The Magic cruises to Copenhagen, EB T/A, 5/15/15

[Bellecruiser]

Hi There,

Just wanted to let you know that Bruce and I will not be going on the cruise. Like Bobbi I am having knee surgery, and will not be ready to go on a cruise.

 

[ssgtravel]

They just added more NYC excursions. I have also been checking viator and local guide websites to get an idea of pricing for non Disney vendors. Lots of competition for excursion dollars.

Anyone here know NYC well enough to talk about what one can realistically hope to see in 8 hours with two boys ages 11 and 9? And/or what would you recommend as a "must see"? I know I want to do 9/11, top of rock, grand central, Central Park, natural history museum, glimpse of lady liberty, Times Square, etc. too much?

I live near NYC and I think you are planning way too much to do. If I were you, I would concentrate on more of the "iconic" NYC sites. For example, although your sons would probably love the natural history museum, it would not be really showcasing NYC, per se. Times Square is really amazing, all lit up with glitzy signs and fun stores, You could walk there from the ship. From Times Square you can walk up the famous 5th Avenue to Rockefeller Center, and from there to the southern section of Central Park. You'd be able to see a little bit of the park, but not all of it.

I personally think this would take you pretty much all of the allotted time, once you include lunch, shopping, etc.

The 9/11 memorial is different from the museum. The memorial is above ground and showcases the reflecting pools which are in the footprints of the twin towers. It is free to walk around here. The museum is below ground, very intense, and takes a long time to really appreciate it--the Disney shore excursion only allots 2 hours and I don't think this is enough time. Of course 9/11 fundamentally changed our country and the world and you couldn't find a more worthwhile place for understanding what happened. It is really worth seeing, albeit sobering, but you need to take it slowly to take it all in. Also, downtown is quite a hike from the ship terminal, no matter how you get there--bus, subway or taxi.

You could potentially spend the morning at 9/11, then end up at Times Square or Rockefeller Center.

I believe we will see the Statue of Liberty as the ship pulls into harbor.

 

[sweetlovin']

I had no idea there was a kids thread I will have to send my 13 year old daughter there tonight. Thanks

Oh please do There are a few 12/13yo over there chatting away. My kids have chatted on kids threads for their past few cruises and have really enjoyed getting to "know" friends before boarding the ship. My kids still keep up with their friends that they met on the kids threads.

 

[valbob89]

We were away for a month and when we got home, dealing with the holidays and a major health issue for Bob. Ready now to get busy planning this cruise.

For those considering the Postcard/Recipe Exchange, here is some info: Participants leave recipes, written on a postcard from their home town, at the cabin of participants. It is inexpensive, isn't a luggage space and weight hog, takes limited effort, requires little technology expertise, and it's a great way to exchange a souvenir creating memories of our group's cruise. The idea is to add a regional recipe to the postcards, but this is supposed to be fun, not stressful, so there really aren't any rules. In past postcard/recipe exchanges I have received a variety of card combinations; all have been appreciated. Some things I have received have been:
A postcard only, some with, some without, messages
A postcard with a regional or family favorite recipe on the back
A postcard and a regional favorite treat: tea bag, penny candy, mini bottle of hot sauce
A postcard with a recipe clipped to it
A recipe card noting who sent it and from where but no postcard
Any combination would be great.

If you would like to participate, let me know and I'll organize a list. include your cabin number, name, DISboard name if you have one and home town Example: 7636, Valerie, Valbob89, San Francisco, California.

I am starting to put together the list of those who have signed-up for the exchange. Please forgive me if I missed anyone or have incorrect info.

First Name(s) Cabin Number DISBoard name (if you've got one)
Thomas/Alicia 2577 mapledet
Sharon 7136 SchneiderFam
Elaine 5127 Spiny Norman
Mary Lou & Alan 6618
Caroline Tremblay GTY Crocus
Kathy & Rob 8560
Michelle, Wayne, 2622 michellekcm
Charlotte, James
Stephanie 2077
Lee Ann 5622 Cindyrellablue
Kathy 8560
Gennie 5628
Joy 2624
Robin and Dave 2560
Linda GT Vinoteque
ines 6122
Val & Bob 7636 Valbob89
Bobbi, bobbiwoz 6560 Dayton Ohio/ Cape May NJ.

 

[PFlamingo]

Sad to say, we've had to cancel this cruise. Between DH's work schedule and the general lack of funds in the piggy bank, we just couldn't make it work. If anyone is on the WBTA, though, we're still on that one. I'm hoping the planets will align a little better there.

As for the FE, Shelley, aka BibbidyBobbidyBoo, will be taking over for me. You can PM her here for information about signing up.

Have a great time!

 

[hbg4]

Talking about what to do in NYC. For anyone who has time. There is a huge 2 story Disney store in Times square that has special NY themed Disney stuff, including toys, Tshirts, vinylmations etc. It's best to get there early because the lines are usually pretty long.

 

[hbg4]

Talking about what to do in NYC. For anyone who has time. There is a huge 2 story Disney store in Times square that has special NY themed Disney stuff, including clothes, Tshirts, vinylamations etc. It's best to get there early because the lines are usually pretty long.


A few blocks down there is a huge Walgreens if anyone needs any drug store items or snacks etc.

 

[onecoolmama]

Talking about what to do in NYC. For anyone who has time. There is a huge 2 story Disney store in Times square that has special NY themed Disney stuff, including clothes, Tshirts, vinylamations etc. It's best to get there early because the lines are usually pretty long.


A few blocks down there is a huge Walgreens if anyone needs any drug store items or snacks etc.

AWESOME!! I've walked by it several times, but never went into the store. I'll have to check that out

Thanks

 

[chip&dale&fun]

I am starting to put together the list of those who have signed-up for the exchange. Please forgive me if I missed anyone or have incorrect info.

First Name(s) Cabin Number DISBoard name (if you've got one)
Thomas/Alicia 2577 mapledet
Sharon 7136 SchneiderFam
Elaine 5127 Spiny Norman
Mary Lou & Alan 6618
Caroline Tremblay GTY Crocus
Kathy & Rob 8560
Michelle, Wayne, 2622 michellekcm
Charlotte, James
Stephanie 2077
Lee Ann 5622 Cindyrellablue
Kathy 8560
Gennie 5628
Joy 2624
Robin and Dave 2560
Linda GT Vinoteque
ines 6122
Val & Bob 7636 Valbob89
Bobbi, bobbiwoz 6560 Dayton Ohio/ Cape May NJ.

I would like to join in...

Irene - GTY (No Cabin number yet) chip&dale&fun. thanks for organizing.

 

[valbob89]

I am going to try to post a list, compiled from the fb sign-up form, postings and private messages on the DISboard, of those who wish to participate in the recipe/postcard exchange. Please accept my apologies if I missed any info. Let me know of any additions or corrections.
2015 EBTA
Cabin Number Name DISBOARD Name Home
1 2077 Stephanie ? ?
2 2560 Robin and Dave ? ?
3 2577 Thomas/Alicia mapledet ?
4 2582 Elodie & Franck Comte ? ?
5 2622 Michelle, Wayne michellekcm Melborne, Australia
6 2624 Joy ? ?
7 5127 Elaine Spiny Norman ?
8 5622 Lee Ann Cindyrellablue ?
9 5628 Gennie (Micheal Keb-Mayberry) ? Colorado Springs, CO
10 6069 Sue Suecot Edgewood, Maryland
11 6122 ines ? ?
12 6560 Bobbi bobbiwoz Dayton-Ohio/Cape May NJ
13 6618 Mary Lou & Alan ? ?
14 7086 Chrystina & Dennis Chryspower ? ?
15 7136 Sharon SchneiderFam ?
16 7500 Claudia Weidemann
? Berlin, Germany
17 7636 Val & Bob Valbob89 San Francisco CA USA
18 8560 Kathy & Rob ? ?
19 8076 Suzanne & Sherman Slindamood ?
20 8578 Lesa Lesabrowning Spokane, Washington
21 GTY Caroline Tremblay Crocus ?
22 GTY Deanna Scott and Anneliese Dizzneydann ?
23 GTY Jenn Green
Medicgoofy Niagara Falls, ON
24 GTY Linda Vinoteque ?
25 GTY Lisa Ann Settle Lalaric Newport Beach, CA
26 GTY Irene Chip&dale&fun ?
27 GTY Sarah Robinson-Price ? Freelton, Ontario, Canada
28 GTY Lynda Carswell & Dennis ? Belmont, CA

 

[JoiseyMom]

I have organized a tour through Iceland Horizon to do an Express Golden Circle Tour.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti...den_Circle_Tour-Reykjavik_Capital_Region.html

If anyone is interested please let me know.

Iceland Horizon is rated at 97% on Trip Advisor, their reviews are awesome. I have room.

The price is per van, which is 160,000 IK, which if rounded up today comes out to $73.00 per person.

We would be able to offer a very quick version of The Golden Circle tour lasting 5 hours, from 08.00 am until 1.00 pm
It is very difficult to shorten the mileage covered as the two main sights of Gullfoss and Geysir are close together at the farthest point of the tour, so we would still need to actually drive the full distance in order to reach these two sights. However, we could miss some of the short stops and shorten the stops at Gullfoss and Geysir a little and still make the tour work in 5 hours.

THE GOLDEN CIRCLE - EXPRESS 5 HOUR TOUR
During the day we visit three main sights. The spectacular Gullfoss Waterfall on the mighty glacial river Hvita, The boiling springs and blowing water spouts of Strokkur and Geysir and then Thingvellir National Park, where we see the divide between the Eurasian and American continental plates and also home to the ancient Viking parliaments.
The actual driving distance of the day is around 240 kilometres and total driving time is around 3 hours, but this is divided into shorter journeys between the stops.
Due to the limited time you have, this would leave us with only around 2 hours of stops, with 45 minutes at Gullfoss, 45 minutes at Geysir and then the remaining 30 minutes at Thingvellir.
Lunch is not included but you will be able to buy something to eat at the cafe/restaurant at Gullfoss.

 

[first timers]

Is someone keeping a fish extender list? I am starting on my FE gifts a would like a count of how many are on the FE list so far.

 

[Tnkrbelle81]

Hi all! I have organized 2 group tours. One in New York and One in Iceland. Let me know if you want to join..

On Board Tours New York

I am booking this tour and will do so for a group. I have spoken directly to the owner of the company. It will be 8am-4pm. The New York See it All Tour plus. Payment is due by March 1st to go on this tour with me. Please contact me with how you would like to pay.

From the owner of the company on estimated itinerary:
Assuming you start at 8-9am:
Central Park at Strawberry fields till 9:30.
Rockefeller Center 945 to 1015
Statue of Liberty view at battery park and Staten Island Ferry 1045 to 1105
911 memorial 1115 to 1145
Wall st 12 to 1230 includes Trinity Church and St Paul's
Lunch 55 Fulton 1245 to 125.
Chinatown/ little Italy 140 to 2pm
Brooklyn bridge 205 to 225
Madison Sq Park to see not go to top of Empire state building and Flat Iron Building 235 to 250.
Grand Central Station 3:00 to 320
Disney Store and Times Square 330 to 415.
Back to the Ship by 430

People wanting to go up to Empire State Building will leave tour at 250 and will go back to ship with cab if more then 15 we will arrange to get them back leaving ESB at 4. Costs extra for this. $35
Top of Rock not part of tour.

8am-4pm May 18th.
$85pp ages 12+
$80pp 3-12
Free 2 and under on your lap!!

Min 13pp to 55pp max. Nice buses they show on their site.
Pickup/drop off Manhattan Cruise terminal!! No worry.

Golden Circle Tour Grey Line Iceland

Golden Circle Tour (5.5-6 hours)

Offered by Grey Line Iceland. 25 years of experience and service. We will be doing an Express tour of their Golden Circle Afternoon catered to us. Pick up and Drop off at the ship. Roughly at the moment the tour is $50 a person including a snack and beverages. Bus with facilities on board and many extras on their buses. Like WIFI!! They can accommodate wheelchairs and provide booster seats/car seats if needed. Payment made 4 weeks before arriving. I will be paying the amount out of my pocket and collecting from individuals.

Bus Sizes :
35-42 160.150 ISK (~1214.00 USD) so $35-29 pp
43-50 177.900 ISK (~1348.00 USD) so $31-27 pp
51-58 195.950 ISK (~1485.00 USD) so $29-26

Description
First on the list is Þingvellir National Park where the Icelandic parliament Alþingi was established in the year 930 AD. Known as the ‘Assembly Fields’ or ‘Parliament Plains’, situated around 45 km east of the capital, they were the first home of what has become one of the oldest parliamentary institutions in the world.

In 2004 Þingvellir National Park was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List and is now one of eight hundred places in the world that have been honoured by UNESCO. It is a site of historical, cultural and geological importance.

From there we continue to Gullfoss waterfall where glacial melt water cascades down into the deep and narrow Hvítárgljúfur canyon. Returning from Gullfoss, next stop is the Geysir hot spring area where you'll get to walk amidst hissing steam vents, sulphurous mud pots and get up close to an erupting geyser.

This trip is an express tour, but the benefit is that you can be assured that you will be visiting some of the very best known historical sites and natural phenomena in the country. It offers a true, authentic and memorable Icelandic experience.

http://grayline.is/tours/reykjavk/golden-circle-afternoon-8706_10
http://www.allrahanda.is/tour/day_tours/AH14_golden_circle_late_afternoon/Iceland.is

Here is the Fleet of vehicles they offer. We will have an onboard restroom along with these amenities.
http://grayline.is/about/fleet/
http://www.allrahanda.is/Our_Coaches/23_-_41_Passengers/Iceland.is

Food choices:
Option 1 - Chicken tortilla with fresh vegetable and mango yogurt sauce – 1450 ISK p. person (11 usd)
Option 2 - vegetarian and gluten free – 2030 ISK p. person (15 usd) Ball of vegetable: Quinoa, vegetable patty, sweet potatoes, broccoli, sauce and pumpkin seeds.
Option 3 - For those who are note vegetarian or those who have allergy for gluten – 2150 ISK p. person (16 usd) Ball of Chicken: Whole wheat pasta, chicken, sweet potatoes, broccoli, sauce and pumpkin seeds
Water bottle of 0.33 L – 250 ISK p. bottle (1.85 usd)
Orange or apple juice 0.33 L- 250 ISK p. bottle. (1.85 usd)
And then you can add to the packages
Extras – price p. person:
Chia porridge - 780 ISK (5 usd)
Green juice or fruit smoothie – 780 ISK (5 usd)
Selection of fruits – 470 ISK (3.50 usd)
Raw food cake – 350 ISK (2.60 usd)

 

[dbierlywilliams]

Good morning everyone. Just wanted to come on and introduce myself. I'm Debra. My husband and I will be on this cruise, along with friends we met on our Panama Canal cruise we took last year. Funny story on how we hooked up with these folks on the boat. Looking soooo forward to another cruise. I'm still researching shore excursions, and can't wait to start booking. Looking forward to meeting other cruisers. Is there a facebook page for this cruise?

~ debra ~

 

[valbob89]

I am finishing up my images for magnets and tee-shirts. I posted my Cape Canaveral earlier and here is my New York. I have these, and others, on my flicker sight. https://www.flickr.com/photos/rmvandy/

 

[valbob89]

 

[skeegan]

valbob89 - I think your pictures are great! Thank you for sharing.

 

[valbob89]

 

[valbob89]

 

[chip&dale&fun]

Trying to navigate the new Boards....These pictures are MAGICal......off to work to make money to pay for cruise....have a good day all.