June 27, 2013 - Magic in the Med (Venice)

[MrsScooby]

In 2007 we were on an excursion with DCL and they made a stop in Sorrento at a cameo "factory". I was nice and saw alot of cameos. We were told there are alot of Chinese knock offs so you should shop in a reputable established store front. As far as value vs. cost I can't help you there. My wife has her grandma's so we skipped purchasing. As everything check the internet.

I am going to have to put that cameo factory on my list of things to do whem I go back to Italy as it sounds like a place I would really enjoy
Unfortunately I am the only one in my family who likes to shop or likes things like cameos. I'm hoping I get enough info in advance so that if we happen to pass a store that sells them I will be able to make an informed decision.
There are tons of cameos on ebay from a few dollars to thousands of dollars. But it is hard to see the details from a photo. I am thinking I will be checking out jewelry stores here in the US just to familiarize myself with what the real thing looks like.

Laurie - that sounds like a great plan and we would so be considering this but we're going to explore the other areas from Civitavecchia on this itinerary so we can have a full day in Florence and a full day in Naples. We're going to hit Rome hard on the previous sailing. But I wondered if you could PM me the info you have for contacts with Rome in Limo.

This is the website if anyone else is interested.http://www.romeinlimo.com/walking-tours/

I expect the shopping guide onboard will have some info about cameos, so while I would do some research ahead of time, I would also check with them. I have found their talks to be helpful in looking for authentic souvenirs vs knock-offs.

Good idea. I'll be checking them out too...
Assuming they'll have shopping talks the night before

Or are they all on the first day?

 

[nzdisneymom]

You should check out Orvieto. It is a walled Etruscan (sp?) city dating back before the founding of Rome,. A real time capsule walled city. Check it out on the web, it may peak your interest.

Thanks... This is exactly the kind of thing we are interested in. There is so much outside of Rome that we want to spend a day doing something g. If we had not been before in 2007, we might make a different choice. But knowing Our boys we know we need to have a relatively easy day between Florence and Naples. Since we will have a whole day to spend in Rome just 12 days before then we don't feel like we will be missing out.

 

[nzdisneymom]

I am going to have to put that cameo factory on my list of things to do whem I go back to Italy as it sounds like a place I would really enjoy
Unfortunately I am the only one in my family who likes to shop or likes things like cameos. I'm hoping I get enough info in advance so that if we happen to pass a store that sells them I will be able to make an informed decision.
There are tons of cameos on ebay from a few dollars to thousands of dollars. But it is hard to see the details from a photo. I am thinking I will be checking out jewlery stores here in the US just to familiarize myself with what the real thing looks like.



This is the website if anyone else is interested.http://www.romeinlimo.com/walking-tours/

Good idea. I'll be checking them out too...
Assuming they'll have shopping talks the night before

Or are they all on the first day?

Some the first day. And if I remember right, they record them and show over and over on the tv. Also if you can't get to a shopping talk, just go by the desk on the shore excursion side of the atrium when the guide is there. They are a,ways glad to talk to guests.

 

[MrsScooby]

Some the first day. And if I remember right, they record them and show over and over on the tv. Also if you can't get to a shopping talk, just go by the desk on the shore excursion side of the atrium when the guide is there. They are a,ways glad to talk to guests.

thanks, good to know they are on the tv

Really need to set myself a budget as I can totally see myself coming away with a huge souvenir bill

I know I want at least 2 masks in Venice, some lemoncello from Naples, a Gozo glass perfume bottle from Malta, lace from Dubrovnik...and now maybe a small cameo from Rome...
Good thing my family doesn't like to shop or the bill would be even bigger

Guess who does most of the Christmas shopping in my family
I absolutely refuse to buy my own gifts though, but I do give them many hints about what I would like to make it as easy as possible for them.

Hey, if anyone here finds themselves in the northern Virginia area and wants to meet up to chat about the cruise let me know
I've had a few DIS meets for past cruises that were alot of fun. Once we met up at Potomac Mills Outlet and had fun shopping together, another time at museums in DC or Philiadelphia. Nice to chat in person with someone else who is as excited about the trip as you are

 

[carpenta]

Thanks... This is exactly the kind of thing we are interested in. There is so much outside of Rome that we want to spend a day doing something g. If we had not been before in 2007, we might make a different choice. But knowing Our boys we know we need to have a relatively easy day between Florence and Naples. Since we will have a whole day to spend in Rome just 12 days before then we don't feel like we will be missing out.

We visited in 2010 and the city has a whole set of catacombs and "other" city underground.The boys will think it is pretty "cool" I would hope. It really is a remarkable city and the ride through the hillside is beautiful. We ate at a local resturaunt and had the rabbit. It was wonderful cooked on a wood fired grill, so much so that my daughter ate half of it on me.Still see the Roman aquaducts on your ride. One thing for MrsScooby is that on Malta as well as Venice there is some exquisite tableclothes and napkin sets as well as all kinds of lace sewn items that make nice Christmas presents.

 

[MrsScooby]

One thing for MrsScooby is that on Malta as well as Venice there is some exquisite tableclothes and napkin sets as well as all kinds of lace sewn items that make nice Christmas presents.

Wonderful !!
I had been intending getting a lace tablecloth when we visited the Normandy area of France this past summer, but wasn't able to because I didn't know that the stores closed early on our last day there. It was our 20th wedding anniversary trip and dragging DH around shopping was not an option.
Plus I'll be set for gifts for DMom and DMiL

But now I have to worry about luggage space.
How expensive was it to ship things home?

 

[carpenta]

Wonderful !!
I had been intending getting a lace tablecloth when we visited the Normandy area of France this past summer, but wasn't able to because I didn't know that the stores closed early on our last day there. It was our 20th wedding anniversary trip and dragging DH around shopping was not an option.
Plus I'll be set for gifts for DMom and DMiL

But now I have to worry about luggage space.
How expensive was it to ship things home?

I don't know the cost for each port but when we were in Sorrento in 2010 we purchased some inlaid wood item and they shipped for us. Between the shipping and tax for import(I know...who knew they collected import tax.) it was about $30.00 for items valued about 280.00 Euros. But most of the stores we visited did ship for you. In Florence my sister in law bought a beautiful leather coat and to this day my wife is still kicking herself. Just an excuse to return I guess.

 

[gydell]

The one thing I did not get last time I was in Italy was a Pinnochio puppet from Florence. I hope to get one this time.

 

[nzdisneymom]

In 2007 we stopped in Palermo, and our DCL excursion included a puppet show. We bought one that was one of the characters whose name was Orlando. He hangs on a shelf in our room.

 

[MrsScooby]

I don't know the cost for each port but when we were in Sorrento in 2010 we purchased some inlaid wood item and they shipped for us. Between the shipping and tax for import(I know...who knew they collected import tax.) it was about $30.00 for items valued about 280.00 Euros. But most of the stores we visited did ship for you. In Florence my sister in law bought a beautiful leather coat and to this day my wife is still kicking herself. Just an excuse to return I guess.

So import tax...another reason to be careful with how much I buy

My sis bought shoes when she was in Italy years ago, but again I don't see myself with that kind of shopping time. Plus I read you have to be real careful of knockoffs or risk being fined for buying one. And not to bring anything onshore that customs would think you could have bought in port. I think I read a story of one woman who was stuck trying to explain (to customs) that her designer handbag was not new and she brought it with her

Another story where a women was acused of fraud because the customs inspector counted the credit card receipts and the store receipts separately. They got it straightened out when she asked for a manager but it sounded pretty stressful at the start.

Not that these things happen often, but good to be prepared I guess.
Good to know that shipping things home is an option too, thanks

The one thing I did not get last time I was in Italy was a Pinnochio puppet from Florence. I hope to get one this time.

In 2007 we stopped in Palermo, and our DCL excursion included a puppet show. We bought one that was one of the characters whose name was Orlando. He hangs on a shelf in our room.

Are the puppets more for decoration or are they suitable for kids?
I have a few young nephews (6-8 years old) that would like something like this.

 

[nzdisneymom]

Are the puppets more for decoration or are they suitable for kids?
I have a few young nephews (6-8 years old) that would like something like this.

The one we got is not a play-toy, although you could actually use it. But we did see versions that are more suitable for play.

 

[jel0511]

Another story where a women was acused of fraud because the customs inspector counted the credit card receipts and the store receipts separately. They got it straightened out when she asked for a manager but it sounded pretty stressful at the start.

When we were in Paris in 2010, I bought a new LV bag and wallet, carried it home in the LV bag as well, as I had to present it to officials in Barcelona to get the VAT back. I was given no problems at customs with anything......

 

[rotary2808]

Thanks... This is exactly the kind of thing we are interested in. There is so much outside of Rome that we want to spend a day doing something g. If we had not been before in 2007, we might make a different choice. But knowing Our boys we know we need to have a relatively easy day between Florence and Naples. Since we will have a whole day to spend in Rome just 12 days before then we don't feel like we will be missing out.

Orvieto is a beautiful city. We did ABD a few years go. Orvieto is a day trip in between Rome and Florence/Tuscany. You should definitely be able to find plenty of info about the city here on Disboards. They make some absolutely beautiful pottery (anything you can imagine). I have a plate hanging in my kitchen.

 

[nzdisneymom]

Orvieto is a beautiful city. We did ABD a few years go. Orvieto is a day trip in between Rome and Florence/Tuscany. You should definitely be able to find plenty of info about the city here on Disboards. They make some absolutely beautiful pottery (anything you can imagine). I have a plate hanging in my kitchen.

Sweet - I'll definitely take a look. I suspect that DCL will offer an excursion there, then, since it was part of an ABD.

 

[carpenta]

Orvieto is a beautiful city. We did ABD a few years go. Orvieto is a day trip in between Rome and Florence/Tuscany. You should definitely be able to find plenty of info about the city here on Disboards. They make some absolutely beautiful pottery (anything you can imagine). I have a plate hanging in my kitchen.

...and the pottery can be shippped to the U.S. by the vendor. Plus the wine is pretty good too.....

 

[MrsScooby]

When we were in Paris in 2010, I bought a new LV bag and wallet, carried it home in the LV bag as well, as I had to present it to officials in Barcelona to get the VAT back. I was given no problems at customs with anything......

It probably depends on which agent you get
My DH has been wearing the watch he inherited from his Dad for years and for the first time we had a customs agent question him about it on our last cruise. Guess that could happen anywhere.

...and the pottery can be shippped to the U.S. by the vendor. Plus the wine is pretty good too.....

Wine !!
You reminded me about a question I had about bringing wine on board.
One of the trip reports I read said they were able to buy wine in port and bring it to their cabin and take glasses of the wine to dinner. They said their server encouraged them to bring it to dinner saying he would never buy the DCL wine when it was so affordable in port.
I know this is technically against the rules...but, anyone else see or experience this?

 

[carpenta]

It probably depends on which agent you get
My DH has been wearing the watch he inherited from his Dad for years and for the first time we had a customs agent question him about it on our last cruise. Guess that could happen anywhere.



Wine !!
You reminded me about a question I had about bringing wine on board.
One of the trip reports I read said they were able to buy wine in port and bring it to their cabin and take glasses of the wine to dinner. They said their server encouraged them to bring it to dinner saying he would never buy the DCL wine when it was so affordable in port.
I know this is technically against the rules...but, anyone else see or experience this?

In 2010 we brought wine back with us from every port as well as cheese and pasteries. We never had a problem. We brought a glass with us to dinner a couple times and the servers were fine. One night we brought a bottle and our server was really reluctant but had to charge us a corkage fee. He was apologetic but we always understood the fee and were fine with that. The wine was really cheap cost wise but was very enjoyable. One time in Sorrento we were buying some wine to bring back and the shop keeper helped us out and even tried to sell us a case of wine. We declined and then he handed us his business card and said "I'm on the web and will ship it where ever you want". It hit us funny where we were in a store that probably dated back hundreds of years and an older gentleman has embraced the 21st century technology. But do enjoy the wines and there is something special about having a nice glass of vino when you are pulling out of port.

 

[nzdisneymom]

It looks like DCL is adding some Port Adventuers - I was just checking and they didn't have their usual drop-down menu to choose the port, but when I clicked on the full listing and scrolle through, I came across this one:

The Best of Rome (Adult Only Departure)Civitavecchia, ItalySignature Collection, Sightseeing AdventuresJourney to the world renowned Vatican City and explore its many treasures including the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica. You'll then return to Rome for a tour of the awe-inspiring Colosseum and the legendary Trevi Fountain. Truly the best of Rome! This tour features a smaller group size with maximum of 30 Guests per bus and guide. Lunch included. Learn more about this Port Adventure.


So check back soon - hopefully they're being added!

 

[shoes99]

It looks like DCL is adding some Port Adventuers - I was just checking and they didn't have their usual drop-down menu to choose the port, but when I clicked on the full listing and scrolle through, I came across this one:

The Best of Rome (Adult Only Departure)Civitavecchia, ItalySignature Collection, Sightseeing AdventuresJourney to the world renowned Vatican City and explore its many treasures including the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica. You'll then return to Rome for a tour of the awe-inspiring Colosseum and the legendary Trevi Fountain. Truly the best of Rome! This tour features a smaller group size with maximum of 30 Guests per bus and guide. Lunch included. Learn more about this Port Adventure.


So check back soon - hopefully they're being added!

I haven't looked online, but I have the reviews from Passporter and the last time Disney was in Rome the excursion prices for one adult and one child were (two years ago):
The Best of Rome $329.00/$289.00
Panoromic Rome $129.00/$109.00
Rome on Your Own $99.00/$59
Classic Rome $229.00/$189.00
Taste of Rome $100.00/$90.00
Highlights of Rome for Families $229/$189
Italian Countryside and Olive Oil $49/$49

 

[lisah0711]

So for those of us first time cruisers who won't get to book until very late will we even be able to get a Disney excursion?