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Lisa, I have no idea how many there were. The guest relations people kept refering to "the" concierge. The desk was in the main lobby and we saw the same gentleman there several times. Maybe he was overworked, but I am not used to a concierge using the word "can't". It probably is not indicative of celebrities usual service. This was our first cruise with this line. I hope your century cruise lives up to expectations

I would go without Ken, but not alone. I would have to go with friends or relatives. I'm not a very social person, so if I were to do a solo vacation, it would be to either a spa or a hotel near a huge library.

Hey guys, Just wanted to clarify... We had a great time on the cruise. The few negatives didn't ruin it for us. We enjoyed being together and relaxing with out the everyday business of working, hunting and gathering, and generally providing for others. We figured out that when it comes to places with ancient ruins, awesome museums and unbelievable architecture, we would prefer to just park ourselves in the middle of the city and stay a few weeks. It was funny... every night we would be saying to each other " why don't we just get a train to ( insert next port here) tomorrow and spend more time here in ( insert current port)" By the time we got to Rome, we were considering catching up to the ship in Venice. We are goofy like that. Oh.. I forgot another positive comment.... the sheets were not scratchy. I'm happy that we all had a bon voyage. :cool:

We take off tomorrow @ 3pm. I have yet to pack. See you all there!!!! :grin: :grin:

It's a good thing Ken is off to do all the work!! :grin: :grin: We will see you guys there!!!! The exitement builds......

Thanks for the weather report Joey :smiley: I just have to fit 6 more shifts into the next 4 days..... then relaxation.... :cool:

Thinking about a mid winter jaunt on the Celebration. Have never cruised Carnival. Any thoughts? How are the suites? Do they have nice amenities? I have heard that there are a lot of obstructed views (lifeboats). All input will be appreciated. Thanks.

I think I read in this thread about someone staying at the airport courtyard in Venice the night of the 9th. I think we may do that as well, our flight leaves @ 0635 on the 10th. It seems that getting from the ship to the airport that early will be a big hassle/stressor. Does anyone know how far it is from the ship to pzle. roma?

I'm right there with you Jackie. I was going to lose weight before this cruise but instead gained 7. aye caramba..... can i get back to the starting point before Barcelona? Will I have to purchase an extra seat on the plane?

Welcome Bob and Kirsten, we will see you there. Are you going to the get together @ Joey's hotel? Gail R- Here is the link to the costa brava web site- the Girona festival page. If it doesn't work just go to http://www.costabrava.org and search from there. Its the Sant Narcis Fair. http://en.costabrava.org/suggestions/detai...ABcADEANQA0AFwA :grin:

Hey guys. I just noticed that a suite guarantee is just a few dollars more than cc. what's up with that? are there some bad suites they can't sell or is this a real bargain? (2,999.00 pp)

Joey- Herculaneum or Paestum(sp?) plus the big museum.

uh ohh..... I haven't : shopped made a packing list reserved museums and trains planned what to do in Naples ( can't decide) plus I have only 24 days to learn a new language. I guess my first chance to relax will be on the plane.....

YAHOO!!!!! our docs have arrived, and on the same day as my "learn catalan cd" (thanks for the link Joey), and my streetwise map of Barcelona. It's kismet!!! :grin: :grin: :grin:

We are taking the train into Florence, Rome, Herculeanium. We are getting around by metro in Barcelona, Rome and Athens. Anyone buying their train tickets in advance? I haven't decided. In Italy you can pick your tickets up at an automated kiosk. D&L- Thanks for the tip site...very helpful. J&D- congrats on the docs. I'm just hoping ours show up before our plane leaves. :grin:

Gail R- Are you going to Girona for the festival?

make list of emergency contacts for kids make large signs to place all over house reminding kids to walk and feed dog, feed themselves, shower, clean up after themselves. remind ourselves that this is to be a slow relaxing vacation, not a whirlwind tour. make sure we have transport to the airport 10/25 make sure we have transport to the airport 11/10 make sure we have transport from the airport 11/10 don't forget to leave the kids credit cards. bring passports make list of things to bring back from trip

Geez... I have been searching for a Catalan language course to listen to when driving... and can't find one. The only course that i can find is one that uses workbooks in conjunction with the cd, not good when driving. I would like to speak a bit of the language when arriving in Barcelona.. any suggestions?

I book through my TA. She recently spent two hours on the phone with USAirways getting our first class upgrades for our trip to Europe this fall. She did not get a dime of commission on that one, she just opened her own agency and will not be eligible for a few more weeks. Now that is customer service! :smiley:

Our kids missed the first two weeks of school a couple of years ago so that we could spend a month in Italy. Usually they only miss a week for vacations. They also get the occasional "I don't want to go to school" day. Their grades have never suffered, and they often learn a few things as well as spending quality time as a family.

I didn't like Western at all, neither did my family. We def. wouldn't do it again. We are going to do Eastern and Southern for our next local cruising.

I'm with Howard, an apartment on one of the residential ships like "The World" and and apartment in Rome across from the Pantheon, over the McDonalds. :grin:

Larry, where do you get your phone unlocked?