9-08-2010 Pirates through the Mediterranean/ Yo Ho! Yo Ho! A Pirates Life for Us

[ColoradoDisneyFreaks]

Aside from the fact that it looks like we'll be on the boat with about 10 other families, is anyone planning on doing a FE exchange on the boat?

(This is Freaks' wife in case anyone is curious...)

 

[tig82174]

Aside from the fact that it looks like we'll be on the boat with about 10 other families, is anyone planning on doing a FE exchange on the boat?

(This is Freaks' wife in case anyone is curious...)

I think many of us who are on this thread are B2Bers with the TransAtlantic right after and so most of the traditional DIS organizing like fish extenders and secret mickeys and lanyards and all that jive has been happening on that thread....I haven't really seen much organizing on this thread....in fact, I barely ever even see POSTS on this thread!

 

[ColoradoDisneyFreaks]

I figured that was the more active thread but we're not doing the b2b, I'd love to have that much vacation, but, since the school district changed schedules for the school, we also have to take the kiddos out of school for the 2 weeks (they were originally supposed to be off track, not any more!) so we can't anyway. Would you guys mind a non-TA-cruiser on your meet?

 

[Schiffy]

Does anyone know where I can find information and costs on the Barcelona hotels and the transfers that can be booked through Disney, or do I have to call DCL for this?

I have not booked a hotel yet and I am trying to do a cost comparison of doing it with Disney or on my own. In 2007 I did it on my own and it worked okay.

 

[renegade7]

Does anyone know where I can find information and costs on the Barcelona hotels and the transfers that can be booked through Disney, or do I have to call DCL for this?

I have not booked a hotel yet and I am trying to do a cost comparison of doing it with Disney or on my own. In 2007 I did it on my own and it worked okay.

Pullman Barcelona Skipper
Ideally located near the beach, this hotel is just a 20-minute stroll from the Diagonal Mar district and offers a spa, gym and heated rooftop pool with breathtaking views. Guest rooms reflect contemporary design.

Hilton Diagonal Mar
Spacious guest rooms offer city or sea views at this Hilton hotel just 220 yards from the beach and 15 minutes from central Barcelona. Unwind in the gym or take in fabulous views from the outdoor pool.

Hotel AC Diplomatic
Near the Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas, this hotel is situated right in the center of Barcelona. Take a dip in the outdoor pool, de-stress in the fitness center or discover nearby shops, restaurants and discos.

Le Méridien Barcelona
Featuring an elegant European façade and plush comforts, this modern hotel—located on Las Ramblas, Barcelona's boulevard of leisure and entertainment—is near the Gothic Quarter, museums and more.

Here is the link to Disney Cruise Website where they are listed.

I am personally staying at the Hotel Praktik Rambla got a great deal.

I can't believe that in almost 4 months I leave for this month long adventure. So much to do.

 

[Schiffy]

Pullman Barcelona Skipper
Ideally located near the beach, this hotel is just a 20-minute stroll from the Diagonal Mar district and offers a spa, gym and heated rooftop pool with breathtaking views. Guest rooms reflect contemporary design.

Hilton Diagonal Mar
Spacious guest rooms offer city or sea views at this Hilton hotel just 220 yards from the beach and 15 minutes from central Barcelona. Unwind in the gym or take in fabulous views from the outdoor pool.

Hotel AC Diplomatic
Near the Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas, this hotel is situated right in the center of Barcelona. Take a dip in the outdoor pool, de-stress in the fitness center or discover nearby shops, restaurants and discos.

Le Méridien Barcelona
Featuring an elegant European façade and plush comforts, this modern hotel—located on Las Ramblas, Barcelona's boulevard of leisure and entertainment—is near the Gothic Quarter, museums and more.

Here is the link to Disney Cruise Website where they are listed.

I am personally staying at the Hotel Praktik Rambla got a great deal.

I can't believe that in almost 4 months I leave for this month long adventure. So much to do.

Thanks much, in 2007 I stayed at the Hotel Arts precruise, got an unbelivable deal, and the Eurostar Grand Marina Hotel postcruise. I can get the Eurostar for $216. This was a DCL hotel last time but I did it on my own. The advantage this time is I know my way around and it was a 5 star all most as good as the Arts. We are doing the B to B as well.

 

[cinderbear]

Good morning,
I just wanted to let you all know that some of the categories went down in price, although we are paid in full we are getting a substantial refund for our category 6 stateroom. Everyone going on the 8/8/10 cruise check the dcl website to see if you can get a price adjustment.

 

[LuggageLady]

Thanks so much for the info. I have my travel agent working on it now. I might actually get to upgrade and get a discount!!!

 

[tig82174]

We're already paid in full for this cruise and for the WBTA, too (and for the Adventures by Disney add-on, as well)...but we're in a Cat. 6 cabin, too. I would be absolutely giddy if we could get part of that investment back because of a price drop-----so I just emailed my TA to have her look into it.

 

[tig82174]

We just heard back from our TA and she was able to rebook us at the discounted price and we got a RIDICULOUS refund....like so crazy I thought it was a mistake!! We lost our onboard credit for booking onboard our last cruise....but honestly the credit, when compared to the discount/refund we're getting, is like the change you find in your sofa!

This really just made my day!!!

I really suggest that everyone at least contact DCL or their TA to see if you can get in on the deals as the prices are dropping (which I assume they're doing because it's undersold and we're so close to the PIF date).

 

[renegade7]

When I compare buying the same Cat 10 as I have now for the 10-day it is still $400 more than what I paid. Was the decrease in price showing on the cruise website or did you just ask your TA/DCL? Now for the 14 day it is showing as a little over $100 cheaper right now, but not worth changing anything yet due to all the OBC we have.

 

[tig82174]

When I compare buying the same Cat 10 as I have now for the 10-day it is still $400 more than what I paid. Was the decrease in price showing on the cruise website or did you just ask your TA/DCL? Now for the 14 day it is showing as a little over $100 cheaper right now, but not worth changing anything yet due to all the OBC we have.

it is showing on the DCL website.....to be honest it looks to me like they only dropped on the higher categories....like Cats 3-6...because Jason looked online and saw that Cat. 7 is now more expensive than Cat. 6. I think what they're doing (although this is just a guess) is lowering the rate on the "nicer" cabins to encourage folks to upgrade from the lower categories (at equal or maybe lower prices than they originally booked). This would free up and empty out a lot of the lower category rooms which they can rationalize selling at a huge discount much closer to sail date OR opening up for Disney employees/cast members at a giant staff discount rate (which the company would probably rather be putting CM's at a low rate into low category cabins rather than having to give them big discounts on higher level cabins).

As for the WBTA...we only got $100 back on that one, too...but every little bit helps, so we jumped for it

 

[friend of tinkerbell]

Hello Cruisers!

Just returned from our cruise 4/24-5/5. It was wonderful!!!

A note though for anyone with the Pompei/Amalfi excursion.

This was a fantastic excursion, however, if you are on it be sure to sit on the right side of the bus. The right side enjoys the beautiful sea views, while the left views mainly consist of a rock wall and other tour busses.

Hope your cruise is as magical as ours was!

Michaela

 

[Forever a Princess]

Ahoy mates! We're walking the plank for the Sept Med.

Looks like we will be doing the DVC cruise instead.

Have a great time!

 

[thwinters]

Just gave the surprise to my DH regarding going on this cruise. We are not doing the B2B though. We are a family of 3...DH, me and DD (8). Any others out there with a DD (8) on this cruise.

 

[ColoradoDisneyFreaks]

Our family is considering a private tour of Rome - will be much less expensive than doing the Disney excursions - I've already been to Rome but family wants to hit Colosseum, Forum, Trevi Fountain, and the Vatican (probably no time for Spanish steps and Plantine Hill). If anybody is interested in splitting this with us, please send a PM or just post back here.

http://www.limoinrome.com/rates.php

 

[castmeaway]

We were PIF, but we were able to take advantage of the reduced rates. Our TA advised us to mention the following if you'll be contacting Disney on your own:
" doing changes like this leaves one open to a massive opportunity for errors to be made… and they DO make them! It’s imperative that those who make changes go over every detail with a fine tooth comb before hanigng up, insist on a confirmation in writing, and then go over every detail of that as well. In other words, tell others not to assume that changing the price is quick and easy. It might be, but better to be cautious!"

 

[DisneyCruisin]

A reliable source has told me the following:

Formal 9/9
Semi formal 9/16
Pirate Night 9/14

Hope this helps in your planning!

 

[DisneyVegas1]

Anyone interested in doing a private tour in Rome ??? just think this would be a good place to do it ...... anyone ??

 

[renegade7]

Anyone interested in doing a private tour in Rome ??? just think this would be a good place to do it ...... anyone ??

What are you guys thinking of doing on your private tour (Forum, Pantheon, Coliseum, Vatican Museums, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, etc)? I know what I would like to hit while there (that I did not do in 2007), but Kimmy and I have not talked at all about our port days and what we want to book, even still considering ABD if they still have spots once we see the reviews (someone is getting off tomorrow and I hope to hear some news on how it was).