*Sept 10th 2011 WB Transatlantic* - From Spain to Space Mountain - Part 5

[Chris&Jeremy]

Where is everyone staying pre-cruise? Would be nice to share a cab to the port with another 2 people as its the same price for 4 in a cab, you just pay extra for each piece of luggage in the trunk (so put your carry on's on your lap! )

Namsupak is keeping a list of who is staying where pre-cruise at the beginning of the thread - the post is here:

Pre-Cruise Hotel List

(Edit: It seems like a lot of people haven't mentioned where they're staying when I look at the list...Compared to the # of active people in the thread the list is short!)

 

[auntlynne]

Chris & Jeremy :

Where did you finally go for the 4th of July?

 

[Chris&Jeremy]

Chris & Jeremy :

Where did you finally go for the 4th of July?

The couch - LOL. We ended up staying here and saving the $ that I'm sure we'll invariably spend on the cruise!

 

[auntlynne]

Thanks for all the tips for flight travel, everyone! I found one way Houston to London for $436, then one way London to BCN for $168. Not too shabby!

Sounds like you have no excuse for staying on dry land
...
It looks like the cruise is filling up - IGT's are gone (at least for now). ...

I just got on the DCL website to see if we had our GTY assignment yet (no, of course, or I would have screamed it from the rooftop). BUT, for fun I checked the prices, and looks like they aren't selling GTY's anymore and so the prices are WAY up. The cheapest is an inside stateroom for more than we paid for a gty ov. Of course, these may have been the non-GTY prices all along, but just thought it was interesting...

They are up. They still offer VGT (Veranda with Restrictions) SOLO prices:
I got my OGT (O/V with Restrictions) for about $1783 (an inside was $1743 at the time)

VGT . . $2483
11B . . 1958
11A . . 1975
10B . . 2273
10A . . 2413
9D . . . 2535
9C . . . 2605
9B . . . 2640
9A . . . 2973
7A . . . 3603
6A . . . 3953
5C . . . 4163
5B . . . 4285
5A . . . 4460
4E . . . 4863
4B . . . 4915
4A . . . 5108
1BSuite 9627

Do you remember an excursion last year to see Flamenco dancing when we were in Gibraltar? ...

I'm guessing we'll see the Flamenco dancers on stage again on the Magic.

...
I'm finding some really good airfares on flyeurope site! $600 from Houston to BCN!

Book 'em, Danno.

Would be nice to share a cab to the port with another 2 people as its the same price for 4 in a cab, you just pay extra for each piece of luggage in the trunk (so put your carry on's on your lap! )

And those who are staying at the Renaissance at the airport are sharing a shuttle; they are making arrangements any day now (maybe just did?)

...There may not be any specific vaccinations, but it's a good idea to have a current tetanus shot, just in case. I think they're good for 5 years, so if you haven't had one in that time, you might want to go ahead and get it.

Tetanus boosters for adults is every TEN (10) years or "after an exposure to tetanus under some circumstances" - source: CDC

...Now on to exchanging $$.... does everyone do it at their respective financial institutions? I've been looking at the website that Noel (birkner) so thoughtfully provided, and can't quite tell if we'd write a check or just give them cash. Any thoughts from the group??

Okay, this is one area where I go with the path of least resistance and use DCL: exchanging cash onboard. It is so much easier than all the rigamarole trying to get it ahead of time. And I don't use that much foreign currency on a trip like this. Plus, I use AMEX or VISA (even though they charge conversion fees). I carry some US $ and go to Guest Services and get euros.

Karen, Did you also see the Lion King 3D trailer? I am curious to see if they offer it on the ship since its a "limited engagement." B/c the release is Sept 16th though, I thought they might....What do you think?

I am counting on/expecting both of them to entertain me on the cruise. I don't think there are a lot of other Disney releases between now and then. Also expect: Tangled, POC4, perhaps Gnomeo & Juliet.

 

[auntlynne]

The couch - LOL. We ended up staying here and saving the $ that I'm sure we'll invariably spend on the cruise!

Well, sometimes just the thought of going to WDW can help perk things up. I am sure the money you would have spent will get used on this trip, unless you are very careful. When you asked people what they spent onboard, that was quite . I know, because I invariably use ship internet services, despite the high costs and slow speed.

I can only imagine if I drank alcohol.

 

[Chris&Jeremy]

Well, sometimes just the thought of going to WDW can help perk things up. I am sure the money you would have spent will get used on this trip, unless you are very careful. When you asked people what they spent onboard, that was quite . I know, because I invariably use ship internet services, despite the high costs and slow speed.

I can only imagine if I drank alcohol.

I'm sure we'll end up spending a bunch. And I have no doubt that we'll likely be putting a deposit down on another cruise while onboard, which will also add to the total!

 

[*Flower*]

Take my dh with you. You know how much he loves needles.

We're not EVEN going there!!!

 

[PFlamingo]

Tetanus boosters for adults is every TEN (10) years or "after an exposure to tetanus under some circumstances" - source: CDC

I was thinking it was 10 years, but then I thought, "no, that's passports." Thanks for that! I had one last year when I got bit by a client's dog.

 

[Fontabel]

Hi All,

Just to chime in on a couple of things:

Shots: Not needed for any of the places we go, in fact, not usually needed for any vacation spots unless you plan to stay for a longer duration--several months (usually more than 90 days) or if there is some possibility of obtaining a disease in that place that is not common in the United States (this is mostly for African countries or some parts of South America). Even if you have a tetnis booster (which is good for 10 years), if something happens to you on a trip they will likely give you another shot even if you have one. Because we are on a cruise ship, no one is likely to even ask for your passport let alone a vaccination list at any of these places (this includes Barcelona airport--for vaccination list, you will need your passport ). I would not worry about shots. We have traveled to most of Western Europe, been to almost all islands in the Caribbean, and have never needed any special shots.

Gibraltar: We followed Noel's advice and pre-purchased a cable car and nature package ticket online now. It includes a free bus pass for the day. You just need to print out the email and bring it with you to the kiosk with the cable car: http://www.gibraltarinfo.gi. This will allow us to explore on our own and pay now, so we can spend more money on FABs.

Exchanging Money: I think I posted this somewhere before and there has been a discussion on the chip/no chip issue on certain cards. Basically, credit cards will work at most major places in all locations as long as you inform them ahead of time where you are traveling. For exchange rates, you can usually get a better rate from your bank than from an exchange booth at an airport or on the street. We simply inform our banks that we may be using ATMs and usually get some money out when we arrive (airports often have ATMs, so do cruise terminals. We usually operate in cash when we can, it's just easier) and you can usually get more in most places. Exchanging major world currencies used on this trip (Euro and pound) will be easy once you get home, most major banks will take them or you can exchange them in the airport in Orlando. This has been our preferred method, I know some people don't like carrying cash, but we have just been extra careful and have not had any problems and often find it is easier, especially in smaller cafes and shops in some of these places.

Hope this is helpful. Just sharing one opinion.

Amanda

 

[Donaldcp98]

Hi All,

Just to chime in on a couple of things:

Shots: Not needed for any of the places we go, in fact, not usually needed for any vacation spots unless you plan to stay for a longer duration--several months (usually more than 90 days) or if there is some possibility of obtaining a disease in that place that is not common in the United States (this is mostly for African countries or some parts of South America). Even if you have a tetnis booster (which is good for 10 years), if something happens to you on a trip they will likely give you another shot even if you have one. Because we are on a cruise ship, no one is likely to even ask for your passport let alone a vaccination list at any of these places (this includes Barcelona airport--for vaccination list, you will need your passport ). I would not worry about shots. We have traveled to most of Western Europe, been to almost all islands in the Caribbean, and have never needed any special shots.

Gibraltar: We followed Noel's advice and pre-purchased a cable car and nature package ticket online now. It includes a free bus pass for the day. You just need to print out the email and bring it with you to the kiosk with the cable car: http://www.gibraltarinfo.gi. This will allow us to explore on our own and pay now, so we can spend more money on FABs.

Exchanging Money: I think I posted this somewhere before and there has been a discussion on the chip/no chip issue on certain cards. Basically, credit cards will work at most major places in all locations as long as you inform them ahead of time where you are traveling. For exchange rates, you can usually get a better rate from your bank than from an exchange booth at an airport or on the street. We simply inform our banks that we may be using ATMs and usually get some money out when we arrive (airports often have ATMs, so do cruise terminals. We usually operate in cash when we can, it's just easier) and you can usually get more in most places. Exchanging major world currencies used on this trip (Euro and pound) will be easy once you get home, most major banks will take them or you can exchange them in the airport in Orlando. This has been our preferred method, I know some people don't like carrying cash, but we have just been extra careful and have not had any problems and often find it is easier, especially in smaller cafes and shops in some of these places.

Hope this is helpful. Just sharing one opinion.

Amanda

Just to echo some of things said here. I don't believe my parents who did this WBTA last year needed any shots and they specifically asked their doctors because of my mom's medical conditions so we should be ok (sorry *Flower* I guess you will have to torture my DH another way You could always be the soup Nazi.)

Also I have found that in some of the European places (restaurants especially) that they will not take credit cards unless you are spending a certain amount of money. So it is always handy to be carrying cash with you just in case they enforce this rule. It's not like here in the states and especially here in Orlando where you can hand your check card for just about everything. I would say just be safe and don't carry around $1000 in cash or something silly like that (let me hold it. It will be safe) Just remember their customs are not our customs and respect them if they say no credit cards.

 

[MandyGirl]

Jost VanDyke update: there is a possibility theey may add an additional motorboat, and told me they would take care of our DIS standby list first if so. If you want to be added to the standvy list, please pm me or a visitor message since I need to clean out my DIS box and am almost full. They will not know about this possibility for sure until about Aug 20. DIS is doing an upgrade right now so I cannot acces my private messages. Crazy busy these next few days so please be patient if it takes me a few days to update, reply, etc.

I also need to update thread five PJ breakfast... had updated thread four so those newest names on the list will get transfered over as well soon.

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

As far as pricing goes; seems to depend on the type of rate being booked. Apparently the restricted prices are up, but the MEO haven't moved since they first come out. Or that is; as I'm keeping my eye on them as a solo cruiser. Some have gone as no more available (categories are available, just not as MEO).

I paid $1250,- and a bit for a 11B and it's still the same. I actually for one brainless moments looked into upgrading to cat 3 (highest pos. cat in acces.) with one of those "I decided I deserve some amazing and the extra perks will come in handy with me not being up to my normal self" moments but ehm............ stickershock!!!!!!!!! Obviously with it not being on offer with the MEO-code it already makes a big difference but for over $9600,- that would about bankrupt me right there and then. At the moment there are still 3 cat 3 access. staterooms not booked, which I've never seen happen before. Who knows, perhaps if something is still open on boarding day and the upgrade price at port is more reasonable I might go for it. Heck, the idea that perhaps there could be a littlest chance of upgrading an access. stateroom is already very exciting! I've gotten so used to 0% chance of pixiedusted upgrade or possibility to upgrade at the port that this is a big change.

 

[Pinky166]

I hope you get pixie dusted with an upgrade Jacqueline, you deserve it.



I had great fun last night, DH was doing some work on his laptop so I sat and decorated my mask for villains night, i'm really pleased with the outcome.

I think tomorrow I will have a sort through all the stuff in the spare bedroom that i've been collecting ready for packing. There is quite a lot so far & that is rather worrying as that doesn't even include clothes.

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

Candyswap participants; newsbulletin

We've just hit the 20 stateroom mark. Which means I'll be splitting up into multiple groups. I've already got Jessicasmom and Magic123 noted down as having a preference to stay around the 20 staterooms, so I'll take that into account. Any other preferences; please make them known by PM. Only info by PM please, it's impossible to never miss a post on this thread esp. with me being gone soon again. Otherwise I will surprise you when making assignments.

To give all time enough to sort things out, I've decided on a cut off date of August 7th, for anybody signing up after that; I'll add you to the list but will leave it up to each participant if they can and want to add on "last" minute. I'll supply participants with the info needed on August 8th, which would give most of us a month before hopping on our flights.


Which only leaves me needing to make sure I get a crash course sharing said list through our googlegroup from Pat.


Adding a note; we're at 19 staterooms at the moment, as Krisann had to drop out unfortunately. However, at the moment I'm going to assume we will hit the 20 mark and thus leave the info above as it is.

 

[KrisannB]

hello everyone - I am still here and still going on the cruise but I cannot be on here or the board much right now = I was put into the hospital last week with my sugar 591 and while I am a diabetic now I was not when I went in (or I did not know it) my sugar continues to not be stable and I am cannot read the computer screen because it is effecting my eyes.

Also I need to drop out of the candy swap - could someone please cotact the person in charge of that and let them know as I am doing good to type this and cannot read )but can type (thank goodness I learned to in high school without looking at the keys!) My daughter is helping me read somethigs too. I am so sad that I have to drop out but the temptation is too much (and sugar free candy will not be an option for me as it still has carbs in it.) My children will be most disappointed but my life is to where I do not know exactly what is what right now = I hope I make it to the ship!

Thanks! we leave in 2 weeks for our trrip so I am packing.

Krisann

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

I hope you get pixie dusted with an upgrade Jacqueline, you deserve it.

That's so sweet, thanks. Allthough I'm sure there will be enough other cruisers much more deserving.

I think tomorrow I will have a sort through all the stuff in the spare bedroom that i've been collecting ready for packing. There is quite a lot so far & that is rather worrying as that doesn't even include clothes.

Ooh, sounds familiar. My family is already looking at me like I'm nuts and wondering if all will fit in the van. Must have something to do with me recently receiving quite a few packages for my FE-gifts (ordering small amounts is a lot cheaper than the bigger number in once, so I'm getting swamped with packages ). I also gave them the assignment to go out and buy some specific candy for the swap as they are FINALLY available as I'm wanting them and know they'll run out later this week. They kinda get that idea so don't look to weird but did when I told them the amount of people I needed it for. Combine that with space taken up bu FE-gifts that are done, suitcases being moved around a lot at the moment, kids stuff lingering around, sunstuff everywhere, dresses hanging around and about (oh nooo! That reminds me that at my current size nothing fits anymore, argh! Got 4 sizes in there, one of them better fit me by September ) and you've got madness central.

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

Krisann, before I could read this Bev had already sent me a PM. I've taken you off the list, allthough I'ld gladly add you back on for those of us that are willing to work with whatever diet limits you have been given. As far as reading goes; contact your local chapter of the diabetic ***. or those for people with vision problems. If there is any way for you to loan one of the many aids available in helping read they will probably know where to go. Most of the time that's for a set time limit but it's better than nothing. Also ask for the occupational therapist in the hospital, they are great with these aids also. Might even have something in house. The DIS is one thing, but I could imagine any gaining in reading unassisted will be a blessing. Take care


And daughter; you're a doll for helping your mom!

 

[cliffy97]

Hello!

I have been on holiday in Poland for the last 9 days so just playing catch up. Hope everyone is well and WELCOME to the new cruisers!

I will post the first Dining and Pub Crawl lists later today.

Dan

 

[granmaz]

Krissan, I'm copying Jacqueline's idea and hope you can read it better. What she says is GOOD!!! I hope you are soon stablised and well. Take care hunny. Lots of Thank you Ashlyn for helping your mom so well.

 

[karentan]

get well soon krisann