A Little Trans-Atlantic Magic... PTR About This Page:

[Principessa_di_Fata]

It's been a crazy December... I found out in early December that my office is closing on February 28, and we were all given the option of relocating to Boulder, CO or being let go. Since Boulder isn't an option for my family, I chose the lay-off. *sigh* I've been with the company for a little over 8 years, so it has been tough to wrap my head around it.

When we got that news, I knew I had to cancel our February trip to WDW, because I was going to be too busy with work, and at that point, I wasn't prepared to commit to that. I would rather get paid out for my vacation time instead of blowing it.

We had worked out a number of different plans, trying to figure out what I was going to do for work... my company is giving me 12 weeks of severance, which is very generous and appreciated. With that in mind, I decided to talk to my boss at the bbq place (where I currently work part-time) about working there full time, at least through the summer (for the flexibility). So with that settled (and insurance coverage given through the bbq place - my big worry), I revised my budget and was very relieved with the outcome.

So, with that done and sorted, mom and I discussed the possibility of a vacation over the summer break. With no real constraints at work, I figured it would be pretty easy to find something to do! We discussed some ideas, tossing around London again, and a few other destinations, before mom said she really really really wanted to do a cruise. Well, ok, twist my arm! I did a little hunting, and then my jaw dropped! I found an amazing fare on Disney for a 14 night transatlantic cruise from Galveston to Barcelona, for an inside cabin! We joked around for a bit about it, but the wheels started turning and turning and then really cranking!

I decided to check our Interline website, to see if just maybe there would be an even better rate there... and lo and behold, it was even CHEAPER, and was for an OUTSIDE cabin! Then, after asking a few questions on the forums, plus contacting some friends outside of PP for some information... we decided to seriously look at the cruise.

It departs on Saturday, May 18, out of Galveston, TX. Galveston is roughly a 9 hour drive, so that's not bad. But we'd end up in Barcelona... and we'd have to get home from Spain. So I went onto the site we use to book standby flights... and sure enough, we fly out of Barcelona to Houston (via Newark). Three flights a day - which is good for us - gives us lots of options!

Departing on May 18 would mean that Meri would miss the last week of school (well, the last 3.5 days). So I had to check with a friend of mine who is her vice principal, to ask if she'd be missing anything important. Nope - nada! Phew!

For the last bit of research, mom had to call the Interline number, to speak to an agent, to get details about the cruise rate, etc... she got on the phone this morning as soon as they opened, and liked what she heard, so she went ahead and booked the cruise, paid in full, with trip insurance!

Holy cow! We're going on a Disney cruise! For 14 nights!

I still have a LOT of figuring / planning / researching to do... so this PTR will be drawn out and lots of "hmmms" and "maybes"... feel free to throw in any input you have about the Magic, etc! Opinions are always welcomed!

Up next: Where is our cabin? What is our itinerary?

[dutchdisneyfamily]

I'm so happy you got such a great deal!

[pamcarey]

OMG... what an amazing trip that is going to be! What is Interline?

[cubfancolleen]

Signing on - so excited for you!

[Principessa_di_Fata]

Interline is a program for airline employees (possibly for all travel industry, not sure) and they occasionally get some amazing deals on there. I have searched on there for Disney cruises for years, but haven't found anything even close to this amazing until now!

I still can't wrap my head around this. I keep SAYING it, but it hasn't really sunk in yet... we're going on a 14 day Disney cruise... it just sounds so unreal!

I need to get our confirmation number and information so I can be completely prepared to check in and get Meri signed up for the kids club, and get our Palo reservation, and... and... and...

LOL! And I still need to research Barcelona! Tammy is helping me on the Houston end of things, trying to figure out the parking situation / shuttle (or her being our shuttle). I'm trying to talk her into coming along.

[chezp]

Oh my goodness, how amazing! I'm so glad this all worked out for you.

[lauriep]

This is so great! I hope you won't be disappointed in the smaller Magic after your recent cruise. There won't be as many dining venues available-- but also no add-on charges in the regular restaurants. I LOVE the Magic. On the Panama repo cruise I did several of the cooking demonstrations and really enjoyed those. Also, if they offer the galley tour, try to do that. And the "Art of the Theme Ship" tour is fantastic and goes into the imagineering of the ship. These are tours that you can't sign up for until you're on board. Check your navigators every night and sign up as soon as they announce the tours or demonstrations. Be sure to get a punch card at Cove Cafe-- you get a free beverage every 5 or 6 drinks. There's a charge for the drinks there, but no charge for the fantastic pastries! Bring (or buy on board) refillable mugs for all of you. You can fill them at the free beverage station and avoid the charges at the theater.

I'm so excited for you!

[iloverags2]

How cool is this?!? So excited for you, and looking forward to hearing all about your plans!

[Principessa_di_Fata]

Originally Posted by chezp

Oh my goodness, how amazing! I'm so glad this all worked out for you.

Thanks!! I really can't wait!!!

Originally Posted by lauriep

This is so great! I hope you won't be disappointed in the smaller Magic after your recent cruise. There won't be as many dining venues available-- but also no add-on charges in the regular restaurants. I LOVE the Magic. On the Panama repo cruise I did several of the cooking demonstrations and really enjoyed those. Also, if they offer the galley tour, try to do that. And the "Art of the Theme Ship" tour is fantastic and goes into the imagineering of the ship. These are tours that you can't sign up for until you're on board. Check your navigators every night and sign up as soon as they announce the tours or demonstrations. Be sure to get a punch card at Cove Cafe-- you get a free beverage every 5 or 6 drinks. There's a charge for the drinks there, but no charge for the fantastic pastries! Bring (or buy on board) refillable mugs for all of you. You can fill them at the free beverage station and avoid the charges at the theater.

I'm so excited for you!

Thank you for all of your suggestions / advice! Anything else you can think of over time would be great! Mom will definitely do one of the tours. I laughed because our cabin is one of the "not recommended" ones from the PPer, but... whatever. Doesn't look like any 2nd floor ones are particularly awesome... but I think I'd rather be under the galley than under a nightclub... though we'll see what I have to say about that when we're on board...

Originally Posted by iloverags2

How cool is this?!? So excited for you, and looking forward to hearing all about your plans!

I had a great talk with Crissy today about Barcelona and got some ideas... MAN I'm so excited!

[ctsmom116]

Glad you got a good deal. Can't wait to read all about your trip

[dwonderz]

How exciting!! So great that you got a deal!!

[lauriep]

Terri (DrDolphin) and her DH did this cruise a couple of years ago and did a TR. I don't know if I'm putting in the link correctly, but this might answer some of your questions:

A Magical Fairy Tale Honeymoon!! Updated 8/7 - The last 3 Installments - COMPLETE

[num1DVCfan]

I'm so happy for you! It sounds like an amazing trip, I can't wait to follow along. We just did our first Disney cruise in April on the Magic and we loved the ship.

[Principessa_di_Fata]

Originally Posted by ctsmom116

Glad you got a good deal. Can't wait to read all about your trip

Thanks! I look forward to sharing it with you all!

Originally Posted by dwonderz

How exciting!! So great that you got a deal!!

I am really excited - it's still so surreal!

Originally Posted by lauriep

Terri (DrDolphin) and her DH did this cruise a couple of years ago and did a TR. I don't know if I'm putting in the link correctly, but this might answer some of your questions:

A Magical Fairy Tale Honeymoon!! Updated 8/7 - The last 3 Installments - COMPLETE

The link worked, but unfortunately in her TR, she links to another site where she did her updates, and those pages no longer exist. So I could read the PTR stuff but not the TR. Though I did read about 12 foot waves! YIKES!!! LOL! We're definitely packing the dramamine patch thingy!!

Originally Posted by num1DVCfan

I'm so happy for you! It sounds like an amazing trip, I can't wait to follow along. We just did our first Disney cruise in April on the Magic and we loved the ship.

I'm so glad you loved the ship! I've heard wonderful things!

[lauriep]

Originally Posted by Principessa_di_Fata

The link worked, but unfortunately in her TR, she links to another site where she did her updates, and those pages no longer exist. So I could read the PTR stuff but not the TR. Though I did read about 12 foot waves! YIKES!!! LOL! We're definitely packing the dramamine patch thingy!!

I'd forgotten that her report was on her blog page. Maybe she'll see this thread and pipe in with some info. I do recall that they had some rough seas to contend with!