May 12, 2007 -- Taking the Magic to the Mediterranean -- 14 day Repo Cruise!

[kpros]

ahh silly me - I did know that...I hate being stuck in bed sick

I still have to finalize my plans for the excursions - I was reading somewhere (this thread or another - not sure) about the Gibralter thing - that some people are going to try an "off Disney" excursion - what are your thoughts on that? I worry about missing the boat (literally!)

I also read that there is no pirate night on the med cruises? I hope the Trans-Atlantic will have one. Hunny and I found great costumes last month and were hoping to use them - now she won't have to pack hers I guess.

We are doing a DCL Gibralter excursion. But I know what you mean about missing the boat. We have done non-DCL tours in the past. I think you're OK as long the tour operators know your requirements and you allow some extra time. I would be worried about a tour operator that plans to return you to the ship right at the sailaway time.

Ken

 

[milestogo]

One of the things that made me feel a little more confident about Gibraltar was that it the whole area is only 3 miles wide, so it doesn't sound too hard to get up and down the cable car, see the caverns, the apes and main street. We wanted to have a little more time to stroll and have a leisurely lunch instead of the time frame of 2.5 hours. This will be our first time being this daring, so we'll learn quickly.

 

[hopemax]

I need to get cracking on figuring out excursions, but here are a few random things I've found out:

Santa Cruz de Tenerife:

We're going to be here on a Sunday, which makes it a little interesting, because normally there isn't a lot open on Sundays. I don't know if it will be different because a ship is in port. One thing that will be going on is the Santa Cruz Flea Market aka the "Rastro" Sunday mornings (10-2) outside the Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África.

DH is a big soccer fan and he has found out that the local futbol team will be playing at home that day. Their team is in 2nd division (think AAA baseball). He's happy because they are playing a team that is an internet friend's favorite. Unfortunately, the time of the game won't be set until about a week before, but it should be in the afternoon.

I would like to take the excursion to Mount Teide, but I would also like to go to the flea market. Decisions! We're also thinking about doing the longer excursion that goes to Mount Teide and also the botanical gardens, but that would be an all day, and I'm afraid of missing something great in Santa Cruz, but if things will be closed...

Cadiz:

I really haven't spent that much time looking. Everyone who we know that has been there said it's beautiful, a gem in their tours but then never expanded. Is there a good beach there, I'd like to find one one day, and the other days seem like they will be full.

Gibraltar:

All the taxis are capable of doing an official Rock tour. It's 7 pounds pp, minimum of 4 people, and lasts about 1.5 hours for the basic tour. Admission to the Reserve is extra. You can easily arrange longer tours with your driver. It seems like it hits the Barbary apes, St. Michael's Cave, the Moorish Castle, and a few other of the popular destinations.

Or you can take the cable car up to the Rock which is 16 pounds pp, but can have a line and you could wait up to an hour to get in the car. Or you can walk up! Not sure I am up to that much "activity" but it would be interesting. And you can get tours of the tunnels, for I think 5 or 6 pounds per person. I am hoping that there will be a seminar that will explain the prices and options. I feel comfortable just winging it. I want to make sure I have time to really see the Rock, and I'm not sure the Disney excursion will let me do that.

Barcelona:

I think we are going to do the hop on/hop off bus and hit the high points (Las Ramblas, La Sagrada Familia, Parc Guell, etc.) A friend told us about the Maritime Museum which is supposed to be one of the best in the world. Not that much into art, so I think we'll skip the Picasso Museum. DH's friend told him about a futbol museum...maybe we'll ditch him for an hour or so.

So basically we're planning on doing things ourselves

And to answer the character question

Me (Hope): Dumbo
Jason (DH): Rafiki
Kathy (DM): Mulan
Jim (DF): Sorcerer Mickey

And the "What do you do?"

I'm a stay at home wife (no kids), so my job is playing on the internet, scrapbooking, and cleaning, and cooking. DH is a QA engineer for a local software company. My parents "retired" to the Orlando area about a year and a half ago. Retired is in quotes because my Mom is a CM at the Magic Kingdom, and my Dad just hasn't bothered to look for a job since he's been back there. He likes the not working and playing in the parks. This will be my fourth cruise (2nd on DCL, I've also gone to Alaska and a western Caribbean on RCCL). This will be DH's 3rd cruise, his first was a 3-day Bahama cruise on Carnival when he was a teenager. He HATED it. I love cruising and I told him his problem was he didn't cruise with ME! We were finally able to get him on the 4-day Disney cruise in 2003, and he enjoyed that one. My parents have done the same cruises as I did, but they also just did a 3 day(or maybe it was a 4 day, can't remember) in December.

 

[misseulalie]

I like the idea of just getting off the boat at Gibraltar and doing the tour ourselves, but here's a dumb question; how do we pay them? Should we bring Pounds with us? 7 pounds person for us would be 28 plus tip, and any food etc... what do you all plan to do?

I like the security of a DCL excurison but for an island that is only 3 miles big, I'm guessing a Taxi could do the job for us. We just want to see the rock and the Apes.

 

[hopemax]

It also looks like Gibraltar has a bus system. There are 3 routes, and you can get a day pass for 1.5 pounds for an adult/ 1 pound for children. Doesn't go into the Reserve, but it does go down to the south side (Europa Point, Trafalgar Cemetary).

These were the routes in 2005. I haven't found that it is discontinued, so it looks like a good way to get around.

http://www.gibraltar.gov.uk/hol/HowToGetAround/Bus Route Map.pdf

And since we're talking prices. This is what I've found, but I don't knowhow current it is:

http://www.discovergibraltar.com/mainlogo/mainfrm.htm

There is a link to prices on the left side, under Upper Rock tips.

 

[tig82174]

OH MY!!

You're all so brave! I understand that the DCL excursions are probably a bit "pre-packaged"....but I enjoy not having to think and do so much legwork to plan the excursions!! And plus I am just the kind of dufus who would get me and Jason lost and we'd live the remainder of our days with the monkeys at the top of the rock!

No, no...as interesting and "authentic" as planning your own day would be....I feel an odd sense of security knowing that as long as I have my Disney sticker on my shirt that the CM's won't let me get lost!! (I will expect all of you who do take excursions on your own to give us full reports!)

As far as the flamenco dancing....I can't remember why we chose not to take that one....I'm sure the fact that it did not involves animals or zoos or aquariums was a big part of it !



Erik

 

[misseulalie]

OH MY!!

You're all so brave! I understand that the DCL excursions are probably a bit "pre-packaged"....but I enjoy not having to think and do so much legwork to plan the excursions!! And plus I am just the kind of dufus who would get me and Jason lost and we'd live the remainder of our days with the monkeys at the top of the rock!

No, no...as interesting and "authentic" as planning your own day would be....I feel an odd sense of security knowing that as long as I have my Disney sticker on my shirt that the CM's won't let me get lost!! (I will expect all of you who do take excursions on your own to give us full reports!)

As far as the flamenco dancing....I can't remember why we chose not to take that one....I'm sure the fact that it did not involves animals or zoos or aquariums was a big part of it !



Erik

Oh come on! The island is only 3 miles wide-how lost can ya get???!!!

 

[hopemax]

Gibraltar is also English speaking, so anyone could help you get to where you want to go.

I finally started doing some research in Cadiz. It looks like there are two different hop on/hop off bus companies.

First, there is the Red bus (Cadiz Tour) , which is run by an international company with services all over Europe and Australia. It has headphones with spiels in English, and other languages. It's 12 euros for adults for 24 hours.

http://www.city-sightseeing.com/ select Cadiz from the dropdown menu

2nd is the Green bus (Tour por Cadiz), which is run locally (they also have a tour in Seville). It is only 9 or 10 euros for adults (I've seen both prices, I don't know which is current). I don't know how much English there is though. I did see on a Frommer's page that there is limited English commentary on the walking tour section.

Both red and green buses have a walking tour at Plaza San Juan de Dios, but I guess the pavement is also marked so you could do it on your own, just no commentary.

http://www.busturistico.com/cadiz_aboutus.php

And there are several beaches, but now that I'm looking at things, I don't know if we will have beach time there either.

This is getting exciting!

 

[milestogo]

We're going to be here on a Sunday, which makes it a little interesting, because normally there isn't a lot open on Sundays. I don't know if it will be different because a ship is in port. One thing that will be going on is the Santa Cruz Flea Market aka the "Rastro" Sunday mornings (10-2) outside the Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África.

Well now here is the idea of the day! This is something we would love. I'll look into it a little further and we may quickly change our Orotava Valley tour. We were not that thrilled with the options here and this is something we would really have fun doing. Anyone know how far it is from the port?

Nikki, Bonitatime, we'd love your input here - if you're still lurking.

The English factor in Gibraltar helped us to make the decision to go it alone too! Erik, if we don't make the ship back you can do a big I told you so! If not, you have to try one adventure on your own or with us. I am the HUMAN COMPASS - so I do the research in advance, memorize the maps and go. If we get lost we ask by showing the written words on paper (not attempting the dialect) - anyone can't point us in the right direction.

 

[padalyn]

I finally started doing some research in Cadiz. It looks like there are two different hop on/hop off bus companies.

First, there is the Red bus (Cadiz Tour) , which is run by an international company with services all over Europe and Australia. It has headphones with spiels in English, and other languages. It's 12 euros for adults for 24 hours.

http://www.city-sightseeing.com/ select Cadiz from the dropdown menu

2nd is the Green bus (Tour por Cadiz), which is run locally (they also have a tour in Seville). It is only 9 or 10 euros for adults (I've seen both prices, I don't know which is current). I don't know how much English there is though. I did see on a Frommer's page that there is limited English commentary on the walking tour section.

Both red and green buses have a walking tour at Plaza San Juan de Dios, but I guess the pavement is also marked so you could do it on your own, just no commentary.

http://www.busturistico.com/cadiz_aboutus.php

And there are several beaches, but now that I'm looking at things, I don't know if we will have beach time there either.

This is getting exciting!

This is so frustrating - I don't have a lot of internet time usually (I work 60hrs a week most weeks). I have printed out all the DCL excursion stuff - I would just love to be able to do BOTH Seville and Cadiz - has anyone figured out a way to do that?

My list is chosen from the DCL list, but I do recall that one can cancel without penelty - so I figure I will do more research as the time gets closer.

 

[padalyn]

We're going to be here on a Sunday, which makes it a little interesting, because normally there isn't a lot open on Sundays. I don't know if it will be different because a ship is in port. One thing that will be going on is the Santa Cruz Flea Market aka the "Rastro" Sunday mornings (10-2) outside the Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África.

Well now here is the idea of the day! This is something we would love. I'll look into it a little further and we may quickly change our Orotava Valley tour. We were not that thrilled with the options here and this is something we would really have fun doing. Anyone know how far it is from the port?

Nikki, Bonitatime, we'd love your input here - if you're still lurking.

The English factor in Gibraltar helped us to make the decision to go it alone too! Erik, if we don't make the ship back you can do a big I told you so! If not, you have to try one adventure on your own or with us. I am the HUMAN COMPASS - so I do the research in advance, memorize the maps and go. If we get lost we ask by showing the written words on paper (not attempting the dialect) - anyone can't point us in the right direction.

A FLEA MARKET???? sorry to yell - I just love flea markets, even found one in Anchorage!!! I just love to find a bargain, and I think haggling is a great way to get to know the "feel" for the area!

 

[padalyn]

OH MY!!

You're all so brave! I understand that the DCL excursions are probably a bit "pre-packaged"....but I enjoy not having to think and do so much legwork to plan the excursions!! And plus I am just the kind of dufus who would get me and Jason lost and we'd live the remainder of our days with the monkeys at the top of the rock!

No, no...as interesting and "authentic" as planning your own day would be....I feel an odd sense of security knowing that as long as I have my Disney sticker on my shirt that the CM's won't let me get lost!! (I will expect all of you who do take excursions on your own to give us full reports!)

As far as the flamenco dancing....I can't remember why we chose not to take that one....I'm sure the fact that it did not involves animals or zoos or aquariums was a big part of it !



Erik

I agree!! I do like to just "not think" about where I am or where I have to be. On the other hand - I also would like to see more than the tours provide! I am hoping to see BOTH Cadiz & Seville...I haven't even looked at Rome yet...that is going to be a major headache! Maybe I should just hire a private driver to see what I want...any thoughts?

 

[gydell]

I figure we will do the DCL tours in the mornings and get acquinted with the towns - then afternoons we can do our own if we want. With a 5 yr old I know that we won't get lost and that we will be with others. If it were just us adults then we would be off on our own. I'm sure you will have a great time not doing a tour. When we went to Italy we never did a tour, just hop off and on busses. You can eat where and when you like and move at your own pace. And yes we did get turned around a couple of times.

 

[milestogo]

Well, I found several website about Tenerife, but I'm not entirely sure if I'm reading this correctly... It sounds like the port is in Santa Cruz and walking distance?? Here's what I found:

The largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife is blessed with one of the world’s most dramatic and varied landscapes, ranging from verdant valleys and lush plantations to glorious beaches, vast pinewoods and the volcanic `moonscape’ of Mount Teide National Park, where you can take a cable car ride right up the crater’s rim.
Tenerife’s cruise port Santa Cruz has grown from a fishing village to a splendid city with classy bars and restaurants, varied shops, fine architecture and interesting museums.
And the action begins right outside the port gates, where you will find a café-lined boulevard leading to the Plaza de Espana, at the heart of the port’s main shopping area. Look out for bargain electrical goods and cut-price CDs, Tenerife’s speciality.

 

[milestogo]

I should add that I did see in several places that shops (and everything else) are closed on Sundays, but the flea market is open. I'm guessing that food is available too? Has anyone been there to tell us if is walking distance or cab distance?

 

[hopemax]

I was stressing about wanting to go to both the market and Mt. Teide, so I had DH call DCL. There are two excursions to Mt. Teide 8 AM and 12:30 PM. So I think there will be time to go to the flea market for about an hour.

I did a little more research and found a site that had GPS coordinates, so I could map the market.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=...ll=28.463032,-16.247878&spn=0.026145,0.054245

The flea market is in the street (Calle de San Sebastian). I don't know where the cruise ship will dock, but it doesn't look like it could be more than a mile or so from what looks to be the port area.



The Mercado de Nuestra de Africa looks like it is an interesting place with a real local flare. It opened in the 40's and is a landmark. Too bad it isn't open on Sundays.

http://www.tenerife.panoshot.com/en...-mercado-de-nuestra-senora-de-africa-107.html

 

[misseulalie]

Is anyone attempting the "Seville on your own" with kids?
DH wants to do that instead of the Flamenco dancing (I wonder why???)

My kids would be fine in the city, it's the 90 minute bus ride that's worrying me...

 

[tig82174]

Oh come on! The island is only 3 miles wide-how lost can ya get???!!!

How lost can I get? I choose to plead the 5th on that one because my response may force me to incriminate myself. (But just for the sake of argument let's suppose that I have easily gotten lost onboard the ship!!!)


Erik

 

[tig82174]

Our fellow DisBoarder, Bonitatime, actually LIVES in teh Canary Islands, right? So can probably answer some of those specific questions about what's open on Sundays and where things are, etc.



Erik

 

[padalyn]

How lost can I get? I choose to plead the 5th on that one because my response may force me to incriminate myself. (But just for the sake of argument let's suppose that I have easily gotten lost onboard the ship!!!)


Erik

Oh poor Erik...it took me a couple of cruises to figure out the red/blue thing. Getting lost on the ship is not that hard to do - no landmarks, no visual ques (sun, moon, wind etc). It always takes me a day or so to orient myself. I don't get lost easily (I have to be able to get to and from places for my job)...I do find the ship disorienting sometimes.