Sept 18 2010 WB TransAtlantic Pirates/Capt Jacks Re-Repoing Repossession Cruise Pt.9

[TheDisneyGirl02]

I scare easily with anything that is in the sky so don't worry about it. TheDisneyGirl02 and I are twins with things like this. When I see her at the Port, she and I will scream for joy that we MADE IT!!!!

Yuppers!!!! LOL!!!!!

I just did something really unusual - I flipped on the TV. America's Funniest Home Videos is on Castaway Cay!

My sister just told me that! Too bad I was watching "Camp Rock 2"!

Actually, paying attention is proven to be a good idea. If there is an actual emergency, that info filed in your brain could save your life. Some people are way too casual about paying attention. Don't forget to count the number of rows from your seat to the exits, both in front of you and behind you. That way you can find them in the dark. And, read the card about how to open the exit door. Even if you are not in an exit row, you may need to do this. Be prepared. Can you tell I'm a Boy Scout (leader, that is)?

Even though it scares me, I do pay attention. I need to talk to my friend who is a flight attendent...he can kind of calm me down...but not too much!!!

 

[paulcrsb]

And if they try to pick-pocket you while you're naked, you might actually like it. ; )

Paul

 

[mdwoodman]

Thank you so much!!!! You are a wealth of info. I'm printing this out so I have it. My friend called today and said the way the flights are looking we may have to go to Rome. Any advice for there? We will continue to monitor and make a decision Wednesday. Then when we get to Charlotte if things change we can go either direction. If you haven't guessed, I'm retired airline and the friends I'm meeting still work there.

Thanks again. I'm hoping for Madrid, it's closer and I could walk if I had to. Yeah right, with three rollaboards!!!!!

Most of my trips to Rome have just been through the airport en route to either Gradisca d'Isonzo or Grottaglie. However, DW and I spent one long weekend in Rome. We actually stayed in a Holiday Inn outside of town and took a shuttle into town. Getting around was pretty easy.

It probably sounds like the typical tourist agenda, but I recommend the following sights:

Vatican (especially the Sistine Chapel) - It's best to get tickets in advance; in fact, it may even be required these days.
Colosseum - Go early! We missedout because we went at the end of the day.
Roman Forum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain (be sure to toss in a coin), Piazza Navona, and Castel Sant'Angelo are must-sees.
We never made it to the Spanish Steps but they are highly recommended.

Let me know if you'd like more details about any of these.

 

[Candy Apple]

Online checkin--done. I got one thing crossed off my list.

 

[mdwoodman]

I convinced my husband to wear long pants on all excursions, but he'll be in his shorts on the ship and in the Carribbean!

Me too!

 

[jsails]

Most of my trips to Rome have just been through the airport en route to either Gradisca d'Isonzo or Grottaglie. However, DW and I spent one long weekend in Rome. We actually stayed in a Holiday Inn outside of town and took a shuttle into town. Getting around was pretty easy.

It probably sounds like the typical tourist agenda, but I recommend the following sights:

Vatican (especially the Sistine Chapel) - It's best to get tickets in advance; in fact, it may even be required these days.
Colosseum - Go early! We missedout because we went at the end of the day.
Roman Forum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain (be sure to toss in a coin), Piazza Navona, and Castel Sant'Angelo are must-sees.
We never made it to the Spanish Steps but they are highly recommended.

Let me know if you'd like more details about any of these.

Thank You So Much !!!!!

 

[CACruisin']

We were booked as a family until we realized that the 3 in high school would just miss too much school--so we cancelled--now we're back on, but just for us parents!! The kids are guilting us, but we are considering booking the May crossing for them. This'll be our third TA, so you KNOW how much we LOVE the DISNEY TA!!!!!!

Are there any lanyards still out there? If not, at least what color are they? We'll make due if we're too late. LOL! I'll even make my own handy-dandy name tag! The lanyards were so cool to have on the previous trips. I did send a note to Tigger(bunch of numbers), but haven't heard back yet.

Anyone remember me from other cruises??? Is Hadley still going? CAcruisin? I can't wait to see old friends. Lorraine!!!!! Here we go!!!!

Looking forward to my happy place!

Tried to send you a PM, but it didn't work.
Hi Deanna, I was taking a study break and surfing the DIS and saw your post on the WBTA. I starting nursing school last week so we had to cancel. I'm loving school, but will miss seeing you again. DD still knits to "de-stress." You are a big part of her memorable EBTA in 2007. Have a great trip!

 

[KrisannB]

We are Barry and Teresa from Alabama, traveling with DS Andrew (23) and with all of you. Sorry we are too late to join in most of your activities, but we hope to meet many of you on the cruise. We are in room 8042 and on second dining. Have decided to forgo formal nights this trip as it is too much to carry the extra clothing (we have to bring the pirate stuff of course). We are on the flight leaving Atlanta on the 17th arriving on the 18th in Barcelona. Hope to get a quick tour of the city before the cruise. This is my 7th Disney cruise and 7 days never seemed like enough. Will be interesting to see how 14 days will be. I hope everyone has a safe and uneventful trip to Barcelona. See you on the cruise.

Welcome! please send me a PM with your cabin number and how many cruisers that you have so I can put you wristbands in the distribution pile! You can go to page 2 to see the sizes we have. Just let me know - we still have plenty!

Krisann

 

[Steffy]

Barcelona is also known for conmen pretending / dressed as Bellmen who help you out of the taxi & while you pay for the taxi disappear with your luggage.

Terrific!!!

I have almost finished packing!!!

What is everyone wearing while doing tours of Barcelona? We are arriving on Friday and going directly to a city tour then to the hotel and to HRC for the meet. I dont know if I shoud wear jeans or capris/shorts I dont want to stand out to badly as a target for pickpocketing but also want to be comfy. I will also be watching the weather as we get closer to see how warm it will be.

What are your plans of what to wear around town?

I'm wearing jeans and a nice top.

In our family, it is my DH to who everyone brings the technology problems. For example, my sister's MIL calls once a year for him to help her do her annual DVD for her Kirwin Relief foundation. Diane, who is over 70 goes to Bodhgaya, India where she helps a village.

Next, it will be my GD Aspen's computer won't work. He will patiently reformat and reload all the progams so it works perfectly.

Or it will be that my desktop has crashed. DH will have to transfer all the files to a new hard drive so I can have a backup to my laptop computer.

I am just so grateful that I have a husband who can attend to all our family IT needs!!

I'm the techie in my family. I have 3 laptops on my dining room table right now that I need to fix before I vacation...

I'm thinking it is the injectable drug I started. I've had the same reaction two weeks in a row after starting/upping my dosage. I'm calling my doctor on Tuesday to find out for sure. I am not upping my dosage to the highest dosage until AFTER the cruise.



It doesn't seem possible to say that we're leaving next week! I have so much to do! I have to stop getting sick!



I am...trust me. I'm drinking ginger ale and eating lots of crackers. I can't wait to eat normally again!

Feel better!

no porters and luggage carts are free over here and they are by the luggage carasouls once you exit that zone it's just a short walk down (like 1 min if that) an escalator to taxi zone. And just a bit further for the Aerobus. Look for the bus sign.

I did see some taxi drivers loading suitcases but I saw the same amount of owners loading their own suitcases in. Might be a man thing though. Remember, taxis are smaller. About 4 luggage is going to be tight.

There are taxi guides in uniform guiding folks and there was a never-ending taxi line when we got here.

Just another observation.

BTW, there are 2 ATM machines located right before the escalators to the taxis. Actually just as you exit baggage claim area.

Thank you soooo much for this information. Are there elevators? I don't do escalators.

I am so scared to fly! Darn, I forgot to get my Xanex prescription filled! I have to do that this week. I will be such a happy camper (or should I say cruiser) once we land in Spain. If you're in the airport, you'll recognize me, I'll be the one kissing the ground! LOL!!!! (Not really...trust me, too many germs.)

Your going to be on the flight with me. I also listen intently to the talk, count seats and rows, would not DREAM of taking off my shoes, will be wearing jeans and a cotton long sleeve top. And popping drugs so I can sleep while we are over the ocean. If I wasn't such a germaphobe, I'd be kissing the ground too. I'm so glad Terry loves me or she would smother me with the airline pillow.

Okay, I am trying to poke out my mind's eye cause I am thinking that every time you get a call, you will get a little thrill!!!!

Hey, I got a text and my blouse lit up.

Don't worry, I scare easily! LOL!!!!

I'm the person on the plane when the flight attendents are going over the safety procedures who is 110% paying attention...then I start to cry because of take off. Might I add that is even with Xanex! LOL

Yeah, I have drugs too. I am a HORRIBLE flyer. That's why my doctor is knocking me the heck out. Think Mr. T on the A Team.

 

[Steffy]

Okay world travelers, I need a little help. Let me start by saying this is my first time overseas...

Okay, I get off the plane, potty up being careful not to hang anything on the door and putting my carry on between my legs. Also I have my travel toliet paper with me, just in case.

I leave the potty, go to the ATM, placing my carry on between my legs maybe even putting the strap around my leg. Terry will stand behind me facing out. I will put the euros in a pouch stashed in the Bank of ****ie which is attached to my bra strap.

I get a cart and go to the baggage area, keeping vigil over my carry on. Since now I know there are no porters, I will refuse help from anybody who dares touch my luggage. We will go upstairs and pray that the person who is hustling us into taxis are real taxis. I will show him the sign for Pratik Ramblas and hope that I get there. I will pay him before I exit the cab so I can clutch my carry on, and then try to roll all three cases into the hotel, as the bellman might be a thief in bellman's clothing.

I get into the hotel and the room is not ready because in Barcelona they don't do early check in... So my question is, what do I do with my luggage and my pacsafe with my passport and credit cards? Should I ask to put it in the hotel safe? Can I trust the bellhops inside? Will I ever see my luggage again?

 

[HallsofVA]

I highly recommend spending your first 3-4 days in Madrid and using it as a base of operations. You can catch trains from Madrid to see some of the best sights in Spain.

Madrid:
Plaza Mayor - tapas y cervezas; people watching and relaxing in the middle of history
El Prado - incredible art museum
Botin - the world's oldest restaurant; it's just off Plaza Mayor
Royal Palace - a must see if you spend a day in Madrid
Flamenco - it's the real deal here; dinner shows are relatively inexpensive. It's not native to Barcelona - they only do it in Barcelona because the tourists expect it as part of their visit to Spain.

Extending out from Madrid via train:
Toledo - probably my favorite city in the world, plus it's in La Mancha, which has some of the very best (and inexpensive!) red wines - even better than Rioja IMHO; sights to see include the cathedral, el Alcázar (inlcuding the Museo del Ejercito, or Army Museum), Casa de "El Greco," and just walking around seeing all the churches, synagogues, mosques, and shopping. (I always wanted to bring home a suit of Toledo armor, but it wouldn't fit in my suitcase )
Segovia - one of my other favorite cities; Roman aquaduct, Alcazar, cathedral, city wall, and one of the most famous restaurants in Spain, Mesón Cándido. They are located right next to (almost under) the Roman aquaduct and make absolutely the most phenomenal roast suckling pig. My mouth is watering just thinking back on it!
Avila - just to see the city wall and walk around the old town
Sevilla - if you're really adventurous hop on the AVE on spend a day here

If any of this sounds interesting to you, let me know and I can provide more details.

Oh my goodness! You almost pegged our honeymoon trip back in 1995 to a tee! We stayed a few days in Madrid, then went to Toledo, Avila, Segovia, then El Escorial before heading back to Madrid! We had a rental car, though, so didn't experience the train.

I'm staying at the Renaissance and I think I'm getting in on the 16th. It's getting from the airport to the hotel that's scary, then BCN itself. Ugh. I've done the HOHO twice, and it takes a long time to make the circuit, but maybe that's an option. I think I'll go wonder around Park Guell and take a book. I always wanted to do that.

The Renaissance has a free shuttle from the airport to the hotel, so that part shouldn't be bad. There is information on the website if you need it. They also have a shuttle into the city, though I'm not sure how reliable it is. We'd originally booked in there, then decided to stay a Le Meridien to be closer to the tourist areas.

 

[birkner]

The Renaissance has a free shuttle from the airport to the hotel, so that part shouldn't be bad. There is information on the website if you need it. They also have a shuttle into the city, though I'm not sure how reliable it is. We'd originally booked in there, then decided to stay a Le Meridien to be closer to the tourist areas.

If you correspond with the concierge at the Renaissance, they will schedule the shuttle for your flight. The concierge will send also you a detailed shuttle schedule for shuttles into La Rambla.

We are also staying the last night before the cruise at the Le Meridien and they are very helpful as well, though it cost 40 euros for us to get there from the Renaissance.

 

[KrisannB]

I am so lost on this part of the cruise thread - so much going on this past week and half and not had time to keep up with the board!

Anyone who is new - please go to page 2 and read about wristbands and then send me a PM with your info so I can bag your bands for you.

I finally got our formal wear figured out. - Men's Wearhouse was having a buy one get one free sale this weekend and I got the following for $202

2 white Linen jackets
$28 went to alterations on my son's jacket
2 pairs white socks
2 red hankies
2 black hankies
2 black tux shirts
2 black vests
2 sets of cuffs and studs
white vest, bow tie and regular tie set
blue vest, bow tie and regular tie set (not sure we are using this one though)
1 white bow tie
1 red bow tie


and then I went and bought my daughter and I each a pair of long gloves to wear on prince/princess night - our family is doing a black and white theme - my dress is black skirt with white beaded top and I got black gloves and my daughter who has a solid black dress got the white gloves - DH and DS will wear black dress pants, black shirts, white linen jackets, white bow ties

and then I went and bought me some new pj's (just incase I do get up in time for the PJ breakfast)

I have packed our carry on and tested the weight - everything is good and I got my pillow AND computer in it (17 inch wide screen) along with some clothes - just in case. And it is a little suitecase so I am thrilled I did not have to go bigger - I wanted to make sure we have no issues when we fly from Munich to Barcelona with our carryon sizes. I am amazed at how much we were able to get in it.

My purse for the plane is packed with the exception of just a few things

Oh and on friday my entire day looking for my kids' passports! I am glad to say that we finally found them! The children were not amused when I said since I had mine I could just leave them at home

I have one suitcase fully packed, weighed, tagged and ready to fly! Now to get the rest of the clothes washed and packed.

ohhhh and I found out yesterday that I am not staying in Salzburg the week before - I am actually staying in Germany - in bad reichenhall - anyone ever been? have any words of wisdom?

Now back to reading the posts!

Krisann

 

[tinker1bell]

Terrific!!! We will just take our time to get to the taxi stand

I'm wearing jeans and a nice top. I am wearing jeans and a nice top too


I'm the techie in my family. I have 3 laptops on my dining room table right now that I need to fix before I vacation... She knows how to talk very computer basic to me when she helps me!!!!


Thank you soooo much for this information. Are there elevators? I don't do escalators. We will find one!!!!


Your going to be on the flight with me. I also listen intently to the talk, count seats and rows, would not DREAM of taking off my shoes, will be wearing jeans and a cotton long sleeve top. And popping drugs so I can sleep while we are over the ocean. If I wasn't such a germaphobe, I'd be kissing the ground too. I'm so glad Terry loves me or she would smother me with the airline pillow.

I could think of doing it but then I wouldn't have my spa twin!!!
We are soon celebrating our 22 years of knowing each other....my hubby loves her too and knows her quirks too



Hey, I got a text and my blouse lit up. You know I had to call you!!!



Yeah, I have drugs too. I am a HORRIBLE flyer. That's why my doctor is knocking me the heck out. Think Mr. T on the A Team.

Thank goodness it will be too noisy on the plane so we won't snore!!!!

 

[tinker1bell]

Okay world travelers, I need a little help. Let me start by saying this is my first time overseas...

Okay, I get off the plane, potty up being careful not to hang anything on the door and putting my carry on between my legs. Also I have my travel toliet paper with me, just in case.

I leave the potty, go to the ATM, placing my carry on between my legs maybe even putting the strap around my leg. Terry will stand behind me facing out. I will put the euros in a pouch stashed in the Bank of ****ie which is attached to my bra strap.

I get a cart and go to the baggage area, keeping vigil over my carry on. Since now I know there are no porters, I will refuse help from anybody who dares touch my luggage. We will go upstairs and pray that the person who is hustling us into taxis are real taxis. I will show him the sign for Pratik Ramblas and hope that I get there. I will pay him before I exit the cab so I can clutch my carry on, and then try to roll all three cases into the hotel, as the bellman might be a thief in bellman's clothing.

I get into the hotel and the room is not ready because in Barcelona they don't do early check in... So my question is, what do I do with my luggage and my pacsafe with my passport and credit cards? Should I ask to put it in the hotel safe? Can I trust the bellhops inside? Will I ever see my luggage again?

She really does stress a lot doesn't she?????

We will just have the hotel person get two other people to sign a paper in blood that they know what is in the safe if our room is not ready....

 

[TheDisneyGirl02]

Okay world travelers, I need a little help. Let me start by saying this is my first time overseas...

Okay, I get off the plane, potty up being careful not to hang anything on the door and putting my carry on between my legs. Also I have my travel toliet paper with me, just in case.

I leave the potty, go to the ATM, placing my carry on between my legs maybe even putting the strap around my leg. Terry will stand behind me facing out. I will put the euros in a pouch stashed in the Bank of ****ie which is attached to my bra strap.

I get a cart and go to the baggage area, keeping vigil over my carry on. Since now I know there are no porters, I will refuse help from anybody who dares touch my luggage. We will go upstairs and pray that the person who is hustling us into taxis are real taxis. I will show him the sign for Pratik Ramblas and hope that I get there. I will pay him before I exit the cab so I can clutch my carry on, and then try to roll all three cases into the hotel, as the bellman might be a thief in bellman's clothing.

I get into the hotel and the room is not ready because in Barcelona they don't do early check in... So my question is, what do I do with my luggage and my pacsafe with my passport and credit cards? Should I ask to put it in the hotel safe? Can I trust the bellhops inside? Will I ever see my luggage again?

You basically described me when I get off the plane too!

I was wondering the same thing about our luggage. I'm glad you asked the question.

 

[Steffy]

She really does stress a lot doesn't she?????

We will just have the hotel person get two other people to sign a paper in blood that they know what is in the safe if our room is not ready....

I think I'm going to get a money belt and put my passport and cards in that. I can only stuff so much in with the girls.. They need room too.

 

[birkner]

You basically described me when I get off the plane too!

I was wondering the same thing about our luggage. I'm glad you asked the question.

If you want an opinion, here goes, I would never leave my Pacsafe with my passport and credit cards with my luggage. I would either carry them with me or if you are worried, have them locked in the manager's hotel safe. We have had valuables locked in the manager's hotel safe all over world and never had a problem. Most room safes are not large enough to hold our computers and other vaulables so we usually have to take them to the front desk.

 

[tinker1bell]

You basically described me when I get off the plane too!

I was wondering the same thing about our luggage. I'm glad you asked the question.

Since we are staying at the same place, maybe we can get a van to take us to the hotel??? Then we could all watch our luggage together.

 

[birkner]

I think I'm going to get a money belt and put my passport and cards in that. I can only stuff so much in with the girls.. They need room too.

DH and I both have Pacsafe waist wallets where we will carry passports, credit card and currency. In my Pacsafe purse, I will have camera lenses and some other miscellaneous items.