Sept 18 2010 WB TransAtlantic Pirates/Capt Jacks Re-Repoing Repossession Cruise Pt.3

[renegade7]

Got a few moments to get online today at work. I have a bad case of the Monday's.

We can do whatever, I would just hate for a group to get all their goodies in the first half of the trip...

I amopen to whatever - I am just tabulating who gives to who...

Well you're doing a fab job. The other option is we comprimise on the two sides and do a 1st half of the cruise 2nd half of the cruise thing? This way people like me don't feel too enclosed in "you have to do it today" and people who want to have their gifts spread out still get at least part of this? What do people think?

I also do not wish to be tied down to a day. I think 1st 1/2 or 2nd 1/2 is fine. I usually do mine in the wee hours of the morning (seems there is too much to on the ship otherwise).

 

[alexandmaddie]

We are fine with either way...

Krista

 

[steamboat will]

Thanks for all the fish extender advice and links.

I thought i was being organised thinking about gifts 7 months ahead but it seems the party has been in full swing on these boards for many many months!!

I'm so excited about my first Disney Cruise and whilst i'm a Disney theme park vetran the whole cruise thing is new to me.

Can't wait.

SW

 

[orlandothebeagle]

Well, it is official we will have to bow out of the WBTA in order to pay for our EBTA. We had a work scheduling conflict in Sept and were fortuante enough to be able to get on the EBTA.

I will still lurk over here though as you all are so much fun and have such good information and advice!

And hello to all you lucky ones going on both ends of the repositioning! So awesome!

Tata for now.

Tata, we will see you sometime on a disney cruise.


We are not doing fe, not that we dont want to , just luggage is such an issue.

When are you planning the dis meet, we were thinking of having an open house on thursday???????????????????????????????

thoughts on the back of a post card guys please

 

[alexandmaddie]

Well, I'll be heading back to Grandma's shortly. This may be the last week she'll need me there, which is awesome news for her to get her independence back! It's going to be a bitter-sweet moment when I pack my car up for the last time. It was really nice to be at home for a few days this past week. Seven months is a lonnnnggg time to be a way from your own home, friends, and life. I still have no regrets though to have helped her!

Krista, that's awesome you did a mother-daughter cruise! What a great memory for you both. On my last cruise, it was a 3-generation cruise full of "first times" for my (at the time) 77 year-old grandmother and lifetime memories for us all!

Kimberly,


I'm so glad to hear your grandma is doing better!

Thanks, the mother-daughter cruise was a lot of fun! I bet that was great to be with your grandmother for her "first times" on the ship!

As the others have said, awesome job on the hotel spreadsheet.

Krista

 

[alexandmaddie]

When are you planning the dis meet, we were thinking of having an open house on thursday???????????????????????????????

thoughts on the back of a post card guys please

I wish we could be there for the DIS Meet or open house. We don't get in until 7:25 am on Saturday, which makes me really nervous (we always arrive the night before), but that's the way it worked out for us.

Krista

 

[Steffy]

Based on our various posts, I've compiled a Barcelona Hotel Roll Call List. If you have updates or additions, please feel free to PM me. I'll keep my eye on the thread's posts as well.

You'll see that I sorted by DIS Name, yet primarily color coded by hotel. The last column is also color coded by arrival date, regardless of which hotel. If you're color-blind, you have the text for back-up.

Perhaps this can help stir conversation between people who may want to consider sharing transportation from the airport or meet up with new and old friends in the city!

I just love organized people! Great job Kimberly. Thanks so much for keeping us straight.

 

[Terapin]

Based on our various posts, I've compiled a Barcelona Hotel Roll Call List. If you have updates or additions, please feel free to PM me. I'll keep my eye on the thread's posts as well.

You'll see that I sorted by DIS Name, yet primarily color coded by hotel. The last column is also color coded by arrival date, regardless of which hotel. If you're color-blind, you have the text for back-up.

Perhaps this can help stir conversation between people who may want to consider sharing transportation from the airport or meet up with new and old friends in the city!

Thank you so much Kimberly!

 

[ReAnSt]

Based on our various posts, I've compiled a Barcelona Hotel Roll Call List. If you have updates or additions, please feel free to PM me. I'll keep my eye on the thread's posts as well.

You'll see that I sorted by DIS Name, yet primarily color coded by hotel. The last column is also color coded by arrival date, regardless of which hotel. If you're color-blind, you have the text for back-up.

Perhaps this can help stir conversation between people who may want to consider sharing transportation from the airport or meet up with new and old friends in the city!

Can you update a listing?

It should be nacho1337 -Stephen and ReAnSt-Becky, and Linda and David
2 rooms, 4 people at Praktik Barcelona and we are getting on on Thursday.
Thanks and great job!

I am sick have been so since the end of last week. I couldn't get into the doctor until tomorrow. It is kicking me in the patootie.

 

[su_kraft]

Well you're doing a fab job. The other option is we comprimise on the two sides and do a 1st half of the cruise 2nd half of the cruise thing? This way people like me don't feel too enclosed in "you have to do it today" and people who want to have their gifts spread out still get at least part of this? What do people think?

Works for me! The other thing is that each group can decide on its own... Seriously, eitherway!! I just want the days to pass a bit quicker so I can pack, say good by to work for a while and RELAX with Mickey and the gang!

 

[tinker1bell]

I am going to do a suggested delivery date so that the gifts are distributed each day of the cruise. My goal is that not everyone does delivery on the same date... I read about that happening and people were disappointed...

I know that Stephanie and I had a specific date to deliver on our Dec 6 cruise. In Dec of 2008 we did it the third day out and we had more participants but it really worked out. Everytime we came back to the cabin, there were gifts. It was so much fun.

I do like the suggested delivery date cause we will have so much else to do that I would like to know when I could do it and get it done.

 

[MissMet]

I had the same questions. I found out from my bank that you can get American Express Travellers checks in EUROS For my bank you have to order them and it has cost of $10 per order, but it's so much better than the outrageous fees paid overseas. Worst comes to worst, we can use them on our ship board account after we leave Europe.

We are planning to use them to pay for hotel and other expenses in Barcelona so we don't have to use our bankcards overseas. The last time we did, the fees and terrible exchange rate made my $20 Mexican blanket cost close to $40.

Also, if I'm buying the Euros NOW and the exchange rate continues to worsen, I'm making money (or at least things are not costing as much . . .LOL).

Hope that helps, too

I use BofA as well. I think they are about the norm in what they get (bid/ask). I am just watching the exchange rate to see if the Dollar gets any better as we have been hovering around 0.70 Euros for $1 but a year ago it was 0.80 Euros for $1.

Also know that BofA is partners with banks outside the US and will not charge ATM fees at BNP Paribas (France) & Barclays (United Kingdom) - Use your ATM card or check card within our Global ATM Alliance in the countries shown with no fees.

Here is some info from the BofA FAQs page:
Using your Check Card or ATM Card in international countries

Will I get a better exchange rate using my Check Card or ATM Card?

• Check Cards may give you a better exchange rate than you'll receive at currency exchange bureaus.

What are the fees for using a Check Card or ATM Card in a foreign country?

• Withdrawals, deposits, transfers, payments and balance inquiries made at ATMs in foreign countries outside of the ATM Global Alliance will be charged a $5.00 fee.

• In addition, an International Transaction Fee will be charged for ATM Card and Check Card transactions made for foreign purchases or ATM cash withdrawals in currency other than U.S. Dollars, regardless of whether or not the transaction occurred at an ATM in a country covered in the ATM Global Alliance. The International Transaction Fee will be 3% of the U.S. Dollar amount for each converted purchase or 1% of the U.S. Dollar amount for each converted ATM cash withdrawal. This International Transaction Fee will appear as a separate item on your banking statement for each international transaction.

Additionally, I have learned from past trips - make sure your PIN is only 4 digits. Given the last statement above - I try to use my Capital One Credit Card as much as possible outside of the US and bring cash/travelers checks with me to avoid the International Transaction Fee.

Thanks so much guys! That really helped. I continued to look into it & what I think I'm gonna do is only get euros for my parent's gift & then a small amount for myself before we go.

Then, after looking into it even more, I found some interesting ideas. Capital One credit cards do not charge ANY currency exchange fees at all & HSBC's Premier World MasterCard has no foreign transaction fee. Also, HSBC atm fee is only 1% for foreign atm transactions, as opposed to boa $5 fee + 3%. So I'm thinking about getting a capitol one card & opening an hsbc checking account. I've actually been wanting to change back to hsbc rather than boa, since they closed my local boa branch.

All the reading I've been doing says that it really isn't a good idea to get the majority of you euros here, as you will get a better rate over there. Also, they say that atms give the best exchange rate. And they say if merchants offer to charge you in USD, this is a way for them to charge you even more. Just have them charge in euro.

This may be all comon knowledge for most on the boards, but I figured I'd pass along these little tips I came across just in case.

Thanks again guys!

 

[MrsMork]

Thanks for all the fish extender advice and links.

I thought i was being organised thinking about gifts 7 months ahead but it seems the party has been in full swing on these boards for many many months!!

I'm so excited about my first Disney Cruise and whilst i'm a Disney theme park vetran the whole cruise thing is new to me.

Can't wait.

SW

You are in for great fun!!

Thanks so much guys! That really helped. I continued to look into it & what I think I'm gonna do is only get euros for my parent's gift & then a small amount for myself before we go.

Then, after looking into it even more, I found some interesting ideas. Capital One credit cards do not charge ANY currency exchange fees at all & HSBC's Premier World MasterCard has no foreign transaction fee. Also, HSBC atm fee is only 1% for foreign atm transactions, as opposed to boa $5 fee + 3%. So I'm thinking about getting a capitol one card & opening an hsbc checking account. I've actually been wanting to change back to hsbc rather than boa, since they closed my local boa branch.

All the reading I've been doing says that it really isn't a good idea to get the majority of you euros here, as you will get a better rate over there. Also, they say that atms give the best exchange rate. And they say if merchants offer to charge you in USD, this is a way for them to charge you even more. Just have them charge in euro.

This may be all comon knowledge for most on the boards, but I figured I'd pass along these little tips I came across just in case.

Thanks again guys!

Thanks for this. We have not traveled to Europe and all the info we can get helps.

 

[DisneyVegas1]

This will be Saturday March 13th at Disneyland .....And I was curious how many are wanting to meet .... This is something the Pirates have done for a few years now and a great way to meet a few months before setting sail on are wonderful cruise ....

Last year we all had dinner at the Rain Forest Cafe , though alot of us met in the park during the day and had dinner that night , also after dinner we also go for the must do "Captains Trip" on POTC ride ....every year is always a story to tell about this voyage , so if you are interested please let me know ...I think the numbers are up to 14 as of right now I believe .... so can I get an aye and how many be in your party ...

 

[nacho1337]

I use BofA as well. I think they are about the norm in what they get (bid/ask). I am just watching the exchange rate to see if the Dollar gets any better as we have been hovering around 0.70 Euros for $1 but a year ago it was 0.80 Euros for $1.

Also know that BofA is partners with banks outside the US and will not charge ATM fees at BNP Paribas (France) & Barclays (United Kingdom) - Use your ATM card or check card within our Global ATM Alliance in the countries shown with no fees.

Here is some info from the BofA FAQs page:
Using your Check Card or ATM Card in international countries

Will I get a better exchange rate using my Check Card or ATM Card?

• Check Cards may give you a better exchange rate than you'll receive at currency exchange bureaus.

What are the fees for using a Check Card or ATM Card in a foreign country?

• Withdrawals, deposits, transfers, payments and balance inquiries made at ATMs in foreign countries outside of the ATM Global Alliance will be charged a $5.00 fee.

• In addition, an International Transaction Fee will be charged for ATM Card and Check Card transactions made for foreign purchases or ATM cash withdrawals in currency other than U.S. Dollars, regardless of whether or not the transaction occurred at an ATM in a country covered in the ATM Global Alliance. The International Transaction Fee will be 3% of the U.S. Dollar amount for each converted purchase or 1% of the U.S. Dollar amount for each converted ATM cash withdrawal. This International Transaction Fee will appear as a separate item on your banking statement for each international transaction.

Additionally, I have learned from past trips - make sure your PIN is only 4 digits. Given the last statement above - I try to use my Capital One Credit Card as much as possible outside of the US and bring cash/travelers checks with me to avoid the International Transaction Fee.

I have the Charles Schwab check card and credit card. both of the have no transaction fees or foreign fees. They said all i need to worry about is the exchange rate. Also the Charles Schwab check card allows me to you any atm in the world fee free (receive refund at end of month).

 

[M4travels]

This will be Saturday March 13th at Disneyland .....And I was curious how many are wanting to meet .... This is something the Pirates have done for a few years now and a great way to meet a few months before setting sail on are wonderful cruise ....

Last year we all had dinner at the Rain Forest Cafe , though alot of us met in the park during the day and had dinner that night , also after dinner we also go for the must do "Captains Trip" on POTC ride ....every year is always a story to tell about this voyage , so if you are interested please let me know ...I think the numbers are up to 14 as of right now I believe .... so can I get an aye and how many be in your party ...

Marc and I are definitely interested and we're hoping we're still going to be in town at that point! We can't promise the day at D'land but if dinner is an event, we'd love to be there!

Michael

 

[Buckeye Gal]

So ever since I got home last week from my Grandmother's, I've had a fear/feeling that I carried home a mouse, and we're not talking about Mickey or Minnie. When I was unpacking things I had packed from Grandma's that included some turkey sausage links, I discovered there were mouse drippings in the bag and a little nibble on the plastic. There was also a Honeybell fruit that had some of the citrus rind nibbled off. UGH!

I had no idea if I acquired the critter from the time I left the bag on the floor of the garage or if it made itself a home from the time the car was in the Volkswagen dealership's service garage (I had just picked the car up a day prior). I didn't know if I carried this mouse into my house in a bag, if it was still in the car, or maybe the turkey sausage was nibbled at before the bag got into the car. Who knew, right? Well, I put a cookie in my trunk to see if it would get nibbled on. It hadn't been...until today.

OMG! I have a mouse in my CAR!!! I'm such a girl when it comes to these things! I cannot believe I have to set a peanut buttered mouse trap in my car tomorrow!

Well, it is official we will have to bow out of the WBTA in order to pay for our EBTA.....

Although it's a shame you'll miss out cruising with us, I am just glad you still get to cruise across the Atlantic! I know you'll have a fabulous time, and it's just awesome that you'll be going in a blink of an eye!

Woohoooo,

We're in with the in crowd, at the Praktik Rambla. We were looking yesterday, but only 1 double room; then last night, none. Just looked out of curiousity and there were two; so we took 'em.

Sweet! Welcome to the bunch!

....I have a bad case of the Monday's....

I have to admit this made me smile. I could just hear the intonation of the word "Mondays". Hope the rest of the week is cheery for you!

Kimberly,


I'm so glad to hear your grandma is doing better!

Thanks, the mother-daughter cruise was a lot of fun! I bet that was great to be with your grandmother for her "first times" on the ship!

As the others have said, awesome job on the hotel spreadsheet.

Krista

Thanks, Krista!

We have Grandma's post surgery appointment tomorrow. She's hoping that he doesn't have a physical therapist come into the house. I think she's doing well enough that it won't be necessary, but if I could only get her to use her walker to walk more straight and upright! She even says it feels better to use the walker, but she's stubborn like me!

....I am sick have been so since the end of last week. I couldn't get into the doctor until tomorrow. It is kicking me in the patootie.

Yuck! Sorry to hear that. Hopefully he/she will give you the right prescription to feel better really soon!

 

[Buckeye Gal]

Great to hear this is going to be helpful to so many of us. Thank you for the several updates and additions! Keep them coming please! Don't hesitate to let me know if I didn't get yours documented correctly.

 

[paulasillars]

Just a quick update on ground transport from Barcelona hotels to the port, I have responded to all those have expressed an interest so far and we now have 31 people interested.

If you want to add your name to the list (no obligation at this stage), please send me a PM so I don't miss it in the general chatter.

 

[Buckeye Gal]

Thought I would show you that out of the 41 rooms at the Praktik Rambla, we now have 18 of them Friday night!