08/08/07 Well, Olbia Monkey's Uncle! We're cruisin' on the 10nt Med Cruise!

[scrapycruiser]

Nordkin...thats great news that your Mother will be able to make the cruise ! I know how you feel...My Mother and I have been on 3 cruises since her lung cancer surgery in'04. She will be 80 this Aug and says she's not up to traveling anymore. I will ALWAYS treasure those memories of just the two of us on our cruises ! That's what life is about...MAKING MEMORIES !! GINA

 

[scrapycruiser]

Just wondering.... after reading these blogs, I get the impression that they are exhausted by the rigorous schedule. Also, it seems that there's not much time to enjoy the ship. I've always said the ports are priority on this cruise.But am I trying to do too much? So much so that everything's going to be a big blur once I get home. Will we be too tired to enjoy the evening activities. Will my Grandson have time to enjoy all the neat "Med-themed" activities in the club ?

But even if I wanted to lighten our schedule ,I wouldn't know how.

OK, sorry to be a part pooper. I REALLY am very excited about this cruise ?

 

[corinnak]

Please count me (and my partner in crime, astroth) in for the gift exchange. It sounds like a fun thing to do. Thanks for organizing, Donna!

We have a Palo reservation for embarkation day - 6:30? Did anyone else read about booking a group party room that is only available when you get on the ship? I am such a novice - I just read about it on another trip report.

I would love to do the tea. My boys love tea parties, if you can believe it.

As to the question of Tuxes.....I am in favor of them and the on-ship rental seems like it would make it so easy, but I guess my DH is thinking he just wants to wear his suit. Not ultimately up to me, of course. My oldest son is quite a clotheshorse - I bet he would get a kick out of wearing a tux. My youngest son......we're lucky if he agreeably puts on normal clothes and keeps them on.

Can you feel August getting closer?

 

[UMTerp]

Nordkin - I'm glad to hear your DM can travel with you! Hope she has a wonderful birthday cruise!!!

My DH and DS will wear suits on formal night. No tuxes.

I talked to a friend who went on the 11-night cruise and they were exhausted. She said to rest up now!

Have a great weekend everyone!

UMTerp

 

[JeanieP]

Nordkin -- thank you for all of your efforts at updating the list for the exchange -- you are AWESOME. I am glad your mother can cruise with us, what a great time you will both have and fabulous memories, too.

Scrappycruiser -- you crack me up. I love your posts. Yes, I too am concerned about doing too much. I have been to Europe before, and I must admit, I run a pretty militant schedule and always end up exhausted and sick. Everything ends up being a blur for me, and I have often treated my vacations as a "check-off" list (literally, I have drawn up lists and checked things off). Therefore, I have shown MUCH restraint this time to the surprise and delight of my DH who is TRULY shocked that I haven't planned more sun up till sun down activities.

I feel your conflict regarding how to plan your port days. Everyone will have an opinion on how much you should do, or what are the "must sees" of Europe. In the end, you really have to be honest with yourself -- are you the type of traveler who will feel guilty if you don't attempt to see everything? If so, maybe go all out and try to do everything, you can always taper off towards the end of the cruise. Or, sit down and ask yourself which ports you want to hit hard, and then scale back the other ports (try half-days, visiting a beach or self explore, if possible). It is all a trade off in the end, and like raising children, you will always wonder if you could have done something a little differently. Smile!

By the way, why does it seem like our board is mostly ladies chatting lately -- we are the planners, aren't we?! My DH would be perfectly content to just show up and try to figure things out as he goes -- never asking for help, and certainly never asking for directions! We would likely end up on a different ship! So CHEERS to you ladies, the keeper of the dreams and the makers of the wishes!

 

[jillnan]

By the way, why does it seem like our board is mostly ladies chatting lately -- we are the planners, aren't we?! My DH would be perfectly content to just show up and try to figure things out as he goes -- never asking for help, and certainly never asking for directions! We would likely end up on a different ship! So CHEERS to you ladies, the keeper of the dreams and the makers of the wishes!

You are so right. For the years we've been married, all vacation planning falls in my lap. However, I wouldn't have it any other way.

 

[Vailcruiser]

Thank you Nordkin - how wonderful to have such great information! Glad to hear about your mom - life is too short not to live it to it's fullest! These are the greatest gifts you can give one another - memories!!

Too funny about the excursions and planning Yes, ladies seem to be the planners. Between researching and reading blogs on this cruise, it has become a part time job.

Found someone in one of the senators office to help expedite my passport, will speak with him on Monday.

 

[Vailcruiser]

You are so right. For the years we've been married, all vacation planning falls in my lap. However, I wouldn't have it any other way.

I agree. Although this is his trip, believe it or not!

 

[JeanieP]

Vailcruiser -- There was a big article on the passport problems facing many Americans this summer in my local newspaper. If you were one of the thousands of Americans who paid for expedited service and did not receive your passport within the promised time, you are entitled to a refund. The government is not advertising that they are refunding folks, but they will refund if you send them a letter, and personal information. There may be information on the passport website, but one senator was quoted as saying that the passport agency has ruined thousands of vacations this summer because folks relied on the expedited service. Also, good thing you have contacted your local representative, the article also stressed the importance of doing this if you are running close to your vacation deadline. Sounds like they are trying to get to folks traveling to Europe first, because they will accept the Passport application if you are traveling to Canada or Mexico. Don't get too nervous, you have several weeks and it shouldn't be too much longer! Hang in there, it will come!!

 

[jillnan]

Vailcruiser -- There was a big article on the passport problems facing many Americans this summer in my local newspaper. If you were one of the thousands of Americans who paid for expedited service and did not receive your passport within the promised time, you are entitled to a refund. QUOTE]


Now I am starting to get nervous...I begged and begged my husband to renew his passport for months. He finally did so, however, just a few weeks back. He said don't worry, he chose expedited service. After reading all these posts, at least know who to contact when our sail date gets closer. Wish me luck....Although, I have already started thinking...what if it doesn't arrive. Do my girls and I take the trip without him? yikes!

 

[CluelessSanFran]

Here is the list in the order of posting:
J&B Disney - Jackie,Bryan room 7124
Gupsmom - Jess, DH, DS10, DD8, DD7, DM, DF early seating
Dalt Wisney - DH, DD5
UMTerp - Brenda, DH Jim, DS12, DD9, room 2034 early seating,Arriving Barcelona 8/7, Hispanos 7 Suiza Apartment
WendyO - Wendy, DH, DD5, DS2, DM, DDad, DMIL, DFIL late seating
JamesF408 - DW room 2072 late seating
Perdita&Pongo - Nancy, DH David, DD10, DD4, DH'sGrandmother,DH's Aunt rooms 6112 and 6114, early seating, Arriving Barcelona 8/7 Hotel- NH Duc de la Victoria
DisneyAnn&Dan - DH, DD13, DD10, DS9, DS7, DD5 late seating
hzj77hv -
jillnan - Jill, DH Bill, DD10, DD15 late seating, Stateroom 8518, Arriving Barcelona Aug 7, Grand Marina
Disney Pata - Joyce, DH? room 6566 early seating
Meg'n'Walt - Dagmar, Jos, DS Walt (turning 5 on 8/12), room 2068 late seating, Arriving Barcelona 8/6 Grand Marina Hotel
Disney AK Cup - DH, DSIL, DBIL, DFIL, DMIL
giggles 32181 - Keli, DH Marek, Friend Alysouns, room 2629, late seating, Arriving Barcelona 8/7 Hotel Antenea Mar
scrapycruiser - Gina, DH Bruce, DGS Jack (11), early seating, Arriving Barcelona 8/5, Hilton Diagonal Mar
Nordkin - Donna, DP Joi, DD Alessa(22), DM Katherine, 2 Cat 9 gty, late seating, Arriving Barcelona 8/5 Grand Marina Hotel
jrabbit -
pclare - Pauline, DH, DS13, DD8 stateroom 8532 DMIL, DD16, stateroom 7054
simonbg -
astroth DH/corinnak DW - DS8, DS4, DF, Late seating
catjammies -
contemp mj -
Belle2002 -
sharonrs50 - DH Joel, DS16 late seating
pharmacy01 -
zeets1 - DD16, DS13
Cinderella1001 - DH, DD14
momma4v3 - DH, DD11, DD10, DD9, stateroom 8062 DMIL, DFIL stateroom 8064
kugalbelle - DH, DD21, Cat 5 GTY
JeanieP - DH, DD6, DS4 Stateroom 2632
2Tinks - Elizabeth, DH Chuck, DD Nicole(7), Cat 6, late seating
mickg7dyd -
d3boyz- Deb, DH John, DS Jack(14), DS Will(12), DS Tom(10), Deck 6
ladyvet - Beth, DH Dan, DS Caleb(11), DD Ivey(9), Cat 5, early seating
Vailcruiser - Jocelyne, DH Chris, DD Mariah(7), arriving Barcelona Aug 7, Renaissance Hotel

If there are any additions or corrections, please let me know.

Where we are all staying in Barcelona
Grand Marina
Nordkin - arriving 8/5
jillnan -8/7
Meg'n'Walt - 8/6
Hilton Diagonal Mar
scrapycruiser - 8/5
Le Meridian Barcelona, Las Ramblas
JeanieP - 8/7
Hotel Antenea Mar
giggles_32181 - 8/7
Renaissance Hotel
Vailcruiser - 8/7
Hotel- NH Duc de la Victoria
Perdita&Pongo - 8/7
Hispanos 7 Suiza Apartment
UMTerp - 8/7
Hotel Avenida Palace
sharonrs50 - 8/7




Dis Meet: First Sea Day 1:30 Deck 10 Port Side, in case of rain Promenade Lounge

Formal Night August 9 - First Sea Day
Pirate Night August 15 - Marseille
Semi- Formal Night August 16 - Villefranche

Excursions:
Barcelona:
Panoramic Drive Through Barcelona
ladyvet - Beth, DH Dan, DS Caleb(11), DD Ivey(9)
kugalbelle- DH, DD21
zeets1 - DD16, DS13
Flamenco and Tapas
momma4v3 - DH, DD11, DD10, DD9, DMIL, DFIL

Palermo:
Erice and Segesta
astroth - DW,DS(8), DS(4), DF
Nordkin(Donna), DP Joi, DD Alessa(22) DM Katherine
A Day on the Farm
ladyvet - Beth, DH Dan, DS Caleb(11), DD Ivey(9)
Selinunte and Marinella Beach
Jeanie P - DH, DS, DD
jillnan - Jill, DH Bill, DD10, DD15
Palermo for Kids
scrapycruiser - Gina, DH Bruce, DGS Jack (11)
2Tinks - DH Chuck, DD Nicole(7)
Myterious Palermo
giggles 32181 - Keli, DH Marek
UMTerp - Brenda, DH Jim, DS12, DD9
zeets1 - DD16, DS13
Mondello Beach
kugalbelle- DH, DD21
Old City and Monreale
giggles 32181 Friend Alysoun
Village of Cefalu
momma4v3 - DH, DD11, DD10, DD9, DMIL, DFIL
sharonrs50 - DH Joel, DS16
On Their Own
Vailcruiser - Jocelyne, DH Chris, DD Mariah(7)

Naples:
The Hidden Treasures of Herculaneum
astroth - DW,DS(8), DS(4), DF
momma4v3 - DH, DD11, DD10, DD9, DMIL, DFIL
jillnan - Jill, DH Bill, DD10, DD15
Timeless Pompeii and the Flavor of Sorrento
Nordkin(Donna), DP Joi, DD Alessa(22) DM Katherine
ladyvet - Beth, DH Dan, DS Caleb(11), DD Ivey(9)
scrapycruiser - Gina, DH Bruce, DGS Jack(11)
Vailcruiser - Jocelyne, DH Chris, DD Mariah(7)
Pompeii, Sorrento, and Capri
giggles 32181 - Keli, DH Marek
Magnificent Naples
giggles 32181 Friend Alysoun
Pompeii, Sorrento, and Capri for Families
UMTerp - Brenda, DH Jim, DS12, DD9
Meg'n'Walt - Dagmar, Jos, DS Walt
Amalfi Coast drive and Pompeii
2Tinks - Elizabeth, DH Chuck, DD Nicole(7)
sharonrs50 - DH Joel, DS16
zeets1 - DD16, DS13
Italian Island and Beach Resort
kugalbelle- DH, DD21
On Their Own
Jeanie P - DH, DS, DD - Capri via Hydrofoil or local train to Herculaneum


Olbia:
Aggius and Ethnogaphic Museum
astroth - DW,DS(8), DS(4), DF
LaCinta Beach
Jeanie P - DH, DS, DD
scrapycruiser - Gina, DH Bruce, DGS Jack(11)
2Tinks - Elizabeth, DH Chuck, DD Nicole(7)
UMTerp - Brenda, DH Jim, DS12, DD9
jillnan - Jill, DH Bill, DD10, DD15
Train to Galleua
momma4v3 - DH, DD11, DD10, DD9, DMIL, DFIL
sharonrs50 - DH Joel, DS16
Jeep Safari
kugalbelle- DH, DD21

On Their Own
Vailcruiser - Jocelyne, DH Chris, DD Mariah(7)

Rome:
Etruscan Treasures
astroth - DW,DS(8), DS(4), DF
Highlights of Rome and Vatican Museums
Nordkin(Donna), DP Joi, DD Alessa(22) DM Katherine
Jumping Back Into Eternal Rome
ladyvet - Beth, DH Dan, DS Caleb(11), DD Ivey(9)
giggles 32181 - Keli, DH Marek, Friend Alysoun
UMTerp - Brenda, DH Jim, DS12, DD9
Meg'n'Walt - Dagmar, Jos, DS Walt
zeets1 - DD16, DS13
Ultimate Rome Experience
momma4v3 - DH, DD11, DD10, DD9, DMIL, DFIL
jillnan - Jill, DH Bill, DD10, DD15
Visit of the Vatican
2Tinks - Elizabeth, DH Chuck, DD Nicole(7)
Following in the Footsteps of Illuminati
kugalbelle- DH, DD21
Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St Peters Basilica
Vailcruiser - Jocelyne, DH Chris, DD Mariah(7)
VIP Vatican & Highlights of Rome
sharonrs50 - DH Joel, DS16

On Their Own
Jeanie P - DH via train
scrapycruiser - Gina, DH Bruce, DGS Jack(11)

La Spezia:
Lerici's Castle and Dinosaurs
astroth - DW,DS(8), DS(4), DF
Pisa
Nordkin(Donna), DP Joi, DD Alessa(22) DM Katherine
Meg'n'Walt - Dagmar, Jos, DS Walt
Florence on Your Own
scrapycruiser - Gina, DH Bruce, DGS Jack(11)
momma4v3 - DH, DD11, DD10, DD9, DMIL, DFIL
Porto Fino and Santa Margherita
ladyvet - Beth, DH Dan, DS Caleb(11), DD Ivey(9)
Florence and Pisa
giggles 32181 - Keli, DH Marek, Friend Alysoun
UMTerp - Brenda, DH Jim, DS12, DD9
zeets1 - DD16, DS13
Wine Tasting and Sarzana
kugalbelle- DH, DD21
Florence and Michelangelo
2tinks- Elizabeth, DH Chuck
sharonrs50 - DH Joel, DS16
On Their Own
Jeanie P - DH, DS, DD Cinque Terre via local train
Vailcruiser - Jocelyne, DH Chris, DD Mariah(7)

Marseille:
Marseille and the Historic Santons Figurines
astroth - DW,DS(8), DS(4)
Nordkin(Donna), DP Joi, DD Alessa(22) DM Katherine
Castellet and Bandol
astroth's DF
Castellet and Wine Tasting
Jeanie P - DH
Marseille City Tour
giggles 32181 - Keli, DH Marek, Friend Alysoun
2Tinks - Elizabeth, DH Chuck, DD Nicole(7)
Chateau Neuf Du Pape and Avignon
kugalbelle- DH, DD21
Soap and Marseille City
UMTerp - Brenda, DH Jim, DS12, DD9
Arles and the Oive Oil Mills of Les Baux
momma4v3 - DH, DD11, DD10, DD9, DMIL, DFIL
sharonrs50 - DH Joel, DS16
Calanques and Cassis
ladyvet - Beth, DH Dan, DS Caleb(11), DD Ivey(9)
zeets1 - DD16, DS13

On Their Own
scrapycruiser - Gina, DH Bruce, DGS Jack(11) -private guide - St Remy, Les Baux
Vailcruiser - Jocelyne, DH Chris, DD Mariah(7)

Villefranche:
Monaco, Monte Carlo, and Eze
astroth - DS(8), DF
jillnan - Jill, DH Bill, DD10, DD15
zeets1 - DD16, DS13
Highlights of Monaco and Monte Carlo including the Grand Casino
Nordkin(Donna), DP Joi, DD Alessa(22) DM Katherine
Nice and Eze with Wine and Cheese
ladyvet - Beth, DH Dan, DS Caleb(11), DD Ivey(9)
giggles 32181 - Keli, DH Marek, Friend Alysoun
Nice and Monaco
2Tinks - Elizabeth, DH Chuck
Scenic French Riviera
UMTerp - Brenda, DH Jim, DS12, DD9
Highlights of Monaco and Top Car Museum
Meg'n'Walt - Dagmar, Jos, DS Walt
Nice and Monaco and Evening Casino
kugalbelle- DH, DD21
Cannes, Grasse, and St Paul
momma4v3 - DH, DD11, DD10, DD9, DMIL, DFIL

On Their Own
Jeanie P - DH
scrapycruiser - Gina, DH Bruce, DGS Jack (11) via Taxi to Eze
Vailcruiser - Jocelyne, DH Chris, DD Mariah(7)

Gift Exchange Participants
Nordkin
scrapycruiser
giggles_32181
JeanieP
momma4v3
Vailcruiser
2Tinks
pclare
sharonrs50
jillnan



Donna

Please add us to your list. Sorry first time doing this. My wife yelled at me for being clueless hence the name. DH Robert, DW Lien, DD12, DS10.

 

[CluelessSanFran]

We are looking to do a private PISA trip. We are a family of four with two kids 12 and 10. Any suggestions out there? A.M. or P.M. How do we reserve tickets. Experts in Disney Caribbean but clueless in the Med.

 

[2Tinks]

I've given Elizabeth the night off!

Okay ladies, Elizabeth has been communicating with everyone but I've been there reading all the threads too, Nordkin - glad to hear your Mom will be able to join all of us on the trip and thank you for being the glue and keeping us all organized.

JeanineP yes being one of the guys, I will agree that we men would be lost without you women. I'm glad all of you are posting and keeping everyone up to date on what is needed, what we need to bring and of course the different blog sites and what's happening on the current cruises.

My hats off to all of you!

Chuck

 

[CluelessSanFran]

Hello Chuck,

We are also DVC members (Hilton Head, Boardwalk). There used to be a small party for DVC members on DCL where they gave out lots of Disney stuff like hats, pins, towels. I think the med cruise is no exception and I am looking foward to the party.

Robert

 

[nordkin]

CluelessSanFran. Glad to have you join our group.

Thank you everyone for the kind words about my mother being able to join us. I am sure we will make some wonderful memories on this trip.

I hope everyone with passport woes gets them resolved quickly so there is one less thing to worry about.

I am going to AAA today to get a Tip Packet for the trip. Which is:

AAA TipPaks*

Smaller denominations of foreign currency that are perfect for tipping. Members can purchase AAA TipPaks at any AAA Retail Office.

Something else I found on the AAA website that I found interesting and did not know:
Savings: Members receive a 25% Show Your Card & Save discount on foreign currency service fees at any Travelex retail location (formerly Thomas Cook), anywhere in the world.

I will update the list later today. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

Donna

 

[momma4v3]

We are looking to do a private PISA trip. We are a family of four with two kids 12 and 10. Any suggestions out there? A.M. or P.M. How do we reserve tickets. Experts in Disney Caribbean but clueless in the Med.

Clueless,

We are using florencetour.com for our private tour of Florence.
Try this dispage:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1184080
It lists private tours in all med ports. I have never personally used any of them but the ones I contacted and are using are quick to respond and helpful in setting up an itinerary.
We are doing private tours in Rome and Florence. We have 3 DDs 9, 10, and 11.

I hope this helps,
Linda

 

[2Tinks]

Hello Chuck,

We are also DVC members (Hilton Head, Boardwalk). There used to be a small party for DVC members on DCL where they gave out lots of Disney stuff like hats, pins, towels. I think the med cruise is no exception and I am looking foward to the party.

Robert

[/QUOTECluelessSanFran (Robert)

Glad to have you on board and thanks for the information, this is our first time on any Disney Cruise. Looking forward to meeting other DVC members (Saratoga Spring), plus all the wonderful folks that have been writting on this forum. I see this as the possibility of being one big party for the 10 days aboard the Magic.

Nordkin - Once again thanks for the information on the tippaks, always nice to have some foreign currency when traveling.

Chuck

 

[Meg'n'walt]

Let me see if I can explain this so everyone understands.

The gifts are should be very small token type items. We have received lifesavers with special wrappers, lollipops, small bottle of bubbles, pens, pencils, postcards, magnets, and many more things along these lines. Think Oriental Trading type things.

The way it will work is:
1. I will compile a list of everyone participating and their stateroom #.
2. I will post the list here with a cut off three weeks prior to the cruie to allow people time to get items.
3. It is up to you whether or not you want to get one gift per stateroom or per person. This depends largely on the gift.
4. I will assign days for individuals to distribute their gifts so it is spreadout over the course of the cruise. If your gift is something to use on the cruise, let me know and I will assign you one of the first days.

I hope this clears things up and if someone else would lke to coordinate this, I am fine with that.

Count us in for the gift exchange!

All the best with your mother's health, Donna!

Dagmar & Jos

 

[DisneyPata]

"Where we are all staying in Barcelona
Grand Marina?"

My husband's name is Rich - just wanted to make sure he really wanted to do 24 days on the Disney Ship, before I commited him. After taking him last summer with the family he would probably live on the ship like the rest of us would love to do.

We will be arriving on the 6th late - and staying at the Grand Marina.

Thank you for all the lists - now I'm really getting excited about our trip. I guess since I still work it is so hard to think to far in advance - but advance is now here.

Joyce

 

[nordkin]

Happy Father's Day
to all the Dads out there.
​