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

[Andrew DEREK UK]

GOOD MORNING

First page updated with celebrations

OK - I read a lot more posts and wanted to comment, but now I can't find them all.

So..

As for a meet - I missed out on signing up for the Palo Brunch, so i would be interested in meeting everyone and bringing a goodie bag from our hometown. Any time is good for us, since I have no prior obligations at the moment. (waiting on 75 days and all)

Speaking of hometowns - if someone is doing a map, put us down for Manteca, CA. Anyone nearby interested in getting together pre-cruise? We might go south for a while when the kids get out of school. We like to leave them with my MIL for a few weeks each summer. However the last two summers wild fires have broken out in the area and trapped them in. Scary to be 400 miles from your kids watching a wild fire on cnn, knowing they are in the house.

Excursions and Spa time - where do I even begin? We are primarily only focused on Rome. We have one excursion we like, but are looking into doing it for cheaper on our own with some friends that will be on board. We have no interest in seeing the vatican, would rather spend all day in the historic district. When thinking of the other ports we are still undecided.

Questions from a newbie -
Laundry on board, do the machines take quarters like in a laundry mat? I would like to be prepared to operate them prior to coming on board.

In ports where we have to take another boat to get to shore, do we have to pay for that if we are not taking any excursions? We were thinking of just going ashore and looking around, then coming back to the ship in a few ports. But we will stay onboard if we have to pay for it.

and last but most important of all

Andrew, I really hope you start to get better. You do a lot of really hard work for all of us. I am really thankful for all your help. I hope your vacation coming up does the trick.


TTFN - Carrie

Luandry on a number of decks takes quaters and there are change machines which convert from notes. Generally the same as WDW resorts.

Two ports we TENDER in, thats smaller boats La Spezia Villefrache, no charge for these boats you have to get a tender ticket form a location early on arrival if you are not on a DCL shore trip.

You can come go no charge.

Thank you, a bit better this morning seeing doctor Monday.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

UPDATE

CELEBRATE

salliep
This cruise was a gift to each other for our 25th wedding anniversary which was this past November, so although it has just passed, it is the main reason we went all out- also carley will be celebrating her 13th birthday 2 weeks after we dock, and my 49th birthday ( the final one before hitting the big 50- a week before we leave! The Phelan's have a lot to celebrate !!!
Oh yes- and making so many new friends!!!!!

Sandaneli

We are celebrating our 10th anniversary VERY EARLY. It's not until Nov 98 but this is a dream cruise and it won't be available in 2008.

ANDREW

Well for the first time we miss celebrations on this cruise, for the last two our wedding Anniversary in August and DS Stephen’s birthday have fallen on the cruise, or whilst we are away.

My anniversary, and DS Birthday will be a couple of weeks after the cruise, in 2008, they fall within the 15 night cruise.


eeyorelvr10-celebrations on or before cruise: Well - here's mine:

Birthdays:

DS Andrew - 21st on July 7th

DD Megan - 20th on July 20th

Me! Laura - 41st on July 23rd


Anniversary:

DH & I - AKA Steve and Laura (anyone remember Steve Urkel and Laura Winslow? Now what was that sitcoms name - went out the window just now - must be my senior moment which are coming closer and closer together! )

July 21st - our 17th wedding anniversary - 20 years together on Dec 1!


Now can you all see why I love crusing - especially in July????

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disneylover5;Daniel will 18 on 8-3-2007!!

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jlawall

My parents will be celebrating their 49th anniversary in July (albil).....my DH and I will be celebrating our 27th anniversary in July and my oldest DD will be celebrating her 23rd b-day that month!

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AnnaS

My dd will be graduating from 8th grade June 15.

Early 25th Wedding Anniversary for dh and I (Nov.).

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kyla;


My celebration is my 50th birthday, but my birthday is in October.
kyla;My husband's 50th last year, he went to the Grand Canyon with his buddy.
It was also our 25th anniversary.
Now its my 50th this year.

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LynnTarrant;
we are celebrating our 17th anniversary on 3rd August

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formerCPer Brian
Our DD Madelynne will turn 8 on 8/30 and DD Megan will be 16 on 9/16 (but she is still lobbying for us to allow her a glass of wine in Italy since the legal age is 16 I understand). Most of all, the cruise is our Tenth Anniversary present to each other. Anybody that can stand me that long deserves something this nice.

Brian

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disneylover5;-My 50th is Sept 4th!!
We will have to have a drink together
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MrsG;

Andrew can you add us under celebrations-(unless you put us there already.) We're celebrating our 30th Wedding Anniversary.



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MrsJobba

Not a speical one but IM celebrating my birthday on board -well its Aug 17th;

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Mary Jo

I don't know if this qualifies as a celebration or not... But, this is a special trip for me because I figure this will be the last big trip that I will take with just my children. My ds is 19, and my dd is 18. They already split their time between their dad & me (we're divorced), and at their age they'll soon have significant others, work, school, and time will be even more precious. So, I'm taking advantage while I can.


disneymagic316;

Our celebrations- We have some big ones!

Wendy(me)- 50th birthday in March , Russ(DH)- 50th birthday in November
Matthew(DS)- graduated college April 21, will be 22 on July 1
- Getting married August 25,2007 in St. Augustine,Fla.!
Andrew(DS)- will be 19 on July 19
Amy (DS)- celebrating 16th birthday in November- same birthdate as my DH.

My parents will be celebrating their 53rd wedding anniversary in Sept.

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tomspixie;

Kidcoos3, we have a DD15 who is bringing her best friend who is 16. We also have two boys, one will turn 13 in Pompeii and one that will be 11 when we sail.

Aurora1959


My husband's birthday is August 7th. I am supposed to not say anything, but you know I just can do that.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Laura,

I bought a pair of those easy spirit 1/2 sandal 1/2 sneaker shoe too, but havent tried them yet. Glad to hear they are comfy.

Andrew,

Thanks for the input about safety. I think I'm obsessing.
Glad to hear you are resting. Sometimes that's the best medicine.

Maryann

Thank you, yes on saftey, dont worry, but be aware, It does happen so take care, also for thoose of you taking credit cards and debit cards to Europe, your bank might make security checks if you change your patten of spending and stop these cards so:-

• Tell you bank about 7 days before you go, where you plan to go and use your cards.
• Ensure you have their emergency line for stopped or stolen cards.
• Ensure you have at least two cards, keep one in hotel or on ship. One is there as a back up.

 

[LynnTarrant]

Hello Everyone
Work is a bit mad at present, I'm also in teaching at the moment I'm the headteacher (principal) of a primary (elementary) school in Surrey. I love comparing notes with other teachers around the world, I always find it amazing that despite many differences in procedures, the real issues, concerns and joy seem to be very similar the world over.
Just a little note to our US teaching colleagues on this thread if Helen and I from the UK don't seem to be very excited about you finishing school in the next couple of weeks it's because in the UK we go on until the end of JULY! no 2 month summer vacations for us, we get about 5and a half weeks. In fact I break up the wednesday before we cruise. ...................................

Seriously I was only teasing about not being excited for you I hope you all have great summers


Right down to business DIS Meet Promenade Lounge sounds great I can now do 10am, I have a spa appointment booked but it finsihes at 9:45am, 4pm would be good for us as well.
We will bring one bag $15-20 from the Portsmouth/Hampshire region (big navy tradition)

Lanyards could we please have reels on ours as well Kyra Thanks Let me know when you need payment we have Pay pal if that works for you.

A really big Thank you to everyone organising something for our cruise this will be our 4th DCL cruise and I can honestly say that they have all been enhanced by sharing the anticipation, and being part of a DIS group on board. In addition we have made friends with people from all over the states whom we now have regular contact with and consider among our closest friends, so heres to a happy sailing and new friends!
Lynn

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Hello Everyone
Work is a bit mad at present, I'm also in teaching at the moment I'm the headteacher (principal) of a primary (elementary) school in Surrey. I love comparing notes with other teachers around the world, I always find it amazing that despite many differences in procedures, the real issues, concerns and joy seem to be very similar the world over.
Just a little note to our US teaching colleagues on this thread if Helen and I from the UK don't seem to be very excited about you finishing school in the next couple of weeks it's because in the UK we go on until the end of JULY! no 2 month summer vacations for us, we get about 5and a half weeks. In fact I break up the wednesday before we cruise. ...................................

Seriously I was only teasing about not being excited for you I hope you all have great summers


Right down to business DIS Meet Promenade Lounge sounds great I couldn't do 10am I have a spa appointment booked but 4pm would be great for us.
We will bring one bag $15-20 from the Portsmouth/Hampshire region (big navy tradition)

Lanyards could we please have reels on ours as well Kyra Thanks Let me know when you need payment we have Pay pal if that works for you.

A really big Thank you to everyone organising something for our cruise this will be our 4th DCL cruise and I can honestly say that they have all been enhanced by sharing the anticipation, and being part of a DIS group on board. In addition we have made friends with people from all over the states whom we now have regular contact with and consider among our closest friends, so heres to a happy sailing and new friends!
Lynn

And today the MAGIC is finally on her way to us, leaving PC today for CC then six days accross the Atlantic, getting closer and closer.

 

[LynnTarrant]

Andrew It's really exciting thinking that the Magic is actually coming to us instead of us going there, It definitely makes the cruise feel closer, i think that mentally my mind has wiped June this year!!!

Helen/Joanne
On my on line reservation where can I see that we are linked I can't seem to find it

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Andrew It's really exciting thinking that the Magic is actually coming to us instead of us going there, It definitely makes the cruise feel closer, i think that mentally my mind has wiped June this year!!!

Helen/Joanne
On my on line reservation where can I see that we are linked I can't seem to find it

Yes she will be on her way to us tonight, via CC. Getting closer.

 

[Sandaneli]

Good Morning All!

WHen you talk to the bank about traveling out of the country be sure you speak with the Security or Fraud Department. A few years ago I went to China (to adopt our daughter Before I left I went to the local office and told them that I was going to China and would be making charges and the dates I would be away. They assured me it would not be a problem. On the first day I bought a gift for my Mom. The next time I needed to use it was to get my daughter out of the hospital (it's a long story). Anyway they came back and said it had been declined. I only brought one card with me because I was worried about theft. I had to have someone else pay the bill and the bank would not release my card until I called from my home phone. Which was impossible.

It all worked out in the end but was one more headache I did NOT need at that time.

All this to say make sure you talk to the Fraud Dept or Security Dept and get something in writing, signed and a direct phone number so you have some leverage and someone to talk to when trying to get it straightened out.

I am so excited about this cruise. It's been GREAT to have contact with people who love Disney Cruises as much as we do.

S

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Good Morning All!

WHen you talk to the bank about traveling out of the country be sure you speak with the Security or Fraud Department. A few years ago I went to China (to adopt our daughter Before I left I went to the local office and told them that I was going to China and would be making charges and the dates I would be away. They assured me it would not be a problem. On the first day I bought a gift for my Mom. The next time I needed to use it was to get my daughter out of the hospital (it's a long story). Anyway they came back and said it had been declined. I only brought one card with me because I was worried about theft. I had to have someone else pay the bill and the bank would not release my card until I called from my home phone. Which was impossible.

It all worked out in the end but was one more headache I did NOT need at that time.

All this to say make sure you talk to the Fraud Dept or Security Dept and get something in writing, signed and a direct phone number so you have some leverage and someone to talk to when trying to get it straightened out.

I am so excited about this cruise. It's been GREAT to have contact with people who love Disney Cruises as much as we do.

S

I do agree, a good way is via internet banking my messages, about seven days before you go, as they have short memories.

 

[salliep]

Good Morning All!!!

I read on the other thread ( cruise leaving today) that they will be posting a "live thread" -is that something we will be able to read??? Will it be on their same thread, or another?? I cant wait to hear about the cruise!!!

Andrew- its good waking up and seeing your posts
UK teachers- I would be very jealous about our long summer vacations.. we teach a total of 180 days- how many days does your year run? I cant wait to compare on the cruise- hopefully sitting on a lounge chair- in the sun- overlooking the beautiful Mediterranean backdrop-!!

Have I mentioned I cant wait????

Sallie

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Good Morning All!!!

I read on the other thread ( cruise leaving today) that they will be posting a "live thread" -is that something we will be able to read??? Will it be on their same thread, or another?? I cant wait to hear about the cruise!!!

Andrew- its good waking up and seeing your posts
UK teachers- I would be very jealous about our long summer vacations.. we teach a total of 180 days- how many days does your year run? I cant wait to compare on the cruise- hopefully sitting on a lounge chair- in the sun- overlooking the beautiful Mediterranean backdrop-!!

Have I mentioned I cant wait????

Sallie

Morning Sallie, or afternoon here, I would expect it to be on the Cruise trip reports part, or on their cruise meets thread. But worth looking around, as its special maybe first pictures will be on the main board.


(so in that order and really anywhere!!!!)

 

[salliep]

Afternoon Andrew!!!!
Hey.. did you and everyone see the ipod podcasts from Disney about our Med Cruise- I just downloaded them- and they are great- they are videos that show all the ports with explanations of some of the excursions and fun facts, ship casts, a teen podcast- all free !!!!
so go to itunes and search Disney Med. Cruise and download!!!
it will get even you more excited- if thats even possible
Sallie

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Afternoon Andrew!!!!
Hey.. did you and everyone see the ipod podcasts from Disney about our Med Cruise- I just downloaded them- and they are great- they are videos that show all the ports with explanations of some of the excursions and fun facts, ship casts, a teen podcast- all free !!!!
so go to itunes and search Disney Med. Cruise and download!!!
it will get even you more excited- if thats even possible
Sallie

Thanks for the tip. I'm off to download now.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Afternoon Andrew!!!!
Hey.. did you and everyone see the ipod podcasts from Disney about our Med Cruise- I just downloaded them- and they are great- they are videos that show all the ports with explanations of some of the excursions and fun facts, ship casts, a teen podcast- all free !!!!
so go to itunes and search Disney Med. Cruise and download!!!
it will get even you more excited- if thats even possible
Sallie

THANKS I will have a look, been reading the new passporter book which has Med info.

 

[MrsG]

Ok Sallie,

I give up. I searched the apple itunes site trying all variations of Disney Med cruise, I searched the Disney site, too. Could you please walk me through how I get to the podcast.

Thanks,
Maryann

 

[salliep]

Ok Sallie,

I give up. I searched the apple itunes site trying all variations of Disney Med cruise, I searched the Disney site, too. Could you please walk me through how I get to the podcast.

Thanks,
Maryann

HI Maryann!!
I am usually the one who needs more directions- Im so glad I have a friend!!! I found this yesterday on the disney cruise site- somewhere after I put in my cruise # and went through all those links on the left- I'm leaving now, but I will search that when i get back. However- Im in the iTunes store- in the top right is a search button- type in disney med cruise and it should come up- it takes a while to download everything, but very worth it
i just checked it- I have a mac computer- but I dont think that should make a difference.. I will check in with you as soon as I get home!!
I may be going to mass in Malverne tonight- I sometimes go sat or sun night there with my friend's family- it would be funny if you were there- now that I have your pic- I will look for you!!!
sallie

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

I had problems as well.

 

[kyla]

Ok so far I have the following interest and vote on lanyard Design:
Me 9 (Any)
Jlawall 7 (E)
Eeyorelvr10 6 (A)
kidcoos3 5 (A)
Andrew UK 4 (Any)
Salliep 3 (E)
Pixie DustII 4 (Any)
AnnaS 5 (any)
disneymagic316 9 (A or E)
MrsG 2 (A)
MrsJobba1 2 (E)
Lovebeast 4 (A)
Iowazipcode 8 (E)
disneylover 5 5 (any)
formerCper 4
10yrann 8 (E)
MaryJo 3 (E)
LynnTarrant 2 (E)
Sandaneli 2 (E)
JustJus 4 (E)
Aurora1959 4
Tomspixie
so we are at 100

Cost for lanyard design A will be about $2.50
Cost for lanyard design E will be about $3.00
Both come with a badge holder: http://www.kennyproducts.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=KPI&Product_Code=372
To add a badge reel http://www.kennyproducts.com/Mercha...en=PROD&Store_Code=KPI&Product_Code=425-blank, will be another $1 per badge reel.
I was thinking of ordering once I get everyone's payment and bringing them to Barcelona or the DIS meetup to pass out.


Lanyard Design Options (by formerCPer)

Please revote:
Choose either A or E or any

Lanyard design:
A - 4
E - 9
Any - 5

# badge reels requested:
Sandaneli (1)
MrsJobba (2)
salliep (2)
MrsG (2)
AnnaS (5)
eeyorelvr10 (6)
lovebeast (3)
jlawall ?
Kidcoos3 (5)
LynnTarrant (2)

I posted this on the previous page, but in case you haven't seen. Some people were confused on how things attach together. Hopefully, this will clear it up:

Here is the lanyard with the badge holder (except ours will be vertical)

Here is the lanyard with badge reel (except ours will come as two pieces: a lanyard with J hook (as shown in the above pic). Each badge reels has a belt clip in back. The J hook hooks on the belt clip of the badge reel. See the little tab on the badge reel? That will snap onto the top of the badge holder. The badge holder will hold your Key to the World card.

 

[Sandaneli]

Hi, we were wondering if anyone knows if a reservation can be changed to another travel agent or Disney without there being a $1000. cancellation fee?

With the reduced prices on Cat. 12 we could save $2500. (a good portion of our next cruise). However we booked through AAA and Disney won't make the change. AAA won't be open until Monday and who knows if the option will be available by the time they open.

I'm going CRAZY thinking about how much money we will lose if we miss this opportunity.

S

We have learned our lesson this is just one more headache booking with AAA has caused. I thought TAs were supposed to make travelling easier.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Hi, we were wondering if anyone knows if a reservation can be changed to another travel agent or Disney without there being a $1000. cancellation fee?

With the reduced prices on Cat. 12 we could save $2500. (a good portion of our next cruise). However we booked through AAA and Disney won't make the change. AAA won't be open until Monday and who knows if the option will be available by the time they open.

I'm going CRAZY thinking about how much money we will lose if we miss this opportunity.

S

We have learned our lesson this is just one more headache booking with AAA has caused. I thought TAs were supposed to make travelling easier.

I thought after paying up in full you cannot swap Room or TA, if your grade is a lower price, you can ask DCL to reduce your price to the new one, any change now would be subject to the cancellation charges and loss of deposit etc.

I might be wrong as USA TA's are different to ours, but I think thats why DCL are now offering discounts at Cat 12, after pay up time, to stop people moving and loss of money, and fill up the ship, they will upgrade people form CAT 12.