The Med Thread - All Sailings - Mediterranean

[Kissimmee]

Since the Mediterranean is a new destination I was thinking a thread to pool everyone's thoughts and knowledge would be a good compliment to the threads for each specific sailing.

I'll ask the first question. We want to do a layover in either Paris or London and were wondering if Orlando - Paris - Barcelona - Orlando will be cheaper than RT Orlando - Paris and a separate RT Paris - Barcelona.

Orlando has direct flights to London and Paris I believe but not to Barcelona.

Anyone have some thoughts on this?

In any case Welcome everyone to "The Med Thread"

 

[Honu13]

You would probably want to do separate round trips. Flying withing Europe is inexpensive and airlines charge a higher fare when you move around like that.

Beware when making your bookings! London and Paris have two separate airports. Make sure that the one you fly into is the same one you'll use for your connection! I almost booked into London, then realized that the connection to Barcelona is out of a different airport! YIKES!

BTW...I like your idea! Hopefully everyone will use it!

Any of you who live across the pond have any tips for us? It would be much appreciated!

 

[BigBlueMan]

We're doing Paris after the cruise. We looked at a three way flight and it is UNREAL, cost wise.

Instead, we'll have two round trip tickets. First, flying into Paris, then taking a separate Paris-Barcelona Flight. I predict that the price will probably be half what a three way ticket would be.

For comparison sake, I just jump on Expedia and do three way tickets, or multiple round trips.

 

[MJGirl]

I'm doing Paris before and plan on flying to and from Paris. I haven't decided if I'm going to fly or train it to Barcelona. Price is comparable, however, a lot of people have told me the train trip is beautiful!

 

[slindamood]

Great idea for a common thread!

It is far cheaper to do two roundtrips. Airfares in Europe are cheap if booked early on the discount lines, but the airports can be pretty remote, meaning big cab fees. The train stations are central and round trip tickets are not much more than one-way. Unless already in the airport, or a very long distance, I prefer trains. There are some really good trains between Paris and Barcelona, and I would take them before flying. raileurope.com is a starting point for schedules and cost.

For information on flying in Europe and the low-down on the different budget airlines, try http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/flights.htm

Happy Planning!
Suzanne

 

[milestogo]

I've been wondering about a common thread, thanks for doing it!

Has anyone considered driving from Barcelona to Paris or vice versa? While watching the Tour de France it sure looks inviting, but DH says renting a car in Europe has become a nightmare according to an article in the paper. Curious?

 

[scrapycruiser]

Good idea ! We sail Aug 8, 2007. It will be fun reading everyones ideas. Since we've never been to Italy, would like ideas for shore excursions. What about private tours ? Any recommendations ?

Also, how will the ship's entertainment differ from the Caribbean cruises or will it be the same ?

Has anyone stayed at the Meridian in Barcelona ?

" Planning is half the fun " !!

 

[Soccermom-Cheri]

We have some links on our web site including trip report. If the group says it's ok to post (we've got pictures), I'll put the link up.

 

[Kissimmee]

We have some links on our web site including trip report. If the group says it's ok to post (we've got pictures), I'll put the link up.

Trip Report from the Mediterranean? Do you mean on another cruise line?

 

[Scratch42]

Hi Guys!

Just an FYI regarding flying within Europe!

Fares may be cheap but watch out for their luggage allowances! They will definately "Zing" you there!

Our group will be taking the Eurotrain from Paris to Barcelona. They don't restrict you on luggage, as much!

 

[RJAYL]

I will be flying out of Boston but most major cities have the cheapest fares into London or Paris.

I have found that the ticket price on Air france is cheaper or about the same into Barcelona than Paris!
I also have looked at these Air France flights to Barcelona & they all stop in Paris, have yet to call the airline to see if they will let us break the trip on the inbound leg!
I know if we put Paris on the Bags instead of Barcelona we could probaly pick up our bags in Paris & miss the connecting flight to Barcelona(Woops)!
Go to the airline & rebook a later flight (planning DLP!)

I would rather not do this hoping the airline will let us do a inbound break!

Also still debating flying into London & taking eurotunnel to Paris & booking seperate air from Paris to Barcelona & Barcelona to Paris.

It seems that flights to London are the cheapest & American has morning departures instead of the red eye! (Traveling with 4 children 14,11,6,3) whish me luck!

 

[wackywexler]

Great idea for a thread!
We are looking at flying into London as well, then "chunneling" to Paris then the train to Barcelona. It is about time to present our three week plan to my husband's boss. Wish us luck!

 

[BigBlueMan]

Great idea for a thread!
We are looking at flying into London as well, then "chunneling" to Paris then the train to Barcelona. It is about time to present our three week plan to my husband's boss. Wish us luck!

Any idea how long that train takes from Paris to Barcelona? We're looking at flying.

 

[piglet33]

Any idea how long that train takes from Paris to Barcelona? We're looking at flying.

A whole bunch of us are looking at the overnight train. I think it's about 8-10 hours but should be a lot of fun.

 

[Hygiene99]

We are looking at flights Today for the first med trip ..
have been using kayak.com and cheapoair.com



__________________

 

[Mickey02]

YIKES! Booking the airfare is totally overwhelming me. I have never traveled outside the US except on the Magic and have never had to worry about flying to another country. I will stay glued to this thead for all your help!!

 

[slindamood]

Just checked train schedule - appears that the only nonstop train from Paris to Barcelona is a night train - takes about 12 hours.


There is a day train that takes about 8.5 hours, has one change of trains. dep
arr13:24
21:45 time: 8:21 changes: 1

 

[Kissimmee]

Twenty Questions to be answered before departure

1 ) boarding time in Barcelona. The itinerary says on-board 9:30 PM for the 10 day cruise. Anyone know if this boarding or departure time?

2 ) Any idea when Disney will announce shore excursions?

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?

7 ) Will there be a pirate night or some other costume needed?

8 ) On ten day trips do we get two cracks at dinner in Palo's?

9 ) Internet charges for 10 day cruises?

10 ) Jumbotron? Whats the deal with this? Someone said you could put up your own messages and they would even play your digital camera photos and movie clips?

11 ) What Disney movies are coming out in the spring of 2007. Pirates III should be near then?

12 ) Is there a must see in Barcelona?

13 ) Has anyone been to the principality of Andorra la Vella? Is it worth the trip?

14 ) Cell phone? Which carriers will work in Europe?

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

16 ) Cabin upgrades? Any tricks of the trade to remember here?

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.

 

[wackywexler]

Wow! I'm exhausted thinking about all of those questions but smiling at #20

 

[TDC Nala]

Looking at the Paris to Barcelona overnight train too...fun fun fun.

Check on visas...the State Department website should help...I checked at work and it seems visas are needed for France and Spain, but not for a short trip in Italy.