The Med Thread - All Sailings - Mediterranean

[jeanneg]

Welcome aboard. What's your sailing date?

Hi all,

We'll be sailing on the first 11-day (5/26). We leave on Thursday and are spending one night in Barcelona at the Hotel Ramblas......it's fairly cheap and close to everything.
Right now I'm concentrating on our 10/14/06 Double Dip cruise. Once that's over I can start really thinking about the Med one.

 

[baileysgm]

Anybody have info on renting apts in Barcelona?

We're arriving about three days before our cruise, and so far hotel information is either "no rooms available" or a kings ransom for them.

We're traveling with another couple and would be looking for a two bedroom, but I want to make sure we use some safe and legitimate sources.

Skallywag is from the UK and had some Barcelona apt. listings on one of the threads. I believe it's the Med Head thread but I'm not positive.

 

[giggles_32181]

We are going into Spain a few days early. Any suggestions on what we should do. I heard that there was a great walking tour in the Gothic Quarter.

 

[Soccermom-Cheri]

I have just a few suggestions listed on our web site

Slackers Head to the Med

but first know:
1)turn the volume down a little before you click the link
2) click on the "ports" link to find Barcelona ideas
3) it's a goofy web site
a first time effort by someone with a wacky sense of humor

 

[eye R.N.]

Nice site Cheri

 

[Walsh clan]

Twenty Questions to be answered before departure

3 ) The train into Rome. Is the station within walking distance of the boat slip? I looked on Google earth and it looks like it might be.

4 ) Is there a Rome train stop near the Colosseum or Vatican?

5 ) Is the train into Rome a good alternative to taking a bus tour?

6 ) Is there typically a waiting line for the Sistine Chapel? If so how long?

12 ) Is there a must see in Barcelona?

15 ) Are there crime or other concerns to watch out for in any of the ports we are visiting?

17 ) Weather?

18 ) How to not look like American tourists? what do the locals wear?

19 ) Shopping? Best port and what items. Of course Leather goods in Rome but what else is good?

20 ) Can you direct me to a local chapter of Disney Planaholics Anonymous.

Thanks for this thread! We are now going on the 14 day repo in August. I can answer the questions above but am no means and expert (just been to both places!)

3. Yes, it is. Their train system is excellent - as good as the Metro in Paris.

4. Yes, there is train stops near both locations (one conveniently called Colusseum!). when we were there in January we did a tour with Angel Tours around the Colesseum and a night tour and a Vatican/Sistine tour.. at €25 pp it was worth it! And they do group rates too... check out their website for more details..

5. Didn't do a bus tour as I found the tour wwe did above was enough!

6. The Sistine Chapel is busy but there are seats all around. We had no wait but we were there in off peak season.

12. Do the bus tour there - brilliant! We got off a FC Barcelona to look at the grounds (husband a big fan of soccer) and at the different churches (The Cathedral was my favourite though most people love La Sagrada Familia, Gaudi's famous chuch. The tour shows you EVERYTHING and was the best I was ever on (there are two routes to take).

15. The robbers in Barcelona are good, too good! I have heard and seen too many reports to take them lightly. On Las Ramblas don't stop to look at the games where money is bet on the ground.. they will con you in the game and rob you while you stand there. Not an over exeggeration! Just keep your money/bag close to you! Rome was fine!

17. Weather in both places were lovely.. January was a little cold but still sunny and all the cribs for Christmas were still up. Beautiful! We were in Barcelona in May and it was lovely.. Can only talk in celcius and it was about 20 degrees!

18. In Rome, everyone is practically a tourist! The only thing that blends in are the priests in black garb! In Barcelona, the Catalan people are lovely, they like tourists! (But be aware of point 15!)

19. I love hanbags and in Rome, there are the most amazing bags! Barcelona have some nice shopping streets and great kids clothes.. didn't do much shopping!

Hope this helps in some small way!

 

[Kissimmee]

Thanks for this thread! We are now going on the 14 day repo in August.

Hope this helps in some small way!

It did. Thanks.

 

[buck4568]

Well, after watching airfares every day for a month I found four tickets from Miami to Barcelona for $3850 on Martinair . So we decided to go with that . We were hoping to use FF miles for two tickets and pay cash for two through Delta but it was an insane 30hr itinerary and $3000 for the two cash tickets. Just a 12hr flight to Barcelona via Amsterdam with Martinair. The reviews on Martinair were 50/50.

So, we saved the FF miles and bought four tickets. We will flying to Barcelona a week before the cruise, then driving to Aix -en- Provence , France to see that area . Staying at a clients investment property in Aix . Then drive back to the port in Barcelona to get on board

FYI, kept checking Expedia, Air Gorilla, and a few other sites to find the lowest fare then called the airline directly and got the same price but refundable tickets. The Expedia deal would not have been refundable tickets for this particular flight.

Now, onto the next task, car rental and one night hotel stay after the cruise in Barcelona for next day flight back home.

 

[MrsJobba1]

I was quoted £169 pp from BA - Newcastle - Gatwick -Barcelona.

Weight allowance was 23kg it would be £90 for an extra bag in the hold.

Easy jet fly direct NCL 0 Barcelona but its the baggage allowance that im concerned about.

 

[PURTYPAT1]

Good for you Buck 4568 you got a great fare.

I noticed that my fare has gone up about $100.00 since I booked ours last month. My DSIL hasn't booked her fare as of yet, & when she tries to get on our same flight, seems like she is going to pay much more.

Any one else book there fare as of yet?

 

[carolmb]

We booked our airfare on Continental r/t from London for $4000 for 4 people. We are going a week early and will spend 3 nights in London, take the train to Paris for 2 nights, take the overnight train from Paris to Barcelona for 1 night and then the cruise for 11 nights. We then purchased one-way tickets on British Airways for ~$200 for 4 people from Barcelona to London for 1 night and then home to Houston. I know we will end up spending more with the train travel but it is the trip of a lifetime. My DH and I got engaged in Paris on the Eifel Tower in May of 1996 so our kids are excited about going there. We will be celebrating our 10yr anniversary next June on the cruise. We will actually be in Rome on our anniversary.

 

[PURTYPAT1]

Carolmb,

What a wonderful place to get engaged!!! My DH & I just celebrated our 15th. We are going on the Wonder in Nov for our anniversary. Long story short, my husband has a hard time flying, & won't be going on the Med cruise with us.

Your travel plans really sound great. Your family, will be seeing all the sites on the train.

I have some questions, if it's ok to ask, where are you staying in London? Any suggestions on a Hotel? How are you getting from the airport to the Hotel, Taxi, or Train? or does the Hotel send transportation? I am in charge of all of the arrangements, & I am a tad nervous about the London end of our trip. Any suggestions would be welcomed.

After the cruise we are also flying British Airs from BCN to LHR and we are staying one night. What time is your flight? We are flying at 1:30pm. I was told, it was not, a good ideal to fly any earlier.

We are so excited.

Thanks

 

[carolmb]

Carolmb,

What a wonderful place to get engaged!!! My DH & I just celebrated our 15th. We are going on the Wonder in Nov for our anniversary. Long story short, my husband has a hard time flying, & won't be going on the Med cruise with us.

Your travel plans really sound great. Your family, will be seeing all the sites on the train.

I have some questions, if it's ok to ask, where are you staying in London? Any suggestions on a Hotel? How are you getting from the airport to the Hotel, Taxi, or Train? or does the Hotel send transportation? I am in charge of all of the arrangements, & I am a tad nervous about the London end of our trip. Any suggestions would be welcomed.

After the cruise we are also flying British Airs from BCN to LHR and we are staying one night. What time is your flight? We are flying at 1:30pm. I was told, it was not, a good ideal to fly any earlier.

We are so excited.

Thanks

In London we are staying at the Hilton Metropole. My DH always stays at a Hilton property if possible. I picked that one because it has family rooms that will sleep 4-5 people and it has a pool for the kids. It also seemed like it was in a pretty good location. We will probably just take a taxi from the airport. At the end of our trip we are staying at the Hilton London Gatwick Airport. I think our flight from Barcelona to London is around 1pm and we are flying into Gatwick.

Good Luck with all of your travel plans. I think these boards are great for ideas and helping each other out.

 

[Walsh clan]

Hi,

Just posting some information here that may/may not be useful for those travelling in groups to Barcelona. Checked out our local airline - Aer Lingus and these are the results:-

Cost of Flights (daily routes from JFK to BCN/CDG via DUB)

Two options (one to Paris for those intending on seeing DLP, other for those going directly to Barcelona)

1. Flying from JFK to Paris with 1 plane change (Dublin). 14th AUGUST EI 104 from JFK to Dublin, arriving at 5.10am and transferring to EI 152 from Dublin to CDG, Paris at 7.10am arriving into Paris at 9.50am local time.

Cost = $449 per person

2. Flying from JFK to BCN with 1 plane change (Dublin). 15th AUGUST

EI 104 from JFK to Dublin, arriving at 5.10am and transferring to EI562 to Barcelona at 7.30am arriving at Barcelona at 11am local time.

Cost = $470 per person

The group booking number in the US 1-888 474 8448 and the email address:- groupsdirect@aerlingus.com. Prices could be cheaper if booked via the US (I requested figures via Ireland).

Regarding baggage allowance, US passangers travelling via Dublin and travelling onto Paris/Barcelona have the following allowances:-
A maximum of 2 Bags per passenger.
A maximum of 36kgs (80lbs)in total weight between two bags when weighed together.
No one bag to weigh more than 32 kgs (70lbs).

The advantage to a group booking (as stated on their website):-
Low deposits to secure group space
Saturday night stay not required
One free name change permitted prior to departure
Special pricing options allowing for delayed ticketing
Pre-assigned seats
Pre-boarding announcements and priority boarding
Discounts on Aer Gear - official Aer Lingus merchandise
Wedding invitation inserts for wedding groups

 

[GrayFal]

Just wanted to share the airfare I found via www.kayak.com for the 8.17.07 Repo cruise....

We booked also on Air Plus Comet - I found them on www.kayak.com although we booked directly - kayak is not showing our dates yet...

Flight Information – Fri 17 August 2007
This flight leaves and arrives on different dates.
Air Comet S.A.
Flight 916 Departs: 6:35p
John F Kennedy Intl (JFK) Arrives: 7:30a
Barajas (MAD)
Economy | 310 | 6h 55m
[ Layover at Barajas (MAD) for 3h 30m ]
Spanair S.A.
Flight 402 Departs: 11:00a
Barajas (MAD) Arrives: 12:10p
Barcelona (BCN)
Economy | M80 | 1h 10m

Price $263. per person

YIPPEE!!!!!

and

Yes, you will be on 3 different airlines.....my travel companions will also be on 3 - I will call and check about the luggage limit.

search one way from NY to BCN....
.......about the reviews....we have purposely allowed 3 1/2 hours between our NY madrid and madrid to Barcelona flight - they have a flight in 2 hours but we wanted to build in a little 'delay' time.

Now.....
SORRY - the airpluscomet flights will not show up on kayak until 3 weeks later - meaning you will see the 8/17/07 flights on Kayak until 9/8/06...but the 6:35pm flight will probably be gone by then
On Kayak you CAN search one-way.....

We called the airline directly and booked thru them - they do the NY to Madrid, Madrid to Barcelona as one ticket.....my friends from Virginia are going to book the VA to NY flight seperately.....we also did not 'see' the 8/17 flight yet - you have to call....

Here is the itinerary as of July 27, 2007 - 3 weeks before...from LAX
Price $573 LAX > BCN Multiple Airlines 12:00p 3:50p 2 (18h 50m)
Flight Information – Fri 27 Jul 2007
This flight leaves and arrives on different dates.
Delta
Flight 1796 Departs: 12:00p
Los Angeles (LAX) Arrives: 7:25p
John F Kennedy Intl (JFK)
Economy | Boeing 737-800 Passenger | 4h 25m
[ Layover at John F Kennedy Intl (JFK) for 3h 35m ]
Air Comet S.A.
Flight 916 Departs: 11:00p
John F Kennedy Intl (JFK) Arrives: 12:25p
Barajas (MAD)
Economy | Airbus Industrie A310 | 7h 25m
[ Layover at Barajas (MAD) for 2h 15m ]
Europa Lineas
Flight 2004 Departs: 2:40p
Barajas (MAD) Arrives: 3:50p
Barcelona (BCN)
Economy | Boeing 737-800 Passenger | 1h 10m

...and Price $642
Flight Information – Fri 27 Jul 2007
This flight leaves and arrives on different dates.
United
Flight 890 Departs: 1:00p
Los Angeles (LAX) Arrives: 9:10p
John F Kennedy Intl (JFK)
Economy | Boeing 757 Passenger | 5h 10m
[ Layover at John F Kennedy Intl (JFK) for 1h 50m ]
Air Comet S.A.
Flight 916 Departs: 11:00p
John F Kennedy Intl (JFK) Arrives: 12:25p
Barajas (MAD)
Economy | Airbus Industrie A310 | 7h 25m
[ Layover at Barajas (MAD) for 2h 15m ]
Europa Lineas
Flight 2004 Departs: 2:40p
Barajas (MAD) Arrives: 3:50p
Barcelona (BCN

Here is the itinerary from NY only and for the price difference - you can book Jet Blue yourself....

Price $269 JFK > BCN Multiple Airlines 11:00p 3:50p 1 (10h 50m)
Flight Information – Fri 27 Jul 2007
This flight leaves and arrives on different dates.
Air Comet S.A.
Flight 916 Departs: 11:00p
John F Kennedy Intl (JFK) Arrives: 12:25p
Barajas (MAD)
Economy | Airbus Industrie A310 | 7h 25m
[ Layover at Barajas (MAD) for 2h 15m ]
Europa Lineas
Flight 2004 Departs: 2:40p
Barajas (MAD) Arrives: 3:50p
Barcelona (BCN)

and the 6:35 flight....
Price $275 (call airline direct for $263 fare) JFK > BCN Multiple Airlines 6:35p 12:10p 1 (11h 35m)
Flight Information – Fri 06 Jul 2007
This flight leaves and arrives on different dates.
Air Comet S.A.
Flight 916 Departs: 6:35p
John F Kennedy Intl (JFK) Arrives: 7:30a
Barajas (MAD)
Economy | 310 | 6h 55m
[ Layover at Barajas (MAD) for 3h 30m ]
Spanair S.A.
Flight 402 Departs: 11:00a
Barajas (MAD) Arrives: 12:10p
Barcelona (BCN)

and from Denver......
for some reason kayak isn't hooking up Denver and airpluscomet flights and the rates are over $950...so.....here are some options to fly into LaGuardia and connect with our 6:35 flight at JFK (don't worry, I will give you the number of Kelly Cabs - the company I use all the time to get picked up at the airport...fare between airports would be under $60 + tip)
Price $365 DEN > LGA United 7:30a 1:03p 0 (3h 33m)
Flight Information – Fri 20 Jul 2007
United
Flight 400 Departs: 7:30a
Denver Inter*national (DEN)

so $365 + $263 = $628

or these connecting flights into JFK.....
Price $245 DEN > JFK Continental 6:20a 3:36p 1 (7h 16m)
Flight Information – Fri 20 Jul 2007
Continental
Flight 1510 Departs: 6:20a
Denver Inter*national (DEN) Arrives: 9:41a
George Bush Intcntl (IAH)
Economy | Boeing 737-800 Passenger | 2h 21m | IA7PZN
[ Layover at George Bush Intcntl (IAH) for 1h 9m ]
Continental
Flight 730 Departs: 10:50a
George Bush Intcntl (IAH) Arrives: 3:36p
John F Kennedy Intl (JFK)
Economy | Boeing 737-500 Passenger | 3h 46m | IA14JBN

...or Price $393 DEN > JFK United 6:10a 1:52p 1 (5h 42m)
Flight Information – Fri 20 Jul 2007
United
Flight 154 Departs: 6:10a
Denver Inter*national (DEN) Arrives: 11:20a
Dulles Intl (IAD)
Economy | Airbus Industrie A320 | 3h 10m | UAUN
[ Layover at Dulles Intl (IAD) for 1h 20m ]
United
Flight 7310 Departs: 12:40p
Dulles Intl (IAD) Arrives: 1:52p
John F Kennedy Intl (JFK)
Economy | Canadair Regional Jet | 1h 12m | UAUN

The most important part of this is to get the flight from NY on airpluscomet...
and you need to CALL to get the 6:35 pm flight....it has been sold out for most of the summer if you wait for it to show up on Kayak...I discovered it by looking in May and June!!!
The number is 1-877-999-7587 6 am to 10pm eastern

and I am using 'fake dates' because many airlines don't load their tickets until 330 or 325 days out from the travel date

Hope this helps...if not, email me and I will help further - we can even chat on the phone if we need to.

 

[scottishwee35]

I bought two new jack sparrow uniforms for my children's party next month and my son was asking about Jack Sparrow, will he be on Med. Cruise?

I am afraid that someone rumour that Jack Sparrow won't be on Med. Disney Magic Cruise?

Mean no piarte night well?

I have email dcl but never heard reply?

Have not told my children about it yet!!

Scottishwee35

 

[goingsouth]

I just read about a group booking to Ireland. I guess I read it too late. I already went on the Aer Lingus website and booked the connection thru Dublin- 1 stop and under 2000.00 for all 4 of us!
We are leaving on the 15th of August. Maybe there's some way to still add our names to the group!

 

[RJAYL]

I just found a seat on Fred's air Roundtrip Non-stop Boston to Barcelona $195.00! However you have to sit on the wing! (Thats outside on the wing Cheri!)

Fred's air's motto, Fly Fred's air where the Nuts are Free!

 

[scottishwee35]

I got reply from DCL and there will be no Jack Sparrow for Med. Cruise because:-

The Flying Dutchman, which is a 175-foot pirate ghost ship created for
Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, has anchored at
our private island of Castaway Cay. In conjunction with this event,
Captain Jack Sparrow may be sighted on the island.

but they didn't mention about Pirate Night, don't know if we will have it?

Scottishwee35

 

[Monstro]

How early would be safe time to book a return flight? We're on the lucky 7 - 11 day (7/7/07).