August 7th, 2010 Mediterranean Cruise

[pennymike]

Our cruise documents came in the mail today
I am SO excited I can't even stand myself!!!

Thrilled to have all our flight info, as we booked through Disney air and were dying to know when we were leaving and all that! Everything is in a nice spiral bound "notebook" with all our excursions listed and everything, much nicer than what we've received for previous cruises!
Anyway, just had to share my excitement!!!!

Also, my DD (9) would love to meet up with some of the other kids early on - so count us in on the secret deck 7 rendevous!

Time for some more dancing:

Don't you just LOVE the little spiral booklet????? The Mouse gets better and better every trip!

 

[armyferret]

Anyone getting any luck with airfare to Spain? I'm thinking about going next year but the fares are so expensive. My co-worker is going next week. He mentioned the rumors of the euros coming down due to the economy which may help the dollar. Any suggestions, advice, experience, etc.?

the euro rate IS down - unfortunately not as down as it was - but about as low as it's going to be in the forseeable future.... but the dollar is sucking just as much - - so it's kind of a wash these days...

 

[makaylee]

Hi Cruisers,

Only came across this thread today....in fact tried to read it from the beginning but had to occasionally feed hungry children, stretch my legs etc so had to skip big chunks of it. You are all amazing ......the amount of planning and preparations you've already done!! Ive done so little because I felt, hey...we've been on a DCL cruise before, we know what goes on, we just need to start booking a few trips for the days in port, no big deal. We booked the cruise in January ( I know-practically last minute!!!) and the flights to Barcelona in April (we're from Ireland so they were short haul flights) forgot that this time we had a chance to book things early and only did that in the middle of May (hence not a great choice and no brunch in Palo) but nothing else until last week. We booked the DCL excursions to Pompeii and Sorrento, and the Nice/Monaco/Monte Carlo trip and nothing else.......Yesterday I decided to start investigating doing other trips on our own, found the Cruise Critic forum, then got directed to this board and this morning found this thread for our cruise.........WOW feeling a bit overwhelmed!! Haven't thought about clothes or packing and it looks like things have changed since we did our one and only cruise four years ago to the Bahamas on the Wonder.......when did all this magnet craze begin?Need to buy some as if my ds10 and dd5 see that we are the only ones with a boring door they won't be happy. I never saw such things as Fish extenders before but looks like we're too late for that anyway. I noticed some of you mentioning lanyards - what are they??

So, feeling like a complete cruise novice all over again! Looking forward to rediscovering it all though!

Siobhan.

Hello, Welcome to the thread! You think you booked last minute, I just booked on June 13th!!! So overwhelming, but we'll be fine. I went to book Palo the minute after I got off the phone with DCL and of course Palo brunches were gone. I'm pretty sure they fill up with in minutes of the 90 day mark. Oh well, I always make my poor DH take me to the ship super early anyway. Last cruise we were the 3rd in line, so I should still be able to make it once we board. LOL

You're probably too late for the fish extenders, but you can still print out the graphic that was made for our sailing for your lanyard. A lanyard is kinda like a necklace you wear that carries your KTTW card etc. You should get one for free when you check in since you have sailed with DCL before and are a CC member. And we also have a meeting set up at 2:30 by the Goofy pool on the first day.
You can ask Jordak on the magnet thread to make up a couple of personalized magnets for you, there is no charge. He's a super great guy. Just print them out, laminate and stick some magnetic tape on the back. Make sure not to use regular tape or anything sticky, people were ruining the doors doing this and DCL asks people not to do it anymore.
Don't feel bad if you can't find the time to do this, there are plenty of doors that have none (like mine my first 3 cruises)

 

[pennymike]

I should have done what you did. My husband told my DS4 as soon as we booked it and I have heard almost everyday, "are we going on the Mickey Boat today?" LOL
I guess it's been better than when we got off of the boat in Nov, and I had to hear everyday, "when can I go an the Mickey boat again?"

Gotta' laugh.....we have that being said quite often in our house as well. And we have no kids.

 

[pennymike]

So I finally have the print out in front of me to share our excursion plans. We are letting Mickey hold our hand at each port.....since we've never been to Europe (except DH going to London to visit a friend 25 years ago....doesn't count!) we didn't want the stress of trying to schedule our own tours. We know the boat won't sail without us if we are on THEIR tour!!!!

Spain: Just arriving at 7 a.m. or so.....trying to recover and GET TO THE BOAT!
Malta: Gozo Experience
Tunis: Bardo Museum, Medina, Carthage and Sidi Bou Said
Naples: Sorrento & Capri - Adult Only Departure
Civitavecchia: Jumping Back into Eternal Rome
At Sea: Couples Massage and Palo Dinner (aaahhhh! )
La Spezia: Florence and Pisa
Corsica: Les Calanches
Villefranche: Nice and Monaco

Anyone else out there going to be on our tours?????


IN OTHER NEWS:
Went on a mission today, and got lots of the little "needs" taken care of that kept me from falling asleep last night until 2 a.m.

*** Cool LIGHTWEIGHT magnetic flexible dry erase discs for door....from Bed Bath and Beyond.
*** Antibac wipes for planes/seats/everythings (yes....we are THOSE people, but it has kept us from always ending trips with !)
*** Inflatable neck pillow, eye covers and small travel pillow
*** SMALL travel fan....DH and I can't sleep w/o the sound/air movement!

Maybe tonight the brain will shut off long enough to SLEEP!?

 

[abayaflowers]

So I finally have the print out in front of me to share our excursion plans. We are letting Mickey hold our hand at each port.....since we've never been to Europe (except DH going to London to visit a friend 25 years ago....doesn't count!) we didn't want the stress of trying to schedule our own tours. We know the boat won't sail without us if we are on THEIR tour!!!!

Spain: Just arriving at 7 a.m. or so.....trying to recover and GET TO THE BOAT!
Malta: Gozo Experience
Tunis: Bardo Museum, Medina, Carthage and Sidi Bou Said
Naples: Sorrento & Capri - Adult Only Departure
Civitavecchia: Jumping Back into Eternal Rome
At Sea: Couples Massage and Palo Dinner (aaahhhh! )
La Spezia: Florence and Pisa
Corsica: Les Calanches
Villefranche: Nice and Monaco

Anyone else out there going to be on our tours?????


IN OTHER NEWS:
Went on a mission today, and got lots of the little "needs" taken care of that kept me from falling asleep last night until 2 a.m.

*** Cool LIGHTWEIGHT magnetic flexible dry erase discs for door....from Bed Bath and Beyond.
*** Antibac wipes for planes/seats/everythings (yes....we are THOSE people, but it has kept us from always ending trips with !)
*** Inflatable neck pillow, eye covers and small travel pillow
*** SMALL travel fan....DH and I can't sleep w/o the sound/air movement!

Maybe tonight the brain will shut off long enough to SLEEP!?

That's so great to go on the DCL SE's. Unfortunately, we couldn't afford the Italian ports so we a planning to go on our own adventure. I wish that we can join you and your DH.

Did you by any chance have any luck booking brunch at Palo's?

Great idea for the dry eraser disc for the door. May I borrow your idea? As for the anti-bacterial wipes, I am with you there. Lysol wipes takes care of those nasty lurking bugs. Someone also recommended to take onboard Nasal Saline Solution to make sure that bugs to get a chance to get passed the nose. I am also taking lint/hair roller tape. I am absolutely freaked out by head lice and other little unknown critters on the airplane. I have to still buy a pillow for myself and my DD. Someone told me to put the pillow and beach towel in a pillowcase. It acts as a blanket onboard. I heard that some airlines are starting to charge for those. I also purchased earplugs to sleep right through the night.

Finally, I completed the medical forms for my DD's and I. Collectively, we have so many food allergies. I also finished all the Oceaneer's Club and Lab kid registration. However, I have to read through the cruise contract and sign it.

I am so glad that we are all cruising together. We should get together in the lounge and have a coffee or drink. My DH loves to smoke cigars so you will know who is on the Adult section side.

We are so happy for everyone!

By the way, does anyone know how hot it will be? I have been trying to find the "estimated" weather pattern for us.

 

[armyferret]

ANNOYING!!!

#1, apparently ALL summer clothes are sold out in the whole freaking country of germany! GRRRRR. All I am really looking for are some sandals for the baby - but NOOOOOOOOO, on the plus side, though, apparently I can buy him snow boots already :X

#2 I pull up the cruise, it tells me there are cat 7's avail for purchase, but when i call, nothing is avail. GRRRRR! Ah well, I guess we are meant to spend less on the room then

#3 Have I mentioned finding a lack of summer clothes? I mean, it IS july - but i can still find NOTHING for any of us, and I am out of time to have stuff shipped from the states. so - we will be the shabbily dressed family, out by the pool!

GRRRRRR! is my word (err, sound, actually) of the day!

 

[jd99]

So I finally have the print out in front of me to share our excursion plans. We are letting Mickey hold our hand at each port.....since we've never been to Europe (except DH going to London to visit a friend 25 years ago....doesn't count!) we didn't want the stress of trying to schedule our own tours. We know the boat won't sail without us if we are on THEIR tour!!!!

Spain: Just arriving at 7 a.m. or so.....trying to recover and GET TO THE BOAT!
Malta: Gozo Experience
Tunis: Bardo Museum, Medina, Carthage and Sidi Bou Said
Naples: Sorrento & Capri - Adult Only Departure
Civitavecchia: Jumping Back into Eternal Rome
At Sea: Couples Massage and Palo Dinner (aaahhhh! )
La Spezia: Florence and Pisa
Corsica: Les Calanches
Villefranche: Nice and Monaco

Anyone else out there going to be on our tours?????


IN OTHER NEWS:
Went on a mission today, and got lots of the little "needs" taken care of that kept me from falling asleep last night until 2 a.m.

*** Cool LIGHTWEIGHT magnetic flexible dry erase discs for door....from Bed Bath and Beyond.
*** Antibac wipes for planes/seats/everythings (yes....we are THOSE people, but it has kept us from always ending trips with !)
*** Inflatable neck pillow, eye covers and small travel pillow
*** SMALL travel fan....DH and I can't sleep w/o the sound/air movement!

Maybe tonight the brain will shut off long enough to SLEEP!?

We will be joining you on the Rome tour and maybe the Nice/Monaco tour. I can't remember what ours is called.

We are also doing DCL excursions in most ports - very unlike us. Our Tunis and Corsica beach breaks both were canceled so we are at a loss for Tunisia since we don't want to do that one on our own but in Corsica I believe we are going to just hit the beach. Any thoughts from you all on what beach?

 

[xsjackson]

We are using Disney excusions for the cruise also. If it was only me and my family we would do some on our own but my sister and her kids are NOT travellers. Convienience is very important and I want them to see things - therefore Disney excusrsions. After our Beach break was cancelled in Corsecia I really found it hard to ind a beach and transportation to the beach in Corseca on a Sunday, so we decided to do the turtle farm so we could take even the little kids (6 and 8).

In Barcelona I decided to use Barcelona day tours and spend a day seeing all the sights of Barcelona. I figured it might be the only way to see it all with a group of 7 including younger kids. With our on guide and van we can get the kids to actually see things on our schedule.

 

[pennymike]

ANNOYING!!!

#1, apparently ALL summer clothes are sold out in the whole freaking country of germany! GRRRRR. All I am really looking for are some sandals for the baby - but NOOOOOOOOO, on the plus side, though, apparently I can buy him snow boots already :X

#2 I pull up the cruise, it tells me there are cat 7's avail for purchase, but when i call, nothing is avail. GRRRRR! Ah well, I guess we are meant to spend less on the room then

#3 Have I mentioned finding a lack of summer clothes? I mean, it IS july - but i can still find NOTHING for any of us, and I am out of time to have stuff shipped from the states. so - we will be the shabbily dressed family, out by the pool!

GRRRRRR! is my word (err, sound, actually) of the day!

If it makes you feel any better, here in Michigan (US) the stores started swapping summer merchandise for Back to School stuff by about July 1st. Yuck.

Have you ever shopped Zappos.com? I assume they ship anywhere, tho I've obviously never tried to have them ship anywhere but to me! You can order shoes, clothes, handbags, etc from them online; The shipping is free BOTH WAYS, and for us the items show up on the doorstep sometimes within 24 hours. It's actually crazy how fast they ship. Like magic! Since there is no shipping charge, you can order all kinds of items, try on, ship back (free) what you don't want. It is my FAVORITE FAVORITE FAVORITE place to shop!! I bought a pair of Keens for excursions, and a dress for casual wear for this trip. LOVE it.

Hope you have some luck!
Penny

 

[pennymike]

That's so great to go on the DCL SE's. Unfortunately, we couldn't afford the Italian ports so we a planning to go on our own adventure. I wish that we can join you and your DH.

Did you by any chance have any luck booking brunch at Palo's?

Great idea for the dry eraser disc for the door. May I borrow your idea? As for the anti-bacterial wipes, I am with you there. Lysol wipes takes care of those nasty lurking bugs. Someone also recommended to take onboard Nasal Saline Solution to make sure that bugs to get a chance to get passed the nose. I am also taking lint/hair roller tape. I am absolutely freaked out by head lice and other little unknown critters on the airplane. I have to still buy a pillow for myself and my DD. Someone told me to put the pillow and beach towel in a pillowcase. It acts as a blanket onboard. I heard that some airlines are starting to charge for those. I also purchased earplugs to sleep right through the night.

Finally, I completed the medical forms for my DD's and I. Collectively, we have so many food allergies. I also finished all the Oceaneer's Club and Lab kid registration. However, I have to read through the cruise contract and sign it.

I am so glad that we are all cruising together. We should get together in the lounge and have a coffee or drink. My DH loves to smoke cigars so you will know who is on the Adult section side.

We are so happy for everyone!

By the way, does anyone know how hot it will be? I have been trying to find the "estimated" weather pattern for us.

Absolutely use the dry erase board idea.....I actually read that idea from someone else on here, so borrow away!

We DID get a brunch scheduled for the last sea day. We were able to book our excursions/Palo on April 24th, and I set my alarm to wake back up at midnight to do them RIGHT AWAY, since we've waited a day or so and missed out on things (especially the brunch) before. [I remember the date b/c I had to get up the next a.m. for a 5K race, so timing was tricky! ] ANYWAY.....we were even able to get a High Tea, which we've never done before. Should be interesting, since DH doesn't drink tea, but I assume coffee will be an option!

RE: the weather: I have had the 7 day forecast widgets for us here in Michigan as well as Barcelona on my desktop for the last month or so in order to get an idea of what to expect there, and it has been amazingly similar: hot & humid most days.....highs in mid to upper 80s most days.

Hope to see you all soon! (BTW....DH and I are on 2nd deck, along with many of you. Don't remember actual stateroom number right now)
Penny

 

[abayaflowers]

As for the Corsica beaches, let me know if you find something... I have been told that Calvi is absolutely beautiful, but I heard that there's not a form of transportation to get us there quickly. Any thoughts?

 

[makaylee]

Gotta' laugh.....we have that being said quite often in our house as well. And we have no kids.

LOL! Mickey brings the kid out in ALL of us!

 

[makaylee]

So I finally have the print out in front of me to share our excursion plans. We are letting Mickey hold our hand at each port.....since we've never been to Europe (except DH going to London to visit a friend 25 years ago....doesn't count!) we didn't want the stress of trying to schedule our own tours. We know the boat won't sail without us if we are on THEIR tour!!!!

Spain: Just arriving at 7 a.m. or so.....trying to recover and GET TO THE BOAT!
Malta: Gozo Experience
Tunis: Bardo Museum, Medina, Carthage and Sidi Bou Said
Naples: Sorrento & Capri - Adult Only Departure
Civitavecchia: Jumping Back into Eternal Rome
At Sea: Couples Massage and Palo Dinner (aaahhhh! )
La Spezia: Florence and Pisa
Corsica: Les Calanches
Villefranche: Nice and Monaco

Anyone else out there going to be on our tours?????


IN OTHER NEWS:
Went on a mission today, and got lots of the little "needs" taken care of that kept me from falling asleep last night until 2 a.m.

*** Cool LIGHTWEIGHT magnetic flexible dry erase discs for door....from Bed Bath and Beyond.
*** Antibac wipes for planes/seats/everythings (yes....we are THOSE people, but it has kept us from always ending trips with !)
*** Inflatable neck pillow, eye covers and small travel pillow
*** SMALL travel fan....DH and I can't sleep w/o the sound/air movement!

Maybe tonight the brain will shut off long enough to SLEEP!?

Looks like you picked some great excursions, you're gonna have a blast

 

[makaylee]

If it makes you feel any better, here in Michigan (US) the stores started swapping summer merchandise for Back to School stuff by about July 1st. Yuck.

Have you ever shopped Zappos.com? I assume they ship anywhere, tho I've obviously never tried to have them ship anywhere but to me! You can order shoes, clothes, handbags, etc from them online; The shipping is free BOTH WAYS, and for us the items show up on the doorstep sometimes within 24 hours. It's actually crazy how fast they ship. Like magic! Since there is no shipping charge, you can order all kinds of items, try on, ship back (free) what you don't want. It is my FAVORITE FAVORITE FAVORITE place to shop!! I bought a pair of Keens for excursions, and a dress for casual wear for this trip. LOVE it.

Hope you have some luck!
Penny

Armyferret, I assume you are at an APO/FPO box?

We'll we have had Zappos ship to us at our APO in England and it always gets here within 2 weeks. I would think if you ordered tonight it would get herein time. Good Luck

 

[pennymike]

Looks like you picked some great excursions, you're gonna have a blast

THanks....I sure hope so! DH Mike left the choosing primarily up to me, so if they aren't great, I guess it's all me! It's always such a guessing game just judging from the brief descriptions. You can do tons of research, but eventually it comes down to a coin flip sometimes.

Soon....soon....soon....!

 

[armyferret]

Thanks all - I did a zappos order - I am just hesitant about the shipping time - i trust the mail and the company - however, our mail room is another story, it's ridiculous - we OFTEN (by that I mean at least once a month) have packages delivered to the wrong box and/or things go "missing" - its absolutely lame!

So, hopefully, the little dude has sandals come cruise time! I found a few things at h&m for DS and I - and DH - well, he's just on his own

Thank you again for the good advice and kind thoughts!

 

[mermster]

So I finally have the print out in front of me to share our excursion plans. We are letting Mickey hold our hand at each port.....since we've never been to Europe (except DH going to London to visit a friend 25 years ago....doesn't count!) we didn't want the stress of trying to schedule our own tours. We know the boat won't sail without us if we are on THEIR tour!!!!

Spain: Just arriving at 7 a.m. or so.....trying to recover and GET TO THE BOAT!
Malta: Gozo Experience
Tunis: Bardo Museum, Medina, Carthage and Sidi Bou Said
Naples: Sorrento & Capri - Adult Only Departure
Civitavecchia: Jumping Back into Eternal Rome
At Sea: Couples Massage and Palo Dinner (aaahhhh! )
La Spezia: Florence and Pisa
Corsica: Les Calanches
Villefranche: Nice and Monaco

Anyone else out there going to be on our tours?????


IN OTHER NEWS:
Went on a mission today, and got lots of the little "needs" taken care of that kept me from falling asleep last night until 2 a.m.

*** Cool LIGHTWEIGHT magnetic flexible dry erase discs for door....from Bed Bath and Beyond.
*** Antibac wipes for planes/seats/everythings (yes....we are THOSE people, but it has kept us from always ending trips with !)
*** Inflatable neck pillow, eye covers and small travel pillow
*** SMALL travel fan....DH and I can't sleep w/o the sound/air movement!

Maybe tonight the brain will shut off long enough to SLEEP!?

Mickey will also be holding our hands most of the time
We're doing the same excursions as you in Rome and Florence. I've read good things about the one in Rome from previous cruisers and it seems to cover all the major hotspots, so I'm especially excited about that one!
Can't believe we're so close! I'm dying to start packing!!!! (I've started putting things in my carryon, but that doesn't really count.)

 

[LisaWalkerC21]

Absolutely use the dry erase board idea.....I actually read that idea from someone else on here, so borrow away!

We DID get a brunch scheduled for the last sea day. We were able to book our excursions/Palo on April 24th, and I set my alarm to wake back up at midnight to do them RIGHT AWAY, since we've waited a day or so and missed out on things (especially the brunch) before. [I remember the date b/c I had to get up the next a.m. for a 5K race, so timing was tricky! ] ANYWAY.....we were even able to get a High Tea, which we've never done before. Should be interesting, since DH doesn't drink tea, but I assume coffee will be an option!

RE: the weather: I have had the 7 day forecast widgets for us here in Michigan as well as Barcelona on my desktop for the last month or so in order to get an idea of what to expect there, and it has been amazingly similar: hot & humid most days.....highs in mid to upper 80s most days.

Hope to see you all soon! (BTW....DH and I are on 2nd deck, along with many of you. Don't remember actual stateroom number right now)
Penny

My Mom just got back from Italy on Friday and it had been 100 degrees They said it was like an inferno...Can't wait

 

[pennymike]

Ok....so I can't find on DIS Home where to post a general question, so I'll stick this here, maybe one of you has some ideas or know someone who would?

Does anyone know how lucky (or unlucky) I will be in finding vegetarian options on our excursions? I can handle some shell fish (not FISH, but shrimp, scallops, etc) and eggs/dairy are fine, but no meat, including chicken broth, lard, gelatin...

I'm wondering if I need to eat a big breakfast and bring snacks or if the lunches on land are likely to have options.

I guess only someone who has been on these excursions is going to know this info, but I figured I'd throw it out there, since you all seem to have a wide range of contacts out there.

Thanks, all!
Penny