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

[Kiss-im-mee2]

Thanks Eileen! It really helps to have your experience. I enjoyed the photos too. The museums will probably be closed since we're there on a Monday. Is the town still worth seeing if I can't go to the museums? Jennifer

As long as the Necropolis is open then it would be worth it. We had a nice relaxing day wandering around. However we really prefered last Sept when we rented a car and went to Orvierto and Civita. That was a long day with a lot of driving but well worth it. This time we will rent a car and drive to the Lake Braccano area.
Now I have a question for you. In Naples we have been to Pompii, Mt Vesuvius, the Amalfi coast and Capri so this time we are going to walk to the Museum. On the way back I was thinking of taking one of the funiculars up the hill to get a view of Naples. Is this worth it. Is there anything at the top to see?

 

[NHdisneylover]

Kissim-mee2.....We are also staying a couple days after the cruise in Barcelona. Since you have been there before, what would you suggest would be the "must-do's" there if you only have 2 days? I'm glad we are staying a couple of days there....would hate to say I've been to Barcelona but only saw where our ship sailed out of!!! lol

You already got great advice but I am throwing my two cents in anyway I love Barcelona
I think the top priority for anyone should be Sagrada Familia. We really enjoyed the guided tour in 2007--it really explained so much about what we were seeing outside (which parts were the older, middle and new, where the welf portrtait was, etc.) and we got to go in and into the museum. I see that prices have skyrocket in jsut three years (we paid 4 Euro per person for the full tour) so it depends on how interested you are in the subject if you should spring for it. At the very least take some time to view the church from all sides on the outside though:
http://www.sagradafamilia.cat/sf-eng/docs_serveis/informacio.php

Next on the list would be (as mentioned) Parque Guell. It is lovely and so interseting. It is great place for an afternoon stroll. I suggest taking a taxi there (it is the only place in Barcelona that i feel is too much of a hassle to bother with the busses or subways) and planning on 2-3 hours to explore and enjoy (we like to have 3-4 but not everyone is as slow as we are).

Be sure to walk around a bit in Las Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter.

If you have kids, Puebla Espanola is fun. Get a scanvger hunt pack to do while you are there (it is cheap--maybe 5 Euros). This is right near the dancing fountain so you can plan to do it in the afternoon and then grab dinner near by and see the fountain.

The Barcelona City card can be a good deal depending on what all you want to see and do:
http://www.barcelona.com/barcelona_city_tours/standard_bus_tours/barcelona_card

 

[sinnika]

I just got our mail tonight and there was a packet from DCL!!! DD and I got so excited to open it...only to find out it was for our Mexican Riveria cruise next March 2011! Not even sure we'll go on it, as I have another cruise booked for April 2011 with my sisters - the 6 night repositioning cruise. Well maybe, 2 cruises are in the cards for next year. Still, my mind is only on the Med cruise! Just a little over 2 months till we leave!

 

[Dgentrysim]

Thanks Hadley for the good information about Barcelona! We're excited about staying a couple of days there just to tour leisurely.

Throwing out another question to my knowledgeable dis viewers! We're doing Rome on our own...7 hrs. I've asked something like before but trying to narrow down our "reasonable" expectations as to what we can do and still enjoy it. If you have done this type tour before, would like your advice. First of all......is there just one drop off/pick-up point? If you are dropped off at the Vatican...do you have to find your way over to the colissium by yourself and vice versa? Second of all.......does anyone have an average time they would say it takes to tour the Vatican/Sistine Chapel/Basilica (waiting time included)? Third of all.....could it be done reasonably to see the Vatican and take a taxi over to the colissium and see it?

Thanks for your wonderful help everyone!

DisneyDeb

 

[sinnika]

Just came back from Target and found some great little things in the dollar spot section: small note cards with nautical themes, memo pads with nautical themes, even ribbon with nautical print. Just wanted to share in case anyone needs some FE gift ideas.

 

[sinnika]

Thanks Hadley for the good information about Barcelona! We're excited about staying a couple of days there just to tour leisurely.

Throwing out another question to my knowledgeable dis viewers! We're doing Rome on our own...7 hrs. I've asked something like before but trying to narrow down our "reasonable" expectations as to what we can do and still enjoy it. If you have done this type tour before, would like your advice. First of all......is there just one drop off/pick-up point? If you are dropped off at the Vatican...do you have to find your way over to the colissium by yourself and vice versa? Second of all.......does anyone have an average time they would say it takes to tour the Vatican/Sistine Chapel/Basilica (waiting time included)? Third of all.....could it be done reasonably to see the Vatican and take a taxi over to the colissium and see it?

Thanks for your wonderful help everyone!

DisneyDeb

Deb, you could also post this question to the regular DCL forum and I bet you would get some responses from 2007 DCL med cruisers.

 

[marlower]

Just came back from Target and found some great little things in the dollar spot section: small note cards with nautical themes, memo pads with nautical themes, even ribbon with nautical print. Just wanted to share in case anyone needs some FE gift ideas.

Thanks Taina! Love the nautical theme ribbon. I'm running there tonight!

 

[GA-yaya]

The Target "dollar store" is the best!

 

[KansasDisneyMom]

We live in leawood ks. This will be my mom's 24 cruise on disney and mine 3. We have boys 13,11, 7, and 5.

Betty

We live in Lawrence, KS. We have boys 10 and 5. Forgive us for the long delay in responding. This is our first cruise and I'm just learning how to maneuver on the disboards. Are you on the facebook page for this cruise?
We're in Kansas City almost every day. DS 10 goes to school in Fairway (4th grade).

Brenda

 

[ingreece]

Thanks Hadley for the good information about Barcelona! We're excited about staying a couple of days there just to tour leisurely.

Throwing out another question to my knowledgeable dis viewers! We're doing Rome on our own...7 hrs. I've asked something like before but trying to narrow down our "reasonable" expectations as to what we can do and still enjoy it. If you have done this type tour before, would like your advice. First of all......is there just one drop off/pick-up point? If you are dropped off at the Vatican...do you have to find your way over to the colissium by yourself and vice versa? Second of all.......does anyone have an average time they would say it takes to tour the Vatican/Sistine Chapel/Basilica (waiting time included)? Third of all.....could it be done reasonably to see the Vatican and take a taxi over to the colissium and see it?

Thanks for your wonderful help everyone!

DisneyDeb

Hi Disney Deb,
You may want to consider going into Rome by train. Much cheaper and probably faster than the ship's bus. There is a lot of info online about how to do this. I like Tom Ogg's website: www.eportreviews.com for a good explanation on how to do this.
Second, we are in Rome on Monday and the Vatican Museum as well as most museums are closed on Mondays. You can see St. Peter's Basicilica though. With a good map you can get around Rome just fine on your own.
There is a metro system in Rome too. I think you can walk most of Rome. There is a good Hop On Hop Off Bus tour from the Train station.
I've never taken a taxi in Rome.
Jennifer

 

[R&RTime]

Hello everyone,
We wanted to introduce ourselves, Rob, Sue, Mackenna (9) and Madison (7) from Ontario, Canada. We will be sailing May 26th and are very excited, and will be much more so once we tell the girls. We live in a small community outside of London, Ontario and I work at the University of Western Ontario, "Go Mustangs". We are looking forward to our trip, although I am very overwhelmed at the moment by the choices and decisions, so much to do, only so much energy. This is the second cruise for my husband and I, our first Disney and of course the first for our M&M’s. I look forward to reading everything everyone has to say.

 

[colmom]

Hi Disney Deb,
You may want to consider going into Rome by train. Much cheaper and probably faster than the ship's bus. There is a lot of info online about how to do this. I like Tom Ogg's website: www.eportreviews.com for a good explanation on how to do this.
Second, we are in Rome on Monday and the Vatican Museum as well as most museums are closed on Mondays. You can see St. Peter's Basicilica though. With a good map you can get around Rome just fine on your own.
There is a metro system in Rome too. I think you can walk most of Rome. There is a good Hop On Hop Off Bus tour from the Train station.
I've never taken a taxi in Rome.
Jennifer

I just checked the Vatican website and the museums are open on Monday. They are only closed on Sunday. Hope this helps with planning!

 

[jocjarmom]

Hello everyone,
We wanted to introduce ourselves, Rob, Sue, Mackenna (9) and Madison (7) from Ontario, Canada. We will be sailing May 26th and are very excited, and will be much more so once we tell the girls. We live in a small community outside of London, Ontario and I work at the University of Western Ontario, "Go Mustangs". We are looking forward to our trip, although I am very overwhelmed at the moment by the choices and decisions, so much to do, only so much energy. This is the second cruise for my husband and I, our first Disney and of course the first for our M&M’s. I look forward to reading everything everyone has to say.

Hiya and welcome to Disboards!

First let me direct you to our Facebook page which provides you with lots of great discussions and information. http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v...870927901#!/group.php?v=wall&gid=277870927901

Also, if you're not yet completely overwhelmed, I'd like to invite you to participate in the Fish Extender program. Basically, it's like a Secret Santa program with a group of your fellow Disboard passengers. Here is a link which tells you how it is being run: http://muchomagico.weebly.com/fe.html
I think your kids will enjoy getting little goodies each day!

Be sure to use our board as a resource... there's so much great info here!

Karen

 

[sinnika]

So we are changing up our plans for the La Spezia port and DS really wants to climb the tower. We are doing a DIY so thought I would share some info I have so far found out about climbing the Leaning Tower of Pisa:
Ordering tickets:
http://boxoffice.opapisa.it/Torre/index.jsp

You can order tickets 45 days out.

Here's some other useful tips:

"Visits to the Tower organized for groups with a guide who will provide visitors with all the necessary information for the itinerary to fellow.

The visit lasts about 30 minutes - no extension is allowed

We recommend visitors to be punctual because the time schedules for the group is strict and no delays can be accepted with respect to the times shown on your entry ticket

Children under the age 8 are not allowed under any circustances on these visits

Children between 8 and 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult and held by hand all the time

Teenagers between 12 and 18 years of age are allowed on the tower only if accompanied by responsable adults

It is strictly forbidden to carry any bags and/or containers of any kind and shape during the visit and these objetcs must be left at the cloakroom near the meeting point

Cameras, movie-cameras and video-cameras are allowed

Please, help us to keep the tower's stones clean and free from graffiti or any other action that may damage its preservation, including chewing gums, any noo-conformance will be reported and pursued the competent authorities

VISITING THE TOWER REQUIRES A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF FISICAL EFFORT FO VISITORS: PLEASE, CONSIDER THAT THE SPIRAL STAICASE HAS ABOUT AS MANY AS 300 STEPS. IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT PEOPLE WITH HEART DISORDERS OR INDIVIDUALS SUFFERING FROM IMPAIRED HEALTH CONDITIONS DO NOT VISIT THE TOWER

IT IS STRICTLY FORBIDDEN TO WALK ALONG THE EXTERNAL PASSAGEWAYS

EXIT THE SEVENTH AND EIGHTH LEVELS (THE TOWER BELLS'CELL) IS ALLOWED, BUT VISITORS MUST NOT AT ANY TIME LEAN OUT FROM THE PROTECTION RAILING AND IT IS STRICTLY FORBIDDEN TO WALK UNDER THE BELLS OR HIT THEM WITH ANY OBJECT

ACCESS TO THE BELLS'CELL AND THE TOWER SUMMIT IS NOT EASY, AS IT INCLUDES NARROW OR EXPOSED PASSAGEWAYS, INDIVIDUALS WHO EASILY FEEL DIZZY ARE ADVISED NOT TO REACH THIS FLOOR. HOWEVER, ALL VISITORS MUST WALK VERY CAREFULLY AND IN GOOD ORDER WHEN GETTING TO THESE AREAS

WARNING: THE SURFACE OF THE STEPS IS SLIPPERY "

Oh, boy, don't know if my old knees will make it! 300 steps! I'll need to start training now! And I can see DS 12 having me hold his hand the whole time!
He'll be just 2 days shy of 13! I didn't realize that children under 8 would not be allowed to climb either.

 

[MKJEcruisers]

Hello everyone,
We wanted to introduce ourselves, Rob, Sue, Mackenna (9) and Madison (7) from Ontario, Canada. We will be sailing May 26th and are very excited, and will be much more so once we tell the girls. We live in a small community outside of London, Ontario and I work at the University of Western Ontario, "Go Mustangs". We are looking forward to our trip, although I am very overwhelmed at the moment by the choices and decisions, so much to do, only so much energy. This is the second cruise for my husband and I, our first Disney and of course the first for our M&M’s. I look forward to reading everything everyone has to say.

Welcome! We have two daughters as well (Julia-9 (will be 10 at cruise time) and Emma-7).

 

[Dgentrysim]

Could someone please explain to me what DIY Tours are?

Thanks!

DisneyDeb

 

[sinnika]

Could someone please explain to me what DIY Tours are?

Thanks!

DisneyDeb

DIY means "do it yourself". Planning your own tour using public transportation, maps, info from the local tourist office, guide books, etc.

 

[Kiss-im-mee2]

Could someone please explain to me what DIY Tours are?

Thanks!

DisneyDeb

DYI stands for Do It Yourself. We do most of our ports DIY which means that I plan everything myself. It takes a lot of time studying each port and figuring out what we will see and do. We use public transportation or rent a car. We save a lot of money and we can do as little or much as we want. We always make sure we are back to the ship with plenty of time to spare. This is the way we prefer to travel but it is not for everyone.

 

[traceyjayne]

DYI stands for Do It Yourself. We do most of our ports DIY which means that I plan everything myself. It takes a lot of time studying each port and figuring out what we will see and do. We use public transportation or rent a car. We save a lot of money and we can do as little or much as we want. We always make sure we are back to the ship with plenty of time to spare. This is the way we prefer to travel but it is not for everyone.

Yes but can we all DIY's meet up to walk together? I am particularly keen on the Cinque de terre one especially, perhaps we meet somewhere on day?
Tracey

 

[NHdisneylover]

Just came back from Target and found some great little things in the dollar spot section: small note cards with nautical themes, memo pads with nautical themes, even ribbon with nautical print. Just wanted to share in case anyone needs some FE gift ideas.

Oh I MISS Target Sounds like you found some good stuff!

Hello everyone,
We wanted to introduce ourselves, Rob, Sue, Mackenna (9) and Madison (7) from Ontario, Canada. We will be sailing May 26th and are very excited, and will be much more so once we tell the girls. We live in a small community outside of London, Ontario and I work at the University of Western Ontario, "Go Mustangs". We are looking forward to our trip, although I am very overwhelmed at the moment by the choices and decisions, so much to do, only so much energy. This is the second cruise for my husband and I, our first Disney and of course the first for our M&M’s. I look forward to reading everything everyone has to say.

Welcome. DH used to work in London pretty regularly back when we lived in Detriot--he probably went out once a month or so for a while. He always though it was an ice area. My experiences in Ontario are limited to Toronto and Windsor.

DYI stands for Do It Yourself. We do most of our ports DIY which means that I plan everything myself. It takes a lot of time studying each port and figuring out what we will see and do. We use public transportation or rent a car. We save a lot of money and we can do as little or much as we want. We always make sure we are back to the ship with plenty of time to spare. This is the way we prefer to travel but it is not for everyone.

We do most ports like that too! In 10 cruises we have only taken two excursions. We are doing a private excursion in rome though--only becuase we really want the kids to see a lot of things but both DH and I dislike Rome nad do not want to go back again It seemed like the best way to fit it all in in a day We might do an excursion in Tunis also as we have large OBCs to use up and it is inexpensive and does what we want. We are still debating though.