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

[MacG]

I've been playing with Google Maps. Here are a couple of screenshots from my iPad....the red pin should be at the cruise terminal for Disney.

Map 1: http://db.tt/4lceYn
Map 2: http://db.tt/qQeTk3

Barcelona has a very big port

-L

Edit: after more research, it looks like it's the third terminal building. Here's a link: http://www.barcelonayellow.com/bcn-transport/193-cruise-ship-terminals

wEll probably tour a little on Tuesday when we get there...planning to get to port around 11-12 as soon as I can find out what port terminal we go to . We can't check into our hotel until 2-3

 

[Adsmama]

When I go to the barcelona taxi website it says that a fare from the cruise port-las ramblas (catalunya) should run about 12-14 euro for three people.... I am confused as to why some people were told/paid 30 euro!?

I also heard that in downtown barcelona it is a different set of laws in regards to child safety seats then the rest of spain proper. Is this true? Has anyone ran into anything like this?

 

[Vicky29]

Hi Pixie,

You should have plenty of time, it isn't very far. I know there are buses from the airport but I'm not sure on the logistics of doing it from the port. There are always taxis around though so that should be possible. I know people did it when we were onboard, we visited on the way back instead. Toys are cheaper (Much cheaper) in Barcelona than in any of the other ports, so if you have girfts to take back for children it's a great place to stop.

Hi Kate,

Thanks, we may well take you up on that if the you know what happens We'll rely on your DH's superior knowledge of all things travel, and not panic unless you tell us to

Hi Adsmama,

Maybe related to the times of travel and how busy the roads are? Also did someone not say they charge extra for cases etc? No idea about car seats I'm afraid, although I know families with little ones who travelled using taxis without them last time. We've opted for transfers again out of sheer fear that we wouldn't be able to get there otherwise

Getting very excited now

 

[jel0511]

Did day 3 week 4 of c25k this morning... finished the WHOLE thing... pushed through the final run, but i did it!!!!! Week 5 looks tough.... I'm scared....

 

[Cliffside]

Yes - We're staying at Royal Ramblas pre and post cruise. Looks like we'll be neighbors!

Stacey,
Are you planning to take a cab or hire a car?
Susan

 

[graysm]

Stacey,
Are you planning to take a cab or hire a car?
Susan

We plan on taking a taxi. I have a friend that went to Barcelona a couple of years ago and she said there are plenty of taxis and to her hotel was around 30 Euro.

What will you be doing?

 

[Adsmama]

Cliffside, GraysM, We are staying at a hotel right next to you guys. If you do end up hiring a private car we would be interested in going or if there are minivan cabs to split we would be interetsed in that as well. There are two of us and an infant. Just a thought.

 

[MinnieDiva]

When I go to the barcelona taxi website it says that a fare from the cruise port-las ramblas (catalunya) should run about 12-14 euro for three people.... I am confused as to why some people were told/paid 30 euro!?

I also heard that in downtown barcelona it is a different set of laws in regards to child safety seats then the rest of spain proper. Is this true? Has anyone ran into anything like this?

I think I remember reading about a 10-Euro-ish fee added on for leaving the airport area.

kim

 

[GratefulDad]

Question: We've never been on a Disney Cruise, but have taken many other cruises. All of them offer a prepaid unlimited soda package. Does anybody know if Disney Cruise offers something similar to this???


Thanks,
Mike

 

[jel0511]

Question: We've never been on a Disney Cruise, but have taken many other cruises. All of them offer a prepaid unlimited soda package. Does anybody know if Disney Cruise offers something similar to this???


Thanks,
Mike

Mike, DCL does not offer this, because all soda is FREE on DCL!!!! There is a beverage stataion on deck 9 where you can get you soda free all day, still have to pay at a bar, it's also free in the dining rooms.

 

[mindelmouse]

Mike, DCL does not offer this, because all soda is FREE on DCL!!!! There is a beverage stataion on deck 9 where you can get you soda free all day, still have to pay at a bar, it's also free in the dining rooms.

Free Baby Free

Sorry, I'm a bit loopy. I"m off today and nobody is here except me and the dogs and it's so nice

 

[MacG]

When I go to the barcelona taxi website it says that a fare from the cruise port-las ramblas (catalunya) should run about 12-14 euro for three people.... I am confused as to why some people were told/paid 30 euro!?

I also heard that in downtown barcelona it is a different set of laws in regards to child safety seats then the rest of spain proper. Is this true? Has anyone ran into anything like this?

I found this site with information about child safety in Europe....
http://www.sciuridae.co.uk/child_car_seats/european_child_seat_law.htm

The law is different in the cities in Spain....Children measuring less than 135 cm must be seated in a child restraint system adapted to their size and weight, except when travelling in a taxi in an urban area. Children measuring more than 135 cm may use an adult seatbelt.

Kim G.

 

[Adsmama]

I found this site with information about child safety in Europe....
http://www.sciuridae.co.uk/child_car_seats/european_child_seat_law.htm

The law is different in the cities in Spain....Children measuring less than 135 cm must be seated in a child restraint system adapted to their size and weight, except when travelling in a taxi in an urban area. Children measuring more than 135 cm may use an adult seatbelt.

Kim G.

awesome!!!Thank you!

 

[Vicky29]

Going to have my first attempt at dressmaking Bought Minnie Mouse material today so I plan on having an attempt - will probably be a disaster but I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

 

[GratefulDad]

Mike, DCL does not offer this, because all soda is FREE on DCL!!!! There is a beverage stataion on deck 9 where you can get you soda free all day, still have to pay at a bar, it's also free in the dining rooms.

Rock on!!! Finally something for free!!! Thanks for the info.

 

[MinnieDiva]

Going to have my first attempt at dressmaking Bought Minnie Mouse material today so I plan on having an attempt - will probably be a disaster but I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

You found spotted fabric? I made a Minnie mouse costume for DD a year and a half ago and had to do double sided fusible and my own spots ironed on!
Can't wait to see it! Did DH's pirate vest yesterday and it's too small. Have to do some altering.

 

[K8T]

I have a question for those of you who went on the MEd cruise earlier this summer...

On the day of Embarkation, if we arrive early to the port (10 am), drop off our luggage and check in will we have enough time to head back in to Barcelona until 2-3pm?

We were there at 9.45 and the checkin wasn't open, there weren't many people there and we were some of the first through when it did at 10.00. I did see people check in and then go out, it would seem however, that they had to then queue with everyone else checking in later and one lady I met was a bit cross that she couldn't then just get straight on! I would think there is no reason why you can't do this, you would only be waiting in the hall and Disney don't know who is waiting out there until you check in on the ship. No one was stopping anyone coming in and out the terminal.

We didn't see any buses running from the terminal to town, but plenty of taxis dropping off, which you could grab to go back.

Did day 3 week 4 of c25k this morning... finished the WHOLE thing... pushed through the final run, but i did it!!!!! Week 5 looks tough.... I'm scared....

You are UNBELIVABLE!!! Your plan is much harder than mine! When I think what you have gone through in the last few years and you can actually get on and do this - Oh Boy, tomorrow I have to do mine for a second time - without a doubt!! I too am a bit scared about the following week, but I need to get through this one first!! Strange thing is, I haven't lost any weight!!!??? Not sure what's going on there!

Question: We've never been on a Disney Cruise, but have taken many other cruises. All of them offer a prepaid unlimited soda package. Does anybody know if Disney Cruise offers something similar to this???

Thanks,
Mike

FREE soda, FREE ice cream, FREE wraps on deck, FREE fruit platters, FREE burgers/fries, FREE Cookies and milk at bedtime!!

Free Baby Free

Sorry, I'm a bit loopy. I"m off today and nobody is here except me and the dogs and it's so nice

Hey Mindy, what dogs have you got? We have two, in fact, my job, before I gave it up to have DD was a dog trainer/behviourist!

Bought some clothes today, not much, just a couple of tops, a pair of cropped trousers and some wedge sandals, getting the holiday feel!!!

By the way, the cruise port on the quote for transport is listed as: Cruise Port - Muelle adosado - Terminal C.

Can I have your email addresses please Novotel lot!!! Would like to book it this week. I will PM you!

Kate

 

[K8T]

Hi Kate,

Yes we're on the same flight back. We've booked DCL transfers this time, primarily because I got spooked about the whole taxi carseat regulations and panicked about being stuck in the airport rather than enjoying the holiday. We flew through virgin with easy jet last time from and back to Stanstead as I was working in London the day before we flew - they organised the transfers - diaster but the DCL ones seemed very efficient. Fingers crossed for no flight problems, am panicking already that the ash cloud will surface at the wrong moment

Vicky

Vicky, would you mind me asking, how much were the DCL transfers. We keep being offered them, but are happy to grab a cab, the Port isn't that far from the airport, but it would be interesting to know what the difference is and whether it is worth us doing it.

Thanks

Kate

 

[jel0511]

Kate - Thanks, it was hard today, but next week is going to be a killer. Day 1 is 5 min run, 3 min walk (repeat 3x's), day 2 8 min run, 5 min walk ( 2x's), day 3 20 min run NO STOPPING!!! That one is going to be a killer.....Day 1 doesn't look too bad, but 2 and 3 look HORRIBLE!!! I know you didn't ask me, but we have a dog as well, a rather untrained but adorable long-haired daschund.

 

[K8T]

Kate - Thanks, it was hard today, but next week is going to be a killer. Day 1 is 5 min run, 3 min walk (repeat 3x's), day 2 8 min run, 5 min walk ( 2x's), day 3 20 min run NO STOPPING!!! That one is going to be a killer.....Day 1 doesn't look too bad, but 2 and 3 look HORRIBLE!!! I know you didn't ask me, but we have a dog as well, a rather untrained but adorable long-haired daschund.

Its a big jump for you, my Week 5 is a big jump too, I only hope I can do as well as I did on my last run and you have done - think posistive!!!!

Love Daschund or Sausage Dogs as we call them over here, cheeky little things. Does he run with you? I started taking one of mine with me, she is only three, a corgi X, but she started to lag behind and then not really want to come. On Tuesday, I put my trainers on and went out the door, looking back for her and she went off and jumped in her bed!!! Think she was trying to tell me something!!! I can't blame her though.

Kate