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Re: Mad Money

FlaGirl — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 21:03:53 GMT

I'd love to hear all about that Scandinavia and Russia trip. I really wanted to go, and had a 2 for 1, but couldn't get away.

Colleen

Re: Mad Money

sleddog — Sat, 07 Jul 2012 01:45:19 GMT

Good to see you're back Diana!!!
We're back too...from another Olivia cruise in Scandinavia and Russia...I think we could see Alaska while we were there

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Moonrigger — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 23:26:05 GMT

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Re: Mad Money

RFDiana — Thu, 17 May 2012 02:34:54 GMT

I'm baaack!! DIdn't realize that I was logged out of the Olivia site -- and all that time wondering why I couldn't post anything LOL I think we're all going to be surprised how fast the summer will speed by. Our group will be arriving in Vancouver 4 months from tomorrow. Can't wait to sail away! Hope you guys are both doing fabulous!!

Re: Mad Money

Tami-Soraya — Wed, 16 May 2012 18:55:21 GMT

Diana

Haven't heard from you in a while.....Looking forward to seeing you & Cindy. Four more months to go!!!

Tami & Soraya

Re: Mad Money

RFDiana — Sun, 13 May 2012 02:21:51 GMT

You can also get a printout each day to check against your receipts, which can save you some time at the end when the last thing you want to do is think about disembarking ! Also, you can "pay as you go" in a similar fashion, i.e., each day. This is also an easy way to see how much you are spending without knowing how much you are spending as we all know how easy it is to sign those receipts and not think about it. Also, it saves you from sticker shock !! Hope this helps you all as well.

Re: Mad Money

Tami-Soraya — Fri, 11 May 2012 00:51:13 GMT

Thanks Malinda!!

Re: Mad Money

Malinda — Thu, 10 May 2012 22:41:44 GMT

Glad to help! Just passing on what I've learned from others and from my own experience...'cause that's what we do!! Feel free to ask if you have any questions about cruising with Olivia, etc. We're very helpful! Prepare for the time of your life!!!

Re: Mad Money

deblynwei — Thu, 10 May 2012 21:06:16 GMT

Thank you Malinda for your mad money tip. This really helps for 1st timers.

Deb

Re: Mad Money

lilsue1 — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:08:09 GMT

good points all around, i am putting all this into my reminders/to do lists. thank you

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Joyce.A.1 — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 18:28:54 GMT

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Re: Mad Money

Tami-Soraya — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 15:29:48 GMT

Re: Mad Money

Lisa_and_Denise — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 01:07:22 GMT

Excellent point about contacting the credit card company in advance of the trip. I didn't do that a few years ago and ended up wishing that I had. It is not impossible to fix this while you're traveling, but it's much easier if you do it in advance.

Re: Mad Money

RobinSkeen — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 02:11:40 GMT

Thanks so much for the input ladies. Much appreciated! I do like to plan ahead. hehe :)

Re: Mad Money

Malinda — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 13:51:34 GMT

Hi Robin....Here's some info about "on-board accounts/spending"...hope this helps!

When you go through the check-in process to board ship, you will need to have a credit card or debit card or cash available...they will put a $420 "hold" on your credit or debit card...or you can give them $420 cash...this is used as your "on-board" account (they "allow" $60/day for on-board expenses). Anything you purchase on-board ship, i.e. drinks, sodas, sourvenirs, pictures, paying for excursions, etc., will be charged against this account. You will use your Room Key Card to pay for your purchases on-board. At the end of the cruise, you will receive a bill for all your on-board purchases for you to check for accuracy (some check their account daily to see what they've spent; you should be sure to check your bill for accuracy before you leave ship - mistakes can be made!). Whatever amount you actually spend will then be charged against your credit card or debit card. So, if you only spend $298...that is all that will go against your card. Now, when you go into each port you can use either cash or credit cards. Also, it's a good idea to set aside a little cash to tip your room steward or others on-board who you may feel went "above and beyond" in serving/helping you (even though "gratuities" are covered in your Olivia price, it's always good to leave a little "something" for those who you feel deserve it). Also, don't forget to set aside money for the porters at the airport and port terminal who help you with your luggage.

One thing you should be sure to do a few weeks before the cruise is to contact the credit/debit card companies for whichever cards you plan to take and use on vacation and let them know you will be on a cruise and that Holland America Lines will be putting a $420 hold on your card to be used on-board ship and that you may be having charges on your card from Vancouver and ports of call in Alaska. Otherwise, you may have trouble using your card in those ports. You may want to check to see if there are any extra, or international charges, if you use your credit card in Vancouver.

Hope this helps a little! Get ready to have the time of your life! Once you experience an Oliviacation, you probably won't want to vacation any other way!

Malinda (Clintonville)