Sept 18 2010 WB TransAtlantic Pirates/Capt Jacks Re-Repoing Repossession Cruise Pt.5

[TotallyAngelic]

DH and I are starting to plan how much currency and stuff we need to bring on this trip. In Barcelona, how much (approximately) is a:

-coffee
-bottle of water
-a sandwich
-a simple meal (table service, cafe)
-a family-style restaurant dinner
-a nice dinner (like where you would go on a date)
-fruit from vendors/markets?

About how much are museum tickets? Bus tickets?

Is VISA well accepted in Barcelona? How about Mastercard? Do most restaurants take credit card?

And-

Do you carry your passport with you in places like Barcelona in a safe spot, or the hotel safe or room safe? What about extra cash?


What are the toilets like in Barcelona? How do children find them? Are there places to change diapers? Are umbrella strollers easy to use in Barcelona?


Sorry to sound so naive. I haven't been to Spain before. I feel comfortable protecting our belongings - I just have some questions about things that will help me plan and frame our trip better. I am a planner.

For the costs of basic items have a look at:

http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/shopping/cost-of-living-barcelona.html

This gives you some prices for museaums, restaurant meals etc

http://www.hostels.com/guides/viewguide.php/Barcelona-Guide

European toilets ( public ) can leave a lot to be desired and they can charge for the toilet paper. I am not sure about changing facilities for babies as I have not travelled with a young baby anywhere other than Disney.

 

[Con5421]

About a taxi in Barcelona look at www.taxi2airport.nl then you can choose english. The price i found was much cheaper, and you can call then and if you want i can call them in The Netherlands.

I looked again and they have also a number in England

 

[granmaz]

Hi Everyone,

I have been away from the boards, but am looking forward to the WBTA.

We were on the EBTA and are continuing with our travels in Europe. (Hi KrisannB and kcashner! We enjoyed cruising with you.)

When we get home, I'll only have a few hundred pages to catch up. LOL.

My top tips:

1. Get some euros in advance. Even today in Milan, we went to five or six ATMs before we found one that accepted our card.

2. Beware of pickpockets, especially at tourist sites and on public transportation. We met a couple who lost a wallet (from a handbag with a flap) two blocks from the dock as they were waiting to cross the street (whenever strangers are standing closer than normal). We also met a woman Owho lost money from her front pants picket in a marketplace (someone bumped into her).



I don't mean to scare anyone. Just use common sense and be aware of your surroundings.
Woody

Woody

Thanks for the info Woody. Good to know, but a shame these poor people have been the ones having that experience that helps us. I hope nothing like these stories happen to any of us.

Enjoy the rest of your great vacation and look forward to seeing you in September.

 

[Con5421]

DH and I are starting to plan how much currency and stuff we need to bring on this trip. In Barcelona, how much (approximately) is a:

-coffee
-bottle of water
-a sandwich
-a simple meal (table service, cafe)
-a family-style restaurant dinner
-a nice dinner (like where you would go on a date)
-fruit from vendors/markets?

About how much are museum tickets? Bus tickets?

Is VISA well accepted in Barcelona? How about Mastercard? Do most restaurants take credit card?

And-

Do you carry your passport with you in places like Barcelona in a safe spot, or the hotel safe or room safe? What about extra cash?


What are the toilets like in Barcelona? How do children find them? Are there places to change diapers? Are umbrella strollers easy to use in Barcelona?


Sorry to sound so naive. I haven't been to Spain before. I feel comfortable protecting our belongings - I just have some questions about things that will help me plan and frame our trip better. I am a planner.

Drinks and eating are not as cheap as in America, we don't give free refills.
But the prices are as in a themepark. And every American fastfood ..... is in europe.

Make a copie off your passport when you go it town, but we never had to show our passport. When you want to us your credit card you must show your passport that's in all off europe. You can us visa and also your mastercard. I had never trouble whit using a ATM, but you can ask your bank if you can get money in europe.

But we use our bankcard for the ATM, not our creditcard

And don't be to scared about that they will pick your belongings, that's not more then in a other big city. Only in a metro, bus and busy places whatch if you see somebody who is acting different or gets to close to you.

Toilets? In Barcelona and other city they ask to pay for toilet use, and they you get papper. But i have always a tissue whit me when i find a toilet that has non. When you go to a shop like macy's but then one in Spain they have also toilets and for the baby changingroom.

Connie

 

[paulasillars]

Well they think they think they know what wrong with my arm. I started to having issue turn my arm face down. They did some tests at the office and they think a have a burst pronator teres muscle. The worst case scenario. I will have an MRI to find out for sure. If it that i may need surgery or months of physical therapy. I'm hoping it heals soon.

Stephen

What a pain ... in more ways that one. At least once you have had the MRI they will know how to treat it properly though

We should have a game of "telephone" with all the different versions of "English" on board. Statements get so mixed up when all the people are talking the same language. Just imagine how it would be when it is different "English"

Jon

This would actually be very funny, there are so many accents among this group it would be very interesting.

Very well said Corinna, I agree completely.
I can't wait to be dining with fellow DISers. Plus I love to hear so many accents and maybe I'll learn to tell the difference between Australian and British accents.

Or for a real challenge, the difference between our New Zealand accent and the Australian one

Some Brits have problems telling the difference between US and Australian accents!!!! Oh, and I know it is really a capital punishment offence, but big problems telling the difference between US and Canadian accents!

I confess I struggle with the difference between some Canadian and US accents but I can easily differentiate parts of England as well as Scottish, Welsh, Irish and South African.

Hello everyone! Is there room for 4 more in this group?

Welcome!

Am I the only person in the world who has never had a Mickey Bar. I suppose the good thing is that I won't miss what I have never had.

I don't like ice cream - its far too cold for my liking and too "creamy" so I've not had one either.

That's ok - "those" things just caused major conflict in our DIS schedule. SO......maybe THIS time I REALLY can get into the pool. Pam - maybe you can just drag me there again.

OMG, there is a pool on board?

What a shame for them. You really have to have your wits about you. I bet the thieves stalk out the Aerobus drop off points for just this reason as people are perhaps a little distracted getting their bags and their bearings too. Thanks for the extra warning for us all to be vigilant.

I read a blog from a native Barcelonan (is that the correct term?) and he/she said they won't let family use the Aerobus due to the pickpocketing that is really bad at the stops - basically people are tired, confused, not sure where they are going and very easily distracted so parted from their belongings easily.

I think after a 30+ hour flight, I'll be willing to pay the cost of a taxi

 

[paulasillars]

Well they think they think they know what wrong with my arm. I started to having issue turn my arm face down. They did some tests at the office and they think a have a burst pronator teres muscle. The worst case scenario. I will have an MRI to find out for sure. If it that i may need surgery or months of physical therapy. I'm hoping it heals soon.

Stephen

What a pain ... in more ways that one. At least once you have had the MRI they will know how to treat it properly though

We should have a game of "telephone" with all the different versions of "English" on board. Statements get so mixed up when all the people are talking the same language. Just imagine how it would be when it is different "English"

Jon

This would actually be very funny, there are so many accents among this group it would be very interesting.

Very well said Corinna, I agree completely.
I can't wait to be dining with fellow DISers. Plus I love to hear so many accents and maybe I'll learn to tell the difference between Australian and British accents.

Or for a real challenge, the difference between our New Zealand accent and the Australian one

Some Brits have problems telling the difference between US and Australian accents!!!! Oh, and I know it is really a capital punishment offence, but big problems telling the difference between US and Canadian accents!

I confess I struggle with the difference between some Canadian and US accents but I can easily differentiate parts of England as well as Scottish, Welsh, Irish and South African.

Hello everyone! Is there room for 4 more in this group?

Welcome!

Am I the only person in the world who has never had a Mickey Bar. I suppose the good thing is that I won't miss what I have never had.

I don't like ice cream - its far too cold for my liking and too "creamy" so I've not had one either.

That's ok - "those" things just caused major conflict in our DIS schedule. SO......maybe THIS time I REALLY can get into the pool. Pam - maybe you can just drag me there again.

OMG, there is a pool on board?

What a shame for them. You really have to have your wits about you. I bet the thieves stalk out the Aerobus drop off points for just this reason as people are perhaps a little distracted getting their bags and their bearings too. Thanks for the extra warning for us all to be vigilant.

I read a blog from a native Barcelonan (is that the correct term?) and he/she said they won't let family use the Aerobus due to the pickpocketing that is really bad at the stops - basically people are tired, confused, not sure where they are going and very easily distracted so parted from their belongings easily.

I think after a 30+ hour flight, I'll be willing to pay the cost of a taxi

 

[gismo1554]

I have a question on the FE gifts. Are we starting distribution on Saturday or Sunday? I am also assuming our last gifts will be distributed on Friday, the night before we dock in Port Canaveral.

Am I correct or is there a different plant?

Just my thoughts...

I've said last deliveries by mid day Friday to allow people to pack before having to put cases outside their staterooms.

As for the start, I would assume it wont be until the Sunday

 

[gismo1554]

Hi Everyone,

I have been away from the boards, but am looking forward to the WBTA.

We were on the EBTA and are continuing with our travels in Europe. (Hi KrisannB and kcashner! We enjoyed cruising with you.)

When we get home, I'll only have a few hundred pages to catch up. LOL.

My top tips:

1. Get some euros in advance. Even today in Milan, we went to five or six ATMs before we found one that accepted our card.

2. Beware of pickpockets, especially at tourist sites and on public transportation. We met a couple who lost a wallet (from a handbag with a flap) two blocks from the dock as they were waiting to cross the street (whenever strangers are standing closer than normal). We also met a woman Owho lost money from her front pants picket in a marketplace (someone bumped into her).

I don't mean to scare anyone. Just use common sense and be aware of your surroundings.
Woody

Woody

Glad you're having fun Woody!

 

[gismo1554]

I have read that 3-5% is customary for tipping the driver. Not sure if that is right...

Thats what DCL recommends and its roughly what we tend to do in the UK so I would say that's about right for Europe too.

 

[gismo1554]

DH and I are starting to plan how much currency and stuff we need to bring on this trip. In Barcelona, how much (approximately) is a:

-coffee
-bottle of water
-a sandwich
-a simple meal (table service, cafe)
-a family-style restaurant dinner
-a nice dinner (like where you would go on a date)
-fruit from vendors/markets?

About how much are museum tickets? Bus tickets?

Is VISA well accepted in Barcelona? How about Mastercard? Do most restaurants take credit card?

And-

Do you carry your passport with you in places like Barcelona in a safe spot, or the hotel safe or room safe? What about extra cash?

What are the toilets like in Barcelona? How do children find them? Are there places to change diapers? Are umbrella strollers easy to use in Barcelona?

Sorry to sound so naive. I haven't been to Spain before. I feel comfortable protecting our belongings - I just have some questions about things that will help me plan and frame our trip better. I am a planner.

OK Visa is well accepted across Europe as is Mastercard. AMEX depends on the shops really as sometimes it is sometimes it isn't. Small cafes may have a minimum charge or not take the cards but restaurants will usually accept credit cards. Also a lot of shops in Europe do a minimum spend so keep an eye out for this too.

I wouldn't carry your passport in Barcelona if you have an in room safe! If you don't have an in-room sagfe carry it! Same with extra cash! As with a lot of major cities such as New York and London there are large crowds and pick pocketers take advantage of this. Carry only what you really need to carry!

Bus and Museum tickets you can find prices for online usually. Have a google for the specific museum and it should tell you. You may also be able to purchase in advance.

Not travelled with kids but hopefully someone can help with this bit.

 

[gismo1554]

I found it best to use cash in Spain.

On the EBTA, we had a day in Barcelona before disembarkation. We went to a department store and I tried to use a VISA. They would not accept it without a passport, which was in our cabin safe.

Woody

Ah in which case I correct what I previously said. This may be due to in Europe most credit cards now having a pin number but if this is the case, take cash!

 

[woody73]

Ah in which case I correct what I previously said. This may be due to in Europe most credit cards now having a pin number but if this is the case, take cash!

In my experience traveling through Spain and Italy after the EBTA, my U.S.-issued ATM cards and VISA are not as readily accepted as at home.

I think the E.U. has a more advanced banking system. (ATM cards with a microchip, and credit cards with a PIN.)

Personally, I try not to use a credit card in a foreign restaurant. If someone copies the info and there is fraudulent use, my bank will call me to verify the purchase. But that's useless if I'm on a cruiseship for two weeks.

Just my two cents.

Woody

 

[orlandothebeagle]

Dis has been loading sooooooooo slowly lately, and sometimes won't load at all, very annoying!
Are you just going to grab a taxi at the airport?



50 euro sound ok I think, i was getting a few quotes last night around 60, so 50 is good.
The cheapest was gospainairport.com, it was 90 euro for airport to hotel AND hotel to port.
Just have no idea who is reliable?

Yes, we are just going to grab a taxi, 4 of us, hopefully get one big enough, if not, ?? 2 I suppose.

Today was a trip to Bass Creek. A bit of fishing with DSIL, DGD and DS. Dennis and I caught the same fish! Yep, my hook he swallowed and Den's was in his mouth! I knew we were doing everything together now, but that is just ridiculous!! LOL Another fun day in a beautiful place. Today's trip was very close to home though - within 20 miles. The last 2 days were trips of at least 2.5 hrs one way. Our DD stayed at our house today writing a paper for a class she is taking. She and her family will be returning to OR tomorrow morning. We will miss them.

sounds like a great day.what kind of fish or is that a silly q?

DH and I are starting to plan how much currency and stuff we need to bring on this trip. In Barcelona, how much (approximately) is a:

-coffee
-bottle of water
-a sandwich
-a simple meal (table service, cafe)
-a family-style restaurant dinner
-a nice dinner (like where you would go on a date)
-fruit from vendors/markets?

About how much are museum tickets? Bus tickets?

Is VISA well accepted in Barcelona? How about Mastercard? Do most restaurants take credit card?

And-

Do you carry your passport with you in places like Barcelona in a safe spot, or the hotel safe or room safe? What about extra cash?


What are the toilets like in Barcelona? How do children find them? Are there places to change diapers? Are umbrella strollers easy to use in Barcelona?


Sorry to sound so naive. I haven't been to Spain before. I feel comfortable protecting our belongings - I just have some questions about things that will help me plan and frame our trip better. I am a planner.

It will all be more expensive than USA but not sure how much. One thing I can tell you, toilets are rubbish, best to pop into mcdonalds if you need to go, not perfect but a rest rooms a rest room!

I found it best to use cash in Spain.

On the EBTA, we had a day in Barcelona before disembarkation. We went to a department store and I tried to use a VISA. They would not accept it without a passport, which was in our cabin safe.

Woody

I have never had a problem with visa anywhere in europe.Ive never been to barcelona recently, wonder if its cause all the pick pocketing?

 

[TotallyAngelic]

I read a blog from a native Barcelonan (is that the correct term?) and he/she said they won't let family use the Aerobus due to the pickpocketing that is really bad at the stops - basically people are tired, confused, not sure where they are going and very easily distracted so parted from their belongings easily.

I think after a 30+ hour flight, I'll be willing to pay the cost of a taxi

I may have to rethink our plan to get the aerobus then .....

 

[woody73]

I have never had a problem with visa anywhere in europe.Ive never been to barcelona recently, wonder if its cause all the pick pocketing?

Was your VISA card issued in Europe?

At FNAC and El Corte Ingles on Placa Catalunya, both places asked for a passport to pay with VISA.

Folks, that was just MY experience. YMMV. Hopefully no one else will have any difficulty in Barcelona.

Woody

 

[gismo1554]

In my experience traveling through Spain and Italy after the EBTA, my U.S.-issued ATM cards and VISA are not as readily accepted as at home.

I think the E.U. has a more advanced banking system. (ATM cards with a microchip, and credit cards with a PIN.)

Personally, I try not to use a credit card in a foreign restaurant. If someone copies the info and there is fraudulent use, my bank will call me to verify the purchase. But that's useless if I'm on a cruiseship for two weeks.

Just my two cents.

Woody

Yep we do and I completely forgot about that! See I pay no attention lol

 

[gismo1554]

Yes, we are just going to grab a taxi, 4 of us, hopefully get one big enough, if not, ?? 2 I suppose.

sounds like a great day.what kind of fish or is that a silly q?

It will all be more expensive than USA but not sure how much. One thing I can tell you, toilets are rubbish, best to pop into mcdonalds if you need to go, not perfect but a rest rooms a rest room!

I have never had a problem with visa anywhere in europe.Ive never been to barcelona recently, wonder if its cause all the pick pocketing?

Lynne we have Chip & Pin cards mind unlike the US ones that don't have such security measures - not that this stops it completely but does reduce the issue!

 

[LittleDisneyLovers]

About a taxi in Barcelona look at www.taxi2airport.nl then you can choose english. The price i found was much cheaper, and you can call then and if you want i can call them in The Netherlands.

I looked again and they have also a number in England

Drinks and eating are not as cheap as in America, we don't give free refills.
But the prices are as in a themepark. And every American fastfood ..... is in europe.

Make a copie off your passport when you go it town, but we never had to show our passport. When you want to us your credit card you must show your passport that's in all off europe. You can us visa and also your mastercard. I had never trouble whit using a ATM, but you can ask your bank if you can get money in europe.

But we use our bankcard for the ATM, not our creditcard

And don't be to scared about that they will pick your belongings, that's not more then in a other big city. Only in a metro, bus and busy places whatch if you see somebody who is acting different or gets to close to you.

Toilets? In Barcelona and other city they ask to pay for toilet use, and they you get papper. But i have always a tissue whit me when i find a toilet that has non. When you go to a shop like macy's but then one in Spain they have also toilets and for the baby changingroom.

Connie

Thanks Connie, you've been very helpful!
I agree, you have to take care of your belongings at any big city or tourist area, there is always dishonest people, everywhere!

 

[LittleDisneyLovers]

Ok, I need to start thinking about what to pack.
So............dinner at the restaurants, cruise casual? What exactly does that mean. My typical "mum uniform" at home is 3/4 jeans and a pretty top, will that be OK, Or should I pack dresses? And DH, can he wear shorts and a polo shirt? Or do I need button up shirts for him? I'm planning on pretty dresses for the girls?
Do you think DH could get away with one of those classy tux T-shirts for formal night.........Joking!!!! The suit is bad enough to pack, then there's his enormous shoes!!! OK, so not enormous, but they take up so much space!!!
I've read it gets chilly inside as the air-conditioning is cold. Keeping in mind I come from Australia, where the climate is similar to Florida, do I need a cardigan or wrap for dinner and the theatres?
Any packing tips for a first time cruiser?
Aaargghh, 14 days, I WILL BE WASHING!

 

[su_kraft]

About a taxi in Barcelona look at www.taxi2airport.nl then you can choose english. The price i found was much cheaper, and you can call then and if you want i can call them in The Netherlands.

I looked again and they have also a number in England

Just took a look at this, and I am was quoted 48 Euro. however, they didn't have the hotel we are staying at - so I chose another in the general area, and they didn't ask about luggage - we have 8 suitcases - 4 large and 4 that carry onto the plane. That is a lot...

So I am still unsure... Good thing I have 107 days to figure it out!!!