June 8, 2011 – Mediterranean

[tbower54]

I am not sure if you have all booked your excursions or not, but I had posted a long time ago about having room on our Naples/Pompeii excursion. We are going with Simply Amalfi and we have room for 3-4 more in the minivan if you are interested. I can email you the itinerary. We are an active family of 4 -- 2 adults and 2 boys, ages 3 1/2 and nearly 8. The price for a family of 3 would be 300 euro; a family of 4 would be 325 euro plus lunch, entrance to Pompeii, and tip. This includes a 2 hour private guide at Pompeii. If anyone is interested, please let me know and I will change my reservation. Off to pack...

 

[mickymania]

Ok, now I'm getting worried about the volcano.

I was in France last year when the airports were closing and they closed the Nice airport as soon as my flight took off.......very lucky. I had many friends who got stuck and they said that their main problem was getting on flights that were already full and so even though the airspace (at least in France) was only closed for five days, it took many much longer to get home because everyone was trying to get whatever flight they could. So, as long as the air space is open, we should be ok. Here is hoping for a little pixie dust!!!!

 

[pxlbarrel]

I was in France last year when the airports were closing and they closed the Nice airport as soon as my flight took off.......very lucky. I had many friends who got stuck and they said that their main problem was getting on flights that were already full and so even though the airspace (at least in France) was only closed for five days, it took many much longer to get home because everyone was trying to get whatever flight they could. So, as long as the air space is open, we should be ok. Here is hoping for a little pixie dust!!!!

OK...I'll try to be optimistic about it. And pixie dust for everybody!

I haven't started packing yet but i've gotten out all of my spacesaver bags and filled them up with air. They're all sitting in a room right now so I can see if any of them have sprung a leak. LOL I'll take the two that ... ummm... didn't. haha

Put a brand new homemade luggage tag on my new suitcase. Gotta find where I put the larger than sandwich bag Ziplocks now.

Oh, I have a question ... if it rains during the excursions, what are you guys bringing? Just umbrellas? Is a ... ummm... red Mickey Mouse poncho too touristry? Does it scream "target"? Cause I'd bring that if I could ... its pretty effective in keeping the rain off of me and my backpack. And, you'd have to be a pretty good pickpocket to get to my backpack. LOL

 

[Zoom]

Anyone planning on doing Monte Carlo/Monaco/Eze on your own? Do you mind sharing detailed info as to which train/bus to take? Thanks.

 

[JeffPort]

Anyone planning on doing Monte Carlo/Monaco/Eze on your own? Do you mind sharing detailed info as to which train/bus to take? Thanks.

Check out this link:

http://www.frenchrivieracruiseclub.com/excursions-from-the-port-of-villefranche-2.html

 

[mehaul]

Check out this link:

http://www.frenchrivieracruiseclub.com/excursions-from-the-port-of-villefranche-2.html

Nice website. Thanks!

 

[mickymania]

Anyone planning on doing Monte Carlo/Monaco/Eze on your own? Do you mind sharing detailed info as to which train/bus to take? Thanks.

We are doing the same thing and are taking a train from Villefranche to Monaco. They leave about every 15 - 20 minutes so we haven't picked exactly which one yet. We do want to be at the castle for the "changing of the guard" that happens a little before noon. There is a bus that goes directly from Monaco to Eze Village but it only leaves every 60-90 minutes so if the timing works out, we will do that but you can also take the train to Eze and then there is bus that will take you up to Eze Village.

You are welcome to join us if you would like to!!!

 

[mickymania]

Check out this link:

http://www.frenchrivieracruiseclub.com/excursions-from-the-port-of-villefranche-2.html

This is a great website. Thanks for sharing.

 

[pxlbarrel]

Still trying to be optimistic here ...

Anyway, do you think they'll be showing the new Pirates movie on board? I don't want to go see it at the theatre if I know it'll be on the ship. (Too bad Cars 2 is opening after we're all off the ship!)

 

[mlm71]

Still trying to be optimistic here ...

Anyway, do you think they'll be showing the new Pirates movie on board? I don't want to go see it at the theatre if I know it'll be on the ship. (Too bad Cars 2 is opening after we're all off the ship!)

I haven't checked yet but I read here that you can call 1-888-325-2500, choose reservations to see what movies are playing.

And if past cruises are any indication, on our previous two Disney cruises, we saw 3 premiers on the days they were released. Hopefully Pirates will still be showing, because we're holding off too so we can see it on board!

 

[Zoom]

Check out this link:

http://www.frenchrivieracruiseclub.com/excursions-from-the-port-of-villefranche-2.html

Thank you!

We are doing the same thing and are taking a train from Villefranche to Monaco. They leave about every 15 - 20 minutes so we haven't picked exactly which one yet. We do want to be at the castle for the "changing of the guard" that happens a little before noon. There is a bus that goes directly from Monaco to Eze Village but it only leaves every 60-90 minutes so if the timing works out, we will do that but you can also take the train to Eze and then there is bus that will take you up to Eze Village.

You are welcome to join us if you would like to!!!

Hi Wendy, I remember i asked my DH before if he would like to see the changing of the guards and he's like "Eh? why? what's so special about changing of the guards?"
I know my guys would definitely like to see Monaco/Monte Carlo.

Still trying to be optimistic here ...

Anyway, do you think they'll be showing the new Pirates movie on board? I don't want to go see it at the theatre if I know it'll be on the ship. (Too bad Cars 2 is opening after we're all off the ship!)

I'm pretty sure they will show the new Pirates movie, we also plan to watch this onboard, just hoping we have time since we only have 2 sea days.

 

[princesschantelle]

Only 2weeks to go
Just hope and pray this ash cloud has gone

 

[janey2000]

Only 2weeks to go
Just hope and pray this ash cloud has gone

Is anyone from the UK considering other ways to get there should there be a problem (ash cloud, airport strike, terrorist attack etc!)

It seems with so many disruptions occuring recently that I might have to consider the other options before I only have 24 hrs left to get there. Unfortunatly the options are not much fun - 24 hrs drive, 24 hr ferry to Santander that costs a fortune or a train trip that will most likely be jam packed if flights are cancelled or delayed in the UK.

 

[princesschantelle]

Just seen on the news that travel is back to normal now so we should be ok

I can't believe it's nearly time when does Disney stop taking bookings for this cruise?

 

[pxlbarrel]

Just seen on the news that travel is back to normal now so we should be ok

I can't believe it's nearly time when does Disney stop taking bookings for this cruise?

We just gotta cross our fingers that the volcano doesn't start up again.

 

[WanderGirl]

Phew! Finally got my stateroom assignment. No upgrade, but I've only got one neighbour on my right side and I'm forward so less foot traffic outside. Feels good to know I won't be sleeping in the engine room, or on a deckchair outside

I'm debating taking the train should that pesky volcano not pipe down - Paris to Barcelona was somewhere around the 61 Euro mark last time I looked, for an overnight train leaving on the 7th of June and arriving on the 8th at 8amish in the morning. That's my plan B

 

[janey2000]

Phew! Finally got my stateroom assignment. No upgrade, but I've only got one neighbour on my right side and I'm forward so less foot traffic outside. Feels good to know I won't be sleeping in the engine room, or on a deckchair outside

I'm debating taking the train should that pesky volcano not pipe down - Paris to Barcelona was somewhere around the 61 Euro mark last time I looked, for an overnight train leaving on the 7th of June and arriving on the 8th at 8amish in the morning. That's my plan B

I've been doing my research and there is also a day train that takes 7hrs from Paris to Barcelona. It is cheaper that the night train.

The ferry is out for us due to it being sold out and not available.
Driving will be a nightmare with our little girl travelling for 24 hrs in a car.
So train is our plan B. Only problem is that I remember seeing the queues for the Eurostar on the news last year and they were loooooonnnggggg

 

[kittb]

I've been doing my research and there is also a day train that takes 7hrs from Paris to Barcelona. It is cheaper that the night train.

The ferry is out for us due to it being sold out and not available.
Driving will be a nightmare with our little girl travelling for 24 hrs in a car.
So train is our plan B. Only problem is that I remember seeing the queues for the Eurostar on the news last year and they were loooooonnnggggg

Thats good to know. I had just vaguely thought don't panic, it will be an awful trip ..... but .... if we really had to, there would have to be space at some point on a ferry to Dover surely (we're off work from the Saturday) and a hire car ...... Would be murder with the children, we've never driven on the continent but I am NOT missing that ship ;-) If all else fails I have a friend with a little sailing dingy, perhaps he'll do a few trips across to Calais with us and our luggage ;-)
Kit

 

[Zoom]

ROLL CALL and FE:

Chris44..... Chris, Dmom, DD (13) LATE SEATING
Nvcruiser #7535..... 4AD Jenny,Harriett,Marsha and Kristie FE LATE SEATING
Pxlbarrel..... 4AD LATE SEATING
Zoom..... 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 #2132........2AD 1DD 1DS (18 mons., 4)
Pengwend #6646........2AD Gwen & Todd
PrincessChantelle........2AD 1DD
Wandergirl....1 AD
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.

 

[pxlbarrel]

I just checked the train fares for June 7th for the Eurostar and then the night train to Barcelona (there wasn't any availibility for the day train) and it quoted me ... $500 per person!!!!! Uhg.... I guess I'll take my chances with the volcano and British Airways. I can't leave earlier either because we have play tickets in London on the 6th.