July 28, 2007 - "Rome-ancing the Mouse Cruisers" -11 days! Part 3

[MrsG]

Ok, I really have to step out and get something for dinner., Can we just take it easy for a while so I don't have tons of pages to read. DH is home early tonight and he'll think that this is all I do when he's not home (it is of course). He already caught me reading 10's of pages out here on the patio on the new laptop. Now he's going to get if I ignore him and watch the board because he really is never home this early.

SO........ be nice. (pretty please with sugar on top?)

Maryann

 

[Sandaneli]

Dave made chicken fahitas (sp?) here and they were yummy too.

It must be chicken Monday. We had beer can grilled chicken. It was wonderful, (if I do say so myself).

Sandra

 

[Sandaneli]

Just a heads up on wine ordering for the Magic they are doing the wines in the DCL Med booklet sent recently just before 90 days, the wines on the DCL website are for the normal cruises and NOT for the Med and cannot be ordered.

Seems they are sourcing locally with French and Italian wines, many reports that the fish is better on the Med cruises at least two on each menu.

Pity I do not eat Fish!!!! But good for thoose who do.

Dissers report if you have problems with your menu, ask the head server and he will help, in 2006 I had a great server from India Pugesh, he arranged for Curry for our table one night, it wasnt on the menu and it was good!

DH gave me a bottle of each of the wines on the Med Cruise list for Mother's Day. We have had 5 of them now and every one was excellent. We are saving the champagne for when we get our room assignment. Maybe that's why I'm so impatient.


Sandra

 

[kidcoos3]

Didnt notice the slight change to the pirate names above then??????

Hope everyone goes back to check these - very good Andrew!!

It must be chicken Monday. We had beer can grilled chicken. It was wonderful, (if I do say so myself).

Sandra

Yes, we are having marinated, grilled chicken breasts

 

[eeyorelvr10]

Another tip for this cruise

It looks like many of us will be doing on this cruise and after. Don't forget to pack a small lightweight collapsible (SP?) laundry hamper. Around here you can buy them from the $0.99 store and they really do come in handy. My first ever DCL cruise, I did laundry and had to make several trips to take back my folded clothes. Then I saw someone carrying one. What also works is a laundry duffel that doubles as a backpack. DCL used to sell one a long time ago but DH didn't like carrying it as it only had 1 strap. This will work but some can get heavy. That's why I said just get the cheap ones that wegh ounces or is it grams for you on the other side?

Just a thought!

 

[kidcoos3]

From Travel Gear Blog - perhaps this will make it to Europe before we sail . . .

MizPee is not a way of spelling out the name of your 3rd grade teacher, it is in fact a somewhat humorous, yet most likely extremely practical service for your cell phone. How many times have you been out in the city and realized that you needed to use a restroom, only to pull into a gas station (or run, frantically) and discover that they don’t have public restrooms? Probably way too often.
Right now the service only works in San Francisco, but hopefully with some success and lobbying, it will come to a city you live in. The service is somewhat like most directories, only this locates the nearest restroom to your location, determines if it is a “customers only” restroom, and even gives a “5 toilet paper rating” based on customer feedback on the overall cleanliness of the bathroom. The service can even filter to exclude restrooms that are for paying customers of the establishment, for those who like to bargain shop when we need to answer nature’s call.
For more information on MizPee, visit their website. www.MizPee.com

http://gadgets.travelgearblog.com/gear/excuse-me-mizpee.html

 

[kidcoos3]

Another tip for this cruise

It looks like many of us will be doing on this cruise and after. Don't forget to pack a small lightweight collapsible (SP?) laundry hamper. Around here you can buy them from the $0.99 store and they really do come in handy. My first ever DCL cruise, I did laundry and had to make several trips to take back my folded clothes. Then I saw someone carrying one. What also works is a laundry duffel that doubles as a backpack. DCL used to sell one a long time ago but DH didn't like carrying it as it only had 1 strap. This will work but some can get heavy. That's why I said just get the cheap ones that wegh ounces or is it grams for you on the other side?

Just a thought!

I actually just bought one today!!
Do you bring soap? Or just buy it onboard?

 

[Sandaneli]

I actually just bought one today!!
Do you bring soap? Or just buy it onboard?

On Caribbean cruises I have brought my own, pre measured in baggies with a dryer sheet included. But I don't think I want to take up luggage space or weight with a white powder that could delay my luggage. So I'll just buy it while I'm there.

I don't sleep well so I bring a book and do laundry at 3 am. It's never crowded and I can do several loads at the same time. Hopefully without kids I won't have too much to do. It's just that I tend to like to wear the same things most of the time.

Sandra

 

[eeyorelvr10]

I actually just bought one today!!
Do you bring soap? Or just buy it onboard?

On Caribbean cruises I have brought my own, pre measured in baggies with a dryer sheet included. But I don't think I want to take up luggage space or weight with a white powder that could delay my luggage. So I'll just buy it while I'm there.

I don't sleep well so I bring a book and do laundry at 3 am. It's never crowded and I can do several loads at the same time. Hopefully without kids I won't have too much to do. It's just that I tend to like to wear the same things most of the time.

Sandra

I bring some but only in the Caribbean - I agree with Sandra - don't want to take up any more space than I need too.

Also, spoke with a friend in regards to locks on the suitcases. He said that he has never had a problem on his side of the pond with getting checked. Over here - make sure you have those TSA approved locks. They will check them however, coming back into the states. But according to my UK friend. They've never messed with his.

NOW, if anyone can help me with this one. I bought a good one - $15 bucks and set it but for some reason, the code I assigned it doesn't work. So now I have this open lock that the code I thought I put in doesn't work. So I guess there goes my $15.

OH! Before I forget - who was looking for the Men's Cargo zip pants?

I had to run to a sporting goods shop (Big 5) in CA. I found some caramel-brown colored zip off pants and a beige pair for DH. They were pretty expensive at $35 each but if it can help cut down on cargo space in their suitcase - maybe he can carry some of my stuff you think?

Anyway, for whoever was asking, check out your local sport store. They probably should have some. I found these in the fishing/hunting department.

DD goes back to school for the volleyball camp later. She's only been home about 2 hrs but I'm already ready to her. Must be the heat!

 

[eeyorelvr10]

I actually just bought one today!!
Do you bring soap? Or just buy it onboard?

Leslie, when I started sailing, they only carried the soap. But I noticed last Sept that they now carried, soap, softener and dryer sheets. However, the sheets were always sold out. Those I do bring. I just toss in a small count that usually holds about 10. The box is lightweight and doesn't weigh that much.

Hope this helps.

 

[eeyorelvr10]

On Caribbean cruises I have brought my own, pre measured in baggies with a dryer sheet included. But I don't think I want to take up luggage space or weight with a white powder that could delay my luggage. So I'll just buy it while I'm there.

I don't sleep well so I bring a book and do laundry at 3 am. It's never crowded and I can do several loads at the same time. Hopefully without kids I won't have too much to do. It's just that I tend to like to wear the same things most of the time.
Sandra

Sandra - I notice the same thing myself. That is one major reason that I'm hoping to really keep it down to just one suitcase this time. Although I keep finding the cutest cotten dresses that cover both the shoulder and knees. And I just found the cutest white shirt that will double as a pirate shirt if I accessorize it. So now, when I was only going to take 2 pants, 3-4 cargo pants and 2 skirts, I have now 3 dresses, 1 dress pant, 1 jean, 4 cargo pants and 5 shoes. The shirts I don't worry about as they will more than likely be white. Can't go wrong with white. One thing for sure. You will probably not find me in black shirts this summer.

Oh yeah - forgot the white cardigan and white scarf/shawl I have. I'm planning on buying a hoodie in case of cold over there. They weigh way too much to carry and take up too much cargo space. Gotta conserve!

Oh yeah - forgot the perverbial little black dress and MAYBE 1 cocktail dress. The shoes will just have to do double duty.

 

[Sandaneli]

Laura, You're good!! I cannot pack that lightly. I checked with AirFrance and they told us we can each take 2 suitcases each can weigh 50 lbs, Plus each of us can take on a carry on and a purse or laptop bag. So I don't think I really have to conserve space or weight too much. We are going to try for 3 suitcases. THe problem is mixing his clothes and mine. We usually pack totally separately but with all of the lost luggage reports we are going to mix things up. IT will be interesting.
I'll probably pack the dryer sheets and buy the soap on board. I think if I buy the soap on the first day I won't have to worry about them running out on the ship.

Sandra

 

[kidcoos3]

Sandra - I notice the same thing myself. That is one major reason that I'm hoping to really keep it down to just one suitcase this time. Although I keep finding the cutest cotten dresses that cover both the shoulder and knees. And I just found the cutest white shirt that will double as a pirate shirt if I accessorize it. So now, when I was only going to take 2 pants, 3-4 cargo pants and 2 skirts, I have now 3 dresses, 1 dress pant, 1 jean, 4 cargo pants and 5 shoes. The shirts I don't worry about as they will more than likely be white. Can't go wrong with white. One thing for sure. You will probably not find me in black shirts this summer.

Oh yeah - forgot the white cardigan and white scarf/shawl I have. I'm planning on buying a hoodie in case of cold over there. They weigh way too much to carry and take up too much cargo space. Gotta conserve!

Oh yeah - forgot the perverbial little black dress and MAYBE 1 cocktail dress. The shoes will just have to do double duty.

Where are you finding these cute dresses?
I am going with capris for some excursions and some regular dinners.
What do the teenage boys wear for dinner? Can they wear nice shorts for a regular dinner night? They are difficult to pack for!!

 

[jlawall]

Hi Laura,

I'm so excitied! I just got a new laptop and we decided to go wireless. I can now get the internet anywhere in the house and I just tried to get on our network on my back patio and it works! It is beautiful out tonight. About 80 degrees with no breeze. While DH is cleanng the bbq grill I am sitting here typing away!!! All I need is a Bahama mama and I'm all set.

Maryann

I've been jumping around a lot.......so I'm catching up tonight.............FIRST DAY OF FREEDOM............

We went wireless a few months ago, I LOVE IT!! However, there are times when I wish I was still hooked up to a printer!!!

 

[jlawall]

Hi Laura,

DH & I went for our nightly walk. Didn't want to come back in!! Yes, laptops are addicting and I am seriously considering taking it with us. I really hate to pay for internet on the ship but it will be a way to keep in touch with home. My mom is 89 and lives with us so my kids and my cousin are going to take turns taking care of her. It's getting harder as her mind is not what it once was but she can dress herself and putter around the house. I just have to leave her meals out because she won't cook anymore (thank goodness). In case of questions, etc. email is probably the fastest/easiest way. I'm afraid with the time difference and not hearing the cell phone, we could just keep missing eachother. I wish DCL allowed Skype. I wonder if we can pick up the signal in ports?

Anyway, I got a Dell Inspirion 1505, 15"screen with 160G hard drive (never use that much but it was a free upgrade) 2G memory, etc. really nice and easy to use, even with the new Windows Vista. It is really light for its size. The first custom thing I did was to set my desktop with a pic of the Magic Kingdom. When I showed DD the laptop today, and up came the desktop, she said, "Of course, what else would you have as wallpaper?" HEE HEE.

So you see, we're all a little

Maryann

At least one of us will bring our laptop.......DD22 (Tara) has suggested that we "blog" b/c you can write it on MS Word and save Internet minutes.......

 

[DisneySpirit]

DW just checked our reservation online and we have a stateroom # instead of just Cat 6 GTY. We are in 5648.
It's on deck 5 in the stern where the curve starts on the starboard side. Looks like possibly a little bigger balcony as a result. Anybody ever stayed there?

 

[jlawall]

congratulations on your new lap top -if you used it out side here it would blow! - we've had 5 solid days of rain -weather is more like feb/march - I actually got out my polo jumper



Me too, I think I'll be skipping this. - I make door signs but thats about it (and there not very pro)

Sorry about the weather, Helen! I'm not going to complain anymore b/c I can be in AC whenever I want for the rest of the summer!!!

I'm not sure about the fish extenders either.........I don't think I'm going to have the time to find everyone with all the excursions, etc.....still mulling this one over.

 

[jlawall]

DW just checked our reservation online and we have a stateroom # instead of just Cat 6 GTY. We are in 5648.
It's on deck 5 in the stern where the curve starts on the starboard side. Looks like possibly a little bigger balcony as a result. Anybody ever stayed there?

No, but congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[jlawall]

Helen

I was reading some forum as one people mentioned that Evening Casino was not very good. She wish to stay on Cruise at evening time to see firework etc.

Oh dear, that make me not sure about Evening Casino now as think put my father in law with my husband to go to Evening Casino as I stay with mil to see show, firework etc. (I cannot remember which one forum when she spoke out about it)

I think it is not fair that DCL have something on while Evening Casino excursion. As I feel 50/50 and feel not know what I want now.

Maybe I wait and hear from another people?

I remember you wrote to dcl about it. Any news?

Just wonder.

Scottishwee35

I wonder if we should just change our daytime excursion to include a casino visit and then head back to the ship at night (I'm a little nervous about too many long days off the ship - but my DH would love to visit a casino at some point!)

 

[Sandaneli]

DisneySpirit congratulations!!! I had my hopes up but checked and still have GTY. I'm so impatient.

We decided to see the Casino during the day so we can be back on the ship for the party and fireworks. We were looking forward to the dressing up and the Grand Casino experience but this way we can see the Casino and the fireworks and party. It's too bad Disney didn't rethink the timing of the new deck party.

We also have a new laptop and wireless. It's addictive. I wasn't online nearly so much when I had to go into my office to log in but now I can be anywhere.

Sandra