You Are Not The First To Pass This Way: 2nd Magic Baltic Cruise, 6/24/2010

[buck4568]

Here's another question for everyone.

We have chosen to use Disney transportation from LHR to Dover. We arrive LHR on the 24th from Washington, DC @ 6:40 AM. What is the procedure when using Disney trans.? We have always used private car services when cruising, so I feel a bit unsettled about how it all works.

And how about in reverse? Dover to LHR. Flight leaves LHR at 5:05 PM

Make me feel comfortable with my choice.

TIA

Nina

They will be at the airport to meet you when you arrive. We did the Med in 2007 and although we did not use Disney Trans on that trip I wish we had. They had an area right outside the baggage claim area in Barcelona and checked you in from there, got you on the bus and off to the ship or hotel. SO, this trip I went with them and look forward to a stress free arrival and departure!

 

[mehaul]

You've just described one of my worst nightmares with regard to this trip and the fact that we're flying in the morning that the ship leaves. We're definitely going to have to mix and match stuff in the duffels to protect against American Airlines losing one (or more) of our bags. On the other hand, my DDs might not mind having to shop for a new wardrobe in each port.

I think layers is the way to go in regards to packing. I'm hoping for some global warming this summer and will make some further packing decisions closer to the trip - when I can look at extended forecasts.

As a f/up to your Dr. Who question - the show has been running since the 60's, but you can jump in at any time. Each doctor and most episodes are unique stories, so there is no "Lost"- like timeline to be concerned about - no pun intended. I would stick with watching the 3 most recent doctors. Some of the earlier shows and doctors were very good, but each episode usually ran 2 hrs and there were some horrific special effects. For younger children there is a spinoff called the Sarah Jane chronicles, she originally was the companion of a much earlier doctor

 

[TDC Nala]

Here's another question for everyone.

We have chosen to use Disney transportation from LHR to Dover. We arrive LHR on the 24th from Washington, DC @ 6:40 AM. What is the procedure when using Disney trans.? We have always used private car services when cruising, so I feel a bit unsettled about how it all works.

And how about in reverse? Dover to LHR. Flight leaves LHR at 5:05 PM

Make me feel comfortable with my choice.

TIA

Nina

You're on the flight before mine. Mine leaves Dulles at 10 PM and arrives 10:10 am at Heathrow. I am too stubborn to take the day off work. My return leaves about a half hour before yours. I have not booked the transfers yet.

Because Disney's never done a Baltic cruise before I don't know how we can find out what the exact procedure is from Heathrow until the first Baltic goes. They'll set up in the airport but haven't any idea where.

From the ship, they'll likely just show you out to your bus as soon as you've retrieved your luggage. That's what they did in Barcelona. I didn't fly into Barcelona which is why I don't know about the incoming transfer.

Haven't watched a lot of Dr. Who since Tom Baker was the doctor, loved him.

 

[TDC Nala]

Not sure about the rubles but we are taking a lot of cash and will convert as needed. Just contact Vika if you want to join us and look forward to at least meeting you during the cruise if you are not with us in Russia!

I registered today. So I will be traveling around Russia with you. I did the math and am getting quite a few extra hours of touring out of your itinerary as opposed to the ship tours I booked. Will be releasing those after I receive the confirmation from Vika.

They do say we'll need some rubles, and that the guide can point me to an ATM. If I have rubles left over I can give them to the tour guide since you can't take rubles out of the country.

 

[cindy18]

I think layers is the way to go in regards to packing. I'm hoping for some global warming this summer and will make some further packing decisions closer to the trip - when I can look at extended forecasts.

As a f/up to your Dr. Who question - the show has been running since the 60's, but you can jump in at any time. Each doctor and most episodes are unique stories, so there is no "Lost"- like timeline to be concerned about - no pun intended. I would stick with watching the 3 most recent doctors. Some of the earlier shows and doctors were very good, but each episode usually ran 2 hrs and there were some horrific special effects. For younger children there is a spinoff called the Sarah Jane chronicles, she originally was the companion of a much earlier doctor

Layers is the mantra for packing, for sure, given the weather. And lots of repeats on the pants and capris!

I'm not sure how I missed Dr. Who all these years, but it sounds like great fun, and I appreciate the advice not to go all the way back. It sounds like I can get relatively easy access to the last few seasons and then pick things up on BBC America. DH is interested too!

 

[TDC Nala]

Watching as the volcano in Iceland has shut down all British airspace today. The volcanic dust in the air is dangerous for planes. It could get gummed up in the engines.

At first I was wondering about my decision to fly in the day of the cruise, but good thing this didn't happen in June, because they are saying Britain's airports could be shut down for a good long time until the dust clears out. Day of cruise flight or not, wouldn't have made a large amount of difference. Would just be luck of the draw as to when the thing erupted.

 

[cindy18]

I agree completely and am hoping that this means that there's no way this will happen in June or July. This is going to be a mess for days, and there is no way to anticipate this kind of complete shut down of air traffic.

 

[lzj21428]

Well here's hoping that this volcano calms down soon. Isin just watched a report from ABC news that said that the eruption could very well go on for months.

If I was flying today on the same flights I'm booked on for June, I wouldn't be going anywhere. Those flights have been cancelled. DH is due to leave on a business trip next Wed and has a stop in Paris. That same flight has also been cancelled for today.

We need to drop some pixie dust into the mouth of that volcano!!

 

[TDC Nala]

from what I think, it's still too early for me to be worrying about the volcano. If the trip was next week, yeah, I'd be worrying.

I'm another one who probably wouldn't be able to go at all if the flights were canceled. If it looks like there will be problems in June I will have to check on what Disney's cruise insurance says because that is what I have.

 

[cindy18]

I'm with you on that. I think we'd be in big trouble, or at least miss Dover and maybe Oslo and would eventually catch up to the boat somewhere. If the volcano constitutes an "act of God", I don't know that the insurance policies cover that at all. Let's up the volcano erupts with total fury now and then goes quiet and peaceful for a LONG time!

 

[buck4568]

from what I think, it's still too early for me to be worrying about the volcano. If the trip was next week, yeah, I'd be worrying.

I'm another one who probably wouldn't be able to go at all if the flights were canceled. If it looks like there will be problems in June I will have to check on what Disney's cruise insurance says because that is what I have.

We used DCL for everything also! SO, if if they can't get us to the ship, airport or whatever, we will try again next year!

 

[TDC Nala]

I didn't book my flight through DCL, although it would be tough to lose it, it was just fare for one person, not a family, so I'll live. Same with the cost of the cruise if it so happens insurance doesn't cover it. Would prefer not to lose it if possible though. I'm quite excited about this cruise!

 

[lzj21428]

I have DCL insurance also. Flights for the 5 of us were paid with points. I would assume we would get those back. I can't imagine if we had to lose the cost of the cruise. That's BIG $$$$$.

Going to try to not worry about it at this point. We still are 2 months away, but I must admit, I'm a worrier by nature!!

 

[buck4568]

I have DCL insurance also. Flights for the 5 of us were paid with points. I would assume we would get those back. I can't imagine if we had to lose the cost of the cruise. That's BIG $$$$$.

Going to try to not worry about it at this point. We still are 2 months away, but I must admit, I'm a worrier by nature!!

Just noticed we were on the same Med cruise in 2007! That was a great time and I know this trip will be as good if not better!

 

[lzj21428]

I loved the Med Cruise. It was an awesome trip for us and we still talk about is 3 yrs later. I'm sure you're right Buck, this trip will be great, maybe even better!!

 

[TDC Nala]

the Med cruise was awesome, it is why I am doing this one with Disney.

 

[lzj21428]

the Med cruise was awesome, it is why I am doing this one with Disney.

Ditto that TDC!!

 

[mehaul]

Just noticed we were on the same Med cruise in 2007! That was a great time and I know this trip will be as good if not better!

We were on the 6/27 Med Cruise as well.

 

[grizbuzz]

the Med cruise was awesome, it is why I am doing this one with Disney.

Agree. We were on the June 6 cruise.

 

[lzj21428]

I was just reading over the Disney Insurance plan. It said that natural disasters were covered. Wouldn't this volcano be considered a natural disaster? Someone on another thread posted that they thought no insurance plan would cover this volcano situation. If this isn't a natural disaster, then what is?