Ha-pealady

As others have said, the usual answer is to let your credit card do the conversion but, as also mentioned, you should check if your credit card adds a conversion fee [you need to check both your credit card and Celebrity small print to compare fees].

 

However, as with most things in life, nothing is really that simple! What most people ignore is the exchange rate used. This is likely to vary from day to day and the rate used will vary from organisation to organisation. If you do not believe me, compare the rates offered for exchanging cash by various foreign exchange companies or even the same company in different locations. Credit cards which do not charge a conversion fee still have to make their money and probably use a less advantageous [for you] rate.

 

Celebrity and your credit card company may to be doing the conversion on different days and will almost certainly be using different rates. If you have more than one credit card, their different billing cycles may result in them making the conversion on different days.

 

The conversion fee applied by Celebrity was, when I last checked a percentage rate. Your credit card may use a percentage or flat fee. [Our credit card company has used both at different times over the years.] If a flat rate charge is made, the higher your final account the more advantageous it is to have a flat rate fee.

 

So, as I said, nothing in life is simple. "Commission Free" foreign exchange and "no conversion fee" credit cards are easy to sell but may not be better value. It is still probably better to let your credit card do the conversion but this is because they are in the financial services industry and their overall value is likely to be better than that done by a company in the cruise industry. Where you will get the best deal on one particular transaction is absolutely impossible to say. If your final bill is low and neither your credit card company nor your cruise line uses a flat rate charge, the difference may only be a couple of pounds at the most.

 

The decision whether or not to have a couple of scoops of gelato is probably more important!

 

Just select option B and forget about it.

Thanks for your help and I think I shall opt for option 2 as I'm not expecting a massive inboard spend as we have a drinks package and also some inboard credit and I agree I shall definitely not go without my ice creams and coffees!

This one :)

 

"I choose to have my credit card issuer convert my onboard charges to the currency of my card in lieu of participating in the Celebrity Cruises currency conversion program"

Thanks for your advice, I suspected that is the better option and that is what I will do.

I am British and have a UK Amex Card which I intend to use for settling my onboard credit account at the end of the cruise. Can anybody tell me which box I should tick from the 2 options available which would be the most cost effective:

"I choose to pay my onboard charges in the currency of my card (i.e. I choose to use Celebrity Cruises currency conversion program or:

"I choose to have my credit card issuer convert my onboard charges to the currency of my card in lieu of participating in the Celebrity Cruises currency conversion program"

It also states "If you use a MasterCard or Visa Card issued outside of the US..." Well, I have an Amex Card so not even sure whether I need to tick either of the 2 boxes. I am totally confused and would be grateful if somebody could give me some advice. Apologies if I appear thick!

We arrived in port at 7am and although I admit it was the only port I set my cellphone to wake at 6am I really wanted to see the beauty of pulling into the Caldera! We got our tender tickets at 7:30am and was on tender within 1/2 hour on Celebrity Reflection.

We scored the earlier departure with Santorini Planet at 8:45 even though our tickets were for 9:45 and don't regret the early start in the least. By noon we were done in OIA which was a good thing because it was pretty hot for us New Englanders last month - my guess low to mid 80's and not a cloud in the sky.

My advice, make the most of this port early and enjoy a nice mid afternoon soak in the pool or hot tub on the ship without the stress and crowds :)

 

Sent from my KFSOWI using Forums mobile app

Thanks for your report, we are in Santorini on 14 Sept so it should be cooling down by then hopefully - not too cool though as we are starved of the sunshine in the UK!! Very reassuring to know that you got the earlier boat - we have tickets for 9.45am as we were scared we would not make the 8.45 but like you, I intend to get up early. Wanted to see Santorini for many years so getting really excited for that port. Did you get the bus to Fira included in the fare? Good tip about returning to the ship early which we intend to do as a bit worried about the cable down late afternoon.

We didn't experience any problems and were on Celebrity. I think if they decide to cancel it would be due to weather or lack of ticket sales. If you are on a large cruise ship or many other ships docked on same day and the weather is clear you shouldn't experience an issue. If it's cancelled due to storms or rough seas it's in your best interest and safety which is most important. My advice is to bring your receipt. You'll likely be able to be reimbursed if paid through pay pal. Have fun - this was the highlight of our 10 day cruise!!!

 

Sent from my KFSOWI using Forums mobile app

I suppose all we can do is hope for the best on the day - you pays your money and you take your chance! Not going to let this dominate my cruise and we shall just cross our fingers and hope for the best. I'm sure it will be ok and if we lose our money sobeit

All,

We will start the second leg of our journey today and will be back in Santorini on June 24th. We have our second set of vouchers from the Santorini Planet Facebook page that we're going to try to use, hopefully with the same positive results. While we're there I will try to get as much information as possible based on everyone's questions and report back.

 

Cheers.

I was so relieved when I read your first report from Santorini saying no problems with ticket and boat etc but am now quite alarmed at having read richfromhaw's report about the boat being cancelled. Our tickets are for 14 September so still a long way off. My worry is how do I get my money back if we experience the same problems? I paid through Paypal so hopefully there is some sort of way I can get compensation but how do I actually prove to Paypal that we did not get the service we paid for? Look forward to receiving your update when you return tomorrow.

Agreed with the organization of the boat and bus - we too had a 9:45 departure but was able to board the 8:45 with no problem and was the highlight of our trip. We were very satisfied with booking this excursion and highly recommend. The weather and issues returning back to tenders had nothing at all to do with this organization. Just bring your pay pal receipt and you'll experience no problems.

 

Sent from my KFSOWI using Forums mobile app

Thanks so much everyone for your positive feedback. Still seems a long way off until our stop off in Santorini but looking forward to the whole cruise with excited anticipation!

We are just back from Santorini on Celebrity's Reflection. We booked our transfers in advance via the Santorini Planet website and had no problem with them being honored, we just turned in our voucher at the office right near where the tenders come in. FYI, it doesn't appear that they adhere closely to the booked times, they just seemed to fill the boat and then go. We arrived early because we weren't sure how long the tendering would take, and were sent to the boat which was waiting. Bus service to Fira was comfortable and efficient, right on time. Going down in the cable cars was another matter, however --- make sure you allow plenty of time.

Thanks, that has reassured me as I figured that was probably what would happen. They don't seem at all organised and hopefully, as long as we get there in good time our voucher will get us a seat. What time did you go for as we were undecided whether to get the 08:45 or 09:45 as were worried that we would not be able to get off the ship so in the end we went for the 09:45. If we get there early do you think it may be possible to just get on the first boat that has spaces, irrespective of what time our voucher says? We are aiming to walk down the steps on the way back despite the warnings!

Well, the charges for our reservations we made on their Facebook page posted to my account last night. Hmmm. I emailed Luca again this morning indicating I needed verification from him soon as we depart for our trip this Friday. I asked that he either refund my money before Friday or honor the reservations I made on his Facebook page. Hopefully he responds today.

Would be very grateful if you could post back after your cruise regarding the SantoriniPlanet booking saga. I have not had a reply to my email and have no idea whether my booking which I have paid for is going to be honoured. Have a great hol!

OMG: I have emailed Santorini Planet to see what is going on. Will report back.

As of today I have not had my reservations cancelled by Santorini Planet, nor have I received a reply to my email of yesterday asking whether my booking on their Facebook site is valid. Interestingly, the link to their Facebook booking line which I booked on a few days ago is no longer there. Not sure what to do if he does not reply, maybe just turn up with my voucher and hope that there is a boat that will transport us?

I just received an email from Gianluca. (He and Luca are the same person).

 

They cancelled my reservations I made on the Santorini Planet Facebook page. Here is what he wrote:

 

Santoriniplanet is not providing anymore the booking service and online no one can, the official page for all Santorini's shore excursions is www.aegeantraveller.gr at the moment it doesn't provide booking system. it's not allowed anymore. The system is off so I don't know how could you make it, I'll check it on Monday./B]

 

Anyone who recently made reservations on the Santorini Planet Facebook page should contact them immediately. You may not have a valid reservation. I'm waiting for a response on how my PayPay account is going to be reimbursed.

 

The email from Luca had the following address info@aegeantraveller.gr

The email from Gianluca Chimenti had santoriniplanet@gmail.com

 

I'm slightly irritated right now.

OMG: I have emailed Santorini Planet to see what is going on. Will report back.

Just out of curiosity I went to the Santorini Planet Facebook page link Wdavid1019 provided (thank you). I was under the impression one had to have a Facebook account to use this website but you don't.

 

The reservation process is very easy and quick. They provide the schedule for each departure and the number of seats remaining for each departure time. You can pay with credit card or Paypal.

 

Something interesting. The confirmation email for the Facebook reservation came from Gianiuca Chimenti who was the same person who told me we could no longer make reservations on the Santorini Planet website. I wonder why he didn't let me know you make them on their Facebook page. Oh well, I have my receipt and am now a very happy camper. :D

So pleased that you were able to get there in the end! Lets just hope the boat is there. My receipt is from the same person by the way. Strange that he didnt tell you about the Facebook page. Not sure when you are cruising but we go in September so any feedback on the speedboat would be appreciated.

Thanks, Ha-pealady,

 

YES, I've got this far, first with my Dinners ("unknown provider":confused: , then with my VISA ("unknown currency" :mad: ) ....

 

MAYBE because I don't have Paypal, but in their "new" site they state that even if you don't have Paypal, it should get through... BUT, then they don't send you a "booking form" ... GO FIGURE !!!

Must be so frustrating for you but maybe its worth joining Paypal and then trying again? Paypal is a great service provider. My invoice was in Euro and then my nominated bank account charge me in £s Sterling. I paid commission of 6 euros by the way. Otherwise, maybe find a friend who does have Paypal to book it for you. I think this is probably at the heart of your problem with the Santorini site as I cannot think of a reason why there would otherwise be a problem. Paypal is easy to join and totally trustworthy. I think the other site mentioned is nothing to do with SantoriniPlanet. As far as I can gather all the different boatmen have joined together to offer about 400 places per day between them and it may be that this is a completely different site and not the "new" site instead of as mentioned. Its all very confusing but I have my booking Invoice and receipt so it can be achieved via the Facebook SantoriniPlanet link. Otherwise you will almost certainly be able to get a ticket on the day at one of the booths on the dockside as other people seem to have been able to do this but to have peace of mind knowing you actually have a ticket would obviously be preferable. Good luck!

I have just been onto the above link that I posted earlier and dummy tested another booking with no problems! How strange. The procedure I followed is:

Click on 'Book Now' on left hand side of the time of departure chosen.

Enter all your personal details, email etc

Click 'Continue'

You will then get a message " You will now be sent to our secure booking site" - Do not wait but just click the 'Continue' button again and that takes you through to another screen which shows your invoice with all the details etc.

Has anybody got this far?

As far as I can tell there is no problem with it but the first time I tried I did not click the 'continue' button but read the message and waited and nothing happened. Hope this now works for you all. I paid by Paypal with no problems and then got a confirmatory email into my inbox.

I can't find any link either. I went to their facebook page and can't find anything there also.

This is the link that I used and managed to book on:

https://www.facebook.com/Santoriniplanet/app_132896805841?ref=br_tf

Facebook page is where the bookings are done for Santorini Planet:

https://www.facebook.com/Santoriniplanet/app_132896805841?ref=br_tf

I have just had success in booking through this link.

Tried this one. Filled all the details of credit card - first Dinners, which are giving double points towards airline tickets - didn't work. Oh, well, gave "them" the VISA, didn't work either. Sent SP a message through FaceBook. No answer. Tried again by e-mail. Got a laconic reply: "The system is off" :confused: from Gianluca... No "thank you for your interest/e-mail, try this site instead..." Weird...

Half an hour ago finally got an answer via FB - here's our new site for bookings - aegeantraveller.gr - quite "primitive" site. Filled out again the details (day and hour), minus credit card #. Got a reply: "You'll immediately receive a booking form via the email provided" - I'm still waiting, not sure I'll book with them in the end :(

Our ship (Equinox) also docks at 07.00, I don't want to worry, so I'm trying to book their 09.45 transfer, and aim to be at the cable car line down at around 16.00, figuring one hour waiting...

Thats very interesting - thanks for the new info. I've not actually tried to book yet as still cannot decide what time to go for but I think probably the 9.45am so I don't spend the next few months worrying about it! We are planning on walking down as no way would I ever in this life consider putting a poor donkey through that climb as I think its nothing short of animal cruelty quite honestly and should be banned.

http://ports.cruisett.com/schedule/Greece/805-Santorini_Island/September_2014/

Thanks so much for the link - it looks as though Reflection is the only ship in port that day! I suppose its a bit early yet so more cruise ships could be added?

I too am intending to book the speedboat but cannot decide what time to go for: 8.45 or 9.45. We are due to arrive at 7.00am but are a bit worried that we may miss the 8.45am boat to Oia. Want to maximise our time on Santorini and wonder if we are being over cautious in booking the 9.45 departure? Also, how do I find out what cruise ships are due to arrive at 7.00am please? If anybody on this thread has had this arrival on Reflection 7.00am - 6.00pm I would be grateful for your observations.

Loving your review and looking forward to the next instalment. We are sailing on the Equinox on 02 Sept this year out of Barcelona and as its our first cruise I am finding it all a bit daunting to say the least! The more I read this site the more confused I seem to be getting but your review is helping me to slowly sort out which excursions are worth doing etc. Keep writing as we are running out of time before we sail!

Shirley