June 16, 2007 MedHead Cruisers

[carolmb]

I'm not sure how the conversions go, but if it would save us money over the excursions we have already booked we would definitely consider it. There are 5 of us. Is there anywhere I can find out conversions?

Here is the website that I use: http://www.xe.com/ucc/

1 USD = 1.33 Euro

1 USD = 1.94 GBP (for those going to London)

 

[PrincessJasmine08]

Here is the website that I use: http://www.xe.com/ucc/

1 USD = 1.33 Euro

1 USD = 1.94 GBP (for those going to London)

Thanks, Carol! So it looks like 85 Euros (best case scenario) is $113 if I did that correctly. I believe the excursion we picked for Rome was somewhere around $175/person. I wonder what the private tour would include. Do you just get to pick what you see?

 

[Skallywag]

Just received this reply from Angela hope it helps with the planning.

-Night:
Dining Room Server- $40.50
Dining Room Asst. Server- $29.50
Dining Room Head Server- $10.25
Stateroom Host/Hostess- $39.75
Dining Manager- Your Discretion
Room Service- Your Discretion
Total: $120.00


Bren

 

[tde1969]

Here is the rest of the email about what you get to see!! Hope it helps!! The website also said that if we pay in cash, meaning euros, dollars or travelers checks, they would discount another 10%.

This is our Classic Rome tour created for our guests that have never been to Rome and would like to enjoy an overview of the best sights that Rome can offer in only one day. If and when possible, we always suggest visiting Vatican City ( which includes the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica) on separate days, as it involves a great deal of physical exertion, but if you would like to fit in a 2 hour private tour of the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel we can have this done. If it is possible and you have more than just a day to tour, the Vatican tour can be substituted with the Catacombs, the Sacred Stairway and the Ancient Appian Way.If you only have only one day the tour will be something like the following; Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, Basilica of St. Peter, the Vittoriano, Roman Forum, Colosseum, Arch of Costantine, Circus Maximus, Mouth of Truth, Spanish steps, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona and the Pantheon.

 

[LisaTex]

Good morning! We are doing private tours as well. Hopefully it won't be a mistake, we opted for this due to about same price, customize the itinerary, leave early if the kids get too tired (i.e. "bored"). There are 5 of us and the tours usually hold up to 8 if anyone is interested in joining us

You might want to ask about a private guide at the vatican if you want to go there - if you get there before 10;00, with a guide, you don't have to wait in line. Also, if you want to go IN the colosseum - buy tickets at the parthenon ( or ask the tour company to get them for you) as that line can be long as well. That was the bonus for me - no lines this way. I may regret it later, but we are going to give it a try.

Also, we are doing a private in La Spezia - the only way we could get a Cinque Terre tour AND Pisa.

Hello to all you new guys!! How many of us are there now??

 

[Worktoplay]

Lisatex,

I would be interested in joining you on your private tour in Rome. It would be myself (Marie) and my DS12 Jeff. What itinerary did you chose? I definitely want him to see the Colosseum and tour that but I don't want to do the Vatican Museum Tour, I think its just too much. Right now I registered to do Rome on our own using Disney's transportation but I'm concerned we'll have to wait in line for the Colosseum. I'm not a big fan of lines! Yikes!

Let me know your itinerary and if you'ld like a tag along.

Marie

 

[pillow]

I was just directed to this website by Purtypat1. It is unbelievable the number of messages going around about this cruise. We are very excited. As to the private tours, we have decided to go ahead with the excursion Ultimate Rome experience. Since there are 4 of us, its costing us about $500 (cheaper than the private driver). Plus since we only have 1 day, I worry about waiting in lines and such (yes, I'm a chicken).

Princess Jasmine, are you staying at the Hispanos 7 Suiza in Barcelona? Anyone else staying there? We are checking in on Thursday for the 2 nights prior to the cruise. By the way, don't think I've ever addressed an e-mail to someone by the name of "Princess Jasmine" before - feels like I'm on some strange reality show!?!? PJ, how old are your kids? My daughter is 7 and my son is 9 (almost 10).

Happy cruising! -J

 

[PrincessJasmine08]

I was just directed to this website by Purtypat1. It is unbelievable the number of messages going around about this cruise. We are very excited. As to the private tours, we have decided to go ahead with the excursion Ultimate Rome experience. Since there are 4 of us, its costing us about $500 (cheaper than the private driver). Plus since we only have 1 day, I worry about waiting in lines and such (yes, I'm a chicken).

Princess Jasmine, are you staying at the Hispanos 7 Suiza in Barcelona? Anyone else staying there? We are checking in on Thursday for the 2 nights prior to the cruise. By the way, don't think I've ever addressed an e-mail to someone by the name of "Princess Jasmine" before - feels like I'm on some strange reality show!?!? PJ, how old are your kids? My daughter is 7 and my son is 9 (almost 10).

Happy cruising! -J

Welcome, pillow!! Yes, we are staying at the Hispanos 7 Suiza on June 14 and 15. I bet we'll see you there! Do you know how you're getting from the airport to the hotel and then to the pier?

You can just call me PJ if it's easier for you, most on these boards do. My "real" name is Lauren, so that works too. Can't say I mind being called Princess though! I don't have any kids. I am 21 and have been put entirely in charge of this trip. I am going with my parents and my two sisters who will be 23 and 16 at the time of the cruise.

 

[carolmb]

I was just directed to this website by Purtypat1. It is unbelievable the number of messages going around about this cruise. We are very excited. As to the private tours, we have decided to go ahead with the excursion Ultimate Rome experience. Since there are 4 of us, its costing us about $500 (cheaper than the private driver). Plus since we only have 1 day, I worry about waiting in lines and such (yes, I'm a chicken).

Princess Jasmine, are you staying at the Hispanos 7 Suiza in Barcelona? Anyone else staying there? We are checking in on Thursday for the 2 nights prior to the cruise. By the way, don't think I've ever addressed an e-mail to someone by the name of "Princess Jasmine" before - feels like I'm on some strange reality show!?!? PJ, how old are your kids? My daughter is 7 and my son is 9 (almost 10).

Happy cruising! -J

Hi Pillow and Welcome. I have 2 kids about the ages of yours. My DD will be 6 in May (going on 16) and my DS will be 9 in July. Maybe they can meet and hang out in the kids club some.

 

[LisaTex]

Hello Pillow! (i'd like to know the story behind the "pillow"). My niece and nephew are 8 and 10!

Work to play - the more the merrier, but we are spending some time at the vatican. I will try to send you our itinerary if I can figure out how

There is a website where you can buy your colosseum tickets ahead of time - I will try to remember where I found it and let you know, but from what I understand you can get a Parthenon/Colosseum ticket and the line is much shorter at the parthenon (if you want to wait until you get there).


Is anyone staying any extra days after the cruise? Where?

 

[pillow]

PJ, just figured we’d take a cab to the hotel and probably the same from the hotel to the pier. What time does your flight arrive on the 14th? What airline?

Carol, I would love to introduce our kids. My daughter is SO shy. Even though she’ll be 7 on the cruise, its gonna take an act of God to get her to the kids club. On our last cruise, she just didn’t want to leave us. We had to force her to go a couple of times just so we could get a little free time. She didn’t hate it, but just would have rather been with us. Maybe if she had a “buddy” she’d be happier to go play!!

LisaTex, Pillow is my last name (sorry - no good story there). We are staying 2 nights pre cruise at the Hispanos 7 Suiza and 1 night after at the Best Western Regina. Where are you guys staying?

I have an off the wall question . . . anyone out there run?? Would love some running company while in Barcelona pre-cruise (gotta offset the fatty cruise food). On our last cruise, I could never decide which dessert to order, so our server started bringing me 2 desserts every night (the last night, he brought 3). Of course, since they were in front of me, I ate them!! Gained 5 pounds in 1 week!!

Another question, are you guys getting Euros BEFORE you leave the States? I probably will - just trying to figure out how much and the cheapest place to get them. I understand there are surcharges to convert. Anyone know anything about this?

 

[jmcdonnell04]

Welcome Pillow,

My youngest daughter is also 7. Perhaps they can email each other and play together on Disney's VMK or Webkins. My other daughter will be turning 12 while on the cruise. There are (5) of us with my DW and DMIL in two cabins. We are going to Disneyland Paris before the cruise and will be flying from Paris to Barcelon on Saturday morning, June 16th with LisaTex.

John

 

[taysmom]

Welcome Pillow!
I have a dd9! and sorry, no running here! I might try to treadmill on the trip but any excercise pretty much requires an act of some kind!
We are staying precruise at the barcelona universal arrive on the 14th. Afterwards we are flying to paris and staying up there for 3 days. 1 of course at DLP and then london for 2 days. Then home! I do plan on bringing a little euro with me, but will most likely exchange on the ship.
Welcome again and hello to everyone. Have a great day.
Steph

 

[PrincessJasmine08]

Is anyone staying any extra days after the cruise? Where?

Not exactly extra days but we're staying at a hotel by the airport the night of the 27th and we fly out the 28th around noon. I believe it is a Marriott?

PJ, just figured we’d take a cab to the hotel and probably the same from the hotel to the pier. What time does your flight arrive on the 14th? What airline?

I have an off the wall question . . . anyone out there run?? Would love some running company while in Barcelona pre-cruise (gotta offset the fatty cruise food). On our last cruise, I could never decide which dessert to order, so our server started bringing me 2 desserts every night (the last night, he brought 3). Of course, since they were in front of me, I ate them!! Gained 5 pounds in 1 week!!

That is probably what we will end up doing too. We will probably need 2 cabs, I would assume. I contacted the Hispanos 7 Suiza to ask about transportation and they do have a private vehicle and would take care of our transportation for us. I am awaiting a quote from them. If it is somewhat reasonable we would probably go with that. We are flying Delta from Cincinnati to New York and then New York to Barcelona. Our flight from leaves New York at 8:20pm and arrives at 10:25am.

I do some running, but not as much since I injured my knee. But, with my brace on I can go about 45 minutes. I will definitely be working out on this trip, I would go insane if I didn't! My older sister (23) absolutely loves to run!! Since we'll be at the same hotel maybe we could all go for a jog through Barcelona some morning!

 

[carolmb]

Hi Brenda,
You are my go to person for all questions London and I really appreciate it. I am still looking for car service from Gatwick to our hotel. I thought I could find a better price than 150 GBP the hotel was offering. I have another quote for 105 GBP from airporttransfers.biz. Does that seem like a fair price?Have you heard of them? They have a very good website with lots of information. My DH and I would prefer to use a car service after our long overnight flight. Thank you for all of your help. I am looking forward to meeting everyone on the cruise.

 

[carolmb]

Hi Lisa,
Are y'all seeing "Mary Poppins" with Disney Adventures while in London? If yes, do you know what night you are see the musical? We are thinking about getting tickets for the show. What day do y'all leave for Paris. We leave on Tuesday, June 12th on the 8:12am Eurostar. I am going to try and make reservations to eat lunch at the Effiel Tower after we arrive. I think the kids will really enjooy that.

Does anyone know what I need to do to add Disney transfers in Barcelona? Do I just call DCL? I sent DU an email asking them but I have not heard back yet.

Thanks

 

[LisaTex]

Hi Carol.

Yes, we will be seeing Mary Poppins on the 9th. We go to Paris on the Eurostar too, but onthe 11th. Our lunch at the Effiel Tower is on the 12th. We head out for 2 nights at Disneyland Paris Hotel (DLP) on the 14th. On to the cruise Morning of the 16th with John and Family.

Our great TA took care of all our transfers - I would keep bugging DU I guess.

 

[PURTYPAT1]

Hi Brenda (and all of our UK friends out there LOL)

We also are in need for trasportation from Heathrow to Dukes street London. If anyone knows of a car service, it would be greatly appreciated.

Has anyone stayed or know of the Marriott Grosvenor Square Hotel. It's location is Mayfair/Oxford st/Piccadilly???

We are staying there on the 27th & plan to tour on the 28th & leave late on the 28th to NYC.

Any advice????

Thanks

Patricia

 

[Skallywag]

Hi Brenda,
You are my go to person for all questions London and I really appreciate it. I am still looking for car service from Gatwick to our hotel. I thought I could find a better price than 150 GBP the hotel was offering. I have another quote for 105 GBP from airporttransfers.biz. Does that seem like a fair price?Have you heard of them? They have a very good website with lots of information. My DH and I would prefer to use a car service after our long overnight flight. Thank you for all of your help. I am looking forward to meeting everyone on the cruise.

Hi Carol,

Do not seem to be getting the link to this board probably because of the troubles they are having.

I know what you mean about the overnight flight bit done it so many times and it is a pain everytime. Still would seriously think of the Gatwick Victoria Express which runs betweeb South Terminal and Victoria every 15 minutes and gets you into london in 30 minutes. The traffic on the M25 can be horrific which very long delays and they quote an hour by taxi and I think it would probably take longer during the morning rush hour. From Victoria you can get a cab direct to your hotel. Web site is www.gatwickexpress.co.uk.
Assume you will be flying into North Terminal (which airline are you using?)
All you need to do is take the monorail to south - takes a couple of minutes and the station is on the left as you leave the monorail. My daughters use it all the time when they fly in and go up to London and say is is excellent.
Have not heard of the companies you mention but will also do a bit of delving around and see what else I can find.
They are quoting a web site for getting around london and it is www.tfl.gov.uk and you need to click Journey Planner - hope this works will have a look and see myself also.

If you arelooking for a really loud show book for the tribute to Queen - we will rock you - our daughters treated us last year and if you like rock music can recommend it.

Will post back anything I can find about transport. Just as away and I will see what I can find out - you will all need to help me next year remember when we do the panama repo.
Bren

 

[PURTYPAT1]

I have an off the wall question . . . anyone out there run?? Would love some running company while in Barcelona pre-cruise (gotta offset the fatty cruise food). On our last cruise, I could never decide which dessert to order, so our server started bringing me 2 desserts every night (the last night, he brought 3). Of course, since they were in front of me, I ate them!! Gained 5 pounds in 1 week!!

Hay Jodie, I am not a a runner, but I do "power walk" about 4 times a week. If you can't find anyone, I want to power walk, I am game. I usually walk for one hour 3-4 miles. Or if anyone one is interested on our ship days, I am game.

Another question, are you guys getting Euros BEFORE you leave the States? I probably will - just trying to figure out how much and the cheapest place to get them. I understand there are surcharges to convert. Anyone know anything about this?

Jodie, what I am doing is putting all of my tip money & tour money on my credit card (Disney Reward card) now to Disney Guest Service, then I don't have have to carry extra cash around with me. I am also getting Disney Dollars (points) with the money, which I will use on the cruise. I am going to the bank & will have a few hundred in Euros, before we leave. I am really hoping to pay, much of everything with visa. Don't know which bank is the best to purchase???? You might want to go to the Med boards & ask

Has anyone heard or the Visa card, you can purchase from AAA that you need a pin number to use? Anyone have any feedback on it?

I'm off to work, have a great weekend everyone.

Patricia