The 2010 Baltic Thread--Cruise Tips and Planning

[cindy18]

WOW is right.

Well, does that make you reconsider one of the private tours?

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

WOW is right.

Well, does that make you reconsider one of the private tours?

Thinking..........

I could do it from London for half the price by plane...

 

[cindy18]

Thinking..........

I could do it from London for half the price by plane...

That's a good point, and it certainly gives one pause....

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

That's a good point, and it certainly gives one pause....

and in one and a half hours.

The lowest fee, is ball park in my expecation, but it goes up quickly, this is for driver only guide would be more!!!

7 Hours in Berlin...

 

[cindy18]

Let me just say that on SPB Tours, assuming it's just you and your family, you get a round-trip ride plus a car, driver and private tour, for $840. And I think other people are booking with them, which means that if you want to share, the price goes down.

The more local tour companies are more (haven't gotten a quote from Berlin Walks yet, but others have, and Humboldt is 850 euros for up to 6 people) and DenRus is also more ($425 pp for 4 people, but price goes down as you add people), but I think if you can live with the small but not non-existing uncertainty about getting back to the ship, it's a significant cost savings. No?

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Let me just say that on SPB Tours, assuming it's just you and your family, you get a round-trip ride plus a car, driver and private tour, for $840. And I think other people are booking with them, which means that if you want to share, the price goes down.

The more local tour companies are more (haven't gotten a quote from Berlin Walks yet, but others have, and Humboldt is 850 euros for up to 6 people) and DenRus is also more ($425 pp for 4 people, but price goes down as you add people), but I think if you can live with the small but not non-existing uncertainty about getting back to the ship, it's a significant cost savings. No?

Their 'car only' no train starts at $950, 1>6 $1499 1>16 $2099,

But I did want the train!!! that loads it.

• 1>3 people $1449> $1749. Train+ Sedan.
• 1>6 people $1749>$2499 Train + Van
• 1>16 people $2849>$5099 Train+ Mini Bus

 

[cindy18]

Can you do the train only route with Disney ($800) and then get a private tour guide once you get to Berlin? How does that compare? Or does the fact that you can't be guaranteed a train ride and may be on a bus instead mess that up?

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Can you do the train only route with Disney ($800) and then get a private tour guide once you get to Berlin? How does that compare? Or does the fact that you can't be guaranteed a train ride and may be on a bus instead mess that up?

Nice, idea but 'yes' Train is the deal-breaker.

Want that, so considering options. At those prices there will not be too many takers... So have some time.

 

[cindy18]

Nice, idea but 'yes' Train is the deal-breaker.

Want that, so considering options. At those prices there will not be too many takers... So have some time.

You know you made me see why the train is better. As you're in a suite, can you work with Concierge to try to get some information on how likely it is that you would be on the train if you did the tour in Berlin with someone else and let Disney take you there and back?

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

You know you made me see why the train is better. As you're in a suite, can you work with Concierge to try to get some information on how likely it is that you would be on the train if you did the tour in Berlin with someone else and let Disney take you there and back?

The information was from the land based concierge, so have asked them a few more questions about it, so we shall see.

Whilst its a bit higher than expected, I am considering it.

 

[mardonna]

the price listed is total price not ppp....so 1-3 you take price and divide by 3?

 

[cindy18]

Woke up this morning to a quote from Berlin Walks for the 4 of us including round-trip transportation from the ship. They are assuming only 5 hours in Berlin, which means they have added in a nice cushion on getting us back to the ship on time. Price is 130 euros less than Humboldt Tours but still more than SPB Tours. As civilized as the train is, and as certain, we are moving towards booking one of these instead of Disney, given the cost savings. These guides really do seem to have the cruise tours down, but I agree that there will be that small piece of anxiety as we're driving back to the ship that we're going to break down or hit massive traffic.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Prices for private tours are the total family price per car/van/minibus, they include 7 hours in Berlin and driver/guide.

Private tour prices have also been given to me for each Baltic port, but not advertised on DCL website.

All comparable to Berlin less the train cost.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

DCL private signature tour prices, Baltic all ports.


Oslo

Private Car HD English Speaking Driver 4 Hours 1 - 4 pax $699
Private Car FD English Speaking Driver 8 Hours 1 - 4 pax $1,299
Private Car HD Driver & English Speaking Guide 4 Hours 1 - 3 pax $1,299
Private Car FD Driver & English Speaking Guide 8 Hours 1 - 3 pax $2,299

Private Van/Mini-Bus HD English Speaking Driver 4 Hours 1 - 12 pax $1,099
Private Van/Mini-Bus FD English Speaking Driver 8 Hours 1 - 12 pax $1,999
Private Van/Mini-Bus HD Driver & English Speaking Guide 4 Hours 1 - 11 pax $1,699
Private Van/Mini-Bus FD Driver & English Speaking Guide 8 Hours 1 - 11 pax $2,999

Wheelchair Vehicles HD English Speaking Driver 4 Hours Maximum of 2 Wheelchairs and 11 Guests (driver only) and 2 Wheelchairs and 10 Guests (driver and guide) $1,099

Wheelchair Vehicles FD English Speaking Driver 8 Hours Maximum of 2 Wheelchairs and 11 Guests (driver only) and 2 Wheelchairs and 10 Guests (driver and guide) $2,199


Wheelchair Vehicles HD Driver & English Speaking Guide 4 Hours Maximum of 2 Wheelchairs and 11 Guests (driver only) and 2 Wheelchairs and 10 Guests (driver and guide) $1,699

Wheelchair Vehicles FD Driver & English Speaking Guide 8 Hours Maximum of 2 Wheelchairs and 11 Guests (driver only) and 2 Wheelchairs and 10 Guests (driver and guide) $3,199


Copenhagen

Private Car HD Driver only 4.00 1 - 3 pax $999
Private Car FD Driver only 8.00 1 - 3 pax $1,899
Private Car HD Driver & Guide 4.00 1 - 2 pax $1,499
Private Car FD Driver & Guide 8.00 1 - 2 pax $2,999
Private Van HD Driver only 4.00 1 - 7 pax $1,099
Private Van FD Driver only 8.00 1 - 7 pax $2,199
Private Van HD Driver & Guide 4.00 1 - 6 pax $1,599
Private Van FD Driver & Guide 8.00 1 - 6 pax $3,199


Warnemude (Train to Berlin + Car in Berlin only)


Berlin Private Vehicles with Premium Train service FD (7 hrs in Berlin) - Driver Only
Sedan 1-3 Pax Signature Adventure
Rate includes the additional services onboard the train
Reserved train compartment and upgraded train service (food and beverage) 12.5-13 1 pax $1,449

2 pax $1,599

3 pax $1,749

Berlin Private Vehicles with Premium Train service FD (7 hrs in Berlin) - Driver Only

Mini Van 1-6 Pax Signature Adventure

Rate includes the additional services onboard the train
Reserved train compartment and upgraded train service (food and beverage) 12.5-13 1 pax $1,749

2 pax $1,899
3 pax $2,049
4 pax $2,199
5 pax $2,349
6 pax $2,499


Berlin Private Vehicles with Premium Train service FD (7 hrs in Berlin) - Driver Only

Mini Bus 1-16 pax Signature Adventure
Rate includes the additional services onboard the train
Reserved train compartment and upgraded train service (food and beverage) 12.5-13 1 pax $2,849
2 pax $2,999
3 pax $3,149
4 pax $3,299
5 pax $3,449
6 pax $3,599
7 pax $3,749
8 pax $3,899
9 pax $4,049
10 pax $4,199
11 pax $4,349
12 pax $4,499
13 pax $4,649
14 pax $4,799
15 pax $4,949
16 pax $5,099


Warnemude ( Car all the way)

Private Car HD Driver/Guide 4.00 1 - 3 pax $950
Private Car FD Driver/Guide 8.00 1 - 3 pax $1,399
Private Van HD Driver/Guide 4.00 1 - 6 pax $1,099
Private Van FD Driver/Guide 8.00 1 - 6 pax $1,499
Private Mini Bus HD Driver & Guide 4.00 1 - 16 pax $1,699
Private Mini Bus FD Driver & Guide 8.00 1 - 16 pax $2,099

Wheelchair Van - Driver only - HD (not guaranteed English Speaking Driver) 4.00 Max 2 Guests w/ wheelchairs + 2 additional Guests $799

Wheelchair Van - Driver only - FD (not guaranteed English Speaking Driver) 8.00 Max 2 Guests w/ wheelchairs + 2 additional Guests $1,599

Wheelchair Van - Driver and Guide - HD 4.00 Max 2 Guests w/ wheelchairs + 2 additional Guests $1,050

Wheelchair Van - Driver and Guide - FD 8.00 Max 2 Guests w/
wheelchairs + 2 additional Guests $1,850


St Petersburg


Private Car with English Speaking Guide
Half day rates include one Museum entrance EXCLUDING Hermitage and Peterhof.
Guests must have a driver and Guide. The driver only option is not available. 4 Hrs Includes Private Driver & English Speaking Guide


1 - 3 guests $495.00
Private Car with English Speaking Guide
Full day rates include one Museum entrance EXCLUDING Hermitage and Peterhof.
Guests must have a driver and Guide. The driver only option is not available. 8 Hrs Includes Private Driver & English Speaking Guide

1 - 3 guests $799.00
Private Mini-Van with English Speaking Guide
Half day rates include one Museum entrance EXCLUDING Hermitage and Peterhof.
Guests must have a driver and Guide. The driver only option is not available. 4 Hrs Includes Private Driver & English Speaking Guide

1 - 9 guests $1,099.00
Private Car with English Speaking Guide
Full day rates include one Museum entrance EXCLUDING Hermitage and Peterhof.
Guests must have a driver and Guide. The driver only option is not available. 8 Hrs Includes Private Driver & English Speaking Guide

1 - 9 guests $1,799.00
Private Mini-Bus with English Speaking Guide
Half day rates include one Museum entrance EXCLUDING Hermitage and Peterhof.
Guests must have a driver and Guide. The driver only option is not available. 4 Hrs Includes Private Driver & English Speaking Guide

1 - 16 guests $1,299.00
Private Mini-Bus with English Speaking Guide
Half day rates include one Museum entrance EXCLUDING Hermitage and Peterhof.
Guests must have a driver and Guide. The driver only option is not available. 4 Hrs Includes Private Driver & English Speaking Guide

1 - 16 guests $2,199.00


Stockholm

Private Car HD Driver only 4.00 1 - 3 pax $899
Private Car FD Driver only 8.00 1 - 3 pax $1,799
Private Car HD Driver & Guide 4.00 1 - 2 pax $1,499
Private Car FD Driver & Guide 8.00 1 - 2 pax $2,999
Private Van HD Driver only 4.00 1 - 7 pax $999
Private Van FD Driver only 8.00 1 - 7 pax $1,999
Private Van HD Driver & Guide 4.00 1 - 6 pax $1,599
Private Van FD Driver & Guide 8.00 1 - 6 pax $3,199

Wheelchair Vehicles w/Driver- HD 4.00 Max 2 Guests with wheelchairs + 4 additional Guests $1,099

Wheelchair Vehicles w/Driver - FD 8.00 Max 2 Guests with wheelchairs + 4 additional Guests $2,199

Wheelchair Vehicles w/Driver & Guide - HD 4.00 Max 2 Guests with wheelchairs + 4 additional Guests $1,699

Wheelchair Vehicles w/Driver - FD 8.00 Max 2 Guests with wheelchairs + 4 additional Guests $3,299

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Whilst this is a Baltic thread fyi Med prices...

PRIVATE VEHICLES - SIGNATURE TOURS - PERSONALIZED TOURS

PORT DURATION DEPARTURE CAPACITY PRICE/PER VEHICLE COMMENTS Extra Hours

CIVITAVECCHIA
Private Car w/Driver 4 Hours 8:30 AM 1-4 guests $699.00 $150.00

Private Car w/Driver 8 Hours 8:30 AM 1-4 guests $1,099.00 $150.00

Private Car w/Driver & Guide 4 Hours 8:30 AM 1-3 guests $1,099.00 $300.00

Private Car w/Driver & Guide 8 Hours 8:30 AM 1-3 guests $1,799.00 $300.00


Private Van w/Driver 4 Hours 8:30 AM 1-7 guests $899.00 $170.00

Private Van w/Driver 8 Hours 8:30 AM 1-7 guests $1,499.00 $170.00

Private Van w/Driver & Guide 4 Hours 8:30 AM 1-6 guests $1,399.00 $320.00


Private Van w/Driver & Guide 8 Hours 8:30 AM 1-6 guests $2,199.00 $320.00


Private Mini Bus w/Driver 4 Hours 8:30 AM 1-16 guests $999.00 $190.00

Private Mini Bus w/Driver 8 Hours 8:30 AM 1-16 guests $1,499.00 $190.00

Private Mini Bus w/Driver & Guide 4 Hours 8:30 AM 1-15 guests $1,499.00 $340.00

Private Mini Bus w/Driver & Guide 8 Hours 8:30 AM 1-15 guests $2,299.00 $340.00


Accessible Vehicle w/Driver 4 Hours 8:30 AM 2 Chairs & 4 gst $899.00 $170.00


Accessible Vehicle w/Driver 8 Hours 8:30 AM 2 Chairs & 4 gst $1,499.00 $170.00


Accessible Vehicle w/Driver & Guide 4 Hours 8:30 AM 2 Chairs & 3 gst $1,399.00 $320.00


Accessible Vehicle w/Driver & Guide 8 Hours 8:30 AM 2 Chairs & 3 gst $2,199.00 $320.00


Personalized Programs 2 to 4 Guests 4 to 6 Guests 7 to 9 Guests 10 to 14 Guests 15 to 20 Guests

CV-26 Taste of Rome $949 A/$839 C $579 A/$499 C $319 A/$289 C $249 A/$229 C $189 A/$179 C


CV-27 Italian Countryside and Olive Oil $479 A/$429 C $269 A/$249 C $159 A/$139 C $129 A/$119 C $89 A/$79 C


CV-28 Vatican City, The Colisseum & Catacombs $1,199 A/$1,099 C $729 A/$669 C $429 A/$379 C $339 A/$329 C $259 A/$239 C


CV-29 Panoramic Rome & the Vatican - A Leisurely Tour $539 A/$489 C $299 A/$259 C $179 A/$159 C $129 A/$129 C $99 A/$99 C


CV-30 treasures of Rome $1,059 A/$949 C $599 A/$549 C $329 A/$299 C $249 A/$229 C $179 A/$169 C


A- per person Adult - C per person Child


LA SPEZIA

Private Car w/Driver 4 Hours 9AM & 1:30 PM 1-3 guests $1,199.00 $100.00

Private Car w/Driver & Escort 4 Hours 9AM & 1:30 PM 1-2 guests $1599.00 escort this is for driver and escort $145.00

Private Car w/Driver & Escort & Guide 4 Hours 9AM & 1:30 PM 1-2 guests $1,799.00 this is for driver, escort and guide $190.00

Private Car w/Driver 8 Hours 9:00 AM 1-3 guests $1,599.00 $100.00

Private Car w/Driver & Escort 8 Hours 9:00 AM 1-2 guests 1999..00 escort this is for driver and escort $145.00

Private Car w/Driver & Escort & Guide 8 Hours 9:00 AM 1-2 guests $2,599.00 this is for driver, escort and guide $190.00


Private Van w/Driver 4 Hours 9AM & 1:30 PM 1-7 guests $1,399.00 $100.00

Private Van w/Driver & Escort 4 Hours 9AM & 1:30 PM 1-6 guests $1699..00 escort this is for driver and escort $145.00

Private Var w/Driver & Escort & Guide 4 Hours 9AM & 1:30 PM 1-6 guests $1,999.00 this is for driver, escort and guide $190.00


Private Van w/Driver 8 Hours 9:00 AM 1-7 guests $1,999.00 $100.00

Private Van w/Driver & Escort 8 Hours 9:00 AM 1-6 guests $2399..00 escort this is for driver and escort $145.00


Private Van w/Driver & Escort & Guide 8 Hours 9:00 AM 1-6 guests $2,999.00 this is for driver, escort and guide $190.00


NAPLES


Private Car wDriver 4 Hours 8:30 AM 1-4 guests $499.00 $150.00

Private Car wDriver & Guide 4 Hours 8:30 AM 1-3 guests $799.00 $300.00

Private Car wDriver 8 Hours 8:30 AM 1-4 guests $899.00 $150.00

Private Car wDriver & Guide 8 Hours 8:30 AM 1-3 guests $1,399.00 $300.00


Private Van w/Driver 4 Hours 8:30 AM 1-7 guests $599.00 $175.00


Private Van w/Driver & Guide 4 Hours 8:30 AM 1-6 guests $899.00 $320.00

Private Van w/Driver 8 Hours 8:30 AM 1-7 guests $999.00 $175.00

Private Van w/Driver & Guide 8 Hours 8:30 AM 1-6 guests $1,599.00 $320.00

Accessible Vehicle w/Driver 4 Hours 8:30 AM 2 Chairs & 4 gst $699.00 $175.00


Accessible Vehicle w/Driver & guide 4 Hours 8:30 AM 2 Chairs & 4 gst $1,099.00 $320.00


Accessible Vehicle w/Driver 8 Hours 8:30 AM 2 Chairs & 4 gst $999.00 $175.00

Accessible Vehicle w/Driver & guide 8 Hours 8:30 AM 2 Chairs & 4 gst $1,799.00 $320.00



Private Mini Bus w/Driver 4 Hours 8:30 AM 1-16 guests $699.00 $190.00


Private Mini Bus w/Driver & Guide 4 Hours 8:30 AM 1-15 guests $1,099.00 $340.00


Private Mini Bus w/Driver 8 Hours 8:30 AM 1-16 guests $1,199.00 $190.00


Private Mini Bus w/Driver & Guide 8 Hours 8:30 AM 1-15 guests $1,899.00 $340.00



Personalized Programs 2 to 3 Guests 4 to 6 Guests 7 to 9 Guests 15 to 20 Guests


NP-01 The Island of Capri $379 A/$349 C $279 A/$249 C $229 A/$199 C $189 A/$169 C


NP-02 Pompeii, Sorrento & Capri $949 A/$849 C $549 A/$499 C $369 A/$329 C $209 A/$199 C

NP-03 Pompeii, Sorrento and Capri for Families $949 A/$869 C $549 A/$499 C $389 A/$349 C $239 A/$209 C

NP-04 Amalfi Coast Drive & the Ruins of Pompeii $929 A/$839 C $539 A/$499 C $369 A/$329 C $219 A/$199 C

NP-06 Timeless Pompeii & the Flavor of Sorrento $949 A/$849 C $509 A/$459 C $329 A/$229 C $199 A/$179 C

NP-07 Positano & Sorrento $959 A/$859 C $569 A/$509 C $429 A/$369 C N/A

NP-08 Mt. Vesuvius Hike & Pompeii $949 A/$849 C $519 A/$469 C $339 A/$299 C $209 A/$189 C

NP-09 The Hidden Treasures of Herclaneum $529 A/$479 C $299 A/$269 C $219 A/$199 C $129 A/$109 C


NP-11 Treasures of Naples $529 A/$479 C $299 A/$279 C $219 A/$199 C $119 A/$99 C

NP-12 Leisurely Sorrento $449 A/$449 C $269 A/$239 $179 A/$169 C $89 A/$79 C


NP-31 Pompeii Half Day $529 A/$479 C $299 A/$265 C $219 A/$199 C $119 A/$109 C

NP-32 Pompeii, Amalfi Coast & Capri $1,049 A/$949 C $629 A/$569 C $509 A/$459 C N/A


NP-33 Pompeii, Sorrento & Capri - Adults Only $949 A $549 A $369 A $219 A


A- per person Adult - C per person Child


VILLEFRANCHE


Private Car w/Driver 4 Hours 8AM & 1:00 PM 1-3 guests $699.00 $148.00

Private Car w/Driver & Guide 4 Hours 8AM & 1:00 PM 1-2 guests $1,099.00 $232.00


Private Car w/Driver 8 Hours 8:00 AM 1-3 guests $1,399.00 $148.00

Private Car w/Driver & Guide 8 Hours 8:00 AM 1-2 guests $1,899.00 $232.00

Private Van w/Driver 4 Hours 8AM & 1:00 PM 1-7 guests $899.00 $188.00

Private Van w/Driver & Guide 4 Hours 8AM & 1:00 PM 1-6 guests $1,299.00 $272.00


Private Van w/Driver 8 Hours 8:00 AM 1-7 guests $1,699.00 $188.00

Private Van w/Driver & Guide 8 Hours 8:00 AM 1-6 guests $2,199.00 $272.00


Wheelchair Vehicles w/Driver** Kangoo 4 Hours 8AM & 1:00 PM 1 Chair & 3 gst $699.00 $176.00


Wheelchair Vehicles w/Driver* & Guide* Kangoo 4 Hours 8AM & 1:00 PM 1 Chair & 3 gst $1,199.00 $260.00


Wheelchair Vehicles w/Driver** Kangoo 8 Hours 8:00 AM 1 Chair & 3 gst $1,299.00 $176.00


Wheelchair Vehicles w/Driver* & Guide* Kangoo 8 Hours 8:00 AM 1 Chair & 3 gst $1,999.00 $260.00

Wheelchair Vehicles w/Driver* Ford 4 Hours 8AM & 1:00 PM 2 Chair & 5 gst or 4 Chairs & 2 gst $699.00 $176.00


Wheelchair Vehicles w/Driver* & Guide Ford 4 Hours 8AM & 1:00 PM 2 Chair & 5 gst or 4 Chairs & 2 gst $1,099.00 $260.00


Wheelchair Vehicles w/Driver** Ford 8 Hours 8:00 AM 2 Chair & 5 gst or 4 Chairs & 2 gst $1,399.00 $176.00

Wheelchair Vehicles w/Driver* & Guide Ford 8 Hours 8:00 AM 2 Chair & 5 gst or 4 Chairs & 2 gst $1,899.00 $260.00

Escorts can provide information along the way from the pier to the city. The difference between an escort and a guide is that escorts can not give lectures in public venues like the museums or cathedrals.*



PRIVATE BOATS


GIBRALTAR
Ocean Odyssey Sailing Charter 4.5 Hours 8:45 AM Up to 12 Gst $2,999.00


NAPLES
Private Motorboat Cruise of Naples 9 Hours 9:15 AM Up to 16 Gst $1,599.00


MADERIA
Luxury Sailing Charter 3.5 Hours 10:45 AM Up to 20 Gst $5,900.00



MALTA
Private Cabin Cruiser 4.5 Hours on request Up to 8 Gst $2,499.00

Private Sail Boat 4.5 Hours on request Up to 8 Gst $1,650.00
Private Speed Boat 4.5 Hours on request Up to 6 Gst $1,150.00

 

[slg]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/kent/8486110.stm


If anyone had reservations at this hotel, time to find a new one. I don't know what happens to those people who have prepaid, as the hotel has gone out of business.

I was going to prepay this week, so I'm glad I waited. They do have my credit card and I have a confirmed reservation which I feel awful about, but there's nothing I can do.

Yikes!

 

[sbell111]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/kent/8486110.stm


If anyone had reservations at this hotel, time to find a new one. I don't know what happens to those people who have prepaid, as the hotel has gone out of business.

I'm sure that the credit card company and/or Best Western would quickly refund that money.

 

[cindy18]

Andrew, thanks for sharing all that information. It's a lot to digest, and to me it seems expensive for what we're learning is the ease of getting around these ports. What are your thoughts?

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Andrew, thanks for sharing all that information. It's a lot to digest, and to me it seems expensive for what we're learning is the ease of getting around these ports. What are your thoughts?

Yes, looks on the expensive side, posted for information only, I wasn't aware they actually did private vehicles in all of the ports of call, so that was news to me and thought it would be nice to inform everyone, just in case someone wants to book.

But as posted before there isn't any *need* to book any trips bar St Petes and for Berlin, everything else is very accessible and can be walked, or small taxi ride, or public transport.

I am interested in the Berlin Berlin Private Vehicles with Premium Train service FD (7 hrs in Berlin) - Driver Only Mini Van 1-6 Pax Signature Adventure.

Due to the reserved train compartment and upgraded train service inc food and beverage, which should get us there refreshed, and fed and ready to enjoy it fully.

 

[Fivepin]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/kent/8486110.stm


If anyone had reservations at this hotel, time to find a new one. I don't know what happens to those people who have prepaid, as the hotel has gone out of business.

I was going to prepay this week, so I'm glad I waited. They do have my credit card and I have a confirmed reservation which I feel awful about, but there's nothing I can do.

Yikes!

We're staying at the Ramada-hope nothing happens to that hotel. Do you have another place in mind to stay at?