June 16, 2007 MedHead Cruisers

[carolmb]

My goal is to get my excursions in order this weekend! Of course I added to my confusion by having another poster send me all their info on the private tours they are doing. Just don't know which way to go on this, Is anyone else here using a private tour??

Hi Lisa,
We have private tours booked for Naples, Rome, Florence, Villefranche, and Marseille. Will probably do a ship tour in Palmero and Sardina. Planning on doing Barcelona on our own. We will also be in London and Paris prior to the cruise.

 

[taysmom]

I bought books for sardinia and sicilly. We are going to do dcl tours for italy. I will probably do the dcl tour to the casino and leave my dd on the ship in kids club if it's open. Not sure about villefrance. I am trying to save a little. It's a hard decision. We are doing paris and london afterwards. Staying in barcelona before and doing that on our own.
Steph

 

[Skallywag]

No packet here in the Uk yet - surprise surprise wonder if we will get one at all. never did on our last cruise. Perhaps will ask DU agent if perhaps they go to them. any times of the excursions as yet this is the information I think most of us are awaiting?

Snow has gone from here also only lasted one day in this part of the country more up north though.

Also rather surprised it is going to be a pirate night - feel that it should have been a bit more Med themed perhaps. Had my toga all ready- what a sight that would be.

We are still on board and awaiting also a cabin number for the Easbound Mexico - anyone else?
Bren

 

[PURTYPAT1]

Hi Brenda,

When I get my packet, if you would like, pm me with your address, & I will make copies, & send it to you.

I went thru an AAA agent, & haven't gotten mine as of yet.

Patricia

 

[Skallywag]

Hi Everyone and manya thanks Patricia. Have just sent an email both to Disney cruise and also DU to find out if it goes direct to them or us.

Will post as soon as I have a reply - does this contain the times of the excursions yet please?
Bren

 

[silver7]

Hey Yall

As of yesterday morning we had not recieved the packet yet, will keep checking.

My MIL was told her surname is not her surname for her passport, so she has to send in more paperwork. She has only been married to the same person for 60 years!! I am just glad we applied early

We just became emergency host parents for a foreign exchange student. He is from Germany and is like another son to us already. I just wish we had more space in our room to bring him. I am trying to talk his parents into going on the cruise also

We are still on board, just trying to show a student America in 4 months!! This weekend we may hit Mardi Gras in Galveston. Depends on how brave we are

 

[LisaTex]

Good Morning everyone!

Brenda - no times - just very short descriptions.

Carol - I have Frommer's, Fodor and Timeout - the 1st 2 are quicker. Time out has a lot more history etc., might be nice for later.

I think we are going to do a few DCL and a few private tours. In the end, the $$ comes out about even (especially if my ex-SIL decides not to go as we would only have 4). If anyone would like any info on these private tours, I have some from a poster who REALLY, REALLY researched!

Silver 7 - I've been to Galveston Mardi Gras before - you better watch those boys

I booked through a TA - so don't know why the packets are not all out.

Have a nice Sunday.

 

[silver7]

LISA!

Is it like New Orleans? ummmm then i guess we will go to the calmer YACHTY Gras in Kemah

Thanks!

Teresa

 

[LisaTex]

Oh no! Not as "bad" as N.O. Did that one too - I think - I can't remember that well Galveston is more family oriented - it's a pretty big deal though - from what I'm told it's really continued to improve since when I was there about 6 years ago. I think you guys should go! There will be plenty of obnoxious people there - but nothing like N.O (or like here in Austin on 6th Street).

Have fun!

 

[Skallywag]

You all sound as if you are having fun out there - been a strange damp weekend but at least it is not too cold.

Getting a passport over here is also a pain. Only to be written in black ink, do not go over the edge of the box etc.etc. You then have to get them authorised as a true picture. Luckily being a Parish councillor for this area I am able to sign peoples passport application. If they go to the doctor etc they can charge for this service which I think is terrible Do you have the same problems out there. I would never charge people, passports cost enough now and especially as children have to all have their own. Not long ago they could go on the parents up until a certain age - not now.

 

[Skallywag]

Just had a confirmation from Kevin at DU to say that everyone will be getting a packet direct from Disney so keep checking the mail.

 

[LisaTex]

Just an FYI - from spying on other threads I found a website that has the cruise calendar for the Med. Looks like Marco Polo and Brilliance of the seas will be in port with us in Barcelona. The only other time other cruise ships will be inport with us is Naples -Costa Europa - 1,494 cap., and Carnival Freedom - 3,000 cap. We are the only cruise line going to Olbia all summer.

Also, for you guys with AAA - their "free" tour books might be a good source - I'm ordering the "spiral" type ones I think. Just a thought.

 

[PURTYPAT1]

I just spoke to someone at Disney. She said for the 11 days formal night is the 2nd night the 7th night & the 10th night (in france) I haven't received my packet as of yet.

She also said the day that we leave, in Barcelona, we can check in our luggage on the ship at 1pm, have lunch & then leave & tour Barcelona. We need to be back by 9 pm.

I am so happy about this, since I wanted to tour, but didn't know what to do with our luggage. If your staying in a Hotel that is with Disney, then you will not have to worry about your luggage at all, Disney will deliver it to the ship.

She also said, while on tours, if there are long lines, someone from Disney will be there to entertain us.

She said that the kids club, will have themes that have to do with our (Italy) tours.

Hope this helps

Patricia

 

[taysmom]

3 formal nights...uh oh..better get a dress!

I had heard that before about check in. Disney said that you have to get on the ship after you check in and then disembark. So I had suggested that if anyone on this thread wanted to meet for lunch on the ship, why not.

I was just reading through the travel kit and luckily I have everything done except for tours reserved. So I am feeling pretty good about everything. Just have to check on a few things, maybe you seasoned "dissers" can answer:

Does the magic have wireless internet? I have to do some work at the end of the cruise and I doubt they'll let me load a program on their computers to use. Or will they..hmmm...

If I book a tour on the ship, can I still cancel on the ship or will I be out the dough? In the book it says two days before vacation start date..what about if you wait until you get onboard.

I can't believe how close we are! I am so very excited for our first disney cruise and all the european cities we will be seeing.

Cya
Steph

 

[silver7]

Hey Yall

Got the mail yesterday (ok so it was delivered Saturday late but I was at a college baseball game ) and the packet was in there. It brought home the reality of IT IS ALMOST TIME TO PAY THE BILL err, I mean it is getting near time to cruiiiiiise

Teresa

 

[bmr12]

Got ours today in the mail (Colorado). Nice little package that was different than the cruise docs we have gotten from RCCL a month prior.

 

[tde1969]

OK, got ours here in NC yesterday. Stayed up way to late reading over everything and trying to figure out what all we want to do. Still undecided about before and after cruise plans. I know we need to book and decide, it's just I want so bad to go to Paris and just can't figure out everything about getting there.

I did find one great book at Barnes & Nobles, it was titled something like Cruises to the Med and Greek isles. I'll check the publisher and let everyone know. It gives details of each port and what not to miss.

 

[PURTYPAT1]

Does anyone know, the date when the Castaway members can book the tours?

Finally picked out a tour in Rome.
"Exclusive VIP Visit of the Vatican & Highlights of Rome" Anyone else going on this?

 

[taysmom]

castaway is 90 days ahead..so middle of march. Anyone who can book earlier than 75 days let us know what dcl says if anything. Times, if they are getting booked etc. Thanks!
steph

 

[jmcdonnell04]

Daughters missed 3 days of school this week tues-thurs -- Went back to school on Friday but have Monday off for President's Day. Lucky for them. All the snow+ice+cold makes you feel like hunkering down inside your home and keep close to the fireplace, relax and do nothing. Hope everyone is safe and warm in their homes this weekend.