-=*September 10 2011, Westbound Transatlantic from Barcelona to Port Canaveral*=-

[birkner]

Thanks for that Noel. I think we won't get through everything we want to see and i don't think we are planning on getting to the west coast again which is a shame.

If you want some help planning, please let me know. I may just get down there again so why don't you keep me posted and perhaps we could meet up.

Oh my goodness, what miseries! Can't believe they were like that when you said hello. Now, perhaps on Cunard!! Even if there were lots of people on the corridor delivering FE gifts I can't imagine they were too loud. However, I did pop up to Su's room one afternoon to look at the magazine bag, and the door was open and it was extremely loud and noisy in there. I thought at the time I wouldn't want to be next door!!!!

I agree especially on the QE2 where people were more stuffy. One particular time some of the kids were delivering with their parents, giggling and having fun. I don't think they expected to have anyone around I guess. They had really sour looks on their faces every time we happen to see them.

Sue's room was pretty noisy but I had noisy GK's next to us and never heard them on one cruise. The best was when we were in the Walt and they would on the other side of the stateroom!!

No more family trip for us in the concierge as it holds 5 now and we have 7 if I take DD's family.

Over 14K for 2, so not in my budget as I am not paying $2K a night for the two of us even if food is included!!

We only have 2 full days and one afternoon/evening, so not too much time. I fancied the zoo but John doesn't want to go, or to Seaworld. We are planning on USS Midway as well as wandering round the Gaslamp and Downtown areas. Will also do a bit of walking around the water's edge too. Other than that we will play it by ear so to speak. We will have a car so can go for a drive round. Not sure if we will get shopping though.

I may just get down there again especially if DD Samantha goes to law school there so why don't you keep me posted and perhaps we could meet up for dinner or something.

 

[Pinky166]

hiya guys,
sorry i havent been around much the past few days, been ill since saturday night with what the doctor thinks is gastroenteritis. not pleasant and havent been on the net much
unfortunately i'm STILL waiting to hear back about my holiday leave. i'm starting to get to the point now where i wouldnt be surprised if it gets refused, seriously why should it be taking this long?!!
the thread has picked up now, but if you want the new thread maybe claire (pinky) would do the honours. i just hate delaying everyone's planning just because i'm still waiting.

You poor thing, that is horrid! I hope you feel better soon.

I will start a new thread if everyone is happy for me too, but I also don't mind waiting for you to find out if your holiday is authorised.

We only have 2 full days and one afternoon/evening, so not too much time. I fancied the zoo but John doesn't want to go, or to Seaworld. We are planning on USS Midway as well as wandering round the Gaslamp and Downtown areas. Will also do a bit of walking around the water's edge too. Other than that we will play it by ear so to speak. We will have a car so can go for a drive round. Not sure if we will get shopping though.

Seaport Village is a really nice place to stroll around, it's right by the water & has a few restaurants & shops.

I can appreciate that as I would want to be exploring the ship as well on such a short cruise.

Yes we want to explore the Dream as much as possible too, thats why I am so pleased that this longer cruise looks like it's going to be so much fun with lots of things planned & lots of new friends.

 

[birkner]

Seaport Village is a really nice place to stroll around, it's right by the water & has a few restaurants & shops.

I don't go there to often but Seaport Village does have some nice places to eat and shop.

Yes we want to explore the Dream as much as possible too, thats why I am so pleased that this longer cruise looks like it's going to be so much fun with lots of things planned & lots of new friends.

We especially loved the sea days!!

 

[granmaz]

We lurve sea days!!!! I think we could just set sail for a week or so and never stop at land!!!

I may just get down there again especially if DD Samantha goes to law school there so why don't you keep me posted and perhaps we could meet up for dinner or something.

That would be so nice.

Seaport Village is a really nice place to stroll around, it's right by the water & has a few restaurants & shops.

I think I have heard of Seaport Village. I just think we will get there - John might not realise it is shops!!!

 

[Pinky166]

I think I have heard of Seaport Village. I just think we will get there - John might not realise it is shops!!!

I like your plan.

It's not a mall, just a few unique shops so you'll probably get away with it. It was one of our favourite places to just wander around by the water. Very pretty & relaxing.

 

[MandyGirl]

Hello All!

I haven't gotten through all of the posts yet but I wanted to let you know that my DH (Donny) and I have booked this cruise!

We just got off the 7 Night Eastern on the Magic and booked this trip while on board!

Would love to do FE as we really enjoyed it this past cruise.

Look forward to getting to know you all in the coming months!

Tarin

Yay! Welcome aboard, Tarin! A friend of our's is boarding the Magic this weekend and is definitely looking forward to it! Glad you had a great cruise!

 

[granmaz]

I like your plan.

It's not a mall, just a few unique shops so you'll probably get away with it. It was one of our favourite places to just wander around by the water. Very pretty & relaxing.

It sounds just the kind of place we like too, particularly if there is a coffee shop or something!!

 

[Pinky166]

It sounds just the kind of place we like too, particularly if there is a coffee shop or something!!

There are a few Cafe's, ice cream shop, deli, several bars/restaurants over looking the water etc.....

Have a look here: http://www.seaportvillage.com/

 

[birkner]

There are a few Cafe's, ice cream shop, deli, several bars/restaurants over looking the water etc.....

Have a look here: http://www.seaportvillage.com/

GMTA!! I hotlinked my post with the URL as well.

 

[Pinky166]

GMTA!! I hotlinked my post with the URL as well.

I just worked it out that it was about 5 years ago that I was there & looking at that website just now makes me want to go back!

 

[birkner]

I just worked it out that it was about 5 years ago that I was there & looking at that website just now makes me want to go back!

Since it is a quick hour flight from us on SWA, we have gone often.

 

[Pinky166]

Since it is a quick hour flight from us on SWA, we have gone often.

Unfortunately for me it's about a 12 hour flight from here!

 

[birkner]

Unfortunately for me it's about a 12 hour flight from here!

Sound like our flight to Frankfort!! We then have to fly the next day to Barcelona as no afternoon flights so far.

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

First up; Karen, take care. Hope you're feeling a lot better soon. Don't sweat it about this thread, you getting better is all you should feel the need to focus on. It's not like we'ld be cancelling the cruise or anything, anyway.

On the last WBTA there were so many organized activities that we hardly did any of the scheduled DCL ones. We also had a room tour which was very fun.

Those are great, aren't they! We were lucky to have just about all of the cats on our tour, incl. the suites. Everybody got a great impression of the options and it was a fun way of meeting up -first time for many of us that weren't able to make the sail-away-party-meet-. I already knew from info and pics just how 'small' regular staterooms are and that DCL has relative big ones compared to some other cruiselines, but since I require an accessible stateroom this tour definately made me go "ok, those pics sure were taken with a good angle, this looks a lot smaller IRL".

I have been in the Walt myself so I know what yo mean about a great suite. We were two doors down from the Walt last WBTA. The people in the Walt this last time were very unfriendly and complained all the time loudly outside their room. I am so glad they were not DISers. First morning on board my DH and I said hello to the family and they looked at us like we had two heads. After that we just passed them in the corridor without speaking. Our room steward Shaka never complained or mentioned them to us but I could hear them complaining about all the people who were leaving FE gifts in the staterooms nearby. They were complaining that they didn't realize so many people would be in the hallway at "all hours" and that they had not paid a fortune to have people traipsing by their room.

Hint to those folks; next time book a cruiseline that keeps out the "ordinary folks". Sjeez, some folks.......




Flying into Frankfurt, Noel? Hoping you're gonna like the airport much more than I do. I got the "worst of the worst we can think off times worser of worse" tour. Not really recommendable. Assuming you're booked onto the LH/UA/CO affiliation? Who's carrying out the flight? Be prepared for a posibility of no jetway for one or more flights, instead having to use the stairs-to-tarmac-to-bus-to-terminal or vice-versa way. If aware of the chance it's not a biggie for most but it can be an unpleasant surprise if you're expecting a jetway.

 

[birkner]

\:

Those are great, aren't they! We were lucky to have just about all of the cats on our tour, incl. the suites. Everybody got a great impression of the options and it was a fun way of meeting up -first time for many of us that weren't able to make the sail-away-party-meet-. I already knew from info and pics just how 'small' regular staterooms are and that DCL has relative big ones compared to some other cruiselines, but since I require an accessible stateroom this tour definately made me go "ok, those pics sure were taken with a good angle, this looks a lot smaller IRL".

I thought we did as well. Some of the rooms even had prizes and treats for us which such a wonderful surprise.


Hint to those folks; next time book a cruiseline that keeps out the "ordinary folks". Sjeez, some folks.......


When we had the Walt suite on our NYE 2007 cruise, we had an open door policy with our DIS mates which turned into a continuous party. Too bad they didn't feel the same way as we had a blast meeting so many people.


Flying into Frankfurt, Noel? Hoping you're gonna like the airport much more than I do. I got the "worst of the worst we can think off times worser of worse" tour. Not really recommendable. Assuming you're booked onto the LH/UA/CO affiliation? Who's carrying out the flight? Be prepared for a posibility of no jetway for one or more flights, instead having to use the stairs-to-tarmac-to-bus-to-terminal or vice-versa way. If aware of the chance it's not a biggie for most but it can be an unpleasant surprise if you're expecting a jetway.

We fly on United #923 direct from SFO so we are fine for the inbound flight.

We have flown Air Berlin so we know about the no jet way as last WBTA we boarded in the rain. Last time we flew from Frankfurt to Berlin to Barcelona.

Air Berlin has some pretty heavy duty restrictions on carry ons and baggage like Ryan Air IMHO. However, the planes are clean and flight attendants are very nice. We did have a halfway decent meal on the plane so I guess I can't complain too much. We did have to ship a bag ahead to the Le Meridien because of the one bag rule so air fare did cost a bit more than planned. I just filled a duffel bag to the gills since they don't weigh much to begin with so I could get all of mine and DH's cruise stuff inside. Had to press stuff but it was cheaper than the bag charge of 100 Euros per extra bag.

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

Totally agree with you that meeting people is such a nice bonus of a cruise. For me it took my first cruise to a whole new level.

We fly on United #923 direct from SFO so we are fine for the inbound flight.

No flight is "safe". LH should have a higher priority, but isn't safe. Intercontinental flights have higher priority but not safe. Odds are in favor of having a jetway, but keep crossing fingers until you actually see on connected to the plane.

Air Berlin has some pretty heavy duty restrictions on carry ons and baggage like Ryan Air IMHO.

Agreed, they do. They are the real low price carriers and/or charter companies and those all come with low prices and low everything else, so to say. Having said that; I can imagine having a bagage-shock for anybody from the US setting foot on a EU-flight for the first time and not being on a through-allowance. Since many US airlines put the fees for a second bag and sometimes first bags into place it's evened out a bit but US carriers still tend to offer a lot more leeway and affordable options than we've ever had. It works the other way round for many of us visiting WDW or DCL; many have shopped big time when it was still the standard 2 suitcase allowance on US-bound flights. Woohoo!

However, the planes are clean and flight attendants are very nice. We did have a halfway decent meal on the plane so I guess I can't complain too much.

Yep, just like in the US even getting anything during a flight is already a big Air Berlin aint a "bad" airline at all, good prices and good quality. They actually have some great prices for Florida, no idea how competative their prices are for US-customers. Do know that a lot of folks fly Air Berlin to Florida because of their prices and quality.

We did have to ship a bag ahead to the Le Meridien because of the one bag rule so air fare did cost a bit more than planned. I just filled a duffel bag to the gills since they don't weigh much to begin with so I could get all of mine and DH's cruise stuff inside. Had to press stuff but it was cheaper than the bag charge of 100 Euros per extra bag.

Yep, those fees are seriously steep with most EU carriers. If you ask me, they're trying hard to make anybody not even consider taking along a second bag. And it works. To be honest though, it's never been an issue for me when it comes to standard luggage. I've always been used to the 20 kg max. and can do fine with it if need be. Big of being used to those allowances.

No longer doable for me with all my medical baggage, so I'm also looking into shipping. No such thing as free medical allowance outside of wheelchairs etc. on the airlines that service Amsterdam-Barcalona. Well OK, one would allow me up to 15 kg more with a docs note but 15 kg doesn't even come close for me. I'm having my powerchair transported by road anyway, so at least having my other stuff shipped over doesn't cost anything extra. Just need to stay within the parameters of the allowed sizes and that's no biggie as huge as those are. Which also means; no worries about any FE-gifst being not packing-savvy or not wanting to crush my formal dress into one suitcase. I'm flying business class back so no worry on that flight either with those huge allowances.

I've already had it confirmed I can have medical stuff shipped to DCL eventhough Barca obviously isn't their homeport as PC is, but it does require working with the special needs desk. Not really sure if it's an option for others who'ld want to ship to the port directly instead of an overnight hotel.

 

[birkner]

No flight is "safe". LH should have a higher priority, but isn't safe. Intercontinental flights have higher priority but not safe. Odds are in favor of having a jetway, but keep crossing fingers until you actually see on connected to the plane.
Will do!!

Agreed, they do. They are the real low price carriers and/or charter companies and those all come with low prices and low everything else, so to say. Having said that; I can imagine having a bagage-shock for anybody from the US setting foot on a EU-flight for the first time and not being on a through-allowance. Since many US airlines put the fees for a second bag and sometimes first bags into place it's evened out a bit but US carriers still tend to offer a lot more leeway and affordable options than we've ever had. It works the other way round for many of us visiting WDW or DCL; many have shopped big time when it was still the standard 2 suitcase allowance on US-bound flights. Woohoo!

With all the clothing, FE gifts,costumes etc. from last year that we took, there was no way we could do it with one bag each. United allows us because DH is Premier Executive to check 3 bags each without extra cost.

Yep, just like in the US even getting anything during a flight is already a big Air Berlin aint a "bad" airline at all, good prices and good quality. They actually have some great prices for Florida, no idea how competative their prices are for US-customers. Do know that a lot of folks fly Air Berlin to Florida because of their prices and quality.

We liked the Airline just not the baggage charges.

Yep, those fees are seriously steep with most EU carriers. If you ask me, they're trying hard to make anybody not even consider taking along a second bag. And it works. To be honest though, it's never been an issue for me when it comes to standard luggage. I've always been used to the 20 kg max. and can do fine with it if need be. Big of being used to those allowances.

No longer doable for me with all my medical baggage, so I'm also looking into shipping. No such thing as free medical allowance outside of wheelchairs etc. on the airlines that service Amsterdam-Barcalona. Well OK, one would allow me up to 15 kg more with a docs note but 15 kg doesn't even come close for me. I'm having my powerchair transported by road anyway, so at least having my other stuff shipped over doesn't cost anything extra. Just need to stay within the parameters of the allowed sizes and that's no biggie as huge as those are. Which also means; no worries about any FE-gifst being not packing-savvy or not wanting to crush my formal dress into one suitcase. I'm flying business class back so no worry on that flight either with those huge allowances.

I've already had it confirmed I can have medical stuff shipped to DCL even though Barca obviously isn't their homeport as PC is, but it does require working with the special needs desk. Not really sure if it's an option for others who'ld want to ship to the port directly instead of an overnight hotel.

People did ship directly to Barcelona for the last WBTA. For me, I just shipped all the stuff I would need on the ship and carried only the clothes for the week in Barcelona, FE gifts and stuff that I wanted to be sure made it on the ship.

 

[MandyGirl]

Hello all! With all the Halloween clearances, I think I have stocked up on costumes for my girls to pack for the cruise! The hard thing is keeping them in the packages until then and not using them for pretend play!

We were looking at visiting Italy prior to the cruise, but a friend has convinced me to wait until the girls are older (or if we ever travel without them). So I guess we will be in Barcelona a few days pre-cruise. Still have not booked hotel, and flights are still on hold with frequent flyer miles. I just hate the indecision! I hate flying there and not seeing a little more, but I also realize we will have two little ones in tow. Great travelers domestically, but not sure with jetlag....

I'm looking forward to some volunteer work I'm doing Saturday. I lost a student in a snow ski accident this past March that I was close to, and her story has made it to over 120 countries now. Don't know if you are aware of Taylor's Gift, but here is a brief video clip. It always makes me hug my girls a little tighter. Taylor's parents were on our local news tonight, so I thought I would share her story.

It is hard to believe that in less than ten months we are onboard!! Have a wonderful Friday!!

 

[squitty]

Hello all! With all the Halloween clearances, I think I have stocked up on costumes for my girls to pack for the cruise! The hard thing is keeping them in the packages until then and not using them for pretend play!

We were looking at visiting Italy prior to the cruise, but a friend has convinced me to wait until the girls are older (or if we ever travel without them). So I guess we will be in Barcelona a few days pre-cruise. Still have not booked hotel, and flights are still on hold with frequent flyer miles. I just hate the indecision! I hate flying there and not seeing a little more, but I also realize we will have two little ones in tow. Great travelers domestically, but not sure with jetlag....

I'm looking forward to some volunteer work I'm doing Saturday. I lost a student in a snow ski accident this past March that I was close to, and her story has made it to over 120 countries now. Don't know if you are aware of Taylor's Gift, but here is a brief video clip. It always makes me hug my girls a little tighter. Taylor's parents were on our local news tonight, so I thought I would share her story.

It is hard to believe that in less than ten months we are onboard!! Have a wonderful Friday!!

Mandygirl - that is such an emotional story. it brought tears to my eyes.


We have the flights booked to Barcelona, we are flying in the day before the cruise so only need one night in Barcelona.

We've also decided to hire a car for one day when we get off the cruise. Stay one night offsite and then when our 7 month window opens book our DVC accommodation.

 

[granmaz]

Those thinking of going to Sunset Beach to see the planes, Lynne, who took a taxi this year posted.

'We got a taxi, it took longer than we expected and longer than they said because we dropped others of in town, I would allow half an hour at least.
Lots of taxis to go back.it was 8 dollars each,each way, lovely beach, take your snorkel stuff if they have any.'