7/18/2010 Mickey's Baltic Ballyhoo!! Part 4

[bellelinus]

I know you will like that bit, bar the fact that you are not the actor, John Barrowman's preferred choice of gender, but Captain Jack anything goes.

If I had to be sure that a man liked women to enjoy looking at his bum, it would cut out a lot of fun at most mainstream movies and not to mention Broadway

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Alright, maybe I'm slow, but...I just found that Disney is offering a package deal with three hotels in London. We booked two night pre sailing and one night post sailing at the Park Plaza.

Also noticed that the list of ports on the website are web links. It will give you info on each port. Including safety tips and accepted monies for the country.

Called Disney and they still do not have a date for the release of the port excursions yet.

Thanks for that, I will get more info on this on my Cruise in August, I think we will get a DVD on shore trips about Nov.

If I had to be sure that a man liked women to enjoy looking at his bum, it would cut out a lot of fun at most mainstream movies and not to mention Broadway

Wasnt sure if you had all the 'research' on HIM.

 

[bellelinus]

Thanks for that, I will get more info on this on my Cruise in August, I think we will get a DVD on shore trips about Nov.


Wasnt sure if you had all the 'research' on HIM.

Well, I had watched him as a judge on "Any Dream Will Do" on BBA and would have been shocked had I heard that he did like women He's adorable though, and I hope the bum stays in over here

 

[MrsScooby]

Actually March 20 is the final pay't date - 120 days out for this cruise.

ooops
thanks

Laurie sorry you weren't able to upgrade but glad to hear you had a good time. We had that cabin 2 years ago and liked the location. It was the 3 of us and fine for a 3 day cruise, don't think I could do it for any longer than a 4 day tho.
The location was great-so close to BBB and straight down to gangplank. However our carpet by the door was wet from a nearby leak-first time we've ever had an issue with a cabin. Took about a day for them to dry it with blowers. Seemed dry when we got back from Nassau-so no major problem.

You were asking about your son keeping in touch - make sure you look at your cell phone carrier's website on the costs of calls per minute. You don't want him calling his friends, or worse yet having them call him, and you ending up with a HUGE phone bill.
Also, for us texting is free for incoming texts but cost 50¢ for each outgoing text. We have AT&T.

Make sure you also keep a color copy of his passport.

Since it's most likely too late for you to get Euros for him to take, I would think that giving him about $40-$50/day for spending money should be good. You might want to give him a couple of ideas on what to buy DH for his b'day so he's not going crazy thinking for himself and give him a little extra money to cover that purchase.

I have trouble buying DH gifts myself (Darren if you are lurking give us some suggestions please)
I have a color copy of his passport. We have free texting for our family phones, but I will check to see what happens when out of the country.
I'll make sure he doesn't get any calls from his friends-threatening to make his friends pay for the calls should do it
I stopped at the bank for cash and the teller suggested that he convert to euros at the airport in Italy as that would be cheaper than Dulles

I have to be paid in full by January!!!!

Different deadline for Brits
or your own deadline

No birth certificate

One trick for passports - open an account on an online storage site like adrive.com. Scan the passport and store the image there. That way in an emergency he'll be able to access/print a copy anywhere there is Internet access.

Email is the least expensive way to stay in contact assuming he has Internet access. If you had enough time, I'd recommend getting an unlocked GSM world phone and buying an Italian SIM card - rates would likely be a lot less expensive than your international roaming.

If you have time get him an secure passport holder or wallet and brief him on how to avoid pickpockets.

You may still have time to get trip insurance - coverage for medial, emergency evacuation, etc.

You can get a prepaid Visa travelcard or cash card at AAA - since traveler's checks have gone out of style. They offer similar theft protection to traveler's checks. The cash card can be used at ATM's worldwide.

Don't panic.

Thanks Dan
I scanned his passport into the computer so now I just have to get it onto Adrive.
I'll have to find a AAA to see about those cash cards.
I did try to warn him about pickpockets-not sure how much he was listening
Two of my cousins were mugged in Manhattan (separate occurances) and my sister and I watched dumbfounded when this guy got his wallet snatched (also Manhattan) right near us
Now I know this is typical of big cities-not just Manhattan. My experiences are mostly there because I'm from Long Island.
His friend's Mom will be holding his passport and most of his money. She is pretty travel savy so I'm comfortable there.
Checking on trip insurance too.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Well, I had watched him as a judge on "Any Dream Will Do" on BBA and would have been shocked had I heard that he did like women He's adorable though, and I hope the bum stays in over here

He is very talented and also very sincere, a real nice guy, as well as a judge on ADWD, he is a singer, has an album, had his own Saturday night entertainment show, appears on Doctor Who, and Torchwood, funny the later two get the highest viewers.

I will not give it too much away but so you know when it should haven, its as USA TV say a slight wardrobe malfunction, Captain Jack cannot die (Rose Tyler in Doctor Who caused that). The UK government want to kill him off, so find more and more ways to do it, at one point he is covered in concrete, when he does survive that bit in Episode 2 or 5, he comes out and of course is naked.

ooops
thanks


I have trouble buying DH gifts myself (Darren if you are lurking give us some suggestions please)
I have a color copy of his passport. We have free texting for our family phones, but I will check to see what happens when out of the country.
I'll make sure he doesn't get any calls from his friends-threatening to make his friends pay for the calls should do it
I stopped at the bank for cash and the teller suggested that he convert to euros at the airport in Italy as that would be cheaper than Dulles
Different deadline for Brits
or your own deadline



Thanks Dan
I scanned his passport into the computer so now I just have to get it onto Adrive.
I'll have to find a AAA to see about those cash cards.
I did try to warn him about pickpockets-not sure how much he was listening
Two of my cousins were mugged in Manhattan (separate occurances) and my sister and I watched dumbfounded when this guy got his wallet snatched (also Manhattan) right near us
Now I know this is typical of big cities-not just Manhattan. My experiences are mostly there because I'm from Long Island.
His friend's Mom will be holding his passport and most of his money. She is pretty travel savy so I'm comfortable there.
Checking on trip insurance too.

CAT 3 Deadline

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

I thought we would have more celebrations that we are at One year now,!!

 

[jilljill]

I thought we would have more celebrations that we are at One year now,!!

Maybe there will be more celebrating tomorrow since we can say the cruise is less than a year away.

 

[jilljill]

ooops
thanks


I have trouble buying DH gifts myself (Darren if you are lurking give us some suggestions please)
I have a color copy of his passport. We have free texting for our family phones, but I will check to see what happens when out of the country.
I'll make sure he doesn't get any calls from his friends-threatening to make his friends pay for the calls should do it
I stopped at the bank for cash and the teller suggested that he convert to euros at the airport in Italy as that would be cheaper than Dulles

Exchanging currency at an airport or hotel will result in poor exchange rates. If he does need Euros before leaving the airport he should just exchange a few dollars worth and wait and exchange more when in town to get a better exchange rate.

Definately check your cell carrier to see what texting rates are for when out of the country, I bet they won't all be free.
On the Baltics cruise last summer we would send 5 or 10 texts (outgoing were 50¢ each) most days to left family/friends know how we were doing.
Do you really think he needs to take his phone with him? If it were me I would have the phone stay home and tell him to buy an international phone card over there to call you and to find an internet cafe to send a few emails to you. When we travel out of the country we only take 1 phone with us so there are no unwanted charges on the other phones.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Maybe there will be more celebrating tomorrow since we can say the cruise is less than a year away.

Exchanging currency at an airport or hotel will result in poor exchange rates. If he does need Euros before leaving the airport he should just exchange a few dollars worth and wait and exchange more when in town to get a better exchange rate.

Definately check your cell carrier to see what texting rates are for when out of the country, I bet they won't all be free.
On the Baltics cruise last summer we would send 5 or 10 texts (outgoing were 50¢ each) most days to left family/friends know how we were doing.
Do you really think he needs to take his phone with him? If it were me I would have the phone stay home and tell him to buy an international phone card over there to call you and to find an internet cafe to send a few emails to you. When we travel out of the country we only take 1 phone with us so there are no unwanted charges on the other phones.

In the UK head for Thomas Cook there rates are very good but as said avoid others in airports, central london other than high street banks.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

SHORE TRIPS

A little more for those who didn't know, but those who cruised the Med with DCL in 07 will be aware.

Firstly DCL, made a considerable amount of money from the sale of shore trips in 07. This is because 1/ The majority of their cruisers were from USA, 2/Therefore they trusted DCL more on shore trips than booking independently. -In the Caribbean USA travellers feel more comfortable booking private tours, they know it better, and the islands are close so if they missed the ship it doesn't cost too much to catch it up and its less confusing.-Disney adventures abroad proves this, higher cost for quality. 3/ The distances are far less in the Caribbean, than Europe for the sightseeing. 4/ The average cost of a shore trip in Europe is far far higher, than in the Caribbean so as commission is paid at 10% DCL get a big income.

So 'rest assured' DCL shore trips are coming, the Disney people will be out there now testing the cruise shore trips for other lines and ensuring the Disney experience is included in that.

Last time in the Med we were sent a DVD of shore trips, plus I remember you could download the Port overview and shore trips from Itunes and other places.

So it will be coming with the cruisers of the Med getting their won updated version.

 

[jilljill]

Joyce thanks for your PM. I have added your info to the first post.

 

[KathyInCitrus]

CONGRATULATIONS, MIKE!!!

Glad to have another RPh in the group.

With my sister coming, we are well supplied with pharmacists!
Congrats!

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Good morning have a good Sunday.....................

 

[MrsScooby]

CAT 3 Deadline

Exchanging currency at an airport or hotel will result in poor exchange rates. If he does need Euros before leaving the airport he should just exchange a few dollars worth and wait and exchange more when in town to get a better exchange rate.

Definately check your cell carrier to see what texting rates are for when out of the country, I bet they won't all be free.
On the Baltics cruise last summer we would send 5 or 10 texts (outgoing were 50¢ each) most days to left family/friends know how we were doing.
Do you really think he needs to take his phone with him? If it were me I would have the phone stay home and tell him to buy an international phone card over there to call you and to find an internet cafe to send a few emails to you. When we travel out of the country we only take 1 phone with us so there are no unwanted charges on the other phones.

I met up with my friend Rosaria last night and she filled me in on the details of her plans.
She doesn't want to carry a lot of cash with her so she is bringing her atm card and going to pay for all of Andrew's expenses plus his spending money. I'll pay her back when she returns. I told her how much I had planned to send with him so she had an idea of his/our budget.
She also got an international phone from verizon and will let him call us periodically for short updates. He is not much for talking on the phone so short calls are the norm for him. Leaving his cell phone home anyway as he can't find it right now
Most of his time is spent in Naples with Rosaria's family (he is looking forward to the pizza) and then she is taking him and her son to Rome, Florence and Venice before coming back to the US.
I have most everything he needs now. Gonna be hard to see him go.

 

[jilljill]

I met up with my friend Rosaria last night and she filled me in on the details of her plans.
She doesn't want to carry a lot of cash with her so she is bringing her atm card and going to pay for all of Andrew's expenses plus his spending money. I'll pay her back when she returns. I told her how much I had planned to send with him so she had an idea of his/our budget.
She also got an international phone from verizon and will let him call us periodically for short updates. He is not much for talking on the phone so short calls are the norm for him. Leaving his cell phone home anyway as he can't find it right now
Most of his time is spent in Naples with Rosaria's family (he is looking forward to the pizza) and then she is taking him and her son to Rome, Florence and Venice before coming back to the US.
I have most everything he needs now. Gonna be hard to see him go.

Sounds like everything will be working out in the end for the best and in the cheapest way for everyone.
His trip sounds wonderful and will be a great experience for him. I went to Mexico City by myself when I was 10 and stayed with a family for 2 weeks and had a great experience, something you don't get when traveling as a tourist. I still remember most of the trip - especially the hamburgers at the country club, the best I have ever anywhere.

 

[bellelinus]

I met up with my friend Rosaria last night and she filled me in on the details of her plans.
She doesn't want to carry a lot of cash with her so she is bringing her atm card and going to pay for all of Andrew's expenses plus his spending money. I'll pay her back when she returns. I told her how much I had planned to send with him so she had an idea of his/our budget.
She also got an international phone from verizon and will let him call us periodically for short updates. He is not much for talking on the phone so short calls are the norm for him. Leaving his cell phone home anyway as he can't find it right now
Most of his time is spent in Naples with Rosaria's family (he is looking forward to the pizza) and then she is taking him and her son to Rome, Florence and Venice before coming back to the US.
I have most everything he needs now. Gonna be hard to see him go.

Sounds terrific, Laurie He will really come back as a more independent world traveler - there is just a different experience to be had going to a different country without the parental units

 

[Dave and Micha]

Exchanging currency at an airport or hotel will result in poor exchange rates. If he does need Euros before leaving the airport he should just exchange a few dollars worth and wait and exchange more when in town to get a better exchange rate.

Definately check your cell carrier to see what texting rates are for when out of the country, I bet they won't all be free.
On the Baltics cruise last summer we would send 5 or 10 texts (outgoing were 50¢ each) most days to left family/friends know how we were doing.
Do you really think he needs to take his phone with him? If it were me I would have the phone stay home and tell him to buy an international phone card over there to call you and to find an internet cafe to send a few emails to you. When we travel out of the country we only take 1 phone with us so there are no unwanted charges on the other phones.

Actually, you get the short end of the stick exchanging no matter where it is... these days it almost always works out to your advantage simply to get local currency out of the local ATMs. Check with your bank, but unless they charge some crazy sum you will usually get the most up to date exchange rate and won't have to pay a commission. The only place on your itinerary that I would NOT do that is Russia... and they take US dollars or Euros for most anything you want to buy.

 

[Flora Fan]

The only place on your itinerary that I would NOT do that is Russia... and they take US dollars or Euros for most anything you want to buy.

Just an FYI...The following is from the DCL website regarding Russian monies:

The unit of currency in Russia is the Ruble. It is illegal to bring rubles in or out of Russia. It is advisable to return remaining Rubles to the same bank or exchange office that it was purchased from. Previously the U.S. dollar had been widely accepted; however, recent laws now restrict the use of foreign currencies.

Money exchanges can be made at most larger hotels, official banks and currency exchange offices. It is not advisable to exchange currency on the street. You must retain your receipts for any money exchanges.

 

[jilljill]

Actually, you get the short end of the stick exchanging no matter where it is... these days it almost always works out to your advantage simply to get local currency out of the local ATMs. Check with your bank, but unless they charge some crazy sum you will usually get the most up to date exchange rate and won't have to pay a commission. The only place on your itinerary that I would NOT do that is Russia... and they take US dollars or Euros for most anything you want to buy.

Just an FYI...The following is from the DCL website regarding Russian monies:

The unit of currency in Russia is the Ruble. It is illegal to bring rubles in or out of Russia. It is advisable to return remaining Rubles to the same bank or exchange office that it was purchased from. Previously the U.S. dollar had been widely accepted; however, recent laws now restrict the use of foreign currencies.

Money exchanges can be made at most larger hotels, official banks and currency exchange offices. It is not advisable to exchange currency on the street. You must retain your receipts for any money exchanges.

Actually last summer we did get rubles out of an ATM in Russia and had no problems. Some cafes only take rubles and no credit cards so we had to get some. Although our tour guide had rubles available to us and could pay her back in either rubles or US$ it was easier to re-pay her in rubles. We had some left over and used those as a tip for our driver since the amount left was what we were giving him for a tip anyways. We were on a private tour.

We also paid with rubles at one of the souvenier shops. They took either US$, euros or rubles and everything was priced in the 3 currencies.

 

[KathyInCitrus]

Can anybody fill me in on what Disney is offering for pre- or post-cruise packages, particulary in the Dover area?

I'm gathering info to see if it's better to do it on my own, or thru Disney. (Thank you Celestine! )

How about the airfare, US to London & return? [or not . . . ]

Thanks.