June 16, 2007 MedHead Cruisers

[Jeff Spencer]

LeiLani,

We are doing the Panoramic Tour of Maddalena in Olbia. Thanks!

 

[PrincessJasmine08]

We are not bringing our pins, but we're not big pin people either. I, of course, want some cool transatlantic pins, and will probably buy any of these "special" cruise pins, but did you see they are charging an 18% VAT on board on all purchases! Crazy.

3-5 sounds good to me. Guess i'll need to find blink light gg key chains. Did you know that the other day was the bridges 70th anniversay. FYI.



Steph

Okay, here's where I sound stupid...what's a VAT?

Hi! We are going on this cruise too -- so happy to have found this thread!! It's the 3 of us -- me (Bev), DH Gary, & DS Dylan, age 15.

Sounds like you have lots & lots of plans so far & I don't know if I'll ever catch up, but just wanted to subscribe to this & hope to get to see some of you on the cruise. I haven't posted here for ages too, so don't really even remember how to do it very well..... But thanks for all of the great tips I've read so far & I'll keep going back -- wow, so many pages of interesting stuff for our cruise!!!!

Also, just found those cool skull t-shirts from one of your posts -- thanks!!!

WELCOME!!!!

Good ideal John

I haven't signed DD up on Disboards as of yet. I think it would be fun if they meet before hand.

I have been working on my gifts all night. I think I am all done.

Everyone, your going to love mine!!!!!!!!

Had a long........day today, can hardly keep my eyes open. Off to bed

Good night

PS, Lauren you look magnificent in your costume

Thanks! And I can't believe you're done with your gifts...I don't even know what to do yet!

Random question but did someone say our suitcases will fit under the bed?

 

[WVMD]

VAT = Value Added Tax. 15-25% tax on goods and services (normally around 18%). Because most of us don't live in the European Union - we can get most of this back. You have to fill out forms and send receipts prior to leaving Spain (normally can be done at the airport - they charge a fee to do this for you). As tourists we can get a refund on the goods - but not the services.

Here's a link: http://www.traveltax.msu.edu/vat/vat.htm

Virgil

 

[Marla Hellwig]

Keep good thoughts

we are still waiting on our passports - applied end of Feb - first of March

finally got through to passport office today - after trying for days - they should be here by Friday

 

[auntsue1]

Wow we are getting real close to our trip! We are getting excited!

Disney Cruise Line called today for my DSIL Linda & I could tell she was real excited! I know she was wishing for an upgrade but alas they were just updating the names on an excursion.

Still looking for the docs

LeiLani, THANKS so much for that great list! That must have taken you a long time!

 

[auntsue1]

Seems that most of Europe are having this very unpredictable weather we are getting in England at present. Good job it has plenty of time to improve before we set sail.

Seems many people who visited Euro Disney did not find it up to the standard of America - that I think is why it is always half empty and they cannot get people to go.

Bren

Especially when we get close to day of departure.

Thanks
Sue

 

[auntsue1]

Okay, here's where I sound stupid...what's a VAT?

WELCOME!!!!

Thanks! And I can't believe you're done with your gifts...I don't even know what to do yet!

Random question but did someone say our suitcases will fit under the bed?

Most of the soft sided suitcases will fit under the bed. You just pick up the bed a little & they slide under. I didn't feel them under the bed while sleeping.

Sue

 

[jmcdonnell04]

Nickname ............... Cabin.................. Princess(Age)
DVC4US................... 8530.............Alyssa (11)
............................................ Madeline (11)

Purtypat ................2541/3 ................. Jenna (12)

Wonder ....................6064/6 .............. Jacyln (11)

Also........................ 6645 .................. Stephanie (12)

JMcDonnell04............. 2546/8 ................. Katie (11)

WVMD...................... 8532 ......................Lauren (12)

OhLawyr2.................. 8016 .................... Serena (12)

I cheated and used LeiLani's list to gather this information.

I can open a new Cruise meet and let the young ladies use our Disboard names to get going and then this could lead to pm'ing their IM accounts or emails which will lead to new friendships and hugs when they meet on June 16th which will lead to more hanging out time which will lead to more alone time for the adults.

 

[WVMD]

Nickname ............... Cabin.................. Princess(Age)
DVC4US................... 8530.............Alyssa (11)
............................................ Madeline (11)

Purtypat ................2541/3 ................. Jenna (12)

Wonder ....................6064/6 .............. Jacyln (11)

Also........................ 6645 .................. Stephanie (12)

JMcDonnell04............. 2546/8 ................. Katie (11)

WVMD...................... 8532 ......................Lauren (12)

OhLawyr2.................. 8016 .................... Serena (12)

I cheated and used LeiLani's list to gather this information.

I can open a new Cruise meet and let the young ladies use our Disboard names to get going and then this could lead to pm'ing their IM accounts or emails which will lead to new friendships and hugs when they meet on June 16th which will lead to more hanging out time which will lead to more alone time for the adults.

Thanks! Lauren has her own DISBoard ID (can't remember it at the moment) - much easier that way and less confusing. I emailed her this list to get her excited.

Virgil

 

[PrincessJasmine08]

VAT = Value Added Tax. 15-25% tax on goods and services (normally around 18%). Because most of us don't live in the European Union - we can get most of this back. You have to fill out forms and send receipts prior to leaving Spain (normally can be done at the airport - they charge a fee to do this for you). As tourists we can get a refund on the goods - but not the services.

Here's a link: http://www.traveltax.msu.edu/vat/vat.htm

Virgil

That was so over my head. We came to the conclusion that we don't have to deal with that, right?

Keep good thoughts

we are still waiting on our passports - applied end of Feb - first of March

finally got through to passport office today - after trying for days - they should be here by Friday

Pixie dust for passports!! Keep us updated!

Most of the soft sided suitcases will fit under the bed. You just pick up the bed a little & they slide under. I didn't feel them under the bed while sleeping.

Sue

Great, thanks! I just bought a couple of things to organize the room at Target so I was starting to think about how we're going to fit all of this in there!

 

[WVMD]

PJ - If you buy anything on shore - they will charge the 15-25% tax. You can get a refund if you want. Depends on how much you spend. They are not charging the tax on the ship - by reports....

Virgil

 

[PrincessJasmine08]

PJ - If you buy anything on shore - they will charge the 15-25% tax. You can get a refund if you want. Depends on how much you spend. They are not charging the tax on the ship - by reports....

Virgil

And I can get said money back by filling out a form at the airport?

 

[WVMD]

And I can get said money back by filling out a form at the airport?

Most of it. You need to keep all your receipts.... and then fill out forms... and they'll mail you a check for the VAT (minus their fee). If it's not a lot of money - don't worry about it - but if it's over $25 in taxes - it's worth it.

Virgil

 

[auntsue1]

PJ - If you buy anything on shore - they will charge the 15-25% tax. You can get a refund if you want. Depends on how much you spend. They are not charging the tax on the ship - by reports....

Virgil

I see that most countries have a minumum you have to spend in a shop in order to qualify for the refund. Is this per purchase or the grand total in a country?

Do you happen to know the minimum amount required for a VAT refund in Spain, France, Italy & Germany? (We fly in via Frankfurt! Yuck! Just wanted to make the length of traveling longer! not!)

They mention a document is needed to show the amount of refund you are requesting. Can I assume that is a receipt?

They say you show the amount of refund to a custom official. Do you need a special form?

Sorry so many questions!
Sue

 

[WVMD]

I see that most countries have a minumum you have to spend in a shop in order to qualify for the refund. Is this per purchase or the grand total in a country?

Do you happen to know the minimum amount required for a VAT refund in Spain, France, Italy & Germany? (We fly in via Frankfurt! Yuck! Just wanted to make the length of traveling longer! not!)

They mention a document is needed to show the amount of refund you are requesting. Can I assume that is a receipt?

They say you show the amount of refund to a custom official. Do you need a special form?

Sorry so many questions!
Sue

You need the VAT receipt (called a cheque). Here's a better explanation:

http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/vat.htm

In most cases it's not worth the hassle - unless you buy that special something....... But just be aware that even on small items an additional 20% can add up.

Virgil

 

[DVC4US]

Another updated list. Please check it for correct information. Don't quote me on the port times, because I have seen different times depending on where I look.

Please let me know if I need to make changes or additions.
Thanks

Okay, here is an updated list. There have been a lot of changes so please double check all your information.

Thanks

DISer’s Cruising on the Magic June 16-27, 2007
DIS Name Cruisers in Party Cabin

DVC4US * LeiLani, Rich, DD-Brittany(18),
DD-Alyssa(11), Ddfriend-Madeline(11) 8530

Pillow Jodie, Mike, DS-Cary(9), DD-Jill(7) 2122

PurtyPat1 Patricia, DD-Jenna(12), DMIL 2543/2541

Worktoplay Marie, DS-Jeff(12) 7626

Carolmb Carol, Ryan, DS-Wyatt(8), DD-Sarah(6) 8560

Wonder Caroline, Sterling, DD-Jacly(11),
DD-Mary Grayson(7), DD-Elizabeth(6) 6064/6066

Auntsue1 & Sue, DSIL-Linda, DB-Bill,
Disney Lover Linda DNephew-Michael(23),
DNephew-Mark(21), DNiece-Christine(7) 2618/2620

Taysmom Steph, DD-Taylor(9) 6003

Also Brian, Barbara, DD-Stephanie(12) 6645

Bmr12 Bryan, Becky, DD-Kate(8) 6082

Jmcdonnell04 John, Alison, DD-Katie(11),
DD-Kelly(7), DMIL(75) 2546/2548

WVMD Virgil, Frances, DD-Lauren(12) 8532

Silver7 Theresa, DH, DS(19), DS(14), DMIL(83) 8034

Skallywag Brenda, DH 7094

Bartty Bartty, DH 1064

Jeff Spencer Jeff, Susan, DD-Katy(17)

LisaTex Lisa, Sue(Grammie),
Kristi(Mom of Niece & Nephew)
DNephew-Ashton(10), DNiece-Kaylee(8) 8032

Vtiffany Vicki, DH 6592

Marla Hellwig Marla, DD-Kara(16)

Kmitchel Karen, Patrick, DS-Peyton(6),
GeeGee(AKA Grandma) 2550/2552

OhLawyr2 Diane, Greg, DD-Amanda(17),
DS-Gregory(16), DD-Serena(12)
DD-Oliva(8) 8016

* Other cruisers in DVC4US’s party but not on DIS boards
Mom-Nell, Dad-Chuck 6080
Britt’s BoyFriend-David(18)
David’s parents-Angie, Lee 8048

Arrival Dates and Barcelona Hotels​

· Hispanos 7 Suiza
Pillow 6/14

· Casa Camper
Silver7 6/14
Also 6/14

· Renaissance Barcelona Airport
PurtyPat1 6/15
Worktoplay 6/15

· Barcelona Hilton
Carolmb 6/14
DVC4US 6/14

· Hotel Rey Juan Carlos
Skallywag 6/15

· Barcelona Universal
Taysmom 6/14

· Hotel Regencia Colon
Jeff Spencer 6/15

· Hotel Arts
WVMD 6/15

· Grand Marina
Marla Hellwig 6/15


Arriving on June 16th
Auntsue1
Disney Lover Linda
Wonder
vtiffany
OhLawyr2
Kmitchel
bartty
LisaTex


Barcelona After the Cruise

· Best Western Regina
Pillow - 6/27

Dinning​

Early
Carolmb
Wonder
Skallywag
OhLawyr2

Late
PurtyPat1
bartty
DVC4US
LisaTex
pillow
taysmom
auntsue1
worktoplay
Disney Lover Linda
Jeff Spencer
Silver7
jmcdonnell04

6/16 Barcelona Excursions​

Depart Port 10:00PM​

· Flamenco and Tapas at Spanish Village
PurtyPat1
Worktoplay
DVC4US(Brittany)
WVMD

6/18 Palermo Excursions​

7:00am to 5:00pm​

· Selinunte & Marinella
Auntsue1
Disney Lover Linda
LisaTex

· A Day at the Farm
PurtyPat1

· Palermo & Ballaro Market
Carolmb - AM

· Mondello Beach
Wonder
DVC4US - PM

· Boat Ride to Zingaro Park
Scallywag
WVMD

· Sights of Palermo
Bmr12 - PM

· Village of Cefalu
Jeff Spencer - AM

· Mysterious Palermo
Bartty

· Erice & Segesta
Marla Hellwig
Kmitchel

· On Their Own
Pillow
Silver7
also
Worktoplay
jmcdonnell04
Vtiffany
OhLawyr2
taysmom

6/19 Naples Excursions​

6:30am to 7:00pm​

· Pompeii, Sorrento, and Capri for Families
Pillow
wonder
Auntsue1
Disney Lover Linda

· Timeless Pompeii and the Flavors of Sorrento
Silver7

· Pompeii, Sorrento, and Capri
PurtyPat1
jmcdonnell04
Also
bartty
Bmr12
WVMD

· Leisurely Sorrento
Vtiffany

· Mt Vesuvius Hike and Pompeii
Marla Hellwig
Kmitchel

· Private Tours
Worktoplay
Jeff Spencer
Carolmb
LisaTex
DVC4US

· On Their Own
Skallywag
Taysmom
OhLawyer2

6/20 Olbia Excursions​

8:30am to 5:30pm​

· Coda Cavallo Beach
PurtyPat1 - 9am
Worktoplay - 9am

· La Cinta Beach
Carolmb - 9:15am

· Costa Smeralda
Wonder - 8am

· Train to Gallura
Skallywag

· Day at Sea at Maddalena Archipelago
DVC4US
Kmitchel
Taysmom

· Gnochetti Sardi & Ravioli
Bartty
WVMD

· Disney Beach Excursion (?)
LisaTex

· Jeep Safari
Marla Hellwig

· Panoramic Tour of Maddalena
Jeff Spencer

· On Their Own
Pillow
auntsue1
Silver7
Disney Lover Linda
Bmr12
Jeff Spencer
Jmcdonnell04
vtiffany
OhLawyr2

6/21 Civvitavecchia (Rome)​

7:30am to 10:00pm​

· Ultimate Rome Experience
Pillow
Marla Hellwig

· Exclusive VIP visit of the Vatican and Highlights of Rome
Silver7
wonder
Disney Lover Linda
DVC4US
PurtyPat1
bartty
WVMD
auntsue1

· Private Tours
Worktoplay
Jeff Spencer
Carolmb
LisaTex
Bmr12

· Jumping Back Into Eternal Rome
Taysmom
vtiffany
Also
Kmitchel
JMCdonnell04

· On Their Own
Skallywag
OhLawyr2

6/23 La Spezia (Florence)​

7:30am to 7:00pm​

· Portofino and Santa Margherita
Pillow
WVMD

· Florence and Michelangelo
Silver7
bartty
Disney Lover Linda
Bmr12

· Florence and Pisa
Auntsue1
also
PurtyPat1
jmcdonnell04
Wonder
Kmitchel
Taysmom

· Cinque Terre Scenic Boat Tour
Skallywag - AM

· Private Tours
Worktoplay
Jeff Spencer
Carolmb
LisaTex
DVC4US

· Pisa
Marla Hellwig

· Florence on your Own
Vtiffany

· On Their Own
OhLawyr2

6/24 Marseille​

8:00am to 9:00pm​

· Arles and the Olive Oil Mills of Les Baux
Silver7

· Marseille and the Little Train
Auntsue1 - PM
Disney Lover Linda - PM

· Marseille City Tour
PurtyPat1 - AM
LisaTex
Wonder - AM
Marla Hellwig
WVMD

· Calaques of Cassis
Worktoplay - PM
Kmitchel
Bmr12
vtiffany

· Soap and Marseille City
DVC4US - AM

· Private Tour
Pillow
Carolmb
Jeff Spencer

· Aix En Provence
Taysmom

· Chateau Neuf Du Pape and Avignon
Bartty

· On Their Own
Skallywag
OhLawyr2
Also
JMCdonnell04

· A Panoramic Tour of Marseilles
vtiffany

6/25 Villefranche​

8:00am to 6:00pm​

· Juan Les Pins Day at the Beach
Pillow

· Monaco, the Marina, and the Little Train
Auntsue1 - AM
Disney Lover Linda - AM

· Monaco, Monte Carlo, and Eze
PurtyPat1 - AM
also
Wonder - AM
jmcdonnello4
Taysmom

· Evening Casino
PurtyPat1
taysmom
Worktoplay
bartty
DVC4US
WVMD

· Highlights of Monaco and Top Car Muesum
Worktoplay
DVC4US(Rich and the guys)
Silver7(Mark & the guys)

· Create Your Own Perfume
DVC4US(Lani and the girls)
WVMD(Frances and Lauren)
Silver7(Teresa & Irene)

· Private Tour
Carolmb
Jeff Spencer
LisaTex

· Nice & Monaco
Bmr1

· Cannes. Grasse, and St Paul
Bartty

· Nice & Eze with Wine and Cheese
WVMD(Virgil)
Marla Hellwig

· Highlights of Monaco and Monte Carlo
vtiffany

· On Their Own
Kmitchel
OhLawyr2

Palo Reservations​

Brunch
6/17
silver7 - 10:30am
WVMD - 10:30am
Marla Hellwig - 10:30am
Kmitchel
also - 10:30am
PurtyPat1 - 10:30am
Skallywag - 10:30am
Taysmom - 10:30am
Bartty - 10:30am
Jmcdonnell04 - 10:30am
auntsue1 - 10:30am
Disney Lover Linda - 10:30am

6/22
DVC4US - 10:30am

High Tea
6/22
silver7 - 3pm

6/26
Kmitchel – 3pm

Dinner
6/16
auntsue1 - 8pm
Disney Lover Linda - 8pm

6/18
worktoplay - 7pm
DVC4US - 8:30pm
Taysmom - 7pm

6/19
vtiffany

6/20
wonder - 9pm
DVC4US - 7pm
Also - 7:30pm
JMCdonnell04 - 8pm
6/22
pillow - 6:30pm
purtyPat1 - 6pm
WVMD - 7pm
Kmitchel

6/24
Auntsue1 - 7pm
Disney Lover Linda - 7pm
Wonder - 9pm
6/26
PurtyPat1 - 6pm

London​

Before Cruise
Carolmb 6/9 - 6/11
Marla Hellwig 6/13 - 6/15
DVC4US 6/10 - 6/14
LisaTex 6/8

After Cruise
PurtyPat1 6/27
Kmitchel 6/27 - 6/28
Carolmb 6/27
Taysmom 6/30

Paris​

Before Cruise
Carolmb 6/11 - 6/13
(overnight train to Barcelona)
JMCdonnell04 6/13 - 6/16
Lisa Tex
Kmitchel


After Cruise
Wonder 6/27 - 6/30
Vtiffany 6/27 - 6/30
DVC4US 6/27 - 7/1
Marla Hellwig 6/28 - 7/1
Taysmom 6/27 - 6/30

Celebrations​

· Carolmb
6/21 10 year Anniversary

· Skallywag
6/12 42nd Anniversary

· DVC4US
23rd Anniversary
High School Graduation for Brittany and David

· Jeff Spencer
6/19 DW Birthday

· JMCdonnell04
6/21 DD Birthday 12 years old

 

[kmitchel]

Count us in for the gift exchange. pmm0724 and kmitchel - 2550/2552

 

[wonder]

Nickname ............... Cabin.................. Princess(Age)
DVC4US................... 8530.............Alyssa (11)
............................................ Madeline (11)

Purtypat ................2541/3 ................. Jenna (12)

Wonder ....................6064/6 .............. Jacyln (11)

Also........................ 6645 .................. Stephanie (12)

JMcDonnell04............. 2546/8 ................. Katie (11)

WVMD...................... 8532 ......................Lauren (12)

OhLawyr2.................. 8016 .................... Serena (12)

I cheated and used LeiLani's list to gather this information.

I can open a new Cruise meet and let the young ladies use our Disboard names to get going and then this could lead to pm'ing their IM accounts or emails which will lead to new friendships and hugs when they meet on June 16th which will lead to more hanging out time which will lead to more alone time for the adults.

Thanks so much....Jaclyn is so excited to meet everyone...let me know when you open the new cruise meet!

 

[Marla Hellwig]

We have late dinner and for Marseille City Tour - we are on the am tour

Thanks



Marla

 

[PURTYPAT1]

LeiLani,

I feel so bad for you, so many changes, extra work.

I think we all should buy LeiLani a drink for all the hard work.

Just want to give you an extra "thank you" for all the hard work that you are doing.
-------------------------------------------------------------------

My DD Jenna is so excited to meet everyone in her 11 to 12 year old group.
Do I have to sign her up on the boards? Will try to do this soon. Exams for the next 2 days then off to Hersey Pa with her girlscout troop this weekend.

Good night everyone

Patricia