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

[eeyorelvr10]

The very best way I've found to deal with it is, unfortunately, the most expensive - flying business class makes a huge difference in terms of those long flights. ...

Barring that, the exercise is a good idea. Drink plenty of water, juice and yes, even soft drinks. Avoid alcohol. Some say to avoid caffeine, but studies show that they have no diuretic effect on those who drink it regularly (the body gets accustomed to it).

Those inflatable wrap-around-your-neck pillows are very useful once you get used to them - sleeping is one of the more pleasant ways to pass the endless hours.

A nice set of noise reduction headphones are also suprisingly helpful. I've found that the constant steady drone of the engines is surprisingly stressful.

There's no real agreement on the DVT risk. But if you can tolerate asprin, a low dose tablet seems to be a popular choice to possibly reduce the risk and offer some peace of mind.

Dan

Wow - thanks Dan - this makes sense - your right of course and then I forget that DS is only allowed to take tylonel (he has colonitis) but the other ideas are great - thanks for those. So let me recap:

1. AVOID Alcohol
2. Inflatable pillows - (NOTE: Must steal...er..borrow DS's or DD's)
3. Noise Reduction earphones - Love this one! (I suspect this is why I come off a plane tired, tense and higher strung.) Makes sense now.
4. Tylonel

and my personal best:

5. Eye wraps for light blocking - if the suns out - I'm up.

Indy was so mellow, only barked at unknown people coming to our house. He would go to the grooming salon and just lean into the groomer. They called him their playboy. He very suddenly got sick at only 7 years, turned out to be tumors in his heart. We did everything to make him comfortable, he improved and the vet said he was ok until he had another episode. That was right before Halloween, and the Friday before Thanksgiving that year we said goodbye to him. I still cry thinking of him. So I feel with all my heart for Sallie and her cat.

That's what I did. It's an anniversary gift to my DH who is very tall and will need the extra room anyway.

Oh Carrie - you sound like you were totally in love with Indy - my condolences to you - I haven't lost a pet since I was a child and I tended never to get close to them - my Dad had German Shepards and I was bitten by one (not ours) so I was always cautious about dogs until I got our girls - 2 female Siberian Huskies - Isis (B&W) traditional AKA Devil Dog or MISS Diva and Chloe - our Ghost Dog - sweet, mellow and lovable but big for us - she's 57 lbs. The other one is only 38 lbs small but agile.

Anyway, if there was any way possible I would love to upgrade us as DH is 6' tall and DS is 6'2" with legs that don't quit - they're so totally wasted on that boy rolleyes: ) - His legs end at my shoulders. However, can't even begin to imagine what that cost would be like. Maybe some day it'll happen. I guess we'll see after our 1st international flight.

Thanks for the suggestions - I'm going to print these out and insert into my folder for taking onboard. These are all great tips Thanks.

 

[eeyorelvr10]

Kyla/Jeanne - forgot to tell you - your check is in the mail!

Always wanted to say that and really mean it!

I also forgot to buy $0.02 cent stamps so it over-postaged. Maybe that way it will really go first class. LOL

Let me know when you get it - I am always tense until checks show up. One can never be too sure nowadays.

 

[kidcoos3]

Wow, you guys are kinda quiet this evening. Just spent a few hours getting caught up on Desperate Housewives and Ugly Betty - it's gonna be a long summer now

 

[eeyorelvr10]

So everybody - this is what the other board is handing out: Now who gets this one?

Hoping this works:

Now that its here - who wants it?

 

[eeyorelvr10]

Or is this one to everbody's liking?

Double

 

[MrsJobba1]

DH just ordered his tux from Cruiseline formal. One more thing checked off the list.

I have tried and tried and tried - but Dave will not wear a tux - I so wanted to go the Monaco Casino with James Bond!!!

I'll get him during his vaycay (vacation or as they say, "holiday")

OH NO an American with a dodgy Brtitish Accent !

Okay, I thought he was so old he was dead!!!

okay, I just got off the phone with Disney and pre-cruise they are showing availability at Hilton and AC Barcelona....

Anyone staying here pre-cruise??

I am staying at the AC BArcelona for 1 night after the cruise. However I booked it direct with the hotel http://www.hotelacbarcelona.com/main.asp?modo=1&codPA=00&codPR=05&codHO=80 It was a lot cheaper. Not sure was Disney's price is now but the website has rooms available. ( No suites available but a normal room is 125 Euros and a buisness room is 226)

Laura,

There is a fountain in Barcelona that lights up at night with different colors. I think they call it the magic fountain, or something like that. Someone (who knows on which post number) said it might be a good place to meet on Fri. night before the cruise starts, maybe about 8PM'ish if I recall.

However,
I could have dreamt the whole thing.

Anyone else recall this? Or am I really losing my mind???

I thought someone said about meeting up @ the grand marina hotel for a drink on the Friday

OK - a little off topic, but I want to brag for a minute.

My puppy is turning 2 this week, and here are his baby pictures.

http://www.hard-drivespringers.com/Obi05.html

I'll see if I can post some current pictures of him. Like when he's sleeping on his back with all four in the air. Or when he and the cat are fighting with each other. it's really cute because Dillon (age 1) our cat instigates it. And Obi-wan, is so gentle with him.

FYI - the website belongs to the breeder. those aren't my kids. but his name is the same because my DS 9 figured, well, he already has a name and we can't change it. He was after all only 7 at the time.

He still has the two spots on the back, they touch now, but they are still rounds dots. The white line on his face is nearly gone, but unlike most American ESS's, he actually still has some ticking. If I could, I would pick up an honest English Springer Spaniel when we go through London on our way home.

We also have Australian Shepherds. I've seen a few people (or maybe the same person) post their Aussies and perhaps Collies here in this thread. Someone does agility with their dogs. I have a red standard Aussie right now, her name is Rumor, and although she could use the agility, she's too much of a ..well you know. Comes from being a red head.

Her father, Indiana Jones, was a red merle and just beautiful. The best dog I have ever had. Although Obi is pretty close. Indy was so mellow, only barked at unknown people coming to our house. He would go to the grooming salon and just lean into the groomer. They called him their playboy. He very suddenly got sick at only 7 years, turned out to be tumors in his heart. We did everything to make him comfortable, he improved and the vet said he was ok until he had another episode. That was right before Halloween, and the Friday before Thanksgiving that year we said goodbye to him. I still cry thinking of him. So I feel with all my heart for Sallie and her cat.
.

What a lovely dog. They were my border collies - I do flyball with them. Kyla (Jeanne) has the Austrailan Sheps and does agility. From the sounds of it we are a pet loving bunch

 

[eeyorelvr10]

I have tried and tried and tried - but Dave will not wear a tux - I so wanted to go the Monaco Casino with James Bond!!!

Hey Helen - Dave doesn't need to wear a tux, it said online that a tux wasn't necessary but a jacket and nice slacks is requested.

About 10 yrs back my mom and dad went to Europe and visited Monaco. They are really very simple folks w/o much $ - very old school. Mom doesn't own a long formal and dad won't wear tuxes he's only worn one that I'm aware of - that was to my sister's wedding. (Humph!)

Anyway, I asked mom if people were really dressed to the nine's and she said that while some were - most were nicely dressed. NOTE: No one was in jeans or ragged clothes. Nice church clothes.

On a last note - DS was aware of the Bond angle - wanted to go until he learned he had to dress up. That was a no go for him. LOL - For that one - I'm glad he's chosing not to go but of course we still haver over 63 days to go! I just see 21 yo young male with $$ in his pockets - that's a train wreck waiting to happen


Maybe we can change Dave's mind after you hear from some of the other cruisers and when they visit the casino. Get their opinion - you have until 2 days before the excursion to cancel and get your money back.

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. I just told Steve that we can't be in Monaco w/o visiting the Casino. I haven't even mentioned the Bond issue. After not having any trouble with his decision of going there - thought I'd save that for later.

Anyway, hold on there - I think we'll end up having to dress up anyway. So you might kill 2 birds with one stone.

 

[disneylover5]

Anyway, I asked mom if people were really dressed to the nine's and she said that while some were - most were nicely dressed. NOTE: No one was in jeans or ragged clothes. Nice church clothes.

Okay this cracked me up!!

Nice church clothes to go to the casino!!!

​

 

[jlawall]

Just checking in, I'll be back later!

 

[kidcoos3]

Ok, maybe that was a bit off color - but I went to sleep late last night . . . really, is anyone around here this morning??

 

[formerCPer]

okay, I just got off the phone with Disney and pre-cruise they are showing availability at Hilton and AC Barcelona....

Anyone staying here pre-cruise??

We're at the Hilton pre-cruise July 27. Purchased on our own for 155 EUR/US$208 (compared to DCL price of $295). Although not in Downtown area, it is new and has good reviews.

Along those same lines, received this response to my query to TAXIVANBCN.com about private taxi service from airport to hotel (Since you cannot buy this transfer from DCL without also purchasing hotel from them—which I think is stupid—they are going there anyway):

Hello,
The price of transfer is 60 euros and the same price for the return.
The car is a Minivan Mercedes 7 seats.
I need number flight, day, hour and a name for the sign.
Taxi driver will wait our arrival.
Please, confirm us you’re booking as soon as possible.
Thank you for your attention.
Manuel Guillén
WWW.TAXIVANBCN.COM

We probably won't use this service. I think this is more expensive than AngieTaxi.

Brian

 

[kyla]

He still has the two spots on the back, they touch now, but they are still rounds dots. The white line on his face is nearly gone, but unlike most American ESS's, he actually still has some ticking. If I could, I would pick up an honest English Springer Spaniel when we go through London on our way home.

We also have Australian Shepherds. I've seen a few people (or maybe the same person) post their Aussies and perhaps Collies here in this thread. Someone does agility with their dogs. I have a red standard Aussie right now, her name is Rumor, and although she could use the agility, she's too much of a ..well you know. Comes from being a red head.

Her father, Indiana Jones, was a red merle and just beautiful. The best dog I have ever had. Although Obi is pretty close. Indy was so mellow, only barked at unknown people coming to our house. He would go to the grooming salon and just lean into the groomer. They called him their playboy. He very suddenly got sick at only 7 years, turned out to be tumors in his heart. We did everything to make him comfortable, he improved and the vet said he was ok until he had another episode. That was right before Halloween, and the Friday before Thanksgiving that year we said goodbye to him. I still cry thinking of him. So I feel with all my heart for Sallie and her cat.

Yep, I have the aussies. Lost my Kyla just after our Panama Canal cruise to a brain tumor. She and I were so close. Still cry about it.

Wow, you guys are kinda quiet this evening. Just spent a few hours getting caught up on Desperate Housewives and Ugly Betty - it's gonna be a long summer now

Wasn't Ugly Betty sad?


We booked at the Grand Marina pre and post cruise through Disney and on our own. So I need to cancel one of the reservations. Doesn't seem to be must difference in price, booking directly is a bit cheaper, but after adding VAT, exchange rate, etc it was close to Disney's price for all 3 nights.

 

[kidcoos3]

Are there 4 of you traveling? Seems like most boards say it is a breeze to get a taxi at the airport in Barcelona. I am thinking of booking in advance because there are 5 of us plus luggage. Typically we bring the fewest suitcases we can - less than 1 a piece - but our flight from Barcelona to Paris is a European airlines and we have a lower weight restriction so we'll probably end up with 1 suitcase per person. 5 adults size people and 5 suitcases - I don't want to be stuck at the airport without a ride!!

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

I'm planning on taking a regular taxi. I'm still looking at lodging options. Since we're going to be in Barcelona for 3 nights, I'd like to be within walking distance of Las Ramblas, and some museums, etc.

Has a decision been made about meeting up at the fountain the night before?

Also, for those of you who have participated in the grab bags before, what kind of items were included? I'm just looking for some ideas. If I missed a post that already explained, I apologize. I miss a lot between going to work and sleeping.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

I know Andrew was keeping track of all this. And I was waiting to post until I finalized everything.

But we are doing the Herculaneum(sp?) tour and the Jumping back into eternal rome excursion.

In all the other ports we are just site-seeing near the port (if possible) and then we are enjoying the ship as much as possible. The way we see it, this is our first cruise and we want to do as much as we can. It could park out in San Francisco Bay for a week and we would be happy. OK, we would be on

Lucky you on getting the eternal Rome tour. We tried, but it was sold out. Still, we're looking forward to Ultimate Rome.

Hmm - there's an idea for a west coast cruise. San Diego, LA, SF, Seattle.

This is a great idea - but I think you should prioritize & put LA first!

 

[MrsG]

I think for the grab bags they said things that represent where you live. I think I'll tell DH to stop in one of the souvenier stores in NYC and pick up some touristy things from NY.

 

[formerCPer]

Yep, four of us. But the girls have never flown Intl. Plus, we have a teen and--from a guy's perspective--you know how much junk they take on a trip? So, I have already put disclaimer on how much "stuff" they can take. But I am also planning on having a clothing "showdown" within the next month to verify what they are packing and try to reduce the number of luggage we are taking. I'm liking the "wear 3x rule" that someone mentioned earlier.
Brian

 

[MrsG]

Maybe we could start to accumulate ideas on where and when to meet Fri night (if anyone wants to)

1. Fountain
2. Grand Marina

Any other ideas?

Or would you rather have our first meet on Sunday?

 

[formerCPer]

I think for the grab bags they said things that represent where you live. I think I'll tell DH to stop in one of the souvenier stores in NYC and pick up some touristy things from NY.

I was trying to keep up with this too and got lost. Are we responsible for providing just ONE bag per family? And was there a final $ put on it?

 

[MrsG]

I was trying to keep up with this too and got lost. Are we responsible for providing just ONE bag per family? And was there a final $ put on it?

Yes, I think it's one bag per family and about $15-$20. I think the idea is to exchange on our Sun morning Dis meet. I think we just put the place where the bag is from on the outside of the bag.

Anything I'm missing?