The 2010 Baltic Thread--Cruise Tips and Planning

[slg]

I usually never get any currency ahead of time, but the ride I'm getting from Gatwick to Dover wants to paid in cash (Silverline) so I should get some pounds before I leave as I feel strange about asking to stop at an ATM in order to pay him.

As for the other ports, the exchange might be better at an ATM but if you have a $5 fee for every withdrawal and you just want a little bit of money, it probably isn't worth it.

i remember someone stating in a thread last year that you can get some kind of baltic passage from your bank.

Anyone know about this?

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

I usually never get any currency ahead of time, but the ride I'm getting from Gatwick to Dover wants to paid in cash (Silverline) so I should get some pounds before I leave as I feel strange about asking to stop at an ATM in order to pay him.

As for the other ports, the exchange might be better at an ATM but if you have a $5 fee for every withdrawal and you just want a little bit of money, it probably isn't worth it.

i remember someone stating in a thread last year that you can get some kind of baltic passage from your bank.

Anyone know about this?

Gatwick has loads of ATM's everywhere, just ensure you go to a *free* one of a major UK Bank, some charge...

Pepay cards often have a deposit fee and a withdrawal fee.

 

[cindy18]

I mentioned about taxis taking credit cards since the poster seemed to be inquiring about finding an ATM right away to have local currency to pay for a taxi. I was giving this as an alternative to finding an ATM at the port.

Appreciate that. Thanks.

 

[TDC Nala]

I recall being charged a withdrawal fee once in Australia and never in New Zealand. Europe might be different. Don't a lot of credit cards also charge some sort of fee to get actual currency via the card?

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

I recall being charged a withdrawal fee once in Australia and never in New Zealand. Europe might be different. Don't a lot of credit cards also charge some sort of fee to get actual currency via the card?

For us depends on the card, the Bank etc.

 

[Flora Fan]

I've looked on the CDC (Center for Disease Control) website for vaccine information. I don't think any of the vaccines listed, Hep A & B and typhoid, are required for entry into the countries we are traveling to. Is this correct?

 

[mardonna]

The conciergae keeps telling me things are changing on a daily basis and to keep checking website....but how do you know what is new? The first cruise booking window should open next week.....so seems like they should have this stuff complete by now...

 

[jilljill]

I've looked on the CDC (Center for Disease Control) website for vaccine information. I don't think any of the vaccines listed, Hep A & B and typhoid, are required for entry into the countries we are traveling to. Is this correct?

We've done a Baltics cruise in the past and didn't get any vaccines.

 

[mardonna]

I have completed my Russian schedule and now moving on to Berlin.

I am using SPB tours for ST. Pete and they do offer a Russian tour but am wondering if one of the Disney tours would be better.....the splendor tour that focuses on Museum Island looks really good, but since I have never been to Berlin or even germany for that matter maybe I should stick to a highlight tour.....I would love your thoughts....if you have already posted something feel free to send me link.

Thanks

Marlo

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Booked and paid up my DCL Berlin private tour!!!

One less to worry about.....


PS A message to my credit card. ''Sorry''.

 

[sbell111]

I have completed my Russian schedule and now moving on to Berlin.

I am using SPB tours for ST. Pete and they do offer a Russian tour but am wondering if one of the Disney tours would be better.....the splendor tour that focuses on Museum Island looks really good, but since I have never been to Berlin or even germany for that matter maybe I should stick to a highlight tour.....I would love your thoughts....if you have already posted something feel free to send me link.

Thanks

Marlo

My wife and I discussed this last night. We will do the 'Berlin on your Own' DCL excursion and then hit a hop on/hop off in Berlin.

We still haven't settled on what to do in St Pete. It is likely that we will do a private two day tour with other families (to save money), but nothing is set.

 

[NancyIL]

Booked and paid up my DCL Berlin private tour!!!

One less to worry about.....


PS A message to my credit card. ''Sorry''.

I hope your credit card gives you some sort of reward!

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

I hope your credit card gives you some sort of reward!

Yes, it sends me a nice envelope each month, but I throw away whats inside!!!



I do get shop vouchers, which the wife nicks as they come in.

 

[mardonna]

Andrew

You are doig private tour without guide? I am still waiting for the price with guide on the train....they told me they would know by Wednesday......booking day for first cruise seems like it will be a nightmare by Wed?

 

[CarolAnnC]

I asked this on our meets thread, but I'll ask here as well. Does anyone know the legal drinking age in each country?

I have used Wiki's world wide tables at This Link

 

[CarolAnnC]

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

We were prepaid for two rooms at the Churchill Best Western. Superior rooms with sea view and breakfast included, no less...sigh.

Unfortunately, Best Western is not helping in any way unless you booked with their corporate office for your reservation. Many booked through the hotel, such as ourselves and we are out of luck with any reimbursement from them.

Since we paid in full with our Chase credit card last August, we are also out of luck for an immediate claim with them as the limit is around 120 days from time of purchase to file. We can file a claim after the date of service passes, in our case July 5, with no completion of services.

We have another reservation, no money on it however. It is annoying to say the least not only for the inconvenience, but the fact that we have to wait before we can even dispute the charges with our credit card company. Live and learn...

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Andrew

You are doing private tour without guide? I am still waiting for the price with guide on the train....they told me they would know by Wednesday......booking day for first cruise seems like it will be a nightmare by Wed?

At the moment I am going for a driver guide, I can add later, but my plan is more photostop and views, rather than walking around museums etc, so driver guide is best. But will review nearer the time, can always add that.

Your advance booking for a suite so you will not have any problem, It might be harder for people at 90 days and 75 days.

 

[Flora Fan]

DH spoke with Disney Rep yesterday and learned that the ship will have two places on board to exchange money. Didn't get any fees that might be involved...but nice to know that the service will be available.

Just thought I'd pass that along.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

DH spoke with Disney Rep yesterday and learned that the ship will have two places on board to exchange money. Didn't get any fees that might be involved...but nice to know that the service will be available.

Just thought I'd pass that along.

Thank you,

I know in the Med in 2007 they did exchange money for local currency (then Euro), at guest services, it was at a ''corporate'' rate however, they decided at cruise time what it is for the full cruise, and often it is far worse than you can get at a quality exchange.

In London, I would recommend THOMAS COOK, they are very good and stock most currencies on demand and have good rates. The POST OFFICE is good but tend to have long queues. Beware of changing money at airports and main shopping areas such as Oxford Street as they are not good value.

 

[MrsScooby]

I've looked on the CDC (Center for Disease Control) website for vaccine information. I don't think any of the vaccines listed, Hep A & B and typhoid, are required for entry into the countries we are traveling to. Is this correct?

While shots are not required it is not a bad idea to get the hepatitis shots. Both my kids were given the hep b shots with their regular vaccinations and the hep a was added on later when we went to Brazil. They do have a combo hep a/hep b for adults who have had neither. Hepatitis can happen anywhere

We were prepaid for two rooms at the Churchill Best Western. Superior rooms with sea view and breakfast included, no less...sigh.

Unfortunately, Best Western is not helping in any way unless you booked with their corporate office for your reservation. Many booked through the hotel, such as ourselves and we are out of luck with any reimbursement from them.

Since we paid in full with our Chase credit card last August, we are also out of luck for an immediate claim with them as the limit is around 120 days from time of purchase to file. We can file a claim after the date of service passes, in our case July 5, with no completion of services.

We have another reservation, no money on it however. It is annoying to say the least not only for the inconvenience, but the fact that we have to wait before we can even dispute the charges with our credit card company. Live and learn...

What a bummer
I would have thought a big chain like that would have been a pretty safe bet.

What a way to start a vacation