*Sept 10th 2011 WB Transatlantic* From Spain to Space Mountain - Part 4

[granmaz]

Just a silly question.........do most of you gals wear really fancy formal wear? I have some very nice, but not ball gown type clothes. Just wondering.

No, not everyone dresses up to the nines. It does seem these longer cruises that more do, but the vast majority are just in very nice, as you say, clothing. Last year's WBTA was the first cruise I have worn a long dress and that was our 6th cruise. I called it a formal dress but really it was a dressy maxi dress!!!

John refused to cruise for donkey's years because of the thought he would have to dress up, but he loved the one time he wore a tux. Ah, all those lost years we could have been cruising!!! He just wears a suit now as he doesn't own a tux and we don't want the added expense of renting one. However he looks fantastic in one. I think all the guys do actually.

Don't stress and just enjoy.

 

[GatorMomInNC]

Thanks for the info. I want to get a taxi tour for my party of 4 because we have some mobility issues and also we may need car seats for the kids. I'm afraid if I wait until the last minute I will get ripped off or worse, there won't be any left. Any ideas where I might be able to pre-book a taxi?

A few people have recently asked for advice on excursions in gibraltar.

Myself and Helen have visited quite a bit in the past 5 years (even getting married there) and this is what I have found.

We have looked to do the dolphin excursion but when speaking with a booking agent on 2 occasions we have been advised that the chances of seeing dolphins on that day. Was not too good, it may be just our bad luck, but did not fancy paying for just a basic boat trip. One other point is that they charge for infants regardless of age, Grace was only 12 months at the time and from experience this is the only company I have found charging for children so young.

In regards to the different options at the top of the rock there is obviously the cable car which charges £7.50 for a single journey and £9 for a return journey (it is a long walk back down, not sure why anyone would buy a single!!) this only entitles you to see the monkey enclosure and nothing else.

Other attractions at the top are St Michaels cave, the Great siege tunnels and the moorish castle which in my opinion are well worth doing. The cost of this with the cable car company is £19 for adults and £12 for children. This option involves quite a walk between the sites of around 3 miles for the round trip and it can be quite tiring as it is very hilly.

An alternative option is a minibus tour, there are numerous drivers touting for business at the border with gib/Spain, on the main street and also at the base of Europa point as you go up towards the cable cars (trying to take business from the cable cars). From memory the trip includes entry to the top of the rock and all the attractions mentioned above and costs around £15. The benefit with this is that you are taken to all the sites and there is minimal walking, the tour takes about 3 hours but if a group of 8 book the whole bus I'm sure the driver will negotiate. I'm sure there will be drivers on the dock trying to overcharge so it may be better to book at one of the other sites.

We did the trip in our own car and for entry for 2 adults and a car it came to about £20 for entry to all the attractions (£10 for the car and £5 per adult) So the minibus tour is quite reasonable.

A helpful website is http://www.gibraltarinfo.gi/gibraltar-tickets.aspx which is for the cable car company but gives a good description of the different attractions

Hope this is of help.

If you have any queries please feel free to PM me

Paul

 

[fly4free2]

Thanks, for your input, I do "clean up pretty good" But, want to be Glamed out like everyone else. Its not often I get to do that I read that there is a "Pirate" night. Do you dress like pirates?

 

[hazelandannie]

Thanks, for your input,
I read that there is a "Pirate" night. Do you dress like pirates?

I was wondering them same thing! Is there a specific time that everyone dresses up or is it for the whole evening?

 

[m_kasch]

I am glad I booked my hotel a while ago...I just checked the website, and it has gone up 55 euros a night!!

I know we are planning on meeting up at the Hard Rock for Drinks, but I wouldn't mind also planning something for Dinner -- some of the restaurants look really cool, and it's always more fun with a group than alone.

 

[Pinky166]

A lot of people do dress up for pirates but not everyone....at a guess I would say 50/50. You all get given a Pirate bandana at dinner so you can just wear that.

We won't be dressing up as we don't have enough luggage space what with all the FE gifts, Secret Mickey, candy exchange etc...

 

[Pinky166]

I was wondering them same thing! Is there a specific time that everyone dresses up or is it for the whole evening?

It's for the whole evening.

Dinner, then the Pirates in the Caribbean Party up on Deck 9+10.

 

[granmaz]

Thanks, for your input, I do "clean up pretty good" But, want to be Glamed out like everyone else. Its not often I get to do that I read that there is a "Pirate" night. Do you dress like pirates?

As Claire said about 50/50. I think it can be fun if you are a biggish group or on a fun table. Some cruisers go all out with big feathery hats and all!!! However most get a pirate t shirt and make do with that. You get a bandana at the table that night so even the most un piratey person can join in a little!!!! We half dressed up for 2 cruises. Just a white frilly blouse with a thin scarf tied round my waist and some jangly jewellery. I think I had black cropped trousers one time and a black skirt another, not sure. John wore his white shirt and dark trousers with a scarf round his waist and a pirate ring. You will see all sorts plus not at all!

I was wondering them same thing! Is there a specific time that everyone dresses up or is it for the whole evening?

Well it is a pirate themed dinner that night so dress for dinner anyway. Afterwards you can change or go to the deck party and fireworks still dressed up. Lots of fun.

I haven't decided whether to save my baggage allowance for other clothing or take my few pirate items. We will see.

 

[Chris&Jeremy]

I know we are planning on meeting up at the Hard Rock for Drinks, but I wouldn't mind also planning something for Dinner -- some of the restaurants look really cool, and it's always more fun with a group than alone.

I believe we are going to the Hard Rock - not sure if we will eat there or not, as I would like to go have tapas somewhere - and then maybe to El Corte Ingles for wine shopping!

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

Dopeylover, welcome aboard!


Keri; congrats on surviving all that grant craziness. Just noticed your ticker, a trip to WDW in a month. Nice! Where are you planning on staying this trip?

Seraphine; what a shame about the dress being to small!!! One of the reasons I only use sellers that post the actual size of the dress itself at multiple points. That way I can compare it to things already in my closet and see what the fit probably is. Fingers crossed you can make it still work for you.

Robbie Williams is another singer I want to see in concert, but he never seems to tour on this side of the pond Hope you have a great time tonight, Mary!

You might want to sign up to his website. I know he's done concerts at your side of the pond but most of the times somehow not all hear about it. With his website, you'll be up to date incl. when signing up for the paid part getting tickets before official sales open. (I always do that, as through the website I get 2 tickets for the price of one -needing a wheelchairspot- where as at the regular sale I'ld need to pay for 2 here, so it more than makes up for the fee of signing up for that year. Let alone it always being sold out before I can get through ).

His concerts live? I've found him at his best when he's on stage a bit doped out but darn does that man deliver a show! Unbelievable. For instance the Escapology tour, opening each concert signing while hanging upside down above the stadium on a bungycord. Talk about an opening. He knows how to play a crowd like no other and can actually perform live (which nowadays seems to be rare). Oh and he's somewhat of a gentleman if he wants to. Long story short, I'll tell that one at a later time.

.

For the uninitiated, some Dutch licorice is salty, some is sweet. I love the DZ drop and order it by the 2-kilo bag from an importer here in the US! Had to go have a piece just from reading about it! [/quote]

Ah, we've got ourselves a connaisseur. You must be a true lover, knowing the prices being charged for Dutch licorice in many countries (one of the many reasons my uncle in Australia has us bring him like 10 pounds or more each time he sees us ). But really, DZ. That is a taste set aside for the few. If you like that, you might very well also love Heksenhyl. Ever had that? That's a licorice bar filled with sal ammoniac (the salt version, not the sweat one). I know you're not signed up for the candy swap, but just let me know if you want me to bring along some DZ or something else, no trouble.

Mmmmm, babbelaars.......

Yep, quite the connaisseur indeed! I am impressed.

They might enjoy spekkies, too

If they're anything like Dutch kids, it gets loved in about 90% of the times. Was one of the many things I had on my shortlist for kids. Just got to love that they come in so many versions. Nowadays they use all kinds of colours and shapes spekkies to build animals etc. Looks so quite!

 

[squitty]

A lot of people do dress up for pirates but not everyone....at a guess I would say 50/50. You all get given a Pirate bandana at dinner so you can just wear that.

We won't be dressing up as we don't have enough luggage space what with all the FE gifts, Secret Mickey, candy exchange etc...

We won't be dressing up as such either. We do have personalized pirate night T'shirts to wear though

 

[Purplelv93]

On the recent EBTA is seemed as if more people dressed up for pirate night than really dressed up for formal night. Even if it was only a pirate t-shirt and some accessories more folks were in the spirit of pirates than formals....could have maybe been due to the fact that POTC 4 had a PremEar onboard????

But very few did the whole tux and ball gown thing. Mostly families who wanted to get a formal photo done. A lot of the men didn't even wear ties, just nice dress shirts. After all, we are on vacation!!!!

Try not to worry about not being dressed up enough or too much. There will always be someone more dressed up and less dressed up than you. Just have a good time with whatever you choose to wear! The only thing you must wear is a smile!

 

[Rikersmom]

After reading Paul's excellent post about Gibraltar, I would be very interested in sharing a minibus tour. Have I missed anywhere where someone is trying to organize one of these? I have a funky knee that sometimes lets me walk for miles, and sometimes makes it a pain to walk at all--getting old sucks.

Kevin & I would be happy to share a bus, and if anyone knows the best site to arrange for one beforehand, please let me know.

Thanks,
Karen (6 of 6--I didn't want to claim any particular number, but I think I'm the sixth one to join the bunch)

 

[Rikersmom]

Monique,

I loved your comment regarding formal night--always someone more dressed up and always someone less dressed up. That's always my motto for putting on my swimsuit--there is always someone who looks way better and always someone who makes me look good in comparison. At least that's what I tell myself.

Karen

 

[nick262]

Unfortunately we didn't see a liquor store at the end of the pier, but there is one inside the cruise terminal and DH bought some supplies there before we went through to board. So there is a chance to buy wines and spirits at the port

Thank you so much. Just don't want to have to haul it from the store to the hotel to the ship.

 

[Beauty & the Best]

Thanks, for your input, I do "clean up pretty good" But, want to be Glamed out like everyone else. Its not often I get to do that I read that there is a "Pirate" night. Do you dress like pirates?

I was wondering them same thing! Is there a specific time that everyone dresses up or is it for the whole evening?

We do dress up but not to a huge extent. We wear white shirts and black pants with a bandana & gold beads. Its amazing what a little bandana and some cheap beads can do Aaaaargh!

 

[granmaz]

Somewhere to think about visiting in Barcelona, perhaps after the hard Rock Cafe meet. The magic fountain of Montjuic. I know some groups went last year, though it did rain then. I have seen some amazing photos. Shows only Friday to Sunday evenings.

http://www.bcn.cat/parcsijardins/fonts/EN/magica.html

 

[TotallyAngelic]

How about individually wrapped moon pies? Or goo-goo clusters? Just two things that popped into my head that were "southern"!

Moon Pies ? Goo Goo Clusters ? Sounds like an alternative universe Off to search google ....

Oh, and I got my big red ballgown in the post yesterday, and it's too small!! It's my size, but cut a lot smaller. Oh well, I'm on a diet anyway, so I'll try it on again in August and hopefully I'll be able to squeeze in (I'll put my superknickers on, and get someone to do the zip up... I couldn't do it myself). So that's my motivator. Guess I better wear the dress on the first formal night... it might not fit by the second one! (I'll have to bring a stretchy one for that!)

I have a few dresses like this .... hoping that by the end of August they will just about fit

I have a dress that needs some magic pixie dust sprinkled on it!!
Although I'm thinking if I put my swimsuit on with tummy panel in, then the dress will fit perfectly!!

I need a swimsuit with a tummy panel .....

Well I am a bit fed up with the weather recently. If it wants to rain then go on and have a pour down. Stop pretending it is April with showers every time I get my washing on the line!

I know it's depressing and it's frustrating and it's NOT FUNNY

Girls you might not see me on the cruise if Gary Barlow runs away with me this evening

Not even Gary Barlow would keep me from my cruise.

Thanks, for your input, I do "clean up pretty good" But, want to be Glamed out like everyone else. Its not often I get to do that I read that there is a "Pirate" night. Do you dress like pirates?

We dress like pirates ...... really like the whole pirates of the caribbean thing and we love pirate night.

I am glad I booked my hotel a while ago...I just checked the website, and it has gone up 55 euros a night!!

I know we are planning on meeting up at the Hard Rock for Drinks, but I wouldn't mind also planning something for Dinner -- some of the restaurants look really cool, and it's always more fun with a group than alone.

We plan to eat at the Hard Rock after the drinks. Mainly because I am a bit wary of Spanish food and I know what I am getting in the Hard Rock. Shame not to embrace the whole Spanish culture but I really don't like tomatoes and seafood which they do use a lot of. I also don't like sangria.

 

[karentan]

mary - can you remember whether the prices at the shop inside the terminal seemed reasonable or not?

 

[liesbeth1012]

Well I am a bit fed up with the weather recently. If it wants to rain then go on and have a pour down. Stop pretending it is April with showers every time I get my washing on the line!

Here in Arnhem(Netherlands) also Rain, rain and rain and cold. Not summer wether. I hope it get's over soon

It must be concert night for us WBTA DISers! DH and I are off to see Peter Gabriel in concert tonight in Toronto. We've both wanted to see him live for years; hope he lives up to our expectations!

O nice I like his music, I hope it is a good concert.

:

I am just about to embark on my 200 mile drive to Glasgow in an hour to see Take That tonight !!!!

Cannot wait

Girls you might not see me on the cruise if Gary Barlow runs away with me this evening

Hallo Take That!!! and with Robbie Williams. Enjoy it. I didn't bought tickets for the Amsterdam concert. Let me know how it was. Then I can perheps go at july 18th. There are still tickets available I see.
My last concert was U2 in Hannover (also more than 200 mile from here)

Just a silly question.........do most of you gals wear really fancy formal wear? I have some very nice, but not ball gown type clothes. Just wondering.

I don't have realy formal wear. I have a nice normal dress and one maxi dress, not a formal dress. and that is more than I usely wear.

Somewhere to think about visiting in Barcelona, perhaps after the hard Rock Cafe meet. The magic fountain of Montjuic. I know some groups went last year, though it did rain then. I have seen some amazing photos. Shows only Friday to Sunday evenings.

http://www.bcn.cat/parcsijardins/fonts/EN/magica.html

We have seen the magic fountain about 10 years ago and we liked it. We are also at the Hard Rock Cafe. Perhaps we can go afterwards, after diner?