July 30, 2010 Mickey's Adventures England to Espana Cruise

[mkmommy]

Thanks MKMom for directing me here! I'm so excited to find other moms on this cruise. I'll have three sons with me 12, 8 and 6! This is our first cruise and I'm so excited!
Scottishwee... I replied to you on another cruise board )

Welcome aboard.

It is a great cruise line to travel alone with kids, I have done 2 so far and we have had the best times. There is so much info on these boards that you feel like you know the ship before you arrive and it helps to take away that fear of the unknown. Don't be afraid to ask questions, lots of people will be willing to help.

I am sure that your sons will have so much fun. We are starting to get excited. I found a Magic Tree house book in the library yesterday about Knights and Castles so we are going to read up on that. My oldest though tells me she will only go on 1 excursion, she just wants to stay on the ship in the kids club. I am working on getting her excited about the ports also, I told her we have a room on deck 5 with the kids club and she thought that was so cool. I am hoping that they do not have too many fun things for port days in the club.

My youngest on the other hand has no plans to go to the clubs and I am working on that she too will have to go to the clubs so her sister can has some alone mom time too.

Lisa

 

[Goofy Mum]

Welcome aboard.

It is a great cruise line to travel alone with kids, I have done 2 so far and we have had the best times. There is so much info on these boards that you feel like you know the ship before you arrive and it helps to take away that fear of the unknown. Don't be afraid to ask questions, lots of people will be willing to help.

I am sure that your sons will have so much fun. We are starting to get excited. I found a Magic Tree house book in the library yesterday about Knights and Castles so we are going to read up on that. My oldest though tells me she will only go on 1 excursion, she just wants to stay on the ship in the kids club. I am working on getting her excited about the ports also, I told her we have a room on deck 5 with the kids club and she thought that was so cool. I am hoping that they do not have too many fun things for port days in the club.

My youngest on the other hand has no plans to go to the clubs and I am working on that she too will have to go to the clubs so her sister can has some alone mom time too.

Lisa

Oh Im SO glad I found this site! I feel relieved I won't be the only 'single' mom travelling!
I think my youngest will be apprehensive about the kids club also but because his older brothers are always talking about it he seems to be getting excited also.
Funny thing about deck 5. Until last night we were booked on deck 7 but after reading the Passporter's guide I wanted to try to get a 'sideways' room so I logged onto my reservation and booked us 5001. Are we going to be neighbours?
After the holidays I decided to pass time we're going to research all the ports of call. Dover is boring of course. We were just there a few weeks ago. The White Cliffs are goreous but that's all that's there. The port itself looks a bit of an eyesore. Unlike the beautiful presentation DCL has in Port Canaveral. Are you staying in the Dover area at all or are you flying in and cruising the same day?
So what are you doing to get in the cruise spirit? Will there be a Pirate party on our cruise or is this just for the Caribbean cruisers? I have no idea what sort of clothes to bring. I can tell you I started dieting the minute I booked us last month
Ricki

 

[Piggy and Bear]

Hi Lisa

I was doing sort out jewellery, make up and clothes and hang up my clothes...

I am leaving on Tuesday early morning...

but feel guilty leave my husband and kids behind also mother in law came to see me today question me about New York, she made me feel awkward too...

I cannot believe 18 months planning came quickly...

Scottishwee35

Have a fantastic time! I will be thinking of you!
Viccie

 

[Piggy and Bear]

Oh Im SO glad I found this site! I feel relieved I won't be the only 'single' mom travelling!
I think my youngest will be apprehensive about the kids club also but because his older brothers are always talking about it he seems to be getting excited also.
Funny thing about deck 5. Until last night we were booked on deck 7 but after reading the Passporter's guide I wanted to try to get a 'sideways' room so I logged onto my reservation and booked us 5001. Are we going to be neighbours?
After the holidays I decided to pass time we're going to research all the ports of call. Dover is boring of course. We were just there a few weeks ago. The White Cliffs are goreous but that's all that's there. The port itself looks a bit of an eyesore. Unlike the beautiful presentation DCL has in Port Canaveral. Are you staying in the Dover area at all or are you flying in and cruising the same day?
So what are you doing to get in the cruise spirit? Will there be a Pirate party on our cruise or is this just for the Caribbean cruisers? I have no idea what sort of clothes to bring. I can tell you I started dieting the minute I booked us last month
Ricki

Welcome
Ricki are you Uk based?
My DD will be 12 on this cruise too. She's quite a tom boy at the moment, liking Star Wars ad Marvill comics. She's just discovered eyeliner though!
She can't wait for the Clubs and all the activities.

On the 2007 Med cruises there was a Pirates party. Not sure about this one though although it was very popular. They also included another deck party.
We like dressing up so will be quite fromal on formal night, otherwise I tend to wear skirts and team up different blouses with them for the evenings and then may wear the skirt during the day once. The dress code seemed as relaxed as the carribean. They were just strict when entering churches requiring knees and shoulders to be covered.
Hope this helps
Viccie

 

[Goofy Mum]

Welcome
Ricki are you Uk based?
My DD will be 12 on this cruise too. She's quite a tom boy at the moment, liking Star Wars ad Marvill comics. She's just discovered eyeliner though!
She can't wait for the Clubs and all the activities.

On the 2007 Med cruises there was a Pirates party. Not sure about this one though although it was very popular. They also included another deck party.
We like dressing up so will be quite fromal on formal night, otherwise I tend to wear skirts and team up different blouses with them for the evenings and then may wear the skirt during the day once. The dress code seemed as relaxed as the carribean. They were just strict when entering churches requiring knees and shoulders to be covered.
Hope this helps
Viccie

Hi Viccie.
Yes I'm in Coventry I moved here from the USA just over 9 years ago. My husband's British.
Your daughter would get on brillaintly with my 12 year old son. He's also into all that stuff. I think he just recently gave up Pokemon. lol
Are you also cruising alone with your daughter or with a partner?
Are any of you on Facebook?
Ricki

 

[mkmommy]

Oh Im SO glad I found this site! I feel relieved I won't be the only 'single' mom travelling!
I think my youngest will be apprehensive about the kids club also but because his older brothers are always talking about it he seems to be getting excited also.
Funny thing about deck 5. Until last night we were booked on deck 7 but after reading the Passporter's guide I wanted to try to get a 'sideways' room so I logged onto my reservation and booked us 5001. Are we going to be neighbours?
After the holidays I decided to pass time we're going to research all the ports of call. Dover is boring of course. We were just there a few weeks ago. The White Cliffs are goreous but that's all that's there. The port itself looks a bit of an eyesore. Unlike the beautiful presentation DCL has in Port Canaveral. Are you staying in the Dover area at all or are you flying in and cruising the same day?
So what are you doing to get in the cruise spirit? Will there be a Pirate party on our cruise or is this just for the Caribbean cruisers? I have no idea what sort of clothes to bring. I can tell you I started dieting the minute I booked us last month
Ricki

We have one of the secret porthole rooms I think on that side so we will be close by.

We are flying to London on Tuesday night arriving midday Wed, so we will stay in London Wed night and then head to Dover on Thursday. I am still debating between the coach or train from London. We are staying at the Premier Inn Central, and I think several others from here will be there also.

I am going to sneak in Dover Castle Thursday afternoon so we get one castle in and I have told my daughter it does not count as her one excursion.

We plan on travelling light luggage wise so I am not sure how dressed up we will be. It will be interesting to see if they still have the pirate party or come up with some different, I know I have taken costumes in the past but I will not be bringing them this trip.

Lisa

 

[Goofy Mum]

We have one of the secret porthole rooms I think on that side so we will be close by.

We are flying to London on Tuesday night arriving midday Wed, so we will stay in London Wed night and then head to Dover on Thursday. I am still debating between the coach or train from London. We are staying at the Premier Inn Central, and I think several others from here will be there also.

I am going to sneak in Dover Castle Thursday afternoon so we get one castle in and I have told my daughter it does not count as her one excursion.

We plan on travelling light luggage wise so I am not sure how dressed up we will be. It will be interesting to see if they still have the pirate party or come up with some different, I know I have taken costumes in the past but I will not be bringing them this trip.

Lisa

I tried getting a 'secret porthole' room last night but they're all taken.
We're taking the National Express Coach from Coventry. I'm getting the kids travel cards. To save a bit of £
This being our first cruise I have no idea at all about excursions. I'm going to do some research and see what's out there for us.
After Dover Castle youll have to go up the hill a little ways and walk along the White Cliffs. Increadible!! When we went last month it was a bit chilly and windy but we had a nice time. There's a little gift shop there that also sells hot drinks, soup and other items.


Note to everyone... To get CHEAP (no frills) continental flights check with Ryan Air. The four of us are flying from Barcelona to Birmingham for 106 Euro! That doesnt include our baggage allowance but we'll book that later.

So exciting to read this thread and see everyone who's going!


DISNEY FANS... Please add us to the roll call list! Cheers x
Goofy Mum.. Ricki (kid at heart!)
(DS) Brett- 12
(DS) Coby- 8
(DS) Jack- 6

 

[Goofy Mum]

Just wanted to add... while I'm reading through these threads. The Tower of London and London Eye are indeed tourist hot spots but don't forget to check out Madame Tussauds Wax Museum if you have a few spare hours!

 

[mkmommy]

I am also waiting for excursions. Gibraltar and Cadiz have been released on the DCL website as they overlap with the TA's but nothing stands out yet.

Travelling alone with kids I tend to book DCL excursions, but I think a couple of the ports on this cruise I may just get off and wander around, but I have not really done much research into that. I really have no idea what will capture the girls interest besides looking for ice cream and beaches and parks.

Lisa

 

[Goofy Mum]

I am also waiting for excursions. Gibraltar and Cadiz have been released on the DCL website as they overlap with the TA's but nothing stands out yet.

Travelling alone with kids I tend to book DCL excursions, but I think a couple of the ports on this cruise I may just get off and wander around, but I have not really done much research into that. I really have no idea what will capture the girls interest besides looking for ice cream and beaches and parks.

Lisa

I'm not so sure my 3 young sons will appreciate the excursions that don't include ice cream and beaches either. From my travel experience (not with cruises but I used to work for American Airlines) I would often travel abroad and head off by myself in the absolute opposite direction of the tourists. I got some incredible deals (and pictures) from Venice and Roma.
I also took a few friends to Paris for my 40th birthday. We stayed outside the city in a small village that never saw tourists. I know enough French to get us around, order a decent meal and haggle. Again had a great time and some really good deals at the markets.
I'm most looking forward to Lisbon and Gibraltar. At least in Gibraltar I won't need to exchange money
I can't say I'm too thrilled about Cherbourg as it seems just across the channel from us but from reading what people have written about it I'm getting excited to go.
I suppose I'm most looking forward to the Disney Experience in general. 40 years ago my grandparents took us to Disneyland in CA. We went back every other year until I was 10. Then as an adult I started to frequent WDW. I've yet to visit Disney Paris but I haven't heard great things. I guess nothing really beats WDW, FL.
Ricki

 

[Piggy and Bear]

Hi Viccie.
Yes I'm in Coventry I moved here from the USA just over 9 years ago. My husband's British.
Your daughter would get on brillaintly with my 12 year old son. He's also into all that stuff. I think he just recently gave up Pokemon. lol
Are you also cruising alone with your daughter or with a partner?
Are any of you on Facebook?
Ricki

We're in Leeds, Yorks. DD still plays Pokemon on her DS!
DH is coming on the cruise too! We're going to trael down on the 29th and stay overnight. I have taken the ferry out of Dover before. It very much a ferry and freight port. We'll probably go up to the cliffs if the weather is good on the 29th in the late afternoon.

I have been to Gib before (probably 20 years ago now). As I have said before it is very do-able on your own. Having looked at Cadiz we'll do the same there. The town is smal and there are some lovely looking beaces within a mile of where we reckon the Magic will dock. There are some nice gardens and the town has a medieval wall you can walk on which runs by the sea. It looks lovely.

I think Cherborg is about the Normandy Landings, Mont St Michel or Caen. The port is like Dover. As my dad came ashore at Aromanches and DH grandfather came ashore on Gold Beach we have to visit these places. I hae been tracing the family history!

I agree with Lisa (mkmommy) about not bringing pirate costumes this time. The bagage allowances are getting tough especially on the budget airlines. The pirate party has to be offshore for the fireworks. It was outside Marseille on the 10/11 days in 2007. Cadiz would be a good choice for it on this cruise. Francis Drake ( English privateer to Queen Elizabeth 1) fired the ships in Cadiz harbour delaying the Spanish Amada by a year. The Spanish accused him of beng a pirate. So it would fit there.

Still looking for a good flight deal. The prices do seem to be coming down though!

Viccie

 

[Goofy Mum]

Viccie, we went to the Kent Seaside last month for the kids half term holiday. We stayed at a Park Resort just 10 mins from Dover. Dover is just so industrial isnt it? I just cant imagine a DCL docking there. Is the port even big enough? lol
Anyway it was cheapy little break and the weather was brilliant for the time of year. If you have facebook you can snoop my pics
As for flights, I posted earlier we paid 106 Euro for our flights from Reus to Brum. Reus is considered a Barcelona airport even though it's an hour away. My husband's sister lives in Salou and has a few pubs there so we're going to sponge off her for a few days, take the kids to Portaventura and head back home on the 11th.

 

[scottishwee35]

Thanks MKMom for directing me here! I'm so excited to find other moms on this cruise. I'll have three sons with me 12, 8 and 6! This is our first cruise and I'm so excited!
Scottishwee... I replied to you on another cruise board )

Hi Goofy Mum

wow England's family

but did you replied me and I am afraid that I don't know about this.. is this another uk board?

That is great as my son is 12 too hopeful they meet up and go to club together...

Scottishwee35

 

[scottishwee35]

Hi Everybody

Ii am so sorry that I have not catch up as I am busy as I will be flight out tom morning to NEW YORK

I will catch up when I come back

Scottishwee35

 

[Goofy Mum]

Hi Goofy Mum

wow England's family

but did you replied me and I am afraid that I don't know about this.. is this another uk board?

That is great as my son is 12 too hopeful they meet up and go to club together...

Scottishwee35

Hi Scottishwee.. I think it was cruisecritic.
I noticed it was your family and wifey. Both families from Scotland.
Will be so nice to get to know a few folks online (and for the kids too) before the voyage! Only making me more excited!!

 

[mkmommy]

We're in Leeds, Yorks. DD still plays Pokemon on her DS!

Viccie

My oldest has just stared plaing Pokemon, I guess kids play with the same things all over the world.

Ricki, if you are interested I did a blog of the last cruise we did.

http://magictrip0314.blogspot.com/2009/03/well-we-just-got-back-from-amazing-trip.html

It is very kid centric, a detailed report of what the girls did. Our girls only vacations tend to revolve around what they want to do, but it is great as we don't get a lot of chances to do just fun things and it is great to see them so happy.

Lisa

 

[Goofy Mum]

My oldest has just stared plaing Pokemon, I guess kids play with the same things all over the world.

Ricki, if you are interested I did a blog of the last cruise we did.

http://magictrip0314.blogspot.com/2009/03/well-we-just-got-back-from-amazing-trip.html

It is very kid centric, a detailed report of what the girls did. Our girls only vacations tend to revolve around what they want to do, but it is great as we don't get a lot of chances to do just fun things and it is great to see them so happy.

Lisa

Thanks MK! I enjoyed reading your blog and posted a comment. I decided to also start a blog about our Magical Journey and the time leading up to our big day. It's my first 'go' at blogging

 

[mkmommy]

Thanks MK! I enjoyed reading your blog and posted a comment. I decided to also start a blog about our Magical Journey and the time leading up to our big day. It's my first 'go' at blogging

Thanks for reading and if you start a blog please let me know as I love reading about other peoples experience, especially on the same trip as eveyone does such different things. Do a blog is a lot of fun and it great to go back and remember the trip.

I read your comments but I figured it easier to respond here. I do not get motion sickness, but when I get home after a cruise I have terrible land sickness I call it and feel like I am moving for days after. If you do some research you will find many cures for motion sickness, and most people who take some medication before the cruise starts report having no issues while on the ship.

You concern about getting sick while you are alone is something I worry about also, but so far I have had no issues. On DCL the kids club is open all day so that is always a fail safe, and I am sure you will be fine.

Lisa

 

[Goofy Mum]

Hi Lisa,
I started my blog today and entred two posts already. Im not really sure what Im doing yet. Have no idea how to post pics, etc. But I'll learn. I don't know how you can find my blog. I guess you can get there through the comment I left on yours

 

[mkmommy]

Happy Thanksgiving to the US cruisers.

Being in Canada it is a regular week for us, but traffic is much lighter so I think a lot of the US companies here take the time off also.

I was talking to my oldest about going ashore and she now says that she will go off in every port to walk around and look but not excursions, so I am happy with that. I have been to Europe 3 times and I have spent most of that time just wandering around and all the ports seem like they will be easy to walk around in. My youngest wants a digital camera for Christmas so she should be happy taking lots of pictures of all the old buildings and markets. I was also telling them that it is neat to go into grocery stores in other countries and look at all the different foods that they have.

Lisa