Fanpower

On 3/26/2023 at 11:37 AM, Bruin Steve said:

When I said "best", it was not only cost...The option was presented as "Iberia", not level...and the main advantages were:

 

1)  Nonstop rather than routing through Toronto, JFK, Chicago or Heathrow...

2)  Time of flight--departing BCN at 2:00 pm, arriving LAX 6:10 pm local time...2:00 pm leaves us plenty of time to wake up in Barcelona, have a nice breakfast, check out of the hotel, getting a ride to the airport and check in at a leisurely pace...going through customs not until we are home and not dealing with it mid-trip...and arriving LAX at 6:10 pm means we are, in the least, catching an Uber from LAX around 7:00-7:30 after the height of rush hour traffic...

 

I always anticipate we could get schedule changes...our United flights to Rio changed multiple times and now we are departing earlier and have to get to LAX at the crack of dawn...but I never anticipated any change in airline.... Never seen that before...and I travel a lot.

Could you please give an update on your Iberia Airline (Level) experience. We are traveling in October from JFK to Barcelona with Iberia (Level) for  Holland America. 

I booked the ship"s Chankanaab Pay Pass with lunch and drinks. However, when a Youtube video stated drinks were only with lunch, I cancelled. Must hydrate! I booked Paradise Beach day pass with lunch and drinks after I phoned if  water or beer were anytime. The menu looks good. We want to relax by the pool or beach.

We stayed several days after the cruise. If I remember  correctly, the room is like a standard cruise ship room in size.  With open two suitcases on the floor, we had to climb over them to get to bathroom. I think the price is very good for the location, ambiance, and staff. Saved by walking to nearby restaurants and hotel is a  pick-up for tours. I think you will be fine.

Thanks for the info. Got my flights booked.😄 First overseas flight and cruise since 2019.

I also got this message several times, when looking for flights October 2023 to Barcelona.

We are on the Holland America Spanish Farewell cruise November 1, 2023.  Came to the message boards for info where to stay  in Barcelona. Thanks for all the input. Years ago, we stayed at the H10 Catalunya Plaza Hotel across the plaza where the Aerobus picks-up and drops-off. Small room, but adequate for our short stay. Staff very nice. Will get larger room if we stay again. The Jazz looks very nice, we will consider staying there.

Thanks for the videos. Raised my spirits today. 

Thank you dreamercruise for your answer. I'll keep checking my credit card-not in a hurry to rebook cruise or flight.

When I do rebook, I'll remind AA of the extra money.

l

Our trip to Europe has been cancelled by the river cruise company and they gave me future cruise credit plus

the airfare with American.

I paid $400 extra direct to American for preferred seating and main cabin extra with my credit card in February.

Will it automatically go back on CC ? Should I call airline or am I out the money.

22 minutes ago, Biker19 said:

Interesting that Oasis seems to be in a hurry (16 knots) to get back to PE.

I noticed that also. She is now at 13.5 knots and due east of the Port. 

Nice picture!! See any activity such as ambulances etc?

Yes. Looks like they are docking in that spot. Any news feeds at the site?

Interesting to see where she docks. Dodge Island looks fairly full with cruise ships. One spot remains.

Pilot ship #7 going out at 26 knots, pedal to the metal.Rotterdam

Pilot boat #5 at 6 knots out to sea. 

I'm watching pilot boat #5  in the bay now aiming out to sea.

He's just sitting there now.

Zaandam and Rotterdam are due east of the port entrance around the spot the pilot boarded the last ship.

Zaandam in the lead turning north at 12.2 knots, Rotterdam behind but catching up at 14.1 knots.

Its a race.

Thank you Copper. Pilot 4 made contact with the Ship Brent due east of Fort Lauderdale. Will that be the site for our two ships to get a pilot?

Both ships are traveling northwest at 9 plus knots. Copper what does the buoy look like on the marine traffic map?

Gate1 Today:

All trips suspended through June 30. Rebook within 18 months to travel by December 31, 2022.

Well there goes our May trip. I was expecting this notice but was still hopeful. 

Thanks Max, this is a great site. I feel like giving them a tail wind.

Zaandam already south of the island Tobogo at 14.9 knots

So she has to go around Tobago Island to get in line ?

Will the Zaandam and Rotterdam have to "wait their turn" or fast tracked through Panama at night?

I remember our Captain stating Holland America paid $196,000 so we could see the canal during the day.