Aagh! Quick..Mediterranean or Caribbean??

[scottishwee35]

We did the Med cruise in 2007 with DD then aged 10. The itinery is different but the majority of ports are still the same. There were plenty of excursions that were child friendly. Even if not, children find their own amusement. DD spent the tour of Rome with the headset tuning into other guides in different languages and making up her own commentry! Needless to say she enjoyed the wows of the colliseum, posing with the Disney supplied gladiators and staring in general amazement when she realised how old the buildings were and how they were built. She also commented loudly about how unfair it was that women had to sit in the top tier! And I thought she wasn't listening!!!!!
We were talking aout Rome the other day and she said how she would have liked to have spent more time in the Church of St Peter (Vatican) because she loved the paintings on the walls. We travelled into Rome by train which was lovely because there were special visitors on board it. Disney does its little touches very very well. DH needs a feather for his hat for our next trip or a certain Peter Pan might be cross with him!!!

It looks like it is very port intensive but we found that there were plenty of half day excursions eg: Monte Carlo and the little Train, which suited us well. I would recomend this as the guide was excellent. You saw everything you needed to see in Monte Carlo and had the afternoon spare to chill back on board ship. You may even find a port that doesn't appeal to you and a quick wander round may be all you want to do or you might not get off the ship. We did that at one port and almost had the Magic all to ourselves.

That what we did it and beautiful train from port to Rome... and Peter Pan came along and we had the photo of him with my kids.... What a great memory...

Also I like Villefranche too...

Scottishwee35

 

[Scooby3x1y]

I was wondering this too, just how much extra all the excursions and guides might cost. We have never been to Europe, but this is probably the only/best way to go with the kids, age 7 and 10. They will be happy on the boat if they don't want to tour. I don't know if they would be as happy or I would feel as comfortable leaving them on any other cruiseline.

I am excited for the trip!!

I'm with you! I've been on 2 other cruise lines (RCCL & Celebrity), and even though my kids are teenagers, I would NEVER leave them, clubs or not. Disney I feel safe with. However, I think your kids would love anything you do. Especially if you've done any traveling with them in the past.

I think I mentioned this before, but prep them with what you will see, explore the history, learn about it. When you go to Rome, talk about the gladiators, tell them that they will see a 2000 year old building, etc. Personally, the one port I could have done without was Villafranche. I know some loved it, but I'm not a gambler, the Monaco castle was cool, but not the coolest I've ever seen. That might be one you can leave them on the ship.

 

[lbgraves]

I was wondering this too, just how much extra all the excursions and guides might cost. We have never been to Europe, but this is probably the only/best way to go with the kids, age 7 and 10. They will be happy on the boat if they don't want to tour. I don't know if they would be as happy or I would feel as comfortable leaving them on any other cruiseline.

I am excited for the trip!!

There is a sticky thread at the top of this forum with links to all of the trip reports from the last Med and TA cruises on the first page. There are also links for the excursion information and prices from the 2007 cruises so you can have a good idea of what DCL will be charging in 2010. Some of the ports are different but you will find some in each of the Med and TA listings to cover all but Maderia on the TA. You can check out www.cruisecritic.com for that port.

 

[PearlySwan]

In my opinion the meditteranean needs to be seen by land and beach, not by sea. You need to experience the culture, restaurants, museums, etc and not in a hurry- a day here and there.

^^^ DH and I have traveled quite extensively throughout Europe (pre-kid days). I would agree with your assessment. DH and I spent quite a bit of time immersing ourselves in the local cultures. That took time (more than a day or two here and there). Having said that, if the OP is looking to bring their children on a Med cruise as an intro. to European cultures, it might not be a bad idea. At least they can see some places near the coast. Going back to OP's question, I would do a Disney Caribbean Cruise with younger kids (younger than 13); but if the kids are 14 or older and mature for their age, consider a Mediterranean cruise as an intro. to the places they might want to visit again in the future.

 

[Scooby3x1y]

^^^ DH and I have traveled quite extensively throughout Europe (pre-kid days). I would agree with your assessment. DH and I spent quite a bit of time immersing ourselves in the local cultures. That took time (more than a day or two here and there). Having said that, if the OP is looking to bring their children on a Med cruise as an intro. to European cultures, it might not be a bad idea. At least they can see some places near the coast. Going back to OP's question, I would do a Disney Caribbean Cruise with younger kids (younger than 13); but if the kids are 14 or older and mature for their age, consider a Mediterranean cruise as an intro. to the places they might want to visit again in the future.

I think if it is the only way to get to Europe, go for it. It can be very expensive to travel in Europe, and some is better than nothing IMHO. Also, traveling with a large family in Europe is even more expensive and can be a logistical nightmare.

As to the pp, I kind of agree. There is so much to do in Firenze (Florence) that we didn't take our kids there (even at their well traveled ages, museums wouldn't have thrilled them), but did take them into Rome and they loved that.

I think that it depends on the children....my two kids that were 13 and younger loved it. The two older ones really liked it as well. I think money can be a big factor.... What it boils down to is that you have to do what is right for your family.

 

[Tahitian Traveler]

Thank you for all of the responses. I have found each and every one of them very useful and they have cemented in my mind that I am doing the right thing by taking my kids on this trip. My children will be 8 and 4 when we sail. Some say they are too young but I disagree. Disney is the perfect cruise to explore Europe with my children on. Thank you again for the links.

 

[sabrecmc]

I'm taking a 4 year old on the Med cruise. I have no problem taking my daughter on international trips. I mean, Europeans travel Europe with their kids all the time, right! Its just a longer plane ride. We're on the May 5, 2010 10-night. I bought travel books today. Can't wait! But, no matter what, it is a wonderful trip either way.

 

[walloon]

We have traveled a lot around the United States with my boys. This past Feb we tried our first cruise together on the 3 day Wonder, just as a trial to see how they would do, like cruising etc. Well, let me say, my 10 year old thought it was the absolute best thing ever and hasn't stopped talking about...he still mentions it almost daily. We all were very comfortable and had a great time.

DH and I have always wanted to go to Europe together, I have never been, I think taking this cruise is going to be a perfect way to give the boys a taster of Europe and also a taste of Europe for us and what we may want to do more intensively in the future as the boys grow older.
It sounds like Rome is a "must do" for the boys.

We are trying to keep the trip secret and give it to them as a Christmas present, but yesterday when I took a walk on the beach with my oldest, he told me the one place in the world he wanted to go was Italy and to take another Disney cruise. (I don't think he realizes that Disney can cruise to Europe!) It is so hard not to tell!

 

[Scooby3x1y]

We have traveled a lot around the United States with my boys. This past Feb we tried our first cruise together on the 3 day Wonder, just as a trial to see how they would do, like cruising etc. Well, let me say, my 10 year old thought it was the absolute best thing ever and hasn't stopped talking about...he still mentions it almost daily. We all were very comfortable and had a great time.

DH and I have always wanted to go to Europe together, I have never been, I think taking this cruise is going to be a perfect way to give the boys a taster of Europe and also a taste of Europe for us and what we may want to do more intensively in the future as the boys grow older.
It sounds like Rome is a "must do" for the boys.

We are trying to keep the trip secret and give it to them as a Christmas present, but yesterday when I took a walk on the beach with my oldest, he told me the one place in the world he wanted to go was Italy and to take another Disney cruise. (I don't think he realizes that Disney can cruise to Europe!) It is so hard not to tell!

I'm so excited for all of you guys heading off to Europe! It will be Magical Memories for all! Sending pixie dust your way!

 

[walloon]

Thank you so much!
I was wondering which dinner seating would you suggest? I might add, we had one night with the late seating on the 3 day cruise, my youngest DS fell asleep at the table, after that we were able to switch to the early seating, which was better for the kids, they actually got to eat with us. But with the time change etc I just don't know what to do!
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Thank you so much!
I was wondering which dinner seating would you suggest? I might add, we had one night with the late seating on the 3 day cruise, my youngest DS fell asleep at the table, after that we were able to switch to the early seating, which was better for the kids, they actually got to eat with us. But with the time change etc I just don't know what to do!
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Go for main dinner it was 6pm all bar one night, and everyone usually was back in time the one exception was Rome day when dinner was moved back to 6.30pm and 9pm, people did arrive late and they accomodated them late dinner was very late.

 

[Scooby3x1y]

Thank you so much!
I was wondering which dinner seating would you suggest? I might add, we had one night with the late seating on the 3 day cruise, my youngest DS fell asleep at the table, after that we were able to switch to the early seating, which was better for the kids, they actually got to eat with us. But with the time change etc I just don't know what to do!
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

To me, and most, there are two schools of thought. Most families with younger children go early seating for the very reason you mentioned.

If you are going a few days early, your time change will aclamate quickly, and it will be no different than to be at home. For the Med., I liked late seating because; 1. It allowed me more time to be out in the cities/excursions as long as possible. 2. If you are early seating, most likely, you will miss your meal anyway.....not even trying to stay on shore as long as possible. (It's kind of fun that your servers get bummed out when you miss a meal - we wound up trying to inform them when we couldn't make it - sometimes they'd save food/desserts for us.)

You know your children and how maxed out they will get. I guess keep in mind they'll be a little older when you go on the Med, so that may help with the tiredness. Sometimes the little sugar pick me up snack will help to get them through dinner. If you can't decide, book early and then switch to late. You can always do this because most people want to be early. If you start late and decide later to go early, you have to get on a waiting list, and then it may or may not happen. It's less risky to start with early.

With teenagers, we always eat late. When my kids were younger, we did what I said above. When traveling with the "old folks"...my parents and grandma, they wanted early, we went late, and they did okay.

It's all personal preference, everyone has their own opinion. This is just how I see it. To me, my fun and my families fun was on shore. I was going to do what I wanted and see what I wanted. To me, dinner was secondary.

I hope this helps

Lori

 

[momma2]

On our eastern this spring (kids 3.5yrs and nearly 1yr) early was too early and we kept having to wake the kids from afternoon naps to make dinner. By the time we returned from shore, got cleaned up and had a snack naps got started much later than at home- but were still necessary. Then they were just tired and cranky through dinner- which was what we thought early dining would avoid. Turns out letting them have a full nap before a later dinner probably would have made everyone happier.

We imagine the Med. (kids 4.5 and nearly 2yr) will be even worse (regarding getting a nap/rest, that is)- whether we all go to shore or the kids stay aboard, everyone will probably want a dip in the pool mid-afternoon. So we figured a late snack and the show should tide us over until dinner. The little one won't be put out to eat right before bed, and the older can always break to the club to burn a little energy before bed. If we eat and then watch a movie in the room- it wouldn't be all that different from our home routine.

 

[Morgey24]

We imagine the Med. (kids 4.5 and nearly 2yr) will be even worse (regarding getting a nap/rest, that is)- whether we all go to shore or the kids stay aboard, everyone will probably want a dip in the pool mid-afternoon. So we figured a late snack and the show should tide us over until dinner. The little one won't be put out to eat right before bed, and the older can always break to the club to burn a little energy before bed. If we eat and then watch a movie in the room- it wouldn't be all that different from our home routine.

Not sure if you have done a Med cruise before but I cannot imagine being back onboard until 6 or 7pm, not midafternoon. We did the Med last year (DD was 12 and myself) and we were NEVER back onboard until the last possible minute (ok, we always gave ourselves 30 -45 minutes of leeway, but you get the idea.) Ports of call are generally very long days - 7a to 7p since you aren't traveling a ton of miles between the ports.

Now I know that you will be travelling with little ones, but you've paid a ton of money to be in Europe and will likely want to spend all day in your port of call. Plus, many stops are quite a ways away from the "sights" if you were. Rome is 1 hour inland (and Civitavecchia is just a port town so there is nothing to see there); Florence is a good 1 1/2 hours, etc. I might suggest 2 strollers and letting your kids nap in them in the afternoon while you enjoy a tasty afternoon beverage in a cafe in a port of call. I personally don't think we'd ever set a toe in the pool on a Med cruise. That's just how I'd play it.

Good luck & have fun.

 

[Scooby3x1y]

And...IMHO....if you're going to the Med, go to the Med. To me, staying on ship wouldn't be an option. Generally you choose the Med., so that you can see things there you wouldn't be able to see anywhere else. If you don't plan on leaving the ship, save the money and do the Caribbean.

I know people stay on the ship, but I can never figure that one out. (Yes, I know there are health problems, but still....see above...)

 

[momma2]

This is where the devil is in the details... I mentioned 'mid-afternoon', when I actually meant 'early-evening' (I was thinking 5 or 6ish).... ie. I don't see our family getting back on the ship just to turn around a get ready for dinner. Two little kids won't re-focus that quickly and will need some down time.

No worries about 'staying on board' here... in fact, the main reason we're planning the Med with Disney is so the kids can stay aboard in the excellent facilities while DH and I run ourselves ragged on shore.

That said- I know there will be days we don't even make late dinner (Rome, Naples), but I believe there will also be shorter days as well.

 

[Scooby3x1y]

This is where the devil is in the details... I mentioned 'mid-afternoon', when I actually meant 'early-evening' (I was thinking 5 or 6ish).... ie. I don't see our family getting back on the ship just to turn around a get ready for dinner. Two little kids won't re-focus that quickly and will need some down time.

No worries about 'staying on board' here... in fact, the main reason we're planning the Med with Disney is so the kids can stay aboard in the excellent facilities while DH and I run ourselves ragged on shore.

That said- I know there will be days we don't even make late dinner (Rome, Naples), but I believe there will also be shorter days as well.

Good for you! You will have a blast! I agree about the devil being in the details. One little factor can set you back or get you back early. And, with European transport, you never know.

Yes, there will be shorter days. ie...we didn't enjoy the Villafranche stop as much. The Pisa/Florence stop we wanted to stay close (older people in our party) and it turned out that it was a national holiday, and everything at the port was closed. There wasn't much to do unless you did make the drive into Pisa or Florence.

 

[walloon]

No worries about 'staying on board' here... in fact, the main reason we're planning the Med with Disney is so the kids can stay aboard in the excellent facilities while DH and I run ourselves ragged on shore.

That said- I know there will be days we don't even make late dinner (Rome, Naples), but I believe there will also be shorter days as well.

These are my thoughts exactly! We all love the Disney cruise so much, especially the kids, that this can accomplish making them happy, and us finally getting to see Europe I do want them to come along to the ports, but I think what will be the trick is finding a happy medium with them getting to see some of Europe but not getting so worn out and unhappy that we are all miserable. Right now in my mind I kind of have planned out that they might be with us every other day, ideally, but we all know how that can go! I plan on sharing some books with them and maybe find some travel shows on tv to watch together and maybe they can pick what they want to see too. Lots of time to plan!

I was wondering, does anyone know where there might be a suggested packing list for the Med Cruises? I am sure it will be pretty different from our 3 day Caribbean

 

[Scooby3x1y]

These are my thoughts exactly! We all love the Disney cruise so much, especially the kids, that this can accomplish making them happy, and us finally getting to see Europe I do want them to come along to the ports, but I think what will be the trick is finding a happy medium with them getting to see some of Europe but not getting so worn out and unhappy that we are all miserable. Right now in my mind I kind of have planned out that they might be with us every other day, ideally, but we all know how that can go! I plan on sharing some books with them and maybe find some travel shows on tv to watch together and maybe they can pick what they want to see too. Lots of time to plan!

I was wondering, does anyone know where there might be a suggested packing list for the Med Cruises? I am sure it will be pretty different from our 3 day Caribbean

Really the cruise part is the same, you just will either need to do laundry or bring a few more outfits. However, when you are in port, remember that the Europeans dress differently then we do. If you listen to the frommers boards, many say that you have to dress like the Europeans....blend in. Others say, we're Americans, and as long as you are well dressed, and not obnoxious or just rude, don't sweat it.

I think from my perspective, there is a happy medium. You don't have to totally blend in, but to me there are advantageous to not sticking too far out. One is safety. Some say baseball hats give you away...not true, many Europeans wear them. Some say backpacks make you stick out....well, I don't think so as much, but you may be a bigger theft target.

Rome is a huge mecca for tourist theft. (I have to tell you a story from a friend who has spent a ton of time there.... If someone (usually a gypsy person) walks towards you with a baby, look or walk away. They will toss the baby at you so you catch it and in the mean time pick pocket you.) This is true, he saw it many times, and our private tour guide confirmed this situation goes on all the time. Also our private TG would let us know when we were in an area that is a place to be a little extra careful. He said Trevi fountain was one of them.)

I would educate yourself, and just be travel saavy. As they say, when in Rome, do as the Romans do. To me, this is purely for safety reasons. Jeans are acceptable, be aware that you will not be permitted in some churches and museums in some clothing, or should I say lack of clothing.

Again, what it boils down to is you'll be getting off the ship with hundreds of other guests....not to mention if there is another ship in port. Stick out less then others do....lol.