t60

Now that UK passports are valid for 10years precisely, even tho they still show any extension period (after renewal a while ago

). So what expiry date do I use on the Advance Passenger Information form please, the expiry date shown on the passport or the precise10 year date which doesn't show on the passport? Thanx

Hi CampoLady, I hope you can help. We live along the coast in Almeria and will be joining a cruise from Malaga on 22 March. We will be driving to the port. Do you know of any carparks available there? I have looked at 1-parking but there instructions re parking were quite confusing. They said the last gate by the lighthouse. We've always disembarked at Malaga but never joined a ship at this port, where is the Arrivals hall please? My husband will need  wheelchair assistance is this easily available for embarkation, as I know when disembarking there is a long walk to the outside world.....I realise you may not be able to provide the info, but if you could point me in the right direction it would be a great help

Boarding MSC ship at Malaga in March, driving to Malaga from Almeria. Where would be a good place to park and leave the car for a week while we take a cruise? It needs to be close to the Port as husband can't walk far without assistance. If need to take a taxi from where ever  is suggested what are taxi fares like?  When flying from Malaga we have used a prepaid parking service at the airport is there something similar at the port? Thanks for your   help

We do not want to use a taxi from the Port (been told they are deliberately over priced f or tourists), so where is the best place to get on a bus, not too sure about using trains although there is a station close to the port if I remember correctly

We're arriving in Rio de Janiero 8.15pm and need a transfer to our hotel in Ipanema, we do not want use public transport. Any recommendations please, which can be pre-booked/arranged now, some idea of cost would be helpful as well. Thanks

On 5/22/2019 at 5:11 PM, rockfsh said:

Juneau, the Capitol.snip...<We took a pre-booked taxi from Glacier Taxi. I highly recommend using this company. We took it to Mendenhall Glacier and were dropped off just a 5 minute walk away. Fare $38. The Glacier buses now charge $44 PP.
Our  driver Tom is an Alaska native in that his ancestors were here over 10,000 years ago. If you use him, tell him Ken says "Hi". He took us to see the Governor's Manson as a drive  by  with no extra cost.snip.....>

The price for the taxi  is that per  person, one way? If so how did you get back?  Sounds like a nice alternative to the bus. Was the bus a regular bus  or  one especially for the tourists...again would you have to pre-book for that?

On 6/1/2019 at 3:05 PM, newport dave said:

snip<. Was just wandering what you did for local currency, especially for Argentina. At the moment it's not possible to purchase Argentina Pesos in the UK. ...>

We're going to Argentina in December and have been checking currency situation (last time we were ther there was a sort of black market available ...but not now) the information we've been given is...you can get Pesos but most UK places don't have them in stock and so you need to order in advance. This is the other info notes I have  made (sorry bit long)....

exchange rate BA who reported the exchange rate is currently 35 pesos to the US dollar. Another commented - But the problem with getting cash is the limit of 4-5000 pesos and the fees at this end 215-360 pesos depending on the bank. You can make multiple withdrawals but the fees are so high you lose 10% when you factor in the bank charges! 

There are more comments on the thread "Effect of the Argentinian Economic Crisis on Cruises?" 

Personally I would bring US dollars and a couple of credit and debit cards and either go to a Cambio to change a small amount to Argentine pesos or try an ATM. Most places will take USD but give pesos as change. You should have no problems with credit cards in other countries down here. We use our credit cards all the time

have been told by a family member who lives in Buenos Airies for almost 5 years now – that he has never exchanged money in a bank – always in Casa De Cambios  for the best rate.. Especially if they are large bills.  (Bring only new untorn/unfolded bills)

Right now it is around 40  - So  $100.00 USD would equal 4,000 AR Pesos ....check current rates who knows what will happen after Brexit......

Here is a Trip advisor post from this year basically saying the same…... 

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g312741-i979-k11258410-Casas_de_cambio-Buenos_Aires_Capital_Federal_District.html

would 2nd just having USD  we used it everywhere.  We were cautioned that if we were to get Peso's we would have problems changing it back.  We never ran into anyone who wouldn't take dollars.  

We were on Cunard and there were many nationalities aboard, mostly British, many Canadians and I didn't hear of anyone having problems with non-US cards (don't know about Amex though).

We used an ATM at the airport. Also exchanged some money at the hotel.  Restaurants would prefer to take cash and will take USD with a not bad exchange rate.  USD bills can be folded but otherwise must be in clean and unmarked condition. In the tourist areas you'll see men saying "cambio, cambio" they are trying to get you to change money with them. Don't! Find a legit currency exchange (you'll need your passport) or ATM.  If you have time take the tour at the Teatro Colon.  They offer them in English at specific times of the day.  Tickets can be purchased with a credit card.  Hop-on-Hop-Off bus only takes cash at their main office.  Also on Saturday or Sunday the Casa Rosada is open to the public (free entry). Tours were in Spanish but we were able to walk around and enjoy the beauty of the building

Hope you find this useful

10 hours ago, kochleffel said:

 

snip <Other posts here recommend trainers (sneakers) but many suggest waterproofing spray for them. To my mind, it depends on whether they have any perforations or mesh, which would defeat the purpose of waterproofing......>

Thanks for the extra info and ideas...enjoy you next trips

24 minutes ago, kochleffel said:

 

snip <Coastal Alaska in the summer is not colder than Spain in the winter>....

Thanks, I forgot I have a waterproof jacket from when we went 'round the Horn" a few years ago,but that might be a bit too warm. I was thinking  of taking some trainers for walking around...what do you think, would they be OK?

Never been to Alaska before, we live in Spain so not really used to the cold, we can see the snow on the Sierras, but it doesn't come down as far as the coast, We are coming over to Join the ship at Vancouver mid september then after a couple of days in the city it's an 11 day cruise, we need help with clothes. I know everyone says layers, but don't really want to have to buy a new wardrobe with wet weather stuff, protection from wind, hiking boots etc etc . OH is also a problem as he hasn't got any rain proof trousers, shoes or boots. Ideas and inspiration needed please...I realise that perhaps we should have thought about all this before we booked :-)

On 7/18/2018 at 9:08 PM, Budget Queen said:

There are 2 excellent free walking tours (tip based) that I have taken, and easily took the tram, to the pick up locations, walkable from the ship. I've done just walk up for both the Reedemer and Sugarloaf. snip......

 

 Looking at the Free walking Tours in Rio and Buenos Aires.... I know you're supposed to tip the guide, but can someone give me some guidelines for amount please, would they want local currency or prefer US dollars?

Our ship docks early and our flight back to UK is not until 11.30pm, so obviously we don't want to wait at the airport all day or carry our luggage around Rio all day. Any suggestions re somewhere secure to leave our luggage (1 big case and 2 hand luggage) or a day hotel room please so we can make the most of our last day in Rio? What have other people done?

9 hours ago, John Bull said:

snip <....And be aware that they may have the same policy as Sainsbury & Tesco -  if you order on-line the rates are better than if you buy in-store. So to be sure of availability and to get those better rates, do as we do - order on-line to click-and-collect from the most convenient store.  And if you go down that route you may find that one of the Portsmouth stores is amongst the click-and-collect options. >

 

Thanks JB I didn't know Sainsbury and Tesco sold currency...we haven't lived in UK for many years. But OH visits annually, so could pick up some money next time he's over

 

 

quote< No problem obtaining either currency in the UK through the likes of M&S or Travelex, but not as many other outlets as more-mainstream currencies.  ...snip) Thanks JB. Do you know if  M&S at HedgeEnd have currency exchange, or is there a closer one to Portsmouh?  Thanks for the info

  Cruising to Brazil and Argentina later this year and I understand their currencies aren't readily available outside their own countries. Need advice or experiences on getting local currency, is it better to use UK or Spanish bank card in local ATM, or to take hard cash to convert when we arrive. Which would be best Euros, sterling or dollars? Are there ATMs at the ports, are the exchange rates reasonable? Last time we were in Argentina there were 2 rates of exchange depending on how/where money was exchanged, I think I remember see exchange booths/cambios on the streets.I have read that sometimes shops etc will take dollars and give change in local currency.

Going to Brazil and Argentina later this year and I understand their currencies aren't readily available outside their own countries. Need advice or experiences on getting local currency, is it better to use UK or Spanish bank card in local ATM, or to take hard cash to convert when we arrive. Which would be best Euros, sterling or dollars? I have read that sometimes shops etc will take dollars and give change in local currency.

This week I applied for a status match,  we are Elite on Princess and have been given Black on MSC

We are Elite with Princess, and have heard that other cruise lines will match our status. Does anyone have any information about this please? what cruise lines match with each other, how do  you notify them etc?

50 minutes ago, tenpin said:

Hi t60, nice looking cat.

The cat Chica, is now playing across at Rainbow Bridge with many others from my cat family. I still bear the scars of the time she spent with us...she was a little devil, but succumbed to FELK. I should get round to changing  my profile photo sometime. The one attached is my old boy Longlegs plus there are another 2.Thanks for the extra information.

1 hour ago, tenpin said:

 Gala nights only for Chocolates, robes for suites and Pearla Diamante members. you can get some toiletries but only by asking room steward, shampoo & the like although in most cases they will try to fill any reasonable request. No wine is allowed but again it sometimes is 'not seen' Shower heads can be moved and a Jacuzzi bath in Suites not sure about other cabins (Bob will let you know) no ironing facilities but there is a washing ironing service, Very limited English TV programs and films are mundane. shopping fairly basic and usual high end except one small shop selling memento's. Strictly smoking only in allocated areas, no longer in Casino, every Costa cruise we have been on (35) dining times were 18 .00, 18 30 & 21 15.  There is a pay restaurant ( Club & Samsara) on most ships which is anytime, they are also now trying out anytime on some ships of the line and all Neo ships.

Shows are understandable and okay, top tip 'If it is not in English it does not concern you'

Costa are very strict  about on board safety and if you use any electrical sockets do not leave anything plugged in when leaving cabin as they will be reported,. 

Thanks for taking the time to reply, Tenpin, you're obviously  a seasoned Costa cruiser...this is our first time with them and I'm thinking we might have made a mistake. Good news re evening service,  disappointing re robes, if we asked for them would the steward oblige? So we need to bring our own shampoos and soaps? Re shower head, does it slide up and down on a bar , I'm only short and don't want to be drowned every time I have a shower. How do you manage when unpacking and clothes are wrinkled? Thank goodness smoking is restricted.Disappointing re Anytime dining, but is the buffet open for breakfast/lunch/dinner/supper/24hr? When cruising we would normally eat around 7.30pm.

We are going on our 1st Costa Cruise at the beginning of March, transAtlantic crossing on Delicioza. Normally we go with Princess or Hal, so I guess this time it will be quite different. I've read there's no evening service...does this mean no beds turned down, no choccies and towels not changed? What about electric sockets, American or European, can we bring and use a power strip, or is there a chance it will be confiscated? Are bath robes available, what are the toiletries like? Other lines let you bring on 1 unopened bottle of wine, how about Costa? Are shower heads fixed or not, any hairdryers supplied? Are there places to do some ironing? Non smoking areas/cabins? TVs in cabins/films on demand....? Is there any form of Anytime dining in a dedicated dining room, 5.30 seems to early and 8.30 too late? What are the shops on board like? What is there that makes this ship special? Anything you think we should be aware  of, good or bad also any hints and tips would be gratefully received.

You can also try pureple.com . It works on both PC and Mac and phone. It's free.

Good afternoon CampoLady, we will be in Malaga on 6 Dec which I understand will be a holiday day (Constitution Day), so I expect the shops and other bits will be closed...what would you suggest we do for the day? Thanks

Just in case I leave it somewhere...I always put an index card with my cabin and phone numbers in my kindle.

Good idea, also if you have a digital camera, make it the 1st pic

Thanks for the posts -- something to think about. I don't really wear gray, at least not near my face (totally washes me out) so I always gravitate to black. But a pair of gray pants OR skirt might be just the ticket. snip ....

In France navy is more often worn rather than black