Sept 18 2010 WB TransAtlantic Pirates/Capt Jacks Re-Repoing Repossession Cruise Pt.5

[birkner]

DH and I were looking at a tour in Barcelona that I wanted to pass along. I know it is a bit pricey but includes a lot of stops and admissions.

Tour 3- All Barcelona Highlights Tour

Discover the best of Barcelona in one day.A combination of the Gaudí Tour and the Montjuïc & Panoramic Tour.

Tour itinerary: Passeig de Gràcia - façanes of the Casa Batlló and La Pedrera - Gracia district - Plaça de Lesseps - Park Güell - Sagrada Família - Arc de Triomf - Olympic Village and Marina - beaches - Port Vell - Columbus Monument - Medieval shipyards - Mirador de l'Alcalde observation point - Fundació Joan Miró - Olympic Stadium - Poble Espanyol (admission and free time for lunch).

Includes: admission to the Park Güell, Sagrada Familia and Poble Espanyol with 10% discount off the price of lunch
.
Length of the tour: 6 hours.

Price per person: Adults: 60Euros Children (3-12 years old): 40Euros

Departure time and place: daily at 9am from the Plaça de Catalunya of Barcelona (opposite Tourist Information Office, in front of Deutsche Bank & Hotel Olivia Plaza).

 

[birkner]

We are also considering this tour:

Barcelona Walking Tours Picasso

-10%On-line purchase
Come to walk
Discover Picasso's Barcelona by following in the artist's footsteps. While walking the guided tour, find out about the life of this genius through the explanations of professional guides, and discover his work on a visit to the Museu Picasso which honours his talent and is one of the Barcelona city's most visited museums.

Map of tour:
http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/imgfiles/ecv/bwt/PlanoPicassoAng.pdf

Guided walking tours in Picasso's tour of Barcelona, with a professional who will accompany you.

Wireless tour guide system designed to aid communication between participants and the guide.

Visits guaranteed. Limited places.

Departure point: Turisme de Barcelona information office at: Pl. de Catalunya, 17 basements.
You should be at the information office 10 minutes before Picasso's tour visit begins.
Duration of the tour: 2 hours + visit to Museu Picasso.
Times:
In English: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, at 4pm.
In Catalan/Spanish: Saturdays at 4pm.
Closed: 1/1, 6/1, 25/12, 26/12.
The price includes admission to Museu Picasso.
* 01/05/10 & 24/06/10: Museu Picasso is closed.
See the route of Barcelona Walks Picasso.

 

[Disney Sweetie]

So happy to find out that my friend Laura aka eeyorelvr10, will be on this cruise with us. She has been booked but was not sure if she was going to be able to go. I first met Laura in 2006 on the 11 night Southern and we have been "cross country" friends ever since and have sailed every September together since then...Matter of fact we sailed on the WBTA in 2007 together....Now to just help get her signed up for all the fun activities!!!!

 

[goiu]

alright!!!! That's wonderful news!
(but now you have me wondering if I need to contact my TA and have them make sure OUR "extra obc" followed along with our upgrade too.... or if having the cards with us as proof will be enough? but then we'd have to "mess" with that on the cruise... might need to contact our TA LOL)

I would check with DCL instead of your TA. We just were starting to think of what excursions we wanted to do. So, wanted to see how much OBC we had. So, that's how all this started. So, we got the card which has $400 with it. Then another $200 for rebooking. Then another $200 from DU. So, that's $800 total! Lots of fun stuff we can do!!

 

[sandiedvc]

This will be a work in progress. I will be adding to it as I get a chance and/or someone else posts something about Gibraltar. So please pardon the construction dust!

Gibraltar
Monday, Sept. 20, 2010 In port: 7:30 am to 6:00 pm

According to Gibraltar's port schedule, the Magic will be the only ship in port

Weather avg for 9/20: Low-- 67 F (19C); High-- 78 F (26 C). Avg rainfall-- .01 inch

Language: English. Spanish is also spoken.

Currency: Gibraltar pounds, English pounds. (Gib £ are only good in Gib)
Euros are also accepted. Check the exchange rate, some say you may not get the best rate if you use Euros.


Cable car starts operations at 9:30 am.

Gibraltar taxi website offers up to a 2 hour tour for 150£ for a van that will hold up to 8. Comes to about 19£ pp or $30 US. The website says that the admission to the upper rock is not included in the price. Additional hours are available at the rate of 60£ per hour.

Good overview webpages:

Gibraltar online travel brochure:

http://www.gibraltar.gov.uk/controlpad/images/brouchers/down.php?name=HolidayBrochure2009.pdf

 

[UKANGEL]

Just to add to that great Gibraltar info.....

There are lots of taxi 'mini buses' that wait alongside the port and for just a couple of pounds each will take you into the heart of the town...although it is walkable for those that wish to.

The town has lots and lots of cafes and shops....and lots of cheap drink for those that may wish to purchase.....

Hope that helps too

 

[gismo1554]

Good luck- sending pixie dust your way!

alright!!!! That's wonderful news!
(but now you have me wondering if I need to contact my TA and have them make sure OUR "extra obc" followed along with our upgrade too.... or if having the cards with us as proof will be enough? but then we'd have to "mess" with that on the cruise... might need to contact our TA LOL)

Thanks.
But it stinks...... doesn't it!
I have a feeling with the "timing" of this--- and how gas prices usually go up around this time of year- that we're not going to get the refund/OBC.
Which would be easier to live with- if everyone had to pay it. But the way it stands- kinda feels like punishment for booking sooner than others.

Well that is so nice..... those parks are gonna be more crowded though. LOL

I know! This was my reason for reshopping a few months back. I ended up paying around $50 more per person price compared to the price I originally paid but got rid of the FSC and kept my OBC. I just don't see fuel prices dropping any time soon!

 

[gismo1554]

DH and I were looking at a tour in Barcelona that I wanted to pass along. I know it is a bit pricey but includes a lot of stops and admissions.

Tour 3- All Barcelona Highlights Tour

Discover the best of Barcelona in one day.A combination of the Gaudí Tour and the Montjuïc & Panoramic Tour.

Tour itinerary: Passeig de Gràcia - façanes of the Casa Batlló and La Pedrera - Gracia district - Plaça de Lesseps - Park Güell - Sagrada Família - Arc de Triomf - Olympic Village and Marina - beaches - Port Vell - Columbus Monument - Medieval shipyards - Mirador de l'Alcalde observation point - Fundació Joan Miró - Olympic Stadium - Poble Espanyol (admission and free time for lunch).

Includes: admission to the Park Güell, Sagrada Familia and Poble Espanyol with 10% discount off the price of lunch
.
Length of the tour: 6 hours.

Price per person: Adults: 60Euros Children (3-12 years old): 40Euros

Departure time and place: daily at 9am from the Plaça de Catalunya of Barcelona (opposite Tourist Information Office, in front of Deutsche Bank & Hotel Olivia Plaza).

I love the sound of this one! It really does sound wonderful!

 

[gismo1554]

So happy to find out that my friend Laura aka eeyorelvr10, will be on this cruise with us. She has been booked but was not sure if she was going to be able to go. I first met Laura in 2006 on the 11 night Southern and we have been "cross country" friends ever since and have sailed every September together since then...Matter of fact we sailed on the WBTA in 2007 together....Now to just help get her signed up for all the fun activities!!!!

So does this make this the third cruise I've been on with both of you?

 

[birkner]

Restaurants that were recommended to DH when he was in Barcelona in February that we were thinking of making ressies are either the Botafumeiro or Agua for seafood. For Tapas, he was told El Vaso de Oro. Jai-ca or El Xampanyet. The last restaurant Cal Pixo Palau de Mar is supposed to have great tapas and seafood. Anyone else have any recommendations?

1. Agua, asseig Marítim 30
http://www.grupotragaluz.com/rest-agua.php

2. Botafumeiro
http://www.botafumeiro.es/

3. El Vaso de Oro Balboa 6 (downside no tables)

4. Jai-ca, Calle Ginebra, 13

5. El Xampanyet Calle Montcada, 22

6. Cal Pixo Palau de Mar Plaça de Pau Vila 1, Palau de Mar
http://www.calpinxo.com/

 

[TheCooksLuvDisney]

You all are way too chatty!!!
I finally caught up!
Keep the tour info coming!

 

[Disney Sweetie]

So does this make this the third cruise I've been on with both of you?

I guess it does....the 2006 11 night Southern, 2007 WBTA and 2010 WBTA.....

 

[birkner]

We are thinking of doing the City Under Siege Tour with DCL in Gibraltar.

If that is booked, we might go with Gibraltar Rock Tours. I thought their website gave good descriptions of things to see and do in Gibraltar.

http://gibraltar-rocktours.com/tours.html

 

[birkner]

I have purchased two travel books about Madeira. One is the Thomas Cook and the other is a DK Top 10 Madeira. The Thomas Cook guide is much more comprehensive.

I have also looked at three travel websites:
1. http://www.madeiraislands.travel/pls/madeira/wsmwhom0.home?p_lingua=en&p_sub=1
2. http://www.madeira-web.com/
3. http://www.madeira-island.com/

We are thinking of doing the DCL's Culture and History tour. I really would also like to go to Adegas de San Francisco for some wine tasting.

If anyone has been to Madeira, any advice on if we can squeeze both the tour and the wine tasting in or are there better options?

In the book, there were quite a few recommended souvenirs such at Madeiran boots, embroidery, Portuguese Olive Oil, Lapas escabeche (limpets preserved in brine and vinegar) bubble hats, tapestry, wickerwork, wines and liqueurs.

I have to buy a few gifts for family so any recommendations for the best places to shop would be most welcome.

 

[TChrist05]

Hello fellow WB cruisers....my DW and I have been on 22 Disney cruises but none quite like this one coming up.....we have always gotten the Magic or the Wonder in Florida so it will be so different flying to Barcelona and then joining the Magic....we have done everything through Disney so we have no idea the specifics of our flights just yet....heck....we have a GTY stateroom so we have no idea where we will be on the ship....but we WILL BE ON the ship and that is all that matters. I am 57 and DW is 53.....and so looking forward to a 14 day voyage....If you guys could kind of catch us up to speed on the goings on it would be appreciated....cause it would probably take months to read the whole threat from the beginning.
We are so looking forward to joining you all for this fabulous cruise!
Tom & Marilou

 

[birkner]

Hello fellow WB cruisers....my DW and I have been on 22 Disney cruises but none quite like this one coming up.....we have always gotten the Magic or the Wonder in Florida so it will be so different flying to Barcelona and then joining the Magic....we have done everything through Disney so we have no idea the specifics of our flights just yet....heck....we have a GTY stateroom so we have no idea where we will be on the ship....but we WILL BE ON the ship and that is all that matters. I am 57 and DW is 53.....and so looking forward to a 14 day voyage....If you guys could kind of catch us up to speed on the goings on it would be appreciated....cause it would probably take months to read the whole threat from the beginning.
We are so looking forward to joining you all for this fabulous cruise!
Tom & Marilou

Welcome aboard!! I think we have a wonderful and friendly group making this voyage!! I am Noel 59 and DH 66 is John.

 

[pit303]

I took a good look at the volume of work in my job for the months of Sept and Oct and I have decided for my own sanity that it wouldn't be a good idea to take off for two weeks the end of Sept. I am so sad right now but hopefully we will get to cruise together sometime in the future I am actually thinking about the May 2011 EBTA.

Have a wonderful cruise everyone. I will still be reading all your posts and may pop in once in awhile to say "HI"

 

[birkner]

We are having debate on whether we can do both the Under Flag Two Island Tour and the Twelve Metre Regatta. Anyone know the answer?

I researched St Maarten on several websites:

1.http://www.st-maarten.com/
2. http://www.st-maarten.com/tb/index.htm
3. http://www.experiencestmaarten.com/
4. http://www.geographia.com/st-martin/
5. http://www.vacationstmaarten.com/

I know have heard this is a big duty free shopping port but I am not much interested in shopping.

Does anyone have any input on what else may be good to do at this port?

 

[pilk]

Hello fellow WB cruisers....my DW and I have been on 22 Disney cruises but none quite like this one coming up.....we have always gotten the Magic or the Wonder in Florida so it will be so different flying to Barcelona and then joining the Magic....we have done everything through Disney so we have no idea the specifics of our flights just yet....heck....we have a GTY stateroom so we have no idea where we will be on the ship....but we WILL BE ON the ship and that is all that matters. I am 57 and DW is 53.....and so looking forward to a 14 day voyage....If you guys could kind of catch us up to speed on the goings on it would be appreciated....cause it would probably take months to read the whole threat from the beginning.
We are so looking forward to joining you all for this fabulous cruise!
Tom & Marilou

Welcome aboard

Jon

 

[birkner]

I took a good look at the volume of work in my job for the months of Sept and Oct and I have decided for my own sanity that it wouldn't be a good idea to take off for two weeks the end of Sept. I am so sad right now but hopefully we will get to cruise together sometime in the future I am actually thinking about the May 2011 EBTA.

Have a wonderful cruise everyone. I will still be reading all your posts and may pop in once in awhile to say "HI"

So sorry you won't be joining us, Maureen. We hope to see you a future DCL cruise.