HMSDingy

I did it for both, Of course it's great to save but this way I can order drinks and stuff without getting a large bill at the end our cruise.

Wow, you really know how to burst someone's bubble. I did factor in the exchange rate and I paid my cruise in CAD dollars so, yes, it may be all relative but bottom line is that I saved over $1000 and that's what's important to me.

I read somewhere that taking a cab from your hotel to the port in Barcelona the driver requests a charge to get into the port area. Is this true?

DW and I are Italian and we not only make our own wine. but usually have a bottle every night with dinner. We also enjoy an occasional pre-dinner cocktail. Besides the cocktails, I like the occasional beer at lunch and we DO love our cappuccino in the mornings. I decided to take the Plus package for our European cruise this summer because we will definitely be saving. Our cruise is for 20 days and if you factor in just the gratuities, wine with our meals and cocktails, my calculations gives me at least a $1000 savings. That's not including the wifi and casual restaurants. The cost of my Plus package is in CAD and had I not taken it, the same costs would be onboard in US.

I agree, the exchange booths at Trudeau Airport in Montreal not only charge ridiculous rates but they tag on an obscene fee as well. I get my euros through my son who works for RBC and he gets a preferred rate with no fee. But I will check out the ATM's during our European cruise this summer. I was going to bring a large amount of euros but have been advised not too and use cc's as much as possible.

Thanks. We've booked an excursion in Gibraltar for which I will pay the exact amount with no change coming my way and will do any sort of shopping in plastic.

Sorry for being so vague. We will be visiting mostly European countries that have euros as their currency except for Gibraltar where I know to being pounds sterling. I have been advised by others that credit cards seem to be taken mostly in lieu of cash. Nonetheless, I do understand that some merchants do not accept any sort of plastic, which means I'll leave our Canadian currency at home since it is indeed made of plastic 😆.

I understand and I'll be careful next time.

Not that easy to delete once posted here on CC and I apologize for the multiple posts. But you're the only one who seems to have taken exception, One of the reasons I try not to ask too many questions here.

Thanks ands I apologize to all for posting the same question in multiple forums.

We are a Canadian couple taking a European cruise onboard the Island Princess this August and are wondering what form of currency should we bring. I know the onboard payments are done in US but what about when ashore? Would it be better in cash being the local currency, or a credit card?

We are a Canadian couple taking a European cruise onboard the Island Princess this August and are wondering what form of currency should we bring. I know the onboard payments are done in US but what about when ashore? Would it be better in cash being the local currency, or a credit card?

We are a Canadian couple taking a European cruise onboard the Island Princess this August and are wondering what form of currency should we bring. I know the onboard payments are done in US but what about when ashore? Would it be better in cash being the local currency, or a credit card?

Sorry. if i may have confused you but what I meant was how far will the taxi driver drop us off from the pier. I know that for some ports, drivers can't go past the entrance to the port.

Thank you for all of the great information. We will be in Barcelona in August for our cruise and staying at a hotel on Las Ramblas for 2 days. Where exactly do the taxis leave you at the port? Is it a long walk to the pier and embarkation? We have been to Barcelona but that was many years ago and really don't remember how we did it.

We've never had problems getting a table for 2. My advice is to book a later time as the later you reserve the better chance you have.

Love your response. DW and I are Italian and we like a glass or 2 or 3 or what the heck, a bottle of wine with our meals. Let's not forget the mimosa's with breakfast and cocktails. The Plus package works for us.

Sorry deleted

Thanks

This is the first time I've booked a guarantee after originally selecting the location myself, because of a great price drop. Having done that, now I'm worried that we may get less than what we had booked earlier. I'm not too familiar with the categories only that ours will be a BB. Looking at the deck plans of the Island Princess, the BB category seems to be on Decks 11 and 12. My only worries is that it may be an obstructed one. Does it matter that we are Platinum?

Oky doky

Who mentioned hailing a cab. I responded to post that stated that reserved cars are not allowed into the terminal.

You don't have to leave the terminal with Roma Cabs. This is the text on our voucher from Roma cabs. Your driver will meet you ON THE PIER NEXT TO YOUR SHIP at your scheduled Pick Up Time, holding a sign with the NAME in your reservation.

Funny thing is that Roma Cabs has told me thy will pick us up next to the ship. I'm quite sure they were bring truthful.

Our ship also arrives at Civitavecchia at 6 AM and I've booked a private car for 9 with Roma Cabs and they've assured me that we'd make it to FCO by 10. Our flight is at 1:05 PM to Canada.