Day 4 to 7

Day 4, Copenhagen, Denmark Friday, July 9, 2010

Ordered room service breakfast before we headed on our excursion today. The Castles of North Zealand. I really liked that Disney included cast members on most of the excursions in these ports. We had one of the performers with us today, and he was a delight. It was fun for DD to talk to someone in the shows about performing and training. The drive was beautiful through the countryside. The first (and only one we actually went inside) was Frederiksborg Castle. It was lovely. We then drove to lunch – which was quite a nice buffet, then on to view the exterior of Fredenborg Castle. We then drove to the coast for a exterior only walk around Kronborg Castle – which is Hamlet’s Castle per Shakespeare. DD enjoyed walking along the shore and seeing all the beautiful rocks lining the shore. The drive back along the coast to the ship was absolutely beautiful. Saw the video screen of the Little Mermaid – at her current spot in Beijing, China. Back on the ship dinner was the show dinner at Animator’s Palate. Always fun, but never as exciting as I think it’s going to be. Tonight we went under the bridge – DH went up and got a few shots. It looked pretty cool in the dark.

Day 5, Warnemunde, Germany Saturday, July 10, 2010

Ordered room service again before heading out. Our excursion today was Warnemunde and the Little Train. So, Warnemunde is a lovely little seaside town – completely overrun with people this particular weekend for their annual regatta. It was completely crazy! I have never seen so many people on a beach in my life! It was literally wall-to-wall people! We sent DD 20 feet away and took a picture of her – it is like a “Where’s Waldo” scene. The tour was marginal, the snack a disappointment – I mean really it was a tour aimed at small children and the food included seafood, caviar and unidentified sauces. I think they missed the boat on this one. The organ concert in the town church was also rather inappropriate for small children – difficult for them to sit through, although we quite enjoyed it (particularly sitting in the cool (as in temperature) church. The little train was also somewhat disappointing for us, but seemed to be enjoyed by the smaller children on the tour. I guess what I really think is they tried to make too broad of an audience happy, and didn’t really satisfy anyone. Oh well, aside from the heat we did enjoy walking around this quaint community after our tour. We were able to find a grocery store to get some tea and chocolate. I tried to get the milk bar that we fed DD on our last trip to Germany, but could only buy a pack of 6! Thought it would be fun for her to try it again. Back on the ship we met up with our tablemates at the pool, where DD played with their little one on the slide. After a little while they even offered to keep DD to entertain their DD while DH and I went to the Rainforest Room for an hour! Sweet J The show tonight was a movie – Prince of Persia in the WD Theatre. We decided not to attend, just enjoyed our lovely dinner at Palo while DD went to the Lab. Weren’t sure we were going to get to go – she gave us a bit of a hard time – tummy hurt – long, hot day, etc. Finally got her dropped off though, and thoroughly enjoyed our dinner.

Day 6, at Sea Sunday, July 11, 2010

A sea day – yeah! 3 ports in 3 days is very busy and tiring! DD spent some time at the Lab. Then she and I took a dance class with Andrew, the dance captain on the ship. We learned a short number from this evening’s show “Villains Tonight”. DD had a blast. I must say it was pretty fun. Then more swimming with our friends from Malta. DH and I did the Martini tasting while DD stayed at the pool. Dinner at Lumiere’s – Villain’s Menu. Lots of fun with Leo, our server. After dinner the Villains all came back for pictures and a bit of entertainment in the atrium. Andrew, from the dance class, was dressed up as a hyena from the Lion King. He came right over to DD for a picture – but then, in character, he let out a hyena laugh and scared the crap out of her.!

Day 7, St. Petersburg, Russia Monday, July 12, 2010

Russia! We had a leisurely morning, as we didn’t dock until after 12. We were some of the first ashore as we had booked a private tour company, Red October, for our two days in St. Petersburg. We met our guide, Olga, promptly at 1:00. We had to be back to the ship early for our evening excursion. So our first touring was a little rushed, but we managed to see a fair bit of the city, and a tour of the Church of the Spilled Blood. The entire church is decorated with mosaics. After WWII there was a lot of damage, and it took many years for restoration to be completed. The result is truly amazing. The mosaics are stunning. We then went to Peter and Paul Cathedral, where most of the Tsars are buried. Especially poignant are the tombstones marking the burial of Tsar Nicholas II and his family in St. Catherine’s Chapel. We had to hurry back to the ship so DD could be Bibbidy Bobbidy Boutiqued! We ran on board, DD and I to Treasure Ketch, and DH to find us some food, cause we had a long evening ahead of us. DD didn’t know until we got back on board that we were going to the Princess Ball at Catherine’s Palace! So we got dressed up, DD in her First Communion gown, me in another gown that I could fit back in, and DH in his tux. We then boarded a bus for an hour drive to Catherine’s Palace. DD had a bit of a nap on the way – it had already been a long day! We were one of the first off the busses, so walked right up to the gates where a uniformed marching band met us. We were able to get a couple pictures before anyone else got in the way. They led us into a large dining room where folk performers met us with more music. We enjoyed a light buffet of finger sandwiches and desserts. While we ate the folk performers put on a short show – and even got DH up to dance!!! It was hilarious. We were then led to the main entrance of the palace where the Princesses arrived by horse-drawn carriages. Cinderella, Snow White, Belle, and Tiana. Catherine the Great then arrived and invited us in to her palace for a Royal Ball. On entering the palace we donned lovely slippers to protect the beautiful floors. We then had a lovely tour of the palace, able to take flash photographs (except in the amber room). Music students performed in some of the rooms, including a flautist, a violinist and a young lady playing the harp. At the end of the tour we entered the grand ballroom where an orchestra was playing. Ballroom dancers performed and young dance students engaged our children (and even DH) in ballroom dancing. DD wouldn’t dance with any of the children, but did dance with me. I even danced with one of the older ballroom dancers. Then Catherine arrived again, welcomed us, had a toast, and brought in some more dancers. Catherine then left and the Disney Princesses came in. We then had photos taken with all the Princesses together, then had a mingle with them as well. We proceeded back outside, where two of the dancers performed again (in the blazing heat), and the Princesses departed. Then the long drive back to the ship after such a lovely event! We got back just in time to see the Russian performers – acrobats and musicians – on the deck. What a great day!

Day 1 to 3

Day 1, Dover England Tuesday, July 6, 2010

So we got up today and walked to McDonalds for breakfast. 10 pounds each at the hotel was a little steep. Thought we’d walk to the grocery store to get some chocolate – curly whirly, fudge, flake, etc. However, couldn’t fathom risking life and limb to cross the highway to get there. Found out in the taxi on the way to the port that there was an underpass…who knew?! So no chocolate yet – hopefully on the way to the airport on the 18th! Got the taxi to the pier at 12. Got registered – pretty quick. Boarding Group 7. We thought yikes! However – got on pretty darn quick! Had lunch at Parrot Cay. Have to say we were a little disappointed with the buffet. Just didn’t seem to have the variety we’ve experienced other times… We could go to our rooms at 2:00, which we did – and one of our bags was already there! The other 4 followed shortly after. I think it was the quickest we’ve ever gotten our luggage. We went right away to Rockin’ Bar D to get our Palo ressies changed/booked. Switched from night 10 to night 5. Also added a brunch on the first sea day (tomorrow). Didn’t seem to be any trouble adding or making changes. Didn’t ask for tea, since DH won’t go anyway LOL. Went up to the spa for the draw, at DH behest. Surprised me by getting the 7 day Rainforest pass – for both of us!!! I’ll make him a spa junkie yet! Our dining rotation is APL – the only rotation I didn’t want – puts us in Parrot Cay for formal night and semi-formal. But, I didn’t want to change in case they actually put us with nice tablemates – figuring if we changed they’d put us alone. And I was correct – not only do we have great tablemates – we have a great table (Table 5) with windows in Parrot Cay and Lumiere’s, and an awesome server Leo. Our tablemates are a couple from Malta and their 2 ½ year old, who slept through dinner, but looks like a little doll. Dinner was good. Let the Magic Begin. Of course we saw the show first, albeit a little late. The comedian and juggler were entertainers we’ve seen before – Jimmy Tamley and Ron Pearson. They say there are others coming on at different ports. Dinner was at Animator’s Palate. We ordered the 7 day wine package. Let the Magic Begin!



Day 2, at Sea Wednesday, July 7, 2010

DD went to the club in the am so DH and I could go to Palo for brunch. She surprised us by wanting to stay after we were done – which gave us an opportunity to go to the Rainforest room as well! Lunch was lovely as usual. Lovely table by the window. Didn’t look especially busy. Mladen was our server. He was very kind. We shared a pizza and DH had the chicken parmesan with risotto which was divine. I just had the buffet – 2 helpings of the stollen bread with whipped cream and berries – yum! DD and I went at 3pm to make origami flowers. Mostly we wandered around and got re-acquainted with the ship. Had a few pics taken, got the 20 credit photo pass. Went to our Dis meet for a few minutes to put some faces with names. Went to the Captain’s Welcome Reception after Twice Charmed. Formal night, so we got dressed up, me in a black sparkly gown that I haven’t warn for about 10 years that I finally fit in again! DH rented a tux onboard, so he wore that, and DD in her lovely rose coloured formal dress. We looked awesome! Dinner was at Parrot Cay. A fun day at sea.

Day 3, Oslo, Norway Thursday, July 8, 2010

We did not book an excursion for Oslo. Decided to do it on our own. It was a cool, damp, drizzly day. I think that probably coloured our perception of Oslo. We got off the ship, wandered around for a while. Found a McDonalds with internet service, but didn’t have the laptop with us. Looked at some souvenir shops, but very pricey and very touristy (I know, what did I expect). Had a very expensive cup of tea and orange juice at McD’s. Walked to the royal palace, National Theatre, University, etc. Thought we’d walk to see the Vigeland sculptures, but got tired of being cold and wet, so went back to the ship fairly early, had a late lunch, took Maggie to the kids club and went to the spa (I had a massage and facial booked – special because of port day, yay!) Then went to see UP! In 3D. Cute movie. Squirrel. Where was I… Oh yeah. Dinner was normal rotational dinner at Lumiere’s. We actually skipped the show which was Ron Pearson, since we were at the movie. I have to mention the fish extenders and the Dis people who have left gifts for us. DD has had a blast seeing what comes next. There have been some really thoughtful and creative gifts. My favourite are the clear plastic folders to put all our memorabilia in to keep them nice to carry home. But there have been some other great things as well, glow in the dark bracelets, a Florida cookbook, Mickey head necklaces, pens, pencils, candy, stickers, magnets, the list goes on and on, and stuff keeps coming! We delivered our Canada flag bumper sticker magnets today, and will deliver our other goodies another day. It took quite a while to walk around 4 floors finding 23 cabins who are participating besides us!

Dover

Got up at 8am this morning, no thanks to our hotel wake up call (asked for 8, finally called at around 8:30). oops. Had a quick bite to eat and met our driver from Dover in front of the hotel right at 10am. Wow, it's unbelievable how long it takes to get out of that city! It's actually less than an hour drive to Dover once you get out of the city! Anyway we enjoyed the pretty countryside (some of us through the inside of our eyelids - DH). Got right into our room at the Ramada, and headed straight out for a bite to eat in the town centre. The taxi ride is 10 pounds each way - yikes! Wandered around a bit, then walked up to the castle - and I do mean UP! Enjoyed the castle very much. Unfortunately too overcast to see France, but a great view from the top nonetheless. Walked back down to the shopping area (for a whole 20 minutes before everything closed). We weren't really hungry yet so headed out along the pier. It was a really nice walk. It was after 6pm, so we decided to go for dinner at Cullins Yard that our driver from London had suggested. It was OK. Took a little time to get a taxi back to the hotel but finally made it. Got DD into the bed and actually asleep at a decent time. She can't believe that the ship isn't there already, that it can actually arrive at 6:30 tomorrow morning and still get us on it to leave at 4:00pm. We want to go to Tesco in the morning to get some English chocolate before we leave - gotta have curly whirlys and fudge and flake! Not sure when I'll be able to post again...

Northern European Cities Disney Cruise July 6-18, 2010

OK, so not exactly about my new B & B in Grimsby, Ontario, but I will eventually get to that. Right now I am about to embark on a 12 night Northern European Cities Cruise with my family, DH and DD (8).

We have spent the past three nights in London, with one more night to go, then a trip to Dover to board the Magic on July 6.

London has been a blast. We got here very early am Thursday. Our flight was on-time and uneventful - though I couldn't seem to sleep. Got our Oyster cards at the airport tube station (5 pounds, exact change - but change and info booth nearby). Rode the tube to High Street Kensington (with only minor issues in transfer at Earl's Court ) We walked around High Street Kensington (area around our hotel) while we waited for our room to be ready (got into LHR at 6:25am). Wandered through Holland Park (actually thought it was Kensington Gardens - we were sleep deprived and a little confused). Went back to the hotel around 1:00 to check in - the Deluxe Double turned out to be a little cramped for our family of 3, so "upgraded" to a Family Suite - basically the double with enough room for a cot. Oh well, at least we're not tripping over each other and the suitcases. Had a nap for a couple (or 3) hours. Finally got up and went for another walk - this time in Kensington Gardens/Hyde Park - which was actually right across the street from our hotel! oops. Then dinner (at a very SLOW) french restaurant. I understand it's a little different over here - people spend a lot more time over meals than we do in North America - however when you've had 3 hours sleep and a cranky 8yo, the food, the bill and goodbye would be great! That said we were back and in bed around 10pm local time. DH woke up at 06:00 and said "we should get up". I laughed and we all went back to sleep until 9:15 - so much for being at the tower by 10! Anyway, got up and dressed, had our continental breakfast in the hotel and headed for the tube. Went to the Tower of London. Great day - perfect weather - overcast so not unbearably hot - but still quite warm. Spent a couple of hours doing the touristy thing there, then got on the tube to go to the Eye. Now I have to say, going on the Eye is not my idea. DH and DD thought it was a great idea though - right up until they saw the lines!!! So, we've left that for another day (read probably never, at least on this trip). After all the walking of the day DD was about ready for a meltdown. But after a 99p (soft icecream cone with a flake stuck in it - cost 2 pounds though, not 99p) she felt restored enough to head back to the underground and the hotel. Another wrong tube later, we finally made it back. Got changed and headed out for another nice dinner - this time Italian, also near the hotel, also rather long - I'm sensing a pattern. Then back to the hotel and trying to get everyone to sleep DD finally crashed, but DH and I had trouble sleeping - being in a rather busy area can have it's drawbacks - like street noise. And did I mention no air-conditioning?

Yesterday was Buckingham Palace for the changing of the guard. Rick Steves' guide made the comment of it being somewhat anticlimactic, but interesting to see every tourist in London gathered in one place, and he wasn't far off! We quickly headed for the underground again and headed for the British Museum. We wandered around Soho a bit (not intentionally...), then found the Museum. Spent a couple hours wandering around and had a quick bite at the Cafe. I'm trying to not think too much about the money conversions pounds to canadian dollars, this way I can save the crying for when I get home and see the credit card bill! Dinner was nice at The Prince of Wales for the traditional pub meal of fish and chips. DH had a lager, and I had an ale. DD and I shared an awesome mini dessert sampler - there was no mini about it! Full portions of sticky toffee pudding, rocky road brownie and ice cream with berry topping. And it was absolutely delicious! Back to the room to get ready for bed. We all seemed to be having a hard time sleeping - between the street noise and DD with a tummy ache it was after 1am local time before we finally got to bed. Then I had to wake everyone up at 9am!

So today was the "Original Bus Tour". We took the tube to Trafalgar Square (we're getting good at navigating on the tube - now that we leave tomorrow!). We ordered our tix online this am (bit of a discount), and had to redeem them at the main office. Not a problem since DD wanted the free kids pack - also available at the main office. So finally got on a bus - no room up top, but finally got to move up after a few stops. Did I mention the incredible weather we've been having? It has been absolutely gorgeous! Back to the bus - we stayed on until Leicester Square - where we got off to grab some lunch. We had Mexican - which was actually pretty darn good. Nachos, Enchiladas and a pitcher of Margaritas. Lovely. Back on the Bus to Marble Arch where we got off to go find the Disney store - looking for London merchandise. Yikes. There was a huge concert going on at Picadilly Circus. Jay Z or something. Anyway - HUGE crowds of people on Oxford St. Very claustrophobic - it was like being at Disney in July! We found the Disney store - walked through, found a magnet and t-shirt for DD which we then decided weren't worth standing in line to pay for! Back on the bus until Big Ben, where we got off to do the Thames River cruise to the Tower. Decided we'd had enough - it was almost 6pm. Headed back to the hotel for a quick rest then went to Wagamama across the road for dinner. I was expecting a little hole in the wall - not the big bustling dining hall that it was. The food was pretty good (rather salty), but the portions were a good size and it was kind of a fun place to be. Now we're back at the hotel getting ready for bed - hopefully everyone will be able to sleep tonight and get on some sort of sleep schedule again. This was the main reason I decided to come a few days early - so we wouldn't be doing this on the cruise. Glad my instincts were right for a change!