August 18, 2010...Can't wait for the MAGICal Mediterranean!!!

[Cliffside]

Hope everyone is enjoying their weekends.

I continue to drive myself crazy regarding downgrading. I think I am more nervous about location rather than category type. Although not having a split bath would be a bummer. We have always stayed mid-ship and would be nervous if we were too aft or forward.

Also did anyone get their kids any special imminizations for the cruise. On the main message board someone mentioned the Hep A vaccine.

I can't believe the first two med sailings are done. It is great reading blogs and getting feedback from them.

 

[pixie08]

Susan this probably won't help but..

Dan and I did the downgrade because we are just two people. So even if we get put in the smallest room we are ok with that. I know with a child it may be a little harder because of the bathrooms and the size of the room. It is such a hard decision! Good luck.

 

[pixie08]

I hope you let those of us who downgraded and are in steerage have a chance to see what a balcony looks like...

I agree!

 

[jel0511]

Hope everyone is enjoying their weekends.

I continue to drive myself crazy regarding downgrading. I think I am more nervous about location rather than category type. Although not having a split bath would be a bummer. We have always stayed mid-ship and would be nervous if we were too aft or forward.

Also did anyone get their kids any special imminizations for the cruise. On the main message board someone mentioned the Hep A vaccine.

I can't believe the first two med sailings are done. It is great reading blogs and getting feedback from them.

Susan, this is EXACTLY why we didn't downgrade, sorry to tell you. I actually prefer aft, so that wouldn't bother me so much. Forward is usually VERY quiet, so I wouldn't mind that either. It was just the thought of 4 of us squished in a cat 11 (as 4 that's the lowest they could give us) for 10 nights seemed HORRIBLE to us. I have no plans to get my kids additional immunizations, I don't think it's necessary.

For those of you cruising in "steerage", you're more than welcome to see my balcony, as long as it's after 8AM!!!!!!!!!!

 

[mindelmouse]

I hope you let those of us who downgraded and are in steerage have a chance to see what a balcony looks like...

I don't know....I think a lot of kissing A is going to have to happen...what do you think Lori???

 

[mindelmouse]

Just got back from a weekend at a sleep away camp with the Girl scouts...my daughter had so much fun...she actually now wants to go to sleep away camp....may be some free time in the future years if I can convince my son....LOL

 

[crzy4dals]

Question regarding flights...

Does anyone know the earliest they are recommending for departure flights out of Barcelona?

I still have no clue on excursions... I guess I will just book Palo on the 20th and then add excursions as I figure them out.

We went to the library this weekend and checked out Rick Steves' Europe DVDs.... So many decisions!

 

[jel0511]

I don't know....I think a lot of kissing A is going to have to happen...what do you think Lori???

and some serious cocktails!!!!

My forgotten weekend is finally over. Wedding last night and my SIL's baby shower today. I'm exhausted and relaxing for the first time all weekend at 9:15PM on Sun night!!!!

 

[soxfan1495]

soxfan- I am not 100% sure of the likely hood but I will say as long as the cruise is not sold out, and you arrive early. The likelihood is pretty good.

When do you think the best time is to arrive at the cruise terminal in Barcelona if you are interested in a possible upgrade? From what I have read, people seem to arrive around noon. Thanks.

 

[MacG]

Hello Everyone,
Spent the past day reading up and trying to figure out our excursions...We narrowed down 2 excursions and planning to be on our own for most of the other days. I lived in Europe for 4 years and the wife and I love adventuring on our own. Our honeymoon was in Paris and Munich (a stop at Disney Paris).

Here's our info:
We're from Maryland, mainly vacation at Disneyland (DW once in the past 10 years) since my sisters live in CA. Our Second cruise (7-day Magic in 2009).

My two DDs are 6 and 8, both are on their first European adventure, but travel frequently around the states.

We're heading to Paris on 8/10 and staying at the airport Sheraton to get adjusted. We then spend 4 more days in Paris before taking a sleeper train to Barcelona. Spend 2 full days in Barcelona and then embarking. Can't wait for my favorite steak house in Paris, Le Relais de L'entrècôte (if you haven't tried, it's the best).

I haven't booked flights yet, but from experience, I'll wait for the sub-$1000 flights to pop-up in late June, early July.

I did find that Pixie08 is planning a meet-up...sounds like fun.

Only a 93 days left! We can't wait.

Lee

 

[soxfan1495]

Hello Everyone,
Spent the past day reading up and trying to figure out our excursions...We narrowed down 2 excursions and planning to be on our own for most of the other days. I lived in Europe for 4 years and the wife and I love adventuring on our own. Our honeymoon was in Paris and Munich (a stop at Disney Paris).

Here's our info:
We're from Maryland, mainly vacation at Disneyland (DW once in the past 10 years) since my sisters live in CA. Our Second cruise (7-day Magic in 2009).

My two DDs are 6 and 8, both are on their first European adventure, but travel frequently around the states.

We're heading to Paris on 8/10 and staying at the airport Sheraton to get adjusted. We then spend 4 more days in Paris before taking a sleeper train to Barcelona. Spend 2 full days in Barcelona and then embarking. Can't wait for my favorite steak house in Paris, Le Relais de L'entrècôte (if you haven't tried, it's the best).

I haven't booked flights yet, but from experience, I'll wait for the sub-$1000 flights to pop-up in late June, early July.

I did find that Pixie08 is planning a meet-up...sounds like fun.

Only a 93 days left! We can't wait.

Lee

Welcome

Your pre-cruise stopover in Paris sounds great. We are going to London for three nights before taking another flight to Barcelona... Found a decent deal with British Airways (assuming we don't have a problem with volcanic ash).

 

[pixie08]

Question regarding flights...

Does anyone know the earliest they are recommending for departure flights out of Barcelona?

I still have no clue on excursions... I guess I will just book Palo on the 20th and then add excursions as I figure them out.

We went to the library this weekend and checked out Rick Steves' Europe DVDs.... So many decisions!

I think DCL is saying around 11:00 am. I know some people are taking 10:30 am on other cruises (not sure about this one) but I think it is cutting it close but possible.I heard custom lines are long in barcelona. We are on a 1:30.



Mindy- I will partake in bribes! What is the price lol!

 

[pixie08]

MAcG- Welcome! Dan and I are also going to Paris for a few days before the trip and so is jel and her family! It makes sense as we switched our trip to France to the DCL cruise and we were always flying into Paris. Plus Dan has never been!

Take a look at the website in my siggie. It is dedicated to this cruise. I have a list of dis'ers (if you would like to join just PM me and I will tell you what to do). It also has info on the meet (witch is still tbd but def on the first sea day).

Soxfan- I know, this volcano is not giving up!

I just can't wait to book everything only three days to go!

 

[MinnieDiva]

Your pre-cruise stopover in Paris sounds great. We are going to London for three nights before taking another flight to Barcelona... Found a decent deal with British Airways (assuming we don't have a problem with volcanic ash).

Don't forget about the strikes BA has "planned"! I heard there were actual dates set, but I don't know what they are....

 

[MinnieDiva]

Here's our info:
We're from Maryland, mainly vacation at Disneyland (DW once in the past 10 years) since my sisters live in CA. Our Second cruise (7-day Magic in 2009).

My two DDs are 6 and 8, both are on their first European adventure, but travel frequently around the states.


Lee

Whoohoo! my DD will be 7...she'll be excited to know that there will be more kids to play with!

kim

 

[MinnieDiva]

My forgotten weekend is finally over. Wedding last night and my SIL's baby shower today. I'm exhausted and relaxing for the first time all weekend at 9:15PM on Sun night!!!!

Ditto. DD has had a nasty cold, but it tamped down this weekend enough for her to participate in her swim meet. DH fielded that yesterday while I worked a 12-hr shift and I got duty today. And....I got to do laundry . Lucky me!

 

[ejw]

Did you book through a ta or with Disney. Which obc were you allowed to keep. I was afraid we would lose them all if we made the switch.

Hi Susan, our reservation is with DU. we lost the 100per person "thank you for booking a med cruise", our 250 OBC with DU was downgraded to 100 and we kept our 200 OBC we got for a future booking. so started out with 750 and wound up with 300. even with that we netted a savings of almost 3500. we literally cut the cost of our cruise in half.

ellen

 

[mindelmouse]

Hello Everyone,
Spent the past day reading up and trying to figure out our excursions...We narrowed down 2 excursions and planning to be on our own for most of the other days. I lived in Europe for 4 years and the wife and I love adventuring on our own. Our honeymoon was in Paris and Munich (a stop at Disney Paris).

Here's our info:
We're from Maryland, mainly vacation at Disneyland (DW once in the past 10 years) since my sisters live in CA. Our Second cruise (7-day Magic in 2009).

My two DDs are 6 and 8, both are on their first European adventure, but travel frequently around the states.

We're heading to Paris on 8/10 and staying at the airport Sheraton to get adjusted. We then spend 4 more days in Paris before taking a sleeper train to Barcelona. Spend 2 full days in Barcelona and then embarking. Can't wait for my favorite steak house in Paris, Le Relais de L'entrècôte (if you haven't tried, it's the best).

I haven't booked flights yet, but from experience, I'll wait for the sub-$1000 flights to pop-up in late June, early July.

I did find that Pixie08 is planning a meet-up...sounds like fun.

Only a 93 days left! We can't wait.

Lee

WELCOME, WELCOME, WELCOME!!!!!

By booking our airfare last October we got sub $1000 flights so I understand your thoughts o waiting. We're actually flying into Barcelona Tuesday morning...can't take much time before the cruise because I need to take an extra week after the cruise since the kids don't go back to school until after labor day.

 

[mindelmouse]

Question regarding flights...

Does anyone know the earliest they are recommending for departure flights out of Barcelona?

I still have no clue on excursions... I guess I will just book Palo on the 20th and then add excursions as I figure them out.

We went to the library this weekend and checked out Rick Steves' Europe DVDs.... So many decisions!

Since there is only one direct flight on Continental each day between Barcelone and Newark, we are actually staying an extra day on the tail end. The departing flight is at 10:30 am on Saturday. Per the Disney recommendations that is too early, although I've read people make that flight with plenty of time. We decided not to put that kind of pressure on ourselves at the tail end of vacation and we're just taking that flight on Sunday.

 

[mindelmouse]

and some serious cocktails!!!!

My forgotten weekend is finally over. Wedding last night and my SIL's baby shower today. I'm exhausted and relaxing for the first time all weekend at 9:15PM on Sun night!!!!

Lori,

I hear you....I went camping all weekend. I think it was sub 40 in the cabin and I was freezing...I came home around 12:30 and was like a vegetable...I was so tired. I was actually passed out in bedf when you wrote this....