May 5, 2010 Magic of Barcelona

[everafter1]

I agree, I don't think the cruise will be terribly full. We've usually had good luck with tablemates. The only time it was akward was when my friend and I were seated with the family of 5, because they were always arguing, but otherwise it's been fine. Last time it was nice to be seated with just our group though.. I am kind of hoping that will happen again, but it will be fine either way.

 

[laydee314]

We're an extended family of 8 so hopefully they'll have tables big enough for our crew.

Got my suitcases out of our water-logged basement (hit by the Northeast rainstorms) and started packing. Trying to decide whether it's worth it to pack pirate gear for just one night's worth of entertainment....

 

[everafter1]

We're an extended family of 8 so hopefully they'll have tables big enough for our crew.

Got my suitcases out of our water-logged basement (hit by the Northeast rainstorms) and started packing. Trying to decide whether it's worth it to pack pirate gear for just one night's worth of entertainment....

Yes, I've been seated at an 8 top before, so I know they have them. I'm pretty sure they have larger tables than that too. It's likely you'd be seated with just your party, but you can always put in a request, as well.

For pirate night not everyone dresses up. We really don't, but we love to see the families that get really into it. They are really cute! We bought one of the eye patch/earring combos they sell at the parks before our last cruise just for fun and a few photos. They also usually give out small pirate bandanas at dinner. However, I have read where they didn't have them on some cruises, so I guess they run out from time to time.

This time next month we'll be onboard the Magic!

 

[fitnessmouse]

I am not sure about DH, but I bought pirate dress for myself and DD, and DS always likes to dress up as a pirate.
I know it's only for 1 night, but so is formal night and I am bringing a dress for that as well.
It's usually the only time we have pictures taken as a family.

 

[torimarrett]

I checked out your website, it's really cool. I will send you our information and photo to add to the cruisers. Thanks so much

 

[strawberryblonde]

I am not sure about DH, but I bought pirate dress for myself and DD, and DS always likes to dress up as a pirate.
I know it's only for 1 night, but so is formal night and I am bringing a dress for that as well.
It's usually the only time we have pictures taken as a family.

I'm bringing a pirate dress too! I wasn't sure if I would bring it or not, but DH caught me trying it on so now I HAVE to bring it . He will be dressed like the "man in black" from The Princess Bride...he has had the outfit for years and worn it to so many functions, still a goodie! The kids, of course, have their costumes, and having us dress up with them makes it that much more fun.

 

[strawberryblonde]

We're an extended family of 8 so hopefully they'll have tables big enough for our crew.

Got my suitcases out of our water-logged basement (hit by the Northeast rainstorms) and started packing. Trying to decide whether it's worth it to pack pirate gear for just one night's worth of entertainment....

We traveled with extended family for our last DCL cruise, 10 of us in all. They had us at one table which was plenty big enough for all and loads of fun! Other than that, we have ended up at a table for 4 on our other cruises. I've never asked for this, it is just what we happen to end up with. I've often wondered if it would be more fun to have another family or two sat with us...perhaps I'll find out this cruise!

 

[everafter1]

It's definitely fun to see the families dressed up for pirate night. Some of the costumes are really neat, so I'm looking forward to seeing everyone

 

[laydee314]

I'm bringing a pirate dress too! I wasn't sure if I would bring it or not, but DH caught me trying it on so now I HAVE to bring it . He will be dressed like the "man in black" from The Princess Bride...he has had the outfit for years and worn it to so many functions, still a goodie! The kids, of course, have their costumes, and having us dress up with them makes it that much more fun.

Nice. DH is a big fan of the Princess Bride - he'll get a kick out of it when he sees you guys.
I should've stocked up on pirate gear at the sales right after Halloween. Not sure where I'll find some cheap duds - maybe will have to resort to making stuff.

 

[sabrecmc]

My daughter has a pirate dress that I had custom made for our first cruise. I have a pirate-esque shirt that I plan to wear. It isn't really a costume, but I think if I pair it with some big hoop earrings and maybe a bandana or something, it will work. No one will be looking at me when I'm standing next to my daughter anyway!

 

[Kaleigh]

I checked out your website, it's really cool. I will send you our information and photo to add to the cruisers. Thanks so much

Thanks! You can PM me if you want with the info!

We will not be dressing up for pirate night (no way DH would go along), but the Princess Bride thing is a great idea. Less frou frou pirate, and more cool.

So how is everyone? In four weeks, we will be arriving in Barcelona! I can't wait! I was looking at the excursions that have sold out, and it is interesting what has filled up. I think we might be the only ones on our Dougga excursion in Tunis (private tour! ) Do you know if they give us some sort of map for each port?

 

[strawberryblonde]

That would have been cool....but I'm not dressed "Princess Bride", should have, great idea! I'm a wenchafied pirate this time, all the cliches....I'm using 'em

 

[sabrecmc]

My Passporter guide says that you need to make reservations for the wine tasting and character tea at Guest Services...can anyone think of other things that we need to make the reservation with GS and can't do in advance? I suppose an extra Palo or something...anything I'm forgetting?

 

[everafter1]

My Passporter guide says that you need to make reservations for the wine tasting and character tea at Guest Services...can anyone think of other things that we need to make the reservation with GS and can't do in advance? I suppose an extra Palo or something...anything I'm forgetting?

I think guest services also books the Galley and theatre tours. They are free, but you have to sign up for tickets at GS. I'm pretty sure they also do the wine tastings, etc. On our 7 night last year there was a whole list in the stateroom when we boarded of the week's upcoming activities so you could plan ahead some. For extra Palo, you could always go to Rockin' Bar D on embarkation day to try to get reservations.

I wish the 2010 passporter would come out! I really wanted to read about the ports of call, etc. I am hoping it will show up before our cruise.

I'm pretty sure they'll have some kind of port maps available. I feel like they have on other cruises, but those may have been shopping maps. I'm really hoping they'll do port talks to beforehand, as well.

 

[sabrecmc]

I wish the 2010 passporter would come out! I really wanted to read about the ports of call, etc. I am hoping it will show up before our cruise.

Seriously! I always thought the 2010 guide would come out in late 2009, like the Birnbaum, but alas...I think the latest due date was sometime in April, but we leave the 24th, so? Oh well.

Thanks for the info about signing up for things at GS and Rockin' D. I don't really want another Palo, but the wine tasting sounded fun and I'm going to be a total annoying commando person about getting tickets for the character tea. My daughter adores tea parties and would really, really love that.

Anyone ordered any gifts or amenities? I'm nosy. I did buy a sparkling cider bon voyage celebration thing. I thought my daughter would get a kick out of that and it was only like $30. I really wanted the wine package, but not 10 nights worth. I wish I could pre-order less, but I guess that's how they make the money! I'm still holding out for onboard spa specials. I do think their spa prices are a tad high. Not totally crazy, but like 10-15% higher than I feel it should be. The combo package they had on our last cruise was very reasonable though.

Hoping to rebook some upcoming cruises onboard. Not sure if it will end up being a better deal on the Alaska cruise. I booked that on the first day I could and it seems those might have gone up. We'll see on the others.

I have a huge pile of clothes and stuff waiting to be packed. As I think of things, I just add them to the pile. Then I'll go back and edit, lol.

 

[everafter1]

I know what you mean about the passporter. I keep checking the website and Amazon, but it seems to keep getting pushed back. I'll probably check at the bookstore right before we leave too.

About guest services, I read one trip report that someone just walked up to guest services and said, "what are the extras I need to sign up for?" A lot of the extras are offered on sea days, so you can have time to fit them in.

I'm also holding out for onboard spa specials. We usually get the wine package, as well. 10 days does seem like a lot, but I think we'll use it all. I am actually hoping to get some wine in port to bring home, but I think there are customs regulations like 1 liter per person on this. I'm not sure though. I'm also looking for those wine bags that allow you to pack it (for the trip home) they are supposed to be leak proof. I know I've seen them, maybe I'll check World Market.

 

[laydee314]

Anyone ordered any gifts or amenities? I'm nosy. I did buy a sparkling cider bon voyage celebration thing. I thought my daughter would get a kick out of that and it was only like $30. I really wanted the wine package, but not 10 nights worth. I wish I could pre-order less, but I guess that's how they make the money! I'm still holding out for onboard spa specials. I do think their spa prices are a tad high. Not totally crazy, but like 10-15% higher than I feel it should be. The combo package they had on our last cruise was very reasonable though.

Hoping to rebook some upcoming cruises onboard. Not sure if it will end up being a better deal on the Alaska cruise. I booked that on the first day I could and it seems those might have gone up. We'll see on the others.

I have a huge pile of clothes and stuff waiting to be packed. As I think of things, I just add them to the pile. Then I'll go back and edit, lol.

So you couldn't order the smaller wine package? I'm contemplating whether or not to go for it. I don't find their list of wines in the package that superb for the cost per bottle but not sure if I'll get better choices or prices if I order as needed during dinner?
Did you already book Alaska? That sounds so awesome. Unless that gets more interest than the Med cruises, it seems that the prices get better the later you book.

 

[laydee314]

Ugh, my futile attempt at the countdown ticker failed! How is it that I work in IT and I can't even figure the stupid html link out?

 

[sabrecmc]

So you couldn't order the smaller wine package?

No, you had to commit to the 10 night package, though on the website it just listed the 7 night. I was hoping I could order that, but DCL said no. I also wasn't too impressed with the wines in the package, so really didn't want 10 bottles. With 7 bottles, that left us some room to splurge or try other cocktails. Alas...

Interesting, but the DCL site now lists the 10 night package. Class is $255 and Premium is $355. And yes, I was clicking on the Barcelona tab. This has been some time ago though, so they probably updated things.

About guest services, I read one trip report that someone just walked up to guest services and said, "what are the extras I need to sign up for?"

Duh. That's such a good idea! Why don't I think of these simple things?

 

[fitnessmouse]

Character tea?
How many of those are there? and what characters can we expect?