The MAGIC is Back!!! - 6th Sept 2014 WBTA - Come & join the fun! - PART 2

[ludari]

Most of his career was with the first Marine Division, Camp Pendleton.We finished up with 3 years in Okinawa, Japan, on Camp Kinser. We live in San Clemente, literally walking-distance to Camp Pendleton!! We are very excited to meet you all!! Beverly

I spent 1 year in the 1st Marine Division - 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines. We also spent 3 years in Okinawa - '93 to '96 - at Camp Foster. Then the Corps sent us to Orlando for my "twighlight tour" and here we stayed.

Another west coaster. I was with 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines at Camp Pendleton before that unit moved to 29 Palms. I also did a WestPac and spent several months in Okinawa at Camp Hansen.

 

[Roo from Reading UK]

Can anyone help, I have never done laundry on the cruise, I know you can buy detergent powder for a couple of dollars on board, but I just wondered if you can use detergent tablets in the machine as I was going to pack some in my luggage? Don't usually plan to do laundry but DH will have running clothes for RATA that will need freshening up! Otherwise as Pumba would say you won't want to be downwind of him!

 

[gismo1554]

Can anyone help, I have never done laundry on the cruise, I know you can buy detergent powder for a couple of dollars on board, but I just wondered if you can use detergent tablets in the machine as I was going to pack some in my luggage? Don't usually plan to do laundry but DH will have running clothes for RATA that will need freshening up! Otherwise as Pumba would say you won't want to be downwind of him!

Actually I'm hoping so as I packed some tablets and now have reaslised I never actually checked!

 

[ThePhantomsGirl]

I plan to bring some of the "pods" that are out these days. Basically they are detergent tablets. You might want to make sure that they are rated "HE" if they have that rating over there. That just means "high efficiency" and some washers only take those. (not sure here - others may chime in)

I definitely plan to bring some as I'll be gone for 29 days total. No way I can go without doing some laundry.

 

[MandyGirl]

Can anyone help, I have never done laundry on the cruise, I know you can buy detergent powder for a couple of dollars on board, but I just wondered if you can use detergent tablets in the machine as I was going to pack some in my luggage? Don't usually plan to do laundry but DH will have running clothes for RATA that will need freshening up! Otherwise as Pumba would say you won't want to be downwind of him!

Like Holly we are gone 35 nights total for our family of four like we did last summer and must do laundry. We use this- purex 3 in 1

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0053XE87A?pc_redir=1407352523&robot_redir=1

 

[MandyGirl]

I think they quit making these but some suppliers still sell online - shop around for pricing

 

[spacecoast08]

Our son is turning two on the cruise and we were thinking about having a small party on board during one of the earlier sea days. Probably in one the reception rooms with a cake and maybe a special guest. We were just wondering if any families with toddlers would be interested in coming. We kind of thought that maybe this would be a good way to meet some families with small kids too. Our son will probably be spending some time in the nursery and we would love it if he maybe had some familiarity with other toddlers.

Our daughter is 4 but we would enjoy to attend your son's B-day party. Thanks and let us know

 

[camptraveler]

Anyone have a recommendation to get from the airport to the hilton in Barcelona for 5 adults and a lot of luggage? We will be having to elders with us also.

 

[JessicasMom]

Can anyone help, I have never done laundry on the cruise, I know you can buy detergent powder for a couple of dollars on board, but I just wondered if you can use detergent tablets in the machine as I was going to pack some in my luggage?

Before my normal liquid detergent was available in pods, I would place a washcloth in a ziploc bag and pour in the correct amt of liquid for a load. I made enough of these pkts to cover the number of loads I expected to do, then would just add one of the cloths (not the bag, of course ) to each load...worked like a charm! Hubby is sensitive to scents (or "delicate", as I tell him ), so I have to be careful about which products I use. I'm still nervous about packing the pods, but they're surprisingly strong. Whatever works for you....
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/

 

[Shazzie B]

Can anyone help, I have never done laundry on the cruise, I know you can buy detergent powder for a couple of dollars on board, but I just wondered if you can use detergent tablets in the machine as I was going to pack some in my luggage? Don't usually plan to do laundry but DH will have running clothes for RATA that will need freshening up! Otherwise as Pumba would say you won't want to be downwind of him!

I always take Persil non- bio tablets to WDW, planning on using them on cruise too, I'm assuming machines will be the same . Makes me nervous travelling with liquid tabs (spillages) or powder, in case customs wonder what it is

 

[birkner]

Anyone have a recommendation to get from the airport to the hilton in Barcelona for 5 adults and a lot of luggage? We will be having to elders with us also.

I have two suggestions. Send an email to the hotel at guest@hiltonbarcelona.com and ask for a recommendation for transportation. I have found that hotels are usually very helpful in giving recommendations.

I personally have used this site as we had a photography tour planned after our last WBTA and needed to be at our hotel to drop off our luggage. You should be able to get a quote on the site.

If you have any other questions, you can PM me.
Airport transfers

 

[clareyfairymouse]

I'm after some advice from all you seasoned cruisers

Any idea how much local currency to exchange for port excursion days?

I'm sure it's quite a subjective one however we are not huge spenders but will buy a souvenir if something catches the eye.

Other than that is it just drinks/food we would need money for or am I missing something really obvious?

I've been sat this afternoon totaling up the cost of all the excursions, tips, group events etc so just want to check I haven't missed anything obvious.

Thanks

 

[Roo from Reading UK]

I always take Persil non- bio tablets to WDW, planning on using them on cruise too, I'm assuming machines will be the same . Makes me nervous travelling with liquid tabs (spillages) or powder, in case customs wonder what it is

Thanks to everyone who answered with the laundry tips!

 

[JessicasMom]

WAmumof4... Are all five of you participating in the Candy Swap, or only 4? In the list of participants, it says 4, but lists all five people. Just don't want to short-change anyone!

 

[lovingthemouse]

Hey Pat - thank you for asking that - i messed up - it should say 5 are participating for WAMUMOF4 in the candy swap !
I fixed it on the first page. Hope everyone sees the correction.

 

[LindaBabe]

Anyone have a recommendation to get from the airport to the hilton in Barcelona for 5 adults and a lot of luggage? We will be having to elders with us also.

We used Barcelona Taxi successfully in 2011 and will be using them again this year. barcelonataxi@barcelonataxivan.com

I'm after some advice from all you seasoned cruisers

Any idea how much local currency to exchange for port excursion days?

I'm sure it's quite a subjective one however we are not huge spenders but will buy a souvenir if something catches the eye.

Other than that is it just drinks/food we would need money for or am I missing something really obvious?

I've been sat this afternoon totaling up the cost of all the excursions, tips, group events etc so just want to check I haven't missed anything obvious.

Thanks

Photos/ video on a zipline excursion or dolphin swim? Usually those places don't allow personal cameras.

I'm mentally allowing $100 a day for Barcelona but I'm sure to have Euros left for Malaga and Tenerife, and don't usually change money for Caribbean ports. Most tourist places take dollars. One used to be able to change money on the ship, but last time I tried they told me they don't do it any longer.

LAUNDRY

Amazon had a few packs of purex sheets left last week. The local walmart (the only other source I could find) was completely out. Washers, dryers and soap machines are now operated by your room key card.

Remember Stitch & Beach at Cove Cafe, 3 pm on sea days. No leader, no sign ups, no kids allowed

 

[JessicasMom]

Hey Pat - thank you for asking that - i messed up - it should say 5 are participating for WAMUMOF4 in the candy swap !
I fixed it on the first page. Hope everyone sees the correction.

Thanks, Caroline! Great job organizing this!
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/

 

[geffric]

Prices for Taxis from Barcelona Airport

It is important to remember that there is a minimum charge on taxis from the airport of €20.00 . This must be paid regardless of the length of the journey.

The supplement on the taxis fare from the airport is €4.20 , the rate per km after this costs: €1.03 / km (from 08:00 - 20:00) and €1.30 / km (from 20:00 - 08:00). These are the rates when the journey is to a destination inside the Barcelona metropolitan area.

Expect to pay around €25.00 for the journey into the centre from T2 and €30.00 for your journey from T1.

If you end destination is outside of Barcelona Metropolitan area the taxi rates are higher per kilometre. It would be best to confirm with the taxi driver approximately how much the taxi fee would be. You will also need to cover the cost for any tolls passed through however there are no tolls between Barcelona Airport and Barcelona city centre.

It is worth noting that there may be extra supplementary charges for holidays and late nights.

 

[geffric]

I plan to bring some of the "pods" that are out these days. Basically they are detergent tablets. You might want to make sure that they are rated "HE" if they have that rating over there. That just means "high efficiency" and some washers only take those. (not sure here - others may chime in)

I definitely plan to bring some as I'll be gone for 29 days total. No way I can go without doing some laundry.

Like Holly i am bringing PODS with me!
I am do laundry at least twice ( prob 3 times) as I am gone 40 days.. I will be the one doing Laundry on the ship the first day

 

[MagicMe]

Prices for Taxis from Barcelona Airport

It is important to remember that there is a minimum charge on taxis from the airport of €20.00 . This must be paid regardless of the length of the journey.

The supplement on the taxis fare from the airport is €4.20 , the rate per km after this costs: €1.03 / km (from 08:00 - 20:00) and €1.30 / km (from 20:00 - 08:00). These are the rates when the journey is to a destination inside the Barcelona metropolitan area.

Expect to pay around €25.00 for the journey into the centre from T2 and €30.00 for your journey from T1.

If you end destination is outside of Barcelona Metropolitan area the taxi rates are higher per kilometre. It would be best to confirm with the taxi driver approximately how much the taxi fee would be. You will also need to cover the cost for any tolls passed through however there are no tolls between Barcelona Airport and Barcelona city centre.

It is worth noting that there may be extra supplementary charges for holidays and late nights.

One thing to add, please have the address of your hotel ready for the taxi driver. Seems simple but we got in the taxi and gave him the hotel name at which point he asked the address. Don't know why I would think he'd know where it was!?! Luckily I tend to print everything and bring the packet and there was an address. The two women traveling behind us didn't know the address so the driver ended up stopping so they could borrow a phone and call the hotel (luckily one of them had a printed out email that had a phone number. However, the meter was running so they ended up paying almost twice as much as we did.