05.26.2007 - LIVE Mediterranean Questions/Answers

[kidcoos3]

Hi - hope you're all having a great time!

I was wondering about getting off the boat for private excursions. Will we be able to get off quickly since we aren't waiting for a group to get together - like the Disney excursions?

Thank you.

 

[rikimuk]

I'll answer some of these that I know.

The exchange rate in the terminal was high. I think it was $1.45 per Euro.

We got here about 9:15 am and waited until 10 to come in the terminal.

Print out the documents that are linked online. We don't have kids or other special needs so all we had to print and sign was the contract page and credit card authorization.

Speaking of credit cards -- about 800 people's credit card authorizations did not go through in Barcelona. I have bets this is because of the new staff.

All money at the port is in Euros. We did nothing in US$ once we left Chicago. By the way, tipping here is much different than in the US. When you tip people the way we do in the States, most of the time they are shocked it seems.

Most of the workers at the port (porters, agents checking you in, etc.) are local Barcelonians.

Europeans are NOT tippers. Thats why they are shocked. Take it from me I used to work in a bar and restaurant in the UK and I was lucky if I took home $5 in tips a night (Plus the tips are split between the whole floor and kitchen staff). In the UK especially tipping is not customary and they tend not to bother. However as I travel to the US alot I tip because Im used to it but its not wide spread in Europe.

Its part of the reason who some people think Europeans are tight with their money because we are not raised to tip every meal.

Lindsay

 

[rikimuk]

What is this Paradiso Party?

It was the new deck party that they premiered on the transatlantic. Its a laser show party with music and dancing. They had people spinning plates and juggling as well. Lots of fun!

Lindsay

 

[rikimuk]

Sorry if this has already been asked but I didn't see it anywhere.
What is the castaway return gift? Is it still the mesh bags with the accessories? Thanks and hope each of you have a marvelous and safe trip!

On the transatlantic the gift was a leather document holder not the bags as we had previously.

Lindsay

 

[DMMarla07860]

What Cruise Staff members are on the ship?

 

[bengals01]

they had cigarettes, beer and liquor and souvenirs that is all i remember, no beers from the states only their local beers

 

[Skallywag]

Just wonder if you have any idea of the price of the wine packages please and are there any different ones from the usual.

Bren

 

[seaulater]

I have seen posted elsewhere that Rachel was the cruise director on the Eastbound.....or should I say RACHEL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rachel was on the EB, and then she told me that she is on this 11 night and the 1st 10 night and then she gets off to go on holiday.

That's when Brent will be getting back on.

 

[winotracy]

Rachel was on the EB, and then she told me that she is on this 11 night and the 1st 10 night and then she gets off to go on holiday.

That's when Brent will be getting back on.

Hi Linda! It was great seeing you in Barcelona! Alan found me on the first night. I was impressed.

We're having a DIS meet tonight. Gotta do something in honor of the DIS's 10 year anniversary!

Oh Val, if you are reading this, you probably won't be able to get your requested server (I did get a chance to chat with him the other day though). I'll explain when I get home.

Tracy

 

[discruiselovers97]

Can you get your money exchanged for euros on the ship?

 

[kidcoos3]

If anyone sees nurse celeste (is that her name?) please let her know that her Rome blog didn't work - I love reading her blog - if she has a chance, can she repost it?

 

[Funfoody]

Thank you, everybody, for answering our questions!

 

[PURTYPAT1]

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1471231

 

[seaulater]

Hi Linda! It was great seeing you in Barcelona! Alan found me on the first night. I was impressed.

We're having a DIS meet tonight. Gotta do something in honor of the DIS's 10 year anniversary!

Oh Val, if you are reading this, you probably won't be able to get your requested server (I did get a chance to chat with him the other day though). I'll explain when I get home.

Tracy

Glad Alan found you. He said he would take care of you since I wouldn't be there. He is a great guy. Tell him hi for me! Also, Parag in Shutters said just to let him or Costin know if you want any group pictures.

Looked for you when we got off the ship, walked around the whole terminal, but no site of you and Bill, Celeste, or Peter and Jenn. What did you guys do.....sleep in?

 

[seaulater]

Can you get your money exchanged for euros on the ship?

I can anwer this one since we just got off the ship last Saturday. Yes. You can exchange US for Euros. However, the lines got pretty long at guest services. We exchanged our money at the airport. That worked great and there were no lines.

 

[carolmb]

I have a question about the dress code for the Vatican. Are long shorts that cover the knees okay for boys or do they need to wear long pants? What are the men wearing for the excursions, shorts or pants? I know for the Vatican my DH will wear pants but I was wondering about the other ports.
Thanks.

 

[scottishwee35]

I have a question about the dress code for the Vatican. Are long shorts that cover the knees okay for boys or do they need to wear long pants? What are the men wearing for the excursions, shorts or pants? I know for the Vatican my DH will wear pants but I was wondering about the other ports.
Thanks.

That question which I am going ask as I bought lots of short for my son and I forgot about it for the excursions too.

I have to look for another one long short?

Scottishwee35

 

[CarolAnnC]

My husband picked up a few pairs of the pants that zip off at the leg. So he can have his shorts on, and zip on the long pant for the Vatican, cathedrals, etc. They are great.

 

[Doingitagain]

My husband picked up a few pairs of the pants that zip off at the leg. So he can have his shorts on, and zip on the long pant for the Vatican, cathedrals, etc. They are great.

We did the same for DH and DS. I had an email coupon from REI.com and ordered them delivered to the store, where we picked them up with no delivery charge.

DD and I have longer peasant skirts and the Sketchers shoes which are a bit more dressier than tennis shoes, but should be more comfortable. My hairdresser wears them, and I figure if she can be comfortable all day on her feet, that is a good sign.

 

[eeyorelvr10]

Darn it - I think I posted my question on the wrong board. Sorry if I did - or sorry if I am doing it wrong here.

Anyway, can anhone tell me if you are expected to tip the tour guides on these excursions for example like the Rome excursions? I am interested as someone mentioned that it is not customary or expected to tip in Europe but since a lot of us are Americans, is it expected from us?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.