Is it wise to book a hotel the night before departure?

[Cocktail Queenie]

We are booked on Quest for September 8th 2010 Barcelona to Venice. Normally I would book a hotel for the night prior to departure just in case any flights are delayed. (we are flying from Brisbane Via Hong Kong) but is it still necessary seeing as though the ship will actually be docked in Barcelona on the night of the 8th and we don't sail until the next day?

I'm not sure yet when boarding commences and finishes - does anyone know if you can board late if your plane is delayed?

Any help would be great as we haven't sailed with Azamara before and have always just boarded the day the ship departs.

Thanks!:D

[Phxazzcruisers]

If you have not been to Barcelona before I would definately stay at least a night early. it is an incredible City

[Paulchili]

I suspect you can board late, but it would be wise to get there early in any case. In addition to having an extra day to sightsee, it will give you some extra time to get over your inevitable jet lag before the cruise begins.
JMO.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

I'm confused. Are you flying in the day of embarkation? At what time of day?

[TravelerThom]

If you have not been to Barcelona before I would definately stay at least a night early. it is an incredible CityI realize this does not directly answer the OP question, but I heartily second Phxazzcruisers comment. We had not been to Barcelona before a cruise out of there in 2007; we stayed four nights and could have happily stayed longer.

Thom

[Cocktail Queenie]

We haven't booked flights yet but we were planning on getting in to Barcelona on the 8th (early if possible).

Sounds like it would be advantageous to stay an extra night and see the sights plus be on the safe side. :p

[Paulchili]

We haven't booked flights yet but we were planning on getting in to Barcelona on the 8th (early if possible).

Sounds like it would be advantageous to stay an extra night and see the sights plus be on the safe side. :p

I must say that Barcelona is one of my favorite cities in the entire world (and I have seen most of them) - it deserves a minimum of 2 full days; 3 or 4 if you can swing it. You are coming a long way and you may not be back so soon. Your day of arrival hardly counts as you are likely to be a "zombie" that day.
JMO.

[Our Passport Stamps]

I would have to concur with other posts...

Barcelona is a wonderful city and you can easily spend 3 days there and more! We spent a week there pre cruise to adjust to the time difference since we fly from California and we wanted to be rested for a port intesive cruise. We then spent 5 days doing intensive sightseeing and were never out of places to explore.

Take the time this weekend to go to your local library and/or bookstore and check out some books on Barcelona BEFORE you pay for your flights.

I would suggest the DK Top 10 Barcelona and Rick Steves for starters.

Learn about Gaudi before you go too!

I think you will be dissapointed if you only give yourself one day...

The HOHO bus is excellent in Barcelona..

[Wendy The Wanderer]

Yes, definitely come at least one night in advance, more if you can manage it. The first day you will be jetlagged and will want a low-stress day. So by the time you're on the ship the next day you'll be getting over it. And you'll see a bit of Barcelona into the bargain.

[Cocktail Queenie]

Just reading this book last night brought a lot of memories back to me (I was in Barcelona 20 years ago) and yes, I am keen to check out Gaudi's works again. Unfortunately we can't afford too many extra days as we are taking a month off as it is (leaving 4 kids at home with Nana) and have to fit in many other stops as well (Hong Kong, Paris and New York).
:D
We are extremely fortunate to be flying business class so hopefully we will get a skybed and get some proper rest on the way.