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

[momof34man]

My DS is 16...will turn 17 when we return from the cruise. Is that close enough? He isn't into the teen club scene though.

 

[momof34man]

...forgot to add, my son is also on the shy side as well.

Margie (momof34man)

 

[long_time_cruiser]

Hi! Here is the updated listing with corrections received last week. Note that I still have not heard from long_time_cruiser (multiple PMs, multiple emails sent with no reply).

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B3rsWMNbjFS0dlJMcW8zVzdQUGs/edit?usp=sharing

See ya real soon!

I'm here! I'm here! Life got in the way the past few months and I apologize for being MIA. Unfortunately, I never got an email notifications regarding the PMs :/
Anyways, our stateroom was assigned recently and we'll be in # 6135. Again, I apologize for the delay in posting, but things have been so hectic we weren't even able to finish booking our flights until earlier this week.

 

[abayaflowers]

I have a colleague who is from Turkey, and she assures me that Istanbul is far, far away from Ephasus, which she says is a port/tourist town and unlikely to be "political".

Another topic:
Are there any 18 - 21 year olds on our cruise?
Our DS just turned 18, and thus, aged out of the Vibe.
He is unsure of how to meet people and what activities there are for him. He's a bit on the shy side as well.

I'm encouraging him to at least go to the first "Club 18 -21" meet, but he might be more comfortable if he knew someone else, like a DIS'er.

Hi, I just read in the British online news that UK has warned British travelers to stay clear of Turkey. I am callung DCL to confirm the port.

 

[meb51]

I have a colleague who is from Turkey, and she assures me that Istanbul is far, far away from Ephasus, which she says is a port/tourist town and unlikely to be "political".

Another topic:
Are there any 18 - 21 year olds on our cruise?
Our DS just turned 18, and thus, aged out of the Vibe.
He is unsure of how to meet people and what activities there are for him. He's a bit on the shy side as well.

I'm encouraging him to at least go to the first "Club 18 -21" meet, but he might be more comfortable if he knew someone else, like a DIS'er.

My son just turned 18 and will be a HS senior next year. He is definitely hopeful that he can connect with some others around the same age. We plan to try to do the meet at the Rennaissnce Hotel on June 13 and the Dis meet at 3:00 on the ship.

 

[abayaflowers]

Hi, I just read in the British online news that UK has warned British travelers to stay clear of Turkey. I am callung DCL to confirm the port.

I just spoke to DCL. They stated that, as of today, the Magic will be stopping in Turkey. They also added that it is up to the Captain's discretion to change ports if necessary. If you booked an excursion through DCL, you will not be charged. If you booked your private tour, paid for the tour ahead, and the port is changed, DCL is not financially responsible to reimburse you.

 

[Double Trouble]

Thanks for this - this is exactly why I'm glad I asked here on DIS - to get opinions and experiences! I am a "collector" by nature so my tendency is to want to "collect" all 5 of the villages

I did not have DoubleTrouble on my list of who is doing Cinque Terre on their own - I pulled the list from the Excursions spreadsheet for the Meet thread and had had some PMs with another family as well. So that makes 7 families doing CT on our own. We may have to get our own Tender (LOL). Or at least make sure to chat at the Meet in case any of us want to walk over to the train station at the same time (and remind each other to stamp our tickets).

Also posted on Cinque Terre thread...

We were out of town and I just now found the separate thread regarding Cinque Terre. I may need to go to the "excursions" sheet on our main thread and add a few things. Thanks Travelbee for bringing us up.

We are definitely planning to do Cinque Terre from La Spezia as we have been to Florence and Pisa before. I'm always up for joining forces, or we can just keep an eye out for each other as we trek the coast. Maybe we can have a little mini-meetup to loosely coordinate if anyone is interested. This may be our one and only trip to Cinque Terre so I want to get it right. Too bad about some of the trails, but we'll make it work. We're definitely looking forward to this trip, but the details can be a bit overwhelming.

Also, I thought I recall someone saying one of our ports has (or is getting) a new dock to eliminate tendering. Was it Villefrance? La Spezia? Other? None of the above?

Thanks!

 

[Double Trouble]

Can anyone staying at the Renaissance (or anyone else planning to go to the Friday PM meetup there) tell us where the nearest subway (TMB or FGC) stop is (or other public transportation) please? We are staying on the other side of town (near the L8 FCG line) and might try to swing by for the meetup and trek to the fountains.

Thanks!

 

[Double Trouble]

Regarding issues in Turkey, as others have already posted, there's not much we can do about it either way. The Captain (and DCL) always has discretion on whether to visit a port or not. It would be a shame to miss Kusadasi, as it is an amazing place with extremely friendly people. We can't wait to return.

Although world events can sometimes be significant, from our many years of international living and travel, it seems the media frequently blows them way out of proportion. For those who are genuinely concerned about these things and want more specific information, the State Department website has all the latest "official" info. The link below is specifically for Turkey, and you can click on "International Travel" to search other countries as well.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1046.html

If we do visit the port, and I personally believe it would be unfortunate if we don't, it is ultimately an individual decision on going ashore (and no one can fault you either way). I know we plan to, but that's us. It's ironic, but we saw Rick Steves on TV just this morning addressing issues exactly like these. His response...he believes we should all travel MORE in the face of these events and get to know the world we live in. Anyone who understands the real statistics will know the most hazardous part of any trip like this is driving to the airport.

However, if the Captain (or some other power) decides to change the itinerary, we'll just roll with it. Sometimes the unplanned adventure (including staying on the ship, or maybe a "mystery port") is the best of all, so it's "no worries" or "Hakuna Matata"!

Besides the weather and the Captain, there are many things (okay...pretty much everything) in this world I can't control, and therefore don't worry about, including...
Crazy People,
Stupid People,
and my insatiable desire for Mickey Bars! (a few of you may share this one!).

I just have to live with all of those. Cruising and international travel are lifetime opportunities. We embrace them with excitement, and discretion where warranted, but never fear or disappointment. So please take care and we'll see you in Barcelona for whatever this trip holds for all of us!
Quoting Ann Marie from Dreams, "Faith, Trust, and Pixiedust!"

 

[nzdisneymom]

I know that you DS will find so many other 18-21 year olds. Did you check out the RollCall Sheet?

I have read that DCL is doing a better job of working with the College Age group - they usually have a meet the first night to see who is on board and interested in doing activities and what sorts of things they are interested in. So for those with 18-21 yr olds, be sure to check the Navigator for it, or ask at Guest Services if they can tell you when the first meet/greet will be. There are a lot of kids who turn 18 just as they are entering their senior year of high school, and particularly for those who have "grown up on DCL", it is nice to have a bit of a transition from being all about the youth programs to being on their own.

My DS is 16...will turn 17 when we return from the cruise. Is that close enough? He isn't into the teen club scene though.

Be sure to have him go to the Vibe the first night - that's when they plan activities for the cruise so it's a good time to also see what other teens are there. My guys aren't into the "teen club scene" but they do like having a space that is supervised by a CM that they can hang out at - plus they like some of the activities (but not the "dance party" ones) that are scheduled. And they like hanging out and playing video games with other kids, doing scavenger hunts, etc. Mostly just having a space to go to. This is part of why we're glad we are going this summer rather than next because our older son will turn 17 on the cruise and our younger one is 15 3/4 - if we waited until next summer, they couldn't hang out together.

I'm here! I'm here! Life got in the way the past few months and I apologize for being MIA. Unfortunately, I never got an email notifications regarding the PMs :/
Anyways, our stateroom was assigned recently and we'll be in # 6135. Again, I apologize for the delay in posting, but things have been so hectic we weren't even able to finish booking our flights until earlier this week.

Whew - we were wondering what happened to you!! Hope things are well and that once we're on our way, you'll be able to relax and enjoy the vacation. Leave the hecticness behind!

My son just turned 18 and will be a HS senior next year. He is definitely hopeful that he can connect with some others around the same age. We plan to try to do the meet at the Rennaissnce Hotel on June 13 and the Dis meet at 3:00 on the ship.

My guys will be at the Renaissance on the 13th, but I seriously doubt they'll do more than a "walk by" for the meet on the ship - but they do plan to be at the Vibe throughout the cruise.

Also posted on Cinque Terre thread...
We are definitely planning to do Cinque Terre from La Spezia as we have been to Florence and Pisa before. I'm always up for joining forces, or we can just keep an eye out for each other as we trek the coast. Maybe we can have a little mini-meetup to loosely coordinate if anyone is interested. This may be our one and only trip to Cinque Terre so I want to get it right. Too bad about some of the trails, but we'll make it work. We're definitely looking forward to this trip, but the details can be a bit overwhelming.

I would love to have a mini-meetup with the rest of you all who are planning CT on your own - anyone have a suggested time/place? Our TA called DCL and they said that as of that day, the Magic was still scheduled to tender in La Spezia which means we'll be later off the ship. I can't remember how DCL handles tender ports for non-DCL excursioners - anyone know?

Can anyone staying at the Renaissance (or anyone else planning to go to the Friday PM meetup there) tell us where the nearest subway (TMB or FGC) stop is (or other public transportation) please? We are staying on the other side of town (near the L8 FCG line) and might try to swing by for the meetup and trek to the fountains.

Thanks!

Here's the link from the hotel's webiste that has directions - http://www.marriott.com/hotels/maps/travel/bcndm-renaissance-barcelona-hotel/. Looks like Subway Station nearest is Paseo de Gracia 0.2 mile(s) S and then Plaza Catalunya 0.6 mile(s) S . hope that helps.

 

[Double Trouble]

I would love to have a mini-meetup with the rest of you all who are planning CT on your own - anyone have a suggested time/place? Our TA called DCL and they said that as of that day, the Magic was still scheduled to tender in La Spezia which means we'll be later off the ship. I can't remember how DCL handles tender ports for non-DCL excursioners - anyone know?


Here's the link from the hotel's webiste that has directions - http://www.marriott.com/hotels/maps/travel/bcndm-renaissance-barcelona-hotel/. Looks like Subway Station nearest is Paseo de Gracia 0.2 mile(s) S and then Plaza Catalunya 0.6 mile(s) S . hope that helps.

Sounds great on the mini-meet. I know boarding day is busy, but maybe even a 5-minute chat after the 3pm Promenade Lounge main meetup? Anytime is fine for us, but we're definitely up for it.

Thanks for the hotel site. I didn't know there were 2 Renaissance hotels in BCN...I was looking at the other one! Looks like we can get there with only 1 changeover from the L8 to the L3 line. We're doing Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, and La Rambla on our own that day, before seeing the fountains that night. I think it would be fun to get together for that.

 

[momof34man]

We are also planning on doing the Cinque Terre on our own. It's nice to know there are a few of us planning on doing that.

 

[MichaelH]

Does anyone know if the current Turkey's unrest will affect our port?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/01/istanbul-protests_n_3372059.html

The unreset mainly has to do with a park that they want to build a shoping mall on. I think we will be ok. I know we take training with my work and they tell us that if you are traveling overseas to wear clothes that do not make you stand out (i.e. not wearing clothes that can identify you as American). That being said, like someone posted, they make there money on tourism and Istanbul is far away.

I hope we do not miss Ephesus. I have been looking forward to seeing it. If we do, due to forces beyond our control, I hope we do the stop in Croatia.

Three days and counting till we leave for London. Can't wait to see it again. Last time I was there was 2000.

 

[MichaelH]

Read a post about a Hidden Deck 7 and now I can't find the post again. What is that or better yet where is it?

 

[Double Trouble]

Read a post about a Hidden Deck 7 and now I can't find the post again. What is that or better yet where is it?

Just go all the way aft on Deck 7 (past either the port or starboard side staterooms aft of the aft elevators), then out the door (just aft of the interior "secret" stairwell) to the outside. You can usually find us out there around 5:15 pm or so having our pre-dinner cocktails, particularly on sea days (BYO...there's no service...it's just a large open verandah with a few chairs). They also have special events, like weddings/vow renewals/etc out there, so it might be reserved at times. There is also a "mini" secret verandah on Deck 8 just above it. If you want to go higher, you can go to the outdoor aft seating area of Topsiders (Deck 9), or on the outdoor walkway aft of Palo (Deck 10). The view is great from all of them.

And psst.....it's a "secret".

 

[seaulater]

Started packing for the 35 days in Europe. I keep taking stuff out. Trying to really keep things to a minimum and will do laundry numerous times.

One week from now we will be at the Orlando airport waiting for our departure to Paris! Can't wait to get this adventure started!

 

[Double Trouble]

Sorry, but I'm going "post-crazy" today.

Is anyone else planning a do-it-yourself trip to Monaco from Villefrance? Thought we might share ideas/info.

 

[mindelmouse]

Just go all the way aft on Deck 7 (past either the port or starboard side staterooms aft of the aft elevators), then out the door (just aft of the interior "secret" stairwell) to the outside. You can usually find us out there around 5:15 pm or so having our pre-dinner cocktails, particularly on sea days (BYO...there's no service...it's just a large open verandah with a few chairs). They also have special events, like weddings/vow renewals/etc out there, so it might be reserved at times. There is also a "mini" secret verandah on Deck 8 just above it. If you want to go higher, you can go to the outdoor aft seating area of Topsiders (Deck 9), or on the outdoor walkway aft of Palo (Deck 10). The view is great from all of them.

And psst.....it's a "secret".

I usually stay on deck 8 but am on deck 7 for the very first time. We are aft very close to this veranda. In the past when I've tried to go out there the door hss been locked

 

[abayaflowers]

Sorry, but I'm going "post-crazy" today.

Is anyone else planning a do-it-yourself trip to Monaco from Villefrance? Thought we might share ideas/info.

No worries! Our family plan to the DIY all the excursions. So, I will meet up with you and Cindy either at the Renaissance or after the meetup at the Promenade Lounge.

It's simple to get the train (short train ride) to Eze then to Monte Carlo. We took the train to Nice last time and it was fast. Approx. 15 mins. each way. The water is so blue. Beach is rocky, but it was nice.

So, this time we are planning to wander around VilleFranche, see some Matisse Paintings, head over to EZE, Monte Carlo and back.

I will send you a PM and send you more info.

 

[Double Trouble]

I usually stay on deck 8 but am on deck 7 for the very first time. We are aft very close to this veranda. In the past when I've tried to go out there the door hss been locked

We're very close to it as well this trip (starboard side, just aft of the aft elevators)...we might be neighbors(?). We have our own verandah this time, but still like to go back there to enjoy a drink and meet people. There's just something I find very beautiful about looking out over the ship's wake while at sea.

We've never had a problem getting outside, except for once where we had to "help" clean up after a wedding that ran long so we could get our party started. I believe they may lock it at night though for safety reasons, but we're usually out there before main dining or to watch the sunset after dinner. We were just there (on the Wonder) sailing out of San Fran and got some amazing shots of the Golden Gate Bridge.