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

[jel0511]

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

I'm surprised you get to keep the 200 future booking. My TA told me I'd lose all of my OBC's except the one they were going to give me.

 

[jel0511]

Thought for the day... We're thinking of downgrading to a cat 5. The thought process is we could guarantee our room location to where we want it to be and we'd save about 1k. My only issue is that the room is a bit smaller than the cat 4. We've sailed in a cat 6 before and were ok. Discuss.....

 

[mindelmouse]

Thought for the day... We're thinking of downgrading to a cat 5. The thought process is we could guarantee our room location to where we want it to be and we'd save about 1k. My only issue is that the room is a bit smaller than the cat 4. We've sailed in a cat 6 before and were ok. Discuss.....

Is it worth changing and losing the extra space for 1K? That's the discussion you need to have. I know you want a suite in the worse way, the upgrade cost at port would be much less if you were already at a cat 4. If the ship is not that full, I would think some may be available...heck I'm gonna ask if a cat 2 is available...LOL...I doubt that....and I'm not willing to pay a lot more...but I'm happy with mine...we're facing the back and we're right by the stairs to deck 9.

 

[jel0511]

Is it worth changing and losing the extra space for 1K? That's the discussion you need to have. I know you want a suite in the worse way, the upgrade cost at port would be much less if you were already at a cat 4. If the ship is not that full, I would think some may be available...heck I'm gonna ask if a cat 2 is available...LOL...I doubt that....and I'm not willing to pay a lot more...but I'm happy with mine...we're facing the back and we're right by the stairs to deck 9.

i know... that's my thought process, as of right now, we're staying. It's just with the GTY, we're worried about getting a bad location on deck 8. Going with the 5 would allow us to pick our room right now. What started all of this was the discussion to go to the 12. Darren kept saying we don't know where our cabin is NOW, who's to say it's going to be good!!!!! We've had one of the solid white veranda in a cat 4 and HATED IT!!! I know that's what you have but yours is HUGE, so it doesn't matter. There are only 4 of them in cat 4, with 2 having a half/half situation, so a total of 6 bad ones. Out of over 80 cat 4's our chances are pretty good of getting a clear one. We just LOVE being aft and most likely we're not going to end up there, which depresses us and makes the move make sense sometimes. I just wish for a cat 3 ( don't care where it is) or an aft cat 4. My all time favorite cabin is 8582 it's a cat 3 right near the aft elevators, we were next door in 8584 our our last cruise and the location is AWESOME!!! Across from the aft elevators and stairs, right down the hall from the secret stairs up to Topsiders. We wanted 8584 or near it, but back in Aug 2009 when we booked, cat 4 in GTY. I just think I have too much time on my hands right now and keep debating things. I'm just afraid of getting a mid-ship location under the pools and having it be loud from the moving of deck chairs in the early AM.

 

[mindelmouse]

i know... that's my thought process, as of right now, we're staying. It's just with the GTY, we're worried about getting a bad location on deck 8. Going with the 5 would allow us to pick our room right now. What started all of this was the discussion to go to the 12. Darren kept saying we don't know where our cabin is NOW, who's to say it's going to be good!!!!! We've had one of the solid white veranda in a cat 4 and HATED IT!!! I know that's what you have but yours is HUGE, so it doesn't matter. There are only 4 of them in cat 4, with 2 having a half/half situation, so a total of 6 bad ones. Out of over 80 cat 4's our chances are pretty good of getting a clear one. We just LOVE being aft and most likely we're not going to end up there, which depresses us and makes the move make sense sometimes. I just wish for a cat 3 ( don't care where it is) or an aft cat 4. My all time favorite cabin is 8582 it's a cat 3 right near the aft elevators, we were next door in 8584 our our last cruise and the location is AWESOME!!! Across from the aft elevators and stairs, right down the hall from the secret stairs up to Topsiders. We wanted 8584 or near it, but back in Aug 2009 when we booked, cat 4 in GTY. I just think I have too much time on my hands right now and keep debating things. I'm just afraid of getting a mid-ship location under the pools and having it be loud from the moving of deck chairs in the early AM.

I hear you...I believe our friends were in 8584 on the our cruise and we were in the suite next door...we loved it...right by the stairs to the beverage station...any indication on when you're going to find out about your cabin assignment...perhaps you can call and that would help you in your decision making.

 

[jel0511]

I hear you...I believe our friends were in 8584 on the our cruise and we were in the suite next door...we loved it...right by the stairs to the beverage station...any indication on when you're going to find out about your cabin assignment...perhaps you can call and that would help you in your decision making.

DCL won't talk to me because I'm with a TA. All my TA will tell me is the canned line that I'll find out 30 days before sailing. I think we'll probably roll the dice on this one. We NEVER have enough room for all of us and our stuff in a cat 4 for a 7 night cruise, I can't imagine going to a 5 and having LESS space and MORE stuff from a 10 nighter. Even though it's only about 40 sqft bigger, it's HUGE. There is an extra chair and you get a double steamer trunk instead of the single one in a cat 5.

 

[mindelmouse]

Just found out that Clarasunnyside, who was one of our original posters has switched her cruise to a different date...

 

[bigbootee]

i know... that's my thought process, as of right now, we're staying. It's just with the GTY, we're worried about getting a bad location on deck 8. Going with the 5 would allow us to pick our room right now. What started all of this was the discussion to go to the 12. Darren kept saying we don't know where our cabin is NOW, who's to say it's going to be good!!!!! We've had one of the solid white veranda in a cat 4 and HATED IT!!! I know that's what you have but yours is HUGE, so it doesn't matter. There are only 4 of them in cat 4, with 2 having a half/half situation, so a total of 6 bad ones. Out of over 80 cat 4's our chances are pretty good of getting a clear one. We just LOVE being aft and most likely we're not going to end up there, which depresses us and makes the move make sense sometimes. I just wish for a cat 3 ( don't care where it is) or an aft cat 4. My all time favorite cabin is 8582 it's a cat 3 right near the aft elevators, we were next door in 8584 our our last cruise and the location is AWESOME!!! Across from the aft elevators and stairs, right down the hall from the secret stairs up to Topsiders. We wanted 8584 or near it, but back in Aug 2009 when we booked, cat 4 in GTY. I just think I have too much time on my hands right now and keep debating things. I'm just afraid of getting a mid-ship location under the pools and having it be loud from the moving of deck chairs in the early AM.

Call you TA and have them waitlist you for a Cat 3. It's probably not much more than the Cat 4.

 

[jel0511]

Call you TA and have them waitlist you for a Cat 3. It's probably not much more than the Cat 4.

Actually I believe it is. We're spending enough on this and shelling out a few thousand more just isn't in the cards......

edited to add: I did email my TA, who must think I'm losing my mind as just a few days ago I asked about a cat 12 downgrade, now want a cat 3. She must think I'm scitzo!!!!

Hey if's only 1k, I'll do it, but I highly doubt it!!!!

 

[Cliffside]

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

I continue to drive myself crazy.....

I finally called ta. We would be saving $4100, and since we were only in a cat 9 I am rethinking downgrading. The only other problem is that you have to rebook all your excursions and spa appointments. I guess I can't think about much longer since we are almost in the penalty phase.

 

[mindelmouse]

Actually I believe it is. We're spending enough on this and shelling out a few thousand more just isn't in the cards......

edited to add: I did email my TA, who must think I'm losing my mind as just a few days ago I asked about a cat 12 downgrade, now want a cat 3. She must think I'm scitzo!!!!

Hey if's only 1k, I'll do it, but I highly doubt it!!!!

I don't agree with DH, I think you should stay in Cat 4 and try to upgrade to cat 3 at port...we only paid an additional 1,200 when we did that. That was far less then it would have been to get it before hand. That's probably because you don't get the pre cruise concierge...but who cares?

 

[MacG]

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

kim

I told them you have a 7 year old DD and my girls are excited. I'm printing up our 90-day countdown, 1 page per day calendar this week.

On a side note, I noticed you're from WA. I grew up in Tacoma, but never made it past Port Townsend....

 

[MacG]

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!

Great...I'll PM you later tonight and take a peek at your cruise website. We can't wait to get to Barcelona!

 

[pixie08]

In emailed DCl to try and find out some info on schedules and such. Thought this info may help some. This is their response (very nice and helpful):
Thank you for your e-mail.

I am happy to further assist you!

Thank you for your e-mail.

We appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts with us.

In order to keep our entertainment fresh and interesting, we continually
evaluate our offerings and look for opportunities to make our cruise
experience even better, as we are committed to producing quality family
entertainment.

Our latest entertainment option, Disney Digital 3-D, in the Walt Disney
and Buena Vista Theatres is receiving great reviews from our Guests.
Also, in addition to the two pianists onboard each voyage, we are now
offering musical talent acts on specific days which may be of interest
to you. Please check your Personal Navigator upon arrival onboard for
performance times for shows and other activities.

I do have the information regarding theme nights on your cruise.

Dining attire varies by venue or theme night on your cruise. In general,
most meals are "Cruise Casual"-- jeans, khakis and capris are permitted;
however, we ask that Guests refrain from wearing shorts, swimwear or
tank tops in the dining rooms.

Below is the recommended attire for your cruise itinerary and is subject
to change:

10-Night Mediterranean Cruise
*Nights 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10: cruise casual
*Night 2: "formal night" - formal wear for men: tuxedo or suit; for
women: gown or dress
*Night 7: pirate night with deck party - cruise casual or bring your
best pirate outfit!
*Nights 9: "semi-formal night" - semi-formal wear for men: suit/jacket;
for women: dress or pantsuit.


Palo is our romantic alternative restaurant exclusively for our Guests
18 years and older. To maintain this elegant feeling during the various
dining options, a dress code is in place for the Palo Champagne Brunch,
Palo High Tea and Palo Dinner.

-Palo Champagne Brunch and/or Palo High Tea:
Cruise casual wear suggested.
No shorts, swimwear, tank tops or blue jeans are permitted.

-Palo Dinner:
Men - A dress shirt or jacket is required.
Women - A dress or pantsuit is recommended.
No shorts, swimwear, tank tops or blue jeans are permitted.

I hope this information has been helpful. If you require further
assistance in planning your visit, please feel free to contact us.

We look forward to sailing with you!

Have a Magical Day!


Of course some of us knew some of this already but some people may not.

 

[mindelmouse]

I told them you have a 7 year old DD and my girls are excited. I'm printing up our 90-day countdown, 1 page per day calendar this week.

On a side note, I noticed you're from WA. I grew up in Tacoma, but never made it past Port Townsend....

I have a 9 year old DD and a 9 year old DS

 

[mindelmouse]

In emailed DCl to try and find out some info on schedules and such. Thought this info may help some. This is their response (very nice and helpful):
Thank you for your e-mail.

I am happy to further assist you!

Thank you for your e-mail.

We appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts with us.

In order to keep our entertainment fresh and interesting, we continually
evaluate our offerings and look for opportunities to make our cruise
experience even better, as we are committed to producing quality family
entertainment.

Our latest entertainment option, Disney Digital 3-D, in the Walt Disney
and Buena Vista Theatres is receiving great reviews from our Guests.
Also, in addition to the two pianists onboard each voyage, we are now
offering musical talent acts on specific days which may be of interest
to you. Please check your Personal Navigator upon arrival onboard for
performance times for shows and other activities.

I do have the information regarding theme nights on your cruise.

Dining attire varies by venue or theme night on your cruise. In general,
most meals are "Cruise Casual"-- jeans, khakis and capris are permitted;
however, we ask that Guests refrain from wearing shorts, swimwear or
tank tops in the dining rooms.

Below is the recommended attire for your cruise itinerary and is subject
to change:

10-Night Mediterranean Cruise
*Nights 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10: cruise casual
*Night 2: "formal night" - formal wear for men: tuxedo or suit; for
women: gown or dress
*Night 7: pirate night with deck party - cruise casual or bring your
best pirate outfit!
*Nights 9: "semi-formal night" - semi-formal wear for men: suit/jacket;
for women: dress or pantsuit.


Palo is our romantic alternative restaurant exclusively for our Guests
18 years and older. To maintain this elegant feeling during the various
dining options, a dress code is in place for the Palo Champagne Brunch,
Palo High Tea and Palo Dinner.

-Palo Champagne Brunch and/or Palo High Tea:
Cruise casual wear suggested.
No shorts, swimwear, tank tops or blue jeans are permitted.

-Palo Dinner:
Men - A dress shirt or jacket is required.
Women - A dress or pantsuit is recommended.
No shorts, swimwear, tank tops or blue jeans are permitted.

I hope this information has been helpful. If you require further
assistance in planning your visit, please feel free to contact us.

We look forward to sailing with you!

Have a Magical Day!


Of course some of us knew some of this already but some people may not.

Mary,

Just a note, since I'm concierge level, I can call and get immediate answers from a person, so if there's stuff you need to know, email me and I'll call and find out. Also, the concierge we use the most just got back from the last med cruise. We're going to call her and ask for first hand advice and info. I'll let you know.

 

[pixie08]

Mary,

Just a note, since I'm concierge level, I can call and get immediate answers from a person, so if there's stuff you need to know, email me and I'll call and find out. Also, the concierge we use the most just got back from the last med cruise. We're going to call her and ask for first hand advice and info. I'll let you know.

Awesome! Ahhh I do miss the service of conceirge I just hope we can really upgrade at the port

 

[Cliffside]

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.

Mary thanks for your well wishes.

Well I can stop agonizing about it. I finally decided to downgrade. I called my ta at 8:30 last night and they finally called me at 10:15 to say it was done. Then I had to rebook all my excursions,spa and palo....For those booking this week everything that I wanted was still available. The only thing that still was not was Palo tea and prime sea day spa appointments.
I might try and do the spa villa for two now. Has anyone done that and how was it?

Also just read on main boards...On the last cruise they moved the sail-away party to around 4:30 instead of doing it when we sail at 9:30. I guess they saw that people were exhausted and didn't attend as much.

 

[mindelmouse]

Mary thanks for your well wishes.

Well I can stop agonizing about it. I finally decided to downgrade. I called my ta at 8:30 last night and they finally called me at 10:15 to say it was done. Then I had to rebook all my excursions,spa and palo....For those booking this week everything that I wanted was still available. The only thing that still was not was Palo tea and prime sea day spa appointments.
I might try and do the spa villa for two now. Has anyone done that and how was it?

Also just read on main boards...On the last cruise they moved the sail-away party to around 4:30 instead of doing it when we sail at 9:30. I guess they saw that people were exhausted and didn't attend as much.

Is the spa villa the one where you get massages and then you have the hot tub on the veranda? If so, we booked that for this time. We've never done that before.

 

[Goofy559]

As many of you have noted, the rates for a 12 gty are too good to pass up! It will be me (Lisa) and my DD 11 (Sage) heading out for some mom-daughter time in the med! Give how port intense this cruise is, I'm not too worried about an upgrade (althought I'd certainly take one)

Surprisingly, airfare from Toronto is relatively reasonable, less than $1000cdn each....now on to planning excursions and other adventures!

If there is a FE, count us in! Off to read and meet some of my fellow DISers!

Lisa