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

[guynwdm]

When I find something like that I google for a review. I just get paranoid when in a foreign country that I don't know and I am doing something that is not through the ship. I have learned that if I send anything home it is not going through the mail and I am making sure a signature is require to receive it. I got my D23 expo stuff I bought lost by the post office. I am thinking insurance will be a given as well.

Is anyone doing Fish Extenders? Do we know now many Diser's are going to be on the ship?

 

[NC_Tink]

Is anyone doing Fish Extenders? Do we know now many Diser's are going to be on the ship?

I had thought about this -- but I think logistically FEs will be difficult for us. With luggage restrictions being what they are and the amount of stuff I'll be packing just for 2 weeks overseas - I don't think I'll have enough room to pack stuff for Fish Extenders.

Hey Julie - don't feel bad - I don't really have anything set in stone yet either. Still waiting to see what the Disney excursions are. I just ordered Rick Steve's Rome 2010 book. Going to rely on this heavily to tour our way through Rome. Decided that we're definitely going our own there.
In Naples - I have a few touring companies that I need to contact. My biggest pet peeve is that most of the tour companies only accept traveler's checks or cash and I just don't tend to carry cash on me - especially not the equivalent of about $700 US. I like to pay by credit card or visa debit card. But, I did manage to find a couple that accept cc - now I just have to find reviews on them, contact them, etc., etc.
In La Spezia - I think we'll just get on the train and head over to Pisa - the boys want to see and climb the Leaning Tower. I think we'll make that a light day - since we'll have just finished Rome and Mt. Vesuvius/Pompeii the two days prior to this. After two heavy days - I don't think we could handle another all day excursion.
Malta - we'll probably walk it. From everything I've learned - the main part of town is about a 1/2 mile from port. Although, it's supposedly a "steep and arduous" walk - but our legs usually work fine so I think we can do it. I did find out that it's only about 10 Euro for a cab into town. So, if for some reason the old joints aren't up to it that day - we can always hop in a taxi.
Corsica also seems to be pretty walkable - the heart of Ajaccio is not far from port, so again, I think we'll just head into town on our own and see a few of the sights. I think we'll check out the market here, the Ajaccio Cathedral and a few other sites.
We're still not sure about Tunis. I think we mainly want to go see Carthage. I'm not really sure about going shopping. I've read about their market area and I just get real nervous about how crowded an area like that is. If it's anything like the Straw Market in Nassau, Bahamas - I lasted less than 5 minutes in there. I got in - went up one aisle and couldn't wait to get out. I'm not usually claustrophobic - but I felt way to boxed in. Too many people/sellers trying to get me to look at/buy their stuff. I don't enjoy feeling pressured. I'm more of the "casually stroll" and if I see something I like - I'll stop and peruse. I'm also not real good on the whole bartering thing and would probably pay way too much for something. Then, I would find out someone else purchased the same thing for 1/2 of what I spent and I would kick myself for the rest of the trip I know, I have issues!

I guess I have more planned than I really thought. I just need to nail down my plans in Naples and in Tunis. Oh, and I guess I still need to figure out if we're going to London, Paris or Barcelona prior to the cruise, get flights, potentially change our accommodations depending on our pre-cruise itinerary. UGH! There's still too much to do!!

Wow - can you all believe the cruise is just about 6 months away?!!

 

[shushh]

I was keen on doing FE as well because it sounded like so much fun and I think the kids would love it, but I echo Lubi's concern about luggage. We normally travel light anway, but fitting in extra things on top of other things that we wouldn't normally bring on holidays (eg formal gear, dress up nights etc) it could add up. Maybe see how big our group becomes? If it is small as it is currently, perhaps its doable.

We are doing fairly similar things. We've booked a driver/car for Rome and Naples. I did toy for while about doing it on our own, but in the end decided that becuase of distances its best for my peace of mind to fork out extra. Also it seems as if doing a private tour in Rome for eg could mean that you can see more in the same amount of time.

Doing Malta, Corsica and Villefrance on our own. In La Spezia, we are heading for cinque terre. We have hired a local guide who will catch train/ferry/walk around us.

Was reading my lonely planet Spain book last night and got sidetracked into reading about Spanish history for 4 hours...So tired today!

Oh and just to add to my stresses. I just found out that the departure time of the flight that I was just about to book has been moved forward by 25 min. So there goes my "just in case" buffer.

Hope you all have a great week!

Belinda

 

[skoi]

I've been reading a lot about Spain as well. Now I'm ready to do any entire vacation there, especially in the south.

I guess we do have plans, just don't have the logistics pinned down. Maybe we'll use a tour company for Rome, we want to see very specific things: the Vatican and the Vatican Museum, St. Paul Outside the Walls church, and the Forum area. The kids will be happy with a quick go-through at the Forum, but really want to go the Vatican museum. (Yes, our kids are freaks that love museums.)

So if anyone can suggest a Roman tour company, let me know.

I still haven't asked either my instructor or my tutor about Tunis. I'll have to remember this week.

Julie

 

[NC_Tink]

If you link here: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1977518 and look at post #4, Andrew Derek has a list of recommended tour companies from several of the ports during the 2007 Mediterranean cruises. Several of the companies have web sites with information regarding their tours/excursions and what cost. I have been in touch with limoinrome and the owner was willing to do anything that we wanted in Rome. He was even willing to set up a guide for the Vatican Museum / Sistine Chapel.

 

[shushh]

Julie, we booked Romeinlimo (as opposed to limoinrome!) for Rome and the Amalfi coast. They gave us 50 Euros off per tour. They too were very obliging and willing to vary the itinerary to our requirements. As it is, their recommended itinerary is jam-packed! They've had very good reviews on cruise-critic. The guides they've used in the Vatican seem to be very popular on cruise-critic as well, particularly Julia. She keeps getting mentioned!!

We will, as much as it breaks my heart, be giving the Vatican a miss. I think otherwise it'll be too much to the children. We'll be heading to the catacombs instead.

Nothng wrong with museums, I used to love museums even as a kid. Still do!

 

[skoi]

Thanks for the links.

Belinda- I understand about the museum. We avoided them with our oldest son from the time he was about two (and fell off a bench, almost cracking open his head on the floor at our city's art museum) until he was about seven. I would take oldest daughter, who was calm and loved that sort of thing. Now, he can't wait to go, because he's developing an interest in Ancient and Medieval history from playing computer games!

This is another reason I'm going solo with the two big kids. Our five year old Tasmanian Devils would rip up Europe. They look sweet in the photo, but really, they're terrors. And after 16 hours on a plane from China with them, I won't be on a flight with them that's longer than three hours.

Julie

 

[shushh]

I think that its lovely your children enjoy museums. That yearn for learning will serve them well in life!

Please don't me remind about the very long flight that I have to take...We have an 8.5 hour flight, a 2 hour stop, then a 12 hr 45 min flight followed by another hours stop followed by a 1hr and 35 min flight.

AAaghhh!!!!

 

[NC_Tink]

Please don't me remind about the very long flight that I have to take...We have an 8.5 hour flight, a 2 hour stop, then a 12 hr 45 min flight followed by another hours stop followed by a 1hr and 35 min flight.
AAaghhh!!!!

Ouch!

 

[Happy Goofy]

We just booked our flight back from Barcelona through Disney. If something cheaper comes along before final payment I can cancel. We are going over on the Magic which was almost cheaper than we are paying for the one way return trip. Please add John and Charlotte- room 2584-so far to your list for fish extenders, secret Mickeys, or any get togethers. I am new to this site so I am not sure who handles the list and how to get on it.

I think we will book our excursions through Disney. We have been to Rome years ago on our own and it was a nightmare. I feel safer with a tour company plus if you are on your own you can be going by important places without even knowing it.

Let me know if you are going to do fish extenders.

 

[skoi]

Welcome John and Charlotte.

I'm doing the list, so I'll add you.

I don't think we decided on fish extenders. As over packers, this might be difficult for us.

For Palo brunch we need twelve, and have three so far.

Julie

 

[guynwdm]

We just booked our flight back from Barcelona through Disney. If something cheaper comes along before final payment I can cancel. We are going over on the Magic which was almost cheaper than we are paying for the one way return trip. Please add John and Charlotte- room 2584-so far to your list for fish extenders, secret Mickeys, or any get togethers. I am new to this site so I am not sure who handles the list and how to get on it.

So what is Disney charging for flights? I guess I could contact DU and find out what it will be for Des Moines.

 

[DISNEY_DEPRIVED]

Hello... Im completely booked on the med cruise with my DD-11 and DS-10.. and me.. would love to meet others going on this cruise.. wouldn't want to be the only one who looks lost on the cruise...

This will be our first cruise.. disney or otherwise...so you can imagine how excited I (oh, i mean the kids!) are....

Hopefully i can get some great tips.. I know i'm late to this, but i was wondering has anyone booked there hotel in Barcelona yet.. I've tried the hilton but they seemed to be sold out.. but i only tried on the internet.. i didn't call yet.. if soo, where is a good place to stay??... i'm looking to going to Barcelona early in the week and staying a couple of days...

Sherry...

 

[skoi]

Welcome Sherry and family.

I also noticed about a month ago that hotels weren't available online for at least that Friday. We're ended up booked into a Holiday Inn Express in Barcelona, a bit off the main drag, but near the Picasso Museum, etc. I think it's more of a business hotel. But there are three of us, and it was one of the cheapest options we could find.

Also, I read April 23rd is some sort of huge festival/feast day/holiday they celebrate there, St. Jordi's Day, which is the Feast of Saint George in the Arabic church, but there has sort of morphed into a Valentine's Day like thing, so maybe that's why everything's filled up?

We don't have many activities planned but am open to suggestions. We'll definitely have a meet up and we have a lot of veteran cruisers among the group, so any questions, ask away!

I'll also have our 11 year old ds on board. It's nice to see some more kids.



Julie

 

[skoi]

Do people want to do this? Have reached an agreement?

I can add it to the first post if anyone wants. I don't know if I'll have to time organize it. I start a job on Sunday (teaching English to non-English speakers) and between that and homeshooling four kids and my Arabic class, I'm just over extended.

Have a good weekend.
Julie

 

[shushh]

Welcome Sherry and family!

HappyGoofy, we have rough plans but we're also eagerly awaiting the release of Disney's shore excursion. It appears that they may be organising some rather exciting things in which case we may go with them.

Julie, thanks for the heads up on the festival. I didn't know that. Good luck with the new job! It sounds like you have your hands very full!

I don't mind being in charge of FE, but seeing as I haven't been on a Disney cruise before... I DON'T KNOW WHAT I AM DOING! Also, if the groups gets too big, I don't know if I will have luggage space. What does everyone else think about FE?

As for activities, the cruise appears to be very port intensive. Will we have time to do anything else!??!?!

Have a good weekend everyone!

Belinda

 

[skoi]

Every time there's an overnight post, I just know it's Belinda. What's the time difference? A lot of hours. I want to say 18, but that can't be right. I think Beijing is 13, or at least I remember it that way.

I don't know how Fish Extenders work. We never did it, because we have so many people and never enough room in our suitcases, and on some of our cruises the group got to be huge.

I got another quote for Tunisian from an American company who uses in country people to run their tours. Someone my husband works with used them for a three week stay in Tunisia, so if anyone wants their information, let me know. I'm probably going with the least expensive (could be a huge mistake), but if someone would rather have a U.S.based company than a completely in-Tunisia company, these guys might be an option for you. Just pm me if you want the info.

Julie

 

[NC_Tink]

Hey all!

Welcome to John & Charlotte and to Sherry and family!

If I remember correctly the time difference from the East Coast (US) to Australia is about 14 hours. So, good night Belinda!

And, good morning Julie!

Hey, have any of you see the link to the article about the Mediterranean/Baltic cruises on the main board? http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2314910 It looks like Disney is going to try to do some more "Adventures By Disney" type excursions this time around. So now, of course, don't know what we're doing. I've heard great things about the ABD excursions. But, with our cruise being the first in the Med. this year - we won't have reviews. Ugh - sometimes I hate making decisions!!! I mean, Disney will make the excursions sound great no matter what - but will they really be great? I read some not so stellar reviews of certain excursions from 2007 and they were excursions that I probably would have picked! So, I'm still not certain about what we're doing. I've been reading Rick Steve's travel book about Rome and I don't know if it's making me feel more comfortable or more nervous about going it alone in Rome. He does have some information about some local guides that do walking tours. So, I may look into that - figure take the train into Rome and then meet the guide there. Would probably save me a bunch of $$ if the guide is not picking me up at port and driving me back.

As for FEs - we've never done them either. My feeling would be, if we could keep the group small - it might be doable. Sometimes groups can get to be 100 people and I think that's just way too big and wouldn't be feasible with packing for overseas. I guess, for me, a lot would depend on which airline I finally book with and what their luggage limitations are. I think I read somewhere that certain European airlines restrict you to one checked bag per person and that would be tough for us. To pack for 2 weeks in Europe and pack FEs into 4 bags - nope, couldn't do it - not possible We had 6 bags, plus 4 carry-on for 4 people for 9 days in Florida/Western Caribbean cruise in September I'm an expert overpacker

 

[skoi]

Lubi-

We're definitely doing the European ports on our own. We've been to Rome years ago when the two oldest were only 4 and 9 months, but we had a few days to get around.

Our only worry is Tunis, and I know I'm totally overstressing on it. I keep forgetting to ask my tutor. I need to write a note in the front of my book. At this point, I'm actually considering an "on our own by public transportation" day in Tunis. It will really give me a chance to use my Arabic, though I'm not learning the right dialect.

I don't know where I got the 18 hours from. I know that didn't sound right, because it would put the entire continent in the middle of the Pacific. Sorry for moving your continent, Belinda. It would make your flight even longer and I know you don't want that.

Julie

 

[skoi]

Just checked the link in the thread Lubi provided, and the Tunis tours, even without details, look pretty interesting.

I don't know.

I wish they'd release the excursion details early.

Anyone know if they pushed shopping on the last set of Med excursions? You always hear how the tours from ships and just group tours in general do that, and we're not big shoppers. We usually just pick up some souvenirs. That was the one thing I didn't like about being on with our guides in China- in Beijing we went to a couple places and the main purpose was to get us to spend money on expensive items: jade, pearls, silk, etc.

Julie