in a hotel that was willing to watch your luggage for a few days, and would have to be careful not to leave valuables in the bags. But it might be worth looking into. :confused3

Milia

[Skallywag]

Just wonder if you are trying to use Delta miles are they still code-share partners with Virgin - if so you can get direct flight with them (subject to availability from Orlando to Gatwick and then direct flight to Barcelona.

Just a thought - cannot remember who else they code share with. Also I know that Delta fly in about 3/4 times daily into Gatwick, know you have to change at Atlanta but have done this several times.
Just think if you try and go overnight train back and forward to Paris you will end up very tired and that is no fun with small children also.
Brenda

[bellelinus]

My questions is.....if we book to NY to Paris, then take the train, can we then return from Barcelona to NY economically, or will that make the price substantially worse? :confused3

I've been looking at Delta flying out of JFK nonstop to Barcelona, then flying out of CDG (Paris) nonstop back to JFK, and the price is about the same as a RT between JFK and BCN. Our plan is to arrive in Barcelona a few days early, enjoy the cruise, fly easyjet from BCN to Paris after the cruise, and then enjoy some time in Paris and DLP.

To do this online, select "multicity" instead of one way or round trip, and compare to the RT price.

[OurDogCisco]

Wow, I've been doing searches for airfare prices and noticed something odd. I've been using the following dates May 24 through June 6th. It is Thursday thru Wednesday of the following week. Our cruise leaves on July 7th so I can't check those prices. I know pretty much I want to fly with KLM because they have the best times from my airport. Otherwise, we'd have to fly out of SFO which I not sold on yet. Anyways, for the past few weeks the cost of the flight was around $1126 per person. Not bad but not great. I checked today and it $2886 per person. I thought I was seeing double. So do the best prices come out the day they are released or what?? Very confused in the high jump in prices. I also I have been checking out of SFO and the price is around $950 per person but on British Airways. But the flight leaves early on depart day that you'd have to spend another night in Spain before catching a flight out.

Now, that's the other thing I noticed a lot of flights leave 6 am to 9 am range. Too early to leave the day you depart. Another reason I'm sticking to KLM because the flight leaves at noon. So, I'm wondering do European Airlines change your flight times a lot like American does? I'm assuming we can't leave earlier than noon?

[BigBlueMan]

I checked today and it $2886 per person. I thought I was seeing double. So do the best prices come out the day they are released or what?? Very confused in the high jump in prices.

Some in these threads would argue that they do. I'm of a different opinion. Depending on the airline, prices are usually a bit cheaper a month or so after they are announced. For example, I've been doing some test dates on my airfare (since my dates aren't available yet either), and I've seen round trip tickets from Paris to Barceona start at $228 (roughly) and a month later be priced at $148.

I did a search this morning for a one-way flight Barcelona to Paris and it was over $700!! A round trip where you throw away the second leg is where I got the $148 rate.

No rhyme no reason on this airline nonsense.

[M&C]

Subscribing.... :wave2:

[jmcdonnell04]

We have enough points for 4 of us to travel roundtrip to Barcelona from Orlando.

I just called Delta today and the options are horrible. There were basically 2 flights to choose from. One that leaves Barcelona at 7am (which means we get up at 3am) or a flight with 3 stops before getting to Orlando. (not an option with 2 small children)

They said to keep calling every 14 days. This is ridiculous. What is the point of having sky miles if you can't get a flight?

I guess we may have to fly into Madrid or even Paris and take the train.

So....What are your strategies for using sky miles successfully???

Misseulalie -- I was just as frustrated trying to use my Delta Skymiles. We are on the June 16th cruise but we are going to DLP before the cruise. I was happy with Delta that allowed USA to Paris -- 3 day layover -- Paris to Barcelona and then Barcelona back to the USA. There are 5 of us and we had enough for 4 tickets (50K miles per ticket). I called Sunday night at 11:55 pm in order to book the return flight at exactly 331 days. Of course, the more direct flights were not available for Skymile usage. The Delta rep said to try back in a couple of weeks if I was not happy with flight selection. I said how would the flights get better when I am calling at the very second that they would be available. I think he got the picture when a couple of itineraries were snatched up while he was trying to book my tickets. He implied that they only allow 4 Skymile tickets per flight.

I was on the phone with Delta until 2 AM and we have our (4) tickets. The Delta rep was very patient and did the best possible job with the restrictions that were put on him. We live between Cincinnati & Dayton but wouldn't you know it we have to depart from Columbus. Our itinerary is as follows:

Tuesday, June 12
4:15 pm Columbus to JFK
8:40 pm JFK to Paris (CDG) 9:55 AM arrival

Saturday, June 16
10:00 am Paris to Barcelona 11:45 AM arrival (Hooray 11-day Cruise)

Wednesday June 27
12:25 pm Barcelona to Paris
3:55 pm Barcelona to Boston
7:20 pm Boston to Columbus

Only the two USA legs are Delta, the rest of the flights are with Air France.
Again, I am very happy with the extra leg and the flight to catch the cruise could not be better. I am waitlisted for a couple of direct flights (ie. the currently empty Flight # 44 from Cincinnati to Paris non-stop, etc.) so there may be pixie dust magic yet. :wizard:

I still need to purchase a ticket for the 5th member of our party and Delta quoted me $ 2261.00 for duplicate itinerary ticket. To purchase, the more direct non-stops from Cincinnati to Paris and Barcelona back to Cincinnati is $ 1249.00. And then we can play the round-trip game as mentioned in other posts for $ 148 from Paris to Barcelona.

Sorry for the long post but thanks for letting me vent. I think I am suffering post-traumatic stress syndrome from lack of sleep trying to book these flights. My advice is to book what you can and then hopefully a waitlist may come through. Good Luck to all. :wave:

[ImprovGal]

In case anyone else was wondering what the heck happened to the "multi-city" option on Air France's website...
According to Air France web support, they've been doing work on that part of the booking engine and it should return on Thursday or Friday of this week.

[MJGirl]

I finally got a chance to quote prices. I 'm flying out of Toronto. I was shocked when I was quoted 2700 a person for Toronto to Paris, and only $908 a person from Toronto to London. I'm planning on a week in Paris, so I quoted July 1 to July 19. I think I may fly into London and do a few days there, then take the chunnel to Paris for a few more days! I can't believe the almost $2000 difference in price? Am I that naive?

[jlawall]

Ok, I was also burning the midnight oil to check out potential flights next summer. I found some decent prices on a JFK - CDG - Barcelona; Barcelona - JFK trip. That's what I'm going to go for next month..............wish me luck! :goodvibes

[scottishwee35]

Subscribing.... :wave2:


I am sorry I dont have clue what that mean?

Scottishwee35

[Scratch42]

I am sorry I dont have clue what that mean?

Scottishwee35

Subscribing means that the person wants to get an email everytime that something is said on this thread. That way the person won't miss out on any pertinent information.

j

[Scratch42]

I finally got a chance to quote prices. I 'm flying out of Toronto. I was shocked when I was quoted 2700 a person for Toronto to Paris, and only $908 a person from Toronto to London. I'm planning on a week in Paris, so I quoted July 1 to July 19. I think I may fly into London and do a few days there, then take the chunnel to Paris for a few more days! I can't believe the almost $2000 difference in price? Am I that naive?

Which Airline are you looking at?

j

[MJGirl]

Which Airline are you looking at?

j

I'm talking Air Canada! Other airlines (Air Transat) don't have prices up for July 07 yet. I'm going to wait awhile before I book!

[AnnaS]

Ok, I was also burning the midnight oil to check out potential flights next summer. I found some decent prices on a JFK - CDG - Barcelona; Barcelona - JFK trip. That's what I'm going to go for next month..............wish me luck! :goodvibes

We are on the same cruise :goodvibes and you are also checking JFK airport as well as us. How about Newark, NJ airport. What is CDG?

Will meet up just in case in our cruise meet thread. ;)

Everyone keep the rates coming and thanks a million.

[Skallywag]

CDG is Charles De Gaulle airport in paris.

[jlawall]

Hey Anna, I believe you are in Staten Island, am I right?? CDG, is Charles de Galle which would get us to Paris.............I believe our other DisFriends from Staten Island are planning to go to Paris as well..............JFK appears to be cheaper than Newark from what I learned so far.....??? :confused3

[Scratch42]

I'm talking Air Canada! Other airlines (Air Transat) don't have prices up for July 07 yet. I'm going to wait awhile before I book!

Thanks! I was hoping since you said it was way out there! I won't travel Air Transat after they took a day away from a WDW trip!

Have you checked Continental? What about ZOOM Airlines. They fly to Paris but unfortunately for me they fly Sunday too early, Wednesday too late.

j

[OurDogCisco]

MV Photon had posted this on the regular Cruise page so I thought I'd copy it and move it over here.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1184080



Many veteran Mediterranean cruisers assert that their experiences have been enhanced via the use of private tour guides at several ports.

Potential advantages include:
customized itineraries
see exactly what you want
leave once you've seen enough
luxury Mercedes mini-vans
access to ancient & narrow inner-city streets, off-limits to large buses
not touring with lots of other people's children (...sorry!)
no waiting for stragglers to return to the bus
opportunity to bypass lines at popular attractions (w/ licensed guides)
While such tours may appear to be costly at 450 - 660 Euro/day, that fee covers an entire party of 6 - 8 passengers; thus, the cost per person is competitive with that of the cattle calls.

While I claim no first-hand expertise, I have spent many hours perusing the Boards at several cruise forums (e.g. – www.cruisecritic.com) to compile this list of recommended firms & guides at Disney Cruise Lines’ 2007 European ports of call, in rough order of the frequency & enthusiasm of endorsements:

Barcelona
www.pepitotours.com/private-tours-barcelona.html Jose Soler
http://wwguides.com/forums/member.php?u=243
www.gobarcelona.com/
BCNtour-taxi Armando Panedas
(34) 60-419-756 armandopanedas@vodafone.es
www.barcelonatourguides.com/ Patrick
http://www.taxiinternacional.com/en...ternacional.htm Angie

Palermo, Sicily
www.easytoursicilia.it/indexe.htm Sylvano Lunetta
www.sicily-tour.com/ Stephen Davies
www.sicilylife.com/Tours.htm

Don’t miss the Capuchin Catacombs:http://www.palermoweb.com/sottopale...cappuccini1.htm

Naples (Pompeii)
http://driveamalfi.com/ Salvatore Lucibello, Adriano, Roberto
www.drivesorrento.com/ Nello Russo
www.seesorrento.com/chi_sono_eng.html Marcello Maresca, Eugiene, Marco
www.aptours.it/Site/default.asp?Lang=EN Alberto
www.francescomarrapese.com/excursions.htm Francesco
www.pleasantravel.com/index.htm Mariano Fiorentino
www.jackthedriver.com/ Jack, Lorenzo Bianco
www.benvenutolimos.com/ Giovanni
http://www.sorrentocardrivers.com/S...ult.asp?Lang=EN Raffael
www.cuomonet.it/ Renato
http://aldotaxi.net/ Aldo
www.driverinrome.com …but avoid Guiliana
http://tourofitaly.com/
www.hiddenitalytours.com/ Mariano Fiorentino

Olbia, Sardinia


Civitavecchia (Rome)
www.limoinrome.com/home.htm Claudio Caponera , Fabrizio
www.driverinrome.com/ Daniele Melaragno, Remo (his father), Pepe, Manny
http://romeinlimo.com/ Duman & Carlo
www.romelimousineservice.com/ Max Leotta
www.romecabs.com/ Stefano Costantini
www.romeconnection.com/ Marco

Don’t miss the Scavi Tour (Vatican necropolis):http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/i...0040112_en.html

La Spezia (Florence / Pisa)
www.florencetour.com/ Paola Migliorni
www.tuscanyinmypocket.com/ Guido
www.abcwine.it/off%20shore.htm Carla Giomi
www.papillonservice.com/ Lisa, Roberto
www.tuscanybytaxi.it/ Ricardo
www.sunflower-tours.com/services.htm Giovanni Sirabella
www.limoinrome.com/home.htm Claudio
Alessandro Cammilli alecamma@hotmail.com
Pauline Priore paulinep@tin.it

Pre-book tickets to Ufizi and Academia Galleria:www.florenceart.it/
Dial 011 (U.S. international access code) 39 (Italy's country code) 055-294-883 during the hours of 8:30 AM -6:30 PM M-F & 8:30-12:00 Sat. Florence time.

Pre-book to Leaning Tower of Pisa (available 45 – 16 days in advance): www.opapisa.it/boxoffice/index.jsp

Marseilles
http://rendez-vous-provence.com/en/contact.html Olivier N’guyen
www.taxidurand.com/guide2.htm
www.provence-taxi-tourisme.com/
http://www.provence-travel.com/prov...ers/cities.html Catherine D'Antuono
http://provencesightseeing.com/
http://provencetours.free.fr/accueil_anglais.htm
Villefranche (Monte Carlo / Cannes / Nice)
www.revelation-tours.com/cruise.html Michel LeGrand, Isoline
www.dream-tours.com/layout.php?page=106&lang=us Alain, Frederic, Jean Marc
www.azur-guides-interpretes.com/ Sylvie DiCristo
www.riviera-prestige-tours.com/ Eva Devemy

P.S.- The more renowned guides are often booked up months or more ahead of time. More than a year in advance, we have already reserved our guides (the top on each list) for the 28 July 2007 11-day cruise.

[carolmb]

Thanks for posting the above list. I have been pouring over the cruise critic message boards for ideas. We definetly want to go the private tour route. I figure our kids, DS almost 9 and DD 6, will get more out of a tour that can be somewhat tailored to them. I guess I need to get busy and start lining up the tours. Thanks again. :cheer2:
Carol

[OurDogCisco]

Thanks for posting the above list. I have been pouring over the cruise critic message boards for ideas. We definetly want to go the private tour route. I figure our kids, DS almost 9 and DD 6, will get more out of a tour that can be somewhat tailored to them. I guess I need to get busy and start lining up the tours. Thanks again. :cheer2:
Carol

I'm starting to feel better about this trip especially hearing about others bringing their kids. My kids will be 9 1/2 and 6 when we go but they are girls.

[Whiskers]

Hi everyone :wave2:
I've been lurking but now I have a question about the Disney transfers in Barcelona. We were going to take a taxi from the airport to hotel but I've been reading about the pickpocket/ bag snatching problems in Barcelona so I'm nervous and would now rather take Disney transfers. How do Disney transfers work - I've never used them before on our other cruises. We're not doing air through DCL so do I just tell them when we are due to arrive? And will they really transport just our little group of 4 or do they wait till more people arrive?

[slindamood]

Sorry - no information on Barcelona - but more on transfers in Paris.

For those interested in the Air France bus from the CDG airport to Paris (you don't have to fly on air france to take it) - there are four routes with regular service - check out the following - gives routes and prices
http://www.cars-airfrance.com/

If this is near your destination, may be easier than the RER for public transportation - the RER is not handicap accessible, which means you may have to carry baggage up or down several flights of stairs.

[konslerg]

Hi everyone :wave2:
I've been lurking but now I have a question about the Disney transfers in Barcelona. We were going to take a taxi from the airport to hotel but I've been reading about the pickpocket/ bag snatching problems in Barcelona so I'm nervous and would now rather take Disney transfers. How do Disney transfers work - I've never used them before on our other cruises. We're not doing air through DCL so do I just tell them when we are due to arrive? And will they really transport just our little group of 4 or do they wait till more people arrive?

My understanding (Please, please correct me if I'm wrong.) is that Disney transfers will cover airport to hotel; hotel to ship and ship back to hotel and/or airport.

...and you must be staying at one of the Disney-booking hotels in order to take advantage of the transfers.

Gloria in Miami

[woody73]

CDG is Charles De Gaulle airport in paris.

CDG is north of Paris. Orly Airport (ORY) is south of Paris.

Woody

[woody73]

. . . While such tours may appear to be costly at 450 - 660 Euro/day, that fee covers an entire party of 6 - 8 passengers; thus, the cost per person is competitive with that of the cattle calls. . .

Seems expensive.

Woody

[woody73]

. . . For those interested in the Air France bus from the CDG airport to Paris (you don't have to fly on air france to take it) - there are four routes with regular service - check out the following - gives routes and prices . . .

We took the Air France bus a few times, and have been pleased. We took it most recently in March 2006 because the RER station at CDG was closed due to a bomb threat (that's another story).

One nice thing about the AF bus is you need not worry about pickpockets since it does not have intermediate stops. So you can sit back and enjoy the view -- it travels at ground level.

Woody

[Soccermom-Cheri]

question for the panel:

the waters in the western Med during late June - early July ...
smooth, rough, comparable to ?





now back to "Transportation Talk" popcorn::

[BigBlueMan]

question for the panel:

the waters in the western Med during late June - early July ...
smooth, rough, comparable to ?



W-E-T.....
(now what does this "I speak WHALE" thing mean, anyway?

[jlawall]

Are you familiar with the movie, Finding Nemo? :lmao:

BTW, I would also like to know about the seas in the Med in the summer.... :confused3

[J&B_Disney]

I had DCL book us from Toronto - Barcelona and then Orlando - Toronto for $1,900 for the two of us. Granted I still need to get from Edmonton - Toronto and then Toronto - Edmonton but I can do that with my Air Miles for little cost.

I checked Air Canada last night (July 2007 not August) and the multi city ticket from Edmonton - Barcelona and then Orlando - Edmonton was $3,800 and that was just for one person. Crazy!!

[OurDogCisco]

I had DCL book us from Toronto - Barcelona and then Orlando - Toronto for $1,900 for the two of us. Granted I still need to get from Edmonton - Toronto and then Toronto - Edmonton but I can do that with my Air Miles for little cost.

Wow, that is a great rate. The best I could get with Disney is around 1700 per person from SFO and airport that is 2 hours from my home. So I know I can do better.

[scottishwee35]

MV Photon had posted this on the regular Cruise page so I thought I'd copy it and move it over here.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1184080



Many veteran Mediterranean cruisers assert that their experiences have been enhanced via the use of private tour guides at several ports.

Potential advantages include:
customized itineraries
see exactly what you want
leave once you've seen enough
luxury Mercedes mini-vans
access to ancient & narrow inner-city streets, off-limits to large buses
not touring with lots of other people's children (...sorry!)
no waiting for stragglers to return to the bus
opportunity to bypass lines at popular attractions (w/ licensed guides)
While such tours may appear to be costly at 450 - 660 Euro/day, that fee covers an entire party of 6 - 8 passengers; thus, the cost per person is competitive with that of the cattle calls.

While I claim no first-hand expertise, I have spent many hours perusing the Boards at several cruise forums (e.g. – www.cruisecritic.com) to compile this list of recommended firms & guides at Disney Cruise Lines’ 2007 European ports of call, in rough order of the frequency & enthusiasm of endorsements:

Barcelona
www.pepitotours.com/private-tours-barcelona.html Jose Soler
http://wwguides.com/forums/member.php?u=243
www.gobarcelona.com/
BCNtour-taxi Armando Panedas
(34) 60-419-756 armandopanedas@vodafone.es
www.barcelonatourguides.com/ Patrick
http://www.taxiinternacional.com/en...ternacional.htm Angie

Palermo, Sicily
www.easytoursicilia.it/indexe.htm Sylvano Lunetta
www.sicily-tour.com/ Stephen Davies
www.sicilylife.com/Tours.htm

Don’t miss the Capuchin Catacombs:http://www.palermoweb.com/sottopale...cappuccini1.htm

Naples (Pompeii)
http://driveamalfi.com/ Salvatore Lucibello, Adriano, Roberto
www.drivesorrento.com/ Nello Russo
www.seesorrento.com/chi_sono_eng.html Marcello Maresca, Eugiene, Marco
www.aptours.it/Site/default.asp?Lang=EN Alberto
www.francescomarrapese.com/excursions.htm Francesco
www.pleasantravel.com/index.htm Mariano Fiorentino
www.jackthedriver.com/ Jack, Lorenzo Bianco
www.benvenutolimos.com/ Giovanni
http://www.sorrentocardrivers.com/S...ult.asp?Lang=EN Raffael
www.cuomonet.it/ Renato
http://aldotaxi.net/ Aldo
www.driverinrome.com …but avoid Guiliana
http://tourofitaly.com/
www.hiddenitalytours.com/ Mariano Fiorentino

Olbia, Sardinia


Civitavecchia (Rome)
www.limoinrome.com/home.htm Claudio Caponera , Fabrizio
www.driverinrome.com/ Daniele Melaragno, Remo (his father), Pepe, Manny
http://romeinlimo.com/ Duman & Carlo
www.romelimousineservice.com/ Max Leotta
www.romecabs.com/ Stefano Costantini
www.romeconnection.com/ Marco

Don’t miss the Scavi Tour (Vatican necropolis):http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/i...0040112_en.html

La Spezia (Florence / Pisa)
www.florencetour.com/ Paola Migliorni
www.tuscanyinmypocket.com/ Guido
www.abcwine.it/off%20shore.htm Carla Giomi
www.papillonservice.com/ Lisa, Roberto
www.tuscanybytaxi.it/ Ricardo
www.sunflower-tours.com/services.htm Giovanni Sirabella
www.limoinrome.com/home.htm Claudio
Alessandro Cammilli alecamma@hotmail.com
Pauline Priore paulinep@tin.it

Pre-book tickets to Ufizi and Academia Galleria:www.florenceart.it/
Dial 011 (U.S. international access code) 39 (Italy's country code) 055-294-883 during the hours of 8:30 AM -6:30 PM M-F & 8:30-12:00 Sat. Florence time.

Pre-book to Leaning Tower of Pisa (available 45 – 16 days in advance): www.opapisa.it/boxoffice/index.jsp

Marseilles
http://rendez-vous-provence.com/en/contact.html Olivier N’guyen
www.taxidurand.com/guide2.htm
www.provence-taxi-tourisme.com/
http://www.provence-travel.com/prov...ers/cities.html Catherine D'Antuono
http://provencesightseeing.com/
http://provencetours.free.fr/accueil_anglais.htm
Villefranche (Monte Carlo / Cannes / Nice)
www.revelation-tours.com/cruise.html Michel LeGrand, Isoline
www.dream-tours.com/layout.php?page=106&lang=us Alain, Frederic, Jean Marc
www.azur-guides-interpretes.com/ Sylvie DiCristo
www.riviera-prestige-tours.com/ Eva Devemy

P.S.- The more renowned guides are often booked up months or more ahead of time. More than a year in advance, we have already reserved our guides (the top on each list) for the 28 July 2007 11-day cruise.

Hi

Sound great but.......

We have been looking at Cruise Critic Cruise reviews and sound good that hire private etc like above and yes it is expensive but worth to have share 6 to 8.

Again, we both are disability that we both are deaf and wonder if it is suitable for us to have hire private. As communicate will be problem for us, I can lipread and talking but my point of view that I think it would not suitable for us unless someone who book it and we are happy to share with it.

We have to wait and see what Disney own excursion first as won't come out until 105 days.

Perhaps, we like to do own trip but again might be difficult as we cannot hearing in different place, for example, like rome, etc , different languages well.

Hopeful, if we get an interpreter in disney cruise, maybe we should pay the interpreter to come with us and help us the conversations??

Are any deaf people are going to Med. Cruise??

I will be happy if anyone who can give me any ideas.

Thank you.

Scottishwee35

[Doingitagain]

We are traveling for a week after the cruise. Has anyone looked into shipping dress clothes home after the cruise? It would be nice not to have to carry that extra luggage around for a week.

[Soccermom-Cheri]

We are traveling for a week after the cruise. Has anyone looked into shipping dress clothes home after the cruise? It would be nice not to have to carry that extra luggage around for a week.
dress clothes? oh yeah, that formal night thing ... think DCL would change it to a tropical night if we asked nicely? yeah, I didn't think so. Can you ship a box from whatever hotel you stay at after you get off of the ship? Maybe you could give it to Ray and ... yeah maybe not that either. Cheri is 0 for 2 ...

[Scott H]

We are traveling for a week after the cruise. Has anyone looked into shipping dress clothes home after the cruise? It would be nice not to have to carry that extra luggage around for a week.

I went to teh Fedex and UPS sites a while back and kinda recall a 10kg box costing about $80.00 to ship. Could be wrong but that is what I recall.

[Doingitagain]

Can you ship a box from whatever hotel you stay at after you get off of the ship?
We are leaving Barcelona the same day we get off the ship and flying to the UK (hopefully). I would love not to have to drag extra luggage with us.

[slindamood]

We travel in Europe each summer, and I always ship home a box at least once (we travel quite light on trains etc.). This summer I shipped a box from Amsterdam - 12" x 8" x 20" - it held quite a lot. I bought the box at the post office and shipped it for about $30 (with euro about 1.3 to $1 U.S., including exchange fees). That is a fairly typical price for most countries.

Look on a map of Barcelona - there will be a post office in a central location - you can buy a box or two there before the cruise - flat- can take it onboard- and ship it when you get off.

I have seen people ship suitcases. Not in a box, not wrapped. Just a suitcase. Have not tried it, but might if it meant traveling without that tux and formal wear.

[woody73]

. . . I have seen people ship suitcases. Not in a box, not wrapped. Just a suitcase. Have not tried it, but might if it meant traveling without that tux and formal wear.

I own a tux, but would rent on a Med cruise.

Woody

[slindamood]

Speaking of renting tuxes, I believe that a FL company does the tuxes for cruises out of CC. Has anyone heard about how the tux rental will be handled out of Barcelona? I can't imagine a cruise that does not offer tux rental, but this will be a bit different.

[CubCatsK&D]

I have a question for all you experienced cruisers: How much time should I allow for getting off the ship and getting to the airport?

According to the schedule, the ship gets into port at 6:45 a.m. on Wednesday. (We're on the first cruise, May 26-June 6.) I know it's a whole different country, port, and airport, but based on your experience, what would be the earliest you would book your return flight?

Thanks for any insight. :)

[OurDogCisco]

I have a question for all you experienced cruisers: How much time should I allow for getting off the ship and getting to the airport?

According to the schedule, the ship gets into port at 6:45 a.m. on Wednesday. (We're on the first cruise, May 26-June 6.) I know it's a whole different country, port, and airport, but based on your experience, what would be the earliest you would book your return flight?

Thanks for any insight. :)

Good question... I'm curious for the answer too. I'm sure someone on cruise critic would know.

I noticed for West coast flights that they leave very early from Barcelona around 6 am or so. I found one airlines that leaves at noon. So I'm hoping that is enough time. I'm thinking it is because I believe the port and the airport are pretty close together.

[Scott H]

We travel in Europe each summer, and I always ship home a box at least once (we travel quite light on trains etc.). This summer I shipped a box from Amsterdam - 12" x 8" x 20" - it held quite a lot. I bought the box at the post office and shipped it for about $30 (with euro about 1.3 to $1 U.S., including exchange fees). That is a fairly typical price for most countries.

Look on a map of Barcelona - there will be a post office in a central location - you can buy a box or two there before the cruise - flat- can take it onboard- and ship it when you get off.

I have seen people ship suitcases. Not in a box, not wrapped. Just a suitcase. Have not tried it, but might if it meant traveling without that tux and formal wear.

Thats a reasonable rate, was that via Postal Service???

[slindamood]

Scott- it was the Post Office. Post offices in Europe are very similar to U.S. - no real culture shock in dealing with them.

[PURTYPAT1]

I usually mail a package to the ship. Does anyone know if this possible to mail a package to meet the Wonder in Barcelona? Just a great thought.

I bet not.

Patricia

[kaseyC]

I have a question for all you experienced cruisers: How much time should I allow for getting off the ship and getting to the airport?

According to the schedule, the ship gets into port at 6:45 a.m. on Wednesday. (We're on the first cruise, May 26-June 6.) I know it's a whole different country, port, and airport, but based on your experience, what would be the earliest you would book your return flight?

Thanks for any insight. :)

From our experience I would allow at least 4 hours or possibly even more since it will only be DCL's second disembarkation in Barcelona, so they still may be working out the kinks. I definately would not book a flight before 11:00 am. Also, consider looking into a private car service to meet you at the port, so you will not have to wait for them to fill a bus and/or arrive at the airport with a crowd. We used Angie's Taxi and they were awesome. DD and I will use them next summer for our transfers from the Airport to port for the Westbound Repo in August.

This past May we spent a post cruise night in Barcelona and flew out the next day on a 7:30 am flight that with our connection got us into Chicago by 3:00 pm. In the end it was less expensive to stay the extra night than take the later flight on the same day as disembarkation.

[kaseyC]

Good question... I'm curious for the answer too. I'm sure someone on cruise critic would know.

I noticed for West coast flights that they leave very early from Barcelona around 6 am or so. I found one airlines that leaves at noon. So I'm hoping that is enough time. I'm thinking it is because I believe the port and the airport are pretty close together.

The port and the airport are not that far apart. Be sure to take into consideration how many other ships may be disembarking that day. This past May our cruise ended on a Sunday and there were 4 other ships in port. At least 3 of them were what I would consider Mega ships- RCCL Voyager, Carnival Liberty and either the Grand or Golden Princess.

[RJAYL]

Boy! Just finished a Kayak search those airfares prices from Boston to either London, Paris or Barcelona are HIGH! :sad2:
The only good point to pricing so far are the inter europe air fares roundtrips from $80 to $180 on various flight plans! :thumbsup2
Must wait for price drop on the transcontinental flights! :moped:

[Soccermom-Cheri]

I usually mail a package to the ship. Does anyone know if this possible to mail a package to meet the Wonder in Barcelona? Just a great thought.

I bet not.

Patricia
You're right. The Wonder will be in Orlando. :rotfl2:


(sorry, I couldn't resist - that is something I do all of the time. I hope you do get an answer. It would be great to ship luggage -and maybe vino- ahead of time)

[BigBlueMan]

You're right. The Wonder will be in Orlando. :rotfl2:


(sorry, I couldn't resist - that is something I do all of the time. I hope you do get an answer. It would be great to ship luggage -and maybe vino- ahead of time)

NOTE TO THREAD READERS: The previous comments are not those of the general group, but are limited to one "Soccermom-Cheri", who was "trippin" after eating what is known as a "kitchen sink", quoted as consisting of the following... "about 8 scoops of ice cream, about 4 toppings, some angel food cake ('cuz it's low fat), a Milky Way bar and an entire can of whipped cream ... " As you can see, it would be EASY for her to be out of her mind, and downright smart-alecky with that much sugar in her system.... Our apologies to the readers of this thread, and we now return you to our regularly scheduled comments...

And as the dear departed Bartles & Jaymes said... "Thank you for your support..."

[slindamood]

These are the busses I saw loading at CDG for Disney Land Paris. They looked quite comfy and convenient and drop you off at your hotel. 16 euro per adult - with pickup at each of the CDG terminals, convenient to the luggage carousels. Plenty of room under the bus for luggage. Run every 20 minutes.

http://www.vea.fr/uk/index.asp

[Soccermom-Cheri]

NOTE TO THREAD READERS: The previous comments are not those of the general group, but are limited to one "Soccermom-Cheri", who was "trippin" after eating what is known as a "kitchen sink", quoted as consisting of the following... "about 8 scoops of ice cream, about 4 toppings, some angel food cake ('cuz it's low fat), a Milky Way bar and an entire can of whipped cream ... " As you can see, it would be EASY for her to be out of her mind, and downright smart-alecky with that much sugar in her system.... Our apologies to the readers of this thread, and we now return you to our regularly scheduled comments...

And as the dear departed Bartles & Jaymes said... "Thank you for your support..."
sheesh! it was a gentle ribbing from someone who calls her children "whicheveroneyouare" to avoid calling them the wrong names.

[RJAYL]

These are the busses I saw loading at CDG for Disney Land Paris. They looked quite comfy and convenient and drop you off at your hotel. 16 euro per adult - with pickup at each of the CDG terminals, convenient to the luggage carousels. Plenty of room under the bus for luggage. Run every 20 minutes.

http://www.vea.fr/uk/index.asp
Great Info thanks :thumbsup2

[RJAYL]

sheesh! it was a gentle ribbing from someone who calls her children "whicheveroneyouare" to avoid calling them the wrong names.
Everyone please excuse BBM & Soccermom Cheri (they used to be confined to the June 27 2007 Rodney dangerfield cruise meet thread, but somehow have escaped!) :lmao:

The way they carry on you would think they were married or somethin! :rotfl2:

[BigBlueMan]

Everyone please excuse BBM & Soccermom Cheri (they used to be confined to the June 27 2007 Rodney dangerfield cruise meet thread, but somehow have escaped!) :lmao:

The way they carry on you would think they were married or somethin! :rotfl2:

Now Cheri, you KNOW my ribbing was "gentle" right back!

Gonna go look at the wife. Make sure I'm not confused and it IS Cheri.

[CubCatsK&D]

Thanks for the advice on timing the flight back home. This is our first cruise, Disney or otherwise, so we are relatively clueless about a number of things. :) After doing more research, it seems the best option for us leaves Barcelona at 1:30 (Iberia) and connects through London to Chicago (American), so that should be plenty of time. AA has decent schedules and fares going from Chicago-O'Hare. We might try to use some miles for one of the tickets, so we are looking to book pretty soon!

[Scott H]

Scott- it was the Post Office. Post offices in Europe are very similar to U.S. - no real culture shock in dealing with them.

Right you are, I used Eurpoean Postal services way back when, ya know the after college trip. So in my old age I guess I got into tracking packages, that way when I forget some one knows where they are. LOL

Now that I remember more, at DLP there is a Post office in the train station.

[jlawall]

Thx to all for the excellent ideas...............how about the rough seas questions?? :confused3

[konslerg]

There's a really interesting l;ittle article in today's New York Timers about how the "turista" get ripped off at restaurants in Rome.

Basically, it says there are two prices ...one for locals and one for tourists. Of course, the tourist prices are higher. Also, they might tack on an extra 5 Euros to a bottle of wine or do "fuzzy math" on an unitemized bill ...or, if they can't jack the price up, the waiter may "flag" the order of a tourist and then the chef will use inferior ingredients like pre-cooked pasta, watered down sauce or left-overs from the day before.

...and it says that the Italians so this with a bit of humor, thinking it's ok to shaft the tourists because they are not Italian.

So, beware, everyone when in Rome (although I'm not sure what one would do to prevent it even if you knew it was going on).

Gloria in Miami

[woody73]

There's a really interesting little article in today's New York Times about how the "turista" get ripped off at restaurants in Rome. . .

So, beware, everyone when in Rome . . .

In March we spent a week in Rome. If you go to reputable restaurants, you will be fine. Either get a recommendation or a good guide book.

Woody

[Frankiesmom]

Hi to all! We are thinking of switching our April cruise to a med cruise. I was wondering how many of you are traveling with small children? We will be a group of 2 parents-myself 35,and DH 47-kids ages 18,17,14,5,2. Have never been to Europe before. I would like some advice on doing a pre stay in London. Any ideas/advice would be appreciated-including how to book or check into air. etc getting from London to Barcelona. I too was interested in Paris but my DH and 2 dear stepsons will have none of that-the boat is already stopping in France,right?-That was the response I got. So London it will have to be. Any help here would be soooo great! Thanks,Angel

[Skallywag]

Hi Angel,

Welcome aboard. When you decide which of the cruises you want come over and join the board for that cruise also.

As we are from England have been posting some information on London and things to do and see - just ask and you will get all the information you need.

Flights from England to Barcelona seem to be getting booked up quite quickly. British Airways is anyway from Gatwick so it is wise to get booked as soon as possible.

You are right the cruise does stop at two locations in France as well as Italy.
Brenda

[Skallywag]

Hope this link works - information on London.
http://www.touruk.co.uk/london_transport/transport_riverboat.htm

Brenda

[BigBlueMan]

Well, I guess that today's activities in London have solidified my intentions to arrive in Barcelona a few days before the cruise..

I'd sure as heck hate to be late for the Med Cruise because my hair gel got confiscated..

[slindamood]

Yeah - and in one of the photos, I noted that stick deodorant is being confiscated. Sure would want my fellow cruisers (self included) to have time to buy more.

[RJAYL]

Hi to all! We are thinking of switching our April cruise to a med cruise. I was wondering how many of you are traveling with small children? We will be a group of 2 parents-myself 35,and DH 47-kids ages 18,17,14,5,2. Have never been to Europe before. I would like some advice on doing a pre stay in London. Any ideas/advice would be appreciated-including how to book or check into air. etc getting from London to Barcelona. I too was interested in Paris but my DH and 2 dear stepsons will have none of that-the boat is already stopping in France,right?-That was the response I got. So London it will have to be. Any help here would be soooo great! Thanks,Angel
Hi I will be on the cruise with 14,12,6,3 year old children with the older ones it is easy its the young ones you have to worry about. :teeth:
Keep it simple & do not be to agressive with your touring plans we are planning on going to DLP before the cruise and using it as our base to visit Paris, I was originally debating about London, but have started to think that London to Paris to Barcelona would be a bit much for the group! :grouphug:

BBM just go cold turkey on the hair Gel, but make sure you pack your deodorant! For the sake of your fellow cruisers! :lmao:

[disneyccrn]

Does anyone know if there are excursions to Tunisia from Gibraltar? We're doing the repo to Florida in August.

[Scott H]

Does anyone know if there are excursions to Tunisia from Gibraltar? We're doing the repo to Florida in August.

There is a ferry that makes the trip, I am not having much luck getting a schedule.

[Skallywag]

You can get a ferry to Tangier on a day trip from Gibraltar but think you would be a bit short on time. Look on the web site www.gibraltar.co.uk

Brenda

[Skallywag]

Can only find ferry link to Tunisia from Genoa,Malta, Marseille or Palermo.

Brenda

[BigBlueMan]

Just got through watching Samantha Brown in Barcelona.

I had NO idea what a great city that is. I'm glad we've tentatively changed our schedule to get into port a few days early so we can look around a bit.

If you guys aren't watching Samantha on the Travel Channel, you're missing out on shows on just about every port we're visiting.

[disneylover5]

We will be flying to either Paris or Barcelona from Dulles....what is everyone budgeting for airfare?

[PURTYPAT1]

We will be flying to either Paris or Barcelona from Dulles....what is everyone budgeting for airfare?

Hi disneylover5

We booked our airfare. We're spending an extra day in London after the cruise.

AA
6/14 - 6/28
JFK to LHR
LHR to JFK
= $892.00 this includes a 10.00 booking fee, I had to do over the phone, since we have vouchers. With the vochers it comes to only,
$292.00 a ticket. :thumbsup2

We connect in London

British Airlines
6/15 to 6/27
LHR to BCN
BCN to LHR
=$205.50 (which includes a $10.00 on phone booking fee)

Phew......glad I am finished with the airfare.


Did anyone else book there fare as of yet?

[jlawall]

I'm glad someone clarified the Gilbraltar question, I didn't think we were all going there!! :rotfl2:

Thx for the SB tip!!

[UMTerp]

Too soon for us to book airfare (we are on the 8/8 cruise). I'm looking at the same options as disneylover5. When I checked with some dummy dates, it looked like I could fly out of Philadelphia for quite a bit less. It may be worth the drive. The quote I got from DCL was ~1300 each for the first three and ~1200 for the last person (child). This included flight on the day of the cruise and transfers to the port. If we wanted to fly in early, there would be a $50 per person charge plus hotel at $375 a night!!!! This would be over $6000 for our family to fly in a day early!

Hope everyone has good luck with their travel plans!

UMTerp

[MJGirl]

Just got through watching Samantha Brown in Barcelona.

I had NO idea what a great city that is. I'm glad we've tentatively changed our schedule to get into port a few days early so we can look around a bit.

If you guys aren't watching Samantha on the Travel Channel, you're missing out on shows on just about every port we're visiting.

I haven't been able to find this show in Canada. Our Travel Channel is different and we don't get half the good shows you do. :sad1:

Does anyone know if I can download episodes :surfweb: on the net, and if so Where do I go? and How do I do so? Thanks.

[MJGirl]

Just got through watching Samantha Brown in Barcelona.

I had NO idea what a great city that is. I'm glad we've tentatively changed our schedule to get into port a few days early so we can look around a bit.

If you guys aren't watching Samantha on the Travel Channel, you're missing out on shows on just about every port we're visiting.

I haven't been able to find this show in Canada. Our Travel Channel is different and we don't get half the good shows you do. :sad1:

Does anyone know if I can download episodes :surfweb: on the net, and if so Where do I go? and How do I do so? Thanks.

[bellelinus]

I haven't been able to find this show in Canada. Our Travel Channel is different and we don't get half the good shows you do. :sad1:

Does anyone know if I can download episodes :surfweb: on the net, and if so Where do I go? and How do I do so? Thanks.

iTunes has the Samantha Brown "Passport to Europe" series available for download (at least on the US site -- not sure if Canada would be any different).

[woody73]

We also enjoy watching Rick Steves for a glimpse of European cities.

Woody

[Kissimmee]

Has anyone booked their flights yet? What fares? From Where to where?

[BigBlueMan]

10 MONTHS 9 DAYS!!!!!

(It had gotten toooooo quiet in here....)

[RJAYL]

10 MONTHS 9 DAYS!!!!!

(It had gotten toooooo quiet in here....)
SHHHHHHHHHHHHH Dont tell anyone but I booked my Barcelona Tour Guide! :rotfl:

[BigBlueMan]

SHHHHHHHHHHHHH Dont tell anyone but I booked my Barcelona Tour Guide! :rotfl:

Your secret's safe with me... I'm reading this in my modified Maxwell Smart "Cone of Silence", which prohibits others from reading as well..

[Soccermom-Cheri]

SHHHHHHHHHHHHH Dont tell anyone but I booked my Barcelona Tour Guide! :rotfl:
you, of course, reserved space for the Soccers - just let us know what time to meet you. (BBM, thanks for the *** loan)

[RJAYL]

you, of course, reserved space for the Soccers - just let us know what time to meet you. (BBM, thanks for the *** loan)
Any tour can be modified once you have hired the guide! :thumbsup2 However it should be mentioned that its nicey nice to split the price!(Rhymes you know) :banana:

[MrsJobba1]

Hi all,

I just thought I would subscribe. I have been looking around for flights from UK to Barcelona. I would like to book from Newcastle. Sadly BA do not do a direct flight. I know easy jet fly there but anyone any other suggestions?

Thanks

[slindamood]

I have been trying to figure out low cost flights from the US through various European cities, and have the following notes about airlines that fly to Barcelona. some flights are quite cheap - e.g., transavia from Amsterdam is about $25 U.S. This is not a complete list, of course.

From Newcastle - only one I noted was easyjet, which you already knew of.

Air Berlin - from London, Amsterdam, frankfurt, Berlin and Zurich to BCN.

flybmi.com - from various British cities (Manchester, London) to Malaga, near Barcelona

centralwings.com - from Warsaw to Barcelona

germanwings.com - from cologne and Stuttgart to Barcelona

ryanair.com - from large number of cities to Girona airport (GRD) near
Barcelona

easyjet - from London, Newcastle, Paris, Liverpool, Berlin, GEneva, Basel, Bristol to BCN

Sky Euorpe - Budapest, Krakow, Prague, Warsaw to BCN

Smartwings.com - Budapest, Prague to BCN

Spanair.com - Dublin, Zurich, Copenhagen to BCN

Sterling Air - www.sterlingticket.com - Stockholm, Copenhage, Oslo to BCN

transavia.com - from Amsterdam to Barcelona

virgin-express.com - from Brussels to BCN

vueling.com - Paris, Brussels, ROme, Amsterdam, VEnice, Milan to BCN

[BigBlueMan]

I have been trying to figure out low cost flights from the US through various European cities, and have the following notes about airlines that fly to Barcelona. some flights are quite cheap - e.g., transavia from Amsterdam is about $25 U.S. This is not a complete list, of course.



Be VERY aware of the value European flights and their luggage policy. Your allowances could be very small, and you could end up paying a pretty steep penalty for the luggage you brought from the US for free.

[scottishwee35]

Hi all,

I just thought I would subscribe. I have been looking around for flights from UK to Barcelona. I would like to book from Newcastle. Sadly BA do not do a direct flight. I know easy jet fly there but anyone any other suggestions?

Thanks

Good Morning Mrs Jobb

Look like we have similiar as I have been searching as BA don't have direct flight from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Newcastle. I am disappointed with it. I don't want stop over in London *** I have two kids and luggages well. I just want direct flight and there is one that I am waiting as flyglobespan.com have direct flight from Edinburgh and Glasgow. Not sure about Newcastle and you can check it if available at Newcastle.

I phoned flyglobespan and they told me phone back next month in middle of Sept.

Look like Easyjet for you, only one that direct to Barcelona. Keep eye on it.

Scottishwee35

[slindamood]

Be VERY aware of the value European flights and their luggage policy. Your allowances could be very small, and you could end up paying a pretty steep penalty for the luggage you brought from the US for free.

Right - we will fly Sterling Air next week - they allow 20kg (44 pounds) per person. We generally travel light and both of our suitcases don't add up to that. But for a cruise - no such thing as light!! Another reason to book straight through to Barcelona, I guess.

Another way they get your money - a seat reservation is about $10, coffee is extra, emergency row is $25.

[PURTYPAT1]

How much for the rest room, 8 hours is a long.........time