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

[gmugirl]

Hello all,
We will be onboard the Magic (all adults-are we the only ones??) and am looking for some people to add on to our RomeinLimo tours of Rome and La Spezia (Pisa & Florence), up to 16 people total (romeinlimo.com). Please post back if interested. (I can't do emails yet via this post, guess I need to keep posting!)

Myself (31)
Hubby (40)
Father (64)
Stepmother (62)

Late seating

11C GTY (can you get worse than that? anyone hear of any upgrades from this bottom category??)

 

[gmugirl]

Almost every European city has the Hop-On/Hop-Off buses. We like to use these first thing in the day and do the whole loop to see what there is too see (they also have a free audio guide and headphones) and then use it as transportation throughout the day when we decide where we are going. With the exception of Rome (and possibly Florence) we will hopefully doing this whereever we can!

 

[gmugirl]

We are planning to sight see on our own in Malta, Corsica and Villefranche. I'm thinkin about taking a bus to Mdina in Malta and the train to Nice.

Almost every European city has the Hop-On/Hop-Off buses. We like to use these first thing in the day and do the whole loop to see what there is too see (they also have a free audio guide and headphones) and then use it as transportation throughout the day when we decide where we are going. With the exception of Rome (and possibly Florence) we will hopefully doing this whereever we can!

 

[thinkoflaura]

Almost every European city has the Hop-On/Hop-Off buses. We like to use these first thing in the day and do the whole loop to see what there is too see (they also have a free audio guide and headphones) and then use it as transportation throughout the day when we decide where we are going. With the exception of Rome (and possibly Florence) we will hopefully doing this whereever we can!

ooh -i will look into this! great idea! thanks for the tip.

 

[TPBChick]

I agree with Cam that the only meal outside of our dining rotation that we tipped for was at Palo. If you do a sit-down breakfast/lunch or if you eat dinner at Topsiders, no tip is expected. Please note that you can use cash to tip your servers at the end of the cruise. Just put it in the tip envelopes provided in your stateroom instead of charging to your onboard account.

Since this is your first DCL cruise, I wanted to make sure you realize that an automatic gratuity is added to all purchased beverages.

I would also encourage you not to skip any dinners in the dining rotation. Even if you don't want to dress formal, you should still eat in the regular dining rooms. (we've done this more than once. Just dress cruise casual) And, it won't be just the two of you at a table. You will be assigned to other people at your table. Topsiders for dinner is fine (we ate there a couple of times when DD was younger & dinner was taking too long); however, experiencing the dining rooms and visiting with your tablemates is part of the cruise experience.

Thanks for the info! I will make sure we eat most of our meals in the main dining room. I am really looking forward to experiencing the three dining rooms.

 

[TPBChick]

Hello all,
We will be onboard the Magic (all adults-are we the only ones??) and am looking for some people to add on to our RomeinLimo tours of Rome and La Spezia (Pisa & Florence), up to 16 people total (romeinlimo.com). Please post back if interested. (I can't do emails yet via this post, guess I need to keep posting!)

Myself (31)
Hubby (40)
Father (64)
Stepmother (62)

Late seating

11B GTY (can you get worse than that? anyone hear of any upgrades from this bottom category??)

Welcome gmugirl. Actually, I have 11C GTY, so yes you can get worse than that. Thanks for the info about the Hop-on/Hop-off buses.

 

[kmc33]

Welcome gmugirl. Actually, I have 11C GTY, so yes you can get worse than that. .

Us too... another 11C GTY

 

[keenercam]

I wanted to tell you that if you have been having problems on the DCL website doing your pre-board check-in, their IT help line is very helpful. Our post-cruise information kept reverting to us departing to an EPCOT resort. The young woman who took my call was able to put in all of our information and it remained.

 

[gmugirl]

Welcome gmugirl. Actually, I have 11C GTY, so yes you can get worse than that. Thanks for the info about the Hop-on/Hop-off buses.

I was incorrect, (I went back and changed my original post)-we also have an 11C GTY!

 

[keenercam]

Okay, now that our excursions, Palo and spa plans are in place, I am trying to organize myself at the ground level because the next few months are going to be absolutely insanely busy.
So, what are you doing to occupy yourselves, to keep everyone excited on an ongoing basis about the trip, and to organize the tremendous amount of information necessary to do this kind of trip well?

I found some really cute printed file folders at the Container Store this past weekend and I am looking forward to organizing the wealth of information by day/port. I bought a brightly colored accordian file with a flap that closes and will use that to organize all of our paperwork, reservations, confirmations, guidebooks, maps, etc. The file folders will go in the accordian and that will be my "trip bible".

As I was telling Dorothy, I have also been devising a system of notecards, too. I've been gathering all sorts of interesting tidbits to put on them. Different colors for different types of information - one color is used for a different card for every address to which we have to travel, to be handed to a taxi driver, private transport driver, hotel concierge, someone on the street from whom we have to ask directions, etc. Every address also has the phone number of that location, in case we have to call for any reason.
Another color is for helpful phrases for each country.
Another color is the list of must-see sites in each port and recommended eateries and shopping locales.
Another color is used for information regarding art we will see, things to take note of, interesting trivia, etc.
I love note cards.

Share your system!

 

[DCLShel]

Share your system!

My system - HIRE CAM!!!

Right now, I've got a Word file that I'm importing tips, website links & other valuable info into. I also have a file folder that I'm compiling info for each port in. I still have a ton of research to do! (no matter how much I read, I just don't feel like its enough) And, then I need to finalize my info and get it organized in one place, by port and/or day.

I'll be glad when tax season is over so I can focus on the trip more.

Thanks for the great ideas, Cam!!

 

[DorothyDamato]

I'm gone for over a week....and I miss 3 pages! Bowchickabowow! If anyone is interested...I pulled a bunch of photos/info down from chat sites for Rome if you plan to do on your own. There are pictures of how to get to from the port to the train station. Buses you can take and what thety look like, Pictures of the yellow box you have to use for time stamping your ticket if using the train. A picture of the train ticket itself and what all the info on the ticket means...pictures in the train station and the tracks and which side you need to be on....its crazy! Let me know if you want.

Princess C - even if we dont get your room # in time - I have lots of extras of the one thing I bought that I can give you when I see you!

Shelly - I am getting burned out on research - aren't you? Right now I am on hiatus...I can't even look at it. I would be interested in the Fish Extenderpouch you purchased on eBay.

Fish Extender and Princess C -If she will not know her room assignment until she boards, is there another way she can participate? I was thinking maybe she could just somehow put her pouch on our door and she just makes sure her pouch identifies her family? What do you think? I don't know how big these fish hooky clips are.

Have been watching the Euros at my Bank in anticipation of buying Euro travelers checks. WOW! It's at 1.4907! Since the problems in Egypt/Tunisia/War on gadhafi it just keeps creeping up and up. Early Feb it was at least 1.423

 

[DCLShel]

Welcome back, Dorothy!!

Did you get my PM about adding us to the FE? Speaking of, go to EBay and search "fish extenders." I have purchased three from Gradysmommy and LOVE them!

I took a break from the research earlier this year when I was getting ready for the Maiden Voyage of the Dream. Now I feel like I'm behind - ugh! I just need to remember that regardless of my research, we'll have a great time!

Regarding the FE list for those of us without stateroom numbers yet (including us!) - I think we should organize a "meets" the first afternoon or evening we're onboard. If you have a list, with a blank for those without stateroom assignments, everyone can fill in the numbers when we meet. That way no one gets missed!

 

[DorothyDamato]

Shelly - you Rock - what a great idea! I think its a plan - we meet.....and then we have Princess C's cabin number! I am going to check out the Fish Extenders now!! Just saw your note about the fish extenders - Thanks!

All - Shelly suggested if anyone does not have a room, we plan a "meet" on the ship the first night so we can get the room numbers (for those with a blank) so we can fill their little fish bellies!
She also thought it might be a good idea to add allergies for a family - also a good idea. I updated page 3. If anyone has any thoughts about a time and place to meet on the ship - shout it out!

 

[keenercam]

Okay, I think I have updated the cruisers chart to include all the information provided up until this point. If you want a copy of it, please send me a note at keenercam@aol.com so that I will know what email address to send it to.

Have a great Monday, everyone!

 

[keenercam]

Oh, forgot to mention the things I accomplished this weekend on my to-do list.

Bought a really cute tote bag that was on sale at Vera Bradley to match my large duffel (carry-on). The tote bag will be the "under the seat" item that holds all the paperwork and flight necessities.

Bought Rick Steve's 2011 Best of Italy

Bought a reversible dress that will work great for 2 or more meals (non-formal dinners or Palo brunch) and a bolero to wear with it. I thought this was a very clever idea, 2 wardrobe options (or more) in the space of one dress and one little jacket. More room for souvenirs!

 

[macassi]

I think I'm set to book excursions tonight (well, 6am tomorrow my time). My eyes are going blind from double checking research notes, websites, etc. today. I'm going to run the final game plan by DH tonight. I'm beginning to realize just how exhausting this cruise is going to be. I can see where the 11 day cruise would have been a much better choice, but the darn kids weren't out of school yet!

I read earlier in this thread that there are two formal nights. Is that right? Perhaps one is semi-formal?

We had to cancel my inlaws earlier this week. FIL is still in rehab after getting his hip replaced a second time. The first surgery, one and half years ago, didn't set properly. Unfortunately, he had complications and had to get a toe amputated. He's on the road to recovery now, but he isn't where we thought he would be and probably can't travel by June.

Can't wait for some fun in the sun! We're getting a touch of Spring, and it has me dreaming of blue seas and med beaches!

 

[keenercam]

I think I'm set to book excursions tonight (well, 6am tomorrow my time). My eyes are going blind from double checking research notes, websites, etc. today. I'm going to run the final game plan by DH tonight. I'm beginning to realize just how exhausting this cruise is going to be. I can see where the 11 day cruise would have been a much better choice, but the darn kids weren't out of school yet!

I read earlier in this thread that there are two formal nights. Is that right? Perhaps one is semi-formal?

We had to cancel my inlaws earlier this week. FIL is still in rehab after getting his hip replaced a second time. The first surgery, one and half years ago, didn't set properly. Unfortunately, he had complications and had to get a toe amputated. He's on the road to recovery now, but he isn't where we thought he would be and probably can't travel by June.

Can't wait for some fun in the sun! We're getting a touch of Spring, and it has me dreaming of blue seas and med beaches!

I am so sorry about your FIL, Marci. I am glad that you are getting your plans organized. It made me feel so much better once that was done for our crew. I am taking a breather for the moment, as I work on Andrew's spring musical, plan for 2 proms & 3 graduations, my MIL's visit, a graduation luncheon (for Jenn) and a huge graduation party for all of our graduates. We also have to get through Special Olympics Summer Games (Howard and I are on the organizing committee) and I am part of a major fundraising campaign for free and low-income legal services. The next 2 1/2 months are going to be crazy. LOL! I'll be so exhausted by the time we leave for Barcelona that I'll pass out on the plane. LOL!

Anyway, what I was going to say is that if you can make reservations on March 31, that actually means at 12:01 a.m. Eastern time. I just stayed up that night until midnight, with a list of what I wanted to get and got them all done that night. I had very pleasant dreams that night about excursions, the spa, and Palo.

 

[DCLShel]

I think I'm set to book excursions tonight (well, 6am tomorrow my time). My eyes are going blind from double checking research notes, websites, etc. today. I'm going to run the final game plan by DH tonight. I'm beginning to realize just how exhausting this cruise is going to be. I can see where the 11 day cruise would have been a much better choice, but the darn kids weren't out of school yet!

I read earlier in this thread that there are two formal nights. Is that right? Perhaps one is semi-formal?

We had to cancel my inlaws earlier this week. FIL is still in rehab after getting his hip replaced a second time. The first surgery, one and half years ago, didn't set properly. Unfortunately, he had complications and had to get a toe amputated. He's on the road to recovery now, but he isn't where we thought he would be and probably can't travel by June.

Can't wait for some fun in the sun! We're getting a touch of Spring, and it has me dreaming of blue seas and med beaches!

I agree about the extra sea day on the 11 night cruise! But we'll make the best of it. We'll see what we can and have a great trip! If we don't see it all on this trip, we'll just have to go back~

Formal night is the second night of the cruise. The other "dressy" night is semi-formal. I think its the night we're in Corsica.

I'm sorry your inlaws won't be joining us. My FIL had hip replacement surgery in Feb and had some complications, too. He's still working through his rehab. Hope your FIL continues to improve~

 

[macassi]

Thanks, Cam. I do understand the booking timeline. Living in Switzerland, we are 6 hours ahead of EST, so I will go to sleep and get up bright and early on the 31st to make my bookings. Wish I was still in CA and could just do it at 9pm! I have first and second choices for every port and will just try to book as quickly as I can. I also know to save, save, save! Last year, my cousin suffered a website crash and lost everything as she hadn't saved.

I just inquired today about adding the ABD Barcelona trip before the cruise. I just about fainted from the sticker shock. In a way, I'm relieved that it is sold out so that I don't have to fret about it anymore!

I know I'm way behind in planning but I had held off as long as possible to assess whether the inlaws could come or not. Of course, having a 79 year old FIL along would have impacted our excursions so I didn't feel like I could solidify any decisions until we made the go/no-go decision.