July 18, 2007 07-18-07 Med Cruise

[tinkerbell_29]

Deborah so sorry to hear about your friends I hope you have a better week. Don't worry about your english it's better than mine can be some times.
We finally got our bag at 6:30 tonight. It was put on a plane @2:30 in Atlanta but the plane was very late leaving. Thankfully everything in it was fine. It was a little bit like christmas 'casue we had forgotten what was in the bag.

Lissa

 

[CarolAnnC]

Glad your bag arrived safe and sound Tinkerbell!

Scottishwee, I hope your bag finds its way home soon! I am sure it is annoying. One of the professor's from my daughter's college was on our cruise (it was a coincidence!) and they not only lost several bags on way to the cruise, but then lost the one suitcase they had going home with all souvenirs. Hope theirs is found too.

I am very happy with SWISS airlines and would highly recommend them to anyone traveling there again.

 

[sharper_fin]

So sorry to hear all your bad news Deborah, hope that things start getting better for you now.

And Lissa's bag turned up at last. YOu can finally transfer the films to the TV now eh Tink?

I have to agree about Marseilles, we found it a very nice, quaint fisihng village, just like so many on the English south coast, but it wasn't the place to spend any time in if you're a 'typical tourist' (whatever that means - us, I guess!). We were back on the ship pretty quickly that day.

As for Rome, I was stunned by the history and beauty of the place. Despite the heat, despite the fact that I'm not religious at all, despite the long bus journey, I found the Trevi fountain, St Peter's Square, the Vatican, the Colluseum all beautiful beyond belief in their own way.

This was one of the three highlights of the entire trip for me, the others being back 'home' on the ship, and meeting all you guys!

Shaun

 

[tinkerbell_29]

Just wanted to let everyone know I finally found a job. I'm going to be teaching a 2nd 3rd grade combination class at a local private school. After what seemed like a bazillion interviews one finally worked out.

Lissa

 

[nzdisneymom]

Lissa- congratulations! I think you'll do really well with that age -- I know my boys took to you like they've known you their whole lives - and they don't do that with just anyone. So yay for you!!!!! When do you start?

We're heading out this afternoon for a reunion in New Mexico (flying tomorrow) - it's about an 8+ hour journey with a layover in Minneapolis -- not quite as long of a flight as we made to Barcelona, but with a plane change, so I hope our luggage makes it - of course we're only going with two bags and if it doesn't, well, there's my excuse to go shopping in Albuquerque

 

[scottishwee35]

Hi Lissa

That is brilliant news. Hope you will enjoy it.

Cindy

Have a super times at New Mexico and watch your cases - only joking!!

Scottishwee35

 

[scottishwee35]

Hi

only four photos I have as another photos are in the missing case.

Here is

http://s75.photobucket.com/albums/i305/scottishwee35/?action=view&current=114dd6a7.pbw

hopeful, it is working?

Scottishwee35

 

[tinkerbell_29]

Cindy have fun in New Mexico. Try and stay cool. I loved your boys they were so much fun to be around.

We start back on the 28th and will have a few days before as teacher work days though I will be able to get into the school anytime between now and then. Lots of work to do.

Lissa

 

[seaulater]

Well, I don't think I've posted since we have been home, because then I left again for New York on business and just got home again.

We had a great time with everyone. Wish we would have had more onboard time to meet and greet with more of our fellow cruisers from the disboards.

By the way-Jamie and Robert were totally shocked and yelling at me when we went through customs in New York and I headed to ground transportation. I then told them "Oh, we are staying in New York overnight." Well, they were totally surprised when we met up with more of our friends and went to the "final bow" of Beauty and the Beast. It was incredible and the cast did aa awesome final show. Beast even cried when singing his final solo. It was sooooo worth it!

Anyway, was home for a couple of days, then headed out to New York again.

I did do a blog of our trip. You can find it at:

seaulaterinthemed.blogspot.com

I asked Robert what his favorite excursion was:

He said Rome. We took the train on our own into the city and then went to the vatican, walked along the roads to the spanish steps and fountain, then to the Trevi Fountain, then walked down some street and saw an american bookstore where we bought Harry Potter, and then walked all the way to the Collisieum and did the inside tour hooking on to a "private group". It was amazing. But it must have been at least 120 degrees that day and we were exhausted from all the walking.

Mine was the ruins of Pompeii. We hiked Mt. Vesuvius which I never need to do again, but I thought the ruins were incredible along with the frozen lemonade we bought! Again very hot, but well worth it. Wish we didn't feel so rushed all the time.

Now I am trying to sort through our 3000 plus pictures and get some order on the computer with them and then get some printed.

It was fun cruising with everyone. Hope to cruise again with you in the future.

My next cruise: DVC members cruise, October 2007 with a B2B on the October 25th Wonder!

 

[ariel39]

Hi Everyone,

Sorry for not keeping up. I have been extremely busy at work and this is the last weekend we can go school shopping. The kids start on the 21st and next weekend is our Relay for Life. It is an overnight event where we raise money for cancer research, we remember our loved ones who have passed because of it and celebrate our loved ones who have survived it. Anyone who may be interested in helping us out, please visit the website.

http://www.acsevents.org/faf/r.asp?t=4&i=206095&u=206095-173212378

Anyhow, I would like to comment on the ports.

Palermo was awesome for us as we went to visit our cousin in Casteldaccia, which was about 30mins away. We found 2 cab drivers that took us, stayed and celebrated and then took us on a tour of Palermo. We were so excited to see her as she is 83 years old. I haven't seen her in about 30 years.

In Naples we took the taste of Sorrento and the tour of Pompeii. In Sorrento we stopped for shopping and then to a farm where they made fresh Mozzerella and we had a great lunch of mozzerella, prosciutto, tomatoes and pasta. I bought some olive oil to bring home.

In Sardinia, we decided not to do anything but go to where the bus drops you off. That was horrible!! We didn't like it at all.

Rome was WONDERFUL!! We did Rome on your Own. They took us into Rome, gave us maps and said to meet back at 440p. We walked to the Trevi Fountain, walked to the Colossieum had lunch, took the train to the Vatican, took the train to the Spanish Steps and then took the train back to our bus. It was kinda rushed, but we did everything we wanted to do there.

La Spezia was the most beautiful port. I loved walking around there and then we took the tour to Pisa. Pisa was a nice tour. We didn't climb the tower, but we loved it. Especially since it was in the afternoon.

Villefranche, we didn't do a tour. We walked to the train. Took it to Monaco - walked and took a bus to the Grand Casino. Went to the mall, had lunch, went into the casino, spent 10 euros (remember Im from Vegas, so gambling means nothing to us, but I still wanted to see the casino), The kids had icecream at the cafe (49 Euros WOW) and we walked back to the train. Walking along the water in Monte Carlo was just beautiful. We even stopped and went on a flume ride they had there, twice!!!

Marseilles was a waste of time. It was filthy, dog poop everywhere we went. The french people were really rude and nasty. I guess it is true what they say. We walked around for a little bit, found a Haggen Dazs and a McDonalds and went back on the bus to the ship.


Therefore, my most favorite was Villefranch for Monte Carlo and my least favorite was Marseilles. The prettiest was La Spezia.

I have uploaded over 700 pictures. Please feel free to visit them at

therobbins.shutterfly.com

When you get there, there are three albums. The first album is in the bottom left, so check that one out first.

Oh and one other thing. My nieces carseat was lost by Delta when my sister arrived in Barcelona on the 17th. We went the entire cruise without it. When my sister got to the airport on the 29th to come home, they still didn't have it. The other day she gets a package delivered at home. It was from Delta and it was the car seat. Turns out it was on the ship the entire time. Delta found it and sent it to the ship. It wasn't tagged for a stateroom so it stayed on the ship. When the cruise was over, they sent it back to Delta and then Delta sent it home. Isn't that crazy. It obviously had my sisters name on it and her room was in her name. You would have thought Disney would take that extra step to find the room. Too Funny!! The amount of money to take that car seat back and forth and then delivered, they could have just given her money to buy a new one. Got to love it!!

 

[tinkerbell_29]

Well shot we had to cancel our Easter cruise. Got the school calendar for my new job and their spring break is not the same time as everybody elses so oh well. Instead we moved the reservation to the Mexico cruise this summer. We are going the first week in August and staying in a suite. I'm a little excited by this because we've never been to Los Angles or mexico and not only do I get to be back on the Magic we are also going to go to Disney Land after the cruise. Were going to fly in early and see a little of LA before hand. Whats funny is I have even less of an idea about the ports of call then I did for the med cruise.

Watched our vacation video last night. Several of ya'll ended up being in it. All I could think was I want to go back. Disney ever does this itinerary again and we will be back in a heartbeat.

Hope to get to cruise with ya'll sometime in the future.

Lissa

 

[scottishwee35]

Hi

I got my case back tonight. Yes after 15 days missing!!

I opened it up and looking into Disney Photos and upload my memory card of over 500 photos. Also good to have gifts from you. Many thanks for your gifts.

Then, I was emotional to watch the photos on the computer. Because we had a great times. Everything was great.

We were so lucky to have beautiful weather, only had thunder and raining when we were at Pisa turn out stop raining and start warm up.

Photos look beautiful and I will make it up with several different camera.

When I done that and I will put it on later okay.

Scottishwee35

 

[tinkerbell_29]

Glad your got your luggage finally Deborah! Who knows what the airlines do with them.

Lissa

 

[DLRPfan.be]

Hi

I got my case back tonight. Yes after 15 days missing!!

I opened it up and looking into Disney Photos and upload my memory card of over 500 photos. Also good to have gifts from you. Many thanks for your gifts.

Then, I was emotional to watch the photos on the computer. Because we had a great times. Everything was great.

We were so lucky to have beautiful weather, only had thunder and raining when we were at Pisa turn out stop raining and start warm up.

Photos look beautiful and I will make it up with several different camera.

When I done that and I will put it on later okay.

Scottishwee35

Glad to hear your missing case is back!!!

 

[haredi]

Hi everyone! Deborah, so glad you received your luggage, finally! And so sorry to hear about your DH's friend.

Haven't posted since we've been back. We stayed a week at the Jersey shore when we returned. I have to say that I am glad I am not the only one who thought Barcelona Airport was a nightmare! Trying to walk through the entire airport to get to the Luhftansa counter with the three boys pulling their own luggage was frightening. Then there was the 1 1/2 line that my husband waited on while I tried to figure out how to use the one of two kiosks that were working out of five.

Obviously, all of that did not make too much of a difference, as we are home safely, with all bags and children accounted for. I really had a wonderful time, but wish that I had some more time to see all of you after that first meeting. It seemed like I saw Deborah all the time, but not so much anyone else.

We are purchasing DVC points, and for those of you who have them already, are 480 points really worth it? We travel to Disney a lot because we are in FL, and wanted enough points to take one week in the summer and one in the winter. Obviously, cruise years and Adventure years would be the exception because two years of points would be gone! Still second guessing the decision I guess, because we were told we could use the smaller facilities with 5 people as long as we were comfortable. It makes a big difference in points, and I am not so sure that they will let us book a studio or 1 bedroom with 5 people. Well, at any rate, we need to decide today because the docs are already behind because we were out of town that week after the cruise.

Again, thank you for all the gifts and it was great to meet all of you! I'll check back soon! BTW, this was our first Disney cruise, and will not be our last. What a blast!

Diana

 

[Judah722]

Man O Man -
I did great for the first 3 days and then I hit a brick wall....I seriously thought something was wrong with me....I was like a limp doll for about 4 days....I finally started taking some energy herbs....but I am fairly certain my condition was related to the lady who was coughing behind me from Barcelona to Amsterdam!

I have weird reaction to influenca....I just get really achy....terrible back pain and very low energy and thats about it...but it still seems to knock me on my fanny!

Well as some of you know...we are now off to our next cruise....the crazy thing is that 6 months ago we didn't have any of these plans! They just came together.

DW Dad has recently found out a life limiting illness so we decided to cash all those bonds he had faithfully given the kids every year for christmas and take a 4 day with the Grandparents----

Since getting back from the med..we stumbled into air wars.....now we are flying for $100 a head - Indy to Orlando..... with that price and gas at $3 a gallon....sorry all of you friends in Scotland and England ( I know gas is like insane in Europe) the thought of NOT driving 20 hours again...seemed worth the extra few hundred it took to fly!

On another note....I found one thread for the sept 9 wonder cruise with ONE entry....! I couldn't believe it! I think this will post on page 108!

Hey you all its been lots of fun...all the pics are in books - dW finished the scrapbook and photo books....it still seems surreal - but oh was it fun!

See ya

Ben

 

[CarolAnnC]

Hi everyone! Deborah, so glad you received your luggage, finally! And so sorry to hear about your DH's friend.

Haven't posted since we've been back. We stayed a week at the Jersey shore when we returned. I have to say that I am glad I am not the only one who thought Barcelona Airport was a nightmare! Trying to walk through the entire airport to get to the Luhftansa counter with the three boys pulling their own luggage was frightening. Then there was the 1 1/2 line that my husband waited on while I tried to figure out how to use the one of two kiosks that were working out of five.

Obviously, all of that did not make too much of a difference, as we are home safely, with all bags and children accounted for. I really had a wonderful time, but wish that I had some more time to see all of you after that first meeting. It seemed like I saw Deborah all the time, but not so much anyone else.

We are purchasing DVC points, and for those of you who have them already, are 480 points really worth it? We travel to Disney a lot because we are in FL, and wanted enough points to take one week in the summer and one in the winter. Obviously, cruise years and Adventure years would be the exception because two years of points would be gone! Still second guessing the decision I guess, because we were told we could use the smaller facilities with 5 people as long as we were comfortable. It makes a big difference in points, and I am not so sure that they will let us book a studio or 1 bedroom with 5 people. Well, at any rate, we need to decide today because the docs are already behind because we were out of town that week after the cruise.

Again, thank you for all the gifts and it was great to meet all of you! I'll check back soon! BTW, this was our first Disney cruise, and will not be our last. What a blast!

Diana

Hi Diana, Are you seeking to purchase DVC points as a Resale or through DVC directly? Often times they may allow you to book a 1 bedroom for 5 (but I wouldn't purchase points based on that) but 5 in a studio will not be allowed. Now with the new Animal Kingdom Villas having a 1 bedroom for 5 available, this may be more strictly enforced with only 4 allowed in the other 1 bedrooms. This may require higher points of course than what you were thinking of.

Come visit our DVC boards here on the DIS and you may find some helpful information as well. Good luck!

 

[sharper_fin]

Your bags finally turned up then Deborah? It must seem like you've just got a whole new wardrobe.... and a huge pile of washing & ironing!!!

Seriously, glad you've got it back at last. Hope they compensate you suitably.

Adjusting to the cold & damp back home hasn't been much fun. Jill has had a terrible chesty cough since we got home. I tell her that we should just up & move to somewhere with better weather - how does FLA sound?

Yesterday we booked a two week trip from Calgary to Vancouver in Canada for next June. I know it's a long way away but we have to have something to look forwards to.

Take care everyone

Shaun

 

[scottishwee35]

QUOTE=sharper_fin;20278799]Your bags finally turned up then Deborah? It must seem like you've just got a whole new wardrobe.... and a huge pile of washing & ironing!!!Yes, also feel like xmas to open it and forgot what I had bought from Nice, Marsellies,Oblia!! also disboard gifts

Seriously, glad you've got it back at last. Hope they compensate you suitably.
Yes, glad got it back and nothing missing

Adjusting to the cold & damp back home hasn't been much fun. Jill has had a terrible chesty cough since we got home. I tell her that we should just up & move to somewhere with better weather - how does FLA sound?Oh no, hope Jill is keeping well and I think summer weather is over now

Yesterday we booked a two week trip from Calgary to Vancouver in Canada for next June. I know it's a long way away but we have to have something to look forwards to.Sound great and would love to see Calgary and Vancouver too someday

Take care everyone you too

Shaun[/QUOTE]

Still busy with upload with photos as some are beautiful photos, will do separate photo etc.

Scottishwee35

 

[scottishwee35]

Hi

these photos are on first day of the Cruise, wish I take more photos!!

Scottishwee35