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

[Brookspayne]

The good thing about having so much Mouse time is that planning future trips gets easier. Now looking at doing Disney Paris before WBTA and spending a week at WDW after the cruise - my dream is to visit every Disney Park in the World. So if anyone has tips for Disney Paris please let me know.

After spending 37 hours in airport lounges and planes getting home (live in Perth, Western Australia) I will also be trying to find a better route home for next year. That is the only problem living half a world away but the Magic of Disney makes it all worth while.

 

[LittleDisneyLovers]

That's the thing we want to do on St Maarten. Watching all those planes flying above you....amazing We've only seen it happening on Youtube.

We did Maho Beach on the WBTA. We did a day tour with Bernards, we stopped there for lunch (best ribs ever!!!) and saw the big KLM plane come in around 12:30. Tip - the cocktails are super strong, 1 rum punch nearly knocked me over for the day!

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!

Tarin

We found out Brent-Cruise Director, David (head of Family/Adult entertainment-from Canada) and Aussie Dave are all going to the Dream for the 1st contract.... for them but

Oooohhhhhh, I hope they'll be back in time, I promised them both Tim Tams for next year, and they indicated they would be there, but stuff changes....who knows???

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.

Silly people, don't know what they are missing, living in their own little bubble, not having their lives enriched with other peoples company, smiles, stories and culture! Their loss

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!!!!

Was that Champagne Girls day, wouldn't want to have been their neighbour that arfternoon!

Hi Everyone!

Wow, I've got a lot of reading to do here!

DH and I booked this cruise when we were on our 4-night Wonder cruise last month. It's still pretty iffy as to whether we'll make this - if we can make arrangements for our 5 dogs, if we can get a decent airfare to Barcelona, if we can scrape up the money - the fare is not as much of a problem as our bar tab!

BUT... This is going to be my birthday present for one of those "landmark" birthdays, so I'm really hoping we can pull this off. We've only been on 4-nighters, so any advice from anyone who has done this before would be most welcome. Of course, we'd love to participate in a FE, too.

Okay, time to get reading.

Hi guys, we booked the 2011 WBTA and will be joining this happy group on board.

We spent 47 days with the Mouse in September / October (DCL & WDW) and arrived home two weeks ago with serious withdrawal symptoms.

Have just started to read thread for this cruise and notice some familiar names from the 2010 WBTA. Sorry that we didn't meet up on this past cruise, spent most of the 14 days relaxing and spending time together.

Next holiday going to be a cut down version of this year's holiday (husband's work commitments dictate this I'm afraid).

Going to have to get out of my comfort zone for chatting, would you believe I have just started to use Facebook???

Burnice

We are also Aussies, from Gold Coast, Queensland, G'day!

 

[granmaz]

Hi Everyone!

Wow, I've got a lot of reading to do here!

DH and I booked this cruise when we were on our 4-night Wonder cruise last month. It's still pretty iffy as to whether we'll make this - if we can make arrangements for our 5 dogs, if we can get a decent airfare to Barcelona, if we can scrape up the money - the fare is not as much of a problem as our bar tab!

BUT... This is going to be my birthday present for one of those "landmark" birthdays, so I'm really hoping we can pull this off. We've only been on 4-nighters, so any advice from anyone who has done this before would be most welcome. Of course, we'd love to participate in a FE, too.

Okay, time to get reading.

Hi and welcome. I hope you make the cruise. Time to become tee total before next September!!!

Hi guys, we booked the 2011 WBTA and will be joining this happy group on board.

We spent 47 days with the Mouse in September / October (DCL & WDW) and arrived home two weeks ago with serious withdrawal symptoms.

Have just started to read thread for this cruise and notice some familiar names from the 2010 WBTA. Sorry that we didn't meet up on this past cruise, spent most of the 14 days relaxing and spending time together.

Next holiday going to be a cut down version of this year's holiday (husband's work commitments dictate this I'm afraid).

Going to have to get out of my comfort zone for chatting, would you believe I have just started to use Facebook???

Burnice

Hi. We were on the last WBTA but I don't think we met. I think we did so little we missed meeting a lot of people!!!

Was that Champagne Girls day, wouldn't want to have been their neighbour that arfternoon!

No, it was another day!!!

 

[squitty]

I booked my flight back home last night. Happened to still be up at 1 am, so decided to check things out. That was midnight in Ireland and thus for the airline. I got quoted a price that was even a nice bit cheaper than I've been quoted so far when toying around with some other dates when they first were published so I booked them. GREAT price for both a oneway (which we all know can be difficult to get, most of the times it's cheaper to book a roundtrip and only use it half ) and GREAT price for business class. What more could I want? They quoted me a $-price since it's a flight from MCO and offered me a fixed currency exchange rate. No thank you, my creditcard company uses a much much better. All in all those two saved me about another €75,-. This morning the prices were the same as I've been quoted when playing around so I've got the impression the prices get put up at midnight but aren't quite right yet. Either way, I don't care. I got myself a deal.

Well done on booking your flights..

Hi Everyone!

Wow, I've got a lot of reading to do here!

DH and I booked this cruise when we were on our 4-night Wonder cruise last month. It's still pretty iffy as to whether we'll make this - if we can make arrangements for our 5 dogs, if we can get a decent airfare to Barcelona, if we can scrape up the money - the fare is not as much of a problem as our bar tab!

BUT... This is going to be my birthday present for one of those "landmark" birthdays, so I'm really hoping we can pull this off. We've only been on 4-nighters, so any advice from anyone who has done this before would be most welcome. Of course, we'd love to participate in a FE, too.

Okay, time to get reading.

Welcome

Hi guys, we booked the 2011 WBTA and will be joining this happy group on board.

We spent 47 days with the Mouse in September / October (DCL & WDW) and arrived home two weeks ago with serious withdrawal symptoms.

Have just started to read thread for this cruise and notice some familiar names from the 2010 WBTA. Sorry that we didn't meet up on this past cruise, spent most of the 14 days relaxing and spending time together.

Next holiday going to be a cut down version of this year's holiday (husband's work commitments dictate this I'm afraid).

Going to have to get out of my comfort zone for chatting, would you believe I have just started to use Facebook???

Burnice

Welcome

We did Maho Beach on the WBTA. We did a day tour with Bernards, we stopped there for lunch (best ribs ever!!!) and saw the big KLM plane come in around 12:30. Tip - the cocktails are super strong, 1 rum punch nearly knocked me over for the day!

Sounds great Drinking on an afternoon hasn't always been good to me, so I'll stay away from the rum punch

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

Welcome aboard Pam and Burnice!

 

[PFlamingo]

I'm kicking around a few ideas for getting us and our stuff to Barcelona. Feel free to give me feedback on how practical - or not - any of this would be.

As DH is retired Air Force, he is going to look into getting us on a military flight - maybe to England or Germany. Not sure where, exactly in England or Germany, but it'll be closer than we are now.

Once we get that far, I'm thinking we could either fly or take a train to Barcelona. How feasible would either be? We love trains, so I'm thinking that would be cheaper & more interesting than flying. I traveled around England via BritRail years ago, and had no problems at all. Will getting to Barcelona be as easy?

Given the baggage limitations on the airlines these days, I'm thinking we should ship some of our stuff ahead. I know cost will depend on the size/weight of the package, but if anyone has done this, how much did you ship and what did it cost? Has anyone had any problems with going this route - like packages/bags getting lost? We always drive to Orlando (we live in central Georgia) and my parents drive us to Port Canaveral, so we've not had to deal with airline restrictions on bag size, weight, or contents, or ground transportation w/ all our stuff.

I haven't figured out yet how early we'll be going - probably only a few days ahead, but we'll have to be flexible if we use the military flight. We'll probably arrive in Barcelona at least one day ahead and stay at a hotel. What will be the best way to get to the port?

TIA for the help! Sorry if I've asked a bunch of things that have been answered elsewhere - I've only read thru pg 10 of this thread.

 

[granmaz]

We were thinking of going by train at one time, when the volcano was disrupting flights. In the end we didn't have to, but John still fancies it.

This site describes the journey. It is overnight as it happens. I haven't looked into anything else. The main train is from Paris, but you can go from the UK - follow the instructions lo booking. If you go with the more expensive ticket with your own compartment, you get 2 bags each allowance too.

http://www.seat61.com/Spain.htm

Noel is the one who will advise about shipping baggage ahead if you need to. A taxi is the best way to get to the port.

 

[birkner]

I'm kicking around a few ideas for getting us and our stuff to Barcelona. Feel free to give me feedback on how practical - or not - any of this would be.

As DH is retired Air Force, he is going to look into getting us on a military flight - maybe to England or Germany. Not sure where, exactly in England or Germany, but it'll be closer than we are now.

Once we get that far, I'm thinking we could either fly or take a train to Barcelona. How feasible would either be? We love trains, so I'm thinking that would be cheaper & more interesting than flying. I traveled around England via BritRail years ago, and had no problems at all. Will getting to Barcelona be as easy?

Given the baggage limitations on the airlines these days, I'm thinking we should ship some of our stuff ahead. I know cost will depend on the size/weight of the package, but if anyone has done this, how much did you ship and what did it cost? Has anyone had any problems with going this route - like packages/bags getting lost? We always drive to Orlando (we live in central Georgia) and my parents drive us to Port Canaveral, so we've not had to deal with airline restrictions on bag size, weight, or contents, or ground transportation w/ all our stuff.

I haven't figured out yet how early we'll be going - probably only a few days ahead, but we'll have to be flexible if we use the military flight. We'll probably arrive in Barcelona at least one day ahead and stay at a hotel. What will be the best way to get to the port?

TIA for the help! Sorry if I've asked a bunch of things that have been answered elsewhere - I've only read thru pg 10 of this thread.

We flew into Frankfurt for the last WBTA. We used Air Berlin to get from Frankfurt to Barcelona. Cost for the two of us was $251. However, the baggage restrictions are pretty horrendous at one bag each and one carry one which means you have to put your purse inside the carry on. Weight for baggage is 20kg. 20 kg is 44 pounds. Carry on weight is 8 kg (includes computer) or 17.6 pounds. Size for carry on in inches is 21.7 x 15.7 x 7.9 or 55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm.

I used a pricey option and others may have better options. I shipped 50 lbs ahead via Luggage Forward for $306 as I wanted to be sure all our cruise clothes arrived without getting stuck in customs. I still figured since we only paid $2.50 to use our miles to fly between SFO and BCN that we still came out ahead.

We are just staying Friday night so we are going to stay at the Barcelona Marriott Renassance Airport Hotel. They have free transportation to the airport and the city center. Also, for 10 Euros for adults and 5 Euros for children they have a shuttle that goes to the pier. Last year it left at 11AM, 12PM and 1PM.

 

[birkner]

We were thinking of going by train at one time, when the volcano was disrupting flights. In the end we didn't have to, but John still fancies it.

This site describes the journey. It is overnight as it happens. I haven't looked into anything else. The main train is from Paris, but you can go from the UK - follow the instructions lo booking. If you go with the more expensive ticket with your own compartment, you get 2 bags each allowance too.

http://www.seat61.com/Spain.htm

Noel is the one who will advise about shipping baggage ahead if you need to. A taxi is the best way to get to the port.

I found the trains way too expensive between Frankfurt and Barcelona. From the raileurope site:


Rail Service Departs:
Inter City Express 518 3:09PM
Frankfurt Flug FE,
Germany
4 Jan 4:05PM
Koeln Hbf,
Germany
4 Jan 0hr 56min
CONNECTING TRAIN
Thalys 9452 4:42PM
Koeln Hbf,
Germany
4 Jan 7:59PM
Paris Nord,
France
4 Jan 3hr 17min
Please note: You have 37 min to transfer between trains.
CONNECTING TRAIN
Elipsos 477 8:37PM
Paris Austerlitz,
France
4 Jan 8:24AM
Barcelona-Estacio De Franca,
Spain
5 Jan 11hr 47min
4 Jan 0hr 56min 2 $948.00 $1413.00 $1777.00 N/A
CONNECTING TRAIN
Thalys 9452 4:42PM
Koeln Hbf,
Germany
4 Jan 7:59PM
Paris Nord,
France
4 Jan 3hr 17min
Please note: You have 37 min to transfer between trains.
CONNECTING TRAIN
Elipsos 477 8:37PM
Paris Austerlitz,
France
4 Jan 8:24AM
Barcelona-Estacio De Franca,
Spain
5 Jan 11hr 47min

Cost for 2 seniors (over 60):

Economy $948.00
Restricted

2nd Class $1413.00
Freedom
Flexible

2nd Class $1777.00
Comfort
Restricted

1st Class N/A
Premier
1st Class
and more

 

[granmaz]

I found the trains way too expensive between Frankfurt and Barcelona. From the raileurope site:


Rail Service Departs:
Inter City Express 518 3:09PM
Frankfurt Flug FE,
Germany
4 Jan 4:05PM
Koeln Hbf,
Germany
4 Jan 0hr 56min
CONNECTING TRAIN
Thalys 9452 4:42PM
Koeln Hbf,
Germany
4 Jan 7:59PM
Paris Nord,
France
4 Jan 3hr 17min
Please note: You have 37 min to transfer between trains.
CONNECTING TRAIN
Elipsos 477 8:37PM
Paris Austerlitz,
France
4 Jan 8:24AM
Barcelona-Estacio De Franca,
Spain
5 Jan 11hr 47min
4 Jan 0hr 56min 2 $948.00 $1413.00 $1777.00 N/A
CONNECTING TRAIN
Thalys 9452 4:42PM
Koeln Hbf,
Germany
4 Jan 7:59PM
Paris Nord,
France
4 Jan 3hr 17min
Please note: You have 37 min to transfer between trains.
CONNECTING TRAIN
Elipsos 477 8:37PM
Paris Austerlitz,
France
4 Jan 8:24AM
Barcelona-Estacio De Franca,
Spain
5 Jan 11hr 47min

Cost for 2 seniors (over 60):

Economy $948.00
Restricted

2nd Class $1413.00
Freedom
Flexible

2nd Class $1777.00
Comfort
Restricted

1st Class N/A
Premier
1st Class
and more

Yikes, they are expensive. When we looked at the London to Barcelona they weren't bad at all. They do say to book quickly when the dates open up.

 

[PFlamingo]

I looked at this as separate fares - London to Paris, std class seat, and then the overnight 2-berth w/ shower from Paris to Barcelona. Altogether it was about 380 euros (which I have yet to convert and who knows what the rate will be by then). Still not cheap. I figure I've got some time to research our options.

I was just thinking how old and spoiled I've become. Back in the day, I'd've just booked a standard seat through, stuffed everything in my rucksack, slept in my seat, and found a hostel when I got there. DH is one of those "eeeww, share a bathroom??" kind of guys, though. Always has been.

 

[birkner]

I looked at this as separate fares - London to Paris, std class seat, and then the overnight 2-berth w/ shower from Paris to Barcelona. Altogether it was about 380 euros (which I have yet to convert and who knows what the rate will be by then). Still not cheap. I figure I've got some time to research our options.

I was just thinking how old and spoiled I've become. Back in the day, I'd've just booked a standard seat through, stuffed everything in my rucksack, slept in my seat, and found a hostel when I got there. DH is one of those "eeeww, share a bathroom??" kind of guys, though. Always has been.

381 Euros converts today to about $525. Was that a per person or for both?

I am one who prefers hotels as well. Didn't mind camping or rouging it when I was younger but not these days.

 

[granmaz]

There are lots of budget airlines that fly from the UK to Barcelona. Some could be as low as $60 each or even lower, but the baggage allowances are usually poor. However if you are going to send some ahead that should be no problem. I think most Brits flying over this year used the budget airlines. They get you there, and it is only just over 2 hours flying time.

We used British Airways and that wasn't too bad really, but looking more expensive for next year as yet. I will wait for a sale I think and hope Barcelona is included. I think we paid about $150 which included paying for a second checked bag.

 

[Con5421]

Here some picture's from the Dream in The Netherlands

 

[granmaz]

Fantastic. Thanks Connie.

 

[birkner]

Connie, thanks ever so much for sharing the pics of the Dream with all of us.

 

[Pinky166]

Thanks for sharing Connie!!! I am so excited, roll on January!

 

[Pinky166]

Hi Everyone!

Wow, I've got a lot of reading to do here!

DH and I booked this cruise when we were on our 4-night Wonder cruise last month. It's still pretty iffy as to whether we'll make this - if we can make arrangements for our 5 dogs, if we can get a decent airfare to Barcelona, if we can scrape up the money - the fare is not as much of a problem as our bar tab!

BUT... This is going to be my birthday present for one of those "landmark" birthdays, so I'm really hoping we can pull this off. We've only been on 4-nighters, so any advice from anyone who has done this before would be most welcome. Of course, we'd love to participate in a FE, too.

Okay, time to get reading.

Welcome aboard Pat & DH, I hope you are able to come, what a great way to celebrate your birthday.

Hi guys, we booked the 2011 WBTA and will be joining this happy group on board.

We spent 47 days with the Mouse in September / October (DCL & WDW) and arrived home two weeks ago with serious withdrawal symptoms.

Have just started to read thread for this cruise and notice some familiar names from the 2010 WBTA. Sorry that we didn't meet up on this past cruise, spent most of the 14 days relaxing and spending time together.

Next holiday going to be a cut down version of this year's holiday (husband's work commitments dictate this I'm afraid).

Going to have to get out of my comfort zone for chatting, would you believe I have just started to use Facebook???

Burnice

Burnice & family. Wow 47 days with the Mouse would be so awesome!!!!! You lucky thing.

 

[MandyGirl]

Welcome aboard Pam and Burnice!

 

[MandyGirl]

I'm kicking around a few ideas for getting us and our stuff to Barcelona. Feel free to give me feedback on how practical - or not - any of this would be.

As DH is retired Air Force, he is going to look into getting us on a military flight - maybe to England or Germany. Not sure where, exactly in England or Germany, but it'll be closer than we are now.

Once we get that far, I'm thinking we could either fly or take a train to Barcelona. How feasible would either be? We love trains, so I'm thinking that would

We had been kicking that idea around as well. Hubby is an active airline employee, so we have standby privileges on lots of airlines usually at 90% off. However, I want a confirmed ticket, and we found some nice deals that are nonstops to Barcelona. Would be a lot of kick-paddle-kick-paddle to catch up with the Magic as she left Barcelona...

Anyway, we have AA miles to use, so I have looked at destinations in Europe on AA. We also have two nights at any Hyatt with no blackout date. However, we are learning that Hyatt in Europe (standard rooms) do not accommodate 2 adults plus 1 toddler and 1 infant (even at 450+ sq ft, king bed, children under 12 free, etc). grrrr. Even when we all pile into one bed at home on rainy nights, me still breastfeeding, etc. Hotels in general are tough to find for a family of four without breaking budget, and I'm too much of a 'fraidy cat to sneak one in over the limit - and if she weighs as much as DD1 did at that age, we are looking at 20 pounds sneaking in! (I know they blame it on fire code... but seriously...) We have not committed to flying directly into BCN yet - I'm still drawn to visit Italy. A friend of mine has visited there dozens of times for leisure, but he thinks we should just go to BCN and save Italy for later when the girls are older. (He forgets my 5 month-old has now flown 11 times... but he is right... transatlantic may be a different beast for her.) I found good deals from Milan to BCN (nonstop) on Lufthansa that INCLUDE a checked bag. Not RyanAir or EasyJet. Lufthansa was really a sweet deal. I'm still inclined to look at Milan, or train to Bologna, but this whole thing with me not working this year has Curt looking at trip budget more closely. Sister-in-law spent 6 weeks in Barcelona last year as part of residency after med school, so I need to pick her brain. I just hate flying all that way and only seeing one area. The last time Curt and I went, we each had one backpack and were just fine. Gotta teach these little ones to travel light as well.

So last night my searches were geared back to apartments in Barcelona... but my heart still wants to squeeze something else in. Will keep looking...