July 6, 2010 - 7/6/2010 ~ Pounds to Rubles ~ Mickey invades the Baltic Sea

[el_bandito]

Ditto...we bought 3 for all 3 of us...extra insurance for smooth seas!!!!

We leave on Tuesday. busy day today...Jack has a basketball game in 45 minutes, a cub scout outing from 130 to 430, and his baseball team party from 430 to whenever. I am wrapping up scout stuff (I am the committee chair) in preparation for my month long absence from running the pack (we operate year round) tomorrow is haircuts for my men and I will be packed 99% by tomorrow night. Monday is last minute errands and everything else into the suitcases that didn't make it in. Jack is sleeping at is friends Monday night so Tuesday i can go get my haircut, mani/pedi, iPods loaded and adjusted, bank run for the house sitter etc. Our flight leaves 9pm Tuesday night!!!

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what are the sea bands (i'm sure for sea sickness... but where do you get and how do they work)? We've never had issues in the past and actually enjoy a bit of movement... but the Baltic can be stormy...

 

[el_bandito]

Don't be worried, I'm confident you'll love this cruise! We did the Med, too, and loved it! You'll still have the "Disney" experience onboard the ship: characters, kids' clubs, dining, pools, shows, etc. But, you also have the added enhancement of visiting many foreign countries, which will be a great experience for your kids! And, being onboard the ship for so long, you get into a nice routine and definitely won't want to leave on the last day!

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yes. I expect your description to be on target. truth is we decided on this cruise very late. only 2 months ago? so only option on that short time frame was the mouse. they are the only ones we trust and know.

Funny thing... we did our first cruise years and years ago on the Wonder -- 3 day. i was never going to cruise but wife convinced me to try. loved it. next year i say to DW... go to travel agent and see if we can't do a longer cruise for less. She goes... tells agent she went on Disney and agent responds after a big sigh... well, once you've done the mouse there is no going back.

Go Mickey!!

 

[el_bandito]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exj3EFNxTmM


leaving Germany...

 

[caniac27]

Ok, after reading all the bad reviews I bailed on the Santa summerhouse. DD is 8 and already a little iffy about the "I believe in Santa" thing. Don't need him to be 30 with a ratty beard! Not to mention the whole water from the lake thing! I booked the overview tour - but may even just do on our own. It seems that the HOHO busses are right at the dock in most ports. Anybody have any thoughts? I'd also like to hear more about the Royal Ball - is it worth the serious cash we have to put out? I want to think that it will be since it is a signature event. yikes! we leave in 4 days!

 

[slg]

caniac27:

Where are you from in Canada? We're from Victoria BC, although dh is originally from Cape Breton and I hail from Vancouver.

 

[babybear42]

Just got this reply from DCL about leaving time in Stockholm

"During your visit to Stockholm, Guests are scheduled to be back onboard
by 4:30pm; however please keep in mind that the times are always subject
to change.

On our first 12-Night Northern European Capitals cruise, it was
necessary to depart Stockholm at 1:00 p.m. in order to ensure our timely
arrival in Dover on June 24th, due to tidal restrictions placed on
larger vessels in Dover, England. This will not be an issue with your
cruise."

It all makes sense now seeing as we have two full days at sea on the way back.

 

[Stimpy]

Thanks Babybear!

We decided to stick with Santa. My DD is really looking forward to asking Santa or his elves a few questions...like do baby reindeer know how to fly? It sounds like a later tour in the day had a better time on the excursion. Plus we thought that it still gets back early enough that we can explore Helsinki on our own for a while if we want. And DS is kind of excited to say he's been in the Arctic Circle!

 

[caniac27]

caniac27:

Where are you from in Canada? We're from Victoria BC, although dh is originally from Cape Breton and I hail from Vancouver.

We live in Grimsby, in Southern Ontario - very close to Niagara Falls. We have family in Vancouver, Kelowna and Cranbrook though and have been out that way a few times - Vancouver is my favourite city - so I can't wait for our Disney Alaska cruise next summer so we can spend a few days before or after in your area!

 

[DW2DH&DS]

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what are the sea bands (i'm sure for sea sickness... but where do you get and how do they work)? We've never had issues in the past and actually enjoy a bit of movement... but the Baltic can be stormy...

Sea bands are these snug fitting elastic bands that have a button on them. you strategically place the button on your wrist and it provides an acupuncture point that helps with nausea. We have never used them before, but are not taking any chances this time. better to have and not need then to need and not have. My DH bought ours at our local mom and pop pharmacy for about 8 bucks each. they have smaller ones for kiddos, too!!!

Well, i have a couple of small loads of laundry to do this morning and then everything will be going into the suitcases today!!!!! will be quite glad to be packed!!! ordering pizza for dinner so i wont even have to cook today!!!!! Can't believe we leave in 2 days. we booked on the first day and of course have been on the speculation band wagon since we debarked from the panama canal cruise. This has been a long time coming!!!!! Sooo glad it is finally here!!!!

 

[Rora]

Good Morning fellow Cruisers!!

I'm in need of some help.. although we leave this Thursday (woo hoo!!) I still haven't packed. I keep checking the weather and feel like I'm at an absolute standstill for what to pack since the weather seems to vary, a lot. I read that in London it's 82 today!

I'm sure there's already a post or maybe even an entire thread devoted to this so feel free to re-direct me if you'd rather!

I was thinking jeans, t-shirts, long sleeved t-shirts, a coat, rain jacket, sweat shirt, closed toed shoes, and attire for formal night.

Does anyone see a need to bring shorts or tank tops? I'm a Florida girl and get cold pretty easily, but certainly don't want to be hot walking around the ports. Also, anyone bringing a swim suit?

Thanks for any and all help!

 

[Stimpy]

I'm also unsure what to pack! I think we're bringing more jeans/capris than shorts but will have a few of them as well. Definitely bringing jackets & rain gear after reading TR about the downpour in Copenhagen. We're bringing bathing suits b/c my kids will go in the pool even if it's 30 below!

 

[Rora]

I'm also unsure what to pack! I think we're bringing more jeans/capris than shorts but will have a few of them as well. Definitely bringing jackets & rain gear after reading TR about the downpour in Copenhagen. We're bringing bathing suits b/c my kids will go in the pool even if it's 30 below!

It's truly quite the dilemma!

Again, just torn on whether or not to bring "summer gear".

Guess I'll bring an assortment of everything!! Now, I must hope that my suitcase doesn't weigh more than 50 pounds!

 

[babybear42]

I'm also unsure what to pack! I think we're bringing more jeans/capris than shorts but will have a few of them as well. Definitely bringing jackets & rain gear after reading TR about the downpour in Copenhagen. We're bringing bathing suits b/c my kids will go in the pool even if it's 30 below!

I live in the UK and believe me when I say that this is one of the better summers that we've had in a long time, but don't let that fool you into thinking that you'll need shorts and t-shirts all the time. The weather can change on a daily basis. If you're staying in London, then shorts aren't really the in thing to wear, capris yes, but not really shorts. You do see people walking round in them, but not too often. If I were you I'd pack jeans, light pants and capris, short sleeved t-shirts and long ones as well. Definitely bring some kind of waterproof jacket, we have things over called "Mac in a bag" they're waterproof jackets that fold up really small and fit into their own little bag for ease of packing. Bring along some light jumpers which will go over your t-shirts, it can get breezy out at sea and possibly a light weight jacket.
Hope this helps.

 

[fabumouse]

Good Morning fellow Cruisers!!

I'm in need of some help.. Also, anyone bringing a swim suit?

Thanks for any and all help!

We are absolutely bringing a swimsuit for each of us - like someone pointed out, at least you'll want it in the hot tub! I'm packing the same way as you - more long pants than I would have needed for the south, and a formal outfit for each of us. Also, pirate stuff for my girls.

 

[aurorafan65]

Ok, after reading all the bad reviews I bailed on the Santa summerhouse. DD is 8 and already a little iffy about the "I believe in Santa" thing. Don't need him to be 30 with a ratty beard! Not to mention the whole water from the lake thing! I booked the overview tour - but may even just do on our own. It seems that the HOHO busses are right at the dock in most ports. Anybody have any thoughts? I'd also like to hear more about the Royal Ball - is it worth the serious cash we have to put out? I want to think that it will be since it is a signature event. yikes! we leave in 4 days!

Now someone today said they had an awesome experience with Santa. It was a different Santa (maybe his older brother )

BTW - grew up in Buffalo so quite familar with your neck of the woods

 

[denise]

We are here in Disneyland Paris....

We are staying off property at Marriott's. What a beautiful property! We have a 2 story villa with 2 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, kitchen, washer dryer...just beautiful..will post a pic. Staying on points.
Going for a walk to stay up longer then much needed sleep..

Flights were fine except in Paris we got detained. Someone left a bag somewhere so the entire airport was shut down. Took about 30-40 minutes only but seemed forever because we were so tired. We were almost out too. But our driver was waiting for us. Driver took us straight to Marriott. Got the recommend from the DLP board! Was perfect. They let the whole area out at once and never even went thru customs....good security!

Heat wave in Europe now....can't suggest what to pack. We brought some of everything...
All suitcases arrived with us!!! Much better then MED cruise.....

talk to you all soon,
denise

 

[nzdisneymom]

We are packing four pants and four shorts / capris (well, not for the guys) and a couple of longsleeve shirts but most tshirts and polo style shirts. Bringing sweatshirt weight jackets. Plus minor dinnerwear.

 

[Crissup]

We are packing four pants and four shorts / capris (well, not for the guys) and a couple of longsleeve shirts but most tshirts and polo style shirts. Bringing sweatshirt weight jackets. Plus minor dinnerwear.

That's pretty much what I'm thinking also. 4-5 pairs each of khaki's, shorts, button down shirts and t-shirts. I'll toss in a tie for formal nights and I'll be wearing a black pair of Rockport pro-walkers. Of course, Thorlo walking socks to avoid any foot problems or blisters.

 

[el_bandito]

Just spoke w/ Disney.

Yes, Toy Story 3 will be playing

We also have the premiere of Sorcer's Apprentice on the 16th.

Fun to have both playing.

 

[caniac27]

Can someone PM me with the most recent list for FE gifts? We're late joining and I understand not everyone will have extra - but we would like to have something for everyone anyway. Trying to get all the loose ends tied up today! Thanks a bunch!

Made my FE today - didn't think to actually look up the dimensions - got halfway done and DH says "don't you think it's a little wide"? Augggghh I had to rip half of it apart and start over! Not my best moment...there were definitely no fairies and pixie dust coming from me! Got it done nonetheless, and quite happy with the final result.