Mediterranean Tips and Information

Money/Currency
The currency for ports of call in France, Italy, and Spain is the Euro.  One euro is made up of 100 euro cents.  For currency conversion rates, use the currency calculator at www.xe.com.
Credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, and American Express), Traveler's Checks (American Express, Visa and Cooks), or cash are widely accepted in Europe and are the recommended forms of payment for purchases in the ports of call.
Exchanging Money - Guests can exchange dollars for Euros or Euros for dollars onboard the ship at Guest Services. ATMs are common in Europe and dispense local currency.  Most European ATM machines accept credit cards and some are connected with the American Cirrus and Plus networks; however, acceptable PIN numbers include 4 digits with no letters.

Carrying Money - Pickpockets are common in Europe and some safety tips include:

• Money Belts should be worn under any clothes
• Purses should have zippers on all compartments
• Wallets should be carried in deep front pockets
• Credit Cards and ATM cards should be kept in different places

It is recommended to have some cash in small denominations for items such as taxi rides, food, and street-side souvenir vendors.

Customs and Immigration
It is recommended to check-in at least 3 hours prior to departure for flights between the U.S. and Europe.  The time is needed to check-in, collect any Value-Added Tax refunds on purchases, clear Immigration by showing proper documentation, and, if interested, browse through the airport's duty-free offerings. 
Upon arrival back into the United States, everyone is required to show proper documentation at Immigration, collect their luggage and clear Customs.  For U.S. Citizens, standard Customs allowances are $800 in duty-free goods, including 1 liter of alcohol per person (21 years and older), 1 carton of cigarettes, and 100 non-Cuban cigars.  For more information regarding U.S. Customs, visit www.customs.ustreas.gov.

Value-Added Tax (VAT)
Value-Added Tax is a sales tax charged on the sale of goods and services.  The minimum standard rate of VAT through the European countries is 15% and the maximum rate is 25%.  Citizens of non-European countries are entitled to a refund on most of the tax paid on purchases as along as the minimum purchase is met at one retailer.

Regulations vary by country, but the refund of VAT for goods purchase in any European Country can be collected at the airport when leaving Europe or it can be mailed, as long as it is collected within three months of the purchase.

In order to receive the refund, it is required to present the refund forms and receipts from the stores where the purchases were made.  It may also be required to show the actual merchandise to the customs export officer at the airport who will then stamp the documents.  Once the forms are stamped by customs, locate the retailer representative at the airport who will then issue the refund.  Depending on the retailer representative, there may be a 4% charge for the service.

Packing
Comfortable and lightweight fabrics are recommended.  In addition, comfortable walking shoes are recommended as many of the surfaces in the ports of call are cobblestones or uneven. 
Guests who visit any religious location (churches, cathedrals, basilicas, etc.) need to dress accordingly and wear no shorts and/or sleeveless tops.
There are limitations on the number of bags that can be taken on the plane.  From the U.S. to Europe, the limit is two checked bags and one carry-on per person.  The checked luggage should not weigh more than 70 pounds to avoid excess luggage charges.  Don't forget to leave room for the purchases bought abroad. 
Valuables, medication, cruise documentation, passports, change of clothes and any other items that need to be immediately accessed upon arrival into Europe are recommended to be packed in the carry-on luggage.

Weather
The average high temperature during the summer months is 80 degrees and the average low temperature is 65 degrees.  The warmest months are in July and August.

Time Zone
The European Countries are on Central European Time, which is:

• 6 hours ahead of Eastern Time Zone (Florida's Time Zone)
• 7 hours ahead of Central Time Zone
• 8 hours ahead of Mountain Time Zone
• 9 hours ahead of Pacific Time Zone

For example:  If it is 10:00am in Orlando, it is 4:00pm in the European ports of call. 

To convert time from one city to another, visit www.timeanddate.com and select Time Zone Converter.

Transportation at Ports of Call
Depending on the distance between the port and the city, taxis, buses or subways are readily available.  In some ports, walking may be the best option.  In most ports, renting a car is a hassle, expensive and not recommended.
Another option includes traveling by train.  For additional information and schedules regarding train travel, visit www.raileurope.com.
Shore excursions are highly recommended to visit the various sites, since the time allowed at each port of call is limited.  Most shore excursions provide professional commentary and avoid the hassles of using the local transportation.

Wheelchair Accessibility
One of the highlights of a Guest's Disney Cruise Line®  adventure is exploring the ports of call, but please note that many of the shops and facilities in the foreign ports of call are not accessible to Guests with disabilities.
For Guests in a wheelchair, specially designed ramps are placed at specified gangways for disembarkation and embarkation.