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

[MinnieDiva]

I just noticed from our thread title that we are traveling back in time. Hee Hee. Anyone have keys to the DeLorean?

You just noticed that? It's been driving me nuts the entire time. And the person that started this hasn't posted since that first page, I think.

 

[Meum]

Renaissance Barcelona. Pau Claris 122. It's a block from the Passeig de Gracia metro stop. The other one has Fira in the name. And then there is the one at the airport.

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/bcndm-renaissance-barcelona-hotel/ is the link to the website. There are directions there and a map. Meets start at 7 until... definitely come and go, just a chance to start putting names and faces together and meet in person. The Friday one will break up around 8 for those who are going to the Magic Fountain together, but those who aren't are welcome to hang out or move the party elsewhere.

There are pictures of the lobby area on the website... It looks like it will work as a good place to meet. Hope you can make it one of the nights.

it's about a 25 minute walk from our hotel to the renaissance! so we'll do that and see y'all on Friday night and then go with you to the fountains!!! looking forward to it

You just noticed that? It's been driving me nuts the entire time. And the person that started this hasn't posted since that first page, I think.

 

[Deb in IA]

I haven't visited this thread in forever due to some family reasons but I am staying at the Hilton but I am not flying in until the 14, didn't have that much extra vacation time.

Hi Tozzie!

Do you have anything planned there yet?

 

[Deb in IA]

I just finished putting together our itinerary for BCN - Thursday will be check in at the hotel, find some food, have a little rest, then head over to Montjuic via the Bus Turistic so we can do the cable car (weather and lines permitting) and see a couple of other things over that way, then back to the hotel to chill.

Friday we have our Sagrada tix for 11 AM and based on Ame's report via Facebook, you'd better not be late for your time! So we aren't planning anything for before that. We bought our tix online - is it too late to get yours if you really want to do it and avoid the lines? We wouldn't do it if we had to wait in a long line (darn that WDW for spoiling us with Fast Passes). Then we want to go over to the Barri Gothic area and see a few things there, then rest, take care of whatever DCL administrative things we can do (like checking in if they have that at the hotel like they've had in the past), and just hanging out til time to meet and head over to the Magic Fountain.



No, we're not - we don't attend them, just go to Topsiders instead ever since our first cruise when one of the boys had way too much chicken and mac/cheese and puked his way out of the dining room all over DH's suit pants and dress shoes. My guys don't want to dress up, and getting them into long pants / collared shirts for dinner will be enough of an ordeal. We are one of those families that you will see in the dining room with shorts on if dinner is right as we come back from a shore excursion. But not on formal or semi-formal night (which of course are typically sea days so no worries). Nothing special for Pirate Night either. We tend to be more "observers" than participants.

Sounds like a great itinerary!
I was thinking about doing some pre-booking from home, but decided to play it by ear. Don't know how tired we will be, etc.
I think I will check with the concierge to see if we can still get tix to Sagrada or the flamenco show when we get there.

We used to go all out for the Formal nights - rental tux, etc. We like to get formal family pictures, and this was about the only time we had to do that. But the guys (DH and DS) are just going with their dress suits this time. Easier than doing the cruiseformalwear.com.

Called DCL today about dining and also asked if they happened to have movie info. was told to expect: Iron Man 3, Lincoln, Wreck-It Ralph, Frankenweenie, Finding Nemo, Oz the Great and Powerful, Brave, Avengers, Chimpanzee, Tangled, and Monsters University! (some are in 3D)

Looking forward to the Monsters University! Have already seen Iron Man 3, Lincoln, Wreck-It Ralph, Finding Nemo, Brave,Avengers, Tangled, and Frankenweenie, though. Was hoping for Superman Man of Steel, but didn't think that was likely, since it is a Warner Bros. movie, and not Disney.

I just noticed from our thread title that we are traveling back in time. Hee Hee. Anyone have keys to the DeLorean?

You just noticed that? It's been driving me nuts the entire time. And the person that started this hasn't posted since that first page, I think.

Have to admit; I kept thinking "something" was not quite right with that title, but couldn't figure out what! DUH!

Wonder what happened to armyferret? Her ticker seems to indicate that she is still going on this cruise.

We were on another cruise meet thread with something similar - someone started the thread, then disappeared . . .

 

[Deb in IA]

Oh, does anyone know what the weather is supposed to be there during the cruise?

 

[abayaflowers]

Oh, does anyone know what the weather is supposed to be there during the cruise?

Low 70's in Barcelona, VilleFranche-Sur-Mer, and La Spezia/CT area with a low of 60's at night in Barcelona.



So, excited!!!!

 

[Deb in IA]

Low 70's in Barcelona, VilleFranche-Sur-Mer, and La Spezia/CT area with a low of 60's at night in Barcelona.



So, excited!!!!

Ooooh, sounds great!
I was afraid it would be hot, hot, hot, but 60's and 70's are perfect!

 

[Deb in IA]

Yikes!

Was making copies of our driver's licenses (great idea, lllpath ) when I noticed that DS's graduated license expired on his 18th birthday a few weeks ago!!

Off to the DMV today!!

 

[abayaflowers]

Ooooh, sounds great!
I was afraid it would be hot, hot, hot, but 60's and 70's are perfect!

But it will be HOT HOT HOT in Greece and Turkey. Just drink lots of water!

 

[Deb in IA]

Here's another quick question:

How are you all handling cell phones?

Are there pre-paid plans/cards that can be used for your personal cell phones in Europe?

We all have various phones (kids with iPhones, DH with an Android, me with a regular phone) through Verizon.

Thanks for any suggestions!

Oh, and don't forget to call your credit card companies and tell them you will be in Europe! We were in Chicago for the weekend, and the fraud unit initially denied our charge to the 7-11 there, until we verified that was us!

 

[mindelmouse]

Here's another quick question:

How are you all handling cell phones?

Are there pre-paid plans/cards that can be used for your personal cell phones in Europe?

We all have various phones (kids with iPhones, DH with an Android, me with a regular phone) through Verizon.

Thanks for any suggestions!

Oh, and don't forget to call your credit card companies and tell them you will be in Europe! We were in Chicago for the weekend, and the fraud unit initially denied our charge to the 7-11 there, until we verified that was us!

Have an iphone 5. Just going to add intl data and phone the day b4 i leAve and remove it when we get back

 

[Deb in IA]

Have an iphone 5. Just going to add intl data and phone the day b4 i leAve and remove it when we get back

OK - thanks.

Kids have an iPhone 4S - hope that will work too.

 

[DL1957]

Here's another quick question:

How are you all handling cell phones?

Are there pre-paid plans/cards that can be used for your personal cell phones in Europe?

We all have various phones (kids with iPhones, DH with an Android, me with a regular phone) through Verizon.

Thanks for any suggestions!

Oh, and don't forget to call your credit card companies and tell them you will be in Europe! We were in Chicago for the weekend, and the fraud unit initially denied our charge to the 7-11 there, until we verified that was us!

I have just learned from a friend about an app called viber you can use it overseas to call and text for free to anyone with the same app. I tried the text and it works great. My friend said the phone connection between the US and England was spotty but worked.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[abayaflowers]

I have just learned from a friend about an app called viber you can use it overseas to call and text for free to anyone with the same app. I tried the text and it works great. My friend said the phone connection between the US and England was spotty but worked.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

Why Viber?
Free text, calling, photo messages and location-sharing with Viber users*
No registration, alias or invitations required
Instantly integrates with your own contact list
Best-quality mobile calls using 3G or Wi-Fi
* Calls use your data plan

http://www.appfreakblog.com/blog/using-viber-and-whatsapp-abroad-to-talk-for-free-or-not.html

 

[nzdisneymom]

Was making copies of our driver's licenses (great idea, lllpath ) when I noticed that DS's graduated license expired on his 18th birthday a few weeks ago!!

Off to the DMV today!!

We had to get the lenses replaced in DS's glasses - we all went in last Friday to get adjustments, tighten screws, etc, and found that DS had a crack in one of his lenses (he wears them off and on throughout the day but hadn't told me they were more than scratched). So today we were able to pick up the new ones. And on Monday night, the other DS told me that the charging port on his Kindle Fire was "loose" so it wasn't getting a charge right (1st gen - we'd already replaced his brother's a while ago). So we needed to get that switched out with Amazon - thankfully they were able to give us free one day shipping so that was taken care of. Now I'm waiting to see what's next....

Although my office mates are giving me my "what's next..." as I have three new assignments given to me today with a "please try to get these done or set up so someone else can do them" before you leave on Monday afternoon. I mean it's not like they haven't known for the last 18 months that we're GOING ON VACATION next week And two of these aren't things that you can set up for someone else to do - because by the time the programming and set-up is done, you're done with it. Sigh. But I'm thankful I have a job that allows me to have money for vacations (and grand vacations like this one!) and allows me to take this much time off. And it's an indoor job so when it was cracking lightning and pouring down rain earlier today, I was safe and dry in my office.

But come Monday afternoon, I'll dance a jig in the parking garage and be on vacation!

 

[Deb in IA]

We had to get the lenses replaced in DS's glasses - we all went in last Friday to get adjustments, tighten screws, etc, and found that DS had a crack in one of his lenses (he wears them off and on throughout the day but hadn't told me they were more than scratched). So today we were able to pick up the new ones. And on Monday night, the other DS told me that the charging port on his Kindle Fire was "loose" so it wasn't getting a charge right (1st gen - we'd already replaced his brother's a while ago). So we needed to get that switched out with Amazon - thankfully they were able to give us free one day shipping so that was taken care of. Now I'm waiting to see what's next....

Although my office mates are giving me my "what's next..." as I have three new assignments given to me today with a "please try to get these done or set up so someone else can do them" before you leave on Monday afternoon. I mean it's not like they haven't known for the last 18 months that we're GOING ON VACATION next week And two of these aren't things that you can set up for someone else to do - because by the time the programming and set-up is done, you're done with it. Sigh. But I'm thankful I have a job that allows me to have money for vacations (and grand vacations like this one!) and allows me to take this much time off. And it's an indoor job so when it was cracking lightning and pouring down rain earlier today, I was safe and dry in my office.

But come Monday afternoon, I'll dance a jig in the parking garage and be on vacation!

Last minute stuff is crazy, aren't they?

DH had an eye appointment today too. He had been complaining that he couldn't see very well, so he was glad he got in, as he wants to SEE where he's going on the cruise!

The verdict?

Cataracts!!!

Luckily, they are mild and can be corrected with glasses, and he happened to find some frames that he liked and they can get them in by Tuesday (we leave Wednesday morning).

Like you said - What next???

 

[nzdisneymom]

DH had an eye appointment today too. He had been complaining that he couldn't see very well, so he was glad he got in, as he wants to SEE where he's going on the cruise!

The verdict?

Cataracts!!!

Luckily, they are mild and can be corrected with glasses, and he happened to find some frames that he liked and they can get them in by Tuesday (we leave Wednesday morning).

Like you said - What next???

Oh my - I am glad that he'll be able to have them corrected with glasses for now. My boss just had hers removed surgically and it was about a month process.


Totally different topic, one more packing tip - make sure you put a pen(s) in your carry-on bag that will be easy to access - gotta fill out those pesky customs forms they bring you on the plane!

 

[Deb in IA]

Oooops!

I meant to do the answers to Boomerang4's questions.

Oh well, here they are:

1) When does your vacation begin? (out the door, flight, Spain, boarding...)
Too early! Out the door at 2 am on Wednesday, June 12 to catch our 6 am flight out of Des Moines! 10 hour lay-over in Newark, then 8 hour flight to Barcelona! Arrive 9:15 am Thursday, June 13, Disney transport to Hilton Diagonal Mar Barcelona.

2) What are you most looking forward to tasting?
Chocolate souffle!!


3) What is your favorite secret that you know or have heard about on the Magic?
The "secret verandah" in Deck 7, Aft. I've never been able to find that!

4) Which port are you most excited about? Least?
Most: Civitavecchia - can't wait to see Rome!
Least: Malta - don't know much about it at all . . .

5) How will you dress for pirate night?
Not too much - maybe tie the bandana around my head.

6) What one thing do you wish you'd known before your first cruise?
That the Mickey slide is only for 12 and under. I am small enough, but too old . . .

7) Most irrational fear about this vacation?
Protests in Turkey. I know they probably won't affect us, but still . . .

8) Most rational fear about this vacation?
Pickpockets. My parents were robbed on their second day in Rome years ago - they got their hands slashed horribly and had to have emergency surgery.

9) What moment are you most looking forward to?
FINALLY getting on that ship, after planning for so long!

10) Who are you most looking forward to meeting/seeing?
EVERYONE!!

 

[TDC Nala]

I have an old Iphone. I am putting it in airplane mode and it will stay that way. Might turn it on to use internet without taking it out of airplane mode, but only in ports or Barcelona if there is wifi available.

 

[Pinkytink]

Hi guys!

You must all be sooooooooo excited now that your cruise is just a week away! My family and I are booked on a 7night cruise but are not sailing until August 17th which still seems so far away!

the reason for my post is that I and other fellow travellers on our cruise have a few questions that you guys might be able to answer:

1) When you received your documents from DCL, did they include information regarding the formal and semi-formal nights? We are wondering which nights they will be on and how soon we will find that out.

2) Did they send any information regarding the European ports of call?

I hope you all have a fantastic cruise

Em