MickeyMed 7/25/2014 12 Night Cruise

DISNEY FANTASY · Jul 23, 2014

MickeyMed 12 night cruise July 26th Disney Magic.

Not a pre trip......but a live trip report!

magnet1 by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

Friday Barcelona

Cruise

Full Navigators.

Saturday Barcelona, Spain Photos
Embarkation.
Sunday Villefranche (Nice), France. Monaco /villefrance photos.Antibes.
Monday La Spezia, Italy. Cinque Terre,
Tuesday Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy
Wednesday At Sea
Thursday At Sea
Friday Piraeus, Greece Athens.
Saturday Kusadasi, Turkey Photos
Sunday Mykonos, Greek Isles
Monday At Sea
Tuesday Valetta, Malta Photos.
Wednesday At Sea
Thursday Barcelona, Spain
Friday Barcelona Spain

Med magnet blank2 by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

Well here we all go yet again, seasoned cruisers, and platinum with Disney Cruise line, we are headed back to the Disney a magic again after being on the Wonder last year in Alaska and the Fantasy back to back in the Caribbean in 2012.

We live in London UK and have sailed with DCL in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Baltic, Panama and as said before Alaska. This " booking / reservation" was booked on board in August 2012 and transferred to this Med cruise on release on 14th February 2013 for the best prices. We always use a DCL TA who have been good to us over the years they give some on board credit but have clout with DCL and sort out any problems very well giving me far more control.*

For months of planning I have booked non DCL shore trips in every port of call for flexibility, to do what we want to do, sometimes to save money over cruise line port adventurers, but to avoid the tourist shops the tourist dinners that are poor and rushed like school, and have a local expert look after us personally.*

I used shoreside concierge only a little in March this year just before our 120 booking window for Palo meals and dinner rotation, as said we have not booked any DCL shore trips on this cruise, Alaska last year was the same with six shore trips on the cruise all private in the three ports of call, two in each port, we saved a lot of Monet, had trips and flight times we wanted and had a lot of added benefits.*

We have had an very active Facebook group everyone able to talk freely without moderation and plan for this twelve night cruise.

We Fly to Barcelona by BA ( British Airways) Club Europe, it's just a two hour flight. I have booked and pre paid a private transfer to hotel in city centre. This is a package this one cost 69 far cheaper than the DCL transfers overall and I have one booked on Saturday to the port and a tour on disembarkation. More later on that.

We have reservations at the hard rock Barcelona first night and then will walk La Rambala to the sea front and back.*

So Saturday - we are in the hotel in the city, at the Hotel Jazz it's centrally located just a block from Placa Catalunya the tourist hub of Barcelona where for example the HOHOs start and a big train station. I have a private booked transfer to port embark Disney Magic.

So to the main even the Cruise

MedMagic by Andrew D Porter, on Fli

Transfer 10am, check in, embarkation, see ship, find our room. We are in a midship Cat T the old Cat3s and we have an extended verandah for the use all cruise but we have for long sea days some around the Greek Islands do well worth it.*

I understand from recent Med cruisers that the CD is Brent. Captain is Captain Robert, from the Netherlands. Angeline and Twanda appear to be the concierge hosts Angeline maybe ours port side. Entertainment includes for production shows and a ventriloquist, Kyle and Misty Magic we should get the premier of Guardians of the galaxy on our cruise.*

Since our last cruise on the Magic, it had a refurbishment in September 2013, it had new features added such as the*re-imagined Oceaneers Club,a new restaurant, Cariocas , also the casual buffet; previously known as Topsiders that had breakfast and lunch Buffets, this venue is now known as Cabanas, similar to the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. The Australian setting of the Disney-Pixar animated classic Finding Nemo inspires the décor with hints of the films fishy and feathered friends throughout the restaurant.

The options of food and beverage stations / Islands that are plentiful Lamb chops, chilled mussels and crab, swordfish, ribeye, salmon, and so much more. It was almost too much to choose from.

Water entertainment, the AquaDunk, a fast drop water slide over the edge of the ship, now*on the pool deck, lots of fun was added. The classic Mickey Pool, that was shaped like Mickey Mouse, has been totally replaced by the 1,800-square foot AquaLab (ages 3 and up) and new Nephews Splash Zone (up to age 3) that stars Donald Ducks mischievous nephews, Huey, Dewey and Louie.

The Mickey slide was replaced with the Twist n Spout water slide featuring 250 feet of sliding fun, loops and turns. Located adjacent to the Aqualab, it is a kid-friendly waterslide, a little less daunting than the monstrously exhilarating AquaDunk. I am not sure if I will go on Aquadunk, I did love and miss Aquaduck on the Fantasy.

Also the food places on deck have changed, Eye Scream and Frozone Treats, 2 new quick-service venues. Originally debuting on the Disney Dream, Eye Scream offers up soft-serve ice cream (complimentary) and Frozone Treats mixes up refreshing, frozen fruit smoothies (nominal charge).

We requested MDR Rotation #3 which is as follows: CLACLACLAACL.
Animators Palate; has two dinner shows that displays during dinner, these will happen on the first two nights at Animators Palate on this rotation. Pirate Night is on Monday August 4th. (Sea day post Mykonos) Formal Night is on Wednesday July 30th (1st sea day post Rome) and Semi-Formal Night is on Tuesday August 5th. (Malta) The other two dinner rotations here.
Rotation #1: LACLACLACCLA
Rotation #2: ACLACLACLLAC

Navigator Med Day1 Barcelona 002 by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

Med magnet blank by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

We will go to our room at 1.30 when they open, check it out, and put our door magnets up and look out for our luggage to arrive.

Day 1 Barcelona, Spain -- depart 4:30 p.m.

Day 2*Villefranche (Monte Carlo, Cannes, Nice), France* 8:45 a.m. 6:30 p.m.
Private tour:-
Cannes Antibes and Mountain towns
http://www.kultours.fr/tourenuk.html
We are not sharing this tour with anyone and going to Cannes as we haven't been there before, we gave been to Nice, Grasse, Eze, and Monaco before.*

UPDATED 7/24 Our tour operator has a family emergency so we have swapped to:-
E-mail: DiCristoSylvie@gmail.com
You may also call us: +33 609 88 83 83
website: www.FrenchRivieraGuides.net Sylvie DI CRISTO/Alpes-Guides-Interpreters
Going to Antibes Cannes and a Nice.

Day 3 La Spezia (Florence, Pisa), Italy** 7:45 a.m. 7:30 p.m.
Private tour:-Cinque Terre
https://www.papillonservice.com/tours-from-la-spezia-port.php
Two people from our Facebook group asked to join us and we have a private guide in the Cinque Terre. We have been to Pisa, Floraence, and Lucca before do this us something new for us.*

Day 4 Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy 7:15 a.m. 6:45 p.m.
Private tour:-
Rome
http://www.bestourofitaly.com/
Two other couples asked to join us so there will be right on this tour, we gave a private guide here for the Vatican

Day 5 At Sea -- --we have a*Palo Brunch booked for three my daughter is now eighteen so her first time, I will arrange for my son to have room service or take him to cabanas.*

Day 6 At Sea -- --nothing planned relaxing day on the verandah.*

image by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

Dsy 7 Piraeus (Athens), Greece 8:00 a.m. 6:45 p.m.
Private tour:-
Athens
https://www.athensbytaxi.com/
We have a couple joining us here so it will be six people.
I was last here twenty years ago but gave travelled all the main Greek Islands.*

Day 8 Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey 7:30 a.m. 6:45 p.m.
Private tour:-Ephesus, Terrace houses, Virgin Mary house, Turkish real not tourist meal.

http://www.ephesustours.biz/
We have a private tour on our own and this has been pre paid in USA $.I last visited here twenty give years ago.*

Day 9 Mykonos, Greece 7:30 a.m. 6:45 p.m.
Hired a jeep to tour island and go to Elia beach
Palo Dinner, platinum so free!

Day 10 At Sea -- --on the verandah Greek island cruising.*

Day 11 Valletta, Malta 7:45 a.m. 5:00 p.m.
Semi Private tour:- Malta
http://www.maltaonlineguide.com/about.html
Another family looking into the best guides for this island found I had already booked her do they join us today.*

Day 12 At Sea -- --Palo brunch 2

Day 13 Barcelona, Spain disembark 8:30 a.m. --

Private tour:- Tossa Da Mar and Ginoa
http://www.barcelonadaytours.com/

Back to hotel Jazz for two nights.

Barcelona free days. But have booked Park Guell and Sagrada Famila.*

Saturday 9th Flight home. BA Club Europe

DISNEY FANTASY · Jul 23, 2014

image by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

image by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

The " Ones " I like to see

Day one. Travel. Started off well to the airport and check in, but flight delay due to (1) incoming flight delay and (2) reported thunderstorms at Barcelona meaning Spanish Air traffic delays at destination and restricted slots. Plans on arrival cut any rest time out so we will have a transfer to our hotel checkin and then after a quick freshen up go to the Hard Rock for dinner where we have a reservation. Plans post dinner are to walk La Rambala subject to the rain. We embark the cruise on Saturday. First tip of the day! It rains in Spain, yes it's normally hot in summer but bring a Mac or poncho and have plan B touring plans for rain say Sagrada familia ! Present flight we could see the captain going around the thunder clouds locally as we got into Spanish airspace . We landed at 15.25 local that's about 40 mins late. Border control and to baggage reclaim at 15.40 nothing up yet.first thing seen through border control was a DCL rep. In fact there was another DCL rep at our baggage claim and plenty outside we were out and in our private transfer by 15.55 on the way to the city.

We got to our Hotel around 16.30 local.

image by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

image by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

More updates here

DISNEY FANTASY · Jul 23, 2014

So we are in Barcelona, it's hot and a bit humid, tonight we went for a walk, went for a meal at the very busy Hard a Rock cafe. Then walked La Rambala, the famous market, so great to look at the fruit, the sweets/candy, fish and meat on sale. We walked to the old harbour Barcelonette, the gothic area and back.

It's very very busy tonight crowds everywhere.

image by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

image by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

Cruise port in the distance past the new bridge.

DISNEY FANTASY · Jul 23, 2014

image by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

DISNEY FANTASY · Jul 23, 2014

Saturday 26th Cruise day.

image by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

Plans

Breakfast.

Transfer booked 10am to port.

10.30 Port opening.

Embarkation Concierge meet, Cabanas, walk the ship, to stateroom.

Navigator Med Day1 Barcelona 001 by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

DISNEY FANTASY · Jul 23, 2014

Villefrance.

Navigator Med Day2 Villefrance 001 by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

image by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

Limited post due to limited time will update this post cruise.

The ship is in very good condition, no funny smells, no plumbing issues, the Internet is very very very good. We will dock about 8 am it's hot and sunny and seas calm.

I can't keep uploading to Flickr re high MBB use but the blog has it direct.

Med merchandise, the soda station drinks and movies and show listings on that.

This will have it updated later.

Plans to be posting live from the ship and ports of call. These posts will be updated during the cruise.

DISNEY FANTASY · Jul 23, 2014

OK the large photo files are eating into the Internet package it is fast but costly but for those who are following and can't wait a few random Images so far.

image by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

Beef last night Lumieres.

image by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

Platinum gift.

image by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

Platinum wine gift.

image by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

Villefrance.

image by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

Villefrance

image by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

St Paul De Vance

image by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

DISNEY FANTASY · Jul 23, 2014

Navigator Med Day3 La Spezia 001 by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

MickeyMed Final 2014 1543 by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

MickeyMed Final 2014 1522 by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

MickeyMed Final 2014 1497 by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

MickeyMed Final 2014 1493 by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

MickeyMed Final 2014 1488 by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

MickeyMed Final 2014 1441 by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

DISNEY FANTASY · Jul 23, 2014

Rome

Navigator Med Day4 Rome 001 by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

MickeyMed Final 2014 1738 by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

MickeyMed Final 2014 1725 by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

MickeyMed Final 2014 1707 by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

MickeyMed Final 2014 1685 by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

MickeyMed Final 2014 102 by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

MickeyMed Final 2014 099 by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

MickeyMed Final 2014 096 by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

MickeyMed Final 2014 089 by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

DISNEY FANTASY · Jul 23, 2014

Messina straights 30th July.

Sea day one

Navigator Med Day5 Sea day1 001 by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

We had a lay in and then went to brunch, it was great as usual. Then post brunch we saw a volcanic island to our starboard side, it was too early for Sicily so it was part of the chain of volcanically Islands before Sicily. We are going through the straights of Sicily about 2pm it only has four miles clearance overall, we have been going slow up to it, but they say transit and views will start from 2pm > 2.15pm.

Messina should be on our starboard and the mainland of Italy on our side, port.

The weather has been getting better and better bar a slight sower in the sun this morning when we were in Palo it's then got sunnier and the clouds cutting back and getting very hot. The pool decks are very full of people. The Internet has still been good even though we have been at sea and off the coast so far and everyone on so the Internet should have it's maximum use today following three port days. Everyone will be updating friends and family but the Internet is still very fast.

After the transit of Messina straights we will start to tuen East across the wide sea to the bottom of mainland Greece and up to Athens on Friday, it will get hotter and hotter.

Speaking with friends we all agree the service has got better, they have stepped it all up, now we have two VVIPs on we know one is the CEO Karl Holz so may explain the steps up service, but there is another in a concierge room, someone high up in Disney, we haven't worked it all out as of yet.

Concierge friends all agree the service has gone up as well, they are picking up on things we are saying and then delivering " magical moments" I am not going to post what as then they are no longer magical and expected, if I say. I got this everyone will then demand it as " included" just keep talking to concierge about your likes dislikes and what's important to you! any problems you may have any desires and you may be surprised what happens next.

Untitled by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

DISNEY FANTASY · Jul 23, 2014

Navigator Med Day6 Sea day2 001 by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

Sea day two.

MickeyMed Final 2014 2466 by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

MickeyMed Final 2014 2465 by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

First mystery, who stole an hour of my sleep last night? Clocks changed an hour forward so now two hours ahead of the UK. Firstly a round up of last night, we had Twice Charmed and the show presented to a packed audience. Again we have dual presenters Brent and Emaldo? In Spanish. I have seen it before but it has a different cast and it was very very good. This is the thing I like about the shows is that they evolve and develop and get better or change a bit due to the cast. So if someone says they saw this show a year ago, well it was a different show bar the structure. Tonight we have Grant Norman of Broadway, Phantom of the opera and beauty and the beast on.

MickeyMed Final 2014 2464 by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

It was light very early today so we needed the time zone change and feels a bit dry in the air, it is very hot already and the seas a very calm. Today we have a behind the scenes tour and also a concierge cocktail party.

Service continues to be fantastic, and the views outstanding.

Friday will be the port of Piraeus for Athens and we have a private tour all day, others have joined us and also others booked the same tour company.

Answers to some questions frequently asked.

The Magic is in very very very good condition and no issues on maintenance.
The smell is nice, in fact I think at times there pumping some nice smell around.
Last night they were selling freshly made popcorn at preludes.
The Internet is fast but my children and I are through four large packages so far.
No deck noise issues in our room so far!

MickeyMed Final 2014 2463 by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

Guardians of the Galaxy is on tonight, well at 00.01 so technically Friday for it's premier.

MickeyMed Final 2014 2461 by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr
Well it's hot hot hot feels like we are in a glasshouse, the IPad screen is dewing up as I write this. We have blue sky's with a few white clouds, very calm seas all around nearly glass like, and cruising slow at nine knots. Lots of activities across the ship, it was very quiet this morning after the lost of an hour Cabanas was nearly empty at 8.10 when I was in there. Cabanas works well. I did pop in there for a look at one dinner time, (Rome) it mainly was fast food stuff, chicken tenders fries etc with a basic salary bar and the only main entree seemed to be a car very roast, there were desserts but I would emphasise it was very basic and not a good alternative to the MDRs. Tonight we are in Animators for our second visit, ( ? Six nights gone already?) we have the animation magic show where you draw up a cartoon character within an outline spaces of head arms body and legs and it comes to life on screens. We did it on the Fantasy it's great fun. We have been asked to turn up early to do it as it's a standard menu of Prince and princess in all MDRs tonight.

MickeyMed Final 2014 2460 by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr
I would post some photos but it's just blue calm sea and nothing else. We should be seeing Greece soon the three fingers / peninsulas of the mainland before we turn North East for Athens on Friday.

I am currently typing this from Cove Cafe on the soft sofas there it's getting busier now as the day goes on.

PS the international ambassador with Brent is Arnaldo, he translates in the shows into Spanish the announcements Brent makes, but all shows are in English but some films have Spanish showings.

It's been a great cruise so far, I see we are looking at 32c in Athens tomorrow. The information on the TV screens has been updated, we didn't have this on the Wonder last year it plots hour by hour, temperature, sun, rain, wind, for our course.

As I look out it looks as if we have stopped, but actually if you look down you can see we are moving very very slow.

Concierge cocktail meet tonight in a Keys, a character will appear and also Karl Holz will join us, looking forward to it.

All the Magic now needs is a concierge lounge, maybe have it at the arcade deck nine and move the arcade. Or take over Palo for breakfast on all port days.

Sailing past Greek Islands tonight, we are due into Athens about 6 am been hot and sunny and a lovely sea day we had a great show and a concierge meet with Karl Holz in attendance.

DISNEY FANTASY · Jul 23, 2014

Athens day

Navigator Med Day7 Athens 001 by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

We have had a fantastic day in Greece today it was very hot at 35c and only a few odd clouds in the sky. We had a private tour and quite a few people on our cruise booked the same company, details at the top of the thread. Concierge guided us off the ship through the terminal which is used normally for ferris and cruises to the Greek Islands, our tour guide and driver were there for us, do far the easiest to find and then we were off. Our guide Georgia was fantastic, knowledgable, talking about Greece, history and background information. We had a great driver Demetri, a Liverpool FC supporter. So we had a quick transfer to the acropolis, Quick tip Children of the EU are normally privileged to free or reduced admission so take ID to prove their age and country if EU, it saved us over €25. That's at the Acropolis and the New Acropolis museum for example. So we were at the Acropolis quickly whilst open and dressy had some crowds there we got up fast with lots of space to see all the sights and it was only on the way back down we saw the 27 odd DCL coaches come up in groups, just think on the commission on that, it was noticeably busier and more crowded by then. We then had a city tour, then went to the new acropolis museum at the hottest part of the day. We then went to Monstraki for lunch and then the Greek agora. After a bit of shopping we drove to the highest point over the city and had breathtaking views. We were back around 5.30pm did some more shopping in the terminal and went on the ship. Tonight was Greek night on the ship, Greek food, Greek music playing. Live Greek band, characters dressed locally. The servers did a presentation dance in the gangways of the restaurant and invited cruisers up to Greek dance.

Tonight we have a Beetles tribute band in the WDT and the show times are 7 pm and 9 pm, it keeps changing in ports and entry times have varied from 45 mins before to 35 mins before tonight.

image by Andrew D Porter, on FlickrFar more updates on line in the blog.

Saturday is Kusadasi Turkey day and we have a deluxe tour all day including Ephesus. Great cruise so far.

DISNEY FANTASY · Jul 23, 2014

Kusadasi.

Navigator Med Day8 Kusadasi 001 by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

Due to cellphone and web Internet access today's report is limited - The photos are now on the blog,

Weather today has been hot, from what we have seen we were lucky that the temperatures dropped today as it was partly cloudy, and therefore was a good touring day but still it was very very hot.

We left the ship at 7.40 am escorted off by concierge for speed and met our guide in the port terminal.

Our private tour included, Ephesus The House of Virgin Mary Terrace Houses. St Johns Basilica, Temple of Artemis. On arrival in port today there was a cruise ship in from Louise lines and later it went and at Princess cruises ship pulled aside us. So the Louise lines cruisers were already off and on tour.

We had a big van it could seat say ten people and it was just us four in the van with the driver and a personal guide who has had good reviews on trip advisor. We went straight to Ephesus, and went directly in, there were a few Louise line cruisers there but overall it wasn't too crowded some of the photos we got early on had no other people in them.

Ephesus is massive and very impressive what you see, we were guided around and shown the old way of life here when it was a port before it silted up. We visited the terrace houses that needs an extra admission ticket, that shows recent houses that have been excavated.

After Ephesus we got a horse and cart around to the entrance of Ephesus as we went one way from top to bottom some tours come in at the bottom and go around and miss a bit and leave the same way, we went one way and didn't miss anything. Our guide paid for the horse and cart, again we were lucky up and until the Library and odeon we were ahead of the crowds.

Then a quick ride to the Virgin Mary's house and again abut five people there on front of us and when we left the DCL tour buses were turning up, we counted up to 42 in Ephesus and Virgin Mary house. We went in the chapel, and around lit a cancel and drank the holy water there.

Then it was off to St Johns Basilica it was now getting very hot and we were pleased for the early start. All the buildings seen were very interesting and steeped in history.

We continued to the temple of Artemis that's basically one Column up but it has breathtaking views back up to St Johns.

We then drove to Serince a hill top village with bazaars and restaurants and we had lunch in what seemed to be someone's large house with lots of local Turkish food which was very nice. Our guide Banu joined us and all through this she was very informative and very caring, we were offered gifts, Turkish delight, water, a metal bath set, drinks, books all included.

We had free time to shop, later we went to a pottery and Turkish carpet presentation the pottery was interesting but a hard hard sell. The carpet presentation was interesting but a form no worked.

Post trip we went shopping in the Kusadasi bazaar and then went back on the ship. A great day and a loverly port of call, we have dinner tonight, which is a "Mediterranean" menu followed by film night.

The weather has just whipped up with a strong wind causing winds so it could well be choppy.

We are off to Mykonos tomorrow.

image by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

As I right this a Brent the CD has come on the ship PA as loud as possible, I think more directed to our close neighbouring ship the Princess ship, running down the benefits of DCL, the movie premier today, the Disney difference and the Beatles tribute in the entertainment bars. I think he was winding up the opposition. Well over half the cruise gone and we officially turn direction and turn back on ourselves now. A sign it's coming to an end.

image by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

DISNEY FANTASY · Jul 23, 2014

Mykonos

Navigator Med Day9 Mykonos 001 by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

A very good day today far more relaxing less sightseeing and more me time. We got off the ship at 7.30am got my hire car delivered to the port and then drove to the town. After that we drove to Elia beach and got some sun beds at the waters edge, the sea is crystal clear a lovely blue. About 45 minutes later the DCL coaches started to arrive. They had the same sun beds area as us and a number of coaches came. We then had a jet ski and more of a swim, lunch, and more sun bed time before droning back to town. We went to the Kato mills the windmills and then walked the town before having a nice cream and a drive back to the ship.

Tonight we gave Palo dinner. Monday is a sea day with no activities planned. Photos from Palo in the blog.

Sea Day 3 and Pirates night.

image by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

DISNEY FANTASY · Jul 23, 2014

Sea day three.

Navigator Med Day 10 Sea day 3 001 by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

image by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

Currently we are away from any islands and sailing towards Malta it's hot and sunny with a strong breeze the sea is choppy but not felt on the pool decks as we are higher. Many cruisers have taken the opportunity to have a lay in, Cabanas was rather empty and there have not been too many cruisers on the pool deck. I have has a swim on my own in the Cove pool and a whirlpool on my own. A lazy day today after the hectic port intensive days. At Cove pool they have been very strict on reserving pool chairs with towels removed also a random strictness on under 18s one officer seems to like to enforce it in a Regis fashion but no one else does. As for the condition of the Magic on deck right there was a problem in the hallways where a sewage pipe was blocked. They dealt with it then washed the area including the carpet down making it soaking wet and then put dehumidifiers down to dry it out. These were very noisy. The location kept moving about maybe as people complained and post show last night ended up adjacent to our main bedroom making a noise. I spoke to guest services and they had been removed before I had reached the stateroom back.

image by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

MickeyMed Final 2014 2459 by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

MickeyMed Final 2014 2458 by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

MickeyMed Final 2014 2455 by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

MickeyMed Final 2014 2454 by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

DISNEY FANTASY · Jul 23, 2014

Malta

Navigator Med Day 11 Malta 001 by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

A great day in Malta today firstly weather wise it was very hot and dry getting to 32c and kill the breeze it felt the hottest of all the ports of call. We toured the island on a private tour details in the earlier posts, starting at 8am and finishing just after 4pm. Highlight for me was the boat trip to the blue grotto beautiful. St Johns Cathedral was also impressive. We had lunch in a fishing port which was nice, we are about to leave our last port of call, already feeling the last day of the cruise. We have tip sheets I am pre paid bar concierge which has a new tipping sheet. We have a lithograph gift by Don Ducky Williams and a new sign on the bed if you take anything from the room you will be charged for it. We have disembarkation information and luggage tags already it does feel like last night. It's been a great cruise we have seen so many places some we have been to before some new. These European cruises are the most profitable for DCL as well as a full ship at high prices all you need to do is see the forty odd coaches organised by DCL lined up in each port, the people booking DCL private tours say ten in each port at high prices , it's now the most profitable cruises above Alaska.Tonights show is "junk" music played on non instruments, ie Junk. Dinner is captains gala.

DISNEY FANTASY · Jul 23, 2014

Sea day four / End of the cruise.

Navigator Med Day 12 Sea day4 001 by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

Well the inevitable comes, it's the last full cruise day and we are now all think I g about disembarkation tomorrow. On reflection it has been a fantastic cruise.

The plans for the day, well I was up early and went to Cabanas for breakfast the rest of the family had a lay in. Weather wise it's sunny blue sky's but a very strong breeze, partly as we are going very fast at 20 knots but also in the open seas. The seas are choppy but on our deck and pool deck we do not feel any movement.

I went for a swim in Cove cafe, fine water was a bit cold but ok to swim on, lots of people have reserved chairs with towels but few people there and not being enforced as before.

Tonight's show is Disney Dreams and the meal is till we meet again and in the lobby they will have the till we meet again character parade at 10.15pm.

I have just finalised my tips, increasing them for everyone above the pre paid amounts and also instructed guest services for the concierge tip.

We have our second Palo brunch at 12 noon today so more lunch than brunch, and then we need to think about packing for disembarkation.

Highlights, so pleased we booked our own private tours in each port that worked very well and those who joined us fully agreed, seeing the forty odd coaches outside on arrival each day and the groups being bearded around on whisper systems, not getting good photo opportunities hitting the restrooms and lunch all at the same time, our decisions were sound there. Service overall has been above and beyond expectations, they have gone a few notches up on this cruise, only encounter one rude staff member an officer, but the rest have been very nice and accommodating. On board booking desk is doing a roaring trade and when people ask to book the Norwegian fjord cruises it's often sorry sold out. The Baltic's 2015 are similar nearly sold out.

DCL is fully aware how popular the European cruises are and are looking at the future.

Interesting development of the cruise was that they had the International ambassador, Arnaldo, who in very show translated into Spanish what Brent had said. It does take an extra five minutes to deliver which eats into show time. It shows how popular the cruises are with Spaniards, some 25% on this cruise and increasing on the for coming 4/6/7 night cruises with dinner moved to 9pm for late sitting.

A word about last nights show, Junk, from the UK a very good show to a full house and very well received, very funny, just do not try to leave the show whilst it is on.

The guest entertainers overall have been very good, the extra. DCL cast shows, over Dreams, Villains, and Twice Charmed have been a little sub park with The dream goes on more like a Disney advert.

Internet has remained very good all cruise but it's fast to use up on the data packages now.

Shops have been doing a roaring grade selling out of some goods and clothing sizes early.

It was said pre cruise on the Internet that we needed our passports on every port of call and we took them they do remind you on the ship to take photo ID, whilst they asked this not once did we every show or were asked to show our passports or photo ID, any port with security just checked your cruise card and on the ship they have your photo linked to the card. They are however most strict on children below 18 they cannot get off unless the parent is there and the parent scans their card just before the child.

We have been told this is the re imagined Magic, well to me it's been the good old Magic with a couple of upgrades, 95% of it is the old Magic, Cabanas is the most noticeable improvement and works very well, we were used to it from the Fantasy. The rest blends in as it was before, Carioca's is basically Parrot Cay with new lampshades, Animators has been brought up to date and was great to be in on Pirate night. Animation Magic was fun brought over from the Fantasy. The kids clubs look nice, as well as the adult district After hours but it's more of a facelift than a change.

We have taken thousands of photos and have all the navigators these will uploaded post our holiday, we have a tour on Thursday picking us up in the port and dropping us at our hotel for two nights, then Friday we have some visits booked in Barcelona before flying back Saturday afternoon.

For those who have been reading my blog and I know it's a heck of a lot of people from the hits, a big thank you, keep tuned and bookmarked as we have the quality photos and inflation to come that we can't post on the spot, whilst we are on vacation.

We have our tips prepared, we have Chip and Dale luggage tags, and welcome to Barcelona instructions. Brent said he is on ship for a few more cruises in the Med then his ACD Natalie takes over. Our concierge Angelia leaves this cruise and is taken over by Wendy.

Great weather all this cruise hot sunny, blue sky's maybe a bit to hot.

MickeyMed Final 2014 2451 by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

MickeyMed Final 2014 1938 by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

MickeyMed Final 2014 1937 by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

MickeyMed Final 2014 1936 by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

MickeyMed Final 2014 1831 by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

DISNEY FANTASY · Jul 23, 2014

MickeyMed Final 2014 890 by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

Navigator Med Sundry docs 001 by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

We'll we are now off the cruise and will tour and stay in Barcelona until the weekend. Disembarkation was fast we had 7am breakfast and we saw people start to get off at 7.12 we got off at 7.45 just a walk through luggage in one area like a warehouse and no border control straight out. Plenty of taxis and DCL coaches and private transfers waiting. It's getting crowded now.

MickeyMed Final 2014 888 by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

MickeyMed Final 2014 886 by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

MickeyMed Final 2014 885 by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr

MickeyMed Final 2014 883 by Andrew D Porter, on Flickr