Who's in for GREECE and TURKEY, June 15 2003????

[justhat]

I live in Tucson too! But we leave on the 11th and flyingAir Canada connecting through Denver and Montreal.

We're doing the 6/8 7 night also, so we leave 6/5. We did book last week so definitely American from Phoenix through Miami. We only have to connect once that way so not bad.

How cool to have other Tucson families on the ship! We're bringing local friends with us on the 7 night for their first Disney cruise.

 

[MoonDaughter23]

How cool to have other Tucson families on the ship! We're bringing local friends with us on the 7 night for their first Disney cruise.

I usually run into people from other parts of AZ on my vacations and tons of people from NY (where we're originally from), but never another Tucson group before.

 

[burma]

Has anyone booked private tours? What prices are you finding. Who ate you using or who have you heard is reliable and or good.

 

[MinnieDiva]

Has anyone booked private tours? What prices are you finding. Who ate you using or who have you heard is reliable and or good.

YES!!! In fact, thank you for reminding me about this. We've booked Rome and La Spezia using Rome in Limo.

For Rome, we have a private tour booked....a 15 passenger van WITH A TOUR GUIDE WITH US ALL DAY. Our party (mine and Mindelmouses's) are 8 total...5 adults, 3 kids (12, 12, & 10). The tour guide was a must for us...after doing this 3 years ago, we really feel like there was a lot we could have learned that we missed out on (trying to find our way in the Forum area was tough...). The total cost is $1300 Euros. While our 2 families are willing to split that between ourselves,.......

WANTED: Another Dis Family!! Size no more than 5, no small children/strollers. We would divide the final cost by the end number of people involved and tally accordingly.

Please PM me if you are interested.

 

[nzdisneymom]

YES!!! In fact, thank you for reminding me about this. We've booked Rome and La Spezia using Rome in Limo.

For Rome, we have a private tour booked....a 15 passenger van WITH A TOUR GUIDE WITH US ALL DAY. Our party (mine and Mindelmouses's) are 8 total...5 adults, 3 kids (12, 12, & 10). The tour guide was a must for us...after doing this 3 years ago, we really feel like there was a lot we could have learned that we missed out on (trying to find our way in the Forum area was tough...). The total cost is $1300 Euros. While our 2 families are willing to split that between ourselves,.......

WANTED: Another Dis Family!! Size no more than 5, no small children/strollers. We would divide the final cost by the end number of people involved and tally accordingly.

Please PM me if you are interested.

What are you all doing for LaSpezia? We are interested in doing something in the area but not going to Florence or Pisa as we'll go to Florence on the following cruise.

And could you post or PM me details of what you're doing in Rome? We might be interested - I'll have to talk to DH and the boys as we did a guided tour of Rome in 2007 so depending on what you're covering there, if it's enough different than what we did before, we may see about joining you. We are two adults, two teenage boys (just turned 17 and almost 16). I'd make sure the boys wear extra deoderant (LOL).

 

[justhat]

Did you use them in the past? Last time we did private tours but booked them through DCL. We're thinking about trying it on our own this time, but definitely want a company someone has used before.

 

[MinnieDiva]

What are you all doing for LaSpezia? We are interested in doing something in the area but not going to Florence or Pisa as we'll go to Florence on the following cruise.

And could you post or PM me details of what you're doing in Rome? We might be interested - I'll have to talk to DH and the boys as we did a guided tour of Rome in 2007 so depending on what you're covering there, if it's enough different than what we did before, we may see about joining you. We are two adults, two teenage boys (just turned 17 and almost 16). I'd make sure the boys wear extra deoderant (LOL).

Rome details as copied from the website:


This day excursion is designed for those who wish to enjoy all the highlights of ROME in a day, and at relaxed pace.

You will be greeted at the Port of Rome and will make your way to the Vatican City where you would spend the duration of your morning enthralled in the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter Basilica for couple of hours before making your way to the historical city center to visit the glorious Pantheon and then take a walk through the famed Piazza Navona then stop for a traditional Italian lunch. In the afternoon you will pass by the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain, to throw your coins in and head over to see the splendours of Ancient Rome, the Coliseum, the Circus Maximus, the Capital hill with the beautiful view of the Roman forum and Palatine Hill, before your driver take you back to the port of Rome.

Note: On Wednesdays the itinerary will be reversed, Vatican will be put in the afternoon.

It is important to note that proper attire must be worn in the Vatican; shoulders and knees must be covered. The Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel are closed on Sundays with the exception of the last Sunday of every month.
All rates are quoted in the Euro and are only payable in the Euro currency, including Traveler’s Cheques, at the end of the services.
Rates include the use of our luxury vehicles, English speaking driver to and from the port.
Lunch, gratuities, or entrance fees to the sites are not included.

We requested to have the Vatican in the afternoon, though. We found last time around that the Forum/Coliseum area was hot, even in the morning. Granted, this was in August, but I'd rather not find out just how hot it'll be later in the day. We were advised to purchase Vatican tickets for 2pm.

 

[MinnieDiva]

What are you all doing for LaSpezia? We are interested in doing something in the area but not going to Florence or Pisa as we'll go to Florence on the following cruise.

We're doing Pisa and Lucca, and at some point will be stopping at a Tuscan winery. Need to do some research on what is in the area. Sounds like a job for my husband to do....

 

[MinnieDiva]

Did you use them in the past? Last time we did private tours but booked them through DCL. We're thinking about trying it on our own this time, but definitely want a company someone has used before.

Last time, we used Limo in Rome. Odd to have such a similar name, but they were well recommended by a few disser's. We liked them well enough, but had an issue at the Vatican with the "historian". She was.....italian. Let's leave it at that for now. She was a last-minute substitute and when I sent an email complaining after the fact, the owner of the company was falling over himself to apologize and even offered a complimentary tour next time. I didn't take him up on this for next year for 2 reasons: 1, I didn't save the email with that offer and 2, they only have minibuses for 8 people. Last time, we were split into 2 groups and each group got a different experience. It depended on how chatty the driver was....because.......

It was a lesson learned, as we had NO IDEA that tour "guides" were licensed. Our drivers were proud Italians, but they were not sanctioned, licensed tour guides and could not accompany us to sites and educate us about them. So....back to square one and this time we went with RomeinLimo. There are many, many, many trip reports filed by disser's who have used them. I have links to TONS of TR's on my pre-TR, so feel free to scope them out. In addition, I did a butt-load of research and reading on Trip Advisor and Viator. Viator doesn't list the companies until after you book, but in gleaning details from what is offered, the descriptions match almost word for word. Cruise Critic is another site I used, also with lots of great reviews from cruisers on other lines.

RomeinLimo is very responsive by email. They take a cc # for the hold, but nothing was charged, and their cancellation policy is 1 week prior to reserved date.

FYI, I've done research into guides in Greece and Turkey, and both these countries also "license" their guides.

 

[MinnieDiva]

We are two adults, two teenage boys (just turned 17 and almost 16). I'd make sure the boys wear extra deoderant (LOL).

That's funny!! As hot as we were last time, might have to pack some in the camera bag!!

 

[pxlbarrel]

We're interested in a private tour of the Vatican. We felt rushed last year so would love to spend the better part of the day there.

 

[nzdisneymom]

That's funny!! As hot as we were last time, might have to pack some in the camera bag!!

That's true - hottest day ever! We carry baby wipes with us to freshen up during the day.

And how wonderful to come back to the ship and they greet you with cold wet washcloths on the way to boarding - it's so refreshing!!! And some days they have cranked the air to high so it's nice and cool onboard when you return. Aaaahhhh.....

I love the Mediterranean (and Baltic) sailings because dinner is so relaxed on port days - we literally would board the ship, drop our day bag on the bed, wash our hands and faces, and go to dinner. A couple of times when we got back right at dinner time, we'd just wash up in the restroom nearby and take our stuff with us - our servers were always so eager to hear about our day and they always had everything ready for us - plenty of water and tea/soda, and the food came out quickly as they knew we were exhausted and ready for a rest.

 

[4boons]

It's been a few months since we've been over to check on how things are going. Now that Laura and I are back from the Pixar Pacific Coast Cruise we can start working on the Med.

We are looking forward to catching up on the thread and meeting everyone on the cruise.

I hope everyone has been behaving and if not I hope you had fun.

Now off to start reading.

Until later,
Bill

 

[MinnieDiva]

It's been a few months since we've been over to check on how things are going. Now that Laura and I are back from the Pixar Pacific Coast Cruise we can start working on the Med.


Bill

How was it??

 

[4boons]

How was it??

The trip was great. Both girls are in school so it was our first trip in a long time without children.

We spent the night before on the Queen Mary. It was fun to see the Wonder after spending the night on the Queen Mary. You can see how DCL used their time operating the Queen Mary to plan the design of the Magic and the Wonder.

The guest speakers were great. One spoke on the transition from animation to theme park attactions of various Pixar characters and places (Cars Land). The other speaker talked about developing a movie from inception to the final product.

Bill

 

[Boomerang4]

Greetings all.

Yet another family to join you all. We booked in January too, but I was focused on earlier vacations this year and have just caught my breath to come and take a look at the meet board, and Holy Cow!!

We are

Meg (me)
Greg (DH)
Cooper (DS7)
Spencer (DS5)
Dining: Main
FE: Yes (no allergies)
Stateroom: 7106

I put our info in the spreadsheet as well. Thanks for all the great organization so far, you guys rock.

I see so many of you know each other from previous cruises and/or neighboring towns. That's great!

We are American's living overseas and found DCL by accident (yep) when we booked the May 28, 2011 eleven night Med sailing. We were IMMEDIATELY converts and there has been no looking back.

I have been reading the posts and am trying to catch up, but must confess I'm only on page 20. Will try to fill myself in on all the good info provided so far.

Can't wait until the excursion descriptions come up. Any theories on when?

Can't wait!!

 

[MinnieDiva]

Welcome! The Disney Parks Blog recently put out teasers for Venice with the promise that Greece (turkey?) would be soon....

 

[nzdisneymom]

Greetings all.

Yet another family to join you all. We booked in January too, but I was focused on earlier vacations this year and have just caught my breath to come and take a look at the meet board, and Holy Cow!!

We are

Meg (me)
Greg (DH)
Cooper (DS7)
Spencer (DS5)
Dining: Main
FE: Yes (no allergies)
Stateroom: 7106

I put our info in the spreadsheet as well. Thanks for all the great organization so far, you guys rock.

I see so many of you know each other from previous cruises and/or neighboring towns. That's great!

We are American's living overseas and found DCL by accident (yep) when we booked the May 28, 2011 eleven night Med sailing. We were IMMEDIATELY converts and there has been no looking back.

I have been reading the posts and am trying to catch up, but must confess I'm only on page 20. Will try to fill myself in on all the good info provided so far.

Can't wait until the excursion descriptions come up. Any theories on when?

Can't wait!!

Welcome to the thread and the cruise! I've added you to the unofficial list (see my sig line) so you can see who all is sailing "at a glance." Glad to have you with us!

 

[Lynn G]

Greetings all.

Yet another family to join you all. We booked in January too, but I was focused on earlier vacations this year and have just caught my breath to come and take a look at the meet board, and Holy Cow!!

We are

Meg (me)
Greg (DH)
Cooper (DS7)
Spencer (DS5)
Dining: Main
FE: Yes (no allergies)
Stateroom: 7106

I put our info in the spreadsheet as well. Thanks for all the great organization so far, you guys rock.

I see so many of you know each other from previous cruises and/or neighboring towns. That's great!

We are American's living overseas and found DCL by accident (yep) when we booked the May 28, 2011 eleven night Med sailing. We were IMMEDIATELY converts and there has been no looking back.

I have been reading the posts and am trying to catch up, but must confess I'm only on page 20. Will try to fill myself in on all the good info provided so far.

Can't wait until the excursion descriptions come up. Any theories on when?

Can't wait!!

Welcome to the group!

It's been a few months since we've been over to check on how things are going. Now that Laura and I are back from the Pixar Pacific Coast Cruise we can start working on the Med.

We are looking forward to catching up on the thread and meeting everyone on the cruise.

I hope everyone has been behaving and if not I hope you had fun.

Now off to start reading.

Until later,
Bill

We have some friends who just got off that cruise, they had a great time!

 

[DL1957]

BFF made her reseravations separate from DCL because they did not have any more rooms when she called for the two days before we sail. She got an e-mail from the hotel informing her that as of 11/1 there are no longer a Marriott hotel. Has anyone else heard anything? I am going to give Disney a call but as long as they are still doing their transportation from this hotel we don't care much. DS stayed there in 2011 when it was not a Marriott and really like it and the location. Sue