July 18, 2007 07-18-07 Med Cruise

[nzdisneymom]

Hi Cindy,

Can you add DH, Jarrett 32 to our info?

We will be in room 2524.

Thanks!

I made out our clothing list on an excel spreadsheet, my dh things I have officially lost it! I am such a visual person and I am afraid I am going to forget something if I don't stay organized and have it all written out. Plus I am trying to figure out if I need to do some more shopping.
Have a great day, Kathleen

Kathleen - I added your DH to the list. And I'm with you on the excel sheet for clothing. I've changed things around as I've picked up new shorts or found a shirt in the back of the closet that I want to take. That's why I have to have the list / outfits because otherwise I'd end up packing way too many clothes! I am actually updating it again tonight.

 

[DLRPfan.be]

exactly 4 weeks from today........

 

[scottishwee35]

exactly 4 weeks from today........

Scottishwee35

 

[nzdisneymom]

That put a great big smile on my face!

Can't wait to meet everyone face-to-face!

 

[tinkerbell_29]

Woo-Hoo only four more weeks! Doing the happy dance So far today I think I finally finished the packing list. Heaven help it is seven pages long. I've called health insurance the find out about coverage. Called the banks to let them know we will be out of the country. Talked with DCL to make sure they got my mom and I's medical info forms. Called my pharmacy to request copies of all my prescriptions. Ordered enough medical supplies to last three months. I'm afraid i'm being a little paranoid but i just don't want to run out of something and not be able to get it. I never worry about this at Disney if something happens all I have to do is call minimed and they have what i need to me in less that 24 hours. Am i being over concerned?
Lissa

 

[nzdisneymom]

I saw this on the Trip Reports - Med Excursion thread and thought I would share it here since some of us have been reconsidering our Florence and Pisa plans.

We did the Florence and Pisa excursion on our 6/6 cruise and really enjoyed it. If Pisa and climbing the tower or shopping in Florence are important to you, this is not the right excursion choice. Also, probably a little long for children. And I'll admit, it was a bit painful to see all the lovely stores and not have time to shop - especially for someone who got a triple dose of that shopping gene. But, we had to make a choice and sightseeing won.

It was a long bus ride through some outstanding countryside - but still long. Once we arrived in Florence we were handed over to a city guide who was just great. She gave us a good feel for what we were seeing, explained well and was easy to understand. We got a nice overview of the highlights of the city. Our lunch was in a beautiful restaurant - La Loggia - way up on a hill overlooking Florence. The meal was definitely longer than what we are used to, but it was nice to eat lunch the way the Italians do while visiting their country. After lunch we boarded the bus for Pisa. It is a hike from the bus parking to where the tower is, then a short walk through shopping stalls before getting to the square. We had 30 min. to walk around tower,take pictures, etc. then another 10-15 min. in outside food/souv. stalls before going back to the bus. On the bus - water, wipes and crackers for all ... naps for some. The tour took 12 hours rather than the 10 - 10.5 listed but DH and I thought it was well worth it and enjoyed the experience.

If I didn't have my kids, I might would consider doing the Florence and Pisa tour, but the comment at the end - 12 hours! - definitely confirms my decision to switch to just Pisa - although if VIP Pisa opens up, I want to do that one. I know DCL is working kinks out of the tours and it sounds like the 2nd go-round was better than the first.

 

[nzdisneymom]

...i just don't want to run out of something and not be able to get it. I never worry about this at Disney if something happens all I have to do is call minimed and they have what i need to me in less that 24 hours. Am i being over concerned?
Lissa

Nope, you're being cautious and prepared -- because as soon as you didn't do it, you'd need it. We're that way with traveling - DH says there is always a Walmart or grocery store around where we can get what we need if we don't pack something - and believe me, we've had to make those stops many times. But this time, there's not a Walmart around, and while I could get some things on the ship at exorbitant prices, quite frankly, the shops on the ship won't be open in the middle of the night when someone needs some Pepto-Bismal from too much rich food.

 

[colleenlg]

I am trying to decide if I am waaaaayyy over-scheduling for DD (age 2) or not and whether I’m choosing the right things to do in each port. I apologize for the ridiculously long post! I’ve put hectic schedule days in red and the more easy-going days in blue. I know some people opt to stay on board the boat on one of the shore days to allow for more down-time (especially parents with little kids) but I can’t imagine sitting on a boat when I could be out exploring the Mediterranean. Besides, Karissa is a pretty flexible kid who likes to be on the go with us a lot. Am I overdoing it though? I would be most appreciative of any input you may have!

· Sunday, July 15 - Arrive Barcelona 8:15 AM after 17 hours of travel with a 2-year-old.

· Monday, July 16 – Explore Barcelona

· Tuesday, July 17 – Explore Barcelona (or maybe take a train to nearby town?)

· Wednesday, July 18 – Board ship at Noon. Try to get Palo reservations.

· Thursday, July 19 – At Sea day

· Friday, July 20 – Palermo, Sicily. Should we do this day on our own exploring Palermo (outdoor market, botanical garden where Karissa can run around & marionette museum in big, fairly seedy city) or should we hire a private 8-hour tour to take us into nearby countryside & town of Corleone (of Godfather fame) & wine tasting/lunch at local winery/farmhouse. I prefer the 2nd option but the first option might be better for Karissa. She can sleep on the private guided tour in the air-conditioned van as opposed to us walking non-stop for an hour or 2 pushing her stroller in Palermo. Which do you think would be better for our family?

· Saturday, July 21 – Naples (Pompeii). 9-hour Disney shore excursion Pompeii & Sorrento (recommended for age 5+, but I want to see Pompeii & the only other tour of Pompeii involves lots of boating, which makes both K & I sick). The stop in Sorrento involves a one-hour demonstration on making cheese and a farm-style Italian lunch. Am I crazy? Do you think we should book a private tour instead?

· Sunday, July 22 – Sardinia. 4.5 hour Disney shore excursion to La Cinta Beach. Karissa is booked for 2 hours at the onboard nursery in the afternoon to give us a break after a day in the sun. Going to the beach sounds relaxing, but actually it involves chasing after a crazy 2-year-old for a few hours, so I’m not sure how relaxing this day will actually be.

· Monday, July 23 – Citavecchia (Rome). 10-hour Disney shore excursion to Rome/Vatican City. The tour will allow us to see all we want (except the Sistine Chapel). Should we book a private tour so DH Phil can see the Sistine Chapel/we have more schedule flexibility? It’d be more expensive, but not ridiculously so.

· Tuesday, July 24 – La Spezia, Italy -I think we're going to take a boat on our own to Lerici since the Disney option leaves to early in the morning & we want flexibility of time to return to the ship. Rick Steve's book makes this sound like it will be easy to do - anyone else doing this? Will explore a little & go to the beach & have lunch.

· Wednesday, July 25 – Marseille, France – I’m not much interested in Marseille – kind of known as being a big, somewhat seedy city. Am opting instead for an 8-hour private tour of the Luberon. This is the Provence we all imagine: lavender fields (at harvest time), quaint villages, etc. Our tour guide is customizing the day to meet our needs- I told her I want to visit a town called Ils-Sur-la-Sorgue which is supposed to be like the Venice of France with lots of waterways. It also has a carousel & a doll museum to keep Karissa entertained. Will also stop into a winery on our way home. Now that I’ve booked this tour, this is the stop I am looking forward to the most!

· Thursday, July 26 – Villefrance, France (Nice, Monaco & Cannes are all nearby) – We’re going to do this day on our own. The port town, Villefranche, is supposed to be very lovely or we could take a taxi to Nice, which is bigger & has more going on (but more tourists too) & is, well, nice. I’ve been to Monaco & don’t feel a need to return & have been to Nice as well but was there mainly for Mardi Gras so didn’t do a lot of touring. Cannes is too expensive, touristy & far away.

· Friday, July 27 – At Sea Day. Will take advantage of this day off from our hectic vacation!

· Saturday, July 28 – off the boat by 6:45 AM. Check back into our original hotel in Barcelona. Lazy day in Barcelona.

· Sunday, July 29 – 12:10 PM Flight back to San Diego (another 17 hours with a 2-year-old, God help us!)

I hope this post doesn't make me seem like too much of a crazy person!

 

[tinkerbell_29]

I don't have kids but even to me as an adult that seems like a lot of activity and very little down time. Working in day care it always seemed to me that by mid afternoon our two year olds were in desperate need of a nap. You know your daughter best and know what she can and can not handle. It may not be too much if she is used to traveling and being on the go.
I know for my family all adults we had to schedule some down days even though there were excursions we wanted to do. Hope you can work it out so everyone will be happy.
Lissa

 

[todds34]

Hello everyone

I have just discovered this post which gives details of the Navigators on board the 11 night med cruise and thought I would share in case you have not seen it.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1489867

I can't believe we only have 28 days to go .

I hope everyone is keeping well and not getting toooooooooooo excited .

Iam just away to finish creating my door signs for the cruise and if I can figure out how to post them I will do this later. I think we will be taking about 5 different signs.

 

[DisTeach]

For some of these excursions there are long bus/train rides to get to the actual activity. I thought I'd take a book with me although it might be hard to peel my eyes away from the gorgeous scenery. On the other hand, I don't know if I want to be lugging it around with me all day on the excursions. What is everyone thinking of doing en route?

 

[nzdisneymom]

For some of these excursions there are long bus/train rides to get to the actual activity. I thought I'd take a book with me although it might be hard to peel my eyes away from the gorgeous scenery. On the other hand, I don't know if I want to be lugging it around with me all day on the excursions. What is everyone thinking of doing en route?

Looking out the window on the way, sleeping on the way back

 

[tinkerbell_29]

For those of you who do not have Disney transportation to your hotel from the airport I found a reliable transfer company. Their web address is www.barcelonaairporttransfers.com. They were recommended in the Passporter book and I called AAA and our TA also said they were really reliable. I just booked a transfer and one way was 75 euro for all of us and our luggage. The cost is per a vehicle not per a person and extra for luggage like the taxis cost so I feel it may be a little cheaper.
Lissa

 

[shortkathleen]

Hi Colleen,

Here is my two cents worth, which may not be worth much since I have never taken a trip like this with my two little ones (now ages 4 and 6). They are coming with us and we are not taking them on nearly as much as you, but you know your child best and what she can handle. My kids need down time and will go crazy on those big motor coaches so we had to plan accordingly.

I think the private tours would allow you more flexibility with her. You can stop more often and let her run around or keep driving on if she is sleeping.

We are doing Palermo and Sardina with the kids on our own with no scheduled activities except trying to go to the beach. We will hire a taxi for this.

Naples: Leaving them in kids club while we take a private tour of pompeii, almafi coast, etc.

Rome: Taking all day private tour with kids

La Spezia- 1/2 day Pisa, leaving kids in club. (but after reading reviews we are seriuosly reconsidering this and considering going to Lerrici with the kids) Do you think we will miss seeing the Leaning tower in person?

Marseille- Doing on our own with kids

VilleFrance- Doing on own with kids, hoping to get on a wait list for the convertable car tour. (If the car tour works out we will have to leave the kids on the boat for that)

Hope you get it all figured out.

Kathleen

 

[seaulater]

I have not read through the whole thread but I will ask these questions anyway.

Has anyone been upgraded and if so what are the chances to be upgraded again?

What is the best way to get to the airport to the hotel? There are five of us flying out of JFK on Sunday afternoon 7/15.

Any excursions that we absolutley should do or not do?

Anything else that I should know?

Thanks,

Carl

Okay, I'll take a stab at your questions since we are on this cruise and we did the transatlantic in May and did the Barcelona airport thing already.

1. For the 7/18 cruise, we booked a cat 11 GTY through Disney Vacation Club. We did NOT get upgraded. At this point, I would think we will see very few upgrades. Last minute upgrades are usually due to stateroom problems on the cruise before us and they can't get the problem fixed before we board, thus the last minute changes. You can always try to upgrade at the port for $$$. Haven't heard if anyone has been successful with that on the last two cruises.

2. The best way from the airport to the hotel-well, it really depends on how many people are in your group. When my husband and I went from the ship to the airport our taxi fare was $20 and then we had an $8 surcharge for the extra luggage. So plan on $30. You would be able to get two adults and one child in the backseat of most of their taxis. They will place the surplus luggage in the front seat with them. They are driving very small taxis. You would NOT want to take the train with all your luggage, that would be extremely difficult.

Also, someone mentioned above about the shuttle service. If you had less than 6 people, I would still take the taxi vs. the shuttle service. I would rather hire 2 taxis then haul everything to the shuttle area there at the airport. It is at the very, very, end of terminal 1 at the beginning of the airport. Good luck in finding porters or luggage carts, we found neither.

3. Since you have a couple of days in Barcelona, I would strongly recommend if you want a fun excursion to contact Edgar at Barcelona Glides.com He owns segways and you take a 3 hour tour through the roman/gothic part of the city, then along the beach, and then through the olympic area and then the zoo and back through the city. His english is excellent, and he was a great tour guide. He offers a 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. tour each day. We did the 10 a.m. in May, but when we go back, we are taking the Tuesday the 17th 5 p.m. tour and taking our 15 year old daughter.

I also recommend that you buy a one or two day pass for the double decker buses (barcelona tour buses, the ones with the "eye" on them). They are a hop on and hop off system and it is great. They have 3 lines (red, blue and green if I remember right) and the price includes all lines. It goes all through the city and covers just about everything.

Also, at 8:30 or so in Barcelona each night, they have these fountains that change colors and dance to music. Now if you have been to Las Vegas to the Bellagio, this is no big deal. But the square is packed with people and it is fun. Also, you want to go to LaRamblas and see the street entertainers and the fruit, seafood, candy market. It is fun to go to (the buses go right there).

Dont' forget that alot of the stores will close down for their naps every afternoon, so alot of the shops are closed between about 2 and 5 everyday.

Okay, that's about my two cents worth!

 

[scottishwee35]

seaulater

Thank for your informations as we are staying in Barcelona for 3 nights.

We will go to hop on, hop off and I want to see market too.

Will take the kids to chocolate museum well.

We are looking forward to.

Scottishwee35

 

[colleenlg]

I don't have kids but even to me as an adult that seems like a lot of activity and very little down time. Working in day care it always seemed to me that by mid afternoon our two year olds were in desperate need of a nap. You know your daughter best and know what she can and can not handle. It may not be too much if she is used to traveling and being on the go.
I know for my family all adults we had to schedule some down days even though there were excursions we wanted to do. Hope you can work it out so everyone will be happy.
Lissa

Lissa- Thanks for your input! We're hoping to sneak in naps on the buses/vans for excursion & private tour days and in the stroller on other days. We've traveled quite a bit with her (but usually to easier destinations like Hawaii, Cabo San Lucas & Disneyland) and she typically won't take naps in a crib/in a hotel room so we have to drive her or push the stroller.

Hi Colleen,

Here is my two cents worth, which may not be worth much since I have never taken a trip like this with my two little ones (now ages 4 and 6). They are coming with us and we are not taking them on nearly as much as you, but you know your child best and what she can handle. My kids need down time and will go crazy on those big motor coaches so we had to plan accordingly.

I think the private tours would allow you more flexibility with her. You can stop more often and let her run around or keep driving on if she is sleeping.

We are doing Palermo and Sardina with the kids on our own with no scheduled activities except trying to go to the beach. We will hire a taxi for this.

Naples: Leaving them in kids club while we take a private tour of pompeii, almafi coast, etc.

Rome: Taking all day private tour with kids

La Spezia- 1/2 day Pisa, leaving kids in club. (but after reading reviews we are seriuosly reconsidering this and considering going to Lerrici with the kids) Do you think we will miss seeing the Leaning tower in person?

Marseille- Doing on our own with kids

VilleFrance- Doing on own with kids, hoping to get on a wait list for the convertable car tour. (If the car tour works out we will have to leave the kids on the boat for that)

Hope you get it all figured out.

Kathleen

Thanks, Kathleen! Maybe I will try to book private tours for Rome & Pompeii then. Hmmm...

As far as Pisa goes...I've been there & it sure was cool to see the tower since it's something you've heard of & seen in pictures your whole life. Seems kinda surreal to see it in person (kinda like seeing the Eiffel Tower or the Colesseum). However, if you'd rather spend the day with the kiddos at Lerici, then do that. My DH has never been to Pisa & we're still skipping it, but then again, he's not nearly into travel as I am. He's barely aware we going on this trip. Would you regret not seeing the Tower - if so - then do that!

 

[xlRacerXlx]

My family and I are no longer going. We have had money problems, and we're simply unable to go.

Please take us off the list.

 

[colleenlg]

XLRacer-

I'm so sorry to hear you & your family won't be able to go on the cruise! What a huge bummer! Hopefully you can go next year?!

-Colleen

 

[scottishwee35]

xlRacerXlx

I am sorry to hear that news.

Scottishwee35