August 18, 2010...Can't wait for the MAGICal Mediterranean!!!

[K8T]

thanks....i like to give the suggested amount (up front) and then supplement (at the end of the cruise )based on service....crazy...i know

We have prepaid ours, we will then tip extra to those who we feel have gone the extra. I couldn't not give anything, I know that the tips do make up a considerable part of their salary. I think one of the most useful things for excellent service, is a mention on the feedback form, I believe they may get bounus' for positive feedback!

Son and I leave for Germany tomorrow !! We take off from Raleigh at 2:00,
take off from Atlanta at 5:40 and then land in Stuttgart at 9:00 am on the
11th (3:00 am EST)....I should be able to get back on the Disboards Wed or Thurs to wish everyone else safe travels

Good luck to all with last minute preparations

Shawn

PS I am doing W6D3 tomorrow morning which is 25 min run non-stop

Safe journey and best of luck with the run. You can do this!!! 'Just keep running.....' (said in the way of Dory), and focus on your holiday next week!

Yes. They are on three decks midship. Wash and dry are $2 each. Soap etc is $1. They take the kttw card so no change needed. If u are planning on doing laundry, pick up the Purex all in one sheets. Detergent and dryer sheet in one. They work really well and don't make a mess in the luggage (and take up no room)
Lisa

As usual, we don't have such things in the UK!!! We do have washing 'tablets' though, which are great for travelling with.

Shawn, When you got your tickets here - did multiple tickets print out... I only got 1 ticket... but I printed the screens as I went along and confirm I ordered 3..... DH thinks I did something wrong since they were not timed tickets.... Were yours timed?

Mine didn't print out at first, so I clicked on a 'contact us if tickets won't print' button and they sent me an email confirmation with a Ref No. WEB00......and our name, it said to go to the reserved cashier station and they will print your tickets for you. However, I then clicked 'back' on my browser and it went pack to the print ticket button and they printed OK. Each one is on a separate piece of paper (just a strip at the top of an A4), the only date they have is the date I purchased for and it says valid for two days, but no specific times.

I would think if you have a reference number, you will be OK, as this will show your transaction.

It doesn't look like we will be able to climb the tower at Pisa, it says children over 8 years only on the booking, I don't think dd would pass for 8 (well she is only 5 (nearly 6!). I am going to look at a few other booking sites to see if it is missed off on theirs!!

Have a safe journey MacG. See you next week.

Vicky, are you sticking with the earlier flight, or going to go on the 18th?

I am in work again today, only two days left, then I can concentrate on getting organised. It's sort of weighing on my mind that I haven't got much sorted yet!!!

Have a good day everyone and enjoy your laundry!!!!

 

[pixie08]

Safe travels MacG and Shawn!

We leave Friday night so I am pretty excited, not packed though because my boss has been working me to death. I go in at 8:00am and do not leave until 6/7pm because she says I have to tie up some loose ends (which is not true at this point). Anyway, I have been walking up at 6am every morning for the last few days and tomorrow jump to 5am, then thursday 4am and hopefully 3:30 am on Friday. I have read multiple times that this helps with jetlag because you start adjusting yourself to European time. Hope it works, I hate jet lag and usually get it pretty bad when I travel to Europe.....

ok I have a question about all this tip talk. When we were on DCL last they simply gave you envelopes so you can put cash in for everyone's tips. Do they still do this or do you have to pay via your onboard account? I really like giving people their gratuities so I really prefer not to charge it to obc????

 

[crzy4dals]

Yes!!!!!! I'm finished packing. We leave for Paris tomorrow at 5:30pm. We're spending the day at DH's office near the airport since he has to work until midday. Boy does it feel good to be packed. I can't say it's all that organized but at least it's done.

Safe travels and enjoy Paris! See you in a few days!!!!

......
Mine didn't print out at first, so I clicked on a 'contact us if tickets won't print' button and they sent me an email confirmation with a Ref No. WEB00......and our name, it said to go to the reserved cashier station and they will print your tickets for you. However, I then clicked 'back' on my browser and it went pack to the print ticket button and they printed OK. Each one is on a separate piece of paper (just a strip at the top of an A4), the only date they have is the date I purchased for and it says valid for two days, but no specific times.

I would think if you have a reference number, you will be OK, as this will show your transaction.

I am in work again today, only two days left, then I can concentrate on getting organised. It's sort of weighing on my mind that I haven't got much sorted yet!!!

Have a good day everyone and enjoy your laundry!!!!

Thanks - at least I am not the only one with an issue - ugghh
Have fun with the laundry--- I cant wait to start packing tonight... My goal is to get DS done.

 

[graysm]

Safe travels MacG and Shawn!

We leave Friday night so I am pretty excited....ok I have a question about all this tip talk. When we were on DCL last they simply gave you envelopes so you can put cash in for everyone's tips. Do they still do this or do you have to pay via your onboard account? I really like giving people their gratuities so I really prefer not to charge it to obc????

Hi Mary - Yes, you still receive the envelopes for tips. That's the way I'll do it too so the folks can receive cash. It seems like the board has been very, very busy. It's great to see so much activity.

I have laundry to do, finish putting my FEs togther (I have 4 more to put together, but ran out of treat bags so a trip to Wal-Mart today), and finish sorting out my clothes.

 

[pixie08]

Oh great...thanks Stacey. I was thinking they still had to do that. Good luck packing.

 

[pixie08]

Just a reminder for those of you leaving ....

Our Dis-Meet is set for Thursday, our first Day at sea. It will be held on Deck 3 in the Promenade Lounge and it will start at 12:15 p.m.

 

[mindelmouse]

We have prepaid ours, we will then tip extra to those who we feel have gone the extra. I couldn't not give anything, I know that the tips do make up a considerable part of their salary. I think one of the most useful things for excellent service, is a mention on the feedback form, I believe they may get bounus' for positive feedback!

Again I ask, why prepay. I absolutely am going to tip them, why charge it early. They don't get it any earlier. Why not do it while you are on the ship. I"m not understanding the logic. Can someone explain?

 

[jel0511]

I'm too lazy to go back and find the quotes, but I had a thought about everyone who says they look to see if their child is still breathing at night... I have a hormonal 12YO daughter, who's LUCKY to be allowed to REMAIN breathing MOST days!!!!!! To those leaving safe travels. To those almost packed, I'm jealous!!!! Thursday is laundry day and then I'll spend Fri and Sat packing.

An update about Darren's Euro fun of yesterday. All the wondering was for naught because once he figured out the unadvertised fees into the posted exchange rages, everyone seemed to be on the same page. He ended going back to Amex in the end, which is where he started out at. Tonight we officially become "green" in the house. We sign the contracts to have solar panels installed!!!!!!

 

[mindelmouse]

I feel so behind. I know what I'm packing for my clothes. I made a list mostly. I started one for the kids and then decided that I'd just figure it out as I went along. I did make a list of non clothes. DH has it, need to get it back. Not done with FE yet. Trying to set up transport from airport. Trip advisor has a highly recommended tour guide that will pick you up at the airport and give you a 4 hour tour...may work well for us. Awaiting their email response. DH got out suitcases and packing cubes. Clothes are at cleaners (hoping he doesn't lose anything). Will call and confirm car service this weekend and print out plane tickets. Picked up Euros from bank...what am I forgetting? I know I'm forgetting something, hopefully I'll remember everything.

 

[mindelmouse]

I'm too lazy to go back and find the quotes, but I had a thought about everyone who says they look to see if their child is still breathing at night... I have a hormonal 12YO daughter, who's LUCKY to be allowed to REMAIN breathing MOST days!!!!!! To those leaving safe travels. To those almost packed, I'm jealous!!!! Thursday is laundry day and then I'll spend Fri and Sat packing.

An update about Darren's Euro fun of yesterday. All the wondering was for naught because once he figured out the unadvertised fees into the posted exchange rages, everyone seemed to be on the same page. He ended going back to Amex in the end, which is where he started out at. Tonight we officially become "green" in the house. We sign the contracts to have solar panels installed!!!!!!

Lori - telll me about the solar panels. We have wanted to do it for the longest time but thought it was cost prohibitive now that NJ has discontinued the subsudies....

 

[jel0511]

Again I ask, why prepay. I absolutely am going to tip them, why charge it early. They don't get it any earlier. Why not do it while you are on the ship. I"m not understanding the logic. Can someone explain?

Mindy, I'm with you, but I'll try.... First off I believe DCL requires those from the Euro Zone to prepay gratuities due to the different tipping guidelines between the US and Euro Zone. Also, a lot of people like to have it done with in advance and not have to worry about a large bill when they return. I shudder to think what my Credit Card statement is going to look like when we return. I'll probably have at least 8k on it when we return and we'll pay it off when the bill comes.

 

[mindelmouse]

Mindy, I'm with you, but I'll try.... First off I believe DCL requires those from the Euro Zone to prepay gratuities due to the different tipping guidelines between the US and Euro Zone. Also, a lot of people like to have it done with in advance and not have to worry about a large bill when they return. I shudder to think what my Credit Card statement is going to look like when we return. I'll probably have at least 8k on it when we return and we'll pay it off when the bill comes.

Ok...I get that, but at this point those that are talking about prepaying, wouldn't be prepaying all that early. Chances are they would still be getting charged on the same credit card statements as we will, perhaps the one before. I could understand wanting to pay it off early and then charging it months ago, I don't get the prepaying now.

 

[K8T]

Again I ask, why prepay. I absolutely am going to tip them, why charge it early. They don't get it any earlier. Why not do it while you are on the ship. I"m not understanding the logic. Can someone explain?

Basically for us it is simply that it is done with. We paid when we paid for the cruise - well after the PIF date!! We still get a choice whether to do this or not, unless you book on a TA perk (like last time and it is automatically included in the cost). Not only is it less to go on our account (which is usually huge due to wine!!), We don't have to worry about faffing about with getting dollars, or euros together on the last night/morning. To be honest, we always find this a bit of a pain, sorting out envelopes and cash etc.. The amounts involved, don't warrant too much loss of interest on the monies, it is nothing to do with when the charges come off the card really, more of just one less thing to think about!

Yes we could put it on our onboard account at the time of cruise, but would need to go to Guest Services for this and the world and his wife are always queuing there!!! You get the same slips if you prepay before, or on board via your account.

You get a little slip delivered to your cabin on the last evening, that confirms the amount prepaid and you give this - in an envelope if you wish - to your server, along with any extra that you may feel appropriate. We always get some extra envelopes from our cabin steward, to give cash to anyone else we felt has helped i.e. kids club staff or a particular CM.

I do know someone who prepaid and was very unhappy with a certain CM who was on the prepaid list and they got GS to remove the tip - now that makes a statement!

However Mindy, I expect your Concerige will sort it all out for you!¬

 

[mindelmouse]

Basically for us it is simply that it is done with. We paid when we paid for the cruise - well after the PIF date!! We still get a choice whether to do this or not, unless you book on a TA perk (like last time and it is automatically included in the cost). Not only is it less to go on our account (which is usually huge due to wine!!), We don't have to worry about faffing about with getting dollars, or euros together on the last night/morning. To be honest, we always find this a bit of a pain, sorting out envelopes and cash etc.. The amounts involved, don't warrant too much loss of interest on the monies, it is nothing to do with when the charges come off the card really, more of just one less thing to think about!

Yes we could put it on our onboard account at the time of cruise, but would need to go to Guest Services for this and the world and his wife are always queuing there!!! You get the same slips if you prepay before, or on board via your account.

You get a little slip delivered to your cabin on the last evening, that confirms the amount prepaid and you give this - in an envelope if you wish - to your server, along with any extra that you may feel appropriate. We always get some extra envelopes from our cabin steward, to give cash to anyone else we felt has helped i.e. kids club staff or a particular CM.

I do know someone who prepaid and was very unhappy with a certain CM who was on the prepaid list and they got GS to remove the tip - now that makes a statement!

However Mindy, I expect your Concerige will sort it all out for you!¬

Actually, the concierge probably will. I'm going to get the little slips too...just not going to do it until i get there. That's what I did last time and it worked out fine.

 

[Disneyrus]

Thanks for the Purex suggestion. I was just measuring out dry laundry detergent last night thinking there must be a better way!

We are leaving on Saturday. I hope I live till then.....

Have an audit at work ..... not sure when I will get home to finish my list of 200 items......

Can't wait to be on the plane......

 

[pirateluv]

Have a safe (stress free ) trip Shawn and MacG!!!
Even though we are one of the last to leave, we are all packed!!! I can hear the ship's horn in my head!
-Joan

 

[pirateluv]

I have been loading up my iPod with cruise music! I have the Zac Brown Band's "Where The Boat Leaves From" stuck in my head ........... AND the ship's horn!
-Joan

 

[MinnieDiva]

As usual, we don't have such things in the UK!!! We do have washing 'tablets' though, which are great for travelling with.

I have more than I can ever need. I'll bring extra for you.....

 

[MinnieDiva]

I feel so behind. I know what I'm packing for my clothes. I made a list mostly. I started one for the kids and then decided that I'd just figure it out as I went along. I did make a list of non clothes. DH has it, need to get it back. Not done with FE yet. Trying to set up transport from airport. Trip advisor has a highly recommended tour guide that will pick you up at the airport and give you a 4 hour tour...may work well for us. Awaiting their email response. DH got out suitcases and packing cubes. Clothes are at cleaners (hoping he doesn't lose anything). Will call and confirm car service this weekend and print out plane tickets. Picked up Euros from bank...what am I forgetting? I know I'm forgetting something, hopefully I'll remember everything.

Mail hold?

 

[mindelmouse]

Mail hold?

did that last week...thanks though!