7/18/2010 Mickey's Baltic Ballyhoo!! Part 5

[Andrew DEREK UK]

DH is not comfortable carrying that much cash so we may just go with the credit card...that is until the bills pile up and he decides we need to save every penny-hopefully in time to get the new bills from the bank


Wow, hope your SIL is ok and they have a safe place to wait
Just checked on our policy and we are covered as far as the money is concerned-it is the emotional investment that is not so easily fixed


Hope your Sis is ok too


Hey if you sent a private message to Celestine then you are included
Are you booking excursions and Palo at 90 days?


Love Grease too
Having issues with my 16 year old too
I guess that is part of the reason for the "stinky teen" label

THANKS, My sister is still reported as stuck in Spain, and no options on travel.

Anyone considering alternative means of travel from US to Dover in July?

http://www.examiner.com/x-28320-World-News-Examiner~y2010m4d17-LATEST-PHOTOS-OF-VOLCANO--VIDEO-Iceland-volcano-continues-to-erupt-More-travel-chaos-to-come

This aerial images shows the crater spewing ash and plumes of grit at the summit of the volcano in southern Iceland's Eyjafjallajokull glacier Saturday April 17, 2010. (AP Photo/Arna)

We continue to close our airspace, its extended to 7pm, the weather prediction is that the high pressure over us, thats giving clear blue skies and no wind is with us till at least next weekend, so that isn't going to blow it away this week.

If you already have plans for the port in Germany please ignore this...




We are currently booked with a private tour company Berlin Walks for a private tour. Of course the price goes down if we can find another family to share the tour with. Currently we are a family of 4, myself, DH, DS16 and DD13.

http://www.berlinwalks.de/private_cruise.html

They have a good reputation on Trip Advisor:
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g187323-d735931-Reviews-Original_Berlin_Walks-Berlin.html

They also assured me they are quite used to getting cruise passengers back to their ships in plenty of time as well.


We do plan to stop for a short lunch during the day and to take a medium pace-trying to get in as much as we can without rushing things too much.
If this is the kind of tour you want too-Please send me a private message if you are interested.

I have plans booked with DCL, but 1/ hope you get someone, 2/ will be interested in your route etc. Possible we might get the same people in Berlin DCL do not tell us.


Good luck to everyone booking tonight at 90 days, if you book Palo dinner at sunset now you get an added view of ash over the sun its quite spectacular!!!!

 

[RJAYL]

Good Morning All
Good wishes & luck to all you with family & friends stuck abroad due to the volcano!
Done with MK off to DS today & Hoop de du review tonight !
Pretty busy

 

[jjsmith]

I'm curious as to when the TA cruise in progress now ends and how those people might get home?

It seems that if this type of disruption continues (or flares up again) Disney and all the other cruise lines will have huge problems on their hands as far as whether the cruise sails.

The huge disruption in Europe is being covered in the American media. But I can't help but think that if the same thing happened here the media would make it seem like the world was coming to an end.

 

[jjsmith]

What about a week or 10 days out from the cruise buying/booking a Eurostar ticket from France to the UK as an insurance plan? I suppose you have to pay for the tickets up front and an't just reserve a seat? Looks like about a $350 purchase for a family of 4.

 

[MrsScooby]

I have plans booked with DCL, but 1/ hope you get someone, 2/ will be interested in your route etc. Possible we might get the same people in Berlin DCL do not tell us.

The Berlin Walks website has some suggestions for sites to see and Cruise critic also has a web page for Berlin with suggested sites as well. I think your focus is similar to ours as far as emphasis on historic sites. I'll let you know when we have something set-the tour company seems to have a standard general tour that they tweek based on the guides impression of you when they meet you

Good Morning All
Good wishes & luck to all you with family & friends stuck abroad due to the volcano!
Done with MK off to DS today & Hoop de du review tonight !
Pretty busy

Good morning
Sounds like a great time

I'm curious as to when the TA cruise in progress now ends and how those people might get home?

It seems that if this type of disruption continues (or flares up again) Disney and all the other cruise lines will have huge problems on their hands as far as whether the cruise sails.

The huge disruption in Europe is being covered in the American media. But I can't help but think that if the same thing happened here the media would make it seem like the world was coming to an end.

I'm getting the impression the media really don't know how serious this will turn out to be and are reluctant to cause a panic or look foolish

I'm wondering if there was anyone that knew this volcano was ready to blow-like in the movies where the scientist trys to warn everybody, but no one listens.

What about a week or 10 days out from the cruise buying/booking a Eurostar ticket from France to the UK as an insurance plan? I suppose you have to pay for the tickets up front and an't just reserve a seat? Looks like about a $350 purchase for a family of 4.

The question is if they are refundable if not used?
We were discussing that option last night.
Luckily we have some time yet to plan.
I feel bad for those scheduled in the next couple weeks

Kinda sorry I skipped earth science in high school now
The science geek in me finds this fascinating.

 

[poohmomof5]

Morning everyone!

This whole volcano thing is fascinating to me! I just wish I could pronounce its name...

Anyway, I think the wierd thing about all of this is that no one has any idea how long it will really last and what the long term outlook is. This is a great lesson in learning to go with the flow. Mother Nature has found a great way to remind the "uber planners" like us, as we truly have no control over something like this happening and we all just need to have a "it is what it is" attitude.


Wishing a way for everyone to get where they want to go and safe travels and pixie dust for all those trying to get on the first med cruise, and the rest of us afterward!

Oh, and did anyone book last night? I thought it was booking day...

 

[jilljill]

So where is Phil the Mets fan from NJ

My DH is in a very good mood that the Mets won their game tonight against the Cardinals.

20 innings!!!

I watched the end of that game just because it was such a long game. We turned it on at the 14th inning and couldn't believe our eyes when we saw that.

 

[jilljill]

Morning everyone!

This whole volcano thing is fascinating to me! I just wish I could pronounce its name...

Anyway, I think the wierd thing about all of this is that no one has any idea how long it will really last and what the long term outlook is. This is a great lesson in learning to go with the flow. Mother Nature has found a great way to remind the "uber planners" like us, as we truly have no control over something like this happening and we all just need to have a "it is what it is" attitude.


Wishing a way for everyone to get where they want to go and safe travels and pixie dust for all those trying to get on the first med cruise, and the rest of us afterward!

Oh, and did anyone book last night? I thought it was booking day...

Al Roker got to pronounce the name the other morning but I couldn't repeat it if I had to.


Booking opens tonight at midnight for those cruisers that can book at 90 days out.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Good Morning All
Good wishes & luck to all you with family & friends stuck abroad due to the volcano!
Done with MK off to DS today & Hoop de du review tonight !
Pretty busy

Enjoy; your trip. My sister as I understand is still stuck, but I expect this to sort it self out.

I'm curious as to when the TA cruise in progress now ends and how those people might get home?

It seems that if this type of disruption continues (or flares up again) Disney and all the other cruise lines will have huge problems on their hands as far as whether the cruise sails.

The huge disruption in Europe is being covered in the American media. But I can't help but think that if the same thing happened here the media would make it seem like the world was coming to an end.

The situation is changing all the time.
Weather, is the same until, the end of the week, when South Westerly winds are predicted and it will blow it away then.
A number of European counties/Airlines do not believe there is a significant risk and are running test flights, KLM and The German airlines for example. They report , no problems and are pushing the air traffic controls to re open.
Money will take over health and safety fears, it always does, someone will get data saying its safe, and I would have a guess by Tuesday/Wednesday we will have some flights maybe long haul only with restrictions.

So far many people this weekend have missed the start of their vacations, ie cant fly to cruise ships in the Med, cant fly to WDW, or kids have had the last two weeks off school post Easter, many will miss the start of this term, as they are stuck in Orlando.

Those without travel insurance, or good travel insurance will have very very big bills to pay and that could run to thousands.

UK always takes health and safety seriously so we have extend restrictions to 7am Monday, and BA stopped all flights on Monday.

The Berlin Walks website has some suggestions for sites to see and Cruise critic also has a web page for Berlin with suggested sites as well. I think your focus is similar to ours as far as emphasis on historic sites. I'll let you know when we have something set-the tour company seems to have a standard general tour that they tweak based on the guides impression of you when they meet you



Good morning
Sounds like a great time

I'm getting the impression the media really don't know how serious this will turn out to be and are reluctant to cause a panic or look foolish

I'm wondering if there was anyone that knew this volcano was ready to blow-like in the movies where the scientist tries to warn everybody, but no one listens.



The question is if they are refundable if not used?
We were discussing that option last night.
Luckily we have some time yet to plan.
I feel bad for those scheduled in the next couple weeks

Kinda sorry I skipped earth science in high school now
The science geek in me finds this fascinating.

Thank you.

 

[poohmomof5]

Al Roker got to pronounce the name the other morning but I couldn't repeat it if I had to.


Booking opens tonight at midnight for those cruisers that can book at 90 days out.

Got it, I was a day off! Good luck tonight everyone!

 

[MrsScooby]

I watched the end of that game just because it was such a long game. We turned it on at the 14th inning and couldn't believe our eyes when we saw that.

I was nervous watching it as my DH gets very irritable when the Mets lose
Hence he can get very cranky during baseball season
My DS (Andrew) and I are going to get to see a Met game next Thursday as his school band is taking a trip to NYC (I'm chaperoning)
My DH and DD (the big Met fans in the family) are so jealous!

Thank you.

 

[MrsScooby]

Just got off overstock.com based on a tip on the main disboard. Many of the pacsafe bags are deeply discounted

Wouldn't be inclined to pay their regular prices-but the bag I bought was 73% off
The Rick Steves bag is not as discounted as the one I got (only $20 off), but there are plenty of others there.

Anyone tried these bags?

 

[Madisonznana]

Got it, I was a day off! Good luck tonight everyone!

I am only trying for one excursion and a Palo dinner. Hopefully I will get it. I really wanted a brunch...

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

I am only trying for one excursion and a Palo dinner. Hopefully I will get it. I really wanted a brunch...

Well good luck hope you get it, but still if you get to the port early there is a great chance of getting a slot then.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

OK, had a look around the reservations available on the DCL website, have a bit of bad news.

Brunch, when I looked a few minutes ago, has all gone, I tried for parties of 1>2, and where they had slots on the last day about a week ago there gone. Not a single Brunch there at this moment.

Palo Dinner is generally open bar two sea days 23rd and 28th. They have completely gone but lots of slots around.

Tea had gone a long time back.

Had a look at Shore trips, under this system I cannot tell if anything has gone unless you click into everyone, but nothing appears to be completely out at this time.

Spa I would say at least 33% gone.

Hope this gives those booking guidance on priorities on what to look at first.

 

[Madisonznana]

OK, had a look around the reservations available on the DCL website, have a bit of bad news.

Brunch, when I looked a few minutes ago, has all gone, I tried for parties of 1>2, and where they had slots on the last day about a week ago there gone. Not a single Brunch there at this moment.

Palo Dinner is generally open bar two sea days 23rd and 28th. They have completely gone but lots of slots around.

Tea had gone a long time back.

Had a look at Shore trips, under this system I cannot tell if anything has gone unless you click into everyone, but nothing appears to be completely out at this time.

Spa I would say at least 33% gone.

Hope this gives those booking guidance on priorities on what to look at first.

Thanks Andrew.A little under 9 hours from now!

 

[smilis]

Andrew, Thanks for the update. Guess I'll maybe look at my Palo times first before excursions now. Do you have any insight as to the schedule of evening shows so I'd know which night NOT to try and get Palo res?

Sandy

OK, had a look around the reservations available on the DCL website, have a bit of bad news.

Brunch, when I looked a few minutes ago, has all gone, I tried for parties of 1>2, and where they had slots on the last day about a week ago there gone. Not a single Brunch there at this moment.

Palo Dinner is generally open bar two sea days 23rd and 28th. They have completely gone but lots of slots around.

Tea had gone a long time back.

Had a look at Shore trips, under this system I cannot tell if anything has gone unless you click into everyone, but nothing appears to be completely out at this time.

Spa I would say at least 33% gone.

Hope this gives those booking guidance on priorities on what to look at first.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Thanks Andrew.A little under 9 hours from now!

Andrew, Thanks for the update. Guess I'll maybe look at my Palo times first before excursions now. Do you have any insight as to the schedule of evening shows so I'd know which night NOT to try and get Palo res?

Sandy

Firstly good luck to all.

Based on PLA. I was told...

Night 1. Parrot Cay Let the Magic begin (Dover)

Night 2. Lumiere's Prince and Princess- Formal (Sea)

Night 3, Animator's Palate Rotational dining (Oslo)

Night 4 Parrot Cay Rotational dining (Copenhagen)

Night 5. Lumiere's Rotational dining (Berlin)

Night 6. Animator's Palate Villians- Semi Formal (Sea)

Night 7 Parrot Cay Are still listed as pending.(St Petes)


Night 8. Lumiere's Are still listed as pending. (St Petes)


Night 9. Animator's Palate Pirates (Tallinn)

Night 10. Parrot Cay Flavors of Scandinavia (Stockholm)

Night 11. Lumiere's Captains Gala- Semi Formal (Sea)

Night 12. Animator's Palate Till We Meet Again (Sea)

Breakfast Animator's Palate (Dover)

 

[smilis]

Firstly good luck to all.

Based on PLA. I was told...

Night 1. Parrot Cay Let the Magic begin (Dover)

Night 2. Lumiere's Prince and Princess- Formal (Sea)

Night 3, Animator's Palate Rotational dining (Oslo)

Night 4 Parrot Cay Rotational dining (Copenhagen)

Night 5. Lumiere's Rotational dining (Berlin)

Night 6. Animator's Palate Villians- Semi Formal (Sea)

Night 7 Parrot Cay Are still listed as pending.(St Petes)


Night 8. Lumiere's Are still listed as pending. (St Petes)


Night 9. Animator's Palate Pirates (Tallinn)

Night 10. Parrot Cay Flavors of Scandinavia (Stockholm)

Night 11. Lumiere's Captains Gala- Semi Formal (Sea)

Night 12. Animator's Palate Till We Meet Again (Sea)

Breakfast Animator's Palate (Dover)

 

[MrsScooby]

Big discussion at home tonight about formal night.

We love the pictures we get from dressing up formally. Our opportunities for dressing up like this are few and far between at home. Plus we like not having to pack formal tuxes for the guys with the opportunity to rent them on the ship.

My DS16 has said he would feel very awkward if most men/boys were not wearing tuxes and he was and DH says he would feel bad not wearing one if several were.

From the last time we discussed this on our thread I think most people said they were opting to not dress formally for formal night.

Is that still the case

Also DH is not crazy about wearing formal wear to Palo.