June 8, 2011 – Mediterranean

[mickymania]

Hi Mary, thanks for your reply. I didn't realize that train stations were close to the port. I think everything I've learned from every port is starting to blend together. In Naples we'd like to try to do both Pompeii and Herculaneum ruins as well as Mt. Vesuvius if possible, so I'm sure the train would work at that stop. In Villefranche we've read about the perfume factory in Eze and I'd like to go there to check that out, so hopefully there'll be some info on a train at that stop as well. I'm still working on Les Calanches, not sure if there is a "tour" or option to explore that area, but it does look beautiful. If I find a way to visit / observe without needing to "hike" through, (like maybe a driving tour) I'll let you know. Thanks again!

I have never been to Naples, but I do know that Eze is a short bus ride from Villefranche and the bus system is really easy to use. I get to go there next week so if you need me to do some "on-site" research, let me know!

 

[mlm71]

I have never been to Naples, but I do know that Eze is a short bus ride from Villefranche and the bus system is really easy to use. I get to go there next week so if you need me to do some "on-site" research, let me know!

Wow, sure, that would be great! Not a bad research gig! I hope it's an enjoyable adventure, and I certainly look forward to your "review".

 

[amyren]

Has anyone ever paid for an upgrade at the port?!?!

I'm begining to regret my 11C GTY room category selection. I mean we got an excellent deal but it's going to be tight for the 3 of us for 10 nights

I'm still crossing my fingers for pixie dust but if I get assigned an 11C I'd like to explore the idea of upgrading.

I've read on other threads that if you upgrade at the port the price difference is charged to your KTTW card. Can anyone confirm this? I use a Disney Visa for work purchases and will probably have around $700 in points to use for room charges along with our $250 onboard credit from our TA. So (in theory) if the upgrade is charged to my room I may not have to come out of pocket for the upgrade right?!?!

 

[mehaul]

Has anyone ever paid for an upgrade at the port?!?!

I'm begining to regret my 11C GTY room category selection. I mean we got an excellent deal but it's going to be tight for the 3 of us for 10 nights

I'm still crossing my fingers for pixie dust but if I get assigned an 11C I'd like to explore the idea of upgrading.

I've read on other threads that if you upgrade at the port the price difference is charged to your KTTW card. Can anyone confirm this? I use a Disney Visa for work purchases and will probably have around $700 in points to use for room charges along with our $250 onboard credit from our TA. So (in theory) if the upgrade is charged to my room I may not have to come out of pocket for the upgrade right?!?!

The flip side is that you are going to spend very little time in your cabin. Given how port intensive the cruise is and only bookend sea days. By the time you get pack from your day out - you head to dinner, then the show - it will be 9:30 by then. Our kids would make it about another hour after that with an on deck activity and then crash until we dragged them out of bed the next morning.

 

[jedipup]

Hi all! I know you guys are getting just as excited as we are! Can't wait to meet some of you and share this awesome trip of a lifetime. I have been reading and researching soooo much and have narrowed our choices down and am hoping to get some advice.

1. Does anyone know whether we would have time to do the Blue Grotto later in the day if we chose to do the tale of two cities tour in Malta?

2. Has anyone been to Les Calanches in Corsica? I can't seem to find any excursion info on it, yet it's listed as one of the 1000 places to see before you die, and is like our Grand Canyon. Any thoughts, advice?

I'm still also trying to put together exact plans for finding cabs in Naples and Villefranche if anyone has any recommendations or things to avoid.

I may try to post this question on the Med Ports link as well, in case someone not attached to our cruise might have some info.

I thank you in advance for any help/suggestions!

Hello,

When we visited Naples in 2008, we walked from the port to the train station in Naples. There are two thing I would be aware of: 1. The walk seems a bit longer than you might find in guidebooks, 2. You really need to be aware of where you are going, and to keep moving as pick pockets and bag snachers are looking for tourists. As far as cabs go, there will be a ton at the port terminal... don't get in one. Walk off terminal property and go across the street, you cab ride will be much cheaper(only 5-10 euro at the most). Once at the train station (again watch for petty theives on the train platform) you can take a train directly to Pompeii. It is very easy to do this, as the train drops you off at the main entrance to the site. Herculaneum is a bit different. The same train that takes you to Pompeii will also have a stop for Herculaneum, but the stop is not at the site, it is a long walk, and not a direct route, not impossible, but not as easy as walking to the train station. If you choose just one site to visit, I would recommend Herculaneum. It may be smaller, but is just relative when compared with Pompeii. In addition, it is better perserved and has much smaller crowds. All in all, it is a much better experience. I hope this helps a bit.

 

[Tod&Copper]

Hey guys 68 days



Major excitement

 

[mickymania]

Hey guys 68 days



Major excitement

I think that I have reached the obession point!!! So excited.

 

[pxlbarrel]

One step closer. Finally purchased our flight from Toronto to London. London to Barcelona was purchased a while ago but the stupid flight across the ocean was NOT going down for our travel dates. Got tired of waiting and purchased them this morning. Next on the list of things to do ... hire a car service for London and Barcelona so we don't have to traverse public transit with luggage. LOL

And yeah.... getting so close I can smell Lumiere's delicious meals.

 

[nvcruiser]

Hey all! We're getting excited too! Our major "bump" on this journey came couple of weeks ago with a cancer diagnosis for my aunt. She goes into surgery tomorrow and we're hoping for a full recovery (from the surgery) by travel time. We'd be grateful for any prayers or positive thoughts from you all! Have a great weekend!

 

[amyren]

Hey all! We're getting excited too! Our major "bump" on this journey came couple of weeks ago with a cancer diagnosis for my aunt. She goes into surgery tomorrow and we're hoping for a full recovery (from the surgery) by travel time. We'd be grateful for any prayers or positive thoughts from you all! Have a great weekend!

I'll say a prayer for a speedy recovery!


We fly out May 31 so now I can say that our vacation starts next month!

 

[Zoom]

I think that I have reached the obession point!!! So excited.

Hey, have fun on your vacation next week right? I'm so jealous!!! In Villefranche, if you plan to use public transportation, can you please make a note as to which train/bus to use to get around? especially going to Monte Carlo/Monaco and Nice, I guess only if you're heading that way, otherwise any tips on how to get around will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

Hey all! We're getting excited too! Our major "bump" on this journey came couple of weeks ago with a cancer diagnosis for my aunt. She goes into surgery tomorrow and we're hoping for a full recovery (from the surgery) by travel time. We'd be grateful for any prayers or positive thoughts from you all! Have a great weekend!

I will definitely include her in my prayers.

 

[mickymania]

Hey all! We're getting excited too! Our major "bump" on this journey came couple of weeks ago with a cancer diagnosis for my aunt. She goes into surgery tomorrow and we're hoping for a full recovery (from the surgery) by travel time. We'd be grateful for any prayers or positive thoughts from you all! Have a great weekend!

We will keep you and your family in our prayers.

 

[Evilaimes]

Hi everyone!!!

I am absolutely over the moon, excited beyond belief to be going on this cruise! I celebrate a milestone birthday (tomorrow April 2), which includes a 4 and an 0. To really celebrate, I booked the Med Cruise in June!!!

I have never cruised before, and neither has my roomie so we are learning everything at breakneck speed. We booked the crusie a year ago, got a great deal. We also booked our air through Disney, because we just didn't want any hassles. We even got the insurance (which may come into play at some point, but details on that later).

We have signed up for our seatings for dinner, we have picked excursions (having never done this before we stuck with the Disney offers), got reservations for Palo and also made spa reservations.

All that is left to do is pack. I'm trying very hard not to bounce. REALLY. It's not working.

HI EVERYONE!!!

 

[Evilaimes]

Hey all! We're getting excited too! Our major "bump" on this journey came couple of weeks ago with a cancer diagnosis for my aunt. She goes into surgery tomorrow and we're hoping for a full recovery (from the surgery) by travel time. We'd be grateful for any prayers or positive thoughts from you all! Have a great weekend!

Finding myself in a similar situation, my thoughts go out to you and wishes for a speedy and complete recovery.

 

[mlm71]

Hey all! We're getting excited too! Our major "bump" on this journey came couple of weeks ago with a cancer diagnosis for my aunt. She goes into surgery tomorrow and we're hoping for a full recovery (from the surgery) by travel time. We'd be grateful for any prayers or positive thoughts from you all! Have a great weekend!

You're definitely in my prayers. We will keep a positive outlook and look forward to meeting you in June. God bless!

 

[mlm71]

Hi everyone!!!

I am absolutely over the moon, excited beyond belief to be going on this cruise! I celebrate a milestone birthday (tomorrow April 2), which includes a 4 and an 0. To really celebrate, I booked the Med Cruise in June!!!

I have never cruised before, and neither has my roomie so we are learning everything at breakneck speed. We booked the crusie a year ago, got a great deal. We also booked our air through Disney, because we just didn't want any hassles. We even got the insurance (which may come into play at some point, but details on that later).

We have signed up for our seatings for dinner, we have picked excursions (having never done this before we stuck with the Disney offers), got reservations for Palo and also made spa reservations.

All that is left to do is pack. I'm trying very hard not to bounce. REALLY. It's not working.

HI EVERYONE!!!

Welcome aboard! Excellent to have another 4 and 0 celebrant. My 4 and 0 will be the day we sail! I said, if I have to turn 40, then it has to be this way!

Sorry to hear you (?) may be facing a difficult health scare, my thoughts and prayers are with you too!

Too late, I am packed and bouncing!

 

[Evilaimes]

Welcome aboard! Excellent to have another 4 and 0 celebrant. My 4 and 0 will be the day we sail! I said, if I have to turn 40, then it has to be this way!

We will have to find each other and celebrate with a toast to us!!

 

[mickymania]

Hey, have fun on your vacation next week right? I'm so jealous!!! In Villefranche, if you plan to use public transportation, can you please make a note as to which train/bus to use to get around? especially going to Monte Carlo/Monaco and Nice, I guess only if you're heading that way, otherwise any tips on how to get around will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

I am actually going for work; the French Riviera or my office.....what to pick? I do hope to have some time to see some sights and plan on using the bus between Monaco and Eze and so I will write down details. If anyone else has specific questions they want me to find answers to, let me know and I will do my best!

 

[goofy4u]

Hey all! We're getting excited too! Our major "bump" on this journey came couple of weeks ago with a cancer diagnosis for my aunt. She goes into surgery tomorrow and we're hoping for a full recovery (from the surgery) by travel time. We'd be grateful for any prayers or positive thoughts from you all! Have a great weekend!

I am so sorry that your aunt and your family are going through this. You have my prayers

 

[goofy4u]

Hi everyone!!!

I am absolutely over the moon, excited beyond belief to be going on this cruise! I celebrate a milestone birthday (tomorrow April 2), which includes a 4 and an 0. To really celebrate, I booked the Med Cruise in June!!!

I have never cruised before, and neither has my roomie so we are learning everything at breakneck speed. We booked the crusie a year ago, got a great deal. We also booked our air through Disney, because we just didn't want any hassles. We even got the insurance (which may come into play at some point, but details on that later).

We have signed up for our seatings for dinner, we have picked excursions (having never done this before we stuck with the Disney offers), got reservations for Palo and also made spa reservations.

All that is left to do is pack. I'm trying very hard not to bounce. REALLY. It's not working.

HI EVERYONE!!!

and