Sept 18 2010 WB TransAtlantic Pirates/Capt Jacks Re-Repoing Repossession Cruise Pt.9

[UKANGEL]

I
We had our spa day today and it was amazing. We both had booked a neck, back and shoulder massage, but this morning I was given the option to have a facial, shoulder massage and scalp massage instead and I went for this option. We then had a couple of hours to use the gym and pool, hot tub, sauna and steam room, before I had my second treatment, which was the Ginger and Lime Salt Glow. It was absolutely divine. I also found out that they do a hot stone massage after all (it was removed from the price list about 6 months ago) and I booked myself in for this on September 10th. Looks like Captain Mickey is not getting any of my spa Dollars this time round.

After the last treatment, I met up with Graham again and we had a lovely Japanese meal near the spa. Now I am just catching up with things and I will work on the last two things on my to do list for today shortly. One has already been done.

Corinna

What a lovely, relaxing day Corinna...just what you needed!

 

[mickeymom923]

When we did the WBTA in 07 I purchased a debit money card from AAA. I prepaid $$ into the card and wherever I went, I used it as a credit card without having any additional fees or charges. The best part was it automatically converted my US $$ into Euro's or Pound's depending on where I was purchasing. When I returned home, I continued to use it as a debit card in US $$.

Since my DD and I have been on 13 Disney Cruises in the past 6 years, we are entitled to perks from DCL. One of these is a dinner at Palo's. We would love to have others join us for dinner. It's always more fun with other people. The more the merrier. So if anyone wants to join our party of 2, please PM me and I'll make the reservations.

Okay, I was going to rent a car from Port Canaveral to Orlando since I just decided to stay in Orlando until 10/4 so DD and I can go to the MNSSHP on the 3rd. I didn't tell her (poohbear926) but she'll find out by reading this. Anyway, I have an excellent reliable limo/van/bus company that I use; have used;and have recommended others to use. So I decided it's probably less expensive to get a group together that's leaving the ship on the 2nd and going to the Orlando Airport. I will rent my car from MCO because it's usually less money to rent roundtrip from there instead of a one way rental from Port Canaveral. Last time, I was charged a $50 drop off charge that the car rental company tacked into the price. SO IF ANYONE IS INTERESTED IN SHARING A VAN OR BUS (DEPENDING ON HOW MANY PEOPLE) FOR APPROXIMATELY $20 PP TO PICK US UP AT THE SHIP AND TRANSPORT US DIRECTLY TO ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, PLEASE PM ME ASAP.

Is it 9/18 yet?

Bev

 

[AlexandNessa]

Hi Everyone!

Does anyone know what time Disney transfers will be from Le Meridien to the port?

It doesn't say in our cruise docs. Anyone want to take a guess?

 

[su_kraft]

LOL! It does feel weird now its getting closer! Two years of planning and chatting on these boards it will be sad when its all over. We definately need to keep our threads alive lol! Gonna miss it!

I hope that we stay in touch! I've been here almost a year and you are all like family!

OMG!!! I just got back from a weekend on the boat and I am 40+ pages behind! I am going to spend the next few hours with a cup of tea, ignoring my family, trying to catch up, bear with me if my replies are days late, I will keep it to a minimum.......don't you people have stuff to do, let me catch up!!!!

I was wondering where you were off too! Hope that this weekend was better than last, and that Holly stayed slear of the bait...

Thats true, I met a lovely,lovely lady from chicagoo last cruise and her grandson, they even came to stay with us in our villa the night before cruise,we spent a lovely week cruisng with them, I am really dissapointed that weve fallen out of touch, I wrote and e-mailed a few times and she never got back to me, I hope she is ok, but Ive let it go now because maybe she just thinks time to move on, but its kinda sad really,

I find it hard to leave the Magic, shoot, I cried last time. We make such fond memories while on board... Lynne, I promise to stay in touch!!

Well hopefully some of us will stay in touch! I hope so anyway!

I can't believe that at least some of us will stay in touch! Many of seemed to have formed bonds!

If I were you, I would get my Euros now as the rate on the ship is probably not very favorable. When I bought my Euros in April, the rate was $1.22. I think the rate is about $1.35 or more now. I think if I remember correctly, I paid around $1.50 for each British pound but I bought only $100 worth so I was not watching the rate as closely.

You might check with your local bank as you may be able to buy them cheaper there than anywhere else. My Bank of America branch quoted three days but in actuality, I had them the next day.

If you have a AAA card you can order them online. Minimum order for AAA is $250. Also, you can buy Euros or British pounds through Travelex either online or in one of their stores.

For example, if you bought today from AAA, you would pay $501.47 for the Euros and $10 for two day delivery. That would give you 370 Euros.

For British pounds for Gibralter, if you bought today from AAA, you would pay $251.52 for the British pounds and $10 for two day delivery. That would give you 155 British pounds.

Remember, any currency left over after the European ports can be used to pay your DCL bill on board. Don't know if they give a favorable exchange rate. Maybe some of our previous EBTA or Med cruisers would have some insight on that fact.

What currency do they use in Gibraltar? For some reason I thought it was Euros, or US$, but fear I am wrong... I need to make sure we are covered for there... Anyone know about Madeira? I thought I was doing well getting Euros at $1.23 and not fees, and am now afraid I only got part of my job done...

 

[paulcrsb]

I promise he will be very comfortable in the queen bed in the RV and I will not make him chop wood for the campfire!

Wow! How sweet of you!

I'm wishing for the best for Dennis (and you) for the upcoming week!

Paul

 

[Hoagie Pie]

Hi everybody - just got back from a fun day at IKEA, I got a pillow for $3.00 for the airplane, and I can throw it away afterwards - if it is gross and all. My DH is on the couch and he thinks he is getting the "flu" -from what I have read, it seems like quite a few people have that. He seemed okay today.

The weather in England sounds very cold and a good day to stay in and plan the cruise!!!

Angie - tell Dennis I will be thinking of him this week and let us know how the surgery goes.

Printed off some extra Navigators already and they are ready to be packed!

I am sooo excited for this cruise I cannot tell you - well, I have told you and I know you all are just as excited!

 

[acourtwdw]

I skipped from page 128, so forgive me if this has been posted. Here is the response I got from DCL about euros:

8/10/10

Dear Annette,

Thank you for choosing another Disney Cruise Line vacation!

First, I would be happy to assist with currency exchange onboard the
ship.

Currency exchange is available at Guest Services. The following types of
currency can be exchanged onboard:

Dollar: Australia (AUD), Canada (CAD), United States (USD), Cayman
Islands (KYD), Hong Kong (HKD)
Euro: European Union (EUR)
Franc: Switzerland (CHF)
Kroner: Denmark (DKK), Norway (NOK), Sweden (SEK)
Peso: Mexico (MXN)
Pound (Sterling): UK (GBP)
Real: Brazil (BRL)
Yen: Japan (JPY)

If a Guest exchanged U.S. Dollars to Euros, Russian Ruble, Swedish
Krona, Danish Krona or UK Pounds on the ship, the Guest can exchange
these funds back to U.S. Dollars as long as an onboard receipt is
provided.

 

[poohbear926]

When we did the WBTA in 07 I purchased a debit money card from AAA. I prepaid $$ into the card and wherever I went, I used it as a credit card without having any additional fees or charges. The best part was it automatically converted my US $$ into Euro's or Pound's depending on where I was purchasing. When I returned home, I continued to use it as a debit card in US $$.

Since my DD and I have been on 13 Disney Cruises in the past 6 years, we are entitled to perks from DCL. One of these is a dinner at Palo's. We would love to have others join us for dinner. It's always more fun with other people. The more the merrier. So if anyone wants to join our party of 2, please PM me and I'll make the reservations.

Okay, I was going to rent a car from Port Canaveral to Orlando since I just decided to stay in Orlando until 10/4 so DD and I can go to the MNSSHP on the 3rd. I didn't tell her (poohbear926) but she'll find out by reading this. Anyway, I have an excellent reliable limo/van/bus company that I use; have used;and have recommended others to use. So I decided it's probably less expensive to get a group together that's leaving the ship on the 2nd and going to the Orlando Airport. I will rent my car from MCO because it's usually less money to rent roundtrip from there instead of a one way rental from Port Canaveral. Last time, I was charged a $50 drop off charge that the car rental company tacked into the price. SO IF ANYONE IS INTERESTED IN SHARING A VAN OR BUS (DEPENDING ON HOW MANY PEOPLE) FOR APPROXIMATELY $20 PP TO PICK US UP AT THE SHIP AND TRANSPORT US DIRECTLY TO ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, PLEASE PM ME ASAP.

Is it 9/18 yet?

Bev

I wouldnt have actually read it because its to long for me to read because im lazy but since you maaaaaddddddeeeee me read it. YAY!!!!! thank you mommy. just makes it now truly our birthday tradition besides just the cruise. it truly is a surprise.

 

[MrsMork]

I know this has been asked and answered lots of times,

but.. if we have to be out our apartment at 11am, can we go straight to the ship? 15 mins away?

Has Disney given the same answer twice to whether you can get of the ship again or not?

Yes, go there! They might not be letting us on the ship that early, but you can get checked in and then visit with all the rest of the DIS family that is already there!!

I hope that we stay in touch! I've been here almost a year and you are all like family!



I was wondering where you were off too! Hope that this weekend was better than last, and that Holly stayed slear of the bait...



I find it hard to leave the Magic, shoot, I cried last time. We make such fond memories while on board... Lynne, I promise to stay in touch!!



I can't believe that at least some of us will stay in touch! Many of seemed to have formed bonds!




What currency do they use in Gibraltar? For some reason I thought it was Euros, or US$, but fear I am wrong... I need to make sure we are covered for there... Anyone know about Madeira? I thought I was doing well getting Euros at $1.23 and not fees, and am now afraid I only got part of my job done...

Gibralter is British Pounds, or Euros. Madeira is Euros. And yes, you did very well at 1.23 no fees!!

Wow! How sweet of you!

I'm wishing for the best for Dennis (and you) for the upcoming week!

Paul

I AM sweet!!!

 

[luvdamouse91]

Hi Everyone!

Does anyone know what time Disney transfers will be from Le Meridien to the port?

It doesn't say in our cruise docs. Anyone want to take a guess?

I read on the main forum that DCL has a representative at Le Meridien on sailing day. My guess would be after eleven. It does not seem to be a very long ride.

I am curious myself, because we have DCL transfers and are coming in the day before. They are supposed to pick us up and take us to the hotel on Friday morning. We have no info for that as well.

 

[Bareacuda]

Hi Everyone!

Does anyone know what time Disney transfers will be from Le Meridien to the port?

It doesn't say in our cruise docs. Anyone want to take a guess?

I thought I read somewhere that we will get that info when we check into the hotel. We're staying there also.

Annie

 

[su_kraft]

I was told that you could use ANY Euros because people are coming from Europe on this cruise and would not have dollars. I wonder how we get a clarification. Oh Sue, do you think you could call the concierge manager again and ask?

I can, but I think that this was answered. When I inquired through the 800 number I was told they will only take euros if you exchanged through DCL in the first place. It could be that on the EBTA and other Med cruises they took what they could, but I would imagine thast having euros when heading to the US is not a desired thing...

He's cold is better, he is a bit anxious today as the eye surgery is tomorrow. He is reading all about it I tell him too much info! We will be glad to be done with that and then Thursday will finish up with the 2 last root canals. We should be right as rain by the weekend. We will be camping (RV not really roughing it!) Wed thru Sunday. We will be close by so will drive into town Thursday for the dental appt then take him back out to the camp and put him to bed. Lots of friends joining us by Friday. 7 of us Wed on and another 6 coming in Fri night and a final 2 joining us Sun night. We expect to eat alot - well maybe not Dennis so much with the fresh dental work!! I did tell him you were asking about him and he was very touched. Can't wait to meet in person!

Angie, please give our best to Dennis and tell him that there is a huge hug waiting for him in Barcelona!!! I hope that his surgery goes as planned, and that he is right as rain soon!!

The port opens at 10:30 so you will be fine to head straight there.

Corinna

Lynne - you have to come to the port and see us all!!! Besides - you need to help me keep the suite secret with the kiddos!!!

 

[paulasillars]

asked something about whether banks in St Maarten would change Euro into USD (apologies that my quote didn't work

I don't see why they wouldn't, I've not hit a bank yet that wouldn't change currency - especially when we are talking major ones like Euro/US and probably not large quantities of it either.

I know this has been asked and answered lots of times,

but.. if we have to be out our apartment at 11am, can we go straight to the ship? 15 mins away?

Has Disney given the same answer twice to whether you can get of the ship again or not?

I think we decided that you could drop bags at the port if need be and then go tour the city then go back to check in later if need be.

I hope that we stay in touch! I've been here almost a year and you are all like family!

I can't believe that at least some of us will stay in touch! Many of seemed to have formed bonds!

What currency do they use in Gibraltar? For some reason I thought it was Euros, or US$, but fear I am wrong... I need to make sure we are covered for there... Anyone know about Madeira? I thought I was doing well getting Euros at $1.23 and not fees, and am now afraid I only got part of my job done...

I think FB is a much better way of keeping touch than the Dis - its more what its happening in peoples lives right now where this is more holiday focused.

Gib uses Gib pounds but also accepts UK pound for face value. Euro is widely accepted from what I can tell and possibly USD as well.

 

[Candy Apple]

I have a purple T Shirt. I think John will just wear his black polo shirt. I guess nobody will realise we are dressed for the theme night!!!! But at least I will have made a little effort.

We will know!!

OK....question for you guys....we are flying in Saturday morning and being picked up by Disney.....do we need to get euros before we leave or can we just wait til we get on the ship. We are not going to do anything in Barcelona as of right now.....what do you think?
Tom

One thing to think about is whether you will want to get a snack at the airport before getting to the ship. You'll probably get a small snack on the plane for breakfast, but unless you get something at the airport, the next time you'd eat would be 12:30 to 1 PM on the ship.

Hi, and thank you for the welcome. I think this hits post number ten so watch out....the PM's will start!

One more to go!!

Good Morning from California. Hi, I'm Judy from the San Francisco Bay area and this is my first, but I don't think last, Disney cruise. My birthday was a week ago and I turned 60. My DH gave me this cruise as a birthday present and I will be traveling with four friends, 3 cabins. We are meeting up in Barcelona from different places in the US. My cabin mate, Shanna, will be celebrating her 37th birthday on Sept 28th so this is a special cruise for both of us. Shanna is one of my best friends so you might can tell that I am young at heart even if the old body doesn't think so! We have both cruised, separately, on different cruise lines but neither of us have been on a Disney cruise. The other three in our group have and love it! They said we would never go on another cruise line after this trip. I am a Disney freak and have been to DL so many times I don't think I can count but never to WDW, so will make it happen at the end of this cruise. Thank you all again for the info and the welcome. I looking forward to meeting you.

Judy

Sarah, can you still add their birthdays to the navigator?

You may want to check on using left over Euros on DCL bill. I was told by DCL that they would ONLY take them if you had purchased them onboard.

I called DCL again and the answer was still NO, we cannot apply Euros to our shipboard account and they will not give us US dollars for them unless they are purchased onboard, and they do keep track of who purchased what. Requires cash or travelers checks for purchase.

In a pinch, you could always slip a few into your tip envelopes.

His opthomologist said they have had some issues with the new lenses that allow for both far and near sight, so he did not recommend them yet. Dennis will have 20/20 but will need readers for close up. He is very happy with that! Actually, for now since they are only doing one eye, they said he should be able to see far with the fixed eye and close with the unfixed eye if he just lets his brain do what it should with the eyes. If not and if it bothers him then he will have the second done when we get home.

Good luck, Dennis, on your surgery. I hope you can deal with the different vision in each eye. I used to wear gas permeable contacts years ago, but had to stop because of terrible eye allergies. I couldn't wear soft contacts because in addition to being terribly nearsighted, I have astigmatism. Now, my eye doctor is trying to get some soft contacts to work for me because now they have soft contacts for those with astigmatism. Well, he has the left eye at 20/20, but the right eye is only 20/25 to 20/30, and it is giving me terrible headaches because I can't deal with the difference in vision. Unfortunately, my right eye is my dominant eye, which makes matters worse. I didn't even wear the contacts today and no headache today.

 

[su_kraft]

So it is hitting me that 1) we leave in under 3 weeks, and 2) I have about 11 days to get work in order! And, did I mention that I my old boss is about to be my new boos, and that my office is drama filled? (Yes, it is a promotion of sorts!!)

So, left on my to do list is contacting banks and ATT, stoipping mail and papers, finishing up the educational stuff I promised to do, print the last set of magnets (which could use up the last of 100, yes really, 100 magnet sheets), and finish packing. I am sure there is more, but right now I cant think of anything. I finally got the boys to go and shop (and do laundry!) so we are pretty much set for clothes.

Now it is just the wait... 11 days that are considered work (although productivity may be at an all time low) and 17 days until we fly out and get the priviledeg of meeting AlexTurner and Walt & Di. Needless to day, I would leave now if I could...

Rambling over... Please resume normal cruise talk!!

 

[Steffy]

Originally Posted by birkner
My DH John was in Barcelona in February of this year for the Mobile World Congress. When John took a cab in February from the Plaça d'Espanya which is near the Magic Fountain of Montujic to his hotel the HCC Open which is 10 minutes by cab, it cost him 20 Euros.
---End Quote---


He took cabs at least 20 times for the same distance and that was the going rate!!

Then I guess I better be prepared to pay 20 euros!!! Thanks Noel.

Wow, that will help recovery in such a major operation.

Tell Dennis I'll be thinking about him tomorrow and hope he has a flawless operation.


Question.... my bank told me they would be happy to get euros for me, for a price, but I would do better to just use the ATM when I got off the plane. Are ATM's between the gate, customs and baggage?? If not, will the taxi's take credit cards?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I just read on the main board that Brent isn't on the Magic right now. He's apparently taking some time off. Will be back for a short while in December and then on the Dream for a couple of months before becoming DCL Entertainment Director in Celebration.

 

[Candy Apple]

So it is hitting me that 1) we leave in under 3 weeks, and 2) I have about 11 days to get work in order! And, did I mention that I my old boss is about to be my new boos, and that my office is drama filled? (Yes, it is a promotion of sorts!!)

So, left on my to do list is contacting banks and ATT, stoipping mail and papers, finishing up the educational stuff I promised to do, print the last set of magnets (which could use up the last of 100, yes really, 100 magnet sheets), and finish packing. I am sure there is more, but right now I cant think of anything. I finally got the boys to go and shop (and do laundry!) so we are pretty much set for clothes.

Now it is just the wait... 11 days that are considered work (although productivity may be at an all time low) and 17 days until we fly out and get the priviledeg of meeting AlexTurner and Walt & Di. Needless to day, I would leave now if I could...

Rambling over... Please resume normal cruise talk!!

Actually, I think at this point, this is normal cruise talk!! DH and I went out to lunch today and while we were there he made up a day by day list of what we need to do before the cruise. Then, we went shopping and bought more FE stuff. Then, he said I couldn't buy anymore because I had a whole carryon worth of stuff already. I guess I've reached my limit and now have to sort it all. Still need to check on how the boys' suits fit. I'm just glad we have a 3 day weekend with Labor Day next weekend. I think it is going to be a "cruise-working" weekend.

I just read on the main board that Brent isn't on the Magic right now. He's apparently taking some time off. Will be back for a short while in December and then on the Dream for a couple of months before becoming DCL Entertainment Director in Celebration.

So, who will be our CD?

 

[su_kraft]

Actually, I think at this point, this is normal cruise talk!! DH and I went out to lunch today and while we were there he made up a day by day list of what we need to do before the cruise. Then, we went shopping and bought more FE stuff. Then, he said I couldn't buy anymore because I had a whole carryon worth of stuff already. I guess I've reached my limit and now have to sort it all. Still need to check on how the boys' suits fit. I'm just glad we have a 3 day weekend with Labor Day next weekend. I think it is going to be a "cruise-working" weekend.


So, who will be our CD?

We don't have a day by day - but we have a "we need to be at X point before X date" kind of list. Next weekend is the biggie for us as well. We need the three days to make sure that everything that is up to snuff here at nome, and we have a targeted list for the remaining week. Luckily all the shoiing is done - well, maybe bathroom stuff is still outstanding, but that is a very small list. I wish I could take more time off, but I really need the time over the holidays (thanksgiving and Christmas).

Not sure on the CD topic. It had always been Brent up until recenty - not sure what the deal is there. He was our CD on the last trip, and frankly, we saw Ponz more! Would love to know if he is on board or still on the Wonder... Brent just didn't connect with me...

 

[pjpoohbear]

I just read on the main board that Brent isn't on the Magic right now. He's apparently taking some time off. Will be back for a short while in December and then on the Dream for a couple of months before becoming DCL Entertainment Director in Celebration.

Any hint on whom we might have? I thought the dream was Racheal's ship? or is Brent only going in his new position as ED?

Pj