How do you finance your trip?

[ekerr19]

Curious -

We use credit for all booking, but when it comes to actual travel, who is like me and goes to the bank and withdraws cash/traveler's checks?

If we are going to Europe, we always order Euro's from our bank - in fact I can do it online with my Wells Fargo account and they deliver the Euro's via Fed Ex or DHL, the next day.

I always register my CC with HAL before we leave - I usually always leave our charges on that card.

We usually bring $500-$600 in U.S. dollars, but a lot of it depends on the length and destination of the cruise and if we travel outside the U.S. we may bring another $1K in Euro's and traveler's checks...

[Krazy Kruizers]

We charge everything.

Also always take travelers checks and cash.

[Jade13]

Curious -

We use credit for all booking, but when it comes to actual travel, who is like me and goes to the bank and withdraws cash/traveler's checks?

If we are going to Europe, we always order Euro's from our bank - in fact I can do it online with my Wells Fargo account and they deliver the Euro's via Fed Ex or DHL, the next day.

I always register my CC with HAL before we leave - I usually always leave our charges on that card.

We usually bring $500-$600 in U.S. dollars, but a lot of it depends on the length and destination of the cruise and if we travel outside the U.S. we may bring another $1K in Euro's and traveler's checks...

If going to Europe you will need approx 2,000 euros for two persons doing private tours (groups of 3-12) on a 10 day cruise. The guides only take cash (Note countries not in EU take US such as Tunesia, Croatia, & Turkey).

[mamaofami]

Does the front desk accept travelers checks towards your account, and do they cash them for you if you want cash? American money.

[trubey]

We charge everything on American Express, and take only pocket change in cash. Most things are either prepaid (tours) or take VISA. If we need cash, European ATMs are plentiful and the exchange rates are so favorable that a service charge plus a poor exchange rate from a bank is a significant difference in cost.

lkt

[jhannah]

Carol, yes ... the front desk will take traveler's checks. I've never used them, though. They can be as problematic as personal checks in some ports.

We also charge everything we can. I like to have some local currencies for the incidentals that aren't enough to warrant charging, or in shops that don't accept credit cards.

Like Jade13, I will have a larger amount of local currency if we're using a local driver. I have always gotten my initial supply from a foreign exchange office that trades at a very reasonable rate. I then will use ATMs if I need additional cash.

[FoxyTerrier]

It depends on where we are travelling. The cruises are charged on AMEX which we get rebates. In the caribbean we just take a small amount is US dollars and use AMEX.

For Europe it's totally different. As someone else mentioned private tours most of the time need to be paid for in cash in Euros. I find ATMs give the best exchange. Red October gave us 2 options - cash or charge, but if you charged you paid an additional fee, so we paid in US dollars in cash. When in Malta we needed some Maltese dollars so I used an ATM to get those. Also when buying goods in port in Europe most credit cards Visa, MC and AMEX add an additional 2-5% this is not for money conversion it is added on top of the purchase. Before our last trip last summer there was a tread about this and I found that Capital One did not charge this additional fee so we signed up for that card.

I know a lot of people use the ship to exchange dollars into different currancy, but I have found their exchange rate is awful - but it is convientant.

It's also a good idea to let your bank and credit card company know you will be travelling internationally so they don't flag your account and lock it.

[jhannah]

It's also a good idea to let your bank and credit card company know you will be travelling internationally so they don't flag your account and lock it. Excellent advice. We've always done so and have never had a problem using our cards anywhere.

[Pete Jackson]

Mr. McGuire (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0111754/): I want to say one word to you. Just one word.
Benjamin (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000163/): Yes, sir.
Mr. McGuire (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0111754/): Are you listening?
Benjamin (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000163/): Yes, I am.
Mr. McGuire (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0111754/): Plastics.
Benjamin (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000163/): Just how do you mean that, sir?:D

[mamaofami]

We do tend to charge everything we can to AMEX, but I was curious about travelers checks. Anyway, I always let the credit card companies know where we will be traveling and we usually take along one other card besides AMEX in case some of the local stores won't accept it. Cash is good for tips, taxis and souveniers.

[TedC]

If going to Europe you will need approx 2,000 euros for two persons doing private tours (groups of 3-12) on a 10 day cruise. The guides only take cash (Note countries not in EU take US such as Tunesia, Croatia, & Turkey).

We were in sourthern Tunisia last August and they would not take US dollars - they wanted Euros. The first time we were in Tunisia, in the 1990s, they loved US dollars. Obviously, they realize one Euro is worth much more than one dollar.

[grannynurse]

I understand the hassle associated with US Traveler's checks in Europe, but has anyone used the Traveler's checks in Euros? Would there be much difference in the ease of use?
GN

[prescottbob]

Ahoy!
Lots of great tips out there on various threads but personal finances, travel preferences and spending habits certainly differ which is the way it should be. I'll just post a short summary of what we do to finance our travels (sea and land) over the years. Like most advise, take it for what it's worth:
1. We electronically transfer $1000-$1500/month to an ING internet savings fund we use for travel expenses. They currently pay out 4.5%APR, however, I see emigrant direct.com is paying out 5.05%. We also have another account we 'dump into' for property taxes and insurances (house, auto, liability,etc.). Generally the account will generate $200-$300/year in interest that we sort of count as on-board 'drink' money. And, yes, we do have to pay some tax on it to the IRS people but ain't that the way?
2. We try to make the least amount of deposit to, say, HAL in this case, when reserving a cruise. As other threads have mentioned you can make deposits for future cruises @ $100/pp plus on-board credits while aboard. Plus similar marketing emails and mailings have similar 'deals'.
3. I personally like to take some cash in USD and, if applicable, foreign currancy (euros, pesos, pounds, etc) to start out depending on the itinerary so I don't have to hunt around at the first foreign port for an ATM especially if I need a cab to go from the port to the local town. Likewise, if transferring in a foreign airport (e.g. London) I like to have a few pounds in my pocket for a drink but ATMs are certainly available.
4. We charge the cruise, ship board account, airline tickets, rental cars and any other 'big ticket' item on the AMEX account for the sky miles, and I might add, great service IMO. Otherwise, we just draw out funds from the ATMs tied directly to our checking account.
5. When getting back home its just a matter of transferring money from the internet savings account to the bank and paying off AMEX.
6. For longer trips I also like to prepay utility bills a month ahead and make sure all credit accounts are zeroed out.
7. Although we do take some traveler's checks I only take them for 'dire emergencies' which to date have been few. I usually bring them back and redeposit in our checking account. At least in our experience and from conversing with other travelers, they can be a real 'pain' to exchange depending on the country visited. You can certainly exchange them on-board or use them to pay your ship board account but I prefer cash and credit cards. It all boils down to your comfort level.

In any event, HAVE A GREAT CRUISE!

Bob Voyage and Good Health,
Bob:)

[Linda VH]

We always use cc's - Miles, Miles, Miles lol!!!. I understand from the flyertalk website (not from the poster here) that you can get euros from the ATM that is affiliated with your bank for no extra charge. For example, we will be transferring in Heathrow to Venice (a few days of pre-cruise touring) and will use the Barclay ATM's near the Virgin lounge for Euros. I went to the Barclay's website and they show you exactly where their ATM's are located in the airport. Linda

[msilk]

If going to Europe you will need approx 2,000 euros for two persons doing private tours (groups of 3-12) on a 10 day cruise. The guides only take cash (Note countries not in EU take US such as Tunesia, Croatia, & Turkey).

Hi

Not true. I have booked two tours in France and Monte Carlo .In each case we have the choice of paying in Euros, in Dollars or by credit card.I guess it depends on the tour company you choose...I chose the ones that gave me the options

[Solo Cruiser]

I am one of those cash only folks. The cruise and airfar is, of course, paid in advance by debit card. If sailing a US or Caribbean itinerary, I take travelers checks in USD to pay for my shipboard account and for any purchases on land. Since I am not a shopper these tend to be minimal if at all. Since HAL lets you select shore ex in advance and pay for them in advance (which is unlike my last cruise where they were charged to your shipboard account) my main expenses on board will be the thermal suit pass :D , my drinks, casino money and tips.

A EU or other itinerary calls for different measures. My bank allowed me to purchase some euros prior to departure and at a fairly decent exchange rate with no additional fee (customer perk). I used them mostly for meals and snacks in ports where I couldn't be at the ship for mealtimes. The nicest thing about this plan is that there are no bills when I return home and usually some of the travelers checks left over. These go straight into the "next cruise fund."

[Cruising-along]

We also charge everything we can. I like to have some local currencies for the incidentals that aren't enough to warrant charging, or in shops that don't accept credit cards.

I then will use ATMs if I need additional cash.

We're the same, we charge just about everything, but carry a small amount of local currency. If we need more cash we use ATMs.

[kakalina]

We charge as much as possible with our Discover card which gives us a nice cash back bonus, we have made as much as 1200.00 by putting our cruises on this card.
We take a goodly amount of cash for purchases in ports as we don't like to use the CC anywhere but the USA.
We pay the CC bill off when we return home; don't want those finance charges.

[lka1012]

First, I pre-pay as much as possible. I have been adding money to my on-board account every month since I booked it. (Thanks Rev for that tip!) I also will pre-purchase some drink cards because I know I will use them. Plus I pre-book my shore excursions. For use in the ports, I cash traveler's checks at the front desk before I leave the ship. It is never a problem, and except for St. Thomas, I use cash in the ports. St. Thomas is traveler's check friendly. Since I do not buy large ticket items, the cash is sufficent and readily accepted.

[gooselace]

My cruisebuddy and I each charge our cruise bookings and shipboard accounts, but split on the rest - I'm nearly all plastic and she's nearly all cash. I charge whenever it's convenient and she repays me for her share in cash. Worked very well on the Baltic trip where nearly every business, taxi, etc. took Visa, except on departure day in Copenhagen one crowded tour bus operator suddenly refused to take any credit cards, saying it's machine wasn't working. Fortunately my buddy had plenty of cash, unlike some who didn't and no time to get any.

Ironically the whole side of the bus carried a VISA ad with its "we're everywhere you want to be" slogan.

[JimVrhovac]

Ruth and are a very lucky in that we never have to pay for our cruises.

Both of our children have good trust fubds that we have set up for them. We just buy the tickets, spend what we wnat , have a good time and then divide the total bill in half and take 1/2 from each of their trust funds.

We do however give each of the kids a total accounting of what we have spent and how much Ruth has spent on jewlery.

Our daughter is the biggest complainer about this but in a truly jentmently fatherly manner i tell her:

" SHUT UP THE MONEY ISN'T YOURS UNTIL WE ARE PLANTED SO DEAL WITH IT."

We put it there so it isn't theirs yet...

Ruth and JIM

[jhannah]

I hear ya', Jim!

Good to see you back in board action, by the way.

[BumperII]

I think we are pretty much like everyone else here. We pay for the cruise in advance with the credit card and pay the card off as soon as the bill comes in. Same with airline tickets. Our vacation is paid for as much as possible in advance. On a two week Alaska cruise we take along an extra five hundred cash to be changed into Canadian for pre and post cruise activities. We start the trip with two Visa credit cards at zero balance, and usually about five hundred in traveler's checks. The traveler's checks rarely get cashed, but they are there just in case. Our cash mostly gets used for lunches ashore and tipping.

Then we watch the portfolio until we have enough there to book another cruise!:D

[innlady1]

We use credit cards, but may rethink that on our next cruise...at least, when dining out in port. We will pay cash next time.

We stopped at an outdoor cafe on the waterfront in St. Maarten for lunch. My husband and I each had a Caesar salad and iced tea. Nothing elaborate.

When we rec'd the AMEX bill, the charge was $62! We'd misplaced to receipt so had nothing to go on, but know that it wasn't close to $62!:eek:

[twinkletoes4445]

Mr. McGuire (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0111754/): I want to say one word to you. Just one word.
Benjamin (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000163/): Yes, sir.
Mr. McGuire (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0111754/): Are you listening?
Benjamin (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000163/): Yes, I am.
Mr. McGuire (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0111754/): Plastics.
Benjamin (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000163/): Just how do you mean that, sir?:D

LOL...That's good. I loved that movie.

And we pay with AMEX (for the points) for the cruise. Depending on the port, we sometimes use our CC or cash.

[Ask4Jay]

We too charge the cruise and as many extras as possible to our BofA/NCL credit card. (3% toward NCL cruises). Yeah, I know, wrong board. But with HAL’s new dining plan, we can now consider going on HAL as well. It’s just that we prefer a table for two over a “romantic” table for 6 or 8 at a fixed time.

[serendipity1499]

Ruth and are a very lucky in that we never have to pay for our cruises.

Both of our children have good trust fubds that we have set up for them. We just buy the tickets, spend what we wnat , have a good time and then divide the total bill in half and take 1/2 from each of their trust funds.

We do however give each of the kids a total accounting of what we have spent and how much Ruth has spent on jewlery.

Our daughter is the biggest complainer about this but in a truly jentmently fatherly manner i tell her:

" SHUT UP THE MONEY ISN'T YOURS UNTIL WE ARE PLANTED SO DEAL WITH IT."

We put it there so it isn't theirs yet...

Ruth and JIM

That's just the way it should be & thanks for the good laugh!:)

Was just thinking about you today & wondered where you've been...Hope all is well with you both & you have a pleasant Hurricane free summer..

[serendipity1499]

We charge everything to our credit card..The CC Company auto deducts the entire amount from our checking account each month...We pay no interest & get 1% back on everything we charge..

We use a card that does not charge a currency conversion fee..Depending on the length of the cruise, usually take approx. $500-$1,000 cash for tips incidentals, private tours, etc...In port we're usually able to use our CC, but have to be very careful with our receipts, which we keep in a separate envelope until the bill comes in.. I keep a daily ledger of what we've spent & note if it is with cash or CC...Also mark the amount with a Red (D) if it is something which should be declared for customs..

We're spending part our Kids inheritance & when the money runs out we'll quit traveling.. ;) Betty

[innlady1]

We charge everything to our credit card..The CC Company auto deducts the entire amount from our checking account each month...We pay no interest & get 1% back on everything we charge..

We use a card that does not charge a currency conversion fee..Depending on the length of the cruise, usually take approx. $500-$1,000 cash for tips incidentals, private tours, etc...In port we're usually able to use our CC, but have to be very careful with our receipts, which we keep in a separate envelope until the bill comes in.. I keep a daily ledger of what we've spent & note if it is with cash or CC...Also mark the amount with a Red (D) if it is something which should be declared for customs..

We're spending part our Kids inheritance & when the money runs out we'll quit traveling.. ;) Betty

I love your philosophy, Betty! ;)

[Sunshine91]

Our daughter is the biggest complainer about this but in a truly jentmently fatherly manner i tell her:

" SHUT UP THE MONEY ISN'T YOURS UNTIL WE ARE PLANTED SO DEAL WITH IT."

We put it there so it isn't theirs yet...

Ruth and JIM

I LOVE it. That's exactly the way it should be. My folks don't owe me anything.

The last time I was in London - 2003 - John & I just used ATMs to withdraw pounds for cash. We had notified our bank & credit cards that we would be travelling so that the accounts wouldn't be frozen. The hotels & "bureau de changes" in London are notorious for horrid exchange rates on traveller's checks.

For those of you who have sailed in Europe - does the ship calculate your on-board account in dollars or in euros or other local currency? We'll be on Edam for her inaugural so have a year to decide what we'll do for travelling money. Thanks. :)

[IheartHAL]

I always register my CC with HAL before we leave - I usually always leave our charges on that card.



Excellent idea! I didn't realize I could register my card before I leave home. On one cruise, we registered a credit card (upon embarkation,) and, a few days later, a letter was slipped under our stateroom door advising us that there was a problem with the card, and that we had to provide another card to continue shipboard charge privileges. We weren't allowed to make any calls at HAL's expense from the ship to try to resolve the issue, so we waited until we could use a pay phone at the next port. The credit card company confirmed there was no problem with the card. It turned out that the problem was with the information the ship gave to "Seattle" -- the credit card number submitted by the ship was incorrect. Did the front office staff ever apologize? No.

[Chivalrygirl]

Curious -

We use credit for all booking, but when it comes to actual travel, who is like me and goes to the bank and withdraws cash/traveler's checks?

If we are going to Europe, we always order Euro's from our bank - in fact I can do it online with my Wells Fargo account and they deliver the Euro's via Fed Ex or DHL, the next day.

I always register my CC with HAL before we leave - I usually always leave our charges on that card.

We usually bring $500-$600 in U.S. dollars, but a lot of it depends on the length and destination of the cruise and if we travel outside the U.S. we may bring another $1K in Euro's and traveler's checks...

You reeally want to know how I finance my trips, by working my friggin butt off :D

[Chivalrygirl]

I love your philosophy, Betty! ;)

Betty down here it is referred to as SKI

Spending Kids Inheritance :D

[Chivalrygirl]

Excellent idea! I didn't realize I could register my card before I leave home. On one cruise, we registered a credit card (upon embarkation,) and, a few days later, a letter was slipped under our stateroom door advising us that there was a problem with the card, and that we had to provide another card to continue shipboard charge privileges. We weren't allowed to make any calls at HAL's expense from the ship to try to resolve the issue, so we waited until we could use a pay phone at the next port. The credit card company confirmed there was no problem with the card. It turned out that the problem was with the information the ship gave to "Seattle" -- the credit card number submitted by the ship was incorrect. Did the front office staff ever apologize? No.

From my experience the Front Office on HAL ships is not a good place, they are far, too far, up themselves. Nothing like the old Pursers Office of yesteryear :(

[eyemd1]

What is the ship's charge to exchange euro traveler's checks for euros ?
Is it the same to change AMEX dollar traveler's checks to euros?
Can anyone advise the purser's charges for currency conversions?
Which is the best source to get euros here in the states for travel abroad?
When will they put ATM's on board!!
Gordon

[Jade13]

We too charge the cruise and as many extras as possible to our BofA/NCL credit card. (3% toward NCL cruises). Yeah, I know, wrong board. But with HAL’s new dining plan, we can now consider going on HAL as well. It’s just that we prefer a table for two over a “romantic” table for 6 or 8 at a fixed time.

We know someone who would only use NCL, but just told us their cruise out of NY recently was horrible and they are looking for another cruise line and considering HAL.

As far as table for 2, we get one but at a fixed time. You should try traditional. I can somewhat tell you the difference since open is what you get for breakfast and lunch. By the 3rd night at dinner our waiter knows our names, preferences and stops bringing the coffee around but tea after dinner (jncluding honey for me). The beverage waiter has our drinks waiting for us when we arrive. We do not wait to be seated but walk right into the dinning room to our seats...

[jhannah]

For those of you who have sailed in Europe - does the ship calculate your on-board account in dollars or in euros or other local currency? Always in USD, Susan.

Looking forward to meeting you on the Edam.

[Cruising-along]

You reeally want to know how I finance my trips, by working my friggin butt off :D

LOL.....I'm with you there! :D

[airlink diva]

Each payday I place money aside for vacation. It varies each paycheck depending on what's going on. At least twice a year I have a month with a third paycheck (like this month :D !). Over half of that check is for vacation.
When I have firm plans for a cruise, I work extra hours at work. Most people hate working past their normal times for late flights. This is esp true in the winter months.
I also cut back on small things that can add up. I brown bag lunch more and cut back on going out.
These small things add up. On my last three cruises, I paid them off in cash and had enough in my cruise fund to pay for my hotel,car rentals, and shore trips.
I bring two credit cards on my cruise, but try not to use them.
I only used my credit card once to lock in a great rate for a cruise that I was looking at, but paid that off asap.

[trubey]

The exchange rate the front desk gives you to convert USDollars to Euros should be an indictable offense! Use an ATM! Your nice friendly at-home bank will treat you the same, with very few exceptions.

If you want dollars, the casino will give them to you and put them on your shipbord account for, I think, 2%. If you put your shipboard account on a charge card, (like Amex, with no preset limit) a opposed to a credit card, there shouldn't be a problem running up your bill.

I do not really understand buying travelers' checks in the 21st century: you're paying 1% for them, and the company who issues them has your money as an interest-free loan until they are cashed! 50 years ago, before instantaneous interbank computer communication and bookkeeping, the name-recognition of American Express made sense. Now, who cares?

My take on this whole thing? Carry about $50 in US cash, and put the rest of your bills on debit, charge, or bank cards: if you need cash in local currency for, say, paying a taxi or buying something in a Souk, get it in port at an ATM. You'd be astonished at the number of tiny shops and flea-market guys who take VISA.

lkt

[lka1012]

I too pinch pennys for cruises. While my friends are going out, going to movies, etc., I prefer to stay at home and meet them some place cheap. By doing that, I can take a neat vacation. I also sell home spa/beauty products on the side.

[Lynne Myrna]

One word.......C-H-A-R-G-E!!!!!!!

Lynne:)

[serendipity1499]

The exchange rate the front desk gives you to convert USDollars to Euros should be an indictable offense! Use an ATM! Your nice friendly at-home bank will treat you the same, with very few exceptions.

If you want dollars, the casino will give them to you and put them on your shipbord account for, I think, 2%. If you put your shipboard account on a charge card, (like Amex, with no preset limit) a opposed to a credit card, there shouldn't be a problem running up your bill.

I do not really understand buying travelers' checks in the 21st century: you're paying 1% for them, and the company who issues them has your money as an interest-free loan until they are cashed! 50 years ago, before instantaneous interbank computer communication and bookkeeping, the name-recognition of American Express made sense. Now, who cares?

My take on this whole thing? Carry about $50 in US cash, and put the rest of your bills on debit, charge, or bank cards: if you need cash in local currency for, say, paying a taxi or buying something in a Souk, get it in port at an ATM. You'd be astonished at the number of tiny shops and flea-market guys who take VISA.

lkt

Actually both banks we deal with do not charge for AMEX Travelers Checks..Believe most U.S. banks give them to their Account holders for free....They are also safer than cash because if they are stolen or lost, will immediately be replaced for free..We cash our Travelers Checks on board for USD only & don't pay a fee on HAL..Will never exchange dollars for Euros or local currency on HAL, as their fee is horrendous..

Agree most places take Credit Cards, Euros or U.S.D., however we sometimes travel to off-beat places such as the Amazon in Brazil & other South American countries..Often shop in the open air markets..It's also difficult to find ATM's in many of these off-beat places! Have found if you pay in cash (they love U.S.D.) rather than CC, they will occasionally give you a discount or better rate of exchange...Many times we bring Travelers checks home with us & re-deposit them in our checking account..The small amount of interest :( (75 cents to $1.00) we lose for a month or so is worth it for the safety of our money..:) Betty

[BumperII]

I too pinch pennys for cruises.

Thank you for pointing that our. We have always pinched pennies too! The problem is that we squander dollars.:D

We are now empty nesters, and after looking over our finances, we figured out that we were wasting enough for another cruise each year just by our dining out habits. So, we fired up the back yard grill and learned to use smaller recipes to cook for two at home. We are cruising next month, and we are already looking ahead to the cruise after that. Sooo many wonderful cruises to choose from!!

Sooner or later somebody is going to squander our life savings. I think we should have the first shot at that option.:o

[gizmo]

You reeally want to know how I finance my trips, by working my friggin butt off :D

Ain't it the truth !!:D

[Chivalrygirl]

Ain't it the truth !!:D

Hi friend.

Yep it is the truth, but hey in five weeks today we are up, up and away watch out right side of America, we are coming :D he he, stopped counting the cost now................its pretty horrific, best not to know eh! ;)

[LAFFNVEGAS]

You reeally want to know how I finance my trips, by working my friggin butt off :D

Oh you are so right about this one:D I work 6 days a week.

Like others everything goes on the Southwest CC and I get 3 to 4 Free round trip tickets a year. I occaisionally use the United CC but I seldom take United/Ted anymore and and have so many miles I could get several free tickets. But we always pay the card off month. I have never had a problem using the CC in foreign ports but then our cruises do not get too far away. I am guessing we would not have much of a problem if we ever got a chance to go to Europe.

[jhannah]

I am guessing we would not have much of a problem if we ever got a chance to go to Europe. No, you wouldn't. We never have. Of course, I always notify the CC companies where we're going and when so that will be in the record in case it pops up for someone to look at.

So, since you may freely use your CC in Europe ... you probably already know what I'm going to say ... you and Tom tell Mr. Boss Men that you REALLY need extra time off to join friends for a very special once-only inaugural cruise. :D You have almost a year to work out the financing! ;)

[ekerr19]

you and Tom tell Mr. Boss Men that you REALLY need extra time off to join friends for a very special once-only inaugural cruise. :D You have almost a year to work out the financing! ;)

Oh, YES - you should definitely be booking this one!

Jim - Let's keep after her, lol!!! ;) ;)

Lisa, I'll tell you what? If we book the YUM YUM cruise, will you book the EDAM inaugural??? It's going to be a fantastic time. :D

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Hey, I can honestly say that I already have mentioned to Mr. Boss Man twice as a matter of fact. Just last week he was asking me about booking an Alaskan cruise for next year and I was saying how you need to book cruises way in advance for good cabin selection and I happened to mention about that I would love to book the Inaugural and before I could even finish telling him about it he says "You know you cannot do that one" Oh well I did try:o I better stick to Plan A for what we have booked as much as I really want to go. But I will see the Eurodam soon after with the CC Cruise Oct. 18th of 2008:D

[JimVrhovac]

How have you been doing. Ruth sometimes mentionsyou and asks if you are on the cruises that we have scheduled.

Ruth has already started on the packing list and is adiment that she is taking her 3 wheel bije this time. She says that if the Captains daughter can ride her bike up and down the halls she can ride her 3 wheeler on the verandah deck.

Ruth and Jim

[ekerr19]

Actually both banks we deal with do not charge for AMEX Travelers Checks..Believe most U.S. banks give them to their Account holders for free....They are also safer than cash because if they are stolen or lost, will immediately be replaced for free..We cash our Travelers Checks on board for USD only & don't pay a fee on HAL..Will never exchange dollars for Euros or local currency on HAL, as their fee is horrendous..


Betty -

That has been our experience with our bank as well. HAL cashes our Amex traveller checks (I take them in US dollars or apply them to the shipboard account if I find I have extra toward the end...)- heck it's really easy when we get to use the Concierge; when I need more Euro's while on the trip (or any local currency), I just use my ATM card. Never once had a problem.

When we were in Rome, we found one of the best exchange rates at an Amex office, right by the Spanish Steps - and cashed a couple hundred traveller's checks into Euros there. They were super friendly in that office too. :)