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

[Adsmama]

I think we will get some relief next week but boy, is it HOT!
This is the hottest weather I've seen since we've been here.

I don't know where Grafenwoehr is !

We are near Nuremberg in Bavaria!

 

[Adsmama]

BTDT, Been There Done That

I can recommend Limo in Rome!!! Mr. Caponera has been AWESOME so far, responds quickly to questions and always has good advice! His website is www.limoinrome.com

We are looking at a tour with romecabs... they have good reviews and it's only 107 euro pp for the whole day including a vatican guide in the museum/jumping the line and entrance into the colliseum/jumping the line. The audio guide of the colliseum is included in the ticket admission right? Also, would you think that would be much better then just trying to do it yourself in Rome? Also, for non-catholics, is the vatican a must see?

 

[SettinSail]

We are near Nuremberg in Bavaria!

I think I just heard them mention Grafenwoehr on AFN radio - something about an upcoming race. We have not ventured to that area yet...

 

[jel0511]

We are looking at a tour with romecabs... they have good reviews and it's only 107 euro pp for the whole day including a vatican guide in the museum/jumping the line and entrance into the colliseum/jumping the line. The audio guide of the colliseum is included in the ticket admission right? Also, would you think that would be much better then just trying to do it yourself in Rome? Also, for non-catholics, is the vatican a must see?

No idea about the audio guide of the colliseum. Our tour also includes all of your items, and I believe we're only paying 72EUR per person. I guess there is strength in numbers. We have 16 on our tour!!!! As for non-catholics seeing the vatican, I'm not catholic and DH is Jewish and we're looking forward to the Vatican!!!!!!

 

[mindelmouse]

No idea about the audio guide of the colliseum. Our tour also includes all of your items, and I believe we're only paying 72EUR per person. I guess there is strength in numbers. We have 16 on our tour!!!! As for non-catholics seeing the vatican, I'm not catholic and DH is Jewish and we're looking forward to the Vatican!!!!!!

Me too and we're jewish too!!!!

 

[Adsmama]

No idea about the audio guide of the colliseum. Our tour also includes all of your items, and I believe we're only paying 72EUR per person. I guess there is strength in numbers. We have 16 on our tour!!!!!

that might have something to do with it!

 

[Vicky29]

Hi Everyone,

Hope you don't mind but just thought I'd say hello. We went on our first Disney cruise this year (11 night med cruise in May) loved it so much that we're coming back on the 18th of August We're from England so haven't got far to travel to get to Barcelona. I'd also love to hand out some fish extender gifts, so if anyone is organising a list please could we be added? Would love any tips from those of you who've done this lots of times and if anyone wants to know anything specific about the ports I'll try my best to help. We didn't do any formal trips exept in Tunis - in the other ports we just pottered around as I have a 2 1/2 year old, and sightseeing isn't really her thing. Hope everyone else is as excited as we are

Vicky

 

[mindelmouse]

Hi Everyone,

Hope you don't mind but just thought I'd say hello. We went on our first Disney cruise this year (11 night med cruise in May) loved it so much that we're coming back on the 18th of August We're from England so haven't got far to travel to get to Barcelona. I'd also love to hand out some fish extender gifts, so if anyone is organising a list please could we be added? Would love any tips from those of you who've done this lots of times and if anyone wants to know anything specific about the ports I'll try my best to help. We didn't do any formal trips exept in Tunis - in the other ports we just pottered around as I have a 2 1/2 year old, and sightseeing isn't really her thing. Hope everyone else is as excited as we are

Vicky

Wow Vicky - welcome ...be prepared for lots of questions, since you've been through the experience already. If you look at Pixie08's posts, she has a website for our cruise that you're welcome to join. I know you don't have enough posts to do private messages yet, but when you have 10 you can send her your info and you can be added to the roster.

As for FE's - the old timers here, decided a while ago, that we're going to forego FE's this trip. Although they are fun to get, since we're coming from the US and baggage fees are high, we thought it would be extra weight in our suitecases, that we couldn't afford. If you can think of a way to do then without that issue, would love to hear it.

Would love to hear what you thought of the various ports and what your favorites were. I have excursions in every port booked. We have 2 through groups on this board and the rest through disney. I have B|G 9 year olds that don't know about the cruise yet, so I wanted to make sure we had planned trips.

 

[Vicky29]

Hi Mindy,

Our favouites were Corsica and Villefranche - both had beaches within easy walking distance of the boat and both had lovely local markets with beautiful things in them.

Tunis was our least favourite, and the least favourite of most people on our cruise, so much so that we'll probably stay on the boat this time.

It's also possibly worth getting an Italian phrase book for anyone just planning to potter around Italy themselves, most of the menus were in Italian only and most people only spoke very basic English - so it was difficult to be certain of what you would be eating/ drinking.

The staff were all completely wonderful - and if anyone like me has only done Disneyland Paris before - the organisation is staggering - there are lines (as opposed to chaos) when seeing characters. It truly was wonderful. I lasted all of 2 days at home before booking to come back

I can certainly see the point about fish extenders and extra weight in suitcases and unfortunately have no magic answers. Guess maybe I'll just make one (just for the fun of it) and take some little pieces for my little girl to pop in for when we go back to the room.

Getting very excited to be going back now

Take Care
Vicky

 

[pixie08]

Welcome Vicky!

How exciting that you are getting to go back again! I know quite a few people are coming from Europe and may want to participate in a FE (some Americans may as well). I think if it is kept to minimum and just smaller items people may be interested ( I may be if we get a few people together- and yes I am decorating my door lol!). Feel free to ask around if you would like and organize! I am trying to organize a Dis meet as well. I have done a few meets and such s I have no problem doing that, some people may be able to come and others may not. The group is getting so big that I think it is going to be a blast because usually more people=more fun=more people you know around the boat imo! I have also set up a little website (link is in the siggie) to add all the disboard members to so we can all identify each other and know who is who.

As for the kids journals....I started one. I was hoping you all could have a look. Keep in mind I do not have kids, and I am a teacher so I am always reaching with history and such lol! I tried to keep them fun and simple but there could be something I am overlooking.

http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=...DUtMGEzYy00MmE5LWEyMjctZWE0ZmRjNWY0MjUz&hl=en

 

[Goofy559]

Hi Mary
I tried to look at the google docs file but it wanted me to sign in. That took me to my google docs page not yours.
Looking forward to seeing the draft page!
Lisa

 

[susiemmfan]

Welcome Vicky!

How exciting that you are getting to go back again! I know quite a few people are coming from Europe and may want to participate in a FE (some Americans may as well). I think if it is kept to minimum and just smaller items people may be interested ( I may be if we get a few people together- and yes I am decorating my door lol!). Feel free to ask around if you would like and organize! I am trying to organize a Dis meet as well. I have done a few meets and such s I have no problem doing that, some people may be able to come and others may not. The group is getting so big that I think it is going to be a blast because usually more people=more fun=more people you know around the boat imo! I have also set up a little website (link is in the siggie) to add all the disboard members to so we can all identify each other and know who is who.

As for the kids journals....I started one. I was hoping you all could have a look. Keep in mind I do not have kids, and I am a teacher so I am always reaching with history and such lol! I tried to keep them fun and simple but there could be something I am overlooking.

http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=...DUtMGEzYy00MmE5LWEyMjctZWE0ZmRjNWY0MjUz&hl=en

Mary,

Your page is awesome! Great job! I better get started this weekend.

Susie

 

[MinnieDiva]

Thanks Kim! Your family is so cute. I think you win the prize for travelling the fartherest to Barcelona!

Shawn

Thanks!

At one point, there was someone from Southern California, but she's not posted in a looooonnnnnggggg time, so who knows if she's still going.


Kim

 

[MinnieDiva]

So y'all have been very busy here...

I worked nights last night and haven't ha much sleep and have been renovating bathroom.

FYI for those doing ports book. I am actually having progress on Rome. More than 1/2 way done.....

kim

 

[mindelmouse]

Welcome Vicky!

How exciting that you are getting to go back again! I know quite a few people are coming from Europe and may want to participate in a FE (some Americans may as well). I think if it is kept to minimum and just smaller items people may be interested ( I may be if we get a few people together- and yes I am decorating my door lol!). Feel free to ask around if you would like and organize! I am trying to organize a Dis meet as well. I have done a few meets and such s I have no problem doing that, some people may be able to come and others may not. The group is getting so big that I think it is going to be a blast because usually more people=more fun=more people you know around the boat imo! I have also set up a little website (link is in the siggie) to add all the disboard members to so we can all identify each other and know who is who.

As for the kids journals....I started one. I was hoping you all could have a look. Keep in mind I do not have kids, and I am a teacher so I am always reaching with history and such lol! I tried to keep them fun and simple but there could be something I am overlooking.

http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=...DUtMGEzYy00MmE5LWEyMjctZWE0ZmRjNWY0MjUz&hl=en

Mary - I just have one word for your journal AWESOME!!!!!!!

If we send you our Tunis info can you make it pretty like that...we don't have a mac.

 

[mindelmouse]

So y'all have been very busy here...

I worked nights last night and haven't ha much sleep and have been renovating bathroom.

FYI for those doing ports book. I am actually having progress on Rome. More than 1/2 way done.....

kim

DH is doing Tunis...he hasn't started yet...he's a last minute type of guy.

 

[jstin]

As for the kids journals....I started one. I was hoping you all could have a look. Keep in mind I do not have kids, and I am a teacher so I am always reaching with history and such lol! I tried to keep them fun and simple but there could be something I am overlooking.

Okay I love the journal idea. It looks fantastic. I didn't think of doing something like this but what a great way to make it fun for the kids to journal thier time. I can't wait to see all the other ports. Is there something I can help with?

Jennifer

 

[Adsmama]

We are flying from Europe and we still are allowed ONE bag and one carry on for DH and I. DD only gets her stroller. I wonder if that includes her car seat though?

 

[Vicky29]

Hi Pixie,

Thank you for your message. It's great to know you might be interested in the FE if some other people are. Anyone else fancy playing too? I agree it's nice to know people as you walk around, it's great to see friendly faces. I love your website - such a lovely idea. Looking forward to trying to make some things for our door as well - couldn't believe how exciting people's doors were last time. Off to buy my magnetic paper today

Take Care
Vicky

 

[Adsmama]

I have a question for you seasoned cruisers.... I am very concerned with this dining time thing. I will have a 6 month old on the next cruise. Would you think she would be better in the earlier setting or the later setting? We breastfeed and will not be introducing solids before the trip (that is a lot to handle at one time!) so I was just curious what your opinion is. We don't tend to use a stroller so I highly doubt she will just sleep there as she only likes to sleep in my wrap or in her bed (our bed, we cosleep but she is put down before we go to sleep in her crib next to the bed). I guess I am just so confused as to which setting would be best for us. Right now we have the early seating but I have called the travel agent like three times and switched it back and forth. AGH. She recommended the late one bc of the ports being later but that does not seem like a problem to us, we are only planning one intense day (rome) so if we happen to miss dinner then we will just go up to the buffet Either way, I just wanted your opinion, it's my first kid. She has been staying up later lately because the sun does not set until 10:15PM most nights. Also, as a 6 month old she probably would not fit into the high chairs they provide either. OY, does that mean I have to hold her the whole time?! OK, ramble over. Which should I do? haha would it be best to try to get her to engage at dinner and then stand in the back of the shows with my wrap on and sway her to sleep while watching? (would that be allowed???) Or would it be best to try to go to the late seating and hope she is sleeping in a stroller (which we have not yet decided we want to even bring on board and I know the rentals do not recline). OK HELP.