4/24/2010 Med cruise: Friends, Romans, Countrymen lend me your Ears

[carpenta]

The custom is to keep the ship in port until all the DCL booked passengers are onboard be it departure or shore excursions. It would behoove DCL to try to accomondate all the passengers trying to board in order to pay the frieght onboard buying drinks and such. Speaking to the rep. there is also the airspace issue that will arise which only allows so many planes in the air and on the tarmac. Plus there is also a number of planes that have to be repositioned. Bottom line is the almighty buck so I believe DCL will try and do what it can to get everyone onboard and pay its' fixed cost. Fox just announced 50% of E.U. flights may possibly be in the air tomorrow.
You can't worry about things you have no control over...just pray.

 

[salboz]

I am also in the position of not being able to afford another air purchase. It would be OK if i knew for sure I could get a refund from British Air, but BA has not yet cancelled my flight so probably can't get a refund unless I wait until they do cancel it. By then will be too late to get another flight since they are cancelling only a few hours ahead of departure times.

 

[linkandclover]

I wonder if BA will allow a transfer of tickets. I am just thinking that we have taken the risk of buying a second set (that what credit cards are for) figuring that without insurance either way we are bound to lose a ridiculous amount of money. If someone misses their flight early in the week and we a can leave Wednesday I would have a spare set of 4 tickets. I would love to be able to pass them on to someone if they can get to the DC area and then have them give me their refund from BA. Anyone know if this is possible.

 

[Mineu]

I have a new problem: My friend heard on the news that the airlines are opening up again too early due to financial pressure-so, she is not sure that she still wants to fly out Thursday....time to break out the chocolate again!

 

[Melcatfish]

Just dropping by to wish you all luck getting to Barcelona, I have been thinking of you all and hope that you can make it to the ship and have a fabulous cruise.

Mel
x

 

[Debs Disney]

Hello I am on the May 26 cruise and you have been in my thoughts. Lots of pixie dust going your way and a hope for LOTS of info and trip reports coming ours.

Just dropping by to wish you all luck getting to Barcelona, I have been thinking of you all and hope that you can make it to the ship and have a fabulous cruise.

Mel
x

 

[DMMarla07860]

I'm not on this cruise as well, but hoping you all the best and that everyone makes it to the Magic.

 

[OurDogCisco]

I'm on the July 6th cruise and I'm sending lots of pixie dust your way. I hope you are able to still cruise...

 

[NC_Tink]

Well - made it to New Jersey today and am at my Brother's house. At this point thinking that this might be the extent of our trip We can't book new flights until we know for sure that British Airways is canceling our Tuesday flight. And, when they do - I think our chances of getting into Europe are slim. I'm hoping that Air France starts some flights into Southern France in a couple of days and maybe I can get a flight to Marseilles or Nice and then drive from there. I can't seem to find many flights available to Lisbon, Madrid, or Barcelona and those that are cost over $2000 per person - call me crazy but I'm not willing to spend $10000 on airfare for the 4 of us At this point I'm resigned to the idea that we're probably not going to make it to Europe this spring. If we can't make this trip - we won't be able to go again until summer, at the earliest. So, I maintain a wait and see - expecting the worst, but hoping for the best. Sorry - just had to vent - very frustrated, and somewhat depressed right now

 

[auntshell]

Thanks to everyone keeping us in your thoughts and prayers!

It appears to me that if you have a flight from US to Barcelona, things are looking better. Might be wishful thinking but this afternoon looks better than this morning!

I've made up my mind. I am going to pack and get ready and prepare my household and assume we are going. There is absolutely nothing else to be done, there are no earlier flights out and the flights to Madrid are full. We do not have the financial option of buying another on another airline. So, I am going to have a positive attitude and allow myself to be excited for our trip. If something changes in the next few days, we'll deal with it...but the lack of enthusiasm I am feeling for our trip preparations are making me more stressed. God willing, we'll be on the Magic on the 24th

I second that...I started packing today....will finish on Wed when all laundry is washed...then Thursday we are heading for Seattle....

 

[Dicecatt]

I just tracked the flight I will be on Thursday, and it is in flight right now, seemingly right on time, from Philly to Barcelona. Good sign so far!

 

[Mineu]

Well - made it to New Jersey today and am at my Brother's house. At this point thinking that this might be the extent of our trip We can't book new flights until we know for sure that British Airways is canceling our Tuesday flight. And, when they do - I think our chances of getting into Europe are slim. I'm hoping that Air France starts some flights into Southern France in a couple of days and maybe I can get a flight to Marseilles or Nice and then drive from there. I can't seem to find many flights available to Lisbon, Madrid, or Barcelona and those that are cost over $2000 per person - call me crazy but I'm not willing to spend $10000 on airfare for the 4 of us At this point I'm resigned to the idea that we're probably not going to make it to Europe this spring. If we can't make this trip - we won't be able to go again until summer, at the earliest. So, I maintain a wait and see - expecting the worst, but hoping for the best. Sorry - just had to vent - very frustrated, and somewhat depressed right now

Don't give up hope yet-keep checking on flights-hopefully, something will open up if they do cancel. Wish I could share some of my chocolate with you!

 

[Californiacruisers]

Well - made it to New Jersey today and am at my Brother's house. At this point thinking that this might be the extent of our trip We can't book new flights until we know for sure that British Airways is canceling our Tuesday flight. And, when they do - I think our chances of getting into Europe are slim. I'm hoping that Air France starts some flights into Southern France in a couple of days and maybe I can get a flight to Marseilles or Nice and then drive from there. I can't seem to find many flights available to Lisbon, Madrid, or Barcelona and those that are cost over $2000 per person - call me crazy but I'm not willing to spend $10000 on airfare for the 4 of us At this point I'm resigned to the idea that we're probably not going to make it to Europe this spring. If we can't make this trip - we won't be able to go again until summer, at the earliest. So, I maintain a wait and see - expecting the worst, but hoping for the best. Sorry - just had to vent - very frustrated, and somewhat depressed right now

DON'T GIVE UP... There is still time. hang in there and stay positive.

 

[alltheparks]

You better not give up, because I am supposed to be touring Rome with you, and I fully intend to do it.

I did call American today, and the JFK to BCN flight we are on Wednesday, the flight today (Sunday) was cancelled. Just waiting to see what they do tomorrow. I didn't go through all the options, but there are no seats available until April 26th on that particular flight.

I think positive attitude's get us much further....so the ASH will clear, and we will all make it safely to cruise! See you on Saturday!

 

[salboz]

I just tracked the flight I will be on Thursday, and it is in flight right now, seemingly right on time, from Philly to Barcelona. Good sign so far!

What airline are you flying? I am also flying out of Philly, hopefully, also on Thursday.

 

[skoi]

salboz-

We are flying US Air out of Philly to Barcelona on Tuesday, and the flight is in the air. Tomorrow's flight is still on the board as a go. So hoping it holds out for the week.

The news I've read is looking a bit better, hoping to get more flights up in the next few days.

Mineau: I don't think they'll fly in truly unsafe conditions. If one plane goes down to due to this, it'll be a disaster for that airline and maybe the entire industry. I have to think the people running these companies know that, but maybe I'm giving them too much credit.

Keep up the prayers and good thoughts.

Julie

 

[Dicecatt]

What airline are you flying? I am also flying out of Philly, hopefully, also on Thursday.

US Airways. The same flight landed yesterday also, and is currently on flight, and stated 'on time" for tomorrow. Which are you on?

 

[skoi]

Wanted to say thank you to all the well wishers dropping in. I really appreciate your thoughts.

IF we make it, we'll be blogging the trip on our family blog- link is in my signature. So if you want to see how things are going- give it a look. If I can find a cheap internet cafe in Barcelona, mid-week. If not, Saturday when we get on the ship, Inshallah, as my Arabic family would say.

Julie

 

[salboz]

Unfortunately, I am on British Air which goes through Heathrow. I thought maybe I could get something else to get me there and then by the end of the cruise, perhaps BA would be flying again. Really don't know what to do.

 

[Mineu]

Oh no, why did American cancel a Wednesday flight already?