5.12.2007 - Live TransAtlantic Cruise Questions/Answers

[Pluto 2]

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!

 

[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!

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

 

[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?

 

[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.