*Sept 10th 2011 WB Transatlantic* - From Spain to Space Mountain - Part 6

[MandyGirl]

Dang - missed that in your post, Karen! Yes -- hopefully Gary is well soon! Get the sickies out of our system before the cruise!

Thank you, Claire! He's on three meds now as a result of the surgery and goes back Tuesday, but the hard part is over.

 

[Namsupak]

So we are in Charleston picking up our luggage. Came in yesterday morning and are leaving this afternoon. So I lost some time packing... but on the bright side I found some awesome shoes that I can wear on formal night and just around the ship by changing the thing on the strap! And they're so light.
http://www.lindsay-phillips.com/jean-black-08.aspx Here they are on the website. Best thing was they were on clearance!

Done my first suitcase run, and ...... yes you guess it, either have to change the size of the suitcase, cull the clothes or bring another case. Thought I was doing well as I halved what I took last year. Need a packing fairy sent over please.

Good luck with the packing!

I've been updating the list - changing it right on the Google doc - as people send me their room numbers. There hasn't been much to update since that first round of GTY assignments, other than the occasional room change. I've been trying to remind everyone to check for changes here and on FB.

I tried sending out a message (twice) back when I added CruisingSwedes to the Tortola group, but I don't know if it ever went out. It never showed up on the Google discussions like it was supposed to. I still haven't figured that out.

Thanks for organizing Pat. I think I got the message you sent a while back. I'll keep checking for updates but I planned on checking Claire's door too because we leave on the 4th and I'm not sure we'll be able to get on the internet to check for updates.

 

[squitty]

Hope everyone on the East Coast stays safe.

Mandy sorry to hear about Curts stone, it sounds painful.

 

[Fontabel]

Question:
Curt thinks we just need to get Euros at the airport in Barcelona. I see many of you are pre-purchasing here in the US. Advice?

That's our plan. We have never had a problem with getting them at an ATM in the airport, or alternatively one of the exchange booths (but the fees may be higher). Also there are plenty of ATMs on the street in Barcelona.

However, if you do plan to use the airport bus, you might want to be sure you have smaller bills (sometimes the ATMs give you a lot of 50 or 100 Euro bills). if you exchange at a booth, you can ask for smaller denominations. If I remember correctly it is 5 euro 30 or something like that for the bus per person. So we had a 20 and they did make change.

I would say if it is a hassle to get them near you before you go, you can get them in NYC airport as well, before you leave or in Barcelona.

Just my two cents. (no pun intended)

Amanda

 

[magic123]

Mandy hope curt and the whole family are feeling better

So we are in Charleston picking up our luggage. Came in yesterday morning and are leaving this afternoon. So I lost some time packing... but on the bright side I found some awesome shoes that I can wear on formal night and just around the ship by changing the thing on the strap! And they're so light.

they are lovely, and you will even be able to some packing soon

margaret

 

[karentan]

Karen, don't laugh, but I can't do beer either. Now anything with Malibu and I'm game! I'm a mixed (and/or frozen) drink type of gal.

we'll get on fine! can only drink certain spirits and cocktails, hate cider, beer and wine, yuck!

 

[karentan]

just finished printing the rest of my door magnets, run out of magnetic paper now so i'm done regardless!

got a strange variety of cruise magnets, stitch magnets, and a couple of funny random ones thrown in for good measure!

 

[GatorMomInNC]

Well, he is not going with us on this cruise, unfortunately, he can't miss that much work. I was looking for his passport because we had this crazy idea that IF we could find it and IF he could rearrange his work schedule THEN he could fly to St. Thomas for a vacation on Sunday 9/18. Our anniversary is 9/20, and that is when we land in St. Thomas. By that point we will not have seen him for 15 days and I know the boys will be missing him, and I thought we could surprise them with Daddy there when we get off the ship!! He could rent a car and we could go to the beach, and then just hang out with him at the hotel until we have to get back to the ship.

I managed to get 3 free nights at the Westin in ST. Maarten using points, but I haven't booked a flight yet because we can't find his passport!! He's not sure he can get an replacement expedited that quickly. And of course, what if we do all this and another storm comes up and we skip St. Thomas? So it is still very much not a "done deal" but we are working on it!

I hope you find his passport... you'll miss him if you don't!

 

[Beauty & the Best]

Since we've never been to Barca (or Europe, for that matter) could someone clue us in on appropriate daytime attire? We are attending a cooking class and roaming through museums. No Cathedrals or anywhere formal. I've googled this question and the answers are somewhat outdated and/or conflicting.

Trying to get an idea of how "dressy" -- at any rate we won't be in tanks, tubes, or daisy-dukes, lol!! My body has shifted too much for that

Barcelona is such a tourist city, most people will be dressed casual.

That's too bad.

Okay, it's just under 4 weeks til we get there. Who thinks they'll have CC back together by then? I think there's a good chance, as long as no other storms hit.

Fingers and toes crossed that they work that old Disney magic and have CC ready in record time. I know, I'm just being selfish here, but I love CC!

I'm thinking that we may miss Castaway Cay on this cruise.

Just b/c DCL is not super quick about rennovations. I heard that roofs had been blown off and all...I'm sure they'll work on it right away, but Disney doesn't do anything halfway so it will probably take at least a month for them to fix it up. I mean, think of how long it took them to repaint the bakery on Main St. this past year - and that wasn't missing a roof or anything major.

I'm going to consider it a pleasant surprise if we go to CC. But I am taking this cruise for the ship, not the destinations so its a shame but no biggie.

 

[JessicasMom]

I am hoping everyone on the East coast is doing well today.

- Champagne Girls: Why is it I never acquired a taste for champagne? The most I can do is champagne mixed with cranberry juice, so I didn't sign up. I will love peeking in on everyone and their wonderful pink boas!

Question:
Curt thinks we just need to get Euros at the airport in Barcelona. I see many of you are pre-purchasing here in the US. Advice?

I'm so happy that Irene hit this weekend instead of next weekend. So many of us will have had our best-laid plans completely scrambled. Flying into NY will be crazy for the next few days, as the airlines play "catch up". Next Saturday, my DM/DN will be flying into PHL, which has also been closed due to weather. Of course, by next week, the airlines will have their acts together and life will go on (NO MORE HURRICANES UNLESS THEY'RE IN A PRETTY GLASS! ).

I WISH I could enjoy wine/champagne, but it just never happened. I feel like I'm missing something when I'm at a "grown-up" event, but I simply cannot stand the taste. I can barely manage a mimosa . Rum or vodka based drinks, yum! Anything else (bourbon, gin, etc...even beer)...no thanks. Unless I'm on vacation, it's basically iced tea or Diet Coke/Pepsi. Yep, boring .

I felt more secure having euros/pounds before departure...always thinking "what if?"....but you should have no problem exchanging funds at the airport or an ATM. Everyone has their own comfort level; mine is dependent on pre-planning (and planning and more planning ). I'm starting to have anxiety issues as the countdown continues!

So we are in Charleston picking up our luggage. Came in yesterday morning and are leaving this afternoon. So I lost some time packing... but on the bright side I found some awesome shoes that I can wear on formal night and just around the ship by changing the thing on the strap! And they're so light.
http://www.lindsay-phillips.com/jean-black-08.aspx Here they are on the website. Best thing was they were on clearance!

So, you did have to go pick them up ....I'm sure you were very happy to see the MIL again , but at least you got to go shopping! Cute shoes...very versatile.

just finished printing the rest of my door magnets, run out of magnetic paper now so i'm done regardless!

got a strange variety of cruise magnets, stitch magnets, and a couple of funny random ones thrown in for good measure!

My magnets are quite the hodgepodge, as well. I thought about making a themed door, but I just kept finding odd pics I enjoyed, so...odd door, it will be .

Sorry to hear about the guys being ill...better this week than next, I suppose, but no fun when you're trying to wrap things up for an extended vacation .

We have had about 6 inches of rain from the storm and are having wind gusts of around 40 mph or so, from the wrap-around bands, but the worst is over and all is well. None of our trees came down, but others in the area were not so lucky, with lots of localized flooding (near rivers) and power outages. I hope everyone else is also ok .

 

[MandyGirl]

Thanks for all the well-wishes! I think he is feeling pretty good today (ie... meds LOL!) but he and his dad took the girls to a park. Kansas City is having such lovely weather this morning! It's about 20 degrees cooler than back home with less humidity as well.

After flying and navigating the airport yesterday by myself with the girls, I am re-thinking bringing the stroller. I think we will... we are bringing Em's carseat since she has her own seat on the flights, and the stroller just helps transport it since it snaps in. If my 40-pound daughter can pull the 50-pound roller bag, we will be all set. (Just kidding... kinda...) My other checked bag will be a backpacking backpack (so I am hands free) and a garment bag.

That's our plan. We have never had a problem with getting them at an ATM in the airport, or alternatively one of the exchange booths (but the fees may be higher). Also there are plenty of ATMs on the street in Barcelona.

However, if you do plan to use the airport bus, you might want to be sure you have smaller bills (sometimes the ATMs give you a lot of 50 or 100 Euro bills). if you exchange at a booth, you can ask for smaller denominations. If I remember correctly it is 5 euro 30 or something like that for the bus per person. So we had a 20 and they did make change.

I would say if it is a hassle to get them near you before you go, you can get them in NYC airport as well, before you leave or in Barcelona.

Just my two cents. (no pun intended)

Amanda

THanks, AManda! He had mentioned ATM. And I had also read that about the small bills for the aerobus.

Well, he is not going with us on this cruise, unfortunately, he can't miss that much work. I was looking for his passport because we had this crazy idea that IF we could find it and IF he could rearrange his work schedule THEN he could fly to St. Thomas for a vacation on Sunday 9/18. Our anniversary is 9/20, and that is when we land in St. Thomas. By that point we will not have seen him for 15 days and I know the boys will be missing him, and I thought we could surprise them with Daddy there when we get off the ship!! He could rent a car and we could go to the beach, and then just hang out with him at the hotel until we have to get back to the ship.

I managed to get 3 free nights at the Westin in ST. Maarten using points, but I haven't booked a flight yet because we can't find his passport!! He's not sure he can get an replacement expedited that quickly. And of course, what if we do all this and another storm comes up and we skip St. Thomas? So it is still very much not a "done deal" but we are working on it!

St Maarten, not St Thomas, right? Our half-anniversary is Pirate Night. We have celebrated a couple anniversaries on cruises, but never a half.

I'm thinking that we may miss Castaway Cay on this cruise.

Just b/c DCL is not super quick about rennovations. I heard that roofs had been blown off and all...I'm sure they'll work on it right away, but Disney doesn't do anything halfway so it will probably take at least a month for them to fix it up. I mean, think of how long it took them to repaint the bakery on Main St. this past year - and that wasn't missing a roof or anything major.

I'm going to consider it a pleasant surprise if we go to CC. But I am taking this cruise for the ship, not the destinations so its a shame but no biggie.

I have wondered about that as well. We are really hoping to see Castaway Cay for the first time. If not, we'll go with the flow. But if any DCL folks are lurking on this thread... if CC is cancelled, please substitute St Thomas on 9/22 the day after Tortola so I can take my family back to our "I Do" spot on St John! Love returning there!! Can still make it to PC for 9/24 disembarkation. Just a subtle hint though.... Love love love St John. I can't recall the last time we actually spent time on St Thomas - always head straight over to St John.

 

[karentan]

My magnets are quite the hodgepodge, as well. I thought about making a themed door, but I just kept finding odd pics I enjoyed, so...odd door, it will be .

i kinda went with a theme for the new magnets i printed this year, a lot of them are stitch, but also got some from previous cruises, a couple of disboard magnets, as well as a family guy one and a lilo and stitch/little mermaid combined magnet!

 

[MandyGirl]

I'm so happy that Irene hit this weekend instead of next weekend. So many of us will have had our best-laid plans completely scrambled. Flying into NY will be crazy for the next few days, as the airlines play "catch up". Next Saturday, my DM/DN will be flying into PHL, which has also been closed due to weather. Of course, by next week, the airlines will have their acts together and life will go on (NO MORE HURRICANES UNLESS THEY'RE IN A PRETTY GLASS! ).

Yes, yes, yes - timing was in our favor. The dynamics when a catastrophe come in are amazing from an airline operations standpoint. Dispatchers get crazy busy during those times, or crazy bored with tons of cancelled flights during their shift. ATC only has x slots for landings, and airport gate space limited, so the unwind will take some time for the airlines. I remember when New Orleans was hit with Katrina. That was awful and took forever. LUckily though, transportation and hospitals are one of the first things that get up and going again after disasters. Did you happen to see the dust storm on TV today from PHoenix? I think that is the fourth one recently, and those things cause issues with airlines, too.

 

[karentan]

I have wondered about that as well. We are really hoping to see Castaway Cay for the first time. If not, we'll go with the flow. But if any DCL folks are lurking on this thread... if CC is cancelled, please substitute St Thomas on 9/22 the day after Tortola so I can take my family back to our "I Do" spot on St John! Love returning there!! Can still make it to PC for 9/24 disembarkation. Just a subtle hint though.... Love love love St John. I can't recall the last time we actually spent time on St Thomas - always head straight over to St John.

knowing our luck, they'll substitute CC with a hurricane hit nassau.......

 

[giraffe104]

i kinda went with a theme for the new magnets i printed this year, a lot of them are stitch, but also got some from previous cruises, a couple of disboard magnets, as well as a family guy one and a lilo and stitch/little mermaid combined magnet!

Family guy is awesome. Lots of Rhode Island love in the show.

 

[squitty]

More Family Guy fans here

Can't wait to see your magnet karen.

 

[karentan]

i put a text box over this photo with "getting ready for formal night..." written on it

http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?q=st...6&tbnw=177&start=0&ndsp=25&ved=1t:429,r:2,s:0

my twisted sense of humour at work.....

 

[squitty]

i put a text box over this photo with "getting ready for formal night..." written on it

http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?q=st...6&tbnw=177&start=0&ndsp=25&ved=1t:429,r:2,s:0

my twisted sense of humour at work.....

Brilliant Karen

 

[karentan]

also couldnt resist printing these two:

http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/img-thing.jpg

and
http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/tumblr_lpgyr4Us3Y1qktmf7o1_500.jpg

 

[MandyGirl]

knowing our luck, they'll substitute CC with a hurricane hit nassau.......

That's what I would be afraid of. Would just stay on the ship then. Key West would be lovely though!!!