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

[Jon G]

Just found out today that a lovely family we met last year on the 12 night Venice cruise are also joining us on this one.

They are from Canada. John, Michelle, Collette and Maxwell. The numbers are growing!!

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

Just found out today that a lovely family we met last year on the 12 night Venice cruise are also joining us on this one. They are from Canada. John, Michelle, Collette and Maxwell. The numbers are growing!!

Sounds good.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[The Wombles]

If you are interested in a trip down here to Bath, Avebury and Lacock then here is one more within a few miles http://www.castle-combe.com, "the prettiest village in England".

 

[Deb T.]

Oops. DIS wires must have been crossed as I was attempting to update Post #1.

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

ROLL CALL Deb T.: Deb & DH Melcatfish: Mel & Darren, Isabelle (10), Olivia (7) disfamilyfun: Malikah, daughter Rifqa (18), and mother Ellen BethieTink: Bethie & Paulie The Wombles: Dave & DW, DS17, DS16, DD14 [Resident UK Experts!] mousemom11: Becky, DD16, DD14 DisneySpirit: DH & DW ElizCanning: DW & DH, 16, 19, 5 TexasGolfDad: DH & DW, DS8 krisinparis: DW & DH, DS11, DD7 *Bambi-Bell*: Laura & Alan, Connor (16), possibly Liam (20) mum&son: Kim, Struan (15) LynnTarrant: Lynn & Keith ctnurse: DW & DH, DS (11), DD (2) Celestine: [ReadingFC's DW] Celestine & Paul, Lauren (15), Hermione (10) ReadingFC: [Celestine’s DH] Paul & Celestine, Lauren (15), Hermione (10) DISNEY FANTASY: family of four mindelmouse: DW & DH, DS (14), DD (14) wvuflu: Lisa & Rich, Maggie (12), Connor (10) HAMLIE: Hollie, Amaya (7) ynspire: Yvonne & Blair, Ariane (11), Blake (11) kayochan: DW & DH, DS (11), DS (8) kmc33: Kim & John, Luke (16) pennymike: Mike & Penny KatieG73: Katie & Donald, DD Niamh (14) CJCPixieDust: DW & DH, DS (16), DD (13) redcoral33: DW & DH, DD (12) Jon G: Jon & Maria, Lauren (15) tink,too: DW & DH abayaflowers: Geri & DH, DD (15), DD (12) ICEMANPAD: Chuck & Lisa, Mason (15) Philip Colmer: Philip & DW FISH EXTENDER EXCHANGE I’ve organized eleven FE Exchanges so far and would be more than happy to do it again for this sailing. I like to keep it fun and simple, so I won’t specify any themes or assigned delivery days. It will be up to you whether you want to do one gift per cabin or individual gifts for everyone in each cabin. FE Exchanges are very popular, so the number of participants can get quite large, especially as the cruise date nears. Therefore, I would like to know upfront how many cabins you are comfortable exchanging with so that I can coordinate the groups accordingly. (I’ve been on cruises with well over 100 FE participants. Some people panic at such a large group, and some people think “the more the merrier”. If I know your comfort level ahead of time, it will make setting up the exchange groups much easier and you will have a more positive experience.) To give everyone time to prepare, the deadline to join the FE Exchange will be FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 2015. I will then send Private Messages to all participants on Saturday, June 20, 2015, with all the details of your FE group. 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 FE PARTICIPANTS: Deb T. – Sky’s the Limit LynnTarrant - Sky's the Limit Celestine – Sky’s the Limit The Wombles - Sky's the Limit Melcatfish – No more than 20 mum&son – No more than 20 ICEMANPAD – Sky’s the Limit FACEBOOK PAGE This FB page is set to “secret” so that only fellow cruisers can see personal information about members. If you are not a member yet, you will see an “error” page when you click on the link below. To join, please send a Private Message to mousemom11 with your email address. She will then send you an invitation to join the group. https://www.facebook.com/groups/320556281425043/ PRIVATE COACH FROM LONDON TO DOVER Celestine & DH (ReadingFC) have organized a private coach from London to Dover for £20 per person (roughly US$30pp), which includes drinks, nibbles & candy. Please send a Private Message to Celestine if you would like to sign up. If you are new to the DIS Boards: *You will need ten posts before you can send a PM. *To send me a PM, click on my name in the upper left-hand side of this box and then click on "Send Deb T. a Private Message".

Thank you, nice summary, ! Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[Deb T.]

My wife & I will be sailing on this cruise, our 5th with DCL.

As UK residents, it will be our first where we haven't had to fly anywhere first, so we are definitely looking forward to that!

Looking forward to the discussions on this thread and seeing what people recommend for the various ports of call.

Philip

Philip Colmer and wife!

 

[CJCPixieDust]

Okay, Folks, I just spent the better part of my evening re-reading all 12 pages of our Meets thread, plus the many PM's I've received over the last two days regarding the two FB pages and the desire to merge it into one group.

In order to look at the full picture, I've quoted all the posts regarding FB (edited to just reflect the FB part of the post), in chronological order, and noted whether they were talking about the first or second FB page. I'm not going to reveal the names of the people who've sent me PM's about this, but I can tell you that all five of them were in favor of the first FB page that was set up on this thread, the one that does not show personal information, and would also like to have just one dedicated FB page.

So, as much as I have been trying to avoid it, I guess I'm the one forced to make an executive decision here because some are strongly advocating to use only one FB page, which makes sense.

1st FB page


1st FB page


1st FB page


1st FB page


2nd FB page


2nd FB page


1st FB page?


1st FB page


Diplomatic Deb


Had already joined the 1st FB page




1st FB page


1st FB page


1st FB page


1st FB page


1st FB page, and has now joined the 2nd FB page, too


2nd FB page


1st FB page


1st FB page?


1st FB page




So, after careful review, it is my unbiased decision as OP, based solely on what I have gleaned from public and private posts, as well as the number of members currently in each group (1st-21, 2nd-13), that this Meets thread will officially continue to use the 1st FB page. Of course, this really means nothing, as I am most definitely not the Great and Powerful Wizard of Oz, although I did sleep in a Holiday Inn once. But, I sincerely hope that everyone will come together to help make this cruise fun and memorable. After all, that is the purpose of this Meets thread and a FB page.

Thanks so much for going through all the posts and making a suggestion. I am absolutely in favor of one Facebook group and am, of course, concerned about online privacy, but just want to make sure people are aware about what it means for a group to be secret instead of closed. If the group remains secret, it cannot be searched on Facebook, so the only access to it is via this thread. I'm concerned that we will miss many people who are not on the DIS if it's a secret group. Previous groups I've been in had a mix of DIS and non-DIS, which worked really well. I'm very concerned about online safety, but as long as your Facebook privacy settings are tight, all that's seen is your name and no other personal information. I don't want to be a pest and keep bringing it up, but I thought it was worth throwing out there. I have no idea what has been discussed in private messages, but it didn't seem like a huge concern publicly to have a closed group- please correct me if I'm wrong. I'd personally love to see a closed group with admins from both the Facebook groups (the person who started each group could admin the second group together) to be as inclusive as possible. It seems both of the groups already started having lively discussions, which is awesome so early in the planning process, and I know there are members of the second group that are not on the DIS. Thanks for reading and considering. Looking forward to fun planning and an awesome trip for all of us!

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

Thanks so much for going through all the posts and making a suggestion. I am absolutely in favor of one Facebook group and am, of course, concerned about online privacy, but just want to make sure people are aware about what it means for a group to be secret instead of closed. If the group remains secret, it cannot be searched on Facebook, so the only access to it is via this thread. I'm concerned that we will miss many people who are not on the DIS if it's a secret group. Previous groups I've been in had a mix of DIS and non-DIS, which worked really well. I'm very concerned about online safety, but as long as your Facebook privacy settings are tight, all that's seen is your name and no other personal information. I don't want to be a pest and keep bringing it up, but I thought it was worth throwing out there. I have no idea what has been discussed in private messages, but it didn't seem like a huge concern publicly to have a closed group- please correct me if I'm wrong. I'd personally love to see a closed group with admins from both the Facebook groups (the person who started each group could admin the second group together) to be as inclusive as possible. It seems both of the groups already started having lively discussions, which is awesome so early in the planning process, and I know there are members of the second group that are not on the DIS. Thanks for reading and considering. Looking forward to fun planning and an awesome trip for all of us!

Very nice post! I think it should be considered.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[krisinparis]

Coach to Dover Update....

Have initial price, but I will squeeze more out of them, which I will use to buy drinks,nibbles & candy for the passengers. I am going to set the price at £20 (roughly $30) per person for the trip to Dover from London.

Let Celestine or I know by PM if you haven't already registered an interest.

Thanks so much for organizing this! The Flores Family can't wait to meet some fellow cruisers!

 

[Deb T.]

...

 

[mum&son]

It would be my hope, though, that we could all be one happy DIS group.

Peace out.

Well said

 

[mindelmouse]

That's fine...you have your facebook page and we'll keep the open one that people can find. This is not a dictatorship where we only need to have one. Those who want to meet other FB people and not just DIS people are welcome to join us. We are a nice and friendly group who all met on a previous cruise and hope others join us as well. I too think too much time and effort has been spent discussing the issue and everyone needs to do what is good for them. Since only DIS people will ever get into the FB group, why bother having it, you can talk here.

I personally don't have time to be active in both and FB is far easier for me to access. I would love to meet all of you and we truly are nice people. we just want to be inclusive and not exclusive.

I completely hear and understand what you are saying. I also completely hear and understand what others have posted and sent through PM's. I feel I have been dragged into this situation and I have spent more time pondering this issue than you could imagine... and I am truly the LAST person who wants to be involved.

I tried to be diplomatic and offer to put both FB pages' information on Page 1, but people have been clamoring for there to be only one FB page. IMHO, WAY more time has been spent on this topic on this thread than necessary. The point of this thread is to meet and plan for our cruise, not to fuss over "which FB page to use". That is exactly why I decided to spend the time going through every post and PM, and then consider EVERYONE's thoughts and opinions.

Taking all things into consideration, as long as posters on this thread want one FB page, the most fair and best decision I can make is to keep the 1st FB page. I'm sorry for those who do not agree, but I'm done. Those who are happier with the 2nd FB Page are more than welcome to continue with it, as well. It would be my hope, though, that we could all be one happy DIS group.

Peace out.

 

[kayochan]

Hi again kayochan,

I've given this a little more thought. My preference would be to join a tour such as this one http://www.toursfromantiquity.com/, which in addition to Stonehenge offers a visit to the City of Bath (a beautiful Cotswold City with superb Roman Baths) and Avebury (Stonehenge's bigger, older brother).

I'll admit to being biassed about these since we live between Bath and Avebury, but Bath was only the second City in the World to get World Heritage status (after Florence) and at Avebury you can touch the stones; it has an enormous scale which dwarves Stonehenge and includes the enormous Silbury Hill and the amazing West Kennet Longbarrow.

More about the City of Bath here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bath,_Somerset and

more about Avebury here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avebury

and West Kennet Longbarrow here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Kennet_Long_Barrow

Whatever you chose to do, have a great trip.

Thank you Dave for the recommendation and the helpful links! Reading these make me want to fly in a few more extra days prior to the cruise so we can go see as many places as we can!

 

[CJCPixieDust]

I completely hear and understand what you are saying. I also completely hear and understand what others have posted and sent through PM's. I feel I have been dragged into this situation and I have spent more time pondering this issue than you could imagine... and I am truly the LAST person who wants to be involved.

I tried to be diplomatic and offer to put both FB pages' information on Page 1, but people have been clamoring for there to be only one FB page. IMHO, WAY more time has been spent on this topic on this thread than necessary. The point of this thread is to meet and plan for our cruise, not to fuss over "which FB page to use". That is exactly why I decided to spend the time going through every post and PM, and then consider EVERYONE's thoughts and opinions.

Taking all things into consideration, as long as posters on this thread want one FB page, the most fair and best decision I can make is to keep the 1st FB page. I'm sorry for those who do not agree, but I'm done. Those who are happier with the 2nd FB Page are more than welcome to continue with it, as well. It would be my hope, though, that we could all be one happy DIS group.

Peace out.

Well, I was just hoping to make my concern about inclusivity known in a kind way and to give others a chance to respond to the privacy concerns either publicly or privately, but you certainly made your point. It wasn't my intention to take up your thread space with my "clamoring." Now back to your one happy DIS group.

 

[mousemom11]

Thank you Dave for the recommendation and the helpful links! Reading these make me want to fly in a few more extra days prior to the cruise so we can go see as many places as we can!

Me too!

 

[mindelmouse]

Well, I was just hoping to make my concern about inclusivity known in a kind way and to give others a chance to respond to the privacy concerns either publicly or privately, but you certainly made your point. It wasn't my intention to take up your thread space with my "clamoring." Now back to your one happy DIS group.

I agree completely...remember if anyone wants to be part of an "inclusive" and proven to be fun group...Join us
https://www.facebook.com/groups/225123977684256/

 

[Deb T.]

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?

 

[kmc33]

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?

Last summer we were in London for a few days and did a couple of the London Walks http://www.walks.com.

They were very organized and we really enjoyed them. We may do another or two next year. Also, Rick Steves has free podcast walking tours. We did one of them from Parliament up to Trafalgar Square.

 

[mousemom11]

Rick Steves' son is one of my clients. He has his own touring business that runs European tours for college students. He's agreed to work with me to come up with touring ideas for our ports of call. I'll be sure to share whatever I learn from him.

I agree with Kim. I like Rick Steves' walking tour podcasts. I used a few of them on our Med cruise.

 

[Deb T.]

Last summer we were in London for a few days and did a couple of the London Walks http://www.walks.com.

They were very organized and we really enjoyed them. We may do another or two next year. Also, Rick Steves has free podcast walking tours. We did one of them from Parliament up to Trafalgar Square.

Rick Steves' son is one of my clients. He has his own touring business that runs European tours for college students. He's agreed to work with me to come up with touring ideas for our ports of call. I'll be sure to share whatever I learn from him.

I agree with Kim. I like Rick Steves' walking tour podcasts. I used a few of them on our Med cruise.

Perfect! Exactly what I'm looking for! Thanks to both of you!