7/9/11 - Summer Magic in the Med

[Eleblanc]

Jeff, great idea, thanks for setting this up. I've haven't been active on the thread much, but are now in full blown planning mode. Spent today getting caught up on the thread. Hopefully this trip we will be able to make the meet. Have for some reason miss the others on the last 2 of our cruises.

BTW here's our excursions, if anyone has daughter's in the 10-12 year old range, mine would love to hang out on the tours or in the pool/club/lab.

Malta - Turkish Schooner
Palermo - Beach Day to Mondello either with Dis or on our own
Naples - Pompeii, Sorrento and Capri
Civitavecchia - Private Tour to Rome
La Spezia - Private Tour to Florence and a quick pict stop at Pisa
Corsica - Nothing planned, may just bang around town or go to the beach.
Villefranche - Nice and Monaco (w/side trip to Eze)

Also we are staying in Barcelona post cruise for a couple of days, are planning on going Montserrat. Would be open to booking a day tour or going walkabout style if anyone is interested in joining in. The more you have on a tour the less $$.

Can't wait to meet you all on this trip!

John

John,

We have one daughter (11 yrs old) who would love to meet more kids on the trip. She has been talking with some others on the trip already thru private messages and e-mails, so if yours want to start chatting pre-cruise send me a PM. Unfortunately we are not doing any of the same excursions, but the clubs and pools are great places to meet up.

Eileen Leblanc

 

[Eleblanc]

the meet time sounds great to me too!!

johnlatte -- i'm definately interested in hearing more about a Montserrat tour! There are 4 of us, our daughters are a bit older at 18 and 14, sorry

what is boarding time for us normal folks? i'm assuming 10:30 is platinum CC or conceriege? the cruise docs say 1 p.m.....what does should we get to port?

I'm trying to figure out our luggage situation...ugh...not fun. then i'll be ready to move onto the fun part of starting to set things out!

I feel like i need to spend more time understanding transportation around Rome, we plan on train to Rome to Vatican city to meet with our local tour guide. After the tour we want to see Trevi fountain and i assumed that was near center of town and happenings and places to eat? Then back to ship from there. My family would like to take the scenic route back and see the Colisuem....is that even possible? thanks for any input

When you fill out your cruise documents on line you have to pick a time to show up at the port. Typically they start boarding around 1:00 pm with some VIP type of people first and then it is by the time you checked in.

 

[Eleblanc]

My husband sent a message earlier today that he saw the Disney cruise boat in the dock at Civitavecchia as he flew over there on the way to Rome. So very cool, that will be us very soon!

 

[Love to Cruise DCL]

Jeff, great idea, thanks for setting this up. I've haven't been active on the thread much, but are now in full blown planning mode. Spent today getting caught up on the thread. Hopefully this trip we will be able to make the meet. Have for some reason miss the others on the last 2 of our cruises.

BTW here's our excursions, if anyone has daughter's in the 10-12 year old range, mine would love to hang out on the tours or in the pool/club/lab.

Malta - Turkish Schooner
Palermo - Beach Day to Mondello either with Dis or on our own
Naples - Pompeii, Sorrento and Capri
Civitavecchia - Private Tour to Rome
La Spezia - Private Tour to Florence and a quick pict stop at Pisa
Corsica - Nothing planned, may just bang around town or go to the beach.
Villefranche - Nice and Monaco (w/side trip to Eze)

Also we are staying in Barcelona post cruise for a couple of days, are planning on going Montserrat. Would be open to booking a day tour or going walkabout style if anyone is interested in joining in. The more you have on a tour the less $$.

Can't wait to meet you all on this trip!

John

John we noticed that DCL is offering a 1/2 day Montserrat debarkation excursion..we did one to the castle last year after the Baltic cruise and it was great as they then drop you off at your hotel..we are going to book it when we get on board.
Steph

 

[PVA]

We are good for the meet at 3pm as well. See you all there!

Paul

 

[corbett744]

Time and Date works for us. Can't wait to put faces to the name.

 

[Love to Cruise DCL]

That is four people who like Embarkation day at 3:00 in the Promanade lounge for a Dismeet. Any other preferences?

Jeff[/QUOTE]

Sounds good for us too for the meet!
We get into Barcalona so early 9:15 so I am hoping they let us on the boat early so we don't have to sit in the port!
Looking forward to meeting everyone!
Steph

 

[johnlatte]

John we noticed that DCL is offering a 1/2 day Montserrat debarkation excursion..Steph

Hey thanks for the info. I will look into it. Barcelona Day Tours has a full day tour to Montserrat and a cava stop, for 79 Euros per, if we can get more than 5 signed up. We have 4 now. If it doesn't work out, I will look into the Dis tour.

 

[johnlatte]

Eileen, I will send you a DM with our contact info

 

[johnlatte]

the meet time sounds great to me too!!

johnlatte -- i'm definately interested in hearing more about a Montserrat tour! There are 4 of us, our daughters are a bit older at 18 and 14, sorry

Hey there,

I'm working on some details with Barcelona Day Tours about one of their tours. They offer a full day tour of Monsterrat with a cava break for 79 euros, if we can get 8 people booked. I've asked some questions to get some clarification. Once I get that, I will DM you to see if you would still be interested.

John

 

[PVA]

Johnlatte,

We are spending two days in Barcelona post cruise and might be interested as well. Hadn't planned on a whole day trip, but I'd love to see Montserrat. We are a party of three; me, Wife Wendy and DD Peyton (11). Keep us posted, but as a tentative only and if you've already booked it up, no problem at all.

Paul

 

[Monstro]

I thought I would copy and paste this in our thread - just in case anyone has questions about the VAT refund process. There is a whole thread about the VAT, but this seems to sum it up best.


Originally Posted by Cousin Orville VAT (Value Added Tax) for purchases over $100 at any one time. I don't think they had anyone on board issuing refunds for ship purchases.

The amount varies by country, according to http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs...u/index_en.htm. On board, you're considered to be in Spain, and the minimum purchase is EUR 90.15. Better than Malta (315), France (175) and Italy (154.95) - but be mindful of VAT back for your on-shore purchases too.


Quote:
You have to request a "refund check" for purchases over $100. Keep your refund checks together (you'll have to write your name and passport # on them). Then at the airport, BEFORE going through security get the refund checks stamped. You'll need your refund check, passport, and officially the purchased item itself (but we were never asked to show them). You get the refund check stamped. Then you go to one of the refund offices that you can "cash the stamped check". Ask at the many information stands for guidance. You can also mail them it, but it was recommended on the ship to get it cashed immediately.

Learn from my mistake. Don't go through security first. I had to go right back through, went down to the baggage claim (which I still don't know why it's located there) of Barcelona airport. Factor in about 30 minutes to be safe to get all this done. Our flight was at 11:55 am and we had plenty of time.

NEW - as of June 10, there is a refund office on the other side of security. So, once you've had your receipts stamped, go on through. I guess they heard the complaints!

The stamping procedure took us 30 minutes. The office is on the Departures level, at the back of the far left corner - so get your cab to drop you at the last set of doors to save a LONG walk.

 

[nemo123]

3PM Should work for us as well!

 

[nemo123]

We have decided to do Florence/Pisa on our own at the last minute. Wondering if any other family would like to join us!

We are DH, DW, DD 23 and DS 16. It is through tuscanytours.com and would be 600 Euros for the day.

We have planned for a full day private car and tour guide, and have requested stops at: pisa (leaning tower for a picture), florence highlights- including some outlet shopping, and some tuscany countryside driving.

Let me know!

Kari

 

[lawyergirl]

*taps microphone hesitantly*

Hi gang! My name is Lynne and my DH and I will be sailing with all of you on the July 9th sailing. It's not only our first cruise, but it's also going to be DH's first time across the pond!!

We will try to make it to the 3:00 meet, but we'll be flying in from Montreal that morning (I know, I know, shoulda flown in a day earlier, but it couldn't be helped) AND we are stubborn mules who refuse to check luggage anymore so we'll probably be unpacking and frantically sending stuff off for dry cleaning/scouring the ship for toiletries that we couldn't pack...

... Or already semi comatose in a corner of the ship due to jet lag!!

In any event, it's a pleasure to virtually meet all of you!!

Our plans for the trip:

Malta: Blue Grotto (adults only DCL tour) - am seriously thinking of canceling it and just doing Valetta on our own.
Palermo: Selinunte and Marianella
Naples: Pompeii and a taste of Sorremto
Rome: on our own
La Spezia: Cinqueterre on our own
Corsica: on our own
Villefranche: on our own

We're both from Montreal so feel free to bug us if you need any French translation services.

 

[Minniespec]

Looking forward to the meet-- we'll probably be half asleep from all the traveling by then, but it'll be nice to meet everyone!

Only a few weeks now

 

[Eleblanc]

*taps microphone hesitantly*

Hi gang! My name is Lynne and my DH and I will be sailing with all of you on the July 9th sailing. It's not only our first cruise, but it's also going to be DH's first time across the pond!!

We will try to make it to the 3:00 meet, but we'll be flying in from Montreal that morning (I know, I know, shoulda flown in a day earlier, but it couldn't be helped) AND we are stubborn mules who refuse to check luggage anymore so we'll probably be unpacking and frantically sending stuff off for dry cleaning/scouring the ship for toiletries that we couldn't pack...

... Or already semi comatose in a corner of the ship due to jet lag!!

In any event, it's a pleasure to virtually meet all of you!!

Our plans for the trip:

Malta: Blue Grotto (adults only DCL tour) - am seriously thinking of canceling it and just doing Valetta on our own.
Palermo: Selinunte and Marianella
Naples: Pompeii and a taste of Sorremto
Rome: on our own
La Spezia: Cinqueterre on our own
Corsica: on our own
Villefranche: on our own

We're both from Montreal so feel free to bug us if you need any French translation services.

Don't need any translation help, but maybe we can practice French with you on the boat, since we are living in French speaking Switzerland, and my French needs some serious help!

 

[lawyergirl]

Don't need any translation help, but maybe we can practice French with you on the boat, since we are living in French speaking Switzerland, and my French needs some serious help!

Ça me fera plaisir!! On se donne rendez-vous dans 19 jours!!

Translation: see y'all in 19 days!! So excited!!!!!

 

[ohMom]

omg 19 days!!!!

lawyergirl to the gang!

it's the first overseas trip for myself and my youngest daughter and I"m super excited!

has anyone done thinking or requesting on dining rotations? is still still the standards PLA, APL, LAP or are there repetitive nights? we have never cruised beyond 7 days. according to my Passporter book we should fall into the PLA rotation based on our kids ages. in the past i've always done reserach on it and this time around i haven't yet!

 

[Dazed]

Just had to post to see the ticker counting down

Mild panic about the packing just now. Middle son came home from Uni with the case he'd borrowed and I'd planned to use. Unfortunately the case is now minus one wheel and useless! I've been up to the attic and pulled down two big dusty roller duffel bags. They're not in great condition but I think they'll have to do and I think they'll fit under the bed better anyway. Always a silver lining!

Lawyergirl, I'm so impressed. How are you going to get everything in to your carry on? I usually travel very light too but seem to be ''needing'' loads for this trip.

Emma -Am I right in thinking you weren't going to tell your kids till June? Do they know yet and have you managed to plan a birthday treat for Cinque Terre?

Only 6 more days at work for me as I'm off the week before we sail as well Happy last minute planning!