June 27, 2007 10 Night - The Rodney Dangerfield of Med Cruises

[Soccermom-Cheri]

See we agree on something after all.

I do like the Tim Larson trip report, we should look into his private guided tour companies for info & maybe set up some tours! Kudos to Cheri for this info

Thank you, thank you - but give the applause to BBM. And YES! YES! Set up our own tours! Mucho cheaper, our own timetable (think, stop and laugh at tacky tourists wearing dark socks with sandals ) and quests to find Slacker Slurpies!

I figure Cheri should be fluent in Spanish being from CA!

Uno margarita por favor - there I'm done.

Oh yeah: Banos, por favor? (Guess Dad was right, that high school French really comes in handy)

Goin Back to Cali to Cali to Cali, Goin back to Cali. I dont think so!

you're weird

but I like that in a person

 

[Soccermom-Cheri]

So has anyone been to any of these port cities? I want to go gamble in Monte Carlo Other than that... I think we will probably go off on our own more than doing the planned excursions, if possible. Any suggestions?

Karen

When I was in Monte Carlo, you had to be dressed to get into the casino. So if you don't feel like getting all formal, you could give me all your money.

Go up to the "palace" area. the view of the marina is amazing. The "row boats" you can see are ... wow. And, remember to keep your kids off of the beach! There are lot's of people there who need a good ironing - in Speedos (even the women ).

 

[Soccermom-Cheri]

One more word on excursions, then I'll hush (for now):
one OCD-DIS'er planned a private tour of Chaccoben Ruins in Costa Maya. We all piled into a van and were off. After about 20 minutes the van stopped and started backing up (ON the highway!) the driver gets out and brings in the huge turtle that was trying to cross the road. The kids thought it was the coolest thing they'd seen. On the way we stopped at a schoolhouse to deliver supplies - and our kids got to see how lucky they are. (I know this is a pretty common thing to do on the Costa Maya stop now).

Anyway, our tour guide at the ruins had grown up right next to the ruins and lead us all over. As we were leaving, 4 tour BUSES drove up and a gajillion people piled out. We quietly got back in our van and went back to the port.

OK, the point to that long boring story: we got to see a thing or two that we never would have seen in a tour bus (a turtle and such), we saw more of a site than we would have in a huge group, and we learned different things from a man who grew up within the confines of the area (not whatever was printed in the script the guide memorized). We got to see something in a small group instead of en masse (moo!). When we got back to the port, it was mostly empty (shopping was easier). And, the kids had more fun going with other kids they knew and could talk with when they got bored.

And it was 1/2 the price!

 

[golfinwidow]

See we agree on something after all.

BAH!!! Never!!!

Wait, are you a Red Sox fan?? If you are, we do agree on something.

Goin Back to Cali to Cali to Cali, Goin back to Cali. I dont think so!

I am now singing this in my head to the tune of 'Turning Japanese.' Thanks. No, really, thanks.

Cheri, that's a great story. I'm willing to hazard a guess that the OCDizer knew the area? I love being able to explore places on my own, and even more willing to learn it from a Native, but would be very worried about doing it in Europe. My husband works for a Spanish company, and we're hitting him up for some private tours in Barcelona while we're there. i would frankly love to do something privately in Rome, but am unsure.

Again, I'll wait to see what's offered by Disney, then make decisions.

What's everyone doing for airfare, and where are you flying into?

 

[RJAYL]

BAH!!! Never!!!
Wait, are you a Red Sox fan?? If you are, we do agree on something.

I have given up on the Sox since they won the World Series! Now I only claim to be a long suffering Bruins fan!

I am now singing this in my head to the tune of 'Turning Japanese.' Thanks. No, really, thanks.

Wrong tune !

Cheri, that's a great story. I'm willing to hazard a guess that the OCDizer knew the area? I love being able to explore places on my own, and even more willing to learn it from a Native, but would be very worried about doing it in Europe. My husband works for a Spanish company, and we're hitting him up for some private tours in Barcelona while we're there. i would frankly love to do something privately in Rome, but am unsure.

Again, I'll wait to see what's offered by Disney, then make decisions.

What's everyone doing for airfare, and where are you flying into?

I have traveled through Italy twice have rented a car both times. Driven from Rome to Sorrento & Amalfi Coast to Salerno (long ride on the coast side) It is no big deal!

I do agree though lets see what Disney offers & then we will probally end up booking our own. Cheri is right a Mini Bus will always be better than a large tour bus! (I was looking at the Paris Tour Site) The little stands on the Amalfi coast road are fun cherry tomatoes like sugar as well as the lemons & cherrys & Lemoncello and Italian Ice (sound familiar) Big tour Bus wont stop, little one will!

Airline plans cannot really be shoped until early August, as has already been said it is cheaper to fly to London then Paris. However AirFrance Round trip to Paris is more expensive then AirFrance Round trip to Barcelona (which stops in Paris) go figure! I have to talk with a travel agent to see if I can use to my advantage. I know Amex besides upgrades offers $149 economy coupons for AirFrance as well. We all have a lot of homework to do and we should share Info!

OK that is all for this blurb, it is some one elses turn Now!

 

[golfinwidow]

Stupid Question alert: did you find it tough to rent and drive a car in Italy? That would be the ultimate for me at one of the ports. Not sure which one...

 

[RJAYL]

Stupid Question alert: did you find it tough to rent and drive a car in Italy? That would be the ultimate for me at one of the ports. Not sure which one...

I rented the car through auto europe in the states both times. The First trip I picked it up in Rome City Center & returned it in Venice (Metro). The second time I picked it up in Rome at the Train station & returned it in Naples (Airport) ask DW Admiral Slacker about the flight from Naples to Rome .

Renting through Auto europe was a breeze had to make sure that had collision coverage. I rented for over a week, driving is just like Bahstan during rush hour (No Guts No Glory) larger vehicle always has right of way!

I drove in Rome (city center we stayed at the Hassler by the Spanish steps)
Florence (city center Plaza del Republica was real hard to get to and I do not think they allow cars their any more) outskirts of Venice, Naples, Sorrento, and most of the Almalfi Coast!

You should remember however that I am a certified Boston driver, and have an SCCA National Racing License! Best of luck to all you drivers from the wrong coast!

 

[mickeymad]

I have been eavestropping for quite some time now but wanted to join in. My husband and I are coming on the cruise too! Without children (a little strange and guilt filled) but we'll get over it when the drinks arrive!

We took the kids to London, Paris, Rome, and Switzerland last summer so ... it is OUR turn since it is our 20th anniversary June 25th. We too are considering London on Virgin and then onto Barcelona three days prior to cruisin'.

Lookin' forward to continuing to plan with you, guys.

 

[KarenGillFL]

Stupid Question alert: did you find it tough to rent and drive a car in Italy? That would be the ultimate for me at one of the ports. Not sure which one...

We rented from Auto Europe last year in Florence. We had to wait outside the office for hours for our car. My husband did all the driving around Tuscany and I was never so happy to get to destinations as I was during those four days. I think it was fun for hubby though. We definitely saw things we never would have seen without a car!!

 

[Honu13]

See we agree on something after all.

Goin Back to Cali to Cali to Cali, Goin back to Cali. I dont think so!

I knew I liked you! Not only are you WICKED SMAHT...you can recite the lyrics great songs!!!!

 

[Honu13]

I do like the Tim Larson trip report, we should look into his private guided tour companies for info & maybe set up some tours! Kudos to Cheri for this info

I'm in on this!!!

 

[Honu13]

I have been eavestropping for quite some time now but wanted to join in. My husband and I are coming on the cruise too! Without children (a little strange and guilt filled) but we'll get over it when the drinks arrive!

We took the kids to London, Paris, Rome, and Switzerland last summer so ... it is OUR turn since it is our 20th anniversary June 25th. We too are considering London on Virgin and then onto Barcelona three days prior to cruisin'.

Lookin' forward to continuing to plan with you, guys.

Welcome!

 

[golfinwidow]

Mickeymad, welcome! i'm quite jealous! We are looking at ours as a belated honeymoon, since we never had one. Tried to get rid of the kids, but the guilt trip mom in me took over ('Ahhh... the educational opportunities for them...")

So I guess, feel free to borrow mine if you miss yours!!

I knew I liked you! Not only are you WICKED SMAHT...you can recite the lyrics great songs!!!!

Honu, don't inflate his ego even more. He's gonna tilt the ship portside as it is!

Cheri, did I read between the lines that you might be organizing third party tours or did I read too much into this thread?

 

[Honu13]

Honu, don't inflate his ego even more. He's gonna tilt the ship portside as it is!

You think we can get ray jay to do some karaoke onboard? I can't wait to see ya bust a move...LL Cool J style!!!

 

[RJAYL]

You think we can get ray jay to do some karaoke onboard? I can't wait to see ya bust a move...LL Cool J style!!!

OKOK

Im Rap Master Robert and I am her to say that anyone from Newton just gets in the way!

If you dont like my rap ive got the solution you will both be walkin the Slackers plank without reolution!

Dum Da Dum Da Dum Dum Dum
Yo Homies! Dont Fizzle with my Dizzle

 

[Honu13]

I said a hip hop, hiby to the hiby the hip hip a hop and you don't a rocking to the bang bang boogie say up jump the boogie to the rythm of the boogie to be.

GO RAY JAY, GO RAY JAY !!!

 

[golfinwidow]

I am NOT from Newton!!!!

 

[mickeymad]

I'm liking the sound bytes on this cruise!

I saw that several of you are from San Diego. We are in San Marcos. Thanks for the welcome! I also teach so, thanks, I'll pass on borrowing your kids this cruise! However, I may find myself wiping some mouths at dinner or asking "Hands on your head, if you can hear me!" All to be cured by Slurpees... we are currently trying raspberry martinis to put on a fesitive mood... only one year and one week left to get festive, right?!

We are on deck 6, interior room, the cheapo room... but, hey, used DVC points and we're going for $75 so I can't complain!

We also rented through Auto Europe last summer but through England.. Great fun having an automatic on the other side... Actually my husband did a great job. My friend and I rented Vespas on the Island of Giglio two years ago, don't recommend it... drivers on mainland Italy were insane (yes, the bigger cars get the right of way) and it was a miracle we survived. Actually ended up pushing it through the city, in the truck bed of an Italian garage mechanic... long but colorful story!) The other thing was all the signs are different from ours.. Figured out... too late... which sign meant "Do Not Enter". Oh the fun we'll have!

The private tours seem like a good idea... I looked on RCCL and they seem to have many "Rome on your own" sort of transport to the cities for relatively inexpensive... Maybe DCL with offer the same with a private tour waiting once you get there?

So much to think about and plan!!!! Getting there is half the fun. And yes, my kids (ages 11 and 15) had a blast and learned SO much... Paris' museums and Oxford University tour were a yawn to them but we bought Rick Steve's books and did many on your own tours and the kids loved how he says "At the statue of the maiden with the water jug, turn left toward down the hall toward the Winged Victory" ... the kids thought it was like a mystery to solve and very accurate! The kids loved everything about Rome, including the food! They loved that cool, fresh water pours from the forum and various places to fill up your water bottles.

The kids LOVED London for any of you considering coming through the UK and you can get pretty good deals on airfare! Once you fly Virgin, you will spoiled and won't want to go back to US airlines! Enjoy your planning!

Julie

 

[TDC Nala]

Y'all are nuts. This might be fun.

 

[BigBlueMan]

I said a hip hop, hiby to the hiby the hip hip a hop and you don't a rocking to the bang bang boogie say up jump the boogie to the rythm of the boogie to be.

Having spent the latter 70's as a DJ in a disco, Honu you are far TOO YOUNG to know the lyrics to this!

On a side note, I love the idea of a group of us making plans to do independent tours during the cruise. We'll probably save money, and it will be a LOT more fun with the group you know.

(Ho-tellll... Mo-tellll... Holiday Innnnnnnnn.....)