May 18, 2013 Magic EBTA Part Two - From Tejas to España

[gonecrusin]

We aren't quit back home yet. At the airport in London awaiting our first leg of our flight home. This was our best cruise ever. Have been missing everyone. The Magic is truly our home away from home. Will check in after we arrive home. Hope everyone has/had a safe journey home.

 

[p17blo]

Paul-- did you buy points at GF? Or how were you able to book?

Yes Jacquie, I bought some points on opening day on the ship. I would have bought more if my budget would have stretched to it...

 

[bobbiwoz]

We are home safe!

We want to thank everyone we met personally and Thank you for those who participated in the Candy Exchange! Our package of hard candy from the UK lasted right up until our last flight last night!!!

Don't know who gave the Pop Rocks for the Candy exchange, but I laughed in Barcelona when the ice cream selection came with Pop Rocks. It was not what we ordered, but I did note that the Pop Rocks had "Spain" as the country of origin!

Bobbi

 

[StephenKay]

Well it's over and we are all slowly returning to our normal "lives" after a great Eastbound Transatlantic cruise. I joined the ship knowing 10 people and left knowing 100 and for that I shall be eternally grateful. The first night I went to bed just before midnight, however thanks to many new friends that never happened again, in fact we were still up packing on the last night at 4am, thanks Lynn and Missy, however we were having so much fun that Disney Security came to check the noise level. On one night I got 2 and half hours sleep.

It was hard to say gooybye to many new friends, especially Lynn and Missy, but I know that we shall all meet again on future cruises or in WDW one day soon. If you do meet me onboard again, the lady next to me will be my wife this time I am surprised not to be in shackles and when I mentioned doing the EBPC cruise, on my own, on Sunday morning, just to say it didn't go down well.

Again many thanks, back off to the Magic tomorrow for the 7 day Med, however I think this cruise will be very very different, because of the amount of ports compared to a TA.

A very special mention to Jacquie (Gramfrog) for the room tour, Mandy (Mandygirl)/Chris (Goofynewfie) for the boards etc and Beverly/Emily for the alcohol tastings and tours. Remember if you find yourself anywhere near Inverness or Edinburgh just sent a PM and we can catch up. A special mention to the other ladies who dragged me out of bed in the morning at 7:30, Susan (Geffric) or as I call her "just one more lap" and of course Chris (Grandmax3) who I spent a lovely day on Madeira with.
Special mention of course my tablemates, who were all great fun to share my mealtimes with.

 

[TotallyAngelic]

I am surprised not to be in shackles and when I mentioned doing the EBPC cruise, on my own, on Sunday morning, just to say it didn't go down well.

Are all your body parts intact Mr Kay

 

[binkytell]

Well it's over and we are all slowly returning to our normal "lives" after a great Eastbound Transatlantic cruise. I joined the ship knowing 10 people and left knowing 100 and for that I shall be eternally grateful. The first night I went to bed just before midnight, however thanks to many new friends that never happened again, in fact we were still up packing on the last night at 4am, thanks Lynn and Missy, however we were having so much fun that Disney Security came to check the noise level. On one night I got 2 and half hours sleep.

It was hard to say gooybye to many new friends, especially Lynn and Missy, but I know that we shall all meet again on future cruises or in WDW one day soon. If you do meet me onboard again, the lady next to me will be my wife this time I am surprised not to be in shackles and when I mentioned doing the EBPC cruise, on my own, on Sunday morning, just to say it didn't go down well.

Again many thanks, back off to the Magic tomorrow for the 7 day Med, however I think this cruise will be very very different.

A very special mention to Jacquie (Gramfrog) for the room tour, Mandy (Mandygirl)/Chris (Goofynewfie) for the boards etc and Beverly/Emily for the alcohol tastings and tours. Remember if you find yourself anywhere near Inverness or Edinburgh just sent a PM and we can catch up. A special mention to the other ladies who dragged me out of bed in the morning at 7:30, Susan (Geffric) or as I call her "just one more lap" and of course Chris (Grandmax3) who I spent a lovely day on Madeira with.

It's good to hear you were so well looked after Stevie
Yor bar bill was the talk of the steamie along with other things If you know what I mean

Lots of highs and few lows this trip, biggest low was losing video camera 2nd seaday even lower was the fact that it was never handed in to guest services someone obviously wanted my Kodak playsport more than they thought I would want my memories of our family holidays, still had our October 2012 WDW trip, that will teach me to download ASAP .

 

[TotallyAngelic]

Lots of highs and few lows this trip, biggest low was losing video camera 2nd seaday even lower was the fact that it was never handed in to guest services someone obviously wanted my Kodak playsport more than they thought I would want my memories of our family holidays, still had our October 2012 WDW trip, that will teach me to download ASAP .

So sorry to hear about your camera being lost ...that is always my worst nightmare. There are some low-lives out there .. even on Disney cruises

 

[dee slack]

Lots of highs and few lows this trip, biggest low was losing video camera 2nd seaday even lower was the fact that it was never handed in to guest services someone obviously wanted my Kodak playsport more than they thought I would want my memories of our family holidays, still had our October 2012 WDW trip, that will teach me to download ASAP .

oh Sarah, so sorry to hear this - can't believe people can stoop so low, don't know how they can live with themselves.

 

[StephenKay]

It's good to hear you were so well looked after Stevie
Yor bar bill was the talk of the steamie along with other things If you know what I mean

Lots of highs and few lows this trip, biggest low was losing video camera 2nd seaday even lower was the fact that it was never handed in to guest services someone obviously wanted my Kodak playsport more than they thought I would want my memories of our family holidays, still had our October 2012 WDW trip, that will teach me to download ASAP .

Sarah,

Did you check the lost and found boxes on disembarkation? I saw tons of stuff in there, whilst someone looked a pair of sun specs must have been at least 12 full boxes. I will look again on Saturday if I get a chance. The bar bill wasn't the worst, I bought lots of things for Mary and Rachel onboard which came to alot and also booked a couple of rooms for next years EBTA. I actually didn't use all my wine package so they have stored a few bottles until I get back onboard. That said the upcoming cruise will be sobering as the amount of ports doesn't allow for hangovers. Remember if you and Brian just fancy a weekend away just call and I will put the tub on.

 

[WVURunner]

Yor bar bill was the talk of the steamie along with other things If you know what I mean

Curious minds want to know, how much was that bar tab? I was amazed to see you walking every morning!

 

[StephenKay]

Curious minds want to know, how much was that bar tab? I was amazed to see you walking every morning!

The bill, it was quite a bit, however I forget how much exactly, most of the alcohol I bought in Galveston anyway, nothing to stress about.

The only reason I was walking in the morning was the strong pain killing medication which was the morphine and other major painkillers along with an imbedded device in my stomach which works by remote control to help control pain in my lower limbs and spine before it get to the brain, which was why I was late to the pub crawl as my meds were not killing the pain enough for me to appear in public, so to speak. The pain from nerve damage to spinal column and my legs are the reason I can't run. Some people used to comment because I cant walk in a straight line and I thought if they could only know what it takes to do it, mostly they thought it was still the drink

Anyway enough of the heavy stuff, I hope you and yours are all safely home and your bruises from Champagne Girls have faded and Jamie and your Mom and the kids have good memories and no chicken pocs.

 

[gramfrog]

Dear Diary
Day 2 on land. I can still feel the motion of the ocean. My servants have deserted me and I have been forced to forage for my own food. No one has made my bed or inquired of my happiness. I fear that this is my new reality. Apparently there is no alcohol here either. I hope I will be rescued soon ...

** ** **

I had an amazingly fantastic time on the cruise. I met many many wonderful people. Ate too much. Drank just the right amount Danced a lot

WELCOME BACK TO REALITY

Lynn

Lynn-- how is your happiness today? I'm inquiring...

 

[Kimlovescruising]

I just booked the PC this september in a OGT room, can anyone please tell me if they did an OGT room on this cruise, and what floor and catagory they received. Thanks.

 

[binkytell]

I just booked the PC this september in a OGT room, can anyone please tell me if they did an OGT room on this cruise, and what floor and catagory they received. Thanks.

Hi, we booked OGT, we got cabin 6012, I think that's a 10a right ?

 

[NancyIL]

Hi, we booked OGT, we got cabin 6012, I think that's a 10a right ?

A cat. 10 is a deluxe inside, and an OV is cat. 9.

 

[StephenKay]

Well Dear Cruise Friends,

It's time for me to start the journey back to Barcelona for the 7 day Med, a city I know well due to DCL, however it feels strange to travel back having only flown home a few days ago. Everytime we have been there, it's thrown it down with rain, torrents of it everytime, so fingers crossed. It will be different, for one our daughter is able to drink on this cruise (not looking forward to that) and it makes me feel old anyway. Bags are packed, GI Joe haircut done all things ticked off the list and off we go. If you are in any doubt about doing a further transatlantic journey then just book it and we can have another great 2 weeks in 2014, eastbound or westbound.

If you still travelling home then have a safe journey. Thanks for all the fun.

 

[NancyIL]

I returned home last night, after spending 4 lovely days in Barcelona. This was a GREAT trip, and the cruise definitely exceeded my expectations. I booked a dummy cruise onboard, and hope to move it to another long cruise in 2015.

I enjoyed meeting so many of you, even though I participated in only a few group activities. Special thanks to Mandy for organizing the pre-cruise meet at the Tremont, and for all your efforts on the DIS; to Henrietta for organizing the yummy Palo group brunch; and to Emily for organizing the wonderful tour in Gibraltar, as well as the running/walking club. Without that motivation, I wouldn't have had a goal to reach. Thanks to Woody and his wife for inviting us to be their table mates. We usually choose early dining (or anytime dining on ships that offer it), but gave late seating one more try. I'm so glad we did, as we looked forward to good food, great servers (Oliver and Dwi), and wonderful conversations with our friends. Last but not least, had it not been for my college friend & cruise buddy, Vicki (DavidaTN), I probably wouldn't have gone on my last 4 (out of 5) Disney cruises.

 

[NancyIL]

Well Dear Cruise Friends,

It's time for me to start the journey back to Barcelona for the 7 day Med, a city I know well due to DCL, however it feels strange to travel back having only flown home a few days ago. Everytime we have been there, it's thrown it down with rain, torrents of it everytime, so fingers crossed. It will be different, for one our daughter is able to drink on this cruise (not looking forward to that) and it makes me feel old anyway. Bags are packed, GI Joe haircut done all things ticked off the list and off we go. If you are in any doubt about doing a further transatlantic journey then just book it and we can have another great 2 weeks in 2014, eastbound or westbound.

If you still travelling home then have a safe journey. Thanks for all the fun.

Stevie, it was great to meet you on the EBTA, and I hope your Med cruise with your wife and daughter will be equally wonderful. Maybe you'll get a bit more sleep on the next one!

By the way - the weather in Barcelona June 1-4 was absolutely PERFECT...you should've stayed put!

 

[geffric]

Another one here who had an amazing time and is sad it is all over. Can't believe how quickly the two weeks went.

Back to reality - washing machine and tumble dryer have been going, and I have been grocery shopping!

!

me too! Thanks for making this trip so special to meet everyone and see friends again. It was great!

I have been on many DCL cruises but this one was the BEST ever. I loved the sea days and all the activities, Everyone made it really wonderful.


It was so much fun to not say good bye and be sad for leaving all my friends behind but I will see you next year on the EBTA or WBTA or both.. or before in WDW, or on another DCL cruise...

 

[twopeasonepod]

Thanks to all for our most magical cruise ever! This one even topped Alaska for me!

I appreciate the hard work of all the organizers. Thank you all so much!

I can't stop raving about this one. Loved it so much I am also booking the WBTA next year! I know many of you are on that as well. "So see ya real soon!"