4/10/2010 eb ta "bound for barcelona"

[bound2travel]

Ok, here is the updated list I have for Palo. We still have 3 spots. Please let me know asap if you want to join us.

1. Kristi
2. Linda
3. Lynne
4. Steve
5. Donna
6. Adi
7. Jennifer
8. Dennis
9. Beth
10. John
11. Dorothy (Dot)


Kristi

 

[susanowen27]

I thought I'd look into the Purex 3 in 1's for the HE washers. Here is a link to the reviews. http://www.amomsreview.com/2009/07/07/purex-complete-3-in-1-laundry-detergent-sheets/ I'm a little nervous about using them now! Any one here used them before? I'd hate to have all my clothes stained while I'm on vacation. I might just have to buy all new clothes in Europe! I knew I'd find that silver lining in there somewhere!

Thanks so much for the link. It's not worth the risk to me, anyone who hasn't tried the sheets should check out the reviews before you make that decision. In the past I've just brought baggies with powder detergent premeasured.

 

[bound2travel]

I thought I'd look into the Purex 3 in 1's for the HE washers. Here is a link to the reviews. http://www.amomsreview.com/2009/07/07/purex-complete-3-in-1-laundry-detergent-sheets/ I'm a little nervous about using them now! Any one here used them before? I'd hate to have all my clothes stained while I'm on vacation. I might just have to buy all new clothes in Europe! I knew I'd find that silver lining in there somewhere!

Could'nt you have posted this on Saturday? I bought a box on Sunday. Thankfully, I haven't opened the box yet so I can see if my store will take it back.

Some stores that carry "travel size" stuff, have little packets of Tide for about $1. It's the liquid and I don't know if it is for the HE or not. I'll have to do some checking.

I can't do the powder as that is when I really have a problem with detergents!

Kristi

 

[kumquat88]

I received the following response from Gibraltar Tours http://www.gibraltartours.org/

I do *NOT* have any personal experience with this tour group and I honestly don't know if someone on this board recommended them or if I found them by searching the internet.

I am a little concern that 1 1/2 or 2 1/2 hours would not give enough time to truly explore and enjoy the sights.

I have have been talking to them back and forth and we have now officially booked 2 vans with them on there 2 1/2 tour. We are 3 families with kids and they reassured us it was more than enough time to see everything. they also reassured me they do not rush you through it. If you need a little extra they will accomendate.
This tour is a fraction of the cost of the DCL tours, which I think the DCL tours are extortion (shame on them).

Thanks both for your input on this topic. I've pretty much decided not to go with the Disney excursion and look to book a local alternative. 2.5 hours isn't enough time, I would think, but I'm sure they will be somewhat flexible. Thank you!

 

[KrisannB]

Are we sure that the purex sheets work in high-effeciency washers? There is not very much water to activate them?

I have a HE washer (it actualy washes and dries) and use them most of the time and have not had any trouble. Took them on my cruise in October and used them on the ship for about 5 loads and had not trouble with them then either.

Krisann

 

[kumquat88]

I have have been talking to them back and forth and we have now officially booked 2 vans with them on there 2 1/2 tour. We are 3 families with kids and they reassured us it was more than enough time to see everything. they also reassured me they do not rush you through it. If you need a little extra they will accomendate.
This tour is a fraction of the cost of the DCL tours, which I think the DCL tours are extortion (shame on them).

Alex

Alex - Did you negotiate a per person cost? Or by vehicle? Did they give you a price break on the kids?

Thanks!

 

[Michelle2]

Does anyone know if you can renew your passport online? My DH need to renew his passport since it expires in June or July 2010.
Nevermind, found it online.

 

[Brooklyn]

Does anyone know if you can renew your passport online? My DH need to renew his passport since it expires in June or July 2010.
Nevermind, found it online.

Mine expires in Oct so I have to get a new one. I just sent mine in last week. I am just happy I did not have to go through the process that we have to go through with the kids.

Oh yeah, and the prices went up since last year!

 

[dee47]

QOTD: Have you ever eaten lobster? Will you partake of it if it is on one of our special dinners?

I'm allergic to it so no, no lobster dinners for me, unless there is an alternate choice that won't kill me

 

[realfam]

Alex - Did you negotiate a per person cost? Or by vehicle? Did they give you a price break on the kids?

Thanks!

I'm just going by memory, but I believe we are paying 35euros per person. The 2 year old is free and all of the other kids are teens, so they were full price. We are a total of 11 people in 3 families and they are giving us two 8 passenger vans so that were not over crowded. They are also picking us up right at the ship. I thought the price was reasonable and everything is taken care of for you.

 

[Michelle2]

Mine expires in Oct so I have to get a new one. I just sent mine in last week. I am just happy I did not have to go through the process that we have to go through with the kids.

Oh yeah, and the prices went up since last year!

I remember that! There were a few of you that I didn't think would get it in time!

 

[joius24]

Love this packing list. I think it is great bc you can create it online, or print a PDF or personalize the Word version....

Packing List

Brooklyn...Nice Packing list...had one.... but Like yours MUCH better - Thanks!

I just realized...I will be missing two weeks of LOST - the final season!!!!
OK a Disney cruise IS better ...but I will mourn slightly .. (LOST is on ABC....maybe they will play it on the ship )

 

[thossink]

Just to make sure we cover all the bases.

 

[bound2travel]

Alex - Did you negotiate a per person cost? Or by vehicle? Did they give you a price break on the kids?

Thanks!

My group is also booked with this company. They quote by the person and the van holds 8.

Kristi

 

[bound2travel]

I know I saw somewhere the listing of what each night is (theme wise). Why can't I find it when I'm looking for it?

Kristi

 

[kumquat88]

I'm just going by memory, but I believe we are paying 35euros per person. The 2 year old is free and all of the other kids are teens, so they were full price. We are a total of 11 people in 3 families and they are giving us two 8 passenger vans so that were not over crowded. They are also picking us up right at the ship. I thought the price was reasonable and everything is taken care of for you.

So, that's about $50 USD pp. Hmm...even for my 2 little ones (ages 5 and 7), that's still a better price than Disney's excursion. Thanks much! I'll inquire with them.

 

[sdlong329]

This tour is a fraction of the cost of the DCL tours, which I think the DCL tours are extortion (shame on them).

Alex - £35 equates to about $50 US, and I believe DCL is at $65. Personally, I do not mind the extra cost per person (though there is only two in our party). I do not begrudge anyone making a profit for their time, energy and efforts, and DCL knows where to find us, should there be ANY issues. If we disappear, and are never heard from again, DCL knows where to send the search parties.

I like that we did not have to spend any time researching a 3rd party tour company. In addition, if there are ANY issues, we have a much better chance at getting refunds or credits. Last year, we had a DCL excursion from Tortola to Jost VanDyke Island. The vendor did not put out the water activities at the proper time (water slide & bounce). When we returned to the ship, we had a notice in our stateroom indicting we were being provided a $15 credit.

Hopefully, all excursions will go as planned - without incidents, and all will be happy.

 

[TheCruisers]

Finally made it past the 75 day mark.

Booked:
- Seville on your own
- Montserrat 1/2 day
- Pedicure
- Dinner at Palo's
- Private tour in Madeira
- Private tour in Gibraltar

Only thing I couldn't get was my 1/2 body massage Full massage was only available at dinner time. Hopefully I can book while on board.

We also wanted to do a Barcelona excursion on April 24, since we are B2B. I guess they don't offer excursions on disembarkation / embarkation days.

 

[Dishy24]

This is the list I have for the Palo Dinner. If it is not correct, please pm me.

1. Linda (stlkeeler)

2.Lynne (auntlynne)

3.Steven (sdlong329)

4.Donna (sdlong329)

5.Dee (Dee47)

6.Kristi - bound2travel

7. Tricia (Dishy24)

8. Pat (Dishy24)

9. Mike (Dishy24)

10. mommyto3princesses

11. mommyto3princesses DH


Alternates:


Sandra (goofprincess)

Tony (goofprincess)

Jennifer dennisgirl

Dennis dennisgirl


Note: Sandra and Tony are you still interested in joining us?

Hi,
I had sent a PM to the last person organizing this to remove me & my parents from this (Tricia, pat & Mike)... now that Dh is coming, we have decided to do Palo one evening on owr own. Thanks!

 

[KrisannB]

Brooklyn...Nice Packing list...had one.... but Like yours MUCH better - Thanks!

I just realized...I will be missing two weeks of LOST - the final season!!!!
OK a Disney cruise IS better ...but I will mourn slightly .. (LOST is on ABC....maybe they will play it on the ship )

I think they show it on the ship - don't watch it myself just never got the show.

Alex - £35 equates to about $50 US, and I believe DCL is at $65. Personally, I do not mind the extra cost per person (though there is only two in our party). I do not begrudge anyone making a profit for their time, energy and efforts, and DCL knows where to find us, should there be ANY issues. If we disappear, and are never heard from again, DCL knows where to send the search parties.

I like that we did not have to spend any time researching a 3rd party tour company. In addition, if there are ANY issues, we have a much better chance at getting refunds or credits. Last year, we had a DCL excursion from Tortola to Jost VanDyke Island. The vendor did not put out the water activities at the proper time (water slide & bounce). When we returned to the ship, we had a notice in our stateroom indicting we were being provided a $15 credit.

Hopefully, all excursions will go as planned - without incidents, and all will be happy.

I agree with you - I have watched too many utube videos showing the cruise ship leaving without someone to chance it with going on a private tour. I know others have success but if it goes wrong it would go wrong for me so I consider the extra to go on a Disney excursion "insurance". Of course that being said we have only gone on ONE excursion at a port in our 4 cruises (had another scheduled on the PC WB but got cancelled because of how cold it was that day). We go for the "ship" ad not the ports - we like seeing the ports from the ship and enjoy the empty ship.

That is just us . . . .