June 27, 2013 - Magic in the Med (Venice)

[MrsScooby]

Hey all. Finally took the time to add myself to the roll call and the excursion sheet. Sadly I don't think we will be participating in the fish extender group. We know our luggage amount is very limited and need to make some room for all the souvenirs we plan on buying Anyways, only 84 more days I think until sailing!

Welcome Aboard

I hear you about the luggage. My FE gift is going to be small in size and easy to transport and as long as the list stays relatively short (under 50) we should be fine....

Our PC Repo cruise had over hundred cabins in the FE exchange and that was time consuming as well as a challenge luggage wise

But we love finding gifts in our FE and our Baltic cruise only had 30 or so participating and that was perfect and not too time consuming.

Loving the count downs

So what kind of souvenirs are you looking to bring home?
I would love to bring home some small bottles of wine or olive oil but I am worried about packing them...
I have heard a lot of sites will ship now so maybe going that route

 

[disprincess4ever]

So what kind of souvenirs are you looking to bring home?
I would love to bring home some small bottles of wine or olive oil but I am worried about packing them...
I have heard a lot of sites will ship now so maybe going that route

Looking to find some nice home decorations or plates/China wear. We also really love to just buy the Disney Merchandise. We'll probably try buy every Disney item of clothing we can.
I see that you were on our last cruise the 6/23/12 fantasy! That was an amazing trip! Hopefully this one will be even better

 

[nzdisneymom]

So what kind of souvenirs are you looking to bring home?
I would love to bring home some small bottles of wine or olive oil but I am worried about packing them...
I have heard a lot of sites will ship now so maybe going that route

Laurie - we always pack a variety of sizes of ziploc bags so if we have something fluid that needs to be packed in our luggage, we'll double-bag it in the ziplocs so that if it does leak, it won't make a mess. We bag our toiletries that way, too, so the toothpaste doesn't get supersquashed and squirt out everywhere.

Speaking of toiletries, we're collecting up the floss and toothpastes from the dentist that haven't been used yet so we can use them up on our trip. We have travel size deoderants, etc. that we've collected as well. We plan to bring things that we'll use up so we'll have that space for bringing things home (like DCL shampoo and conditioner - love that stuff).

 

[jel0511]

Looking to find some nice home decorations or plates/China wear. We also really love to just buy the Disney Merchandise. We'll probably try buy every Disney item of clothing we can.
I see that you were on our last cruise the 6/23/12 fantasy! That was an amazing trip! Hopefully this one will be even better

Murano Glass and a jewelry box from Sorrento are on my MUST list. A Botegga Venetta bag is on my wish list while in Rome. I did get a LV while in Paris in 2010, so maybe I'll grab that too! Even had the thought today to pack bubble wrap, so the things will be safer in my carry-on......

 

[jel0511]

Laurie - we always pack a variety of sizes of ziploc bags so if we have something fluid that needs to be packed in our luggage, we'll double-bag it in the ziplocs so that if it does leak, it won't make a mess. We bag our toiletries that way, too, so the toothpaste doesn't get supersquashed and squirt out everywhere.

That's what we did with the olive oil we bought at the farm in Sorrento. We double bagged it and wrapped it in some dirty clothes for extra protection. Arrived home in one piece!!!! It was AWESOME olive oil! I've found one that is pretty close here in the states, I bought it at Sur La Table.

 

[carpenta]

We bought items in Sorento as well as Orvietto and the merchants UPSed the items home to the U.S. It really was easy and saved us from struggling with all the items and fragile items we would have to pack ourselves and carry with us. We also did it from venice and it was like a nice surprize having the glass show up in a few weeks after we returned.

 

[Golden lover]

And I thought we were pushing it with an 11:55 am flight!
But yes you have the advantage that DCL is booking this for you so I would relax and follow their instructions like Cindy says above and not worry much

Any one have reliable taxi service to use in Barcelona?

 

[Golden lover]

Does anyone have reliable taxi info for Barcelona? Can we please be added to the meet up group?

 

[nzdisneymom]

Does anyone have reliable taxi info for Barcelona? Can we please be added to the meet up group?

Welcome.
I added you to the list of who is sailing in the first post. I see you added yourself to the roll call spreadsheet... Thx for that.

 

[MrsScooby]

Looking to find some nice home decorations or plates/China wear. We also really love to just buy the Disney Merchandise. We'll probably try buy every Disney item of clothing we can.
I see that you were on our last cruise the 6/23/12 fantasy! That was an amazing trip! Hopefully this one will be even better

Yes the Fantasy cruise was amazing
I prefer the newer ships to the classic ones. Those lounges are amazing! How many pics did you take of the bathrooms
The ones with the tile mosaic of the matador and dancer were just gorgeous!
We all have the DCL hoodies and my DH (Darren) is looking to get one this trip.

Laurie - we always pack a variety of sizes of ziploc bags so if we have something fluid that needs to be packed in our luggage, we'll double-bag it in the ziplocs so that if it does leak, it won't make a mess. We bag our toiletries that way, too, so the toothpaste doesn't get supersquashed and squirt out everywhere.

Speaking of toiletries, we're collecting up the floss and toothpastes from the dentist that haven't been used yet so we can use them up on our trip. We have travel size deoderants, etc. that we've collected as well. We plan to bring things that we'll use up so we'll have that space for bringing things home (like DCL shampoo and conditioner - love that stuff).

Oh yeah, we always bring the ziplock bags too
But I have seen how the luggage gets handled (port/airport) and it seems like a matter of luck sometimes that nothing gets broken
I saw someone posted a special box for traveling with wine bottles, but it was not cheap and I am not definitely sure I am bringing one home. It kind of depends on what I find when I get there

Our dentist gives us these little dental kits that are great for travel. Everything in one clear plastic pouch.
When we get closer to the trip date I would love to see your packing/planning lists. I am not the most organized person and always worry about what I leave out.

Murano Glass and a jewelry box from Sorrento are on my MUST list. A Botegga Venetta bag is on my wish list while in Rome. I did get a LV while in Paris in 2010, so maybe I'll grab that too! Even had the thought today to pack bubble wrap, so the things will be safer in my carry-on......

Pictures needed
Please
And that bubble wrap is a great idea. Saves space for bringing home souvenirs and can be thrown out if needed

We bought items in Sorento as well as Orvietto and the merchants UPSed the items home to the U.S. It really was easy and saved us from struggling with all the items and fragile items we would have to pack ourselves and carry with us. We also did it from venice and it was like a nice surprize having the glass show up in a few weeks after we returned.

I am thinking of a set of murano glasses (shipped home)...just worried that I will be too nervous to let anyone use them though

Any one have reliable taxi service to use in Barcelona?

I am still waiting for my TA to get back to me on that.
I know where I live (near Dulles airport in VA) that the taxis at the airport are pretty reliable and licensed. I have heard that it is the same in Barcelona but someone correct me please if that is not true...
I think the problem with calling a taxi service is that they will start the meter from the time of your phone call and you get charged extra...and that you need to settle on a price before you get into the taxi.
Don't open your wallet in front of them as I read where one traveler had the driver grab a large bill right from her wallet and take off

Definitely need to be prepared

 

[disprincess4ever]

Yes the Fantasy cruise was amazing
I prefer the newer ships to the classic ones. Those lounges are amazing! How many pics did you take of the bathrooms
The ones with the tile mosaic of the matador and dancer were just gorgeous!
We all have the DCL hoodies and my DH (Darren) is looking to get one this trip.
I am still waiting for my TA to get back to me on that.
I know where I live (near Dulles airport in VA) that the taxis at the airport are pretty reliable and licensed. I have heard that it is the same in Barcelona but someone correct me please if that is not true...
I think the problem with calling a taxi service is that they will start the meter from the time of your phone call and you get charged extra...and that you need to settle on a price before you get into the taxi.
Don't open your wallet in front of them as I read where one traveler had the driver grab a large bill right from her wallet and take off

Definitely need to be prepared

We've only been on the Fantasy so we hope we enjoy the Magic too.
The Fantasy's bathrooms were amazing oh my goodness. I think I wanted to cry every time I went in the one near the Walt Disney Theater. Granted, I loved the whole ship.


For taxi service, I saw on a generic European cruise planning thread that someone recommended this company. I thought I saved the link but I can't find it now I guess you could try to locate the thread or search Barcelona Taxi Companies. The site I looked at you would give them your name and how many people and they would wait at the airport for you with a sign.

 

[carpenta]

as for taxi service it is important to get a firm price BEFORE you get into a taxi. A travel tip because some have been to charge outragous prices when you arrive for they know you won't have time to argue. It is a small madhouse at the terminal getting out across the bridge and around Columbus circle so leave yourself more time than you would think. Arrival day is a week day and traffic is always heavy in Barcelona during the week.

 

[Golden lover]

Is there a facebook group for this cruise?

 

[nzdisneymom]

Is there a facebook group for this cruise?

Yes. Info in first post.

 

[poohmomof5]

We've only been on the Fantasy so we hope we enjoy the Magic too.
The Fantasy's bathrooms were amazing oh my goodness. I think I wanted to cry every time I went in the one near the Walt Disney Theater. Granted, I loved the whole ship.

.

Funny about the ships, we have been on Disney cruises 85 nights and only 12 of them were on the new ships, so I am fairly tainted, BUT I like the Magic the best still. I think the newer ships are just big. And I have always been one to like a more cozy atmosphere, so that probably has something to do with it, BUT I feel that on the Magic you get to know people better. That includes the staff, other families, and other kids for my little one. The older ships are beautiful and they take great care of them!

That being said, the rest of the family thinks I am crazy. And they think maybe it is because we have only been on 4 night cruises on the Dream, so we don't have the time to explore and get to know people?

Anyway, the old ships are still Disney and still better than being anywhere else in the world IMO.

 

[redcoral33]

as for taxi service it is important to get a firm price BEFORE you get into a taxi. A travel tip because some have been to charge outragous prices when you arrive for they know you won't have time to argue. It is a small madhouse at the terminal getting out across the bridge and around Columbus circle so leave yourself more time than you would think. Arrival day is a week day and traffic is always heavy in Barcelona during the week.

Thanks all for sharing info on getting our own ride from hotel to airport. I will definitely negotiate an agreed pricing before getting into the taxi. -Cynthia

 

[nzdisneymom]

If I've counted right, we have 19 states plus Canada represented on this cruise.

 

[DenverVal]

Funny about the ships, we have been on Disney cruises 85 nights and only 12 of them were on the new ships, so I am fairly tainted, BUT I like the Magic the best still....

Another vote for the Magic. I have cruised on the Dream twice, and it is beautiful and has some great new features and beautiful new areas, but I feel "at home" on the Magic. Oddly, not so much on the Wonder.

 

[krennhack]

Another vote for the Magic. I have cruised on the Dream twice, and it is beautiful and has some great new features and beautiful new areas, but I feel "at home" on the Magic. Oddly, not so much on the Wonder.

We have cruised on the Magic and the Dream. The Dream is gorgeous but we were a bit disappointed in the placement of the hot tubs. On the Magic, you have a great view of the pool and can keep an eye on your kids. On the Dream, they seemed like an afterthought. We are looking forward to being back on the Magic this summer. There is something to be said for those cozy "older" ships.

 

[disprincess4ever]

Heard so many great things about the magic from all of you and others. I'm really excited to sail her and I'm sure I'll feel like she's my second home as you all do

Wow that's a lot of states being represented! Wondering how many sailing will be from Europe. But if it's mostly us Americans we can all celebrate the 4th of July in Venice together!