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

[bellelinus]

"A pleasant companion reduces the length of the journey."
--Publilius Syrus

This is bad news for all of us (and our pleasant companionship) because it means the cruise will go by even faster . . .

 

[bellelinus]

For those interested in learning a few important phrases, here in an interesting website:

http://www.single-serving.com/phrase/index.php

For French and some Italian, you can also hear the pronunciation, for those as well as Spanish, you can print out a little phrasebook.

 

[jlawall]

"A pleasant companion reduces the length of the journey."
--Publilius Syrus

This is bad news for all of us (and our pleasant companionship) because it means the cruise will go by even faster . . .

Good point!

 

[jlawall]

Oh my gosh you can see how much this place has affected me.......one of the applications I use at work has an automatic document numbering system, today I created document number 038600 and my first thought was I've got a

I swear there is NOOOOOOOO hope

When I am on other threads and I get a "pirate" and then I get bummed b/c it doesn't matter!

 

[Disneynutinlondon]

"A pleasant companion reduces the length of the journey."
--Publilius Syrus

This is bad news for all of us (and our pleasant companionship) because it means the cruise will go by even faster . . .

I don't like this one

 

[MrsG]

"A pleasant companion reduces the length of the journey."
--Publilius Syrus

This is bad news for all of us (and our pleasant companionship) because it means the cruise will go by even faster . . .

But just think of the FUN we're going to have with our pleasant companions!!!!!!!!!!

Maryann

 

[jlawall]

Okay, we only have 26 days to go............what's on your list for today??

• Print out the online forms
• continue cleaning my home
• start to think about packing?
• print out Mary Jo's packing list
• Look for things around the house that I can pack from the list that are very small and lightweight
• reread my excursions and decide not to change them again
  

On an unrelated list........

• workout
• get ready for our 4th of July picnic

 

[jlawall]

I don't like this one

But just think of the FUN we're going to have with our pleasant companions!!!!!!!!!!

Maryann

Let's admit it, I'm less anxious about this trip due to all the friends I've made on this board, it can only be a positive part of our cruise!!

 

[jlawall]

usan here reporting on the VAT refund. The DCL folks provide envelopes to save your receipts for purchases from Treasure Ketch and Mickey’s Mates (combined) and Shutters. If I had been smart, I would have used those envelopes all along rather than getting it all together on the last sea day. Anyway, you can only claim items that you have not used or consumed. This is important! Also, all of the purchases have to be in the same name, so ladies, you can make all of the purchases!! There is a chance that they might check at Customs, so better to be safe on this. On the last sea day, from 6 pm to 10 pm, they have a number of Cast Members at the Shore Excursion Desk to check your receipts and fill out the forms for you. There was a pretty substantial line for this so be forewarned. Beverage purchases that you have consumed and spa services are not able to be claimed. All of this is explained on the back of the envelope, and obviously quite a few folks didn’t understand. I had all of my receipts together, they were totaled and the forms with my receipts stapled to them were returned later in the evening. I believe that there was a message on our phone with the times that the desk was open. At the Barcelona Airport, it took a while but I finally found the wee little white window where you get the stamp on your forms. It is located in Terminal A, just outside the Arrivals. When you walk into the door of Terminal A, look to the right for the arrivals, pass the information desk, and the window is to the right of the arrivals exit. There is a small sign that says “Tax Free” near the window. For those of you that need a landmark or two, there are some vending machines at the corner, and it is before you get to the bank windows and food court. FYI, you have to have your ticket and passport. At first, we had not checked in, so I wasn’t able to get the stamps, but after a quick and efficient check-in at KLM, I was back at the window and soon had stamped forms in hand. Yeah!!! I will mail them when I get home. I believe it will take 6-8 weeks to get the refund.

 

[MrsG]

Let's admit it, I'm less anxious about this trip due to all the friends I've made on this board, it can only be a positive part of our cruise!!

That's exactly what I told DH& Sallie. We've never been to Europe before and it is just so comforting to know people we're going to be spending 11 days with. Even though family is so far away, it's just so nice to know there are people you can depend on in a pinch.

Maryann

 

[MrsG]

usan here reporting on the VAT refund. The DCL folks provide envelopes to save your receipts for purchases from Treasure Ketch and Mickey’s Mates (combined) and Shutters. If I had been smart, I would have used those envelopes all along rather than getting it all together on the last sea day. Anyway, you can only claim items that you have not used or consumed. This is important! Also, all of the purchases have to be in the same name, so ladies, you can make all of the purchases!! There is a chance that they might check at Customs, so better to be safe on this. On the last sea day, from 6 pm to 10 pm, they have a number of Cast Members at the Shore Excursion Desk to check your receipts and fill out the forms for you. There was a pretty substantial line for this so be forewarned. Beverage purchases that you have consumed and spa services are not able to be claimed. All of this is explained on the back of the envelope, and obviously quite a few folks didn’t understand. I had all of my receipts together, they were totaled and the forms with my receipts stapled to them were returned later in the evening. I believe that there was a message on our phone with the times that the desk was open. At the Barcelona Airport, it took a while but I finally found the wee little white window where you get the stamp on your forms. It is located in Terminal A, just outside the Arrivals. When you walk into the door of Terminal A, look to the right for the arrivals, pass the information desk, and the window is to the right of the arrivals exit. There is a small sign that says “Tax Free” near the window. For those of you that need a landmark or two, there are some vending machines at the corner, and it is before you get to the bank windows and food court. FYI, you have to have your ticket and passport. At first, we had not checked in, so I wasn’t able to get the stamps, but after a quick and efficient check-in at KLM, I was back at the window and soon had stamped forms in hand. Yeah!!! I will mail them when I get home. I believe it will take 6-8 weeks to get the refund.

Wow, thanks for posting JoAnn. It is great because it is step by step instructions including landmarks! Very practical, although it sounds like a pain in the neck. I guess it depends how much we spend whether or not we bother.

Maryann

 

[MrsG]

Found this on another thread: FYI

Last week, we completed a 11 day Mediterranean cruise.

I was looking forward to the Castaway Club reception; I was looking for the announcement on the Navigator for such information. Somehow, there was a mixup in the invitation information being conveyed to me - so I did not make the reception.

I found out later that the reception is NOT listed as an announcement in the "Navigator" - it is only listed there in the timetable of daily events. I also found out that the customer service representatives do not automatically readily have a recollection of this information; nor is the information readlily accessible to them on their computers.

FYI:

for 11 day cruises - second sea day at 1 PM
for 10 day cruises - at 5 PM, at the Olbia, Sardina port of call.

The reception is held in the Beat Street area.

So if we don't get an invite, ask or check the Navigator timetable.

Maryann

 

[jlawall]

Found this on another thread: FYI

Last week, we completed a 11 day Mediterranean cruise.

I was looking forward to the Castaway Club reception; I was looking for the announcement on the Navigator for such information. Somehow, there was a mixup in the invitation information being conveyed to me - so I did not make the reception.

I found out later that the reception is NOT listed as an announcement in the "Navigator" - it is only listed there in the timetable of daily events. I also found out that the customer service representatives do not automatically readily have a recollection of this information; nor is the information readlily accessible to them on their computers.

FYI:

for 11 day cruises - second sea day at 1 PM
for 10 day cruises - at 5 PM, at the Olbia, Sardina port of call.

The reception is held in the Beat Street area.

So if we don't get an invite, ask or check the Navigator timetable.

Maryann

Thx for sharing this............I often miss it too!

Also, I've been reading blogs instead of completing my list today.....

Wine tasting Update

First Sea Day - Italy
Second Sea Day - France
Third Sea Day - Spain

 

[kidcoos3]

Wow, thanks for posting JoAnn. It is great because it is step by step instructions including landmarks! Very practical, although it sounds like a pain in the neck. I guess it depends how much we spend whether or not we bother.

Maryann

Exactly, some cruisers have said, no way, too much trouble. I think Dan said that the info he had read made it sound like the IRS had written the rules. Some places have said that you also need to have the merchandise with you. But, the way security is now, you can't take carryon luggage (I thought?), so how does that even work?

Found this on another thread: FYI

Last week, we completed a 11 day Mediterranean cruise.

I was looking forward to the Castaway Club reception; I was looking for the announcement on the Navigator for such information. Somehow, there was a mixup in the invitation information being conveyed to me - so I did not make the reception.

I found out later that the reception is NOT listed as an announcement in the "Navigator" - it is only listed there in the timetable of daily events. I also found out that the customer service representatives do not automatically readily have a recollection of this information; nor is the information readlily accessible to them on their computers.

FYI:

for 11 day cruises - second sea day at 1 PM
for 10 day cruises - at 5 PM, at the Olbia, Sardina port of call.

The reception is held in the Beat Street area.

So if we don't get an invite, ask or check the Navigator timetable.

Maryann

This is only our 2nd cruise, so our 1st one as Club members - I'm looking forward to going to this. Isn't there a DVC reception too??

 

[MrsG]

Exactly, some cruisers have said, no way, too much trouble. I think Dan said that the info he had read made it sound like the IRS had written the rules. Some places have said that you also need to have the merchandise with you. But, the way security is now, you can't take carryon luggage (I thought?), so how does that even work?


This is only our 2nd cruise, so our 1st one as Club members - I'm looking forward to going to this. Isn't there a DVC reception too??

I think so. Can't wait to see the navigators from the 11 day that just finished. Hopefully they worked out some of the kinks.

Maryann

 

[AnnaS]

Hi again,

I might come back on once more before I leave 11:30 am or so. If today or tomorrow the person who was looking for the cross stich comes on and has some information of where it can be purchased (parks, Downtown Disney, etc.), please post - perhaps Wendy P. (Disneymagic316) can call me w/the info. on my cell and if I happen to be in the area, will pick it up.

 

[AnnaS]

usan here reporting on the VAT refund. The DCL folks provide envelopes to save your receipts for purchases from Treasure Ketch and Mickey’s Mates (combined) and Shutters. If I had been smart, I would have used those envelopes all along rather than getting it all together on the last sea day. Anyway, you can only claim items that you have not used or consumed. This is important! Also, all of the purchases have to be in the same name, so ladies, you can make all of the purchases!! There is a chance that they might check at Customs, so better to be safe on this. On the last sea day, from 6 pm to 10 pm, they have a number of Cast Members at the Shore Excursion Desk to check your receipts and fill out the forms for you. There was a pretty substantial line for this so be forewarned. Beverage purchases that you have consumed and spa services are not able to be claimed. All of this is explained on the back of the envelope, and obviously quite a few folks didn’t understand. I had all of my receipts together, they were totaled and the forms with my receipts stapled to them were returned later in the evening. I believe that there was a message on our phone with the times that the desk was open. At the Barcelona Airport, it took a while but I finally found the wee little white window where you get the stamp on your forms. It is located in Terminal A, just outside the Arrivals. When you walk into the door of Terminal A, look to the right for the arrivals, pass the information desk, and the window is to the right of the arrivals exit. There is a small sign that says “Tax Free” near the window. For those of you that need a landmark or two, there are some vending machines at the corner, and it is before you get to the bank windows and food court. FYI, you have to have your ticket and passport. At first, we had not checked in, so I wasn’t able to get the stamps, but after a quick and efficient check-in at KLM, I was back at the window and soon had stamped forms in hand. Yeah!!! I will mail them when I get home. I believe it will take 6-8 weeks to get the refund.

Wow - thanks for the info. I had read about this briefly on Rick Steve's website. I wonder how many people do not know about this or know about it and don't even bother.

 

[kidcoos3]

I think so. Can't wait to see the navigators from the 11 day that just finished. Hopefully they worked out some of the kinks.

Maryann

Funny you should say that, I was just looking for them. No luck, anyone else find any recent 11 day Navigators?

My brother and his wife got into town last night. By the time we got home from the airport it was 11:15. Right into bed, thank goodness. I was exhausted from softball tournament. Staying with 4 16 year old girls will kill you . Today a friend of ours is coming to give them a horseback riding lesson. Neither has ever ridden, should be fun. This afternoon we are going floating on the Madison River - sunscreen, here we come. Looks like super hot weather this week - 90s to 100. Very warm for Montana. I'm glad we're going to Yellowstone later in the week, will be a bit cooler there. No time to work on cruise stuff this week, just hoping to stay up to date on the DISboards and some blogs.

 

[MrsG]

Anna,

Have a great time! Give Mickey a for me!

Maryann

 

[AnnaS]

Anna,

Have a great time! Give Mickey a for me!

Maryann

thanks Maryanne and everyone for their well wishes. I can't wait and this too will be over before I know it. As long as I am here, I keep stuffing my luggage a bit more