May 26, 2007 (5/26/07) "First Magical Med Cruise!!" (The M&M's!)

[sweetsue]

This is the one that we are looking at! Actually looking at three different wine tours (I know, surprise, surprise!). I MUST go to Chateauneuf du Pape in Marseille and we're doing the winery tour in La Spezia. Have no clue what we're doing in Sardinia. Nothing really jumped out at us (that wasn't too terribly expensive).

I'd love to do ALL the wine tours - but with the Princess I'm only allowed the one. I'm afraid I'd get in trouble...
This is all due to a wine tasting trip I had in CA when she was only 3. She toured with us and apparently took mental "notes". Later that week while having dinner at my brother's house she surprised us. She grabbed my wine glass (by the stem, no less), swirled, sniffed and sipped. OUCH!
Ever since then the little sneak has been known to grab a glass off the table, so we'll all have to watch out for her in Nice! Although from what I understand, the French won't mind.

I've love to do Chateauneuf du Pape too - you just never know where that special Sweet Sue tour might end up!

Jonathan wants to know if this was an intervention?

Yes, we've been watching every show as well then making a tape of the shows then a log of what we like then looking up on the internet. CPD, yep, I've got it too!

A tea party for the girls sounds absolutely wonderful! Can we arrange it or do they offer it on a designated time and day in the navigator? Zoe would love that so much, esp. with the "older"girls.

I'm very interested in this idea of going out on our own instead of being locked into the designated tours. What do we know about renting cars, driving, insurance?

Also, very interested in the magic waters.

(about the Travel Channel/TIVO intervention!)

I don't really remember a tea party with Wendy onboard. Either they had one and it wasn't at a convenient time or they don't have one. They do have tea at Palo's but children aren't allowed.

Car rental info varies but most guide books discuss it. With insurance you need to check with your own carrier on what is covered out of the country. Sometimes it's just worth the $ and peace of mind. Car renting isn't cheap (like in the islands) but it is definitely cheaper than a shore excursion. I think most of the countries we visit drive on the right so that part is easy. Harder is navigating and reading foreign language road signs! I chose to drive in Marseille since none of the excursions did exactly what I wanted.

Sue, When do you arrive in Barcelona?

Maybe all 3 families could do the Magic Fountains together on Friday evening 25 May. I'd really like to see the dancing in the Gothic Quarter too.

Sue and Kelly, You've got me re-thinking the farm trip in Palmero. We were plannning on doing Palmero for Kids but the A Day on a Farm tour does sound good too.

We're also planning the Pompeii, Sorrento and Capri for Families in Naples.

We've also arranged for a private tour/car in Rome but the VIP Vatican and Highlights of Rome tour sounds good too...

In Villefranche we may end up on the Nice and Eze w/ Wine & Cheese with you as the Monaco, Monte Carlo and Eze tour may overlap the Evening Casino tour that we also plan to do.

In Marseille, we plan to do the Calanques of Cassis tour.

In La Spezia it looks like we'll do the Florence and Pisa tour although I'm not looking forward to 2 1/2 hours each way on a bus with my little darlings.

In Olbia, DH may Scuba dive with Celeste and friends and I'll take the kids on the Day at Sea at Maddalena Archipelago.

I think Kelly is planning to do the Gnocchetti Sardi & Ravioli in Olbia.

We're late seating and have requested the "LAP" dining rotation for this cruise.

I think Kelly is planning to bring a pricess costume for Zoe. Are you bringing one along for Christina?

Sounds like we'll all be crossing paths at many of the excursions! I was glad to see that Disney came up with some kid focused excursions. When I looked at other cruise lines last year, it looked pretty pitiful for kids.

Christina's attention span is shorter than it takes to read this sentence, so we just can't take the long drives. I, too, liked the VIP rome tour but was saddened it didn't hit quite all of the spots. Our private tour does go to the Vatican Musuem (with a guide) AND we get to see all of the sites. Cost is comparable for our group of 3 - but it's just US! We get to stay as long or as little as we like at each spot. The tour guide was highly recommended by my TA. He went last May with his two twin boys.

Meeting up for the fountains sounds like a great idea! Does anyone know when the Magic is supposed to come into port? It would be fun to watch.

Sweet Sue

 

[sweetsue]

I, too, was a bit disappointed on Sardinia's choices. I really wanted a beach day there but didn't like being "stuck" at a private beach area with no town to visit. Christina's short attention span means 1-hour beach and we're done. We did the beach break at Costa Maya (which is similar) but they had shuttles departing on a frequent basis. We had a GREAT time - but were on the first shuttle back. Christina was done a good 30 minutes before we could leave. Now if only I could have the beach break AND a great town to wander in, we'd be good to go!

Next to beaches our second favorite thing is cooking. That's why we're doing the Gnochetti tour.

Celeste - I would absolutely love to dive with you. But I think DNana would revolt. Someting about having to take care of an active 6-year old in a foreign country without her Mother. I can hear it now "Do you BELIEVE what my daugher did...."

Sweet Sue

 

[milestogo]

"She toured with us and apparently took mental "notes". Later that week while having dinner at my brother's house she surprised us. She grabbed my wine glass (by the stem, no less), swirled, sniffed and sipped. OUCH!
Ever since then the little sneak has been known to grab a glass off the table, so we'll all have to watch out for her in Nice! Although from what I understand, the French won't mind."

Don't worry SweetSue the drug guys are on the job! We have two parent classes that we teach where we address how our children are watching what we do and mimicking us There is study after study on this very subject when it comes to drugs and alcohol -- While we are rolling ravioli you can tell me about it so I can put your (Anonymous) story in my new book as an outstanding example of the innocense of parents (not our kids) Then I'll tell you everything Zoe has already showed me that I do

 

[NejTheLion]

A tea party for the girls sounds absolutely wonderful! Can we arrange it or do they offer it on a designated time and day in the navigator? Zoe would love that so much, esp. with the "older"girls.

Tea with Wendy is still offered on the cruise, but you need to sign up and space is limited. As you do with the wine/beer/margarita, etc. tastings, you should go to Guest Services as soon as you board and sign up. It will be at a specific time just like everything else.

We're hoping they'll do some special wine tastings on the ship based around Italy, France, and Spain. One of our best experiences on the Magic was during the first PC repo, when Disney's Master Sommelier (only 79 in North America) John Blazon was onboard and did a series of wine classes. Yes, more of a class than a tasting. We learned so much and it really caused my interest in wine to surge. I've been thinking about becoming certified as a sommelier just for the heck of it.

 

[icunurse_celeste]

I, too, was a bit disappointed on Sardinia's choices. I really wanted a beach day there but didn't like being "stuck" at a private beach area with no town to visit. Christina's short attention span means 1-hour beach and we're done. We did the beach break at Costa Maya (which is similar) but they had shuttles departing on a frequent basis. We had a GREAT time - but were on the first shuttle back. Christina was done a good 30 minutes before we could leave. Now if only I could have the beach break AND a great town to wander in, we'd be good to go!

Next to beaches our second favorite thing is cooking. That's why we're doing the Gnochetti tour.

Celeste - I would absolutely love to dive with you. But I think DNana would revolt. Someting about having to take care of an active 6-year old in a foreign country without her Mother. I can hear it now "Do you BELIEVE what my daugher did...."

Sweet Sue

One thing I should check on is if the company we are diving with offers SASY- which is the snorkeling with a scuba vest filled with foam and you have a small tank with air. We did this with Noah at Epcot at the Living Ses and it was a blast- Robb and I kept on trying to go under and managed a whopping 2 inches- with forceful kicking. Usually you have to over five to do it- and I know many of the companies in Italy do offer it. They call it baby scuba.


If anyone is interested in the little area islands- (which I actually think DCL is taking people to on one of the excursions)- I would be happy to do some digging. I am one of those people who prefer to - when possible into the local economy- rather than into the pocket of those who don't need it.

I think I sent Jen shore excusion info for this island- or maybe it was just Naples and some others.


I'm a little tired after working three 15 hour days in a row... Tomorrow I'm going to stay in bed all day and then run...I must be

 

[Bareacuda]

Sardinia was only only time we could have been out paddling in a outrigger canoe. They have a great team on oc4 and oc6 teams. Their teams have placed very well in Hawaii for several years.
That would have cost us $0. but hey.... art called to loudly!

 

[jeanneg]

I just thought of something that hadn't occurred to me before......If we leave Barcelona at 9 pm, does that mean the sailaway party will be during the late dinner session? I would hate to miss the sailaway excitement, but want to meet our servers the first night also. Anybody have any inside info on this?

 

[icunurse_celeste]

Sardinia was only only time we could have been out paddling in a outrigger canoe. They have a great team on oc4 and oc6 teams. Their teams have placed very well in Hawaii for several years.
That would have cost us $0. but hey.... art called to loudly!

As I know very much about outrigger canoes- what is the oc4 and oc6? I am assuming that you know someone there- that you were going to do it with? What art are you going to go see?



Happy Sunday Morning everyone! I am just getting up and thinking about getting started. I might have to hit the hospital at 3....

 

[icunurse_celeste]

http://www.italiantourism.com/island2a.html

 

[LegalBriefs]

Hey all! I am going to post briefly as I am getting ready to head to the airport... I flew to CT this weekend to see my grandfather for his 92nd birthday (how could i miss that?)... now the long trip home looks daunting... oh well... LOL...

I wanted to let you all know that Disneynut (David and Monica) will not be on this cruise with us, so it wil be just my girlfriend and I in the Roy suite. However, we still intend to host all of you there for a get-together. Perhaps a wine tasting? We have done them in the past, what I usually suggest is that each family bring a bottle native to their state for sharing...

I was also wondering if there was still two spots available on that Florence day private trip? I hesitated to sign up before since there was 4 of us, but now that there is two, we are VERY interested!

 

[jeanneg]

Now that we can't transport liquids in our carry-on bags anymore, any suggestions regarding how to safely pack the wine?

 

[figment52]

Now that we can't transport liquids in our carry-on bags anymore, any suggestions regarding how to safely pack the wine?

I'm thinking bubble wrap and zip lock bags. Wal Mart has the two gallon size.

 

[sunshine state kim]

I brought a couple of bottles of wine back from California last month, just padded with my clothes. They arrived just fine and are delicious. I have an interesting bottle of Florida wine I'd be happy to bring and I picked up a bottle of wine in Minnesota (where I'm from) I could also bring. Not states famous for their wines, but make for interesting conversation at least.

 

[Bareacuda]

As I know very much about outrigger canoes- what is the oc4 and oc6? I am assuming that you know someone there- that you were going to do it with? What art are you going to go see?



Happy Sunday Morning everyone! I am just getting up and thinking about getting started. I might have to hit the hospital at 3....

An oc4(outrigger 4 man) is also known as a "bufflo" and an oc6 is a outrigger 6 man. I found a team in Olbia and contacted them thru the internet. Appearently they have a couple of great teams that race in Hawaii. We were going to spend the day at practice with them. Ocean paddling
But... we have the bad luck of having to cancell this cruise and book 3 weeks in sept(8-29th). An art gallery wants some of our work and it was a hard choise: Med cruise or a gallery opening. As you can see... we took the gallery.
I still keep posting here and chatting... we also have the opportunity to meet "milestogo" next month at Disneyland!

Ann

 

[sunshine state kim]

sorry this is a duplicate. I am still learning.

 

[sunshine state kim]

"If anyone is interested in the little area islands- (which I actually think DCL is taking people to on one of the excursions)- I would be happy to do some digging. I am one of those people who prefer to - when possible into the local economy- rather than into the pocket of those who don't need it. "

OK - I don't know how to do that quote thing. Sorry. This is in response to the message from ICUnurse.

I was looking at Budelli with the pink beaches and it looks beautiful. Any guidance you can offer on how to get to those places would be great. It looks like there is an excursion to Maddalena.

 

[icunurse_celeste]

"If anyone is interested in the little area islands- (which I actually think DCL is taking people to on one of the excursions)- I would be happy to do some digging. I am one of those people who prefer to - when possible into the local economy- rather than into the pocket of those who don't need it. "

OK - I don't know how to do that quote thing. Sorry. This is in response to the message from ICUnurse.

I was looking at Budelli with the pink beaches and it looks beautiful. Any guidance you can offer on how to get to those places would be great. It looks like there is an excursion to Maddalena.

Hey Kim,
I would be more than happy to look at that for you. I know that the ferry leaves from Palau- getting from the pier to Palau. There might be the possiblity that a bunch of us could go in a car or van. Anyone who is scuba diving will need to get to that area- as the company we are going with is up there. I am still waiting to hear from the pier company. I will post more as I find it- could you please send me your email so I am not filling up the boards with random information....unless everyone wants to hear it.




T- you are unusally quiet!

 

[icunurse_celeste]

Hey all! I am going to post briefly as I am getting ready to head to the airport... I flew to CT this weekend to see my grandfather for his 92nd birthday (how could i miss that?)... now the long trip home looks daunting... oh well... LOL...

I wanted to let you all know that Disneynut (David and Monica) will not be on this cruise with us, so it wil be just my girlfriend and I in the Roy suite. However, we still intend to host all of you there for a get-together. Perhaps a wine tasting? We have done them in the past, what I usually suggest is that each family bring a bottle native to their state for sharing...

I was also wondering if there was still two spots available on that Florence day private trip? I hesitated to sign up before since there was 4 of us, but now that there is two, we are VERY interested!

Hey Ron,
I did end up going to the hosptial at 3pm and I was not able to log onto the computer at work. I spent the four hours cleaning up the mess that other people left. I am currently working on possibly blending two groups into one- especially as without the other group- we are an odd number as I don't have a partner. (travelling with a friend who wants to see the ufuzzi) Unless there is another single who wants to come?

Anyways, please send me a PM with your email.

Thanks,
Celeste

 

[jeanneg]

OK, I'm going to try the bubble wrap thing. From what I understand, wines from Yadkin County in NC are becoming the hottest new wines, although I personally have not tried them yet.

Re my other question about sailaway conflicting with dinner......I was going through some stuff and my most recent info shows we set sail at 10pm, not 9pm as previously stated. I guess that means that most of the seatings will be finished dinner. For some reason, however, we almost always get the very latest rotation so it could be a little tight. I will gladly forfeit my dessert for the sailaway party!

 

[sweetsue]

Good morning!

Somehow I missed all the posting yesterday. Must have ignored one of those DIS messages....

mielstogo - I'll be glad to tell you the story of Christina and her wine swirling. I also remember taking care of a friend's 3-year old. We were out on the back patio and she picked up my (former) husband's lighter and cigarette. She put the cigarette in her mouth and tried to light it! Obviously her mother smoked. I was horrified!

NejtheLion - Tea sounds great! I have concierge so can book the tickets - but I don't know if I can book everyone's. Probably. I'll just need to know how many and when it is.

Celeste - SASY sounds like fun! Christina doesn't swim very well (she keeps using her not-very-strong legs rather than her super-strong arms). I'm giving her swimming lessons for the next few months before we go. Work sounds INSANE! I hope you get some rest soon.

jeanneg - I wondered about when the sailaway party would be too! When's the lifeboat drill? During first seating?

LegalBriefs - sorry about your friends - but happy to see you're still going! Wine tasting sounds great but I think my wine will have to come from Spain. With the length of the trip and VERY small luggage allowances overseas, I can't see spending any inch of my suitcase on a big wine bottle! We'll be in Barcelona for a few days first so we should have time to buy something. We are definitely planning on trying cava!

For those of you thinking about packing wine - sometimes it makes it - and sometimes it doesn't. I've heard horror stories of people opening their suitcases only to find red wine all over their clothes. And the red wine wasn't from THEIR suitcase, but from someone else's suitcase!
Instead of bubble wrap and bags, try buying packing cartons (they come in two-packs up to case size). Then throw away the box and use the styrofoam insert. If you're only bringing one bottle, you can cut the two-pack in half with a sharp knife. It'll only take up slightly more room than the bubble wrap and ziploc bags - and it'll save everyone's clothes!

sunshinestate kim - We ALL learned how to do quotes. And i"m STILL learning new stuff. When you are looking at the message, just press the "Quote" button next to the message. It'll bring up a new reply box that has the quote in it surrounded by html tags. Just start typing after the html tag that says "/QUOTE" with brackets around it. There may be an easier way - but I put multiple quotes in the same message by opening each QUOTE window and then cut and pasting them into a regular reply window. Practice makes perfect - so QUOTE away!!!