7/14/2014 - 12-Night Mediterranean Cruise (with Greece) Venice to Barcelona

[SailingSeas]

Also keep in mind the size of the Magic, which is a mid-sized ship at only 84,000 tons. They are currently trying to ban the supersize ships of 500 tons or more.

 

[MPS516]

I think the Giudecca Canal mentioned in the recent articles is different from the Grand Canal. I do not believe cruise ships currently sail the Grand Canal.

The Giudecca Canal is the very wide one on the south side of the city passing St Marks Square, the Grand heads north off that just past the square. The ships come in passing along the city to the port, problem right now is that is the only way in without dredging and blasting. The commercial port they are talking about is north west on the main land. Either way, we are spending our pre cruise nights in Venice and just adjust to departure port if anything changes.


.

 

[denise]

I have firmed up our three night pre cruise stay in Venice...Staying at the Boscolo Venezia which is through Marriott. Got two nights on points and cash for the middle night. (the points night was gone!) Plus the Marriott guy showed a higher rate then what was on line for the cash night...he said once the points nights disappear they will never reappear...don't know if I believe him so I am checking daily if not several times a day.

Hard doing this on my little netbook....

Nothing else is firm....

Guess I gotta get moving... but i'm on vacation so it's hard to stop doing things and spend time on the computer....

But I did book my airfare for a return trip here in Hawaii for Janurary yesterday!!! Going to the Pro Bowl! Got my timeshare at Marriottt booked (last Jan. I booked it), my air booked with miles! Just need tickets to the game! Found out the NFL stays at the JW Marriott which is walking distance (about 3/4 mile) from our place. This will be fun!!

We check out tomorrow and move over to Aulani...can't wait...have never stayed there yet...

Oh Maria...Jimmy said he is packing light too and for you to get used to seeing a repeat of shirts...he did add they will be washed and clean... guess that will be my job!!

Aloha

 

[vacationsitis]

I have firmed up our three night pre cruise stay in Venice...Staying at the Boscolo Venezia which is through Marriott. Got two nights on points and cash for the middle night. (the points night was gone!) Plus the Marriott guy showed a higher rate then what was on line for the cash night...he said once the points nights disappear they will never reappear...don't know if I believe him so I am checking daily if not several times a day.

Hard doing this on my little netbook....

Nothing else is firm....

Guess I gotta get moving... but i'm on vacation so it's hard to stop doing things and spend time on the computer....

But I did book my airfare for a return trip here in Hawaii for Janurary yesterday!!! Going to the Pro Bowl! Got my timeshare at Marriottt booked (last Jan. I booked it), my air booked with miles! Just need tickets to the game! Found out the NFL stays at the JW Marriott which is walking distance (about 3/4 mile) from our place. This will be fun!!

We check out tomorrow and move over to Aulani...can't wait...have never stayed there yet...

Oh Maria...Jimmy said he is packing light too and for you to get used to seeing a repeat of shirts...he did add they will be washed and clean... guess that will be my job!!

Aloha

We are also staying at Boscolo Venezia for three nights before the cruise & Renaissance Barcelona for three nights after the cruise. Flying into Venice & flying out of Barcelona on United.

 

[SailingSeas]

Oh Maria...Jimmy said he is packing light too and for you to get used to seeing a repeat of shirts...he did add they will be washed and clean... guess that will be my job!!

Aloha darlin! That is such a riot! He could be like all the other greek men and wear basic black woven shirts or white tee shirts all week and I wouldn't know! I'm sure you didn't tell him we were toga'ing all week or you'd loose him to imagining you in bedsheets the whole cruise! (now that's not very Disney of me! Opa!)

Glad to hear you are having an amazing time. Can't wait to read your trip report.

Vacationitis, doesn't it make it all seem more real? That's awesome you have your hotels booked.

Yes, we are still living out of a suitcase. I came so close to buying flights, too, but there's a bit going on here and i want to confirm a few things before I jump in on those. I'm getting all anxious, seeing how everyone's finally starting to confirm things.

This is all so wicked EXCITING!

 

[danfromca]

So... it is looking like we may be joining you....

Where there will be two or three of us, is still unknown. I actually booked on opening day, but at the time it was just a lark - wishful thinking. But after having a great time on the Wonder in Alaska this summer, I realized that we really should go on this one as well. I am cautiously optimistic.

We're booked for two nights before the cruise at "Hotel Canal Grande" - based purely on TripAdvisor reviews. It certainly seems to be a great location - a reasonable walk from the train station. Has anyone else looked at that one?

 

[vacationsitis]

Vacationitis, doesn't it make it all seem more real? That's awesome you have your hotels booked.

Yes, I am feeling relieved that it is done. Now, we just have to work on paying off the cruise.

 

[LovesToRun]

So... it is looking like we may be joining you....

Where there will be two or three of us, is still unknown. I actually booked on opening day, but at the time it was just a lark - wishful thinking. But after having a great time on the Wonder in Alaska this summer, I realized that we really should go on this one as well. I am cautiously optimistic.

We're booked for two nights before the cruise at "Hotel Canal Grande" - based purely on TripAdvisor reviews. It certainly seems to be a great location - a reasonable walk from the train station. Has anyone else looked at that one?

Welcome!!

We stayed at Hotel Canal Grande this past July before our 12-day Med Cruise (we flew from Venice to Barcelona to catch the ship) and we ABSOLTUTELY LOVED this hotel!! I highly highly recommend you splurge and get a Canal View room, if you can. It is truly worth it. I wanted to stay there again next July before our cruise, but we are a family of 4, and their room that fits 4 people (the room we had) was already booked, and they had no more Canal View rooms that would accommodate our family, so we are staying at a different hotel (that looks just as nice and is also on the Grand Canal). Hotel Canal Grande is far away from San Marcos Square, but we really liked that because we really loved the walk, plus, the farther away you are from San Marcos Square, the cheaper everything is. We came into Venice via train (from Milan), and that was so convenient because the train station is only a 5-ish minute walk from the hotel. And, we flew out of the Trevisio airport to get to Barcelona, and so we took a bus to the airport. The bus station is right next to the train station, so again, the hotel location was perfect for us for getting in and out of Venice. We didn't have to spend any money on a water taxi or water bus to get to the Marco Polo airport.

The only thing about this hotel that I wish they could improve (but maybe out of their control given the location), and it's very minor, is the internet was VERRRY spotty for us, and we'd get kicked off constantly and have to log back on, and sometimes we couldn't even connect. They give you a code for each device you want to connect to the internet, and so you have to keep track of that code because if you are kicked off, you have to reconnect and put the code back when you log back on. BUT, we didn't use the internet that much... only to just update friends/family back home how we were doing. So, it really was not a big deal at all. And, the internet was free there, so it we didn't feel like we were wasting our money because of the spotty internet. Again, a really minor issue. We really had no other complaints at all about the hotel... I'd give it a 5-star review!

Other than the internet, the hotel was SO nice, so beautifully decorated, upscale, the staff was SO nice always, the breakfast was really really good (and if you can get a seat out on the little outside balcony for breakfast, that is a bonus!!), their cappuccino's they made were amazing, too! We got breakfast included with our room. I recommend getting the rate with breakfast, if you can (or maybe all rooms come with breakfast).

If you have any questions, let me know. The staff was also just SO nice, and so helpful.

But, I really would try to get a canal view room, if you don't already have one.

 

[denise]

love the wavy Greek flag!!!

So tonight we were leaving the beach side restaurant at Marriott when we saw some friends from home! Seems they had seen my husband several times through the week from a distance but didn't see me or our daughter with him so thought it wasn't him....too funny...their trip was last minute and they didn't know we were here. We are friends with her brother but they didn't tell anyone they were going to Hawaii....

Have to break into song...

It's a small world after all.....

 

[Lynn G]

I have firmed up our three night pre cruise stay in Venice...Staying at the Boscolo Venezia which is through Marriott. Got two nights on points and cash for the middle night. (the points night was gone!) Plus the Marriott guy showed a higher rate then what was on line for the cash night...he said once the points nights disappear they will never reappear...don't know if I believe him so I am checking daily if not several times a day.

Hard doing this on my little netbook....

Nothing else is firm....

Guess I gotta get moving... but i'm on vacation so it's hard to stop doing things and spend time on the computer....

But I did book my airfare for a return trip here in Hawaii for Janurary yesterday!!! Going to the Pro Bowl! Got my timeshare at Marriottt booked (last Jan. I booked it), my air booked with miles! Just need tickets to the game! Found out the NFL stays at the JW Marriott which is walking distance (about 3/4 mile) from our place. This will be fun!!

We check out tomorrow and move over to Aulani...can't wait...have never stayed there yet...

Oh Maria...Jimmy said he is packing light too and for you to get used to seeing a repeat of shirts...he did add they will be washed and clean... guess that will be my job!!

Aloha

Enjoy Aulani!

So... it is looking like we may be joining you....

Where there will be two or three of us, is still unknown. I actually booked on opening day, but at the time it was just a lark - wishful thinking. But after having a great time on the Wonder in Alaska this summer, I realized that we really should go on this one as well. I am cautiously optimistic.

We're booked for two nights before the cruise at "Hotel Canal Grande" - based purely on TripAdvisor reviews. It certainly seems to be a great location - a reasonable walk from the train station. Has anyone else looked at that one?

Welcome!

 

[denise]

All checked in at Aulani...room is nice...view no where as good as Marriott room but knew that before we checked in. Marrioot view was to die for...The room is smaller than Marriott but still a good size.
Lots more places to eat here then Marriott...some very expensive...

Food and wine event taking place on beach tonight...checked into going but it is $200 per person! So we passed...lol

Of course there are way more kids here but there were a lot at Marriott too.
Two completely different kinds of property..

The cruise line commercial on TV needs to updated!!! They are talking about the Disney Dream coming out in 2011!!! lol

 

[danfromca]

Thanks - that's great to hear!

Dan

Welcome!!

We stayed at Hotel Canal Grande this past July before our 12-day Med Cruise (we flew from Venice to Barcelona to catch the ship) and we ABSOLTUTELY LOVED this hotel!! I highly highly recommend you splurge and get a Canal View room, if you can. It is truly worth it. I wanted to stay there again next July before our cruise, but we are a family of 4, and their room that fits 4 people (the room we had) was already booked, and they had no more Canal View rooms that would accommodate our family, so we are staying at a different hotel (that looks just as nice and is also on the Grand Canal). Hotel Canal Grande is far away from San Marcos Square, but we really liked that because we really loved the walk, plus, the farther away you are from San Marcos Square, the cheaper everything is. We came into Venice via train (from Milan), and that was so convenient because the train station is only a 5-ish minute walk from the hotel. And, we flew out of the Trevisio airport to get to Barcelona, and so we took a bus to the airport. The bus station is right next to the train station, so again, the hotel location was perfect for us for getting in and out of Venice. We didn't have to spend any money on a water taxi or water bus to get to the Marco Polo airport.

The only thing about this hotel that I wish they could improve (but maybe out of their control given the location), and it's very minor, is the internet was VERRRY spotty for us, and we'd get kicked off constantly and have to log back on, and sometimes we couldn't even connect. They give you a code for each device you want to connect to the internet, and so you have to keep track of that code because if you are kicked off, you have to reconnect and put the code back when you log back on. BUT, we didn't use the internet that much... only to just update friends/family back home how we were doing. So, it really was not a big deal at all. And, the internet was free there, so it we didn't feel like we were wasting our money because of the spotty internet. Again, a really minor issue. We really had no other complaints at all about the hotel... I'd give it a 5-star review!

Other than the internet, the hotel was SO nice, so beautifully decorated, upscale, the staff was SO nice always, the breakfast was really really good (and if you can get a seat out on the little outside balcony for breakfast, that is a bonus!!), their cappuccino's they made were amazing, too! We got breakfast included with our room. I recommend getting the rate with breakfast, if you can (or maybe all rooms come with breakfast).

If you have any questions, let me know. The staff was also just SO nice, and so helpful.

But, I really would try to get a canal view room, if you don't already have one.

 

[jd99]

All checked in at Aulani...room is nice...view no where as good as Marriott room but knew that before we checked in. Marrioot view was to die for...The room is smaller than Marriott but still a good size.
Lots more places to eat here then Marriott...some very expensive...

Food and wine event taking place on beach tonight...checked into going but it is $200 per person! So we passed...lol

Of course there are way more kids here but there were a lot at Marriott too.
Two completely different kinds of property..

The cruise line commercial on TV needs to updated!!! They are talking about the Disney Dream coming out in 2011!!! lol

We really liked the rooms at Aulani (but we didn't have a great view either) but the one bedroom was very spacious. Loved the property but we probably spent a few days too many there as it's fun - but when you are in Hawaii you want to explore. Enjoy the lazy river - our favorite part.

 

[LyndaC]

I couldn't get over the louvered doors for the bathrooms and the bedrooms... And when we were there they closed the beach for a private affair as well. Very annoying.

 

[keaster]

So we may be pulling out of our Mediterranean adventure

We are likely embarking on a major landscaping project, so we will need all available funds to make that happen. We still have some since our PIF date isn't until March, but it looks like it may be a no go.

We may just move our booking to another, cheaper, closer to North America voyage because we still want to check out the new Magic!

 

[vacationsitis]

So... it is looking like we may be joining you....

Where there will be two or three of us, is still unknown. I actually booked on opening day, but at the time it was just a lark - wishful thinking. But after having a great time on the Wonder in Alaska this summer, I realized that we really should go on this one as well. I am cautiously optimistic.

We're booked for two nights before the cruise at "Hotel Canal Grande" - based purely on TripAdvisor reviews. It certainly seems to be a great location - a reasonable walk from the train station. Has anyone else looked at that one?

Welcome, We are from Livermore, CA. Pretty close to where you are.

 

[denise]

home from Hawaii...it was wonderful but now back to real life!!! We will be back there in January for the Pro Bowl

The lazy river was fun at Aulani...we had the stuffed french toast too...chocolate overdose!

Sorry to see so many people leaving the cruise but it happens...

Have to get serious now about our flights for the cruise...had a little package from Disney when we got back....guess they figured we had forgotten about our cruise....just a reminder about the PIF date...lol

so back to a full size computer to get our airfare and trip all figured out...it was so hard from a tiny netbook...

 

[jd99]

home from Hawaii...it was wonderful but now back to real life!!! We will be back there in January for the Pro Bowl

The lazy river was fun at Aulani...we had the stuffed french toast too...chocolate overdose!

Sorry to see so many people leaving the cruise but it happens...

Have to get serious now about our flights for the cruise...had a little package from Disney when we got back....guess they figured we had forgotten about our cruise....just a reminder about the PIF date...lol

so back to a full size computer to get our airfare and trip all figured out...it was so hard from a tiny netbook...

Fares for our trip are "ok" but I am hoping they get better. And not worse. Holding my breath and keeping fingers crossed. If I see that number that makes me comfortable, I'm going to book. Otherwise wait til the magical 3rd week in Jan....

 

[Lynn G]

So we may be pulling out of our Mediterranean adventure

We are likely embarking on a major landscaping project, so we will need all available funds to make that happen. We still have some since our PIF date isn't until March, but it looks like it may be a no go.

We may just move our booking to another, cheaper, closer to North America voyage because we still want to check out the new Magic!

Sorry you won't make it, but have fun on the new Magic, and give us a report of it!

 

[keenercam]

Good morning, everyone!

Quick question on which I need advice. Many of you have joined our FB page and I have been accepting new members whenever anyone has asked to be a member of our group. However, I became aware over the weekend that there are people who joined our group who are not going on our cruise.

I'm not sure how to handle this. Several of my friends who are active on the DIS and FB have told me about problems this kind of situation has created in the past. They say people participate in conversations and voice opinions on stuff, sometimes vocally, and if someone is not keeping track of whether the opinionated poster is on the sailing, decisions may be made based on the opinions of people who aren't even on the cruise. One friend said that some of the problems her FB group experienced with non-sailors were even more significant. All of these friends have suggested we make our group "private" and accept new members only if the person is on our cruise, and leave the more general conversations for this thread and others on the DIS.

What do you all think?