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

[jlawall]

Most of the wines on the Premium wine list...only one I can speak for,, are European....French, Spanish and Italian.....hmmm, makes sense. Altho Ati brought us a Napa, Calilf wine one night and we sent him back for a French wine. It was an excellent wine. We are from Ca and can do Napa any time. But European....not so. I found the food to be very good and I am a very picky eater. They did alot of Med food...lamb, chicken, lots of duck, veal, beef (go for the filet mignon,,,,mmmmmm), at least one or two fish selections...lobster, scallops, shrimp, orange roughy, tilapia...I personally do not like shellfish...but that's my problem. I am a recently vegeterian turned mild carnivore, and I was able to find something every night. The meals on the excursions made the Disney food pale...they were THAT spectacular. Of course, there were at least 2 bottles of vino at each table for 4. You could ask for refills....no charge! One evening I was still so full from our yummy lunch that I just wasn't hungry for supper. Our server was so worried...but he suggested a couple things that were not on the menu and one appealed to me. Voila...yummy. If nothing looks appealing, just ask the server for some help. They will bend over backwards to help you.
I am still reveling in the glory of our cruise. I have never had such a wonderful experience.
Word of warning, If you want your VAT taxes returned, ask each shopkeeper for a slip for the VAT and by the end of the trip have customs stamp it in BCN and either receive your refund then or have the customs stamp and then send it in when you get home. I didn't get the customs stamp and lost $550. SH*t.
Read ALL the instructions carefully. They give them to you on the last day when you are so bummed about going home, that I at least didn't read them carefully.
Otherwise, Have a wonderful time!
Mari

Thx for sharing these tips!!!!!!!

 

[bridegirl]

Has anybody ever heard of a 2 1/2 year old being allowed in the 3-4 year old group? Our daughter is fully potty trained (has been for some time), very verbal, follows directions and transitions well. I know she would be bored at Flounders - she has two older brothers and will be looking for some action.

I know you can request a "trial" - does anyone have advice for me with this issue?

And a different question, are they allowed to go to the 3-4 with a grownup? We are bringing a nanny on the trip, can my daughter go to the 3-4 if the nanny stays with her?

It's just one more thing I'm stressing about before the trip...

Thanks,

Susy

 

[jlawall]

Hmpf!

 

[bridegirl]

Ok, what does anybody want from Los Angeles? They sell little cans of smog here...California oranges - I don't think you can bring fruit? - A little mini-Hollywood sign? Just kidding on all the above.

So...everybody just gets one bag from one other family, I guess? We are really three families, should I bring three bags?

Last year on Magic in Mexico we each brought one thing for each person - I brought gold 50th anniversary mickey antenna toppers.

And when is the meet for the trade?

Thanks,

Susy

 

[bridegirl]

In Mexico, we were able to get on the ship a little early because we were concierge, is that also true for Med?

And what time is everybody planning on getting to the boat?

 

[bridegirl]

What is the deadline for cancelling excursions? Is it before we get on the ship?

I feel like I have alot that we booked that I want to cancel, but then I'm afraid I may want them back.

 

[jlawall]

WOW - I step away to finalize payment on some tours and you all get so chatty! HUMPH! I promise all - I took a shower - yesterday!

Just Kidding - I did - honest I did.

On the Good News Front - DD started summer school today! Back to peace and quiet for me! Except for my stinky dogs. They have gas. And they refuse to be put outside. Why can't I be like my parents and just kick the dogs outside? It only about 78 degrees and their coats aren't as heavy for them being huskies. I think I got spoiled rotten dogs.

Sorry - I got giddy just thinking about the peace and quiet. :

My DDs have me already wishing for some peace and quiet around here.......WHAT A DAY!!!

 

[jlawall]

What is the deadline for cancelling excursions? Is it before we get on the ship?

I feel like I have alot that we booked that I want to cancel, but then I'm afraid I may want them back.

I'm not sure, but definitely check b/c I know you can't cancel once you're onboard........does anyone know??

 

[bridegirl]

Does anybody have any info on a great beach to go to?

We would love to just find a great beach where we could pay to have a lounge chair, umbrella, and lunch - anything like that that anyone has found?

 

[jlawall]

In Mexico, we were able to get on the ship a little early because we were concierge, is that also true for Med?

And what time is everybody planning on getting to the boat?

Yes, I believe concierge is first onboard.........most are planning to get to port by at least 12?

 

[bridegirl]

After checking out the Med navigators, it seems like there are too many shows to see them all - which ones are you planning on skipping?

 

[Pixie Dust II]

I'm not sure, but definitely check b/c I know you can't cancel once you're onboard........does anyone know??

Cancel must be made 2 days prior to cruise.

 

[memarmay]

I have heard alot of talk about people cancelling excursions after reviews here and on other boards.

Has anybody heard of a good reason for me to cancel:
Capri, Sorrento for families
Lerici Castle
Maddalena Archipelgo
VIP Pisa
Little train - in both locations

I read where people said it's just as easy and cheaper to do the little train on your own, so I think I will cancel that.

I also read about rough seas both to capri and also on the maddalena trip - that would be enough to make me cancel both of those.

Any other thoughts/things you have heard?

Thanks,

Susy

Whoa, there. Wait a bit. I can only speak for the Sorrento trip....Worth it. yes, the seas were too rough to go to Capri, but Just hang in there..it might be great.
My DD and DGD went to the maddalena trip...loved it.
Be patient.
Mari

 

[jlawall]

Well???

 

[bridegirl]

Or no pirate...

You guys are too fast for me.

I will never get a pirate!

 

[danfromca]

I have heard alot of talk about people cancelling excursions after reviews here and on other boards.

Has anybody heard of a good reason for me to cancel:
Capri, Sorrento for families
Lerici Castle
Maddalena Archipelgo
VIP Pisa
Little train - in both locations

I read where people said it's just as easy and cheaper to do the little train on your own, so I think I will cancel that.

I also read about rough seas both to capri and also on the maddalena trip - that would be enough to make me cancel both of those.

Any other thoughts/things you have heard?

Thanks,

Susy

I wouldn't cancel Capri based on the reports from the first cruise. That was specifically due to the weather, which won't be consistent. I'd wait for later reports before making that call.

 

[jlawall]

Cancel must be made 2 days prior to cruise.

Thx..........you're getting good at this!!!

 

[Pixie Dust II]

And I didn't even know it was time!!!!!!!!! ARRRRRR!!!!!!

Good Night, Sleep tight everyone!

 

[jlawall]

send it out to be done - you are on your holiday after all

I've never tried this!!

 

[jlawall]

And I didn't even know it was time!!!!!!!!! ARRRRRR!!!!!!

Good Night, Sleep tight everyone!

Wow, what timing!!!