Is anyone cruising with me on the August 27th 2011 Meditteranean Cruise? Hellooooo?

[NHdisneylover]

A note for St Peters (since I notice your tour does not include admissions):
The line to get into the Vatican is GIGANTIC. In May (not as busy as August is likely to be) is stretched about a half mile. You can bypass the line completely and go right in (at your appointed time) if you prebuy your tickets online (either at 60 or 90 days out--I can't remember) from the Vatican's own website. There was a small service charge to do this (maybe 2 euro) but otherwise you really won't be able to do that and still do anything else in Rome. It is soooooooo worth it to prebuy them.

 

[TJFrack]

A note for St Peters (since I notice your tour does not include admissions):
The line to get into the Vatican is GIGANTIC. In May (not as busy as August is likely to be) is stretched about a half mile. You can bypass the line completely and go right in (at your appointed time) if you prebuy your tickets online (either at 60 or 90 days out--I can't remember) from the Vatican's own website. There was a small service charge to do this (maybe 2 euro) but otherwise you really won't be able to do that and still do anything else in Rome. It is soooooooo worth it to prebuy them.

Thank you for that information. I just looked it up and it is 15 euros to get in and 4 euros to make the reservation and 60 days out.

 

[dwcsk8]

RoniBoBoni, I have emailed our info. Love your website.

 

[dwcsk8]

NHdisneylover, glad to see you. Thanks for the Vatican information.

 

[austraveler]

In Tuscany, from Livorno port or La Spezia port, you can have me or my associate Daniele.
After your pick up,we will drive from the dock and we will arrive in Pisa where you can visit the leaning tower and the square.
After we will drive 45 minuts to Florence.
On Florence we will drive you to. let you visit the
the Duomo
The Giotto's tower
the Ponte Vecchio,
The Palazzo della signoria and if you wish,I can reserve for you the entrance on the Accademia museum to see the famous Michelangelo's David.
After we will drive you on the top of a hill to have a beautiful view of Florence.
At this point we will drive you back to the dock.
During the tour you willl have the time for your lunch and for your shopping.
It will be possible to have the lunch on a winery where you can tast the tuscany wine also.

Just a heads up re Florence - on the day we are in port all the Museums are closed so you will not be seeing the David.

 

[RoniBoBoni]

RoniBoBoni, I have emailed our info. Love your website.

I've added your info If you have a pic you want to share, just email it to me

Just been looking round the website, thanks RoniBoBoni, its really great. I love all the links you have added especially the Rome stuff.
Please update our details on the shipmates list.
Joy
Dave
Maya (DD12)

Thanks, Joy

Thanks! I plan to add more, slowly but surely. I've updated your info

A note for St Peters (since I notice your tour does not include admissions):
The line to get into the Vatican is GIGANTIC. In May (not as busy as August is likely to be) is stretched about a half mile. You can bypass the line completely and go right in (at your appointed time) if you prebuy your tickets online (either at 60 or 90 days out--I can't remember) from the Vatican's own website. There was a small service charge to do this (maybe 2 euro) but otherwise you really won't be able to do that and still do anything else in Rome. It is soooooooo worth it to prebuy them.

I think the quote TJFrack got was from Rudy's touring service and if that is the case, then when you book your reservation, Rudy will send you a link of where to reserve for the Vatican/St. Peters and he'll also tell you what time to reserve at so that we don't have to waste any time in line. (I only know cause this is who we booked through)

 

[RoniBoBoni]

Just a heads up re Florence - on the day we are in port all the Museums are closed so you will not be seeing the David.

Yes and no, cause the Accademia is closed on Monday, and you won't be able to see THE David, however there is a replica in front of Palazzo Vecchio where the original was once kept, but now the replica stands. Also, there are others around France, like Piazzale Michelangelo. But unfortunately a replica won't satiate my craving to see the original, but I have no choice really (sorry, it's the art buff in me)

 

[diane aggelidou]

Thank you all for welcoming us as your new cruisemates!
We are lucky as booked immediately onto this cruise when ours was cancelled!
It seems others whom are trying are informed now that 27th cruise now is full!
Those who hadnt experienced this cancellation!you do not want to!

On to a positive note!
We are Brit/Greek family from Greece! 2 adults and daught Tiffany age 6,so any other passengers out there with possible child friends let me know!I am on facebook Diane Aggelidou Smith (Greece)has wedding photo!
Can anyone give us more info on when pirate night is and Gala night and how these nights work??????do we have to reserve them or does everyone get these automatically included???????It is our first Disney cruise so novices!After others previously advised me, I have done the following:
1)Bought pirate and other princess costumes for daughter!
2) had reg Tiff for kids clubs but now says new reg system when emabrkation begins????????

what else do we need to know????????Tell me?

We chose cruise for 6 reasons!

1)My husband can smoke on balcony or in designated areas
2) As we are Europeans,the climate,food,culture is familar to us.
3) My daughter can speak English and meet new friends internationally.
4) To take our daughter to zoo Barcelona and amusement park!Ps I have the links,if many families/ children,perhaps I can organise better deal with zoo after cruise dates!
5) Characters!Fun!Entertainment.

Anyone whom is looking for cheap hotel near beach/zoo etc try Icaria,we got triple club room BB incl tax 110 euro per night,I have direct contact if anyone needs,just ask!
Anyone not sure what to expect Europe!temp should be approx 75 to 120
I will also contact a few contacts Barcelona and see what tours or taxis will offer!ps taxis are cheaper than private transfers,also have Barcelona taxi link!

glad to hear from all!Thanks GreeceXXXXXXXXXX

 

[dizmomof2]

Hello Everyone! to all of the new cruisers!

Sorry I've been away so long but unfortunately I came down with a sever case of bronchitis and have been laid up for days. I'm back up and caught up with all your chatter.

RoniBoBoni - I added you and your DH to the FE list
dwcsk8 and sissy ib - you are all added as well
austraveler - I added you in two sets austraveler for you and your DH and austraveler2 for your 3 ds's as they are in a different cabin

I've only done one FE exchange before and it was the TransAtlantic last year. We left it open for delivery when ever and it seem to work out well. Since the cruise is full now we may get a lot more people for the FE exchange. Do we want to set a number of cabins then start FE 2 or do we just want to leave it? On the TA we had 3 FE exchanges, one was over 60 cabins and that was a lot to bring home from Europe.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

I need to arrange transportation back to our hotel on the day we return from the cruise ( debarkation?). Any info you may have on that would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you all for welcoming us as your new cruisemates!
We are lucky as booked immediately onto this cruise when ours was cancelled!
It seems others whom are trying are informed now that 27th cruise now is full!
Those who hadnt experienced this cancellation!you do not want to!

On to a positive note!
We are Brit/Greek family from Greece! 2 adults and daught Tiffany age 6,so any other passengers out there with possible child friends let me know!I am on facebook Diane Aggelidou Smith (Greece)has wedding photo!
Can anyone give us more info on when pirate night is and Gala night and how these nights work??????do we have to reserve them or does everyone get these automatically included???????It is our first Disney cruise so novices!After others previously advised me, I have done the following:
1)Bought pirate and other princess costumes for daughter!
2) had reg Tiff for kids clubs but now says new reg system when emabrkation begins????????

what else do we need to know????????Tell me?

We chose cruise for 6 reasons!

1)My husband can smoke on balcony or in designated areas
2) As we are Europeans,the climate,food,culture is familar to us.
3) My daughter can speak English and meet new friends internationally.
4) To take our daughter to zoo Barcelona and amusement park!Ps I have the links,if many families/ children,perhaps I can organise better deal with zoo after cruise dates!
5) Characters!Fun!Entertainment.

Anyone whom is looking for cheap hotel near beach/zoo etc try Icaria,we got triple club room BB incl tax 110 euro per night,I have direct contact if anyone needs,just ask!
Anyone not sure what to expect Europe!temp should be approx 75 to 120
I will also contact a few contacts Barcelona and see what tours or taxis will offer!ps taxis are cheaper than private transfers,also have Barcelona taxi link!

glad to hear from all!Thanks GreeceXXXXXXXXXX

 

[diane aggelidou]

Hi,
If you push them,they will bargain a better cost for you!Trust me as Europeans and the economy crisis,all companies will fight to confirm tours??????
My other question is what cost for children?
Will you offer choice for 1,2,3 tour option seperately????????

ps The more passengers,the cheaper quote!As ship is full, I am sure you could fill tours of a large coach instead if cheaper!
Before you think I am mad! We are in Tourism Business ourselves(husband hotel manager) and here in Greece(still Europe) tours are approx 20-25 euro per adult and half for kids over 5 years based on full day! In order to do this though,need communication with passengers and perhaps deposit upfront!EG even if 10 familiesx3 members=30 seats!
let me know!Di

 

[diane aggelidou]

taxi is cheapest!
which hotel are you staying in?send me your e-mail or connect to my facebook and I will post you Barcelonas taxi service !
Just so you know,we are staying Icaria which is near beach and zoo! Taxi upto 4 passengers costs approx 25/35 euro depending on luggage and if pre booked!
Or private car transfer from 50 euro?

Those whom dont know,there is also a bus service to some areas and always check with your hotel as some also offer a transfer service free or by local taxi!
Di

 

[venny]

Thought someone may find this helpful. It's the website set up by one of the cruisers from last year's Med Cruises (and EBTA). Obviously the ports aren't exactly the same, but still some useful information on Barcelona, La Spezia, Villefranche etc. It helped us quite a bit on the 24 April Med Cruise last year...

http://web.me.com/lyncorn/Site/Welcome.html

 

[diane aggelidou]

taxi is cheapest!
which hotel are you staying in?send me your e-mail or connect to my facebook and I will post you Barcelonas taxi service !
Just so you know,we are staying Icaria which is near beach and zoo! Taxi upto 4 passengers costs approx 25/35 euro depending on luggage and if pre booked!
Or private car transfer from 50 euro?

Those whom dont know,there is also a bus service to some areas and always check with your hotel as some also offer a transfer service free or by local taxi!
Di

LINKS USEFUL BARCELONA

www.taxibarcelona.eu
www.panoramaitctravel.com Transfers

www.zoobarcelona.com zoo

www.tibidabo.net amusement park

Di

 

[VulcanGirl]

Hi Everybody,

I know I have not posted in forever. I have been occupied with a sleepover and selling GS cookies and now I am just going to post my opinions on various comments (and no I am not bothering with quoting, sorry).

-Fish Extenders are not just for the young they are for the young at heart and great fun. The more the merrier.

-Late dining is awesome. It is normally somewhat more peaceful with fewer children and it is nice not having to worry about being back from the ports in time for dinner. However, one disadvantage is that on Pirate Night you have to rush through dinner in order to make it to the beginning of the party.

-I love the website! Thank you.

-Definitely pre-purchase Vatican tickets. We were able to see everything we wanted to in Rome in one day. This never would have happened if we had not purchased those tickets ahead of time.

-I do not know which night pirate night will be, however, I will explain a little about it. Several passengers and all of the cast members dress as pirates. Dinner is pirate themed that night. After dinner there is a big pirate deck party and fireworks.

-Again I do not know when Formal Night will be (if that is what you mean by Gala Night?), however I will explain some about it. It is a chance to get dressed up. Many of the men wear tuxes and suits the women wear the equivalent in dresses. However, you are not required to get dressed up. They show one of their bigger shows (Twice Charmed). There is a Captain's Reception that evening and a fancier menu than normal.

This looks like it is going to be a really great cruise.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

We have booked a night post cruise at the Marriott Renaisance Airport Barcelona. So I would be looking to pay a taxi at least 30 euro so I've been told. Don't know if we'll be able to get anything cheaper, but I would take any suggestions. Thanks!

taxi is cheapest!
which hotel are you staying in?send me your e-mail or connect to my facebook and I will post you Barcelonas taxi service !
Just so you know,we are staying Icaria which is near beach and zoo! Taxi upto 4 passengers costs approx 25/35 euro depending on luggage and if pre booked!
Or private car transfer from 50 euro?

Those whom dont know,there is also a bus service to some areas and always check with your hotel as some also offer a transfer service free or by local taxi!
Di

 

[TJFrack]

Hi,
If you push them,they will bargain a better cost for you!Trust me as Europeans and the economy crisis,all companies will fight to confirm tours??????
My other question is what cost for children?
Will you offer choice for 1,2,3 tour option seperately????????

ps The more passengers,the cheaper quote!As ship is full, I am sure you could fill tours of a large coach instead if cheaper!
Before you think I am mad! We are in Tourism Business ourselves(husband hotel manager) and here in Greece(still Europe) tours are approx 20-25 euro per adult and half for kids over 5 years based on full day! In order to do this though,need communication with passengers and perhaps deposit upfront!EG even if 10 familiesx3 members=30 seats!
let me know!Di

It is with Rudy's car tours This is the prices he gave me for all 3 tours. He said if each was booked separately it would be more per tour by about 50 euros each. No discount for children, because it is for the entire car. I wish there was a way to get it cheaper.

 

[NHdisneylover]

NHdisneylover, glad to see you. Thanks for the Vatican information.

Nice to meet you--and I am happy to help with the vatican info We have done this itenerary (or darned close) twice in the last year, so we managed to learn a bit along the way
I lived in Marshall as a child (and on Caddo Lake) and visited family there and in Longview and Rockwall every summer--so I feel like I am almost your neighbor

Thank you all for welcoming us as your new cruisemates!
We are lucky as booked immediately onto this cruise when ours was cancelled!
It seems others whom are trying are informed now that 27th cruise now is full!
Those who hadnt experienced this cancellation!you do not want to!

On to a positive note!
We are Brit/Greek family from Greece! 2 adults and daught Tiffany age 6,so any other passengers out there with possible child friends let me know!I am on facebook Diane Aggelidou Smith (Greece)has wedding photo!
Can anyone give us more info on when pirate night is and Gala night and how these nights work??????do we have to reserve them or does everyone get these automatically included???????It is our first Disney cruise so novices!After others previously advised me, I have done the following:
1)Bought pirate and other princess costumes for daughter!
2) had reg Tiff for kids clubs but now says new reg system when emabrkation begins????????

what else do we need to know????????Tell me?

We chose cruise for 6 reasons!

1)My husband can smoke on balcony or in designated areas
2) As we are Europeans,the climate,food,culture is familar to us.
3) My daughter can speak English and meet new friends internationally.
4) To take our daughter to zoo Barcelona and amusement park!Ps I have the links,if many families/ children,perhaps I can organise better deal with zoo after cruise dates!
5) Characters!Fun!Entertainment.

Anyone whom is looking for cheap hotel near beach/zoo etc try Icaria,we got triple club room BB incl tax 110 euro per night,I have direct contact if anyone needs,just ask!
Anyone not sure what to expect Europe!temp should be approx 75 to 120
I will also contact a few contacts Barcelona and see what tours or taxis will offer!ps taxis are cheaper than private transfers,also have Barcelona taxi link!

glad to hear from all!Thanks GreeceXXXXXXXXXX

Hi Diane--Tiffany may make some friends on the kids' thread for this cruise. Rio was meeting friends on them when he was about her age--he would dictate to me as typing was slow at that age

Pirate Night, as Marika explained, if open to all. Your dinner will have a pirate theme (and severs will be dressed as pirates--as well as prepared guests). In the evening there is a big dance party on deck and then fireworks. Last year pirate night was held on the night we had been in La Spezia--but I do not know if DCL is keeping the same schedule this year.

Formal night is also for everyone. As Marika indicated some people dress to the nines--others stay pretty casual. There will be a reception with the captain and other higher officers (and free drinks) in the atrium, a nice show (last year it was Twice Charmed--which is my favourite production show) and a dinner with nicer items (lobster is usually among them).

To find out which nights will be which, you will know once you board based on Navigators. If anyone on our cruise is bookedd in suites they can call early at find out the schedule and post for us Otherwise, once the first 7 night Med sails someone form that sailing will probably post the schedule and odds are ours will be the same.

Hello Everyone! to all of the new cruisers!

Sorry I've been away so long but unfortunately I came down with a sever case of bronchitis and have been laid up for days. I'm back up and caught up with all your chatter.

RoniBoBoni - I added you and your DH to the FE list
dwcsk8 and sissy ib - you are all added as well
austraveler - I added you in two sets austraveler for you and your DH and austraveler2 for your 3 ds's as they are in a different cabin

I've only done one FE exchange before and it was the TransAtlantic last year. We left it open for delivery when ever and it seem to work out well. Since the cruise is full now we may get a lot more people for the FE exchange. Do we want to set a number of cabins then start FE 2 or do we just want to leave it? On the TA we had 3 FE exchanges, one was over 60 cabins and that was a lot to bring home from Europe.

I am so sorry you were sick. I am glad you are better now.
About Fish extenders--personally I would like to see groups of we get too many people. I like limiting things to about 25 cabins er group. That makes packing (and cost) reasonable. HOwever, I am game for whatever the group decides. Were you on the Eastbound or Westbound TA last year? My best friends were on the Westbound.

I need to arrange transportation back to our hotel on the day we return from the cruise ( debarkation?). Any info you may have on that would be greatly appreciated!

We find the taxis to be the best price and the most convieneint. We just get in the line at port and they are really effeceint getting everyone on their way in minutes. The line up is nice and close to teh terminal exit door and then there is no issue if we are not off at exactly the right time. We did prebook once when we had a bigger group and wanted a van sized taxi. It worked out okay, but it was not any cheaper and it was stressful to us worrying baout being off and getting luggage at just the right time. I do (always, everywhere) confirm a price before we get in. Barcelona is one of the best places we have found as far as taxi prices--much cheaper than new york or London, etc.

 

[eeyorefanuk]

Thank you all for welcoming us as your new cruisemates!
We are lucky as booked immediately onto this cruise when ours was cancelled!

Hi, I have read the above with dread, I rang disney on Thursday and said the only one we could possibly do is the 27/8 and wanted them to put on hold until tomorrow when i will find out if can do this cruise. They told me not to worry, they have rooms put back .................. can I ask who told you they could not do the 27/8 cruise as told by disney?

 

[eeyorefanuk]

We have booked a night post cruise at the Marriott Renaisance Airport Barcelona. So I would be looking to pay a taxi at least 30 euro so I've been told. Don't know if we'll be able to get anything cheaper, but I would take any suggestions. Thanks!

Hi, Just in case you are interested, there is a "cruise package" available where it picks you up from the airport and then the next day transfers you to the cruise port.