July 28, 2007 - "Rome-ancing the Mouse Cruisers" -11 days! Part 3

[jlawall]

Mary Jo sent me an updated list of tags since I offered to help out on this (given that Carrie has a lot on her plate and the clock is, as we all know, ticking).

Here's a first draft of the tag list, formatted as someone (Carrie?) proposed earlier. Here's a link with black Mickeys to the high resolution JPG version, and one the a PDF version (which is nice because it can scale larger with higher quality than a JPG).
Here's a link with red Mickeys to the high resolution JPG version, and one the a PDF version for those who prefer their Mickeys red.

I picked one tag per person, somewhat arbitrarily, so if you'd prefer a different tag, please reply or send me a PM. Also, anyone who still has the default "Earning my Ears" tag, I just included the name without the tag (to conserve space).
The name order is by post count (according to Mary Jo) - no fluff posting now, I'm not going to rearrange them .

I did include the tags of teens/kids included in her list. I figure they'd enjoy having them there and the info is obscure enough so there are no real privacy issues. It does make the font a bit smaller though, so if people want them removed, that's fine also.

I'm open to suggestions on style, colors, etc. I chose a very simple bold font to make it as readable as possible. As it is, only people right behind you will have a chance of making sense of it.

If anyone would like to take a crack at a complete redesign, I'll be glad to forward them the original list, etc.

Links to the front pocket graphic can be found here (2 per page here)



I've added links to graphics with red mickeys. I'm making it an option because I prefer the black (never saw a red Mickey Mouse, and from a distance it looks more like hearts than Mickeys - but it does make it stand out better so I figure everyone can choose which they prefer).



Two options:
1. Buy some T-Shirt transfer paper (available online and at most office supply stores). Next, open the images (by clicking on the link), then print to the transfer paper and iron on following the instructions provided (you may need to do a reverse print).
2. Print a copy of the images or store the file on a floppy or USB thumb drive and take it to a local custom T-shirt store (many malls have them now), where they should be able to print them up for you. The nice thing about this approach is, though it costs more, they should be able to increase the size of the tags for you beyond 8 1/2x11.

Thx for your help with all of this.............I will attempt to figure this out!

 

[kidcoos3]

Sushi, in Montana?
Wow, times have changed. When I was out there a few years ago people looked at me like I was nuts to eat raw fish.

Sandra

Were you in Bozeman? It's not like some of the other towns. It's nickname is Boz Angeles. We actually have 3 sushi restaurants. It was very good!!

 

[jlawall]

Hmm... I'm not certain about this, but I believe a Visa debit card is NOT the same thing as an ATM card. A debit card charges like a credit card, but pull money from your bank account. At ATM card is.. well, it's an ATM card. Some cards can be used either way.

The big difference would be that if you use it as an ATM card, you get a good exchange rate and relatively low ATM fees. If you use it as a Visa card you pay an extra 2-3% foreign exchange fee (depending on bank), plus cash advance fees.

It's very important that your PIN number for your ATM card be 4 digits. Most European ATM's don't yet handle longer PIN numbers.

As to whether your particular card will work in Europe, this I cannot say.

When my DD went to London a few years ago, her debit card did not work b/c it was connected to a savings account and not a checking account. Do you think that could be why it won't work?

 

[jlawall]

Well, I called DCL - got to talk to a manager. She said that they will cash personal checks up to $100 per person per voyage - wow, $200 will get me like 45 euros, right (OK, a bit sarcastic here, sorry). Otherwise I can bring cash with me and they will exchange that. She was unable to give me the current conversion amount - actually, she said 1.25, but that is way too low to be the amount that they convert, must be a bank rate that she sees somewhere. So, I guess I'll order a bunch of money from Wells Fargo. I can always return what I don't use.
Thanks for everyone's help.

Are you saying that if we bring cash, there will less fees?? Sorry I'm an amateur at this stuff!

 

[jlawall]

Dan,

I am going to order the t-shirt through Zazzle or another website like that. They send the order out within 24 hrs and can express it so it will come in 1-2 days. They recommend 2100x1800 pixals for the pocket and 2100x1800 for a horizontal graphic for the back. Are the resolutions above that number of pixals?

Thanks again,
Maryann

Ok, this sounds really good for me, could you give us the website address???

 

[10yrann]

Hi everyone, you guys sure make it very difficult to get anything done. I try and try, but somehow, I can't seem to Ketchup

I have a question for anyone who knows. We have a flight at 10:55am the day we return to Barcelona, I have heard that some people are taking taxis and some are getting a service. I was wondering if anyone recalls from other forums whether there are enough taxis at the port? Are they big enough for 2 Adults and 2 Kids with lots of luggage (Van)? Or are we better off trying to find something before we go? We leave for London next Wednesday the 18th, so time is running short.....

Hope everyone is well and having fun packing. Looking forward to meeting everyone.

Lisa, from Toronto

 

[kidcoos3]

When my DD went to London a few years ago, her debit card did not work b/c it was connected to a savings account and not a checking account. Do you think that could be why it won't work?

No, I am tied to a checking account. I think it is because it is a small local bank. I can use it as an ATM card. But, it is a Visa Debit Card or what they now like to call Check Card.

Are you saying that if we bring cash, there will less fees?? Sorry I'm an amateur at this stuff!

DCL doesn't charge fees, but the exchange rate they use isn't supposed to be the best and there are supposed to be lines at guest services for people trying to exchange money. Using a check to get Euros will only get you $100 worth of Euros for the whole trip (Per person). Using a credit card on the boat to get Euros will get you cash advance fees from your credit card company plus they start charging interest from day one. If you bring cash, DCL will exchange it for you, but you will get a better exchange rate if you bring an ATM card and use it at the ports.

 

[Pixie Dust II]

shhhhh!!!!!!!!​

meow meow meow meow meow meow meow meow ​

Sallie--such an innocent little face--she just might jump in your suitcase if you are not careful! You know, while you are at the beach, or something

 

[bridegirl]

I tried at both cafepress and zazzle and got rejected by both for "copyright issues".

Has anyone else found an online place to make the shirts?

I would love to but I'm afraid I wont have time to iron on or go in person.

 

[Pixie Dust II]

I have a serious question for all of the dog lovers on the Dis. Our neighbor is away and DD is taking care of their dogs. One of them, Frosty, is quite old and in failing health, he is an Eskimo Dog about 14+ years old.
Saturday he couldn't get up the stairs to the porch where they spend the night. I carried him up and got him settled. Well most of yesterday he didn't move and DD sat with him to keep him company. He soiled himself and didn't even move. THis morning when I went over to let them out he hadn't moved at all from where he was last night. He does not seem to be in pain and is quite alert. I tried to help him up to see if he could stand and his legs won't hold him up.
Cristin, my neighbor knows he's failing but is in denial about how bad he is. They don't plan on being home until late tomorrow night. I don't feel right about having him just lay there and I'm not excited about cleaning mess out of tons of thick white fur again either.
My question, do I call and let them know how bad he is or just take care of him the best I can until they get home?

I know how hard it is to let a pet go. My 16 yr old cat had to be put to sleep last year and I'm still heartbroken over it.
I know many of you love your pets so please let me know what you think?
Sandra

Sandra--somehow I missed your note when I was trying to "ketchup", but having a lot of experience with dogs it sounds to me like the dog may have had a stroke. Those are some of the symptoms and I think the owners would want to know. It is certainly a difficult situation to be in when you are taking care of someone else's pet and there is a problem. We were devistated last June when we lost our toy poodle very unexpectedly, she died in dh's arms. As heartbreaking as it was, I was thankful that we were not on a trip and she was with my friend who always kept her. I know whatever you have done by now will have been the right thing and I know it isn't easy!

 

[Pixie Dust II]

Anyone want to build a wet snowman?

I don't want to get on here tomorrow to find that you have a picture of a snowman in your front yard!!!

 

[Pixie Dust II]

Also,

Thank you everyone for your kind words while DD & DS were in England, Ireland, and Scotland during the bombings/scare. They got home safely yesterday and said they had the most amazing time. You folks across the pond live in a beautiful place. They really loved London and they said Scotland was unlike anywhere they've ever been. Ireland was full of blue water and green grass which were so vivid they've never seen colors like that before.

(What really amazes me is that they had a great time TOGETHER and that they actually got along!!!!! So, for those of you with teenagers- there is a God - they do grow up and become human again!!)

(What was also nice to see is that when we picked them up at the airport with DSIL and DS's girlfriend, DH&I were basically ignored while they greeted their significant others. But, we didn't really mind at all.)

Maryann

Maryann--So happy to hear that your family is home safe & sound and I know there are many stories for you to hear! You will have to share!

Congratulations, Julie! Looking forward to meeting you soon!

 

[Sandaneli]

Sandra--somehow I missed your note when I was trying to "ketchup", but having a lot of experience with dogs it sounds to me like the dog may have had a stroke. Those are some of the symptoms and I think the owners would want to know. It is certainly a difficult situation to be in when you are taking care of someone else's pet and there is a problem. We were devistated last June when we lost our toy poodle very unexpectedly, she died in dh's arms. As heartbreaking as it was, I was thankful that we were not on a trip and she was with my friend who always kept her. I know whatever you have done by now will have been the right thing and I know it isn't easy!

Harole Ann,

I did call them late this morning and told them the situation. They are telling the kids and then coming home early to spend some time with him before they take him to see the vet late tomorrow. He's been failing for some time and the vet told them there was nothing more he could do so they have expected this but didn't think it was going to happen so soon. I know how hard it is to make the decision to let go of a beloved pet.

It's so difficult to see him this way. We've been keeping him company as much as possible while they are away. I'd be so upset if he was alone in the end. It will be so much better when they get home.

Last year when our cat was sick and there was nothing that could be done we decided to have her put to sleep before we went away so that no one would have to make the decision while we were away. I've felt guilty since then thinking that we might not have done the right thing. But after this, I know that we did the right thing as hard as it was. I wouldn't want anyone going through what we are now.

Well it's been a long day and he's all settled for the night so I'm going to bed. I'm so looking forward to this vacation.

See you soon,
Sandra

 

[jlawall]

No, I am tied to a checking account. I think it is because it is a small local bank. I can use it as an ATM card. But, it is a Visa Debit Card or what they now like to call Check Card.


DCL doesn't charge fees, but the exchange rate they use isn't supposed to be the best and there are supposed to be lines at guest services for people trying to exchange money. Using a check to get Euros will only get you $100 worth of Euros for the whole trip (Per person). Using a credit card on the boat to get Euros will get you cash advance fees from your credit card company plus they start charging interest from day one. If you bring cash, DCL will exchange it for you, but you will get a better exchange rate if you bring an ATM card and use it at the ports.

Thx! I really think I am going to get some euros ahead of time to play it safe! I don't want to waste too much of our vacay wasting time in line or having problems with this issue while in the ports.......

 

[danfromca]

Dan,
I can't remember what you said about travel converters or where to find it. I just want to be able to charge up my cell phone. I know once I'm on the boat, I'm safe. What do I need for my days in London and Barcelona? I have a Cingular Razor.

If you look at your charger, you'll almost certainly see the input voltage as 100V-240V. That means all you need is an outlet adapter - you won't need a voltage converter. An outlet adapter is a plug that is compatible with the foreign outlet on one side, and the U.S. plug on the other. UK and Barcelona have different outlets - not sure what the Barcelona one looks like. You can get international adapter sets most anywhere including radio shack, brookstone, and even at the airport.

Hi Dan
Thanks so much for doing the Tee shirt tag list. The tag you have used for me is from another thread, so could you possibly switch to one of the other two, thanks so much.
Lynn

Done. I encourage everyone to download the latest tag list which includes this update and others.

Dan,

I am going to order the t-shirt through Zazzle or another website like that. They send the order out within 24 hrs and can express it so it will come in 1-2 days. They recommend 2100x1800 pixals for the pocket and 2100x1800 for a horizontal graphic for the back. Are the resolutions above that number of pixals?

Thanks again,
Maryann

I've upped the resolution on the back so it's more than enough. The front is as good as it gets, but should be plenty.

I tried at both cafepress and zazzle and got rejected by both for "copyright issues".

Has anyone else found an online place to make the shirts?

I would love to but I'm afraid I wont have time to iron on or go in person.

That would be my expectation. Most local malls have at least one T-shirt store that does custom graphics. Chances are you can convince the person there to ignore the copyright issues for a few shirts.

 

[kidcoos3]

Thx! I really think I am going to get some euros ahead of time to play it safe! I don't want to waste too much of our vacay wasting time in line or having problems with this issue while in the ports.......

Everything that I've read said that ATMs are quite plentiful. I ordered a small amount just so that I know I can get out of the airport without finding an ATM first. They really are the cheapest way. That being said, Wells Fargo online only charged $8 for delivery and their conversion rate was much better than Travelex.

I am over the Euro stressing and now stressing about clothing. I keep reading how hot it is in Europe. Yet, when I check weather charts, it doesn't seem that bad, although humid. Rome seems to be the worse. For those of you who have been to Europe or who live across the pond, does it cool off enough at night to need a sweater or sweatshirt? We will be in Barcelona, on the cruise, in Paris and Amsterdam. Paris and Amsterdam seem to be much milder when I check weather charts. Any info you can give me??

 

[homeruk]

JUST FOUND THIS FORUM, WE BOOKED UP 2 WEEKS AGO FOR THE CRUISE , THERE ARE 7 OF US TRAVELLING, MY WIFE ALLISON, DAUGHTER EMILY 9 AND SON ZAK 6 , MY FATHER AND HIS WIFE AND THEIR GRANDAUGTHER CHLOE 12 . OH AND ME I'M IAN BY THE WAY!! WE ALL LIVE NEAR BEVERLEY IN EAST YORKSHIRE,UK

WE TRAVEL TO BARCELONA ON THE 26TH JULY FORM HETHROW.

YOU HAVE ALL BEEN BUSY WRITING HUNDREDS OF PAGES ON THIS FORUM, NOT HAD CHANCE TO READ THEM ALL, IS THERE ANYTHING IMPORTANT WE NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CRUISE?

 

[jlawall]

JUST FOUND THIS FORUM, WE BOOKED UP 2 WEEKS AGO FOR THE CRUISE , THERE ARE 7 OF US TRAVELLING, MY WIFE ALLISON, DAUGHTER EMILY 9 AND SON ZAK 6 , MY FATHER AND HIS WIFE AND THEIR GRANDAUGTHER CHLOE 12 . OH AND ME I'M IAN BY THE WAY!! WE ALL LIVE NEAR BEVERLEY IN EAST YORKSHIRE,UK

WE TRAVEL TO BARCELONA ON THE 26TH JULY FORM HETHROW.

YOU HAVE ALL BEEN BUSY WRITING HUNDREDS OF PAGES ON THIS FORUM, NOT HAD CHANCE TO READ THEM ALL, IS THERE ANYTHING IMPORTANT WE NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CRUISE?

Let's see if I can summarize............

• there are several other Brits on this cruise
• there are MANY DISers on this particular trip
• we are having a DISmeet on the first sea day at 9:30am in the Promenade Lounge
• bring one gift bag to swap from ur hometown for about $15-20
• some are also doing fish extenders???
• if you go on excursions, bring TP for the loo
• most of the DISers on this trip are nuts
• keep reading this thread for more info....

 

[danfromca]

JUST FOUND THIS FORUM, WE BOOKED UP 2 WEEKS AGO FOR THE CRUISE , THERE ARE 7 OF US TRAVELLING, MY WIFE ALLISON, DAUGHTER EMILY 9 AND SON ZAK 6 , MY FATHER AND HIS WIFE AND THEIR GRANDAUGTHER CHLOE 12 . OH AND ME I'M IAN BY THE WAY!! WE ALL LIVE NEAR BEVERLEY IN EAST YORKSHIRE,UK

WE TRAVEL TO BARCELONA ON THE 26TH JULY FORM HETHROW.

YOU HAVE ALL BEEN BUSY WRITING HUNDREDS OF PAGES ON THIS FORUM, NOT HAD CHANCE TO READ THEM ALL, IS THERE ANYTHING IMPORTANT WE NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CRUISE?

Welcome Ian

Check out posts 10 and 12 for lots of great information.
You're probably too late for Lanyards (I think they're all taken), but some of us will be printing up shirts (do it yourself, graphics are posted at message 12828).

Otherwise just dive in.

 

[jlawall]

JUST FOUND THIS FORUM, WE BOOKED UP 2 WEEKS AGO FOR THE CRUISE , THERE ARE 7 OF US TRAVELLING, MY WIFE ALLISON, DAUGHTER EMILY 9 AND SON ZAK 6 , MY FATHER AND HIS WIFE AND THEIR GRANDAUGTHER CHLOE 12 . OH AND ME I'M IAN BY THE WAY!! WE ALL LIVE NEAR BEVERLEY IN EAST YORKSHIRE,UK

WE TRAVEL TO BARCELONA ON THE 26TH JULY FORM HETHROW.

YOU HAVE ALL BEEN BUSY WRITING HUNDREDS OF PAGES ON THIS FORUM, NOT HAD CHANCE TO READ THEM ALL, IS THERE ANYTHING IMPORTANT WE NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CRUISE?

Oh yea, also check page 1 for a lot of info about this cruise!!! (Open links!)