Check in question for Barcelona port

[Gingerjulie26]

Hello,

I will be sailing this Sunday on the epic from Barcelona (Yay!) I have a question regarding the check in process. As we are flying in and have transfers through NCL, is it possible to drop bags off and then go explore Barcelona for a few hours? We will probably arrive at port at around 12:30pm and all aboard isn't until 5pm, and wondered if it's possible to go explore Barcelona for a few hours without dragging luggage around. We have only ever sailed from Southampton, so are unsure if when you drop the bags off you have to check in and get straight onto the ship. Any info would be much appreciated. Thanks :)

Julie

[NMLady]

Basic answer is Yes if you just want to give your checked bags to porters.

But you will need to do someting about your carry-on bags.

[BirdTravels]

If you have the NCL transfers, the bus will take you from the airport to the port. Remember, NCL usually waits until they fill a transfer bus before going to the ship. Drop your bags with the porters and you can go exploring.

 

When ships arrive, there is normally a shuttle bus (for a few euros) that will take you from the dock, over the bridge, to the city. You would need to check to see if they are still running when you arrive, or catch a taxi into the city (the touristy spots are just outside the port).

 

Also remember that all-aboard time is 2 hours prior to the ship's departure.

 

We were on the Epic last month right after she came out of a 3 week dry dock. She's all new and fresh. Have a great cruise!

[FreestyleNovice]

Also remember that all-aboard time is 2 hours prior to the ship's departure.

 

This. Most important. :)

 

A relaxing lunch on board, getting settled in the stateroom when they're ready, having a drink, attending muster drill is what we do.

 

If you want to explore before; take the blue port bus which stops near the terminal entrance (over your right shoulder when you face the terminal entrance/snake line or on your right hand at the outdoor luggage drop off, same spot basically), more info on the ports board.

 

But what about exploring Barcelona afterwards?

[Cloudyrain]

We have dropped our cases (and normally one of our hand-luggage bags so we just have to carry our essentials) at the port and then have gone in to Barcelona a few times. You can either check in and then go into the City, or go into the City and then come back and check-in last (depending on how the queues are and making sure you adhere to the closing times of check-in/earlier all-aboard).

 

Make sure you use the port bus - it's deceptive as to how long the actual walk is - and as you are a bit shorter on time you probably haven't got the luxury of affording a 30minute walk. It runs very regularly and is quick and cheap (a few euros each one way).

 

Have a good trip, brilliant ship :)

[bnorris10]

 

But what about exploring Barcelona afterwards?

 

You can't leave your luggage at the port but here are a few things I found that might help you

 

http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/faq/cruise-ship-terminals/lockers-at-barcelona-port-cruise-terminal.html

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1301757