May 5, 2010 Magic of Barcelona

[lmperrault]

Cruise Critic editor and chief is posting a daily video blog from the ship on it's April 24th sailing.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1189595

Lara

 

[lmperrault]

Here is a link to a self-guided audio tour for Mdina

http://mdinatoursmalta.com/mdina_tour.html

Also there is a waterpark on the sea in Malta and adjacent to a wildlife park.

http://www.splashandfun.com.mt/
http://www.mediterraneo.com.mt/facilities?l=1

I think we may go to Mdina in the morning and then to the waterpark/wildlife park afterwards. The waterpark said they will provide transportation back to the port for parties of eight or more. We'll be a party of six or eight depending on if my sister joins us. Any one else?

Lara

 

[lmperrault]

Came across this while looking for information on ports-

Self-guided walking tour of Ajaccio-
http://www.ajaccio-tourisme.com/doc/document_uk-36.pdf

La Petite Train-

http://www.petit-train-ajaccio.com/ google will translate in into English

Corsica Port Guide-
http://www.cruisemates.com/ports/mediterranean-cruises/corsica-port-guide.html

Corsica Beach guide-
http://www.bugbog.com/european_countries/france_travel_guide/corsica_beaches.html

Lara

 

[disney-lover]

Hi all, sorry not been around for a while. Been busy, shopping, washing, sorting etc etc but not packing yet, that will be done at the last possible minute!

Well while most are stressing about what to wear, take etc, I have been stressing about my stupid Fish Extender. It has been driving me potty, I had an idea what I wanted to do, months ago but then couldn't get the stuff to do it, so I am going for plan B.

I am really pleased though because I have got most of my magnets sorted and my wipe board is finished and looks great, also got half of the FE pressies finished. So it is all coming together nicely.

 

[strawberryblonde]

Here is a link to a self-guided audio tour for Mdina

http://mdinatoursmalta.com/mdina_tour.html

Also there is a waterpark on the sea in Malta and adjacent to a wildlife park.

http://www.splashandfun.com.mt/
http://www.mediterraneo.com.mt/facilities?l=1

I think we may go to Mdina in the morning and then to the waterpark/wildlife park afterwards. The waterpark said they will provide transportation back to the port for parties of eight or more. We'll be a party of six or eight depending on if my sister joins us. Any one else?

Lara

Thanks for the waterpark link! When I was looking into this months ago, I could only find an old link, so I wasn't even sure if it was still open. We are booked for the DCL blue grotto boat tour, but my kids were interested in doing this. We will chat about this and decide, we may join you

 

[strawberryblonde]

LOL! You guys thought I was breaking out the glue stick on the cruise?! No, I am printing the images and glue sticking them to my magnet pages, which I will then in turn magnet to the door.

I read it the way you meant it....glue sticking your printed out pics onto the magnet sheets ! Have you tried it yet and did it work?

 

[strawberryblonde]

Thanks for reminding me!! Going online right now!! I dread packing...let me just warn all of you now, you'll see our family wearing the same 3 outfits 3x!! We'll try and mix it up so we won't totally confuse you all! I don't want to pack really nice clothes b/c I am so afraid our luggage will be lost, even though I bought good insurance it only insures us for $200 for contents of the suitcases...that won't cover half our clothes...so I'm trying to get creative!

Thanks!!
Tara

Oh Tara! Pack your nice/comfortable things. You haven't had a vacation in so long, you deserve to feel great! I know airlines do horrible things with our luggage, but I have not lost a suitcase yet and we have done our fair share of flying. It could happen, but most likely will not. And think of all the photos you will be taking. I'm sure you will be creative for mixing/matching/layers, nothing wrong with reusing items !

 

[strawberryblonde]

I love that blog. It really made me more excited about Barcelona, especially the food.

Thanks for the blog link! I've had such fun reading through those posts with my kids, we find them very entertaining. Our favs were about the "best sandwich in the world" and the hot chocolate !!

 

[laydee314]

Thanks Kaleigh for your helpful website!
I am done with my exam and finally getting packing....I am still stressing about what to bring for formal and semi-formal night. Are people bringing long formal dresses or short dresses and skirts?? Can't wait to get on the plane and relax. Actually I'll probably sleep since we leave at 7 am from Seattle. Yikes!

I'm bringing a formal dress that's more in the length of a cocktail dress. Was thinking of bringing a pink princess gown that I wore for my engagement but realized I look like I was going to the prom. I'm also bringing 2 semi-formal dresses - something you might see at a summer day wedding. I was thinking of keeping it more simple but figured I don't get to wear the dresses enough as it is so why not use this occasion.

 

[laydee314]

Regarding online cruise docs, have people printed them out? Couldn't figure out how to print them from the website. Do I even need to print them?!?!

 

[Kaleigh]

Thanks Kaleigh for your helpful website!
I am done with my exam and finally getting packing....I am still stressing about what to bring for formal and semi-formal night. Are people bringing long formal dresses or short dresses and skirts?? Can't wait to get on the plane and relax. Actually I'll probably sleep since we leave at 7 am from Seattle. Yikes!

Thanks! I am just bringing sundresses, you know the stretchy fabric ones? I am only bringing a backpack, so I needed something that wouldn't take up space or wrinkle.

 

[Kaleigh]

Lara,
Thanks for all the links. I have posted them all on the site.

The founders of Disboards are also doing a daily video blog. It is here: http://www.wdwinfo.com/disney-cruise-line/
There is a link from their blog on facebook also which is here http://www.facebook.com/pages/Magic-in-the-Mediterranean/106252486075831
It is also on the linked on the website. I am loving the pictures of places we are going! Can't wait to be in Barcelona in a week.

Still sick. Woke up to a baby sitting in vomit in her crib this morning. Not fun.

 

[everafter1]

Thanks Kaleigh for your helpful website!
I am done with my exam and finally getting packing....I am still stressing about what to bring for formal and semi-formal night. Are people bringing long formal dresses or short dresses and skirts?? Can't wait to get on the plane and relax. Actually I'll probably sleep since we leave at 7 am from Seattle. Yikes!

I'm not bringing a formal evening gown, but I have a cute little black dress that is tea length. It also travels well, because it's not easily wrinkled. I just bought another cute dress, but I don't think it's formal... I'm still debating if I want to pack the nice cocktail dress I have. I think I am overpacking as it is!

 

[everafter1]

Thanks for reminding me!! Going online right now!! I dread packing...let me just warn all of you now, you'll see our family wearing the same 3 outfits 3x!! We'll try and mix it up so we won't totally confuse you all! I don't want to pack really nice clothes b/c I am so afraid our luggage will be lost, even though I bought good insurance it only insures us for $200 for contents of the suitcases...that won't cover half our clothes...so I'm trying to get creative!

Thanks!!
Tara

I may end up doing the same thing if I can't get my packing under control! I am also afraid of lost luggage, especially since we're arriving day of, but I'll still pack nice things. I think I may bring a carry on bag with a few essentials just in case, though. I'm definitely hoping that won't be an issue, but it's not something we can help. I did read about someone who lost luggage, but that DCL had it waiting for them in their room at another port.

I'm going to bring a sweatshirt and a light jacket... but I'm debating some long sleeve shirts, just in case. Again with the overpacking

 

[everafter1]

I also forgot to say thanks again Kaleigh for all the fantastic information on the website! It so helpful and it's nice to have everything in one place. I hope your little one feels better soon!

 

[laydee314]

Anybody check out the weather in Barcelona? I checked accuweather for the 3rd - 5th. Rain. Will make sightseeing pretty challenging.

 

[cj'smom]

Anybody check out the weather in Barcelona? I checked accuweather for the 3rd - 5th. Rain. Will make sightseeing pretty
challenging.

Thanks for the heads up on the weather. I hope it changes. Right now it looks like rain and cool temps every single day we will be there - how disappointing So much for the open air double decker HOHO tourist bus. I was really looking forward to some unrushed sun-filled time in a Mediterranean city - walks on the beach..outdoor cafes.... sigh....oh well, I'm sure we'll still have a great time. There are still quite a few indoor museums, etc.
Guess I better plan on adding a couple umbrellas and rain ponchos to my packing list!

 

[cj'smom]

Here is a link to a self-guided audio tour for Mdina

http://mdinatoursmalta.com/mdina_tour.html

Also there is a waterpark on the sea in Malta and adjacent to a wildlife park.

http://www.splashandfun.com.mt/
http://www.mediterraneo.com.mt/facilities?l=1

I think we may go to Mdina in the morning and then to the waterpark/wildlife park afterwards. The waterpark said they will provide transportation back to the port for parties of eight or more. We'll be a party of six or eight depending on if my sister joins us. Any one else?

Lara

The waterpark sounds like fun if it's warm enough. Anyone check out what temps have been there lately?

 

[everafter1]

Maybe the weather will clear some. I'll keep my fingers crossed. Weather.com is showing the 4th and 5th to be party cloudy with highs around 64.

Is anyone planning to do a beach day on your own in Corsica (weather permitting)? We are thinking about it if it's warm enough.

 

[cj'smom]

I completely empathize. The door magnets were really difficult to deal with. I was nearly in tears trying to get the text set and sized correctly. I had to resize them several times to figure out how to get them to print the full image and ended up with really small magnets. I spent FOREVER messing with them. It was a nightmare. I ended up printing on regular paper and doing a laminate with stick on magnets. I just have a few of them, since it was taking so long and it was so frustrating. As a plan b, try magnetic clips to put some postcards and photos on the door.

Sorry you had such a hard time with that. Now, I'm glad I'm not doing magnets. I think I"m going to print out some pics and just put them in magnetic frames - I'm all for quick and easy at this point! I've got plenty of other stuff to decorate my door already. Found a cute Disney princess wipe board for $1.00.