7/30/2011 Mickeys FIRST 7 Night Med cruise

[Andrew DEREK UK]

LONDON TO PARIS

Http://www.eurostar.com/dynamic/index.jsp

VIRGIN ATLANTIC
Http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/en/gb/index.jsp;jsessionid=Be766dUM30orSOHgYjbbo4XFjWWqf Iaz4XA1HSuy4UTKIbKP9ACr!-1112292905!174843410!8001!7002
BRITISH AIRWAYS
http://www.britishairways.com/travel/home/public/en_gb
DISNEY UK/ LINK TO DLP

Http://www.disney.co.uk/

BARCELONA HOTELS
Http://www.catalunya.co.uk/
Http://www.netpz.co.uk/hotel_spain_h...ona_hotels.htm
UP THE COAST
Http://www.apartmentspain.co.uk/blanes.htm
DCLS HOTEL (I THINK)
Http://www.grandmarinahotel.com/
SHORE TRIPS IN EUROPE IDEAS
Http://www.celebritycruises.co.uk/pages/home.php
CAR HIRE SPAIN
http://www.carhireinspain.com/index.php?cID=70





TRAIN DLP TO BARCELONA
the train to Barcelona from paris is the Elipsos
Here is a link to a virtual tour - you can tour each type of room. To get a detailed floorplan, click on the little floor plan shown with the tour. There is luggage space located above the corridor. Some of the rooms have a small recessed space that might hold some luggage.

http://www.elipsos.com/flash/paseo/lnkpaseo.htm


Below is links for private tours, I posted one in 2006 but deleted it and cannot find it but this one here is similar and is partly based on a post by MV_Photon who put a lot of work into it.

Barcelona
• www.pepitotours.com/private-tours-barcelona.html Jose Soler
http://wwguides.com/forums/member.php?u=243
• www.gobarcelona.com/
• BCNtour-taxi Armando Panedas
(34) 60-419-756 armandopanedas@vodafone.es
• www.barcelonatourguides.com/ Patrick
• http://www.taxiinternacional.com/eng...ernacional.htm Angie
•


Naples (Pompeii)

• I used http://www.limoinrome.com/ Claudio Caponera , Fabrizio

• http://driveamalfi.com/ Salvatore Lucibello, Adriano, Roberto
• www.drivesorrento.com/ Nello Russo
• www.seesorrento.com/chi_sono_eng.html Marcello Maresca, Eugiene, Marco
• www.aptours.it/Site/default.asp?Lang=EN Alberto
• www.francescomarrapese.com/excursions.htm Francesco
• www.pleasantravel.com/index.htm Mariano Fiorentino
• www.jackthedriver.com/ Jack, Lorenzo Bianco
• www.benvenutolimos.com/ Giovanni
• http://www.sorrentocardrivers.com/Si...lt.asp?Lang=EN Raffael
• www.cuomonet.it/ Renato
• http://aldotaxi.net/ Aldo
• www.driverinrome.com …but avoid Guiliana
• http://tourofitaly.com/
• www.hiddenitalytours.com/ Mariano Fiorentino

ROME Train station is close to the port

The main train station in Rome is Termini. From there, take the underground (Metropolitana):

Colosseum: take Line (Linea) B to the Colosseo station. The Colosseum is across the street.

Vatican: take Line A to the Ottaviano station. It's a 15-20 minute walk.

I would recommend anyone wanting to go to the vatician to book a private tour with an official tour guide who can get you in before the opening time of 10am.

The queus are long but you jump this I was in at 8.40am.



Civitavecchia (Rome)

•Mine: http://www.limoinrome.com/Claudio Caponera , Fabrizio

• http://www.drivinguide.com/shore_excursions.htm
• www.driverinrome.com/ Daniele Melaragno, Remo (his father), Pepe, Manny
• http://romeinlimo.com/ Duman & Carlo
• www.romelimousineservice.com/ Max Leotta
• www.romecabs.com/ Stefano Costantini
• www.romeconnection.com/ Marco
• Don’t miss the Scavi Tour (Vatican necropolis):http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/in...040112_en.html
•
La Spezia (Florence / Pisa) –Book the tower of Pisa online in advance Pre-book to Leaning Tower of Pisa (available 45 – 16 days in advance): www.opapisa.it/boxoffice/index.jsp


• I used www.papillonservice.com/ Lisa, Roberto

• www.florencetour.com/ Paola Migliorni
• www.abcwine.it/off shore.htm Carla Giomi
• www.tuscanyinmypocket.com/ Guido
• Marcello Grandini Marcello.tourguide@tiscali.it
• www.tuscanybytaxi.it/ Ricardo
• www.sunflower-tours.com/services.htm Giovanni Sirabella
• www.limoinrome.com/home.htm Claudio
• Giovanni Bassi - architect & urban historian G.bossi@dada.it
• Alessandro Cammilli alecamma@hotmail.com
• Pauline Priore paulinep@tin.it
• Pre-book tickets to Ufizi and Academia Galleria:www.florenceart.it/
Dial 011 (U.S. international access code) 39 (Italy's country code) 055-294-883 during the hours of 8:30 AM -6:30 PM M-F & 8:30-12:00 Sat. Florence time.
•
Villefranche (Monte Carlo / Cannes / Nice)
• I used www.dream-tours.com/layout.php?page=106&lang=us Alain, Frederic, Jean Marc
• Or try this if doesn’t work http://www.dream-tours.com/
• www.revelation-tours.com/cruise.html Michel LeGrand, Isoline
• www.azur-guides-interpretes.com/ Sylvie DiCristo
• www.riviera-prestige-tours.com/ Eva Devemy

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

A GREAT DAY OUT!!

Barcelona To Montserrat by Train

Instructions on how to travel from Barcelona to Montserrat by train. care there are different ticket types including the options for the cable car or rack railway up to the top of the mountain. Book the right one!
How to Travel by Train to Montserrat

You can travel to Montserrat by train which you catch from Espanya rail station.The Espanya rail station is on the green and red metro lines making it very accessible from any part of Barcelona city centre that has a metro stop.
Once at Espanya look for Line R5 headed towards Manresa. It's advisable to arrive at Espanya station in plenty of time as it can be a little confusing to find R5 track. The Espanya rail station is quite large and the directions to the R5 track could be clearer. Its sub level, like a underground train, two platforms at the end of the line.
Placa Espanya station is huge and has many surface entrances to the station below ground. It can be very confusing for tourists to find their way around especially as each entrance only has partial information about the lines that you will access from any particular entrance. The best advice here is just to ignore the line information displayed as you enter a surface entrance to the underground station and just enter the nearest surface entrance you can find. Once you are underground look for signs for the R5 track. You may have to walk around a little but you will find it eventually!
________________________________________
Train Timetable Barcelona To Montserrat
This train timetable information was last updated on January 2009. Timetable information can change without our notice and we therefore recommend that you check this timetable information at the Montserrat information desk at Placa Espanya at the entrance to R5 railway line.
Barcelona Montserrat-Aeri Montserrat
8:36 9:40 9:47
9:36 10:40 10:47
10:36 11:40 11:47
11:36 12:40 12:47
12:36 13:40 13:47
13:36 14:40 14:47
14:36 15:40 15:47
15:36 16:40 16:47
16:36 17:40 17:47
17:36 18:40 18:47
Train Timetable Montserrat to Barcelona
Montserrat Montserrat-Aeri Barcelona
9:40 9:48 10:51
10:40 10:48 11:51
11:40 11:48 12:51
12:40 12:48 13:51
13:40 13:48 14:51
14:40 14:48 15:51
15:40 15:48 16:51
16:40 16:48 17:51
17:40 17:48 18:51
18:40 18:48 19:51

Train Tickets To Montserrat With Tickets Offering Optional Extras.
Tickets are purchased at Placa Espanya station from ticket booths just in front of Line R5 to Manresa. You will find attendants there that will explain the ticket prices to you. They speak English, Spanish and Catalan. There are automated machines, these are easy to use, but mainly in Spainish
Make sure you buy the right tickets!
First you need to decide do you want the Cable Ride (Aeri ticket version) to the Monastery after the train journey from Barcelona or do you want the Cremallera Funicular ride to the Monastery (Cremallera ticket version) . Just to explain the train from Espanya station takes you to the foot of Montserrat mountain then you have these two options Cable car or Cremallera Funicular to actually go up the mountain to the Monastery. You will see below you also need to get off the train at different stops depending on which one you decide to take.
When you purchase your tickets to travel to Montserrat at Espanya Station you need to ensure to purchase the correct type of ticket. There are two versions of all the tickets listed in the table below. There is one ticket for the route with the Cable Car (Aeri) to the Monastery and the other ticket type is to go up to the Monastery by the Cremallera Funicular. Although all the tickets listed below have the same name and the same prices there are these two versions of ticket and you will need to specify which one you want when you purchase the ticket at the station. They are not interchangeable and you cannot change your mind and use the other route once you have purchased the ticket.
e.g. for the "Trans Montserrat Ticket" you will need to specify if you want the Cable Car version or if you want the Cremallera funicular version of that ticket. The prices are the same and the names of the tickets are also the same which has led to some confusion with tourists. If you buy a cable car version of the tickets below you cannot use it on the Cremallera funicular and vice versa.
Ticket Name Description Price (Euros)
Adult Single Single journey to Montserrat. Includes train fare from Barcelona Espanya to Montserrat . You have the option of buying a ticket for either the cable car ride up to the monastery (Get off at train stop Montserrat Aeri) or the Track Train ride up to Montserrat Cremallera funicular (Get off at train stop Monistrol) 8.85
Adult Return The same ticket as above however a return ticket. 15.50
Child Single As for adult single above however for children 6.55
Child Return As for adult return above however for children 12.00
Pensioners Single As for adult single but for pensioners 8.35
Pensioners Return As for adult return but for pensioners 14.80

Trans Montserrat Ticket This special combined ticket includes several different return train fares all in the one ticket. It could save you money if you want to not only see the monastery at Montserrat but also if you want to take the funicular mountain trains from the monastery to different parts of the mountain. The ticket includes the following:
1. Return train fare from Barcelona to Montserrat, either with the Cable car ride option to the monastery, or if you prefer the Track Train mountain train ride - but remember you need to specify which when you buy this ticket because they are not interchangeable. You either buy a Cable Car version or you buy the Cremallera version of this ticket. Once you have selected your ticket version you cannot use the other method.
2. The ticket also includes 2 return journeys on 2 different funicular rides (funicular is a mountain train that goes up steep slopes). You catch these funicular rides once you arrive at the monastery and not to be confused with the funicular ride to the Monastery from the train from Barcelona which is called the cremallera funicular. These funicular rides give you access to different parts of the mountain and you will be able to visit the very top of Montserrat mountain as well as visit Santa Cova cave. You will also be able to go on some mountain walks with amazing views. Normally you would have to purchase the funicular tickets separately once you arrive at Montserrat but with this ticket the two funicular return rides are included in the price.
3. You also have 2 free metro rides with this ticket worth 2.60 euros.
There are no discounts for pensioners or children with this ticket because the ticket already offers a discount for the fares. e.g. if you purchased the funicular rides separately (once you arrived at Montserrat monastery) you would need to pay an additional 6.60 euros return or 4.15 euros single for the funicular from the Monastery to the top of Montserrat mountain and/or another 2.70 euros return or 1.70 euros single for the funicular ride to Santa Cova Cave from the Monastery.
4.Access to the audio visual area on Montserrat.
Although it is possible to walk both of these destinations from the Monastery it is not recommended because it is pretty steep and not an easy walk.
22.50
ToT Montserrat Ticket This literally means "All Montserrat" This ticket includes everything that the Trans Montserrat ticket mentioned above and in addition you have free entry into the Montserrat museum (entry price to museum is 6.50 euros for adult or 5.50 euros for pensioners) plus an included lunch at the restaurant at Montserrat. The restaurant offers a buffet lunch. Standard lunch free, things like large size, or drinks extra.Limited hours say 12 noon to 2pm, check! 36.95

Journey Times To Montserrat From Barcelona And Train Stops To Get Off At.
The Journey time to Montserrat from Barcelona Espanya station is approximately one hour by train.
You have two options to reach the Monastery once you have taken the train ride. The first is a cable car ride (Aeri) up to the Monastery the second is the Funicular Cremallera Train. As stated above you need to select which ticket you buy at the station.
Cable Car (Aeri de Montserrat)
The cable car ride from the train stop Aeri de Montserrat is only a 5 minute ride. You will have breathtaking views on the cable car ride up to the monastery however you will need to stand for the journey.
We did this and found it connects with the train, as soon as there are people there they ran it.
Cremallera Funicular - Rack Train
If you don´t feel comfortable taking the cable car ride you can choose to take the Rack Train instead. For the Rack Train ride you will need to get off one stop after Aeri de Montserrat called Monistrol. The Rack Train ride will take 15 minutes to the Monastery and is a more comfortable ride than the cable car offers however you wont have as good views as you would from the cable car. The other advantage to taking the Cremallera Funicular is that you can sit down during the journey and the train is also suitable for those with wheelchairs.
I recommend that you arrive in plenty of time at Espanya rail station because there are often queues to buy the tickets and the trains to Montserrat leave on time.

Espanya Station Montserrat Tourist Information Help

Look out for the helpful Montserrat tourist information people at the stands just at the entrance to the Montserrat trains at Espanya station.

Stay vigilant at Espanya Station

Care! tourists have been regularly pick-pocketed at Espanya rail station when they are trying to purchase tickets from the automatic ticket booths. They recommend you stay vigilant especially when at the ticket vending machines. They say this is a daily occurance and although the police have been informed the pickpockets still return. The best way is pay attention at Espanya station when purchasing your tickets. Please don´t let these petty theives spoil your visit!


Montserrat Museum
There is no entrance fee to the Monastery however if you wish to visit the museum the entrance fee would cost 6.50 euros for adults or 5.50 euros for pensioners.
________________________________________

 

[RJAYL]

I will take it into consideration as I would not want you to feel lonely!
Besides it does not look like I will be doing the Med in 2010

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

I will take it into consideration as I would not want you to feel lonely!
Besides it does not look like I will be doing the Med in 2010

I will be glad of the company!!!! So thats too drinks bills now for us!!!

 

[RJAYL]

I will be glad of the company!!!! So thats too drinks bills now for us!!!

I am sure it will be a lot more than TWO!

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

I am sure it will be a lot more than TWO!

Yes 12 nights and 11 nights and German, French and Italian wines!!!

 

[babycakes01]

Hi! New to the Dis boards;have a western cruise in March; I'll be booking this cruise onboard then-for the 10%; my sister and her BFF will be booking this cruise on the 28th. I wanted to go on a 2007 sailing;but my boys were too young then-they will be 10 and 5.5 in 2011. I think that will be a great time to take them! Can't wait to plan-plan-plan! LOL

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Hi! New to the Dis boards;have a western cruise in March; I'll be booking this cruise onboard then-for the 10%; my sister and her BFF will be booking this cruise on the 28th. I wanted to go on a 2007 sailing;but my boys were too young then-they will be 10 and 5.5 in 2011. I think that will be a great time to take them! Can't wait to plan-plan-plan! LOL

Firstly welcome, secondly I think its good ages there is a lot of 'education', on this one, and DCL tailor's some of this to the kids. I did this cruise in 2007, albeit two ports have changed. There are things you can do yourself or with DCL, IE we booked Pisa ourselves over the Internet and had many private tours.

 

[babycakes01]

Thanks for the info! This will be the 1st time to Europe for all of us; so it's alot to learn about.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Thanks for the info! This will be the 1st time to Europe for all of us; so it's alot to learn about.

Well its in my ''backgarden'' know it well, been on the 11 Night before without Malta and Tunis, and stayed in Barcelona that time for a week pre cruise, but had been there before a few times.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Timetable.

Day Port Ashore Onboard
Saturday 30th Barcelona, Spain 9:30pm
Sunday 31st At Sea
Monday 1st Valletta, Malta 8:45am 5:30pm
Tuesday 2nd Tunis, Tunisia 8:45am 4:00pm
Wednesday 3rd Naples, Italy (Pompeii) 9:00am 9:00pm
Thursday 4th Civitavecchia, Italy (Rome) 7:45am 9:00pm
Friday 5th At Sea
Saturday 6th La Spezia, Italy (Florence, Pisa) 7:30am 7:00pm
Sunday 7th Ajaccio, Corsica 7:30am 5:00pm
Monday 8th Villefranche, France (Monte Carlo, Cannes, Nice) 8:00am 7:00pm
Tuesday 9th At Sea
Wednesday 10th Barcelona, Spain 6:45am

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Anyone else booked???

 

[RJAYL]

Anyone else booked???

Nope & I am so aggrevated with the process that I will definitely sail NCL or another line during the summer of 2011!

How did you book, you must have gotten special dispensation!

Not me I got a sorry no hard feelings response to which I replied angrily!

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

My Reservation
Only 677 days
until your cruise sets sail!
Cruise:11-Night Mediterranean Cruise
Shipisney Magic
Sail Date:July 30, 2011
Stateroom:Category 00T, #8532

So not long now then!

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Bump-anyone?

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Maybe someone next week on the 28th.

 

[RJAYL]

Maybe someone next week on the 28th.

Prices are high demand is low DCL might start having issues!

I do not think there will be a mad rush next week this will be 2 years in a row & 3 X they have done the Med very expensive for the average american!

The west coast cruises will due better (for now) for there exclusivity & the fact that people on that side of the country will have a close place to cruise!

The factors of economics are starting to come into play!

Remember London is 2 hours from Barcelona & the rest of europe is the same or less!

It is 5 to 6 hours from east to west coast just like crossing the Atlantic!

Oh well off to my daughter's volleyball game!

 

[scottishwee35]

My Reservation
Only 677 days
until your cruise sets sail!
Cruise:11-Night Mediterranean Cruise
Shipisney Magic
Sail Date:July 30, 2011
Stateroom:Category 00T, #8532

So not long now then!

lol, sorry Andrew not us as we booked with RC for my special birthday until disney announcement, I just wish to wait a wee longer before we booked RC!! We love to see Canada not sure about Alaska...never mind we stayed what we had booked with RC... maybe wait to hear new ship???

PS I enjoyed Med 07 cruise and want to do it again but my husband want something different ah well...

Scottishwee35

 

[scottishwee35]

Maybe someone next week on the 28th.

look alike as lots of people have silver there, just like us

Scottishwee35

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Prices are high demand is low DCL might start having issues!

I do not think there will be a mad rush next week this will be 2 years in a row & 3 X they have done the Med very expensive for the average american!

The west coast cruises will due better (for now) for there exclusivity & the fact that people on that side of the country will have a close place to cruise!

The factors of economics are starting to come into play!

Remember London is 2 hours from Barcelona & the rest of europe is the same or less!

It is 5 to 6 hours from east to west coast just like crossing the Atlantic!

Oh well off to my daughter's volleyball game!

Do agree, two years in a row third time there, booknig maybe slow

lol, sorry Andrew not us as we booked with RC for my special birthday until disney announcement, I just wish to wait a wee longer before we booked RC!! We love to see Canada not sure about Alaska...never mind we stayed what we had booked with RC... maybe wait to hear new ship???

PS I enjoyed Med 07 cruise and want to do it again but my husband want something different ah well...

Scottishwee35

look alike as lots of people have silver there, just like us

Scottishwee35

I like the idea of three new ports and then doing something different in the repeats