View Full Version : August 28, 2010 Pirates of the Barbary Coast - 11 nights in the Mediterranean
slindamood
10-15-2008, 06:35 PM
New lands to conquer.
Exotic booty to gather.
Pirates of the Caribbean - heading to the Barbary Coast.
Are you with us?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbary_Pirates
slindamood
10-15-2008, 10:23 PM
bump
slindamood
10-16-2008, 09:32 AM
Bump.
stout
02-05-2009, 10:35 AM
We will be joining you on this cruise. Actually, it looks like we were on the last cruise together as well--10/25/08. The seas were so bad for the Halloween cruise that it took me this long to convince my husband to do another cruise (although I did rebook onboard--shhhh). The gang will be me, DH, DD-4 at the time, and possibly an infant (hopefully)! As the cruise draws closer, I would love to help you organize a meet, fish extenders, or something else fun. We are thinking about flying in early and renting a villa--what about you?
We just made a reservation for this cruise. We were set to go on the first Baltic cruise in June 2010. But it just ended up not working for us. So we will be joining you for the Med on August 28th. Is there another thread for this cruise? I was searching and this was all I could find. Must only be a few of us going. I know the ship was pretty open when I called today. DH and I had our pick of cat. 6 staterooms.
Jennifer_W
03-01-2009, 10:47 PM
Hi! We just got off the Magic (Feb. 14-21, 2009) and rebooked onboard for this fabulous cruise. There's a lot of time between now and then, but hopefully we will be able to go! It will be me, DH, and our 3 DS's (then) ages 16, 14, and 3. I guess the best way to get over my depression at not being on the Magic is to plan for when I will be. :)
Glad to meet all of you!
Hi! We just got off the Magic (Feb. 14-21, 2009) and rebooked onboard for this fabulous cruise. There's a lot of time between now and then, but hopefully we will be able to go! It will be me, DH, and our 3 DS's (then) ages 16, 14, and 3. I guess the best way to get over my depression at not being on the Magic is to plan for when I will be. :)
Glad to meet all of you!
Glad to know that there is another DIS family going! It will just be DH and me. We are really excited to go on this cruise. We did the Viva Italia trip with Adventures By Disney a few months ago and just fell in love with Italy.
Wow! This cruise appears to be very empty. There aren't many here on the DIS going and the website still has plenty of cabins. Anyone else going?
CustardTart
05-29-2009, 10:33 AM
So I hunt down this thread, only to find Eva already in situ!!! :hug: Didn't click with me that you were booked on this one - now it just looks like we're chasing you and Steve around Europe!!! :lmao::rotfl::lmao:
Greetings fellow Barbary Pirates!!! pirate: :wave: pirate: After deciding the first Baltic cruise wasn't for us, we played around on the DCL site and spotted this one which sounds perfect so have duly switched our booking! :yay: It will be me, Karen and my lovely DH Richard plus our DS, Samuel who will be 17 years old at the time of sailing!!! We hadn't initially thought he would want to join us but he leapt at the suggestion and became even more enthused when he saw all the ports so we are delighted to have his company - he's such a sweetheart... :hug:
This will be our 2nd DCL cruise as a family - tho' I will have sailed 5 times (DH 4 times) by then... We are sailing on the last Tortola cruise in September so I'm pretty busy with that thread at the moment but I promise, once that is out of the way, I'll post more frequently...
Bye 4 now... http://bestsmileys.com/pirate/3.gif
So I hunt down this thread, only to find Eva already in situ!!! :hug: Didn't click with me that you were booked on this one - now it just looks like we're chasing you and Steve around Europe!!! :lmao::rotfl::lmao:
Greetings fellow Barbary Pirates!!! pirate: :wave: pirate: After deciding the first Baltic cruise wasn't for us, we played around on the DCL site and spotted this one which sounds perfect so have duly switched our booking! :yay: It will be me, Karen and my lovely DH Richard plus our DS, Samuel who will be 17 years old at the time of sailing!!! We hadn't initially thought he would want to join us but he leapt at the suggestion and became even more enthused when he saw all the ports so we are delighted to have his company - he's such a sweetheart... :hug:
This will be our 2nd DCL cruise as a family - tho' I will have sailed 5 times (DH 4 times) by then... We are sailing on the last Tortola cruise in September so I'm pretty busy with that thread at the moment but I promise, once that is out of the way, I'll post more frequently...
Bye 4 now... http://bestsmileys.com/pirate/3.gif
No way! Are you still on this cruise? I haven't been checking because there was nothing going on with this thread. Then low and behold I decide to resurrect the thread and find my good friend Karen. I think it was meant for the 4 of us to cruise together again. I will pm you too.
CustardTart
06-12-2009, 03:20 AM
No way! Are you still on this cruise? I haven't been checking because there was nothing going on with this thread. Then low and behold I decide to resurrect the thread and find my good friend Karen. I think it was meant for the 4 of us to cruise together again. I will pm you too.
Hi! :wave: Oh yes, we're still on the cruise! ::yes:: This is a really good fit for us next year as we have no plans to head to WDW till 2011 :scared1: so we can get a DCL fix in the Med - should be fab... Great way for DS to see some iconic European sights too - and practice his language skills. ;) Should be some amazing excursions available too...
Couldn't believe it when I saw you were onboard - I'll reply to your PM later... :hug:
Wow!!! This thread is sooo quiet!!! Hopefully it'll pick up as the year goes by... :goodvibes
Hi! :wave: Oh yes, we're still on the cruise! ::yes:: This is a really good fit for us next year as we have no plans to head to WDW till 2011 :scared1: so we can get a DCL fix in the Med - should be fab... Great way for DS to see some iconic European sights too - and practice his language skills. ;) Should be some amazing excursions available too...
Couldn't believe it when I saw you were onboard - I'll reply to your PM later... :hug:
Wow!!! This thread is sooo quiet!!! Hopefully it'll pick up as the year goes by... :goodvibes
This is great! We just weren't totally sold on the Northern European cruise. I really am not a fan of colder weather. I like to swim and be in the sun. So this cruise it perfect for us. Let us know if you would like to link reservations for dinner. Oh, Steve asked if you guys snagged a suite this time.
We will be heading to WDW in 2010. Since we were using DVC points for the Baltic cruise, we ended up with reservation points that need to be used in 2010. The Med cruise was much cheaper. So we will be taking our DGD to WDW sometime in 2010. We are planning to stay at the GF. We've never stayed there before.
CustardTart
06-16-2009, 09:28 AM
This is great! We just weren't totally sold on the Northern European cruise. I really am not a fan of colder weather. I like to swim and be in the sun. So this cruise it perfect for us. Let us know if you would like to link reservations for dinner. Oh, Steve asked if you guys snagged a suite this time...
Same here. I'm not keen on colder weather either - my worry was that it would just feel like being at home and where's the fun in that?! :faint:
Also, having just accompanied Richard on a work trip to Dubai, I can honestly say nothing beats the feel of the sun on your face - the Med in late August/early September should be fabulous... :beach:
We would love to link reservations - as long as you guys are OK with our 17 year old man-child tagging along... :rolleyes: And tell Steve no suite currently - but never say never... ;)
...We will be heading to WDW in 2010. Since we were using DVC points for the Baltic cruise, we ended up with reservation points that need to be used in 2010. The Med cruise was much cheaper. So we will be taking our DGD to WDW sometime in 2010. We are planning to stay at the GF. We've never stayed there before...
Sounds lovely - GF is Richard's fave WDW resort but we haven't stayed there since 2004. Maybe I'll organise a surprise trip for him in the future... :goodvibes
We're trying out BLT for our 3 pre-cruise nights in September which I'm very much looking forward to...:cloud9:
Same here. I'm not keen on colder weather either - my worry was that it would just feel like being at home and where's the fun in that?! :faint:
Also, having just accompanied Richard on a work trip to Dubai, I can honestly say nothing beats the feel of the sun on your face - the Med in late August/early September should be fabulous... :beach:
We would love to link reservations - as long as you guys are OK with our 17 year old man-child tagging along... :rolleyes: And tell Steve no suite currently - but never say never... ;)
Sounds lovely - GF is Richard's fave WDW resort but we haven't stayed there since 2004. Maybe I'll organise a surprise trip for him in the future... :goodvibes
We're trying out BLT for our 3 pre-cruise nights in September which I'm very much looking forward to...:cloud9:
We don't mind having a 17 year old at dinner. I used to teach high school math and really love having teens around. Wow, Dubai! I bet that was an interesting trip. When did you do that? We are planning our stay at the GF the first week of December 2010. This means I have no trips planned until the Med Cruise. So I am getting a bit antsy waiting for more information to come out. I'm can't wait to see what excursions they are going to offer. Steve and I are hoping for an excursion down the Amalfi Coast. Let me know what you think of BLT. Steve isn't thrilled with the room decore. But being next to MK would be great when we have our grandkids with us.
CustardTart
06-17-2009, 02:49 PM
We don't mind having a 17 year old at dinner. I used to teach high school math and really love having teens around. Wow, Dubai! I bet that was an interesting trip. When did you do that?
I'm sure Samuel won't join us all the time - who knows, he might want to hang out with the other teens tho' he wasn't terribly keen on The Stack during the Mexican Riviera cruise so we'll see...
Dubai was amazing! We were there very recently from 31st May till June 6th and it really was an experience! I'm writing a quick trip report so here's (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2187201) a link - you can laugh at the photos when I finally get round to finishing...
...We are planning our stay at the GF the first week of December 2010. This means I have no trips planned until the Med Cruise. So I am getting a bit antsy waiting for more information to come out. I'm can't wait to see what excursions they are going to offer. Steve and I are hoping for an excursion down the Amalfi Coast. Let me know what you think of BLT. Steve isn't thrilled with the room decore. But being next to MK would be great when we have our grandkids with us.
I've been trying to track down a few of the previous Med trip reports but haven't had much luck TBH. I know some folk successfully arranged their own private excursions so I'm intending to pick a few brains on that matter once I've got the September cruise out of the way. The Amalfi Coast would definitely be spectacular to visit... :cloud9:
Karen, Your trip report to Dubai sounds awesome. Did you throughly enjoy it?
If I remember right your birthday is a few days before mine. So it must be coming up this week, since mine is the 28th. SO:
Happy Birthday!!!!!!!:cake:
I won't say how old you are. Because you might let others know I am the same age! :rotfl:
CustardTart
06-20-2009, 02:05 AM
Why thank you, Eva!!! :hug: Yes, it's my birthday on Monday 22nd - looking forward to a day of r&r before meeting all the working members of my family (including Samuel as he's doing work experience at Citi) for dinner. As three out of five of them work in Canary Wharf - an area of East London on the river Thames where many of the big investment banks are based...
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s84/cheztaylor/General%20PIcs/london___canary_wharf.jpg
...we're eating there, at a lovely restaurant called Plateau...
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s84/cheztaylor/General%20PIcs/main.jpg
Anyway, hope you're having a good weekend and looking forward to your b'day a week tomorrow... :goodvibes
CustardTart
06-21-2009, 07:21 AM
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s84/cheztaylor/Disney%20Images/fatherbanner.jpg
PS: I've finished my quick Dubai trip report so here's (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2187201) a link if you fancy a peek...
Karen, What a great trip report! I love your writing style. It makes a trip report so fun to read.
I'm going with Steve on a business trip to Marco Island, FL in November. I'll try to write a report then. Every other year Steve is asked to host agents on a reward trip to a fabulous resort somewhere. I love these trips because Steve really doesn't have to work. Instead the company pays for the spouse to go and the couple hosts events and dinners. Most of the days are either free or on great excursions, like deep sea fishing and golf. It's great, the company even pays for your drinks around the pool. In two years the trip is in Puerto Rico!
CustardTart
06-24-2009, 05:39 AM
Karen, What a great trip report! I love your writing style. It makes a trip report so fun to read.
I'm going with Steve on a business trip to Marco Island, FL in November. I'll try to write a report then. Every other year Steve is asked to host agents on a reward trip to a fabulous resort somewhere. I love these trips because Steve really doesn't have to work. Instead the company pays for the spouse to go and the couple hosts events and dinners. Most of the days are either free or on great excursions, like deep sea fishing and golf. It's great, the company even pays for your drinks around the pool. In two years the trip is in Puerto Rico!
Thanks Eva! I just love writing the trip reports because it brings the whole thing back to me and means we have a permanent record - the fact that others enjoy them is an absolute bonus... :goodvibes
The Marco Island trip sounds gorgeous - well worth tagging along for that!!!! :cool1: I look forward to reading all about it later in the year!!! And Puerto Rico would be amazing... :cloud9:
Richard also oversees Turkey, South Africa and Russia so hopefully Istanbul, Cape Town and Moscow might feature in my future... :rolleyes:
Looking forward to your birthday????:flower3:
CustardTart
06-24-2009, 09:55 AM
Here's (http://allears.net/cruise/medcruise/mednavigators.htm) a link to Navigators from the last Med cruises which might make interesting reading... :thumbsup2
Thanks Eva! I just love writing the trip reports because it brings the whole thing back to me and means we have a permanent record - the fact that others enjoy them is an absolute bonus... :goodvibes
The Marco Island trip sounds gorgeous - well worth tagging along for that!!!! :cool1: I look forward to reading all about it later in the year!!! And Puerto Rico would be amazing... :cloud9:
Richard also oversees Turkey, South Africa and Russia so hopefully Istanbul, Cape Town and Moscow might feature in my future... :rolleyes:
Looking forward to your birthday????:flower3:
What interesting locations Richard visits. Does he know any of the languages?
I'm not sure what we will do for my birthday. I'd love to go away for the weekend. But we are working on our yard right now for a big 4th of July celebration. Steve is putting in a new outdoor kitchen area and I am replacing all our mulch and putting in a new brick walkway from our existing patio to the new outdoor kitchen. Plus, I need to stay close to home. Our youngest is due in a couple weeks and the doctor says she could go at any time now. I'm sure Steve will take me out for a nice dinner.
Here's (http://allears.net/cruise/medcruise/mednavigators.htm) a link to Navigators from the last Med cruises which might make interesting reading... :thumbsup2
Thanks for the link. I am just diving into them right now. I do see that they offerred 2 excursions in Naples that included driving tours of the Almalfi Coast. One with Sorrento and the other included Pompei. It looks like four of the ports are the same; Naples, Civitavecchia , La Specia, and Villefranche. The rest of the ports on the 2010 cruises appear to be new. I have a feeling that we will be spending a lot on excursions this cruise.
CustardTart
06-25-2009, 04:40 AM
What interesting locations Richard visits. Does he know any of the languages?
No!!! Fortunately English is the language of business more than ever nowadays so he copes OK...
...I'm not sure what we will do for my birthday. I'd love to go away for the weekend. But we are working on our yard right now for a big 4th of July celebration. Steve is putting in a new outdoor kitchen area and I am replacing all our mulch and putting in a new brick walkway from our existing patio to the new outdoor kitchen. Plus, I need to stay close to home. Our youngest is due in a couple weeks and the doctor says she could go at any time now. I'm sure Steve will take me out for a nice dinner.
Wow!!! Sounds lovely!!! WHEN (or do I mean IF????) we have our house refurbished, I'm hoping to include an outdoor kitchen into the plans... And what better birthday gift than a new grandbaby - you lucky thing!!! :cloud9:
Thanks for the link. I am just diving into them right now. I do see that they offerred 2 excursions in Naples that included driving tours of the Almalfi Coast. One with Sorrento and the other included Pompei. It looks like four of the ports are the same; Naples, Civitavecchia , La Specia, and Villefranche. The rest of the ports on the 2010 cruises appear to be new. I have a feeling that we will be spending a lot on excursions this cruise.
I know!!! :faint: It's going to require a lot of research as it may work out more cost effective to do private tours. When this thread gets up and running it'll be interesting to see what others think...
And what better birthday gift than a new grandbaby - you lucky thing!!! :cloud9:
Well, what a coincident! The little tike came along early today. My daughter went into labor early and had to have an emergency c-section. Baby (Andrew James) and Mommy are doing fine. But the little gent is only 5 pounds 14 ounces. He is about 20 days early, but seems to be in wonderful form.
We are all very excited! :yay::cheer2::yay::cheer2::yay::cheer2:
CustardTart
06-26-2009, 06:32 PM
Well, what a coincident! The little tike came along early today. My daughter went into labor early and had to have an emergency c-section. Baby (Andrew James) and Mommy are doing fine. But the little gent is only 5 pounds 14 ounces. He is about 20 days early, but seems to be in wonderful form.
We are all very excited! :yay::cheer2::yay::cheer2::yay::cheer2:
OMG Eva!!! How fabulous!!! :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU ALL!!!!!
That's a great size for around 3 weeks early!!! So fingers crossed Andrew James progresses well... :hug: :hug: :hug:
My best love to you all... :goodvibes
Karen, Thanks so much for the well wishes. :flower3:
Right now I am stealing a little me time before my granddaughter wakes up. We are watching her while my daughter is in the hospital. It's strange how the Daddys stay in the hospital too. Sure wasn't like that 25 years ago. But it is nice for Shannon to have company and someone to help with Andrew. And I get to have my DGD for 4 whole days! :woohoo:
I'm so excited! Steve says we should move our planned trip to WDW with DGD to May instead of December 2010. I know that the Christmas decorations are great at the GF, but I hated waiting over a year to go back to WDW. Plus, Steve was watching our DGD in the sprinkler yesterday and decided we should go when we are more certain of warmer swimming weather. So we are planning a stay at the GF the week of May 1st. :woohoo:
Now I have to do a lot of reading about GF. I hear that you can rent a cabana at the pool for half or a whole day. We are thinking of doing this one day. DGD (and GM and GP) needs a break in the afternoons. So we are looking at what GF offers to help with a bit of relaxation for an afternoon break. We are also looking at renting a boat one day and maybe a bit of afternoon tea. Any other suggestions?
CustardTart
06-28-2009, 01:44 PM
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s84/cheztaylor/Disney%20Images/PrinceesBirthday.gif
Hope you're having a wonderful day... xxx
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s84/cheztaylor/Disney%20Images/PrinceesBirthday.gif
Hope you're having a wonderful day... xxx
Thanks so much! This is really awesome! I spent most of my birthday cleaning house and watching my DGD. But I plan on doing some celebrating this coming weekend. We are having the whole family over for a cookout on the 4th.
party:
CustardTart
06-29-2009, 04:19 PM
Thanks so much! This is really awesome! I spent most of my birthday cleaning house and watching my DGD. But I plan on doing some celebrating this coming weekend. We are having the whole family over for a cookout on the 4th.
party:
Sounds fab!!! You'll have a lovely weekend... :hug: :woohoo: :goodvibes
I'm having a hard time at the moment accepting that September will be a our last WDW trip for the foreseeable future :sad: so I can't stop playing with the WDW UK website which is showing an awesome free dining offer... :surfweb:
Someone tell me to step away from the MacBook!!! :lmao::rotfl::lmao:
Sounds fab!!! You'll have a lovely weekend... :hug: :woohoo: :goodvibes
I'm having a hard time at the moment accepting that September will be a our last WDW trip for the foreseeable future :sad: so I can't stop playing with the WDW UK website which is showing an awesome free dining offer... :surfweb:
Someone tell me to step away from the MacBook!!! :lmao::rotfl::lmao:
I know that you said that you are staying at BLT in September. I am anxious to hear how you like it. Who is going on this trip with you?
I am getting really excited about our trip in May too. I know it is 305 days away. But at least it is less than a year. Since we have never stayed at the GF before, I have plenty of planning and research to do over the next few months. Lexy (our DGD) is very excited to be going again. I hope that she will be 40" tall by that time. She will be 4 and a half on the trip and most likely will be. On this past trip she wasn't able to do Soarin or Test Track. I love seeing WDW through the eyes of little children. She was so excited to see the characters.
Any idea when DCL will come out with the excursions for our cruise? Steve says that we can't cancel this cruise because you and Richard might think we are trying to avoid you, after canceling the Northern European cruise. :)
CustardTart
06-30-2009, 04:15 PM
I know that you said that you are staying at BLT in September. I am anxious to hear how you like it. Who is going on this trip with you?
We're staying at BLT for 3 nights in a studio - it's just Richard and myself prior to our Tortola cruise... Post-cruise I'm at VWL for 7 nights with DD Sophie...
I am getting really excited about our trip in May too. I know it is 305 days away. But at least it is less than a year. Since we have never stayed at the GF before, I have plenty of planning and research to do over the next few months. Lexy (our DGD) is very excited to be going again. I hope that she will be 40" tall by that time. She will be 4 and a half on the trip and most likely will be. On this past trip she wasn't able to do Soarin or Test Track. I love seeing WDW through the eyes of little children. She was so excited to see the characters.
We last stayed at GF back in 2004 - we were there for 2 weeks and it's still Richard's fave resort tho' Im keen to see what he thinks of BLT... I remember when we first came to WDW with Samuel (1998 for his sister's 16th birthday) that he had a few minor tantrums about being too short for certain rides - the boy's always been a thrill-seeker... :goodvibes He loved the characters too - I'll see if I can find a photo from way back when to share...
...Any idea when DCL will come out with the excursions for our cruise? Steve says that we can't cancel this cruise because you and Richard might think we are trying to avoid you, after canceling the Northern European cruise. :)
NO idea about the excursions - I can't wait to find out more, maybe it'll distract me from wanting to book something (ANYTHING) at WDW for 2010!!! Steve's right - you can't cancel, we'll take it VERY personally... :rolleyes1 :lmao: :rotfl2: :lmao:
Steve's right - you can't cancel, we'll take it VERY personally... :rolleyes1 :lmao: :rotfl2: :lmao:
OK then, you can't cancel either! Then we will take it personally! ;)
Do you feel like we kind of have our own personal thread? I have been hoping that others would join. But we may have to wait until closer to the sail date. Although it has been great just going back and forth between the two of us.
CustardTart
07-01-2009, 11:30 AM
OK then, you can't cancel either! Then we will take it personally! ;)
:thumbsup2
Do you feel like we kind of have our own personal thread? I have been hoping that others would join. But we may have to wait until closer to the sail date. Although it has been great just going back and forth between the two of us.
Yes, it's definitely a little on the s-l-o-w side!!! I'm surprised more people aren't showing their faces TBH - especially Brits! It's cheaper than the earlier Med cruises AND in the UK we can still get our children back to school in time. Well, just about. Samuel's actually due back on the evening of the day we disembark in Barcelona so fingers crossed we'll make it... :rolleyes1
Hopefully, when it gets to less than a year, we'll be inundated with new cruisers!!? Ah well, we'll just have to keep the thread bubbling along in the meantime so it doesn't disappear into cruise meet obscurity. Tho' I must confess I won't be much help over the next few weeks as I'm going to Spain on Tuesday and don't return until August 1st!!! :eek: I will try and pop in from time to time - internet connectivity permitting... ;)
:thumbsup2
Yes, it's definitely a little on the s-l-o-w side!!! I'm surprised more people aren't showing their faces TBH - especially Brits! It's cheaper than the earlier Med cruises AND in the UK we can still get our children back to school in time. Well, just about. Samuel's actually due back on the evening of the day we disembark in Barcelona so fingers crossed we'll make it... :rolleyes1
Hopefully, when it gets to less than a year, we'll be inundated with new cruisers!!? Ah well, we'll just have to keep the thread bubbling along in the meantime so it doesn't disappear into cruise meet obscurity. Tho' I must confess I won't be much help over the next few weeks as I'm going to Spain on Tuesday and don't return until August 1st!!! :eek: I will try and pop in from time to time - internet connectivity permitting... ;)
We are flying in the day before the cruise. Any ideas on a nice place to stay in Barcelona? Since you are in Spain quite a bit, I thought you would have some good ideas. Your trip sounds lovely! I'm jealous! I'm green with envy! ::yes::
CustardTart
07-04-2009, 05:00 AM
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s84/cheztaylor/Disney%20Images/454159883_288401.gif
CustardTart
07-04-2009, 05:09 AM
We are flying in the day before the cruise. Any ideas on a nice place to stay in Barcelona? Since you are in Spain quite a bit, I thought you would have some good ideas. Your trip sounds lovely! I'm jealous! I'm green with envy! ::yes::
No ideas for Barcelona hotels, I'm afraid - we've never been!!!!!!! :scared1: I do have a lot of friends who have so I'll ask around... I'm pretty sure I recall the Royal Ramblas as being popular...
I'm definitely planning on arriving with Samuel (and hopefully Richard depending on his work commitments :headache: ) a couple of days early so we can see the sights - maybe even have a day or two at the Port Aventura (http://www.portaventura.co.uk/portaventura/html/PortAventura_Park/El_Parque.html) theme park as that's just an hour away from Barcelona...
As for the bit of Spain I visit - it's down on the Southern coast...
This is the house...
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s84/cheztaylor/Photos/IMG_0085.jpg
View from the bedroom balcony...
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s84/cheztaylor/Photos/IMG_0093.jpg
Cheers!!!
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s84/cheztaylor/Photos/IMG_0137-1.jpg
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s84/cheztaylor/Disney%20Images/454159883_288401.gif
Thanks so much Karen! We are having a big 4th party this afternoon.
Your pictures for your villa in Spain are lovely. My daughter wants to see more, especially from inside the villa.
Now that Karen is in Spain, I'm not sure if I can keep this thread from being buried. Anyone else out there going on this Med Cruise????? :confused3
Chirp! Chirp! Chirp!:listen:
Bump. Just trying to keep us from getting buried.
Karen, I can't wait till you get back! Bump!
CustardTart
08-03-2009, 04:23 AM
Just popping by to say "hi!" :wave: I'm back from Spain and am already missing the the beautiful bright blue sky and the gorgeous hot sun... :sad2: I spent my days doing absolutely nothing except reading and Sudoku-ing - bliss... :cloud9: Oh and eating - believe me, I have a considerable amount of paella pudginess to shift!!! :rotfl2::lmao::rotfl2:
Ah well, back to reality - anyone else out there going to join us??? Come on - you know you want to... :goodvibes
Welcome back Karen! I really missed you. Sorry I didn't respond before now. This week has been really crazy at work. It sounds like you had a great time on your holiday. Right now I am trying to decide where we are going to stay in Barcelona the night before the cruise. If you get any ideas from your friends, let me know.
I have been concentrating on our trip to WDW in May as well. Since we are staying at the GF for the first time, it is taking more research than I had thought. There sure is a lot to do at the resort itself. I am thinking of taking DGD to afternoon tea one day. We are also thinking of renting a cabana at the pool for a day too.
Well, tomorrow is our 27th Wedding Anniversary. So we are heading off for a long weekend in Chicago. We will be visiting the Doorway to Dreams there to get a look at the new BLT rooms. Steve says absolutely no more DVC points! ;)
CustardTart
08-15-2009, 09:28 AM
Welcome back Karen! I really missed you. Sorry I didn't respond before now. This week has been really crazy at work. It sounds like you had a great time on your holiday...Hi Eva!!! :wave: Still just you and me on this thread then..? ;) The trip was lovely and the weather fabulous BUT I did contract Swine Flu whilst there which made me rather ill for a few days - still what better place to recuperate..?
Right now I am trying to decide where we are going to stay in Barcelona the night before the cruise. If you get any ideas from your friends, let me know...
Will do. They're on vacation at the mo' but I'll ask when they return...
...I have been concentrating on our trip to WDW in May as well. Since we are staying at the GF for the first time, it is taking more research than I had thought. There sure is a lot to do at the resort itself. I am thinking of taking DGD to afternoon tea one day. We are also thinking of renting a cabana at the pool for a day too.
There's also the photo shoot you can do in the grounds which might make a lovely gift for your DD...
CustardTart
08-15-2009, 09:34 AM
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s84/cheztaylor/Disney%20Images/75c3-1.jpg
Wishing you both a fab anniversary weekend, Eva & Steve...
Hugs, Karen & Richard xxx
CustardTart
08-23-2009, 12:43 PM
Good afternoon!!! :wave: Just giving us a little *bump* so anyone who wants to join can find us...
In three weeks time, Richard and I will be onboard the Magic and we can't wait!!! :goodvibes
Good afternoon!!! :wave: Just giving us a little *bump* so anyone who wants to join can find us...
In three weeks time, Richard and I will be onboard the Magic and we can't wait!!! :goodvibes
I'm jealous! Our next trip is just a short 5 day trip to Florida for Steve' buisness. That isn't till November. Then we have to wait until May for a week at WDW with DGD at the GF. But of course, the Med cruise is the main event!
Work has been truly insane. I signed a large contract with a new client in June and now we are starting to deliver on it. I've been working 10 to 12 hour days for the last couple weeks trying to make sure everything runs smooth. But we keep encountering hiccups and fires that need to be put out. But it will be worth it when I am spending the money on the cruise next year! :thumbsup2
Good afternoon!!! :wave: Just giving us a little *bump* so anyone who wants to join can find us...
In three weeks time, Richard and I will be onboard the Magic and we can't wait!!! :goodvibes
Only two more weeks! Please be sure to write a trip report. I'm dying to know how you like BLT. We saw the room models on our anniversary at the Doorway to Dreams in Chicago. They are really nice. The guide that showed us the models had just got back from BLT and just loved them.
CustardTart
09-01-2009, 11:46 AM
Only two more weeks! Please be sure to write a trip report. I'm dying to know how you like BLT. We saw the room models on our anniversary at the Doorway to Dreams in Chicago. They are really nice. The guide that showed us the models had just got back from BLT and just loved them.
Will do, Eva... :goodvibes
OMG!!! I just realised we leave a week tomorrow!!! :eek: And I'm away from Friday to Sunday on a DIS Girly weekend!!! Oh well, I'm sure everything will get sorted - it usually does. :rolleyes: I'm just shocked how quickly it's come around...
I replaced my passport last week so I'm good for another 10 years of travel!!! :cool1: And most tickets and confirmations have been printed out... It's just the packing and that won't take too long on Tuesday...
I'll try and pop in before I leave but I look forward to engaging properly with the thread when I return... :thumbsup2
Will do, Eva... :goodvibes
OMG!!! I just realised we leave a week tomorrow!!! :eek: And I'm away from Friday to Sunday on a DIS Girly weekend!!! Oh well, I'm sure everything will get sorted - it usually does. :rolleyes: I'm just shocked how quickly it's come around...
I replaced my passport last week so I'm good for another 10 years of travel!!! :cool1: And most tickets and confirmations have been printed out... It's just the packing and that won't take too long on Tuesday...
I'll try and pop in before I leave but I look forward to engaging properly with the thread when I return... :thumbsup2
Well, don't worry about this thread. Go and have fun, then report back! :thumbsup2
Thought I would pop us up to the first page to see if there are any new people going on this Med cruise.
CustardTart
09-22-2009, 05:17 PM
Giving us a *bump* so we don't get lost in all the Alaska action!!! ;)
According to my DCL countdown, we have a mere 340 days to go until we set sail!!! So, anyone else out there going to join us???
Welcome back Karen! Hope you had a great time. Be sure to post a link to your trip report. Yours are great! I can't wait to read it.
Yikes! How are we going to make it 340 days to our next cruise?
jhryb
09-25-2009, 06:19 PM
Hello Karen and Eva (I think that covers everyone so far). I'm Jennifer and I'll be travelling with my DH Brett, my DD13 and my DS11. I booked this trip last month when we were on the Magic and I can not wait. I could say that I'm excited because it looks like a great itinerary, but the real reason is that I want another vacation.
CustardTart
09-27-2009, 08:39 AM
:welcome: aboard, Jennifer and family!!!
So very glad to have more cruisers along for the ride... :goodvibes
CustardTart
09-27-2009, 10:07 AM
Hello, hello, hello!!! :wave: I'm finally back from my extended DCL/WDW vacation having had a fabulous time!!! The cruise was fantastic - loved the Eastern Caribbean itinerary and would like to try the non-Tortola version at some point in the future... Maybe on one of the new ships..???? Ah well, a girl can dream... :cloud9:
One of the fun features was the exciting release of the new itineraries for 2011 the day before we cruised. It was so cool to be onboard straight after as there was such a buzz! The news also meant we were ready and willing to book a couple of dummies to transfer when booking opened last Monday. After a couple of emails to our TA, we're now booked to do the LA/Vancouver Repo in late March/early April as well as the last Alaska cruise of season at the end of August!!! :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:
PS: Eva, I posted the DCL certificate on Saturday morning in WDW so hopefully it should be with you asap... :hug:
Hello Karen and Eva (I think that covers everyone so far). I'm Jennifer and I'll be travelling with my DH Brett, my DD13 and my DS11. I booked this trip last month when we were on the Magic and I can not wait. I could say that I'm excited because it looks like a great itinerary, but the real reason is that I want another vacation.
:cheer2: Welcome Jennifer! :cheer2:
Great to see someone else join the group. More should join as we get closer. But I am surprised that a few more haven't joined yet.
PS: Eva, I posted the DCL certificate on Saturday morning in WDW so hopefully it should be with you asap... :hug:
Thanks Karen! I hope we will still be going on the DCL Alaska cruise. We told Steve's family about us cruising to Alaska in 2011 and they became excited to go with us. But now the problem is that they want to go on either Celebrity or Princess. Steve's brothers want to cruise on a ship with a casino. And they are all keen on doing either Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier. I wish that DCL's itinerary included one of those. I would like to really see some major glaciers. But that doesn’t seem to be the case for the DCL Alaska cruises. I need to do more research on all the cruises. You never know, maybe I can talk Steve into doing two cruises that year. :thumbsup2
CustardTart
09-28-2009, 04:34 AM
Thanks Karen! I hope we will still be going on the DCL Alaska cruise. We told Steve's family about us cruising to Alaska in 2011 and they became excited to go with us. But now the problem is that they want to go on either Celebrity or Princess. Steve's brothers want to cruise on a ship with a casino. And they are all keen on doing either Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier. I wish that DCL's itinerary included one of those. I would like to really see some major glaciers. But that doesn’t seem to be the case for the DCL Alaska cruises. I need to do more research on all the cruises. You never know, maybe I can talk Steve into doing two cruises that year. :thumbsup2
I'll keep my fingers crossed that you guys can join us, Eva! I haven't had a chance to talk to Richard about it too much but seems he has this idea of going to Seattle and riding the Rocky Mountaineer train so I'm fairly sure we'll be doing the cruise come what may... ;)
I can't quite believe it but I don't have any Disney trips planned between now and this Med cruise!!! :faint: And I can't tell you how 100% wrong that feels!!!
I may do a quickie day trip to Disneyland Paris over the next couple of months as I've discovered that I can purchase a restricted access annual pass very cheaply AND I can catch a train directly there. So it's a plan. Sort off...
My countdown tells me that it's now 334 days until this cruise starts so flight bookings are more than likely open! :thumbsup2 :cool1: :goodvibes
What are everyone's pre/post cruise plans??? I'm thinking we'll fly in a couple of days before and enjoy some time in Barcelona. Despite the fact that we visit Spain regularly, we have never made it to Barcelona so looking forward to exploring...
I'll keep my fingers crossed that you guys can join us, Eva! I haven't had a chance to talk to Richard about it too much but seems he has this idea of going to Seattle and riding the Rocky Mountaineer train so I'm fairly sure we'll be doing the cruise come what may... ;)
I can't quite believe it but I don't have any Disney trips planned between now and this Med cruise!!! :faint: And I can't tell you how 100% wrong that feels!!!
I may do a quickie day trip to Disneyland Paris over the next couple of months as I've discovered that I can purchase a restricted access annual pass very cheaply AND I can catch a train directly there. So it's a plan. Sort off...
Karen, I can't believe that you don't have another WDW trip planned in the next 10 months! :eek: How unlike you!
I still have to make reservations for our short trip to WDW in May. We are still trying to decide whether to stay 5 nights at GF or 6 nights at YC. We are using reservation points, so those are our two choices. I am leaning towards GF. Since we will have DGD with us, I am having a tough time deciding. The GF is close to MK, but the pool at YC can't be beat. I'm sure I will be crying in 2011. We have no intention of going to WDW that year. We need to recoup our points. That is why the cruise to Alaska is very enticing to us.
My countdown tells me that it's now 334 days until this cruise starts so flight bookings are more than likely open! :thumbsup2 :cool1: :goodvibes
What are everyone's pre/post cruise plans??? I'm thinking we'll fly in a couple of days before and enjoy some time in Barcelona. Despite the fact that we visit Spain regularly, we have never made it to Barcelona so looking forward to exploring...
We will be flying into Barcelona the day before the cruise. I don't know how much sightseeing we will get done. We may ride around the city on one of those tourist buses that allows you to get off and on at the major sights. If we do that, we will want to find a hotel somewhere along the route. We did that the day we arrived in Rome a couple years ago and it went well. This helped us to stay awake the first day, allowing us to adjust to the time difference fairly well.
I have been looking at possible flights back and it appears that we may not be able to fly out the day we get back to port. Most of the decent flights back to our area in the states leave before noon. I'm still waiting for the actual flights for our dates to be released. To get an idea, I have been looking at flights a couple weeks before the cruise. Maybe we will be pleasantly surprised with a flight out around 1:00 or so. We'd like to leave right after the cruise.
Right now my major task is to find a hotel in Barcelona. When we were in Rome we were at a hotel that was right across the street from a tourist bus stop. That worked out great for us. Now to see if I can do the same in Barcelona. It will probably be another month or so before we purchase our flights. So I have a bit of time.
CustardTart
09-28-2009, 08:18 AM
Karen, I can't believe that you don't have another WDW trip planned in the next 10 months! :eek: How unlike you!
I know!!! :scared1:
...I still have to make reservations for our short trip to WDW in May. We are still trying to decide whether to stay 5 nights at GF or 6 nights at YC. We are using reservation points, so those are our two choices. I am leaning towards GF. Since we will have DGD with us, I am having a tough time deciding. The GF is close to MK, but the pool at YC can't be beat...
That is a tough choice. I guess it comes down to how much time you'll spend in MK. Personally, I think I'd go for YC - that pool is just too fab for the downtime. And Beaches & Cream is onsite. EPCOT/DHS is walking distance or on the boat and you can walk thro' EPCOT to pick up the monorail to MK... Plus there's that extra night... :rolleyes1
...I'm sure I will be crying in 2011. We have no intention of going to WDW that year. We need to recoup our points. That is why the cruise to Alaska is very enticing to us.
I think we might book a short pre-cruise DL trip in 2011 but again WDW doesn't seem to feature!!! We're keen on cruising at the moment so may book something on the Dream when that's an option and tack on a few WDW days...
CustardTart
09-28-2009, 08:28 AM
We will be flying into Barcelona the day before the cruise. I don't know how much sightseeing we will get done. We may ride around the city on one of those tourist buses that allows you to get off and on at the major sights. If we do that, we will want to find a hotel somewhere along the route. We did that the day we arrived in Rome a couple years ago and it went well. This helped us to stay awake the first day, allowing us to adjust to the time difference fairly well.
I have been looking at possible flights back and it appears that we may not be able to fly out the day we get back to port. Most of the decent flights back to our area in the states leave before noon. I'm still waiting for the actual flights for our dates to be released. To get an idea, I have been looking at flights a couple weeks before the cruise. Maybe we will be pleasantly surprised with a flight out around 1:00 or so. We'd like to leave right after the cruise.
Right now my major task is to find a hotel in Barcelona. When we were in Rome we were at a hotel that was right across the street from a tourist bus stop. That worked out great for us. Now to see if I can do the same in Barcelona. It will probably be another month or so before we purchase our flights. So I have a bit of time.
The bus tour idea sounds great! I think we may opt for something like that too. I found some info here (http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/tour/barcelona-city-tour-bus.html) and it seems very straightforward. As the 2 day (27€) option is not much more than the 1 day (21€), I think we'll go for that. The only consideration seems to be to avoid the Placa de Catalunya pick up as it is incredibly busy...
The bus tour idea sounds great! I think we may opt for something like that too. I found some info here (http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/tour/barcelona-city-tour-bus.html) and it seems very straightforward. As the 2 day (27€) option is not much more than the 1 day (21€), I think we'll go for that. The only consideration seems to be to avoid the Placa de Catalunya pick up as it is incredibly busy...
That is the same website I had looked at. There appears to be some nice hotels in and near the World Trade Centre. Since that is a stop, it seems to make sense to stay near there. These hotels seem to be near the port too. As a matter of fact, the Eurostars Grand Marina Hotel seems to be right at the port and inside the World Trade Centre. Right now they have suites for 214 Euros. That seems to be a good price.
CustardTart
09-28-2009, 05:19 PM
I've spent much of this afternoon thinking about the cruise and I've got myself extremely excited!!! :yay: :yay: :yay:
Just to refresh everyone's memory, here's the itinerary...
Saturday Barcelona, Spain
Sunday At Sea
Monday Valletta, Malta
Tuesday Tunis, Tunisia
Wed Naples (Pompeii)
Thursday Civitavecchia
Friday At Sea
Saturday La Spezia
Sunday Ajaccio, Corsica
Monday Villefranche
Tuesday At Sea
Wednesday Barcelona, Spain...
Anyway, I'm thinking Richard and I will do some serious, hardcore sightseeing in Naples and Rome (Civitavecchia) whilst focusing on the Amalfi Coast when we get to La Spezia - I am very keen to see Positano... :cloud9:
We'll probably spend some time relaxing on Malta and Corsica, whereas I have simple needs in Tunis, I wanna buy a big rug - tho' goodness knows how I'll get it home!!! :rolleyes:
Villefranche is simple too - we're planning on getting a cab from the port into Nice, catching the water taxi to St. Tropez and having lunch there. We love St. Tropez - it's one of our fave places in Europe and we don't get there as often as I'd like. I'm also keen to buy a painting from one of the quayside artists... I don't want much, do I??? :rotfl::rotfl2::rotfl:
CustardTart
09-29-2009, 08:55 AM
As I have loads to do, I decided making a logo for our cruise was THE most important priority! :rolleyes:
So what d'you think...?
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s84/cheztaylor/Cruise2010/2010logo.jpg
I also made a little one to fit the signature bar...
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s84/cheztaylor/Cruise2010/2010smalllogo-2.jpg
I'll probably keep tweaking ;) but I really have to get on so that's it for now...
CustardTart
09-30-2009, 09:03 AM
As a matter of fact, the Eurostars Grand Marina Hotel seems to be right at the port and inside the World Trade Centre. Right now they have suites for 214 Euros. That seems to be a good price.
Just had a look at that hotel and love it! I think we may book there ourselves - not least because the restaurant has an awesome-sounding tasting menu... :cloud9:
As I have loads to do, I decided making a logo for our cruise was THE most important priority! :rolleyes:
So what d'you think...?
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s84/cheztaylor/Cruise2010/2010logo.jpg
I also made a little one to fit the signature bar...
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s84/cheztaylor/Cruise2010/pirates-1.jpg
I'll probably keep tweaking ;) but I really have to get on so that's it for now...
That's awesome Karen!
I am really getting excited about the cruise too! I looked back at the ports that are the same from the Med cruises in 2007. The Naples port is where DCL offered the Amalfi driving tours. They had one with Pompeii included. We are hoping that will be the case in 2010. That was the one that interested us the most. In La Spezia we will be touring the Cinque Terre region. It is a line of 5 small towns that are connected by walking paths along the sea. Rick Steve did a special on them. It looks heavenly.
So far here are our plans:
Saturday Barcelona, Spain - Friday and Saturday Morning tour city by bus
Monday Valletta, Malta - Not sure yet
Tuesday Tunis, Tunisia - Tour of Carthage
Wed Naples (Pompeii) - Amalfi Coast drive and Pompeii
Thursday Civitavecchia - Rome on our own
Saturday La Spezia - Touring Cinque Terre
Sunday Ajaccio, Corsica - Not sure yet
Monday Villefranche - Not sure yet
We'll probably do Rome on our own. We did the Viva Italia tour through ABD two years ago and spent 4 days in Rome. So there are a few places that we would like to revisit. But most of the day I plan to shop and relax at an outdoor restaurant in one of their lovely piazzas. I love just wandering around Rome.
I know that a lot of people will want to do either Florence or Pisa when the ship docks at La Spezia. But we also did Florence on our previous trip. It was a very magical day. But we would like to try something a bit different in this port. Italy is such a great country for wandering around. So the Cinque Terre Region appears to be right up our alley.
Just had a look at that hotel and love it! I think we may book there ourselves - not least because the restaurant has an awesome-sounding tasting menu... :cloud9:
I just booked a city suite for Friday night. I had thought about the marina view, but decided to save the money and go for a city view. We will be at sea for 12 days and will have plenty of water views then. I read a number of reviews at Trip Advisor. Most really enjoyed their stays. Plus they said that is was a very short taxi ride from the hotel to the cruise port entrance. I think the main problem is going to be transporation from the airport to the hotel. I have been trying to figure out if they have a shuttle. Maybe we will have to take a taxi.
CustardTart
09-30-2009, 09:47 AM
I just booked a city suite for Friday night. I had thought about the marina view, but decided to save the money and go for a city view. We will be at sea for 12 days and will have plenty of water views then. I read a number of reviews at Trip Advisor. Most really enjoyed their stays. Plus they said that is was a very short taxi ride from the hotel to the cruise port entrance...
We've booked that too! :thumbsup2 I'm not interested in being on Las Ramblas for the sake of it - especially as so many of those rooms look very small... And I think the view of the city will be very dramatic at night...
I think the main problem is going to be transporation from the airport to the hotel. I have been trying to figure out if they have a shuttle. Maybe we will have to take a taxi.
I think we're going to pre-book a shuttle. I haven't researched pricing much but this company (http://www.world-airport-transfer.com/airport-transfer.php?airport_transfer_city=barcelona) don't seem too bad...
We've booked that too! :thumbsup2 I'm not interested in being on Las Ramblas for the sake of it - especially as so many of those rooms look very small... And I think the view of the city will be very dramatic at night...
I think we're going to pre-book a shuttle. I haven't researched pricing much but this company (http://www.world-airport-transfer.com/airport-transfer.php?airport_transfer_city=barcelona) don't seem too bad...
Good site. And the rates look pretty good too. I'm temped to get the private car at $48 Euros. But I will wait until we get a bit closer. I doubt their rates change.
I got on Google Maps to see where everything is. We are only about 6 or 7 miles from the airport and are right next to two of the three cruise ports. It looks like you could walk to them. But I have been warned that is it a bit further than it looks. The third port is about a mile south. Not sure which one DCL will be using. But it looks like you can get to port in a matter of minutes.
Yum! I just looked at their menu! Oh, I am getting so excited! :woohoo::woohoo:
CustardTart
09-30-2009, 10:21 AM
Oh, I am getting so excited! :woohoo::woohoo:
I know!!! It's getting so much more real now - especially with booking the hotel...
I just can't wait for the excursion lists to be released tho' I'm seriously thinking about doing a couple of private ones (particularly in Rome and Pompeii where I want to hit the sights hard) that a UK DISer called AndrewDerek recommends... :goodvibes I think I'll start researching those in detail next week as I'm going to Paris tomorrow for the weekend...
I know!!! It's getting so much more real now - especially with booking the hotel...
I just can't wait for the excursion lists to be released tho' I'm seriously thinking about doing a couple of private ones (particularly in Rome and Pompeii where I want to hit the sights hard) that a UK DISer called AndrewDerek recommends... :goodvibes I think I'll start researching those in detail next week
If you have never been to Rome, I would hire a private tour guide that is licensed by the city. They can get you into places very quickly and really know what they are talking about. On our ABD we had a guide name Stephano. He was awesome and got us right into the Vatican with no wait. There were people waiting to get in over two hours the day we were there. We really enjoyed the Vatican (St. Peter's Basilica), the Colosseum, The Roman Forum, the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, and lunch at Piazza Navona. I'm not sure how much time that we will get in Rome, but hopefully you can cover at least those sights in a day. You will walk your feet off though! :cool1:
I'm going to Paris tomorrow for the weekend...
Lucky you! I love Paris, but haven't been in years. Have a lovely time!
I hope that we aren't scaring Jennifer off with all our recent chatter! :dance3:
Well, I found a great self walking tour plan and map for Valletta at this site: http://www.planetware.com/do-it-yourself-tour/valletta-walking-tour-m-vallwt.htm So I think that we will be doing Valletta, Malta on our own. I copied and pasted all the descriptions and the map into a Word document. If anyone is interested in having it, let me know and I will email it to you. This seems pretty doable in a day.
CustardTart
09-30-2009, 03:03 PM
Well, I found a great self walking tour plan and map for Valletta at this site: http://www.planetware.com/do-it-yourself-tour/valletta-walking-tour-m-vallwt.htm So I think that we will be doing Valletta, Malta on our own. I copied and pasted all the descriptions and the map into a Word document. If anyone is interested in having it, let me know and I will email it to you. This seems pretty doable in a day.
Sounds good, Eva! I would certainly appreciate a copy - need to reign in those excursion expenses somehow! ;) A wander around the area with maybe a nice lunch and a glass (or two) of wine thrown in sounds like a great plan... :thumbsup2
From my minimal research, Corsica sounds like a great place to do some serious wine-tasting! It's an interesting area and their wines aren't that well known outside the island so I feel it's a must-do for my grape-loving husband... ;)
Sounds good, Eva! I would certainly appreciate a copy - need to reign in those excursion expenses somehow! ;) A wander around the area with maybe a nice lunch and a glass (or two) of wine thrown in sounds like a great plan... :thumbsup2
Exactly my thoughts! I've mapped out a route. But I don't want to feel like we have to see everything on the list. We will just hit what looks good that day and then finish with a late lunch and some wine. I will email you the document. The route is pretty easy to follow. Just start at the city gate and follow the list of sights.
From my minimal research, Corsica sounds like a great place to do some serious wine-tasting! It's an interesting area and their wines aren't that well known outside the island so I feel it's a must-do for my grape-loving husband... ;)
This is so funny. While I was reading about Corsica on the DCL site today, I was thinking of an excursion in the vineyards. I am all over that and some serious wine tasting too! Wow! It seems that I have pretty good ideas of what we are going to do at each port, accept Villefranche. I am leaning a bit towards doing an excursion to Nice at that port. I will be happy when they finally release the excursions. I can't believe how much planning I have done today!
So far here are our new improved plans:
Saturday Barcelona, Spain - Friday and Saturday Morning tour city by bus
Monday Valletta, Malta - Self Walking Tour of Valletta
Tuesday Tunis, Tunisia - Excursion of Carthage
Wed Naples (Pompeii) - Excursion Amalfi Coast drive and Pompeii
Thursday Civitavecchia - Rome on our own
Saturday La Spezia - Touring Cinque Terre
Sunday Ajaccio, Corsica - Excursion Wining Tasting
Monday Villefranche - Maybe Excursion of Nice
That would give us about 4 actual excursions. Now we twiddle our thumbs until the excursions come out and the flights get listed.
CustardTart
09-30-2009, 04:44 PM
...I can't believe how much planning I have done today!
I know!!! I'm feeling the same!!! ::yes::
Here are our revised plans...
Wednesday - Saturday: Barcelona, Spain. City bus tour and trip to a local Cava vineyard.
Monday: Valetta, Malta. Walking tour and a tasty lunch.
Tuesday: Tunis, Tunisia. Buying my rugs!!! ;)
Wednesday: Naples (Pompeii). Tour of Pompeii and Amalfi Coast.
Thursday: Civitavecchia (Rome). Tour of Rome and Vatican.
Saturday: La Spezia. Tour of Florence and Pisa.
Sunday: Ajaccio, Corsica. Wine-tasting and general relaxation.
Monday: Villefranche, France. St. Tropez at leisure...
I know!!! I'm feeling the same!!! ::yes::
Here are our revised plans...
Wednesday - Saturday: Barcelona, Spain. City bus tour and trip to a local Cava vineyard.
Monday: Valetta, Malta. Walking tour and a tasty lunch.
Tuesday: Tunis, Tunisia. Buying my rugs!!! ;)
Wednesday: Naples (Pompeii). Tour of Pompeii and Amalfi Coast.
Thursday: Civitavecchia (Rome). Tour of Rome and Vatican.
Saturday: La Spezia. Tour of Florence and Pisa.
Sunday: Ajaccio, Corsica. Wine-tasting and general relaxation.
Monday: Villefranche, France. St. Tropez at leisure...
Your itinerary sounds great! St. Tropez might be nice. Maybe one last day at the beach. :beach:
CustardTart
09-30-2009, 04:59 PM
Your itinerary sounds great! St. Tropez might be nice. Maybe one last day at the beach. :beach:
It's the only downside of these non-Port Canaveral cruises - no Castaway Cay!!! :sad:
It's the only downside of these non-Port Canaveral cruises - no Castaway Cay!!! :sad:
I'm going to miss CC too! I'm not sure if the beaches on the French Riviera will be quite the same.
CustardTart
10-01-2009, 03:35 AM
I'm going to miss CC too! I'm not sure if the beaches on the French Riviera will be quite the same.
OMG no!!! Usually they're quite crowded (but we may be out of season lucky), you pay for your loungers, there are definitely no Konk Koolers :sad: and many ladies (who really, really shouldn't be ;)) are topless... :eek: I remember going to the beach in Monte Carlo as a child and the sand there was made of crushed marble... I imagine a day pass at a beachfront hotel would be the best thing - it was one of my original ideas for Malta and Corsica... More research required!!! :lmao:
OMG no!!! Usually they're quite crowded (but we may be out of season lucky), you pay for your loungers, there are definitely no Konk Koolers :sad: and many ladies (who really, really shouldn't be ;)) are topless... :eek: I remember going to the beach in Monte Carlo as a child and the sand there was made of crushed marble... I imagine a day pass at a beachfront hotel would be the best thing - it was one of my original ideas for Malta and Corsica... More research required!!! :lmao:
Well after a bit more research, we may opt to just stay in Villefranche. I found a number of articles that stated:
Villefranche is a wonderfully French village offering its visitors a unique opportunity to experience everything French. Unless you have not seen Monte Carlo, Eze, Nice and Cannes, (and want to experience them) you will not want to wander any further than this quaint fishing village. Villefranche resides on a steep hillside that surrounds the beautiful bay that Villefranche resides upon. While walking can be steep at times, the walkways that penetrate Villefranche's parks, old section and village are simply breathtaking.
If you are looking for the perfect place to relax on the beach, have a wonderful lunch in a beachfront French cafe, enjoy a bottle of French wine and simply enjoy a perfect French day, this is the spot! The beach at Villefranche is much nicer than the beaches in Nice and offers soft fine sand on most of it.
Sounds like a great place to wander around, soak up the sun, drink a bit of wine at a cafe, etc. Before heading back to reality, I think we need a day of relaxation, food, and wine.
CustardTart
10-01-2009, 07:30 AM
...Sounds like a great place to wander around, soak up the sun, drink a bit of wine at a cafe, etc. Before heading back to reality, I think we need a day of relaxation, food, and wine.
It sounds gorgeous, Eva!!! Actually, our server in Palo recommended just chilling in Villefranche - she said it was beautiful... :goodvibes
It sounds gorgeous, Eva!!! Actually, our server in Palo recommended just chilling in Villefranche - she said it was beautiful... :goodvibes
Another great thing about staying in Villefranche is that it saves me the cost of another excursion. Now we are down to only 3 excursions.
I can spend all that money on wine! :thumbsup2
Karen, I hope you are haing a wonderful time in Paris!
I think that I am unable to do much more planning for the cruise until the flights and excursions come out.
Until the Excursions Come Out:
Saturday Barcelona, Spain - Friday and Saturday Morning tour city by bus
Monday Valletta, Malta - Self Walking Tour of Valletta
Tuesday Tunis, Tunisia - Excursion of Carthage
Wed Naples (Pompeii) - Excursion Amalfi Coast drive and Pompeii
Thursday Civitavecchia - Rome on our own
Saturday La Spezia - Touring Cinque Terre (Maybe on an Excursion)
Sunday Ajaccio, Corsica - Excursion Wining Tasting
Monday Villefranche - Explore the Town and Beach on Our Own
I think that the flights will start coming out over the next couple weeks. But now I need to get busy planning our WDW trip for May.
CustardTart
10-04-2009, 11:52 AM
Another great thing about staying in Villefranche is that it saves me the cost of another excursion. Now we are down to only 3 excursions.
I can spend all that money on wine! :thumbsup2
http://bestsmileys.com/drinking/10.gif
Karen, I hope you are haing a wonderful time in Paris!
I think that I am unable to do much more planning for the cruise until the flights and excursions come out.
Until the Excursions Come Out:
Saturday Barcelona, Spain - Friday and Saturday Morning tour city by bus
Monday Valletta, Malta - Self Walking Tour of Valletta
Tuesday Tunis, Tunisia - Excursion of Carthage
Wed Naples (Pompeii) - Excursion Amalfi Coast drive and Pompeii
Thursday Civitavecchia - Rome on our own
Saturday La Spezia - Touring Cinque Terre (Maybe on an Excursion)
Sunday Ajaccio, Corsica - Excursion Wining Tasting
Monday Villefranche - Explore the Town and Beach on Our Own
I think that the flights will start coming out over the next couple weeks. But now I need to get busy planning our WDW trip for May.
IKWYM, Eva! ::yes:: We're rather left twiddling our thumbs until DCL release their excursion details... :rolleyes:
http://bestsmileys.com/drinking/10.gif
IKWYM, Eva! ::yes:: We're rather left twiddling our thumbs until DCL release their excursion details... :rolleyes:
Hey Karen! Are you back home or still living it up in Paris?
I just made reservations for our May trip. We decided to stay at the YC instead of the GF. Not only did we get an extra day, but DGD does loves SAB. Flight prices look pretty good. I probably better buy soon. Right now Delta and Airtran are showing flights for $148 roundtrip.
While at Barnes and Noble yesterday I read quite a bit about Villefranche and Cinque Terre. I am a bit concerned about staying at Villefranche now. One of the books says that it is a great place to visit as long as the fleet isn't anchored there. I guess the navy anchors a lot in the bay there and give shore leave to the sailors. So I might make a backup plan, just in case.
At La Spezia I think we will stick to a day in Cinque Terre. It looks fabulous. I think that we will do a bit of hiking between a couple of the towns. Then after lunch we will explore the villages by boat or train. You can go between each of the small towns by train for only 1.3€. That includes a 5 hour ticket that allows you to go between all 5 towns. The ferries are a bit more expensive. It is more like 20€ for the day. I've seen some videos on You Tube. The hikes between towns looks a bit strenuous and run along some steep cliffs, so I am not sure I want to do too much of that. :faint:
I also looked at Frommer's book on Barcelona. The hotel that we chose is the number one recommended for people taking Med cruises. So I guess we lucked out there. I think that we are going to use "25 Best" books for both Barcelona and Rome. They have great maps in the back and highlight the top 25 attractions in a city . They are small and will fit great in a purse or small pack.
I'm getting anxious to see the excursions that DCL will offer. Does anyone have an idea when they will release those?
CustardTart
10-07-2009, 04:32 AM
Hey Karen! Are you back home or still living it up in Paris?
I just made reservations for our May trip. We decided to stay at the YC instead of the GF. Not only did we get an extra day, but DGD does loves SAB. Flight prices look pretty good. I probably better buy soon. Right now Delta and Airtran are showing flights for $148 roundtrip...
Sadly I'm back in miserable London - and back at University for my second year! So I'm trying desperately to crank my creaky old brain back into action... ;)
Don't know about living it up, it was a long overdue visit as we had to sort out our poor neglected apartment. Most of my weekend was spent decluttering, cleaning and rearranging, whilst Richard concentrated on dismantling the enormous, ancient sofa that we hated!!! It was too huge to remove ourselves (we're on the 4th floor with a tiny lift) and we'd been quoted a gazillion euros by a removal company so he set to with a couple of hacksaws!!! Anyway, it's almost out of our lives... :cool2:
I think you made a great choice, Eva! Extra day, fab resort and not to mention a relaxed stroll to the World Showcase (it should be the Flower & Garden festival then, I think) where maybe you can do the Kidcot activities with your DGD... :thumbsup2
While at Barnes and Noble yesterday I read quite a bit about Villefranche and Cinque Terre. I am a bit concerned about staying at Villefranche now. One of the books says that it is a great place to visit as long as the fleet isn't anchored there. I guess the navy anchors a lot in the bay there and give shore leave to the sailors. So I might make a backup plan, just in case...
Whose fleet - did it say? As far as I recall, the French are based in Marseilles in the south... I'm sure Villefranche will be lovely - everything I've read makes me think we'll probably stick there and not fuss about St. Tropez... :goodvibes
...At La Spezia I think we will stick to a day in Cinque Terre. It looks fabulous. I think that we will do a bit of hiking between a couple of the towns. Then after lunch we will explore the villages by boat or train. You can go between each of the small towns by train for only 1.3€. That includes a 5 hour ticket that allows you to go between all 5 towns. The ferries are a bit more expensive. It is more like 20€ for the day. I've seen some videos on You Tube. The hikes between towns looks a bit strenuous and run along some steep cliffs, so I am not sure I want to do too much of that. :faint:
Sounds fab! :thumbsup2 Stop scaring me with that H-word, tho'!!! :rotfl2::lmao::rotfl2:
...I also looked at Frommer's book on Barcelona. The hotel that we chose is the number one recommended for people taking Med cruises. So I guess we lucked out there... I'm getting anxious to see the excursions that DCL will offer. Does anyone have an idea when they will release those?
I'm delighted with the hotel - it looks lovely and comfortable... I think I read somewhere that the excursions will most probably be released in December. They'd better hurry up as the 1st Med cruises start in May!!! :eek:
jhryb
10-07-2009, 07:24 PM
I hope that we aren't scaring Jennifer off with all our recent chatter! :dance3:
Not scared at all - infact I enjoy reading all of your chatter :thumbsup2 You both seem so knowledgeable. I'm making note of all of your suggestions. The last time I was in Barcelona was 18 years ago when I stayed in a hostel with my backpack, loaf of bread and cheap wine. We travelled through 10 countries on less than $20/day each. My friends and I had a great trip but I'm looking forward to seeing Europe in style this time.
Karen your logo looks great - very classy.
Sadly I'm back in miserable London - and back at University for my second year! So I'm trying desperately to crank my creaky old brain back into action... ;)
Karen, I don't know how you do it. I can barely get myself up to get to work every day. And I work from home a couple days a week!
Don't know about living it up, it was a long overdue visit as we had to sort out our poor neglected apartment. Most of my weekend was spent decluttering, cleaning and rearranging, whilst Richard concentrated on dismantling the enormous, ancient sofa that we hated!!! It was too huge to remove ourselves (we're on the 4th floor with a tiny lift) and we'd been quoted a gazillion euros by a removal company so he set to with a couple of hacksaws!!! Anyway, it's almost out of our lives... :cool2:
Too bad you didn't get a break while in Paris. I am trying to picture you and Richard sawing a sofa up with hacksaws. :rotfl:
I think you made a great choice, Eva! Extra day, fab resort and not to mention a relaxed stroll to the World Showcase (it should be the Flower & Garden festival then, I think) where maybe you can do the Kidcot activities with your DGD... :thumbsup2
I think so too. I love EPCOT. And Lexy will finally be able to ride all the rides there. She is finally over 40" tall. I think that she will love Soarin and Test Track. We will be spending quite a bit of time at MK too. But with the money that we are saving at YC, we can take taxis to MK every day if we want to.
Whose fleet - did it say? As far as I recall, the French are based in Marseilles in the south... I'm sure Villefranche will be lovely - everything I've read makes me think we'll probably stick there and not fuss about St. Tropez... :goodvibes
US Navy. I also Googled - Villefranche Navy - and found a number of articles with the same information. But I don't think it happens daily. I think that it it more like once or twice a month. So maybe we will be fine.
I'm delighted with the hotel - it looks lovely and comfortable... I think I read somewhere that the excursions will most probably be released in December. They'd better hurry up as the 1st Med cruises start in May!!! :eek:
December! Yikes! How will I hold out that long! :eek:
Not scared at all - infact I enjoy reading all of your chatter :thumbsup2 You both seem so knowledgeable. I'm making note of all of your suggestions. The last time I was in Barcelona was 18 years ago when I stayed in a hostel with my backpack, loaf of bread and cheap wine. We travelled through 10 countries on less than $20/day each. My friends and I had a great trip but I'm looking forward to seeing Europe in style this time.
Karen your logo looks great - very classy.
Jennifer, from your signature it appears that you are a DVC member too. Karen and I are too! You're one up on me. I've never been to Barcelona. What sights do you feel are must sees? We are just coming in the day before and won't have much time.
jhryb
10-08-2009, 10:20 AM
Jennifer, from your signature it appears that you are a DVC member too. Karen and I are too! You're one up on me. I've never been to Barcelona. What sights do you feel are must sees? We are just coming in the day before and won't have much time.
We probably spent around 2 days in Barcelona and I have no idea what I saw there. I kept a journal of my trip so perhaps I should dig it up. The Olympics were a couple of months away and I remember climbing and climbing to get up to the Olympic village. I also remember lying on the beach (this is very unlike me but we were topless because everyone else was - or so I remember). I think I remember a central square with lots of Spanish dancing and festivities in the evening. Almost everything I did was free because I just finished University and I had no job. My recollection of Florence, Cannes and Nice are equally as blurred. All of the other Ports will be new to me. I am far from a reliable source when it comes to recommending sights.
CustardTart
10-08-2009, 11:07 AM
Too bad you didn't get a break while in Paris. I am trying to picture you and Richard sawing a sofa up with hacksaws...
No sawing for me - I mainly put the pared down pieces into refuse bags and observed from afar!!! ;) I do wish I'd taken a few photos tho' - it was certainly a spectacle to behold!!! :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:
...I love EPCOT. And Lexy will finally be able to ride all the rides there. She is finally over 40" tall. I think that she will love Soarin and Test Track. We will be spending quite a bit of time at MK too. But with the money that we are saving at YC, we can take taxis to MK every day if we want to... :thumbsup2
...US Navy. I also Googled - Villefranche Navy - and found a number of articles with the same information. But I don't think it happens daily. I think that it it more like once or twice a month. So maybe we will be fine...
http://bestsmileys.com/fingers/1.gifhttp://bestsmileys.com/fingers/1.gifhttp://bestsmileys.com/fingers/1.gif
Jennifer, from your signature it appears that you are a DVC member too. Karen and I are too! You're one up on me. I've never been to Barcelona. What sights do you feel are must sees? We are just coming in the day before and won't have much time.
What she said!!! ::yes:: :goodvibes
CustardTart
10-08-2009, 11:17 AM
We probably spent around 2 days in Barcelona and I have no idea what I saw there. I kept a journal of my trip so perhaps I should dig it up. The Olympics were a couple of months away and I remember climbing and climbing to get up to the Olympic village. I also remember lying on the beach (this is very unlike me but we were topless because everyone else was - or so I remember). I think I remember a central square with lots of Spanish dancing and festivities in the evening. Almost everything I did was free because I just finished University and I had no job. My recollection of Florence, Cannes and Nice are equally as blurred. All of the other Ports will be new to me. I am far from a reliable source when it comes to recommending sights.
Sounds about right!!! I remember us taking our big kids to South of France when they were about 8 and 6 (so circa 1990) and all the sun worshippers, from young mademoiselles to old mesdames, were topless. And the kids just ran around naked... In fact, I saw a lot ;) of it when we were in Southern Spain this summer!!! Maybe I shouldn't say this on a family board BUT I always worry about their nipples - such a sensitive area of the bod... :sad2:
Not scared at all - infact I enjoy reading all of your chatter :thumbsup2 You both seem so knowledgeable. I'm making note of all of your suggestions. The last time I was in Barcelona was 18 years ago when I stayed in a hostel with my backpack, loaf of bread and cheap wine. We travelled through 10 countries on less than $20/day each. My friends and I had a great trip but I'm looking forward to seeing Europe in style this time.
Karen your logo looks great - very classy.
That trip sounds amazing. I wish I had done something so wild when I was young. I married a year after graduating high school. So by the time that I graduated from college I was married with two small children. But I must admit, we are having a blast now that we are empty nesters.
CustardTart
10-08-2009, 04:38 PM
That trip sounds amazing. I wish I had done something so wild when I was young. I married a year after graduating high school. So by the time that I graduated from college I was married with two small children. But I must admit, we are having a blast now that we are empty nesters.
Richard and I managed to squeeze in a trip backpacking across Europe in the summer of 1981 after leaving high school at 18. We travelled overland and visited France, Germany, Austria, Italy, the then Yugoslavia and Greece before ending up in Cyprus where I have family... I remember so much of that trip very clearly, it was wonderful... :cloud9: A year later, we were married and expecting our first child... :goodvibes
I agree with Eva - 28 years on and we're having the best time!!! We're not quite empty nesters as youngest DS Samuel is 16 but not long to go now... :goodvibes
Richard and I managed to squeeze in a trip backpacking across Europe in the summer of 1981 after leaving high school at 18. We travelled overland and visited France, Germany, Austria, Italy, the then Yugoslavia and Greece before ending up in Cyprus where I have family... I remember so much of that trip very clearly, it was wonderful... :cloud9: A year later, we were married and expecting our first child... :goodvibes
I agree with Eva - 28 years on and we're having the best time!!! We're not quite empty nesters as youngest DS Samuel is 16 but not long to go now... :goodvibes
Sounds like you had a great trip hiking (oops, I said that word again) across Europe too. Steve and I did have a great month long trip to Texas prior to getting married. Hmmm, less than one year later we were married expecting our first child too. :scratchin
CustardTart
10-09-2009, 04:40 AM
...I agree with Eva - 28 years on and we're having the best time!!! ...
EEEK!!! Famous last words!!! Ten minutes after I wrote that last night, my DH managed to annoy be beyond belief and I could happily swapped him for a pair of over-knee boots!!!! :rotfl2: :lmao: :rotfl2:
Sounds like you had a great trip hiking (oops, I said that word again) across Europe too. Steve and I did have a great month long trip to Texas prior to getting married. Hmmm, less than one year later we were married expecting our first child too. :scratchin
So is your eldest daughter aged circa 26, Eva??? My Sophie will be 27 :scared1: on December 23rd... I thought we were making progress thinking about a wedding venue/setting a date but she's not mentioned it for a couple of months now... :sad2:
EEEK!!! Famous last words!!! Ten minutes after I wrote that last night, my DH managed to annoy be beyond belief and I could happily swapped him for a pair of over-knee boots!!!! :rotfl2: :lmao: :rotfl2:
:lmao:
So is your eldest daughter aged circa 26, Eva??? My Sophie will be 27 :scared1: on December 23rd... I thought we were making progress thinking about a wedding venue/setting a date but she's not mentioned it for a couple of months now... :sad2:
Yes, Rachel is 26. She will be 27 in February. We thought that we would be planning a wedding for Fall of 2010. But Rachel and her fiancé broke up in August after being together for 6 years. I think she decided it was time to move forward and set the date or move on.
CustardTart
10-09-2009, 12:23 PM
...I'm getting anxious to see the excursions that DCL will offer. Does anyone have an idea when they will release those?
...December! Yikes! How will I hold out that long! :eek:
I just read this on the DCL Forum:
With concierge and platinum guests being able to book at 120 days, look for them to be released 150 days or so before the EB TA cruise...
The EB TA cruise departs on April 10th and 150 days before that is November 11th so HOPEFULLY not too long to wait... :goodvibes
I just read this on the DCL Forum:
The EB TA cruise departs on April 10th and 150 days before that is November 11th so HOPEFULLY not too long to wait... :goodvibes
Oh Boy! Now I have my hopes up! I am still waiting for flights home to be published. The flights going to Barcelona are out. It looks like we may have to drive to Chicago for a decent flight. The ones out of Peoria, IL have mulitple layovers that are fairly long. But I'll keep watching.
I just bought our flights to WDW in May. I can't believe that I will be able to make ADR's on November 3rd. I'm glad that they are going back to 180 days for ADR's.
CustardTart
10-10-2009, 06:09 AM
...Yes, Rachel is 26. She will be 27 in February. We thought that we would be planning a wedding for Fall of 2010. But Rachel and her fiancé broke up in August after being together for 6 years. I think she decided it was time to move forward and set the date or move on.
That's spookily similar in age! Sophie and her fiancé will have been together 11 years next month!!! And I want to plan a wedding!!! I have just the one daughter so surely that's not too much to ask...? :headache:
Oh Boy! Now I have my hopes up! I am still waiting for flights home to be published. The flights going to Barcelona are out. It looks like we may have to drive to Chicago for a decent flight. The ones out of Peoria, IL have mulitple layovers that are fairly long. But I'll keep watching...
Is it far from you to Chicago? And how long is the flight from there to Barcelona??
I just bought our flights to WDW in May. I can't believe that I will be able to make ADR's on November 3rd. I'm glad that they are going back to 180 days for ADR's. Have you had a go at booking ADRs online??? That was so much fun - if a little addictive!!!
That's spookily similar in age! Sophie and her fiancé will have been together 11 years next month!!! And I want to plan a wedding!!! I have just the one daughter so surely that's not too much to ask...? :headache:
I feel for you. My youngest was married last year. It was so much fun planning the wedding. She was not very picky and let me pick out a lot of things. I even changed the centerpeices for the reception with out her knowing. She didn't mind at all. She had the wedding I always wished I had. Her dress looked just like Cinderella's and she wore a Swarovski crystal tiara. She was specatular looking. And the room was done all in white roses and lilies. I'll bring a few pictures on my phone when we do the Med cruise.
Is it far from you to Chicago? And how long is the flight from there to Barcelona??
It takes about 3 hours by car to Chicago. If the flight is direct it takes about 7 hours.
Have you had a go at booking ADRs online??? That was so much fun - if a little addictive!!!
We had thought about doing a long weekend at WDW in August for our anniversary. So I made ADR's online. It was very easy. I was really surprised that they had the exact times I wanted for Citrico's and Artist Point only 2 weeks out. But we decided to just go to Chicago for the weekend. Canceling online was really easy too. I can't wait until November 3rd to make the ones for May. I am still trying to decide where and when.
jhryb
10-10-2009, 06:31 PM
Have you had a go at booking ADRs online??? That was so much fun - if a little addictive!!!
I was at WDW at the end of the summer so I was able to use the online system last spring to make our dining reservations. It was fun and I kept checking for better options, which was great.
Flights are available to/from Barcelona but I will hold off for a better price. My biggest concern is that my kids will miss the first couple of days of school. School starts on Sept 7th but the earliest that we will get home is Sept 8th. Not a big deal if they miss the first two days but I really want to find a direct flight leaving on the 8th. I don't think that I will be lucky enough to get a direct flight mid-week.
This is a long weekend in Canada because it is our Thanksgiving on Monday. My kids are away at a fall camp until Monday afternoon so my DH and I are enjoying a wonderful quiet weekend. I'm taking it easy and I'm not even planning to cook a turkey on Monday - my plan is to go out for dinner instead.
I was at WDW at the end of the summer so I was able to use the online system last spring to make our dining reservations. It was fun and I kept checking for better options, which was great.
Flights are available to/from Barcelona but I will hold off for a better price. My biggest concern is that my kids will miss the first couple of days of school. School starts on Sept 7th but the earliest that we will get home is Sept 8th. Not a big deal if they miss the first two days but I really want to find a direct flight leaving on the 8th. I don't think that I will be lucky enough to get a direct flight mid-week.
This is a long weekend in Canada because it is our Thanksgiving on Monday. My kids are away at a fall camp until Monday afternoon so my DH and I are enjoying a wonderful quiet weekend. I'm taking it easy and I'm not even planning to cook a turkey on Monday - my plan is to go out for dinner instead.
I had no idea that Canada had a Thanksgiving Day too. This weekend we are doing about the same. Besides going to church tomorrow morning, I don't think we will venture out much. I hate to say it, but we were up late last night and slept in until 10:30 this morning. I can't remember the last time I slept past 7:00. It was great!
Did you have any great meals on your trip to WDW? We are looking for suggestions for our upcoming trip. The meals we know for sure are:
Dinners - Teppan Edo, Narcoossee’s, maybe that new restaurant Kouzzina
Breakfasts - CTR, Crystal Palace, and Akershus Princess Storybook
We are still looking for another 3 places to eat dinner.
CustardTart
10-11-2009, 05:19 AM
I feel for you. My youngest was married last year. It was so much fun planning the wedding. She was not very picky and let me pick out a lot of things. I even changed the centerpeices for the reception with out her knowing. She didn't mind at all. She had the wedding I always wished I had. Her dress looked just like Cinderella's and she wore a Swarovski crystal tiara. She was specatular looking. And the room was done all in white roses and lilies. I'll bring a few pictures on my phone when we do the Med cruise...
Sounds gorgeous and I would love to see photos... We have a venue in mind -it's a beautiful Victorian conservatory that's attached to a museum and can be decorated amazingly. It will look spectacular when candlelit for the evening... http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s84/cheztaylor/General%20PIcs/conservatory4.jpg
It takes about 3 hours by car to Chicago. If the flight is direct it takes about 7 hours..
Wow!!! Is that all!!? Goodness it takes us 2 hours... :rolleyes:
...We had thought about doing a long weekend at WDW in August for our anniversary. So I made ADR's online. It was very easy. I was really surprised that they had the exact times I wanted for Citrico's and Artist Point only 2 weeks out. But we decided to just go to Chicago for the weekend. Canceling online was really easy too. I can't wait until November 3rd to make the ones for May. I am still trying to decide where and when.
We were there in September (in the midst of free DDP :headache:) and still managed to get everything we wanted at fairly short notice...
CustardTart
10-11-2009, 05:22 AM
I was at WDW at the end of the summer so I was able to use the online system last spring to make our dining reservations. It was fun and I kept checking for better options, which was great.
Flights are available to/from Barcelona but I will hold off for a better price. My biggest concern is that my kids will miss the first couple of days of school. School starts on Sept 7th but the earliest that we will get home is Sept 8th. Not a big deal if they miss the first two days but I really want to find a direct flight leaving on the 8th. I don't think that I will be lucky enough to get a direct flight mid-week.
This is a long weekend in Canada because it is our Thanksgiving on Monday. My kids are away at a fall camp until Monday afternoon so my DH and I are enjoying a wonderful quiet weekend. I'm taking it easy and I'm not even planning to cook a turkey on Monday - my plan is to go out for dinner instead.
Happy Canadian Thanksgiving!!! Have a lovely relaxing weekend with your DH... :goodvibes
CustardTart
10-11-2009, 05:40 AM
...I hate to say it, but we were up late last night and slept in until 10:30 this morning. I can't remember the last time I slept past 7:00. It was great!
I've slept in till 10.30am both days this weekend - which is totally unlike me!!! Sometimes tho' it's like I have "sleeping sickness" and need to sleep in to recharge my batteries then I'll be fine for another few months... ;)
...Did you have any great meals on your trip to WDW? We are looking for suggestions for our upcoming trip. The meals we know for sure are:
Dinners - Teppan Edo, Narcoossee’s, maybe that new restaurant Kouzzina
Breakfasts - CTR, Crystal Palace, and Akershus Princess Storybook
We are still looking for another 3 places to eat dinner.
What about Coral Reef? We like it there - nice food and a spectacular setting, I'm sure your DGD would love it...
If you're in the YC, what about the Cape May Cafe? They do a great breakfast, I think it's one of the best we've done lately for extended character interaction - Sophie and I did Chef Mickeys recently which was appalling!!!
We also had lunch at Yak & Yeti which was a very pleasant surprise...
jhryb
10-11-2009, 10:24 AM
Did you have any great meals on your trip to WDW? We are looking for suggestions for our upcoming trip. The meals we know for sure are:
Dinners - Teppan Edo, Narcoossee’s, maybe that new restaurant Kouzzina
Breakfasts - CTR, Crystal Palace, and Akershus Princess Storybook
In all of our years of visiting WDW We have never had TS for breakfast - just not breakfast people. We always have an early CS meal for lunch so that we can save room for dinner. I love both Teppan Edo and Narcoossee’s. The surf and turf and Narcoossee’s is our favourite - especially when the dining plan is paying for it. My kids always enjoy going to 50's Prime Time and my DH loves Boma. Ohanas is also high on our list.
Happy Canadian Thanksgiving!!! Have a lovely relaxing weekend with your DH... :goodvibes
Thanks it feels almost decadent
CustardTart
10-12-2009, 01:40 PM
Giving us a little *bump* in case anyone else out there wants to join in... :flower3:
What about Coral Reef? We like it there - nice food and a spectacular setting, I'm sure your DGD would love it...
If you're in the YC, what about the Cape May Cafe? They do a great breakfast, I think it's one of the best we've done lately for extended character interaction - Sophie and I did Chef Mickeys recently which was appalling!!!
We also had lunch at Yak & Yeti which was a very pleasant surprise...
I have been debating the Coral Reef. I can't believe that we have never been. We've heard such mixed reviews that I've never chanced it. But I think that Lexy would love seeing all the fish.
Maybe we will try the Cape May for breakfast too. Which characters do they have? I totally agree with Chef Mickey. We've eaten there a few times. And every time I say never again. Go figure! But it was so cute when we ate dinner there the first night on our trip in May. Lexy was so excited seeing all the characters.
In all of our years of visiting WDW We have never had TS for breakfast - just not breakfast people. We always have an early CS meal for lunch so that we can save room for dinner. I love both Teppan Edo and Narcoossee’s. The surf and turf and Narcoossee’s is our favourite - especially when the dining plan is paying for it. My kids always enjoy going to 50's Prime Time and my DH loves Boma. Ohanas is also high on our list.
Steve and I dont' eat TS breakfast when it is just the two of us. We only do the character ones when we have the grandkids with us. Ohana's might be a great idea. We haven't been there in years. Do they still have the kids participate in games and such?
CustardTart
10-12-2009, 05:40 PM
I have been debating the Coral Reef. I can't believe that we have never been. We've heard such mixed reviews that I've never chanced it. But I think that Lexy would love seeing all the fish.
We love Coral Reef, Eva - have only ever had great food and a fab experience there!!! I know it gets dodgy reviews and we keep waiting for the bubble to burst but it hasn't yet! And we've been about 5 times with the last being in April... I know everyone's expectations are different but I honestly (and Richard agrees with me) don't know why Coral Reef gets a bad rap...
Maybe we will try the Cape May for breakfast too. Which characters do they have? Don't quote me but I think it's one of the few that has Minnie... And Donald's definitely there!!!
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s84/cheztaylor/WDW%202008/DSCF0970-1.jpg
...Steve and I dont' eat TS breakfast when it is just the two of us. We only do the character ones when we have the grandkids with us. Ohana's might be a great idea. We haven't been there in years. Do they still have the kids participate in games and such?
We did Ohanas in 2006 and it was, without a doubt, awesome!!! :thumbsup2 We got some great pics and it's the only one that has Lilo and Stitch plus the other characters really interact with each other... ...
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s84/cheztaylor/Photos/NewYears07109.jpg
Another great experience was the one at Tusker House. We did this in April - I love all the safari outfits...
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s84/cheztaylor/WDW%202009/DSCF1520.jpg
TBH we don't eat breakfast either. The only way I can deal with the character breakfasts is to book as late as possible - some of them you can go as late as 11am and that suits me so much better... :goodvibes
We love Coral Reef, Eva - have only ever had great food and a fab experience there!!! I know it gets dodgy reviews and we keep waiting for the bubble to burst but it hasn't yet! And we've been about 5 times with the last being in April... I know everyone's expectations are different but I honestly (and Richard agrees with me) don't know why Coral Reef gets a bad rap...
Don't quote me but I think it's one of the few that has Minnie... And Donald's definitely there!!!
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s84/cheztaylor/WDW%202008/DSCF0970-1.jpg
We did Ohanas in 2006 and it was, without a doubt, awesome!!! :thumbsup2 We got some great pics and it's the only one that has Lilo and Stitch plus the other characters really interact with each other... ...
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s84/cheztaylor/Photos/NewYears07109.jpg
Another great experience was the one at Tusker House. We did this in April - I love all the safari outfits...
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s84/cheztaylor/WDW%202009/DSCF1520.jpg
TBH we don't eat breakfast either. The only way I can deal with the character breakfasts is to book as late as possible - some of them you can go as late as 11am and that suits me so much better... :goodvibes
Karen, These picures are great. I completely forgot about breakfast at Ohana. We had breakfast there the first year we went to WDW with our girls back in 1995. It's so fun looking at your pictures. I'm sure you hear it all the time, but it's funny how one of your sons looks just like Richard and the other looks just like you.
We are definitely going to try Coral Reef this trip!
CustardTart
10-13-2009, 01:11 PM
Karen, These picures are great. I completely forgot about breakfast at Ohana. We had breakfast there the first year we went to WDW with our girls back in 1995. It's so fun looking at your pictures. I'm sure you hear it all the time, but it's funny how one of your sons looks just like Richard and the other looks just like you...
Ooooh which one d'you think looks like me??? No one ever says that!!! Is it Samuel in the specs or Matty with his thumb up??!!
I hope you all enjoy Coral Reef now I've raved about it!!! ;) :rolleyes: :eek: BTW they give you a sheet showing all the different types of fish that you can spot whilst you eat - it's fun and you'll get some great photos... :goodvibes
Ooooh which one d'you think looks like me??? No one ever says that!!! Is it Samuel in the specs or Matty with his thumb up??!!
I hope you all enjoy Coral Reef now I've raved about it!!! ;) :rolleyes: :eek: BTW they give you a sheet showing all the different types of fish that you can spot whilst you eat - it's fun and you'll get some great photos... :goodvibes
Oh, I think that Samuel looks a lot like you! Matty is the spitten image of Richard.
Of course I will blame you totally if I hate the Coral Reef! :laughing:
Here is my new list of ADR's:
Breakfasts
CRT
Tusker House (Thanks for the suggestion Karen!)
Crystal Palace
Akershus
Lunch
Sci-Fi Dine-In
Dinners
Teppan Edo
Kouzzina
Narcoossee’s
Ohana
Coral Reef
I think that I will leave at least one night open to either eat by the pool or order pizza.
CustardTart
10-14-2009, 04:03 AM
...Of course I will blame you totally if I hate the Coral Reef!
I expect nothing less!!! :rotfl2::lmao::rotfl2:
The ADRs sound great - I'll be interested to hear about Kouzzina...
Keep eyeing up the airfares to/from Barcelona BUT I know I should wait for a sale as there's bound to be at least one between now and August... :faint: So I'll just sit on my hands for a while... ;)
I expect nothing less!!! :rotfl2::lmao::rotfl2:
The ADRs sound great - I'll be interested to hear about Kouzzina...
Keep eyeing up the airfares to/from Barcelona BUT I know I should wait for a sale as there's bound to be at least one between now and August... :faint: So I'll just sit on my hands for a while... ;)
I've been looking at flights too. Air France has some pretty good prices and decent times for the flights. Any experience with Air France? Are they any better than US companies? I am going to watch the prices for a bit more. I am dying to fly business class. But am still trying to justify the cost.
CustardTart
10-14-2009, 04:48 PM
I've been looking at flights too. Air France has some pretty good prices and decent times for the flights. Any experience with Air France? Are they any better than US companies? I am going to watch the prices for a bit more. I am dying to fly business class. But am still trying to justify the cost.
Air France are good (used to be Richard's fave business class airline) kinda like British Airways - they were partners on the much-missed Concorde... :sad:
Sadly I can't not justify the cost when flying long haul anymore - 8+ hours in economy = 2+ days off my vacation time waiting for my back to recover. Not to mention jet-lag... The upside is we accumulate lots of airmiles and get quite a few free flights - which is great!!! :thumbsup2
Air France are good (used to be Richard's fave business class airline) kinda like British Airways - they were partners on the much-missed Concorde... :sad:
Sadly I can't not justify the cost when flying long haul anymore - 8+ hours in economy = 2+ days off my vacation time waiting for my back to recover. Not to mention jet-lag... The upside is we accumulate lots of airmiles and get quite a few free flights - which is great!!! :thumbsup2
I think that we are going to go with Air France. Out of Chicago roundtrip is $981 per person right now. The layovers in Paris are not too bad. Going over it is only 1 hour and 45 minutes. Do you think that will be enough to get through customs. Going through customs on our trip to Italy was easy and took very little time.
CustardTart
10-14-2009, 05:06 PM
Which airport in Paris? Charles de Gaul (CDG) is huge and busy so I can't help but think 1 hour 45 mins might be cutting it fine... If it's Orly (ORY), more likely to be OK as it's a much smaller airport...
Which airport in Paris? Charles de Gaul (CDG) is huge and busy so I can't help but think 1 hour 45 mins might be cutting it fine... If it's Orly (ORY), more likely to be OK as it's a much smaller airport...
It is CDG. But I just found a flight out of our hometown (Peoria, IL) that is only $200 more per person. That will save us over $300 in parking. So we may take it. Funny but part of the return flight is on British Airways. There are 2 hour layovers each way. I think that I will do what you are doing and wait a few more weeks. But these rates I am seeing are not bad at all.
Picking flights is going to be more difficult than I thought. When we went to Italy last year, we flew Delta. They had a flight that left Peoria with only a two hour layover in Atlanta before going direct to Rome. Going to Barcelona is more complicated. Peoria flights only go to Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Detroit, or Atlanta. Unfortunately no airlines that fly from Peoria go direct to Barcelona from any of those cities. So now we are either looking at driving to Chicago and paying for gas both ways and $30 a day in parking (in Peoria parking is free) or taking flights with at least 2 layovers.
PS - The great flights I saw with Air France, weren't so great. I didn't realize that the times for the flight from Paris to Chicago included an overnight layover. I was just looking at the times and didn't see the +1 day. Darn!
Boy, am I silly. I completely forgot to check on flights out of Bloomington, IL. It is only 45 minutes from our house. We are flying from there for our WDW trip in May. How silly is that? Well there are a number of flights to choose from. And they have free parking!
Update: I think I've found our flights. Delta is running flights very similar to the ones we took to Italy last year. The only issue is that we will need to stay an extra night in Barcelona after the cruise. All the flights back to the States leave too early. That's too bad! ;)
jhryb
10-16-2009, 08:23 PM
Hello Karen and Eva,
I'm jumping ship so to speak. I discovered that if I move our cruise by one year (to Aug 20 2011 I will save $2000 plus our rooms are much nicer.
I'm excited because we are going to do a land based tour this summer instead. It will go from England to Venice. This is perfect because the Disney Cruise the following summer will cover the Med Cities. I like the idea that my family will get to experience European hotels this summer and we will save $ overall.
Take Care and I hope that you enjoy your Cruise.
Jennifer
CustardTart
10-17-2009, 10:45 AM
Hello Karen and Eva,
I'm jumping ship so to speak. I discovered that if I move our cruise by one year (to Aug 20 2011 I will save $2000 plus our rooms are much nicer.
I'm excited because we are going to do a land based tour this summer instead. It will go from England to Venice. This is perfect because the Disney Cruise the following summer will cover the Med Cities. I like the idea that my family will get to experience European hotels this summer and we will save $ overall.
Take Care and I hope that you enjoy your Cruise.
Jennifer
Sounds a great plan, Jennifer - tho' sorry we won't get to sail together... Have fun arranging your England to Venice tour and a magical Med cruise in 2011... :hug:
Hello Karen and Eva,
I'm jumping ship so to speak. I discovered that if I move our cruise by one year (to Aug 20 2011 I will save $2000 plus our rooms are much nicer.
I'm excited because we are going to do a land based tour this summer instead. It will go from England to Venice. This is perfect because the Disney Cruise the following summer will cover the Med Cities. I like the idea that my family will get to experience European hotels this summer and we will save $ overall.
Take Care and I hope that you enjoy your Cruise.
Jennifer
I agree with Karen. Your trip sounds wonderful. You will love Venice. Sorry we won't be meeting you on the cruise.
I'm beginning to wonder how many formal nights we will have on the cruise. I'm hoping that they will stick to one formal and one semi-formal. Packing for two weeks in Europe is already tough enough. It will be nice if Steve can get away with only packing one suit. Maybe we'll bite the bullet and pay the extra charge to bring another suitcase with us. Delta already charges $15 for the first bag, each way. That adds $60 for the two we always take. But the next bag they are charging $25. That will add another $50. I may need to go find some old trip reports to see what they did on the last Med cruises.
CustardTart
10-19-2009, 10:29 AM
My Passporter says that there are usually 2 Formal Nights (days 3 & 7) and 1 Semi-Formal (day 9) on the longer cruises but I don't know how accurate this is. As we have 3 'At Sea' days I guess that could be plausible... Let me know what you find out!!! :goodvibes
1 Sat Barcelona, Spain.......... 4:00 p.m.
2 Sun At Sea.........
3 Mon Valletta, Malta... 8:30 a.m. 6:00 p.m.
4 Tues Tunis, Tunisia.... 8:30 a.m. 4:00 p.m.
5 Wed Naples, Italy.... 8:30 a.m. 9:00 p.m.
6 Thurs Civitavecchia.... 7:45 a.m. 9:00 p.m.
7 Fri At Sea..........
8 Sat La Spezia, Italy.. 7:30 a.m. 7:30 p.m.
9 Sun Ajaccio, Corsica.. 7:30 a.m. 5:00 p.m.
10 Mon Villefranche.... 8:00 a.m. 7:00 p.m.
11 Tues At Sea
12 Wed Barcelona, Spain 7:00 a.m.
ETA: I found this dining info posted from 2007...
1 Cruise Casual.
2 Formal.
3 Cruise Casual.
4 Cruise Casual.
5 Cruise Casual.
6 Cruise Casual.
7 Semi Formal.
8 Cruise Casual.
9 Pirate Night/Cruise Casual.
10 Semi Formal.
11 Cruise Casual.
My Passporter says that there are usually 2 Formal Nights (days 3 & 7) and 1 Semi-Formal (day 9) on the longer cruises but I don't know how accurate this is. As we have 3 'At Sea' days I guess that could be plausible... Let me know what you find out!!! :goodvibes
1 Sat Barcelona, Spain.......... 4:00 p.m.
2 Sun At Sea.........
3 Mon Valletta, Malta... 8:30 a.m. 6:00 p.m.
4 Tues Tunis, Tunisia.... 8:30 a.m. 4:00 p.m.
5 Wed Naples, Italy.... 8:30 a.m. 9:00 p.m.
6 Thurs Civitavecchia.... 7:45 a.m. 9:00 p.m.
7 Fri At Sea..........
8 Sat La Spezia, Italy.. 7:30 a.m. 7:30 p.m.
9 Sun Ajaccio, Corsica.. 7:30 a.m. 5:00 p.m.
10 Mon Villefranche.... 8:00 a.m. 7:00 p.m.
11 Tues At Sea
12 Wed Barcelona, Spain 7:00 a.m.
ETA: I found this dining info posted from 2007...
1 Cruise Casual.
2 Formal.
3 Cruise Casual.
4 Cruise Casual.
5 Cruise Casual.
6 Cruise Casual.
7 Semi Formal.
8 Cruise Casual.
9 Pirate Night/Cruise Casual.
10 Semi Formal.
11 Cruise Casual.
Thanks for the info. Maybe I will look into renting a tux for Steve. If I remember right, someone said that you could still do this on the Med cruises in 2007. Then Steve can get away with bringing only one suit. Although Steve says he could wear his black suit a number of times if needed. I'll have to think on this. It's funny how guys can wear the same suit over and over. I guess he could bring three shirts and ties to match the dresses I'll be wearing. I doubt if anyone will even notice.
CustardTart
10-19-2009, 12:29 PM
Thanks for the info. Maybe I will look into renting a tux for Steve. If I remember right, someone said that you could still do this on the Med cruises in 2007. Then Steve can get away with bringing only one suit. Although Steve says he could wear his black suit a number of times if needed. I'll have to think on this. It's funny how guys can wear the same suit over and over. I guess he could bring three shirts and ties to match the dresses I'll be wearing. I doubt if anyone will even notice.
I'm pretty sure that's possible. ::yes:: Here's (www.cruiselineformal.com) the website... Let me know if you're thinking of doing this as I'll do the same for Richard - it would be kinda nice to see them all dressed up... :goodvibes Otherwise, Richard will bring one dark suit, a smart shirt and tie plus 2/3 alternative dressy shirts which he'll wear without a tie for the semi-formals and/or Palos... And of course, this all means I'll have to dress up for 3+ dinners too... :rolleyes:
I'm pretty sure that's possible. ::yes:: Here's (www.cruiselineformal.com) the website... Let me know if you're thinking of doing this as I'll do the same for Richard - it would be kinda nice to see them all dressed up... :goodvibes Otherwise, Richard will bring one dark suit, a smart shirt and tie plus 2/3 alternative dressy shirts which he'll wear without a tie for the semi-formals and/or Palos... And of course, this all means I'll have to dress up for 3+ dinners too... :rolleyes:
Thanks for the link. As it gets closer I'll let you know. I would love to see Steve in a tux again. But I think he might need to be persuaded.
I just made a reservation at the Renaissance Barcelona Airport Hotel for the night that we return from the cruise. We can't find a decent flight that leaves late enough in the day. So we are planning to fly out on the 9th at 10:00 am. The Renaissance seem handy since it has a free shuttle to the airport.
Thought I'd give another bump. We were nearly on page 3. Anyone else out there joiing this cruise?
CustardTart
10-22-2009, 05:27 AM
I can't believe how quiet this thread is... I understand not everyone is a manic planner like Eva ;) but this is a very low key thread... Maybe it'll pick up when we get into the New Year..? :confused3
Anyway, to go completely off-topic, I've just been reading about all the plans for the Disney theme parks and OMG they sound FABULOUS!!! Here's (http://land.allears.net/blogs/dnews/2009/09/walt_disney_parks_and_resorts_2.html) a link in case I'm not the only one who missed all this exciting stuff being announced at the D23 Expo... :rolleyes: My excuse is I only had ears for what DCL were up to and the rest of the news went over my head... So there!!! :goodvibes
I now have vacations planned years in advance (mentally at least - I don't want to scare Richard too much) so we can take in all these amazing experiences... :cloud9:
I can't believe how quiet this thread is... I understand not everyone is a manic planner like Eva ;) but this is a very low key thread... Maybe it'll pick up when we get into the New Year..? :confused3
Anyway, to go completely off-topic, I've just been reading about all the plans for the Disney theme parks and OMG they sound FABULOUS!!! Here's (http://land.allears.net/blogs/dnews/2009/09/walt_disney_parks_and_resorts_2.html) a link in case I'm not the only one who missed all this exciting stuff being announced at the D23 Expo... :rolleyes: My excuse is I only had ears for what DCL were up to and the rest of the news went over my head... So there!!! :goodvibes
I now have vacations planned years in advance (mentally at least - I don't want to scare Richard too much) so we can take in all these amazing experiences... :cloud9:
Karen, Thanks so much for the link. I had heard about Star Tours, but the rest is all new to me. The new areas in MK with the princesses is going to be fabulous. Lexy will be in heaven. She will be 7 in 2013. I better start planning another trip with her. She is going to love the new Little Mermaid attration. Ariel is her favorite.
Karen, I was reading on the cruise board about hotels in Barcelona and now we are booked for two different hotels for the night before the cruise. The Hotel 1898 looks wonderful. Here's the website: Hotel 1898 (http://www.hotel1898.com/en/index.php) I booked a delux room with terrace. I am totally confused as to which hotel to keep for that night. But we have until a couple days prior to decide. The beauty of this hotel is that is it right on La Rambla and still only a few blocks from port. What do you think?
CustardTart
10-23-2009, 05:28 AM
Karen, I was reading on the cruise board about hotels in Barcelona and now we are booked for two different hotels for the night before the cruise. The Hotel 1898 looks wonderful. Here's the website: Hotel 1898 (http://www.hotel1898.com/en/index.php) I booked a delux room with terrace. I am totally confused as to which hotel to keep for that night. But we have until a couple days prior to decide. The beauty of this hotel is that is it right on La Rambla and still only a few blocks from port. What do you think?
Looks lovely, Eva! I had already researched this hotel and discounted it for some reason - tho' I can't think why now!!! :rolleyes: I guess as you're only there for one night, it might make more sense to stay in the heart of the action - easy access to the sights/sounds of the city... :thumbsup2
I'm not 100% sure what we'll do TBH. I'm now thinking about spending a week or so in southern Spain prior to the cruise... Oh decisions, decisions!!! :laughing:
Looks lovely, Eva! I had already researched this hotel and discounted it for some reason - tho' I can't think why now!!! :rolleyes: I guess as you're only there for one night, it might make more sense to stay in the heart of the action - easy access to the sights/sounds of the city... :thumbsup2
I'm not 100% sure what we'll do TBH. I'm now thinking about spending a week or so in southern Spain prior to the cruise... Oh decisions, decisions!!! :laughing:
Funny, I said the same thing on the cruise board. Steve and I talked about this new hotel last night. He said that we are going to wait to see what the dollar and euro do before then. A week in southern Spain sounds wonderful. I sure wish I had more vacation time. With our two trips next year I'm using about every day that I have.
CustardTart
10-26-2009, 04:26 AM
Giving us a *bump* back to page one...
Morning. Not feeling too well these last few days - think I have stomach flu or something... :sad2: Hope all your planning's going well, Eva! Don't know about you, but I can't believe November is almost upon us - aren't you guys going away for a weekend with Steve's company this month???
Anyway, Happy Monday... :goodvibes
Giving us a *bump* back to page one...
Morning. Not feeling too well these last few days - think I have stomach flu or something... :sad2: Hope all your planning's going well, Eva! Don't know about you, but I can't believe November is almost upon us - aren't you guys going away for a weekend with Steve's company this month???
Anyway, Happy Monday... :goodvibes
Karen, I am so sorry that you aren't feeling well. :sick: I hope you are feeling lots better soon! :flower3:
You have a good memory. Yes, we are leaving in two weeks for 5 days at Marco Island, FL. Right now Weather.com is showing 10 days from now in the mid to upper 80's and sunny. So I hope that forcast continues through the middle of November.
I plan on some major beach time over those 5 days. :beach:
I am getting myself majorly confused with flights and hotels in Barcelona. I know that it isn't popular, but Steve and I are considering a flight that comes in around 9:00 am the morning of the cruise. We did the same thing when we went to Italy last year with ABD and had no problems. We only have one layover and it has a few hours to play with if there are any delays. So we might chance it.
Yikes! I am so mad at myself. :mad: Delta had been running an early bird type special on the flights I wanted. Well I procrastinated and the price has gone up over $100 per person in just the last day. Now what do I do? The price is still pretty good. So should I go ahead and purchase or wait it out and see if the prices go down again? I could just kick myself for not buying them earlier.
CustardTart
10-29-2009, 12:52 PM
Flights and the timing of when to book are a mystery to me, Eva! I am going to have to chat with Richard about ours tonight as I've just checked out the British Airways flights we were thinking of using and there are only a few seats left per leg so decisions have to be made...
Have you decided whether to fly in on the day or not?
Flights and the timing of when to book are a mystery to me, Eva! I am going to have to chat with Richard about ours tonight as I've just checked out the British Airways flights we were thinking of using and there are only a few seats left per leg so decisions have to be made...
Have you decided whether to fly in on the day or not?
That is one of the reasons why I kept putting off buying the tickets. But I think that we are going to chance coming in the day of the cruise and stay a day or two after the cruise. There are still plenty of seats. But i doubt if prices will go down much.
CustardTart
10-29-2009, 02:07 PM
That is one of the reasons why I kept putting off buying the tickets. But I think that we are going to chance coming in the day of the cruise and stay a day or two after the cruise. There are still plenty of seats. But i doubt if prices will go down much.
I guess it would be an overnight flight coming from your side of the Atlantic? If that was the case for us from London to MCO, I'd do it...
I guess it would be an overnight flight coming from your side of the Atlantic? If that was the case for us from London to MCO, I'd do it...
Since the flight gets in before 9:00 am, I think we will go for it and fly in the morning of the cruise. There are a couple of flight choices. So we are going for the earliest ones and hope the back-up flights are still open, if something goes wrong. We will take out insurance and pray. I'm not too worried about jet lag. We flew in the day of our ABD trip and didn't really have too much trouble. We just made sure that we stayed awake the first day and took melatonin each night before going to sleep. Since we will have a 5 hour layover, I am not too concerned about our luggage either. We will take a small carry on with the essentials just in case.
CustardTart
10-29-2009, 06:50 PM
I never really suffer with jetlag - if you can sleep as much as poss on the flight it seems to be OK... We STILL can't decide what to do!!! After reading your post, we're thinking we should fly in on the day too - it makes so much sense. Can't think why we didn't think of it before... :goodvibes
I never really suffer with jetlag - if you can sleep as much as poss on the flight it seems to be OK... We STILL can't decide what to do!!! After reading your post, we're thinking we should fly in on the day too - it makes so much sense. Can't think why we didn't think of it before... :goodvibes
I know that everyone warns you to come in the day before. But I am very stingy with my vacation time. And since we have to stay at least one night after the cruise, I am pretty sure we will be flying in the morning of the cruise. That way I can stick to exactly 2 weeks of vacation for the trip. Funny, I've never had a problem with jet lag going over to Europe. But sometimes I have problems coming back to the States. I can normally sleep a few hours on the way over because it is late in the day when we take off. But coming back I have a tough time sleeping on the plane and when we get home I am usually wide awake for hours. It could just be that I am totally exhausted from running around on vacation too. ;)
Well I did it! I just bought our airline tickets. They came back down in price this afternoon. So I jumped on them. I purchased the insurance too. It is now official, we are arriving the day of the cruise. Yikes! Now I am a bit nervous.
CustardTart
10-30-2009, 05:32 PM
Love it!!! It'll add an extra frisson to the experience... ;)
You just know that I'll do the same now! Something to do with the challenge being extended and subsequently accepted... :rotfl2::rotfl::rotfl2:
Love it!!! It'll add an extra frisson to the experience... ;)
You just know that I'll do the same now! Something to do with the challenge being extended and subsequently accepted... :rotfl2::rotfl::rotfl2:
Did I lay down the gauntlet?
It is a bit nerve-racking flying in the same day. But we did take the first flight out of Bloomington, IL. There is another flight with Delta that leaves 2 hours later for back up. It does mean a 5 hour layover. But I would rather have a back up. Actually there are a number of backups on other airlines. I have them noted and ready to use in an emergency. It does mean over 15 hours of travel. But we did the same when we went to Rome last year. Funny, we flew Delta then too.
We will be flying back on the 9th. So the night of the 8th I booked a room at the Renaissance Hotel near the airport. We will probably take a taxi to the hotel first and check-in. Then we will decide whether to hang out at the hotel for the day or grab another taxi to the downtown area for a little sightseeing. I am tempted to hang out at the hotel. I booked a concierge room with free food and drinks throughout the day. The pool looks pretty nice too. I know by that time I might need a day to relax and detox! :rotfl:
CustardTart
11-01-2009, 11:37 AM
I'm sure it'll all be fine!!! I'm still undecided about what to do but haven't really had a chance to talk about it with Richard so once the soccer's finished on TV :rolleyes: I'll ask his opinion...
Surely it can't be long now before the excursions are released? It's only 299 days until we set sail for goodness sake... ;)
I'm sure it'll all be fine!!! I'm still undecided about what to do but haven't really had a chance to talk about it with Richard so once the soccer's finished on TV :rolleyes: I'll ask his opinion...
Surely it can't be long now before the excursions are released? It's only 299 days until we set sail for goodness sake... ;)
Only 299 days! I must get busy planning! :rotfl:
Right now I am finalizing our ADR's for our trip in May. I will be making them on Tuesday. Steve has had some input, so a few things have changed. But I am sneaking in a few that he doesn't know about. He was against so many character meals and wasn't too keen on Kouzzina. So I am sneaking in character meals at Tusker House and Akershus. And I am making two ADR's for one night to see if I can sway him from Biergarten to Kouzzina. If I can't I will be sure to call and cancel.
I think this is the final plan:
Day 1 - Dinner at Teppan Edo
Day 2 - Breakfast at CRT / Dinner at 50’s Prime Time Café
Day 3 - Breakfast at Tusker House / Dinner at Narcoossee’s
Day 4 - Breakfast at Crystal Palace / Dinner at Biergarten or Kouzzina
Day 5 - Lunch at Sci-Fi Diner / Dinner at Coral Reef
Day 6 - Lunch at Akershus
I know it sounds like a lot of food. But we will likely cancel a couple when we get down there.
CustardTart
11-02-2009, 11:59 AM
Only 299 days! I must get busy planning! :rotfl:
Right now I am finalizing our ADR's for our trip in May. I will be making them on Tuesday. Steve has had some input, so a few things have changed. But I am sneaking in a few that he doesn't know about. He was against so many character meals and wasn't too keen on Kouzzina. So I am sneaking in character meals at Tusker House and Akershus. And I am making two ADR's for one night to see if I can sway him from Biergarten to Kouzzina. If I can't I will be sure to call and cancel.
I think this is the final plan:
Day 1 - Dinner at Teppan Edo
Day 2 - Breakfast at CRT / Dinner at 50’s Prime Time Café
Day 3 - Breakfast at Tusker House / Dinner at Narcoossee’s
Day 4 - Breakfast at Crystal Palace / Dinner at Biergarten or Kouzzina
Day 5 - Lunch at Sci-Fi Diner / Dinner at Coral Reef
Day 6 - Lunch at Akershus
I know it sounds like a lot of food. But we will likely cancel a couple when we get down there.
We always make more ADRs than we need and end up cancelling a few... I really liked the breakfast at Tusker House. We did it on our last morning in April - yummy!!! There bread pudding was delicious... :cloud9: We also had a nice photo taken before being seated...
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s84/cheztaylor/WDW%202009/sc071fa2c6.jpg
:goodvibes
...and I love all the characters in their safari gear...
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s84/cheztaylor/WDW%202009/sc071faf55.jpg
Feeling rather excited at the moment as Sophie and I are officially booked on the Inaugural Dream cruise in January 2011... :dance3:
We always make more ADRs than we need and end up cancelling a few... I really liked the breakfast at Tusker House. We did it on our last morning in April - yummy!!! There bread pudding was delicious... :cloud9: We also had a nice photo taken before being seated...
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s84/cheztaylor/WDW%202009/sc071fa2c6.jpg
:goodvibes
...and I love all the characters in their safari gear...
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s84/cheztaylor/WDW%202009/sc071faf55.jpg
Thanks for the pictures! I will use them to talk Steve into going. Since we aren't going to Chef Mickey's this will be a good time to see Mickey and his gang. The only character we will have to hunt down is Minnie. Lexy loves her. When Lexy sees Mickey she starts looking for Minnie. I'm glad to see Daisey. We never saw her last year and I heard about it for weeks. Everytime she saw Mickey's Clubhouse on the Disney Channel she would complain that she never saw Daisey.
Feeling rather excited at the moment as Sophie and I are officially booked on the Inaugural Dream cruise in January 2011... :dance3:
Oh, I am so jealous. What type of stateroom did you get?
CustardTart
11-02-2009, 02:31 PM
...The only character we will have to hunt down is Minnie. Lexy loves her. When Lexy sees Mickey she starts looking for Minnie...
I believe she can be seen in Cape May Cafe... :rolleyes1
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s84/cheztaylor/WDW2007/BC430DF5-10CA-4552-97CC-917A8F57-1.jpg
OK it's official, I am a character breakfast bore!!! :rolleyes:
We've booked #8002 which is a Cat 9A !!! With so much to discover onboard I don't think we'll be spending much time in our stateroom and I really wanted to try one with the front facing port hole... We were originally scheduled to do the PC but Sophie didn't feel she could take that much time off so this is our alternative!!! :yay:
I believe she can be seen in Cape May Cafe... :rolleyes1
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s84/cheztaylor/WDW2007/BC430DF5-10CA-4552-97CC-917A8F57-1.jpg
OK it's official, I am a character breakfast bore!!! :rolleyes:
I am amazed that you hit so many character breakfast. Years ago when our girls were young we hit a couple each trip. But then we had a dry spell and hadn't been to a character meal for a number of years. Of course all that has changed now that we have the grandkids.
We've booked #8002 which is a Cat 9A !!! With so much to discover onboard I don't think we'll be spending much time in our stateroom and I really wanted to try one with the front facing port hole... We were originally scheduled to do the PC but Sophie didn't feel she could take that much time off so this is our alternative!!! :yay:
I thought maybe you were going to try one of those new inside cabins with the virtual portholes. I'd be interested to see what that is all about. But I'll never get Steve to go without a verandah.
Well, I got all my ADR's. I'm a bit mad at myself. I meant to set my alarm to get up at 2:00 am to make them on line. But I forgot and made them on line this morning. I had to settle for a couple times that I am not thrilled with. I was hoping for CRT around 8:00 am. But the earliest they had was 9:05 for the entire week. I love getting the earliest reservation for CRT. Last time the park was opening just as we were leaving the restaurant. I also had to take 50's Prime Time Cafe at 6:45 pm. We were hoping for 6:00 because that is EMH that night. I guess I shouldn't complain too much. Those were the only ones I had to settle on. Everything else I got within 15 minutes of my requested time.
I am getting so excited about this cruise. Yesterday I was at my doctor's. He is from Syria and has traveled all over Europe, Africa, and the Middle East quite extensively. He told me that we have to see Carthage in Tunisia. He said it is fascinating. He also said to avoid the casinos in Monte Carlo and go to other places like Grasse or Cannes. He loves Barcelona and said that we should at least spend a day visiting Sagrada Familia by Antonio Gaudi, the Gaudi Gardens, and the old downtown area. Hope we have time to do that, since we will only be staying one night.
Anyone else out there going on this cruise? I keep wondering if someone has started another thread. But I have looked and can't seem to find one.
CustardTart
11-06-2009, 07:01 AM
Well, I got all my ADR's. I'm a bit mad at myself. I meant to set my alarm to get up at 2:00 am to make them on line. But I forgot and made them on line this morning. I had to settle for a couple times that I am not thrilled with. I was hoping for CRT around 8:00 am. But the earliest they had was 9:05 for the entire week. I love getting the earliest reservation for CRT. Last time the park was opening just as we were leaving the restaurant. I also had to take 50's Prime Time Cafe at 6:45 pm. We were hoping for 6:00 because that is EMH that night. I guess I shouldn't complain too much. Those were the only ones I had to settle on. Everything else I got within 15 minutes of my requested time.
You did good!!! :goodvibes That's a great tip about CRT - I must remember that for next time... :thumbsup2
I am getting so excited about this cruise. Yesterday I was at my doctor's. He is from Syria and has traveled all over Europe, Africa, and the Middle East quite extensively. He told me that we have to see Carthage in Tunisia. He said it is fascinating. He also said to avoid the casinos in Monte Carlo and go to other places like Grasse or Cannes. He loves Barcelona and said that we should at least spend a day visiting Sagrada Familia by Antonio Gaudi, the Gaudi Gardens, and the old downtown area. Hope we have time to do that, since we will only be staying one night.
When I told Richard that Carthage was potentially an excursion option, he insisted we do it!!! When we first met, we were both studying Virgil's 'Aeneid' in Latin at school. We especially loved the story of 'Dido and Aeneas' in which Dido was Queen of Carthage so it has romantic associations in his mind... Bless!!! :lovestruc
...Anyone else out there going on this cruise? I keep wondering if someone has started another thread. But I have looked and can't seem to find one.
Me too!!! Seems strange that there's just us keeping the thread alive!!! Even the Alaska one I'm on is more lively and that's not sailing until August 2011... :sad2:
Anyway, I MUST get on!!! So much housework to do :eek: and then I have to get ready to go and see Fleetwood Mac this evening... "Don't Stop Thinking About Tomorrow"... and all that... ;)
When I told Richard that Carthage was potentially an excursion option, he insisted we do it!!! When we first met, we were both studying Virgil's 'Aeneid' in Latin at school. We especially loved the story of 'Dido and Aeneas' in which Dido was Queen of Carthage so it has romantic associations in his mind... Bless!!! :lovestruc
I can tell that I am going to need to brush up on my reading and history before the cruise. I'm not familiar with that story.
Anyway, I MUST get on!!! So much housework to do :eek: and then I have to get ready to go and see Fleetwood Mac this evening... "Don't Stop Thinking About Tomorrow"... and all that... ;)
Oh, I love Fleetwood Mac! Lucky you!
CustardTart
11-08-2009, 06:37 AM
I can tell that I am going to need to brush up on my reading and history before the cruise. I'm not familiar with that story.
I've just ordered a copy from Amazon as Richard's wants to re-read it - already translated, as we've both forgotten every scrap of Latin... ;)
I'm going to re-read What Katy Did Next so I can revisit the ports on her European tour. :thumbsup2 I loved the Katy books when I was a child so looking forward to that...
Fleetwood Mac were amazing - tho' OMG how much cosmetic surgery has Stevie Nix had????!!????!!!!
Fleetwood Mac were amazing - tho' OMG how much cosmetic surgery has Stevie Nix had????!!????!!!!
I'm thinking a lot! I saw her on a tv concert. I didn't think it was her until she started singing. Wish I had money like that! I have been fighting 25 pounds and a double chin for 4 or 5 years now. But I am going to be at my goal weight when we go on this cruise. Sometimes I wonder if quiting smoking was worth it! ;)
CustardTart
11-08-2009, 05:14 PM
I'm thinking a lot! I saw her on a tv concert. I didn't think it was her until she started singing. Wish I had money like that! I have been fighting 25 pounds and a double chin for 4 or 5 years now....
Yeah but at least we can move our faces, Eva!!! Honestly, I was worried all the staples keeping her's in place were going to just PING out!!! :scared1:
But I am going to be at my goal weight when we go on this cruise. Sometimes I wonder if quiting smoking was worth it! ;)
I'm hoping to be too. So very bored of losing, gaining, losing, gaining... :sad2: I'm in a VERY bad place right now as my access to the gym's completely restricted due to a combination of Uni timetable and project managing our building work. So I've got to make some changes... :rolleyes:
I'm hoping to be too. So very bored of losing, gaining, losing, gaining... :sad2: I'm in a VERY bad place right now as my access to the gym's completely restricted due to a combination of Uni timetable and project managing our building work. So I've got to make some changes... :rolleyes:
Well, I have no excuse. I have a workout room with state of the art treadmill, total gym, numerous weights, Wii Fit, and a lot of exercise tapes with a great step. I do use them 3 or 4 days a week. Not sure why I have so much trouble losing the weight! :confused3
CustardTart
11-09-2009, 09:12 AM
Well, I have no excuse. I have a workout room with state of the art treadmill, total gym, numerous weights, Wii Fit, and a lot of exercise tapes with a great step. I do use them 3 or 4 days a week. Not sure why I have so much trouble losing the weight! :confused3
No excuse for me - got the treadmill, pilates machine, Wii Fit etc etc all in house and all dusty with lack of use!!! However, in the spirit of good intention, I have pre-booked two training sessions at the gym this week!!! Haven't been with any conviction since the end of June so enough's enough!!! http://bestsmileys.com/exercising/1.gifhttp://bestsmileys.com/exercising/1.gifhttp://bestsmileys.com/exercising/1.gif
No excuse for me - got the treadmill, pilates machine, Wii Fit etc etc all in house and all dusty with lack of use!!! However, in the spirit of good intention, I have pre-booked two training sessions at the gym this week!!! Haven't been with any conviction since the end of June so enough's enough!!! http://bestsmileys.com/exercising/1.gifhttp://bestsmileys.com/exercising/1.gifhttp://bestsmileys.com/exercising/1.gif
I am so hit and miss on working out. I've been pretty good with it since the first of September. But the eating (and alcohol) has been sabotaging me. Football season is a downfall for me. I love to hit the pubs for the games, some wings, and a couple beers. I was hoping to lose more before our trip to Marco Island on Wednesday. But I am only about 10 pounds lighter than I was in August. I have been losing and gaining that same 10 pounds for a couple years. Beyond that I still have another 20-25 to go. I have promised myself that I am getting down to my pre-40 (and pre-quit smoking) weight by the time of the cruise. Right now that means I have another 23 pounds to lose. I really need to lose it a couple months prior to the cruise so I have time to shop for a new wardrobe.
CustardTart
11-09-2009, 04:20 PM
I am so hit and miss on working out. I've been pretty good with it since the first of September. But the eating (and alcohol) has been sabotaging me. Football season is a downfall for me. I love to hit the pubs for the games, some wings, and a couple beers. I was hoping to lose more before our trip to Marco Island on Wednesday. But I am only about 10 pounds lighter than I was in August. I have been losing and gaining that same 10 pounds for a couple years. Beyond that I still have another 20-25 to go. I have promised myself that I am getting down to my pre-40 (and pre-quit smoking) weight by the time of the cruise. Right now that means I have another 23 pounds to lose. I really need to lose it a couple months prior to the cruise so I have time to shop for a new wardrobe.
Ahhh, the alcohol.... How can something so fab be so evil???????? :rotfl2: :lmao: :rotfl2:
Oooh it would be sooo nice to drop a dress size (and the rest) before our cruise but now I've got a trip to WDW in June 2010 with a girlfriend and there's LOTSA dining on our menu so can't really see that happening... :rotfl:
Ahhh, the alcohol.... How can something so fab be so evil???????? :rotfl2: :lmao: :rotfl2:
Oooh it would be sooo nice to drop a dress size (and the rest) before our cruise but now I've got a trip to WDW in June 2010 with a girlfriend and there's LOTSA dining on our menu so can't really see that happening... :rotfl:
So true! On our trip to WDW in May we are eating at character breakfasts nearly ever morning. How will I ever loose the weight? :confused3
CustardTart
11-09-2009, 05:24 PM
So true! On our trip to WDW in May we are eating at character breakfasts nearly ever morning. How will I ever loose the weight? :confused3
Awwww hun, maybe we won't!!! At 46 I'm willing to just settle for enjoying myself... :goodvibes
Awwww hun, maybe we won't!!! At 46 I'm willing to just settle for enjoying myself... :goodvibes
Well, I am not going to worry about it this week. We leave in the morning for 5 glorious days on the beach. I love these trips with Steve's company. Nothing is spared. The company pays for everything. We carry a card around that charges everything (even drinks by the pool) to the company. They have approved restuarants throughout Marco Island that accept the card too. The restaurant that we are eating at Friday night is picking our group up in a stretch limo for dinner.
My only problem right now is trying to fit everything I need in one suitcase. With these trips you need a lot of clothes and shoes. We are on the beach part of each day. So we need a number of swimsuits. Then we go on excursions like deep sea fishing, golfing, and shopping. So I need clothes for all of those. Then we dress at least business casual for dinner at night. And the final night is a huge bash that is black tie optional. I have been packing and re-packing my suitcase for two days now. Steve finally had pity on me last night and said he would take some of my shoes in his case.
CustardTart
11-10-2009, 09:04 AM
Well, I am not going to worry about it this week. We leave in the morning for 5 glorious days on the beach. I love these trips with Steve's company. Nothing is spared. The company pays for everything. We carry a card around that charges everything (even drinks by the pool) to the company. They have approved restuarants throughout Marco Island that accept the card too. The restaurant that we are eating at Friday night is picking our group up in a stretch limo for dinner.
My only problem right now is trying to fit everything I need in one suitcase. With these trips you need a lot of clothes and shoes. We are on the beach part of each day. So we need a number of swimsuits. Then we go on excursions like deep sea fishing, golfing, and shopping. So I need clothes for all of those. Then we dress at least business casual for dinner at night. And the final night is a huge bash that is black tie optional. I have been packing and re-packing my suitcase for two days now. Steve finally had pity on me last night and said he would take some of my shoes in his case.
Sounds fantastic, Eva!!! :beach: Have a fab time... And just maybe by the time you get back, the excursions will be out!!!!
Richard's company is definitely not that generous but I am popping to Dubai with him again in a couple of weeks - thank goodness for airmiles!!! I should get 3 full days in the sun which will do my skin a lot of good and it'll be a welcome break from all this banging, drilling and especially the jackhammering that's permanently in the background at the moment... :headache:
Sounds fantastic, Eva!!! :beach: Have a fab time... And just maybe by the time you get back, the excursions will be out!!!!
Richard's company is definitely not that generous but I am popping to Dubai with him again in a couple of weeks - thank goodness for airmiles!!! I should get 3 full days in the sun which will do my skin a lot of good and it'll be a welcome break from all this banging, drilling and especially the jackhammering that's permanently in the background at the moment... :headache:
Steve's company is pretty generous. But it pays off for them. They are an insurance company and the trip is awarded to top agencies for their sales. The agents work very hard to make enough in sales to attend. Steve is not an agent, but staff members and wives are expected to attend as representatives of the company. We host some of the excursions and take agents and their wives to dinner in the evening. It is a lot of fun. They have 2 trips a year. But we only go every two years. The next trip we'll be on is in Puerto Rico. :woohoo:
What's with all the construction around your house? Are you remodeling?
Well, time to hit the salon for a pedicure and have my nails done.
CustardTart
11-10-2009, 11:36 AM
Steve's company is pretty generous. But it pays off for them. They are an insurance company and the trip is awarded to top agencies for their sales. The agents work very hard to make enough in sales to attend. Steve is not an agent, but staff members and wives are expected to attend as representatives of the company. We host some of the excursions and take agents and their wives to dinner in the evening. It is a lot of fun. They have 2 trips a year. But we only go every two years. The next trip we'll be on is in Puerto Rico. :woohoo:
What's with all the construction around your house? Are you remodeling?
Well, time to hit the salon for a pedicure and have my nails done.
Wow!!! Puerto Rico!!! That will be fantastic...
We've embarked on a LONG overdue renovation/remodelling project. The existing garage and a single-storey addition have now been demolished. Then they're going to build a larger two-storey addition to house a new garage, dining room, en-suite to our bedroom and enlarged fourth bedroom with en-suite... Once they have completed the new structure, the builders will be moving into the house to refurbish the existing interior... I doubt they will finish before Easter... :rolleyes:
We've embarked on a LONG overdue renovation/remodelling project. The existing garage and a single-storey addition have now been demolished. Then they're going to build a larger two-storey addition to house a new garage, dining room, en-suite to our bedroom and enlarged fourth bedroom with en-suite... Once they have completed the new structure, the builders will be moving into the house to refurbish the existing interior... I doubt they will finish before Easter... :rolleyes:
That sounds fabulous! We built a new house 5 years ago. So I understand the construction process. But I must say, you have guts. We didn't have to live in the construction. It took 10 months to build our house. I can't imagine living in a house during construction for that long.
Well, back to packing and a bit of supper. Be back in a few days! :cool1:
CustardTart
11-10-2009, 03:53 PM
Well, back to packing and a bit of supper. Be back in a few days! :cool1:
I'll miss you, Eva... Have an amazing time... :hug:
CustardTart
11-12-2009, 05:18 AM
It's time for...
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s84/cheztaylor/Greetings/Thread-MrBump.jpg
CustardTart
11-16-2009, 06:22 AM
More *bumps* required... :sad1:
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s84/cheztaylor/Greetings/Mrbump.jpg
Hey Eva! Are you back yet..? And did you have a fab time..??
More *bumps* required... :sad1:
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s84/cheztaylor/Greetings/Mrbump.jpg
Hey Eva! Are you back yet..? And did you have a fab time..??
Cute Bump! Got back last night. We had a great time! I ate and drank way too much! The weather was a bit chilly the first couple days. But Friday and Saturday were beautiful, sunny and high around 80. The beach was gorgeous. And the resort had plenty of tropical pools, restaurants, and a lovely spa. I ate seafood until I couldn't eat any more. Now it is back to being good and working out. :yay:
CustardTart
11-17-2009, 07:55 AM
Cute Bump! Got back last night. We had a great time! I ate and drank way too much! The weather was a bit chilly the first couple days. But Friday and Saturday were beautiful, sunny and high around 80. The beach was gorgeous. And the resort had plenty of tropical pools, restaurants, and a lovely spa. I ate seafood until I couldn't eat any more. Now it is back to being good and working out. :yay:
Sounds fantastic!!! :goodvibes I shall definitely be eating/drinking too much this weekend. It's the BIG birthday weekend with my in-laws and I am dreading it. :( In a nutshell (I'm not sure if I've mentioned it before) my MiL is 80 in December, my SiL was 50 in October and Richard's 47 on Saturday SO we're taking everyone away to Oxford for the weekend in a nice hotel to celebrate their joint 177th birthday. Awesome idea in principle but getting less so by the day as I recall how irritating they are! :mad: However, Richard is my main concern and I just want the weekend to go well for him, so I'll just sip copious amounts of champale in the corner and behave myself... ;)
Sounds fantastic!!! :goodvibes I shall definitely be eating/drinking too much this weekend. It's the BIG birthday weekend with my in-laws and I am dreading it. :( In a nutshell (I'm not sure if I've mentioned it before) my MiL is 80 in December, my SiL was 50 in October and Richard's 47 on Saturday SO we're taking everyone away to Oxford for the weekend in a nice hotel to celebrate their joint 177th birthday. Awesome idea in principle but getting less so by the day as I recall how irritating they are! :mad: However, Richard is my main concern and I just want the weekend to go well for him, so I'll just sip copious amounts of champale in the corner and behave myself... ;)
I can relate. My in-laws are great! But my side of the family tends to have more stressful events. The best example of the difference is a trip that we took years ago (prior to DVC) with my DM and Steve's DM. They are both widows. So we thought it might be nice to take both of them on a trip to WDW. Unfortunately DM decided that she didn't want to stay in a room by herself and wanted to bunk up with DMIL. My mother has a number of "interesting" habits and I had a bad feeling about the trip, FOR GOOD REASON! The whole trip my DM woke up at 5:00 am and turned on all the lights so she could read. She didn't like most the rides. The food was too expensive, even thought we and DMIL paid for it all. And the shopping was TOO DISNEY! She hated that we took a break each day to swim and relax. "Who wants to do that when you are on vacation?!?" When we asked what she wanted to do, she really had no idea. Needless to say, we have taken DMIL back many times since, but no more for DM. I love DM, but spending more than a day with her makes me go for the drink. ;)
Sounds fantastic!!! :goodvibes I shall definitely be eating/drinking too much this weekend. It's the BIG birthday weekend with my in-laws and I am dreading it. :( In a nutshell (I'm not sure if I've mentioned it before) my MiL is 80 in December, my SiL was 50 in October and Richard's 47 on Saturday SO we're taking everyone away to Oxford for the weekend in a nice hotel to celebrate their joint 177th birthday. Awesome idea in principle but getting less so by the day as I recall how irritating they are! :mad: However, Richard is my main concern and I just want the weekend to go well for him, so I'll just sip copious amounts of champale in the corner and behave myself... ;)
I forgot to wish you good luck on your "special" weekend. Tell Richard
Happy Birthday!
CustardTart
11-19-2009, 06:55 AM
I forgot to wish you good luck on your "special" weekend. Tell Richard
Happy Birthday!
Thanks, Eva!!! I'll pass it on!!! :hug:
I'm pretty sure I predicted the excursions would be released around Richard's birthday so come on DCL - get a move on!!! :mad:
I'm pretty sure I predicted the excursions would be released around Richard's birthday so come on DCL - get a move on!!! :mad:
I know! I sent DCL an email a few weeks ago asking when they would be out on the website. The email I got back just said that they weren't on the site yet, but to keep checking back. Lot of help that was! I really need to see the prices. Steve has been pestering me about upgrading to business class for the flight to Barcelona. We did for our flights to Marco Island and now he is spoiled. I am just having a tough time justifying the cost.
CustardTart
11-19-2009, 02:59 PM
I know! I sent DCL an email a few weeks ago asking when they would be out on the website. The email I got back just said that they weren't on the site yet, but to keep checking back. Lot of help that was! I really need to see the prices. Steve has been pestering me about upgrading to business class for the flight to Barcelona. We did for our flights to Marco Island and now he is spoiled. I am just having a tough time justifying the cost.
I just can't understand why they are so up in the flippin' air over this??? There's only a couple of different ports from last time in the Med, for goodness sake and we're paying enough... :confused:
OK, my mini-rant is over. :goodvibes Time for a glass of wine, I think... ;)
Have a good evening... xxxxx
I just can't understand why they are so up in the flippin' air over this??? There's only a couple of different ports from last time in the Med, for goodness sake and we're paying enough... :confused:
OK, my mini-rant is over. :goodvibes Time for a glass of wine, I think... ;)
Have a good evening... xxxxx
I just checked on the prices for upgrading to buiness and discovered that the price went up almost $1,000 per person overnight! :eek: Steve may be out of luck for this trip. It'll be wine time for me soon too!
CustardTart
11-19-2009, 05:32 PM
I just checked on the prices for upgrading to buiness and discovered that the price went up almost $1,000 per person overnight! :eek: Steve may be out of luck for this trip. It'll be wine time for me soon too!
That sucks!!! Tho' if you keep a-checking maybe you'll spot them come down again - I'll keep my fingers crossed. :goodvibes IME flights are very fickle.
I haven't booked our flights to/from Barcelona yet as Richard can't give me a straight answer about when to fly in. Or which airport it suits him to fly from. Soooo once this weekend's over, I'll start demanding answers... ;)
CustardTart
11-22-2009, 12:37 PM
Hi, Barbary Pirates!!! :wave: pirate:
We had a great time on Richard's birthday weekend. The hotel was fab!!! Here's (http://www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/randolph/) a link. Charmingly old-fashioned in a British sort of way but 5* service and the rooms were very chic. We managed to squeeze in a trip to the newly refurbished Ashmolean Museum as well as a tour of the city. Last night's dinner was amazing with really excellent food, nice wine and good company. SiL Anne and her daughter Ellen were in great spirits and it was lovely to see them both. My MiL is a different matter but we (Anne, Ellen, Richard, me and my kids) were all very chatty and dominated the proceedings so she didn't get the chance to be a beeyatch - tho' I did hear her having a go about someone to Anne whilst we were eating... :sad2: But all-in-all it was a rip-roaring success!!!
Anyway here's a few photos...
Me and the Birthday Boy!
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s84/cheztaylor/FamilyPhotos/DSCF1455.jpg
Me and my eldest children, Sophie and Matty ...
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s84/cheztaylor/FamilyPhotos/DSCF1448.jpg
Richard and his niece, Ellen..
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s84/cheztaylor/FamilyPhotos/DSCF1462.jpg
Me, Dr. Joe (Sophie's partner) and my youngest son, Samuel...
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s84/cheztaylor/FamilyPhotos/DSCF1437.jpg
Richard and his Ma...
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s84/cheztaylor/FamilyPhotos/DSCF1464.jpg
Me and R's sis, Anne...
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s84/cheztaylor/FamilyPhotos/DSCF1443.jpg
Karen, It looks like you had a wonderful time over the weekend. The hotel looks great. Glad you had fun and no one was too over the top.
Steve has come to his senses and decided to save the money on the flights and use it for excusions and shopping. So that is one thing off my plate.
This weekend was pretty warm, near 60 each day and sunny. So we put out our Christmas lights in the front and back yard. I will try to take a picture and post it later. We were short a few strings and will need to finish up tonight. All our bushes have really grown over the year. So more lights were needed.
Well, I need to go buy a couple turkeys for Thanksgiving. We are having 16 people for dinner Thursday night.
CustardTart
11-24-2009, 09:44 AM
The Excursions Are Out!
:woohoo: :yay: :woohoo: :yay: :woohoo: :yay: :woohoo: :yay: :woohoo:
About time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :thumbsup2
I've been looking over the excursions. They seem pretty slim. I wonder if they will be adding more. I didn't even see one for the Amalfi Coast out of Naples. They had one on the previous Med cruises. I'm a bit bummed.
CustardTart
11-24-2009, 11:12 AM
Mmmm, just had a good browse and I'm somewhat underwhelmed. Oh well, at least it's crystallised my thinking and forced me come up with a plan. So I think we'll be booking the following four excursions.
Day 1 Barcelona, Spain...
Day 2 At Sea..
Day 3 Valletta, Malta... Beach Club.
Day 4 Tunis, Tunisia.... Bardo Museum, Medina, Carthage & Sidi Bou Said.
Day 5 Naples, Italy.... Mt. Vesuvius by 4x4, Hike, Wine Tasting & Pompeii.
Day 6 Civitavecchia.... BOOK PRIVATE TOUR.
Day 7 At Sea.
Day 8 La Spezia, Italy.. Portofino and Santa Margherita.
Day 9 Ajaccio, Corsica.. Independent lunch and wine tasting.
Day 10 Villefranche.. Independent lunch and wine tasting.
Day 11 At Sea......
Day 12 Barcelona, Spain...
Having checked DCL's prices, I think we'll definitely be booking a private tour for Rome to make sure we see as many sights as efficiently as possible. As we both speak French (after a fashion) we're happy to do our own thing in Corsica and Villefranche so I'm going to hunt down a couple of wineries to visit independently...
CustardTart
11-24-2009, 01:32 PM
With regards to the Westin Dragonara Beach Club excursion in Malta, I've contacted the hotel directly to see how much it would be to have access to a room for the whole day. If it's possible to do so, I think we'll make our own way there and treat it as our Castaway Cay day... ;)
Mmmm, just had a good browse and I'm somewhat underwhelmed. Oh well, at least it's crystallised my thinking and forced me come up with a plan. So I think we'll be booking the following four excursions.
Day 1 Barcelona, Spain...
Day 2 At Sea..
Day 3 Valletta, Malta... Beach Club.
Day 4 Tunis, Tunisia.... Bardo Museum, Medina, Carthage & Sidi Bou Said.
Day 5 Naples, Italy.... Mt. Vesuvius by 4x4, Hike, Wine Tasting & Pompeii.
Day 6 Civitavecchia.... BOOK PRIVATE TOUR.
Day 7 At Sea.
Day 8 La Spezia, Italy.. Portofino and Santa Margherita.
Day 9 Ajaccio, Corsica.. Independent lunch and wine tasting.
Day 10 Villefranche.. Independent lunch and wine tasting.
Day 11 At Sea......
Day 12 Barcelona, Spain...
Having checked DCL's prices, I think we'll definitely be booking a private tour for Rome to make sure we see as many sights as efficiently as possible. As we both speak French (after a fashion) we're happy to do our own thing in Corsica and Villefranche so I'm going to hunt down a couple of wineries to visit independently...
Am I looking in the right place for these excursions? I don't see any of these on the official website. I am looking at Malta right now and only see these 5 excursions:
1. Valletta - The City of the Knights
2. Dolphin Swim
3. Blue Grotto Boat Trip and Fishing Village
4. Sweethaven Village - An Encounter with Popeye
5. The Valletta Historical Hunt
I don't see a beach excursion on the site at all. Am I looking in the right place? And the only Mt. Vesuvius excursion I see is this one - Pompeii & Mt. Vesuvius (http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/naples-italy/mt-vesuvius-hike-and-pompeii/). I don't see anything about 4x4's and wine tasting. I must be missing something.
CustardTart
11-24-2009, 02:16 PM
Am I looking in the right place for these excursions? I don't see any of these on the official website. I am looking at Malta right now and only see these 5 excursions:
1. Valletta - The City of the Knights
2. Dolphin Swim
3. Blue Grotto Boat Trip and Fishing Village
4. Sweethaven Village - An Encounter with Popeye
5. The Valletta Historical Hunt
I don't see a beach excursion on the site at all. Am I looking in the right place? And the only Mt. Vesuvius excursion I see is this one - Pompeii & Mt. Vesuvius (http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/naples-italy/mt-vesuvius-hike-and-pompeii/). I don't see anything about 4x4's and wine tasting. I must be missing something.
OMG!!! Am I hallucinating!!!?????? :rotfl2: :lmao: :rotfl2: Hang on...
OK, click on this link (http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/) to Port Adventures and scroll through the destinations at the bottom... Hope that helps... :thumbsup2
IrishCowboy
11-24-2009, 03:15 PM
subscribing
OMG!!! Am I hallucinating!!!?????? :rotfl2: :lmao: :rotfl2: Hang on...
OK, click on this link (http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/) to Port Adventures and scroll through the destinations at the bottom... Hope that helps... :thumbsup2
Ok, that's more like it! I wondered what was going on. If you go to the DCL website and open the itinerary for the 11-night it shows the ports listed. When you click on a port and go to Port Adventures it only shows about 5 excursions per port. Wonder why that is? Thanks for the link above. Now I need to go look through them again.
Welcome IrishCowboy! Are you going on this cruise?
Ok, we have another tentative schedule:
Day 1 Barcelona, Spain...
Day 2 At Sea..
Day 3 Valletta, Malta... Walking Tour On Our Own
Day 4 Tunis, Tunisia.... Medina and Carthage
Day 5 Naples, Italy.... Mt. Vesuvius by 4x4, Hike, Wine Tasting & Pompeii or Amalfi Coast Drive and the Ruins of Pompeii
Day 6 Civitavecchia.... Italian Countryside and Olive Oil
Day 7 At Sea.
Day 8 La Spezia, Italy.. Portofino and Santa Margherita or Cinque Terre Scenic Boat Tour
Day 9 Ajaccio, Corsica.. ???? Still looking ????
Day 10 Villefranche.. On Our Own in Villefranche
Day 11 At Sea......
Day 12 Barcelona, Spain...
CustardTart
11-26-2009, 05:23 AM
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s84/cheztaylor/Greetings/thanksgiving.jpg
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
CustardTart
11-26-2009, 05:41 AM
Welcome IrishCowboy! Are you going on this cruise?
Ok, we have another tentative schedule:
Day 1 Barcelona, Spain...
Day 2 At Sea..
Day 3 Valletta, Malta... Walking Tour On Our Own
Day 4 Tunis, Tunisia.... Medina and Carthage
Day 5 Naples, Italy.... Mt. Vesuvius by 4x4, Hike, Wine Tasting & Pompeii or Amalfi Coast Drive and the Ruins of Pompeii
Day 6 Civitavecchia.... Italian Countryside and Olive Oil
Day 7 At Sea.
Day 8 La Spezia, Italy.. Portofino and Santa Margherita or Cinque Terre Scenic Boat Tour
Day 9 Ajaccio, Corsica.. ???? Still looking ????
Day 10 Villefranche.. On Our Own in Villefranche
Day 11 At Sea......
Day 12 Barcelona, Spain...
Looks good! :thumbsup2
The Mt. Vesuvius trip sounds great - and it would be so much fun to do an excursion together methinks!!! :goodvibes ;) :rotfl2:
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s84/cheztaylor/Greetings/thanksgiving.jpg
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Thanks so much Karen. Do you celebrate Thanksgiving in the UK? I know Canada does in early October.
Looks good! :thumbsup2
The Mt. Vesuvius trip sounds great - and it would be so much fun to do an excursion together methinks!!! :goodvibes ;) :rotfl2:
I have a feeling that excursion is going to win. But we have been talking about the Amalfi coast for a long time. I'm pretty keen on the Portofino and Santa Margherita excursion too. But I've been wanting to see Cinque Terre too. The nice thing about that excursion is that it is only 4 hours. We are thinking that it would be nice to make some of our excursions ony half days. Then we can enjoy the ship a bit when everyone else is on shore. That is one reason that we chose the Medina and Carthage excursion. It is only 4 hours too. I'm afraid if we aren't careful, we will wear ourselves out by the end of the cruise. So we are going to take it easy at most ports and save the full day events for the ones we really want to go on.
CustardTart
11-28-2009, 09:47 AM
I have a feeling that excursion is going to win. But we have been talking about the Amalfi coast for a long time. I'm pretty keen on the Portofino and Santa Margherita excursion too. But I've been wanting to see Cinque Terre too. The nice thing about that excursion is that it is only 4 hours. We are thinking that it would be nice to make some of our excursions ony half days. Then we can enjoy the ship a bit when everyone else is on shore. That is one reason that we chose the Medina and Carthage excursion. It is only 4 hours too. I'm afraid if we aren't careful, we will wear ourselves out by the end of the cruise. So we are going to take it easy at most ports and save the full day events for the ones we really want to go on.
I really like the Mt. Vesuvius by 4x4, Hike, Wine Tasting & Pompeii - it's so different, it just jumped out at me!!! I went to Pompeii as a an 11 year old and I still remember certain details - looking forward to revisiting...
I had another look at the Portofino/Santa Margherita excursion and now I'm not so sure as the Pizza Party doesn't appeal whatsoever. I have to steer clear of wheat and all that temptation can't be a good thing... ;) SO, back to the drawing board unless I just resign myself to eat toppings only... :headache:
Anyway, I'll keep going back and checking the Port Adventures section as they may add excursions as the months go by...
Well, we are starting to narrow things a bit. We have decided that the Bardo Museum, Medina, Carthage & Sidi Bou Said in Tunisia sounds pretty good. So we may be on that excursion together. In Naples we are pretty sure that we will be doing the excursion with the Amalfi Coast. In La Spezia we may do Cinque Terre on our own. There is a train and ferry from the port to each of the towns. We still can't seem to decide on what to do in Corsica. The Sweet Corsica excursion might be fun. Steve is not taking this very serious yet, since there is so much time till the cruise. But I am sure he will have an opinion as we get closer.
I'm sure this will change here and there, but here is ANOTHER tentative schedule:
Day 1 Barcelona, Spain
Day 2 At Sea
Day 3 Valletta, Malta.... Walking Tour On Our Own
Day 4 Tunis, Tunisia.... Bardo Museum, Medina, Carthage & Sidi Bou Said ($90)
Day 5 Naples, Italy.... Amalfi Coast Drive and the Ruins of Pompeii ($179)
Day 6 Civitavecchia.... Italian Countryside and Olive Oil ($59)
Day 7 At Sea
Day 8 La Spezia, Italy.... Cinque Terre Scenic Boat Tour ($129)
Day 9 Ajaccio, Corsica.... Sweet Corsica ($89)
Day 10 Villefranche.... Nice and Eze with Wine and Cheese ($85)
Day 11 At Sea
Day 12 Barcelona, Spain
The prices in () are per person. So total for two people will be $1,262 in excursions. Plus we will need about $150-200 for the day in Malta. We are thinking that we may exchange a couple of excursions for a day on our own.
CustardTart
12-01-2009, 05:30 PM
...So total for two people will be $1,262 in excursions. Plus we will need about $150-200 for the day in Malta. We are thinking that we may exchange a couple of excursions for a day on our own.
It's not cheap, that's for sure... :rolleyes: We've just cancelled our 3 nights prior to the cruise in Barcelona - too expensive when there are excursions to be paid for! ;)
Here's our not-so tweaked schedule:
Day 1 Barcelona, Spain...
Day 2 At Sea..
Day 3 Valletta, Malta... Day at The Westin Dragonara Resort, Malta booked privately...
Day 4 Tunis, Tunisia.... Bardo Museum, Medina, Carthage & Sidi Bou Said. $90 x 2...
Day 5 Naples, Italy.... Mt. Vesuvius by 4x4, Hike, Wine Tasting & Pompeii. $179 x 2...
Day 6 Civitavecchia.... Private tour of Rome...
Day 7 At Sea.
Day 8 La Spezia, Italy.. Portofino and Santa Margherita.$125 x 2. Decided to stick with this despite the pizza! ;) I've always wanted to see Portofino and it sounds a lovely tour...
Day 9 Ajaccio, Corsica.. Independent lunch and wine tasting.
Day 10 Villefranche.. Independent lunch and wine tasting.
Day 11 At Sea......
Day 12 Barcelona, Spain...
OMG what a total!!! Around €1000 minimum plus DCL excursions at $790... :faint:
Right, I'm off to hunt around the house for all the discarded Euros I can find - no one's piggy bank is secure!!! :laughing:
It's not cheap, that's for sure... :rolleyes: We've just cancelled our 3 nights prior to the cruise in Barcelona - too expensive when there are excursions to be paid for! ;)
Here's our not-so tweaked schedule:
Day 1 Barcelona, Spain...
Day 2 At Sea..
Day 3 Valletta, Malta... Day at The Westin Dragonara Resort, Malta booked privately...
Day 4 Tunis, Tunisia.... Bardo Museum, Medina, Carthage & Sidi Bou Said. $90 x 2...
Day 5 Naples, Italy.... Mt. Vesuvius by 4x4, Hike, Wine Tasting & Pompeii. $179 x 2...
Day 6 Civitavecchia.... Private tour of Rome...
Day 7 At Sea.
Day 8 La Spezia, Italy.. Portofino and Santa Margherita.$125 x 2. Decided to stick with this despite the pizza! ;) I've always wanted to see Portofino and it sounds a lovely tour...
Day 9 Ajaccio, Corsica.. Independent lunch and wine tasting.
Day 10 Villefranche.. Independent lunch and wine tasting.
Day 11 At Sea......
Day 12 Barcelona, Spain...
OMG what a total!!! Around €1000 minimum plus DCL excursions at $790... :faint:
Right, I'm off to hunt around the house for all the discarded Euros I can find - no one's piggy bank is secure!!! :laughing:
Sounds good. We are still up in the air on the Cinque Terre boat tour. We might opt for the Portofino tour too. And the last two excursions in Corsica and Villefranche are just our favorites out of the list. We may opt for something on our own there. If you find a good winery tour in Corsica, let me know.
CustardTart
12-04-2009, 04:56 AM
Good morning!!! :wave: And it is a good morning - the sun is shining and, for the first time this week, my back isn't killing me!!! :yay: :yay: :yay:
Anyway, just wanted to say how much I'm looking forward to this cruise!!!
35 years ago (I was aged 11) my crazy family and I did an overland trip to Cyprus for my Aunt's wedding. We passed through Germany, Austria, the then Yugoslavia and Greece on the outward stretch but the return leg of the trip involved travelling through Italy and France. So the day in Rome will also be a trip down memory lane - or should I say Via Memoria??? ;)
Sounds good. We are still up in the air on the Cinque Terre boat tour. We might opt for the Portofino tour too. And the last two excursions in Corsica and Villefranche are just our favorites out of the list. We may opt for something on our own there. If you find a good winery tour in Corsica, let me know.
Will do!!! :thumbsup2 I'm still hunting, TBH. I have a couple of ideas - I need to get Sophie (the business French guru) to email the potential wineries and see if we can set up a tasting... :goodvibes
Good morning!!! :wave: And it is a good morning - the sun is shining and, for the first time this week, my back isn't killing me!!! :yay: :yay: :yay:
So glad to hear that you are feeling better. Strange, I pulled a muscle in my back this week and today is the first day that I don't need any painkillers. :thumbsup2
Anyway, just wanted to say how much I'm looking forward to this cruise!!!
35 years ago (I was aged 11) my crazy family and I did an overland trip to Cyprus for my Aunt's wedding. We passed through Germany, Austria, the then Yugoslavia and Greece on the outward stretch but the return leg of the trip involved travelling through Italy and France. So the day in Rome will also be a trip down memory lane - or should I say Via Memoria??? ;)
That trip sounds wonderful! We loved Rome on our ABD trip last year. But since we were just there, we have decided to try the only excursion that is outside of Rome. I think that we enjoyed the Italian countryside even more than the city. On our trip we spent time in Tuscany and Umbria. They were both wonderful. So we are hoping that the Italian Countryside and Olive Oil will give us a bit of that.
Will do!!! :thumbsup2 I'm still hunting, TBH. I have a couple of ideas - I need to get Sophie (the business French guru) to email the potential wineries and see if we can set up a tasting... :goodvibes
I would love to do a tasting at a winery in Corsica. That is the main reason that we were looking at the Sweet Corsica tour. But if we could find another option that just had the wine tasting and lunch, we would probably opt for that. I did some searches of wineries in Corsica and it seems that the majority are more than two hours from port. But I willl keep looking.
CustardTart
12-07-2009, 06:34 PM
I'm sure we can organise something independently in Corsica. It's such a tiny island!
Anyway, I'm a bit :headache: today. I had a phone call from the police today and have been requested to appear as a witness in a trial tomorrow !!!! This is something that's been going on since August 2008 and I cannot remember anything about the incident or what the guy looked like - nothing!!! Worse of all, Richard's away. He's currently on an overnight flight to South Africa so I'm home alone. :guilty: He's working there tomorrow (in meetings and unavailable) and then flying back tomorrow evening so he can be back in the London office on Wednesday morning. I won't see him until Wednesday evening and I'm very sad... :sad:
Oh well, at least it'll be all over soon...
Anyway, I'm a bit :headache: today. I had a phone call from the police today and have been requested to appear as a witness in a trial tomorrow !!!! This is something that's been going on since August 2008 and I cannot remember anything about the incident or what the guy looked like - nothing!!! Worse of all, Richard's away. He's currently on an overnight flight to South Africa so I'm home alone. :guilty: He's working there tomorrow (in meetings and unavailable) and then flying back tomorrow evening so he can be back in the London office on Wednesday morning. I won't see him until Wednesday evening and I'm very sad... :sad:
Oh well, at least it'll be all over soon...
That is very strange. Have the police been talking to you since the incident? Did you have any idea that they might be calling you soon? I can't believe they are only giving you one day notice. By the time that you read this, it will probably be over. How did it go? Were you just a witness or did someone commit a crime against you? I sure understand about forgetting most everything after a year. I was attacked in our home almost 25 years ago. Luckily he was caught and went to trial in about a month. I bet I would have forgotten most everything after a year. Funny, I don't even remember his name anymore. Let me know how it went.
Sure stinks that Richard is out of town when all this happens!
CustardTart
12-08-2009, 10:31 AM
This is concerning an incident that happened almost 18 months ago, Eva! I saw (and spoke with) a man in my back garden who had allegedly robbed our next door neighbour earlier that day. I was required to make a statement at the time and then had to attend an ID line-up in November time. Suffice to say, I couldn't ID the guy - I am hopeless with faces!!! Anyway, I was told that I might be required as a witness but assumed (see, one should never assume - a$s out of u and me and all that...) as my statement was pretty pointless, I would get called. The trial was postponed 3 times and I was notified a month ago that it should be starting this week. You only get a call the afternoon before whether you're required so I was a bit miffed to get the call at 5.30 yesterday - when I'd already assumed (that word again!) safety...
But the main thing is it's OVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :yay: :yay: :yay: And it wasn't too bad - lots of waiting around but we had a little room and I had a book so all was good there.
I was called 3rd and spent about 15 minutes in the witness box. I did the whole "I swear by Almighty God" thing - very Law & Order!!! I hadn't focused on how it would actually feel beforehand so was surprised at how nervous I became!! My mouth went very dry at one point. But the prosecution lawyer guided me through it and I recounted my version of events. Well, my statement's version of events - I can hardly remember a thing!!! :sad2:
It was a little tricky when the defence lawyer tried to trip me up about the lenses of this guy's glasses being thick-rimmed or thick. I'd actually meant thick (they were like the bottoms of bottles) but the stoopid policeman had written thick-rimmed and the even stoopider witness (hello!!!) hadn't spotted it and signed the statement without realising!!! Fortunately he allowed me to backtrack and state that I must've meant thick-rimmed if that's what I said - for a moment there, I thought I was going down for perjury!!! :eek:
Oooh I'm just so pleased it's finished with. Am actually quite exhausted right now, from the tension I guess - so relaxing with a cuppa coffee...
This is concerning an incident that happened almost 18 months ago, Eva! I saw (and spoke with) a man in my back garden who had allegedly robbed our next door neighbour earlier that day. I was required to make a statement at the time and then had to attend an ID line-up in November time. Suffice to say, I couldn't ID the guy - I am hopeless with faces!!! Anyway, I was told that I might be required as a witness but assumed (see, one should never assume - a$s out of u and me and all that...) as my statement was pretty pointless, I would get called. The trial was postponed 3 times and I was notified a month ago that it should be starting this week. You only get a call the afternoon before whether you're required so I was a bit miffed to get the call at 5.30 yesterday - when I'd already assumed (that word again!) safety...
But the main thing is it's OVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :yay: :yay: :yay: And it wasn't too bad - lots of waiting around but we had a little room and I had a book so all was good there.
I was called 3rd and spent about 15 minutes in the witness box. I did the whole "I swear by Almighty God" thing - very Law & Order!!! I hadn't focused on how it would actually feel beforehand so was surprised at how nervous I became!! My mouth went very dry at one point. But the prosecution lawyer guided me through it and I recounted my version of events. Well, my statement's version of events - I can hardly remember a thing!!! :sad2:
It was a little tricky when the defence lawyer tried to trip me up about the lenses of this guy's glasses being thick-rimmed or thick. I'd actually meant thick (they were like the bottoms of bottles) but the stoopid policeman had written thick-rimmed and the even stoopider witness (hello!!!) hadn't spotted it and signed the statement without realising!!! Fortunately he allowed me to backtrack and state that I must've meant thick-rimmed if that's what I said - for a moment there, I thought I was going down for perjury!!! :eek:
Oooh I'm just so pleased it's finished with. Am actually quite exhausted right now, from the tension I guess - so relaxing with a cuppa coffee...
How awful! I'm glad it is over.
CustardTart
12-08-2009, 06:50 PM
How awful! I'm glad it is over.
So true. ::yes:: And I am especially glad that my lovely eldest son, Matty is here to take care of me tonight... :thumbsup2
On a positive uplifting note, I'm off to St. Paul's Cathedral tomorrow evening for a Breast Cancer Care Carol Concert. There'll be readings by Jeremy Irons and John Hurt amongst others - cannot wait... :goodvibes
Happy Christmas... :santa:
So true. ::yes:: And I am especially glad that my lovely eldest son, Matty is here to take care of me tonight... :thumbsup2
On a positive uplifting note, I'm off to St. Paul's Cathedral tomorrow evening for a Breast Cancer Care Carol Concert. There'll be readings by Jeremy Irons and John Hurt amongst others - cannot wait... :goodvibes
Happy Christmas... :santa:
The concert sounds wonderful. It will be like the Candlelight Processional at EPCOT. We've been twice. I just love it! We saw Phylicia Rashad (Cosby Show) and James Earl Jones. Jeremy Irons has a fabulous speaking voice. You know he did the voice of Scar in the Lion King. Very Cool!
Thought I better give us a bump. We were nearly on page 4! :eek:
CustardTart
12-16-2009, 10:20 AM
And a *bump* from me too...
Anyone else looking to join this happy band of cruisers??? pirate:
I've been MIA lately - distracted by all the Christmas preparations I guess..? It's snowy here today and the Med in August seems very far away... ;)
I've been MIA lately - distracted by all the Christmas preparations I guess..? It's snowy here today and the Med in August seems very far away... ;)
It does seem far off. I keep trying to get Steve interested in looking at excursions and such. But he keeps saying that there is plenty of time to do that later. Maybe he will be more interested in January. But I have a feeling that it may be later in March before he really gets too interested. He is going on a mission trip with our church to the Dominican Republic the end of February. He is pretty wrapped up with that right now.
I wonder if all the DISers going on this cruise are thinking the same thing. I'm really surprised that no one has joined in. Maybe this particular sailing is not too popular. I know that there are still plenty of staterooms open.
CustardTart
12-21-2009, 08:41 AM
Well, it's the last pre-Christmas push now!!! I think I've got everything sorted but who knows?? ;) I feel slightly frazzled as we're off to the Alps on December 27th for a week in a ski chalet!!!! :eek: I'm not a skier but the rest of the family love it so I'm looking forward to spending time in the snow with them... :goodvibes
Hey Eva, have you seen that ABD have linked up with our cruise? What do you think?? I haven't told Richard about it yet but I wondered if it was something you'd recommend???
And on that note, I'd better sort those last-minute Christmas cards that are staring at me!!! :santa:
Hey Eva, have you seen that ABD have linked up with our cruise? What do you think?? I haven't told Richard about it yet but I wondered if it was something you'd recommend???
Thanks for the heads up! I am on hold right now trying to get a quote on adding the ABD to the cruise. I won't do it until I get it approved through Steve. I'll let you know what I think after I hear the price. ;)
Well, I just found out that ABD is charging $2,299 per person to upgrade to the ABD portion of the cruise. I spoke first with DCL and then MS (DVC). I was told that the prices are the same whether you booked with cash or points. So I was happy to hear that we could add this with cash. But that is quite a bit of money. I read about the excursions and they sound wonderful. But I know that we were exhausted after our Viva Italia trip. They really keep you going. Plus, we hadn't planned on going back into Rome after spending 4 nights there last year. Steve and I will talk it over tonight. But I am pretty sure we will skip adding this. If you add another $1,500 or so, you could actually take a separate ABD tour and have two vacations. But I do have to admit that the ABD trips are really special. There are a lot of extras. I bet you would get lots gifts and perks. And most of the excursions will be of the signature variety. Tough decision.
No go for us on the ABD portion of the cruise. We both thought that the cost was way too prohibited. If it were that amount for the both of us we would jump on it. But we can do a couple of private tours and all the shore excursions that we want for less than $2,000.
CustardTart
12-23-2009, 04:32 AM
Wow!!! That is EXPENSIVE - even for Disney!!! :faint: I thought it must be $2300 per couple not per person!!! Who in their right mind would spend almost an extra $5k...? :confused:
Had a look at some of the excursions and, whilst I'm sure they would be brilliant, I know we'll be happier spending considerably less cash. It's just not a time to throw it around. So, not for us either. I haven't even bothered to explain it to Richard - he's been super-busy and it seemed pointless to waste his time...
Anyway, once Christmas and New Year are over, we'll make some firm excursion decisions. I just wish the £/€ exchange rate would pick up... ;)
It's Sophie's 27th birthday today - which I am finding impossible to believe!!! It's also the start of our Christmas celebrations!!! Richard leaves work at midday and heads home to help me finish getting the house ready. Then later, we're all off for a family meal in honour of the lovely Soph at a local French restaurant... Happy day!!! xxx
Wow!!! That is EXPENSIVE - even for Disney!!! :faint: I thought it must be $2300 per couple not per person!!! Who in their right mind would spend almost an extra $5k...? :confused:
Had a look at some of the excursions and, whilst I'm sure they would be brilliant, I know we'll be happier spending considerably less cash. It's just not a time to throw it around. So, not for us either. I haven't even bothered to explain it to Richard - he's been super-busy and it seemed pointless to waste his time...
Anyway, once Christmas and New Year are over, we'll make some firm excursion decisions. I just wish the £/€ exchange rate would pick up... ;)
We feel the same. I've been looking at some private excursions in Italy. I think that is a better use of our money. There is one where you are picked up at the port in Naples and then go to Pompeii following by a tour of the Amalfi Coast. A private driver and guide in a nice Mercedes sedan sounds lovely. I know that Steve is a bit nervous about taking a tour outside of Disney. He knows their quality and the guarantee of not missing the ship. But the next port is not far away if somehow we did miss the ship. So I think it is a good time to try a private tour. I know that you and Richard had already picked a tour. But if you change your mind and want to share a private tour there, let me know.
It's Sophie's 27th birthday today - which I am finding impossible to believe!!! It's also the start of our Christmas celebrations!!! Richard leaves work at midday and heads home to help me finish getting the house ready. Then later, we're all off for a family meal in honour of the lovely Soph at a local French restaurant... Happy day!!! xxx
I know! It is tough to believe that Rachel will be 27 soon too! Sounds like you have a lovely day planned for her. Steve is only working half a day today too. I took the day off. We are going to go out for lunch and maybe some people watching. Tell Sophie Happy Birthday!:cake:
Here are two one of the tours we are considering in Naples:
Pompeii & Amalfi Coast (http://www.limoinrome.com/services.php?service=excursions#nogo)
Pompeii, Positano and Amalfi (http://www.benvenutolimos.com/se_detail.asp?ExcCode=NA2)
Hope Everyone Had a Very ----
:santa::santa::santa:Merry Christmas!:santa::santa::santa:
I got a Kindle for Christmas and have already down loaded a number of travel books on the ports we will be visiting.
I just received a response from the National Park Service at Cinque Terre. They provide personal tours that pick you up at La Spezia right at the port. Here is the itinerary that they just sent me:
THE CINQUE TERRE
Meet the guide at the La Spezia harbour and on foot (15 minutes) to reach to the ralway station and proceed by train to Riomaggiore. Tour of the first of the five Cinque Terre villages with its tall and colourful houses, winding laneways and small squares, its charm has been depicted many times in the paintings of Telemaco Signorini. The parish church of San Giovanni Battista ( Saint John the Baptist ) with its neo-gothic façade is one of the monuments worth seeing.
Leaving Riomaggiore and taking the suggestive VIA DELL’AMORE path which was carved out of the rocks in the 1920’s and has a panoramic view over the sea, the participants will reach the second of the Cinque Terre villages Manarola in approximately 30 minutes. This second village has a gathering of tall and narrow houses painted in bright colours overlooking a small port.
The Path continues on from Manarola and after a 45 minute walk the participants will arrive at the village of Corniglia. This is the only one of the five villages found at 100mt above sea level a factor which only adds to its particular charm.
Depart by train in the early afternoon for Vernazza: the village is situated at the mouth of the Vernazzola stream (now covered) and it is interesting to observe the medieval town structure which was built around this stream. The scenery is enhanced by the two prominent gothic towers used by the Genovese and the gothic-ligurian S. Margherita d’Antiochia church. Short rest and then continue on to the last of the five Cinque Terre villages : Monterosso al Mare.
This town has a dual appeal : the old village offers the same characteristic atmosphere of the other Cinque Terre villages whilst the residential area of Fegina is like a typical seaside resort.
Upon completion of the tour participants return by boat to La Spezia .
The price includes : professional tour guide for entire day, train tickets for the Cinque Terre, entrance ticket to the Via dell’Amore path, ticket boat from Monterosso to La Spezia
The price does not include : lunch, other entrance fees, any other extras not indicated above and included in the quoted price .
I can't believe that they only quoted us € 250,00 total for the two of us. I am going to speak with Steve tonight about booking this right away.
Giving us a little bump.
Anyone joining us on this cruise? :confused3
party:Happy New Year!party:
Karen, When you get back you will have a number of my posts to catch up on. Hope you are having a wonderful time!
Here is a link to a thread that I asked about tenders for Med cruises. Andrew has some good info that I hadn't considered about setting up private tours at ports where we tender.
Tender Information (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2360160)
Over the holidays I have had a chance to really start looking at all the excursions and what private tours we will be taking on the cruise. Some of the referrals I have received are advising me to book our tours over the next month or so. I am told that the good companies book up fast. I heard that some of the May Med cruisers are trying to book private tours right now and they are all booked. So I am really trying to get a better handle on what we will be doing. Here is our new and improved list of events:
Valletta, Malta - Tour On Our Own
Tunis, Tunisia - Medina and Carthage (DCL Excursion)
Naples, Italy - Private Tour of Pompeii & the Amalfi Coast
Civitavecchia, Italy - Italian Countryside and Olive Oil (DCL Excursion)
La Spezia, Italy - Private Tour of Cinque Terre
Ajaccio, Corsica - On Our Own
Villefranche, France - Nice and Eze with Wine and Cheese (DCL Excursion) OR On Our Own
Yikes! How many times have we changed this plan? But I think that we are getting more set on this now.
Yikes! We were on page 4. So I thought I better give us a bump.
I just received a response from the National Park Service at Cinque Terre. They provide personal tours that pick you up at La Spezia right at the port. Here is the itinerary that they just sent me:
THE CINQUE TERRE
Meet the guide at the La Spezia harbour and on foot (15 minutes) to reach to the ralway station and proceed by train to Riomaggiore. Tour of the first of the five Cinque Terre villages with its tall and colourful houses, winding laneways and small squares, its charm has been depicted many times in the paintings of Telemaco Signorini. The parish church of San Giovanni Battista ( Saint John the Baptist ) with its neo-gothic façade is one of the monuments worth seeing.
Leaving Riomaggiore and taking the suggestive VIA DELL’AMORE path which was carved out of the rocks in the 1920’s and has a panoramic view over the sea, the participants will reach the second of the Cinque Terre villages Manarola in approximately 30 minutes. This second village has a gathering of tall and narrow houses painted in bright colours overlooking a small port.
The Path continues on from Manarola and after a 45 minute walk the participants will arrive at the village of Corniglia. This is the only one of the five villages found at 100mt above sea level a factor which only adds to its particular charm.
Depart by train in the early afternoon for Vernazza: the village is situated at the mouth of the Vernazzola stream (now covered) and it is interesting to observe the medieval town structure which was built around this stream. The scenery is enhanced by the two prominent gothic towers used by the Genovese and the gothic-ligurian S. Margherita d’Antiochia church. Short rest and then continue on to the last of the five Cinque Terre villages : Monterosso al Mare.
This town has a dual appeal : the old village offers the same characteristic atmosphere of the other Cinque Terre villages whilst the residential area of Fegina is like a typical seaside resort.
Upon completion of the tour participants return by boat to La Spezia .
The price includes : professional tour guide for entire day, train tickets for the Cinque Terre, entrance ticket to the Via dell’Amore path, ticket boat from Monterosso to La Spezia
The price does not include : lunch, other entrance fees, any other extras not indicated above and included in the quoted price .
I can't believe that they only quoted us € 250,00 total for the two of us. I am going to speak with Steve tonight about booking this right away.
I just booked this tour. It sounds so wonderful. The guide will pick us up around 8:00 am and the tour lasts till about 5:00 or 5:30 pm. I hope that we aren't cutting it too close. We set sail at 7:30. Steve keeps thinking that we need to be back to port before then. But I think that 5:30 is fine. That still gives us two hours for delays.
CustardTart
01-09-2010, 02:53 PM
Hi Eva ~ and everyone else who's sailing with us!!! :wave:
I've been back a week from the Alps but caught a horrid cough/cold whilst there and have been sicker than I remember in a long time so haven't felt like DISing too much. The brightness of the laptop screen hurt my eyes for goodness sake!! Anyway, I'm a bit better now (tho' still coughing like crazy) and starting to think SERIOUSLY about this trip!!!
I think we'll be spending the week prior to the cruise in Mijas, Southern Spain and flying to Barcelona from Malaga on the morning of our departure. Apart from that the only major change is that our son, Samuel will NOT be joining us so here's a reminder of the itinerary...
Day 1 Barcelona, Spain...
Day 2 At Sea...
Day 3 Valletta, Malta... Beach Club, Malta. $50 x 2 ...
Day 4 Tunis, Tunisia... Bardo Museum, Medina, Carthage & Sidi Bou Said. $90 x 2...
Day 5 Naples, Italy... Private tour of Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast...
Day 6 Civitavecchia... Private tour of Rome...
Day 7 At Sea.
Day 8 La Spezia, Italy... Portofino and Santa Margherita.$125 x 2.
Day 9 Ajaccio, Corsica... Independent lunch and wine tasting.
Day 10 Villefranche... Independent lunch and wine tasting.
Day 11 At Sea......
Day 12 Barcelona, Spain...
The La Spezia walking tour sounds fab, Eva!!! I'm sure that 2 hour cushion will give you plenty of time to board the Magic... I've just realised that the PM I thought I'd sent you last week is not appearing on my list so am off to try and resurrect it - if I can recall what it said... :rolleyes:
Hi Eva ~ and everyone else who's sailing with us!!! :wave:
I've been back a week from the Alps but caught a horrid cough/cold whilst there and have been sicker than I remember in a long time so haven't felt like DISing too much. The brightness of the laptop screen hurt my eyes for goodness sake!! Anyway, I'm a bit better now (tho' still coughing like crazy) and starting to think SERIOUSLY about this trip!!!
I think we'll be spending the week prior to the cruise in Mijas, Southern Spain and flying to Barcelona from Malaga on the morning of our departure. Apart from that the only major change is that our son, Samuel will NOT be joining us so here's a reminder of the itinerary...
Day 1 Barcelona, Spain...
Day 2 At Sea...
Day 3 Valletta, Malta... Beach Club, Malta. $50 x 2 ...
Day 4 Tunis, Tunisia... Bardo Museum, Medina, Carthage & Sidi Bou Said. $90 x 2...
Day 5 Naples, Italy... Private tour of Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast...
Day 6 Civitavecchia... Private tour of Rome...
Day 7 At Sea.
Day 8 La Spezia, Italy... Portofino and Santa Margherita.$125 x 2.
Day 9 Ajaccio, Corsica... Independent lunch and wine tasting.
Day 10 Villefranche... Independent lunch and wine tasting.
Day 11 At Sea......
Day 12 Barcelona, Spain...
The La Spezia walking tour sounds fab, Eva!!! I'm sure that 2 hour cushion will give you plenty of time to board the Magic... I've just realised that the PM I thought I'd sent you last week is not appearing on my list so am off to try and resurrect it - if I can recall what it said... :rolleyes:
Karen,
Glad to hear that you are feeling better. Hope you had a great time in the Alps. Did you do any skiing?
I will start making the inquiries for the Pompeii/Amalfi tour. Are there any questions you want me to ask them?
Bump!
Now that the holidays are over, maybe there will be others joining soon. Anyone?
Bump!
Now that the holidays are over, maybe there will be others joining soon. Anyone?
Ditto :wave:
CustardTart
01-20-2010, 02:52 PM
Nope... It's just us!!! :goodvibes
Still carrying the dregs of the cough/cold around - tomorrow will be the three week mark, for goodness sake!! It surely can't last much longer but all this means I cannot wait for our Med cruise... :cloud9:
Nope... It's just us!!! :goodvibes
Still carrying the dregs of the cough/cold around - tomorrow will be the three week mark, for goodness sake!! It surely can't last much longer but all this means I cannot wait for our Med cruise... :cloud9:
I hope you are feeling better soon. Have you seen the doctor? My daughter is just getting over bronchitis. Hope you don't have anything like that. Take care! :sick:
CustardTart
01-21-2010, 04:19 AM
I hope you are feeling better soon. Have you seen the doctor? My daughter is just getting over bronchitis. Hope you don't have anything like that. Take care! :sick:
I think I'm on the mend now - it's just the cough and a tendency to sound somewhat bunged up that are persisting. Thankfully the sinus pain has gone away - that was horrid!!! :sad2:
I don't think I've ever felt so down at this time of year. I know this illness and the slow progress of the building work hasn't helped (it's been delayed by around a month due to the awful weather we've had here) but I would love to have escaped somewhere warm for a week or so. Next January I have the Dream's maiden voyage to look forward to so I'm very happy about that... :goodvibes
Eva, I've been meaning to ask you if you're on Facebook?
I think I'm on the mend now - it's just the cough and a tendency to sound somewhat bunged up that are persisting. Thankfully the sinus pain has gone away - that was horrid!!! :sad2:
I don't think I've ever felt so down at this time of year. I know this illness and the slow progress of the building work hasn't helped (it's been delayed by around a month due to the awful weather we've had here) but I would love to have escaped somewhere warm for a week or so. Next January I have the Dream's maiden voyage to look forward to so I'm very happy about that... :goodvibes
Eva, I've been meaning to ask you if you're on Facebook?
I sure hope you start feeling better really soon! :hug:
Steve and I are kicking around the idea of not getting off the ship in Civitavecchia. We know that we aren't going into Rome. While we love it there, we are not prepared to spend 3 hours in transit after spending 4 nights there just a year ago. So our options are:
1) The only excursion that isn't in Rome - Italian Countryside and Olive Oil.
2) Just walk around Civitavecchia for a bit - But all searchs show there isn't much there.
3) Just stay on the ship, enjoy an empty pool, and do a bit of laundry.
Any thoughts?
CustardTart
01-23-2010, 05:51 AM
Steve and I are kicking around the idea of not getting off the ship in Civitavecchia. We know that we aren't going into Rome. While we love it there, we are not prepared to spend 3 hours in transit after spending 4 nights there just a year ago. So our options are:
1) The only excursion that isn't in Rome - Italian Countryside and Olive Oil.
2) Just walk around Civitavecchia for a bit - But all searchs show there isn't much there.
3) Just stay on the ship, enjoy an empty pool, and do a bit of laundry.
Any thoughts?
FWIW I think the excursion sounds good and isn't too expensive. Plus we're docked for a long time that day, so you'll still have a chance to enjoy the empty ship and do laundry... :thumbsup2
We're going to pre-book private transfers into Rome and just potter around on our own for a few hours. Richard fancies a relaxing day and is in no hurry to whizz around the sights - we'd rather spend a long weekend there in the future... :goodvibes
FWIW I think the excursion sounds good and isn't too expensive. Plus we're docked for a long time that day, so you'll still have a chance to enjoy the empty ship and do laundry... :thumbsup2
So true! Steve is pushing for the excursion too. I wonder if that excursion leaves in the morning or afternoon. If I know that we would leave in the early morning and be back around lunch time. I would be more likely to want to go. I just don't want to take an excursion that breaks up the day by leaving in the late morning or afternoon. Maybe I will email DVC when it gets closer to see what time of day the excursion is.
We're going to pre-book private transfers into Rome and just potter around on our own for a few hours. Richard fancies a relaxing day and is in no hurry to whizz around the sights - we'd rather spend a long weekend there in the future... :goodvibes
I think you are smart here. We spent 4 days in Rome with ABD at a pretty good pace to see all the things that we wanted to and have a bit of free time too. If you want a list of my musts for a leisure day visit, let me know.
CustardTart
01-24-2010, 07:04 AM
Having spent time chatting with Richard, I now have yet another finalised itinerary!!! :cool1: ;)
The main changes we've decided on include using DCL's transfers in/out of Rome and booking a rather wonderful sounding private wine-tasting tour (with Benvenuto Limos (http://www.benvenutolimos.com/se_detail.asp?ExcCode=LS5) :thumbsup2) in La Spezia.
We're also toying with the rather controversial idea of each doing our own thing in Corsica!!! :laughing: Richard fancies the kayaking whereas I may book the less energetic Sweet Corsica excursion. Decisions, decisions...
Day 1 Barcelona, Spain...
Day 2 At Sea...
Day 3 Valletta, Malta... Beach Club, Malta. $50 x 2 ...
Day 4 Tunis, Tunisia... Bardo Museum, Medina, Carthage & Sidi Bou Said. $90 x 2...
Day 5 Naples, Italy... Private tour of Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast...
Day 6 Civitavecchia... Rome On Your Own. $99 x 2...
Day 7 At Sea.
Day 8 La Spezia, Italy... Private tour of the Chianti Region...
Day 9 Ajaccio, Corsica... Kayak on Lake Tolla. $199... AND Sweet Corsica. $89...
Day 10 Villefranche... Lunch and leisurely shopping in Villefranche...
Day 11 At Sea......
Day 12 Barcelona, Spain...
CustardTart
01-24-2010, 11:08 AM
Just a quick question - as the cruise is 12 nights long, do we know if we'll have more than one opportunity to eat dinner in Palo's??? It would be rather nice... :goodvibes
Having spent time chatting with Richard, I now have yet another finalised itinerary!!! :cool1: ;)
The main changes we've decided on include using DCL's transfers in/out of Rome and booking a rather wonderful sounding private wine-tasting tour (with Benvenuto Limos (http://www.benvenutolimos.com/se_detail.asp?ExcCode=LS5) :thumbsup2) in La Spezia.
We're also toying with the rather controversial idea of each doing our own thing in Corsica!!! :laughing: Richard fancies the kayaking whereas I may book the less energetic Sweet Corsica excursion. Decisions, decisions...
Day 1 Barcelona, Spain...
Day 2 At Sea...
Day 3 Valletta, Malta... Beach Club, Malta. $50 x 2 ...
Day 4 Tunis, Tunisia... Bardo Museum, Medina, Carthage & Sidi Bou Said. $90 x 2...
Day 5 Naples, Italy... Private tour of Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast...
Day 6 Civitavecchia... Rome On Your Own. $99 x 2...
Day 7 At Sea.
Day 8 La Spezia, Italy... Private tour of the Chianti Region...
Day 9 Ajaccio, Corsica... Kayak on Lake Tolla. $199... AND Sweet Corsica. $89...
Day 10 Villefranche... Lunch and leisurely shopping in Villefranche...
Day 11 At Sea......
Day 12 Barcelona, Spain...
Excellent interary! Of course that tour in Naples sounds lovely! :thumbsup2
I never thought of a wine tour in Tuscany. You will love that private tour of the Chianti Region. I love a good Chianti. Banfi's Chianti Classico is wonderful. Wish I would have thought of that too. But the tour of Cinque Terre we have booked is something I have been wanting to do for quite awhile.
We are still trying to decide what to do in Corsica. Right now we are thinking that we might just stay in Ajaccio and do another walking tour I found. We are doing that in Malta too. But I think that Sweet Corsica tour sounds good too. I'm pretty sure we have confirmed the Italian Countryside and Olive Oil tour in Civitavecchia.
The cost of the tours is not our main concern. We just want to be careful not to book every moment of our time. On our ABD tour in 2008 we found that we had a lot of memorable moments during our free time.
So far here's what we have:
Day 1 Barcelona, Spain...
Day 2 At Sea...
Day 3 Valletta, Malta... On Our Own - Walking Tour for Malta
Day 4 Tunis, Tunisia... Medina & Carthage (DCL)
Day 5 Naples, Italy... Private tour of Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast
Day 6 Civitavecchia... Italian Countryside and Olive Oil (DCL)
Day 7 At Sea.
Day 8 La Spezia, Italy... Private tour of Cinque Terre
Day 9 Ajaccio, Corsica... Sweet Corsica (DCL) or walking Tour on Our Own
Day 10 Villefranche... Nice and Eze with Wine and Cheese (DCL)
Day 11 At Sea......
Day 12 Barcelona, Spain...
Just a quick question - as the cruise is 12 nights long, do we know if we'll have more than one opportunity to eat dinner in Palo's??? It would be rather nice... :goodvibes
Well, I've been told that you can only book one night ahead online, but are able to try for more when getting on board. I am sure we will try for another night or two once we are onboard. We love Palo. If you want to try for an extra night for the four of us, let me know. Maybe we can decide that after boarding. Also, we may eat at Topsiders a night or two when we need to be up extra early in the morning. If I have to be up early, eating at 8:30 or later doesn't really work for me. I have a mild case of IBS that really plays havoc on me early in the morning if I eat a large meal late the night before. Don't worry, we will let you know ahead when we are doing that. Remember that we need to link reservations after making our excursion and Palo reservations.
CustardTart
01-24-2010, 05:10 PM
Excellent interary! Of course that tour in Naples sounds lovely! :thumbsup2
Well, naturally!!! :goodvibes ;) :thumbsup2
I never thought of a wine tour in Tuscany. You will love that private tour of the Chianti Region. I love a good Chianti. Banfi's Chianti Classico is wonderful. Wish I would have thought of that too. But the tour of Cinque Terre we have booked is something I have been wanting to do for quite awhile.
I didn't think of a wine tour either but we decided this morning that we wanted to do something different!! A wine tour is something we've talked about doing for ages so I couldn't believe it when I checked out what was available with Benvenuto and there was the Chianti tour!!! I received confirmation this evening so looks like it's sorted... :thumbsup2
The tour of Cinque Terre sounds awesome and is totally unique so you are right to go for it BUT, should you change your mind, please know you guys are more than welcome to join us.:hug: If not, we'll definitely bring a bottle or two of Chianti back for you... xxx
We are still trying to decide what to do in Corsica. Right now we are thinking that we might just stay in Ajaccio and do another walking tour I found. We are doing that in Malta too. But I think that Sweet Corsica tour sounds good too. I think that we had confirmed the Wine and Chees tour in Villefranche.
I just want something easy for the last two ports with minimal travelling. I'm trying to anticipate any back problems I might have - boring but necessary... :rolleyes:
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