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

[RJAYL]

Firstly great location, its up to you, but you have Harrods next to you, Hyde Park, a stones throw to Buckingham house, Museums at South Kensington, I would walk it. Nice/posh part of town. Easy to get to anything by Tube/taxi Bus.

Heathrow options.

Heathrow express > Paddington. Then either Taxi, or District or Circle line to High st Ken. I would do the Taxi with luggage. Approx 45 mins.

Slightly more difficult.

Piccadilly Line from Heathrow to Barons court, walk over to District line, same platform, ( you could go to Earls court but that then has Piccadilly underground and involves an Escalator). District to Earls court, swap to another district train same platforms to High St Ken. Not too bad, and cheap.
The issue is luggage but Piccadilly has luggage space. Approx 60>75 mins.

I am sure there is a coach service to the Earls court Gloucester road area, then taxi.

Or Black Cab taxi all the way, service is plentiful, more expensive but direct.

From High Street Ken, for shopping, up District or Circle to Notting hill gate, swap to Central line, For West end shopping get off at Marble Arch, Bond St, Oxford circus, or Tottenham court road, all will be Oxford Street. OR, Go opposite way to Shepherds bush, (two stops) for Westfield, open late night.

Sounds good Andrew as we will be staying there as well!

I have a shout out to Celestine to see if has connections for a van from Heathrow to the Hotel for my party of 6

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Oh Well looks like we will be waiting for the Disney Fantasy in 2012 when they have 7 day or longer cruises and we will be gold & able to book our desire!

Well I do not want to say 'never' as I might get proved wrong but its expected the DREAM, will do 3/4 night cruises from January 2011, taking over the Wonder route, and then when the Magic returns to Europe for the summer it will do 4/5 night 'Wonder type' trips.

I agree with you I prefer longer cruises, the recent 7 night one had ended, before I settled in, it felt like an 'overnight' trip. 3/4/5 is too short, at least this cruise is 12 nights and my Med in 2011, is 11 nights, a reasonable length.

DCL has done this as the Wonder route is the cash cow, two lots of cruisers each week, the average 'weekly' cruise income is more, but also, thats Photos x 2, people have a set budget for that, whatever the cruise length, Shopping x 2, SPA x 2, Booze spend x 2.etc. So the average spend on shorter cruises is far more than longer ones. Repos per day are good value.

The 'new' ships do not interest me, I do not want to be first, I can wait. I prefer to travel by air less, and 2012 is most likely out, as I would like to spend my summer vacation time with the London Olympics.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Sounds good Andrew as we will be staying there as well!

I have a shout out to Celestine to see if has connections for a van from Heathrow to the Hotel for my party of 6

I like that location, good base, nice area, good hotel, Tube service reasonable. The circle line might be a 'lasso' line by then, (dont ask silly idea), but for shopping, I would actually recommend going to Westfield at Shepherds bush, just a couple of stops away, no British weather to worry about all indoors, and any shop you can think off in one USA style Mall.

If you can organise a van through someone you can trust like Celestine, its the best option, considering cruise luggage, its not impossible on the tube, but difficult and would require organization.

 

[Flora Fan]

I am actually thinking that I will order from Harrod's online to get gifts for friends. : I feel like such a heel, but with suitcases costing so much, I'm thinking that it will actually save me money. Shhh, don't tell.

 

[bellelinus]

I am actually thinking that I will order from Harrod's online to get gifts for friends. : I feel like such a heel, but with suitcases costing so much, I'm thinking that it will actually save me money. Shhh, don't tell.

Harrod's will also ship things home to you directly from the store

 

[jilljill]

I am actually thinking that I will order from Harrod's online to get gifts for friends. : I feel like such a heel, but with suitcases costing so much, I'm thinking that it will actually save me money. Shhh, don't tell.

Harrod's will also ship things home to you directly from the store

Julie I was going to suggest the same thing. Plus they have a shop at Heathrow and you could buy things there before your flight home duty free and carry them on with no problems.
The big July Harrod's sale will be going on when we are there. Can't wait to hit the sale again.

 

[jilljill]

I got this email today about the Dream's announcement and a theory on the bookings.


As two of the most frequent cruisers with Disney Cruise Line®, Janice and I are members of an exclusive group that has been invited to attend an event that will take place in New York City tomorrow (Thursday, October 29) at 415pm. At that event, Disney Cruise Line will reveal new innovations of the Disney Dream® that will keep the Line in the forefront of the family cruise market. You, too, can be part of this event by viewing it online at 415pm Thursday, October 29 at http://www.*************.com/disney-dream-announcement.htm. On Friday, look for a newsletter from us that will summarize the event. Assuming 2011 itineraries and booking dates are announced, Friday's newsletter will also include links to file a booking request with All Seasons Travel.

So whether you are booked for 2011 on one of the other ships or not, now is the time to begin thinking about sailing in 2011 on the new Disney Dream. Begin by watching tomorrow's event online!

With only 1250 staterooms available, the Inaugural Sailing will sell out very quickly. Based on last month's 2011 opening of the Disney Magic and Disney Dream, bookings for 2011 sailings of the Disney Dream will probably first open to Platinum and Gold Castaway Club Members (5+ sailings on Disney Cruise Line). Following that opening, we'll likely see an opening for those of you who have sailed less than five times on Disney Cruise Line. Whatever your status and preference, if 2011 itineraries and booking dates are announced tomorrow, you'll find them in Friday's newsletter. Be prepared to act quickly. All Seasons Travel is the agency best prepared to get your space and we vow to uphold that reputation by doing everything possible to get you the space you want.

So, watch the event tomorrow and look for a newsletter on Friday. And if booking details are announced, request your space via the link in Friday's newsletter.

 

[jilljill]

I will definately be "picking your brain" for ideas. We fly into Heathrow Thurs. morning so we will have 3 days in London. We are very excited as it is our first visit. We are staying at the Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington which has a tube stop right near it. We just aren't sure how to get from Heathrow to the hotel. I know the hotel has a car service but it is pricey. A cab makes the most sense. I guess we can just pick up one at the airport? Is there a taxi stand there that only has licensed cabs?

When you say the hotel's car service is pricey what is the price? It may not be that bad in reality when compared to a black cab cost. I would think from the airport a cab will run in the neighborhood of 75 pounds if not more.

 

[jlawall]

If any of you are considering booking on the DREAM, be prepared to make your minds up quickly, with the potential for bookings to open up for Platinum and Gold CC members very soon and other cruisers, a couple of weeks later.

Waitlists will form with Travel agents from Thursday’s announcement, with the Dream having its first in service cruise in January 2011. I bet there will be a panic, as people who said, not interested, or will wait, change their minds tomorrow and clamber to be ‘first’ or nearly first. Plat and Gold cruisers will most likely fill the first cruise.
TA’s say it will have 3>4 night cruises in the winter and 4/5 night cruises in the summer to the Bahamas.

I knew there was a reason I keep lurking..........

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

I got this email today about the Dream's announcement and a theory on the bookings.


As two of the most frequent cruisers with Disney Cruise Line®, Janice and I are members of an exclusive group that has been invited to attend an event that will take place in New York City tomorrow (Thursday, October 29) at 415pm. At that event, Disney Cruise Line will reveal new innovations of the Disney Dream® that will keep the Line in the forefront of the family cruise market. You, too, can be part of this event by viewing it online at 415pm Thursday, October 29 at http://www.*************.com/disney-dream-announcement.htm. On Friday, look for a newsletter from us that will summarize the event. Assuming 2011 itineraries and booking dates are announced, Friday's newsletter will also include links to file a booking request with ..

So whether you are booked for 2011 on one of the other ships or not, now is the time to begin thinking about sailing in 2011 on the new Disney Dream. Begin by watching tomorrow's event online!

With only 1250 staterooms available, the Inaugural Sailing will sell out very quickly. Based on last month's 2011 opening of the Disney Magic and Disney Dream, bookings for 2011 sailings of the Disney Dream will probably first open to Platinum and Gold Castaway Club Members (5+ sailings on Disney Cruise Line). Following that opening, we'll likely see an opening for those of you who have sailed less than five times on Disney Cruise Line. Whatever your status and preference, if 2011 itineraries and booking dates are announced tomorrow, you'll find them in Friday's newsletter. Be prepared to act quickly. . is the agency best prepared to get your space and we vow to uphold that reputation by doing everything possible to get you the space you want.

So, watch the event tomorrow and look for a newsletter on Friday. And if booking details are announced, request your space via the link in Friday's newsletter.

They are normally 'very' accurate, on their predictions.

I knew there was a reason I keep lurking..........

Well we will see tonight ( this afternoon for you) the most important thing is if you book with a TA and want to go on the DREAM, get on a waitlist now, 3>4 night cruises, from January 2011, and 4>5 nights in Summer when the Magic is away in Europe.

I am sure that people will 'change their mind' today and want to go on the ship asap, they might say they are not bothered currently, but take a 'view' today, then get drawn in and want to go, and there will be a mass clamber.

I personally, have booked the Med in 2011, 11 nights far better than 3/4/5, and of course more local to me, less flying. But even away from that, I wouldn't want to go on a cruise ship, thats new until the 'bugs' are completely taken out, prices fall, and its a 'normal' cruise.

The Dream will leave the German shipyards next year for a sea trial, then final fitting in Holland (Netherlands). Before traveling across the Atlantic, on an indirect crossing to Port Canaveral.

 

[Doingitagain]

Firstly great location, its up to you, but you have Harrods next to you, Hyde Park, a stones throw to Buckingham house, Museums at South Kensington, I would walk it. Nice/posh part of town. Easy to get to anything by Tube/taxi Bus.

Heathrow options.

Heathrow express > Paddington. Then either Taxi, or District or Circle line to High st Ken. I would do the Taxi with luggage. Approx 45 mins.

Slightly more difficult.

Piccadilly Line from Heathrow to Barons court, walk over to District line, same platform, ( you could go to Earls court but that then has Piccadilly underground and involves an Escalator). District to Earls court, swap to another district train same platforms to High St Ken. Not too bad, and cheap.
The issue is luggage but Piccadilly has luggage space. Approx 60>75 mins.

I am sure there is a coach service to the Earls court Gloucester road area, then taxi.

Or Black Cab taxi all the way, service is plentiful, more expensive but direct.

From High Street Ken, for shopping, up District or Circle to Notting hill gate, swap to Central line, For West end shopping get off at Marble Arch, Bond St, Oxford circus, or Tottenham court road, all will be Oxford Street. OR, Go opposite way to Shepherds bush, (two stops) for Westfield, open late night.

We are flying into Heathrow with five people and then going to the Royal Garden Hotel. Can we get a Black Cab at the airport that will fit five people?

 

[bellelinus]

We are flying into Heathrow with five people and then going to the Royal Garden Hotel. Can we get a Black Cab at the airport that will fit five people?

No, even for four people will luggage I'm pretty sure a black cab is out, so five would definitely need two.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

We are flying into Heathrow with five people and then going to the Royal Garden Hotel. Can we get a Black Cab at the airport that will fit five people?

Its a close run thing, 5 people and lots of cruise luggage, I think I would go for two. There are a number of different types of taxi, but the Hackney carriage is the iconic one, these have a licence to carry 4 or 5 passengers. But the trunk space will be limited.

I think the standard Taxi 4 is comfortable 5 isn't.

The best thing is to visit the TFL (Transport for London) website, > taxis > it will have a list of approved and authorised taxi firms where you can pre book and they have a verity of vehicles.

Prices to London would be ball park £60,plus tip per car.

 

[MI-MINI]

Hey JillJill & Derek UK- thank you sooo much for all the info- I need to get to work so will have to read all this tonight, but I wanted to let you know I appreciate your time in answering me!
JillJill- I"m about 30 minutes NE of PHL, so we mustn't be too far....my screen name is my license plate, so honk if you see me!

 

[RJAYL]

Its a close run thing, 5 people and lots of cruise luggage, I think I would go for two. There are a number of different types of taxi, but the Hackney carriage is the iconic one, these have a licence to carry 4 or 5 passengers. But the trunk space will be limited.

I think the standard Taxi 4 is comfortable 5 isn't.

The best thing is to visit the TFL (Transport for London) website, > taxis > it will have a list of approved and authorised taxi firms where you can pre book and they have a verity of vehicles.

Prices to London would be ball park £60,plus tip per car.

Good Morning All!
Thanx for the Info on the Taxi Andrew!​

& Thanx for the Heads up again Jill but I will not do a short cruise when traveling with 6! It looks like 2011 will be an NCL year for me first the Epic then Venice/Croatia/Turkey & the Greek Isles!​

 

[JetsMets]

still hoping to find a cruise pen-pal. If there is interest just drop me a private message.

Thanks so much!!

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Hey JillJill & Derek UK- thank you sooo much for all the info- I need to get to work so will have to read all this tonight, but I wanted to let you know I appreciate your time in answering me!
JillJill- I"m about 30 minutes NE of PHL, so we mustn't be too far....my screen name is my license plate, so honk if you see me!

Good Morning All!
Thanx for the Info on the Taxi Andrew!​

& Thanx for the Heads up again Jill but I will not do a short cruise when traveling with 6! It looks like 2011 will be an NCL year for me first the Epic then Venice/Croatia/Turkey & the Greek Isles!​

Great cruise, loved Venice this year, saw one cruise ship sail right up close, I am off to Rhodes Greece in 2010 pre this cruise.

still hoping to find a cruise pen-pal. If there is interest just drop me a private message.

Thanks so much!!

Funny you should post this my kids want to start up a Kids cruise meets thread for this cruise, they have done this on their recent cruises and its been most successful.

My kids are Alice 13 and Stephen 11, they like to have penfriends before a cruise, and actually keep in touch now with previous cruisers, some they have seen on a couple of cruises.

If there is interest AL'N'STEVE will set one up, I told them to delay till six months pre cruise, ans interest is low at the start but gains momentum. Often they have friends for the whole cruise, and meet up as soon as they get on ship, avoiding that, no one knows me first day, with a ready made friendship.

Now there were people suggesting a pizza party on my veranda, ?? getting concierge to get some in?? My kids like the idea, the Mrs doesnt.

 

[jilljill]

Hey JillJill & Derek UK- thank you sooo much for all the info- I need to get to work so will have to read all this tonight, but I wanted to let you know I appreciate your time in answering me!
JillJill- I"m about 30 minutes NE of PHL, so we mustn't be too far....my screen name is my license plate, so honk if you see me!

By your screen name you must drive a Mini, I have one too. We are in DE so I don't go up your way, Philly scares me to drive there. I do go to KofP or the new Premium Outlets and Franklin Mills. (yes Robert you do see a shopping pattern there )

 

[jilljill]

Good Morning All!
Thanx for the Info on the Taxi Andrew!​

& Thanx for the Heads up again Jill but I will not do a short cruise when traveling with 6! It looks like 2011 will be an NCL year for me first the Epic then Venice/Croatia/Turkey & the Greek Isles!​

Morning Robert, I see you've changed my name. I used to it from the main boards, but found it very funny you did that.

I thought I would share the info I rec'd in an email in case anyone was interested. I won't be booking it right away either, I'm afraid they will delay delivery like has happened in the past. Although I'm sure the shipyards are much better with deliveries these days than they have been in the past.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Morning Robert, I see you've changed my name. I used to it from the main boards, but found it very funny you did that.

I thought I would share the info I rec'd in an email in case anyone was interested. I won't be booking it right away either, I'm afraid they will delay delivery like has happened in the past. Although I'm sure the shipyards are much better with deliveries these days than they have been in the past.

Most ships are build on a production line and basically the same construction on the main structure, its built in sections, in fact if you looked at it, it would look like a container ship, thoose ones stacked high with containers on them.

DCL then customises the interior, etc. Therefore it is a process with an exact timeline, and even with that they build in unforeseen issues time.

When I spoke to the Captain at the concierge party in August, he said it was in advance of schedule will have plenty of shakedown time, would have sea trials then go to Holland for final fitting before coming to PC. He said January 2011, was a set date.

But after that I agree with you, I wouldnt book a cruise on a new ship for the reaosn of snagging issues.