**LIVE** From the May 26, 2007 FIRST DCL Cruise in the MED! (5/26/07)

[jlawall]

Great question!!

 

[figment52]

It's over. And it was wonderful!!. It went fast but as I sit and think about day one it seems so long ago. I promise I'll help with recaps later.

I'm reached home last night at 8pm local time - 2am Barcelona time. I will log on again later today and try and answer all the questions I can. I would try now but my niece graduation party is Saturday and I am dessert chef so I have a very busy couple days. Once I have that under control I'll be back.

I do have to say that the DISboarders are great. Thank you to everyone I met and especially those that left me. This was my first DIS cruise and I was unprepared for the great group of people I met. There was such an oputpouring of kindness and friendship.

 

[icunurse_celeste]

My honest impression is that this would have been a much better cruise, had the trip been done over 14 days. I am TIRED!!! I am sitting here in Paris and Andy and I are plugging along on the computers- he is on the sucky French keyboard that has all of the keys in weird spots and I am on his laptop....

First of all, I loved the cruise- but I think that people who go on this cruise with the expectation of actually "seeing" Europe will be disappointed. Or those who have the expection of having a relaxing cruise and seeing Europe will REALLY be disappointed. I know that it is hard for individuals to get 14 + days off for the cruise- but I think they should have done one or two cruises in the med that were that length, that would have also allowed for more rest and relaxation between ports. I seriously don't how to 10 day people are going to do it.


In Palermo, I did a land tour. The guy who was our tour guide was AWESOME. I did some more updates last night and I posted my top 3 favorite things. I had a really hard time deciding between Florence and Palermo- but it was the fact that our guide in Palermo took more time to tell us the history of the area and was also willing to schedule our trip according to our needs. We stopped for bathrooms, we stopped for gelato, we stopped to look at huge cows with bells, and I probably saw one of the coolest churches I have ever seen. It was also like we did all or most of everything DCL offered in their other excursions: we saw the chruches,history, beaches, etc. It was just great.

However, I still think a private tour for Florence is a MUST- unless you're fine with getting there and not seeing much. My room mate and friends took the DCL bus into town- got on the first bus and didn't get off of the bus until around 11AM. By that point, we had already made three stops and were entering the David. It also took them well over two hours- almost three to get back to the ship and they left Florence before we started Pisa.


For Rome- you just have to accept that all you are going to get is a brief overview. For that, I really liked the way we did it. We booked our train tickets in advance, which was no problem, but not necessary. We took the train to the LAST stop, which was 3 or 4 after the ST. Peter's stop and got on the open bus tour from the beginning. We then got off at one point and walked to the Spanish steps and did the Trevi fountain. If you are with little kids- skip the steps as it isn't overly magnificent and hit the fountian- it it a must do. We than ate lunch and hoofed it back to the bus and went to the Vatican. We walked through St. Peters, which was free- so that was a bonus.

I also liked the idea of doing some trips via train- so that if you were with your kids and they had a melt down- you're not freaking out because you are holding up others. You can take the time to sit in a park, eat more ice cream, or just go back early- because you want to. That is a major plus for me.


Someone also asked about tickets for Pisa, while on the Florence tour that I did. The company made reservations for us for the David and gave me a link, which is on their website, to make reservations for Pisa. It was really easy and I did it all online and paid via credit card.


I will also update my podcast tonight after dinner, from the Eiffel Tower...

 

[konslerg]

Hi,
We will be staying at the Grand Marina Hotel with DCL and were wondering what the situation is regarding luggage and Disney transportation.
How are bags handled on DCL transportation from the airport to the hotel and from the hotel to the ship?
Are bags placed outside in the hotel passage?
How early or late do you leave the hotel for the ship?
Is the hotel located as close to the ship as showen on maps?
Thank you
Charmaine

Once you claim your bags at the airport, you (or a porter) take them to the waiting Disney bus where they are loaded and transported (along with you LOL) to your hotel.

We arrived at the Grand Marina about noon and our room was ready, so the bell staff brought our bags to the room for us.

The morning you embark, you put your luggage in the hallway by 8 AM. (At other "Disney" hotels, they were picked up IN your room, but not at the Grand Marina.)

We were on the first bus to the port at about 12:15-12:30 PM. Bags arrived in our stateroom around 4 PM. Lots of folks got theirs earlier. Disney would like for them to be in your stateroom when you embark, but that didn't happen.

The Grand Marina is VERY close to the ship "as the crow flies," but it's way to far away to walk because you have to travel to the "circle" at the end of the hotel plaza, around that circle, along the roadway maybe a mile or so and then drive along a LONG, curved causeway to where the ship is docked. You will be able to catch a glimpse of the ship on your way in from the airport.

Re: Grand Marina ...I wasn't impressed with the rooms for the big bucks it costs, but the location is perfect!! ...and on Saturday morning, there was a little "flea market" near the GM where you could have fun discovering that "antique" flea markets are the same the world over LOL

Note: You will be able to do all your embarkation paperwork right at the hotel and will receive your Key/Card there, so the embarkation process at the ship/terminal consists of showing your identification and walking right on the ship. Wonderful!!

Gloria in Miami

 

[miclen]

However, I still think a private tour for Florence is a MUST- unless you're fine with getting there and not seeing much. My room mate and friends took the DCL bus into town- got on the first bus and didn't get off of the bus until around 11AM. By that point, we had already made three stops and were entering the David. It also took them well over two hours- almost three to get back to the ship and they left Florence before we started Pisa.

ICUNURSE Celeste -

Based on your advice and thoughts, we booked a private tour in Florence using the same company you did. I had one question for you regarding this....someone else posted that there were some groups in Florence that were on private tours and almost missed the last tender to the ship. DId you have any issues with this?

Thanks so much for all your reports. It has helped so much as we finalized our plans. We even decided to fly into Rome and see that for a few days instead of trying to do an excursion. We are on the 10 day (Aug 8th) so I think we can use the extra day on the ship to relax!

 

[konslerg]

First off, I want to apologize to all the DISers here. I had such a great time "meeting" you all before the cruise on the Board, but I couldn't drag my husband to any of the DIS meets :-( ...and because he has anxiety problems, he didn't want to be left alone on the ship those first couple of days.

Second, I want to thank you all for the gifts! As a new DIS Boards cruiser, I had no idea how many gifts and what wonderfully generous people you all are. I loved the magnets! the candies, the anchor necklace, the coin purse and everything else! You all rock!

The cruise was wonderful. It met every one of our expectations and, like others have said, it was pretty "port intensive!" ...but unpacking (which I've been doing all day) is not nearly as much fun as packing was ;-)

I was surprised that more "hoopla" wasn't made about it being the FIRST Med cruise and was also surprised that there wasn't more hoopla about the premier of Pirated III on board. Yes, it was shown, but no big "premier" celebration on anything.

I blogged (briefly!) the trip at http://ggkons.blogspot.com and you'll find info on the excursions we did there. Please PM me if you have any specific questions about the ones we did.

The excursions are VERY well-organized and the guides are very good, very knowledgeable. I felt a couple were a bit over-priced for what you got, but others seemed under-priced so it all evened out in the end.

If you have lunches included in any of the excursions you booked, prepare to be fed VERY well (and don't hesitate to ask for another bottle of wine LOL)

Now, back to the unpacking and the laundry ;-)

 

[konslerg]

I have great walking maps for three cities. I'll be glad to send them to the first person who requests them. E-mail me at ggkons@gmail.com

Maps have been claimed.

 

[faireygod mother]

I was wondering if anyone of you can describe or post a picture of the backdrop for the embarkation photo?

 

[kugalbelle]

Once you claim your bags at the airport, you (or a porter) take them to the waiting Disney bus where they are loaded and transported (along with you LOL) to your hotel.

Note: You will be able to do all your embarkation paperwork right at the hotel and will receive your Key/Card there, so the embarkation process at the ship/terminal consists of showing your identification and walking right on the ship. Wonderful!!

Gloria in Miami

Gloria,
Thanks a million for taking the time to answer all my questions.

 

[kugalbelle]

ritesh is suppose to be coming back i think this week

Thanks for the info.

 

[jeanneg]

We're home safe and sound, but I am swamped! I have to go out of town again next Tuesday and don't know how I am going to get everything done.
The cruise was great, but exhausting. With so little ship time, it hardly felt like a cruise at all. I can't imagine how the 10-day sailers are going to feel. Without that middle sea day to relax and regroup, I'd be completely wiped.

I need to post some tips on the excursion board as soon as I get the time. It's hard being the guinea pigs, but at least some others can benefit from our experience.

 

[AnnaS]

We're home safe and sound, but I am swamped! I have to go out of town again next Tuesday and don't know how I am going to get everything done.
The cruise was great, but exhausting. With so little ship time, it hardly felt like a cruise at all. I can't imagine how the 10-day sailers are going to feel. Without that middle sea day to relax and regroup, I'd be completely wiped.

I need to post some tips on the excursion board as soon as I get the time. It's hard being the guinea pigs, but at least some others can benefit from our experience.

Hi Jeanne, - Anna from NY

Welcome back. Ours will be here before we know it.

First I would like to know do the tour busses have restrooms? I know it is not anyones first choice - but just in case - since some excursions are 1 1/2 - 2 hours away from port.

Were many people on your cruise wearing open toe shoes/sandals? Shorts? I am sure it will/should be much warmer for our cruise.

Did you need to purchase water anywhere? If so, how much? Just wondering if we should buy a case from DCL (even though they are overpriced).

I am sure I will have some more.

Thanks.

 

[DebWills]

I need to catch up on all the posts but wanted to say THANK YOU to all the awesome folks we met on the cruise. It was great to connect names and faces.

So many ppl to thank, especially Ron and Monica for hosting the Toga Party.

Thank you everyone for the great cabin gifts. It was such a treat to return to the cabin and find little goodies in the fish extender. Some of you are quite creative! We always smiled. Also, the cabin door decorations were awesome! Loved stopping at a cabin to see all the cool pics and artwork.

Got in very late last night and at work today, so will take some time to catch up.

Deb - Blogged my way thru the Med http://allearsnet.com/blogs/debwills

 

[DebWills]

Hi Jeanne, - Anna from NY

Welcome back. Ours will be here before we know it.

First I would like to know do the tour busses have restrooms? I know it is not anyones first choice - but just in case - since some excursions are 1 1/2 - 2 hours away from port.

None of the buses I was on had bathrooms. They did make a stop about 1 hour into a long ride. The train we took to Rome did have bathroom on it.

Be aware that there are basically no public restrooms as we Americans know them. Almost all are in cafes, and of course, for their patrons only. Also, no paper towels in restrooms, all hand dryers. Sinks have all kinds of ways to have water come out from foot pedals to faucets.

Did you need to purchase water anywhere? If so, how much? Just wondering if we should buy a case from DCL (even though they are overpriced).

It was rare to have water offered on any of the excursions except during meals. We just opted for the Disney water package to make sure we stayed hydrated. They are doing the water a bit different now and there are forms in the cabins.

Deb
Blogged my way thru the Med http://allearsnet.com/blogs/debwills

 

[flrealtorgrl]

Can anyone compare or give feedback on the 2 different beach breaks at Sardinia?

I just returned from 5/26 cruise. One of my favorite excursions was the "La Cinta" beach break on Sardinia. It was heaven! I didn't want to leave and made a comment on my end of cruise survey that they should offer a full day at such a wonderful paradise! Hope that helps!

 

[jeanneg]

Hi Jeanne, - Anna from NY

Welcome back. Ours will be here before we know it.

First I would like to know do the tour busses have restrooms? I know it is not anyones first choice - but just in case - since some excursions are 1 1/2 - 2 hours away from port.

Were many people on your cruise wearing open toe shoes/sandals? Shorts? I am sure it will/should be much warmer for our cruise.

Did you need to purchase water anywhere? If so, how much? Just wondering if we should buy a case from DCL (even though they are overpriced).

I am sure I will have some more.

Thanks.

Hi Anna,
No restrooms on any of the busses. We actually were given water on some of our excursions, but it was usually during the ride home. Generally, the bathrooms were fairly decent as long as you carry your own tissues and have some spare coins for tipping the matron if there is one. They don't give change, so save the smaller coins for the potty. If you have to give a whole Euro say it's for 2 and share the fee with someone else. The worst bathrooms were in Les Baux, which was a shame because it was an absolutely amazing place to visit. The toilet was truly a hole in the ground with 2 footprints indicating where to stand. It took quite a bit of figuring out how to use the facility without totally disrobing and still keep my clothing dry! Trust me, it was not an easy thing to do.When I finally came out, I felt like Borat when he says "Great success!"

 

[AnnaS]

None of the buses I was on had bathrooms. They did make a stop about 1 hour into a long ride. The train we took to Rome did have bathroom on it.

Be aware that there are basically no public restrooms as we Americans know them. Almost all are in cafes, and of course, for their patrons only. Also, no paper towels in restrooms, all hand dryers. Sinks have all kinds of ways to have water come out from foot pedals to faucets.




It was rare to have water offered on any of the excursions except during meals. We just opted for the Disney water package to make sure we stayed hydrated. They are doing the water a bit different now and there are forms in the cabins.

Hi Anna,
No restrooms on any of the busses. We actually were given water on some of our excursions, but it was usually during the ride home. Generally, the bathrooms were fairly decent as long as you carry your own tissues and have some spare coins for tipping the matron if there is one. They don't give change, so save the smaller coins for the potty. If you have to give a whole Euro say it's for 2 and share the fee with someone else. The worst bathrooms were in Les Baux, which was a shame because it was an absolutely amazing place to visit. The toilet was truly a hole in the ground with 2 footprints indicating where to stand. It took quite a bit of figuring out how to use the facility without totally disrobing and still keep my clothing dry! Trust me, it was not an easy thing to do.When I finally came out, I felt like Borat when he says "Great success!"

Oh boy - this is what I was afraid of - I have been reading different blogs - including yours Deb - thanks - and something told me that there are probably no restrooms on the busses - I guess no coffee right before boarding a bus for 1-2 hours.

I don't know wether to laugh or shake my head regarding the holes on the floor, no tissue paper and paying to use the "bathroom" - my son had warned me about this (he went last year to Italy with his high school).

I guess we will be purchasing a case of water as soon as we board.

Thank you so much -

 

[AnnaS]

I just returned from 5/26 cruise. One of my favorite excursions was the "La Cinta" beach break on Sardinia. It was heaven! I didn't want to leave and made a comment on my end of cruise survey that they should offer a full day at such a wonderful paradise! Hope that helps!

I am sooooo glad you enjoyed it. I think this excursion seems to short. Did you find it was too short? Do you have recommendations of anything to take with us?

Were the two porta potties sufficient for the amount of people? As you can see, many questions about restrooms - it's not sooo much that I need one every minute - but the whole bathroom sharing w/public, cleaniness/odor - really, really, really bothers me.

We were trying to figure out if we could do this on our own and grab a cab but we are afraid that we would not have or could depend on a cab to pick us back up.

Did you hear anyone on the ship talking about the Coda Cavallo (?) can't remember name now - beach excursion? We can't figure out why one is $60 more - I could understand if it included lunch, but it does not.

Thank you again very, very much.

This is all very helpful.

 

[RJAYL]

I just returned from 5/26 cruise. One of my favorite excursions was the "La Cinta" beach break on Sardinia. It was heaven! I didn't want to leave and made a comment on my end of cruise survey that they should offer a full day at such a wonderful paradise! Hope that helps!

Thanks for the Info that is the excursion I choose for my family for Sardinia

 

[flrealtorgrl]

I am sooooo glad you enjoyed it. I think this excursion seems to short. Did you find it was too short? Do you have recommendations of anything to take with us?

Were the two porta potties sufficient for the amount of people? As you can see, many questions about restrooms - it's not sooo much that I need one every minute - but the whole bathroom sharing w/public, cleaniness/odor - really, really, really bothers me.

We were trying to figure out if we could do this on our own and grab a cab but we are afraid that we would not have or could depend on a cab to pick us back up.

Did you hear anyone on the ship talking about the Coda Cavallo (?) can't remember name now - beach excursion? We can't figure out why one is $60 more - I could understand if it included lunch, but it does not.

Thank you again very, very much.

This is all very helpful.

I did feel the excursion was shorter than I would have liked, however...I wouldn't have wanted to miss it just because it was short (in other words, I'd do it again). I'm not sure about the porta potties...there was a bar on the beach that had nice clean restrooms (although as many others have said, definitely bring the travel size toilet paper from Target's travel section with u). I would imagine that if you took a taxi, someone at the bar could arrange for another taxi to pick u up. I didn't hear reviews of the other excursion, I tried to find out why it was more $, but no one could really answer me, except that the beach may have been a bit further and may have been even a bit nicer (which is hard for me to imagine). We had to book this on the ship because our original booking was cancelled, so when we looked at the two and the prices we couldn't justify spending more when there was no real reason given. Again, hope this info. is helpful! Here is a photo of the beach: