DCL/ABD Med Cruise May 15, 2010

[sayhello]

So it's official! After a lot of pondering & soul searching & conversations with Dotti, I have decided that I *am* doing the May 15, 2010 11-night DCL Mediterranean cruise with the ABD add-on on the Disney Magic. I got a FABULOUS price on the cruise, which made the ABD add-on affordable. Now that the decision has been made, I am really jazzed about this trip! It is really ideal for me, since I travel solo. 11 nights in the Med is just not something I ever really contemplated doing by myself. Having the continuity of the 40 ABD folks throughout the trip, and the convenience and security of traveling with the 2 ABD guides in pre-selected excursions just seems like a great option for me. I like not having to agonize over which DCL excursions to sign up for, and then fight their website signing up for those I want. And arranging private tours would just not be a good option for just me.

Some of the ports (like Corsica & Tunisia) I know nothing about, so I'm trusting ABD to have picked interesting options. The only thing missing from the itinerary that I'm going to see about adding/switching is that I really want to go to Pompeii. I think I may see if I can skip the pizza making in Naples, and just pay the extra to take a DCL trip to Pompeii. Worth the extra money for me. I would then re-join the group for the Amalfi coast.

But anyways, now the big fun is looking for airfare and such. I think I have a good hotel option for the night prior to the cruise (I always arrive at least a day early!) It's a Marriott, near the airport, which has a free shuttle from the airport, a free shuttle into town, and an inexpensive arranged shuttle to the port. Honestly, arriving mid-morning after an overnight flight where I never can sleep, the last thing I'm going to want to worry about is getting me and all my luggage to a hotel "near the action". I'll shuttle to the Marriott, check in, either dump my stuff at my room, or leave them with the Bell desk, get some LUNCH, then maybe think about hitting town.

I'll probably do DCL's transfers back to the airport after the cruise.

Airfare so far is a challenge; I'm almost certainly adding on a trip to visit my sister in Israel after the cruise (I can hardly go that far & not visit her). But most of the options so far involve a long day in Barcelona, and arriving in Tel Aviv in the wee hours of the morning. Why there are no flights between 11 am and like 8pm is beyond me... But that should be my biggest issue. :)

Anywho, so that's what's up. Anybody else going on this trip? DCL said there were 16 people signed up for my trip, and then I heard that Christyvoltron & her hubby have since signed up. So that's 18 for the ABD add-on at last check. So I'm thinking we're in a pretty good position for this trip to actually be a go. I'm still hoping HappyGrumpy & her hubby can work it out & go also, but no pressure here! ;) abdmom is doing the same cruise, but I don't believe she's doing the ABD add-on.

Whoohoo! :cool1:

*off to build a new ticker*
Sayhello

[Bobo912]

Congratulations, sayhello! Making the decision is the hard part. Now you can have fun planning and looking forward to a fantastic trip. Can't wait to hear about it!

[Dahly]

I hope you have a fabulous time! I looked at this trip a number of times and I was really interested in the ABD add-on since I would be traveling alone as well. (no one in my house wants to go to Europe!) But, unfortunately, even with my funny math, I can't make the dollars work this year after our ABD to the Galapagos last year. (the airfare to Spain is a killer!) So I am looking forward to what I know will be a fantastic trip report (with lots of pics) when you return!


So for the next few months, I will be interested to hear all about your planning! :surfweb:That is half the fun! (and I can live vicariously through you!)

have a great trip!


Dahly

[disneytraveler]

:goodvibes:cool1:That is great! I hope you have a great time:)

[HappyGrumpy]

I'm still hoping HappyGrumpy & her hubby can work it out & go also, but no pressure here! abdmom is doing the same cruise, but I don't believe she's doing the ABD add-on.


No Pressure!!:rotfl:

Some of the ports (like Corsica & Tunisia) I know nothing about, so I'm trusting ABD to have picked interesting options. The only thing missing from the itinerary that I'm going to see about adding/switching is that I really want to go to Pompeii. I think I may see if I can skip the pizza making in Naples, and just pay the extra to take a DCL trip to Pompeii. Worth the extra money for me. I would then re-join the group for the Amalfi coast.

If we swing this trip I love this idea! Hubby Loves to cook so he may want to do the making pizza thing!! I was really bummed about not doing the Pompeii thing!

I will be so glad when air comes down as allot of people seem to be predicting( I started an Airfare Thread on the DCL boards). It's got me a little stressed! Anyhoo stay tuned!

[WeLoveABD]

Sounds practically perfect in every way! (Sorry--we just saw the Mary Poppins play!). I am very eager to hear how it went--and definately hit Barcelona! (Depending on how much time you have, consider the "on and off" bus--it was a great way to get around town and hit the major sites in a compressed amount of time).

I'm still hoping they do the ABD/cruise blending for the Baltic cruise--but it looks doubtful, given these are all "new" ports and places, so there are no experienced ABD guides ready to tackle such a trip.

Enjoy enjoy enjoy!

[DisFan10]

SayHello - Mazel tov! :)

[sayhello]

Congratulations, sayhello! Making the decision is the hard part. Now you can have fun planning and looking forward to a fantastic trip. Can't wait to hear about it!Thanks, Bobo912! :) I'm planning already. I can hardly wait to write the Trip Report for this one!

I hope you have a fabulous time! I looked at this trip a number of times and I was really interested in the ABD add-on since I would be traveling alone as well. (no one in my house wants to go to Europe!) But, unfortunately, even with my funny math, I can't make the dollars work this year after our ABD to the Galapagos last year. (the airfare to Spain is a killer!) So I am looking forward to what I know will be a fantastic trip report (with lots of pics) when you return!

So for the next few months, I will be interested to hear all about your planning! :surfweb:That is half the fun! (and I can live vicariously through you!)

have a great trip!

DahlyThanks, Dahly! I'll try & keep everyone up-to-date on my plans, and the details from ABD & DCL. It's kind of cool to be one of the first trying this. It's all a grand experiment! And yes, the plan is for another Trip Report with TONS of pictures! :cool1:

:goodvibes:cool1:That is great! I hope you have a great time:)Thanks, disneytraveler. A great time is definitely on the itinerary!

No Pressure!!:rotfl: Really! Honestly! :)

If we swing this trip I love this idea! Hubby Loves to cook so he may want to do the making pizza thing!! I was really bummed about not doing the Pompeii thing!

I will be so glad when air comes down as allot of people seem to be predicting( I started an Airfare Thread on the DCL boards). It's got me a little stressed! Anyhoo stay tuned!I'd *love* to have you join me on a trip to Pompeii! I've loved the idea of Pompeii since I was a kid and always hoped to visit there. I just can't imagine going to Italy & not going to Pompeii. I'm pretty sure that the Guides will find *some* way to make it happen!

I'm waiting for that airfare sale, too! The prices haven't budged in the last month. Soon, hopefully!

Sounds practically perfect in every way! (Sorry--we just saw the Mary Poppins play!). I am very eager to hear how it went--and definately hit Barcelona! (Depending on how much time you have, consider the "on and off" bus--it was a great way to get around town and hit the major sites in a compressed amount of time).

I'm still hoping they do the ABD/cruise blending for the Baltic cruise--but it looks doubtful, given these are all "new" ports and places, so there are no experienced ABD guides ready to tackle such a trip.

Enjoy enjoy enjoy!Thanks, WeLoveABD. I'm definitely planning on doing some time in Barcelona. Others have recommended the "on and off" bus, also. It does sound like a great way to see the town. And I really want to see Gaudi's Park Guell. It really looks like my kind of place!

This is the last year for the Baltics, right? I'm guessing they won't do any other "blends" at least until they see how the first couple of Med blend works. But who knows? At this point, I give up on trying to predict what ABD will do! I sure hope they offer it for the Baltic cruise... that would be great.

SayHello - Mazel tov! :)Thanks, DisFan10! I feel very lucky, indeed!

Sayhello

[HappyGrumpy]

I'm waiting for that airfare sale, too! The prices haven't budged in the last month. Soon, hopefully!


Just out of curiosity have you had DCL price out your airfare? I know it will be more but I would consider it if it meant it would take off the pressure of looking for air.

[sayhello]

Just out of curiosity have you had DCL price out your airfare? I know it will be more but I would consider it if it meant it would take off the pressure of looking for air. Well, the thing is, DCL won't book me to Israel, then home from Israel. They weren't happy when I asked them to price me coming in the day *before* the cruise (which would involve an extra $75 charge for an "air deviation", along with whatever increase in airfare might be involved)! Their airfare is a bulk thing they buy & provide at a fixed price, to/from Barcelona. If I looked at that (to/from BCN), the price from DCL was $1463, which is about $500 more than I was seeing for booking to/from Barcelona by myself. For $1463, I can almost include the cost to Israel! And you get whatever airline they pick, at whatever schedule, they choose. You have to pay even more (the $75 "air deviation" fee) if you want to specify the airline/flights/departure times, etc. It is definitely not the same as booking through ABD, where you can tell them the exact flights you want, and get it for the price you want.

It does have the advantage of being refundable up until 90 days prior to the cruise, but you definitely pay for that advantage in many ways.

Sayhello

ETA: Actually, I mis-spoke. I could get the flight in the day before the cruise without the extra charges *IF* I booked the hotel for the pre-night through them. Which came out to a minimum of $420 for the night. Not an economical alternative, since I'm getting the Marriott for around $200.

[HappyGrumpy]

Well, the thing is, DCL won't book me to Israel, then home from Israel. They weren't happy when I asked them to price me coming in the day *before* the cruise (which would involve an extra $75 charge for an "air deviation", along with whatever increase in airfare might be involved)! Their airfare is a bulk thing they buy & provide at a fixed price, to/from Barcelona. If I looked at that (to/from BCN), the price from DCL was $1463, which is about $500 more than I was seeing for booking to/from Barcelona by myself. For $1463, I can almost include the cost to Israel! And you get whatever airline they pick, at whatever schedule, they choose. You have to pay even more (the $75 "air deviation" fee) if you want to specify the airline/flights/departure times, etc. It is definitely not the same as booking through ABD, where you can tell them the exact flights you want, and get it for the price you want.

It does have the advantage of being refundable up until 90 days prior to the cruise, but you definitely pay for that advantage in many ways.


Holy Crow! Never Mind..btw I had a customer at work showing me pictures of his home in Israel yesterday. It was amazing! he showed me a picture of the Golan Heights, the sea and a wire that separates Israel from Lebanon that juts out over the water! Anyhoo thought about ya! :thumbsup2

[WeLoveABD]

This is the first year for the Baltic--and I imagine with a ship likely to be ported in Europe Disney will do something similar in future years (Med and Baltic cruises). I hear the Baltic sold well--I hope so, anyway!

[sayhello]

This is the first year for the Baltic--and I imagine with a ship likely to be ported in Europe Disney will do something similar in future years (Med and Baltic cruises). I hear the Baltic sold well--I hope so, anyway!Oh! I guess I had it backwards. I think the Baltic cruise would be a great candidate for another ABD/DCL partnership. It could easily work very similarly to the Med cruise.

Sayhello

[Bobo912]

Oh! I guess I had it backwards. I think the Baltic cruise would be a great candidate for another ABD/DCL partnership. It could easily work very similarly to the Med cruise.

Sayhello

Not exactly backwards, sayhello. 2010 is the first year for the Baltic cruise, but DCL isn't offering it in 2011. Maybe they will bring it back sometime in the future though.

[sayhello]

Not exactly backwards, sayhello. 2010 is the first year for the Baltic cruise, but DCL isn't offering it in 2011. Maybe they will bring it back sometime in the future though.Thanks, Bobo912! I'm still a DCL newbie & don't know the history, etc, like I do with ABD. :) I'll catch on eventually!

Sayhello

[gayleaboone]

I am soooo excited for you!

[sayhello]

I am soooo excited for you!Thanks gayleaboone! I'm excited, and kinda freaked, but in a good way! :goodvibes

I just bought my airline ticket! So this is, like, really happening! Paid in Full date for the cruise/ABD is Friday, and I'll probably pay Thursday, just to be on the safe side. Neither is a minor purchase (**!) but the good news is, at least I'll have a BUNCH of Disney Reward Dollars to spend onboard! :rotfl:

Sayhello

[HappyGrumpy]

I just bought my airline ticket! So this is, like, really happening! Paid in Full date for the cruise/ABD is Friday, and I'll probably pay Thursday, just to be on the safe side. Neither is a minor purchase (**!) but the good news is, at least I'll have a BUNCH of Disney Reward Dollars to spend onboard!

No this is not a minor purchase! But it's just $$$ :rotfl:Right??:rotfl:

Who did you end up getting your air through? Are you happy with your itinerary?

[renegade7]

I am considering this for the last Med Cruise. I have heard wonderful things about ABD. Just not 100% sold on all the trips at the ports. I am excited to hear the early trips go. Looking foward to reading a trip report.

[sayhello]

No this is not a minor purchase! But it's just $$$ :rotfl:Right??:rotfl:

Who did you end up getting your air through? Are you happy with your itinerary?Yep. Only $$$. :rolleyes2 Yep. Yep... I actually called my credit card company because I knew I was putting all these high-dollar purchases on the card fairly close together (I also used it to pay for my new furnace). I pay the balance off each month, but I like getting all those Disney Reward Dollars, especially since I found out I can apply them to my onboard account for the cruise!

I ended up going with Iberia airlines. Apparently they are heavily associated with British Airways. Their prices were better than just about anyone else's for this itinerary. (I tried splitting it up with different airlines, and the cost just got too prohibitive). It's not a perfect itinerary (they never are!) but that's mostly because the only decent flight to Israel is at 11:15 am, which is WAY too early to be able to get to the airport from the port, for a high-security international flight. So the flight I got ends up getting me to Israel in the wee hours of the morning. But the leg to Barcelona is great, and the leg home from Israel is not bad (leaves pretty early, with one kind of tight connection, but lots of options if it gets missed).

So yeah, I'm pretty happy with the itinerary. I'd be much happier if I could just teleport there and back, but since that's not happening, we gotta do what we gotta do! :goodvibes

I am considering this for the last Med Cruise. I have heard wonderful things about ABD. Just not 100% sold on all the trips at the ports. I am excited to hear the early trips go. Looking foward to reading a trip report.There *are* a lot of wonderful things about ABD! Read my Trip Reports in my signature if you need any convincing! :thumbsup2 Some of the ports I'm not familiar with (Tunis & Corsica) and since I have some trepidation (non-specific) about Tunis, I'm happy to do whatever ABD has set up. I don't know that I could pick anything "better". And the Rome, Villefranche, Florence, Malta and Amalfi coast trips sound great to me! The only deviation I'm looking at is trying to go to Pompeii instead of the pizza-making in Naples. Other than that, I'm really happy with the itinerary. And the ABD guides just take such WONDERFUL care of you! A big part of the appeal of this trip to me is the ABD guides. From what I've read, it's VERY different from doing a DCL excursion, in my opinion. I'm a spoiled American, I totally admit it, and like the idea of the Guides looking out for me, pre-arranging and pre-screening tours, finding bathrooms, etc. Plus not having to worry as much about how many Euros I get, since so much (including meals on shore) are included. But that's just me. :)

Never fear! I totally plan on doing a very indepth, picture-filled Trip Report as soon as possible after my return! So you'll get a *very* good idea of what the trip is like! ;)

Sayhello

[DisFan10]

Never fear! I totally plan on doing a very indepth, picture-filled Trip Report as soon as possible after my return! So you'll get a *very* good idea of what the trip is like! ;)

Sayhello[/QUOTE]


Yes, those AbD guides are THE BEST!! Do you think you can post your reports & photos on a daily real-time basis? :worship:

[stingmom]

our TA called us when ABD made the add-on announcement. We reviewed the itineraries and they weren't all ones we were interested. At least not for $9k! hope you have a wonderful time though! We'll be managing our own tours this time!

[sayhello]

Yes, those AbD guides are THE BEST!! Do you think you can post your reports & photos on a daily real-time basis? :worship:I can try, but I'm not going to guarantee anything! I don't have a laptop, so I'd have to see how much Internet time costs on the ship's PC's. I doubt I could load pictures to them... I'll check it out & do my best!

our TA called us when ABD made the add-on announcement. We reviewed the itineraries and they weren't all ones we were interested. At least not for $9k! hope you have a wonderful time though! We'll be managing our own tours this time!Thanks, stingmom. The ABD add-on definitely isn't for everyone. But for me, it's perfect!

Sayhello

[Bobo912]

I can try, but I'm not going to guarantee anything! I don't have a laptop, so I'd have to see how much Internet time costs on the ship's PC's. I doubt I could load pictures to them... I'll check it out & do my best!

Thanks, stingmom. The ABD add-on definitely isn't for everyone. But for me, it's perfect!

Sayhello

Prices for internet Access on the Disney Magic:

$0.75 USD per minute pay as you go
$55 USD for 100 minute plan ($0.55 per minute)
$100 USD for 250 minute plan ($0.40 per minute)
$150 USD for 500 minute plan ($0.30 per minute)

[sayhello]

Prices for internet Access on the Disney Magic:

$0.75 USD per minute pay as you go
$55 USD for 100 minute plan ($0.55 per minute)
$100 USD for 250 minute plan ($0.40 per minute)
$150 USD for 500 minute plan ($0.30 per minute)Thanks, Bobo912! :thumbsup2 Now how many minutes do you think it would take me to type up my reports??? ;)

Sayhello

[WeLoveABD]

I surrrrrrrre wish they did the ABD for the Baltic cruise! There are 83 or so options just for the ports on that cruise--it would be great to just sign up for an ABD add on, to take the guess work and hassle out of this process. SayHello--maybe you can get a Twitter account and save some money on your reports (or use those Disney reward bucks!):rotfl:

[Bobo912]

Thanks, Bobo912! :thumbsup2 Now how many minutes do you think it would take me to type up my reports??? ;)

Sayhello

LOL I shudder to shudder to think how much it would cost! As much as I would love to see your real-time trip report, I think you will be much too busy having fun to even think of us.

[Christyvoltron]

If ABD cancels (for the 5/15 11 night cruise) what happens then -- do we have to get at the end of the line for shore excursions? I wish I had more faith that they would go as scheduled and not cancel as they are wont to do -- and what is the minimum number required for non-cancellation because my friend called ABD and was told that there are 28 spaces available for this trip which means only 12 of us are signed up -- this is the one thing I absolutely HATE about ABD -- I don't think we should have to worry about this stuff, frankly.

[Tozzie]

If ABD cancels (for the 5/15 11 night cruise) what happens then -- do we have to get at the end of the line for shore excursions? I wish I had more faith that they would go as scheduled and not cancel as they are wont to do -- and what is the minimum number required for non-cancellation because my friend called ABD and was told that there are 28 spaces available for this trip which means only 12 of us are signed up -- this is the one thing I absolutely HATE about ABD -- I don't think we should have to worry about this stuff, frankly.

I think the Cruise add on has much less of a chance of being cancelled than any other ABD trip. ABD does not have to guarantee many things for the crusie add on that they would have to on other trips so the overhead is lower for them. This is only my opinion but that is what I think.

[sayhello]

If ABD cancels (for the 5/15 11 night cruise) what happens then -- do we have to get at the end of the line for shore excursions? I wish I had more faith that they would go as scheduled and not cancel as they are wont to do -- and what is the minimum number required for non-cancellation because my friend called ABD and was told that there are 28 spaces available for this trip which means only 12 of us are signed up -- this is the one thing I absolutely HATE about ABD -- I don't think we should have to worry about this stuff, frankly.How long ago was your friend told that there was only 12? I was told 16 were taken, and then you were 17 & 18. :confused: Shoot. I called DCL a couple of days ago, and they now won't tell what the count is. Honestly, if the ABD is cancelled, I'm probably cancelling the cruise, because, as you said, we'd be at the end of the line for cruise excursions, and would have to scramble. And really, I don't want to organize this myself. Doing the ABD, with the continuity of the 40 people & the 2 guides, and not having to worry about excursions is really the main reason I signed up for it. They've changed the ABD policy so that they won't cancel the add-on less than 90 days ahead of time, which is the last day to cancel the cruise and get a 100% refund on the cruise. I'd have to make up my mind pretty quickly, but, realistically, either I'd switch to the earlier in May sailing if they'd give me everything at the same price, and the ABD was on for that one, or I'd take the refunds, cut my losses, and do something else. I signed up for the ABD on a cruise. Not for a cruise that I added ABD to. And I've been really upfront with them about that. I'm sure not everyone looks at it this way, but I do. Friday is Pay in Full day. It will be interesting to see what happens then. 90 days out is Feb 15th...

I think the Cruise add on has much less of a chance of being cancelled than any other ABD trip. ABD does not have to guarantee many things for the crusie add on that they would have to on other trips so the overhead is lower for them. This is only my opinion but that is what I think.This is true. Not the commitment to the hotels that the regular ABD's have. I sure hope you're right about that. I know that the Supervisor I spoke to said multiple times that they really want this ABD add-on to go, and are going to work very hard not to cancel it. I was feeling pretty safe with 18 (since my other trips went with 14 & 15) but 12 is a whole 'nother kettle of fish. :sad1:

Sayhello

[sayhello]

I surrrrrrrre wish they did the ABD for the Baltic cruise! There are 83 or so options just for the ports on that cruise--it would be great to just sign up for an ABD add on, to take the guess work and hassle out of this process. SayHello--maybe you can get a Twitter account and save some money on your reports (or use those Disney reward bucks!):rotfl:A lot of people have said they wish they were doing it for the Baltics. Maybe 2012? :confused3 Twitter? Won't go near it! Blech!

LOL I shudder to shudder to think how much it would cost! As much as I would love to see your real-time trip report, I think you will be much too busy having fun to even think of us.I'll *think* about you! ("Whoa! Wait until I post *THIS* picture on the DIS...." ;))

Sayhello

[glassslipper2004]

Sayhello -

I'm so excited for you for the ABD/cruise combo. It sounds like a luscious dessert with extra cherries on top - everything you could want!

You might want to check out the cruise section of the Dis. There are hundreds of people posting on there, and I really enjoyed my pre-cruise chats - it was a big change to start posting on this board, where there are so many fewer posters. Of course, keep posting here too!!

You might ask them if there is a better deal for internet time on the ship. When I cruised a few years ago, there was a unlimited use package that wasn't too bad. They might have changed it, but it's worth looking into.

Finally - where are you going to be in Israel? Have you been before? Any tips? We have decided to do a trip to Israel in April (instead of an ABD this summer) - the opportunity came up to travel with a group and we just couldn't say no. I can't wait!

Take care and keep us posted on the cruise news! :goodvibes

[sayhello]

Sayhello -

I'm so excited for you for the ABD/cruise combo. It sounds like a luscious dessert with extra cherries on top - everything you could want! Thanks, glassslipper! :) I like your description. Yummy!

You might want to check out the cruise section of the Dis. There are hundreds of people posting on there, and I really enjoyed my pre-cruise chats - it was a big change to start posting on this board, where there are so many fewer posters. Of course, keep posting here too!!

You might ask them if there is a better deal for internet time on the ship. When I cruised a few years ago, there was a unlimited use package that wasn't too bad. They might have changed it, but it's worth looking into.I actually have started posting in the DCL forum. It's been a long time since I posted in a fast-moving forum like that! A lot of it is Orlando/Port Canaveral/Caribbean/Bahamas centric, so I skip a lot, but there is some very good info there. I'll see what the deal is re: the internet packages, but honestly, I don't want to spend *too* much of my vacation time online! Doing the Trip Reports lets me re-live my vacation & share it with others. But first I need to live it! ;)

Finally - where are you going to be in Israel? Have you been before? Any tips? We have decided to do a trip to Israel in April (instead of an ABD this summer) - the opportunity came up to travel with a group and we just couldn't say no. I can't wait!

Take care and keep us posted on the cruise news! :goodvibesI'm actually visiting family in Israel, so I'm not going to be doing as much sight-seeing as you probably will. I'll be primarily in the Tel Aviv area, and hope to make it to Jerusalem again. I haven't really decided what else I'd like to do while I'm there, I may let them decide where they want to drag me! I have been there before, but it was 30 years ago when I was a student. I really loved Masada and swimming in the Dead Sea. The old city in Jerusalem is a must. And I've heard Tel Aviv has some great museums. How long are you going to be in Israel? Do you know where you'll be visiting?

Looking forward to hearing about *your* trip!

Sayhello

[Christyvoltron]

She called on Sunday or Monday. And we, like you, booked this cruise BECAUSE of the ABD add on not the other way around. We will be really bummed if they cancel.

[Bobo912]

This is true. Not the commitment to the hotels that the regular ABD's have. I sure hope you're right about that. I know that the Supervisor I spoke to said multiple times that they really want this ABD add-on to go, and are going to work very hard not to cancel it. I was feeling pretty safe with 18 (since my other trips went with 14 & 15) but 12 is a whole 'nother kettle of fish.

If they are really committed to not cancelling this trip, they have one option open to them that they don't have for the other trips. They have have a guest list of everyone who has booked the cruise and they can send them direct offers with discounts for the ABD add-on. If their intent is to use this as a marketing tool for ABD, it would be to their advantage to fill up the trip even at a reduced rate. Who knows what they're thinking though? Their actions don't always seem logical.

[sayhello]

If they are really committed to not cancelling this trip, they have one option open to them that they don't have for the other trips. They have have a guest list of everyone who has booked the cruise and they can send them direct offers with discounts for the ABD add-on. If their intent is to use this as a marketing tool for ABD, it would be to their advantage to fill up the trip even at a reduced rate. Who knows what they're thinking though? Their actions don't always seem logical.Yep. All of that is very true. But thinking logically will get you every time! ;) I'm just taking a wait & see philosophy this time. Since this vacation is early in the season, I'm hopeful I can re-do something else on my own if I have to. At this point, my only actual loss will be a couple hundred dollars on the airfare. (The rest is refundable or reusable). I was willing to take that gamble, as there's no way I'm waiting to the end of February to buy my airfare. Who knows, my trip insurance might even cover that. But I'm not counting on it. I *HOPE* this trip goes, I really do, but I won't be devastated if it doesn't. And I will really have to think long & hard before booking with them again if they can't even pull this off...

Sayhello

[abdmom]

If they are really committed to not cancelling this trip, they have one option open to them that they don't have for the other trips. They have have a guest list of everyone who has booked the cruise and they can send them direct offers with discounts for the ABD add-on. If their intent is to use this as a marketing tool for ABD, it would be to their advantage to fill up the trip even at a reduced rate. Who knows what they're thinking though? Their actions don't always seem logical.

I'm booked on the 5/15 cruise, but not on the ABD. Their pricing for the ABD is not reasonable for a family larger than 2. They've already sent out emails to those who are on the cruise, just a couple of days after it was announced.

Considering that the accommodations and meals are already taken care of, and the already available menu of shore excursions, I'm not really seeing how the ABD add-on can be successful in its current incarnation. Disney already has excellent shore excursions in its regular complement. People who go on cruises already have the opportunities to get to know their fellow passengers. Much of the value of ABD is lost when it is put on a cruise. I suspect that unless you are someone like sayhello who cruises alone or someone who doesn't want to research shore excursions, they are not going to get a lot of takers for the ABD add-on. This is a shame, since I think ABD has a great product. I just think that this was not thought through sufficiently. I do hope that the ABD does go on the 5/15 cruise. I'd like to meet sayhello and maybe get a glimpse of my favorite ABD guide.

Final payment for me for the cruise is tomorrow, 120 days out. Sayhello, is your final payment not until 90 days out? I'm not able to book shore excursions until 75 days out - DCL newbie.

[abdmom]

I *HOPE* this trip goes, I really do, but I won't be devastated if it doesn't. And I will really have to think long & hard before booking with them again if they can't even pull this off...

This is another point. How can they be successful and build a customer base if they continue to cancel trips? Turning off someone like you who has traveled with them multiple times, is definitely not in their best interest.

I cruise frequently - Cruise lines never cancel a trip. They change their pricing, just like DCL did for this cruise. If they really want ABD to be successful and survive long term, which I hope it does, cause I'm hoping to do a couple or 3 ABD trips when my youngest is older, they're really going to have to work on their marketing/pricing strategy.

[sayhello]

I'm booked on the 5/15 cruise, but not on the ABD. Their pricing for the ABD is not reasonable for a family larger than 2. They've already sent out emails to those who are on the cruise, just a couple of days after it was announced.

Considering that the accommodations and meals are already taken care of, and the already available menu of shore excursions, I'm not really seeing how the ABD add-on can be successful in its current incarnation. Disney already has excellent shore excursions in its regular complement. People who go on cruises already have the opportunities to get to know their fellow passengers. Much of the value of ABD is lost when it is put on a cruise. I suspect that unless you are someone like sayhello who cruises alone or someone who doesn't want to research shore excursions, they are not going to get a lot of takers for the ABD add-on. This is a shame, since I think ABD has a great product. I just think that this was not thought through sufficiently. I do hope that the ABD does go on the 5/15 cruise. I'd like to meet sayhello and maybe get a glimpse of my favorite ABD guide.

Final payment for me for the cruise is tomorrow, 120 days out. Sayhello, is your final payment not until 90 days out? I'm not able to book shore excursions until 75 days out - DCL newbie.abdmom, my final payment is due tomorrow. But even at that, everything is still refundable until 90 days out. I had that confirmed SEVERAL TIMES by both DCL and ABD.

I'm a DCL newbie, too. Is it 75 days out for the shore excursions? Ah, you're right. I just looked at the planning center, and it says March 1st. So I'd be no worse off excursion-wise, being a newbie, than if I'd never signed up for the ABD add-on. I don't know. I may look at the excursions, see if there are ones I'd like to do if the ABD falls through, but if I don't get them, then I'm screwed, because I can't cancel at that point. I kind of like having my excursions already guaranteed. The whole idea of logging on on March 1st in a frenzy of excursion hunting is not appealing. This whole tiered approach to who gets to sign up when sucks, in my opinion, although I understand why they do it.

Sigh. I still have a month to decide. I may feel differently come Feb 15th, who knows? Or they may not cancel. :) Either way, I'm paying today, and I'll worry about the rest of it next month. I'm paying today instead of tomorrow for 2 reasons. 1) With my luck something would come up tomorrow, and I wouldn't be able to pay. And 2) it's a year today since I had my bloodclot, and I think paying for this cruise/ABD today is a nice sort of symbolic thing. Yes, I'm corny, but there you go. :upsidedow

Sayhello

[abdmom]

Sigh. I still have a month to decide. I may feel differently come Feb 15th, who knows? Or they may not cancel. Either way, I'm paying today, and I'll worry about the rest of it next month. I'm paying today instead of tomorrow for 2 reasons. 1) With my luck something would come up tomorrow, and I wouldn't be able to pay. And 2) it's a year today since I had my bloodclot, and I think paying for this cruise/ABD today is a nice sort of symbolic thing. Yes, I'm corny, but there you go.

Congratulations on beating the blood clot.

Talk about corny. Today's my father's 74th birthday, but he died 10 years ago. :sad1: He was a big history buff and had always dreamed of a Mediterranean cruise. He had one booked for a few months after he died. This is why I'm taking my cruise, with my children, now. ;)

[sayhello]

Congratulations on beating the blood clot.

Talk about corny. Today's my father's 74th birthday, but he died 10 years ago. :sad1: He was a big history buff and had always dreamed of a Mediterranean cruise. He had one booked for a few months after he died. This is why I'm taking my cruise, with my children, now. ;)Thanks abdmom! And yes, stuff like that really makes you see that you need to do stuff NOW if you can, and not put it off. Because who knows what "later" will bring...

Sayhello

[Christyvoltron]

I hope they go too -- it will be hard for us being newbies to get onto some of the more popular excursions I would imagine -- however, I can think of no other company that would be so "flakey" and yet manage to still attract customers. Any other company would be out of business. And it is not very good publicity for them either because you only have to google ABD to find that they have this seriously bad reputation for cancelling trips. I am, however, very hopeful that they will go as it sounds like a really fun trip.

[sayhello]

I hope they go too -- it will be hard for us being newbies to get onto some of the more popular excursions I would imagine -- however, I can think of no other company that would be so "flakey" and yet manage to still attract customers. Any other company would be out of business. And it is not very good publicity for them either because you only have to google ABD to find that they have this seriously bad reputation for cancelling trips. I am, however, very hopeful that they will go as it sounds like a really fun trip.DCL just told me that the August ABD add-ons were sold out. They couldn't/wouldn't give me numbers for May or September. I hope that's a good sign, but I'm not holding my breath just yet.

ABD is an excellent product. It's just not managed very well.

Sayhello

[Christyvoltron]

We agree 100% -- just now that the excitement of booking and planning is over now comes the worry. LOL But the ABD tour guides are TOP TOP TOP notch and the two trips we have done with them have been absolutely unforgetable, once in a lifetime trips -- I have nothing but appreciation and respect for the ABD program -- just wish they didn't have this propensity to cancel all the time. I can't say I would know how to solve their problems but they shouldn't promise what they can't deliver. But we would not be on this trip but for the ABD add on.

[WeLoveABD]

We agree 100% -- just now that the excitement of booking and planning is over now comes the worry. LOL But the ABD tour guides are TOP TOP TOP notch and the two trips we have done with them have been absolutely unforgetable, once in a lifetime trips -- I have nothing but appreciation and respect for the ABD program -- just wish they didn't have this propensity to cancel all the time. I can't say I would know how to solve their problems but they shouldn't promise what they can't deliver. But we would not be on this trip but for the ABD add on.
Guides are great for sure! I do disagree with the characterization that there is a propensity to cancel all the time...it did occur this past year with the economic downturn (coupled with a huge growth, especially in the US trips), but they are still a relatively new travel company and I think they've worked out a lot of the growing pains!

[sayhello]

So I got an interesting bit of clarification from DCL. On the ABD website page for the Med add-on, under "What's included?", it lists "onboard and onshore photos ". I was thinking maybe we'd get some prints of the DCL photos from Shutters that they take on the ship, the same way you get a few photo prints from the ABD guides while on regular ABD's. The Shutters photos can get pretty expensive, so that sounded nice.

So the Supervisor I'd talked to (no, she still can't tell me how many people have signed up for my date) called me back with this detail: What we get are 2 photo CD's. One CD will be the Guides' photos (so, basically, the $120 photo CD that you can buy from Photopass.) The second one will be all the photos taken onboard by DCL's photographers. The cost of the photo CD's from Shutters varies according to the length of the cruise, but I've seen that the CD for the 7-day cruises cost anywhere from $299-399!!!! I can't imagine what an 11-night one goes for! :scared1: I really wasn't intending to buy that one, given the price, but having it included is a nice bonus... (Yes, I realize I'm paying for that bonus, but even the $120 CD isn't included with regular ABD's. Not that I don't think it SHOULD be included...)

Only 17 more days until that magical "90 days out", after which the ABD portion won't be cancelled. I *WISH* they'd give me *some* idea of how well my date is selling... But I'm still optomistic, knowing that the August dates have supposedly all sold out.

Sayhello

[Tozzie]

So I got an interesting bit of clarification from DCL. On the ABD website page for the Med add-on, under "What's included?", it lists "onboard and onshore photos ". I was thinking maybe we'd get some prints of the DCL photos from Shutters that they take on the ship, the same way you get a few photo prints from the ABD guides while on regular ABD's. The Shutters photos can get pretty expensive, so that sounded nice.

So the Supervisor I'd talked to (no, she still can't tell me how many people have signed up for my date) called me back with this detail: What we get are 2 photo CD's. One CD will be the Guides' photos (so, basically, the $120 photo CD that you can buy from Photopass.) The second one will be all the photos taken onboard by DCL's photographers. The cost of the photo CD's from Shutters varies according to the length of the cruise, but I've seen that the CD for the 7-day cruises cost anywhere from $299-399!!!! I can't imagine what an 11-night one goes for! :scared1: I really wasn't intending to buy that one, given the price, but having it included is a nice bonus... (Yes, I realize I'm paying for that bonus, but even the $120 CD isn't included with regular ABD's. Not that I don't think it SHOULD be included...)

Only 17 more days until that magical "90 days out", after which the ABD portion won't be cancelled. I *WISH* they'd give me *some* idea of how well my date is selling... But I'm still optomistic, knowing that the August dates have supposedly all sold out.

Sayhello

Is the cruise add on different because for the other trips the guarantee is 85 days not 90

[sayhello]

Is the cruise add on different because for the other trips the guarantee is 85 days not 90Tozzie, yes, the policy for the cruise add-on was changed so that it matched the cancel-with-no-penalty timeframe for the cruise (90 days out). (ie, if they cancel the ABD portion at 90 days out, you can still cancel the cruise portion at that point, and get a 100% refund. At 89 days, you lose your cruise deposit.) If ABD cancels the add-on, they'll refund the money for the add-on, but not for the cruise, so that was important. This was one of the things that was firmed up *after* they'd made the announcement, but before I signed up. I like to think my nagging phone calls had something to do with it! :thumbsup2

Sayhello

[Christyvoltron]

I will admit that despite assurances to the contrary I am still quite nervous they are going to cancel the ABD portion of the trip and then you have very little time to decide what you want to do.

[sayhello]

I will admit that despite assurances to the contrary I am still quite nervous they are going to cancel the ABD portion of the trip and then you have very little time to decide what you want to do.Oh, I agree with you, Christyvoltron. I think they could have been much nicer about it, since they were changing the policy anyways, and made it at least 95 days, so you'd have at least a couple of day to think about it. I'm trying to stay positive, and think it's likely to go, but honestly, I'm pretty nervous, too. I really don't want to do this cruise without the ABD add-on, but I'm just not sure what I'd do instead. But I'm thinking it's likely I'll cancel the whole shebang, and do Hawaii or something. Guess I'll figure it out on Feb 14th...

Sayhello

[sayhello]

I will admit that despite assurances to the contrary I am still quite nervous they are going to cancel the ABD portion of the trip and then you have very little time to decide what you want to do.Hey, Christy, just thought I'd let you know. I spent a while chatting with a DCL rep yesterday. He couldn't actually tell me "Yes" or "No" about our ABD add-on, and was very clear he had no actual numbers, but said the add-on *was* selling very well. He also said that, since Feb 14th was a Sunday, it was *very* likely that *if* ABD did cancel, they would most likely do it on the Friday before, and not wait for a Sunday (ie, doing it on the last regular business day, not the weekend). He also said that even though, technically, we have until Midnight Sunday night/Monday morning to cancel the cruise, in actuality, the offices close at 8pm on Sunday, so you'd need to cancel the cruise before then (because you actually need to call them to cancel the cruise).

Just a few things to keep in mind. None of this is going to make me any less nervous for the next 2 weeks, but it's always good to have a clearer idea of what's going on...

Sayhello

[Pluto,]

i wouldnt worry about the abd getting cancelled. theres only 40 spots to fill for a ship that holds a little over 2500 passengers. so lets say that your cruise is not sold out , it only has 2,000 passengers on your cruise. you will only need 2 percent of them to book the abd for that to be sold out. im sure they will still go with 30 people thats only 1 and a half percent. they might even go with 20 people thats only 1 percent.

[Christyvoltron]

Thanks for the update Sayhello. Even if the ABD part is cancelled we are still going on the cruise. We are still extremely hopeful that ABD will come through. While I am a huge fan of ABD and have really enjoyed the two trips we have taken with them and we are really looking forward to taking this trip with them, the uncertainty is killing us.

[sayhello]

Thanks for the update Sayhello. Even if the ABD part is cancelled we are still going on the cruise. We are still extremely hopeful that ABD will come through. While I am a huge fan of ABD and have really enjoyed the two trips we have taken with them and we are really looking forward to taking this trip with them, the uncertainty is killing us.I keep changing my mind. Most of the time, I'm pretty sure that if the ABD portion is canceled, that I'm going to cancel the cruise; sometimes I think, well, no. But the whole idea of fighting for DCL excursions (75 days out, since I'm a newbie) or trying to get in on someone else's private excursions (doing private for one person just doesn't make sense or seem safe) just doesn't appeal to me. And 11 days is a LONG cruise to be on alone. I was really hoping for the continuity of the 40 people...

We'll see. I'm still hopeful. It's just going to be a long 2 weeks.

Sayhello

[glassslipper2004]

There's probably still plenty of time to get on a regular ABD if the ABD cruise portion gets cancelled, right? I hope that it doesn't, though - I need you to go on it and report back to us all! :goodvibes

[sayhello]

There's probably still plenty of time to get on a regular ABD if the ABD cruise portion gets cancelled, right? I hope that it doesn't, though - I need you to go on it and report back to us all! :goodvibesHeheheheh. :thumbsup2 I'll do my best to oblige!

Unfortunately, I'm pretty locked into vacationing in May now (because of work schedules and my coworkers' vacations), and there's not a lot of ABD's being offered in May this year. We'll see. I'm REALLY hoping it's all a moot point, and this cruise add-on is a go. Fingers & toes crossed...

Sayhello

[jonandtina]

Hello,

First time DCL and First time ABD. I'll try to post a summary of our trip along the way so anyone leaving after us might get some useful information.


If anyone works for a Disney Alliance Partner- great deal on the 4/2010 and 5/2010 and 6/2010 cruises.

[sayhello]

Hey, jonandtina! I'll look forward to your report! Information is always a good thing. :thumbsup2

So you just hit the magic 90-day period, didn't you? That means your ABD/DCL is a go for sure! :cool1: That's encouraging! Hopefully if yours is a go, ours will be, too!

Welcome! You're going to love ABD! I'm a first time DCLer, also, so I can't say for sure, but I've *heard* we'll love DCL, too!

Oh, and what's a Disney Alliance Partner?

Sayhello

[sayhello]

7 more days until no more cancellation for this ABD...

Not that I'm counting or anything!

Sayhello

[Christyvoltron]

We're holding our breath too. I think we just won't answer the phone. Although what that accomplishes I don't know. I will be so disappointed. That much I know.

[renegade7]

I am still debating on adding this on to my 9/8 cruise. I called to ask some questions over the weekend. The cast member I spoke to said they are selling well and 2 or 3 of the cruises in August have waitlists. Have any of you gotten any more information on what will be offered on each of the excursions other than what is listed on the website? I got the length of each excursion, but they don't have any more information than what is on the website, and I can't see what they have listed filling up 7-11 hours worth of touring. The first cast member I spoke with said they were pretty much taking 2 popular DCL excurions and smashing them together, but not getting that from the write-ups on the site. If not I guess I will have to wait to see what the first group out thinks and find out what all they did.

[DisneyCruiser83]

Sayhello, I hope by this time next week, you will see all the cancellation worry was nothing, and you will be in full plan mode! I read your Alaska and SS trip reports, and they were great, so I am excited to read about this trip! :thumbsup2

[sayhello]

We're holding our breath too. I think we just won't answer the phone. Although what that accomplishes I don't know. I will be so disappointed. That much I know.I'm totally with you on that. I'm looking a bit purple, but don't know what else to do besides hold my breath! :upsidedow

Sayhello

[sayhello]

Sayhello, I hope by this time next week, you will see all the cancellation worry was nothing, and you will be in full plan mode! I read your Alaska and SS trip reports, and they were great, so I am excited to read about this trip! :thumbsup2Thanks, DisneyCruiser83. :goodvibes I really, really hope you are right!

I'm glad you liked my trip reports! I really enjoy doing them & sharing them, and I'm *REALLY* looking forward to doing one for the Med!

Sayhello

[sayhello]

I am still debating on adding this on to my 9/8 cruise. I called to ask some questions over the weekend. The cast member I spoke to said they are selling well and 2 or 3 of the cruises in August have waitlists. Have any of you gotten any more information on what will be offered on each of the excursions other than what is listed on the website? I got the length of each excursion, but they don't have any more information than what is on the website, and I can't see what they have listed filling up 7-11 hours worth of touring. The first cast member I spoke with said they were pretty much taking 2 popular DCL excurions and smashing them together, but not getting that from the write-ups on the site. If not I guess I will have to wait to see what the first group out thinks and find out what all they did.I haven't gotten any detail beyond the detailed itinerary on the website. I guess I'm used to the level of detail on ABD's itineraries, and I'm trusting them to have a day's worth of activities for each day. They haven't failed me yet! :) I will definitely report back in detail on the trip, so if you can wait until the start of June, you should have your answer then! I'd heard that the August trips had sold out. And the May 5th trip apparently was not canceled. So I'm cautiously hopeful this trip will be a go!

Sayhello

[sayhello]

3 days left until no cancellation. Still not counting. (You guys totally aren't buying this, are you?) :lmao:

Sayhello

[Bobo912]

3 days left until no cancellation. Still not counting. (You guys totally aren't buying this, are you?) :lmao:

Sayhello

Every time that I see that you've posted on this thread, I'm almost afraid to look! I'll be so happy for you when you've passed the cancellation milestone. With all the reports of other Med dates selling so well, I just can't imagine that your trip won't be a go.

[Christyvoltron]

We're not holding our breath either -- we're always this blue.

[sayhello]

Christy, well, the good news is, I spoke to someone a *little* more specialized in DCL in regards to the ABD add-on, and while she couldn't say for sure if it was going to be cancelled or not, what she *could* tell me was that she had not gotten any sort of memos or emails telling her to stop pushing sales of our departure, which she said she would normally expect if cancellation was imminent. Also, she said that at one point they got a memo that there were only a few spots left, so at *some* point, it was well-sold. She used the ubiquitous "it's selling well". So again, no specifics, no guarantees, but it's hopeful news.

Come on, Sunday!

Sayhello

[Christyvoltron]

I am hopeful that they may perhaps consider us as test runs for the sold out with waiting lists trips in the summer. That is good news though. Thanks for being so persistent.

[sayhello]

Heheheheheh. Look at the email I just got:

Great news Sayhello Family!

Now you can add more magic to your Mediterranean cruise, simply by adding on the Adventures by Disney (http://vacation.disneyworld.com/17ba51f3elayfiusibfg2zqiaaaaabs4bnjlsz52meyyaaaaa) experience. Disney Cruise Line® (http://vacation.disneyworld.com/185e84583layfiusibfg2zqqaaaaabs4bnjlsz52meyyaaaaa) is teaming up with Adventures by Disney (http://vacation.disneyworld.com/166fc71d7layfiusibfg2zqyaaaaabs4bnjlsz52meyyaaaaa)-the world's leading luxury tour company*, to ensure you get the most out of every port of call!

Discover each exotic port like few other visitors ever will. Disney-trained Adventure Guides will give VIP treatment (http://vacation.disneyworld.com/1c3a69a7flayfiusibfg2zraaaaaabs4bnjlsz52meyyaaaaa) and authentic experiences (http://vacation.disneyworld.com/120b2ae2blayfiusibfg2zriaaaaabs4bnjlsz52meyyaaaaa) you might miss on your own.

What's included?

• 7 unique shore adventures, one in each port of call (including lunch and local guide gratuities) • Adult dinner at Palo on board Disney Magic followed by a wine tasting • Three private receptions and special activities on board Disney Magic • All onboard ship and shore adventures photography • All shipboard gratuities • And much more
You'll even enjoy exclusive onboard magic as well, like private receptions and behind-the-scenes drawing lessons with a real Disney-trained artist!
Click here (http://vacation.disneyworld.com/1defff496layfiusibfg2zrqaaaaabs4bnjlsz52meyyaaaaa) to get more Mediterranean Magic out of your cruise!
http://images.bfi0.com/creative/2009/disney/dec/medoffer/dcl/spacer.gif
Think I should sign up? :lmao:

Sayhello

[WeLoveABD]

If only they'd send out such an email for those doing the Baltic cruise! we look forward to your report, Sayhello!!

[BasilofBakerstreet]

It looks like they've included a lot which makes the cost a little easier to swallow. I like that all onboard ship and shore adventure pictures are included. I've always thought the pictures should be included as part of the cost.

Looking forward to your trip report

[sayhello]

If only they'd send out such an email for those doing the Baltic cruise! we look forward to your report, Sayhello!!I mentioned to the DCL rep that folks wanted it for the Baltic. She hadn't heard anything. Darn.

It looks like they've included a lot which makes the cost a little easier to swallow. I like that all onboard ship and shore adventure pictures are included. I've always thought the pictures should be included as part of the cost.

Looking forward to your trip reportThanks, BasilofBakerstreet. I think there's a LOT of value to this trip if you look at it as a complete tour, where the hotel is the ship, rather than as a source of excursions for a cruise. I'm really looking forward to the whole experience, including doing the Trip Report! :cool1:

Sayhello

[Tozzie]

I am keeping my fingers crossed for you Sayhello.

Question, did you ever work out your air or are you waiting to make sure the trip is a go?

[sayhello]

I am keeping my fingers crossed for you Sayhello.

Question, did you ever work out your air or are you waiting to make sure the trip is a go?Tozzie, I actually took a leap of faith & bought my airfare, because it was only going up, and the options were getting fewer. I'm planning on visiting family in Israel after the cruise, and wanted to be sure I got it all worked out. The guy I talked to at Iberia informed me the airfare could be *refunded* for a little over $200, so I decided it was worth the risk. Hopefully, I won't need to worry about it. I still haven't found out if the insurance would kick in if the tour was canceled, but not the cruise. I have a feeling it wouldn't, but I'm thinking even if it would, if I don't make a claim, I can use the policy for whatever my new vacation would be, so it's kind of a wash.

I'm still hopeful it will be a moot point!

Sayhello

[sayhello]

It is now after 8pm EST, and the DCL offices are CLOSED! And they did NOT cancel our ABD Med cruise add-on! We are a GO!!!! We're doing the Med with ABD!!!!!!

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Christy! Yay!

:beach::cool1::dance3: :cheer2::banana::yay: :jumping1::rainbow::tigger:

Sayhello

[RSM]

Congrats Sayhello. Have a great time, it sounds like it will be a fabulous adventure.

[mouselike-harrier]

:yay:I am very happy for you! I am sure you will have a wonderful time!

[Tozzie]

It is now after 8pm EST, and the DCL offices are CLOSED! And they did NOT cancel our ABD Med cruise add-on! We are a GO!!!! We're doing the Med with ABD!!!!!!

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Christy! Yay!

:beach::cool1::dance3: :cheer2::banana::yay: :jumping1::rainbow::tigger:

Sayhello



I am happy for you. :dance3: :cheer2: :banana: :yay: :woohoo: :cool1: pixiedust: party:

[Christyvoltron]

We came home on Friday night and there was a message on our answering machine and I was afraid to listen to it, worried it might be ABD cancelling the tour. Fortunately it was only a message from my cousin.

Tom and I are looking forward to touring with you. It should be the trip of a lifetime, that is until our next ABD trip. :-)

Thanks for your help and moral support.

Christy

[DisneyCruiser83]

It is now after 8pm EST, and the DCL offices are CLOSED! And they did NOT cancel our ABD Med cruise add-on! We are a GO!!!! We're doing the Med with ABD!!!!!!

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Christy! Yay!

:beach::cool1::dance3: :cheer2::banana::yay: :jumping1::rainbow::tigger:

Sayhello

CONGRATS SAYHELLO!!! :cool1: I am really happy for you, I hope you have a fabulous time!! :cheer2:

[jomat]

It is now after 8pm EST, and the DCL offices are CLOSED! And they did NOT cancel our ABD Med cruise add-on! We are a GO!!!! We're doing the Med with ABD!!!!!!

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Christy! Yay!

:beach::cool1::dance3: :cheer2::banana::yay: :jumping1::rainbow::tigger:

Sayhello

Congratulations...That is absolutely wonderful news and here's wishing you a great adventure.

[Pluto,]

congrats.:cool1::thumbsup2:dance3:

[sayhello]

Congrats Sayhello. Have a great time, it sounds like it will be a fabulous adventure.Thanks, RSM! A great time is definitely in the plans! :thumbsup2

:yay:I am very happy for you! I am sure you will have a wonderful time!Thanks! I'm pretty sure it's going to be wonderful, too! :cool1:

I am happy for you. :dance3: :cheer2: :banana: :yay: :woohoo: :cool1: pixiedust: party:Thanks, Tozzie. :yay: While the new policy made the last couple of weeks pretty hairy, it's nice to now know I don't have to worry about cancellation. Now all we need to do is get ABD to do what a lot of the other providers do, and say they won't cancel, period!

We came home on Friday night and there was a message on our answering machine and I was afraid to listen to it, worried it might be ABD cancelling the tour. Fortunately it was only a message from my cousin.

Tom and I are looking forward to touring with you. It should be the trip of a lifetime, that is until our next ABD trip. :-)

Thanks for your help and moral support.

ChristyChristy, I know what you mean about the phone messages. Was a little crazy-making!

I'm also looking forward to meeting & traveling with you & your hubby. This should be quite an adventure!

And it helped to have someone to commiserate with. :)

CONGRATS SAYHELLO!!! :cool1: I am really happy for you, I hope you have a fabulous time!! :cheer2:Thanks! :woohoo: I know it will be hard, but I will try my very best to have a fabulous time! ;)

Congratulations...That is absolutely wonderful news and here's wishing you a great adventure.Thank you! I'm thinking it will be quite the adventure. I'm really looking forward to this!:yay:

congrats.:cool1::thumbsup2:dance3:Thank you! :woohoo:

Sayhello

[Christyvoltron]

Sayhello it was wonderful to have someone to hold my hand during the uncertainty and it's going to be way fun having you to plan with now with unfettered excitement. I can't believe that in 90 days we will be floating around the Mediterranean. Unbelievable. We are so excited.:cool1::yay: I'm so excited it took me three times to get this post correct. LOL

[sayhello]

Sayhello it was wonderful to have someone to hold my hand during the uncertainty and it's going to be way fun having you to plan with now with unfettered excitement. I can't believe that in 90 days we will be floating around the Mediterranean. Unbelievable. We are so excited.:cool1::yay: I'm so excited it took me three times to get this post correct. LOLI'm so looking forward to the planning and the meet-ups, and the adventure of it all! We're going to have a FABULOUS time! I can hardly wait! :dance3::cheer2: Am I going to need to have you sign a waiver for the Trip Report? ;)

Sayhello

[Christyvoltron]

When do you get to Barcelona? We could tour around together.

[sayhello]

When do you get to Barcelona? We could tour around together.I arrive in Barcelona on the 14th at 9:45 am. I don't know about you, but ALL of the flights I found were overnighters. What I'm hoping to do is hit the hotel (Airport Marriott) and dump my stuff off (I doubt I'll be able to check in that early, but we'll see) get some lunch, and then hit the town. I've been told you really don't want to go to sleep when you arrive like that, because it makes the jetlag worse. I probably will fade late afternoon, who knows. When do you & Tom arrive? It would be great to tour together. I really want to check out Park Guell, and maybe the fountain if I can stay up that long. I was *thinking* of doing the Aquarium also, but was thinking that might be something to do on Saturday, since we leave Barcelona so late, and the Aquarium is right by the port, and would be relatively easy to get to after checking in...

Let me know what you think! :) Plans! We're making plans! :D

Sayhello

[knewton64]

...havin' fun readin' this thread.


Trip report perhaps????popcorn::.


Ya gotta take some pics.


Enjoy & have fun -

[Christyvoltron]

We are totally up for touring together -- we would like to see La Sagrada Familia (sp?) and Las Rambla as well. I don't know re the aquarium. We have a lovely one here in Monterey and Long Beach -- but we'll see -- I don't want to wear my feet out before I even get on the ship. LOL Here's our information:

May 14, 2010
8:55 AM Arrive Barcelona, Spain (BCN)
Hilton Diagonal Mar Barcelona
Passeig del Taulat 262-264, Barcelona, Spain 08019
Tel: 34-93-507-0707 Fax: 34-93-507-0700
mailto:res.diagonalmar@hilton.com

[WeLoveABD]

We spent time in Barcelona before boarding the Magic in 2007--great place! If you walk down La Rambla, you'll see street performances and lots of bird cages--and cafes, coffee shops etc. But try to wander into the Gothic section next to the street--nice lunch or dinner options there (beware! we wanted seating for 4 and took the smoking area thinking it wouldn't be too bad--it was just awful, but we were happily given a table in the non-smoking area). We really liked the hop on/hop off bus--and one of the stops is right by your hotel (we stayed there--great place, nice beach across the street--you can get an espresson at a hut on the beach). Nice park nearby with interesting art--and a grocery store if you want to buy water/snacks (be sure to bring your passport to show the cashier if using a credit card).

[glassslipper2004]

Wow, you guys, this sounds like such an awesome trip! Make sure to take lots of pictures so we can live vicariously through you!

We have decided not to do an ABD this year, but are going on a trip to Israel instead. It is with a tour group and is organized by our congregation, so while not the same as ABD, it has a lot of the same aspects that I like about ABD - a good group of people, excellent tour guides, an itinerary put together by people I trust, and, of course, a wonderful place to visit!

[sayhello]

We are totally up for touring together -- we would like to see La Sagrada Familia (sp?) and Las Rambla as well. I don't know re the aquarium. We have a lovely one here in Monterey and Long Beach -- but we'll see -- I don't want to wear my feet out before I even get on the ship. LOL Here's our information:

May 14, 2010
8:55 AM Arrive Barcelona, Spain (BCN)
Hilton Diagonal Mar Barcelona
Passeig del Taulat 262-264, Barcelona, Spain 08019
Tel: 34-93-507-0707 Fax: 34-93-507-0700
mailto:res.diagonalmar@hilton.com (res.diagonalmar@hilton.com) I'd like to see La Sagrada Familia, also. I was a little iffy about doing Las Rambla by myself, but with you guys, I guess it wouldn't be bad. I'd much rather see Park Guell than the Aquarium... I'll be in Los Angeles next week, so maybe I should take in the Long Beach Aquarium, and get my fix... :)

We'll need to exchange some info as it gets closer so we can find each other.

Sayhello

[sayhello]

We spent time in Barcelona before boarding the Magic in 2007--great place! If you walk down La Rambla, you'll see street performances and lots of bird cages--and cafes, coffee shops etc. But try to wander into the Gothic section next to the street--nice lunch or dinner options there (beware! we wanted seating for 4 and took the smoking area thinking it wouldn't be too bad--it was just awful, but we were happily given a table in the non-smoking area). We really liked the hop on/hop off bus--and one of the stops is right by your hotel (we stayed there--great place, nice beach across the street--you can get an espresson at a hut on the beach). Nice park nearby with interesting art--and a grocery store if you want to buy water/snacks (be sure to bring your passport to show the cashier if using a credit card).Thanks for the info, WeLoveABD. I've been toying with the idea of the hop on/hop off bus. It looks like a good option.

Wow, you guys, this sounds like such an awesome trip! Make sure to take lots of pictures so we can live vicariously through you!

We have decided not to do an ABD this year, but are going on a trip to Israel instead. It is with a tour group and is organized by our congregation, so while not the same as ABD, it has a lot of the same aspects that I like about ABD - a good group of people, excellent tour guides, an itinerary put together by people I trust, and, of course, a wonderful place to visit!:lmao:Look at you, telling *ME* to take lots of pictures! :rotfl: Like that's NOT going to happen ;)

Thanks, glassslipper2004, it's turning into more & more of an awesome trip as we go. I'm really looking forward to doing this Trip Report.

Enjoy your trip to Israel. It *is* an amazing place. It's been over 30 years since I've been there, and I still remember it vividly. I'm sure you're going to have a fabulous trip!

Sayhello

[Christyvoltron]

What time do we get on the boat on the 15th?

[sayhello]

What time do we get on the boat on the 15th?Well, that's open for interpretation. :) I need to call DCL and get clarification. The port opens at 10am, boarding starts "around 1pm", but we don't sail until like 9:30pm (and you're supposed to be onboard 1 1/2 hours before departure). I remember reading at some point that the muster drill is at 5pm, so you need to be around for that, but otherwise you can come & go. It's all a little confusing. I'll let you know if I get any clarification from DCL.

Sayhello

[Christyvoltron]

So can you board and get your room and then go out and roam around? We are such newbies. LOL

[sayhello]

So can you board and get your room and then go out and roam around? We are such newbies. LOLThat's my understanding, but who knows? I could totally be wrong! :confused3 I'll find out & let you know!

Sayhello

[Diskidatheart]

From my cruising experience, I like to get on the ship as early as possible, then before it gets crowded, walk around and get to know where everything is on the ship. Believe me, it will take a couple of hours if you've never been on a cruise before. Once you got a feel for the ship....start eating!:lmao:

[Wonders10]

I know you mentioned a discount on the cruise, but I was just curious how much the whole thing (cruise + ABD might cost). With or without air since that varies for a lot of us. The website didn't say and I don't want to call. I'm just really curious. We are doing a caribbean cruise for my spring break and then a vacation to visit family for our vacations this year, but I am desperately trying to figure out how to scrum up enough money for a 2nd ABD next summer. I am still reminiscing about our Ireland adventure!

[Christyvoltron]

I'll be in Los Angeles next week, so maybe I should take in the Long Beach Aquarium, and get my fix... :)

Sayhello

Would you like to get together for dinner while you're out here? Or drinks?

[sayhello]

Would you like to get together for dinner while you're out here? Or drinks?Oh, heck! Are you in the LA area? That would be great! I'll PM you some info!

Sayhello

[sayhello]

I know you mentioned a discount on the cruise, but I was just curious how much the whole thing (cruise + ABD might cost). With or without air since that varies for a lot of us. The website didn't say and I don't want to call. I'm just really curious. We are doing a caribbean cruise for my spring break and then a vacation to visit family for our vacations this year, but I am desperately trying to figure out how to scrum up enough money for a 2nd ABD next summer. I am still reminiscing about our Ireland adventure!Well, the ABD part is a flat rate, completely separate and independent from whatever you pay for your cruise cabin. It's $2399 per person (adult) for the ABD/Med add-on (same price for the 10- or 11-night cruise). I can't remember how much the rate was for a child, but I don't think it was a significant discount, maybe a couple of hundred dollars. I believe DVC members get a $100 per person discount, also. So for me, considering that I got a great deal on the cruise, it was really quite reasonable, in comparison, for an 11-night ABD.

Sayhello

[sayhello]

From my cruising experience, I like to get on the ship as early as possible, then before it gets crowded, walk around and get to know where everything is on the ship. Believe me, it will take a couple of hours if you've never been on a cruise before. Once you got a feel for the ship....start eating!:lmao:I have cruised before, just not with Disney. (Royal Caribbean & Princess). And I'm going to be on this ship for 11 days. :) I like getting the lay of the ship, too, but I can't see wasting a whole day in Barcelona, when the first day of the cruise is a Sea Day. Who knows? I may change my mind as it gets closer. I'm just exploring options! :banana:

Sayhello

[renegade7]

So can you board and get your room and then go out and roam around? We are such newbies. LOL

You will not be able to get to your cabin until about 1:30 pm. Other than the staterooms, everything else is open on the ship once you board (except the shops as you have to be at sea).

[DisneyCruiser83]

Well, the ABD part is a flat rate, completely separate and independent from whatever you pay for your cruise cabin. It's $2399 per person (adult) for the ABD/Med add-on (same price for the 10- or 11-night cruise). I can't remember how much the rate was for a child, but I don't think it was a significant discount, maybe a couple of hundred dollars. I believe DVC members get a $100 per person discount, also. So for me, considering that I got a great deal on the cruise, it was really quite reasonable, in comparison, for an 11-night ABD.

Sayhello

I am so jealous! I can't believe you get all your excursions (at the level ABD does them) along with all the extras onboard for only 2400. That is a great price! That is amazing. :thumbsup2

[sayhello]

I am so jealous! I can't believe you get all your excursions (at the level ABD does them) along with all the extras onboard for only 2400. That is a great price! That is amazing. :thumbsup2I thought it was a pretty good deal, also. $2400 for an 11-day ABD is really an excellent price. You can make it REALLY pricey if you want to get an expensive cabin on the ship, but I could not pass up the $999 pp Cat 12 GTY (which came to a bit over $1500 for single occupancy).

Of course, there are those on the DCL board who are saying you'd have to be crazy to "pay that much for excursions" but I guess they just don't get that it's so much more than just a bunch of excursions!

I'm pretty darned happy about it! :yay:

Sayhello

[Pluto,]

i been reading the intenary so much for the abd that i had a dream about it.
the dream wasnt much it was just me looking at the intenary. im on the may 26 cruise. i wish i could do the abd add on but the cost is too much for my wife and I. it looks like its worth the money but just cant afford it.

[DisneyCruiser83]

Well, that's open for interpretation. :) I need to call DCL and get clarification. The port opens at 10am, boarding starts "around 1pm", but we don't sail until like 9:30pm (and you're supposed to be onboard 1 1/2 hours before departure). I remember reading at some point that the muster drill is at 5pm, so you need to be around for that, but otherwise you can come & go. It's all a little confusing. I'll let you know if I get any clarification from DCL.

Sayhello

I don't know if you have obtained the information already, but I got this link from the cruise board:

http://muchomagico.weebly.com/dclbarcelona-port-check-in.html

It looks as if you can get off and on as you please as long as you are ready to sail by 9:30PM.

[sayhello]

I don't know if you have obtained the information already, but I got this link from the cruise board:

http://muchomagico.weebly.com/dclbarcelona-port-check-in.html

It looks as if you can get off and on as you please as long as you are ready to sail by 9:30PM.Thanks so much for the info! I hadn't checked yet (I'm out of town at a wedding, yay! Gonna meet up with Christyvoltron & her hubby!)

Sayhello

[mkmommy]

How are you plans coming for the DCL/ABD trip, I am so looking forward to seeing your trip report:thanks:

We can only do the 8 day cruise this summer, but we are getting so excited.

[sayhello]

How are you plans coming for the DCL/ABD trip, I am so looking forward to seeing your trip report:thanks:

We can only do the 8 day cruise this summer, but we are getting so excited.Hey, mkmommy! I keep meaning to update here! Which 8 day cruise are you taking?

Fortunately, I don't have to plan too much! :thumbsup2 ABD is taking care of all the shore excursions, so it's just the shipboard stuff & what the heck to pack that I have to worry about! I've had my airline tickets (Iberia airlines) for a while now.

We just got our room assignments a couple of days ago. Several of us had Cat 12 GTY's, and got upgraded to Cat 6! We are all still happily in shock! :yay: I've gotten to know a few folks on the DCL Cruise Meet thread for my cruise, and a group of us linked our ressies so that we could all dine together. And we all ended up in Cat 6's in the same area! Don't know if linking the ressies had something to do with it, or if taking the ABD was any sort of an influence, but I'm SO VERY happy to have a verandah! And be surrounded by friends! I was really kind of hoping for a porthole, because I wake up better to natural light. I never DREAMED I'd get a balcony! This trip just gets better & better! :banana: :love:

DCL is handling the details on this trip, so that means we don't have many details. :confused3 I asked if we'd be getting the standard ABD box & goodies ahead of time, and DCL was like "You'll get your docs a couple of weeks before you sail". I had to explain to them what the ABD box was, and they finally figured it out and were able to tell me we *would* be getting *something* from ABD ahead of time, but they had no idea what it was. :confused3 So I guess a lot of this trip will be a surprise!

I managed to get a reservation for dinner at Palo on our Corsica day, and we're trying for a Group brunch. If that doesn't go through, someone else sailing solo on the Meet thread has offered to let me join her on her reservation! Tea, too. So that's pretty well taken care of.

And I scheduled a hand massage for our mid-trip Sea Day.

Arriving a Day early in Barcelona to acclimate, and leaving late afternoon on disembarcation day. Going to hang out with Christyvoltron & her Hubby while in Barcelona. I was able to meet them while attending a wedding in Southern CA. Very nice people! I'm also going to be meeting another solo traveler next weekend. Turns out she lives pretty close to me!

I think that's it for my plans for now. I bought a Pacsafe travel purse, I'm starting to sift through my closet to figure out what the heck I'll be wearing on the trip. So I guess it's still a work in progress! Less than 6 weeks to go! :cool1:

Did I answer all your questions? Sorry you asked? :lmao:

Sayhello

[WeLoveABD]

What a great bump up SayHello! There are rumors re the Baltic cruise and possible upgrades, but we are not holding our breath on that. I bet booking the ABD excursion package was a big part of it--and your enthusiasm for travel (that whole karma thing!) Be sure to let us all know what the "box" contains--and how different it is (if at all) from the regular ABD trip boxes. Are you going to take the HOHO in Barcelona?

[mkmommy]

That is great you got such an amazing upgrade, I am sure the ABD was part of it, as DCL does not usually upgrade that many categories, I know you were worried about the CAT 12.

Sounds like you have found a great group of people to cruise with, so I imagine you will be very busy. I think the ABD is a great idea for the Cruises, and hope they are a success, as I would be interested in it for next summer.

We are doing the Dover to Barcelona cruise, and looking forward to hearing about all the trips prior to ours in July.


Have a great trip.

[tchrrx]

We are taking our first ABD (Spirit of America) in July. My DH has never been interested in taking a cruise. However, once he saw this one mentioned, he decided that we might give it a try. I am looking forward to all of the trip reports because I think we'll be on the ABD/Med Cruise in the summer of 2011.

[sayhello]

What a great bump up SayHello! There are rumors re the Baltic cruise and possible upgrades, but we are not holding our breath on that. I bet booking the ABD excursion package was a big part of it--and your enthusiasm for travel (that whole karma thing!) Be sure to let us all know what the "box" contains--and how different it is (if at all) from the regular ABD trip boxes. Are you going to take the HOHO in Barcelona?I agree! Amazing bump up! I hope you guys get good Upgrades, too. Although I think your cruise sold a heck of a lot better than mine did. But it seems *so* random... We had one gal on our thread who was disgruntled because she didn't get a fabulous upgrade and complained to DCL and reported back that they basically called her a liar, that "No one gets that big an upgrade." So I guess it's pretty rare...

I will report back as soon as the box arrives. And yes, the HOHO bus is probably what I'll be doing in Barcelona.

That is great you got such an amazing upgrade, I am sure the ABD was part of it, as DCL does not usually upgrade that many categories, I know you were worried about the CAT 12.

Sounds like you have found a great group of people to cruise with, so I imagine you will be very busy. I think the ABD is a great idea for the Cruises, and hope they are a success, as I would be interested in it for next summer.

We are doing the Dover to Barcelona cruise, and looking forward to hearing about all the trips prior to ours in July.


Have a great trip.I was worried about the Cat 12, but was totally prepared to deal with it if I got it. Veranda never entered my mind! And I'm very happy about having connected with the group I have from my Meet thread. It's going to make the trip so much more enjoyable, between the ABD group and the folks I've met here on the DIS. :thumbsup2 I hope this ABD works out, also, as I'd love them to offer something like this at other locales, too!

The Dover to Barcelona cruise sounds cool, too! Are you spending any time in England pre-cruise?

We are taking our first ABD (Spirit of America) in July. My DH has never been interested in taking a cruise. However, once he saw this one mentioned, he decided that we might give it a try. I am looking forward to all of the trip reports because I think we'll be on the ABD/Med Cruise in the summer of 2011.I'm not the world's biggest cruise fan. There are certain aspects of cruising I really enjoy, such as seeing such a wide range of places in one trip, traveling while you are asleep, not having to pack & unpack. But it can get a bit boring for me on Sea Days, as I really don't like to sit by the pool, or just sit in the sun in general (I like being *out* in the sun, but just sitting... nope). And so far, most of the "activities" have not been things I've been interested in. I also don't like it when they make you leave a port at 4pm when there's so much I still want to see. But this cruise is different. Port intensive, long days, the comaraderie of the 39 other ABDers, and now the folks on the DIS. I think I'm really going to enjoy this cruise! Look for my typical detailed Trip Report when I get back! :yay:

Sayhello

[mkmommy]

I agree! Amazing bump up! I hope you guys get good Upgrades, too. Although I think your cruise sold a heck of a lot better than mine did. But it seems *so* random... We had one gal on our thread who was disgruntled because she didn't get a fabulous upgrade and complained to DCL and reported back that they basically called her a liar, that "No one gets that big an upgrade." So I guess it's pretty rare...

I will report back as soon as the box arrives. And yes, the HOHO bus is probably what I'll be doing in Barcelona.

I was worried about the Cat 12, but was totally prepared to deal with it if I got it. Veranda never entered my mind! And I'm very happy about having connected with the group I have from my Meet thread. It's going to make the trip so much more enjoyable, between the ABD group and the folks I've met here on the DIS. :thumbsup2 I hope this ABD works out, also, as I'd love them to offer something like this at other locales, too!

The Dover to Barcelona cruise sounds cool, too! Are you spending any time in England pre-cruise?

I'm not the world's biggest cruise fan. There are certain aspects of cruising I really enjoy, such as seeing such a wide range of places in one trip, traveling while you are asleep, not having to pack & unpack. But it can get a bit boring for me on Sea Days, as I really don't like to sit by the pool, or just sit in the sun in general (I like being *out* in the sun, but just sitting... nope). And so far, most of the "activities" have not been things I've been interested in. I also don't like it when they make you leave a port at 4pm when there's so much I still want to see. But this cruise is different. Port intensive, long days, the comaraderie of the 39 other ABDers, and now the folks on the DIS. I think I'm really going to enjoy this cruise! Look for my typical detailed Trip Report when I get back! :yay:

Sayhello

Think of your upgrade as a commission from ABD. It would be interesting to know how many people have booked trips based on your trip reports. I know for me it has been reading the trips reports that makes me want to do one.

We are doing only 2 days in London precruise and 1 day in Barcelona, not enough but that is all we can fit in.

I think you will find sea days on DCL different than other cruise lines. I have only been on 1 other cruise line and I was bored on sea days, but DCL there is so much to do, and I am not a sit by the pool kind of person.

[sayhello]

Think of your upgrade as a commission from ABD. It would be interesting to know how many people have booked trips based on your trip reports. I know for me it has been reading the trips reports that makes me want to do one.Hee! I like the idea of a "commission". :thumbsup2 But that would mean ABD would need to know who I am... :eek: :)

I also like the idea that people have enjoyed my reports enough to be inspired to take ABD's. :yay: I know that's been true about several people who post here, but I have to wonder about the lurkers. It's an honor! I must admit that it was Deb Wills' report about Southwest Splendors that cinched me going.

We are doing only 2 days in London precruise and 1 day in Barcelona, not enough but that is all we can fit in.

I think you will find sea days on DCL different than other cruise lines. I have only been on 1 other cruise line and I was bored on sea days, but DCL there is so much to do, and I am not a sit by the pool kind of person.Oh, thanks for that input! I'm really looking forward to this cruise, and ready to experience the 'Disney Difference' at sea!

Sayhello

[Tri-Delta4Life]

What a fantastic upgrade! How exciting?!?! I would be over the moon :goodvibes I'm really looking forward to hearing all about the cruise and the ABD add-on. I've got DH sold on the 11 day Med Cruise summer 2011 (hoping maybe some of those $999 GTY 12's show up again)... now I just have to sell him on the ABD :rolleyes1 ... one step at a time!

[2GirlsMama]

Hooray for Say Hello!
I am glad you got such a great upgrade! I can't wait to read your trip report!

[glassslipper2004]

That's an amazing upgrade - a veranda, wow! We've never had a veranda - I'm guessing it will be awfully nice. And just imagine sitting on it looking out not just over the water (which to me is wonderful anywhere) but on the Med, and at the ports... please please please take lots of pictures!

[sayhello]

What a fantastic upgrade! How exciting?!?! I would be over the moon :goodvibes I'm really looking forward to hearing all about the cruise and the ABD add-on. I've got DH sold on the 11 day Med Cruise summer 2011 (hoping maybe some of those $999 GTY 12's show up again)... now I just have to sell him on the ABD :rolleyes1 ... one step at a time!Thanks, Tri-Delta4Life! I thought it was pretty amazing myself! Over the moon is a good way to put it! This trip really just keeps getting better & better. :yay: Let DH read my Trip Report when I get back... More than one person has told me they were sold on a trip based on my Report! (**, that sounds conceited! But it's true! :))

Hooray for Say Hello!
I am glad you got such a great upgrade! I can't wait to read your trip report!Thanks, 2GirlsMama! getting the upgrade was really just the icing on the cake! I can't wait to *write* the Trip Report! Heck, I can't wait to LIVE my Trip Report!!!! :woohoo:

That's an amazing upgrade - a veranda, wow! We've never had a veranda - I'm guessing it will be awfully nice. And just imagine sitting on it looking out not just over the water (which to me is wonderful anywhere) but on the Med, and at the ports... please please please take lots of pictures!I've only had a veranda once, for my Alaska cruise. It was great watching the scenery go by from the veranda. Although it was way too cold to do the "coffee on the veranda in the morning" thing most days. I'm looking forward to coffee in Monaco off my balcony! :cool1:

And OK, if you insist, I'll try & take a lot of pictures! It will be difficult, but I'll force myself somehow! ;)

Sayhello

[tksbaskets]

WOW I don't visit the boards for a while and see one of my favorite posters is taking the trip of a lifetime!! I can't wait to hear all about it because I'm definitely going to be living vicariously through you! HAVE A BLAST!!

[brewcrew]

Enjoy yourself! It sounds like a fabulous trip! I can't wait for the trip report!

[sayhello]

WOW I don't visit the boards for a while and see one of my favorite posters is taking the trip of a lifetime!! I can't wait to hear all about it because I'm definitely going to be living vicariously through you! HAVE A BLAST!!*blush* Why, thank you! :lovestruc I'm really going to enjoy doing this trip report, because, so far, I seem to be on the first of these trips to have any DISers on it (so far, I haven't heard of anyone from here taking the May 5 trip). It will be cool to be on the cutting edge of ABDness! ;)

Enjoy yourself! It sounds like a fabulous trip! I can't wait for the trip report!Thanks! This trip does have the potential for serious fabulousness! Trip Report definitely will follow!

Sayhello

[sayhello]

So I got my ABD "package" today. I'm glad to have gotten *something*, but I have to admit to being a little underwhelmed... It was an envelope with a 6-page "itinerary" and a gold-on-black ABD keychain. No count-down calendar, no packing suggestion list, no daily themes (*PLEASE* let there be daily themes & pins!!!! :eek: ) and, obviously, no backpack, although I can live without that.

At least I do know now which days the onboard activities are on! But still no idea of times. It makes planning onboard activities with my fellow DIS Meet-ers rather difficult. :confused3

I guess I shouldn't complain; for a while I didn't think I'd be getting anything. But I guess I'm going to have to make my own countdown calendar!

Sayhello

[tksbaskets]

Sayhello,
Your glass is half full :thumbsup2 Only a little over a month to go. WOW you must be getting SUPER excited!!!! I am for you :goodvibes

[Bobo912]

So I got my ABD "package" today. I'm glad to have gotten *something*, but I have to admit to being a little underwhelmed... It was an envelope with a 6-page "itinerary" and a gold-on-black ABD keychain. No count-down calendar, no packing suggestion list, no daily themes (*PLEASE* let there be daily themes & pins!!!! :eek: ) and, obviously, no backpack, although I can live without that.

At least I do know now which days the onboard activities are on! But still no idea of times. It makes planning onboard activities with my fellow DIS Meet-ers rather difficult. :confused3

I guess I shouldn't complain; for a while I didn't think I'd be getting anything. But I guess I'm going to have to make my own countdown calendar!

Sayhello

Sayhello, I'm sorry the package was disappointing. Although the contents aren't really the exciting part anyway, it's just knowing that you're trip is coming up soon! Did you know that you wouldn't be getting the typical ABD package? Has anybody gotten a backpack, countdown calendar, etc. this year? They haven't done away with those, have they? I don't see why they would treat you differently just because it's a cruise rather than the traditional ABD. Well, I hope the rest of the trip makes up a hundredfold for this minor disappointment. My guess is that it will!

[glassslipper2004]

Hmm. You'd think they would give you the backpack, although maybe you will still get the carry-on bag as a package in your room when you arrive. When I cruised Disney we got a package with stuff in our room (and it wasn't an ABD), but I'm thinking it might have been a repeat cruiser package. I guess I'd be a little disappointed, too - but frankly, nothing could disappoint me too much with the Mediterranean and an ABD coming up soon!

Keep us posted!

[sayhello]

Sayhello, I'm sorry the package was disappointing. Although the contents aren't really the exciting part anyway, it's just knowing that you're trip is coming up soon! Did you know that you wouldn't be getting the typical ABD package? Has anybody gotten a backpack, countdown calendar, etc. this year? They haven't done away with those, have they? I don't see why they would treat you differently just because it's a cruise rather than the traditional ABD. Well, I hope the rest of the trip makes up a hundredfold for this minor disappointment. My guess is that it will!Honestly, I was beginning to think we weren't going to be getting anything! There's been some struggling between DCL running things, and ABD being more of a "provider", and I don't think they've figured out all of the who's doing what yet. I guess it's understandable since this is the first time they've done anything like this.

When I called (since we're at less than 35 days now!) DCL was like "you'll get your cruise documents a few weeks before the cruise". And ABD was like "DCL is handling stuff". So nobody really seemed to know for sure. DCL finally said we'd be getting *something* from ABD, but couldn't say what or when. And, actually, you're right, I don't know that anyone has said that they've gotten a package from ABD yet this year. So maybe the backpacks *are* out. Who knows?

I think I'm most disappointed about the countdown calendar, which is kind of silly, but I really love crossing off the days. :confused3

But you're right! The rest of the trip should *more* than make up for it! It's all coming together so wonderfully.

Hmm. You'd think they would give you the backpack, although maybe you will still get the carry-on bag as a package in your room when you arrive. When I cruised Disney we got a package with stuff in our room (and it wasn't an ABD), but I'm thinking it might have been a repeat cruiser package. I guess I'd be a little disappointed, too - but frankly, nothing could disappoint me too much with the Mediterranean and an ABD coming up soon!

Keep us posted!You're right. This is a very small thing, and with the prospect of this magnificent trip next month, it'll all be fine & dandy! :banana:

Sayhello

[renegade7]

So I got my ABD "package" today. I'm glad to have gotten *something*, but I have to admit to being a little underwhelmed... It was an envelope with a 6-page "itinerary" and a gold-on-black ABD keychain. No count-down calendar, no packing suggestion list, no daily themes (*PLEASE* let there be daily themes & pins!!!! :eek: ) and, obviously, no backpack, although I can live without that.

At least I do know now which days the onboard activities are on! But still no idea of times. It makes planning onboard activities with my fellow DIS Meet-ers rather difficult. :confused3

I guess I shouldn't complain; for a while I didn't think I'd be getting anything. But I guess I'm going to have to make my own countdown calendar!

Sayhello

Just curious if you got more detail than is provided on the web as to what you will be doing in each port. I am still on the fence about adding for the last Med cruise.

THANKS!

[sayhello]

Just curious if you got more detail than is provided on the web as to what you will be doing in each port. I am still on the fence about adding for the last Med cruise.

THANKS!Not really. It was mostly the same info as on the web, just set up as bullet points. If I get a chance, I'll scan those 2 pages. I was hoping for a bit more detail, but it just isn't there.

You may want to check with DCL before you spend too much time & effort deciding. I was told by DCL that all of the Med ABD add-ons are sold out except for the Aug 28th cruise, and that they all have waiting lists...

Sayhello

[sayhello]

Sayhello,
Your glass is half full :thumbsup2 Only a little over a month to go. WOW you must be getting SUPER excited!!!! I am for you :goodvibesSuper DUPER excited!!!! :yay: :dance3: :cheer2:

Sayhello

[Tri-Delta4Life]

Less than 3 weeks! I'm so excited to hear all about the trip!!! :yay:

[sayhello]

Less than 3 weeks! I'm so excited to hear all about the trip!!! :yay:Thanks! Soon! :cool1:

Sayhello

[Tri-Delta4Life]

Bon Voyage! Have a great trip!

[sayhello]

Bon Voyage! Have a great trip!Thanks! I can't believe this time tomorrow, I'll be (hopefully!) on my way to Barcelona!!!! :yay::yay::yay::yay:

Look for a Trip Report in early June!

Sayhello

[tksbaskets]

Thanks! I can't believe this time tomorrow, I'll be (hopefully!) on my way to Barcelona!!!! :yay::yay::yay::yay:

Look for a Trip Report in early June!

Sayhello

Bon Voyage! Remember to pack an extra camera :thumbsup2 I can't wait to hear all about it.

TK

[Tozzie]

Thanks! I can't believe this time tomorrow, I'll be (hopefully!) on my way to Barcelona!!!! :yay::yay::yay::yay:

Look for a Trip Report in early June!

Sayhello


I was wondering where you were as I haven't seen you post in a bit. Have a great Trip!!!!

[Bobo912]

Sayhello, have a safe journey and a wonderful time on your cruise and with your family in Israel. I'm realy looking forward to reading all about it when you return.

[sayhello]

I was wondering where you were as I haven't seen you post in a bit. Have a great Trip!!!!Thanks, Tozzie! It'll be hard, but I'll *try* to have a great trip!!! ;)

Sayhello

[sayhello]

Sayhello, have a safe journey and a wonderful time on your cruise and with your family in Israel. I'm realy looking forward to reading all about it when you return.Thanks, Bobo912. I still can't quite believe I'm flying to Spain tomorrow!!! :scared1: Assuming the volcano cooperates!

Sayhello

[sayhello]

Bon Voyage! Remember to pack an extra camera :thumbsup2 I can't wait to hear all about it.

TKThanks, TK! Extra camera already in the carryon!!!! Check!

Soon!!!!

Sayhello

[Diskidatheart]

Hope I'm not too late in wishing you a wonderful trip Sayhello. I did leave you a little food, gelato, and wine in Rome...not much, but a little:rotfl2:. I can't wait for the trip report.

[sayhello]

Hope I'm not too late in wishing you a wonderful trip Sayhello. I did leave you a little food, gelato, and wine in Rome...not much, but a little:rotfl2:. I can't wait for the trip report.Thanks, Diskidatheart! Never too late! Glad you left *some* stuff for me!

Arrived in Barcelona yesterday after a long, long day that was actually two days. mostly recovered. Just over ate at breakfast at the hotel. I see a pattern already.. :rotfl:

Did not see as much of Barrcelona as I would have liked, but. I do have plenty of sights left to see! Leaving for the ship in a couple of hours I hope to check in from time to time. The virtual keyboard on this iPad is not the easiest to type with! but it's still cool!

Sayhello

[HappyGrumpy]

The virtual keyboard on this iPad is not the easiest to type with! but it's still cool!

I am so glad you got one before you left! That is awesome!


I hope you have the most amazing trip of your life! I cant wait to read all about it!

Bon Voyage!

HG

[tksbaskets]

Bon Voyage!!

[brewcrew]

Wow! I can't believe you're on your trip already! Have a safe and wonderful time!! Can't wait for your trip report!

[sayhello]

I'm back!!! I'm exhausted, but happy, and will definitely be posting my Trip Report as soon as I sort through the kabillion pictures I took. What an amazing trip, and what great people I met, both on the ABD and especially from our DIS Meet thread!

I am so glad you got one before you left! That is awesome! HG, the iPad *saved* this trip for me!!! My camera's brand new 8 gig memory card *died* on me, the LAST day of the cruise!!!!! If I had not backed up my pictures to the iPad, I would have lost them all!!!!!! :scared1::scared1::scared1::scared1::scared1::eek: :eek::eek::eek: I'm still hoping Microcenter can recover the card for me, because I had not backed up my pictures for Monte Carlo and our Character Breakfast yet, but at least I have *MOST* of my pictures!!!! I just cringe thinking about it.:eek:I hope you have the most amazing trip of your life! I cant wait to read all about it!

Bon Voyage!

HGThanks, HG! It was amazing. Trip Report as soon as I can! :woohoo:

Bon Voyage!!Thanks, tk! Read my comments to HG above for *MY* camera scare!!!!! :eek:

Wow! I can't believe you're on your trip already! Have a safe and wonderful time!! Can't wait for your trip report!I'm on my trip & back already! :cool1: Trip Report as soon as possible!

Thanks, everyone for all you good wishes! Trip Report saved by the iPad, which I totally adore now!!!! Worth EVERY penny!!! Will post it soon! If you have specific questions, feel free to ask, and I'll be happy to reply!

Sayhello

[Bobo912]

When I checked the board yesterday I was thinking to myself "when is Sayhello going to be back?" and now here you are. Welcome back! Glad you're home safe and sound. Can't wait to read your trip report!

Just a couple of question in the meantime...How did you like being based on the ship vs. moving from hotel to hotel? Were there any special shipboard activities just for the ABD guests.

[tksbaskets]

Glad you are home and had such a nice trip. OM goodness about the memory card. I never back up my memory cards on a trip :scared1: I'll keep my fingers crossed that they can recover your pics.

Now I need two cameras and an iPad!

TK

[crashbb]

You should be able to recover your pictures. I deleted my entire card once, but was able to get all the photos back. Unless you do a proper clean/reformat thing (which is not done accidentally) your photos are not really deleted until you start having to overwrite them (i.e. you get to 8MB, delete 100 photos and take 50 photos - the first 50 of your deleted photos are now truly gone*)

*For simplicity I'm assuming all photos were the same size.

[sayhello]

You should be able to recover your pictures. I deleted my entire card once, but was able to get all the photos back. Unless you do a proper clean/reformat thing (which is not done accidentally) your photos are not really deleted until you start having to overwrite them (i.e. you get to 8MB, delete 100 photos and take 50 photos - the first 50 of your deleted photos are now truly gone*)

*For simplicity I'm assuming all photos were the same size.I hope you're right. One of the DISers on the cruise had some recovery software on his PC, and it didn't even recognize that the card was there... I'm afraid the formatting of the card got corrupted. I'll take it to Microcenter, see what they can do for me. Fingers & toes crossed...

Sayhello

[sayhello]

When I checked the board yesterday I was thinking to myself "when is Sayhello going to be back?" and now here you are. Welcome back! Glad you're home safe and sound. Can't wait to read your trip report!

Just a couple of question in the meantime...How did you like being based on the ship vs. moving from hotel to hotel? Were there any special shipboard activities just for the ABD guests.Trip Report will start as soon as I whittle down the 1900+ pictures I took!

I have to admit, that while it was great to see more countries by traveling on the ship, I did not like it as well as the land-based trips. We didn't get to know any area "in depth". Going back to the "generic" ship (not specific to an area) each night was a bit anti-climatic, if you know what I mean. We were also obviously constrained by the ship's schedule, which really didn't give the Guides much wiggle room for "extra" things. We really had VERY little time on our own to explore, also. It was a great experience for a cruise, but I really prefer the land-based ABD experience.
Glad you are home and had such a nice trip. OM goodness about the memory card. I never back up my memory cards on a trip :scared1: I'll keep my fingers crossed that they can recover your pics.

Now I need two cameras and an iPad!

TKSeriously! I am SO glad I got the iPad, and that the camera kit arrived before I left. I would have been inconsolable...

Sayhello

[BasilofBakerstreet]

Glad you had a wonderful time. :goodvibes Sorry to hear about the camera difficulties but at least you were able to back up most of your pictures.

Our Southwest Splendors trip one of the people in our group accidentally deleted all his pictures on the last day of the trip. :scared1: A lot of people sent him CDs of their pictures and he also had the pictures that the guides took. Did the guides take pictures for photopass on this trip also?

Awaiting your trip report

[renegade7]

I am very much looking forward to hearing what all you did on your excursions. I get to book my excursions on 6/10. Not sure if ABD still has any availablity left but it is still an option for me to consider as of now. I will be making a decision based on what you write (no pressure) :rotfl:, as I was not happy with the write ups on the website for the price.

Sorry to hear about the photos. Scary!

[HappyGrumpy]

HG, the iPad *saved* this trip for me!!! My camera's brand new 8 gig memory card *died* on me, the LAST day of the cruise!!!!! If I had not backed up my pictures to the iPad, I would have lost them all!!!!!! I'm still hoping Microcenter can recover the card for me, because I had not backed up my pictures for Monte Carlo and our Character Breakfast yet, but at least I have *MOST* of my pictures!!!! I just cringe thinking about it.


WOW! You are the poster child for the iPad when it comes to pics and travel! Definitely going to share this story at "the fruit store"! :thumbsup2

WOW! I am so very glad l you had a back up! AND I AM SO GLAD YOUR HOME!! WOOT WOOT! I cannot wait for your trip reports! It will be the way I treat myself while I break from my school work!:rotfl:

So glad your home and safe and waiting with so much anticipation to hear how it went!!:woohoo:

HG

[WeLoveABD]

Welcome Home, SayHello! We, too, are eager to hear your report--and I imagine the Disney folks thoroughly surveyed you and the others on this experimental ABD. Be sure to let us know any tidbits that you heard re the future of ABD on Disney cruises (and whether the Magic will be traveling to other places--Greece? Turkey? ADB in Athens?!)...your fans await, but first, recover and rest!

[kristilew]

Welcome back! Can't wait to read all about it!

[Forever a Princess]

Welcome Home!!!!! :banana:

So glad to hear that your Ipad saved the day! That would of really sucked to lose your photos!

Can't wait to see your Trip Report!

princess:

[HappyGrumpy]

SayHello,
Just was hoping a quick answer to the following!

On the cruise side of the trip did you enjoy the overall experience? Did the service and the accommodation's meet your expectation's?

Are you happy that did the ABD portion with the cruise?

I sound like a survey!:rotfl:

HG

[Diskidatheart]

Welcome back Sayhello! Glad you had a great trip and hope you get better soon. I'm looking forward to hearing about your trip.

[sayhello]

Hey, folks, sorry for the late reply. I've been really sick with some sort of stomach virus (probably caught it on the plane) and have been pretty out of it! I got so dehydrated I couldn't re-hydrate myself, and ended up in the ER last night, hooked to an IV! :eek: Talk about anti-climatic!

Glad you had a wonderful time. :goodvibes Sorry to hear about the camera difficulties but at least you were able to back up most of your pictures.

Our Southwest Splendors trip one of the people in our group accidentally deleted all his pictures on the last day of the trip. :scared1: A lot of people sent him CDs of their pictures and he also had the pictures that the guides took. Did the guides take pictures for photopass on this trip also?

Awaiting your trip reportThanks, BasilofBakerstreet. The guides *did* take pictures, and I've had a couple of offers of pics from other ABDers. So I imagine I'll have enough for my trip report even if the pics aren't mine.

Sayhello

[sayhello]

I am very much looking forward to hearing what all you did on your excursions. I get to book my excursions on 6/10. Not sure if ABD still has any availablity left but it is still an option for me to consider as of now. I will be making a decision based on what you write (no pressure) :rotfl:, as I was not happy with the write ups on the website for the price.

Sorry to hear about the photos. Scary!I'll try & get the report done ASAP. Hopefully that will help you decide!

Thanks re: the photos. I'm just glad I didn't lose more. BACKUP, BACKUP!

Sayhello

[sayhello]

WOW! You are the poster child for the iPad when it comes to pics and travel! Definitely going to share this story at "the fruit store"! :thumbsup2

WOW! I am so very glad l you had a back up! AND I AM SO GLAD YOUR HOME!! WOOT WOOT! I cannot wait for your trip reports! It will be the way I treat myself while I break from my school work!:rotfl:

So glad your home and safe and waiting with so much anticipation to hear how it went!!:woohoo:
HGHeheheheh. I'm a poster child! :rotfl:

I'm so glad I had a backup & am glad I'm home, too. While it was a great trip, and I was glad I visited my sister, I was READY to be home! It may take me a little longer than anticipated to do the report, as I'm pretty sick right now, although I'm trending better. I really, REALLY HATE getting sick after a vacation!

SayHello,
Just was hoping a quick answer to the following!

On the cruise side of the trip did you enjoy the overall experience? Did the service and the accommodation's meet your expectation's?

Are you happy that did the ABD portion with the cruise?

I sound like a survey!:rotfl:

HGWell, not to give too much away, but yes, I did enjoy the overall experience. However, I didn't find it superior to any of the other cruises I've taken, especially my Princess cruise to Alaska. The food was OK, but nothing special (although it didn't stop me from eating it, even the desserts!), even my group dinner at Palo was only "all right". But the Palo Brunch was spectacular, as was Tea.

I can't see me paying a premium price for a Disney cruise, although if a spectacular deal showed up again I might. But after the rough seas we had that left me with a sour stomach on & off for the cruise, I don't think I'm likely to do a long cruise again. I was READY to get off the ship.

Sayhello

[sayhello]

Welcome Home, SayHello! We, too, are eager to hear your report--and I imagine the Disney folks thoroughly surveyed you and the others on this experimental ABD. Be sure to let us know any tidbits that you heard re the future of ABD on Disney cruises (and whether the Magic will be traveling to other places--Greece? Turkey? ADB in Athens?!)...your fans await, but first, recover and rest!I did receive an email with a survey from Disney Research for the ABD portion of the trip. And they want a pretty quick turnaround, it's only good until tomorrow!

The only thing I heard from the Guides is that DCL is definitely interested & looking into the possibility of doing the same sort of DCL/ABD mix for Alaska; that apparently there's been a lot of interest shown, and since the Med sold so well, they're seriously considering it. No word on what form that trip would take (a land/sea combo of the current ABD & the DCL, or all new tours in the Ports of Call the cruise "currently" goes to. That's the only future stuff they talked about.

Sayhello

[sayhello]

Welcome back! Can't wait to read all about it!Thanks, kristilew! Soon, I hope!

Sayhello

[HappyGrumpy]

The only thing I heard from the Guides is that DCL is definitely interested & looking into the possibility of doing the same sort of DCL/ABD mix for Alaska; that apparently there's been a lot of interest shown, and since the Med sold so well, they're seriously considering it. No word on what form that trip would take (a land/sea combo of the current ABD & the DCL, or all new tours in the Ports of Call the cruise "currently" goes to. That's the only future stuff they talked about.


Blahh.. I hate being sick too after traveling as well! We need you better for other travels! We all vicariously through you! haha:rotfl: But seriously I hope your feeling 100% quickly!

As far as ABD for Alaska I love this! Fingers crossed! However I have every intention of taking a helicopter tour and dog sled so if this is not one of the options I would have to opt out on one of the ABD days! Will have to cross that bridge if and when we come to it.

VERY IMPORTANT FOR CURRENT AND FUTURE IPAD USERS!!
I also wanted to pass on COMPLETELY OFF THE RECORD.... ATT announced new data plans for the iPad today..if you go to their website on the right hand side click on media release its the second article. as an Ipad user myself I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED!

[sayhello]

Blahh.. I hate being sick too after traveling as well! We need you better for other travels! We all vicariously through you! haha:rotfl: But seriously I hope your feeling 100% quickly!

As far as ABD for Alaska I love this! Fingers crossed! However I have every intention of taking a helicopter tour and dog sled so if this is not one of the options I would have to opt out on one of the ABD days! Will have to cross that bridge if and when we come to it.Hey, that should be your biggest problem re: opting out of one day! I'll let you know if I hear any more!
VERY IMPORTANT FOR CURRENT AND FUTURE IPAD USERS!!
I also wanted to pass on COMPLETELY OFF THE RECORD.... ATT announced new data plans for the iPad today..if you go to their website on the right hand side click on media release its the second article. as an Ipad user myself I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED!I don't have the 3G version. Why are you disappointed? Are the plans sucky? Really expensive?

Sayhello

[sayhello]

Welcome Home!!!!! :banana:

So glad to hear that your Ipad saved the day! That would of really sucked to lose your photos!

Can't wait to see your Trip Report!

princess:Thanks, Forever a Princess! I am SO thankful I had the iPad & the camera kit and that it all worked wonderfully. It really *WOULD* have sucked to lose my photos!

Trip Report soon!

Sayhello

[sayhello]

Welcome back Sayhello! Glad you had a great trip and hope you get better soon. I'm looking forward to hearing about your trip.Thanks, Diskidatheart! I'll get to the Report as soon as possible. The virus has really knocked me for a loop, so I'm a few days behind schedule!

Sayhello

[Christyvoltron]

First of all, we're very sorry to hear that you're not feeling well Sayhello. Hope you feel better really soon.

Tom and I feel slightly differently about the cruise portion. We enjoyed the fact that you didn't have to pack and unpack every day or so, that the ship moved while you slept, that ABD took care of everything related to transportation (some of the cities like Rome and Florence are hours from the ports) and that they tried to pick different unique areas for us to explore. Our ABD guides were outstanding. And while some people had some quibble about the locations to which we went (i.e., a farm instead of Pompeii for example) I felt that ABD genuinely tried to give us experiences which we could not have booked for ourselves. If you want an in depth experience you can always go back on your own. The local guides provided by ABD were knowledgeable and helpful and we enjoyed every single minute of the trip.

In addition, while we did have some time in some of the ports after we returned from our ABD adventures we were generally so tired that we just went back onto the ship and availed ourselves of the entertainment on the ship which you would not have had on a land based excursion. You can also have a mani/pedi or a massage or lay out by the swimming pool or just sleep on your sea days which was a very welcome respite after long, long days like we had in Rome and Florence.

We found the food on the Magic to be really good -- we had no complaints except that sometimes the food was cool or cold because of the distance from the kitchens -- we found Palo's food to be excellent -- and the brunch was amazing. We didn't get to do a tea on this trip -- maybe next time.

We felt that the cruise/ABD combination was a match made in heaven and we hope that they continue to do the trips to different areas so we can go again as soon as we save up some more Sky Miles, vacation time and $$$. We ended up at home disappointed that there wasn't anyone there to spoil us rotten and cater to our every whim. We had a GREAT time and would do it all over again if we have the opportunity.

[renegade7]

Hey, folks, sorry for the late reply. I've been really sick with some sort of stomach virus (probably caught it on the plane) and have been pretty out of it! I got so dehydrated I couldn't re-hydrate myself, and ended up in the ER last night, hooked to an IV! :eek: Talk about anti-climatic!

Thanks, BasilofBakerstreet. The guides *did* take pictures, and I've had a couple of offers of pics from other ABDers. So I imagine I'll have enough for my trip report even if the pics aren't mine.

Sayhello

Ugh - feel better soon. I got really sick on the 1st Med trip they did in 2007. I just ran myself down and ended up with Shingles in a little less than a week after I got home. It was not fun. So trying to be more relaxed this time.

[tksbaskets]

SayHello - feel better soon. It's better to be late when you get home than on vacation. Bummer. :sick:

[brewcrew]

Welcome home! Feel better soon!

[glassslipper2004]

Sayhello - just wanted to add my get well soon to the bunch - what a pain to be sick, although of course better after your vacation than during it! I can't wait to hear all about the trip and your time in Israel as well. Feel better soon. :goodvibes

[hushupu]

Looks like I caught up just in time. I'm mostly a lurker. I enjoyed your other 2 reports and look forward to this one. I hope you feel better soon.

[tig82174]

Glad I found this thread...I look forward to hearing more about the ABD package on the Med cruise. My partner and I are booked on the last 10-night Med (9/8/10) with the ABD add-on and then staying aboard for the WBTA. We're frequent DCL cruisers....but we have never done an ABD vacation and know very little about it but are super excited!

[sayhello]

Ugh - feel better soon. I got really sick on the 1st Med trip they did in 2007. I just ran myself down and ended up with Shingles in a little less than a week after I got home. It was not fun. So trying to be more relaxed this time.Oh, man, I got a mild case of shingles after my blood clot. The stress from that was something else! I feel for you on the shingles. Ouch!

SayHello - feel better soon. It's better to be late when you get home than on vacation. Bummer. :sick:tk, I *am* grateful that I did not get this while on vacation. That would have been *IT*. I have been pretty worthless for almost a week here. I've been this sick before, but not for this long! Talk about your "lost weeks"! Yuck!

Welcome home! Feel better soon!Thanks, brewcrew! I'm starting to feel Human again!

Sayhello - just wanted to add my get well soon to the bunch - what a pain to be sick, although of course better after your vacation than during it! I can't wait to hear all about the trip and your time in Israel as well. Feel better soon. :goodvibesThanks, glassslipper2004. Being sick on vacation is horrid. It's happened to me a couple of times, and was just NO FUN. I'm starting to feel human again, but it's been a struggle!

Looks like I caught up just in time. I'm mostly a lurker. I enjoyed your other 2 reports and look forward to this one. I hope you feel better soon.Starting to feel better. The Trip Report will be a bit delayed due to the virus from hell, but I'll try to start posting as soon as I can!

Glad I found this thread...I look forward to hearing more about the ABD package on the Med cruise. My partner and I are booked on the last 10-night Med (9/8/10) with the ABD add-on and then staying aboard for the WBTA. We're frequent DCL cruisers....but we have never done an ABD vacation and know very little about it but are super excited!I think you're going to love the ABD add-on, tig82174. I do believe that Robyn and Tina said they'd both be back after the summer to do the Med trips, and they were both just fantastic Adventure Guides. ABD is a wonderful way to vacation! Trip Report as soon as I can!

Sayhello

[rav4lcrv]

Hope your feeling better soon-Did you take pictures?

[Bobo912]

Did you take pictures?

:rotfl2: Sorry, I couldn't resist.

[sayhello]

:rotfl2: Sorry, I couldn't resist.:goodvibes When you're right, you're right!

Hope your feeling better soon-Did you take pictures?Naw, only 1951 of them, not counting the day and a half worth of photos that may be lost due to a memory card failure... :confused3 ;)

Sayhello

[tig82174]

Glad to hear you had so much positive to say....makes me even more glad that we're booked with ABD and even more excited to read your review and/or see pics when you get them up!! :)

[Tri-Delta4Life]

Looking forward to reading your trip report!! Hope you feel better soon!

[sayhello]

Glad to hear you had so much positive to say....makes me even more glad that we're booked with ABD and even more excited to read your review and/or see pics when you get them up!! :)I'm hoping to start on the Trip Report soon!

Looking forward to reading your trip report!! Hope you feel better soon!Starting to feel Human again! This virus really knocked me for a loop. I'm starting on the Trip Report SOON!

Good News! I took the bad camera memory card to Best Buy, and while their Geek Squad guys couldn't help me directly, they helped me find the solution. One solution was for them to send the card out ($85 just to SEND it, usually a minimum of $250 to recover the pictures). The other solution that they suggested I try first was a program that SanDisk offers with their high-end cards, and which they had a link to on their website. I down-loaded the Demo version, and it was able to find all my pictures! (Of course, it also found all the bad pictures I'd deleted over the course of an 11-night cruise, so I'm going to have to do some selective restoration.) The Demo works just like the pay version, except it won't let you save anything it finds! So I forked over the $40, and will re-run the scan tonight, and hopefully have my missing Monte Carlo, Eze and Character Breakfast pictures soon! YAY! :yay:

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[beansf]

Congrats on getting your pictures back. I am among the many looking forward to your trip report. I would love to someday be able to take the cruise/ABD combo. that you took.

[Diskidatheart]

Good News! I took the bad camera memory card to Best Buy, and while their Geek Squad guys couldn't help me directly, they helped me find the solution. One solution was for them to send the card out ($85 just to SEND it, usually a minimum of $250 to recover the pictures). The other solution that they suggested I try first was a program that SanDisk offers with their high-end cards, and which they had a link to on their website. I down-loaded the Demo version, and it was able to find all my pictures! (Of course, it also found all the bad pictures I'd deleted over the course of an 11-night cruise, so I'm going to have to do some selective restoration.) The Demo works just like the pay version, except it won't let you save anything it finds! So I forked over the $40, and will re-run the scan tonight, and hopefully have my missing Monte Carlo, Eze and Character Breakfast pictures soon! YAY! :yay:

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Glad to hear you are feeling better and GREAT NEWS that you are able to recover your pictures. That is money well spent! I'm looking forward to hearing more about your trip and to read that trip report. GET BUSY! :lmao: (just kidding of course)

[tksbaskets]

I'm hoping to start on the Trip Report soon!

Starting to feel Human again! This virus really knocked me for a loop. I'm starting on the Trip Report SOON!

Good News! I took the bad camera memory card to Best Buy, and while their Geek Squad guys couldn't help me directly, they helped me find the solution. One solution was for them to send the card out ($85 just to SEND it, usually a minimum of $250 to recover the pictures). The other solution that they suggested I try first was a program that SanDisk offers with their high-end cards, and which they had a link to on their website. I down-loaded the Demo version, and it was able to find all my pictures! (Of course, it also found all the bad pictures I'd deleted over the course of an 11-night cruise, so I'm going to have to do some selective restoration.) The Demo works just like the pay version, except it won't let you save anything it finds! So I forked over the $40, and will re-run the scan tonight, and hopefully have my missing Monte Carlo, Eze and Character Breakfast pictures soon! YAY! :yay:

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YEAH :yay::yay: You can get your pictures back! Glad you are on the mend too!

[tksbaskets]

There has been a bit of a buzz about the possibility of an ABD add on for the Alaskan cruise too. I'm hoping there is!

[sayhello]

There has been a bit of a buzz about the possibility of an ABD add on for the Alaskan cruise too. I'm hoping there is!I did report on this *somewhere*; I'm not quite sure where it was. I was told by our Guides that ABD/DCL is *definitely* interested in doing an ABD add-on for the Alaska cruises. Whether it's going to be a land/sea package (logistically hard) including the existing ABD, or a set of new Excursions done just for the cruise (more likely) they didn't know. But I would look for this in 2011 or 2012. They made it sound like more than a strong possibility.

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[sayhello]

Congrats on getting your pictures back. I am among the many looking forward to your trip report. I would love to someday be able to take the cruise/ABD combo. that you took.Thanks, beansf. I'd kind of resigned myself to the loss of the pictures; it's going to be great if I really manage to recover them!

Glad to hear you are feeling better and GREAT NEWS that you are able to recover your pictures. That is money well spent! I'm looking forward to hearing more about your trip and to read that trip report. GET BUSY! :lmao: (just kidding of course)Thanks, Diskidatheart. Boy, you're a slave-driver!!! ;)

YEAH :yay::yay: You can get your pictures back! Glad you are on the mend too!Thanks, tk! I'm pretty happy about both things.

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[HappyGrumpy]

Good News! I took the bad camera memory card to Best Buy, and while their Geek Squad guys couldn't help me directly, they helped me find the solution.

Yeah for getting pics back! So glad your feeling better can't wait for report! BTW...Where are you going next?

[BasilofBakerstreet]

I'm so glad you were able to retrieve your pictures. :goodvibes

I wish I had brought my card to Best Buy. I had the same problem, but brought the camera card to the local photography store who told me nothing could be done and reformatted the card so it could be used. :eek:

I will keep that in mind if it ever happens again. Could you tell me how to find the link on their website?

Looking forward to your trip report:cool1:

[sayhello]

Yeah for getting pics back! So glad your feeling better can't wait for report! BTW...Where are you going next?I'm hoping to have at least some of it up this weekend. Fingers & toes crossed! Next year is likely to be Hawaii. Whether that includes ABD or not is really up to them. :goodvibes We'll see come August.

I'm so glad you were able to retrieve your pictures. :goodvibes

I wish I had brought my card to Best Buy. I had the same problem, but brought the camera card to the local photography store who told me nothing could be done and reformatted the card so it could be used. :eek:

I will keep that in mind if it ever happens again. Could you tell me how to find the link on their website?

Looking forward to your trip report:cool1:Well, I also lucked out that there are 2 Best Buys near me (one near work, one near home). I called the one near home, and she told me there was nothing they could do for me, unless, of course, I'd backed them up to my PC. (Say what? I'd be calling her about my memory card if I'd already backed the files up to my PC? Not the brightest crayon in the box. I decided I'd be better off calling another Best Buy). The one near work were the ones who told me to bring it by & see what they could do. I know folks who have taken their PC's to Best Buy when their harddrives failed, so I figured a memory card is just a small drive....

The link for the software is on SanDisk's website, not Best Buy's.

SanDisk's website: it has the link to LC Technologies for the download.

http://kb.sandisk.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/43/kw/rescuepro/r_id/101834

Here's the link to LC Technologies:

http://www.lc-tech.com/rescuepro/

I was pretty impressed with the LC Technologies purchase process. They have a free Demo version that works just like the paid version, except it won't let you save anything it finds. I ran it, saw that it was able to find the photos, so *then* put out the $40 to buy the software. Totally worth it. They also had a tech guy contact me to see if I got the download OK, if I had any questions, and to offer some tips. He didn't get me at the phone # I gave them, so he sent me an email. Pretty cool. And it worked! That's the best part.

Oh, and that memory card is going in the trash. If it failed once, it could easily fail again. No way I'm trusting my photos to that!

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[BasilofBakerstreet]

Thanks very much for the link. Hopefully I will never need it. :)

I assume you need to be able to insert the card directly into the computer rather than through the camera for it to work correct?

[sayhello]

Thanks very much for the link. Hopefully I will never need it. :)

I assume you need to be able to insert the card directly into the computer rather than through the camera for it to work correct?You're welcome. Mine actually worked connecting the camera to the computer. I didn't have a direct method. I'd've gotten one if necessary, I guess. I imagine it would just depend on how bad the card was...

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