May 26, 2010--5/26/2010 10 Night Mediterranean

[poohkinandpiglet]

Has anyone looked into traveling into Rome on their own (by train) and finding any reputable guides once you arrive in the city?

Taina,

We're doing three days in Rome in mid June (after the cruise) but I haven't gotten that far in my planning yet.

Sharon

 

[poohkinandpiglet]

Heather - we are in 5524 with Jennifer, Rob, Georgia, and Olivia. We plan to do FEs, lanyards (if we can), and DISmeets.

Jennifer-- We were in 5524 last cruise. We will be in 5022 this time. Deck 5 forward is my favorite place to stay on the ship.

My daughter,Hannah, will turn 9 one month after the cruise. I'm considering putting her in the 9 year group for kids club. I'm sure she would love to meet Olivia.

Sharon

 

[Julie the Cruise Dir]

Sharon -

Olivia would love to hook up with Hannah. At that age I find they are pretty quick to make friends. Hannah could e-mail before trip if she'd like to our family e-mail mindnmines@hotmail. (she doesn't have her own e-mail like her big siste, a source of constant friction but we're not ready yet).

 

[poohkinandpiglet]

Sharon -

Olivia would love to hook up with Hannah. At that age I find they are pretty quick to make friends. Hannah could e-mail before trip if she'd like to our family e-mail mindnmines@hotmail. (she doesn't have her own e-mail like her big siste, a source of constant friction but we're not ready yet).

She'd love that. She emailed with a girl for a few months prior to our last cruise and they are still in contact. It's always great for them to know someone a little before they go.

 

[jocjarmom]

We are doing the train into Rome and using the Gray Line "hop on, Hop off" bus. We figured this would allow us to "see" a lot in one day, even though we probably will not go into may of the places.

Although I haven't been on the HOHO bus in Rome, I've done them in Toronto and Barcelona... and I think they are fabulous. We will be taking one in London (sadly, we only have one day there, but one day in London is better than NO days in London!) and again in Barcelona (so the kids can see the city).

You might look to see if there are any routes where you can have a live guide giving the tour in English. The buses in Barcelona give you earbuds, and then you select the language and listen to pre-recorded tour comments. When we were in Toronto, we had live guides and it was amazing. We will do the live guides on the London HOHO, because we liked that option so much.

BTW, I saw that you have boys who are 15, 13 and 12. They will LOVE it... they are definitely of an age where they can appreciate it, especially the oldest one.

 

[sinnika]

Thank you Traceyjayne for your help in finding a guide in Rome! We have already booked their services. Ron sounds perfect and we like the idea of someone with us to tell us the sights and he has given us lots of tips already! For instance, he has given us the usual times for the train from Civitavecchia to Rome:
Departure Arrival

07:33 C.CCHIA 08:50 ROMA TE

07:59 C.CCHIA 09:20 ROMA TE

08:41 C.CCHIA 09:50 ROMA TE

08:59 C.CCHIA 10:28 ROMA TE

09:41 C.CCHIA 10:50 ROMA TE

09:59 C.CCHIA 11:20 ROMA TE

He also recommended a BIRG ticket as this will entitle us to free use of the metro. We are very used to metros having traveled this way in Chicago, NYC and DC. My biggest reluctance was going on the metro on our own in Rome because of the pickpockets. Feel more secure with someone leading the way so we don't look like a bunch of lost toursists!

I just booked another hotel night in Paris as our flight now arrives on Sat afternoon instead of Sunday. I have 2 reservations at the Hotel Residence Henri IV, for the Sat night, and another for the Sun and Mon night. This is one of the few hotels I found that can sleep 4 in Paris. We depart Paris on Tues evening for Barcelona. I do need to cancel my Sunday night in Paris as I also booked a hotel in Bayeux for Sunday night as well, and confirmed reservations for Battlebus tours of Normandy for a full day tour on Monday. We are very excited about this as DH and I were both military, as was my dad, and DS and DD aspire to go to the Naval Academy. Although I hate missing Disneyland Paris, I'll get my Disney fix later this year at WDW! Seeing the museums, beaches, cliffs, and the American cemetery cannot be learned in books. We are all really looking forward to experience this.

 

[threebritts]

Although I haven't been on the HOHO bus in Rome, I've done them in Toronto and Barcelona... and I think they are fabulous. We will be taking one in London (sadly, we only have one day there, but one day in London is better than NO days in London!) and again in Barcelona (so the kids can see the city).

You might look to see if there are any routes where you can have a live guide giving the tour in English. The buses in Barcelona give you earbuds, and then you select the language and listen to pre-recorded tour comments. When we were in Toronto, we had live guides and it was amazing. We will do the live guides on the London HOHO, because we liked that option so much.

BTW, I saw that you have boys who are 15, 13 and 12. They will LOVE it... they are definitely of an age where they can appreciate it, especially the oldest one.

Thanks for the info.
Were going to be arriving sun into barcelona so will def use the HOHO busses . I like the idea of being able to get around and see different things at our leisure.
We still havent decided on Hotel, I think the new Novotel is going to win out.

 

[wrennies]

When I look at the website, I see that most of you have first dining. We are second (right now). Since this is our first cruise can everyone try to "convince me" of which one would be best.... I can't decide and would love to hear from those of you that have an opinion. My boys will be 12, 13, and 15.

 

[threebritts]

When I look at the website, I see that most of you have first dining. We are second (right now). Since this is our first cruise can everyone try to "convince me" of which one would be best.... I can't decide and would love to hear from those of you that have an opinion. My boys will be 12, 13, and 15.

Ok this is a terrible reason on my part LOL
We always take 1st because there will be a few midnight buffets or like the pirate buffet starts a little earlier and if we eat late we miss out on thoseand I dont want to miss the chocolate buffet either OMG
The only downfall is sometimes get back from port and getting cleaned up, thats why im glad the formal is the first night at sea so we dont have to rush back.

 

[marlower]

When I look at the website, I see that most of you have first dining. We are second (right now). Since this is our first cruise can everyone try to "convince me" of which one would be best.... I can't decide and would love to hear from those of you that have an opinion. My boys will be 12, 13, and 15.

You will get different opinions on this subject but just chose what will work best for your family. I am surprised how many have chosen 1st dining too! We chose 1st because we usually eat early at home and like to have dinner 1st and then see the show. On those long port days, it is my understanding that we can eat in the dining room when we return at our leisure but if that is not the case, then we will chose buffet or room service. One thing for sure, you will not go hungry on the cruise--food is everyone and plentiful! We usually order room service at least once a day too! Gotta have those giant cookies and the cheese platter!! I think my daughter and your son have been "chatting" on facebook.

 

[sinnika]

When I look at the website, I see that most of you have first dining. We are second (right now). Since this is our first cruise can everyone try to "convince me" of which one would be best.... I can't decide and would love to hear from those of you that have an opinion. My boys will be 12, 13, and 15.

We like the late dining because it tends to be more adults, less younger children. Also, more leisurely. And we have so many late night ports, I would rather miss the show and try out foods in the cities we visit to hold us over till we eat on the ship. We usually have a snack in the afternoon from Deck 9 or room service that holds us over till we eat on sea days. If your boys are like my DS 12, they will be eating all the time! He hung out in Ocean Quest (the 11-13 yr old club) and went up to deck 9 to get food any time he wanted and brought it back to Ocean Quest to consume. My only rule is that he always went with a buddy.

 

[BSH]

Ok, Huby and I are off tonight so were going to work on the list for what family has what day and will also have ages and a totals, its not to late to get in, if you havent emailed me ages and names of everyone in your group and hopefully cabin number please do so. I will update the cabin list later and have a list of all cabins participating so its easier when passing out on ship.I think since so far there was "families" wanting to do this it would be easier for families just to take a day and get everyones cabin since there might be only 10 or so cabins. If someone doesnt like this let me know but just seems to be the easiest as of now .

Hubby and I will be passing out lanyards on the first day, if you dont want to do the FE but want a lanyard that is fine and dont be shy, just send me everyone in party with first names and they will have your dis name on tag with real name.

Ok bethany and I are going to Animal Kingdom , one benefit of living in Florida Going to go to Downtown Disney and see what I can see for gifts too
Everyone have a good sunday and be back tonight!

Heather,
I received your private message but was not able to reply b/c I haven't posted enought on Disboards yet. --this is all kind of new to me. We have been on 1 disney cruise before, but didn't know the deal with the FE that we saw on other cabins. Definitely sounds like fun and we would love to participate if it's not too late. I have been so impressed with all of your efforts and great responses from everyone on this board. Make this trip all the more exciting! Thanks a bunch!

 

[threebritts]

Heather,
I received your private message but was not able to reply b/c I haven't posted enought on Disboards yet. --this is all kind of new to me. We have been on 1 disney cruise before, but didn't know the deal with the FE that we saw on other cabins. Definitely sounds like fun and we would love to participate if it's not too late. I have been so impressed with all of your efforts and great responses from everyone on this board. Make this trip all the more exciting! Thanks a bunch!

I took your info of the boards for the lanyards and have you down for the FE.
I was going to make the list but people have been trickling in and we still have time and still waiting on 15 or so people that had posted earlier when the board first started.
Do you have a FE? Great place on the website to get them from and also join our facebook page and you wont have to worry about being able to privately post too.

 

[jocjarmom]

Just wanted to encourage you all to come join us on FB. Besides the face that you can post private messages to folks, I think you'll find the discussion postings are a bit more manageable than the Disboards, because they are done by topic.

Wrennies, if it were up to me, I would have done the later seating as well because I didn't want to have to rush back from the ports to eat. But we do have younger kids in our group so we had to do the earlier, and also there are other dining options if you miss your seating.

One thing you might want to consider, however, is that if your kids make friends with kids who are eating at 1st seating, then they won't be able to hang out with those friends as easily during the evening.

Just my two cents.

 

[bill3540]

Last time I saw the count for fe, it was 10 rooms...is that about right...I'm in a plotting and planning mood!

Thanks again and again to everyone for their help and hard work!

Liz

 

[traceyjayne]

Last time I saw the count for fe, it was 10 rooms...is that about right...I'm in a plotting and planning mood!

Thanks again and again to everyone for their help and hard work!

Liz

Yes me too, I have already made a start and 10 is an easy number to do!! and carry!!

 

[threebritts]

Ok you plotters and planners LOL
Here is the talley so far, if anyone isnt on this list and is planning, let me know
because next thing is going to be dividing up day and there are certain people I know need to go early and also want to go as families....

Threebritts-
Marlower-6552
Traceyjane-7620
Mkjecruisers-
Speakupjc-
Jocjarmom-
Klsgeorgia-
Nicsmom1500-
Joandwayne-
Cra33f-
Bill3540-
Eeyore77-
Tammyalphabet-
DEaDea-8510
Bewitched00-6081
Poohkinandpiglet-5022
Connieosci-6605 and 6607
Jules1472-
Tahitiantraveler-3 cabins
Juliethecruisedirector-5524
Bsh-

That looks to be 24 cabins, we have 10 days. Tahitiantraveler has 3 cabins and they are all going on one day. Jocjarmom and Klsgeorgia are going together on one day and Marlower and DeaDea need to be in first day or so. There will definitly be more the one group going each day but thats ok
If ive left anyone out please email me or pm me. I know some people dont have pm privledges so you can email me at Threebritts@aol.com. I dont want to leave anyone out and I work nights and try to answer somethings or write names down at all hours so you never know with me LOL

Also Sinnika is graciously going to let us give her the planned FE gift so we dont get duplicates. Probably wont happen but I like surprises and they opted not do the FE and will do this favor for us.Just send her a note with what you have planned if you know.
Also if your cabin isnt listed and you know it please let me know because that is how Ill make the navigators with participating cabins so youll know whose FE to go to. I know people are big on privacy and thats fine but in the cruises ive done this there has never been and issue in just giving your cabin number for this activity.

 

[jocjarmom]

Ok you plotters and planners LOL
Here is the talley so far, if anyone isnt on this list and is planning, let me know
because next thing is going to be dividing up day and there are certain people I know need to go early and also want to go as families....

Threebritts-
Marlower-6552
Traceyjane-7620
Mkjecruisers-
Speakupjc-
Jocjarmom-
Klsgeorgia-
Nicsmom1500-
Joandwayne-
Cra33f-
Bill3540-
Eeyore77-
Tammyalphabet-
DEaDea-8510
Bewitched00-6081
Poohkinandpiglet-5022
Connieosci-6605 and 6607
Jules1472-
Tahitiantraveler-3 cabins
Juliethecruisedirector-5524
Bsh-

That looks to be 24 cabins, we have 10 days. Tahitiantraveler has 3 cabins and they are all going on one day. Jocjarmom and Klsgeorgia are going together on one day and Marlower and DeaDea need to be in first day or so. There will definitly be more the one group going each day but thats ok
If ive left anyone out please email me or pm me. I know some people dont have pm privledges so you can email me at Threebritts@aol.com. I dont want to leave anyone out and I work nights and try to answer somethings or write names down at all hours so you never know with me LOL

Also Sinnika is graciously going to let us give her the planned FE gift so we dont get duplicates. Probably wont happen but I like surprises and they opted not do the FE and will do this favor for us.Just send her a note with what you have planned if you know.
Also if your cabin isnt listed and you know it please let me know because that is how Ill make the navigators with participating cabins so youll know whose FE to go to. I know people are big on privacy and thats fine but in the cruises ive done this there has never been and issue in just giving your cabin number for this activity.

A HUGE thank you to threebritts and sinnika for organizing this activity. Having never done it before, I appreciate getting some guidance... and also, I like that we are trying to avoid duplicates.

 

[sinnika]

I noticed we have some Gold CC cruisers (6-10 cruises) whose booking window is this week (Feb 10th at 12:00 am eastern). Just a quick reminder for you to book your own Palo brunch as well even if you are on the list if you really want to dine there since there is no guarentee that we will get the private dining room and DCL decides that about 1 mo before the cruise for groups. We had enough people to send in 2 lists! YEA!! I'm heading up the first list and marlower is heading up the second list. I hope we get both brunches! Need some pixie dust!
Also, for those booking this week, could you let us know some of the times of the excursions? I think some may have both a morning and afternoon excursion for the same event (like 1/2 day Pompeii perhaps?) We are getting very excited as the trip draws near! Now, need to kick the diet and excercise into full gear! Those are some long port days and lots of walking!
Need to get in shape for it! Less lb to lug around is always better!

 

[NHdisneylover]

Hello All. We just changed our weat bound TA to this cruise today. We booked the TA before moving to Germany. We are very sad to no longer be cruising with my best friend, but this is a great deal and we can (gasp!) drive to port and not have to spend thousands on airfare so it is the right decision to make (plus the German schools will not let us take our children out in September whereas this cruise falls over their 2 week spring break: school goes until July 30th here!).

Anyway, I have only read the first 5 pages of this thread and then this last one--but I will try to get the rest read tongight after the kids go to bed. In the meantime let me intorduce us:
We are Hadley, David, Marika (DD13) and Rio (DS11). This will be our 8th Disney cruise. We took the Magic to the Med in May 2007 but this is our first cruise around the med.
We are booked in two gty 12 cabins and have late dining.

We love doing fish extenders and absolutely want to participate. Also, has anyone started working on lanyards for our group (smaller than castaway club lanyards customized for the group and with DIS specific name tages which many DIS groups order to be able to identify each other easily).

When I look at the website, I see that most of you have first dining. We are second (right now). Since this is our first cruise can everyone try to "convince me" of which one would be best.... I can't decide and would love to hear from those of you that have an opinion. My boys will be 12, 13, and 15.

Everyone is different. We much prefer late dining. We like that the dining rooms tend to be a bit quieter (fewer young kids) and the meal is less rushed (they do not have to get you out before the next group). We also like not having to rush back after port and we like seeing the show before dinner so we can talk about the show while we eat.