Shipping Something Ahead for European Cruises

[missy4414]

This is most likely a question for folks who've done the Mediterranean cruise before, starting in Barcelona or whatever.

If you wanted to cut down a bit on luggage on the plane from the US to Europe, were you able to send something ahead to the ship (e.g, a couple of boxes)? If so, how did you do that?

 

[gismo1554]

Not 100% sure on this but I know that when I looked for a friend I couldn't find anyone who had done this last time. I don't know whether customs causes issues because unlike in the US the package would need to go through customs and this can take awhile.

 

[mmouse37]

Sending boxes to Europe or the UK from the US is quite expensive.

DD is staying in London for a few months and I just sent over her comforter (which is lightweight) and fit in a small box. It cost almost $60.00 to send.

I think if you send over a few boxes your shipping charges may outweigh an extra bag fee!! I sent it out a week ago Tuesday and she still has not gotten it yet. I had to fill out a customs form and list exactly what was in the box on the customs form. Post Office told me they are very strict and must list absolutely everything included in the box.

MJ

 

[Goofy Mum]

Sending boxes to Europe or the UK from the US is quite expensive.

DD is staying in London for a few months and I just sent over her comforter (which is lightweight) and fit in a small box. It cost almost $60.00 to send.

I think if you send over a few boxes your shipping charges may outweigh an extra bag fee!! I sent it out last Tuesday and she still has not gotten it yet. I had to fill out a customs form and list exactly what was in the box on the customs form. Post Office told me they are very strict and must list absolutely everything included in the box.

MJ

ABSOLUTELY! Pay extra at the airlines! Ridiculous costs for both but the airlines at least you'll have your goods with you and it may be even a bit cheaper!

 

[kileybeth]

Was just thinking about not doing FE exchange for our transatlantic for these very reasons. Hate to skip out on it but not sure it is worth the extra hassle of transporting it half way around the globe, plus we are without kiddos this cruise.

so sad. everything cost $$$ it seems.

anyone ever try to buy stuff once reach port before you sail? maybe that would be a solution.

 

[jilljill]

Was just thinking about not doing FE exchange for our transatlantic for these very reasons. Hate to skip out on it but not sure it is worth the extra hassle of transporting it half way around the globe, plus we are without kiddos this cruise.

so sad. everything cost $$$ it seems.

anyone ever try to buy stuff once reach port before you sail? maybe that would be a solution.

Even if you buy the stuff in port when you get there you still have to get everything home so you still have the packing issue.

A bunch of us on our Baltics sailing are doing a hometown postcard exchange and opting out of an FE exchange. It will still be fun to get something and easy to transport both ways. That could be an option if you really want to participate in something on your TA.

The only economical way to ship things to Europe is to make sure it fits in an envelope. Once you put something in a box the price skyrockets.

 

[acourtwdw]

Did a quick check on UPS.com and to send a 10# box to Barcelona is $188 and that is the starting price. I think it would be better just to pay the extra to the airlines. That is a lot of $$$$$ for a small box.

 

[PURTYPAT1]

I sent my FE exchange gifts in a Post office flate rate envelope to Barcelona. Disney gave me the address. Package was quite heavy since I sent pocket calendors. I was able to fit approx 30 in the envelope. I just didn't want to weigh my suitcases down. It was about 4 to 5pounds.

The cost was about $10.00

Funny thing,the flate rate envelope was on the Magic, unlike my suitcases.

 

[ReggieB]

I mail a lot back home to UK. If you plan way ahead surface mail is going to be cheapest. However regular air mail rates start to get a bit pricey. I spend about $35 on a box under 4lbs, which isn't all that heavy. I did look into fed-ex or UPS once, as someone else mentioned it is not cheap at all. The problem with UK mail, is it's a tad unpredicatable, they have been striking periodically recently. So things go a little AWOL.

I think if it were me, I would just pay the extra charge for the luggage. Really depends on what you are looking to send.