May 5, 2010 Magic of Barcelona

[sabrecmc]

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

On the 7 night cruise, there is 1 and it is usually with either Wendy Darling or Alice & the Mad Hatter. They tell their stories and have a little mini-tea. At least, according to my outdated Passporter. Its mostly for kids, obviously, but grown ups can attend! I'm certainly planning on being there. Screw Palo tea...

ETA: Checking on the DCL website, I saw this at the top of my reservation page:

Only 29 days until your cruise sets sail!

That's under a month, people! Whoo-hoo!

 

[laydee314]

Only 29 days until your cruise sets sail!

That's under a month, people! Whoo-hoo!

Double WOO-HOO!!!

 

[torimarrett]

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?

Kaleigh,
I tried sending you a PM but alas I don't have 10 posts yet to allow me to send you our info. I will work on that and get it to.

 

[sabrecmc]

Kaleigh, I was noticing the ones that were sold out as well and thought there were some surprises. I guess maybe it just has to do with how many people a particular excursion can handle. Anyway, none of mine are sold out! We probably picked weird ones. Trying to figure out things a 4 year old would enjoy. That largely limits us to half-day excursions so she can get back for a nap. Rome is the only one we are doing all day and that just really can't be avoided with the travel time. Maybe she'll sleep on the bus.

Question: Would it work to go to the port at 10:30 or so on the 5th and drop off our luggage and then go to the Aquarium, which is right there at the port? Then we could just walk back that afternoon and board sometime after 1pm. Is there a reason that wouldn't work?

 

[laydee314]

Question: Would it work to go to the port at 10:30 or so on the 5th and drop off our luggage and then go to the Aquarium, which is right there at the port? Then we could just walk back that afternoon and board sometime after 1pm. Is there a reason that wouldn't work?

That sounds like a really good idea. I don't see why it wouldn't work. Also, it looks like if you stayed in one of the Disney-approved hotels, they would help you with expediting the drop-off of the luggage or check-in.

 

[sabrecmc]

Thanks for the reply, laydee! I thought it would work, but for some reason kept thinking I must be missing something and it couldn't be that easy. We are in Le Meridien, but I booked it myself for about half the cost of what DCL was going to charge me.

 

[Kaleigh]

Question: Would it work to go to the port at 10:30 or so on the 5th and drop off our luggage and then go to the Aquarium, which is right there at the port? Then we could just walk back that afternoon and board sometime after 1pm. Is there a reason that wouldn't work?

That is what we are planning to do, except we are going to the Maritime Museum, but it is a decent walk. There is a link to the map of the terminal on the website under the Barcelona page. We will be in terminal C. http://may5med.weebly.com/barcelona.html
I think it will matter somewhat how hot/sunny it is that day. We can walk forever under normal conditions, but if it is too hot with no shade, we might take the blue bus.

 

[everafter1]

Here's a random question... What is everyone wearing on port days? The reason I ask is I noticed some excursions asked to keep knees and shoulders covered. I'm figuring it's because we'll be going into churches or other places where it would be disrespectful to wear shorts.

I also read somewhere that the port of Tunis asked for "modest dress."

I'm assuming these guidelines mean no shorts or tank tops... but what about Capri pants? I am short, so they definitely cover my knees. My husband was also asking if jeans would be ok in some of these ports. And what about flip flops? I will probably wear sneakers in port, but I'm just curious. I just wanted to ask, because I've never been to Europe and I don't want to be rude or disrespectful

 

[sabrecmc]

I plan to wear capris most days with short sleeve or 3/4 sleeve shirts. No tank tops in churches (but some of them offer these paper wrap things you can borrow...I wouldn't count on it, but lots of the major sites had them back in 04). I've never had a problem wearing flip flops but would not want to wear those and do a lot of walking. Jeans are fine (in fact, I wore jean capris all through Europe last time and never had an issue). Never been to Tunis, but will probably dress a bit more covered for that port?

Thanks for the info Kaleigh! Glad we're not the only people thinking along those lines. Just seemed like it would be a good way to kill a few hours indoors while we wait for the rooms to be ready.

 

[everafter1]

That's very helpful, thank you! I was thinking something similar to that as well. I have a lot of denim capris, so I just wanted to be sure.

Less than a month!

 

[orojean]

Are jeans allowed in the dining rooms on the boat as a part of cruise casual? I can dress them up a bit with a nice shirt and shoes!

 

[orojean]

Here's a random question... What is everyone wearing on port days? The reason I ask is I noticed some excursions asked to keep knees and shoulders covered. I'm figuring it's because we'll be going into churches or other places where it would be disrespectful to wear shorts.

I also read somewhere that the port of Tunis asked for "modest dress."

I'm assuming these guidelines mean no shorts or tank tops... but what about Capri pants? I am short, so they definitely cover my knees. My husband was also asking if jeans would be ok in some of these ports. And what about flip flops? I will probably wear sneakers in port, but I'm just curious. I just wanted to ask, because I've never been to Europe and I don't want to be rude or disrespectful

I am packing mostly capri's.... For the kids I am torn. I do not want them to be roasting in pants while touring. Maybe if we have light jackets to cover any "bare" knees that would work, if needed.

 

[everafter1]

Are jeans allowed in the dining rooms on the boat as a part of cruise casual? I can dress them up a bit with a nice shirt and shoes!

The only guidelines I've ever seen for the dining rooms have been: no shorts or swimwear. That being said, I've never seen them turn anyone away either. One cruise I was on, the family my friend and I were seated with wore hoodies and jeans every night to dinner. I think the only place where the dress code is strictly enforced is Palo.

I will be packing capris, as well, but I think I need to do a little shopping too I have plenty of short sleeve shirts that cover shoulders, but I need a few more pairs of pants that I'll be comfortable touring in all day.

I know I've seen some pants where you can detatch half of the pant leg with a zipper, so that might be a good option for your kids if you can find them.

 

[Kaleigh]

I am bringing a lot of stretchy sundresses and will wear bike shorts underneath with some sandals I am breaking in. That way I will be dressed up enough, but still cool (and no chapping )

 

[sabrecmc]

Are jeans allowed in the dining rooms on the boat as a part of cruise casual? I can dress them up a bit with a nice shirt and shoes!

Yes, except Palo. I would not wear them on formal or semi-formal night myself, but I think they would still let you eat, lol. I plan to take a "dressy" pair of jean capris and like you, dress it up with a nice blouse, jewelry and shoes.

St. Peter's was the strictest about the dress code on our travels anyway. Shorts were not allowed on anyone, including kids. Slacks or a skirt/pants/dress that falls below the knee and covered shoulders for everyone. They did actually have monitors checking clothing, often at the door after you've gotten through security. This applies in the Basillica and Museums. You can always carry a sarong wrap to use to wrap around your waist or shoulders if needed.

 

[sabrecmc]

We pre-paid our tips last night. It was $120 per person, including my daughter. One more thing out of the way!

 

[laydee314]

Still unsure of weather - I don't imagine it to be like summer; I've read somewhere of people encountering rain. So capris, khakis and short-sleeve shirts for me. I'm probably the only person in the world that find jeans uncomfortable - also, they tend to weigh so much for packing.

 

[Kaleigh]

Still unsure of weather - I don't imagine it to be like summer; I've read somewhere of people encountering rain. So capris, khakis and short-sleeve shirts for me. I'm probably the only person in the world that find jeans uncomfortable - also, they tend to weigh so much for packing.

I agree with you about jeans Plus, no stretch room for cruise food

To Everyone:

Still adding people to the website if you haven't gotten your info or picture on the site yet, just pm me. I love seeing everyone's families!
http://may5med.weebly.com/

 

[Goofy Mum]

I don't think you folks coming from the USA will be 'hot'. In fact many parts of the Med will probably be cooler than where you live in the USA. But for us living in the EU we welcome 70 degree weather. I think today it reached a toasty 61 in Coventry! Highs today in Barcelona, 61. Rome 62. Nice 61. Tunis was a balmy 66! I'm an American but reside in the UK for that past 9.5 years. These are very warm temps for us. Im just saying for those folks coming from warm climates in the USA, be prepared to be a bit chilly.

 

[lmhall2000]

I will welcome 70's!! It seems here in Alabama we go from 40-90 overnight!! It's been in the 80's this past week and we hit 90 one day...whew! I got my airfare! After 5 months of diligently looking, we got it!! It was $707 plus taxes, so not so bad...we will be flying out EARLY Sunday morning (6:45!) wondering if my hotel (Hesperion) will have shuttle that early?? I got 2 rooms at the Hesperion for $87 each! Gotta love Priceline!

Now I can try to finish sewing our Fish Extender, warning, it's all homemade and I don't sew...so lots of uneven edges! HA!!!

Thanks for all the tips..keep 'em coming, I need a transfer to the port, going to try A2B...

Tara