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

[danfromca]

NYC is,in my opinion, the greatest city on earth. I grew up across the river in NJ, but like to think I have links to the city. You cannot help but compare other cities to NYC. It is The Standard.
I think it is great that you are passionate about your city. Good for you!!!

NYC is one of the greatest - one of my favorite cities to visit. While I am partial to California as a state, and our cities do have thier charms or quirks, they aren't NY.
I must confess, I'm a big fan of London as well - couldn't say which I like more.
Other favorites include Copenhagen and Sydney. New Orleans used to be on the list but... sigh...

Hey everyone, I think I'm close to finishing the DIS booklet with most of the information from page 1 of our thread. I'm hoping to find someone who can turn it into a pdf and then get it posted on page 1 for people to review and tell me what needs to get updated. Trying to get MaryJo's ship graphics that shows the cabin locations downloaded right now to stick in the booklet. soon soon

I can make the PDF and give you a link that you can add to page 1. If you send me the file via PM, I can turn it around quickly.

 

[MrsG]

Yes, I have a ton of fractional euro coins from my oldest daughter's trip to Spain last month -- she apparently just dumped the coins from each day in her suitcase and started fresh with notes! Here's a wikipedia article with pictures to help you recognize them:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euro_coins

You are a lifesaver! Thanks. I feel like I'm back in first grade learning about money.

HI everyone- my very dear aunt passed away late last night unexpectedly, although she has battled cancer the past 20 years! Sh appears to have passed peacefully in her sleep thank God.
So I will not home much the next few days, although I will try to check in
If anyone wants their child added to the Kids Room Card please leave me a PM.
Brian I got yours !
Thanks

So sorry, Sallie. Your family is in our prayers. Maybe we should skip our Sunday meet. I think you'll need your weekend time with Jimmy.

Congratulations Helen my turn next week. Tonight's performance of Alice was really good. 'm so proud of the children.

That is wonderful. You must feel so much better now that it is over.

Thx, we have some DISfriends from Indiana, who are visiting NYC, and their hotel is right near the fire.........also, my DD20 is there to see a concert...

Don't worry JoAnn. It seems it was a steam pipe that burst. There are 6 minor injuries and they seem to have it under control.

Maryann

 

[kidcoos3]

Have any of you heard of David Beckham? The football (soccer for us Americans) player?

David Beckham will definitely have an impact on me because the Galaxy stadium is right next to my neighborhood, and whenever there is a game traffic gets reall tied up

Well, he's kinda cute, maybe you'll get a peek?

I can make the PDF and give you a link that you can add to page 1. If you send me the file via PM, I can turn it around quickly.

You guys are awesome!
I got my shirts today - they did a nice job. Will my family wear them? You guys are making your families, right??? I'm game, but I'm not 12, 13 or 16 years old.

 

[lynncullen]

During our 1st cruise my husband and I were sequestered to our stateroom when our (then) 3 year old went to sleep. He is usually sleeping by 7:30, so our days ended early.
During our second cruise we brought the in-laws to serve as babysitters. So we were ably to get out at night a few times.
He usually acclimates to the time change quickly, so by the 3rd night he will probably be ready for bedtime at his usual 7:30ish time.
We don't have any plans to go to Palo but we would like to slip out for an hour or so a couple of nights after he goes to sleep.
So, I was wondering if there were any high school or older girls that might like to earn some $$ and baby sit one or two nights? I am happy to have two friends work together. We have a 1 bedroom stateroom, so they could watch tv or movie in the livingroom.
For any parents reading this....my husband and I are happy to provide references, background checks, drivers licenses, finger prints...anything that would allow us get a couple of nights out of the room that didn't include going to the game room.
Thanks, gracias, merci.....

(ps.. I hope this is an appropriate thing to ask on this site)

 

[bellelinus]

During our 1st cruise my husband and I were sequestered to our stateroom when our (then) 3 year old went to sleep. He is usually sleeping by 7:30, so our days ended early.
During our second cruise we brought the in-laws to serve as babysitters. So we were ably to get out at night a few times.
He usually acclimates to the time change quickly, so by the 3rd night he will probably be ready for bedtime at his usual 7:30ish time.
We don't have any plans to go to Palo but we would like to slip out for an hour or so a couple of nights after he goes to sleep.
So, I was wondering if there were any high school or older girls that might like to earn some $$ and baby sit one or two nights? I am happy to have two friends work together. We have a 1 bedroom stateroom, so they could watch tv or movie in the livingroom.
For any parents reading this....my husband and I are happy to provide references, background checks, drivers licenses, finger prints...anything that would allow us get a couple of nights out of the room that didn't include going to the game room.
Thanks, gracias, merci.....

(ps.. I hope this is an appropriate thing to ask on this site)

My 15 year old is out of town at the moment, but I feel sure she would be interested and she babysits. Keep Elizabeth in mind and if you want to pin things down before you leave, PM me and I'l give you her email. Otherwise, you could talk to her at the Dismeet on Sunday the 29th and set something up.

 

[disneylover5]

HI everyone- my very dear aunt passed away late last night unexpectedly, although she has battled cancer the past 20 years! Sh appears to have passed peacefully in her sleep thank God.
So I will not home much the next few days, although I will try to check in
If anyone wants their child added to the Kids Room Card please leave me a PM.
Brian I got yours !
Thanks

Sallie, I will pray for your family and offer travel blessings for all who are coming near and far for safety. I know you know your aunt no longer suffers and is in a much better place!!
Lisa

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Hey everyone, I think I'm close to finishing the DIS booklet with most of the information from page 1 of our thread. I'm hoping to find someone who can turn it into a pdf and then get it posted on page 1 for people to review and tell me what needs to get updated. Trying to get MaryJo's ship graphics that shows the cabin locations downloaded right now to stick in the booklet. soon soon

Jeanne,

I sent you a pm

 

[disneylover5]

Working on cancelling excursions....boy the disneycruise site is slow!!

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Working on cancelling excursions....boy the disneycruise site is slow!!

I'm just so glad you decided to come!

Don't worry JoAnn. It seems it was a steam pipe that burst. There are 6 minor injuries and they seem to have it under control.

Maryann

Sad that it happened at all, but glad that the injuries were basically minor.

NYC is one of the greatest - one of my favorite cities to visit. While I am partial to California as a state, and our cities do have thier charms or quirks, they aren't NY.
I must confess, I'm a big fan of London as well - couldn't say which I like more.
Other favorites include Copenhagen and Sydney. New Orleans used to be on the list but... sigh..

Someday I'll be able to make these comparisons, too.

Congratulations Helen my turn next week. Tonight's performance of Alice was really good. 'm so proud of the children.

Congratulations - such good news!

A blonde, brunette and a redhead walk into a bar.....

Several weeks back I told a story where we went to eat at Friday's - restaurant around here. The only seating was near the bar area. As DH had dropped me off in the front - I told the hostess and waitress to keep an eye out for a 6 ft blonde, a redhead and a brunette .......

She thought I was kidding until they actually walked in.

So there is a joke in there somewhere.


Anyway, the redhead won't be coming with us but the 1 brunette and the dark blonde will!

I haven't decide what color to make myself - its a surprise!

I remember that joke - very funny. I'll be interested to see which one we meet next week. (I CAN say "Next Week" can't I?)

Off to get my hair cut so I can check that off my list,

I hope it will make me feel better as well,

Lisa

Lisa

Here is the badge so far

Oh, very cool!

For me, the choice would be euros . . . lots of places in Europe don't take traveler's checks or Amex . . .

I agree. We'll be taking a bunch.

HI everyone- my very dear aunt passed away late last night unexpectedly, although she has battled cancer the past 20 years! Sh appears to have passed peacefully in her sleep thank God.
So I will not home much the next few days, although I will try to check in
If anyone wants their child added to the Kids Room Card please leave me a PM.
Brian I got yours !
Thanks

Sallie, I'm so sorry to read about your aunt. I do believe that this is a blessing to be able to pass while sleeping, but I'm sorry for your loss.

 

[disneylover5]

Laura, I see why you had trouble cancelling excursions.....I think I have it figured out now. It is hard.
Lisa

 

[disneylover5]

For those of you taking Euros...are you afraid of being robbed....I know that sounds like a dumb question....

I guess I will split them up and let each of us have some. I am getting these wallets you wear around your neck and then inside your shirt.

I think I will get the Am Ex Travel card as well......

 

[danfromca]

For those of you taking Euros...are you afraid of being robbed....I know that sounds like a dumb question....

I guess I will split them up and let each of us have some. I am getting these wallets you wear around your neck and then inside your shirt.

I think I will get the Am Ex Travel card as well......

I use a neck wallet for cash and the passport while traveling.

By the way, while traveler's checks are not nearly as popular as in the past, they work fine for exchanging currency at banks.

 

[jlawall]

Have any of you heard of David Beckham? The football (soccer for us Americans) player?

You know he's transferring here to Los Angeles, right? I don't follow soccer, but I know because it's been in the news for weeks, now, and there are billboards all over the place announcing it. Well, he's going to be playing at the Galaxy Stadium at the Home Depot Center....

What does that mean to me, you ask? Well, you probably are really asking, "Why is she going on about this..."

David Beckham will definitely have an impact on me because the Galaxy stadium is right next to my neighborhood, and whenever there is a game traffic gets reall tied up

Sorry, but, our DD is a big soccer player......so.......invite us.........and..........WE WILL COME OUT TO SEE DB!!!

 

[jlawall]

You are a lifesaver! Thanks. I feel like I'm back in first grade learning about money.



So sorry, Sallie. Your family is in our prayers. Maybe we should skip our Sunday meet. I think you'll need your weekend time with Jimmy.


That is wonderful. You must feel so much better now that it is over.




Don't worry JoAnn. It seems it was a steam pipe that burst. There are 6 minor injuries and they seem to have it under control.

Maryann

THX FOR THE REASSUREANCE...........

 

[jlawall]

Well, he's kinda cute, maybe you'll get a peek?


You guys are awesome!
I got my shirts today - they did a nice job. Will my family wear them? You guys are making your families, right??? I'm game, but I'm not 12, 13 or 16 years old.

Hey, come on, you only live once.......

 

[jlawall]

My 15 year old is out of town at the moment, but I feel sure she would be interested and she babysits. Keep Elizabeth in mind and if you want to pin things down before you leave, PM me and I'l give you her email. Otherwise, you could talk to her at the Dismeet on Sunday the 29th and set something up.

u r a very nice person!

 

[Iowazipcode]

MaryJo 6134 any day
Sandaneli 2017
Bellelinus 5020 Not Civit. or LaSpezia
PixieDustII 6550 pirate day
IslandMom3 5634
LoveBeast 7501
SallieP 7546
alexturner 2541
disneynutinlondon 8564 marseille
eeyorelvr10 2083 no preference
DisneySpirit 5648 sea day
4KittyMagic 6594 day 1 or 2
Kyla 6504
formerCPer
aurora1959 6030
Bridegirl 6532, 6534, 8080, 8078 marseille
iowazipcode 7554 first day
lynnTarrant 7629 any day
njdisneyfans 6037
JusJus 8036 no preference

THere seems to be a problem on my list with rooms. I have formerPCer and eeyorelvr10 in the same room. Something tells me this isn't right. Please let me know if there are any other problems.

Sandra

Sandra,
Thank you so much for organizing this. I would like to add one more stateroom to our group. We have 8 people traveling with us and the other people became envious of our fish extender and wanted one too. The other room # is 2550. They can also give gifts out the first day or any day you would like.

Thanks to everyone on the board. I have not had much time to post, but you have made the preparation for the cruise and the anticipation very special for myself and my family. Thank you, Thank you!
We are looking forward to meeting you all. I have ordered shirts for everyone in our group... most do not know it yet. I hope I can get them to wear it.

- Barb

 

[disneylover5]

I found this family that did the ports on their own

Med Ports on our Own (long)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi we just got back from the June 16th 11 day Mediterranean cruise. I thought I would share info about how we did all but one port on our own to help some of you with your planning since many of you have helped me by reading your posts. Our travel party consisted of 4 adults, my 18 year old nephew, 8 year old son, 7 month old son and 76 year old father. We started our trip by doing an 11 day pre-cruise vacation of Germany, Austria, and Netherlands. We purchased month long eurorail train passes to use for the trip. We flew Lufthansa from Dusseldorf Germany to Barcelona. Once we arrived we chose to take a taxi to the port. It was 35 euros. We checked in put our bags in the room, grabbed lunch at topsiders and then got off the boat and took the shuttle but to the Christopher Columbus monument and then walked around Barcelona. We didn’t have much time because we had to be back on board for the boat drill.

Palmero- We got off the ship in the morning and walked around the main street a little it was hard with a stroller. Lots of up and down over curbs and crazy drivers. (One nice thing is drivers would slow down and let us cross I assume it was because of the stroller) We had planned to catch the local bus and go to the catacombs but decided instead to take the hop on hop off bus and see the city. Next we walked back toward the ship and stopped in a local grocery store and bought some Italian pasta to bring home and stopped at The Erre Ceramiche Shop. They had lots of neat products in all price ranges.

Naples- Beware of the taxi drivers!! They bug you to death. We walked to the end of the port and got a taxi to the train station. We had to repeatedly insist that we only wanted to go to the train station and agreed on a price. It was 10 euros. Once we got in the taxi he still tried to get us to let him take us by taxi to our destination. We finally got to the station. After a couple of trips to the window we got a day train tickets. This was the only train that we couldn’t use our eurorail pass. The train ticket was 6,40 euro to use all day. After you buy your ticket go down stairs to Circumvesia train. Make sure to validate your ticket in the machine. We got on the train to Pompeii make sure you get on the one that stops at Pompeii Scavi. (that is the stop for the Pompeii site) The train was hot! Filled with people. We arrived at Pompeii scavi and walked a short distance to Pompeii. Make sure you pick up a map of the site when you buy your tickets. The site was huge! When they say not stroller friendly they mean it. (lots of steps and cobblestones) We ended up folding the stroller and carrying the baby. Wish we had brought our carrier with us that day! It was so HOT! Next we went back to the train station and caught the train to Sorrento. Sorrento was a pretty town we walked around visted the shops. We looked down from the town and realized that the hydrofoil dock was down at the bottom of the town. We walked down a bunch of steps to get to the dock. (One good thing about taking the train to the town was that we didn’t have to walk up all the steps) We got a ticket to take the hydrofoil back to Naples 9 euros. We had wanted to visit Carpi but we spent too long at Pompeii.

Olbia- Disney Shore Excursion to La Madelana island. We enjoyed the tour- the bus ride exploring the island was a little too long I would have rather had more time to walk around the town. There was beautiful beach we drove by in La Madelana that looked like it would be fun.

Rome- It was easy to get to the train station. First we caught the free shuttle out of the port and then walked down the harbor to the train station. We used our passes for the train so I am not sure the cost. We got on the regular train and headed for Rome termni. We made a mistake and left the station by where the train drops you off. This was far from the main entrance. We should have walked through the station toward the main station to get our tickets for the hop on hop off bus of Rome. We got off at the colloseum and we bombarded with offers for tours. The line was long to get tickets. So I used a tip from the Rick Steve’s book. Walk over the hill by the palentine and go to the ticket window there. No line at all. Bought the tickets and walked back to the collosuem- just make your way through all the people in line stay over toward the group tours side when you get to the turnstile insert your ticket. We spent way too much time at the colloseum. My husband is really into history and reads everything. That is one reason we always ran out of time. We walked around the area around the collesuem a little and then got back on the bus. Next we headed toward the Vatican but were stuck in traffic forever. It probably would have been better to take the train to the Vatican stop. During this trip we left the baby in flounders nursery so we were on a time crunch to get back to him. We didn’t want to leave him too long. So instead of hopping off the bus we just rode it around and enjoyed looking at the sites. When we got back to the train station we got on a train back to port. Here is an important note- the train heading back was nice, clean and air-conditioned. There must be two different trains the regular and this one. I would take the air-conditioned train both ways if possible.

Pisa- I booked our tickets to climb the tower on the internet. We had to tender to the pier. We chose to take a taxi to the train station. It was 10 euros. It was supposed to be a 10 min. walk but it looked busy and a lot longer to me. We jumped on the train heading for Pisa Centrale. At the train station there is a tobacco counter- buy your bus tickets 1,80 round trip to get to the tower. The bus stop is across the street the bus line is LAM Rosa. Make sure to validate your ticket on the bus. When you get to the field of miracles you can see the tower and other buildings. We walked around the area and then exchanged our printed voucher for our tickets and climbed the tower. Those not having pre-purchased tickets had to wait a couple hours to climb. The bus back to the train station stops across the street from where you get off. We took the bus back to the station. We along with other made the mistake of getting off the train at Le Spezia the conductor luckily told us to get back on. Make sure to get off La Spezia Centrale. I wanted to see the Cinque Terre Towns so some headed back on board the ship and we caught the train to Riomaggiore. We walked around the town it was pretty.

Marsilles- We took the free shuttle to town. When you get off turn to your left and walk along the harbor. This stop is on Sunday so no stores are open. We did find a couple bakeries open and tried some French pastries. There was an outdoor market with various vendors. The stop for the little train is near the vendors. It was 5 euros to ride. They have two routes we chose to go to the Basilica Lady of the Guard church. They let you get off the train and explore the church and then catch a later train to go back down to the town. It was pretty we spent some time walking around and enjoying the views. The church has a gift shop. I bought some Santons (little saint figurines hand made in Marseille.
Villefranche- We took the tender into the port and then walked along the harbor to the train station. The train station is up some steps. We missed the steps because we were checking out the beach. If we had known there was a beach right there in the town we would have worn our swimwear under our clothes so that the kids could have swam in the Mediterranean. We made our way up to the station and caught the train heading toward Eze. After you get off the train there is a bus to take you to the village of Eze it was 1,30 euro. When you get off the bus there are a few shops and cafes. The actual medieval town is up this old looking fort. It was beautiful tucked in the pathways was little shops. We had to carry the baby with his carrier this time. Too many steps for stollers. We had fun exploring this neat village. We decided to take the bus from Eze to Monte Carlo. It was 1,30 euro. Get off the bus at the last stop and then we walked to the casino and around the area. We wanted to go to Cannes and Nice so we headed to the train. The station is quite a walk from the casino so catch the bus 1 euro to get to the station. When you get off the bus you need to go down an elevator to reach the station. We caught the train heading back toward Villefranche- we were going to go on to Cannes but decided we wanted to make dinner and have the lobster so we decided to head back to the ship.

Disembark day- The line to take the taxi to the airport was an hour long. I tried to convince everyone to take the public bus. It passed by us 4 times almost empty but they didn’t want to deal with carrying luggage. It was 25 euros to take the taxi.

I hope this helps with your planning. One thing I learned is that there is not enough time to see everything. Take your time and enjoy the trip without tiring yourself out too much. We discovered a lot of neat places but just taking the time to walk and explore the towns on our own.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

I remember when NYC had the cows and my girls will too -- that will be fun to see them in Marseilles! Last summer when we were in Cape Cod they had done a similar thing with whales . . . it's fun to spot the different ones and how they are decorated.

I never heard of this before. That will be interesting to see.

Still catching up so this might have been answered - but the TSA locks provide special lock that the TSA universal key will fit into. They can then unlock your luggage and do their search stuff but are required to relock it. At least that is my understanding of it.

These are on my list of things to get - probably Friday.

Does it seem like I'm drinking coffee right now?

Hmmmm..... seems I must have missed some, um, interesting posting

Yes and another right down the middle!

Andrew, I haven't been able to keep up with everything, but here's hoping all's well with you.

Yes, really, get packing, you have ALOT to pack, you need to get started!

jkjkjkjkjkjkjk........

Seriously, I WAS PACKING TODAY!! Most of the toiletries are done (they weigh quite a lot by the way!) I have over a week, but I want to get started so that I can get the things I've forgotten!

I'm really stressing about losing luggage............

I worry about losing luggage, too. I'm planning on packing across the suitcases, based on tips here, but right now I have just 'stuff' all over the place - no organization a'tall

Hi,

Well IM back from the school trip - sadly it rained 176 wet children walked round the forest and sat and ate wet sandwiches - but were British - so we expected it!

Poor children.

We've got a school prom tonight for the leavers.

7pm -9pm but ......




I finished school today!

Congrats!!

Are you kidding? I was wondering if anyone could answer my question about locking up our suitcases. Can we lock them up? Whats the TSA approved locks? and how does that work? Just seem dumb that we can't lock our suitcases when the airports employ people who steal.

Ya'd think, huh.

Ok, DH weighed my suitcase last night on his fish scale and it says it weighs 53 pounds. My bathroom scale which swings widely by about 2-5 pounds said it weighed 47 pounds. I don't know if fish scales are like fishermen in that tails are stretched and fish seem bigger than they really are. Despite, I pulled the lanyards from my suitcase which weighed 10 pounds just in case and its going into another suitcase.

Is there someplace we can go to to test weigh our suitcases?

Congratulations!! It's been so long since I've even seen a post!

 

[disneylover5]

A while back some posted the link to buy tickets for PISA.....can you please post again,
Thanks
Lisa