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

[Yvet]

We are planning to do Madeira on our own. Anyone else thinking of doing that too?

We are going to do also Madeira on our own.
We just stay in Funchal and go to Monte and just explore all the stuff there.
We also want to see the flower parade.

We are Category 11 with GTY still. Anyone know when we get a stateroom assigned?

From what i understand around 42 days before sailing is the normal time that they assign cabins to everybody.

 

[belle1627]

Does anyone know how to request a particular server? We really liked the one we had two cruises ago and know that he will be on board. We'd love to get him again!

Way to get that post count up!!

I requested my servers for this cruise that we had on our first cruise (Denival and Jonathon), they were so wonderful and Jonathon was so great with my kidlets. I asked my TA to add it to my reservation which she did. I would imagine if you are booked through DCL you could just call and make that request.

Gina

 

[thossink]

<<PAGE 1 UPDATE>>
I just updated page 1, to include correct DCL gratuity information, as well as DCL internet information. Why not pop back to page one to review the various updates posted by other DISers. When you are there - remember to read the TASTINGS thread ... and respond via PM ... if you have not done so already.[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the updates. and the reminder

 

[bound2travel]

SHORTS! However, given the chance of cooler weather (sea days between Maderia and Cadiz, and again between Gibraltar and Barcelona), I will pack a pair of jeans for night time use on deck 9 or 10. I simply DREAD the extra weight of JEANS in my luggage!

<<TRAVEL SECURITY: PacSafe>>
We just picked up a two PacSafe "CarrySafe 100" anti-theft camera straps ... one to attach to the SLR camera, and another to attach to the camera case itself. We also picked up a small PacSafe travel bag (similar size to a fanny pack), as well as a thin, hidden pouch to be worn about the neck ... for storage of cash, credit cards and Passports. PacSafe products feature unique SLASH-PROOF protection, making it virtually impossible for a thief to grab and slash (grab something from your arm - then slash the strap with a razor). We picked up ours as REI ... but they are also available at AAA.

<<PAGE 1 UPDATE>>
I just updated page 1, to include correct DCL gratuity information, as well as DCL internet information. Why not pop back to page one to review the various updates posted by other DISers. When you are there - remember to read the TASTINGS thread ... and respond via PM ... if you have not done so already.

What is REI? I've seen reference to it several time and just don't have a clue.

I'm interested in the Pacsafe travel pouch depending on what it looks like. I'm kinda tired of the fanny pack I have. I'm going to try to get to a place in town called Black Creek Outfitters but haven't had a chance. Maybe they have something similar.

Thanks,
Kristi

 

[bound2travel]

Some threads I thought might be useful:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1470805

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2068966

Thanks for updating page 1, Steven!

Is anyone planning to use the CafePress store? Just curious...

I'm thinking of getting one of the shirt for embarkation day and maybe the canvas tote - haven't had a chance to do anything yet.

Kristi

 

[bound2travel]

And to throw one more thing in to the mix - some rooms may have 2 adults that are separate - and need to be listed separately - for example - Dee and her friend Carla are sharing a room but will each be giving a FE gift and each will have their own FE.

I bring this up because on one cruise I had a friend with me once and when "one gift per state room" was given it was hard to share it because we are different families - it is one thing if it is a husband and wife/ or parent(s) and kids - but we need to make sure if there are different family cruisers in one room it is noted that 2 gifts should be given to that cabin if both people are giving separate FE's.


Krisann

Thanks for asking this.

Just to let people know - I am making my FE gifts and it is something that only one household needs. It would be a bit redunant to have two of them in the same household. I don't mind making two for a single cabin if there are two households (i.e. Dee and Carla), but if there is a single household in multiple cabins, please let me know. By the way, Grandparents staying with some of the kids in a second (third) cabin is counted as two households.

It would really help if I did only one FE per household - it would also help you in terms of luggage constraints. It is flat just to give a hint.

I really dont mean to sound tacky or lazy, but what I'm making will take a lot of time and effort and I would feel really bad if a family was disappointed in getting two of them or didn't have space to take one home.

Otherwise, I will make one per cabin as planned.

Kristi (please don't hurt me for my post)

 

[Happy Goofy]

I thought The FE was one gift for everyone in the cabin that is why the ages and gender of the children was listed. I don't want to leave anyone out (especially a child). I guess I will give out what I have and hope it is ok. I will wait for the final list and hope I don't have to make more. Getting excited - We are going back to FL on Wednesday(from CT). Anxious to get out of the cold and snow.

 

[joius24]

What is REI? I've seen reference to it several time and just don't have a clue.

I'm interested in the Pacsafe travel pouch depending on what it looks like. I'm kinda tired of the fanny pack I have. I'm going to try to get to a place in town called Black Creek Outfitters but haven't had a chance. Maybe they have something similar.

Thanks,
Kristi

REI is a Travel/hiking/backpacking/ company

FYI... Travelon also has a nice "Anti theft" (they call it carry-safe) types of fanny pack and purse with the secure locks and anti slash stuff. They sell them at my AAA office... They also have a website

 

[sdlong329]

Does anyone know how to request a particular server? We really liked the one we had two cruises ago and know that he will be on board. We'd love to get him again!

-- Simply call DCL reservations, provide them with your reservation number, and tell them who you would like to have as a server. This information will be provided to the ship at the proper time.

What is REI? I've seen reference to it several time and just don't have a clue.

-- It's like SPORTS AUTHORITY on steriods. You can visit them at www.REI.com ... or the product line directly at www.PacSafe.com. AAA also sells some of these PacSafe items at their offices as well. If you are looking at an alternate brand, MAKE SURE the label indicates SLASH-PROOF, or TRAVEL SECURITY. These items have some sort of pliable, steel cable meshed into the straps, so thieves cannot run and grab something from you (like a purse-snatcher), then slash the straps with a razor or other sharp object to free it from your neck or hands.

Travelon also has a nice "Anti theft" (they call it carry-safe) types of fanny pack and purse with the secure locks and anti slash stuff. They sell them at my AAA office... They also have a website

--CarrySafe is a type of product manufactured under the PacSafe name.

 

[ericamanda01]

That is exactly how I feel! We just switched from WBTA and I suddenly feel like we are crusing tomorrow! and yes, at least a million and 3 running around mine and yup, right on through and out the other side. Can't seem to remember a thing I read for more then an hour when I spew it all out to my DH and then promptly forget what I read

Must focus. Must make list. Must go shopping! always, shopping. It is helpful in organizing my thoughts I promise, it works folks. . .

Dznepreincess is my best friend and she talked me into this cruise a few days ago and I am SUCH and over planner, I don't know where to begin! We have usually had at least 18 month to plan. As of today we have 68 days! OMG!!!! I may lose my mind. Oh and I still have all those pesky college classes and cleaning and packing and and and....But I am SOOOO EXCITED!!!!

 

[woody73]

Dznepreincess is my best friend and she talked me into this cruise a few days ago and I am SUCH and over planner, I don't know where to begin!

Welcome.

Woody

 

[Ginamarie]

Having trouble deciding on which to do.
1. All day DCL Monteserrat
2. Half-day DCL Monteserrat
3. Go on my own, w/web page directions
4. Stay in Barcelonia and enjoy St. Jodi's day

Could those of you who picked one of the Monteserrat Excursions please explain why you picked the one you did?
Could those of you who didn't pick Monteserrrat Excursions please explain why
not?
Any other imput from any other Disers is more than welcome.

Thanks
P.A.M.

We are doing the full day in Monserrat. I didn't want to feel rushed and I liked that the full day tour included more sightseeing.

I was on that Panama cruise as well and I took a picture of the woman with the cane!

I remember the cane too!! We thought it was so cute!





I ordered the FE gifts we'll be giving last night. I ordered 144, so I'm hoping we don't have too many additional people added today. We decided to do one gift for each person. Luckily, they're flat, so they shouldn't add too much to people's suitcases, but I think people are going to like them

Also, I noticed that our old staterooms are listed on the website right now. We're in verandah guarantees now, so I'll have to make sure to get that updated before we leave. The kids would be really disappointed if our FE gifts all get distributed to someone else because we didn't have the right room numbers listed!

I also ordered the pacsafe camera strap. We ordered pacsafe backpacks too, but I thought the camera straps would come in handy as well, since I like to wear the camera around my neck to take photos more easily.

AND, I ordered my new luggage last night. A Kipling 30" rolling duffle. My mom and siblings already had these, but I was waiting to get enough money in amazon.com gift certificates to order mine. It shipped this morning and I can't wait to get my nice new FREE luggage Of course that also means I'll need to start packing soon!

 

[KrisannB]

Thanks for asking this.

Just to let people know - I am making my FE gifts and it is something that only one household needs. It would be a bit redunant to have two of them in the same household. I don't mind making two for a single cabin if there are two households (i.e. Dee and Carla), but if there is a single household in multiple cabins, please let me know. By the way, Grandparents staying with some of the kids in a second (third) cabin is counted as two households.

It would really help if I did only one FE per household - it would also help you in terms of luggage constraints. It is flat just to give a hint.

I really dont mean to sound tacky or lazy, but what I'm making will take a lot of time and effort and I would feel really bad if a family was disappointed in getting two of them or didn't have space to take one home.

Otherwise, I will make one per cabin as planned.

Kristi (please don't hurt me for my post)

Yes my gift would would seem weird if I was to give more than one to a "family" group (even if the family was spread out over 2 cabins) but I do want "each" family group to have one because it is something that cannot be shared between 2 family groups (like parents and grandparents).

I thought The FE was one gift for everyone in the cabin that is why the ages and gender of the children was listed. I don't want to leave anyone out (especially a child). I guess I will give out what I have and hope it is ok. I will wait for the final list and hope I don't have to make more. Getting excited - We are going back to FL on Wednesday(from CT). Anxious to get out of the cold and snow.

Yes the one gift for cabin is the general idea but some cabins (like Dee and Carla) have 2 people who do not live together but are sharing a cabin and for me my gift "per cabin" would be weird because it is not something people from 2 different families can share. This is the exception - Dee and Carla may be the only cabin that is like this - not sure.


Krisann

 

[kumquat88]

We are planning to do Madeira on our own. Anyone else thinking of doing that too?

Same here...planning to do Madiera on our own.

As for Gibraltor, have emailed Gibraltor Tours twice in the past week with no response. Does anyone know if they are fully booked? Or perhaps can email me another email address to try and get a hold of them?

Thank you!

 

[kumquat88]

I am sure this has been asked, but we are late to the game. Is anyone staying over in Barcelona and flying out the next day? Where are you staying and how are the prices? Thanks so much everyone!

We are staying at the Renaissance Barcelona airport. If you are a member of AAA, the rate is 99 euros per night.

 

[KrisannB]

Lanyard Team:

I have only not heard back from 2 people since my computer went on the frits. Here are the people confirmed on the lanyard team (not everyone is doing this as their FE but some are - some are involved in other ways )


2 are not confirmed (if you can tell me anything about these or have an email for them let me know please!)

disdel
deviltwins


Krisann

Ok I have "found" deviltwins! I had accidentally put someone's IM name as a DIS name so I already had that person - sorry for confusion, we got it all straightened out.

Now just to find disdel! I will go on a search for them today.

Krisann

 

[kumquat88]

I'm curious as to what everyone is doing (or maybe not) to obtain Euros. I've read in some travel books that the rate of exchange is generally better over there than exchanging here in the US before leaving (also an inconvenience here).

Any thoughts if using an ATM (credit card) to get Euros is the way to go, or bring U.S. traveller's checks and exchange at local bank or something?

Plan is to us our credit card where ever possible, but I understand that cash/Euros will be handy and necessary at times.

 

[Michelle2]

We never did FEs before, but saw them on the ship last time. What kind of stuff goes in them?

People drop off all sorts of gifts, it is really fun, especially for kids. My son loves it and we can't do a cruise without it now (even if it means bringing our own for him!)
We have been left all sorts of things: from candy, strings of beads, bubbles, notepads, magnets, pens, pencils, small toys, and some really clever homemade things like cruise necessity kits, etc. The imaginations of people are amazing!

Kristi, sent you a PM.

Michelle2, I think I was supposed to ask you (not KrisannB) to add my friend Carla to the FE list -- she's in my stateroom.

Which is still GTY!

Thanks so much I will be sure to add her! I will list her as Carla, is that ok?

And to throw one more thing in to the mix - some rooms may have 2 adults that are separate - and need to be listed separately - for example - Dee and her friend Carla are sharing a room but will each be giving a FE gift and each will have their own FE.

I bring this up because on one cruise I had a friend with me once and when "one gift per state room" was given it was hard to share it because we are different families - it is one thing if it is a husband and wife/ or parent(s) and kids - but we need to make sure if there are different family cruisers in one room it is noted that 2 gifts should be given to that cabin if both people are giving separate FE's.

Krisann

I totally agree. So far, I have been noting them seperate, but if this case occurs, like with Dee and her friend, please double check the list to make sure they are listed seperate if they are givnig and receiving seperate. Thanks everyone!

Deadline today!

<<PAGE 1 UPDATE>>
I just updated page 1, to include correct DCL gratuity information, as well as DCL internet information. Why not pop back to page one to review the various updates posted by other DISers. When you are there - remember to read the TASTINGS thread ... and respond via PM ... if you have not done so already.

I love your embellishents and graphics in your signature. They just get cuter and cuter!

 

[KrisannB]

I'm curious as to what everyone is doing (or maybe not) to obtain Euros. I've read in some travel books that the rate of exchange is generally better over there than exchanging here in the US before leaving (also an inconvenience here).

Any thoughts if using an ATM (credit card) to get Euros is the way to go, or bring U.S. traveller's checks and exchange at local bank or something?

Plan is to us our credit card where ever possible, but I understand that cash/Euros will be handy and necessary at times.

we took American Express travelers checks on our last trip to Europe (3 weeks) and took the smallest face value ones we could. We were able to use them at many stores, but we did use our american express card also when we could.

When we paid with American Express Travel Checks, our change would be in Euro's so that helped us compile some additional Euros.

I think I read somewhere that we could exchange for euro's on the ship - not sure if that is correct or not. I hope so though because that is what I plan to do.

Krisann

 

[Mrs. Gumdrop]

We are staying at the Renaissance Barcelona airport. If you are a member of AAA, the rate is 99 euros per night.

My family will also be staying at the airport Renaissance in Barcelona. The picturesof the hotel are really beatiful! See you there!