August 7th, 2010 Mediterranean Cruise

[armyferret]

We are cruising this time with our 8yr old daughter, and a 1yr old - should be interesting to say the least - last DCL cruise, DD was 4 ..... hmmm...

just be careful if you use space saver bags - lufthansa and BA are METICULOUS when it comes to the weight and dimensions of the bags - lufthansa had me in tears when we flew to Germany.

as for Euro - we get MUCH better rates using local bank atm's versus the reates we could have gotten in the states, at the airports, etc. In Germany, and Italy, there is a small fee (1-2 euros) - not too bad - but be wary some US Banks will charge 10% and up for an int'l fee on top of that - can add up quickly.

 

[LisaWalkerC21]

We are cruising this time with our 8yr old daughter, and a 1yr old - should be interesting to say the least - last DCL cruise, DD was 4 ..... hmmm...

just be careful if you use space saver bags - lufthansa and BA are METICULOUS when it comes to the weight and dimensions of the bags - lufthansa had me in tears when we flew to Germany.

as for Euro - we get MUCH better rates using local bank atm's versus the reates we could have gotten in the states, at the airports, etc. In Germany, and Italy, there is a small fee (1-2 euros) - not too bad - but be wary some US Banks will charge 10% and up for an int'l fee on top of that - can add up quickly.

I am a crazy person when it comes to the measurements and weights of bags. I actually went out and bought new carryon luggage because I was cutting it too close. I re-measured them the other night with all of the clothes inside and again I felt I was cutting it close with the measurement so I figured the spacesaver bags might put my mind at ease. We shall see. I also have a luggage scale to make sure we stay under the weight. I am not a fan of traveling by air so trying to keep the stress level down on travel days

What are most people planning on bringing for luggage per person? I am thinking I am going to try and bring 1 carryon per person. (So afraid of losing my luggage). We will then check 1 large rolling duffel bag. My husband and I will also have one small carry-on backpack as well. I am not a fan of doing laundry at home, so I don't plan on doing it while I am on vacation. So trying to pack wisely without having to visit the laundry room.

 

[dustermom02]

Remember the 1 dollars for rooms service! I made a scan of our for passports, DH will cay a copy in his Blackberry and I will carry one on my e-book. Same for my digital confimations for the cruise and hotels and flight. I also have a kind of binder, its a spiral with platic A4 forms in which I keep my lists, port info, info from trip reports etc.
I intend to buy some sweets and drinks the last morning in Barca before we go to the ship we always brings some attentions for the roomhost, the CM's from the kidclubs (sweets). I'm shuffling my lsts at the moment because we found some lightweight suitcases which allow me to bring some other clothes then I had originally planned...

Going on with my happy dance.....

Just thought of this - is it easier for room servers if we tip in dollars or euros?

One of my student's mom's had put together this wonderful little book with things to take pictures of in durng the trip. Really great way to keep kids focused. I am going to try and make something like it for my neices and nephews for this trip. Her book had one side of the book Washington DC and one side New York City. I am thinking of doing one side on the boat and another at ports.

Sound like a great trip out East!

I was just thinking of doing the same thing with activities/pictures to take at the ports. The day I'm really worried about is Florence. I think the kids might get really tired of so much history.

I do have a scavenger hunt that I made for my kids last cruise for an at sea day that I'll look for. They had to take a picture of themselves with various items around the ship, like with a cast member with the same name as themselves or a picture with a cast member from Canada - you get the idea.

And I just weighed my suitcases - they are very heavy empty! Yikes!

Did anyone end up in cabin 6099? That was the room I gave up to downgrade to a cat12. I'm just curious.

 

[mermster]

You guys are inspiring me to get moving - thanks! I actually crossed some things off my list today! I ordered a PacSafe bag (with a coupon from ebags - thank you Lisa!!) and measured our suitcases, they are good. Now I just have to make sure not to go over the weight limit!!
Lisa, I can't believe you're only checking 1 bag - that it GREAT!!!! I'm going to pack our carry ons with as much as possible (also scared of losing luggage), but I can't imagine getting under 3 checked bags! I am going to really try and reign myself (and my mother) in on shoes. Even if I plan to do laundry, which I'd rather not do much, I keep coming up with a thousand items of clothing we need to pack! Not to mention all the extras - activities to keep the DD busy, treats for special cast members (although I think I'll take the suggestion of buying treats in Barcelona), etc.
Speaking of suggestions, and extra things I pack, here's my "tip" (although I'm sure the tip won't be anything new to all you ultra organized people ):
I always pack a 3-colored highlighter to highlight the daily navigators (1 color for DD actitivites, 1 color for adult activities, and 1 color for family activities).
And I bring a couple magnet clips for the back of the stateroom door to hold excursions tickets, clothing schedule, etc.

 

[LisaWalkerC21]

You guys are inspiring me to get moving - thanks! I actually crossed some things off my list today! I ordered a PacSafe bag (with a coupon from ebags - thank you Lisa!!) and measured our suitcases, they are good. Now I just have to make sure not to go over the weight limit!!
Lisa, I can't believe you're only checking 1 bag - that it GREAT!!!! I'm going to pack our carry ons with as much as possible (also scared of losing luggage), but I can't imagine getting under 3 checked bags! I am going to really try and reign myself (and my mother) in on shoes. Even if I plan to do laundry, which I'd rather not do much, I keep coming up with a thousand items of clothing we need to pack! Not to mention all the extras - activities to keep the DD busy, treats for special cast members (although I think I'll take the suggestion of buying treats in Barcelona), etc.
Speaking of suggestions, and extra things I pack, here's my "tip" (although I'm sure the tip won't be anything new to all you ultra organized people ):
I always pack a 3-colored highlighter to highlight the daily navigators (1 color for DD actitivites, 1 color for adult activities, and 1 color for family activities).
And I bring a couple magnet clips for the back of the stateroom door to hold excursions tickets, clothing schedule, etc.

That's great that you got the PacSafe bag As for the 1 checked bag, I have a clothing schedule too which gives us less of a chance to over pack. The only part I may struggle with are purchases while on the trip. So, I might need to squeeze an extra duffel bag in somewhere since I am sure I am going to want to shop a bit

Love the 3-colored highlighter tip. I had thought to bring a highlighter but didn't think to color code the activities - good idea I also like the magnet clip idea too. We will be bringing an over the door shoe organizer for the first time. It drives me bananas when everyone in my family always asks me, "Mommy do you know where my..." Let's hope that helps!

 

[armyferret]

Ok, so thought i might ask - we have friends going on the 18th cruise - and there seems to be a ton of AD Mil from here in Germany on that cruise - any going on this cruise?

If so - how are y'all planning on getting down to Barcelona - we keep waffling between driving and flying and *ack* doing the train (but the thought of that many transfers just sucks)..

any ideas? We are in Bavaria, so it's about a 1200 mile trek....

 

[makaylee]

OMG, you ladies are making me feel woefully behind! LOL I still have so much to do, I haven't even booked our Barcelona hotel which is what i should be doing right now instead of being here. I can't decide if we want a bigger, cheaper room out of town a bit or if we want to be on Las Rambles. Decisions, decisions...I just packed my dd12 off for a week long trip to Italy with the church youth group (lucky girl the cruise will be her 3rd visit to Italy since last Jan.) I guess it's now time to get my behind in gear for this trip, I feel like I just got done planning the last one. Those darn military specials, you just can't pass them up! LOL
Happy planning Ladies

 

[xsjackson]

I am also getting excited. Working on my "on ship" photo scavenger hunt for the kids. Any suggestions. I just know I have been thinking so hard I forgot some obvious ones. I have take a picture of yourself and your waiter and yourself with your room stewart. Also a towel animal, at the pool, with a character, with a hidden mickey but I need some more.

I have one of those small polaroid printers and its great to get immediate feedback.

Suggestions?

 

[makaylee]

Ok, so thought i might ask - we have friends going on the 18th cruise - and there seems to be a ton of AD Mil from here in Germany on that cruise - any going on this cruise?

If so - how are y'all planning on getting down to Barcelona - we keep waffling between driving and flying and *ack* doing the train (but the thought of that many transfers just sucks)..

any ideas? We are in Bavaria, so it's about a 1200 mile trek....

We are military stationed in England, it's about 1000 miles for us each way. We decided to fly because it actually comes out almost cheaper for us when we factor in gas and probably an extra night in a hotel. We would have had to pay for most of our gas in france where is super expensive. I would figure out your gas costs and see what's cheaper for you or if it's worth all of the stress being in the car so long.

 

[abayaflowers]

I am so excited! Ok.

Here are my tips for packing items:

• Charmin toilet seat covers
• Small roll of toilet paper
• baby wipes or flushable wipes - good to clean hands, airplane tables, children's bottoms, etc.
• Lysol Handsantizer
• Ziploc bags - gallon and quart sizes
• small tubes of sunscreen
• Lint rollers
• European power adapter
• Hair rubberbands by Goody or Scunci
• Dramamine

We will be in town on the 6th. Does anyone want to meet up for coffee? Or the local market?

I have to purchase the travel insurance this week. I am also going this week to get the comfortable walking shoes for the entire family. Great idea to start walking in them now.

Is anyone else going to the Beach Club in the Westin Dragonara in Malta? Since, I cannot get a spot for my DD7, I will be taking a taxi over there and planning to set up a day. I sent an email message to the concierge to see if I can pay for a room for the day so that my DD and I can enjoy the Dragonara with everyone else from the Cruise ship.


We need to bump our discussion to the top.

 

[xsjackson]

I am so excited! Ok.


We will be in town on the 6th. Does anyone want to meet up for coffee? Or the local market?


We need to bump our discussion to the top.

We will be in Barcelona on the 6th. In fact we will be there on the 4th. We are staying at Jardi Hotel. Cheap but affordable for 7 and recommended by some teaher friends for being inexpensive and clean. We are thinking about doing a Choc. factory tour on the 6th. I can get you more information on that tomorrow.

Today I am organizing all my scrapbook stuff - tomorrow I am organizing the trip but I need a clear table to do it and I have craft crap everywhere right now.

 

[LisaWalkerC21]

I am also getting excited. Working on my "on ship" photo scavenger hunt for the kids. Any suggestions. I just know I have been thinking so hard I forgot some obvious ones. I have take a picture of yourself and your waiter and yourself with your room stewart. Also a towel animal, at the pool, with a character, with a hidden mickey but I need some more.

I have one of those small polaroid printers and its great to get immediate feedback.

Suggestions?

Wow you are ambitious! What about a picture with the Captain!? Did you say that already That sounds like a lot of fun

 

[abayaflowers]

We will be in Barcelona on the 6th. In fact we will be there on the 4th. We are staying at Jardi Hotel. Cheap but affordable for 7 and recommended by some teaher friends for being inexpensive and clean. We are thinking about doing a Choc. factory tour on the 6th. I can get you more information on that tomorrow.

Today I am organizing all my scrapbook stuff - tomorrow I am organizing the trip but I need a clear table to do it and I have craft crap everywhere right now.

The Chocolate Factory is a big hit with my DD's. That's top on their list. We are a 35 minute walk from your hotel. And, we are staying right near the park. I will send you a PM.

I am planning to purchase journals for the DD's so that they can keep their point of view and thoughts about their trip down.

Great idea on the scrapbooking! I wish that I had more time for that. I even have the Xyron machine to do that

Here's my next tip: Seabreeze for any bug-bites and Avon Skin-so-soft for preventing any mosquito and other nasty bug bites. Note: I have never been in the Mediterranean. So, I don't know if there are any mosquitoes at night.

 

[dustermom02]

We will be in Barcelona on the 6th. I..... We are thinking about doing a Choc. factory tour on the 6th. I can get you more information on that tomorrow.

We'll be there too - chocolate tour sounds very yummy.

I had a scavenger hunt from our previous cruise but I can't find it now. It had points for every picture with Mickey in a different outfit. And a picture on the secret deck. I'll keep looking.

 

[armyferret]

please post the info about the chocolate factory - sounds awesome! I am thinking we may be there on the 5th - still trying to iron out flight details - but that seems to be the cheapest day to fly--- then again, i am perpetually waffling between flying and driving - it's crazy, either way!

 

[xsjackson]

They have quite a few kids programs for kids under 12. We think we are going to have the kids do the hour long Chocolate artist at noon on 8/6. The Choc Museum is located at 36 Carrer del Comerç 08003 in Barcelona. The kids can mess with Chocolate and I can relax with a pastry. Disney actually has a post tour at the Chocolate Factory. That's what made me email them and get the information.

 

[xsjackson]

The Chocolate Factory is a big hit with my DD's. That's top on their list. We are a 35 minute walk from your hotel. And, we are staying right near the park. I will send you a PM.

I am planning to purchase journals for the DD's so that they can keep their point of view and thoughts about their trip down.

Great idea on the scrapbooking! I wish that I had more time for that. I even have the Xyron machine to do that

.[/I]

I will trade you a small scavenger book for information on that secret floor. Tell me what tours you are taking and I will put something together. when I am not teaching 8th grade I work at a scrapbook store - pays for my habit.

 

[abayaflowers]

I will trade you a small scavenger book for information on that secret floor. Tell me what tours you are taking and I will put something together. when I am not teaching 8th grade I work at a scrapbook store - pays for my habit.

We are planning to go to Malta's Westin Dragonara Beach Club, riding the camels outside the ship in Tunis, visiting the Vatican and Coliseum in Rome, Florence, Pisa, Pompeii, Villefranche, and Antibes.

Now for that secret floor, do you mean on the ship? there's is apparently a secret floor which staterooms like ours 7535 have access.

We have all our suitcases and now will be packing the box to send out to the cruise ship. We are also planning to mail a box of stuff for ourselves to our hotel.

 

[abayaflowers]

I just spoke to someone at our Barcelona Hotel. Apparently, there is a hotel policy city-wide where no more than 3 people can stay in one room. In our case, there are four of us, DH, DD10, DD7, and I.

We booked a two queen bed room where we can all easily sleep. Suprisingly, the hotel stated that no more than three people can be in a room and that an adjacent single room must be purchased.

I am shocked. Does anyone else have this issue?

Thanks!

 

[xsjackson]

we were told this too. That's another reason I choose the hotel I am in. They said that we could pay for a rollaway for the 6 yr old and not a 3rd room. Disney told us we would need 3 rooms.