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

[NHdisneylover]

NHDisneylover: I'm leaving you on as two cabins. Now that you have explained the situation everyone can put the gifts in as they see fit. It would be nice for the kids to come back and get gifts in their own FE! Do you want me to add your parents to the list?

Thanks I don't think Hank and Jan really care one way or the other if they get gifts. They won't be bringing anything, so I do not think they need to be added

 

[TJFrack]

The zoo sounds interesting. But are the signs all in Spanish?

I'm going to see if our hotel can help schedule a tour to Monsterrat on our embarkation day ( the day we get off the ship).

I got the instructions off a website. So we are going to go ourselves, because otherwise the tours seem to leave too early and I am worried we might not be off the ship since we are using disney transfers.

Day Trip to Montserrat
It's easy to get to the Montserrat Benedictine monastery by yourself. You don't need a tour. Montserrat ("serrated mountain") is an hour train ride from the Barcelona Espanya metro station. You will be looking for the R5 line going to Manresa. The train goes about every hour. After the train you can decide to either take the cable car, a five minute ride (in which case get off at the "Aeri" stop) or the rack train, a 15-minute ride (in which case get off at the "Monistrol" stop, which is after Aeri). The cable car ride has breathtaking views but you have to stand and if you have fear of heights, take the train. In the Espanya metro station there are machines where you can buy a combined ticket for either train plus cable car or train plus rack train. The round-trip fare is 14.50 euros, and about half that for children under 12.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

I got the instructions off a website. So we are going to go ourselves, because otherwise the tours seem to leave too early and I am worried we might not be off the ship since we are using disney transfers.

Day Trip to Montserrat
It's easy to get to the Montserrat Benedictine monastery by yourself. You don't need a tour. Montserrat ("serrated mountain") is an hour train ride from the Barcelona Espanya metro station. You will be looking for the R5 line going to Manresa. The train goes about every hour. After the train you can decide to either take the cable car, a five minute ride (in which case get off at the "Aeri" stop) or the rack train, a 15-minute ride (in which case get off at the "Monistrol" stop, which is after Aeri). The cable car ride has breathtaking views but you have to stand and if you have fear of heights, take the train. In the Espanya metro station there are machines where you can buy a combined ticket for either train plus cable car or train plus rack train. The round-trip fare is 14.50 euros, and about half that for children under 12.

Maybe we can go together then? Those directions make me very nervous!I wouldn't mind getting lost with another english speaking person though! Seriously, if you are doing this on this day, maybe we could follow you? We are taking Disney transfers back to our hotel too.

 

[diane aggelidou]

By the way!Just a note! Most med destinations speak English! This is my occupation!
At the current situation of Euro zone, Tourism is essential for our survival!
ps anyone Greece hol!Do not worry!these Euro issues have been going on for some time and has no association with tourism!

 

[diane aggelidou]

The only concern is perhaps European strikes regarding financial economy crisis! However, I should imagine Disney already on top of this and would have a soloution on hand!

 

[diane aggelidou]

solution!typing fast!trying to keep up on current affairs as well as normal daily life!

 

[diane aggelidou]

Does anyone know which port teminal we are to go to for check inn ????????????

Are there any kids special dinners eg princess etc as I saw a tea party mentioned?????How do we book this for children?????

How does the rain forest pass work $15 and what is included?

 

[NHdisneylover]

Does anyone know which port teminal we are to go to for check inn ????????????
I do not recall for sure. I will look on my paperwork later when I haev time and see if I can find it. We always just tell the taxi driver which ship and they always know
Are there any kids special dinners eg princess etc as I saw a tea party mentioned?????How do we book this for children?????
There are no specila dinners to book for kids. The tea party is in teh afternoon (or mid morning). Go to guest services when you board and ask for tickets--that is the only way to get them. It is free.

Some cruises have a princess party one afternoon as well. You will get an invitation to the party with the time you should go and RSVP information IF this cruise has it. Last year that was only for linger cruises, I don't know if they will keep it for the 7 night on the Med or not.

How does the rain forest pass work $15 and what is included?
That is a one day [rice. It lets you into the Rainforest room as much as you want for one day. It is a big, warm, steamy room with heated loungers, scented showers, little side rooms which are hotter and steamier, etc. You can ask for a free spa tour anytime (especially on the first day) and they will show t to you and explain all about it

.

 

[diane aggelidou]

Thanks for info!

I have also cancelled Drach Caves as many negative reviews but a good thing as done further research into Marineland so will share findings:
Maineland easily accessible by public bus from palma, cost approx 2 euro
Tickets park/show times etc adults 20 euro/kids14 approx day pass incl all shows:
Also available dolphin encounters!
web site has reduced ticket costs+printable discount coupons
www.marineland.es

 

[diane aggelidou]

forgot to include family pass also 60+euro 2 adults+2 kids

 

[diane aggelidou]

Anyone interested in joining us on any of our on our own ports let me know:all welcome!

includes:

Little train villefranche and relax beach

Dinosaurs castle museum

Vatican + fountain

Pompei city

Marineland

All these were specifically reasearched and chosen by my daughter age 6 as fun and educational ways to spend time at each port! Anyone wants more info e-mail me and I will send info/links!

 

[ptkelley]

I have also cancelled Drach Caves as many negative reviews

Hi Diane, Where did you find reviews of the excursions? I have looked around and have not been able to find them. Thanks!!!

 

[ptkelley]

I have also cancelled Drach Caves as many negative reviews

Ooops. meant to make the above a quote in my previous post!

Just learning the ropes here! Thanks! Please let me know where to find excursions reviews! Thanks!!!

 

[diane aggelidou]

I read reviews on cruise critic sites and other tourism boards!
Some reviews were good,but most were disappointed as photography not allowed and those with young children found them boring!
My daughter is 6 and thats why we have decided to go to Marineland alone/on own and I am awaiting to see if she can have dolphin encounter and the marineland is not far away!

 

[diane aggelidou]

basically when searching tourism/cruise critic sites you go to tourist attractions or things to do and see and look at reviews! Most sites have reviews on everything from tours/places/restaurants/hotels etc

Then I contacted each place directly(most have own web sites advertised on google etc) we decided on going alone! We got cost and public travel instructions from the sites themselves or from those who have previously done it! I have saved all ours on drafts but most can find easily just by typing in name or place on google!

Living in Med ourselves,we are looking for relaxed,child friendly but educational things where we can stop when want for meal/drinks etc. Hence Tiffany chose,happy child=happy parents

Hope helps!
All my list,we will have details with us aboard ship!and are FE for any messages!

 

[diane aggelidou]

I read reviews on cruise critic sites and other tourism boards!
Some reviews were good,but most were disappointed as photography not allowed and those with young children found them boring!
My daughter is 6 and thats why we have decided to go to Marineland alone/on own and I am awaiting to see if she can have dolphin encounter and the marineland is not far away!

go google

type

reviews drach caves palma
enter
loads come up/just type in a tourist attraction/place/name etc and good and bad reviews come up on different sites including cruise critic sites

 

[celocey]

Is anyone else going a bit stir crazy with no more planning to do? Excursions are planned and/or booked, check in is done and now I just have to wait!
__________________

Austraveler, I just finished sewing my Fish
Extender and am starting to work on the gifts. Even though excursions are booked (except for Mallorca), I'm so excited to be working on FE projects! And trying to pick up a few phrases in Catalon, French and Italian!! Aug 27th is closer than I realize. DH and I are starting to shop for new gym shoes for those miles and miles we will be walking shortly! So excited!!

 

[ptkelley]

basically when searching tourism/cruise critic sites you go to tourist attractions or things to do and see and look at reviews! Most sites have reviews on everything from tours/places/restaurants/hotels etc

Then I contacted each place directly(most have own web sites advertised on google etc) we decided on going alone! We got cost and public travel instructions from the sites themselves or from those who have previously done it! I have saved all ours on drafts but most can find easily just by typing in name or place on google!

Living in Med ourselves,we are looking for relaxed,child friendly but educational things where we can stop when want for meal/drinks etc. Hence Tiffany chose,happy child=happy parents

Hope helps!
All my list,we will have details with us aboard ship!and are FE for any messages!

Yes!!! Thank you Thank you! And I have never been to the Med! So excited!

 

[NHdisneylover]

Yes!!! Thank you Thank you! And I have never been to the Med! So excited!

I find that the port overviews on wikkitravel and cruisecritic are a nice place to start planning There is so much information out there it can get overwhleming.

 

[RoniBoBoni]

Austraveler, I just finished sewing my Fish
Extender and am starting to work on the gifts. Even though excursions are booked (except for Mallorca), I'm so excited to be working on FE projects! And trying to pick up a few phrases in Catalon, French and Italian!! Aug 27th is closer than I realize. DH and I are starting to shop for new gym shoes for those miles and miles we will be walking shortly! So excited!!

I just finished my Fish Extender yesterday too, and looking at it hanging there, maybe i'm not done... I might personalize it so it doesn't grow legs and walk off..... so maybe i'm not done still deciding.

But next on my list is FE Gifts. But right now, i'm multitasking and searching for a good sized toiletry bag, ours has gotten too small for the 4 of us.... anyone have a good recommendation?