July 18, 2007 07-18-07 Med Cruise

[smilis]

Our travel docs came yesterday (Friday) too, and as it's now two weeks till we travel, Jill yesterday said those magic words... "if you want to take it with you, then don't wear it from now on"!

Shaun,
Tell you're wife I beat her too it. I told my DH last Monday after doing laundry that what clothes were laid out on the extra bed he couldn't wear. I'm getting so anxious, I'm almost ready to start putting things in the suitcases.

Sandy

 

[shortkathleen]

No cruise docs here yet! Are they coming UPS in the states?

Kathleen

 

[tinkerbell_29]

Crackberry hehe. I don't think I've ever heard it called that before! Luckily for me e-mail is my primary means of communication for work right now given it is the summer and, what do you know, I won't have a computer with me! Annnnd I won't be checking that e-mail on the ship!

Tinkerbell, I saw you said you teach, too. What subject?

Also, I believe on board they have a DVC rep if you'd like to find out more about the program.

Talk to you all later!

But first...the happy dance x2

Hey Disteach ,
I teach the little ones last year before I took a leave of abscenses was pre-k and K next school year I'm hoping to move up to third grade. I love the little guys but after awhile they can wear you out.
I will have my laptop with me. May not use it much or at all but since we have verizon which won't work over there it is our only means for family to contact us if necessary with out having to call the ship.
Lissa

 

[DisTeach]

I teach the little ones last year before I took a leave of abscenses was pre-k and K next school year I'm hoping to move up to third grade. I love the little guys but after awhile they can wear you out.

Bless you for taking on the little kiddies! I really like the young children, but I would go absolutely bonkers if I had to teach them lol. So, I stick to high school English; I think they were getting tired of my being so excited for this vacation. They know I am a Disney nut and think it's kind of dorky haha.

 

[DisTeach]

No cruise docs here yet! Are they coming UPS in the states?

My documents did come UPS, but they arrived when I was in the shower so I didn't have to sign for them. The delivery guy left them outside. I was nervous leaving the house seeing them all by themselves subject to the elements lol. I know some others on our thread were saying they had to sign, so just be aware that you might not have to. I live in Chicago and they came yesterday, so yours should also be at your home any day now!

 

[nzdisneymom]

The VIP Pisa excursion opened up tonight so I switched our regular Pisa tour to the VIP Pisa. It is in the afternoon just like the Pisa one, so that will still be good for the day following Rome. With that done, I'm settled with our excursions and don't plan to make any additional changes.

 

[colleenlg]

Colleen,

How many people are on your tour? We booked Amalfi Coast and Pompeii for 550 Euros for five of us. I thought this was expensive, but it seemed that all the suggestions that I received from Cruise Critic website were the same. We are also doing a private tour in Rome. We had a quote of 500 E with another 140 E for a private tour of the Vatican. We are still struggling whether we should do them or not, but with three kids, we thought it might be easier for them than trying to travel on our own, or on a bus all day.

Anyone else have any ideas? We also thought about doing the Chocolate Factory tour, La Cinta beach and the wine tasting in Marselles. We might also add the Day on the Farm in Palermo. We were going to do this on our own, but the review that I read on this site seemed so great and yummy, I don't know that we can pass it up!

We have 2 adults and oe 2-year-old (for whom they don't usually charge). We decided to go for the private tour after all. We are going to do the Chocolate Factory in Barcelona on our own since we have 4 days there (3 days before, 1 day after), we're doing La Cinta Beach & we are signed up for Day on the Farm in Sicily. I've heard great things about the Day on the Farm - even though it is an all-day excursion, it seems pretty mellow & I think our little one will LOVE it as she loves animals and adored seeing the pigs and cows, etc at the recent county fair!

Is anyone else doing the Day on the Farm tour?

 

[sharper_fin]

I can't wait to get there now, if only to get away from the rain! I don't know if you've seen it on your TV news, but here in Yorkshire, England we've had terrible flooding for the last couple of weeks, the worst here since records began (400+years). People have drowned, houses ruined. Five feet or more of fllodwater as rivers burst their banks. My house was cut off for a couple of days last week, had a frightening journey home as roaads were being closed all around us, it's been a bit 'interesting'. So let's get this cruise started and let's finally get some summer!!!

Oh, and it's STILL raining...

On a different note, I've seen the video podcasts on the DCL site, but are there any audio-only ones (like, I'm sooooooo last year!)? These would be great to get us in the mood.

Thanks

Shaun

 

[scottishwee35]

I can't wait to get there now, if only to get away from the rain! I don't know if you've seen it on your TV news, but here in Yorkshire, England we've had terrible flooding for the last couple of weeks, the worst here since records began (400+years). People have drowned, houses ruined. Five feet or more of fllodwater as rivers burst their banks. My house was cut off for a couple of days last week, had a frightening journey home as roaads were being closed all around us, it's been a bit 'interesting'. So let's get this cruise started and let's finally get some summer!!!

Oh, and it's STILL raining...

On a different note, I've seen the video podcasts on the DCL site, but are there any audio-only ones (like, I'm sooooooo last year!)? These would be great to get us in the mood.

Thanks

Shaun

Hello Shaun

I think it is very sad for Yorkshire people espeicaly it is Summer times as very bad weather as lots of raining in our area well. Worst summer I ever see this year.

I cannot wait to go on Cruise and hope it will be lovely weather for a change!!

Scottishwee35

 

[scottishwee35]

The VIP Pisa excursion opened up tonight so I switched our regular Pisa tour to the VIP Pisa. It is in the afternoon just like the Pisa one, so that will still be good for the day following Rome. With that done, I'm settled with our excursions and don't plan to make any additional changes.

Hi Cindy

That is great that you change to VIP Pisa.

I am keeping change my mind well and cancel the little train in Marsellie, and cancel little train in monaco as We are going to have private tour at Villefranche our with in law and other two dis. That is only one we are going with Private as other times with dcl excursions.

I asked my father in law if he want go with my husband to evening casino as I want stay on the Cruise to see the Pirate Night and I don't want to miss it as have a fun with my children. He said yes he will go with my husband.

14 days today and

I cannot believe terriorists at Glasgow Airport, Ibiza (Span) and at London.

Now I start organise the clothes and will do some packing

Have a nice day

Scottishwee35

 

[todds34]

The VIP Pisa excursion opened up tonight so I switched our regular Pisa tour to the VIP Pisa. It is in the afternoon just like the Pisa one, so that will still be good for the day following Rome. With that done, I'm settled with our excursions and don't plan to make any additional changes.

Cindy

I did exactly the same thing last night and changed from Pisa to VIP Pisa as my DD really wants to climb the leaning tower. I think I have finished playing around with our excursions so here is the final list.

Palermo - Mondello Beach
Naples - The Hidden Treasures of Herculaneum
Olbia - La Cinta Beach
Rome - Jumping back to Eternal Rome
La Spezia - VIP Pisa

Only 2 weeks until we fly to Barcelona and only 17 days till we cruise .

I think I will start looking out our stuff for packing today as it is raining again and I don't fancy going out. I can't wait for the sunny weather of the Med.

Hope everyone has a nice day and see you all very soon

Andrea

 

[todds34]

I can't wait to get there now, if only to get away from the rain! I don't know if you've seen it on your TV news, but here in Yorkshire, England we've had terrible flooding for the last couple of weeks, the worst here since records began (400+years). People have drowned, houses ruined. Five feet or more of fllodwater as rivers burst their banks. My house was cut off for a couple of days last week, had a frightening journey home as roaads were being closed all around us, it's been a bit 'interesting'. So let's get this cruise started and let's finally get some summer!!!

Oh, and it's STILL raining...

On a different note, I've seen the video podcasts on the DCL site, but are there any audio-only ones (like, I'm sooooooo last year!)? These would be great to get us in the mood.

Thanks

Shaun

Shaun

The flooding in Yorkshire is terrible and it seems like it will still take days to subside. Has your house been ok? Just keep thinking about the cruise and the sunny Med weather and hopefully that will keep you going.

Have you seen the news re the Glasgow airport terrorist attack? Shocking, but at least no one was killed. I hope everything is back to normal for our flights in 2 weeks and that there are no other terrible events.

I hope it stops raining for you soon.

Andrea

 

[nzdisneymom]

Andrea - is your VIP Pisa in the afternoon? If so, then it looks like we're doing Rome and Pisa together

I told DH last night that I'm glad we have a non-stop flight to Barcelona because if anything terrible is happening at an airport either going or coming, we won't be stuck somewhere else trying to either get to the ship or get home. It's so tragic that things happen and I'm praying for a totally uneventful flight over and back, including our time in the airports.

Sorry to read about all the rain. We could use some here in Florida but not as much as other areas are getting. Even parts of the midwest US have gotten too much / flooding. We had thunderstorms yesterday but only a little rain. I am planning to start checking the weather for our Italian ports this week to see the 10-day forecasts to get an idea of what we'll experience in a couple of weeks.

I'm ready to start packing but have to hold off as we need some of our clothing items this week and early next. But then again, maybe I'll go ahead and pack and just wear the same remaining outfits more often (and do more laundry). I could pack the boys as they have enough shorts and t-shirts to clothe an army. Maybe I'll do that today to make progress. Wish we had an extra bedroom to pack in. Oh well.

Have a great Sunday everyone! And BTW, our Med Cruise is THIS MONTH!

 

[scottishwee35]

Cindy

I did exactly the same thing last night and changed from Pisa to VIP Pisa as my DD really wants to climb the leaning tower. I think I have finished playing around with our excursions so here is the final list.

Palermo - Mondello Beach
Naples - The Hidden Treasures of Herculaneum
Olbia - La Cinta Beach
Rome - Jumping back to Eternal Rome
La Spezia - VIP Pisa

Only 2 weeks until we fly to Barcelona and only 17 days till we cruise .

I think I will start looking out our stuff for packing today as it is raining again and I don't fancy going out. I can't wait for the sunny weather of the Med.

Hope everyone has a nice day and see you all very soon

Andrea

Hello Andrea

two weeks today that we will flight to Barcelona Hope no more terrorists

This morning, my husband and I went to M&S and my husband bought lots of nice clothes and new italy style light jacket well. Look very smart
And I was looking at VIP Visa as sound good but it is not good for my daughter as must be over 8. So we stick with Pisa.

Now I better start orgnised the clothes etc today.

(My friend are coming to Panama Canal with us next year and we are looking for flights and they will booking it today with Flyglobespan.)

Scottishwee35

 

[wendy151950]

Well, I tried to switch to VIP Pisa but apparently there was room for only 1 more person, not 2! The good news is that by others switching to this one, I could change to regular Pisa in the PM so we can sleep in!

I think I'm done switching things around. I'm getting a little obsessed. DD wants to do water things (which I can't figure out since she didn't like the ocean when we were going to FL to see my parents ) but it is her vacation too. We are doing the boat ride to Zingaro Park in Palermo, Herculaneum in Naples, Rome on Your Own (may still cancel this one and just do the train), Pisa and Day at the Beach in Villafranche.

In the later morning (around 10am after my spa) we're going hunting for a stanton store in Marseille my aunt who lived in Aix highly recommended and then going to tour around on our own. If anyone wants to join us, please let me know. My aunt has been collecting stantons and they are all from this shop and quite beautiful. It doesn't look like it is very far from the port and is in the old section of Marseille which she says is beautiful to see. We're also not scheduled for anything in Olbia - not sure what we'll do there.

 

[CarolAnnC]

Good morning fellow cruisers! I was shocked to see the Glasgow bombing on the news last evening. So horrible and frightening as well. The US has been on Orange Alert anyway since last fall, so I do not think much will change for our airport security concerns, but they have beefed up the security and TSA staff here in Chicago at O'Hare.

Anyway, we attended Ribfest yesterday, a Chicago suburb festival of food, games, and attractions! We had so much fun! We stuffed ourselves and even brought home some rib dinners for last night/today. We found ourselves on the news last night as we were at the front, and John was actually the first one in through the gate, lol. My MIL called from Florida where they live so excited to see us on WGN newscast!

Today I am heading upstairs and spending some time going over the cruise wardrobe, lol. I am trying to consolidate items so as not to have overweight luggage. I was going to wear something very relaxed for the flight, but I am rethinking that to wearing an outfit that would be suitable for excursions and even dinner. So afraid reading of the many folks who have had lost luggage on the flights over, yikes. We will pack essentials and a bathing suit with a change of clothes in carry ons.

I will pop on here later though to read up on all of your posts! I get so excited when I open the Cruise Meet Board and find out thread near the top, lol.

 

[wendy151950]

We did some shopping around yesterday for some small pirate clothing for pirate night. Want to be in the spirit but not fill the suitcase.

At the Disney Store, DD bought a cool tri-corner hat with attached hair a la Jack Sparrow. At Claire's (do they have these everywhere?), we found other Pirates of the Caribean jewelry and some cool skull and cross bone scarves. The hat is soft, by the way, so it should be ok to pack in a suitcase.

 

[seaulater]

Well, two weeks from now we will have already arrived in Dublin Ireland and have been there all day. We are planning on two days in Ireland before flying to Barcelona first thing Tuesday morning. On Tuesday, plan on spending the day sightseeing again in Barcelona since our daughter hasn't been there. We have a 5 p.m. tour with Edgar at Barcelona Glides (Segway Tours). Since we enjoyed it so much with him in May, we are taking our daughter on it this time. Something she really wants to do.

Then Wed. a.m. we plan on going to the Chocolate Museum to get my chocolate fix! Had it booked with DCL, but for some reason they cancelled, so we are going to just do it on our own. (looking at the map, it is real easy to get to.) Then it will be time to board the ship!

YIPPEE! We've been off the Magic now 35 days and we will be back on the Magic in only 18 days! Can't believe we are headed back over to Barcelona to get on the ship.

Okay, housework and shopping to do!

 

[seaulater]

By the way, went to the $100 store yesterday (Costco) and spent $350!

Bought a new Casio 10.1 EX Z1050 digital camera. Our friend in California has the 8.1 and loves it. She owns a business and does alot of Disney stuff. Swears by hers.

Decided I didn't want to haul our huge Canon Digital Rebel back across the world and especially since we are going to be doing so many tours in the ports, didn't want that big heavy thing. Now we have got something that will fit right inside the front of my fanny pack and won't have to worry about someone snatching it from us!

Now, I have to learn everything about it in the next two week. YIKES!

 

[todds34]

Cindy

Yes the VIP Pisa is in the afternoon, this was the only 1 that was available. So at least we can sleep in after our hectic day in Rome .

Deborah

Did not stay in today after all we went to the Gyle shopping and drove past Edinburgh airport and the queues of traffic in both directions trying to get to the airport were horrendous. People were getting out of their cars and walking with their luggage from way before the roundabout at the dual carriage way. I hope it clears up for our flights in 2 weeks. Great to hear that you have friends joining you on the Panama Canal cruise . What time is your flight to London on the 15th?


I have finished buying all my gifts for the gift swap . I only hope I have enough room and weight allowance to get them to the ship . I started off planning to buy aroung 20 but with all our recent new Dis friends it has gone up to around the 30 mark. I only hope I bring enough for everyone.

I have 3 things planned for the rest of today and they are all cruise related, I am going to sort our all my DCL paperwork so I can take copies of anything important at work tomorrow, I am going to phone my credit card company to let them know I will be travelling and finally I am going to start the for the shorts and t shirts we will be taking as these have not been out of the suitcase since last year due to the bad weather we get here in Scotland.

Wishing you all a Magical Day .

Andrea