7/13/13 ~~ Eastern Mediterranean Mouseketeers!

[sthissell]

Hi everyone. My name is Sarah and my family is so very excited to be cruising next summer. We experienced the magic of our first Disney cruise on the Fantasy this past summer and had an amazing time. I am cruising with my three kids and my in-laws. It is a bit bittersweet because my husband and I always wanted to do a Mediterranean cruise. Next summer will be the 5th anniversary of his death and would have been our 15th wedding anniversary, so this trip is in his memory.

My disname is sthissell. We will be in two rooms...
Sarah (me), Becca (dd 12), Nick (ds 7), Toria (dd 5), Merrilee (MIL) and Rick (FIL). We live in NH (although some of my friends think we live in Disneyworld). We'll be second seating, staterooms 6110 and 6108 and would love to do all of the exchanges.

I can't wait to meet all of you!

 

[tinkerbelltwins]

Welcome Aboard Sarah, Becca, Nick, Toria, Merrilee and Rick! You have been added to our Roll Call!

 

[Eleblanc]

Hi everyone. My name is Sarah and my family is so very excited to be cruising next summer. We experienced the magic of our first Disney cruise on the Fantasy this past summer and had an amazing time. I am cruising with my three kids and my in-laws. It is a bit bittersweet because my husband and I always wanted to do a Mediterranean cruise. Next summer will be the 5th anniversary of his death and would have been our 15th wedding anniversary, so this trip is in his memory.

My disname is sthissell. We will be in two rooms...
Sarah (me), Becca (dd 12), Nick (ds 7), Toria (dd 5), Merrilee (MIL) and Rick (FIL). We live in NH (although some of my friends think we live in Disneyworld). We'll be second seating, staterooms 6110 and 6108 and would love to do all of the exchanges.

I can't wait to meet all of you!

Sarah, welcome to the group. We have a sign up sheet on the first page, post #4 for the fish extender and secret mickey exchanges. You can add your name to the spreed sheet there and modify the info any time.

Eileen

 

[MrsG]

Hi everyone. My name is Sarah and my family is so very excited to be cruising next summer. We experienced the magic of our first Disney cruise on the Fantasy this past summer and had an amazing time. I am cruising with my three kids and my in-laws. It is a bit bittersweet because my husband and I always wanted to do a Mediterranean cruise. Next summer will be the 5th anniversary of his death and would have been our 15th wedding anniversary, so this trip is in his memory.

My disname is sthissell. We will be in two rooms...
Sarah (me), Becca (dd 12), Nick (ds 7), Toria (dd 5), Merrilee (MIL) and Rick (FIL). We live in NH (although some of my friends think we live in Disneyworld). We'll be second seating, staterooms 6110 and 6108 and would love to do all of the exchanges.

I can't wait to meet all of you!

Welcome aboard Sarah and family!!!!

 

[eeyorefanuk]

Hi

Was wondering if anyone knew why no 13 July cruise showing now. It must be sold out already

 

[MrsG]

Hi

Was wondering if anyone knew why no 13 July cruise showing now. It must be sold out already

Yes, I looked as well. Only the July 25 with Venice shows up. Knew this would be popular, but surprised it is sold out so early on.

 

[Newfoundland Sailor]

I know the DCL excursions aren't posted yet...and we won't see them for a few more months.

But while lurking on another meet site I found this link which outlines some of the excursions (and prices) from the 2011 cruises.

http://www.worldofmouse.com/2011-med-excursions.html

I thought that those overplanners (like me) might like a little something to go on before DCL releases their 2013 excursions.

 

[NejTheLion]

Whew! This thread is really hopping!

We're still recovering from the DIS London/Paris trip, but are thrilled to be going back to Europe next year. We have a bunch of DVC points saved up to take care of the cruise.

We were on the very first DCL Med cruise back in 2007 and have been on many others, so happy to help with any questions people have. And now we have some Disneyland Paris experience to share, too, since it looks like some folks will be heading there.

Here's our information:

Jen (NejTheLion)
Debbi (TheFairyGodmother) - mother
Barry (BarTheBear) - father

Springfield, VA
Second seating
Stateroom 8028

 

[MrsG]

Hi

Was wondering if anyone knew why no 13 July cruise showing now. It must be sold out already

Whew! This thread is really hopping!

We're still recovering from the DIS London/Paris trip, but are thrilled to be going back to Europe next year. We have a bunch of DVC points saved up to take care of the cruise.

We were on the very first DCL Med cruise back in 2007 and have been on many others, so happy to help with any questions people have. And now we have some Disneyland Paris experience to share, too, since it looks like some folks will be heading there.

Here's our information:

Jen (NejTheLion)
Debbi (TheFairyGodmother) - mother
Barry (BarTheBear) - father

Springfield, VA
Second seating
Stateroom 8028

Welcome!! Be sure to check out our first page that has tons of helpful info!

 

[NejTheLion]

Incase others didn't see this on the facebook page where I posted this....

With reference to your room reservations at the Renaissance Barcelona Airport Hotel we would like to inform you that as of November 1st, 2012 this hotel will no longer operate under the Renaissance name and is no longer part of Marriott International. It goes without saying that your current reservations will of course continue to exist at this hotel rebranded as Barcelona Airport Hotel

What are others going to do that were booked here? Stay with your ressies or find something else?

It is such a good price....but who knows if they are going to be with breakfast and transfers to the port???!?! I haven't called or responsed to them to know any of these questions.

Cyndi

On the London/Paris trip, we were supposedly staying at the Renaissance Chancery Court. By the time our trip came around, ownership had transferred away from Marriott. Same experience in Paris - the Hilton Arc de Triomphe was no longer a Hilton.

We had excellent experiences at both hotels and had no concern with them no longer being brands we knew. So, while that doesn't necessarily speak to this hotel, all I can say is it shouldn't immediately cause concern.

 

[NejTheLion]

Welcome!! Be sure to check out our first page that has tons of helpful info!

And it may be that the cruise is sold out. We booked on opening day for Platinum Castaway Club. I'm just very slow in getting around to posting things

 

[MrsG]

And it may be that the cruise is sold out. We booked on opening day for Platinum Castaway Club. I'm just very slow in getting around to posting things

Yes, I think it is. Someone posted on Facebook that it was sold out. We also did the Med in 2007. Can't wait to go back! We booked opening day for Gold Castaway. Platinum someday........

 

[LovesToRun]

Hi everyone,

It's been a while since I've posted... been busy here!! But, we have our flights all booked (we are flying British Airways with layovers in London) , and have our hotel booked for Barcelona (pre-cruise) , and are working on our plans for the time in Europe we'll be spending pre-cruise and post-cruise , so it's pretty exciting!!

My parents will be coming with us on the cruise, and they just started to have second thoughts about going on the cruise only because of the temperatures in the Med in July. They think it's going to be over 100 degrees F the entire time, but I keep telling them I don't think it'll be THAT hot. I mean, I know it's going to be hot, but I don't think it'll be over 100 the entire time. I am thinking it'll be in the 90's and maybe the high 80's, or am I completely wrong? Does anyone know from experience what to expect for temperatures in July? Is it just unbearable, or is it not too bad? Also, does anyone know if it's a dry heat or is it really humid?

My DH, kids and I love heat, so we aren't worried a bit about how hot it could be, and we've traveled to very hot places before, so we know how to handle the heat(both dry heat and humid heat). But, my parents really get miserable if it's high 90's and for sure into the 100's.

I am expecting Greece will be HOT and so will Malta. And, I know the rest of the ports will be hot, but I'm guessing the other ports should be a bit cooler than Greece and Malta???

Is there anyone here who has cruised the Med in July and can give insight on what the typical temperatures might be during the time of our cruise?

We are getting SO excited!!!!

 

[tajz90]

We cruised Med in 07. The week before, temps were close or over 100's. When we went, the temps had cooled a lot and a couple of ports, I had to wear a light jacket. It was weird weather. Plan on hot, but prepared in case it's not with a light rain jacket.

 

[MrsG]

And it may be that the cruise is sold out. We booked on opening day for Platinum Castaway Club. I'm just very slow in getting around to posting things

We cruised Med in 07. The week before, temps were close or over 100's. When we went, the temps had cooled a lot and a couple of ports, I had to wear a light jacket. It was weird weather. Plan on hot, but prepared in case it's not with a light rain jacket.

Same for us. I expected it to be extremely warm, but found it not to be as warm as it is here on Long Island during the dog days of summer. The only time I remember being really hot was in Pompeii, but other than that, not too hot at all. If they find it is too warm that day, they can just stay on the ship and enjoy all the Magic has to offer. If they book excursions through Disney, all of the buses, etc. have airconditioning and bottled water. Disney is very mindful of keeping their guest happy on excursions. May cost a little more, but very well worth it.

 

[Cousin Orville]

The Med can get pretty hot in the summer. I think most travelers expect that or want that and everyone generally has a great summer vacation. But if heat is not your friend the fall time can be a much more pleasant time of yr to visit (unfortunately just not with DCL). Having said that you can make things a bit easier by taking tours with a/c motor coach or better yet private guides. Decreasing your walking and maximizing your a/c time is helpful. And Disney will sometimes hand out cool damp towels when walking back on board. Little touches. But make no mistake it can get hot. FWIW, last yr I thought our days in Italy were hotter than Malta, but there are more crowds in Rome, Cinque Terre than Malta too so that could have contributed.

 

[Eleblanc]

Yes, it will be hot and 100 degrees is likely in a few of the locations on our itinerary. I always think it is more of a dry heat if that helps. The coaches for excursions do have air conditioning, so that helps. (Except that our coach on the med cruise last year at the Palermo stop broke down and we rode most of the way back to the ship without air conditioning!)

 

[LovesToRun]

Thanks, everyone, for the replies on the temps in the Med. Pretty much what I thought, to expect HOT, but I didn't expect to see that some of you had some experiences before where it was cool in the summer (maybe that is not the norm). Well, as well all know, nobody can predict weather, and when you might think it's going to be scorching hot, it will be cool and rainy, or when you think it's going to be cool and rainy, it'll be scortching hot. haha! Who knows.... it might be very pleasant temps there in July next year! The weather is so weird around the whole world that really, anything could happen, weather-wise. But, we will plan for HEAT, though (and bring a jacket or a few things for cooler temps, too, just in case).

It is good to know that it's a dry heat! Dry heat, I think, is so much easier to be in than humidity. Hopefully that will be a convincing factor for my parents to not cancel.

Well, we are super excited.... regardless of the temperatures or weather. I just hope my parents can get past their "uncertainty" about the heat and decide to still go on the cruise. I have told them they can always just stay on the ship if it's just too hot (of course, I think they are thinking why go all the way to the Med if you're going to just stay on the ship), but at least it's an option.

If they do end up deciding to cancel, I'll let you all know.... they have a veranda room, so I'm sure someone who is wanting to get on this cruise will snatch that room up fast. HOPEFULLY, though, that won't happen and they will go! Fingers crossed!

 

[drlaurafsu]

On the London/Paris trip, we were supposedly staying at the Renaissance Chancery Court. By the time our trip came around, ownership had transferred away from Marriott. Same experience in Paris - the Hilton Arc de Triomphe was no longer a Hilton.

We had excellent experiences at both hotels and had no concern with them no longer being brands we knew. So, while that doesn't necessarily speak to this hotel, all I can say is it shouldn't immediately cause concern.

Jen - Thanks so much for posting this!! We are going to Paris in December for our anniversary and were booked on points (for 2 rooms) into the Hilton Arc de Triomphe. Needless to say we are not anymore and while they claim to have emailed DH he never got an email! We booked this months ago and haven't really looked at it since although it was time to call and start dealing with the concierge on some stuff. We got moved to another Hilton...unfortunately its in the Business District and not as charming or convienent but they are honoring our points even though they don't have any points rooms available.

 

[WDW Princess 71]

I studied abroad in Rome for most of June and July in 2006. It was in the upper 90s to over 100 every single day of my term. It was ungodly. You literally started dripping in sweat as soon as you stepped out the door in the morning. I would describe it not nearly as humid as NJ where I'm from but also not nearly as dry and amazing as Arizona which I love. Being in the city made it even more uncomfortable. BUT, having said all that, I would never take back that amazing experience in Europe because of the heat. It could have been a lot more comfortable, but I am someone who will take heat any day over cold (I remote start my car in both the morning and evening going to/from work because I can barely stand running to the car in the cold let alone getting into a cold vehicle!). Plus, as with my study abroad, with DCL, we dont have a choice on the time of year, so even though its the most crowded, hot, expensive time to travel to Europe, being on DCL is so worth it for me because I know we wont be satisfied on any other line. I think your parents will do just fine. Plenty of A/C on board and on transportation and the sites they will go to will be so awe inspiring the heat factor will pale in comparison.