7/25/2013 Med. Mickey's 12 Night Italian Job - with Nice, Valletta and Dubrov !

[mom_rules]

If anyone is interested, we are doing a couple of food tours in Barcelona after the return. The more people in your group, the less per person. PM me if you'd like information.

Tapas tour the night of August 5th
Outer tour (countryside with visits to several local producers) the day of August 6th

Won't we be at sea on Aug 5th?

 

[Bunless]

Won't we be at sea on Aug 5th?

Yes, thank you! Put it down on the wrong days on my calendar. 6th and 7th

 

[pixie3]

Okay, I've gone through everything!

Thank you for all of the welcomes!

I have not done ANYTHING booking or otherwise for this cruise yet. I've been working on our spring break trip and hope to finish those plans soon so I can move on!!!

Anyway...on to FE!!!!

For those who don't know what FE is I offer you this:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.ph...81&postcount=2

So...I think the easiest way for me to do this is to have you PM me the following information if you want to join in:

Board Name
First name of family members
Ages of children
Whether the child is a DS or a DD
Cabin Number (if you have it)

By PMing me, I will have all of the info in one place.

My plan is to create a spread sheet once the first wave of information comes in and then possibly attach a link to the front where the roll call is being kept! The spread sheet will be in order of room numbers (by floor) rather than alphabetical order. I think this helps when delivering FE!! If you don't have your room number yet.....NO WORRIES!!!

For now, let's see what we get and then we will go from there.

I always like to stress this one thing. DO NOT feel pressured to spend a lot of money, time or space. Even the simplest things such as Hershey Kisses give people joy. I know my kids love coming back to the room and just having something in their FE.

I don't think I missed anything. I will keep in touch!!

Yipeeeee!


NEW INFO 4/15:

* The FE list is now a link in my signature. Let me know if you have problems viewing or if I have made an error.
* If you have a special occasion occuring on the cruise (anniv. or b-day), you can give me that information as well.
* A cut off date will be set, but has not been determined as of yet. It will probably be in June.



UPDATE 5/21

FE UPDATE:

The cut-off deadline for FE will be JUNE 8, 2013! This gives people time to either order their FE or start making their FE. This means that JUNE 8, 2013 will be the last day that you can sign up to be a part of FE. Inevitably, someone will ask to join after that date. My usual response is: "You could join, but understand that you may not receive much in return (if anything). A lot of times people DO have extras, but NOTHING can be promised for you." Anyway.....we will cross that bridge when we come to it.

Cabin Numbers:
You may not have a cabin number as of yet. I have a handful that do not have them. You may receive your cabin number before our cruise (if so, get it to me asap), or you may not receive your cabin number before our cruise. You may have a cabin number today, but it may be changed. I will do my best to update before the cruise. I am not sure what kind of wi-fi I will get once I am in route. The wi-fi on the cruise is sometimes not the best. The best way for me to announce cabin changes on the cruise is on my cabin door. I will have a dry erase board with all cabin changes, etc. Please swing by my room and feel free to write your information on my board. There will also be pen and paper to leave me a note.

6/4 NEW INFORMATION:

NEW INFORMATION:

I wanted to mention that rather than have gifts distributed all on the first day, you might want to consider giving your gift on other days of the cruise. Some gifts are "for" the cruise and should be delivered on the first or second day. However, some gifts such as: keychain from your state, candy bar, etc. are gifts that "could" be delivered throughout the cruise. It is nice to find gifts throughout the cruise. This by no means is this mandatory. It is all up to the individual as to when you deliver gifts. I just like to always throw that out there as a suggestion!

6/6 NEW INFORMATION:

One other thing. This has been a problem in the past so I want to pass this information on. People have become so fond of our Fish Extenders that they bring their own, for their own use IE: mail, notes etc. Don't assume that if you see a fish extender that it is a fish extender on our list. You WILL run out of your fish gifts before you are finished with your rounds.

6/9 FE IS NOW CLOSED.

7/19 FE ANNOUNCEMENT:

Thank you to JKK who pointed out that my own room number was wrong. I am in 6606.

I am not leaving until Tuesday. I will keep updating on here until then. All cabin changes and a list of disboard names w/room numbers (not names,etc.) will be posted on my cabin door at 6606!!! I will also have extra copies of the entire list, which you can request by dialing my room and I will deliver it to yours. If your room changes please write the new information on my door. If you are delivering FE and can not find someone, chances are their room has changed and their new information will be on my door.

Also, in case you missed it, NewFamilyMan's room changed to 2148.

Safe travels everyone!!!

 

[Jasrhon]

thestewarts,


I received your PM but I can't reply to it directly because I have not posted enough. Once I have enough posts I will reply with more details. My DD is looking forward to meeting everyone.

 

[mom_rules]

Just wondered if anyone has any thoughts on when they might show excursions for Dubrovnik and Venice?

 

[Celestine]

Just wondered if anyone has any thoughts on when they might show excursions for Dubrovnik and Venice?

I guess any day soon as the first cruise's PIF date must be imminent?

Celestine

 

[Kellycanada]

I guess any day soon as the first cruise's PIF date must be imminent?

Celestine

They're out now! Kelly.

 

[pixie3]

I think the Baltic Sea Cruise spoiled me. I was kind of hoping for a ball at the Doge's Palace.

 

[Kellycanada]

I found this on the doge's web page. I thought I'd pass it along.



SPECIAL OPENINGS OF THE DOGE’S PALACE

It’s possibile to visit the Doge’s Palace after the closing time, sending a request at least 5 working days before the desired data, to verify the availability for an extraordinary opening of the museum.

Conditions and costs: purchase of at least 15 tickets of 55,00 euros

 

[Kellycanada]

I also found this. I haven't checked it out yet, so I can't rate it.


The FREE APP for iPhone and Android about the Secrets of the Doge’s Palace of Venice

Formerly the Doge’s residence and seat of the Republic of Venice, the Doge’s Palace is the very symbol of the city. Once in Venice, a site not to be missed, now you can also enjoy the Doge’s Palace App to discover more about the Palace and its secrets!

This application is not only a unique companion for planning your visit through the rooms of the Doge’s Palace, but also the perfect tool to learn more about the Masterpieces, like the Paradise of Tintoretto, or learn about the function of the carved Lion’s mouths on the walls, and much more…

The App will guide you in an unexpected way into the rooms of the Doge’s Palace, enriching your visit experience with unheard information and unusual tips.

You can find the “Secrets’s of the Doge’s Palace” App on iTunes and in the Android Market!

At the moment, this application is available only in English language.



DOWNLOAD for Free the Doge’s Palace App via iTUNES >>>

DOWNLOAD for Free the Doge’s Palace App via ANDROID MARKET >>>



Watch the preview of the APP:

 

[pjc4925]

Anybody thinking on getting a group together to go through Doge's Palace like KellyCanada has posted. I think my family of four would be in.

Paul

 

[Kellycanada]

Anybody thinking on getting a group together to go through Doge's Palace like KellyCanada has posted. I think my family of four would be in.

Paul

I emailed the palace to see if there were discounts for kids if 15 adults bought tickets. I'll post their response. Kelly.

 

[pjc4925]

Looks like Disney may have caught the crowded Vatican Museum scenario. All port excursions which include the Vatican Museum are not available on our cruise. I don't remeber seeing that bold fine print earlier.
Paul

 

[pjc4925]

I stand corrected... there are a couple "Selected Sailings" trips to the Vatican Museum and ours is one of two listed sailings. Disney may have some pull in negotiating the crowds

 

[thestewarts]

I emailed the palace to see if there were discounts for kids if 15 adults bought tickets. I'll post their response. Kelly.

Hi Kelly

We might be interested depending on the details.

 

[rounderjd]

I found this on the doge's web page. I thought I'd pass it along.



SPECIAL OPENINGS OF THE DOGE’S PALACE

It’s possibile to visit the Doge’s Palace after the closing time, sending a request at least 5 working days before the desired data, to verify the availability for an extraordinary opening of the museum.

Conditions and costs: purchase of at least 15 tickets of 55,00 euros

Excellent find -- thanks for sharing. After closing time might be a bit late but it would be a neat experience. I'm curious whether they are available to do this on the night we're in Venice or if DCL is still in the process of trying to arrange something itself!

 

[rounderjd]

Does anyone know how far/difficult/expensive it is to get from the ship to the main touristy areas of Venice (and back)? The port adventure descriptions make it sound like a bit of a hassle, but I'm not at all familiar with the area and am curious as to whether it's practical to do some things on our own throughout the time we're there.

 

[Kellycanada]

Does anyone know how far/difficult/expensive it is to get from the ship to the main touristy areas of Venice (and back)? The port adventure descriptions make it sound like a bit of a hassle, but I'm not at all familiar with the area and am curious as to whether it's practical to do some things on our own throughout the time we're there.

I found this on Cruise Critic:

From the cruise ports: With luck, your ship will offer a complimentary water shuttle between the port facility of Venezia Terminal Passeggeri and San Marco, but if not, there are two options. Alilaguna offers water bus service from Stationze Marittima, direct from the end of the port (in front of the terminal) to San Marco. It costs about 8 euro one way or 15 roundtrip and takes about 15 minutes. Boats are scheduled every 20 minutes or so.

Another option if your ship doesn't provide a water shuttle to San Marco is to walk to the relatively new People Mover (about a 15-minute hike) that's adjacent to the port; it will take you to Piazzle Roma for about 1 euro, a major hub for water taxis and the vaportetti. Here you can get an ACTV water bus (cross the square towards a steeply-arched pedestrian bridge), which costs about 8 euro and is valid for an hour, so you can hop on and off the water buses if you want to get beyond San Marco. If you plan a lot of water bus travel, a 12-hour pass costs about 18 euro.

Tickets must be validated on all public transport. Hold the ticket against the card reader at the entrance to the bust stop.

If you're docked at San Basilio, you'll need to either take a complimentary ship shuttle (if one is offered) or hop on a port waterbus; there's a stop just outside the port gates. The charge for one-way drop-off at San Marco is about the same as you'd pay for a vaporetto ride, but you get a nonstop trip. Expect the ride to be about 20 to 30 minutes long.

Speaking of the vaporetti, Venice's fabulous public transportation system, the water buses run every 10 to 15 minutes and go just about everywhere. The cost is about 7 euro per ride, depending on where you go. If you plan to use public transportation several times, consider buying a one-day Venice Card. (there are also options for people staying for more than one day.) I bought a 48-hour pass for 28 euro on one visit and a 24-hour pass for 20 euro on another, and got my money's worth. You can buy in advance here: www.venicecard.com, or purchase a card at any ticket office (like the one at Piazzale Roma) or at shops that sell sundries. Prepare to pay cash. You can also purchase the pass onboard.

You can also hire a water taxi from the port, but it's pretty expensive; expect to pay around 60 euro to get from San Marco Square to your ship.

It's about a 25-minute stroll to San Marco, if you decide to walk. There are plenty of interesting places to stop along the way and it's pleasant and safe to walk back to the ship at night.

 

[jkk]

We are so excited! There are 4 of us: me, DH, DD(17), DD(12)

Celebrating our 20 year anniversary and enjoying an amazing family adventure before the craziness of Senior Year and getting ready for college!

 

[K8T]

Hi

Not been around for a bit, lots happening in my life, made redundant, retraining and got a new puppy, that then got very sick! Not sure which of those has been most stressful, but getting back to reality now!

For those at the Novotel, we stayed here twice before on DCL cruises, it is out of the main city, but only a very short - probably no more than 5 mins. Walk To the Metro, which is a few stops into Placa Catalyuna. At the top of Las Ramblas.

There is a shopping centre with a good supermarket over the road. Location is in the business part of the city and is safe, but I wouldn't do the metro late at night, say after 10pm, as it goes quiet. The hotel is large and modern, but the second time we stayed the rooms were a little tired. The rooftop pool area is nice, with a bar, but the pool was freezing. It closed at 6, which was no use to us, coming back from a day in town. However, it is a perfectly good hotel for the money.

Taxi from the airport was around 35 euros for three of us, but I will check that, we also got together with others on the meet thread who were staying there, to book a minibus to the ship.

Last time we stayed at AC diplomat, now the Marriott, which was really convenient to town, but their prices have doubled, so not sure what we are doing now, keeping looking!

Venice, is walkable, you can walk from the ship, which is an interesting walk, all flat! Usually there is a shuttle bus laid on for a few euros, don't feel pressured to doing an excursion, because Venice is one of the easiest places to get around. The vaporetti, are easy and cheap to use, just walking is an experience. Not easy with a pushchair, as we found out, going up and down Ll the little bridges, but doable.

We have done all the stops before, on various cruises in the past, so if you want to know anything, please ask. We nearly always DIY!

Thanks for doing the FE, I have done them in the past and appreciate the work involved. I will Pm you with details, but it would be useful to have it posted on the boards, to help with keeping track of numbers and ages.

Back soon.