TravelerK

That's good to know. My flight gets in very early on the 27h. The rooftop bar also is where the pool is. The view from the roof is lovely. Karen

I'm staying at Hotel 1898. I stayed there a few years ago and really liked it. I especially like the rooftop bar that serves tapas at a reasonable time (I can't eat late, which is often a problem for me in Spain and Italy). I'll take a taxi to the cruise terminal; as I recall, it's not far. Karen

How about Canada? The maritime provinces or the Vancouver area. One of my dream trips is to someday take a train across Canada, getting off periodically along the way to play tourist. Karen

Haven't been on here in awhile. I've been dealing with medical issues. In March I had radiofrequency ablation treatments in my lower back. Turns out they did nothing for my back pain, but they seem to have really messed up my "digestive" system. I've spent the past several weeks working with my gastroenterologist and internist, trying to recover some semblance of normality. I think I'm moving in the right direction. I'm still planning on taking this cruise, but I'm definitely not looking forward to the long flight. Fingers crossed. Karen

My new passport arrived - earlier than expected. I am a happy camper. Now I can start thinking about what all I want to bring with me on the cruise. Got a brand new suitcase and duffel bag carryon. Ship looks beautiful. I am so ready to cruise again. Karen

I don't know how to drive. My passport always served me well as my photo ID. Last week a friend took me to the DMV, and I applied for a non-driver's ID. So I'll have that as a backup Karen

That sounds great. They told me 5-7 weeks. The problem is my situation wasn't treated as a renewal. Since I lost my previous one, I had to start over with the ton of documentation. And one of the pieces of documentation was supposed to be an official, unexpired, photo ID. I don't have any other photo ID; my passport was all I had. I'm hoping they decide a stupid old lady deserves a break. One piece of good news: As expected, my travel insurance denied my claims. But since I bought and paid for the insurance at the time of booking, Carnival will give me a 75% FCC that I can apply to a couple future cruises. So I'm not totally out the money. Karen

Thanks. I had to cancel an October Celebrity cruise because of back problems. So I haven't been on a ship since my 8 weeks on the Carnival Pride last summer. I'm going thru serious withdrawal! Karen

Was supposed to go on a B2B on the Miracle (Hawaii and Mexico). Flew to LAX, using my passport as my photo ID (I don't have any other photo ID). Remember seeing the passport in my hotel room the nite before the cruise. Got to the cruise terminal in Long Beach next day, and my passport was missing. It has disappeared from the face of the earth. Was denied boarding. Managed to fly home (in a complete state of shock - too numb to even swear or cry). Icing on the cake . . . Brand new suitcase being used for the first time, arrived home with 2 wheels, instead of 4. (Other than that, Mrs Lincoln, how did you like the play?) Have applied for new passport, paid for expedited handling (5-7 weeks, instead of 8-11). Fingers crossed and praying hard that it arrives in time. Karen

Welcome aboard. Carnival also provides transportation from the cruise terminal to the various airports. I don't know if it's faster or cheaper than a taxi. Karen

By any chance were you recently in Alexandria, Virginia?

Hi Loretta, Yes, I think we met on another cruise, pre-Covid. Regarding Hotel 1898: It's a great location on Las Ramblas. And if you need an early meal at dinnertime, the rooftop bar is open. When I stayed here before, I was traveling with a friend. We got a "privilege" room, which had a terrace and was quite nice. This time I'm traveling solo and only staying 2 nites, so I just booked a superior room. The hotel is not cheap, but I think it's worth it. For the dates I'm staying, they required payment in advance (nonrefundable). I don't like doing that, in case there's a last minute problem requiring cancellation; but I have to admit it's nice to have the hotel and airfare already paid for. Looking forward to seeing you again. Karen

I booked 2 nites at Hotel 1898. I stayed there a few years ago and really liked it. It's on La Rambla, so a good location. One of the things I especially like about the hotel is the rooftop bar (and swimming pool, if one is so inclined). It serves light food and starts serving it early. I can't eat late, so I often have problems in Spain (and Italy). The rooftop bar works well for me. And what a great view! Karen

Several familiar names. This is going to be such a fun cruise! Just booked my hotel in Barcelona. I've been to Barcelona several times, and each time I've stayed in a different hotel. Some were OK, and some were good. But it wasn't until my last hotel that I found one that I now consider my regular go-to hotel - Hotel 1898. I now have hotels that are "mine" in Venice, Rome, Dublin, and Barcelona. Karen

Have we been on a cruise together before? I remember cruising with someone named Mary Ann from Canada. Karen

My airfare cost more than the cruise. I fly business class; this old arthritic body just can't manage long flights in coach. My airfare was over $3,600! Major ouch!! Karen

I booked this cruise the first day bookings were accepted. It will be my 77th cruise on Carnival. I was going to spend 3 nites pre-cruise in Barcelona, but I discovered that airfare was a lot less expensive if I fly in a day later and just spend 2 days in Barcelona. Barcelona is a great city, but beware of pickpockets. I was a victim when I was there several years ago. The ship looks so beautiful in the videos. Can't wait to get aboard. Karen

Thanks! I appreciate all your help. I also don't like that the balcony doesn't have lounge type chairs, just regular sit-up-straight types of chairs.

Thanks. I've seen that video, and there clearly is no sofa. I'm in cabin 6216. When I talked to someone at Celebrity, she said that 6216 does have a sofa. And later I did a live chat with someone else, and she also checked and said that 6216 does have a sofa. But after seeing the video, I don't really trust what Celebrity is telling me.

Has anyone stayed in one of the single cabins on the Celebrity Edge? Do they have sofas? I'm booked in one, but I definitely need a cabin with a sofa. I'm trying to decide whether to switch to a "regular" cabin.