Med Cruisers...Let's Discuss Planning!(Updated Tour Info, Links & BCN Info on Page 1)

[linetbo]

We have renewed our passports a year early in the past just so we would not forget. It is one aspect of the government that works pretty well IMO. I believe kids get their renewal every 5 yrs. we have sailed a number of times to the Med.and twice with Disney and Disney is a great choice for they really take care of the logistics better than most.

Thanks

 

[magicbegins]

Hi, we are planning to do August 2014 Mediterranean Cruise.

We've already made the Bahamanian and the Caribbean Disney Cruises. My doubt is that in that trips our kids (9, 11 and 12) stayed onboard part of each port day (3 or 4 hours) because they prefered to stay on onboard instead of going out to walk and sweat.
In this case, we see that DCL excursions can last 10 hours, so we dont dare to leave them in the cruise so long time, though they want it, they really enjoy the clubs/lab.
What is your advice? Maybe excursions on my own take less time. But taking Disney excursions makes me sure that if something'd happen they contact to the guide or driver... I don't know what to do!!!
All advice is welcome!

 

[Crackleandpop]

We did the med last August and plan to do it again in August 2014. We went to Pisa, Rome and Pompeii last time, mainly as they were only half day trips. My DS came with me, he was seven at the time, and while he enjoyed some aspects of the trips, they are very travel intensive.

Pompeii is only 30 minutes from the port so in an emergency you could get back fairly quickly and half a day is long enough to see the main sights. We were gone around 4.5 hours. It is a very exposed site. Pisa is about an hour from the port and lots of people I met were taking a train independently so again you could get back. It is very doable independently so maybe not be too much of a problem to do with the kids. Rome was a good 90-120 minutes by coach and the sights are scattered so that maybe slightly more difficult getting back quickly if you needed to. We didn't get off in Villefranche but the train station is near the station and you could go to nice or Monaco easily and probably do either in half a day. We are planning to go there and do the land train, and visit Florence next time. We may also walk into Naples as it really is right where the port is.

Not sure if this helps or not. I would never do three ports/ excursions in a row again with DS and I'm not sure I would feel comfortable leaving him on board.

 

[debsters41]

Do a half day excursion on your own each day with the kids. You wouldn't be able to do the 10 hour ones anyway, since either the kids would be miserable or you would be with worry. Doing half day excursions on your own ensures that you have memorable experiences (together )and still make it back in plenty of time for kids clubs and relaxation. For example: Villefranche, take the train to Monaco or Nice. (aquarium in Monaco maybe? Watch a film which shows the Casino square?) We went to Monaco, walked around a bit, saw the Cathedral and outside the Casino area and after getting off the train in VF returned to the tender dock via rue obscure. It was out of the sun and may be interesting for the kids if you tell them what it was used for, etc. We were back onboard at 230. In La Spezia, do Pisa. Easy and they will love it. In Rome, just see the Colosseum and maybe get some gelato. I walked everywhere with my active daughter and we left the inactive father and other daughter on the boat. We left Rome on the 2:34 train and were back on the boat before 4:30 (we waited a while for the port bus for some reason). Naples, do Pompeii and go back to Naples, walk around there or go to Capri instead of Pompeii. That is my advice in order to enjoy the ports and your cruise and your time together as well. Sometimes less is more.

Of course, opinions differ

 

[Celestine]

We did all ports on our own except Herculaneum which we did with DCL as it was a family treasure hunt, but to be honest a waste of money. My youngest is 8 and didn't go to Rome, she had a day on the ship with her dad. We did Monaco and were back about 1pm, Pisa, back by about 2pm, Venice we caught the shuttle to St Mark's and walked back & arrived for lunch. In Dubrovnimk & MAlta we went DIY so could control timings etc. We never felt short changed or that we had missed out. You know your family best and I guess alot depends upon how much you are comfortable doing DIY

Celestine

 

[texasgirl29]

We did the Med in August of this year.

We had a private tour in Villafranche, DIY in Pisa, and Can't Be Missed Tours of Rome and Pompeii/Amalfi Coast.

Here's my advice:
You and the kids can tender to Villafranche and walk around the area as it is right there, wouldn't take you very long.

We tendered to LaSpezia, walked a mile to the train station, took the train to Pisa, walked another mile or so to the tower. It look us most of the day and it was very hot. You could probably do it in half a day with a private tour company. I think the kids would really appreciate seeing the tower.

Rome was a LLLLOOONNNNNG day. Unless your kids are really history minded, let them have their fun on the ship and you take a Disney tour to assure you make it back in time.

Amalfi Coast and Pompeii was another all day tour for us. If you think your kids would appreciate Pompeii, take a private tour for half a day.

It's a shame to go all the way to the Med and not see all the incredible icons of history and culture! BTW, our girls are 13 and 16.

JoAnn

 

[texasgirl29]

If you're planning a trip that includes pre- or post-visits to Barcelona (and you definitely should!), I suggest you "like" Runner Bean Tours on Facebook (and on their website http://www.runnerbeantours.com/ ). They provide walking tours of Barcelona, "free" -- pay what you wish at the end of the tour.

Today they posted a very short movie, a day in the life of Barcelona. I saw so many of the sights from our trip.

http://vimeo.com/user3966540/vimeocombcnmotiontimelapse

 

[ldo]

having taken our kids or same ages 2X on European cruises, here's what I found worked the best: pick and choose special things for them to see/do--whether DIY, private tour or DCL tour. Also, at these ages, iconic things are remembered--such as climbing Leaning Tower of Pisa vs. "walking around seeing old buildings and old churches in Florence." We did both on different trips--Pisa was bigger hit--and they remembered it, as opposed to Florence, which they did not. There is also a very good church to see at Pisa, and a fun slushi/gelato type cafe right behind the Tower. Nice for sitting and cooling off.
I made DIY secret agent-type scavenger hunts for each port--pretty easy with a basic tour book--count how many steps at XX, try 2 different gelatos, find the secret back staircase in the church, find the clock tower at X, find the most expensive watch/bracelet/necklace at X. Buy a (insert classic souvenir from the area). My kids liked those a lot.
Please take your kids to Pompeii---they will/have learn about it in school--it's so educational--and an easy 1/2 day. Best tip--Get the illustrated book that has the cardboard flip overs that shows what it looked like prior to eruption, and then what it like now. They have them right at the gift shop in the port, a well as in the airports. They also have one for Colo in Rome. With the book, there is no need for a guide. You can also download Rick Steves. you can surf the web for DIY step-by-step--this is a VERY easy DIY port-and kids under 18 are now free at Pompeii! IF you DIY, you can also easily pop by Herculeum, as it is on the way back--we did it adults only , but kids were too pooped, so just Pompeii with them.
I think a long day, even 10 hours, spaced with stay on the ship day is fine for these ages--we did it--but only for really important things.
Lastly, don't hesitate to let them pick a day to stay on the boat. They are in safe hands. My kids stayed on the boat in S. France, as long day was right before. have fun! Elaine

 

[PrincessKerry]

Love this thread - can't wait to read through all of the information. We are booked on the August 23rd 2014 Med Cruise - our first Disney Cruise - very excited!

 

[LyndaC]

Great resource, thanks,

 

[Chirple]

We are taking one of the Med cruises this summer, and I have a few questions about air travel planning. I have been checking nearly every day since we booked this trip and have not found the prices dropping so we will just have to bite the bullet.

We are two adults leaving from one of the NYC-area airports and arriving into/departing from Barcelona.

Q1: Was your flight non-stop? If so, what time did your flight depart Barcelona? We purchased the DCL transfers and one night pre-stay, and I saw on a trip report that they will not schedule you unless your flight is after 11 am. The non-stop flights available to us leave between 10:00 am and 10:45 am.

Q2: If you had connecting flights, did you change airlines? If so, how much of a hassle was it to collect your bags and go through customs at your first stop? Virgin Atlantic’s website states that bags have to be picked up and then checked again at the connecting airline (British Airways) if we chose them.

Q3: How much time did you allow between the flights? I’m hoping that anything over 3 hours will be fine. Some are showing 6+ hours, which I would hope be a safe cushion if you are changing airlines.

Q4: Did you book directly through an airline’s website or use a website like Kayak or Priceline? Using my example in Q3, the price of the Virgin Atlantic flight was $400 more per person on their own website compared to what I saw on Kayak for the same flights, same seats (economy).

Any feedback is appreciated!

 

[texasgirl29]

We were on the August 2013 sailing out of Barcelona, and flew from Dallas so our experience may not be the same as yours.

Our plane leaving Dallas on was about an hour late due to the cooling system not working while the plane was on the ground (American). That put us late coming into our connecting flight in Madrid. Getting around the airport in Madrid was a nightmare -- it's a labyrinth. When we got to the gate, it was closed. We had to find someone to help us, found out our gate had actually changed and we hustled to get on it before they closed the door. Our flight to Barcelona was on Iberia airlines.

When we left Barcelona, we flew on British Airways to Heathrow, then Heathrow to Dallas on American. There was not a long wait between -- just enough to find Starbucks in the airport. Long flight.

If you can do it at all, I really recommend staying in Barcelona a few days. There is so much to see! We stayed three nights before and two nights after the cruise.

 

[Amunet]

We are taking one of the Med cruises this summer, and I have a few questions about air travel planning. I have been checking nearly every day since we booked this trip and have not found the prices dropping so we will just have to bite the bullet.

Q4: Did you book directly through an airline’s website or use a website like Kayak or Priceline? Using my example in Q3, the price of the Virgin Atlantic flight was $400 more per person on their own website compared to what I saw on Kayak for the same flights, same seats (economy).

Any feedback is appreciated!

If I may; I work for a major American airline as a reservation agent and know a few tidbits that might help
Prices rarely (and I mean like .01%) go down. There may be promotions but once a price is set, it usually stays that way. The prices don't go up per say, in the sense of 1 ticket with the price changing, but there are multiple types of tickets all with different restrictions and prices. All tickets start with very low fares with high restrictions. Of course those sell out first because it is the best price. As the flight date gets closer the high restriction (cheaper) tickets are no longer available because 1) You must buy the cheap tickets before so many dates before departure, as per the rules/restrictions and 2) People buy those faster so they may just be sold out.
So, what remains are the higher prices, less restrictive tickets.
To sum up: Buy tickets early, you will get cheaper prices ... unless there is a promotion going on

As for booking through Kayak/Priceline ...
Beware that most online sites have special prices that airlines cannot match and, on some (think the Priceline name your own price ticket), the airline CANNOT TOUCH YOUR TICKET to change. At all. Only the issuing travel agency can.
If you don't have one of those tickets, just keep in mind that if anything DOES happen to your flight (cancellations, mechanical, delays, wanting to change your flights), can be met with extra fees by the airline if you try to change your flight with them. With cancellations, it's just more of a headache and more time.
Though, I have to agree and understand why people choose the agency companies to book with ... much better on the wallet, but not better for sanity if things go wrong.

Just some info, take how you will! But I do hope it helps you

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

Our flight was non stop from Philly on US Airways. They were great with a huge jumbo jet (2 aisles) & touch screens on each headrest with movies games jukebox flight tracking etc
Our flight home was at 10:45M so we hired a private car service, Barcelona Day Tours, but while waiting for our ride we saw more than one DCL bus leave with a BCN sign in the front windshield. We had plenty of time to get through security but my bp was randomly flagged for additional screening so instead of relaxing at the gate with my family I was held in a separate room for an hour with around 10 others. We still made the flight on time but it was stressful.
We requested a 7:30M pick up but could have easily done a 7:00 am. Luggage was set out in the terminal during wee hours.

Hth

 

[Chirple]

Our flight was non stop from Philly on US Airways. They were great with a huge jumbo jet (2 aisles) & touch screens on each headrest with movies games jukebox flight tracking etc
Our flight home was at 10:45M so we hired a private car service, Barcelona Day Tours, but while waiting for our ride we saw more than one DCL bus leave with a BCN sign in the front windshield. We had plenty of time to get through security but my bp was randomly flagged for additional screening so instead of relaxing at the gate with my family I was held in a separate room for an hour with around 10 others. We still made the flight on time but it was stressful.
We requested a 7:30M pick up but could have easily done a 7:00 am. Luggage was set out in the terminal during wee hours.

Hth

I ready your trip report, and your experience was challenging to say the least.

Thanks for all of the input. We always purchase tickets directly through the airlines. I'm thinking we might go through Heathrow with the extra time in between flights. The ticket prices, even from our area to FL in the "off" season, are expensive lately.

We are on one of the 12-night cruises so we don't really have the extra time to tack on to our trip. I have heard Barcelona is beautiful so hopefully we will be able to get back there to experience it.

 

[dpuck1998]

Just a little advice that may or may not help. I've been hitting it hard looking all over for better ticket prices. I ended up booking out of Toronto and saved over 700 per ticket! We are closer to Detroit, but after seeing tickets that left out of Detroit and through Canada I expanded my search and found cheap tickets in Toronto. Its a 5 hour drive but for almost 4000 bucks I'll drive 5 hours.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

Just a little advice that may or may not help. I've been hitting it hard looking all over for better ticket prices. I ended up booking out of Toronto and saved over 700 per ticket! We are closer to Detroit, but after seeing tickets that left out of Detroit and through Canada I expanded my search and found cheap tickets in Toronto. Its a 5 hour drive but for almost 4000 bucks I'll drive 5 hours.

Wow thats a huge savings. I would drive 5 hours for a lot less savings.

 

[Chirple]

Just a little advice that may or may not help. I've been hitting it hard looking all over for better ticket prices. I ended up booking out of Toronto and saved over 700 per ticket! We are closer to Detroit, but after seeing tickets that left out of Detroit and through Canada I expanded my search and found cheap tickets in Toronto. Its a 5 hour drive but for almost 4000 bucks I'll drive 5 hours.

After my last post I checked Air Canada's flights. Still a bit more than for what I was hoping but far less than the other airlines.

 

[dpuck1998]

After my last post I checked Air Canada's flights. Still a bit more than for what I was hoping but far less than the other airlines.

I ended up booking on lufthansas website but my return flight is nonstop on air Canada.

 

[ranidayz]

Have there not been 9-night Ned trips before? I don't see trip reports on the first page. Thanks.