May 14, 2011 - Eastbound TransAtlantic

[Fiscalista]

Hubby, Wife and twin 7 year old daughters. Only the wife has cruised before (>20 years ago), but we couldn't resist the "teaser" rates and ports of call . . . GTY inside cabin, not expecting upgrade. May regret that.

Definitely interested in the book exchange and first day at Goofy Pool with kids - will sign up. Maybe walk/run in the mornings. Thanks to those of you veterans who have made so many opportunities available on the cruise.

A few comments:

Decided against DCL air - too restrictive, no control over flights and expensive for deviations (x4). Instead will rent car and drive one-way to Port Canaveral (7ish hours from ATL) probably the night before. Gives better options for carrying on initial provisions. Then, booked Aer Lingus back out of Madrid as we plan to stay on in Spain for an additional two weeks. Aer Lingus still has very good one-way fares for direct flights to Dulles ($650 adult). Probably use Delta miles or buy AirTran one-way tickets for final leg back to ATL.

Made all my own plans, but booked through CostCo for the cash card reward.

Anyone else staying on in Spain (particularly with kids)? Tentative plans are to make a circuit from Barcelona to Valencia to Granada to Seville to Cordoba then hit Castilla-LaMancha and see at least Salamanca, Avila and Madrid. Not certain whether we can pack that all in.

I guess this is my version of a B2B travel - Transatlantic cruise followed by Trans-Espana land trek. Lots of last minute planning to do!!

 

[TxMermaid1]

Hubby, Wife and twin 7 year old daughters. Only the wife has cruised before (>20 years ago), but we couldn't resist the "teaser" rates and ports of call . . . GTY inside cabin, not expecting upgrade. May regret that.

Definitely interested in the book exchange and first day at Goofy Pool with kids - will sign up. Maybe walk/run in the mornings. Thanks to those of you veterans who have made so many opportunities available on the cruise.

A few comments:

Decided against DCL air - too restrictive, no control over flights and expensive for deviations (x4). Instead will rent car and drive one-way to Port Canaveral (7ish hours from ATL) probably the night before. Gives better options for carrying on initial provisions. Then, booked Aer Lingus back out of Madrid as we plan to stay on in Spain for an additional two weeks. Aer Lingus still has very good one-way fares for direct flights to Dulles ($650 adult). Probably use Delta miles or buy AirTran one-way tickets for final leg back to ATL.

Made all my own plans, but booked through CostCo for the cash card reward.

Anyone else staying on in Spain (particularly with kids)? Tentative plans are to make a circuit from Barcelona to Valencia to Granada to Seville to Cordoba then hit Castilla-LaMancha and see at least Salamanca, Avila and Madrid. Not certain whether we can pack that all in.

I guess this is my version of a B2B travel - Transatlantic cruise followed by Trans-Espana land trek. Lots of last minute planning to do!!

Welcome to the group... join us on FB as well.. lots of talking on there. I am staying only 3 days in Barcelona before coming back home...
Good luck with the arrangements!
Go to page 1 to sign up for the different events....

 

[KrisannB]

Thanks, Krisann! I see both tabs now for the Candy Swap. Can someone explain the details of how it works? Do you just choose some secret time to distribute your candy to the fish extenders of the rest of your candy group? Or is there a set swap time?

Candy swap can be handed out anytime during the cruise! when I do up the list I will note if they are doing an FE or not - because if they are not, you may want to find some way to "hang" their candy bag or to put it in a little bag with some type of handles to hang from either on their door handle or fish.

On the 2007 EBTA, Disney provided busses to round drip to get from the dock to an area just across the street from where Las Ramblas starts all day on Friday. I would expect that they will do that again. No need to spend money on a taxi if the ship provides the busses.

I do not remember this being the case last year - at least if it was they never told us that I can remember! I will ask on the board for that cruise if anyone knows for sure!

Krisann

 

[twokings]

Rethinking Barcelona excursion. I have Montserrat full day booked.
I was thinking about exploring the city on my own. How safe is it and would you go by yourself?


Thanks,
Christi

We are exploring on our own for 3 days. That is my dd and I. I plan to but the bcnarticket and visit Picasso, casa Milo, etc.

 

[twokings]

Anyone else staying on in Spain (particularly with kids)? Tentative plans are to make a circuit from Barcelona to Valencia to Granada to Seville to Cordoba then hit Castilla-LaMancha and see at least Salamanca, Avila and Madrid. Not certain whether we can pack that all in.

I guess this is my version of a B2B travel - Transatlantic cruise followed by Trans-Espana land trek. Lots of last minute planning to do!!

We are staying 8 nights in Spain. My daughter is 19 so not really a kid. We are staying 1 additional night in Barcelona, then overnight on the Trenhotel to Granada, then renting car and driving to Nerja for 1 night, then driving Toledo, then train to Madrid for 3 nights. Good luck with your plans.

 

[pablowest]

Thanks for this one. I really love to go in Eastbound Transatlantic.

 

[icruise]

I do not remember this being the case last year - at least if it was they never told us that I can remember! I will ask on the board for that cruise if anyone knows for sure!

Krisann[/QUOTE]

Last year we took a public bus to Las Ramblas. I think it was 2 Euro
M

 

[singlis]

We are being bold and daring and doing public transit, I am not sure the plan just yet, working with the Eyewitness travel and my guide book from the last time I was in BCN, I am thinking Ode to Gaudi and then to the park.
Perhaps some time on the hill but Sangria is manditory for me as it is the best in BCN!!!

 

[TxMermaid1]

***SECRET MICKEY***

Secret Mickey will close tomorrow. Anyone interested in joining in MUST sign up today!! remember this is not FE this is Secret Mickey.... sign ups are on the EVENTS sheet on the first page. If you can't find it just PM me. Thanks everyone.


We are planning to stay in Barcelona for 3 days. Maybe venture a way the last day or so. Any suggestions as I have never been there. I am traveling with my 83 yr old dad and he can't walk long distances. Thanks for any suggestions

.

 

[TxMermaid1]

Candy swap can be handed out anytime during the cruise! when I do up the list I will note if they are doing an FE or not - because if they are not, you may want to find some way to "hang" their candy bag or to put it in a little bag with some type of handles to hang from either on their door handle or fish.

Maybe you need to suggest to those not doing the fish exchange but are doing the candy one, to put a little bag on their fish for the candy. It would be easier for them to have 1 bag then everyone trying to hang candy at their door.... just a thought.

 

[fourbryants]

I was wondering, for those of you that have done the transatlantic before, if it is warm enough for the kids to swim on the 6 days at sea?

 

[RockingTiggers]

I was wondering, for those of you that have done the transatlantic before, if it is warm enough for the kids to swim on the 6 days at sea?

they are kids and the pool is heated, so i think they will swim if allowed by parent the air will be about 5-10* cooler then the water

 

[fourbryants]

For those of you that upgrade at the port, How much is it usually?

 

[seamour]

Hi Everyone,

We just booked today Yipee So will be joining you. Is it too late to join the FE list? I'm guessing it probably is, but if not then we would love to join please. There will be three of us in our Cabin, Myself (Vicky), my Mum (Janet) and my little girl (Elizabeth) age three.

We cruised three times with Disney last year in Europe, but none of us have ever been to Florida or Castaway Cay, so would definately appreciate any tips about that side of the journey. We get into Orlando airport at 3p.m. on the 13th and are staying somewhere on International Drive - apparently we'll be told where later (we booked as a package deal). I'm guessing we'll be too shattered to do much, but it would be fun to eat dinner somewhere memorable - the food is less important than the place, but it would be great to start the holiday off doing something fun. Any other must sees in the short space of time we have wouold definately be appreciated.

We haven't booked transfers yet, are taxis usually easy to get? Are there any regulations about travelling with a three year old - would we need to bring a booster seat with us?

Also feeling the need to visit a disney store whilst we're there Is there a store at the port? Is there more choice on Castaway Cay than on the ship? Any other tips or things we should know for Castaway Cay?

Would really appreciate any help, feeling a little disorganised booking so late in the day

Best Wishes
Vicky

Hi and welcome to the group,
a taxi from Orlando to Port Canaveral is going to get pretty expensive, I would recommend booking a towncar through ******, it will definately be a more economic option for you. OR get a one way car rental since you want to shop first? Budget and Hertz both have drop offs with shuttles to the the port. There is a Disney store at the Premier Outlet that you could probably find some good deals at.

No car seat required for the little on in public transportation in Florida.

Mic

 

[seamour]

It looks like all the Candy Swap names have been erased from the Google Spreadsheet. Do you have them written down somewhere else, Krisann? Or should we sign-up again?

OH NO! Missy and I were just chatting last night about how anyone could get in there and mess up our information. I hope someone has things saved or backed up????

Mic

 

[Vicky29]

Hi Mic,

The name of the towncar place seems to have been starred out, could you possibly PM me it? Not sure I'm up to driving on the 'wrong side' of the road

Thanks
Vicky

 

[sehandiph]

welcome to all the new folks (especially those who live in my home county of LANCASHIRE - I have moved south as far as Cheshire )

Been away from the board for a couple of days and wow how many posts have I missed!

Decided that we will do our own mini tour in Madeira - cable car up to Monte and then a leisurely walk a bit higher up to see the views and then a stroll back down the hill to Funchal town.

Barcleona - not yet decided - but just been reading a novel with a very Gaudi theme so I am sure that will have to feature in there somewhere.

but I think we will do our own thing rather than join a tour as we like to go with the flow

I am sooo excited - just sorting out the recipes for everyone.

It also looks as though we will be in Florida for the shuttle launch since it has been moved to the 29th

Sharon

 

[seamour]

Rethinking Barcelona excursion. I have Montserrat full day booked.
I was thinking about exploring the city on my own. How safe is it and would you go by yourself?


Thanks,
Christi

From what I have read, and I have not been there personally, the biggest concern is pick pockets and robberies. So if you take some precautions (like someone mentioned do not bring your big expensive camera), use some pacsafe type things to keep your valuables safe, and most of all be alert and act confident. There were some areas that were recommended not to walk in alone in the evenings in the Frommer's book I was reading, you might want to see if your library has it and scan through that section.

Mic

 

[seamour]

Hi Everyone,

We just booked the cruise yesterday! It will me my mom, Karen, my daughter, Lauren(18), and myself, Jennifer. My daughter and I have been on two other Disney cruises with my husband and other daughter, but they can't make it this time. It is my Mom's first cruise!

Would we be able to join in some of the activities, or is it to late? Trying to sift thru the posts to see what you all have planned.

Hi and welcome, how fun for your mom's first cruise! Check the spreadsheet (link on page one). There is still a FE group opened and I do not think any of the other activities have closed. Lots of fun stuff planned!

Mic

 

[seamour]

Hubby, Wife and twin 7 year old daughters. Only the wife has cruised before (>20 years ago), but we couldn't resist the "teaser" rates and ports of call . . . GTY inside cabin, not expecting upgrade. May regret that.

Definitely interested in the book exchange and first day at Goofy Pool with kids - will sign up. Maybe walk/run in the mornings. Thanks to those of you veterans who have made so many opportunities available on the cruise.

A few comments:

Decided against DCL air - too restrictive, no control over flights and expensive for deviations (x4). Instead will rent car and drive one-way to Port Canaveral (7ish hours from ATL) probably the night before. Gives better options for carrying on initial provisions. Then, booked Aer Lingus back out of Madrid as we plan to stay on in Spain for an additional two weeks. Aer Lingus still has very good one-way fares for direct flights to Dulles ($650 adult). Probably use Delta miles or buy AirTran one-way tickets for final leg back to ATL.

Made all my own plans, but booked through CostCo for the cash card reward.

Anyone else staying on in Spain (particularly with kids)? Tentative plans are to make a circuit from Barcelona to Valencia to Granada to Seville to Cordoba then hit Castilla-LaMancha and see at least Salamanca, Avila and Madrid. Not certain whether we can pack that all in.

I guess this is my version of a B2B travel - Transatlantic cruise followed by Trans-Espana land trek. Lots of last minute planning to do!!

Sounds like an awesome trip, and welcome aboard!

Mic