Is anyone cruising with me on the August 27th 2011 Meditteranean Cruise? Hellooooo?

[BWV Dreamin]

Thanks Joy! Would you happen to remember what the cost of a 6x8 pic costs? For some reason $9.99 sticks in my mind. But then we have the VAT tax?.... I don't know what to do?

We bought several of the formal night ones last time. Two were in Lumineres at dinner, one was in front of the Dis Magic background, then another with Mickey in all of his fancy clothes. We bought a couple from castaway cay, one in front of the ship and another of my daughter in the water, I know this doesn't apply here but I'm sure there will be some photo ops on the dockside at some ports. Then on pirate night we bought one took in animators and one of my daughter with Jack Sparrow (a very good likeness, better than any others that I've seen posted on these boards it could well have been Johnny). Other than that I think it was mainly small character photos which we used the 20 credit package up on. Lots of people buy the photo they take as you board but I ours wasn't that great I think I was just anxious to get on the boat and didn't feel dressed for proper photos.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

I will refrain from comment until I see a pic! I am assuming this item is a dress? What ever it is I'm sure you will look fabulous in it!

Soooooooooooooooooooooooooooo, will you all pretend you don't know me if I wear my Drindl to dinner one night I think it is so pretty and I only get to wear it about twice a year, so I was toying with the idea of taking it for dinner once. Would that just seem pathetic to you?

 

[celocey]

We just ordered a digital camcorder for the cruise!! Almost the 3 week mark!
So. Excited.

 

[JoyB-UK]

Thanks Joy! Would you happen to remember what the cost of a 6x8 pic costs? For some reason $9.99 sticks in my mind. But then we have the VAT tax?.... I don't know what to do?

I can't remember the cost but 9.99 sounds about right for the smaller ones because that would mean 10 would be just under $100 and the 10 credit package is $89 meaning that you would effectively get one free. But remember the one you want might not be a small one, they decide what size to print them there is no choice, I think all of our formal night photos we have are the larger size.

I called DCL yesterday and booked the 10 credit package, it was $89 plus a dollar service fee, but because I prepaid there is no VAT on it. Without this we would have ended up getting the 20 credit package for $149 plus another $27 in VAT which I can't claim back.

For those people for whom this is their first DCL cruise and especially if you have several children with you there will be no problem filling out the 20 credit package. We had to make a couple of tough decisions last time as to which photos to leave behind.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

Wow I did not know that. Well that makes my decision then. I'll prepay for the 10 credits. I only want 6x8's. Is there a deadline? How late can I wait to prepay?

I can't remember the cost but 9.99 sounds about right for the smaller ones because that would mean 10 would be just under $100 and the 10 credit package is $89 meaning that you would effectively get one free. But remember the one you want might not be a small one, they decide what size to print them there is no choice, I think all of our formal night photos we have are the larger size.

I called DCL yesterday and booked the 10 credit package, it was $89 plus a dollar service fee, but because I prepaid there is no VAT on it. Without this we would have ended up getting the 20 credit package for $149 plus another $27 in VAT which I can't claim back.

For those people for whom this is their first DCL cruise and especially if you have several children with you there will be no problem filling out the 20 credit package. We had to make a couple of tough decisions last time as to which photos to leave behind.

 

[NHdisneylover]

Do it. We went out to dinner last week to the local Indian restaurant and my friend Lib showed up in a sari. She had bought it in India years ago and never had a chance to wear it. It made the night so fun.

I think it would be adorable!! My husband bought a sari for me when he was in India a couple of months ago. If I knew how it worked, I would bring it.
I say if you love the dress then go for it!

I love, love, love saris--I think they are some of the most flattering clothing out there for women. Neither David nor I has ever been to India--but if we ever go I am SO getting one

Thanks for the encouragement I think I probably will bring it then.

Only if your DH wears reindeer Lederhosen to match your Dirndl

Sorry, no luck there

I will refrain from comment until I see a pic! I am assuming this item is a dress? What ever it is I'm sure you will look fabulous in it!

A Dirndl is the traditional Bavarian dress (what Americans always think of when they think of Germany), this is a photo off the internet (not me) but it is the same dirndl that I have (very summery):

We just ordered a digital camcorder for the cruise!! Almost the 3 week mark!
So. Excited.

It is always so nice to have the photos to remember all the fun

I can't remember the cost but 9.99 sounds about right for the smaller ones because that would mean 10 would be just under $100 and the 10 credit package is $89 meaning that you would effectively get one free. But remember the one you want might not be a small one, they decide what size to print them there is no choice, I think all of our formal night photos we have are the larger size.

I called DCL yesterday and booked the 10 credit package, it was $89 plus a dollar service fee, but because I prepaid there is no VAT on it. Without this we would have ended up getting the 20 credit package for $149 plus another $27 in VAT which I can't claim back.

For those people for whom this is their first DCL cruise and especially if you have several children with you there will be no problem filling out the 20 credit package. We had to make a couple of tough decisions last time as to which photos to leave behind.

We're funny--even with two kids we have only bought up to three photos on one cruise. Often we don't end up with any worth buying (which is partly due to not have loads taken I am sure). We always end up with better shots on our camera than what DCL gets.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

Ok, just found out additional info about this 10 Credit Pre-Pay photo option. Apparently, you can not pick what sizes you want. They take the pictures and make them the sizes THEY want to, so you buy'em or not. Since I don't want ANY 8x10's, this is not going to work for me. Sooooo, are there any people here who have 2nd seating that I could borrow for a minute to take our picture in our formal wear? That is the only picture I really care about getting.

 

[floridahippy]

I believe that if you have your photo taken with one of the characters (if thats what you want - or just your party with a background) then you can ask a CM to take one with your camera too at the same time - and then not just buy the professional one.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

I believe that if you have your photo taken with one of the characters (if thats what you want - or just your party with a background) then you can ask a CM to take one with your camera too at the same time - and then not just buy the professional one.

YEAHHHHH!!!!!! That's all I want!

 

[NHdisneylover]

Ok, just found out additional info about this 10 Credit Pre-Pay photo option. Apparently, you can not pick what sizes you want. They take the pictures and make them the sizes THEY want to, so you buy'em or not. Since I don't want ANY 8x10's, this is not going to work for me. Sooooo, are there any people here who have 2nd seating that I could borrow for a minute to take our picture in our formal wear? That is the only picture I really care about getting.

We'd be happy to take some photos of you

 

[BWV Dreamin]

We'd be happy to take some photos of you

Awesome!!!

 

[Halo]

I called DCL yesterday and booked the 10 credit package, it was $89 plus a dollar service fee, but because I prepaid there is no VAT on it.

I think this might have been an error on the CM's part - the website says that the price quoted excludes any relevant sales tax (i.e. that the sales tax (VAT) will be applied additionally). Worst case, you will be no worse off - best case you will have saved 18%.

Your post got me excited, as we plan on getting a CD Rom at $399 + tax; so we could potentially have saved $76 by pre-ordering - but they don't appear to offer the photo package CD as a pre-order.

EDIT: Wording on website is "Prices do not include sales tax" and on the downloadable order form "Prices exclude applicable sales tax".

 

[austraveler]

On the photography theme....I am thinking of buying a new camera for the trip. I am looking at the canon 550d which I think is called a "rebel" in the USA. Does anyone have insight as to whether lugging a real camera around (as opposed to a small happy snapper) is too annoying?

 

[JoyB-UK]

I think this might have been an error on the CM's part - the website says that the price quoted excludes any relevant sales tax (i.e. that the sales tax (VAT) will be applied additionally). Worst case, you will be no worse off - best case you will have saved 18%.

Your post got me excited, as we plan on getting a CD Rom at $399 + tax; so we could potentially have saved $76 by pre-ordering - but they don't appear to offer the photo package CD as a pre-order.

EDIT: Wording on website is "Prices do not include sales tax" and on the downloadable order form "Prices exclude applicable sales tax".

Mmmm, well I'll have to see what comes through on the credit card, nothing showing yet, but the cast members specific words were " its $90 dollars including tax and service fee", and that my credit card is being charged $90.
If I get charged more then maybe I've got room for complaint as it wasn't stated or agreed for them to take more Oh well, just have to see what appears on my statement.

When it says it doesn't include applicable sales tax is it referring to US sales tax? Is that a general statement for all the gifts/amenities? Photos onboard aren't usually taxed (non med I mean) so is it applicable? I just look at it in the sense that I have purchased something from the US, from a US company where payment has been taken in dollars, so why should it be subject to VAT as the sale is outside of the EU? Anyway I wanted a 10 credit package which isn't available onboard and now I have one, with or without the VAT, so either way I'm happy
Joy

 

[JoyB-UK]

On the photography theme....I am thinking of buying a new camera for the trip. I am looking at the canon 550d which I think is called a "rebel" in the USA. Does anyone have insight as to whether lugging a real camera around (as opposed to a small happy snapper) is too annoying?

I have the canon 1000d which is the model below the 550d and is roughly the same size. It is the first SLR I have ever had and I'm really pleased with it. But yes it is bulky, I have bought a new handbag for the trip specifically with fitting the camera into it in mind. I usually carry a small bag with a couple of pockets for money and a few small essentials but you can't do it with this camera. It needs to be concealed when not in use. But for a trip like yours when you are traveling around the world it is definitely worth it. I would recommend buying an additional lens though as the standard is 18-55mm that comes with it and its not got a very far range. My old panasonic lumix had a much better zoom feature for longer distance. I haven't managed to purchase another yet as the next one up is £200 and at the moment the pennies are tight for the trip.
Joy

 

[celocey]

On the photography theme....I am thinking of buying a new camera for the trip. I am looking at the canon 550d which I think is called a "rebel" in the USA. Does anyone have insight as to whether lugging a real camera around (as opposed to a small happy snapper) is too annoying?

Hi, I am bringing a Canon T1i, Digital SLR with me and maybe a couple of extra lenses. I know it will be extra weight and bother, but the quality of the photos makes it worth it. We'll also bring a little point and shoot digital camera. Our daughter recommended this if you want a group photo and are asking a stranger in one of the cities to take the photo. That way if they run off with the camera it's not the big, expensive one! For me, the photo's are the most important "souvenirs" and I want the best quality I can possibly get. But, my dad was a photographer and owned a camera shop so it's kind of ingrained in me!! Just be careful what type of bag you store it in. There are lots of warnings out there for backpacks being filched by pickpockets.

 

[celocey]

I have the canon 1000d which is the model below the 550d and is roughly the same size. It is the first SLR I have ever had and I'm really pleased with it. But yes it is bulky, I have bought a new handbag for the trip specifically with fitting the camera into it in mind. I usually carry a small bag with a couple of pockets for money and a few small essentials but you can't do it with this camera. It needs to be concealed when not in use. But for a trip like yours when you are traveling around the world it is definitely worth it. I would recommend buying an additional lens though as the standard is 18-55mm that comes with it and its not got a very far range. My old panasonic lumix had a much better zoom feature for longer distance. I haven't managed to purchase another yet as the next one up is £200 and at the moment the pennies are tight for the trip.
Joy

Joy, I did the same thing for my bag. I bought a Lowepro Passport sling bag that will double as my purse. It doesn't scream "camera bag" (at least I don't think so!). I read a trip report where someone rented a lens for the trip. I believe it was an 18 - 200mm??? That would be amazing but I'm not sure if one is available for Canon SLR's.

 

[TJFrack]

Ok, just found out additional info about this 10 Credit Pre-Pay photo option. Apparently, you can not pick what sizes you want. They take the pictures and make them the sizes THEY want to, so you buy'em or not. Since I don't want ANY 8x10's, this is not going to work for me. Sooooo, are there any people here who have 2nd seating that I could borrow for a minute to take our picture in our formal wear? That is the only picture I really care about getting.

Get my husband to take your photo for Free! don't buy DCL photos! They are awful photographers and overpriced, who aren't even disney employees. It is an outsourced company. After our experience with the company on the panama canal cruise and the crappy photos they took I wouldn't even waste my time. The photos at the theme parks are awesome the cruise ship not so much.

As for hauling around a big camera it is annoying, but hey in the grand scheme it isn't a big deal and the photos we get are amazing. My husband loves the DSLR because it is so much faster and higher quality than the point and shoot. We carry both, but he takes the good pictures mine are more just hey look that's cool.

 

[Halo]

don't buy DCL photos! They are awful photographers and overpriced, who aren't even disney employees. It is an outsourced company. After our experience with the company on the panama canal cruise and the crappy photos they took I wouldn't even waste my time. The photos at the theme parks are awesome the cruise ship not so much.

You are right about it being an outsourced company but we sailed on the Magic in May and the photographers were very good in our experience. Sorry that was not your experience, on your Panama Cruise. The photo service was another issue, with much angst on the last day that many hadn't received all their photos - ourselves included - but it was eventually resolved, but the photos themselves were fantastic. Yes it's expensive - much more than at the theme parks, but the cost of having photographers on the cruise for the outsourced company must, I suppose, be large and needs to be covered in the cost. Whilst expensive, it's still, in my experience, less expensive than going to a photographer for a session at home would be. Of course YMMV.

 

[diane aggelidou]

Well my FE has gone from cabin to cabin with each child now a seperate gift as found it difficult as some have upto 4 kids,many ranging in age etc and I felt guilty and thought could cause kids problems/arguments,so blow and behold,tried to cover each child seperately age/sex etc with their own bought small gift + Tiffs FE project gift (pirate med shell rings that she collected herself from beach over 3 months ( can wear if finger small) or can be put on necklace/bracelet (something she did alone as remember only age 6 and her idea was cool for pirate night and a little piece of med)

Been busy having formal dresses fitted by tailor,pirate costumes all ready! Only live once!so trying to have fun/elegance etc all in one trip!