July 20th, 2011 – 10 Night Mediterranean "Mickey's European Explorers"

[madmum63]

Sorry for your troubles! The note in the hanger will be great! I hope your room assignment works out! Not an inconvenience at all, Andrea!

Meagan

Thanks Meagan. There is always one that has to be trouble. Sadly it seems to be me

Not long now.

Andrea

 

[thestewarts]

I think everyone can come along, whether or not you are in the FE. That is just an optional thing to do.

I just had a look at the 29th June Cruise thread, they are all back now and saying what they thought was good, bad etc. on their trip, its interesting to read.

They met up at Teller Tapas, just north off Placa Catalyna (sp), I think we may head there Tuesday evening, if anyone wants to come along. I am not going to book or arrange anything formal, just in case we are too tired etc., but that will be the plan, around 6/7 in the evening.

Kate

Hi Kate
That's just around the corner from our hotel. So, depending on what's happening Tuesday, we may pop in and say hi but how will we know who's who? Red ribbon time?

 

[new_mommy]

To be honest, I had got no further than thinking about it as and idea!!! I was hoping someone else would know somewhere and say they would be going!

I have been trying to find some more info on Palermo and came across this article in The Times. Makes me think perhaps Palermo isn't as bad as others have been saying!!!

Last day at work for me today, tomorrow is ironing, putting FE's together and packing. I am NOT going to be doing it all on Monday, as we leave on Tuesday.

By the way, we are thinking of getting an Ipad (I love my iphone), to take with us for movies and games on the plane etc. Does anyone have any experience of them and can you upload photos from a digital camera? Just thought it worth asking.

Kate

Hi Kate,

You can upload photos on an ipad. You need a $29 camera kit to do it, but that allows you to put an SD card into the ipad. It could be a great backup for all those photos!

 

[Willem]

Hi Kate,

You can upload photos on an ipad. You need a $29 camera kit to do it, but that allows you to put an SD card into the ipad. It could be a great backup for all those photos!

Didn't know that sorry. Sounds interesting!

 

[Bec-n-Ken]

Does anyone here know how close the trains get to the port in Barcelona? Or how far we would have to walk from the last stop? We will be staying at the Holiday Inn Express Molins De Rei. Any help would be great. Thanks!

 

[thestewarts]

Hi Kate,

You can upload photos on an ipad. You need a $29 camera kit to do it, but that allows you to put an SD card into the ipad. It could be a great backup for all those photos!

Kate

Think this is what she means:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/BadBoyz-Pre...HAJY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1310676004&sr=8-1

 

[thestewarts]

Does anyone here know how close the trains get to the port in Barcelona? Or how far we would have to walk from the last stop? We will be staying at the Holiday Inn Express Molins De Rei. Any help would be great. Thanks!

Looks like the nearest station is about 3km from the dock. Also looks like there would be a few changes from where you're staying.

 

[goterps1986]

Starmaker-RE: DD has been having some great chats with other girls from out trip, they've totally organised themselves for a meet in the terminal - that should be fun to see them "do their thing!!" when they all get together

I know I'm coming in late but we have a DD that just turned 14. Would she be able to chat with everyone and maybe meet up at the port? She's so excited and that might get the ball rolling! Let me know and I'll have her send some messages. Thanks!

 

[Bec-n-Ken]

Looks like the nearest station is about 3km from the dock. Also looks like there would be a few changes from where you're staying.

Do you know what the nearest station is where we would need to get off? Thanks!

 

[mommy_grrl]

Hi Kate,

You can upload photos on an ipad. You need a $29 camera kit to do it, but that allows you to put an SD card into the ipad. It could be a great backup for all those photos!

I love my ipad, and I have the SD card kit but - just be aware - your photos will eat up a LOT of memory. I haven't tried uploading to the ipad and then downloading to a memory stick as a backup (there is a USB jack in the packet with the SD card kit)

I'm probably going to selectively upload pictures in case I am able to blog (but I've got a fellow Twitterer onboard at the mo' and she said the wifi is still deadly slow). I bought a couple extra SD cards to take with me instead, so as my cards fill up I can switch them out...

But in general, the iPad is fabulous, and I have some TV shows loaded on (should buy a movie, now that I'm thinking of it) for the kids (along with Angry birds, some kids book apps) as well as the Kindle app.

It won't replace my Macbook, which is staying home this trip in the hopes that in less crazy ports I can bring the ipad to find some wifi!

 

[mommy_grrl]

quick question: do we know what night is semi-formal night?

I'm thinking I read it was Villefranche, which is the same night I have Palo booked.

My husband thought we could take the kids to dinner (we have main seating) and just have a drink while they eat (so they can get dressed up - Sam is excited to wear a tie to a "fancy dinner" that we told him we'd prolly do...)

Trying to figure out how to sneak the princess dresses in the bag....don't think the hubs can come up with a good excuse for packing THOSE.

Seriously cannot wait to see the kids faces when they realize that the trip "down the coast" will be on the Magic!!!!!!!

 

[K8T]

Hi Kate
That's just around the corner from our hotel. So, depending on what's happening Tuesday, we may pop in and say hi but how will we know who's who? Red ribbon time?

Could be!! We will be the 'loud' English folk - will you be the 'loud' Scottish lot? All we need is the 'loud' Belgium lot and a few of the American lot!!!

Hi Kate,

You can upload photos on an ipad. You need a $29 camera kit to do it, but that allows you to put an SD card into the ipad. It could be a great backup for all those photos!

Thanks, I found this out today, when I had a quick visit to PC World. However Ipad2's are in short supply at the moment - not sure whether we should just get the Ipad1 and not worry about it. Just have to convince the otherhalf that it IS a good idea. Grandma has been staying for a few days and dd loved it, when Grandma asked if dd would miss her, she said.... 'A bit Grandma, but I will miss your Ipad more!'

quick question: do we know what night is semi-formal night?

I'm thinking I read it was Villefranche, which is the same night I have Palo booked.

My husband thought we could take the kids to dinner (we have main seating) and just have a drink while they eat (so they can get dressed up - Sam is excited to wear a tie to a "fancy dinner" that we told him we'd prolly do...)

Trying to figure out how to sneak the princess dresses in the bag....don't think the hubs can come up with a good excuse for packing THOSE.

Seriously cannot wait to see the kids faces when they realize that the trip "down the coast" will be on the Magic!!!!!!!

Didn't realise you hadn't told them - how wonderful.

By the way, VAT will be added onto the price of purchases on this cruise, apparently because it will not be sailing out of European waters (although we haven't had this on other cruises we have done in the Med), as such, there will be an additional amount added to the price of purchases from the shop, spa and drinks. I know drinks are 8%, not sure about other things. However, I asked the question of Dreams Unlimited (who managed our booking), whether if we pre-purchase are we still liable for the Tax and they have received the following from DCL.


Your email to our sales office has been brought to my attention and I appreciate the opportunity to follow up with you.

I truly regret any disappointment or confusion regarding the Value Added Tax applicable to purchases made onboard the Disney Magic during our Mediterranean sailings. I hope you understand that this tax is applied by the European Union for purchases and services within its boundaries, including the Mediterranean . Guests who do not reside within the European Union are able to file for a refund of this tax at the conclusion of their vacation; however, shipboard purchases may not be combined with purchases made in our ports of call. Separate claim forms will need to be obtained from the store where shore side purchases are made. Guests receive a letter in their stateroom and presentations are offered to inform guests on how to apply for the refund.

Currently, purchases made through the Disney Cruise Line Amenities department prior to sailing are not subject to the VAT.

I hope this information proves helpful. We look forward to welcoming your guests aboard the Disney Magic.


If you live in the States, you can fill in a form and claim this back, but for anyone in Europe, you just pay extra and lose it!




Kate

 

[mommy_grrl]

Didn't realise you hadn't told them - how wonderful.

Kate

We are really looking forward to going to Barcelona for the first time, and we knew that if we told the kids, they'd spend every minute we were there asking when they get to go on the boat!!! It started out with purely selfish motives...
but I'm looking forward to spilling the beans, as it's been difficult to keep it a secret!

 

[helenreed]

Kate

Think this is what she means:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/BadBoyz-Pre...HAJY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1310676004&sr=8-1

Thanks for that, I have just ordered one with express delivery for tomorrow.
I am now at the panic stations stage where I cannot possibly get everything done in time, yikes! Who needs sleep anyway!

 

[mommy_grrl]

When do you leave, Helen? We leave tomorrow after lunch and I'm veering toward panic mode as I need to pack today...and my husband told me today he'll get to it tomorrow.

Which sounds blasé, but really isn't once he tries to find space for his shoes!!!

The last FE gift is not coming together as I'd hoped, either - and now the kids are off school so I can only work on them tonite!!!!!!

 

[starmaker]

Hi Kate
Would you happen to know if VAT is added to Disney excursions purchased onboard or not? Also, we normally purchase a wine package too on the 1st night - any idea if this is affected too or does the regular 8% apply regardless of when this is purchased? Thanks for any info you may have - we're still undecided on port excursions but if they will cost more to book onboard we may have to have a conflab tonight and decide!! Thanks

 

[helenreed]

When do you leave, Helen? We leave tomorrow after lunch and I'm veering toward panic mode as I need to pack today...and my husband told me today he'll get to it tomorrow.

Which sounds blasé, but really isn't once he tries to find space for his shoes!!!

The last FE gift is not coming together as I'd hoped, either - and now the kids are off school so I can only work on them tonite!!!!!!

We leave on Monday, first thing but before then I have to clean the whole house, be waxed, spray tanned, have nails painted and hair done, pack and try to leave our business handed over to safe hands, re-house the rabbit and dog, go to my daughters dance show and have lunch with the in-laws!!!!
AAAAAARRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHH! All with absolutely no help from DH as he will be working all weekend! I think I will start my nervous breakdown this evening with a large G and T! I suppose we will all manage to get it done in time! Good luck to all the busy women out there!

 

[sinnika]

If anyone has any questions that I can answer, we just returned from the 10 night Med June 29th cruise. Regarding VAT, 8% is charged to alcohol, 18% for the spa, both of which are consumable so you won't get that VAT back. For photos and things you buy on board, ask for a VAT tax receipt. Has to be over a certain amount - either $100 or 100 eruo, can't remember exactly, though they can combine receipts for you - we did this at Shutters after several trips and a phone call to guest services. The on board stores seem to know the process better.
Now those VAT tax forms have a place to fill out all your info if you want cc reimbursement, so if you have a very early flight or don't want to stop by the bank to collect your VAT, do this before you get to the airport. Once a the airport, you need to go to the Customs office at the Barcelona Airport T1. We were there at 4:30am and they were open. You have to bring your items that you purchased and your flight info and passport. I packed these all in one checked suitcase to make it easier. DH waited in the check-in line for the flight to save time. Then you can put all your VAT receipts with your purchase receipts too for verification into an envelope they give you and drop it in their mailbox located right by the customs office. We dropped ours off in Belgium at an exchange that offered VAT reimbursement. They offered to give us euros but also charged another admin fee. No thanks! Our flight was also leaving out of T1 (Brussels Airlines) so that made it a bit easier. And don't forget to ask for a VAT tax receipt when you make a large purchase in the ports. We forgot to do this in Eze at the perfume factory and they did not offer it. No VAT receipt, no stamp from customs. The process is really a bit of a pain and if you only have 10 euro coming back, may not be worth all the aggravation. Your amount back will be printed on your VAT receipts. There is an amount also taken out for administrative charges on our DCL receipts.

 

[K8T]

Hi Kate
Would you happen to know if VAT is added to Disney excursions purchased onboard or not? Also, we normally purchase a wine package too on the 1st night - any idea if this is affected too or does the regular 8% apply regardless of when this is purchased? Thanks for any info you may have - we're still undecided on port excursions but if they will cost more to book onboard we may have to have a conflab tonight and decide!! Thanks

I am not sure about excursions on board, Have a look at this thread http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2736802.

Someone posts on the second page that they didn't pay VAT on excursions they booked on board, but I didn't read it all again (running out of time!).

Looks like it is 18% on all purchases in the shops/photos and in the spa, 8% on wine/drinks.

I purchased our wine package last night - welll every little helps!. One bottle a day won't be much, but we shall probably buy some along the way too.

I am thinking about getting two Rainforest passes, but to be honest, just don't know when we will get the time!

Kate

 

[designertravels]

Hi All, I saw some of you asking this on the main board, here you go. Jill

Formal: July 21
Pirate: July 26
Semi Formal: July 27

FYI Our cruise is SOLD OUT!