5.12.2007 - Live TransAtlantic Cruise Questions/Answers

[Buckeye Gal]

At the excellent suggestion of TIGGR33, let's use this thread to ask questions of cruisers of the May 12 TransAtlantic cruise instead of posting general questions on other's TR postings.

Cruisers, we're anxious to hear about your travels!!
:sail:

[Joan1]

I have a question on the internet packages available and costs
Whenever anyone has a minute if you can share that with us we would appreciate it

[Hygiene99]

I have a question on the internet packages available and costs
Whenever anyone has a minute if you can share that with us we would appreciate it



http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/cruise-new/cr-internet.htm

$.75 per minute pay as you go
$27.50 for 50 minute plan ($.55 per minute)
$40 for 100 minute plan ($.40 per minute)
$75 for 250 minute plan ($.30 per minute)
Currently on the wireless plan you may surf the Internet, send/receive email, download/upload files, print and open/send attachments. Guests will also have free access to disneycruise.com. An unlimited package is unavailable with the wireless Internet offering, because the capacity of the wireless system is limited.
Some additional info from DCL:
To get started Guests must open their internet browser. They will automatically be directed to a Log-in page which will ask for a user name and password.

[skipper709]

With the new stateroom cell service which was announced for the transatlantic and mediterranean cruises, does anyone know if Verizon Wireless CDMA phones will work with this service ? I called Verizon yesterday and according to the service agent they do not currently have an agreement with Disney for shipboard roaming, although they do with some other lines such as Carnival, RCCL etc. I have seen on the boards that the carriers most referenced in regards to this new service include T-Mobile, AT&T and Sprint, no mention of VZW. Not sure if any VZW customers currently onboard have tried to utilize their CDMA phones and if so did you have any luck ? Thanks.

[taysmom]

I am very curious how the exchange works with your credit card. When you exchange for euros, does it show as a charge on your credit card or a cash advance? OR do you need to give cash at the time of exchange. Also, are there any fees to do the exchange.
DCL has said there will be no fees and it's a charge, but as I have discovered in the past, one cm says one thing and when you get there it's really different.
Have fun...thanks for the answers in advance.
Steph

[faireygod mother]

What are the CC gifts?

Is there a lot of activities planned for sea days?

[Hygiene99]

What are the CC gifts?

Is there a lot of activities planned for sea days?

Today the things planned will be, I only know a couple..

But ducky is going to do his thing!
and there is Napkin folding..

Sorry that is what Epcotkilterfan has on her agenda.
Yesterday she was at brunch at Palo.

[Joan1]

If you use a credit card for money exchange then it is counted as a cash advance, if you use a debit card it isn't. The best thing to do is to check with your bank to see if they have the option of ordering some Euros before you leave. My bank has foreign currency available and if you order a certain amount there aren't any extra fees involved

When I was in Europe last the best way to get money was through an ATM, best exchange rate. Make sure you have a pin code that doesn't start with 0 and isn't more then 4 digits long. Again check with your bank to get more information. Also bring two debit cards in case one is damaged

[CoolMickster1995]

We're cruising on the first Med cruise. We had a great server for our Panama Canal cruise and was wondering if he still might be on the Magic. His name was Silvio. If anyone knows if he's still on the Magic could you let us know? We'd definitely ask to be at one of his tables if he's still there.

Marie

[denise]

regarding the computers...someone had posted somewhere that they are gone and you must bring your own laptop...is this really true? Hope not...

[thegales]

regarding the computers...someone had posted somewhere that they are gone and you must bring your own laptop...is this really true? Hope not...

I am only reporting what I have read on other posts. The computers are gone, but there are laptops available to borrow. I do not believe there was a cost associated with borrowing the laptop (since they will get you by charging for the Internet).

Edited to add: Post #60 answered the question about computers.
There are still computers in the Promenade lounge and Cove Cafe. The internet is slower in the staterooms.

[winotracy]

regarding the computers...someone had posted somewhere that they are gone and you must bring your own laptop...is this really true? Hope not...

I heard this was only in Cove Cafe. There are still computers in the Promenade Lounge as far as I know.

[silver7]

Is there anything special planned for the 18-21 yo?

[MrsJobba1]

This thread is a great idea.

Can't wait to here about the CC gifts and lots more :goodvibes

Safe travels

x:flower3:

[Tarabra]

O.k., dumb question, but can you just bring your laptop and use it as a wireless w/ something DCL provides or do you already have to have a wireless acct.?

[Buckeye Gal]

O.k., dumb question, but can you just bring your laptop and use it as a wireless w/ something DCL provides or do you already have to have a wireless acct.?

Off topic, I know, but perhaps this will help others wondering the same....

Not a silly question at all if you're not familiar with how it works. :)

You would not need an account, so to speak. Your laptop will either need a wireless network card (like a Linksys Wireless-G Notbook Adapter, for example (if that would help you Google what you need)) that you slip into one of the slots on the side of your laptop. Alternatively, your laptop may have an internal wireless card. For example, I used to have an old IBM ThinkPad that I had to insert the wireless card into. However, most newer laptops already have a wireless card built inside.

:surfweb:
So once you have either of those two communication outlets, then on the ship you'll be provided with a username and password to get onto their wireless network. It would work the same as most hotels or chain coffee houses set you up for wireless, if you're at all familiar with that.

Hope that helps!

[dismed]

another computer question....
I am debating whether to take my laptop (we have to take 3 flights to get to Barcelona - including one on standby)
My main reason for wanting my laptop with me is to download my pictures from my camera as a back up.
Is it possible to do that with the laptops they lend you on the ship if I take some blank CD's?
I've never been on a disney cruise so I have no idea.

[taysmom]

If you use a credit card for money exchange then it is counted as a cash advance, if you use a debit card it isn't. The best thing to do is to check with your bank to see if they have the option of ordering some Euros before you leave. My bank has foreign currency available and if you order a certain amount there aren't any extra fees involved

When I was in Europe last the best way to get money was through an ATM, best exchange rate. Make sure you have a pin code that doesn't start with 0 and isn't more then 4 digits long. Again check with your bank to get more information. Also bring two debit cards in case one is damaged

Thanks for the info. So on this cruise they have told you that it would be a cash advance! Thats so discouraging as the CM's have stated otherwise.
:(

[silver7]

Was the Jimmy Buffet night planned by our ever adventurous Transatlantic Dis'ers or did Disney plan it? pirate:

[todds34]

What a great idea and a great thread.

I have already had one of my questions re the lap top answered thanks Buckeye Gal.

Todds 34

pirate: pirate:

[Thistle]

For those who might not have a passport case is it at all possible for someone to post a pic of the CC gift? Thankies.

[MrsJobba1]

Was the Jimmy Buffet night planned by our ever adventurous Transatlantic Dis'ers or did Disney plan it? pirate:

Can I just ask , what or who is Jimmy Buffet?:confused3

Thanks

[smilis]

For those who might not have a passport case is it at all possible for someone to post a pic of the CC gift? Thankies.


What are the CC gifts you are referring to? Are they like some of the gifts that DVC members received on the DVC members only cruises?

Are you getting lots of complimentary gifts/souvenirs from the cruise line that we need to account for in our luggage room?

Sandy

[Joan1]

Originally Posted by Joan1
If you use a credit card for money exchange then it is counted as a cash advance, if you use a debit card it isn't. The best thing to do is to check with your bank to see if they have the option of ordering some Euros before you leave. My bank has foreign currency available and if you order a certain amount there aren't any extra fees involved

When I was in Europe last the best way to get money was through an ATM, best exchange rate. Make sure you have a pin code that doesn't start with 0 and isn't more then 4 digits long. Again check with your bank to get more information. Also bring two debit cards in case one is damaged

Thanks for the info. So on this cruise they have told you that it would be a cash advance! Thats so discouraging as the CM's have stated otherwise.
:(

I am not on this cruise but know from checking into it in the past when traveling overseas.

It has nothing to do with the ship or DCL it has to do with the terms of your credit card company. I would suggest you call them to see what their terms are on you using their card for currency exchange. Since you are actually getting money and not charging, for my credit card it would be considered a cash advance

[ga9497]

Directly from Disney cruise line

Stay Connected at Sea with Wireless Internet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------


Clients sailing with Disney Cruise Line® will find it easier than ever to stay connected to family and friends back home by utilizing new wireless high-speed Internet on both the Disney Magic® and Disney Wonder® cruise ships.

Clients with wireless-ready laptops will find several wireless "hot spots" on the ships, including most of the public areas -- such as the Promenade Lounge, Studio Sea, Cove Café and all open areas on decks nine and 10.

Rates for wireless access start at $.75 per minute, but minutes can be bundled in increments of 100- and 250-minutes at $55 and $100 respectively.

Clients not traveling with laptops can use existing Internet cafés located in the Promenade Lounge, Cove Café, Aloft on the Disney Wonder and the Stack on the Disney Magic.

[Mozart]

Can I just ask , what or who is Jimmy Buffet?:confused3

Thanks

I think I'm going to have a heart attack!

Jimmy Buffett is an American singer who's been around since the 70's. He's best known for his songs which give off a tropical party feel to them, and is considered the spokesperson for the lifestyle of the people in Key West, FL. You may have heard a few of his songs and just not realized it: I started to call Cheeseburger in Paradise his most famous song, but Margaritaville is probably his real calling card. He's got a lot more like Volcano, Son of a Son of a Sailor, A Pirate looks at 40, and I could go on and on. His songs are just flat out fun to sing along with. Fans follow him all over the place much like Deadheads used to follow the Grateful Dead. Buffett's fans are referred to as Parrotheads.

A true legend. And yes, I do consider myself a Parrothead.

[silver7]

Here you go MrsJobba1:

http://margaritaville.com/ :fish:

[MrsJobba1]

I think I'm going to have a heart attack!

Jimmy Buffett is an American singer who's been around since the 70's. He's best known for his songs which give off a tropical party feel to them, and is considered the spokesperson for the lifestyle of the people in Key West, FL. You may have heard a few of his songs and just not realized it: I started to call Cheeseburger in Paradise his most famous song, but Margaritaville is probably his real calling card. He's got a lot more like Volcano, Son of a Son of a Sailor, A Pirate looks at 40, and I could go on and on. His songs are just flat out fun to sing along with. Fans follow him all over the place much like Deadheads used to follow the Grateful Dead. Buffett's fans are referred to as Parrotheads.

A true legend. And yes, I do consider myself a Parrothead.

Thanks -He hasn't made it across the pond ;)

[munchkinsmom]

Who's the captain for the cruise this time around? When we were on the Magic back in Mid-April, we had Captain Thord.

True story: As we were waiting to take our pictures during formal night w/ Captain Thord, my DD6 turned to us and asked what the captain did. We told her that the captain is like the principal of a school and he's the guy who makes sure we arrive at our destinations. She thought for a moment, then asked, pointing to Thord, "If HE'S the Captain, then who's steering the ship?" :confused3 LOL!

[taysmom]

I am not on this cruise but know from checking into it in the past when traveling overseas.

It has nothing to do with the ship or DCL it has to do with the terms of your credit card company. I would suggest you call them to see what their terms are on you using their card for currency exchange. Since you are actually getting money and not charging, for my credit card it would be considered a cash advance

Thanks for the update.

So I guess if anyone on the ship has experience with exchange please advise. The CM's have said it would show up as a charge (as all others do) and there would be no transaction fee. Just a straight exchange. I am curious if that is truly the case.

Thanks
Steph

[ibouncetoo]

. Fans follow him all over the place much like Deadheads used to follow the Grateful Dead. Buffett's fans are referred to as Parrotheads.

A true legend. And yes, I do consider myself a Parrothead.

I have friends who are flying to Paris (yes, France) to see him in June in a small (450 person) venue. Sooooooooo green with envy!

[iluvdisney]

Some internet answers and I'm on the Magic typing what I see posted off to the side of me -

$.75 per minute or 100 minutes for $55, 250 minutes for $100 or 500 minutes for $150. All additional application charges still apply. Plans can be used for both Internet Cafe's and wireless connections.

The computers are slow as heck most times but that's the deal they have onboard the Trans Atlantic right now.

[kidcoos3]

Thanks for the update.

So I guess if anyone on the ship has experience with exchange please advise. The CM's have said it would show up as a charge (as all others do) and there would be no transaction fee. Just a straight exchange. I am curious if that is truly the case.

Thanks
Steph

I'd like to hear from someone on the ship - have you tried exchanging money?

Also, on cruise critic there is a post saying that ships that only call at EU ports can't sell VAT or duty free on board. What's going on in the shops at DCL?

[JohnnyDepp]

How are they dealing with the time zones?

[YenSid1222]

...

[3riverscruiser]

Saw that Mike Super did the WDT this week (last night?). Is he doing a cabaret on this cruise? Also, is he going to be on any of the Med cruises, specifically 7/28/07 11 night?

[Worktoplay]

Any pin trading going on? We're on the June 16th cruise and my DS12 loves to pin trade.

[pansmermaidzlagoon]

[QUOTE=YenSid1222;18693315]deletedQUOTE]

where did you hear that - are you onboard?

[YenSid1222]

where did you hear that - are you onboard?

No, I am not. I have a family member who is a CM on board.

[pansmermaidzlagoon]

No, I am not. I have a family member who is a CM on board.

thank you so much!!!!:)

:wizard: hoping that this is nothing serious:wizard:

[Pluto,]

i heard the cruise director is rachael.
where is she from?
does she look good?

[Joan1]

I'd like to hear from someone on the ship - have you tried exchanging money?

Also, on cruise critic there is a post saying that ships that only call at EU ports can't sell VAT or duty free on board. What's going on in the shops at DCL?

I agree, but I would highly suggest calling your credit card company too because they are the ones with the actual information on your account and how it is set up

[cmash95]

ok very important question,,, what is on the menu? i hear they have new ones. i assume because it's the mediteranean but am very interested in what is being served.

[bmr12]

Also, on cruise critic there is a post saying that ships that only call at EU ports can't sell VAT or duty free on board. What's going on in the shops at DCL?

I don't know the answer to this question, but the transatlantic repositioning cruise has already called on non-EU ports, so it would not be an issue for this one.

[kidcoos3]

I don't know the answer to this question, but the transatlantic repositioning cruise has already called on non-EU ports, so it would not be an issue for this one.

Oh, that's right, guess I'll have to ask someone on the first med cruise.

[micluver]

If you use a credit card for money exchange then it is counted as a cash advance, if you use a debit card it isn't. The best thing to do is to check with your bank to see if they have the option of ordering some Euros before you leave. My bank has foreign currency available and if you order a certain amount there aren't any extra fees involved

When I was in Europe last the best way to get money was through an ATM, best exchange rate. Make sure you have a pin code that doesn't start with 0 and isn't more then 4 digits long. Again check with your bank to get more information. Also bring two debit cards in case one is damaged

Joan1

Out of curiosity, why not have a pin that starts with a 0?

micluvr

[Joan1]

Joan1

Out of curiosity, why not have a pin that starts with a 0?

micluvr

Some of the banks in Europe do not recognize pin numbers that start with a zero. To make it easy, and not have to try different ATM's, it is best not to have one that starts with it. This is what I was told by my bank when I called them to let them know I would be in Europe and that I would be using my debit card for ATM withdrawals. I was also told that the pin number couldn't be more then 4 digits long

[denise]

" Originally Posted by Joan1
If you use a credit card for money exchange then it is counted as a cash advance, if you use a debit card it isn't. The best thing to do is to check with your bank to see if they have the option of ordering some Euros before you leave. My bank has foreign currency available and if you order a certain amount there aren't any extra fees involved"
I called citi bank about this and thought maybe the rate would be ok. NOT. Besides the 3% fee the APR was 24% on each transaction!!! Thanks so much for the heads up. Calling my bank today to find out about the ATM connected with my checking account.

[arlenesp]

I am very curious how the exchange works with your credit card. When you exchange for euros, does it show as a charge on your credit card or a cash advance? OR do you need to give cash at the time of exchange. Also, are there any fees to do the exchange.
DCL has said there will be no fees and it's a charge, but as I have discovered in the past, one cm says one thing and when you get there it's really different.
Have fun...thanks for the answers in advance.
Steph

" Originally Posted by Joan1
If you use a credit card for money exchange then it is counted as a cash advance, if you use a debit card it isn't. The best thing to do is to check with your bank to see if they have the option of ordering some Euros before you leave. My bank has foreign currency available and if you order a certain amount there aren't any extra fees involved"
I called citi bank about this and thought maybe the rate would be ok. NOT. Besides the 3% fee the APR was 24% on each transaction!!! Thanks so much for the heads up. Calling my bank today to find out about the ATM connected with my checking account.


Atm is the best way to go. CC also charge a conversion fee for any foreign transactions. Check with your CC provider. The average fee is 3% anytime there is a currency conversion.Just remember, if you buy something and need to contact the merchant for any reason, even with the fee, the CC is the best way to go.

[buck4568]

I checked into the fee question with cc a couple of months ago and found one card, Capitol One, does not charge a fee on foreign transactions. I now have one in my wallet ready to go in 32 days! :banana:

[Buckeye Gal]

I checked into the fee question with cc a couple of months ago and found one card, Capitol One, does not charge a fee on foreign transactions. I now have one in my wallet ready to go in 32 days! :banana:


Capital One...
"What's in YOUR wallet?" :lmao:

[Joan1]

Atm is the best way to go. CC also charge a conversion fee for any foreign transactions. Check with your CC provider. The average fee is 3% anytime there is a currency conversion.Just remember, if you buy something and need to contact the merchant for any reason, even with the fee, the CC is the best way to go.

Totally agree on the purchase option
For those looking to just get cash ATM's will give you the best exchange rate

Check with your banks and see who they are affiliated with in Europe where you can use your debit card at ATM's for no additional fees.

[Worktoplay]

I went to my bank as they told me they could get me Euros before I left. Then they tell me its a $15.00 fee! not lol For shipping the money to them! Give me a break!

Marie

[funnybunny921]

I went to my bank as they told me they could get me Euros before I left. Then they tell me its a $15.00 fee! not lol For shipping the money to them! Give me a break!

Marie

mine told me it would take at least a month and a half and to "not bother" trying to get Euros from them. I am thinking of changing banks I never had that type of problem when I was with citi bank.
------------

I have a question for people that have an inside room, how is it since you are spending a lot of time in there? are you regreting your room choice at all? (just wondering since we booked cat 12 gty and got a cat 11)

[Joan1]

I went to my bank as they told me they could get me Euros before I left. Then they tell me its a $15.00 fee! not lol For shipping the money to them! Give me a break!

Marie

If you can check the website for your bank, that is where I ordered mine and as long as I ordered a certain amount there wasn't any shipping fee

[Worktoplay]

If you can check the website for your bank, that is where I ordered mine and as long as I ordered a certain amount there wasn't any shipipng fee

Thanks, it certainly doesn't hurt to check that out!

Marie

[ga9497]

For more information on money exchanges speak with your travel agent, if you used one. Or check the information on frommers.com or fodors.com they have information based by country

Of course back everything up directly with the credit card company or your bank for cards you are planning on using

The most important thing about credit cards and debit cards is to make sure that the companies and bank you use know you will be using them out of the country. If they see charges that aren't your normal spending pattern they will think it is fraud and they will deny the charges. They will try to get in touch with you and if they can't they may put a hold on your account so that you cannot charge anything

[MrsJobba1]

Not sure if I dreamt this or read it?
Did I read there was going to be a who-dun-it on the med cruises?:confused:

[icunurse_celeste]

There is a mystery on the trans-Atlantic, but I don't know if they will do it for each sailing

[misseulalie]

I don't have time to read all the posts, so sorry if this is repeated.

There are still computers in the Promenade lounge and Cove Cafe. The internet is slower in the staterooms.

The repeat guest gift is a brown leather case for passports and money.

Yes, there is a mystery show production that is going on for a few days.

[Joan1]

Are the gifts people are listing given by DCL? I thought I read that some were given by DISboard people. Can anyone list the gifts that DCL has been giving out?

[todds34]

Not sure if I dreamt this or read it?
Did I read there was going to be a who-dun-it on the med cruises?:confused:

Here is a link to another DCL TA trip report and I think they talk about the who dun it there.

http://davidsondrifters.blogspot.com/

Todds 34

pirate: pirate:

[kidcoos3]

Are the gifts people are listing given by DCL? I thought I read that some were given by DISboard people. Can anyone list the gifts that DCL has been giving out?

Gifts for Castaway Cay members and for DVC members? Who received the passport cover? Does anyone have a picture of it?

Thanks in advance . . .

[Deb T.]

I'd like to know as well. :)

[kingcole]

Hi,

Hope you dont mind but I posted this under Cruise and got a limited respoce - this forum seems a good place for it too.......

We are a British family of 4, kids are 1 and 6 and we are going to be doing the 14 day westbound cruise from Barcelona.

We have booked oour flights independantly as we have used airmiles and we are not trying to find the best price for our cruise.

I have seen the prices fall over the past couple of months and I was aware that there was some big reductions on the Eastbound cruise about 6 weeks prior to departure.

I saw on one forum a family of 4 got a Verandah for about $6000. This is the price I am looking to pay.

So if anyone could answer some of these questions, or ideally some comments from anyone who done the Eastbound trip.

• Are people getting cabin upgrades on the Eastbound
• What sort of cost did you pay for yuor cabin
• When / where did you book.

I heard the Eastbound has 1900 people on board. How far short of capacity is this. Did they do away with accomodation on decks 1/2?

Was there only 1900 coz they did not sell any more or was this restricted as they could only cater for 1900 due to the 7 days at sea?

Hope I dont sound cheap - but A disney cruise is a real luxury and just want o get best cabin we can afford. $1099 for a standard inside seems a bargain (total $2700) for family. This is instead of $8999 for a verandah at the moment.

Also - on the eastbound was anyone actuallu on deck 1 or 2 in cats 11/12. I getting a feeling maybe everyone was upgraded.......:confused3

In other words we could do 3 cruises for one -

Any help would really be appreciated.

Thanks

Col

[Linda Bell]

Hi,
.....

Col

Wecome aboard Col. Many folks are joining us from the other side of the pond. :banana:

I can only answer for my cabin....I have a catagory 6 handicapped accessible room with the giant (half the back of the ship) verandah. I booked it 4/11/2006 with Ice Gallery (a timeshare owner group) for $7423.20 which includes transfers and all fees and taxes. Ice charged me $19.95 to book. I did not have to give up any timeshare time.

Current Disney rate is $7921.28 with about $214 in additional government fees but includes transfers. I figure I saved about $700+ with Ice but I did not get any ship credits nor will I receive any gifts from my TA. Oh well.:rotfl:

I booked air and insurance on my own.

My cabin rate has remained the same but the Cat 12s are way down. I don't know about upgrades but several families have downgraded to save thousands of dollars.:thumbsup2

Could you do several other cruises for the same price? You bet...BUT...this is a Disney repo cruise and there will be lots of little things you just won't get on another cruise including the traditional Disney ones. I was on the Panama one in a porthole room (no verandahs became available and I booked the first day). A verandah was a must after that one. If you can swing it go for it.

Nothing cheap about you. This is a very expensive trip!:eek:

There is a ton o fun planned for this one if you care to join us. I'll send you a PM.

Linda:surfweb:

[kingcole]

Its really looking like a Cat12 for us......

Maybe we can pay extra at check in if there is a higher grade available.....

[icunurse_celeste]

Its really looking like a Cat12 for us......

Maybe we can pay extra at check in if there is a higher grade available.....

I know there is something about automatically being bumped up a category or two if you book four people in a Cat 12- because the Cat 12's CANNOT physically sleep 4 people. I can't remember if you get bumped to a 11 or 10. I would also consider booking your reservation- and then transferring it over to a travel agent that gives you an on board credit for using their services. You can also get additional credits for booking with certain credit cards or booking on the website- all of which can be changed to a TA later. (usually)

Good Luck!

[thegales]

This was a question on the Trip report, which I thought would be better to answer over here.

is the blocking of skype a permanent thing? i mean i could understand if i could use my cell phone but seeing as they don't have a deal with verizon i can't seem to win anywhere.

Skype will probably be blocked on a permanent basis. If you read the license agreement to skype, you are giving them the authorization to do what ever it can to increase your computer's bandwidth to the network. Skype does not care about what else it is impacting, even if it is network operations or other users. On a home network, this is not too much of an issue. But on a multiuser network, it definitely can cause problems.

[icunurse_celeste]

This was a question on the Trip report, which I thought would be better to answer over here.



Skype will probably be blocked on a permanent basis. If you read the license agreement to skype, you are giving them the authorization to do what ever it can to increase your computer's bandwidth to the network. Skype does not care about what else it is impacting, even if it is network operations or other users. On a home network, this is not too much of an issue. But on a multiuser network, it definitely can cause problems.

Now with everyone and their neighbor doing VoIP- I don't see how they can block it on every site. AOL, MSN, Yahoo, & google all have online calling programs. I'm interested in doing it so I can update my blog that will have a podcast component. I can update it on port days by calling in, but I thought folks would like to have some sea day news. Maybe I'll be the first to "test the waters" I am not going to bring my laptop....I already have one camera and two cell phones- one for the US and one for Europe.

[faireygod mother]

Has anyone used their ATM card to obtain Euros while inport?

What is the limit for exchanging curreny onboard? Is the exchange rate close to the daily rate?

[ssnyder]

I have a question for people that have an inside room, how is it since you are spending a lot of time in there? are you regreting your room choice at all? (just wondering since we booked cat 12 gty and got a cat 11)
I booked a cat 12 gty and got a cat 11 for the transatlantic. I was totally satisfied with it. I ended up on deck 6 aft which is my favorite location. I did take a night light and would advise this and also a lighted clock. Also, I was by myself, so the single bathroom was fine. It might be kind of tight for more people.

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

This may seam like an odd question but someone on one of the live trip reports from the TA Crossing said that there were seprete docks for ships doing a med cruise and at TA and I was wondering since the Magic was sceduled to have a day in barcalona before the last day did they move to another peir during the night?

[michellebriana]

Hi! Has anyone used taxis to get from the airport to the port? I am wondering how much it costs and if it is per carload or per person. Thanks!

[kingcole]

Can someone explain....

What is meant by abbgreviations like DH, DG7 etc.

Thanks

[ibouncetoo]

Can someone explain....

What is meant by abbgreviations like DH, DG7 etc.

Thanks

Dear (or Darling or Disney) Husband, Dear Grandchild, age 7.
DS can be dear son or sister...some folks use DSis
DBil (brother in law)
DF can be friend or fiance

[Deb T.]

Can someone explain....

What is meant by abbgreviations like DH, DG7 etc.

Thanks

Hi kingcole!

Ahhhh yes, DIS-speak can be a bit confusing at first. :) DH is Dear Husband. DG7 would be Dear Granddaughter, age 7. I believe there's a list of abbreviations commonly used on the DISboards and what they mean under the FAQ link at the top of the page. Hope this helps! :goodvibes

[Deb T.]

Can someone explain....

What is meant by abbgreviations like DH, DG7 etc.

Thanks

It took some searching, but I found the link for abbreviations.
http://www.wdwinfo.com/abbreviations.htm

:welcome: TO THE DIS BOARDS!!!!!!!!!!!! party:

[Doingitagain]

Can someone explain....

What is meant by abbgreviations like DH, DG7 etc.

Thanks

I had that problem at first, too! Here is where to go http://www.wdwinfo.com/abbreviations.htm. There is a post at the top of the cruise forum for DISBoard basics...you will find this abbreviations link and more! Have fun!

[Herclover]

Can someone tell me who is the captain of the transatlantic cruise?:)

[jco_direwolf]

Now with everyone and their neighbor doing VoIP- I don't see how they can block it on every site. AOL, MSN, Yahoo, & google all have online calling programs.

It's pretty easy, the packets are well understood (ie it's easy to write rules that match the voip packets.) You don't block the sites, you block packets which "look" like VOIP calls.

Infact there is a company which sells software which allows an ISP to either block, or selectivly degrade VOIP service. (I think it's netqos.com) This is what the Net Neutrality (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network_neutrality) issue is. Should an ISP be allowed to block Voip service, or even websites who haven't paid their "bandwidth" fee? You say imposible, I know, but think of how many people use Comcast as their ISP in the US?

Of course if your cleaver you can get around this, by using a VPN. But even so then all they have to do is "rate limit" you outbound. Since most people are websurfing, and reading e-mail. If you rate limited people to 10-15kb/s no one is really going to notice, URLs in the outbound packets are typicaly <200characters. e-mail with large attachments may take some time...

johno

[jco_direwolf]

Some of the banks in Europe do not recognize pin numbers that start with a zero.

Some ATMs in the US have problems with pins that start with 0 and/or have more than 4 digits. I've run into problems before, although I don't think I've had a problem in the last 4-5 years.

I've always chauked it up to bad coding in the ATM software. I assume somewhere they put your pin into an Integer type variable and presto you lose the leading zero unless you remeber to "zero pad" the number.

Same problem ends up with 16-bit Integer and pins longer than 4. 16 bit unsigned integer only goes to 65535 (2^16-1), 16 bit signed only goes to 32768. 4 digit base 10 number fits fine into it (do some 5 digit numbers) but a 6 digit breaks it.

But as I said I've always thought it was just bad coding.

johno

[Euchre_U]

Hi! Has anyone used taxis to get from the airport to the port? I am wondering how much it costs and if it is per carload or per person. Thanks!

I'm assuming you mean from the Barcelona (BCN) airport to the port. All of the taxis I saw in BCN were metered (denominated in Euros). The airport to the port should be around 40 Euros for a metered taxi - maybe more, maybe less depending on the traffic. It cost me 90 Euros to go from the port to the aiport to the cargo area at the airport back to BCN downtown by the beach. It was about 10 Euros via taxi from the beach area back to the port.

The Barcelona taxis are extremely small - 4 people max (if 2 of the 4 are children). More ponderous is the size of their trunks. If you have more than three 22 inch rollabout-type pieces of luggage, they'll never fit in the trunk. We ultimately opted for the DCL transfers based on the luggage consideration.

Kurt

[gismo1554]

Can someone tell me who is the captain of the transatlantic cruise?:)

Tom

[gismo1554]

mine told me it would take at least a month and a half and to "not bother" trying to get Euros from them. I am thinking of changing banks I never had that type of problem when I was with citi bank.
------------

I have a question for people that have an inside room, how is it since you are spending a lot of time in there? are you regreting your room choice at all? (just wondering since we booked cat 12 gty and got a cat 11)

I had an inside room and it was fine. Didn't mind it one bit and actually felt better in my inside room than when I visited my sisters and mothers outside rooms

[gismo1554]

There is a mystery on the trans-Atlantic, but I don't know if they will do it for each sailing

The mystery thing is only on the Trans-atlantic sailings or so we were told when onboard

[gismo1554]

i heard the cruise director is rachael.
where is she from?
does she look good?

Rachel is from Yorkshire in the UK. She's blonda and thin if that helps (??)

[padalyn]

Hey all - I was on the Transatlantic and the first Med cruise. Some comments for people:

the wireless system was working on the port side rooms just fine when we left. the ship on June 6. They were working on it for the whole crossing - I think they did starboard side first.

be carefull - the net slows down something fierce at 2230 - this is when the crew can get online and they do!! We were also warned that early morning was not good as this is when all the corporate stuff was being transferred. We found dinner time to be the best time.

the ship will exchange money - but no coins - so the smallest bill they have is a 5 Euro. Their exchange rate was fair - not outragiuos.

Warn your CC company of where you will be - I heard of folks who forgot and got "locked out" because of the fraud stuff in place.

Carry some form of photo ID (a copy of your passport will get you back on the ship - but isn't good for CC purchases in some ports) I use an expired drivers license - works fine.

as far as the food - there is a broad selection on all the menus. one can order off menu as usual - just a day ahead again - as usual

Captain Tom was on board for my cruises.

did I miss anything??

[milestogo]

Hi guys,
B2B'r here, the CC gift was a tan leather passport holder. We got the same gift on both cruises, so we gave one to our server at dinner. Also a beautiful book on the repo Crossing the Atlantic.

[padalyn]

Here are pictures of the gift. Personally I like to be suprised, but I understand some people want to know what is coming...so - here are the pics:

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i162/padalyn950/CCgift001.jpg

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i162/padalyn950/CCgift002.jpg

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i162/padalyn950/CCgift003.jpg

I put pieces of paper in the sections so the flaps would be visible.

[kidcoos3]

Here are pictures of the gift. Personally I like to be suprised, but I understand some people want to know what is coming...so - here are the pics:

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i162/padalyn950/CCgift001.jpg

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i162/padalyn950/CCgift002.jpg

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i162/padalyn950/CCgift003.jpg

I put pieces of paper in the sections so the flaps would be visible.

Is that still just one per room? Or one per person?

[CACruisin']

One per room.

[kidcoos3]

One per room.

Thank you, that's what I thought - definitely one of those things that should/could be 1 per person though. We have 2 rooms - my husband can have one and I can have the other - teenagers wouldn't want one anyway.

[cquick]

Has anyone used their ATM card to obtain Euros while inport?

What is the limit for exchanging curreny onboard? Is the exchange rate close to the daily rate?


I used my ATM card to get ALLmy money while in port for the whole month. It worked great....I used an ATM in Barcelona, Venice, Florence, Sorrento and Monte Carlo ( where I needed money to gamble with) I won! $100!

[cquick]

I booked a cat 12 gty and got a cat 11 for the transatlantic. I was totally satisfied with it. I ended up on deck 6 aft which is my favorite location. I did take a night light and would advise this and also a lighted clock. Also, I was by myself, so the single bathroom was fine. It might be kind of tight for more people.

Oh, yeah, our son, Michael had an inside stateroom on deck 6 near the aft. He loved it. He works a lot and travels a lot and really needed the down time. He could sleep as late at he wanted, and stay up as late as he wanted. It workded out great. He liked being able to go up the "secret" back stairs to the drink station!

[cquick]

Hi! Has anyone used taxis to get from the airport to the port? I am wondering how much it costs and if it is per carload or per person. Thanks!
We took a taxi from Barceloa port to the airport in Barcelona. There were 3 of us and a wheelchair, and lots of luggage. I think it was 35 Euros, and we gave a 5 Euro tip. I found out when we were asking for a taxi that Disney DID have tranportation to the airport, even though we disenbarked a day early.....oh, well. Next time I will ask Guest Services more than one time, it seemed like you got a different answer depending on who you asked......:rolleyes1

[cquick]

Here are pictures of the gift. Personally I like to be suprised, but I understand some people want to know what is coming...so - here are the pics:
I put pieces of paper in the sections so the flaps would be visible.

I didn't think that gift was very handy. I don't think we would use it. Maybe somebody who had a briefcase or something......

I have a horror story to tell! A man and his family was getting off the ship in Barcelona at the same time as us, and the wife dropped their wallet ( not sure if it was Disney one) off the gangplank! It looked like it fell into the water! He really panicked! ( I would too!) Anyway, it DID not fall into the water, but onto the dock below the gangplank. The poor man almost had a heart attack! The wife, too, especially since she was carriying it!

connie

[cquick]

:banana: :banana: :banana: Hey look, I am on this Thread all by myself! :banana: :banana: :banana:

[Linda Bell]

:banana: :banana: :banana: Hey look, I am on this Thread all by myself! :banana: :banana: :banana:

You lie. I'm here. :rotfl2:

Question for you. Are wheelchair cabs plentiful or did you have to make special arrangements? Since there are no shore excursions in Barcelona for wheelchairs I'm hoping we can at least hire a cab to drive us around a bit.

Thanks

Linda