July 28, 2007 - "Rome-ancing the Mouse Cruisers" -11 days! Part 2

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Good Morning Andrew and Everyone else

Will try and catch up, today, but tomorrrow I leave for a week in the New Forest with my year 6 pupils no internet access so I guess I'll come back to a great deal of catching up, next weekend I'm away in Devon meeting up with our best man of 17 years ago and the following weekend I'm in Gloucester as it is Keith's Birthday so I'm not going to be around much in the next couple of weeks.

Have fun Play nice and I'll see you all on my return

Lots of trips going on, Really enjoy your break its a very nice place to be the New Forest, I will have to go back sometime.

 

[salliep]

Sallie
Good morning,

Seeing all the problems the DCL shore trips have had makes me feel so pleased we are doing our own with local experts.

Yes, from the very first I especially worried about the new learning curve for Disney which should be expected within reason. I also feared the big buses, and long lines, as well as the fact that cars can get to places buses cant. I never though about the lack of public bathrooms as Ive been reading about though
An important note for those on the public tours... I read that you should get to the bus quickly because apparently there are some seats that have blocked views!!! It really does take a lot to upset me, but if Im on a bus for over 90 minutes- I would definitely want to see the country side as we go!
So everyone... get back to the buses first!!!

I did not book anything in Marseilles yet- I didn't know if I want to do another all- dayer... if I remember right- yours was an all day trip- let me know about that one again if you can. I do think I am the most excited about France- I want to see as much of the country side and small picturesque towns as I can -Eze sounds wonderful!

 

[salliep]

Good Morning Andrew and Everyone else

Will try and catch up, today, but tomorrrow I leave for a week in the New Forest with my year 6 pupils no internet access so I guess I'll come back to a great deal of catching up, next weekend I'm away in Devon meeting up with our best man of 17 years ago and the following weekend I'm in Gloucester as it is Keith's Birthday so I'm not going to be around much in the next couple of weeks.

Have fun Play nice and I'll see you all on my return

We will miss you Lynn- Have a great time- and hurry back!!! This will be you when you get back on...

 

[salliep]

Hummm tendering...

From the nurses post....
I would plan on tendering to take you 45 to 60 minutes. We were able to get on a tender right away, but had to wait for them to fill the tender, which took another 20 - 30 minutes.

I REALLY wished they had the boats going every 15 minutes despite how full they were in the morning- because those boats could hold 400. Major pain in the BUTT!

We were able to get on with the excurision passengers- but I was also able to go with someone who had concierge service, but it didn't make much difference. I would suggest having your driver pick you up around 8:15 to 8:30- and you being in line to get the first tender possible. I hope DCL fixes this situation, because it is such a lovely town, with so much to see- and they make it EVEN harder to do so with how they tendered.

Getting back on the ship in the evening was a breeze, walk on, walk off.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Yes, from the very first I especially worried about the new learning curve for Disney which should be expected within reason. I also feared the big buses, and long lines, as well as the fact that cars can get to places buses cant. I never though about the lack of public bathrooms as Ive been reading about though
An important note for those on the public tours... I read that you should get to the bus quickly because apparently there are some seats that have blocked views!!! It really does take a lot to upset me, but if Im on a bus for over 90 minutes- I would definitely want to see the country side as we go!
So everyone... get back to the buses first!!!

I did not book anything in Marseilles yet- I didn't know if I want to do another all- dayer... if I remember right- yours was an all day trip- let me know about that one again if you can. I do think I am the most excited about France- I want to see as much of the country side and small picturesque towns as I can -Eze sounds wonderful!

Yes public Restrooms and Bathrooms are rare in Europe, we are ok in London though.

In Spain if the kids wanted to go, we went into a resturant or hotel, i bet our tour guides will know.

I wouldnt wish to pay all that money and then rush back as some of the coaches do not have windows and yes in a traffic jam our car can get around diffrerent ways, whilst the tour operators DCL are using have done this generally before, IE Piza/Florance, NO as tours usaully go from another port, DCL havent been to Europe before or worked with these operators so errors and not coming up to USA and Disney expectations was going to occur.

My French tour:-

max is 8 guests with an English speaking guide/driver leaving from Marseille
As requested Avignon/Aix en Provence/Marseille City Tour Can be done in a Full day 8 hour tour

As you travel with your two young children I would suggest following tour
AIX EN PROVENCE in the morning,CASSIS and a Beach stop, MARSEILLE City tour ( see description below)

8 hour Full Day tour: 9am to 5pm ( or to suit you) for your party of 4 is
545E Rates are all French taxes, motorway fees, parking fees, lunch for driver
included
Not included: Entrance fees and your lunch.

DETAIL

AIX en PROVENCE & CASSIS & MARSEILLE​

Aix-en-Provence retains much of its unique character imparted to it in the 17th and 18th centuries. A town famous for its music and literature, it is also the birthplace of the famous impressionist, Paul Cezanne.While in Aix-en-Provence, your will be driven trough the city center and if requested have a walk through this relatively pedestrian-only city. You will then pass through the Quarter Mazarin, with its unique 17th century chessboard pattern and many aristocratic townhouses with their Baroque façades and beautifully carved wooden doors. The old town, Vieil Aix, is a labyrinth of narrow streets leading to the 17th century Town Hall, the Archbishop's Palace, and St. Sauveur Cathedral with its delightful Romanesque cloister. Your driver will stop the closest he can to the sights and the wonderful shops before leaving for CASSIS famous for its high white cliffs and the Calanques? (deep narrow creeks).
Visiting the village of Cassis, you might stroll along the Promenade des Lombards, which borders the sea front. Enjoy the view of the surrounding sea and small beaches dominated by a 14th century castle This is also the best place for a short swim in the Mediterranean (especially for your kids) while you watch them from a ?Beach Café? The scenic coastline between Marseille and Cassis is craggy and indented with a landscape of sharp ridges, overhanging limestone cliffs, pine-surrounded creeks and pleasant fields of grapevines. We will drive on a road called "La Gineste"with a panorama of the Islands of Marseille. Past the Le Corbusier building (reminding us of this revolutionary architect) and along the ?Corniche? Road we will come to The Basilica and have a stop for a
visit. After a short drive we will arrive at the old Port, the Canebière Avenue, a shopping Street and organize a photo stop.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Hummm tendering...

From the nurses post....
I would plan on tendering to take you 45 to 60 minutes. We were able to get on a tender right away, but had to wait for them to fill the tender, which took another 20 - 30 minutes.

I REALLY wished they had the boats going every 15 minutes despite how full they were in the morning- because those boats could hold 400. Major pain in the BUTT!

We were able to get on with the excurision passengers- but I was also able to go with someone who had concierge service, but it didn't make much difference. I would suggest having your driver pick you up around 8:15 to 8:30- and you being in line to get the first tender possible. I hope DCL fixes this situation, because it is such a lovely town, with so much to see- and they make it EVEN harder to do so with how they tendered.

Getting back on the ship in the evening was a breeze, walk on, walk off.

Are private tours are fully aware in the two tender ports, It will be wise to get to the location for Tender tickets asap, but, they have been informed by me and say no problem.

 

[AnnaS]

Ok another look at a rare family photo - well not so rare anymore - DS ALWAYS refused to take photos. Now - that's no longer a problem!

Here is the new and improved Eeyorelvr10's family!

Please keep in mind that at the stroke of midnight - I promptly pulled a Cinderella and POOFED into my normal-looking self.

Lisa - can you use this for family photos? I'll PM it to you if you want.

Beautiful family and nice picture. Congratulations again!

 

[AnnaS]

What you say here is very encouraging. I know that I will be more motivated working out with my dd. We really need to do it, and it is past the time for me to lose weight & get back into shape (I was at one time in my life). Today we went for our 'orientation,' which really turned into a first-time workout session. My dd, Kelly, was highly amused at my efforts, but it's friendly amusement, so I can take it (I'd be amused, too). Here's to a healthier us.

Good Luck with the workout/gym. I know the feeling

I just recently put on 20 lbs. I keep saying everyday I will start dieting, excercising, walking or maybe even join a gym. No such luck.

Don't give up - I think it might help having you dd there. Have fun with it.

 

[salliep]

Are private tours are fully aware in the two tender ports, It will be wise to get to the location for Tender tickets asap, but, they have been informed by me and say no problem.

Great!! We are very good on lines anyway.... the Phelan Family has lots of patience-
I'm going to discuss the excursion with Jimmy- it sounds great- just concerned about another full day after what is to be a very exhausting week... I will Pm you

Good Luck with the workout/gym. I know the feeling

I just recently put on 20 lbs. I keep saying everyday I will start dieting, excercising, walking or maybe even join a gym. No such luck.

Don't give up - I think it might help having you dd there. Have fun with it.

Anna- I just saw you.. YOU LOOK GREAT!!!!! You would dissappear if you lost 20 lbs!!!

 

[LynnTarrant]

Lots of trips going on, Really enjoy your break its a very nice place to be the New Forest, I will have to go back sometime.

Break!!!!
I'll be in charge of 30 11year olds!!!

 

[AnnaS]

Great!! We are very good on lines anyway.... the Phelan Family has lots of patience-
I'm going to discuss the excursion with Jimmy- it sounds great- just concerned about another full day after what is to be a very exhausting week... I will Pm you




Anna- I just saw you.. YOU LOOK GREAT!!!!! You would dissappear if you lost 20 lbs!!!

Sallie, you are too kind. Thank you

I have not been this heavy though since my dd's birth - I am just not used to it.

 

[MrsG]

Break!!!!
I'll be in charge of 30 11year olds!!!

Just think, by the time you get back, you'll really be ready for this cruise. Best of luck!

Maryann

 

[MrsG]

Laura,

What great pics of your family!!!

Two thoughts:

At first I wasn't sure if you were to the right or left of your graduating daughter. You look great!

Secondly, you certainly don't look old enough to have children that old.

What a lovely family you have!

Maryann

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Great!! We are very good on lines anyway.... the Phelan Family has lots of patience-
I'm going to discuss the excursion with Jimmy- it sounds great- just concerned about another full day after what is to be a very exhausting week... I will Pm you




Anna- I just saw you.. YOU LOOK GREAT!!!!! You would dissappear if you lost 20 lbs!!!

I amened the usual tour with more time at the beach I copied most of the e.mail booking, I thought back to back trips would be exhusting, but didnt want to miss provance, did you see it on the podcast?

So the kids will have 'beach time' at Cassis on this one, in the middle.

 

[MrsG]

Oh, on a completely different note,

I've been obsessing over the toilet paper issue.

I found individual travel rolls of Charmin toilet tissue for about $1 a piece. Then DH had a brainstorm, why not roll your own. So, (yes I have lost it) I took a roll of toilet paper (Scott tissue because it's not so fluffy), took a pencil, and rolled the toilet paper around the pencil nice and tight, thereby making mini rolls. I removed the pencil easily and was able to fit two little rolls inside a ziplock snack sized bag. I figure each little roll is good for about 5-6 "normal" uses rotfl: ) Not sure if the hotels in Barcelona have toilet tissues or bidets so I'll pack a few from home and then I can roll more on the ship to take.

I must get a life.

Maryann

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Oh, on a completely different note,

I've been obsessing over the toilet paper issue.

I found individual travel rolls of Charmin toilet tissue for about $1 a piece. Then DH had a brainstorm, why not roll your own. So, (yes I have lost it) I took a roll of toilet paper (Scott tissue because it's not so fluffy), took a pencil, and rolled the toilet paper around the pencil nice and tight, thereby making mini rolls. I removed the pencil easily and was able to fit two little rolls inside a ziplock snack sized bag. I figure each little roll is good for about 5-6 "normal" uses rotfl: ) Not sure if the hotels in Barcelona have toilet tissues or bidets so I'll pack a few from home and then I can roll more on the ship to take.

I must get a life.

Maryann

Dont worry they will have good quality toilet paper and the good hotels have Bidets, in addition to that. Local stores will also offer, we recently stayed in Pollensa in our own villa and had to purchase everything from their supermarkets and bascailly anything I could get here, I could get there, and there was a good sellection, the City will have more, just ask the hotel for the large chains, like Efoski, might be spelt slightly differently,

 

[DisneySpirit]

I remember awhile back someone saying they were waiting to see a navagator posted for the first sea day to check for conflicts with our dis-meet in Pomanade Lounge at 9:30am. Here is page 1

 

[DisneySpirit]

I remember awhile back someone saying they were waiting to see a navagator posted for the first sea day to check for conflicts with our dis-meet in Pomanade Lounge at 9:30am. Here is page 2

 

[DisneySpirit]

I remember awhile back someone saying they were waiting to see a navagator posted for the first sea day to check for conflicts with our dis-meet in Pomanade Lounge at 9:30am. Here is page 3

 

[DisneySpirit]

I remember awhile back someone saying they were waiting to see a navagator posted for the first sea day to check for conflicts with our dis-meet in Pomanade Lounge at 9:30am. Here is page 4