July 22, 2015 * 12-night Northern European Cruise!

[The Wombles]

For the cruise name, DW suggested: Baltic Buccaneers

 

[abayaflowers]

Like many of you, we're planning to spend a couple of days in London before the cruise. Last time we were there, we rode the Hop-on-Hop-off bus for a few hours to get acclimated to the area, then we randomly walked all over town to sight-see. Does anyone know if there's a "Walking Tour of London" brochure or map that we could do this time?

Here's what we are planning:

HOHO bus
Buckingham Palace
Picadilly

Castle tour in Dover

So, we plan 3 days in London and 2 days in Dover.

As I mentioned before, our family loves the Tube/public transportation and making our visit like the Amazing Races

So, my plan is to find out hotel vs. vacation rental - any suggestions from the UK residents would be highly welcomed.

Also, I would like to hear some feedback from those who know whether we can take the train to Dover or should be get a car hire.

Thanks so much!

Geri - OH! Please add us to the FE list.

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

Here's what we are planning:

HOHO bus
Buckingham Palace
Picadilly

Castle tour in Dover

So, we plan 3 days in London and 2 days in Dover.

As I mentioned before, our family loves the Tube/public transportation and making our visit like the Amazing Races

So, my plan is to find out hotel vs. vacation rental - any suggestions from the UK residents would be highly welcomed.

Also, I would like to hear some feedback from those who know whether we can take the train to Dover or should be get a car hire.

Thanks so much!

Geri - OH! Please add us to the FE list.

Firstly check out the FB group Paul is organising a coach trip from Central London to Dover.

You do have trains from London, the first consideration is Dover Priory station isn't that close to the port, you will need a taxi that end with all that luggage and the pier is at the end of a long commercial rout used by truckers.

Trains are operated by Southeastern services you can look on there website, fast trains from St Pancrus slower from London bridge.

I would go with Paul's offer, or if going to Dover early then get the train and stay local so you can walk or get a taxi up to the castle.

Lots of photos of the port and the view of the white cliffs earlier in this thread.

 

[Deb T.]

As I mentioned before, our family loves the Tube/public transportation and making our visit like the Amazing Races

OH! Please add us to the FE list.

To join the FE Exchange, please send me a “Private Message” with the following information:
*Cabin Number
*Names of everyone in your cabin
*Ages of children
*Any allergy considerations
*The size of the FE group you want to be in: No more than 20, No more than 40, No more than 60, or Sky’s the Limit

 

[mindelmouse]

Deb since you don't own the dis I would suggest you stop telling people what to do. I was keeping quiet before but you just don't know what you're talking about. If Wv's info is available that is based on her FB settings and it's her choice to have them there like that. I resent being told what I can and can't talk about. You may have started the thread but you don't own it. This should be a free forum to express thoughts. I agree people should join the group they are comfortable with. I will do the same. I had already said I wasn't going to be part of this group because I don't have time to do both so I'll stay where I am. I hope you have a nice cruise and enjoy you planning.

 

[kmc33]

I second the request to move on and stop discussing the facebook impasse on this thread. It already has been discussed at great length and based on everything I have read, I don't think there is a mutually agreeable solution in this case. So what's the point of perpetuating it? Let's move on to discussing plans for our trip.

I can understand the point of having it searchable on Facebook for others to find it that are not on the DIS boards; however, I also can relate to the privacy concerns. Yes, I understand that your own facebook settings determine what others whom you have not friended can see. Although I think it's naïve to think that your settings can keep everyone out. The fact remains that the public can search and find a Northern European cruise departing on 7/22/15 on Facebook and see a list of full names of people who will be away from their homes for 2 weeks or more. I respect the privacy of those who are not comfortable with this.

 

[mousemom11]

I second the request to move on and stop discussing the facebook impasse on this thread. It already has been discussed at great length and based on everything I have read, I don't think there is a mutually agreeable solution in this case. So what's the point of perpetuating it? Let's move on to discussing plans for our trip.

I can understand the point of having it searchable on Facebook for others to find it that are not on the DIS boards; however, I also can relate to the privacy concerns. Yes, I understand that your own facebook settings determine what others whom you have not friended can see. Although I think it's naïve to think that your settings can keep everyone out. The fact remains that the public can search and find a Northern European cruise departing on 7/22/15 on Facebook and see a list of full names of people who will be away from their homes for 2 weeks or more. I respect the privacy of those who are not comfortable with this.

Amen and hallelujah! Well said Kim.

 

[Deb T.]

10. Start serving all breakfasts and lunches "food station" style.

9. Once a week, have everyone dress in full pirate gear for dinner. After dinner, dance around wildly while talking like a pirate. Arrrrrrrgh

8. Set your children's artwork out on display in the living room, add a row of folding chairs for everyone to sit on, serve a beverage, and then auction off each piece of artwork to the highest bidder.

7. Step outside and lean on a porch or deck railing, gaze wistfully out at your landscape, and comment on how amazing it is that the ocean is spread out before you for as far as you can see.

6. Start "checking" your children in and out of their playroom. If your children want to leave the playroom before you come to get them, tell them they must stand in the doorway and make beeper sounds until you arrive.

5. Draw the DCL logo on tall plastic cups and drink your favorite beverages out of them.

4. Gather everyone in front of the TV each night for the evening “show” (a Disney movie, of course)!

3. Every night, perform a turn-down service for everyone. Place a tiny chocolate bar and a towel animal at the end of each bed and leave a schedule of the next day's activities.

2. Make your family line up outside the dining room to wait for dinner to begin. Before they are allowed to enter, make sure the table is set and their favorite drinks are poured and waiting for them. Give each family member a hand wipe to use before they enter. Oh, and have a 4-course dinner prepared and ready to serve!

And the number one thing to do to help your family prepare for your cruise:
1. Every morning, make a 3-tone chime noise, then make the following announcement in your best Australian Brent accent: "Ladies and Gentlemen, Girls and Boys, in 2 minutes time the forward door will open for all guests to debark for today’s activities. The weather today is going to be (insert forecast) so be sure to take your (insert necessity, i.e. hat and sunglasses) when you disembark the house. And remember, 'all aboard' is at (insert curfew time). Have a magical day!”

 

[mousemom11]

10. Start serving all breakfasts and lunches "food station" style.

9. Once a week, have everyone dress in full pirate gear for dinner. After dinner, dance around wildly while talking like a pirate. Arrrrrrrgh

8. Set your children's artwork out on display in the living room, add a row of folding chairs for everyone to sit on, serve a beverage, and then auction off each piece of artwork to the highest bidder.

7. Step outside and lean on a porch or deck railing, gaze wistfully out at your landscape, and comment on how amazing it is that the ocean is spread out before you for as far as you can see.

6. Start "checking" your children in and out of their playroom. If your children want to leave the playroom before you come to get them, tell them they must stand in the doorway and make beeper sounds until you arrive.

5. Draw the DCL logo on tall plastic cups and drink your favorite beverages out of them.

4. Gather everyone in front of the TV each night for the evening “show” (a Disney movie, of course)!

3. Every night, perform a turn-down service for everyone. Place a tiny chocolate bar and a towel animal at the end of each bed and leave a schedule of the next day's activities.

2. Make your family line up outside the dining room to wait for dinner to begin. Before they are allowed to enter, make sure the table is set and their favorite drinks are poured and waiting for them. Give each family member a hand wipe to use before they enter. Oh, and have a 4-course dinner prepared and ready to serve!

And the number one thing to do to help your family prepare for your cruise:
1. Every morning, make a 3-tone chime noise, then make the following announcement in your best Australian Brent accent: "Ladies and Gentlemen, Girls and Boys, in 2 minutes time the forward door will open for all guests to debark for today’s activities. The weather today is going to be (insert forecast) so be sure to take your (insert necessity, i.e. hat and sunglasses) when you disembark the house. And remember, 'all aboard' is at (insert curfew time). Have a magical day!”

 

[ReadingFC]

Talking of Avebury....If you are considering a trip!

"This morning National Trust Rangers are very carefully moving one of the famous standing stones at the ancient Avebury World Heritage Site.

“Obviously Stone Age man didn’t have daylight saving, so twice a year we have to move one of the stones.” said Hilary Makins, National Trust Head Ranger.

“Avebury is an astonishing monument to the Neolithic people’s ingenuity. We want to make sure the stones are as accurate as they were back when they were put up. Each one weighs several tonnes. It’s a huge effort, but it’s worth it.”

 

[CJCPixieDust]

Hi Lisa,

The concern about having a "closed" group is the amount of personal information that is available to the general public. Some people have expressed being uncomfortable with that much of their personal information being available to the world, including myself and the five others who PM'd me about that.

The 1st FB page was originally requested by DISers already posting on this thread who wanted a "safe" place to chat, plan, and share information about their families. I respect that.

Seriously, folks, let's put the FB issue to rest. Join the 1st group, join the 2nd group, join both, join neither. We're all adults with free will. It's your decision. But let's not bring it up again on this forum, please.

Wow! That's quite an edit, Deb. I have the original if you ever need to refer to the personal information you posted about Lisa on a public forum.

I second the request to move on and stop discussing the facebook impasse on this thread. It already has been discussed at great length and based on everything I have read, I don't think there is a mutually agreeable solution in this case. So what's the point of perpetuating it? Let's move on to discussing plans for our trip.

I can understand the point of having it searchable on Facebook for others to find it that are not on the DIS boards; however, I also can relate to the privacy concerns. Yes, I understand that your own facebook settings determine what others whom you have not friended can see. Although I think it's naïve to think that your settings can keep everyone out. The fact remains that the public can search and find a Northern European cruise departing on 7/22/15 on Facebook and see a list of full names of people who will be away from their homes for 2 weeks or more. I respect the privacy of those who are not comfortable with this.

Kim- Thanks for the kind and respectful response regarding this subject. Nicely said.

 

[disfamilyfun]

I have been away for a few days consumed with family issues and commuting for work.
I am really trying to catch up on everything and I am surprised that I am being told what I can and can't talk about.
Anyway, I hope we keep positive, polite communication as we are grown ups or close to it

 

[kmc33]

Are their any Downton Abbey fans on this trip?? I am wondering if visiting Highclere Castle will be something we can do when we are there (or worth seeing... maybe the resident UK experts have some input on this )

 

[ReadingFC]

Are their any Downton Abbey fans on this trip?? I am wondering if visiting Highclere Castle will be something we can do when we are there (or worth seeing... maybe the resident UK experts have some input on this )

We live in Reading which is about 30 miles from Highclere castle. Tickets are sold out for the open days this year. Not sure when July 2015 goes on sale, I can find out if you want? Ask Celestine about Downton Abbey, she went for tea with the Butler Mr Carson and his wife last year.

 

[CJCPixieDust]

Are their any Downton Abbey fans on this trip?? I am wondering if visiting Highclere Castle will be something we can do when we are there (or worth seeing... maybe the resident UK experts have some input on this )

I have fans in my family! Great idea!

We live in Reading which is about 30 miles from Highclere castle. Tickets are sold out for the open days this year. Not sure when July 2015 goes on sale, I can find out if you want? Ask Celestine about Downton Abbey, she went for tea with the Butler Mr Carson and his wife last year.

Thanks for the information. Celestine's tea sounds very cool. Sounds like it sells out very fast- I'll have to do some research. If you find anything out as a local, please share! Thanks!

 

[kmc33]

We live in Reading which is about 30 miles from Highclere castle. Tickets are sold out for the open days this year. Not sure when July 2015 goes on sale, I can find out if you want? Ask Celestine about Downton Abbey, she went for tea with the Butler Mr Carson and his wife last year.

My husband will be jealous... Mr. Carson is his favorite character on the show.

 

[abayaflowers]

Are their any Downton Abbey fans on this trip?? I am wondering if visiting Highclere Castle will be something we can do when we are there (or worth seeing... maybe the resident UK experts have some input on this )

I am a big fan. However, I might have to put it on our wish list, because no-one in the family are fans.

Maybe, I might have to join you.

 

[Celestine]

My husband will be jealous... Mr. Carson is his favorite character on the show.

Tickets are actually sold out for 2014 & 2015 for group visits. I will call them or pop in on my way past (as I am in Newbury anyway for work) tomorrow and see how best to secure private visit tickets..

(This was posted by ReadingFC, as I forgot that I was sat at Cel's iMac.)

 

[The Wombles]

Are their any Downton Abbey fans on this trip?? I am wondering if visiting Highclere Castle will be something we can do when we are there (or worth seeing... maybe the resident UK experts have some input on this )

We went to Highclere last year for DWs birthday and enjoyed it. It's a huge building although it's not all open to the public. I booked around November 2012 for April 2013, it was fully booked within a short time (I checked again a few weeks later and it was full, but I don't know how fast it actually sold out). If you go, you definitely need to visit the Tutankhamun exhibition in the basement which is really good. Allow 2-3 hours for your visit.

 

[The Wombles]

Talking of Avebury....If you are considering a trip! "This morning National Trust Rangers are very carefully moving one of the famous standing stones at the ancient Avebury World Heritage Site. “Obviously Stone Age man didn’t have daylight saving, so twice a year we have to move one of the stones.” said Hilary Makins, National Trust Head Ranger. “Avebury is an astonishing monument to the Neolithic people’s ingenuity. We want to make sure the stones are as accurate as they were back when they were put up. Each one weighs several tonnes. It’s a huge effort, but it’s worth it.”

Love this, but got to it a day late