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

[TheCruisers]

The last tour through Disney we were encouraged to leave all the bags on the bus and bring the cameras hanging around your neck.This was a Disney sponsored tour through a local group. It is much easier to take a couple extra chips and batteries and put them in your pocket than the hassels of security IMHO.I believe it was done as not to break up the group while some go to check in the bags while the others are standing waiting. There is a place to check items but we never went there.
The tour itself was top notch in my opinion with our guide being an expert on the Vatican and its' history. We thought it was worth every dime. One down side is the pictures can never capture the size and scale of St. Peters. The souveniers found in the shops just outside the walls were quite expensive and made us choose carefully.

Were you allowed to bring in a purse?

 

[carpenta]

Were you allowed to bring in a purse?

Yes my wife had a travel purse that was approx. 6"X9"X3" and that was looked into much like Disney World. I can't remember if they had an X-ray machine like the airport. I think it is only packages or vessels that could house some type of device they disallow. I don't know the specific sizes that they allow and this was 2007 when we visited and the security could be quite different know. I would not be surprized. But like I said I did not feel it was overly intrusive just took a little time in line. You are excited to get in so it probably was not as long as it seemed. One note we saw a group of Priests cut in line and thought we better not say anything because they might know the Big Guy if you know what I mean.

 

[TheCruisers]

One note we saw a group of Priests cut in line and thought we better not say anything because they might know the Big Guy if you know what I mean.

Probably a good plan!

Thanks for the info!
Eleasa

 

[auntlynne]

What I'm finding on the internet is that a "normal" size purse is okay for a Vatican visit, but a "normal" size backpack or tote must be stored.

Another site referred to the dress code as "no shoulders, no stomach, no knees;" and yes, capris are okay (maybe not for guys, that's another issue - call the fashion police ) But if you think you look good in them, more power to ya, brother. ... Jeans and slacks are okay for M/F - just cover up that body!

- Lynne

 

[auntlynne]

Just checked my CC page (looking for info on Palo ressies) and found an offer for my reservation. I've paid for Cat 12; got bumped to a Cat 11 on Deck 6 - same type of room I stayed in on my last cruise (a 7-nt), which did very well for us. (Currently a Cat 12 base fare is $999 pp each and a Cat 11 is $2299.)

The offer was to move to an oceanview (not verandah, mind you) for $158.18 per person per day, $1740 pp ($3480 total). Can you say I don't think so fast enough?

In the end, I would be paying the same price they are quoting for Cat 9 online, today - no savings offered, at all.

I was super excited when my original price of $1999 pp was halved to $999.

Was i supposed to jump at this offer? Thanks Monty, I'll keep what I've got and not choose what's behind the curtain (maybe they would have bumped this purchased upgrade Cat 9 up to a Cat 6 - hmmm...) But, no, still so many ports and so little time in that cabin. I think I can do all the ports for less than the price difference. And cover some of the airfare, now that I think about it.

 

[Becx N Gav]

Nope - I actually asked my TA about what it would cost to upgrade to a CAT 3 and all I could respond was OUCH! I would lose my Kids Sail Free offer too! But, at least now, if pixie dust does come my way I'll really know if it's a good deal or not. I'm talking about the kind of pixie dust where DCL calls and offers one of those superb upgrades with minimal cost If I get the real pixie dust and just happen to get one of those magical upgrades -well then I'll be for joy!

Good luck, I hope you get offered something

 

[Michelle2]

Just checked my CC page (looking for info on Palo ressies) and found an offer for my reservation. I've paid for Cat 12; got bumped to a Cat 11 on Deck 6 - same type of room I stayed in on my last cruise (a 7-nt), which did very well for us. (Currently a Cat 12 base fare is $999 pp each and a Cat 11 is $2299.)

The offer was to move to an oceanview (not verandah, mind you) for $158.18 per person per day, $1740 pp ($3480 total). Can you say I don't think so fast enough?

In the end, I would be paying the same price they are quoting for Cat 9 online, today - no savings offered, at all.

I was super excited when my original price of $1999 pp was halved to $999.

Was i supposed to jump at this offer? Thanks Monty, I'll keep what I've got and not choose what's behind the curtain (maybe they would have bumped this purchased upgrade Cat 9 up to a Cat 6 - hmmm...) But, no, still so many ports and so little time in that cabin. I think I can do all the ports for less than the price difference. And cover some of the airfare, now that I think about it.

I totally hear ya there. Get this, on my reservation, my son and I were given a category 9, and they had an offer for us to move to a deluxe oceanview room (which we already have) for $212 per person per day. I did the math and it was about 4664....for something we already had! LOL

 

[uwo93]

Considering switching from HI Express Barcelona City to Renaissance Airport, due to the fact that it may be more convenient for one night pre-cruise. I like the fact that they offer a port shuttle. BTW, prices have recently dropped at the Renaissance.

For those staying at Renaissance, have you already booked the port shuttle for 4/24? Did you call or email? Does anyone have the hotel's email address?

 

[Mineu]

We're in!!! Cruise, flights, and excursions are all set-and suitcase is halfway packed already!!

 

[shushh]

Lynne and Michelle, that's rather sneaky of DCL!

Mineu welcome onboard!

 

[salboz]

Just a note on the upgrades. We booked cat. 12 inside and got free upgrade to oceanview cat.8. Never sailed Disney before so am wondering why, but not complaining.

 

[Happy Goofy]

Finally we got upgraded!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DCL just called and we went from Deck 2 to Deck 6 Room 6140. Roy from DCL actually apologized to me about the problems I was having. It still doesn't upset the cost but I feel a little better now

 

[auntlynne]

Finally we got upgraded!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DCL just called and we went from Deck 2 to Deck 6 Room 6140. Roy from DCL actually apologized to me about the problems I was having. It still doesn't upset the cost but I feel a little better now

That is some of the best news I've heard around here - your persistence paid off. Is this cabin change for both cruises or just the Med?

Booking Day 1 and seeing a lot of people jump over you?

 

[Dicecatt]

Finally we got upgraded!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DCL just called and we went from Deck 2 to Deck 6 Room 6140. Roy from DCL actually apologized to me about the problems I was having. It still doesn't upset the cost but I feel a little better now

That is just wonderful! You are a few cabins down from us now, we are 6130. congratulations!

 

[Mineu]

Cruise Pier Shuttle
Our shuttle to the pier can be arranged via our concierge.
The “MOLL ADOSAT” (Barcelona pier), is around 25 minutes from
our hotel, and we will be pleased to arrange a shuttle to take you
there, and to bring you back if necessary.
The price is 10 Euros per person (adults) 5 Euros children; luggage
is included in this price. The shuttle is available on the below
mentioned times.
From the Port to our Hotel
08:00 — 08:45 — 09:30
From our Hotel to the Port
11:00 — 12:00 — 13:00
If you would like us to arrange the shuttle, please sent us the
following information:
Number of people:
Date:
Time:
Cruise line:
RENAISSANCE BARCELONA AIRPORT HOTEL
PLAÇA VOLATERIA , 3 - PARC DE NEGOCIS MAS BLAU
08820 EL PRAT DE LLOBREGAT - BARCELONA - SPAIN
TEL.. + 34 93 378 32 00 FAX.: + 34 93 378 98 00
RENAISSANCEBARCELONAAIRPORT.COM

 

[Mineu]

I just found a great special on Travelzoo for the Eurostars Grand Marina at the port-127 euros (about 174 US) with upgrade to premier room, welcome drinks, internet access, casino tickets, access to the gym, and 2 for 1 breakfast! Hope this helps!

 

[carpenta]

Just a quick note that the vehicle traffic can get pretty heavy thru downtown Barcelona during the commuter hours in the morning especially. It reminded me of the Cross Bronx Expressway on a Monday morning. I saw that and thought..."boy it's good to be on vacation"...

 

[friend of tinkerbell]

For those who earlier had found the Blue Grotto excursion full...it's now showing available again as of 8:00 p.m. central.

 

[Happy Goofy]

Our upgrade is for both cruises- same room . I guess we will join the 6th floor partygoers.

 

[shushh]

Our upgrade is for both cruises- same room . I guess we will join the 6th floor partygoers.

So happy for you to hear the news!