May 26, 2007 (5/26/07) "First Magical Med Cruise!!" (The M&M's!)

[LegalBriefs]

Hello all! and Welcome to all those cruising on this, the very first Mediterranean Cruise, and Welcome to all those cruising on future Med. cruises... We will do our best to have a great time and to give you all tips on the various excursions and fun to be had!

Once again, Welcome!

 

[first timers]

Hello all! and Welcome to all those cruising on this, the very first Mediterranean Cruise, and Welcome to all those cruising on future Med. cruises... We will do our best to have a great time and to give you all tips on the various excursions and fun to be had!

Once again, Welcome!

Hi Ron. We were on the first West Coast Cruise and we will be on the Wonder 10 day cruise in Sept. There are several people hoping to do the transatlantic repo and the first med cruise (us included). We are nearing 30 DCL cruises with the ones we have booked. We always have a great time. Look forward to meeting you. Alex and Carolyn

 

[littleowensmommy]

We are booked! We'll be doing the Repo as well. DH (Ted) and I will be traveling with our DS (Owen, 8 at time of sailing) and DD (Amy, who will be 5). We'll be in the 6056 for both cruises and we'll be switching from early dining on the repo to late dining on this cruise. We look forward to getting to know everybody!

Kathy

Ron, Congratulations on booking the Roy Suite!!!

 

[LegalBriefs]

ALEX AND CAROLYN, That is outstanding! We will be seeing a lot of each other...! I'm surprised we did not meet on the First West Coast Cruise... I hope we have a fun group for this cruise... but, I can say that I have never had a bad time with any DIS'ers... I'm sure this cruise will be wonderful and memorable...

Kathy, I am Excited to hear you will be in the late seating as well... Thanks for the Congrats on the Roy Suite, I was really excited! We were told that we were the 2nd ones to sign up for the waiting list way back in 2004, who woulda guessed! I will be travelling with my buddy David, and our respective significant others... I will talk to them, but, I'd love to set up a nice DIS meet in our suite one night...

Alex and Carolyn... PS- I think I met one of your fellow "First Timers" on the the inaugural west coast cruise... you are all crazy, but what a cool tradition you have going! How many of you are left that have "Done it all?"

 

[Soccermom-Cheri]

OK, guys. Those of us going in June '07 will be looking to you. (excursion info, hilarious trip reports, etc - but no pressure )

Until our own thread gets going, we'll be lurking here.

Cheers,
Cheri

 

[littleowensmommy]

Ron, Wow a DIS meet in your suite would be great! We were on the 30 July Western cruise last year. We were part of a fantastic DIS group. It was our 3rd cruise but it was our 1st time cruising with DISers. We had so much more fun! We decided to opt for late seating on this cruise so we wouldn't have to rush back from the ports to make it to early dinner on time.

I see that you're from Vegas...love that town! Ted has a conference at the Venetian in October and I plan to tag along. I hope it turns out to be the same weekend Jimmy Buffett's at the MGM. We also hope to see the new Cirque du Soleil Beatles show that will be at the Mirage.

 

[LegalBriefs]

Cheri, you are quite welcome! Hang out and enjoy our company, and we will be sure to tell you about things as we find out...!

Kathy and Ted, please let me know when you are here in Las Vegas, we will have to have drinks or dinner...!

So, where is everyone else?

 

[AnnaS]

Hi Ron -

We met on the West Coast Cruise - yes in your suite

with Wendy Pierce (AOIP57 - at the time). We are hoping to book on the July 28. Sorry we will miss each other. I see some dates/threads started here already. We are also hoping to get some ideas/tips/suggestions from cruisers before us. Can't wait.

 

[Disneynut1955]

Hi Ron. We were on the first West Coast Cruise and we will be on the Wonder 10 day cruise in Sept. There are several people hoping to do the transatlantic repo and the first med cruise (us included). We are nearing 30 DCL cruises with the ones we have booked. We always have a great time. Look forward to meeting you. Alex and Carolyn

Hi everyone! My name is David. My wife (Monica) and I will be sailing with Ron (lglbriefs) for this cruise. We are also on the 10 night Caribbean which Ron and others will be on as well.

We look forward to the Med cruise and the 4 Disney cruises we have scheduled prior to it!

As Ron suggested, we should have a party in the suite. We managed to fit close to 100 people into the Roy on July 4, 2005. Hope to learn more about everyone prior to sailing.

 

[littleowensmommy]

Ron, Dinner and/or drinks in October...it's a plan. We look forward to meeting you!

 

[LegalBriefs]

Anna, Yes, of course, I recall meeting you, sorry we will miss you on this cruise, but we will do our best to give some great reports...!

David, Good to see you here buddy! This is going to be an amazing cruise, by the time it comes around you will be even more DCL experienced than me!

I cannot wait to hear what sort of special send-off we will get for the inaugural cruise! The escorts, fireworks and fun on the west coast inaugural cruise were amazing! I bet there will be similar fanfare for this cruise as well...


I guess this board will start getting busier after the 4th... at least I hope so! LOL...

 

[littleowensmommy]

06/01/06 3 Night Disney Wonder (Cat. 2), 09/07/06 10 Night Southern Caribbean (Cat. 2), 11/11/06 7 Night "Double Dip" (Cat. 3), 01/07/07 4 Night Disney Wonder (Walt Disney Suite), 05/26/07 11 Night Med (Roy Disney Suite), 07/28/07 11 Night Med (Cat. 3), 09/08/07 7 Night Western (Walt Disney & Roy Disney Suites), 09/15/07 7 Night Eastern (Walt Disney & Roy Disney Suites), 09/22/07 Walt Disney World / One week of fun! 09/29/07 7 Night Eastern (Walt Disney & Roy Disney Suites)


Wow Dave!!! Are you planning to stay in Europe between your 26 May cruise and your 28 July cruise?

 

[first timers]

Alex and Carolyn... PS- I think I met one of your fellow "First Timers" on the the inaugural west coast cruise... you are all crazy, but what a cool tradition you have going! How many of you are left that have "Done it all?"

Ron- There is another couple from Chicago (Ted and Karen) and a single guy (Michael) who had been in Celebration,FL but has moved since. Ted and Karen have been on more DCL cruises the we have, but we will probably all be on the Woder 10 day and the Med repo. Alex

 

[AnnaS]

Ron and Dave - I don't know how you manage to remember everyone.

I want some of those frequent air miles.

 

[sweetsue]

1. What DIS activities will there be?
   Ken (kpros) has a great post that includes all of that information. You can find it here.
   Sue (sweetsue a.k.a ME!) also has a few Barcelona activities here.
   
   DINING AND ENTERTAINMENT
   
2. What night will be our first "assigned" rotation night? The 26th or the 27th?
   Saturday the 26th.
3. What are the theme nights on the cruise? And what days are
   they?
   When are the formal night(s)?
   There are rumors that Disney will change the dining. Why wouldn't we have rotational dining with the same servers?
   DCL will be having rotational dining. Seating times are 6pm and 8:30pm.
   There will be one formal night, two semi-formal nights and a pirate night. The formal night is the first sea night. The semi-formal nights are on June 1st (at sea night) and June 4th (Villefranche night). General agents do not yet have the dining rotation. When/if the information becomes readily available, I will post it here.
4. When is the sail away party?
   10 pm
5. When is Tea for Wendy?
   On the sea days at 4pm.
6. When is the Goofy PJ slumber party for the kids?
7. Are there any special wine seminars/tastings/classes?
   You’ll just have to wait until you see the events in your personal navigator. Surprise!
8. What shows will there be?
   See post from winotracy here
   AND
   see post from princesslisa71 here
   
   BOARDING, LUGGAGE, DISEMBARKING
   
9. When is boarding?
   It begins at 1pm until 4pm in the terminal. After 4pm until 9pm at the ship itself.
10. On boarding day, can we go on and off the ship until sail-away?
    In other words, can we check-in, go to our staterooms and then leave the ship for a few hours?
    Yes you can come and go from the ship in Barcelona - bring your passports with you when you leave the ship.
11. What time do we have to be on the ship in Barcelona?
    Everybody must be onboard by 9 pm.
12. Can we check-in or drop our luggage at the port and then leave for awhile to see Barcelona before we check-in for our stateroom?
    Yes
13. What time?
    Check-in begins at 10am.
14. Is left luggage available at the Barcelona port?
    Disney said probably no but they do not have control over this.
15. What is the latest DCL transfer from port back to airport?
    Everybody needs to be offboard by 9 a.m.
    9:30 a.m. is the last transfer
16. What terminal will DCL be in at Barcelona?
    Moll Adossat - Terminal C
17. Can you purchase transfers if you are staying at a hotel not booked through DCL?
    Only from the hotel to the port and back, not from the airport to the hotel
    
    PORTS
    
18. What ports require tendering?
    La Spezia
    Villefranche
19. What is the liquids policy for Barcelona?
    We'd like to carry aboard wine like we have in Port Canaveral; will the policy be the same?
    What about at ports (like Marseille/Nice)?
    Same policy as Port Canaveral - you can carry on unopened wine and other liquids.
20. Are we allowed to bring food, wine and olive oil on the boat from our ports?
    Bringing food onboard is a definite no according to DCL. Unopened wine and other liquid bottles are ok.
    Here is the official policy from DCL. It is supposed to stay the same for the Med:
    Coolers are not permitted except for Guests needing to store medications, baby food, or items related to a dietary constraint. Coolers containing personal items (e.g. soda or snacks) may not be brought on board.
    • Homemade, pre-cooked or other perishable items plus any open snack containers will not be allowed to be brought on board
    • Non-perishable, USDA approved snack food items in their sealed original packaging may be brought aboard ship and must be consumed prior to returning to Port Canaveral after their cruise
    • Disney Cruise Line regrets that the crew members on board are unable to provide food preparation, refrigeration, or storage on board for personal food or beverage items
    • Limitations on food items permitted to be brought aboard are directly related to concerns for food safety and contamination prevention. Disney Cruise Line cannot verify the cleanliness of the environment in which pre-cooked or homemade food items were prepared. For the safety of all guests and crew, these items are not permitted aboard ship
21. Are we allowed to bring food and snacks from the ship into the ports? Specifically breakfast bars, sandwiches, chips, fruit, etc.?
    DCL’s policy will be the same – no official or separate announcement for the Mediterranean cruises. They do request people only take off wrapped items such as breakfast bars and chips.
    It’s also important to note that most countries do not want you bringing fruit or other meat products into their country. This is how disease is spread from one country to another such as citrus cancer and mad-cow disease.
22. Is it possible to book two excursions in the same day? I would really like to see Cinqe Terre and Pisa. (The DD really wants to see the Leaning Tower. She has seen it on Disney' Little Einsteins; the tower symbolizes Italy for this 5 year old) Is it possible to do both in the same day?
    Yes - as long as the excursions don't overlap. Sweetsue and family are doing this in both Marseille and Villefranche. DCL will allow you to meet the second excursion on the dock so you don't have to reboard the ship or tender.
23. Does anyone have any restaurant ideas for Barcelona?
    Best bet - wander the Gothic Quarter stopping in little places that look interesting and have "little plates" (tapas). Worst place - the little sidewalk cafes on Las Ramblas - high on $ and low on quality - but great for people watching! Great pick it up and go spot - La Boqueria market on Las Ramblas. Seafood - lots along the port area. Be cognizant of typical Barcelona hours (lunch starts at 1, dinner at 9). Look for a crowded restaurant (at those times) - an empty restaurant is empty for a reason.
24. Any idea on how soon we can get off the boat in Rome? The Disney stuff says something about 7:30, but I wasn't sure if that was realistic. I have never been on a cruise before, so I do not know what logistics are involved.
    In general, you will be able to get off of the boat at the stated time. The ship has to clear customs with the port authority before anyone can go ashore, so the time is only an estimate.
    
    GENERAL BOAT QUESTIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS
    
25. Is there a number that we can give our families if they need to reach us in case of emergency?
    Yes. It is very expensive though and should only be used in real emergencies. You will incur ship to shore charges for every minute even if they are just leaving voicemail. Ship to shore charges are satellite charges and $$$$$$$.
    From padalyn:
    You can direct dial anywhere in the world right from your stateroom. Ship-to-shore rates apply and will be posted in your stateroom.
    ==============================================
    The phone number to the Magic is:
    1-888-DC AT SEA (322.8732)
    ==============================================
26. When is the lifeboat drill?
    5:45 PM, however the announcement begins at 5:15. Shipboard services are suspended from 5:15 pm to 6:00 PM.
    With the recent sinking of the boat in the Greek isles, it would probably be a good idea that everyone goes just to make sure they know where their lifeboat station is.
    This is DCLs info on “missing” the drill. The safety drill is very important and the ship strongly suggests that everyone participate. Safety regulations are taken very seriously onboard.
    
    If you should, by some chance, miss the drill, you will receive a letter in your stateroom as role call is taken during the drill so the ship is aware of what guests have not participated.
    
    Again, it is very important to participate in the safety drill.
27. Will euros be available on the ship for exchanging $$?
    Yes there will be euros on the ship.
    Here is some additional info from Scooby3x1y:
    Regrettably Guests are not able to obtain cash advance on a credit card
    from Guest Services.
    
    Guests are able to cash personal checks drawn from U.S. banks only up to
    $100.00 per guest, per voyage onboard at the Guest Services desk.
    Personal checks (no temporary checks) need to be accompanied by:
    
    One of the following photo id's:
    Valid Driver's License
    State issued ID with picture
    Active Military ID (green)
    Passport
    
    One of the following Credit Cards
    American Express
    Visa
    MasterCard
    Discover
    The Disney Credit Card
    Diner's Club / Carte Blanche
    
    Traveler's Checks can be cashed with a photo ID. There is no limit for
    Traveler's Checks, but the checks need to be in US Dollars.
    
    We look forward to sailing with your family in the Mediterranean!
    
    Angela
    Reservations Department
    Disney Cruise Vacations
    
    Another response:
    
    An onboard credit can be used to cover anything that is charged to the
    stateroom account (i.e. gifts, merchandise, refreshments, etc.) and is
    placed on the stateroom folio. Guests receive an enclosure card in
    their stateroom that notifies them about the onboard credit, who
    arranged it, and any special message.
    
    To purchase an Onboard Credit, please call 800-601-8455 Monday - Friday
    8:00 AM - 10:00 PM (EST) or Saturday - Sunday 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM (EST).
    
    Guests can exchange dollars for Euros or Euros for dollars onboard the
    ship at Guest Services. It will be exchanged at the prevailing rate,
    there will not be a charge for the exchange.
    
    We look forward to sailing with you! Have a Magical Day!
    
    Kaye
    Reservations Department
    Disney Cruise Vacations
28. Are we going to get a special litho for the Med repo or First Med cruise. That would be good to know so that we could include a mailing tube in our bags?
    Sorry – we won’t get this one answered before the cruise.
29. I know that it is sick to think of work while on a cruise - but does anyone know if there is a business center or internet cafe onboard where I can get caught up on e-mails? I do not want to lug a laptop. If so, any idea as to the cost?
    There are internet cafes onboard with wired packages. You can't use them for anything other than surfing the web. Here is information on the wireless packages:
    *** NEW UPDATE (thanks to winotracy and Kissimmee ***)
    Wireless will be available throughout the ship (including staterooms) beginning Saturday, May 12th!
    From Scooby3x1y:
    We are pleased to announce that guests who bring their wireless ready laptop will be able to utilize our wireless Internet access onboard and get connected! The wireless Internet and Internet Cafe are interchangeable. For example, guests who purchase a block of minutes for the wireless system can use those minutes on an Internet Cafe desktop computer and visa versa. Below, please find the locations from which you may gain access and a selection of plan pricing.
    Cadillac Lounge
    Wavebands
    Promenade Lounge
    Studio Sea Deck
    Cove Cafe Deck
    Open Decks (Decks 9 & 10)
    Atrium Decks (Decks 3, 4, & Mid-Ship)
    $.75 per minute pay as you go
    $27.50 for 50 minute plan ($.55 per minute)
    $40 for 100 minute plan ($.40 per minute)
    $75 for 250 minute plan ($.30 per minute)
    Currently on the wireless plan you may surf the Internet, send/receive email, download/upload files, print and open/send attachments. Guests will also have free access to disneycruise.com. An unlimited package is unavailable with the wireless Internet offering, because the capacity of the wireless system is limited.
    Some additional info from DCL:
    To get started Guests must open their internet browser. They will automatically be directed to a Log-in page which will ask for a user name and password.
    The user name is the guest's first initial, last name and stateroom number, all lower case with no spaces. Example: jdavis1431 (for John Davis in Stateroom 1431)
    The password is the Guest's birthday in six digit format: mmddyy. Example 043060 (for April 30, 1960). The system will ask the guest to enter a new password. This new password will be used for all future log-ins.
    Once the guest is logged in a pricing option screen will appear. The guest must select a plan for internet access.
    Finally, a separate browser window will open which displays a count-down of time used. This window should be kept open until the Guest is ready to logout or end the session. If the window is closed inadvertently, it can be accessed by typing the following URL in the address bar: http://1.1.1.1
    To stop the timer and log-out the guest must select the LOGOUT icon located on the desktop.
30. Can we use Skype?
    Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is accessible; however, due to limitations of the wireless service uninterrupted connectivity and quality cannot be guaranteed.
31. What is the size of the closet in the staterooms (for luggage storing)?
    For Category 4 through 10 (category 11/12 is smaller, Cats 1-3 have at least one walk-in closet in addition to this closet, handicapped Cat 6’s have a second “drive-in” closet great for luggage storage, not sure about other handicapped rooms)
    From Jeisur:
    The closet base measures 27.75 inches by 18.5 inches. It is nice to have nesting luggage that fits at the bottom.... otherwise there is the standing suitcase issue with anything longer than a t-shirt.
    
    I THINK under the beds was just shy of 10 inches but YES you DO have to lift the bed if the item is a bit larger... garment and duffle bags tuck under nicely. Little kids can fit under nicely but are hard to get out.
32. So just what is this talk about GSM, SIM cards and cell phone usage in Europe?
    See Rick Steve’s awesome article on this
    The Magic (beginning May 12th) will offer cell phone usage onboard ship. The major carriers are AT&T, Sprint and TMobile although they state “with most cellphone providers, … you can make and receive calls and text messages on your personal cell phone. International roaming charges may apply. You’ll want to contact your provider to obtain information on international roaming rates, as rates for usage are determined by your home carrier.”
    Kissimmee provided additional information that TMobile wants to charge $4.99/minute and this includes unanswered calls and voice mail notifications.
    
    CUSTOMS, LIQUIDS POLICY, ETC.
    
33. What is the liquids policy for Barcelona?
    We'd like to carry aboard wine like we have in Port Canaveral; will the policy be the same?
    What about at ports (like Marseille/Nice)?
    Same policy as Port Canaveral - you can carry on unopened wine and other liquids.
34. Are we allowed to bring food, wine and olive oil on the boat from our ports?
    Bringing food onboard is a definite no according to DCL. Unopened wine and other liquid bottles are ok.
35. Are we allowed to bring food and snacks from the ship into the ports? Specifically breakfast bars, sandwiches, chips, fruit, etc.?
    DCL’s policy will be the same – no official or separate announcement for the Mediterranean cruises. They do request people only take wrapped items off of the ship, items such as breakfast bars and chips
    It’s also important to note that most countries do not want you bringing fruit or other meat products into their country. This is how devastating crop and livestock diseases are spread from one country to another.
    
    SHIPPING STUFF TO THE SHIP
    
36. How do I send stuff to the ship like we do for Port Canaveral?
    
    Shipping stuff to Barcelona (from winotracy)
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Hey everyone. I got this information from my contact at DCL:
    ==============================================
    
    Package Delivery to World Trade Center Terminal - Barcelona Blue Water Shipping- packages, boxes, gifts
    
    Packages and boxed gifts can be delivered to the ship via the Blue Water Shipping Espana S.A. in Barcelona.
    
    Items that cannot be shipped to Blue Water Shipping and delivered to the ship include: food products (all and any food products including baby food/formula), beverages (liquor, water, etc.), chemicals and luggage.
    
    Shipping Packages and Boxes Gifts - Internationally
    
    * Guests should allow approximately 10 business days for delivery
    * International shipping rates apply
    * The following information needs to be listed on the package being delivered:
    * Name
    * Sail Date
    * Ship
    * Stateroom Number
    * Packing slip that details contents of the package.
    
    * DHL is a common carrier service in Barcelona
    
    The address to send packages to is:
    Blue Water Shipping Espana S.A
    C/ Atlantic, 109-111
    Z.A.L (Zona Actividades Logistica)
    08040 Barcelona
    Ph: 34 93 295 4848

 

[4fosterkids]

Hi Ron
We met you on the 7/2 West Coast cruise, and enjoyed our tour and party in the suite on the 4th of July! Ahh...great memories!
Congrats on your new bookings. I'm very bummed we cannot do either repo cruise this time. My teacher friends cannot get that time off. We are hoping to get on one of the late June or Mid July cruises. I look forward to hearing all about your ventures...you guys know how to do it up good!
Take care
Jill and family/friends from the 7/2/05 cruise

 

[littleowensmommy]

My DD will be almost 6 when we cruise next year so we'll have to get the girls together since my DS will be 8 and in a different age group in the club. We also have late dining. Good luck on Tuesday!

Kathy

 

[sweetsue]

My DD will be almost 6 when we cruise next year so we'll have to get the girls together since my DS will be 8 and in a different age group in the club. We also have late dining. Good luck on Tuesday!

Kathy

That sounds great! My DD will have just finished kindergarten when we sail. We're taking her out of school a few days early (school doesn't end until May 29th). She'll love having a new friend when she goes - and I'm sure it'll make your DD more comfortable since her brother won't be with her.

Sweet Sue

 

[first timers]

I'm hoping to be joining you on this cruise! We'll have to see what happens on Tuesday. I"ll be traveling with my DM and DD6 (at the time). Never thought I'd take a 6 year old to Europe - but it's DISNEY after all!
Sweet Sue

Sue-
There are three stops in Italy on the cruise and the things you can see will be something a 6 year old will remember for a lifetime. We just returned from a week in Rome. A trip to the Vatican is unbelievable. The Cistien Chapel, the Piata, St. Peter's basillica. What a great opportunity to study the history with children and then see it in person. The stop in Naples should allow for a trip to Pompei. And doing all that with Disney! This is going to be a great cruise.
Alex

 

[AnnaS]

Ron -

What happened/where is Barb (Barb & Tony)? I don't see her name listed on the moderator list either. I was just wondering if she booked one of the the repo cruises or one of the med. cruises.