July 28, 2007 - "Rome-ancing the Mouse Cruisers" -11 days! Part 3

[MrsJobba1]

Just wanted to day thanks -

I'd totally forgotten about getting some Euros - will have to see about it this weekend.

 

[kidcoos3]

Hmm... I'm not certain about this, but I believe a Visa debit card is NOT the same thing as an ATM card. A debit card charges like a credit card, but pull money from your bank account. At ATM card is.. well, it's an ATM card. Some cards can be used either way.

The big difference would be that if you use it as an ATM card, you get a good exchange rate and relatively low ATM fees. If you use it as a Visa card you pay an extra 2-3% foreign exchange fee (depending on bank), plus cash advance fees.

It's very important that your PIN number for your ATM card be 4 digits. Most European ATM's don't yet handle longer PIN numbers.

As to whether your particular card will work in Europe, this I cannot say.

Yes, I guess that is the problem. It says it is a debit card on the front. I only use it as an ATM card. This is a real bummer! I have the Capital One card for charging things. Previous cruisers say that many places require cash. I have no idea how many Euros to bring and I'm not confident that my Paypal ATM card will magically appear in time. Maybe I need to open up a quickie account at another bank online. Any suggestions? Who has the bank that refunds ATM fees?

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

OK Andrew - I just realized that DH is a Dr Who fan. He has missed some ok a lot but I found out on Friday when I came home to my Tivo all filled up with parts of some Dr Who. Once I tell him that you have already seen season 3 - he may just be stalking you! Should I tell him you are an avid fan?

Seen them all at least twice and yes I am a Who-er right since it started!! .

I was a major contributor to a Dr Who thread on the UK diss!

 

[danfromca]

If you've downloaded the tag page, please download the latest - there have been changes.

Reminder - if you want a different tag from the one I picked, please let me know!

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Hi have you checked the manage my booking page recently?

Just a heads up!

I checked mine this morning - and it had a new space where you have to put in the passport numbers of those traveling with you. It says you have to do this before traveling and it will save time at the airport.

Yes Spain wants API now and I filled in a few weeks back, I was happy with BA, but recent things such as seat policy and luggage make me want to turn back to Virgin for summer 2008.

I pre booked seats on the date i booked this flight and then recently they decided you cannot book in advance unless you are their frequent flyer's so they moved me around.

The luggage allowance has cut considerably we could have 2 cases each, we try to have three for the family but now if they are over 23kg they charge £60 each case.

 

[kyla]

that is what I told the kids - wait and see if it is on the ship first. Of course we missed meet the robinsons. And it looks like BA is showing it on the flight. I hope it doesn't change and we will get to see it

BA's list for movies from SFO to London right now.

1.MovieMeet the Robinsons2.MovieLonely Hearts3.MovieThe Lookout4.MoviePremonition5.MovieGhost Rider6.MovieAre We Done Yet?7.MovieReign Over Me 8.Family movieThe Last Mimzy9.TVCartoon Network10.TVFamily Comedy11.TVSport12.TVExplore: Obsessions13.MoviePractical Magic14.MovieTwo Weeks15.MovieMaster and Commander16.TVComedy17.TVFabulous Food18.TVBusiness Life TV

I just checked the BA site and checked on the movies too. Does anyone highly recommend any of these movies, or should I just plan on sleeping?

Hi have you checked the manage my booking page recently?

Just a heads up!

I checked mine this morning - and it had a new space where you have to put in the passport numbers of those travelling with you. It says you have to do this before travelling and it will save time at the airport.

I thought I saw something that said it was a new thing since June that people need to provide passport info prior to traveling. I checked my information and it was already there, so I must have done it earlier.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Just wanted to day thanks -

I'd totally forgotten about getting some Euros - will have to see about it this weekend.

I was spreading it out got half last month when the rate went up, and dollar hit $2 and the other half just before I go.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

I just checked the BA site and checked on the movies too. Does anyone highly recommend any of these movies, or should I just plan on sleeping?

I thought I saw something that said it was a new thing since June that people need to provide passport info prior to traveling. I checked my information and it was already there, so I must have done it earlier.

My kids liked Meet the robinsons but - get some sleep in if its a night flight!!

 

[kyla]

Andrew,
are we suppose to see the group Palo brunch show up on OUR CRUISE PLANS?

 

[kyla]

Yes Spain wants API now and I filled in a few weeks back, I was happy with BA, but recent things such as seat policy and luggage make me want to turn back to Virgin for summer 2008.

I pre booked seats on the date i booked this flight and then recently they decided you cannot book in advance unless you are their frequent flyer's so they moved me around.
The luggage allowance has cut considerably we could have 2 cases each, we try to have three for the family but now if they are over 23kg they charge £60 each case.

I also pre booked my seats. When I saw that BA instituted a new seating policy, I asked them about it and they said I was lucky I got seats and not to mess with it. I just checked yesterday and the seat assignments were still there. So you are saying they took your seats away????

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Andrew,
are we suppose to see the group Palo brunch show up on OUR CRUISE PLANS?

Nope but its all set no problem!

If you want print this off!!

Your names are on it.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

I also pre booked my seats. When I saw that BA instituted a new seating policy, I asked them about it and they said I was lucky I got seats and not to mess with it. I just checked yesterday and the seat assignments were still there. So you are saying they took your seats away????

I am in Club Europe, its like business class, and yes they moved me so three of four are up against the toilets. Their are three free in front but I cannot move it.

 

[eeyorelvr10]

I can do a deal - DR Who info for CSI or Greys anatomy info

, although I've gotten out of touch is CSI Las Vegas - Now Gary Sinise in CSI New York - that's another story - I like that man. Must be the brooding eyes! SIGH!

Hi have you checked the manage my booking page recently?

Just a heads up!

I checked mine this morning - and it had a new space where you have to put in the passport numbers of those travelling with you. It says you have to do this before travelling and it will save time at the airport.

Darn it - can a TA take care of this?

My bank tells me that my debit card won't work - although it is a Visa Debit card that is part of the Plus and Interlink systems. Anyone know any differently? I was planning to use my Paypal credit card - but now I'm not sure I can count on that. I will purchase Euros in advance, but I don't know how many I will need and I wanted to be able to get some on the boat if need be. Do you know if they would let me write a check instead? I was so proud of myself for getting this taken care of back in May, but now it is still not resolved and I'm starting to get seriously stressed out

Leslie - not sure but I think DH told me that DCL takes only cash or Credit card but I need to ask DH for sure since he spoke with them. Course, he's in a meeting and I can't ask him right now. But you may want to ask them that.

Yes, I guess that is the problem. It says it is a debit card on the front. I only use it as an ATM card. This is a real bummer! I have the Capital One card for charging things. Previous cruisers say that many places require cash. I have no idea how many Euros to bring and I'm not confident that my Paypal ATM card will magically appear in time. Maybe I need to open up a quickie account at another bank online. Any suggestions? Who has the bank that refunds ATM fees?

Ok Leslie - this particular bank in Commerce National Bank but its a small business oriented bank in CA. You might want to check out some local business banks or smaller customer service oriented bank. I have had DH triple check on this as I am fairly cynical about this but hey - they have done some out of the norm stuff for DH in the past. Our business accounts are with them and so we just opened some personal accounts for me there too. But its always worth a try. They are the ones that told me to just use the atm machine - better exchange rate. Also, she said that our card should work there. I got my debit/atm cards within 7 days - not working days - days! They were great for me. But of course this is before the cruise - we shall see after. (Bank manager opened up her own bank and took several of her customers with her. So that is how DH gets great customer service.) Wow - that didn't sound right did it?

 

[kyla]

Dan,
I can't remember what you said about travel converters or where to find it. I just want to be able to charge up my cell phone. I know once I'm on the boat, I'm safe. What do I need for my days in London and Barcelona? I have a Cingular Razor.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Darn it - can a TA take care of this?

Its best to do this yourself on the Website. It isnt hard just a few lines could save time at the airport.

 

[kyla]

Andrew,
it sounds like I better plan on bringing a jacket for London. We fly in on the 23rd. Is it cold there? Has it stopped raining there yet?

 

[alexcturner]

Wondering if I have forgotten anything....

If we will like the hotels we have booked....

will we be able to get around and actually find anything......

(2 nights in London and then 2 nights in Barcelona before getting on the Magic!)

 

[eeyorelvr10]

Its best to do this yourself on the Website. It isnt hard just a few lines could save time at the airport.

Thanks Andrew - I still haven't gotten proper paperwork from her so I should take care of this myself. Thanks guys!

 

[kidcoos3]

Leslie - not sure but I think DH told me that DCL takes only cash or Credit card but I need to ask DH for sure since he spoke with them. Course, he's in a meeting and I can't ask him right now. But you may want to ask them that.

Ok Leslie - this particular bank in Commerce National Bank but its a small business oriented bank in CA. You might want to check out some local business banks or smaller customer service oriented bank. I have had DH triple check on this as I am fairly cynical about this but hey - they have done some out of the norm stuff for DH in the past. Our business accounts are with them and so we just opened some personal accounts for me there too. But its always worth a try. They are the ones that told me to just use the atm machine - better exchange rate. Also, she said that our card should work there. I got my debit/atm cards within 7 days - not working days - days! They were great for me. But of course this is before the cruise - we shall see after. (Bank manager opened up her own bank and took several of her customers with her. So that is how DH gets great customer service.) Wow - that didn't sound right did it?

Well, I called DCL - got to talk to a manager. She said that they will cash personal checks up to $100 per person per voyage - wow, $200 will get me like 45 euros, right (OK, a bit sarcastic here, sorry). Otherwise I can bring cash with me and they will exchange that. She was unable to give me the current conversion amount - actually, she said 1.25, but that is way too low to be the amount that they convert, must be a bank rate that she sees somewhere. So, I guess I'll order a bunch of money from Wells Fargo. I can always return what I don't use.
Thanks for everyone's help.

 

[kyla]

Wondering if I have forgotten anything....

If we will like the hotels we have booked....

will we be able to get around and actually find anything......

(2 nights in London and then 2 nights in Barcelona before getting on the Magic!)

We'll be in London on the 23rd and fly out on the eve of the 26th to Barcelona. Maybe we will bump into each other. We plan on doing the walking tours most of the time.