May 14, 2011 - Eastbound TransAtlantic

[KrisannB]

On facebook I talked about that for one of the TA's last year we shared our airline info for the long flight so we knew who might be on our flight - others thought this was a good idea so I created a spread sheet in with the others called Return Air - hope everyone will go and put their info into it. If you have DCL air - just put in what day you are leaving barcelona and your final destination. Hopefully soon we will know the other information from DCL - I hate waiting!

 

[KrisannB]

In Cadiz last year we did the Bee Keeper for the Day - really loved it - were taken to the country, our guide on the bus told us lots about the area and then the Bee Keeper for the day was really cool. If anyone was thinking about it I can give you more details.

Krisann

 

[strawberryblonde]

I will know on Monday/Tuesday if my MIL is coming along - we should make a MIL/Grandma group so they can hang out together on the ship

Krisann

braysmommy has her Mom along too ....love your idea for a MIL/Grandma group!

 

[strawberryblonde]

Love phase 10

I have apples to apples travel if anyone is interested?

 

[mboekhoff]

First thank you all for the great information, I can't wait for this trip!!

But I wanted to warn people about something I read in Frommers guidebook. Feeding the Apes in Gibraltar can result in a 500 pound fine That would be a terrible thing to have on vacation so I just wanted people to know before we went.

 

[mboekhoff]

missy we are so happy to have you join us!

Thank!!! So Excited!!! and just now getting caught up with posts

 

[mboekhoff]

Hi all, this is one of Missy's BFF's (there's 4 of us) but I happen to be the one coming on this cruise! It was a very late booking type thing for me as we usually book our cruises like 2 years out, and I am traveling with no kids and no husband. (yes I am worried about 2 weeks away from them). So I will have Missy and Ross to prop me up, and now the rest of ya!
yep I always wanted to be a dancing banana. If i come to the PJ meet i could be a banana in pajamas.....

You CRACK me up!!!

 

[mboekhoff]

Sorry you lost me at early

Again...

 

[MermaidMama]

Posted by Can't wait to cruise
For a Sunday am service, I think it would be pretty neat to have a short service on the beach with some worship songs and a short message. Maybe the ship can help set that up for us.

Sorry you lost me at early

Sorry, but you lost me at early too! I'm not a morning person, but I'm certain that once we're on the voyage, I might want to pause awhile to give thanks. Thank you for offering to lead Sunday worship, Picketts. Keep us posted!

 

[twokings]

i've never heard of it, but i'm always up for learning a new game! Dice are easy to pack. If dcl has a problem with cash being used, we could sub. Wrapped candies/treats instead

lol

 

[platinumcruzer]

Hey all
With the countdown at 61 days I am looking to finish up FE gifts this week but noticed that there are quite a few participants that have not confirmed that they are still sailing. Has anyone sent out PM's ? If not I would be more than happy to

 

[jettybean]

This will be our second TA....we did the original one back in 2007. Our kids were 6, 8, 10 and 12 back then. One thing that is really cool is the kids groups are much less crowded and the counselors really get to know each child. They also do special learning activities about each port.

We did the Canary Islands, not Madeira on that cruise.

For Cadiz, we did the Horse Show through DCL. It is definitely a show for animal lovers like our youngest. In the afternoon we did the city bus tour on our own. It is a double decker open air bus that has a ticket office and bus stop right outside the port. It has a whole bunch of stops around the town and if you did it first thing in the morning you would have time to get off and explore. Here is a link http://www.cadiztours.com/?event=offer.detail&offerId=2100

Gibraltar was our favorite stop on the cruise. We started with the DCL dolphin excursion in the morning. We saw LOTS of dolphins (not guaranteed of course) and the guide were really good. Afterwards, we did a private taxi van tour of the major sites. The driver was really great. He gave a description of each location and then waited for us at each location. He also brought "nuts" and we had an "up close and personal interaction" with the apes. One even came in the van For our youngest this was absolute heaven. She talks about the monkeys to this day and she can't wait to get back.....now the oldest DD is terrified of animals and this wasn't a good experience. She will be staying on the ship for this year's adventure. I'm sure you can customize how close you get to the animals with your driver. It's easy to get a van, they are right outside the pier entrance. I think this is the company http://www.gibtaxi.com/ENG/rocktourENG.html

Barcelona was also really great. We did the Spanish Village DCL tour and it was well planned for kids. Each family got a map with clues and you searched the village for answers to your questions. There was also a "tapas" lunch and a coke SPOILER ALERT.........At the end, the kids get a coupon to find the gelato shop and get a free gelato. Side note....DCL was filming the port excursion marketing video when we were on this activity and our kids were "stars" of the video DCL showed on the 2007 Med cruises

They also have "hop on hop off" double decker tour bus options, see http://www.barcelonasightseeing.net/?event=offer.detail&offerId=5243

We dropped the kids on the ship and then did a Mom/Dad walk along Las Ramblas. We checked out the La Boqueria Market and had a gelato. Barcelona was way more to do than you will have time......

Hope this helps.
Cindy

Thanks for all great information Cindy.

We currently have the Jarez Frontera and Royal Equestrain School with Show booked. I have so been on the fence about this excursion. I know you said it was great because your daughter is an animal lover. Is it something you would recommend for the "casual" animal lover. I will be travelling with my husband and our 10 year old daughter. One time I read the description and think it sounds fun and then I read it again and wonder if it is hokey?

We also have the Spanish Village booked for Barcelona. Glad to hear your positive feedback.

Jeanne

 

[disneycruising]

Does anyone know how many formal & semi-formal night there are? And what nights they will be on?

 

[twokings]

Does anyone know how many formal & semi-formal night there are? And what nights they will be on?

There are 2 formal nights.

 

[KrisannB]

Does anyone know how many formal & semi-formal night there are? And what nights they will be on?

On both Ta's last year we had 2 formal nights and 1 semi formal

One formal night was on the Prince and Princess night and semi formal was the last night - will have to go back and look up when the other formal night was.

People also dressed up for villian night in villian type clothes, black and white, etc.

Krisann

 

[TxMermaid1]

I will know on Monday/Tuesday if my MIL is coming along - we should make a MIL/Grandma group so they can hang out together on the ship

Krisann

Can you make that a co'ed senior group?... I'm bringing my dad....

 

[singlis]

I love this idea!!! wait until I tell my mom!!! She will kill me!!! She is a youthful 61!

For shore excursions, I am not a ship excursion chick, so I have done my own research.

1. Maderia - We are going to head into town, I think that the market will be closed but we are going to take the gondala up to Monte and head to the tropical gardens, then I will hike the 7km Levada if I can find it! and then back down to the ship.

2. Gibralter, apparently it is only 1 mile into town and then it is a trip to the top of the rock with a stop to see the monkeys (sans bananas- thanks for the tip) and the upper cathedral. Enjoy the view, support the economy and then back to the ship.

3. Cadiz, we are going to take the train to Jez to see the horse show and wander around. I have been to Cadiz before and if we have time I will show my mom around. We are huge horse people and I wanted the time at the stables that we would not get with DCL.

4. Barcelona, who knows! I have been there before, so I will check out some new area that we have not been to yet!

We are fine with anyone who wants to tag along! We like to fly by the seat of our pants and ususally end up having an amazing time!!

Now this is my 2nd DCL but my first with the FE and joining all your events! I am excited to check this out! My Disney-crazy friend is going to help me make my FE but any guidence you guys can give me will be welcomed! (I have learned a lot from google!!)

Later!!!

Sarah

 

[TxMermaid1]

Does anyone know how many formal & semi-formal night there are? And what nights they will be on?

On the Panama Canal we had formal on Golden Mickey night and Captains Gala night. Semi formal was on Prince and Princess night. Here is a schedule of the TA.

Monday, May 16 ... Prince and Princess
Thursday, May 24.. Captains Gala

I do not see the Golden Mickey's listed

 

[strawberryblonde]

Can you make that a co'ed senior group?... I'm bringing my dad....

I'm sure your Dad will be welcome

 

[strawberryblonde]

I love this idea!!! wait until I tell my mom!!! She will kill me!!! She is a youthful 61!

My MIL is in her 60's too . She has issues with her knee that make walking far a problem though. Looking forward to this trip!