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

[pixie08]

I am trying to access the excursion possibility that is planned in port. Is it possible to just walk out to taxis and hire one for the day? Has anyone done this? Is it safe? Especially with kids? How cost effective is it compating to hiring a rpivate driver in advance? I am thinking about doing it in all ports if possible.
One of the reasons I want to keep it flexible is because we have the freedom to choose to do what we want when we want. Another: trying to save some money. the cost of 500 for 5 is steep if we do it in several ports.
I really need some guidance.

Thanks, Irene

I think it is possible. If you want to do the ports on your own in that way this is my advice:

1. make sure you know the range to pay for a taxi (in euros ) in advance so when you negotiate you know you are getting a fair price.

2. Have your own itinerary planned. While some taxi drivers may be helpful, most likely there will be some language barriers as they are not guides. I like the Rick Steves guides personally. I have tons of his podcasts and apps downloaded as well.

 

[irene]

How can we find out if it's safe? Where do I get the range for fares? if it just as easy as coming out and grabbing a cab?

 

[ejw]

Hi everyone,

after seeing everyone with GTY cat 12s get upgraded to cat 9s and cat 10s, I was surprised we only got upgrade to cat 11 on deck 7. we are sailing with another family and I think disney did this to put us very close to them. but upgrades are still possible for anyone. 2 days before our 2007 WBTA, got a call from disney with an upgrade from cat 10 to cat 7.

here are our plans:

aug 17: fly out of JFK on overnight flight
aug 18: embarkation and maybe some exploration of barcelona
aug 19: Palo brunch at 11:30, try to make the DIS meet
aug 20: valletta historical hunt
aug 21: bardo museum and medina
aug 22: timeless pompeii and flavor of sorrento
aug 23: private tour rome and vatican with RomeInLimo
aug 24: cinque terre on our own
aug 25: explore ajaccio and beach on our own
aug 26: explore villefranche and perfumer's apprentice in eze
aug 28: thinking about walking las ramblas, fat tire bike tour, hard rock cafe, magic fountain
aug 29: fly home to JFK



Hey Kate, we might be in on the FE. will let you know.

ellen

 

[Adsmama]

Irene- where are you interested in doing that? I have done a lot of research on DIY ports. What are you interested in doing/seeing while in Port?

 

[jstin]

Okay so this is my first cruise and I am a little confused as to what a FE requires. What do we have to do and all that?

I have been super busy here and have been unable to be on the site for a few weeks so I am just now getting the chance to catch up. I hope I didn’t miss too much.

 

[Adsmama]

Barcelona trip? Anyone interested in a private tour of Montserrat/cava/barcelona from the ship on the 28th? I am trying to find something fun to do while we wait for check in at our hotel (near plaza catlaunya) and most bus trips and stuff require a lot more people! I think they will pick us up from the port and drop us at the hotels at the end of the day. Luggage stays on the mini bus, I guess. I still have to look into it though.

 

[SettinSail]

Barcelona trip? Anyone interested in a private tour of Montserrat/cava/barcelona from the ship on the 28th? I am trying to find something fun to do while we wait for check in at our hotel (near plaza catlaunya) and most bus trips and stuff require a lot more people! I think they will pick us up from the port and drop us at the hotels at the end of the day. Luggage stays on the mini bus, I guess. I still have to look into it though.

Sounds like fun but we are going back home on the 28th, we have a 12:30 flight. Have to get ready to go back to school the following week

Shawn

 

[SettinSail]

Hi everyone...just wanted to let everyone know I posted info on the website about the dis meet. It will take place on the first sea day (Thursday) in the Promenade lounge on Deck 3. It will be a casual open meet. It will begin at 12:15 pm and probably go until 1:00 pm (or until everyone leaves). Everyone is welcome!

If there is an art of entertaining series that day I am thinking it is going to be at 1:00 pm and Dan and I are probably going to sign up. Most likely a wine or beer tasting will be going on around that time as well. Some people may want to get groups together and go the events together if anyone is interested in attending.

Please bring any Paris LV purchases to this Dis meet so I can drool over them!
You can take right back to cabin after that

Thanks,
Shawn

 

[jel0511]

Please bring any Paris LV purchases to this Dis meet so I can drool over them!
You can take right back to cabin after that

Thanks,
Shawn

I'll try to, though I don't want to look showy carrying them around... I might have to have a private showing later....

 

[pixie08]

How can we find out if it's safe? Where do I get the range for fares? if it just as easy as coming out and grabbing a cab?

Ask around on the boards. As Adsmamma said she can help, and if you post questions on the boards about taxis in ports (ie : help with Taxis and DYI Rome port) many past cruisers will chime in and help you! Good luck.

 

[pixie08]

Okay so this is my first cruise and I am a little confused as to what a FE requires. What do we have to do and all that?

I have been super busy here and have been unable to be on the site for a few weeks so I am just now getting the chance to catch up. I hope I didn’t miss too much.

I am not organizing it but I think usually you make or buy little gifts and such and put them in the "Fish Extenders" that people make to hang outside their doors. There are little fish used for mail and people make pocket hangers that hang from them. I think each person may get a different day, and then you deliver the gifts to each of the rooms on the list. Most people will do a gift for the adults and then one for the kids. The gifts do not have to be elaborate and can even be handmade. There are a few threads on ideas for FE gifts, and even one on how to make a no-sew FE in the FAQ sticky I believe.

 

[mindelmouse]

So while I'm sitting here at work with only 3 people here, I decided to do a tally of the kids ages on our board (I think I got everyone)

AGE Girls Boys

5 1
6 1
7 1 1
8 1
9 2 2
10 1
11 4 2
12 1
13 3 1
15 2
16 2
17 1
Sorry to those that have younger children, I didn't think they would care if they had others to interact with.

 

[pixie08]

Good idea Mindy! Hmm maybe we should have something planned for them at the meet? At least the ones ages 5-13? Maybe coloring pages and crayons for the younger ones set up at a tbale and something for the the 10-13? Not sure any suggestion?

 

[mindelmouse]

Good idea Mindy! Hmm maybe we should have something planned for them at the meet? At least the ones ages 5-13? Maybe coloring pages and crayons for the younger ones set up at a tbale and something for the the 10-13? Not sure any suggestion?

I thought that may be a good time to present them with the journals? Because I don't know if all of us will be able to print out the mac formats

 

[SuperStar94]

Looks like there are actually a few older people going. Makes me feel a bit better

Feeling left out so I'll post our itinerary:
aug 17: Fly from London to Barcelona (The drive to london is longer than the actual flight )
aug 18: Get on Magic, woo!
aug 19: Just hanging by the pool, might watch some films.
aug 20: Beach Club in the morning until lunch, stay on the boat afternoon.
aug 21: Medina and Carthage in the morning, same as Malta for afternoon.
aug 22: Pompeii - Half Day
aug 23: Possibly train to Rome.
aug 24: Might find a beach or just stay on boat.
aug 25: Find a beach somewhere - parents have been to Corsica before so we know what we are doing
aug 26: Again, sunbathing on a beach.
aug 27: Say good bye to the ship and packing
aug 28: Flight home

 

[jel0511]

For all my runner friends, here is my blurb about day 3 week 3 today....

day 3 of week 3 of c25k done today. Boy it was hard today... don't know if it's the humidity this morning or all of it's finally caught up with me!!!! I'll try day 1 of week 4 on Monday, I'm not confident on my ability to complete it right now....

 

[MinnieDiva]

For all my runner friends, here is my blurb about day 3 week 3 today....

I'm so impressed that you all are sticking with it in spite if the hideous heat! Keep up the awesome work!

 

[Goofy559]

Good idea Mindy! Hmm maybe we should have something planned for them at the meet? At least the ones ages 5-13? Maybe coloring pages and crayons for the younger ones set up at a tbale and something for the the 10-13? Not sure any suggestion?

I will happily print out some copies of the colouring pages from the Castaway Club area....do you think we will be able to get crayons from the ship?

Lisa

p.s. now you all know I'm Canadian by my spelling!!

 

[mindelmouse]

Lori -thanks for the car service recommendation. Have you used them before? It was $25 more than parking at Vista Parking and it's worth it not have to drive home an hour when you're dead tired. They seemed more professional than the ones I've used locally.

 

[jel0511]

Lori -thanks for the car service recommendation. Have you used them before? It was $25 more than parking at Vista Parking and it's worth it not have to drive home an hour when you're dead tired. They seemed more professional than the ones I've used locally.

Darren used them once for a business trip when he had to fly out of LGA, he liked them.