June 8, 2011 – Mediterranean

[tbower54]

3For those who are doing the ports on their own, the tkts for Pisa just went on sale. Tickets for the Vatican are also on sale as well.

Thanks for that info!! It's so hard to keep track of what/when/where-- brain is spinning! Don't forget to buy your Hypogeum Tickets also if you were planning to go there in Malta. I am so excited about that!

What are most of you doing for exchanging Euro? Are you doing it at home or using ATM's while on the cruise? I read that the exchange is better when you use ATM machines, but that is A LOT of money to be withdrawing for all of these cash only excursions!

I love the magnet idea also!

 

[amyren]

For those who are doing the ports on their own, the tkts for Pisa just went on sale.

Where can I find tickets for the tower?!?! We were going to do Florence but have decided that a few hours in Pisa will be less stressful.

 

[tbower54]

Where can I find tickets for the tower?!?! We were going to do Florence but have decided that a few hours in Pisa will be less stressful.

It won't let me post a direct link to the website, but just enter the w w w and it should take you there: opapisa.it/boxoffice/first.jsp . I just bought ours tonight. The times that I wanted were not listed, so I am assuming they were sold out. I bought our second choice.

 

[Zoom]

Probably the easiest way would be to take a taxi. We were planning on just walking to the center of town getting a city map and some bus info from the local tourist information office and deciding whether we will take a taxi or public bus. From the information I have gathered it sounds pretty easy you take a bus to Piazza Indipendenza and can walk from there. If we do decide to take a taxi we will definitely negotiate a price beforehand though.
Oh and I read that the admission is about 3Euro pretty inexpensive attraction!
Were you planning on going in the morning?

Preferably I want to go in the morning maybe around 9 then come back to ship around 3pm or so. Our DCL excursion wont be back til 5pm and we have a PALO reservation that night, thinking of just doing the HoHo bus and the Catacombs but I still to talk to DH about this, So we'll see.
Oh and we got Cruise docs....

 

[mehaul]

Where can I find tickets for the tower?!?! We were going to do Florence but have decided that a few hours in Pisa will be less stressful.

http://boxoffice.opapisa.it/Torre/first.jsp

 

[mehaul]

Thanks for that info!! It's so hard to keep track of what/when/where-- brain is spinning! Don't forget to buy your Hypogeum Tickets also if you were planning to go there in Malta. I am so excited about that!

What are most of you doing for exchanging Euro? Are you doing it at home or using ATM's while on the cruise? I read that the exchange is better when you use ATM machines, but that is A LOT of money to be withdrawing for all of these cash only excursions!

I love the magnet idea also!

The best way of obatining Euros are by ATM machine in Europe; however double check if your bank has a transaction fee. You will likely have to pay one with at least the european bank, so try to limit the number of times you use the ATM machines. Now that some of the credit cards are waiving their international fees they are your best bet when don't need cash for purchases.

 

[janey2000]

Where can I find tickets for the tower?!?! We were going to do Florence but have decided that a few hours in Pisa will be less stressful.

Remember when booking the tickets that Maisey can't climb the tower so someone wil have to be left behind with her

 

[janey2000]

I will update the Roll Call list tomorrow as well as FE list (so far only 4 participants) and to those who wanted to be seated on the same dining let me know ( Tod&Copper's TA will link the reservations).[/QUOTE]

Is the FE deadline up now? I'd like to start shopping! My room number is 5013 to update but I assume peoples room numbers will change if they get an upgrade, do we just walk the ship looking for the fish extenders?!

 

[mehaul]

Remember when booking the tickets that Maisey can't climb the tower so someone wil have to be left behind with her

That's right, children have to be at least 8 years old to do the climb.
Maybe they have a kids swap

 

[mehaul]

I will update the Roll Call list tomorrow as well as FE list (so far only 4 participants) and to those who wanted to be seated on the same dining let me know ( Tod&Copper's TA will link the reservations).

Is the FE deadline up now? I'd like to start shopping! My room number is 5013 to update but I assume peoples room numbers will change if they get an upgrade, do we just walk the ship looking for the fish extenders?![/QUOTE]

Everyone should supply their room number prior to the cruise. If there is a change you can give the new room number at the cruise meet or leave it in the other participants' FE.

 

[pxlbarrel]

I changed my money already at the bank. I don't want to have to try to find an ATM and I really don't want to use one in Barcelona before we get on board. I suppose we could have tried to find an ATM at the airport but I always feel better with some cash in my pocket when in a foreign land. Remember, you need some money for the cab at least.

Gotta remember to bring some U.S. dollars with me too just in case we use Room Service.

 

[mlm71]

I got my documents and tags today (well I guess technically yesterday!) too! I was so excited to read thru the booklet, I had tears in my eyes! My mom thought I had lost it! She's never been and this is my 3rd... she doesn't understand! I think the 3pm promenade lounge is good... My biggest problem is remembering! I totally missed the meet last cruise! Oops! And I guess if there are only 4 of us doing the FE, it might not be worth it...

BUT, what about our group (like all of us) doing a door magnet exchange. We could have a "logo" for our group on a magnet and then each person could add a magnet (either bought or made) that represents where they're from or their family or whatever. Then all our doors would be decorated but the magnets wouldn't take up much space in the luggage. Then when you're home, your fridge can look like your stateroom door! Anyone interested in doing something like that?

I am looking forward to our FE exchange, it will be our first time. My only concern is if we do succeed in getting our upgrade at the port, how do we let the others in the exchange know?
Also, I got a gift per couple or per person, then something small for the kiddos since there are so few of us. You'll understand why when you get it. It's hard to share an item when you have two different households sharing a cabin (like you and your aunt), and I wanted you both to be able to have the gift, but it's easier to share when you're in the same house. Make sense??
I vote to stick with the FE (even though that means I still have to make my fish extender).

 

[mlm71]

I vote for the next day sometime, for we have a boarding time 2::30 to 3:00, and we will just be off of our rush to the ship, room etc. RoseW

By the way who is keeping the tally for this?

I vote for the same day meet. I don't necessarily want to get up early the next day (jet lag?) and we also have a spa treatment scheduled later in the morning. Since there may be some boarding at 3:00 or later, but everyone has to be on board by 4:00, what if we just make a meeting place and say immediately AFTER the life boat drill? I know that some may have dinner to get to, but we could meet quickly and those needing to get off to dinner can make a secondary meeting time and place that we all (or some) could come to to chat longer, and those of us who have the time to hang around can do so. (Does that sound like the teacher in me?)
So looking forward to this and I really want to meet everyone!

 

[chris44]

Wow, I haven't been on the boards in a few days, and so much has happened! I will vote for the meet at 3:00 on day of arrival. And we will do the magnet thing if that's what folks decide to do.

Two of us received our cruise documents yesterday, and our TA said not to worry about my mom not receiving anything, because she can just get some luggage tags at the port. And of course we'll bring our cruise documents that we filled out on-line.

This is getting exciting, but I feel like I've still go so much to do!!

 

[Zoom]

ROLL CALL/FE/DINING SCHED/LINK:

Chris44..... Chris, Dmom, DD (13) LATE SEATING
Nvcruiser #7535..... 4AD Jenny,Harriett,Marsha and Kristie FE LATE SEATING
Pxlbarrel..... 4AD LATE SEATING
Zoom#2141..... 2AD Cielo,Ed, 1CH Josh(11) LATE SEATING
Ssisk@remax.net......2AD Sharon, Kevin, 1CH Dawson (11) LATE SEATING
Amyren..... 4AD, DD Amy,Jason,Masie(3 1/2), David and Jane EARLY SEATING
Ebony..... 2AD
Mehaul#8512..... 2AD, 2DD (7,10) FE
The Nichoson's..... 2AD, DS (13)
Jedipup..... 2AD, DS(5)
Mickymania..... 2AD, Wendy LATE SEATING
Jeffport..... 5AD, 3 DS (16,11,4) 2 DD(14,3)
Coach P.....7AD, Karl,Laurel,Marvin,Judy.... LATE SEATING
When I grow up..... 2AD, DGS(11)
RoseW..... 1AD Rose, 2GDs Shelby(16), Andrea (13) LATE SEATING
Goofy4u..... 2AD Alma DD (14) LATE SEATING
StephenKay/Tod&Copper..... 2AD, DD(16) LATE SEATING
Jenna111..... 6AD, 2DD (7 1/2, 5)
Tbower54..... 2AD, 2DS (7 1/2, 3)
Janey2000#5013..... 2AD Jane, Jack , DD Georgia (3) FE EARLY SEATING
Mlm71#1066...... 2 AD, Michelle, Robert FE LATE SEATING
Scottferre.......2AD, 2DD (18,16)
Evilaimes..........2AD
Superstar94........2AD 1DD(16)
Kittb........2AD 1DD 1DS (18 mons., 4)
Pengwend#6646........2AD Gwen & Todd
PrincessChantelle........2AD 1DD
Colezoo.....??
Annekevdbroek..... ???

Please let me know if i missed anyone, and if you want me to add your names. Also, to those who are interested of joining FE and linking reservation for dining, let me know so i can add to the list. Thanks!

CRUISE DIS MEET AT 3PM PROMENADE LOUNGE DECK 3 ON EMBARKATION DAY????

FISH EXTENDER PARTICIPANTS:

NVCRUISER #7535
MEHAUL #8512
JANEY2000 #5013
MLM71 #1066
PENGWEND #6646
KITTB #2132

Also for those who are interested on doing the stateroom MAGNET SWAP, give me your room nos. so I can add them to the list.

Anyone interested of linking reservation for dining purposes? Mary's (Tod&Copper) TA will do the linking just PM her your reservation no.

Anything else that you guys want me to add on this list?


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[nvcruiser]

I am looking forward to our FE exchange, it will be our first time. My only concern is if we do succeed in getting our upgrade at the port, how do we let the others in the exchange know?
Also, I got a gift per couple or per person, then something small for the kiddos since there are so few of us. You'll understand why when you get it. It's hard to share an item when you have two different households sharing a cabin (like you and your aunt), and I wanted you both to be able to have the gift, but it's easier to share when you're in the same house. Make sense??
I vote to stick with the FE (even though that means I still have to make my fish extender).

I LOVE the per household gift idea! I live in Nevada while my aunt and her friends are all in Utah! I am totally game for FE and Magnets both. Room #7535. I am also planning to try to remember the 3pm Promenade Lounge meet-up. I get so sidetracked being on the ship and in the room and all that that I forget! Oops! Can't wait to meet you all!

 

[amyren]

Remember when booking the tickets that Maisey can't climb the tower so someone wil have to be left behind with her

Another perk of traveling with the Honey & Papa (aka the grandparents)
I booked their tickets 40 minutes before ours so we can take turns. I'm sure Maisie will be disappointed that she can't climb the tower but a nice gelato may make it up to her.

I'm I the only one going crazy with all of these trip plans? I have about 100 confirmation numbers between flights, hotels, tours... Any organizational ideas? Right now my confirmation emails are all shoved in a folder. Hopefully I don't loose it. Maybe I should make copies.

Is anyone taking their laptop? I'd like to take mine for several reasons: The trip info is all stored on it, Maisie can watch movies on the plane, I like to download and edit vacation photos daily, I want to update my blog, I'll have to check in with work on occasion and I don't want to use my phone to do that.... DH is afraid it will get lost or stolen (we are going to be in Madrid & Paris before arriving in Barcelona). Any thoughts? A friend suggested a USB lock.

 

[kittb]

A friend suggested a USB lock.

YOu can get things called Kensington locks - all laptops (as far as I know) have a tiny little purpose built slot and the lock goes in there, you set the combination, then wrap the cable round a desk or something that can't be moved.

Our tickets arrived yesterday - I beeped the horn at the annoying fedex van parked over the end of my drive so I couldn't get out, blocking the road then he handed over the tickets so I had to forgive him lol.

I think we'd definitely do the magnet swap. And almost definitely the fish extender swap too thanks.

We have still plans whatso ever with regard to the ports. DH is working stupid hours for no over time :-( so we barely see each other at the moment. But we will certainly need this break when it comes!

Kit

 

[princesschantelle]

5 weeks today

 

[pxlbarrel]

I'm bringing my iPad2 instead of a laptop or netbook. When it's not with me, it'll be in a safe. I've already put all of our travel documents, confirmation letters, airline e-tickets etc on it. I also have hard copies printed out. What a huge wad of paper! I'll sort them all the night before we leave.

I've done all the trave arrangements. Now I have a bigger problem. Finding something nice to wear on formal nights. I'm such a ... not-formal person and anything I wear will make me look like a pear. <sigh>