MaryCatherineAnn

Thanks

Looking for suggestions on shore excursions in Stockholm??? Thanks

To be honest, I'm not sure. Wondering if the cruise line will offer any incentives to book with them as oppposed to booking through Viator or some other company. I realize there is a sense of security if you book through the ship ie they won't leave without you...

Catherine

Are there any perks for booking shore excursions with the ship?

Too funny. We live in Newfoundland, Canada where we can get snow in May. The weather doesn't bother us much. We just want to be sure to be prepared for the extremes.

Thanks for your response.

I hadn't thought of that. Great idea and thanks.

Layers...with the outside layer water and windproof.

Thanks.

Looking for suggestions as to what kind of clothing we should pack for an 11 day cruise in early May in the Baltics???

Thanks

I can't seem to find a MasterCard through ScotiaBank. They have VISA products. Is that what you meant or am I just missing it?

Thanks

Awesome. Will do that. Thanks.

Thanks. I am in Canada and visiting Denmark, Germany, Norway, Finland, Russia, Sweden and Estonia.

Hi Catherine,

 

To give you tolerably accurate advice we need to know your ports. I,m guessing this is a Baltic cruise???

Useful also to know of any overnite and whether you plan to DIY or use ship's or independent tours.

 

Firesident has kindly listed the countries in Euozone - one currency for all those countries, which makes it so much easier.

 

But you can also use euros in most outlets in some ports (but not usually other places in that country) outside Eurozone so make euros your back-up currency. USD are not widely accepted.

Exceptions include local buses, trains, ferries and sometimes taxis, museums, etc.., which require local currency or - apart from buses, some taxis and sights - most accept plastic.

 

Ship's currency exchange is useful for tiny amounts, but their exchange rates are truly awful.

If you are confident that you'll spend the minimum amount available from ATMs, that's the way to go.

 

Visa and MasterCard are very widely accepted, but not AmEx or Diners.

Some outlets will not accept plastic, or will charge a fee, for tiny purchases such as a couple of coffees or beers.

Also be aware that if your card issuer charges a foreign transaction fee there is usually a minimum fee, wvhich makes using plastic for tiny purchases an uneconomic choice.

There are credit cards which don't charge a foreign transaction fee. And the exchange rate they give is waaaay better than at any exchange bureau. So if you anticipate more foreign travel do consider getting one of those cards.

 

Do inform your card supplier of your travel plans or you may find it will be blocked from foreign transactions as an anti-fraud measure

 

It's not as daunting as it sounds ;)

JB :)

Thanks so much for your help. We are going to the Baltic. Just wondering if you know which credit cards do not charge foreign transaction fees. I had no luck finding that when we went to Ireland last year.

Hi

We are doing an European cuise that will take us to 7 different countries with 5 different currencies. We plan to do excursions in all ports but book through our ship.

Is it necessary to purchase the currency of each country we are visiting. We don't plan to do much shopping but will have our VISA.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Catherine