June 29, 2011-10 "MAGICAL" nights in the Mediterranean

[DCLShel]

I wonder if anyone would be interested in a very casual, come-if-you-like, get-together for a tapas dinner the night before we board the Magic? We are touring with Dorothy's family that day and if they can still stand us by dinnertime, that might be a good dinner option. Shall we figure out what we are going to do and where and share it via email in case anyone wants to come to the same place for dinner? Hmmmmm...

I think this sounds like a great idea. Count us in!

 

[grizbuzz]

Hi everyone

Tickets on Swiss Air purchased, hotel reservations made...now it's time to figure out excursions.

Just got back from a spring break vacation in Italy. We drove from Zurich, Switzerland and stayed in Tuscany, with day trips to Florence, Pisa, Sienna, San Gimignano and stopped in Como and Verona on way there and back.

Italy is beautiful, but oh so crowded with tourists - especially Florence and Pisa. I am glad that we visited Florence and Pisa last week, so now I can go to Cinque Terra on the Disney cruise and not feel bad about missing such important sites. Also, after driving an SUV in Italy to and from our villa outside of Florence, I now can really appreciate the conveniences of cruising. I can't say I enjoyed driving back from Tuscany to Switzerland, but I did it!

Trying now to plan the Naples and Rome days and then maybe will get to the others. Planning to take it easy on some/many of the days, so we can get some relaxation in as well.

Good luck everyone with planning and preparations!
-Jen

 

[thinkoflaura]

i know i saw them floating around at some point...

anyone able to post a link to where I can find Navigators for the most recent 10 day Med cruise -- I'm guessing last summer?

Thanks!

 

[keenercam]

i know i saw them floating around at some point...

anyone able to post a link to where I can find Navigators for the most recent 10 day Med cruise -- I'm guessing last summer?

Thanks!

Here is the link to a website where I found the 11 night Mediterranean navigators posted, if it helps:
website with 11-night Navigators

This is another website with lots of cool information:
Magic in the Med website

 

[thinkoflaura]

FISH EXTENDER PARTICIPANTS

Here is the final list of Fish Extender exchange participants:

grizbuzz
deplion
keenercam (Keeners)
DorothyDamato (Damatos)
Macassi
DCLShel
Tinkgirl67 (Sucharczuk's)
johnwdw
agreenfamily
jonida3
OH 6
thinkoflaura


If you signed up to participate in the exchange, be sure to check your email for information as details get ironed out.

thanks for including me at the 13th hour... i decided to get my priorities straight, stop worrying about logistics and planning and start enjoying the magic!!!

 

[DorothyDamato]

I know some of our current Fish Extenders have already done this, and probably have some wisdom to share:

1) Where you meet to get cabin numbers?

• Cam had mentioned at one point that they met after the drill but before the sail away party and they were all wearing green ribbons. Anyone else have other suggestions? Shelly has given me alot of tips. Anymore sage advice?

2) When (time? day?) did you do your meet?
3) Did you leave your FE out all the time?
4) Did you have a schedule for when people would hand out FE gifts?

• Or did you just do it whenever?

If any one has any suggestions or strong opinions - let me know! "Goin to Barcelona, goin to Barcelona...it's your birthday...it's your birthday!"

 

[macassi]

Too funny! We decided to do Florence and Toscany on a separate trip as well. You are a brave woman, though. We've been told to never drive in Italy, and so far we're holding firm on that end!

Hi everyone

Tickets on Swiss Air purchased, hotel reservations made...now it's time to figure out excursions.

Just got back from a spring break vacation in Italy. We drove from Zurich, Switzerland and stayed in Tuscany, with day trips to Florence, Pisa, Sienna, San Gimignano and stopped in Como and Verona on way there and back.

Italy is beautiful, but oh so crowded with tourists - especially Florence and Pisa. I am glad that we visited Florence and Pisa last week, so now I can go to Cinque Terra on the Disney cruise and not feel bad about missing such important sites. Also, after driving an SUV in Italy to and from our villa outside of Florence, I now can really appreciate the conveniences of cruising. I can't say I enjoyed driving back from Tuscany to Switzerland, but I did it!

Trying now to plan the Naples and Rome days and then maybe will get to the others. Planning to take it easy on some/many of the days, so we can get some relaxation in as well.

Good luck everyone with planning and preparations!
-Jen

 

[macassi]

We've only done Fish Extenders once.

We met in lounge that is outside the Sports Bar. I can't remember the time, but it must have been after the safety drill. The FE coordinator brought copies of the FE spreadsheet (cabin, names, dates) and if anyone had room changes, they made them at that meeting and we updated our copies of the spreadsheet. Any other notes/changes were to be left on the message board on the coordinator's cabin door.

We did assign days so that the joy was spread throughout the cruise. Some people gave stuff on more than one day, but it did insure that everyone got something every day.

I did leave my extender out all the time. I zip tie it too the fish to try to prevent theft. However, I made the mistake of leaving an item in the fish extender and it was stolen. There was a bag of candy passed out and I left it for my son to discover. Well, by the time he got home, it was gone. It really bugged me. Typically, I don't think you know if anything is stolen from your extender, so you don't know to be bugged. So my advice is to bring the items into your room as soon as you see they've been delivered. You can also ask your room steward to leave items he finds in it on your bed.

I know some of our current Fish Extenders have already done this, and probably have some wisdom to share:

1) Where you meet to get cabin numbers?

• Cam had mentioned at one point that they met after the drill but before the sail away party and they were all wearing green ribbons. Anyone else have other suggestions? Shelly has given me alot of tips. Anymore sage advice?

2) When (time? day?) did you do your meet?
3) Did you leave your FE out all the time?
4) Did you have a schedule for when people would hand out FE gifts?

• Or did you just do it whenever?

If any one has any suggestions or strong opinions - let me know! "Goin to Barcelona, goin to Barcelona...it's your birthday...it's your birthday!"

 

[DCLShel]

I know some of our current Fish Extenders have already done this, and probably have some wisdom to share:

1) Where you meet to get cabin numbers?

• Cam had mentioned at one point that they met after the drill but before the sail away party and they were all wearing green ribbons. Anyone else have other suggestions? Shelly has given me alot of tips. Anymore sage advice?

2) When (time? day?) did you do your meet?
3) Did you leave your FE out all the time?
4) Did you have a schedule for when people would hand out FE gifts?

• Or did you just do it whenever?

If any one has any suggestions or strong opinions - let me know! "Goin to Barcelona, goin to Barcelona...it's your birthday...it's your birthday!"

The only rule for FE is: there are no rules~

I think we should pick a place to meet at the suggested time - maybe in the Promenade Lounge. Its never seems croweded there. Some people may have their stateroom numbers before we head to Spain. From other threads, it seems like GTY rooms start getting assigned around 45 days out.

The only time I've done a "meets" was on my January cruise. We met the night before at WDW. Since this really isn't an option, I think would should stick with our plan.

Yes, we left our FE out the entire time. No, we did not have a schedule when to deliver. It was always so exciting to come back to our room and find a little gift waiting for us! Just do whatever works for your family.

Oh, I guess I was wrong. There is a second rule~ HAVE FUN! This is not suppose to stress anyone out.

 

[keenercam]

I agree on all counts with Shelley and Marci - no rules and the Promenade lounge never seems crowded. LOL! I think 1/2 hour before the sailaway party would be great for everyone to meet up and say "hi" if they want would be good. If everyone has their cabin numbers early enough and we don't need to exchange cabin numbers, maybe we can still look for each other at the sailaway party at a particular location.


Another thought (stream of conscience posting here) -- usually between when we get in our cabins and when we have the safety drill, we have time to unpack any bags delivered to our cabins PLUS we often have time for a short nap. I wonder if that might not be a better time to meet since it is kind of "down time". What do you guys think?

 

[grizbuzz]

I know some of our current Fish Extenders have already done this, and probably have some wisdom to share:

1) Where you meet to get cabin numbers?

• Cam had mentioned at one point that they met after the drill but before the sail away party and they were all wearing green ribbons. Anyone else have other suggestions? Shelly has given me alot of tips. Anymore sage advice?

2) When (time? day?) did you do your meet?
3) Did you leave your FE out all the time?
4) Did you have a schedule for when people would hand out FE gifts?

• Or did you just do it whenever?

If any one has any suggestions or strong opinions - let me know! "Goin to Barcelona, goin to Barcelona...it's your birthday...it's your birthday!"

I vote for a casual meet. I've done the meet the first day and then the day at sea. I prefer the second day at sea, as the day we board is kind of hectic. Usually, someone can't make the meet as they have brunch or spa appointments, but still it works nice. Promenade lounge works. And it's nice meeting people and having friendly faces on the cruise.

I don't think it will be possible to have all the cabin numbers for the fish extenders before the cruise. We have a guarantee cabin and I don't know when we'll find out our cabin number. Others may upgrade or move for various reasons. Seems there are always some changes.

I really like having a schedule for the fish extenders. Not that I'm big on rules, but it's fun to have the little treats spread out throughout the cruise. I'm willing to put together the schedule and also to do cabin changes at the meet if no one else wants to do it.

Oh, and we keep our fish extenders out the whole trip. On four trips, we've never had anything (that I know of) stolen, though I know it can happen.

-Jen

 

[keenercam]

Our private transfer from the port to our post-cruise hotel is booked and confirmed. Yay!! One more tiny thing taken care of. I think my list is down to 37 items now. LOL!

 

[Jendisney9]

Hi everyone!

Welcome new families!

I am trying to keep up with posts and stay on top of everyone. I regret not doing FE since it is a nice number of people. I had like 75 last year; way too stressful!

Cam, my email got returned and I haven't followed up on that to see what I emailed to you. I know I was telling you that I was interested in meeting up with you and Dorothy on that Tuesday. And I think I was giving you cell numbers.

Our pre-hotel has changed....new brother in law is part owner of a hotel in BCN, we have been invited to stay with him in the hotel, VIP. woo hoo! But nice since they are coming down from Paris to visit us in BCN. So I am hoping they leave in time for me to get together with you and Dorothy, but if they stay, then I guess it would be rude to run off and play with Disboard friends...LOL.

Suggestion for FE: Since there were a lot of upgrades and changes last minute, someone just posted a list on their room door with all the participants and their cabin numbers. You could then just verify if you missed the big "meet".

Can't wait!

I missed the opportunity to buy my own vatican tix on Mon or Tuesday when they became available....sold out now.

 

[sinnika]

Hi everyone!
I missed the opportunity to buy my own vatican tix on Mon or Tuesday when they became available....sold out now.

I think you are still OK. The Vatican tickets can be purchased 60 days prior to the date, so the window should open tomorrow I think for Mon July 4th.
I was debating on getting our tickets with a group tour thru the Vatican or doing a small group tour thru either Rome Walks or Roman Odyssey. They are more expensive than the Vatican guide but they also take you through the Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica and the Vatican guide only tours you thru the Vatican museums, then you are on your own in the Sistine chapel and St Peter's Basilica. Saturdays and Mondays are supposedly the busiest days for the Vatican. We are planning to tour it in the afternoon. Doing our own thing in the am - not sure what that is yet as we visited the Colloseum, Forum, and Pantheon and Trevi last year.
I also wanted to share the website that one our our Dis'ers put together last year for our May 2010 Med cruise. I keep going back to it for info so hope it can help others who are planning. Remember, this is from last year so some info may be outdated. The dinner schedule on the main page will probably be the same, but the show schedule could be slightly different, and the movie schedule will be very different! http://muchomagico.weebly.com/index.html
Also, I know there has been discussion about a Dismeet. I would recommend around 3 or 3:30pm on Deck 3 at the Promenade lounge on embarkation day.
We have the group brunch at Palo's for several of us on that first sea day which is at 10:30am. Not sure how many from the Palo's group are participating in FE's.
8 more weeks until we cruise!!!!!

 

[DorothyDamato]

I thought today was the day I could purchase Vatican tickets. It still shows that you can only purchase tickets up to July 2nd. Wahhhh. Can't wait!

Wow. Unbelievable that anyone would steal stuff out of the FE.
Can't wait to get my Fish Extender - should be in the mail any day now! Got all my FE gifts and actually spent the morning making sure I had enough of everything!

Laughing how you all throw out, "Oh - go to promenade, or Goofy's Galley...or...." I have been on this boat ONCE - 7 years ago. I don't remember any of it!

Lot's of good ideas for the FE. Sounds like the Promenade is mentioned a couple of times. Doesnt sound like its a problem to leave it out all the time (and I am sure my husband has one of those zip thingys....he is like "Tool Time Tim"). I like the idea of spreading it out over the trip - My problem is I get so excited and am impatient for everybody to see what I got them! Can I go first? He He.

will wait a little bit more to see if there are anymore tips. Oh - I forgot one thing! Some of the things I bought could be used by the kids while on the ship so you dont have to bring anything home....so I know that is at least one reason why it might be easier to let me go first or let others drop off gifts whenever. I was thinking - even if we do a schedule, there is no reason why anyone has to adhere to it if it doesnt work for them....we could set it up and if someone would prefer to give it at a time when it is more convenient - that would probably be ok?

 

[MissReeRee]

Hey everyone! We *may* be going on this cruise with you! We did the med cruise last summer and loved it, the price came down a bit on this one since we last looked and I have halfway talked dh into going again this summer! Especially as we hit Tunisia last year and this year we can do Sicily...

I was wondering if there would be anyone else interested in doing another FE signup? I had such a blast doing it last year, we split it up into 5 different groups so each group was only responsible for 10 cabins and someone delivered each day. If we do end up going I am just wondering if there are an additional 9 or 10 people who would sign up on a new FE list??

Also if anyone has any questions about this cruise I'll be happy to answer them... We didn't do any disney tours, we flew in, did a transfer and all trips on our own. I can help with questions about doing Rome on your own as well as Cinque Terre if anyone is interested!

 

[sinnika]

Hey everyone! We *may* be going on this cruise with you! We did the med cruise last summer and loved it, the price came down a bit on this one since we last looked and I have halfway talked dh into going again this summer! Especially as we hit Tunisia last year and this year we can do Sicily...

I was wondering if there would be anyone else interested in doing another FE signup? I had such a blast doing it last year, we split it up into 5 different groups so each group was only responsible for 10 cabins and someone delivered each day. If we do end up going I am just wondering if there are an additional 9 or 10 people who would sign up on a new FE list??

Also if anyone has any questions about this cruise I'll be happy to answer them... We didn't do any disney tours, we flew in, did a transfer and all trips on our own. I can help with questions about doing Rome on your own as well as Cinque Terre if anyone is interested!

Hey Miss ReeRee! Hope you sail again! I sailed on the May 26, 2010 Med too! I know we chatted but I'm not sure I ever got a chance to meet you! We had a very active group, esp on our FB page! Gotta love those military rates! Not quite as good as last year, but still a good deal! They no longer have veranda military cabins so that tells me military folks are starting to fill up the ship. We are sailing in connecting 9's on deck one this time.
I would love your input on Rome. We are doing it on our own - the last time we had a guide meet us in Rome at the train station. This time we are touring on our own and getting over to the Vatican in the afternnoon for a guided tour there. We are going back to Cinque Terre too! That place is gorgeous!!!!

 

[kmc33]

I was reading a trip blog that Dorothy shared with me and the woman was talking about a tapas place near or on Las Ramblas that sounded good. I wonder if anyone would be interested in a very casual, come-if-you-like, get-together for a tapas dinner the night before we board the Magic? We are touring with Dorothy's family that day and if they can still stand us by dinnertime, that might be a good dinner option. Shall we figure out what we are going to do and where and share it via email in case anyone wants to come to the same place for dinner? Hmmmmm...

This is a great idea! We are interested. Thanks!

 

[DorothyDamato]

Cam - I found the place. Its on Las Ramblas - its called Taller de Tapas (am guessing we will probably have to translate to Catalan?) - Anyway - They have a seafood Risotto that 2 could share that looks wonderful!
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wbtZLza5SIk/SmCXvP7Z38I/AAAAAAAABAE/Rh6Q2MuAx2w/s1600-h/a+risotto.JPG

 

[thinkoflaura]

Our private transfer from the port to our post-cruise hotel is booked and confirmed. Yay!! One more tiny thing taken care of. I think my list is down to 37 items now. LOL!

cam - what transfer service did you book with? i've contacted a few (we are going to sitges for 2 days post cruise) and they're all so expensive!!!