"Seven Seven 07" 20070707-11 Night Mediterranean Cruise

[Hanover]

Wow -- that doesn't seem fair that they wouldn't allow you to book the entire family even with one non-CC member -- kind of defeats the "family friendly" aspect! I figure they probably would be open on Easter Sunday. I haven't received any information yet so I wasn't sure of my date calculation. I guess I will be up bright and early (I had intended on going to the early mass but will have to go later! ) in order to ensure I get them. I will also ask my TA and let you know what she says.

Sheryl

That would be great to find out, thanks. I wonder if my MIL's name would even be highlighted on 4/8/07 on DCL.com on our cruise page/reservations. I know that when we looked at excursions in the past if the minimum ages were older than what our boys ages were at the time, their names were not even highlighted to be able to book them at all. I'm wondering if they will know she is not a CC member and not highlight her. I really didn't want to wait until 75 days in case the 2 tours we plan directly aimed at children's activities fill up too fast. Even if they do, we'll find something to have fun with at those ports and just be flexible. I'm sure that DCL will have some openings for those who do not have internet access, like they have Palo openings on board.

I'm not sure what time I'll wake up to book. I waited until 7AM when we could book for our May 2006 cruise and Palo brunch and high tea were gone and minimal dinners were left. I couldn't believe they really booked that fast, despite reading about it a lot. I guess I'll just have to be super quiet as the boys will think I'm the Easter bunny. Imagine that!

 

[Shercara]

Here is the reply I received from a tour guide recommended on the cc msg boards for a tour at the port of Naples :

Dear Sherri,

Thank you for your call, trust me you will get in love with Italy specially south part that in my opinion was surely created by the good god to be a paradise on earth!

I work for passion, helped by my trusted driver exclusively thanks to the recommendations of my previous clients, which I consider to be the very best form of advertisement.

I am sorry but already booked in person for your date doing my usual itinerary Pompeii –Amalfi drive But if you wish the same experience you surely read or were referred of me I will plan for you my trusted driver, since what makes the difference isn't only who drive (obviously experienced and English spiking) but my exclusive itinerary, on and off beaten trucks optimized in 20 years driving tourists.

Most of my clients visiting the port of Naples wish to visit my optimized Pompeii - Amalfi Drive whatever you read or were told of me of me concern this tour (See map).

My tour allow you to discover as sight seeing the whole amalfi drive coastline via Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi Ravello.

All above names reveals to be very picturesque hamlets but today also famous touristy sites, we have only one narrow road and 2 million visitors per year! But it will be always at your total discretion to spend your time in towns or to keep going exploring more deeply a stunning road, off beaten paths. Whatever you prefer we will optimize your day the best way possible. Of course with a lot of photo stops.

During my tour will be possible to stop at a small family restaurant in a scenic location that provides a very memorable lunch experience at very reasonable cost. Since the cost of your lunch is not included in the tour, if you prefer to stop somewhere else or not at all, please let me know by email if possible so I can put in plan.

I never form groups by my own, and only use van for my tours since is needed a vehicle comfortable and high to see constantly over guard rail wall along the Amalfi drive.

So the vehicle will be always the same (a comfortable van 9 seats total) but prices for my services are for parties of:
Till 4 people (plus deriver) 450 Euro which is the cost of a car but you always get a needed van - from 5 to max 8 people (plus driver = 9 seats total) 550 Euro.

Because I always use a van, it will provide you to find ship mates to join the tour and so reduce costs per person up to the last minute.
So reserving, you will be free to keep the van for your family at the cost of Euro 450 or to try to find ship mates till last minute at the cost of Euro 550.

My tour deserve all the time available so if you agree, my driver will wait for you down steps your ship terminal in Naples showing a sign by 07:30am.or as soon as you can disembark. We will return you to the ship an hour before it depart.

Please reply promptly if interested, I respond to numerous requests every day, and so not able to guaranty my driver availability long time."

So - a party of 8 would be 550 EURs or $723.USD or $90.0USD per person or
$362.31 for each party of 4.

After looking at the DCL offer for the same type of tour - (but on a bus with a large group and I would think less personal )- the cost for 4 ( ages 10 & up) would be :$145.USD each or $580.00USD total

Differences in tours:

DCL - includes admission to Pompeii ( I think - although it does not say specifically on their excursion description) - gives you 90 mins at Pompeii,
includes a 30 min stop at a Cameo Factory ( smells like tourist trap to me!)
it also lists a 60 min stop in Amalfi. Transportation in a Bus.

Private - does not include admission to Pompeii ( I think this is @ 10 Eurs per person) does not include cameo factory. Does not limit your time at Pompeii, or in Amalfi. Transportation in a mini-van.

So - even with the added Pompeii ticket, the private tour would be a savings of $180.00USD - and I think would be much more personal and memorable.

Anyone interested in sharing this with us? Please let me know ASAP.

Thanks,
Sherri

 

[Deb T.]

Sherri - I sent you an email...

 

[been2marceline]

All,

Per my earlier posting, we have had to cancel our plans to join you for this wonderful trip, the room has just been released back into inventory.

Good luck and have fun!

 

[Dylcal]

All,

Per my earlier posting, we have had to cancel our plans to join you for this wonderful trip, the room has just been released back into inventory.

Good luck and have fun!

So sorry you won't be joining us!!

Sheryl

 

[Deb T.]

been2marceline ~ awww, we're sorry you had to cancel.

 

[Twinparents]

We are going to go to Paris Prior to Barcelona. Where is every one who is doing that staying? I am having a hard time finding a place that can accomodate our group, and is reasonably priced. We checked Apartment rentals but they are small and booked up. The Holiday Inn has kid suites but we are skeptical.
How far is Disney from all the main attractions and is it easy to get to them via Subway etc. if we stay out by Disney?
The cruise is creeping up quickly, I feel the need to practice packing

 

[MJGirl]

Hi Twinparents.. I too am going to be in Paris, but I will be doing the Adventure by Disney tour, then visiting DLP after the cruise. Our hotel on the tour is not cheap, but it comes with the package.

How are you going to be travelling from Paris to Barcelona. Just a question of warning if you are planning on flying. There are luggage restrictions on local flights in Europe. We are flying Air France, and we are restricted to 25 kg each, plus a 13 kg carryon. You may want to check this out, as the charge for overpacking can prove to be quite high!!! $12 Euros a kg over the limit

 

[Twinparents]

Hi Twinparents.. I too am going to be in Paris, but I will be doing the Adventure by Disney tour, then visiting DLP after the cruise. Our hotel on the tour is not cheap, but it comes with the package.

How are you going to be travelling from Paris to Barcelona. Just a question of warning if you are planning on flying. There are luggage restrictions on local flights in Europe. We are flying Air France, and we are restricted to 25 kg each, plus a 13 kg carryon. You may want to check this out, as the charge for overpacking can prove to be quite high!!! $12 Euros a kg over the limit

I will have no problems with any luggage restrictions, unfortunately I cannot say the same for the rest of my family

 

[APinCA]

We are going to go to Paris Prior to Barcelona. Where is every one who is doing that staying? I am having a hard time finding a place that can accomodate our group, and is reasonably priced. We checked Apartment rentals but they are small and booked up. The Holiday Inn has kid suites but we are skeptical.
How far is Disney from all the main attractions and is it easy to get to them via Subway etc. if we stay out by Disney?
The cruise is creeping up quickly, I feel the need to practice packing

We are staying at the Santa Fe, the least expensive of the Disney properties. There are only three of us so one room is sufficient. We are going to take the train into Paris one day so that DH can go to the museum, and DD and I can go shopping

 

[OurDogCisco]

If anyone gets the HD channel EQUTR they have a show called EYE OVER ITALY that is just stunning to watch. For me it shows that it will be on again at 5 pm (PST).

 

[Dylcal]

I will have no problems with any luggage restrictions, unfortunately I cannot say the same for the rest of my family

Well I am getting nervous as I don't pack lightly!! I went out and bought a luggage scale and weighed my suitcases and it we just as I expected. My two biggest weigh in at 20lbs and 30lbs empty!!! Needless to say I went out yesterday and bought two new bags -- one under 10lbs and a 29inch that only weighs 12!!!

We will be doing DLP after the cruise and will be staying in the Hotel New York. I am getting really excited now as I have made all my shore excursion selections -- just waiting for Easter to call. I may be late for Mass! Still have to make final payment but I have been putting money away every month and just about have it!!


Sheryl

 

[MJGirl]

We will be doing DLP after the cruise and will be staying in the Hotel New York.
Sheryl

Hi Sheryl .. We will be joining you at DLP at the Hotel New York as well!! Can't wait!!

Mary Jane

 

[ugarxdawg]

We are going to go to Paris Prior to Barcelona. Where is every one who is doing that staying? I am having a hard time finding a place that can accomodate our group, and is reasonably priced. We checked Apartment rentals but they are small and booked up. The Holiday Inn has kid suites but we are skeptical.
How far is Disney from all the main attractions and is it easy to get to them via Subway etc. if we stay out by Disney?
The cruise is creeping up quickly, I feel the need to practice packing

We are staying in Paris the week after the cruise. We found a great apartment right across the street from the Louvre. It puts us with in walking distance of many of the best sites. We are also very close to the train to take us to DLP. If you want the info just send me a PM. The building has 5 apartments. We are getting 2 of them for our stay.

 

[cohartman]

After combing the various sources, I found a five star hotel at a relatively reasonable rate. The Intercontinental London Park Lane Hotel has just reopened after a multimillion dollar renovation. We booked for a few nights prior to the cruise, under 275 euro.

Everyting is finally done for the trip, all flights, all hotels etc. Just have the excursions to take care of and tickets to the Old Globe while in London.

YEH!!!!!!

 

[Dylcal]

Hi Sheryl .. We will be joining you at DLP at the Hotel New York as well!! Can't wait!!

Mary Jane

That is great Mary Jane! It will be nice to see a "familiar face" around the park and at the hotel -- because you realize once we meet on the ship we will see each other all the time!!! Everywhere! I am so looking forward to this!

Sheryl

 

[MJGirl]

That is great Mary Jane! It will be nice to see a "familiar face" around the park and at the hotel -- because you realize once we meet on the ship we will see each other all the time!!! Everywhere! I am so looking forward to this!

Sheryl

I was thinking the same thing! As soon as I hear a female voice with an American accent, I'll turn around and there you'll be!

 

[Cmdbuddy]

Hey guys,

Finally checking in. Can't wait for the trip. It's going to by myself (21), my sister (11), and mom and dad (they probably don't want me advertising their ages haha!). I'll be turning 21 a week before the trip. My little sister's best friend's family will be on the trip with us as well.

We're leaving the US on the 5th. I think we get to Barcelona on the 6th. No idea where we're staying. Perhaps I should get on these details. I'm more worried about my Spring Break trip to WDW in 10 days though!

This will be our 5th cruise on DCL. We'll be staying in a Cat 4 on Deck 8 (I think that's the deck... don't rip my head off if there are no Cat 4's on Deck 8). Any questions, feel free to ask!

 

[Deb T.]

Hey guys,

Finally checking in. Can't wait for the trip. It's going to by myself (21), my sister (11), and mom and dad (they probably don't want me advertising their ages haha!). I'll be turning 21 a week before the trip. My little sister's best friend's family will be on the trip with us as well.

We're leaving the US on the 5th. I think we get to Barcelona on the 6th. No idea where we're staying. Perhaps I should get on these details. I'm more worried about my Spring Break trip to WDW in 10 days though!

This will be our 5th cruise on DCL. We'll be staying in a Cat 4 on Deck 8 (I think that's the deck... don't rip my head off if there are no Cat 4's on Deck 8). Any questions, feel free to ask!

Welcome Aboard Cmdbuddy! You're correct, the Category 4 cabins are on Deck 8. Several of us are arriving in Barcelona on July 6th, too. We might all try to get together for a pre-cruise meet.

Have a great time at WDW on your spring break. My DS just got back last weekend from his spring break trip there!

 

[Cmdbuddy]

Welcome Aboard Cmdbuddy! You're correct, the Category 4 cabins are on Deck 8. Several of us are arriving in Barcelona on July 6th, too. We might all try to get together for a pre-cruise meet.

Have a great time at WDW on your spring break. My DS just got back last weekend from his spring break trip there!

I guess your son has awesome parents like mine... that would let him go there for Spring Break. I told my dad it was better than me going to Cozumel or something.

PS I see we have some Dawgs fans on the ship... all I have to say is... WAR EAGLE!