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

[NHdisneylover]

Interesting, because I just tried the same thing and got turned down. I booked at one of the suggested Disney hotels and they just turned me away for transfers and told me to take a taxi. Usually disney doesn't turn money away....I am kind of surprised.

This is what we (and many others) were told last year--transfers were only included for those paying for the hotel (booking it) through DCL.

Austraveler--have you called DCL to confirm that you can buy the transfers?

Txais in Barcelona are reasonably priced and might be just as cheap or cheaper though

We actually stay a bit out of town in a Holiday Inn Express which allows us to leave our cars parked on their lot while on the ship which wouldn't really make sense for those flying in.

 

[NHdisneylover]

Here is another possible way to all meet which I thought I should make as a separate post so it does not get buried:

Last May we set up a time for all of the DISsers who arrived in BCN early and wanted to to meet up at the Dominoes Pizza on the corner by Sagrada Familia. I know that sounds like an awful place to meet because it is American Fast Food, but it worked better than a "real" place for a few reasons:
1. Most "real" restaurants in Barcelona do not open for dinner until 8 or 9 pm--way too late for many of the kids and even jet lagged adults.
2. We did not need a reservation for our large group which also then allowed flexibility in case some people could not come after all due to flight delays, etc.
3. It is counter service so everyone just ordered and paid for their own with no worries about how to split the bill.
4. It was exceedingly easy to find and in an area nearly everyone is going to want to be at some point anyway.
5. Being coutner service, it was easy enough for some to not eat, or just have a beer or what not while others had full meals.
6. There is a park across the street that those who wanted to could move over to after a bit (lots of kids came and played--that is what the airplane and pyramid videos and pictures on our Roamin' the Med video are from) and many adults--even those without kids came out and enjoyed sitting and chatting with a view of Guadi's great cathedral).

If there is interest we could plan to meet there as a group on the evening before the cruise. I would suggest 6:00 pm as that is about dinner time for little ones and gives plenty of time to spend an hour or so chatting and still have lots of time to get back to the hotel, or over to see the dancing fountain (runs at 9:30 pm on Fridays during the summer).

I know I promised to post about lanyards. I will do so after I get the kids in bed tonight.

 

[austraveler]

This is what we (and many others) were told last year--transfers were only included for those paying for the hotel (booking it) through DCL.

Austraveler--have you called DCL to confirm that you can buy the transfers?

DCL has confirmed the transfers. Our travel agent email them the price we could get and asked Disney to match it. They said they could not match the price but approved booking the transfer - it showa up on my reservation. I was worried about taxis since there are 5 of us. I did not want to rely on a van being available.

 

[eeyorefanuk]

This is what we (and many others) were told last year--transfers were only included for those paying for the hotel (booking it) through DCL.

Austraveler--have you called DCL to confirm that you can buy the transfers?

DCL has confirmed the transfers. Our travel agent email them the price we could get and asked Disney to match it. They said they could not match the price but approved booking the transfer - it showa up on my reservation. I was worried about taxis since there are 5 of us. I did not want to rely on a van being available.

which hotel are you staying again?

I rang disney the other week before our original cruise got cancelled.

We were thinking of staying at the renaisance, and they did say they woud provide transfers if we got back to the airport.

We also looked at the renaisance offer of transfer to port but DH and me really wants to get there early since our first cruise.

 

[eeyorefanuk]

Well DH has bought himself a tux/dinner suit for the formal evening. Someone kindly recommend marks and spencers - thank you. Reasonable price now to get the shirt and tie etc.

 

[eeyorefanuk]

Did anyone else on their first cruise feel over whelmed by everything .......... where to eat, clothing, ports, hotel before cruise etc. I just feel at the moment like I am sinking .......... though as long as DH as got his tux everything will be ok ............. oh and his pirate outfit .......... the child in him is definetely coming out

 

[eeyorefanuk]

I am going to say sorry now but I think I will be asking alot of questions

Villefranche ............ Am I right in staying that the town/beach is within walking distance of the port? If so I think for this port we will do this.

For anyone who has gone on the med cruise before with the other ports, did you find anything/town within walking distance of the ports - La Spezia, Civitavecchia and Naples.

 

[OhioDisneyDavid]

Welcome!! We were looking to split the costs of some of the private tours with other people. We have already booked Pisa, Florence and Rome, but more people can be added. Another couple was also interested in splitting the tours so it would be 6 adults total. Let me know if you want details sent and prices. would love to be able to lower the costs for all involved.

That would be great. Send me a PM or email since I am still a newbee and can't send you one. If you want to include who is already booked, cost and a rough itinerary.

The tour with Unforgettable Tuscany was highly recommended which is why we were looking at them, they also offer deals for more travelers.

 

[TJFrack]

That would be great. Send me a PM or email since I am still a newbee and can't send you one. If you want to include who is already booked, cost and a rough itinerary.

The tour with Unforgettable Tuscany was highly recommended which is why we were looking at them, they also offer deals for more travelers.

Ok I sent you a PM Hope it works for you =)

 

[BWV Dreamin]

We are empty nesters and this will be our celebration cruise for my wife and I for +31 yr anniversary and the wife getting her Master's Degree. Just the two of us!

I saw from other posts that dressing up for formal and pirate nights are kinda up in the air. Do most people do this? 50/50 or just a few?

We are staying an extra three nights on the front of the cruise in Barcelona at the Hilton Diagonal Mar and plan to see the city on the double decker bus. We have done this in NYC, Boston, San Francisco and Washinton DC. The ability to jump on/off can't be beat and it let's you spend time at the spots that interest.

Another question, will there be an opportunity to meet/greet all of you while on the Magic?

We are also celebrating our anniversary on this trip! 30 years for us! We are almost empty nesters, have my youngest 21 son left at home going to college. Just us two on this trip!

 

[BWV Dreamin]

I would be up for that meet in Barcelona. PM me the particulars as it gets closer to the trip. That Dominos pizza place sounds fine with us. So they sell beer at the Dominos? My hubby will be all for that!

 

[BWV Dreamin]

When I called to inquire about DCL transfers, I was also told that I had to book the AC Diplomat thru Disney to be able to puchase the transfers. That's why I reserved at the Marriott Renaisance Barcelona Airport. With the pre-cruise package I still come out far better than booking thru Disney.

 

[NHdisneylover]

This is what we (and many others) were told last year--transfers were only included for those paying for the hotel (booking it) through DCL.

Austraveler--have you called DCL to confirm that you can buy the transfers?

DCL has confirmed the transfers. Our travel agent email them the price we could get and asked Disney to match it. They said they could not match the price but approved booking the transfer - it showa up on my reservation. I was worried about taxis since there are 5 of us. I did not want to rely on a van being available.

Great I am glad you could get them to do that. They should.

Well DH has bought himself a tux/dinner suit for the formal evening. Someone kindly recommend marks and spencers - thank you. Reasonable price now to get the shirt and tie etc.

Woo-hoo

Did anyone else on their first cruise feel over whelmed by everything .......... where to eat, clothing, ports, hotel before cruise etc. I just feel at the moment like I am sinking .......... though as long as DH as got his tux everything will be ok ............. oh and his pirate outfit .......... the child in him is definetely coming out

You'll get it all figured out--no worries And hurray for the inner child coming out to play.

I am going to say sorry now but I think I will be asking alot of questions

Villefranche ............ Am I right in staying that the town/beach is within walking distance of the port? If so I think for this port we will do this.

For anyone who has gone on the med cruise before with the other ports, did you find anything/town within walking distance of the ports - La Spezia, Civitavecchia and Naples.

Yes, in Villefranche the town and beach are right there. It is also only a 10 minute or less walk to the train station if you decide to go to Monaco or Nice.

Le Spezia is an adirable little town and the tender puts you right in town. Last May we opted to take it easy at that port and just wander the town and had a lovely time.

Civitavecchia is pretty much an industrial port and there is nothing that we saw right by the ship. Not being interested in another day in Rome, we plan to take a local bus (which we are told is walking distance from port to catch) about 20-30 minutes up the road to Tarquinia to see the necropolis. You are welcome to tag along with our troop if you want to.

Naples also puts you right in town but it is big and busy (insane traffic and no one follows any rules). However, the things to see are not right at the port. We walked to the train station but it took 20 or so minutes at a good clip. From there we took the train to the back entrance of Pompeii, walked through as we saw it and left through the front (where another train picks up). This time we plan to take a short taxi ride to the Archeological museum as we hear it is one of the best in the world and has tons of stuff from Pompeii, etc. It is supposed to be only a mile straight inland from the pier. We figure we will take a taxi there (as it is all uphill in that direction) and probably walk back to teh ship when we finish.

We are also celebrating our anniversary on this trip! 30 years for us! We are almost empty nesters, have my youngest 21 son left at home going to college. Just us two on this trip!

Congratulations on 30 years

I would be up for that meet in Barcelona. PM me the particulars as it gets closer to the trip. That Dominos pizza place sounds fine with us. So they sell beer at the Dominos? My hubby will be all for that!

I am on Skype with David right now and he says, YES there was definitely beer--nothing on tap though only bottles and cans

 

[eeyorefanuk]

Great I am glad you could get them to do that. They should.


Woo-hoo

You'll get it all figured out--no worries And hurray for the inner child coming out to play.


Yes, in Villefranche the town and beach are right there. It is also only a 10 minute or less walk to the train station if you decide to go to Monaco or Nice.

Le Spezia is an adirable little town and the tender puts you right in town. Last May we opted to take it easy at that port and just wander the town and had a lovely time.

Civitavecchia is pretty much an industrial port and there is nothing that we saw right by the ship. Not being interested in another day in Rome, we plan to take a local bus (which we are told is walking distance from port to catch) about 20-30 minutes up the road to Tarquinia to see the necropolis. You are welcome to tag along with our troop if you want to.

Naples also puts you right in town but it is big and busy (insane traffic and no one follows any rules). However, the things to see are not right at the port. We walked to the train station but it took 20 or so minutes at a good clip. From there we took the train to the back entrance of Pompeii, walked through as we saw it and left through the front (where another train picks up). This time we plan to take a short taxi ride to the Archeological museum as we hear it is one of the best in the world and has tons of stuff from Pompeii, etc. It is supposed to be only a mile straight inland from the pier. We figure we will take a taxi there (as it is all uphill in that direction) and probably walk back to teh ship when we finish.

Congratulations on 30 years


I am on Skype with David right now and he says, YES there was definitely beer--nothing on tap though only bottles and cans

Hi Hadley,

Thank you for all the info That is just what I wanted to know.

Will show DH when home tonight.

 

[eeyorefanuk]

We are staying at the AC diplmatic. We booked through expedia for $220 for the fve of us. We can use the Disney transfers from the hotel to the port because we are at one of the hotels they try andbook for you. Theit price was substantially more.

Can I ask please how much disney charge for the transfer from airport to hotel, then hotel to port the next day, and then if you are doing that the cost of from port to airport?

 

[BWV Dreamin]

Can I ask please how much disney charge for the transfer from airport to hotel, then hotel to port the next day, and then if you are doing that the cost of from port to airport?

In the US, it is $35/pp one way. I think I read in Barcelona it was 30/pp. Not sure if that was in dollars or euros.This is from the hotel to the port. I don't think Disney provides transportation to your hotel from the airport, or from your hotel back to the airport. That would be an added expense. The transfers only go from the airport to the port, or from hotel to the port, and vise versa.

 

[RoniBoBoni]

My wife & I are among the group that got bumped off the Sept 3rd Med Cruise and are lucky enough to cruise with all of you!

This is our first Disney Cruise, first time out of the country, first Med Cruise and first time posting on the Dis.

I have read through all the posts that everyone has listed and learned a great deal. Learning more every day.

I have also done some research on excursions. We are likely going to go with a private car on the Italian ports. A friend of mine has used and highly recomends Unforgettable Tuscany. They have done a great job and we are looking forward to going on the tours with them.

Still deciding on other ports on what to do.

I am a rookie as you can tell. Be patient if I do or say something silly.

I have added your info to our Ship Mate page on our website! Email me a picture and I will add that too. Congrats on your 1st Disney cruise! This is also our first Cruise/Disney Cruise, 1st international travel too (except mexico, but does that really count?)

Did anyone else on their first cruise feel over whelmed by everything .......... where to eat, clothing, ports, hotel before cruise etc. I just feel at the moment like I am sinking .......... though as long as DH as got his tux everything will be ok ............. oh and his pirate outfit .......... the child in him is definetely coming out

I have felt twinges of overwhelmness - if that is a word. But, I take it one task at a time, one port at a time. Right now i've kinda taken a break from the research cause of the overload on info. So now i'm working on sewing outfits for the trip. I don't want to worry about transfers, I figure taxi's are plenty and easy enough. Saves me researching that.
Overall, the cruise, flight, hotel and Italy excursions are booked. Those are my key ingredients to this recipe, so now that those are booked, i'm not stressed.

Hi,

I was wondering where you are staying in barcelona if coming into barcelona the day before?

We will be staying at the Fira Palace. It's away from the nightlife, which we aren't interested in. Thanks to mkmommy, we got a great early bird deal of 74 euro a night for the 4 of us. I've put a link on the Barcelona page on the website.

 

[mkmommy]

Did anyone else on their first cruise feel over whelmed by everything .......... where to eat, clothing, ports, hotel before cruise etc. I just feel at the moment like I am sinking .......... though as long as DH as got his tux everything will be ok ............. oh and his pirate outfit .......... the child in him is definetely coming out

There is lots of time to organize everything, so just do one thing at a time.

Ask lots of questions everyone is so helpful on the boards, and enjoy the planning.

As long you get to Barcelona you will be fine.

 

[OhioDisneyDavid]

We are also celebrating our anniversary on this trip! 30 years for us! We are almost empty nesters, have my youngest 21 son left at home going to college. Just us two on this trip!

Very cool! Our youngest just got married last year so we are close to the same spot in our life. No Kids = More Mom & Dad Fun!

We have been putting off this big trip for +5 years and are using our DVC points to make it happen.

 

[TJFrack]

Can I ask please how much disney charge for the transfer from airport to hotel, then hotel to port the next day, and then if you are doing that the cost of from port to airport?

If you are staying with a hotel booked thru disney for pre and post it is 99 from the airport to hotel and hotel to port and back the return trips.