The Med Thread - All Sailings - Mediterranean

[konslerg]

I am going to look into getting one of those pouches, I think they are maybe called money belts? Not sure where I would find one of those. I worry about my camera because I know I will want to have it to take tons of picutures. The straps with wires in them are an interesting concept. I think I am just going to be paranoid the whole time we are there!

Try here...

http://www.travelsmith.com/jump.jsp?itemID=92&itemType=PRODUCT&RS=1&keyword=money+pouch

They also have the "non-slashable" camera straps.

 

[RJAYL]

Would seriously recommend anyone who hs not yet booked flights to do so as we know from Experience you need to book as soon as they appear on the screen as once those cheap seats have gone the prices rise dramatically. When we are coming over to US we book around the 11 month window to get the best prices.

I have been watching airfares since I booked the cruise! Last years prices with under 6 months to go were substantially lower then the current prices!

I will only fly out of Boston with limited stops & prices have held steady since the 11 month booking mark!

 

[jrabbit]

Can anyone comment on pick-pockets? How bad are they? How can you avoid them? I was talking to a friend today who spent 5 weeks in Rome last summer and she said they were unbelievable. I am starting to get worried.

Try this web site for lots of information: Rick Steves Travel Tips I've read in a couple of travel guide books that on the train from the airport in Rome to "downtown" the makeup of the passengers is 50% tourists and 50% pickpockets. And you know which one you are Remember, every town that we are going to be in "is the worst". I've read that about Naples, Rome and Barcelona. Don't let your guard down at any of the ports!!

I think we'd all be smart to buy/use one of those "pouches" that go around your neck and under your clothing for money and important items while touring the cities.

Here's another Rick Steves site - 3 videos (less than 3 minutes each) on Travel Skills including the use of a money belt. Be sure to watch the Money Belt one!! And my last Rick Steves plug for now: the travel store: Safe and Secure to the page with his money belt, neck wallet, locks, etc.

 

[konslerg]

Here's another Rick Steves site - 3 videos (less than 3 minutes each) on Travel Skills including the use of a money belt. Be sure to watch the Money Belt one!! And my last Rick Steves plug for now: the travel store: Safe and Secure to the page with his money belt, neck wallet, locks, etc.

I had heard the tip about making a copy of all your important documents before, but it does make sense to have two copies. Never even thought about carrying important phone numbers, etc. but that also makes good sense.

Thanks so much for the link to Rick's site.

I have to tell you though, there's no way in the world that I'm going to be able to pack for the cruise in his "big packpack." LOL

 

[DadofLostBoys]

I have to tell you though, there's no way in the world that I'm going to be able to pack for the cruise in his "big packpack." LOL

That is what's nice about a cruise (and big selling point for us), all you need is a day bag when you leave the ship to sightsee. Plus valuables can be left in the ship's room safe.

I do plan on buying one of the steel wire/meshed reinforced bags - just have to decide which one. Mainly for our camera and handy stuff. Money and documents will be close to body somewhere.

John

 

[lzj21428]

Thanks for the Rick Steves link. I just ordered 3 of his money belts.

One question though. Is it really necessary to carry our actual passport with us while off the ship? Would a copy of it suffice?

 

[jrabbit]

One question though. Is it really necessary to carry our actual passport with us while off the ship? Would a copy of it suffice?

Is it necessary? I don't know!!! Like others have said, non USA citizens have to surrender their passports to DCL while on cruises out of Port Canaveral.

Will we (Americans) have to surrender our passports to DCL while on the Med cruise? If we do, then there is no question that you would want to carry a copy of your passport with you.

 

[CACruisin']

I don't know specifically about the cruise, however, when we were in Italy two years ago, we were required to surrender our passports at each hotel for the duration of our stay. We kept a copy of the passports in my money belt along with money, credit cards, etc. We kept the airline tickets in the hotel safe generally. While travelling between locations we added the airline tickets and the actual passports. With our family of 5 it made me have a rather thicker middle than I liked.....

 

[Skallywag]

Have had an email confirming that we (UK residents) will not have to surrender our passports in the Med unlike when sailing from US. Assume US and non European cruisers will have to surrender their passports and be given a photo copy to carry with them this time.

 

[MrsJobba1]

Have had an email confirming that we (UK residents) will not have to surrender our passports in the Med unlike when sailing from US. Assume US and non European cruisers will have to surrender their passports and be given a photo copy to carry with them this time.

Does this possibly mean we finally get to lie in on the last morning and not have to get up @ 5:30 am to get our passports back !!


Thanks Mickey

 

[lzj21428]

What is the purpose of them holding your passports?

 

[scottishwee35]

Does this possibly mean we finally get to lie in on the last morning and not have to get up @ 5:30 am to get our passports back !!


Thanks Mickey

Oh, thank god that we will be not getting up early



Scottishwee35

 

[jrabbit]

Does this possibly mean we finally get to lie in on the last morning and not have to get up @ 5:30 am to get our passports back !!

Since you are used to the drill, I think that DCL should go ahead and have you Brits go ahead and get up early and let us Yanks sleep in as usual!!

But seriously, with the disembarkation time at 6:45, there really might be no reason to go to bed on the last night of the cruise if we have to be up "extra early" to pick up our passports!!

 

[DadofLostBoys]

I was just going through the DCL website and I see that they have added port information for Palermo and Naples

Can't wait to see what excursions they come up with.


-John-

 

[EPCOT_VA]

This is our first cruise. If we surrender our passports to DCL, does that mean that we don't go through a passport check at each of our stops? In other words, we won't be collecting stamps from Italy, France, etc.?

 

[winotracy]

This is our first cruise. If we surrender our passports to DCL, does that mean that we don't go through a passport check at each of our stops? In other words, we won't be collecting stamps from Italy, France, etc.?

You can request through Guest Services that they obtain the stamps for you. They may or may not be able to do it, but the do when they can right now on the current itineraries.

 

[TDC Nala]

I have been Sequoia Lodge about 5 years ago and it was lovely hotel and I think it was better than another. Two years ago, last mins booking I took my children to Newport Hotel and wish stay at Sequoia Lodge because it is more comfortable and nice.

Not far to Disneyland and studio which was great. Just walking back of hotel, beautiful lakes and see lots of things there.

Scottishwee35

Thanks, I'm at Sequoia on points June 23-26 before going to Barcelona.

 

[EPCOT_VA]

You can request through Guest Services that they obtain the stamps for you. They may or may not be able to do it, but the do when they can right now on the current itineraries.

Thanks for the info. Why do the cruise lines keep your passports during the cruise anyway?

 

[PrincessJasmine08]

Thanks for the info. Why do the cruise lines keep your passports during the cruise anyway?

I was wondering this as well.

 

[woody73]

I've read in a couple of travel guide books that on the train from the airport in Rome to "downtown" the makeup of the passengers is 50% tourists and 50% pickpockets. . .

In March, we spent a week in Rome. Be careful on Bus 64. It's nicknamed the "Pickpocket Special."

Woody