7/13/13 ~~ Eastern Mediterranean Mouseketeers!

[cruisingbelltower]

Happy New Year everyone!!!

 

[Newfoundland Sailor]

Hello Eastern Med Mouseketeers:

I'm thoroughly bummed to report the bleak news that my family has decided that we just can't swing going to the Med this summer.

I am totally bummed too...you have done such a great job of organizing us! You will be missed. Thanks for offering to keep us going - that is very cool of you.

All I can say is thank goodness I have locked into flights - I can't cancel now Or at least that's what I tell my husband. Although I have to laugh, cause our countdown is until the "paid in full" date not the start of our cruise - that will happen after March.

I wish you guys luck and I hope that you get to cruise soon.

 

[Newfoundland Sailor]

What did you do in 2011, that you would recommend for someone this year ?

In 2011 we did a mixture of DCL and on our own. Originally I was planning to do all DCL but in the end it didn't work out that way once I started booking online.

Villefranche - We hired a private car and saw Eze & Monaco. There were 6 of us (including a 2 year old) so it worked out cheaper than going throuch DCL. Also had scheduled to drive a Ferrari - but they ended up being over an hour behind schedule so we cancelled.

La Spezia - We did Pisa (including Climbing the Tower) on our own. My 10-year old son wanted to climb the tower but with DCL you couldn't go on the climb the tower tour without climbing so it would have left the 2 year old and one adult back on the ship. It was really easy to do ourselves - I think we are going that route again this time. Although I really want to do Cinque Terre.

Rome - We ended up doing this on our own and taking a British Airways walking tour in the afternoon. We wanted a DCL tour but the three we were interested in were all sold out. The size of the Port in Citavecchia and the confusion getting back to the ship with so many cruises boarding at the same time I personally would do a DCL tour for this Port. My parents and the baby went to the Olive Gardens with DCL and loved it - not much history but a very relaxing afternoon and the two-year old had a blast running around the orchard.

Naples - The boys did Climbing Mount Vesuvius (with 1/2 day in Pompeii) with DCL and loved it. Their favourite excursion by far. The girls did the Tour of Naples - the guide was passionate about his town and the church and museum was nice - nothing earth shattering. There was lots of time to enjoy the pizza lunch where they let all the kids make pizza (which was not mentioned in the write-up and was a nice touch). There was also lots of shopping time in the old section of Naples.

Palermo - Transportation Strike so the Captain opted to go to Barcelona a day early

Barcelona - We decided totake the the DCL tour to the aquarium and Guell Park. We originally thought we would leave the tour at the aquarium and skip Guell Park but we were glad we didn't in the end. The aquarium was nice - not very big - probably about 20 large tanks with different species. Guell Park was amazing and the guide was so knowledgable that we learned alot and it made the experience. We snuck off to a playground nearby during the sparetime at the end - which the boys enjoyed as it was in the shade of the trees.

 

[Newfoundland Sailor]

All I can say is thank goodness I have locked into flights - I can't cancel now Or at least that's what I tell my husband.

Didn't know the DH is on Disboards now too!!!! He just called me up and quoted me back my post

Hello CruisinBellTower : You finally signed up to see what I spend all my timing checking on.

 

[DisneyManFamily4]

Didn't know the DH is on Disboards now too!!!! He just called me up and quoted me back my post

Hello CruisinBellTower : You finally signed up to see what I spend all my timing checking on.

That is hilarious !!
I hope all the husbands don't start lurking on the boards, don't want mine getting any ideas!

 

[disneycrazy2004]

Another Canadian here - we are all the way from PEI I am just starting to plan excursions...Anyone has any ideas about Greece and Turkey? Can't seem to find anything about that! Happy New Year

 

[DionysiusP]

DC2004

Was wondering about the same... No Greece or Turkey tours... However, GREAT info listed in post #4, page 1 ... Lotsa good reading, especially during long winter nights in PEI or cold (no golf) days in SATX.

HH&GB

Dennis

 

[FloridaMom3461]

Hello Eastern Med Mouseketeers:

I'm thoroughly bummed to report the bleak news that my family has decided that we just can't swing going to the Med this summer. Between some family commitments and the costly airfare and excursions, it just isn't in the cards. Since I started this meet thread, I'll still stay on with all of you to add new cruisers to the Roll Call on page one so that it remains updated for everyone's viewing. Enjoy using the images we came up with for the cruise. Feel free to let me know if there are other postings on page one that I can update too as it was so much fun getting all of that compiled from everyone's tips and suggestions.

Promise me that you'll all report back on your experiences as my family hopes to go in another year or so, that is, if it is offered by DCL! I feel like I know some of you fairly well already, so do keep in touch! Have a great cruise!

Beth

Sorry you wont be joining us Beth - thank you for all you've done to get us organized. Please let me know if there's anything you need me to take over for you.
Randi

 

[FloridaMom3461]

What did you do in 2011, that you would recommend for someone this year ?

In 2011, we did the following:

Barcelona - walked around on our own - stayed overnight at Le Meridien
Villefranche, France - on our own - the area right around the port was nice and very interesting
La Spezia, Italy - private tour with Arianna and Friends including pizza making class with a chef
Civitavecchia, Italy (Rome) - private tour with Rome in Limo
Naples, Italy (not on this cruise) - private tour including Pompeii

The planning is half the fun. I'll post also what I've got arranged for this cruise later.
Randi

 

[Newfoundland Sailor]

I finally have Malta completely booked and organized - it took me a while to get the Playmobil factory tour tickets - but I can now say it is complete.

I am working on Mykonos. I wish DCL had their excursions listed for Greece already. I think that we are going to wander the town...maybe rent some ATV's, my parents might go over to Delos.

I am interested to see what Disney does about the shuttle from the Port to the town. Since the new Cruise Ship Port was opened it looks like most cruise lines are charging $10 each for the shuttle into Mykonos. For us that would by $100.

Hopefully we will see Greece (and Turkey) soon for excursions. Their website says 120 days before the first sailing which would take us to Feb?

 

[disneycrazy2004]

I finally have Malta completely booked and organized - it took me a while to get the Playmobil factory tour tickets - but I can now say it is complete.

I am working on Mykonos. I wish DCL had their excursions listed for Greece already. I think that we are going to wander the town...maybe rent some ATV's, my parents might go over to Delos.

I am interested to see what Disney does about the shuttle from the Port to the town. Since the new Cruise Ship Port was opened it looks like most cruise lines are charging $10 each for the shuttle into Mykonos. For us that would by $100.

Hopefully we will see Greece (and Turkey) soon for excursions. Their website says 120 days before the first sailing which would take us to Feb?

Hello neighbor,

Who do you have Malta booked with? I am thinking of doing Mykonos on our own but would love to book a tour for Turkey or Athens or would they be easy done on our own. Here is another wish DCL would post the Turkey and Greece excursions.
I don't have anything booked yet, my head is spinning for reading so much about it

 

[Newfoundland Sailor]

Hello neighbor,

Who do you have Malta booked with? I am thinking of doing Mykonos on our own but would love to book a tour for Turkey or Athens or would they be easy done on our own. Here is another wish DCL would post the Turkey and Greece excursions.

Hello fellow Atlantic Canadian

For Malta we booked a fishing trip for the morning (with Aquatica) and then a Playmobil Factory Tour for 2:30 and then back to the ship. No real touring the island. The kids got to choose this stop. Although I researched enough things that I could spend a week there easily. My parents are doing the HOHO bus in the morning and meeting us at the Playmobil park.

BTW the Playmobil factory only takes 10 people per day on tours (twice a day) and is one of the few toy factories in the world that isnot located in China. If anyone is interested in taking a tour message me your email and I can send you their flyer and contact info.

We have Greece booked. We are using a very highly recommended tour guide and she is organizing the transportation, driver and such. This was by far our most expensive splurge. She seems really excited and booked us a mini bus just in case.

I was waiting for DCL to post Kusadasi but know i think I am close to nailing down Turkey (I think). I am just negotiating price at this point. We are looking at a private tour (again) using Ekol. They have a 50% off special listed on their website for the holidays - I am trying to snag a good price. Comparing prices that other cruiselines charge for Ephesus tours - I think I can get much cheaper with some of the recommended private tour companies,

I really wanted to see if DCL was going to offer something interesting for the kids in Turkey but if the price is right - I might jump on it. The tour group offered me some tips for the kids to make Kusadasi fun - I post them for everyone in a separate post.

I have read a lot about Mykonos over the past day - and I truly think we are doing this one on our own. A couple of us might head over to Delos in the morning (there are only 3 ferries that go over a day) and then wander the town with everyone else afterwards. Most things I have read suggest beaches, ATVs, Jeep Safari, Delos and wandering the town.

If anyone is interested at Mykonos, the St. John's 5 star Resort offers day passes to their private beach and resort for only 30 Euros and that includes the shuttle to and from the ship. Considering the shuttle from the port to town (most likely) is $10 each this seems like a pretty good deal for some R&R. It looks like it is more geared towards adults (and older teenagers) and not necessary for families with younger children.

Anyway....I am on a little research kick this week...I think the excitement of it turning 2013 and I can see my vacation in sight is getting me excited again.

I stop now before I bore you all

 

[disneycrazy2004]

Hello fellow Atlantic Canadian

For Malta we booked a fishing trip for the morning (with Aquatica) and then a Playmobil Factory Tour for 2:30 and then back to the ship. No real touring the island. The kids got to choose this stop. Although I researched enough things that I could spend a week there easily. My parents are doing the HOHO bus in the morning and meeting us at the Playmobil park.

BTW the Playmobil factory only takes 10 people per day on tours (twice a day) and is one of the few toy factories in the world that isnot located in China. If anyone is interested in taking a tour message me your email and I can send you their flyer and contact info.

We have Greece booked. We are using a very highly recommended tour guide and she is organizing the transportation, driver and such. This was by far our most expensive splurge. She seems really excited and booked us a mini bus just in case.

I was waiting for DCL to post Kusadasi but know i think I am close to nailing down Turkey (I think). I am just negotiating price at this point. We are looking at a private tour (again) using Ekol. They have a 50% off special listed on their website for the holidays - I am trying to snag a good price. Comparing prices that other cruiselines charge for Ephesus tours - I think I can get much cheaper with some of the recommended private tour companies,

I really wanted to see if DCL was going to offer something interesting for the kids in Turkey but if the price is right - I might jump on it. The tour group offered me some tips for the kids to make Kusadasi fun - I post them for everyone in a separate post.

I have read a lot about Mykonos over the past day - and I truly think we are doing this one on our own. A couple of us might head over to Delos in the morning (there are only 3 ferries that go over a day) and then wander the town with everyone else afterwards. Most things I have read suggest beaches, ATVs, Jeep Safari, Delos and wandering the town.

If anyone is interested at Mykonos, the St. John's 5 star Resort offers day passes to their private beach and resort for only 30 Euros and that includes the shuttle to and from the ship. Considering the shuttle from the port to town (most likely) is $10 each this seems like a pretty good deal for some R&R. It looks like it is more geared towards adults (and older teenagers) and not necessary for families with younger children.

Anyway....I am on a little research kick this week...I think the excitement of it turning 2013 and I can see my vacation in sight is getting me excited again.

I stop now before I bore you all

Wow, you are so organized! Thanks for the great info

 

[WDW Princess 71]

Hello fellow Atlantic Canadian

For Malta we booked a fishing trip for the morning (with Aquatica) and then a Playmobil Factory Tour for 2:30 and then back to the ship. No real touring the island. The kids got to choose this stop. Although I researched enough things that I could spend a week there easily. My parents are doing the HOHO bus in the morning and meeting us at the Playmobil park.

BTW the Playmobil factory only takes 10 people per day on tours (twice a day) and is one of the few toy factories in the world that isnot located in China. If anyone is interested in taking a tour message me your email and I can send you their flyer and contact info.

We have Greece booked. We are using a very highly recommended tour guide and she is organizing the transportation, driver and such. This was by far our most expensive splurge. She seems really excited and booked us a mini bus just in case.

I was waiting for DCL to post Kusadasi but know i think I am close to nailing down Turkey (I think). I am just negotiating price at this point. We are looking at a private tour (again) using Ekol. They have a 50% off special listed on their website for the holidays - I am trying to snag a good price. Comparing prices that other cruiselines charge for Ephesus tours - I think I can get much cheaper with some of the recommended private tour companies,

I really wanted to see if DCL was going to offer something interesting for the kids in Turkey but if the price is right - I might jump on it. The tour group offered me some tips for the kids to make Kusadasi fun - I post them for everyone in a separate post.

I have read a lot about Mykonos over the past day - and I truly think we are doing this one on our own. A couple of us might head over to Delos in the morning (there are only 3 ferries that go over a day) and then wander the town with everyone else afterwards. Most things I have read suggest beaches, ATVs, Jeep Safari, Delos and wandering the town.

If anyone is interested at Mykonos, the St. John's 5 star Resort offers day passes to their private beach and resort for only 30 Euros and that includes the shuttle to and from the ship. Considering the shuttle from the port to town (most likely) is $10 each this seems like a pretty good deal for some R&R. It looks like it is more geared towards adults (and older teenagers) and not necessary for families with younger children.

Anyway....I am on a little research kick this week...I think the excitement of it turning 2013 and I can see my vacation in sight is getting me excited again.

I stop now before I bore you all

Thanks for all the great suggestions! Can you share where you found the info on a day pass at St. Johns? I went to their site and it looks gorgeous but I couldnt find any info about a day pass for cruisers.

 

[Newfoundland Sailor]

Thanks for all the great suggestions! Can you share where you found the info on a day pass at St. Johns? I went to their site and it looks gorgeous but I couldnt find any info about a day pass for cruisers.

The resort looks divine!

I first found out about it going through the cruise critic site and then looking them up at tripadvisor. I checked out their website as well but didn't see anything about day passes either. I looks like it is through word of mouth and you contact them via email. Here were two of the good links I found:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1441401&highlight=st+johns+resort
http://cruiseforums.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1641336

 

[cruisingbelltower]

Hello fellow Atlantic Canadian

For Malta we booked a fishing trip for the morning (with Aquatica) and then a Playmobil Factory Tour for 2:30 and then back to the ship. No real touring the island. The kids got to choose this stop. Although I researched enough things that I could spend a week there easily. My parents are doing the HOHO bus in the morning and meeting us at the Playmobil park.

BTW the Playmobil factory only takes 10 people per day on tours (twice a day) and is one of the few toy factories in the world that isnot located in China. If anyone is interested in taking a tour message me your email and I can send you their flyer and contact info.

We have Greece booked. We are using a very highly recommended tour guide and she is organizing the transportation, driver and such. This was by far our most expensive splurge. She seems really excited and booked us a mini bus just in case.

I was waiting for DCL to post Kusadasi but know i think I am close to nailing down Turkey (I think). I am just negotiating price at this point. We are looking at a private tour (again) using Ekol. They have a 50% off special listed on their website for the holidays - I am trying to snag a good price. Comparing prices that other cruiselines charge for Ephesus tours - I think I can get much cheaper with some of the recommended private tour companies,

I really wanted to see if DCL was going to offer something interesting for the kids in Turkey but if the price is right - I might jump on it. The tour group offered me some tips for the kids to make Kusadasi fun - I post them for everyone in a separate post.

I have read a lot about Mykonos over the past day - and I truly think we are doing this one on our own. A couple of us might head over to Delos in the morning (there are only 3 ferries that go over a day) and then wander the town with everyone else afterwards. Most things I have read suggest beaches, ATVs, Jeep Safari, Delos and wandering the town.

If anyone is interested at Mykonos, the St. John's 5 star Resort offers day passes to their private beach and resort for only 30 Euros and that includes the shuttle to and from the ship. Considering the shuttle from the port to town (most likely) is $10 each this seems like a pretty good deal for some R&R. It looks like it is more geared towards adults (and older teenagers) and not necessary for families with younger children.

Anyway....I am on a little research kick this week...I think the excitement of it turning 2013 and I can see my vacation in sight is getting me excited again.

I stop now before I bore you all

I'm going where??

 

[mum&son]

Hi everyone
this is a welcome find
sadly it is bedtime in the UK so will follow up tomorrow
you all seem organised with trips not yet thought about them myself !!
been to WDW 5 times but this is my first time cruising so apprehensive but excited too
I will be travelling with my 13 year old son

 

[DionysiusP]

Hi everyone
this is a welcome find
sadly it is bedtime in the UK so will follow up tomorrow
you all seem organised with trips not yet thought about them myself !!
been to WDW 5 times but this is my first time cruising so apprehensive but excited too
I will be travelling with my 13 year old son

Cruising is soooooooo much fun!

 

[Eleblanc]

Hi everyone
this is a welcome find
sadly it is bedtime in the UK so will follow up tomorrow
you all seem organised with trips not yet thought about t!


Welcome. You will have an incredible time on the cruise. There are also a number of 13 yr old girls in this group so your son will have a blast too!

 

[tinkerbelltwins]

Hi everyone
this is a welcome find
sadly it is bedtime in the UK so will follow up tomorrow
you all seem organised with trips not yet thought about them myself !!
been to WDW 5 times but this is my first time cruising so apprehensive but excited too
I will be travelling with my 13 year old son

Welcome Aboard! If you have any more information you'd like to put in the Roll Call on the first page, just let me know.

Beth