Are you excited about the Gem and the Mediterranean?

[daring]

Not that I'm counting or anything, but we fly out in 17 days!

 

What's left to do? I think I'm ready. I have to pick up my Euros from the bank, wash the gray outa my hair, get a mani and pedi, and then I'm ready for the drive to Memphis to catch a plane!

 

I do wish my new CC friends were sailing with me....

 

Sounds great!

[daring]

Yes!! Very excited! This is a great thread, I've gotten so much good info. We are going on the Gem August 2nd with the Barcelona to Cannes (back to Barcelona) itinerary.

I loved the Malta website that someone posted! It is so helpful. Does anyone know of any other similar websites for the other ports? We are a kind of DIY tourists so I plan to spend my time between now and August obsessing over maps and tour books. :p

Thanks to everyone for all the great stuff so far! It's nice to have people to talk about this trip with. All my friends are getting sick of hearing about it already. (they're just jealous!!:D)

~Aileen

 

I have found that I can go up to search and type in keys works such as the port I'm visiting and pull up a lot of interesting posts. I've learned so much and SalleyUK, you have been such a big help, thank-you. I can't wait to get my first hand experience.

[Why Knot Me]

Our roll call is pretty low key as well. I've asked whether anyone would want me to set up a casual Meet and Greet, but I didn't get any responses. I never did one before, but I was willing to give it a shot.

 

The families that I'm doing my tours with are very nice and I'm very lucky to have found them. Glad to see Why Knot Me on this thread...she's on my cruise as well.

 

I'm so glad to be part of this thread as well. I'm thrilled that there are others here that are just as crazy excited as I am. I wish all of us were sailing together.

 

Mickeysgal - We still planning on the room tours?

 

Yes, this thread is great and our roll call has been good too!! I would be interested in a Meet and Greet! I have participated roll calls that very few have joined in and others were there was good participation. One of our meet and greet parties, we had a little trivia game with prizes, some have everyone bring an item from their home state. Just depends on the sailing, but it's great when you have activity and can share information.

 

I went shopping this morning. Went to look for a comfortable walking shoe, didn't find that but found plenty of other fun things. I ended up buying a light weight jacket, good for rain and folds small and very flat. I'm not sure what we will need. But thought, I'll buy it and decide later. What do you think for jacket needs if any?

[mickeysgal]

Mickeysgal - We still planning on the room tours?

 

Of course! I have got to see that Courtyard room of yours. Not sure how it will compare to mine, but the aft view may be worth a peak. :)

[Why Knot Me]

Of course! I have got to see that Courtyard room of yours. Not sure how it will compare to mine, but the aft view may be worth a peak. :)

 

The AFT views are very nice. We've had them several times and enjoy them. It's a different experience. Many people intentionally book them, we have by chance booked them because of the AE penthouse. What we really like about AFT is that it is a very quiet hallway.

[daring]

I've got something new going on and was wondering if anyone else has experienced it. I'm feeling a little glum. :confused: I've pretty much done as much as I can do toward getting ready for the cruise right now and I feel a bit empty. I have a little less than 7 weeks to go, so its to early to pack, mani, and pedi as Missi calls it. I've read Rick Steve's book and every relevant thread I could get my hands on, and spent as much money as I dare for now, and I have plans for all my ports of call. Anybody else felt this way at any point? Maybe I'm just having a hormone imbalance. Wonder if there's a name for this condition?

[mickeysgal]

I've got something new going on and was wondering if anyone else has experienced it. I'm feeling a little glum. :confused: I've pretty much done as much as I can do toward getting ready for the cruise right now and I feel a bit empty. I have a little less than 7 weeks to go, so its to early to pack, mani, and pedi as Missi calls it. I've read Rick Steve's book and every relevant thread I could get my hands on, and spent as much money as I dare for now, and I have plans for all my ports of call. Anybody else felt this way at any point? Maybe I'm just having a hormone imbalance. Wonder if there's a name for this condition?

 

The name of your condition is "Time to Help Mickeysgal". I'm nowhere near the level of complete you are. I still haven't settled on what clothes to take, what collection of shoes to take, haven't printed a lot of my documents, haven't ordered my starting wad of Euros, etc. I did however just cancel my first hotel since I just booked with another. I feel that was my big accomplishment for the day.

 

What's starting to bother me is that the week that I leave, I am packed with work. I mean packed - long hours each and every day including the day we leave. I'll need that long plane ride just to sleep.

 

But I understand what you're saying. I'm sort of maxed out in my planning since there is nothing trip wise to do...tours, hotel, research, etc. I do have a Learn Italian CD for the car I've been listening to. Maybe you can do that?

[Talia07]

Hey everyone! Hope noone minds me butting in on the conversation!

 

This is my first post, but I've been lurking around here for a little while now - thought its about time I said hi. This will be my first cruise and reading this thread is getting me really excited! :D I've got a bit of a longer wait than some of you...we're on the August 30th sailing :rolleyes: Ah well, more time for planning I guess. :p

[mickeysgal]

Hey everyone! Hope noone minds me butting in on the conversation!

 

This is my first post, but I've been lurking around here for a little while now - thought its about time I said hi. This will be my first cruise and reading this thread is getting me really excited! :D I've got a bit of a longer wait than some of you...we're on the August 30th sailing :rolleyes: Ah well, more time for planning I guess. :p

 

Hi Talia! The beauty of the August 30th sailing is that you get to learn from all our mistakes, our should-haves, and fine tune your own tours to get the maximum mileage out of them.

[richstan]

Talia, join the fun--welcome aboard!

 

I leave a week from Saturday which kind of sounds soon, but hey I still have about 12 days--plenty of time to pack!

 

I went to JCP yesterday and bought some shirts--gotta a great deal!

[daring]

The name of your condition is "Time to Help Mickeysgal". I'm nowhere near the level of complete you are. I still haven't settled on what clothes to take, what collection of shoes to take, haven't printed a lot of my documents, haven't ordered my starting wad of Euros, etc. I did however just cancel my first hotel since I just booked with another. I feel that was my big accomplishment for the day.

 

What's starting to bother me is that the week that I leave, I am packed with work. I mean packed - long hours each and every day including the day we leave. I'll need that long plane ride just to sleep.

 

But I understand what you're saying. I'm sort of maxed out in my planning since there is nothing trip wise to do...tours, hotel, research, etc. I do have a Learn Italian CD for the car I've been listening to. Maybe you can do that?

 

Oh yeah :eek: I forgot, I only have 7 weeks to learn Italian. Oh, I feel lots better now! LOL

[Talia07]

I've got something new going on and was wondering if anyone else has experienced it. I'm feeling a little glum. :confused: I've pretty much done as much as I can do toward getting ready for the cruise right now and I feel a bit empty. I have a little less than 7 weeks to go, so its to early to pack, mani, and pedi as Missi calls it. I've read Rick Steve's book and every relevant thread I could get my hands on, and spent as much money as I dare for now, and I have plans for all my ports of call. Anybody else felt this way at any point? Maybe I'm just having a hormone imbalance. Wonder if there's a name for this condition?

 

I seem to have a different type of condition. Instead of going to sleep like everyone else, I feel compelled to come on these boards at all hours - its 4am here in UK...im beginning to think I'm nocturnal. :eek:

 

Hi Talia! The beauty of the August 30th sailing is that you get to learn from all our mistakes, our should-haves, and fine tune your own tours to get the maximum mileage out of them.

 

That's a very good point! :D I'll look forward to reading all about everyone's experiences, plus I guess the sooner it comes the sooner its over... that'll be a sad day for me i'm sure. :(

 

Talia, join the fun--welcome aboard!

 

I leave a week from Saturday which kind of sounds soon, but hey I still have about 12 days--plenty of time to pack!

 

I went to JCP yesterday and bought some shirts--gotta a great deal!

 

Thanks for the warm welcome! Only 12 days left, how exciting. :D

[daring]

Welcome Talia, my new Gem friend.

 

Mickey's pack list: 3 sleeveless dresses that you can dress up or down, 2 light weight jackets, 3 tops , 3 bottom, 2-3 swim suits, and hey I can't decide which shoes to leave home either.

 

Richstan, I missed you yesterday. I think I'm going to perk up a little when you come back and we get to pick your brain. Eeeww, that didn't sound good did it?

[daring]

I seem to have a different type of condition. Instead of going to sleep like everyone else, I feel compelled to come on these boards at all hours - its 4am here in UK...im beginning to think I'm nocturnal. :eek:

 

See thats the way I was, now I'm feeling kinda lost. But it does perk me up getting to talk with my new pals with the same interest.;)

 

My name is Daring and I'm a Cruise Critic addict

[Talia07]

See thats the way I was, now I'm feeling kinda lost. But it does perk me up getting to talk with my new pals with the same interest.;)

 

My name is Daring and I'm a Cruise Critic addict

 

Well if it perks you up, feel free to chat to me about it, honestly I think I've been giving my friends a headache with all my cruise talk :D

[mickeysgal]

Mickey's pack list: 3 sleeveless dresses that you can dress up or down, 2 light weight jackets, 3 tops , 3 bottom, 2-3 swim suits, and hey I can't decide which shoes to leave home either.

 

2-3 swim suits? I was debating whether to take any! LOL. We have one day at sea and the rest of the days are packed with ports/tours, etc. Honestly, I was wondering if I would have any time to relax at the pool on this trip at all. After my traumatic swim suit shopping trip - every woman's favorite thing to shop for - one suit is all this girl is going to be bringing.

 

My one day at sea is going to be like Ferris Bueller's Day Off...running from activity to activity with only a certain amount of time allotted to each. Wake up, sit on balcony, breakfast at Cagneys, balcony, pool, shopping on board, lunch, balcony, maybe pool again, lounge for a drink, attend shore talk, back to balcony, snack, show, dinner, casino, balcony, etc. I'll need a sea day to rest up from my sea day.

[richstan]

Daring, I can't wait to report back!

I just mentioned to my friend Annie (she will be on the cruise too) that in two weeks we will be in Italy and in three weeks we'll be home!

 

Mi chiamo Ricardo---My name is Richard

 

I have to brush up on my high school Italian.

 

I am freaking out a bit--I wish we were getting into Barcelona the day before the cruise----I am sure everything will be fine!

[mickeysgal]

Daring, I can't wait to report back!

I just mentioned to my friend Annie (she will be on the cruise too) that in two weeks we will be in Italy and in three weeks we'll be home!

 

Mi chiamo Ricardo---My name is Richard

 

I have to brush up on my high school Italian.

 

I am freaking out a bit--I wish we were getting into Barcelona the day before the cruise----I am sure everything will be fine!

 

The Italian CD that I'm listening to says "Mi chiamo Andrew Carson". I'm afraid that I'll forget to say my own name and say that instead!! :eek:

 

It will be fine, but I understand being nervous about arriving into Barcelona the same day. Yikes. You're braver than I.

[Mississippi1]

Well, this will teach me to go to bed early, look at all the conversation I missed!

 

I've got something new going on and was wondering if anyone else has experienced it. I'm feeling a little glum. :confused: I've pretty much done as much as I can do toward getting ready for the cruise right now and I feel a bit empty. I have a little less than 7 weeks to go, so its to early to pack, mani, and pedi as Missi calls it. I've read Rick Steve's book and every relevant thread I could get my hands on, and spent as much money as I dare for now, and I have plans for all my ports of call. Anybody else felt this way at any point? Maybe I'm just having a hormone imbalance. Wonder if there's a name for this condition?

 

daring, I understand completely! I reached that point about 8 weeks before my cruise. After spending literally hundreds of hours planning, there was suddenly absolutely nothing left for me to do, and there was a bit of emptiness, a loss of purpose, if you will. I told DH that I would never plan another trip so far out again, lol. But, I muddied through, and somewhere around the 3 week mark, I found my excitement again. I think I was starved for new information, and would have fared much better if there had been a few reviews to look forward to. So, as we all start leaving, and then returning, you can hold on to that excitement. When Richstan sails, you will be excited for him, and the week will fly by as you wait for his return and review. Each week, someone new will sail, and this, I think, will help pass the time for you.

 

Hey everyone! Hope noone minds me butting in on the conversation!

 

This is my first post, but I've been lurking around here for a little while now - thought its about time I said hi. This will be my first cruise and reading this thread is getting me really excited! :D I've got a bit of a longer wait than some of you...we're on the August 30th sailing :rolleyes: Ah well, more time for planning I guess. :p

 

 

Welcome aboard Talia! You're going to love it here! There's lots of great information over on the Ports of Call board, and don't forget to join your roll call.

 

Talia, join the fun--welcome aboard!

 

I leave a week from Saturday which kind of sounds soon, but hey I still have about 12 days--plenty of time to pack!

 

I went to JCP yesterday and bought some shirts--gotta a great deal!

 

 

Ooooh, it's so close! I'm so excited for you!

 

 

Mickeysgal, lol at needing the sea day to recupe from the sea day! I'm taking 2 suits, but I plan to spend the evenings in the hot tub to ease my aching feet and back!

 

Everyone have a great day today! :)

[mickeysgal]

 

daring, I understand completely! I reached that point about 8 weeks before my cruise. After spending literally hundreds of hours planning, there was suddenly absolutely nothing left for me to do, and there was a bit of emptiness, a loss of purpose, if you will. I told DH that I would never plan another trip so far out again, lol. But, I muddied through, and somewhere around the 3 week mark, I found my excitement again. I think I was starved for new information, and would have fared much better if there had been a few reviews to look forward to. So, as we all start leaving, and then returning, you can hold on to that excitement. When Richstan sails, you will be excited for him, and the week will fly by as you wait for his return and review. Each week, someone new will sail, and this, I think, will help pass the time for you.

 

I have the answer to this void we're all feeling. Simple.

 

Plan another cruise.

 

I know I've had my head in the clouds looking at the 2010 itineraries. A couple of them have my attention. Don't know how realistic it is, but it's sort of fun playing the game for awhile.

[Mississippi1]

I have the answer to this void we're all feeling. Simple.

 

Plan another cruise.

 

I know I've had my head in the clouds looking at the 2010 itineraries. A couple of them have my attention. Don't know how realistic it is, but it's sort of fun playing the game for awhile.

 

 

:D I wish it was that simple! We have really saved hard for this trip, and then we both lost hours at work due to this stinkin' economy, so I may need a year off for a breather.

 

I meant to ask earlier, does anyone know if I can carry on a travel size Wet Ones on the plane? Will it need to be in the quart baggie, or is it okay just in my tote?

[mickeysgal]

:D I wish it was that simple! We have really saved hard for this trip, and then we both lost hours at work due to this stinkin' economy, so I may need a year off for a breather.

 

I meant to ask earlier, does anyone know if I can carry on a travel size Wet Ones on the plane? Will it need to be in the quart baggie, or is it okay just in my tote?

 

Oh believe me, we're in the same boat. It's just a game I'm playing right now.

 

Don't know about the wet ones...that's a very good question. Maybe post that on the Cruise Air site. The people on that board are extemely knowledgeable about anything pertaining to air travel.

[daring]

2-3 swim suits? I was debating whether to take any! LOL. We have one day at sea and the rest of the days are packed with ports/tours, etc. Honestly, I was wondering if I would have any time to relax at the pool on this trip at all. After my traumatic swim suit shopping trip - every woman's favorite thing to shop for - one suit is all this girl is going to be bringing.

 

I've already decided to buy the spa package to help me unwind and relax in the evenings, so I will need an extra suit while the other one is drying. The third one is a bit more revealing for getting that more complete tan. My DH says he gets turned on by tan lines because he feels as if he is seeing something he shouldn't be seeing. So its the bikini for the more private sunny areas. Trust me it's a body only a DH could love. :rolleyes:

 

 

Daring, I can't wait to report back!

I just mentioned to my friend Annie (she will be on the cruise too) that in two weeks we will be in Italy and in three weeks we'll be home!

 

Mi chiamo Ricardo---My name is Richard

 

I have to brush up on my high school Italian.

 

I am freaking out a bit--I wish we were getting into Barcelona the day before the cruise----I am sure everything will be fine!

 

What time do you get to Barcelona? As far as learning Italian, I'm just taking a pocket guide for emergencies. I did what I thought was a really good job of brushing up on my Spanish before going to Mexico. Evidently I did a good job of being understood because they just started talking back at 90 miles a minute which left me just nodding and smiling. They must have thought I was an idiot. So this time, my most used phrase will be, "Do you speak English?"

 

Well, this will teach me to go to bed early, look at all the conversation I missed!

 

daring, I understand completely! I reached that point about 8 weeks before my cruise. After spending literally hundreds of hours planning, there was suddenly absolutely nothing left for me to do, and there was a bit of emptiness, a loss of purpose, if you will. I told DH that I would never plan another trip so far out again, lol. But, I muddied through, and somewhere around the 3 week mark, I found my excitement again. I think I was starved for new information, and would have fared much better if there had been a few reviews to look forward to. So, as we all start leaving, and then returning, you can hold on to that excitement. When Richstan sails, you will be excited for him, and the week will fly by as you wait for his return and review. Each week, someone new will sail, and this, I think, will help pass the time for you.

 

Everyone have a great day today! :)

 

Missi, you need to start adjusting to Met. time so its a good thing to start going to bed and getting up earlier. I'm going to try to do that. Thanks for your words of support. I think you are right about the excitement building once our group starts taking their turns.

[Why Knot Me]

Good Morning everyone!

 

Okay, here's my deal. Yesterday, I was so sad when I returned from shopping for the trip and nobody was online to talk to me :(:D. Everybody else is tired of hearing me talk, talk, talk so I need you guys.

 

Last night at dinner my DD said, "do you think we could eat dinner tonight without you guys talking about your trip"... we said, nah, that would be impossible.

 

One bathing suit for me on this trip. Usually, its two but I just don't picture using it as much for this trip and if so, I will suffer putting on a wet suit. Plus, we are trying to maximize suitcase space. I hate over packing and we are not going to check luggage.

 

Are you guys bringing a light weight jacket?

[daring]

Good Morning everyone!

 

Okay, here's my deal. Yesterday, I was so sad when I returned from shopping for the trip and nobody was online to talk to me :(:D. Everybody else is tired of hearing me talk, talk, talk so I need you guys.

 

Last night at dinner my DD said, "do you think we could eat dinner tonight without you guys talking about your trip"... we said, nah, that would be impossible.

 

One bathing suit for me on this trip. Usually, its two but I just don't picture using it as much for this trip and if so, I will suffer putting on a wet suit. Plus, we are trying to maximize suitcase space. I hate over packing and we are not going to check luggage.

 

Are you guys bringing a light weight jacket?

 

Don't worry Why not, I'm listening. I've got to work for a bit but will be back, so talk all you want. I'm taking two light weight jackets for warmth and religious sites that require the shoulders be covered.