The Med Thread - All Sailings - Mediterranean

[MJGirl]

FYI ... I just got a note from my TA that DCL has cancelled the Gothic City Walk tour due to "Tour Operator Issues"

ETA - Just got the phone with DCL and the Chocolate Museum and Aquarium and Park Guell tours in Barcelona have also been cancelled.

 

[Skallywag]

My daughter has just returned from South of France for the weekend and said to remind people to take their passport if they plan on going into the Casino in Monte Carlo as you cannot get in without it apparently.

 

[scottishwee35]

My daughter has just returned from South of France for the weekend and said to remind people to take their passport if they plan on going into the Casino in Monte Carlo as you cannot get in without it apparently.

Hi Skallywag

Okay, thank for let us know and we will bringing the passports with us, as we have booking the Evening Casino with dcl.

Scottishwee35

 

[lzj21428]

My daughter has just returned from South of France for the weekend and said to remind people to take their passport if they plan on going into the Casino in Monte Carlo as you cannot get in without it apparently.

I thought I read somewhere that DCL would be taking and holding passports like they do w/ non-US citizens on Carribean cruises. Does anyone know if this is the case?

 

[Skallywag]

I know they said that we from the UK would retain our passports this time but assume they must have some arrangements made with the Casino.

 

[MrsG]

If anyone is interested, I couldn't book at 3AM at our 90 day mark because that excursion didn't show as available. I went on DCL site yesterday and I was able to book it. If you couldn't get on excursions, you might want to check back on the site.

 

[UMTerp]

This may be a little OT but I would like to ask a question that our UK friends may be able to answer (or anyone else who has experience)...

We have a plane transfer in the airport (Gatwick). If we need to buy some food after our long flight will we have to exchange money? In other words, will the food areas in the airport take US dollars or euros?

Thanks!

UMTerp

 

[Skallywag]

Not sure about dollars but they do as far as I know take euro or perhaps better to put on credit card that saves the problem of changing money.

How long are you to be in Gatwick as if you have just come off the overnight from your country you will get breakfast just prior to landing and may not need anything - just a thought.
Bren

 

[Skallywag]

Just a thought will try and get through to the airport and find out for you what currencies they actualy take.

 

[Skallywag]

Just phoned one of the places to eat after security at Gatwick - Garfunkels and they take sterling, usd and euro -assume most others will be the same.
Hope this helps

 

[CarolAnnC]

I confirmed with DCL about a month or so ago that they will not be holding the passports of U.S. citizens on the Med cruises.

I was booking an excursion that included Monte Carlo too, and wanted to be sure that would not be an issue.

I do believe that hotels in Barcelona will be holding at least one passport from the family however. Plan on making a few photocopies for emergencies.

 

[Skallywag]

Hpe they follow this example for non us cruisers next time we cruise from US as ama very reluctant to part with my passport and see no need for this at all. it is usual in hotels around the world to hold the passport over night and we have never had a problem with this.

 

[UMTerp]

Just phoned one of the places to eat after security at Gatwick - Garfunkels and they take sterling, usd and euro -assume most others will be the same.
Hope this helps

Yes, it does! I really appreciate your information and checking on it for me!!!

UMTerp

 

[Skallywag]

Yes, it does! I really appreciate your information and checking on it for me!!!

UMTerp

No problem - glad to be able to assist. On the www.baa.com website it lists all the shops and places to eat at Gatwick North and South before and after security. If I can help anymore please let me know.
Bren

 

[Worktoplay]

If the hotel has a safe, I don't understand the need for even a hotel to hold anyone's passport. I haven't traveled overseas in years but I've never given it up in the past.

Marie

 

[woody73]

We don't have a plan for barcelona either. Just a list of places we'd like to see. But I want to do it leisurely so we don't get overwhelmed before we get on the ship. . .

We just returned from Europe last night. I planned plenty of "free time" the last two days, which DW greatly appreciated.

Woody

 

[woody73]

. . . We have a plane transfer in the airport (Gatwick). If we need to buy some food after our long flight will we have to exchange money? In other words, will the food areas in the airport take US dollars or euros?

We were at London Heathrow yesterday. We had GB Pounds (GBP), USD and Euros, so we did not notice if the foodcourt also accepted USD, EUR, or credit cards.

There are ATMs and currency exchanges if you need GBP.

Airport shops such as Harrods accepted USD. Also, World Duty Free (by far the largest store at Heathrow terminal 3) had a special promotion: pay in USD at $1.75 per GBP, which is a 12.5% discount compared to paying in GBP. (Yesterday's exchange rate was ~$1.99 per GBP.)

Woody

 

[woody73]

If the hotel has a safe, I don't understand the need for even a hotel to hold anyone's passport. I haven't traveled overseas in years but I've never given it up in the past.

Our experience in Europe is it differs by country. In some countries, hotels are required to notify the authorities. In other countries, hotels do it to secure payment.

Woody

 

[jmkrow]

Hi All,
DK Publishing (Eyewitness Travel Guide) You can find them on amazon for 16.50. They are extremely well illustrated, have extensive and detailed maps. It covers the restaurants, hotels, shopping, sightseeing. It's a small book and very easy to travel with.

 

[slindamood]

Hopefully not too dumb a question, but if we get Travellers Cheques in Euros, will Disney cash them without a fee in Euros? Does that make sense?

I just read on the first med thread that DCL will cash USD travellers checks but not euro travellers checks. They also will exchange cash, but no cash advances on credit cards.

They say they will not charge a fee for changing money, but I am curious about the exchange rate they will offer.