*Sept 10th 2011 WB Transatlantic* - From Spain to Space Mountain - Part 5

[poohluv2u]

For those of you who have done this cruise before, I was wondering if you would share with me what kind of souvenirs you picked up on your trip. I want to try and make some baggage allowance for souvenirs and want to get an idea of what might be available. We won't be buying booze, and I certainly don't want any details about any biological souvenirs (the kind that come 9 months after the cruise) if you know what I mean

 

[sinnika]

Sorry, I messed up. I meant to see if there is a shuttle from the port to the airport. Need to get right home as DD turns "sweet sixteen" on Sept 25th!
If anyone is planning a shuttle from the port to the airport, I would love to join in. Party of one and flight is at 11:55am on Sat.

I can't wait to have two weeks of fun and laughter! I'm glad to see there are a lot of fun people on our cruise! Erik and I love to have fun too... but we are Scandinavians from Minnesota so we are kind of stoic about it all!

I know what you mean about having two teens at home... they are high maintenance! I will miss those little boogers when we're on the cruise though.

I was looking at the Navigators from last year and noticed there are a lot of amazing things going on at Rockin' Bar D. I think Erik and I will be there every night!! What a good way to finish out an evening.

Hey!!! I resemble that remark!!! I'm half Finnish and my mom loved to dance and have fun!!! Except on Sundays and religious holidays - then she was stoic. Of course, I have the skin and hair color and party attitude of my father's Latin side, he is from Peru! So I want to let you all know now, I will just be showing up a little late for everything! Of course, in my Peruvian mind, I am on time! Although I'll be dining early like a Finn! And if you can't find me, try the sauna in the women's locker room!

DS 14 is away at the World Jamboree in Rinkaby, Sweden for 2 weeks and the house hasn't been quieter! There are over 30,000 teens from all over the world! I am watching live streams on webcasts and FB. So cool!!! DD 15 already started marching band, and has several movie and hangout plans with friends before school starts.

Rockin Bar D is a great way to burn off all the desserts! I'm even thinking of bringing my boots! Just bought a new pair! I brought home a souvenier cowboy hat from Rockin bar D earlier this month - the first 25 to get out on the dance floor got one the night they did line dancing - of course our Med cruise was so port intensive, we only had a handful show up as most people were in bed passed out from exhaustion!

 

[sinnika]

For those of you who have done this cruise before, I was wondering if you would share with me what kind of souvenirs you picked up on your trip. I want to try and make some baggage allowance for souvenirs and want to get an idea of what might be available. We won't be buying booze, and I certainly don't want any details about any biological souvenirs (the kind that come 9 months after the cruise) if you know what I mean

I found some very nice souveniers in Barcelona at the Pablo Picasso museum and also at Casa Mila (La Predera). Both had very nice gift shops. Last year in Gibraltar, I bought DS a stuffed monkey that swung off a trapese. There were only 2 left - one that made this annoying sound, and the other was broken (the sound). I took the broken one! Also bought DH a very nice watch with 2 faces on it to tell time in 2 different places - he travels a fair amount and thought he would enjoy that. There were several very nice artisan shops for ceramics in the Gothic Quarter too. Also, the spanish fans make nice souveniers. Street vendors sell them for 2 euro, though you can certainly pay alot more for them in shops. Oh, and Poble Espanol had wonderful stores. Its in Montjuic, though you do have to pay an admission, unless you are going to the Flamenco show there, then you get free admission for 2 hours prior. We usually look for lighter things. Another tip, I always pack a wide short poster tube in my suitcase to put in art (prints, water colors) that I purchase and roll up, then in the center of the tube, I can bubble wrap any smaller fragile items.

 

[melonz]

For those of you who have done this cruise before, I was wondering if you would share with me what kind of souvenirs you picked up on your trip. I want to try and make some baggage allowance for souvenirs and want to get an idea of what might be available. We won't be buying booze, and I certainly don't want any details about any biological souvenirs (the kind that come 9 months after the cruise) if you know what I mean

Now that is one souvenir I definitely won't be coming home with

 

[Dgentrysim]

speaking of laughing...



Yes! 10:45 pm at Rockin' Bar D. This is one of my favorite things about DIS-ing. No kids, everyone is relaxed, fed and happy. Bring on the comedians, jugglers, hypnotists, whomever. Gather together in one (or several) of the semi-circular booth tables and share the fun with others.

We loved Rockin'Bar D! When we were on the Med. cruise last May, we spend just about every night after dinner there! The Newlywed game, Scavenger Hunt, Hypnotist show, etc. So much fun! Hoping for the same kind of enjoyment this cruise!

 

[Dgentrysim]

Raises hand high in the air, we love Rockin Bar D We had a good laugh at Match Your Mate ... people say the darndest things While we don't sing ourselves we love to watch others do Karaoke, especially late, late at night when they've had a lot to drink
QUOTE]

What about the scavenger hunt where the men had to come back with a bra? MAN! I'm telling you....don't know how those women whipped those bras off so fast, but the men were back with the bras in no time flat and some even had the bras on!!!!! Those are some "talented" ladies! I'm in awe!

 

[Dgentrysim]

Now that is one souvenir I definitely won't be coming home with

I"m with you on that one.....been there, done that......way-y-y-y-y too old!

 

[sue l]

For those of you who have done this cruise before, I was wondering if you would share with me what kind of souvenirs you picked up on your trip. I want to try and make some baggage allowance for souvenirs and want to get an idea of what might be available. We won't be buying booze, and I certainly don't want any details about any biological souvenirs (the kind that come 9 months after the cruise) if you know what I mean

now that one I have never heard. Since my DH is not coming, that would be impossible. At 44 I might loose it if that happened. Did I mention I love my cats?

 

[cliffy97]

I have never flown Easyjet, but my friend who worked with me at SWA and now lives in London has said that they charge for everything, so check the fine print before booking. BA may be a better choice if you factor in all add on fees.

We did Easy Jet for our last cruise. If you can abide by the One Carry on and One Carry on only within the given demensions and 20kg hold luggage standard when you pay for luggage, then you will be fine.

Yes you will pay for yoru drinks and food onboard, they are pretty comfortable new planes and I would probably flythem more if they flw from Heathrow which i just 5-10 min from my house.

Dan

 

[cliffy97]

For those of you who have done this cruise before, I was wondering if you would share with me what kind of souvenirs you picked up on your trip. I want to try and make some baggage allowance for souvenirs and want to get an idea of what might be available. We won't be buying booze, and I certainly don't want any details about any biological souvenirs (the kind that come 9 months after the cruise) if you know what I mean

Is this what you are talking about:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHrSX0gHX_8

Best advert EVER!

 

[Dgentrysim]

Is this what you are talking about:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHrSX0gHX_8

Best advert EVER!

Isn't that commercial a hoot! Kids make life so interesting!

 

[squitty]

According to http://www.bvitourism.com/atms-banking, BVI uses the US $ as its legal tender. These banks have ATMS in the downtown very near the pier:

Banco Popular Main Branch, Wickham’s Cay I
First Caribbean Main Branch, Wickham’s Cay I
Scotiabank Main Branch, Wickham’s Cay I
First Bank Main Branch, Wickham’s Cay I

Google map of Roadtown, Tortola

Thank you very much Lynne

Is this what you are talking about:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHrSX0gHX_8

Best advert EVER!

That is brilliant - that made me smile

 

[Pinky166]

We have driven from wdw to Miami a few times. We find the quickest way is to take the Beeline Expressway (528, it is a tollroad but very light traffic is worth it) to 95. If you want to take the scenic route, I would do 95 all the way down to Jupiter area and then take an exit to A1A and drive the coastal way (A1A) down to Miami from there - this route will take about 4-5 hours, you can cut the time by leaving 95 later (like at Boca Raton or Palm Beach instead of Jupiter.)

Also there is a part on 95 around Port St. Lucie where there aren't really any food/beverage stops, so make sure you either eat before that point or plan to eat a while after.

Thanks for the info Liz. I will have a look at the A1A and maybe come off the 95 later as you suggest. Is there much to see from the A1A, can you actually see the ocean? We won't be stopping for food as we will have just had breakfast with Stitch at Ohana.

Raises hand high in the air, we love Rockin Bar D We had a good laugh at Match Your Mate ... people say the darndest things While we don't sing ourselves we love to watch others do Karaoke, especially late, late at night when they've had a lot to drink

Lynne, I was looking at your future cruises and didn't see dates for the Hawaiian cruise ... did you drop out?

We have never done Rockin Bar D but I am so looking forward to it on this cruise.

I have only ever done Karaoke once - never again!!! Well I suppose it depends on how drunk I am and how many others will sing with me.

Is this what you are talking about:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHrSX0gHX_8

Best advert EVER!

That is BRILLIANT!!!! Love it!

 

[Beauty & the Best]

I found some very nice souveniers in Barcelona at the Pablo Picasso museum and also at Casa Mila (La Predera). Both had very nice gift shops. Last year in Gibraltar, I bought DS a stuffed monkey that swung off a trapese. There were only 2 left - one that made this annoying sound, and the other was broken (the sound). I took the broken one! Also bought DH a very nice watch with 2 faces on it to tell time in 2 different places - he travels a fair amount and thought he would enjoy that. There were several very nice artisan shops for ceramics in the Gothic Quarter too. Also, the spanish fans make nice souveniers. Street vendors sell them for 2 euro, though you can certainly pay alot more for them in shops. Oh, and Poble Espanol had wonderful stores. Its in Montjuic, though you do have to pay an admission, unless you are going to the Flamenco show there, then you get free admission for 2 hours prior. We usually look for lighter things. Another tip, I always pack a wide short poster tube in my suitcase to put in art (prints, water colors) that I purchase and roll up, then in the center of the tube, I can bubble wrap any smaller fragile items.

There are some artists that line up their wares along La Rambla. Some of the stuff is plastic junk, but there are also some nice things too. In May there were some very lovely painted pictures of the Barcelona sites there. I thought they would make a nice souvenier.

Thanks for the info Liz. I will have a look at the A1A and maybe come off the 95 later as you suggest. Is there much to see from the A1A, can you actually see the ocean? We won't be stopping for food as we will have just had breakfast with Stitch at Ohana.

You see the ocean in sections - not the entire way, and you'll see water on the oppoosite side- like the intercoastal waterway & homes along there. Lots of hotels and palm trees in sections too.

At the least I would get off 95 at Palm Beach - you can park along the beach there, right on/by 1A and take a quick jaunt on the sand. Plus you can see the mansions as you drive along

Also, I recommend driving along Miami Beach b/c you can see the Art Deco hotels and also the vibrant atmosphere along that stretch.

 

[GatorMomInNC]

I know, and I'm afraid if we don't get it today, nothing will happen all weekend, and we'll have to wait until MONDAY!!!

Still no room assignment.....

 

[Pinky166]

You see the ocean in sections - not the entire way, and you'll see water on the oppoosite side- like the intercoastal waterway & homes along there. Lots of hotels and palm trees in sections too.

At the least I would get off 95 at Palm Beach - you can park along the beach there, right on/by 1A and take a quick jaunt on the sand. Plus you can see the mansions as you drive along

Also, I recommend driving along Miami Beach b/c you can see the Art Deco hotels and also the vibrant atmosphere along that stretch.

Thanks Liz, that is very useful info.

I have been to Miami beach once, although it was only for a few hours as we had a flight stop over on our way to the Grand Bahamas, we all jumped in a cab & hit the beach...well you have to don't you!!!

 

[jsassy]

You see the ocean in sections - not the entire way, and you'll see water on the oppoosite side- like the intercoastal waterway & homes along there. Lots of hotels and palm trees in sections too.

At the least I would get off 95 at Palm Beach - you can park along the beach there, right on/by 1A and take a quick jaunt on the sand. Plus you can see the mansions as you drive along

Also, I recommend driving along Miami Beach b/c you can see the Art Deco hotels and also the vibrant atmosphere along that stretch.[/QUOTE]

Yes you are on/off A1A a lot but from West Palm Beach south even US1 is pretty interesting. I grew up in that area in the 50's and 60's and to add to the recommendations I recommend Lake Worth (my hometown) Beach for a quick look (and the pier) and especially Boynton Beach Inlet...my most favorite place in the world! Pull in and park and just watch the water rushing in or out (depending on the tide) for a few minutes and walk across the street to the beach. Watching the boats maneuvering the current can be pretty interesting to watch. The drive down Ft Lauderdale Beach is pretty awesome too...the big Spring Break Hangout back in the day.

 

[granmaz]

We zoomed down the turnpike to Miami last time and I think it took 4+ hours. How long would it take to drive the route you are suggesting? It sounds nice. We are flying home from Miami again this time too.

 

[karentan]

thanks to the people who have paid the airport transfer already, i'll keep everyone updated on exact pickup place as soon as i know what terminal the last two groups coming in are flying into.


really glad to be home and to have tomorrow off, just had dinner, and off upstairs in a bit with a glass of baileys and a new episode of dexter. good way to spend a friday night

 

[liesbeth1012]

So I am trough more than 15 pages, because I wasn't on the forum for a couple of days. But I am back.
My father is passed away this week. Nothing dramatic. It was a releave, because he had very much pain. He was 88 years old and broke his hip and shoulder a couple of weeks ago. And after an operation, a new hip. But they couldn't do anything on the shoulder. And he was dementing too.
My sister en me have made all the arangements for the funeral so now I have some time for the forum. I can now focus on the cruise.

And ......no still no cabin assignements.
I am so sorry that Jacqueline doesn't go with us.
And thanks Auntlynne for the recap.
And flubber making I like it.
6 weeks and we go...it comes closer and closer.