Nobody EXPECTS the Spanish Reposition!!! Taking the Magic Back to the Med 4/10/10

[Michelle2]

That's good to know. Thanks!

What do you think you'll do differently this time around?

I had so much fun on this cruise!! Sorry, long post ahead!
I know that Gibraltar we did on our own, and that worked out great. We did one of the private van tours that are all around the tram station since that line was so long! Taking the private tour was alot faster, and more personable! I noticed that the later it got in the day, the cheaper their prices became though. We also got swindled from a cab out of the port. He drove all around and went through all these winding streets to make it seem like it was a long and tricky way there, but it isn't at all.
Do not take a cab to the Rock. It is a fine walk, and saves you alot of money and headache of being swindled. We did this on the way back, and it was a beautiful way to see some of the city.

We did the horse show and royal academy in Cadiz and I really loved that one, but I don't know if I will do it again this time or not. It was between that and Seville, and this time, we may choose Seville since it will be something different, and everyone's pictures looked so beautiful there. Those horses are simply amazing. I felt really bad for the Transatlantic back, because they did not go there on the day of the week that they do the show, so they visited the grounds, but no show. I guess that could make a difference this time too!
We went to the gold dome church that you can see from the port, and that was pretty cool. It has a crypt down below that has an awesome echo area. You have to pay extra to go down into it, but it was worth it to me. Pretty creepy on my own, I was glad when others started going down there too. LOL
We stayed in this port late enough that we could have walked the city more.

Lisbon will be new. We did Tenerife last time, and I am excited they are changing that. There was not much to do in Tenerife---for us, at least.

In Barcelona, we did the Gaudi tour and it was fun. It was a bit crowded and hard to hear the guide at times. We saw alot of people from the boat there on their own, so that is a possibility. We would probably not do an excursion in Barcelona this time.

Other than that, I would do things differently at the airport on the way back, and now have a better idea of what cab fare SHOULD be from the port in Barcelona to the hotel we stayed at by the airport. There were ALOT of angry people at the hotel and alot complaining that they were swindled. So I guess for me, take as few of cabs as possible, and be more aware of cheating cab drivers! LOL That was the only negative. We really liked the hotel though, since they had free shuttles to downtown Barcelona.

Oh, and we stayed a night after in Barcelona and that was a mistake for us. I was so tired and we had seen the city the day before on an excursion, I was actually envious of those taking a flight on disembarkation day. I was not happy to leave the ship, but 1 half day in Barcelona was enough for us.

Our commute to DCL just got cut by about 90%
Our work is transferring us from Baltimore, Maryland to Tampa, Florida in June.

SOO lucky!!

Welcome!

Congrats!!!

Wow, this cruise is going to sneak up on us so fast! I've just been perusing air purchasing sites to get an idea of prices and flight plans from BCN. Is an 11:10am flight too early to get on our way home?

I do not think it is too early, because the last time, since we arrived in Barcelona the day before, I know lots of people (the table next to ours) who got off super early for flights home. Since we are not arriving that morning, some were even leaving off of the boat the night before!! Crazies!
So I would say no, 11:10 is not too early. Just make sure to get off the boat early enough because there was a big line for cabs to the airport. The ones that had to get the minivan cabs (more than 3 0r 4 people in the party or an excessive amount of luggage) were WAY backed up....probably at least an hour.

A lot of the research I've been doing has been showing 320 days out.
Right now we think we'll be flying out of JFK on either AirLingus or Swiss International Airlines as they seem to be the least expensive. I'd love to do United via Philadelphia but those prices are astronomical!!!

We did Swiss Air and they were just fine...they were the least expensive for us too, and we went through New York. As the time comes closer, ask me and I will give you some huge advice about them though for anyone that is taking them.

Here are some pictures if anyone is interested:

Park Guell on the Gaudy excursion out of Barcelona

Another of the park in Barcelona

La Sagrada de Familia

 

[CRSNDSNY]

That's great news!

I am so excited I am now at the window to purchase our tickets to Orlando for the cruise! Got a price of $120 one way - direct flight from Memphis. Now to ust decide how many days before I want to fly in!

Krisann

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Funny enough, it was your TR that sealed that deal for us. We will be flying home the day the cruise ends.

Oh, and we stayed a night after in Barcelona and that was a mistake for us. I was so tired and we had seen the city the day before on an excursion, I was actually envious of those taking a flight on disembarkation day. I was not happy to leave the ship, but 1 half day in Barcelona was enough for us.

Thanks! Did you fly from JFK? Do you remember how far in advance you purchased your flights?

I do not think it is too early, because the last time, since we arrived in Barcelona the day before, I know lots of people (the table next to ours) who got off super early for flights home. Since we are not arriving that morning, some were even leaving off of the boat the night before!! Crazies!
So I would say no, 11:10 is not too early. Just make sure to get off the boat early enough because there was a big line for cabs to the airport. The ones that had to get the minivan cabs (more than 3 0r 4 people in the party or an excessive amount of luggage) were WAY backed up....probably at least an hour.



We did Swiss Air and they were just fine...they were the least expensive for us too, and we went through New York. As the time comes closer, ask me and I will give you some huge advice about them though for anyone that is taking them.

Beautiful pics, btw! Thanks!

 

[brack]

I am so excited I am now at the window to purchase our tickets to Orlando for the cruise! Got a price of $120 one way - direct flight from Memphis. Now to ust decide how many days before I want to fly in!

Krisann

Our precruise plans went way down in price We'll stay home the night before and have friends drive us to the ship!

Sorry if it sounds like gloating,

 

[bound2travel]

330 DAYS so about may 15th depending how far ahead you are arriving for the cruise..


karl

Thanks for letting me know. I'm lucky that I live close enough a friend can drive me to the ship. I figure I'll be able to book a return flight beginning in 20 days. But since I hope to go to London for a couple of days, I may have to wait until 24 days to book. I'm too afraid to book only to London and then wait 4 days later to book London home. If the airfare and such is too much to include London, then I'll just fly straight home from Barcelona.

I'm thinking of staying at a B&B in London - much cheaper than a hotel. I saw a neat one on the internet near Hyde Park and Grovesner Square (did I spell that right?).

Kristi

 

[j_darl]

I've been constantly looking at airfares and the cheapest way to do things, my expensive flight will be getting to Orlando (and I guess we wil have to stop over somewhere the night before). Getting home from Barcelona is easy for me a I live in the UK and there are plenty of chepa airfares available. If I can't get a reasonable price airfare to Orlando I may have to cancel the cruise but at least I haev until December to hunt one out!

 

[Lollipop's Mom]

UGH we may have to cancel this cruise
My daughter just got accepted into a performing arts high school (and it is hard to get into this school) and they really frown upon being away. They are always doing this production or that production, and this will fall right in the spring stuff.....
She wants this school so badly and worked hard to get in - but now we might have to cancel. I am going to leave it for now and see how it is going by the time final payment is due, and see what her teachers say, but I have a feeling we will not be going

I was looking at summer cruises and I can't afford the euro ones, and the prices for a 5 day out of orlando are completely out of control. I refuse to spend that for 5 days. I might switch to spring break and the price for an inside is doable, but its the exact cruise we took last year (western) and I would like to mix it up a little.....
So we have some decisions to make now.... this totally sucks - I have a great deal/price for this one and nothing seems as good now -we had our hearts set on this cruise.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Well that's a bummer about the cruise but WOW! Fantastic for your daughter! Whatever is meant to be will happen.

 

[Lollipop's Mom]

I just officially cancelled
But I rebooked for her spring break week, which happens to land on the Feb 27th Eastern cruise - I grabbed a cat 11 for $899 and can't complain at that price! I still keep my 10% credit and $200 OBC for booking on board.
Its a fantastic school and an opportunity of a lifetime for her - Europe is not going anywhere and we will do it another time!

 

[dolphingirl47]

Such a shame that you had to cancel, but I am happy for your daughter that she is getting this opportunity. At least you still will be able to cruise.

Corinna

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Well, I"m glad you were able to get a good deal on another date! You'll be cruising as a family and that is what matters most!

What category on the EBTA did you end up cancelling?

I just officially cancelled
But I rebooked for her spring break week, which happens to land on the Feb 27th Eastern cruise - I grabbed a cat 11 for $899 and can't complain at that price! I still keep my 10% credit and $200 OBC for booking on board.
Its a fantastic school and an opportunity of a lifetime for her - Europe is not going anywhere and we will do it another time!

 

[mishoe01]

Our commute to DCL just got cut by about 90%


Our work is transferring us from Baltimore, Maryland to Tampa, Florida in June.

WOW!!

I live in Polk Country (bwtn Orlando & Tampa) if you ever want to meet up

 

[mishoe01]

I just officially cancelled
But I rebooked for her spring break week, which happens to land on the Feb 27th Eastern cruise - I grabbed a cat 11 for $899 and can't complain at that price! I still keep my 10% credit and $200 OBC for booking on board.
Its a fantastic school and an opportunity of a lifetime for her - Europe is not going anywhere and we will do it another time!

Sorry you need to cancel but that's a great opportunity for your daughter

 

[Tink rules]

WOW!!

I live in Polk Country (bwtn Orlando & Tampa) if you ever want to meet up

That's funny... could have sworn you were in the other direction...

 

[zweihund]

Alrighty, I have some news......

It seems I am pregnant! Which is wonderful and exciting! BUT - I am due in December. Which leaves no vacation time for an April cruise. With a 3-month old.

Sadly, L and I will probably be changing either to a 7-day sometime in the fall or if we can swing it, to the WB repo.

Sorry I'll miss meeting everyone, but it couldn't have been for a better reason, right?

 

[ibouncetoo]

CONGRATS ERICA & LIONEL !

So sorry you won't be crusing with us, but if you make it to the WB, you will find some of us on that one too!

.

 

[Tink rules]

CONGRATS ERICA & LIONEL!!!!

 

[dolphingirl47]

Congratulations. I will hopefully see you on the Westbound Transatlantic.

Corinna

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Wow! That's wonderful news!!!! Congrats! I wish you the best in your pregnancy!

Alrighty, I have some news......

It seems I am pregnant! Which is wonderful and exciting! BUT - I am due in December. Which leaves no vacation time for an April cruise. With a 3-month old.

Sadly, L and I will probably be changing either to a 7-day sometime in the fall or if we can swing it, to the WB repo.

Sorry I'll miss meeting everyone, but it couldn't have been for a better reason, right?

 

[surf2di4]

Alrighty, I have some news......

It seems I am pregnant! Which is wonderful and exciting! BUT - I am due in December. Which leaves no vacation time for an April cruise. With a 3-month old.

Sadly, L and I will probably be changing either to a 7-day sometime in the fall or if we can swing it, to the WB repo.

Sorry I'll miss meeting everyone, but it couldn't have been for a better reason, right?

sry ya can't go BUT congrates

karl
and thats now