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

[Funfoody]

On my last cruise, the dismeet was during the sail-away party, on deck 10, starboard, looking down at the party. People wore lime green Mickeys to identify themselves, although on our cruise, cruise T-shirts (either the Rodneys http://www.cafepress.com/slackerscruise or the Maps should do http://www.cafepress.com/june27medcruise) would also work.

 

[micluver]

Interesting notes while doing research:

If you plan to see the Magic Fountain, get to BCN on a Thursday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. Seems they are the only days during the week it's open during summertime.

The 23rd sees the festival of St. John (Santa Joan) which includes fireworks, bonfires, firecrackers and all-night party. According to one website, the city pretty much will be closed on the following 24th.

micluvr

 

[micluver]

http://www.allearsnet.com/cruise/cr_news.htm


Disney Cruise Line Adds Pizzazz with New Shows, Parties,
Excursions and Activities for First Mediterranean Sailings


"CELEBRATION, Fla. -- When the Disney Magic crosses the "pond" for its first-ever Mediterranean sailings, deck parties will pop, new shows will "wow," on-board activities, including food and beverage, will feature European flair, and port excursions will be studded with special Disney touches."

Articles are copyrighted, please visit the link above to read the entire article, pretty interesting.

micluvr

 

[mickeymad]

Hey Micluver,

Thanks for the info - I gues with the way it works out we will have only one night to try and see the fountain. Will definitely work that one out. Too bad about the down day on the 24th.... one less day of Barcelona fun!

I got an email from DCL re. special nights they said:As you know, Dining attire varies by venue or theme night on your cruise. In general, most meals are "Cruise Casual" -- no shorts, swimwear or tank tops; jeans are allowed. Most cruises also have special theme nights. Below is the recommended attire for your cruise itinerary and is subject to change:

10-Night Mediterranean cruise:
*Nights 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, & 10: cruise casual *Night 2: "formal night" - formal wear for men: tuxedo or suit; for
women: gown or dress
*Night 8: pirate night with deck party
*Night 9: "semi-formal night" - semi-formal wear for men: suit/jacket; for women: dress or pantsuit.

Dress for dinner at Palo on all cruises:
Men: dress shirt or jacket
Women: dress or pantsuit

We look forward to sailing with you again! Have a Magical Day!

Yay! For party fun! Julie

 

[ImprovGal]

It's about time for a roll call here.. the when's where's, etc.

Here's the roll call entry for TDCNala and me --

6/22-6/23 flying PVD (me)/DCA (TDCNala) --> PHL --> Paris (CDG)
6/23 - 6/26 at DLP (RJAYL -- uh, I thought I was going to the dinner, too. Which restaurant did we end up choosing? Walts or Blue Lagoon? I think Sunday night works.)
6/26 - 6/27 -- yes, we're taking the overnight train from Paris to Barcelona.

We're the single gals without kids that affirmative action brought on the ship.

 

[mickeymad]

Improvgal,

We're a couple without our teenage kids (I think they may eventually forgive us!) so.... we'll rule the adult only area when the parents need to return to their rooms!

 

[RJAYL]

Here's the roll call entry for TDCNala and me --

6/23 - 6/26 at DLP (RJAYL -- uh, I thought I was going to the dinner, too. Which restaurant did we end up choosing? Walts or Blue Lagoon? I think Sunday night works.)

Okay we will plan on Sunday night (if you Single Girls can put up with my Kids!) Im at the DLH give me a call when you get in and we will set it up!

 

[RJAYL]

On my last cruise, the dismeet was during the sail-away party, on deck 10, starboard, looking down at the party. People wore lime green Mickeys to identify themselves, although on our cruise, cruise T-shirts (either the Rodneys http://www.cafepress.com/slackerscruise or the Maps should do http://www.cafepress.com/june27medcruise) would also work.

Okay Im ordering my T-Shirts today! Rodney's of course!

 

[TDC Nala]

Okay Ill bite I am already supposed to have dinner with TDC Nala @ DLP before the cruise
(if you are listening Sunday Night would probaly be best)

We are in Paris from the 20th arriving in Barcelona on the 25th staying at the Grand Marina, we booked through DCL.
So we could meet up either evening the 25th or 26th, however I have good info that the above mentioned TDC NALA will not be arriving untill the morning of the 27th (Overnight Train I think)

???

DLP on June 23, Barcelona June 27.

Walt's for lunch, Sunday the 24th? Will the kids like it?

 

[TDC Nala]

Okay we will plan on Sunday night (if you Single Girls can put up with my Kids!) Im at the DLH give me a call when you get in and we will set it up!

I have nieces and nephews. I can handle your kids.

A call? should we ring up the DLH and ask for RJAYL? Is that pronounced R-JAY-L or R-JAIL?

 

[RJAYL]

???

DLP on June 23, Barcelona June 27.

Walt's for lunch, Sunday the 24th? Will the kids like it?

Walts for Lunch or Dinner? How Many in your Party?( I will make reservations for all of us, when I arrive!)

I will PM you my personal Info (No Credit Card Information However!)

 

[TDC Nala]

Walts for Lunch or Dinner? How Many in your Party?( I will make reservations for all of us, when I arrive!)

I will PM you my personal Info (No Credit Card Information However!)

there'll be just me and Improvgal, and I think Walt's for lunch...

If Phantom Manor doesn't reopen on time, I'll be grouchy.

 

[RJAYL]

there'll be just me and Improvgal, and I think Walt's for lunch....

Okay I will make arrangements give me a ring when you get in, I am going into Paris Saturday Morning for a short tour!

If Phantom Manor doesn't reopen on time, I'll be grouchy.

It is supposed to open on Friday I am hoping to ride it multiple times!

Besides if that is you holding that AXE I would hate to see you GROUCHY!

 

[M&C]

Just need to clean up a couple of hotel reservations and we should be all set. Any comment on following plan is appreciated.

Plan is to leave the US on June 22 to Paris, take the overnight train to Barcelona on the 26th and board the boat directly from the train station. We arrive in Barcelona around 8:30 am. Can we board that early? Can we leave our stuff at the boat and tool around Barcelona during the day? Or, are there things to do at the boat already?

It sure would be nice to go to DLP, but with just a few days, hanging around Paris should be fun too. We're planning on having dinner at Jules Verne in the Eiffel Tower. We're staying at the Hotel Leveque, which is a Rick Steve's recommendation. Saw the place a few years back and thought it would be a good place. We were practically on Rue Cler every day of that trip anyway.

We'll be staying in Barcelona for a few days as well, staying at the Hotel Banys Oriental. Set up a tour with Barcelona Experience, a group we saw featured in one of the travel shows. We're planning half a day of biking around Barcelona and the rest in a car. Should be fun, can't wait to try those tapas and wine!

On board, we have a tour set up at each port, but are starting to reconsider. It might be a little too much for our girls, 4 and 11. Before I cancel, I can find out if any of you are interested in the tours and maybe transfer them instead of just cancelling. I know how quickly they booked. I got all but one of my preferred tours when I booked.

I'll post in the next week or so which ones I would like to cancel before I do so.

Oh my, 6 weeks to go and it's going fast. We're all getting excited now!

------------------------
M&C

 

[micluver]

<snip>

Oh my, 6 weeks to go and it's going fast. We're all getting excited now!

------------------------
M&C

I know the feeling, I'm practically glued to the boards now, watching the repo cruisers, can't wait for the first reports back!

micluvr

 

[ImprovGal]

Just need to clean up a couple of hotel reservations and we should be all set. Any comment on following plan is appreciated.

Plan is to leave the US on June 22 to Paris, take the overnight train to Barcelona on the 26th and board the boat directly from the train station. We arrive in Barcelona around 8:30 am. Can we board that early? Can we leave our stuff at the boat and tool around Barcelona during the day? Or, are there things to do at the boat already?

Hi! My friend TDCNala and I will be on that very same train, too. I don't know if there will be a luggage storage option or if we have to wait for our cabin to be ready before ditching the luggage. I know we can go out and wander Barcelona after checking in, though. There's usually buffet lunch on the ship on embarkation day -- choice of Topsiders or Parrot Cay. I don't know what other shipboard activities will be going on besides people getting scheduled and signing up for things (Palo, spa, kids clubs, etc).

 

[Doingitagain]

DD18 just turned 18, and is a little sad she won't be at the Stack, but is excited to be able to do the "adult" activities. Does anyone else have young adults going? Perhaps they could start emailing.

 

[Doingitagain]

So much for getting up at 3:00 a.m. All of the excursions we booked look like they are still open. It makes me nervous that they might be packing a lot of people on them. Actually, I don't think that many excursions are marked as "no reservations available" for our cruise.

P.S. I like the way DCL has re-done the website which allows you to see all open excursions even if you have one booked. Wish there was a way to tell how many people are on each excursion.

 

[M&C]

Hi! My friend TDCNala and I will be on that very same train, too. I don't know if there will be a luggage storage option or if we have to wait for our cabin to be ready before ditching the luggage. I know we can go out and wander Barcelona after checking in, though. There's usually buffet lunch on the ship on embarkation day -- choice of Topsiders or Parrot Cay. I don't know what other shipboard activities will be going on besides people getting scheduled and signing up for things (Palo, spa, kids clubs, etc).

Its the Ellipsos Trenhotel, right? I heard there is a lounge at the train station, but don't know much about it beyond that. It sure would be nice to be able to take the luggage to the boat first thing in the morning and walk around Barcelona during the day.

We're pretty excited about taking the train in lieu of a plane. Saw the "room" setup. Should be interesting. Too bad the trip is during the night and we can't see the countryside.

Hmm, what else to plan? Need to start looking at restaurant reviews.

--------------------------
M&C

 

[ImprovGal]

Its the Ellipsos Trenhotel, right? I heard there is a lounge at the train station, but don't know much about it beyond that. It sure would be nice to be able to take the luggage to the boat first thing in the morning and walk around Barcelona during the day.

We're pretty excited about taking the train in lieu of a plane. Saw the "room" setup. Should be interesting. Too bad the trip is during the night and we can't see the countryside.

Yes, the Elipsos Trenhotel Joan Miro is what we're on. The roomette does look interesting. I've never traveled in a sleeper on a train before. I'm even excited for the dinner and breakfast in the dining car.

According to DCL's website, the port will be open for check-in starting at 10am, but I don't know if that means we can pass luggage off to them for stateroom delivery later or if we have to hold onto our things until they let us go to our staterooms (usually around noon-1pm).

It may not be an issue depending on what time we actually get to the ship. Does the train have a history of punctuality? How easy will it be to get to the ship from the train station? I can't figure out if it's walkable or if we have to hunt down a cab to get there.