9/16/2017 Magic Transatlantic from Barcelona

[RedSox68]

Hi, All:

It's early I know, but thought I'd give this a whirl. Never done a cruise meet thread before, but love chatting and helping with information, so here we go.

This will be our 11th Disney cruise for my DH and DD and me. We did the TA in 2007 and are very excited to be going back to Barcelona. All the ports are new for us except Cadiz -- but when visiting there we did an excursion to Seville, so Cadiz will be "new" in a way.

If you are interested in posting your stateroom number and guests, I'll be glad to start a list.

If you want to provide links of information for ports, transportation, etc., I'll post the links on the first page.

If anyone wants to start a separate FE thread for this cruise, I'll be glad to link it through this site.

Any suggestions for topics or information are most welcome.

It all starts below (and that's where all updates will be done)
So to one and all. .....And happy planning.

 

[RedSox68]

TRAVEL INFORMATION AND TIPS:

Cruise Terminal
Port of Barcelona
Portal de la Pau, 6
Moll Adossat. Terminal "C"
Barcelona 08039
Spain

The Port of Barcelona is approximately 40 minutes (18 kilometers - 11.18 miles) from the Barcelona International Airport, and 30 minutes from the Barcelona hotels offered for Disney Cruise Line pre- and post-cruise nights. Time varies based on traffic.

Ships are berthed at Adossat Terminal (Moll Adossat); Guests board the Disney Magic at Terminal

Embarkation Info

Luggage Handling & Transfers
Disney Cruise Line representatives will be at the terminal to meet, greet and check-in Guests from 11:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Porters will be on hand to assist with luggage. These services are exclusively available to Guests with hotel accommodations, flights or transfers booked through Disney Cruise Line. Note: All Guests must be onboard the ship by 4:00 PM.

Youth Activities
You can register your children for onboard youth activities at the terminal between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Families who have pre-registered online should go to the Youth Activities Check-In Area at the terminal to pick up wristbands (if applicable).

Currency Exchange
There are no ATMs in the terminal. However, there is a currency exchange service available at the terminal during the embarkation and debarkation process. You can also cash personal checks and exchange currency at the Guest Services desk onboard the ship with a valid photo I.D. The various ports of call have ATMs as well. FYI: Newfoundland will be the Canadian Dollar; all other ports on this itinerary take Euro.

Excursion Info/Tips:

BARCELONA: https://barcelonadaytours.com
http://www.visitacity.com/en/barcelona

CADIZ: http://www.city-sightseeing.com/tours/spain/cadiz.htm

LISBON: http://www.city-sightseeing.com/tours/portugal/lisbon.htm
http://www.toursbylocals.com/LisbonBelemPrivateLocalTourGuideSmallGroupTourruisers

NEW YORK: (also check VIP options) http://www.city-sightseeing.com/tours/united-states-of-america/new-york.htm

PONTA DELGADA: horseback riding -- http://www.quintadaterca.com/media/index.html

ST. JOHN'S: ziplining -- https://www.zipthenorthatlantic.com/index.html

Fish Extender Group

To sign up, visit the thread that MonieS started at https://www.disboards.com/threads/f...for-9-16-2017-transatlantic-on-magic.3587623/

FYI (need to know):

September 11 – National Day of Catalonia ~~ Celebrated annually on 11 September, this is a public holiday in the Catalan region of Spain. Barcelona is the principal city in the region. The day known as ‘Festa Nacional de Catalunya’ or ‘Diada’ marks the 11th of September 1714 when Catalan forces were defeated by King Philip the 5th of Spain. Demonstrations in support of independence for Catalonia are common, along with festivities celebrating traditional Catalan music and cuisine. Many shops and streets will be closed on this day and travel will be difficult within the city. We do not recommend that you make any plans for touring inside Barcelona on this day. If possible, plan to tour outside the city.


Getting Around in Ports:

Barcelona, Spain: You can explore many of Barcelona’s hotspots by foot. However, other modes of transportation in the city are quite accessible and convenient. The metro system has 6 main lines, there is a large bus network, many commuter trains, a tram service and taxis available.

Cadiz, Spain: A number of transportation options are available to visitors of Cádiz. You will find that taxis are readily available and can be secured at the port and throughout the city. The bus station is within walking distance of the dock, Puerto Comercial, and is the most economical way of getting around Cádiz. If you plan to do most of your sightseeing by bus, a Bonobus Pass valid for 10 rides is the best value. You can purchase a pass from kiosks throughout the city. The train station is a 5-minute walk from the Port of Cádiz with routes to the nearby villages of Seville and Jerez. Hop on/hop off bus: http://www.city-sightseeing.com/tours/spain/cadiz.htm

Lisbon, Portugal: A number of transportation options are available to visitors of Cádiz. You will find that taxis are readily available and can be secured at the port and throughout the city. The bus station is within walking distance of the dock, Puerto Comercial, and is the most economical way of getting around Cádiz. If you plan to do most of your sightseeing by bus, a Bonobus Pass valid for 10 rides is the best value. You can purchase a pass from kiosks throughout the city. The train station is a 5-minute walk from the Port of Cádiz with routes to the nearby villages of Seville and Jerez. Hop on/hop off bus: http://www.city-sightseeing.com/tours/portugal/lisbon.htm

Ponta Delgada (Azores), Portugal: Taxis are available in Ponta Delgada and recommended for traveling around the island. The roads in São Miguel are not very modern and can be tricky, so your best choice is using a local taxi to get around the island.

St. John's, NF: St. John's is a smaller, compact city that's relatively easy to navigate on foot. Taxi services are available upon request at the port.


Hotel Suggestions

Barcelona Airport Hotel (BAH) -- on the airport with free shuttle and then its 11 euros I think for the shuttle to the airport or they do a cruise package price that includes the transfer. Transfer leaves around 11am I believe. http://www.barcelonairporthotel.com/en/
Hispanos 7 Suiza Apartments: http://www.hispanos7suiza.com/en/
Holiday Inn Express Barcelona: http://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpres...eldetail?cm_mmc=GoogleMaps-_-EX-_-ESP-_-BCNBA
Hotel Jazz: http://www.hoteljazz.com/en/
Le Meridien: http://www.lemeridienbarcelona.com/
Novotel Barcelona: http://www.novotel.com/en/hotel-5560-novotel-barcelona-city/index.shtml
Renaissance Hotel: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/bcndm-renaissance-barcelona-hotel/

Postcard Exchange
A different idea on the fish extender gifts -- collect postcards from your local area.....scenery, historical, whatever you want to represent your state/country/town....and we will have a stateroom exchange of postcards. Easier to pack, less weight, nothing to make and some great souvenirs from our group. [Thanks to gismo1554] Please note, a stateroom list will be made and posted in this thread 30-days before the cruise for those participating.

*represents those who have confirmed they are still participating as of 7/28/2017

*Aanna SR 7542 + 7544
*Chirple -- 2A: Carol + Dan SR5126
*dencord7 SR6650
*disneycruisegirl SR8534
*DVC Kathy SR7554
*elvispursley SR6030
*Frances Carter SR7598
*gismo1554 SR6007
*hotfiregal SR6069
*JAM113 SR7104
*karenfm SR7032
*KittyMack SR7036
*mom2tcdx2 SR7030
*MommyMouse SR2524
*MonieS SR2137
*smoof SR6134
*Thorb73 SR5022



Stateroom Roll Call [please provide stateroom number, family member's first names (last names only if you want), and ages]

*represents those who have confirmed they are still going as of 7/28/2017

4ang -- 2A + 2C (4 and 6), (10th Anniv) ~ SR7006
*Aanna -- 6A + 2C: Aanna, Chab, DD13 Heidi, DS11 Alex ~ SR7542 and 7544
Bareacuda -- 2A: Ann & Howard ~ SR
*BearFan -- 2A: Lisa Marie & Paul ~SR7138
*BelleBway - 1A
Bellecruiser -- 2A
Breezie's Disney -- 3A + 1C: Sabrina, George + JoAnne (MIL), DD2 Remy ~ SR6056
*Chirple -- 2A: Carol + Dan ~ SR5126
*coni jo -- 2A + 1C (DD5) ~ SR2576 (10th Anniv.)
cscream13 --2A + 2C: DS4, DS20 months
*dencord7 -- 2A: James + Brenda + DD Cady 21 ~ SR6650
*disneycruisegirl -- 2A: Debbie and Pat ~ SR8534
DisneyMommyMichelle -- 2A + 3C: DDS9, DS11, DD12
DisneySince1967 -- 2A: DH 54 + DW 53~ GTY deck 6 or 7
*DVC Kathy -- 2A: Dave + Kathy ~ SR7554
*DVC_SpaceCadet -- 2A: Colleen + Jim ~ SR5000
*elvispursley -- 2A ~ SR6030
EPCOTgrl1 -- 2A + 1C: 2-1/2 ~ SR6503 + parents
*Frances Carter -- 1A: Frances + 2C: twins Jude & Lorelai, 10 ~~ SR7598
*Gilland18 -- 4A: Kim + Dave + DB & DSIL (40th Anniv)
*gismo1554 -- 1A: Sarah ~ SR6007
goiu -- 2A + 2C : DD11, DS8
hotfiregal -- 1A: Rachel + 2C: Caleb 13, Kyla 12 ~ SR6069
ImprovGal -- 1A
*JAM113 -- 2A Jenny + Nick ~ SR7104
*Joyce_Belle -- 2A: Joyce (27) + Rik (29) (Honeymoon!) ~ Deck 2 (Cat. 9C)
*karenfm -- 2A: Karen + Michael (30th Anniv) ~ SR7032
*KittyMack -- 1A April + DS John (10) ~ SR7036
Krissy22222 -- 2A: Krissy + Mike + 3C ~~ SR6112
liesbeth1012 -- 2A: Liesbeth + son Paul ~ SR1070
*LindaBabe -- 2A: Linda + Bruce ~ SR5627
lumpyspace -- 2A (10th Anniv.)
magicbegins -- 2A + 3C: DS15, DD14, DD12 ~ SR8518
Manicgamer --2A + 2C
*mom2tcdx2 -- 2A ~~ SR7030
*MommyMouse -- 3A: Susie, Eric and DS twins 18 ~ SR2524
*MonieS -- 2A + 1 C (daughter, 7) ~ SR2137
*olafLover -- 2A (1st cruise ever!) ~ SR6012
Pamelalouise -- 3A: Pam, Nick and Brittany (20) ~ SR5640
Peter Cashen -- 2A + 2C: ages 5 and 8 ~ Deck 2
rsauer -- 2A: Roger + Donna ~ SR2644
ShellB8585 -- 2A ~ Cat 7A
*smoof -- 2A + 1 C ~~ SR6134
The Cruising Canadians -- 3A: Mary, Rob and DD C.J. ~ SR8580
thethreechunks -- 2A + 3C: DD15, DS12, DS7 ~ Cat 4
*Thorb73 -- 2A: Tanja + Thorsten ~ SR5022 (17th Anniv.)
tlynk -- 2A
Tuasdad -- 2A + 1 C: DD8
Zwerch -- 2A: Michaela + DH ~ SR7508

Taxi Service in Barcelona

Cab fares* are €32.00, with a luggage fee of €1.00 per bag. Also, there are 2 additional fees: one for the airport terminal pick up and the other for drop off at the cruise terminal.
For current taxi rates and luggage fees, check with the Metropolitan Institute for Barcelona Taxis.

https://barcelonadaytours.com also provides transportation from airport, etc.

http://www.suntransfers.com/?gclid=CIO9hLjS0M8CFYJahgodvr0KSQ#?passengers=2&direction=1&legs=2

https://www.viator.com/Barcelona-to...e=1&activities=all&sortBy=REVIEW_AVG_RATING-D

https://www.welcomepickups.com/barc...Airport-Taxi&gclid=CMmduNmc39MCFZu3wAodC1sJEQ (for price quotes)

Be sure to tell your taxi driver to go to the cruise terminal. If you only mention Terminal A or B, etc., you may end up at the airport terminal instead.



Tipping

In Portugal: Tipping is customary. In restaurants, the suggested amount is from 5%-10%, unless a service charge is included. Some eateries will include a standard service charge, which covers table service. For drivers, 10% is the suggested amount.

In Spain: It is not considered mandatory to tip in Spain. If you feel inclined, tipping 5-10% to show appreciation for great service is considerate.


Travel Book Suggestions:

Rick Steves Pocket Barcelona (2016): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1631213113/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Top 10 Barcelona (Eyewitness top 10 Travel Guide) (2016): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1465440844/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Inside Out Barcelona (2014) https://www.amazon.com/Barcelona-Travel-Guide-InsideOut/dp/1845879724/ref=dp_ob_title_bk

 

[Manicgamer]

We are going! Myself, my wife and two kids.

 

[RedSox68]

We are going! Myself, my wife and two kids.

WELCOME! If you want me to post your names and ages and stateroom, just let me know.

 

[cscream13]

We have this cruise booked, but I'm not 100% yet if we're definitely going to go (but I wanted to lock-in opening day price just in case!) DH and I have been wanting to do a TA for a long time and I thought this might be a good opportunity for us before our kids are in school full-day and we would need to pull them out for a long time for a cruise like this.... but, then again, they're both young and I'm not sure how they would do with this kind of foreign-port itinerary. My older DS is 3 now and has been on 3 cruises already and has done great, but they were all Caribbean/Bermuda beach-type sailings. He would be 4 and a half for the WBTA. My younger DS would be 20 months for the WBTA.

Anyway, in the meantime, I'll keep an eye on planning ideas and share any I come across, as well. Happy to share in the excitement!!

 

[RedSox68]

We have this cruise booked, but I'm not 100% yet if we're definitely going to go (but I wanted to lock-in opening day price just in case!) DH and I have been wanting to do a TA for a long time and I thought this might be a good opportunity for us before our kids are in school full-day and we would need to pull them out for a long time for a cruise like this.... but, then again, they're both young and I'm not sure how they would do with this kind of foreign-port itinerary. My older DS is 3 now and has been on 3 cruises already and has done great, but they were all Caribbean/Bermuda beach-type sailings. He would be 4 and a half for the WBTA. My younger DS would be 20 months for the WBTA.

Anyway, in the meantime, I'll keep an eye on planning ideas and share any I come across, as well. Happy to share in the excitement!!

Welcome! I can tell you that we did the TA in 2007 and while it was 4 nights longer, it had three ports and CC and was several thousand dollars more. The price for this one was a shocker and we couldn't pass it up. Hope you decide to come. If you eventually want your stateroom number and first names and ages listed on page 2, just let me know.

 

[gismo1554]

Hi all. Sarah here travelling solo. This is my6th TA I think (including 2007 and 2015 wbta).

 

[cscream13]

Hi all. Sarah here travelling solo. This is my6th TA I think (including 2007 and 2015 wbta).

HI Sarah! I'd love to hear any advice you have, do's or don'ts, things you learned, etc., from you experience on two prior WBTAs.

 

[gismo1554]

Do - everything lol
Don't - plan too much!

I think the biggest thing for me was to check through previous navigators so you can at least have some idea about what might go on. Even with having been on last years I've still been looking at this years EBTA navigators on disneycruiselineblog.com to see what new things they had. There's always something new and I find when you look the night before you end up missing things. Like in 2014 I missed the adult exclusive Marvels Academy as didn't spot it in the navigator but later learnt you got a Agent of Shield ID if you went so that was on my list to keep an eye out for last year. Its really hard when you get the navigator as there's so much going on but by identifying some things you'd like to do it really helped I found.

I am an obsessive planner! Honestly there is so much going on onboard you will have a blast. Everyone I've done I've enjoyed even the one in 2007 where the seas were so rough they closed the pools.

Unfortunately all the ones I've done have been mid ocean going Barcelona to Florida/San Juan so no experience of going North. Its going to be interesting to see what happens on this years to get some idea about the weather.

 

[RedSox68]

HI Sarah! I'd love to hear any advice you have, do's or don'ts, things you learned, etc., from you experience on two prior WBTAs.

Welcome, Sarah! Nice to have you onboard.

We did the 10-day Med and then hooked it to the WBTA in 2007 -- onboard for 24-days. Amazing! That TA went back to PC and we visited CC -- so no experience going north to New York, but that time of year should be much quieter oceans than what they experienced in April 2007 and May of this year. Last year in May I know ports were cancelled because of ice flows.

Make the most of your days at sea -- in 2007 we had six straight days at sea which we never tired of. This itinerary breaks them up, which most people probably prefer. But explore the ship, relax, enjoy a nap, sit up on the promenade deck (unless you have a verandah) for a morning and watch the world go back. Take a walk around the ship and look at all the artwork on every deck and stateroom hallways -- some amazing pieces and it's fun. Sometimes we sit on the 5th floor in the atrium and just people watch. Enjoy breakfast or lunch in a dining room at least once! And see a late night movie in the theater if you can sleep in the next day.

 

[cscream13]

Thank you both! I think we all will be stalking the 2016 WBTA for info on the more northern-route, Navigators, activities, etc. I like both your suggestions to enjoy the ship -- I feel like we never get enough time on the ship with most cruises and some forced relaxation on sea days would be very welcome. Two cruises on Fantasy and there were still so many things I wanted to do. Magic is a smaller ship, and I will be on it for the first time in a few months, but I am sure there will be plenty more to do/see on a second trip. I just wish they had the Midship Detective Agency on the Magic -- that seems like a perfect activity for longer crossings with more ship time.

 

[gismo1554]

I'm with you on the Detective Agency and also the portholes on inside rooms! The Magic though I love (haven't been on the larger ship so not really got a comparison). Its such a nice ship and you will definitely have lots of time to enjoy it. I am loving the fact we have all our days split out as that will make sure I can enjoy it! I'm will also be stalking this years!

 

[tlynk]

Hi all! My DH and I are booked on this sailing. We are looking forward to traveling overseas. It will be our first time! I'm not sure if we will have time to explore much, but we plan to stay at least a couple of days in Barcelona and maybe one day in New York. Thank you for the useful information on hotels, etc.

 

[gismo1554]

Hi all! My DH and I are booked on this sailing. We are looking forward to traveling overseas. It will be our first time! I'm not sure if we will have time to explore much, but we plan to stay at least a couple of days in Barcelona and maybe one day in New York. Thank you for the useful information on hotels, etc.

Welcome! I would recommend a few days in Barcelona especially as you are flying from the US. I'm just overnighting at the airport as been there quite a few times but its worth a look. I think I'm not overnighting in New York but might try and do a tour before my flight as flights back to the UK (where I'm from) aren't until the evening and spending all day at JFK doesn't fill me with much enthusiasm lol

 

[tlynk]

Welcome! I would recommend a few days in Barcelona especially as you are flying from the US. I'm just overnighting at the airport as been there quite a few times but its worth a look. I think I'm not overnighting in New York but might try and do a tour before my flight as flights back to the UK (where I'm from) aren't until the evening and spending all day at JFK doesn't fill me with much enthusiasm lol

Sounds like a great plan!

 

[RedSox68]

Welcome! I would recommend a few days in Barcelona especially as you are flying from the US. I'm just overnighting at the airport as been there quite a few times but its worth a look. I think I'm not overnighting in New York but might try and do a tour before my flight as flights back to the UK (where I'm from) aren't until the evening and spending all day at JFK doesn't fill me with much enthusiasm lol

I agree -- if you are flying all that way, spend some time there. Our first time there in 2007, we arrived in the morning and took the ship the very next day, so we had a total of 5 hours sightseeing. Granted, we were on a b2b and did port again in Barcelona before leaving for the TA, and did Montserrat, but still left us feeling unfilled that we saw enough of Barcelona. It's a beautiful city. Have fun planning!

 

[Bellecruiser]

Hi There,

DH and I are booked on this cruise. We did the EBTA this May and had a ball. I'm looking forward to sea days, good shows, and gaining an hour everyday instead of losing one.

 

[gismo1554]

Welcome!

 

[RedSox68]

Hi There,

DH and I are booked on this cruise. We did the EBTA this May and had a ball. I'm looking forward to sea days, good shows, and gaining an hour everyday instead of losing one.

Welcome aboard. I have added you to page one.

Anyone listed under stateroom roll call who wants to provide more info about yourselves at a later date, just let me know.

 

[BelleBway]

Just put a deposit down on this cruise, though I still need to sort out other 2017 plans before I can be 100% sure I will be able to take it. I'm also going to be interested in seeing reports from people on this year's cruise.

I'll be traveling solo. While I've always traveled with people on my previous 3 DCL cruises, I had a blast on a RCL cruise through Asia that I did solo so I'm sure I'll have an awesome time on this one. Assuming I don't have to cancel.