August 7th, 2010 Mediterranean Cruise

[corinnak]

Hi Penny!

I'm a vegetarian as well - lacto-ovo, and I was on one of the Med cruises back in 2007, also. We did quite a few excursions and after the first one, learned to make sure the excursion desk was aware of our dietary needs before the other excursions. We had pretty good luck with the excursions we were on - either the places were already prepared or easily accomodated - there is lots of pasta and often we were offered a large slab of peccorino or similar cheese. Which probably isn't strictly vegetarian - rennet may have been involved, but we didn't probe too deeply, I'm afraid. Of course each tour is different.

 

[pennymike]

Hi Penny!

I'm a vegetarian as well - lacto-ovo, and I was on one of the Med cruises back in 2007, also. We did quite a few excursions and after the first one, learned to make sure the excursion desk was aware of our dietary needs before the other excursions. We had pretty good luck with the excursions we were on - either the places were already prepared or easily accomodated - there is lots of pasta and often we were offered a large slab of peccorino or similar cheese. Which probably isn't strictly vegetarian - rennet may have been involved, but we didn't probe too deeply, I'm afraid. Of course each tour is different.

Thanks, Corinnak! So I should contact the excursion desk on the ship ahead of time, eh? Good to know! Yeah...I know about rennet too, but I have to stick my fingers in my ears and say "la-la-la-la" about some things! My family is Wisconsin-native, grandpa owned a cheese factory.....can only do so much, you know!? Thanks for the info. I've never gone hungry, mind you, but thought I better plan ahead just in case!
Penny

 

[abayaflowers]

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

Hi, Penny! If you speak with the customer service line of the cruise, they would be happy to help you out with that.

I have food sensitivities, allergies, and preferences and they were great at the last cruise.

Just let them know if you are a OVO Lacto, Vegetarian with different needs.

 

[pennymike]

Hi, Penny! If you speak with the customer service line of the cruise, they would be happy to help you out with that.

I have food sensitivities, allergies, and preferences and they were great at the last cruise.

Just let them know if you are a OVO Lacto, Vegetarian with different needs.

Good to know! I'll give them a buzz tomorrow. Like I've said, I haven't gone hungry yet, (especially ON the boat .... UGH!) but was wondering about all our "lunch included" excursions. Thanks!

Penny

 

[makaylee]

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!

We had a $400 Ipod touch go "missing" from our mail room or Ramsteins. Thank heavens we ordered it from AAFES, they still made us wait 45 working days until they refunded us. The sad part is that it was for our DD12 at the time. Everyday we had to hear, "did it come today?" it was quite sad. I REALLY hope the person who has it is had some BAD karma coming their way, stealing an Ipod from a 12 yo.

I would bet that your Zappos package gets here on time, they ship really fast and ours usually gets here in about 10 days or so. Plus Zappos packages aren't as likely to go "missing" as others, people know they're just shoes etc. Good Luck.

 

[abayaflowers]

We had a $400 Ipod touch go "missing" from our mail room or Ramsteins. Thank heavens we ordered it from AAFES, they still made us wait 45 working days until they refunded us. The sad part is that it was for our DD12 at the time. Everyday we had to hear, "did it come today?" it was quite sad. I REALLY hope the person who has it is had some BAD karma coming their way, stealing an Ipod from a 12 yo.

I would bet that your Zappos package gets here on time, they ship really fast and ours usually gets here in about 10 days or so. Plus Zappos packages aren't as likely to go "missing" as others, people know they're just shoes etc. Good Luck.

I have to try Zappos. Do they just specialize in clothing? Or do they an affiliate who can do other things like Amazon?

So, we are still working on the packing list which we are planning to put in each suitcase. It helps out just in case a suitcase is missing, and makes putting a travel insurance claim easier. I am so glad there's a laundry room on our floor. Two years ago, I had to trek back and forth so many times. My DH thought that I was crazy. Unfortunately, I hit the peak hours.

I still need to pack my carry-on with enough clothing to last just in case a suitcase is missing.

I have two extra travel journal is anyone would like one. I can send it out by mail or I can give it someone who is interested, when we meet. I have one that is a Disney theme and the other one is a French poetry theme. Just send me a PM.

The DD's are looking to meeting the other young Cruisers. They are just sad that they can't take our 1 year old chocolate lab.

I just called DCL and they told me that they could not help with our Palo Brunch or High Tea reservation.

Can we only make reservation on the boat or online?

 

[armyferret]

nah, zappos is not as expansive as amazon - they are getting bigger though - used to be ONLY shoes - but now carry apparel, etc - - - their service is AMAZING - i can go on and on about how they saved the day when i was in Korea - - - BUT you do pay more - but get much more at least in terms of cust. service.

i still have yet to pack anything - i think i may start tonight - but uh, it's hot, and we have no A/C.....

 

[pennymike]

nah, zappos is not as expansive as amazon - they are getting bigger though - used to be ONLY shoes - but now carry apparel, etc - - - their service is AMAZING - i can go on and on about how they saved the day when i was in Korea - - - BUT you do pay more - but get much more at least in terms of cust. service.

i still have yet to pack anything - i think i may start tonight - but uh, it's hot, and we have no A/C.....

Absolutely LOVE Zappos. Once I ordered at 9pm on a Thursday, and the box was on my door step by Noon on Friday. Crazy! I actually haven't found things to be more expensive....Compared to buying locally, most things have been within a dollar or two. I figure the benefit of not driving around like a crazy woman makes a few $$ worth it!


Don't cave in yet, or I'll get more stressed about not packing!!!
I have about 3 things hanging on a rack in the spare room, and a handful of products/ lanyards/etc. on the bed.
It's hard to pack when ...
1. I am still wearing those clothes right now.
2. I have a 3 day conference I'll have to pack for next week for work.
3. I am in the middle of painting the inside of my house....too much chaos going on to focus on packing!

I DO plan to NOT be still doing laundry the night before we leave like I usually am. We'll see how that goes. LOL

Penny

 

[LisaWalkerC21]

Hi Gang -

I hope everyone is making great progress on their travel preparations! I called all my credit card companies today to let them know we will be away. My husband ended up purchasing a new video camera and I actually picked up a small point-and-shoot digital camera too instead of lugging my larger camera around all the time. Though I still want to bring both. Wasn't really expecting to make those purchases before the trip...oh well. It never ends.

Finalizing my packing. Boys suitcases are pretty much done as well as the large one with all the miscellaneous stuff. I am hoping to stop wearing the clothes I am bringing on the trip so I can work on my own suitcase and same goes for my husband's stuff. I really want this packing behind me! Work is crazy, of course, and I don't want to be rushing with any last minutes items the day before the trip!

Holding out on getting the boys haircuts until right before we leave...oh boy...they really need a good cut! I am hoping I can hold out a little bit longer. Also need to get the dog groomed so he will be nice and fluffy and smelling nice for when he goes to our friend's house for 2 weeks.

Well, that's my progress report. Won't be long now...MICKEY HERE WE COME!

 

[makaylee]

I DO plan to NOT be still doing laundry the night before we leave like I usually am. We'll see how that goes. :laundry: LOL

Penny

LOL I wish you luck on this one, because that's usually me also!

 

[xsjackson]

Good luck to everyone. I have to wait to pack until next week. In classes this week, it has been a tough transition to go from a free sumer to 8 hours in a classroom without windows a day.

It has exhausted me. Hard to believe but I could barely stay awake yesterday during morning lectures. I think part of it is 8 hours in class and an hour drive into Seattle and then an hour home each day. So glad only 2 days left.

Its getting close - Dad and I leave the 31st from Seattle to Virginia for the first leg of our adventure.

 

[makaylee]

Good luck to everyone. I have to wait to pack until next week. In classes this week, it has been a tough transition to go from a free sumer to 8 hours in a classroom without windows a day.

It has exhausted me. Hard to believe but I could barely stay awake yesterday during morning lectures. I think part of it is 8 hours in class and an hour drive into Seattle and then an hour home each day. So glad only 2 days left.

Its getting close - Dad and I leave the 31st from Seattle to Virginia for the first leg of our adventure.

Glad it's almost over for you.

 

[abayaflowers]

Hi, everyone! We are almost there. The girls are counting down the days. My DH suggested that we go to Ft. Lauderdale, FL before heading to Philadelphia and Barcelona. This means that we would start our trip on July 31st.

We have been adding more little things to the luggage e.g. book lights, fabric softener sheets, laundry detergent, conditioner, shampoo, sea breeze.

I have to work up to the day we leave. I might have to tie up some loose ends. My clients think that I am really not going on vacation and they are still requesting time to meet. I know that I have to make extra money for the wonderful excursions that we are planning.

I found the navigators for our cruise on wdwinfo if you need to find the activities.

The DD's are looking through them right now to figure out what to do first

 

[jd99]

Hi, everyone! We are almost there. The girls are counting down the days. My DH suggested that we go to Ft. Lauderdale, FL before heading to Philadelphia and Barcelona. This means that we would start our trip on July 31st.

We have been adding more little things to the luggage e.g. book lights, fabric softener sheets, laundry detergent, conditioner, shampoo, sea breeze.

I have to work up to the day we leave. I might have to tie up some loose ends. My clients think that I am really not going on vacation and they are still requesting time to meet. I know that I have to make extra money for the wonderful excursions that we are planning.

I found the navigators for our cruise on wdwinfo if you need to find the activities.

The DD's are looking through them right now to figure out what to do first

If you are flying to Barcelona from Philadelphia on the 5th on USAirways, so are we!

 

[abayaflowers]

If you are flying to Barcelona from Philadelphia on the 5th on USAirways, so are we!

That's great! Any suggestions for four hours before the flight leaves?? Besides lunch?

Are you taking a taxi from the airport to the hotel in Barcelona? Someone told us that the taxi is the best way to get to our hotel. Then, we unload the luggage and off to the first Barcelona activity at the Chocolate Factory for the kids

Looking forward to meet you and your family soon!

 

[Displaced CA Girl]

Hi Everyone,
Just back from our San Diego trip (visiting family). I feel I can now start really concentrating on our cruise! Tried to do some "cruise wear" shopping while in San Diego, but like many of you, found Fall clothes featured on the racks!!
For those of you looking for magnet designs, my daughter, "Tinkerbell's Shadow", made quite a few for DIS board members on our last cruise. She posted some examples a number of pages back.
We have booked the early seating.
Looking forward to meeting everyone at the goofy pool at 2:30 on sailing day.
We have booked excursions with Disney for all the ports except Corsica, but they seem to be different from those mentioned so far. Our DD's are 15 and 17, older than most of everyone else's childeren here, I believe.
This will be our 3rd DCL cruise. I do remember vegetarian options on every menu. They were not Vegan. But Disney is very good at accommodating dietary needs. As mentioned, if you make a request, they will make sure you are happy. My favorite DCL travel tips is - bring a power strip/ surge protector. Electrical outlets are scarce in the cabins, and if your family is like mine, and has many gadgets that require recharging, it comes in handy. Lisa

 

[pennymike]

Good luck to everyone. I have to wait to pack until next week. In classes this week, it has been a tough transition to go from a free sumer to 8 hours in a classroom without windows a day.

It has exhausted me. Hard to believe but I could barely stay awake yesterday during morning lectures. I think part of it is 8 hours in class and an hour drive into Seattle and then an hour home each day. So glad only 2 days left.

Its getting close - Dad and I leave the 31st from Seattle to Virginia for the first leg of our adventure.

Summer classes are always rough.....even worse with no windows! Hang in there!!! Reward is coming!

Penny

 

[abayaflowers]

I agree about the packing. We took WAY too much stuff for the PC cruise. Sine we had booked so much earlier, we could take two bags, but storing all that stuff in the room was a NIGHTMARE. Took 2 days to unpack, NEVER AGAIN.

I will be ruthless and repetitive next time. Also, this time,I splurged and had the laundry done. it was my only splurge...everyone else got treats, so that was mine.

the laundry came back to the room in beautiful wicker baskets. I would have done it myself, but when I would go down to the laundry, the dryers were never working right. People were spending HOURS in there.

They were a jolly bunch tho.

I wonder if the Euro crowd is more dressy - lets face it - the PC crowd were very relaxed....

Was laundry expensive? That was my luck is when I run into everyone at the laundry room at the same time.

I am hoping to mix and match and still keep everyone in our party to one carry-on and check in just the toiletries e.g. shampoo, conditioner, medicines, etc.

 

[xsjackson]

Last day of class and then 2.5 days of work. Then Monday comes and I can clean, grocery shop (for my son and husband who are NOT going) and pack for the trip. Unless I am called into work I am done until school starts and I will be back to 2 jobs and coaching!

By 10 tonight I will be pooped. By 5pm Sunday I will be exhausted. I am glad I took these last 5 days of classes as clock hours and not credits. I could not put in another 5 hours of research and writing on Washington state history next week and turn in a 15 page paper. It use to be easy but at 49+ I find its much harder. I want to learn and love to research but the final papers are a killer.

 

[jd99]

That's great! Any suggestions for four hours before the flight leaves?? Besides lunch?

Are you taking a taxi from the airport to the hotel in Barcelona? Someone told us that the taxi is the best way to get to our hotel. Then, we unload the luggage and off to the first Barcelona activity at the Chocolate Factory for the kids

Looking forward to meet you and your family soon!

Our TA actually suggested private transportation only because of how scattered we will likely be after the long flight. We are doing taxis for every other transfer we have. Philly airport is actually pretty nice and has lots of stores etc. If you are there for that long, the city is very close and you could potentially cab into the city for and see one of the historical sites but 4 hours is just tight enough that I'm not sure I'd do it.