July 20th, 2011 – 10 Night Mediterranean "Mickey's European Explorers"

[starmaker]

Hi K8T
I've replied to your pm (let me know if you don't get it!!??) can't seem to find it now in my messages...but it was regarding what I'm doing for the FE etc.

Hi everyone
Hope you're all counting down the days and looking forward to our cruise, it will be good to meet you all at some point - I have no preference to when and where and will just go with the flow! My daughter emailed some of your girls a couple of weeks ago just to check in again, would be good to hear from them again before we set off. She's really looking forward to having some chums in advance of the kids clubs - you know what it's like, sort of safety/confidence in numbers and all that jazz!!

Now must go and crack on with my FE gifts......?????????????

 

[helenreed]

Oh I can't wait kate! Am on a very strict diet pre cruise so I am going to take advantage of everything on offer! I like the sound of the later meet too as I will have to unpack 2 cabins!

 

[Bec-n-Ken]

Hi

Staterooms are usually ready around 1.00pm, so when you board you go and eat and then have time to wander around for a short time.

Make sure you have your swim things in a carry on, as you may not see your bags until late afternoon, 4/5ish!!

If you go to your deck, they have a ribbon type thing across the entrances to the cabin corridors, so you can't get through - they are very busy doing the changeover clean and linen change.

However, when this is lifted, you can go to your cabin, but your bags are unlikely to be there. You then have until 4pm when there is a lifeboat drill, basically it means that everyone (used to take life jackets, but no longer need to I believe), goes to their 'muster station' - the place where you meet to get on your lifeboats. It may be a lounge or restaurant or even on a deck - the location is on the back of your cabin door and written on your life jacket. You get there and you sit or stand around, until they check you are there and then off you go, to await your bags.

The Sailaway party last time was 4.30, although on one of the Meds last year, we had the party, but the ship sailed really later which was a bit weird! The Sailaway finishes half an hour before the first dinner seating, which is at 6.00pm.

3pm is a good time to meet, as there is that bit of time between lunch and then lifeboat. However, I found it very rushed before, as I wanted to go to the Spa to look around and to reserve some tastings for the next day!!! It would have been nicer to have had time to have a drink with everyone, so I think up on deck after lifeboat, just before Sailaway, which starts at 4.30 may be easier, but nothing to stop people meeting at 3pm and then carrying on later!!!

I was just looking at last years Navigator for Day 2 At Sea and they have:

12.30pm Wine Tasting
2.30pm Teguilla/Margarita Tasting
4.00pm Beer Tasting
10.30pm Cognac Tasting.

Could be a busy afternoon!!!!!! (roll on floor, but not laughing!)

Kate

Thanks Kate for all the info! I was sent the Navigator's recently from someone who went on the 11 night cruise at the end of May. I just looked and they apparently did a Beer Tasting at 3pm and Whiskey Tasting at 10pm. I wasn't able to find any other kind of tasting's going on but I could have also overlooked it.
I did notice that they did a Scrapbooking Party on the Day 2 "Day at Sea". Anyone else here does scrapbooking? I do alot of it and plan on taking alot of pictures on this cruise to do a book when we return. Would be great to meet other's who also scrapbook, maybe we can go to the scrapbook party if they have it for our cruise. Let me know.
Thanks!

 

[ch10dad]

Greetings all! Some may remember we were originally booked on this criuse, but had to change it to the mid June trip...

It was a blast!

Definatley do something in Capri!!! Postcard beautiful!!!

Malta - if you are dingo on your own, re-check the bus routes & schedules. As of 7/3 the bus system is nationalized and some routes are re-numbered/different/etc. Info from past postings is likley to be wrong. The good news is that they will be new busses, and more likley to run on time.

Be careful and "big city wary" - there is 20-25% unemployment in the area and there are pick pockets activly working the areas you will be in. Spread out your cash, id, credit cards, etc.

I was pick pocketed in Barcelona. Wallet was in front cargo pocket (w velcro) - didn't hear/notice a thing and having grown up in the suburbs of DC, I tend to be wary of those sort of things. Just be careful.

Over all it was a great trip. Will post more later need to go.
Ray

 

[Ridicolon]

Tell her not to worry, a couple of little bags hung outside will do, I have seen all manner of FE's, from the conventional to the just different! Makes it more fun delivering to see the differences, my dd loves coming around with me. Best gifts have been things from places where people come from, magnets, postcards and of course my dd loves trying the different sweets, can you get those chewy fish things in Canada?

I have added you to the FE No. 1, as we had someone pull out yesterday. I have put on ages, but don't have the names, as for Cabin number you should be able to get this without having to check in. When you log into your Reservaton on the DCL cruise site, it should be on the first page. If not, go to the 'My Reservaton' tab on the left and click through, the Stateroom Number will be half way down.





Sounds like you are getting into this 'board' stuff, tickers, booking more cruises!!!!!

Wouldn't you be better to wait and book on board and then get the benefit of the on board discount?

Just a thought!

Kate

Kate,
Thanks so much for all of your answers to my Qs. The reason we already booked our next cruise is because Disney was running a special for November: book now and kids sail free. That was a better deal than the discount we could get on the ship. Also, Disney told us that since payment is not due until after our cruise, we can rebook on board in July and then cancel our existing reservation. My DH is the "travel agent" in the house so I let him take care of it all.

 

[Ridicolon]

My 3 DDs all got new luggage today! They are ready to pack. We leave July 12 to start our trip to Europe. We will visit London, Paris, and Barcelona before boarding the ship. Our challenge will be to pack for 24 days in only 1 suitcase!!

Any great suggestions for London, Paris, Barcelona. We will be traveling with 6 girls age 10-13, grandparents, and 4 adults?

 

[Ridicolon]

Love the ears!!! I'll have to work on that as well.

No problem with NewMommy joining FE...

 

[ch10dad]

Here's the issue... we wanted to get all of us DCL Med shirts, btu by the time we went to make the purchase they were out of XL (what I wear). On board they sugguested I call Mdse Guest Services, which I did, but they could not help me exchange or sell me the shirt.

Would someone be willing to buy me the dark blue DCL Med tshirt and meet me (I live in the Tampa FL area) or mail it to me? Obvioulsy I will pay for the shirt and any mailing costs...

Please...
Ray

 

[IncredibleDad]

Hi K8T,

My post count isn't high enough to PM you. May you please pm me your email address and I'll send you all the info you need.

Thx!

Ed

 

[ch10dad]

If anyone has information on the following questions, I'd appreciate it:

*Can you use a Disney Gift Card on the ship?
*Can you use the wave phone off of the ship?
*Will there be Taxis at the port when we get off the ship in Barcelona to get us to the airport?
*Can kids wear "cute" shorts to dinner?

Thanks in advance for your input!!

Disney Gift Card on ship
Maybe, depends on how you got it. If it was part of the park birthday promotion - no.

Wave phones
Only work on ship.

Taxi's in Barcelona
Yes, they que up and there were plenty.

Most ports had plenty of taxi's avalible if you wanted one.

Cute shorts...
Probably. They generally do not turn you away based on what you are wearing, but I have not seen anyone test the limits to the extremes - ie bathing suits to dinner, etc. Shorts on kids should be fine.

r

 

[ch10dad]

Okay, I must admit i don't know my POTC movies very well. The one showing on the ship is the most recent one - is that 3 or 4??

The most recent one is 4, and you will have plenty of chances to see it and Cars II if you like

r

 

[ch10dad]

That's great news, thanks everyone! Wife's freaking out a bit as she just found out what an FE looked like and we don't have one yet. Ah well, we'll be ready. To have some point of reference around the gifts, what are some of the best FE's you've given/received?

Don't have our cabin # yet as we're waiting for one last passport renewal in order to check in online. Will get you that asap.

Have a great day everyone!

Ed

Don't worry about the FE.

We made one 20 min before going to bed the night before a cruise (looks like it too) - but the kids were happ with it, and it has served us well.

I have seen pinned up pante, shirts, hand bags, and some very intricate hand made items.

The idea is to have fun.

My kids are always thrilled when they come back to the cabin and there is something in the bag. - no matter what it is.

R

 

[Ridicolon]

Disney Gift Card on ship
Maybe, depends on how you got it. If it was part of the park birthday promotion - no.

Wave phones
Only work on ship.

Taxi's in Barcelona
Yes, they que up and there were plenty.

Most ports had plenty of taxi's avalible if you wanted one.

Cute shorts...
Probably. They generally do not turn you away based on what you are wearing, but I have not seen anyone test the limits to the extremes - ie bathing suits to dinner, etc. Shorts on kids should be fine.

r

Thanks for the info! It is great to hear from someone fresh off the boat!!

 

[helenreed]

My 3 DDs all got new luggage today! They are ready to pack. We leave July 12 to start our trip to Europe. We will visit London, Paris, and Barcelona before boarding the ship. Our challenge will be to pack for 24 days in only 1 suitcase!!

Any great suggestions for London, Paris, Barcelona. We will be traveling with 6 girls age 10-13, grandparents, and 4 adults?

You must try Ducktours in London, it's an amphibious craft that takes you on a guided tour and ends up in the Thames!

 

[K8T]

Hi K8T,

My post count isn't high enough to PM you. May you please pm me your email address and I'll send you all the info you need.

Thx!

Ed

Done!

My 3 DDs all got new luggage today! They are ready to pack. We leave July 12 to start our trip to Europe. We will visit London, Paris, and Barcelona before boarding the ship. Our challenge will be to pack for 24 days in only 1 suitcase!!

Any great suggestions for London, Paris, Barcelona. We will be traveling with 6 girls age 10-13, grandparents, and 4 adults?

I understand about the reduced booked, great move. I wish my otherhalf would take an interest in the holidays!

Not sure how long you are in London, hopefully your hotel is somewhere near the centre. There is just so much to do. I lived there while, when I worked at the BBC. There is so much to see, it is difficult to pick out the best.

The Duck is good. So is a Hop on Hop Off bus that incorporates a trip down the Thames to the Tower of London, definately go into the Tower, see the Crown Jewels. You can buy a 24 hour HOHO ticket and this takes you up to the Tower. Make sure you do the trip with river, London looks very different from the water and they people who do the tour are very informative and amusing.

Make time to go to Hamleys (biggest toy store in the world). Also if you can, go to Harrods, go to the food hall. If you want a typical English Tea, treat yourself to either the afternoon tea at the Ritz, or the Savoy, costs as much as a good lunch, but you will eat as much too - don't be frightened to ask for more sandwiches and scones if you need them! Fortunum & Mason - another upper class joint!, are also good for a look and restaurant.

London Eye is good for a great view. Covent Garden is great to wander around - take time to watch the street entertainers. If you are towards the Hyde Park area, go in and look at the Peter Pan statue and the play area there.

Use the Underground - safe and easy - but avoid very late at night. Jump a black cab, they are good value within the centre of London.

Go to a real Pub, not a fake one! Try one down Shepherds Market, just off Berkeley Square /Curzon Street, called The Grapes, I used to go there A LOT!! Have fish and chips, put lots of salt and vinegar on them!

If the kids like gory - visit the London Dungeons also Madam Tussauds Wax works is just plain weird and funny!

Central London is easy to navigate with a good A-Z. Get a ticket that lets you use the Tube and Buses, you can then jump on a bus up at Picadilly and jump off it a bit further down - just ding the bell for the next stop!

Try and take in a show in the West End, there is a cheap ticket office in Leicester Square, that does cheap theatre tickets for shows that day, or the next. If you don't mind sitting together you can get 'returns' at really reduced prices.

I am sure others will have many more ideas. Have a great time.

Kate

 

[jdybnsn]

Here's the issue... we wanted to get all of us DCL Med shirts, btu by the time we went to make the purchase they were out of XL (what I wear). On board they sugguested I call Mdse Guest Services, which I did, but they could not help me exchange or sell me the shirt.

Would someone be willing to buy me the dark blue DCL Med tshirt and meet me (I live in the Tampa FL area) or mail it to me? Obvioulsy I will pay for the shirt and any mailing costs...

Please...
Ray

I don't know how long you might be prepared to wait, but we are visiting Anna Marie Island for a week next February (will be driving from Orlando) ...that is somewhere in your area isn't it ?!
Postage from the UK to the US is silly money unless you are so desperate !

Do you have a picture of the shirt ?

 

[scottishwee35]

Greetings all! Some may remember we were originally booked on this criuse, but had to change it to the mid June trip...

It was a blast!

Definatley do something in Capri!!! Postcard beautiful!!!

Malta - if you are dingo on your own, re-check the bus routes & schedules. As of 7/3 the bus system is nationalized and some routes are re-numbered/different/etc. Info from past postings is likley to be wrong. The good news is that they will be new busses, and more likley to run on time.

Be careful and "big city wary" - there is 20-25% unemployment in the area and there are pick pockets activly working the areas you will be in. Spread out your cash, id, credit cards, etc.

I was pick pocketed in Barcelona. Wallet was in front cargo pocket (w velcro) - didn't hear/notice a thing and having grown up in the suburbs of DC, I tend to be wary of those sort of things. Just be careful.

Over all it was a great trip. Will post more later need to go.
Ray

Ray

Glad to hear about your good times with Magic...

Oh I know Barcelona is high crime about pick pocket and same with Rome too...

We went to Med07 it was fab times... we saw Chinese lady was very upset and her video camera was stolen at the park...at Barcelona

Judy

How are you? I think this ship is sold out....

Won't be long now 18 days to go wow...

 

[jdybnsn]

Ray

Judy

How are you? I think this ship is sold out....

Won't be long now 18 days to go wow...

Hi Deborah,

We are sorry you won't be joining us this time

Can't believe this cruise is sold out at the prices they were asking a few months ago...even for an inside gty ........so glad we re-booked last year on board, or we simply would not be going..

Its our first time in a 'secret verandah' cabin , first time on deck 7, and first time I have cruised with DH in the Summer months .....so looking forward to this cruise for so many different reasons !

 

[Magic-Rose]

Our DD will be 16, and don't worry: they'll have great fun at the Stack !!!

These kids are going to have a BALL! My daughter is already packed and ready to go - we are making our FE for our door now....I am NOT crafty, but it should work

 

[jks]

Done!

If the kids like gory - visit the London Dungeons also Madam Tussauds Wax works is just plain weird and funny!

Central London is easy to navigate with a good A-Z. Get a ticket that lets you use the Tube and Buses, you can then jump on a bus up at Picadilly and jump off it a bit further down - just ding the bell for the next stop!

Try and take in a show in the West End, there is a cheap ticket office in Leicester Square, that does cheap theatre tickets for shows that day, or the next. If you don't mind sitting together you can get 'returns' at really reduced prices.

I am sure others will have many more ideas. Have a great time.

Kate

If you want to do attractions Like Tussards, London Dungeon, Check Last minute.com, they can be quite a bit cheaper,