Opinica

IMO, one of the best arguments for using Viking Air is that in an emergency it makes my problem their problem.

La Sagrada Familia isn't much more than a 10-12 minute taxi ride, about 5 euro, from the pier. Buy your entrances for 10:45am and plan to get there 20-30 minutes early so you can walk around and see the facades from across the street. One of my favorite things to do there is simply sit in the basilica and watch the light change. You can buy your tickets on the La Sagrada Familia app available on the app store. It also includes an audio tour in various languages. An elevator ride up to the top of one of the towers is an extra expense. You have to walk down to return to street level. Taxis may be available right at dockside or you may need to take the shuttle a short distance. You'll have no trouble hailing a taxi near La Sagrada Familia or anywhere else in Barcelona. Anyone who feels up for an hour or so of walking could return to the ship on foot. If you returned via the Paseo de Gracia you would see two more noteworthy Gaudi buildings. Tickets for those are often available on a last minute basis. Lots of nice lunch opportunities around there too.

That's likely to be a repositioning trip. They may wait until closer to departure to market that cruise. We've done a couple of those in the past two year. Viking has offered a very reasonable fare including free airfare and other amenities. I never get tired of Barcelona.

Not sure where Viking is putting people these days for pre/post. In November of 2022 we stayed at Hotel Nobu near Sants Station, near Plaza de Espana. Six months later we spent several nights at Hotel Colon which is directly across from the Cathedral in the Gothic District. Would stay in either again, but Hotel Colon is better situated for getting around on foot. I would mention that Barcelona is noteworthy as a foodie town. Many, many Guide Michelin restaurants to be found if that is something you're interested in. We had a very memorable meal at Nectari which was walking distance from Hotel Nobu.

Yes, that's Barcelona Day Tours. A family business I believe. On the subject of Barcelona, I'm another fan of Palau de Musica. Try to get inside if you can. We rearranged our schedule to take in a concert there. Breathtaking space. https://www.palaumusica.cat/en#presentation

Barcelona Day Tours are excellent. We've used them several times. Otherwise, getting to Sagrada Familia is easy. Taxis are not expensive in Barcelona. Tickets for Sagrada Familia, if not bought through Barcelona Day Tours, can be easily bought online via the basilica's app. You'll want to spend 2-3 hours there. Seems feasible to me to see Sagrada Familia on your own in the morning, return to the ship for lunch, then join your 2:30 tour.

I'm eager to get any available tour when we're on the Orion in April. We started cruising back during the pandemic and everyone was all masked up. I'm so glad to see more of the crew than just their eyes. Yes, trivia is a great way to meet people too.

I would also note that Viking allows passengers to BYOB. We bring a bottle of rum for my wife, cabin attendant makes sure she has diet Coke and ice, and I usually bring a few beers. Even without buying the drinks package we always have more than enough.

My wife plays bridge 3 hours/day on Viking cruises. She's addicted.

Not necessary for our Nov-Dec cruise from Spain to the states. Can't wait to delete that loathsome app.

I saw several different programs presented in the planetarium on the Orion and loved them all. Pro-tip: Sit as far towards the back as possible. Bring a sweater.

We think very highly of BDT.

We spent 10 sea days in a row last spring cruising from Montevideo to Barbados on the Octantis. Got lots of reading done. Met tons of interesting people. I didn't want it to end.

We booked our first Viking cruise directly. A representative called us at our request and it was straightforward, no hassles. Our second and third Viking bookings were even easier as all our particulars were all in the computer. I think I used a new credit card, otherwise no problems. Booking our forthcoming trip with one of their representatives revealed a stateroom availability that we otherwise wouldn't have been aware of.