fmax Posted July 28, 2006 Author #51 Share Posted July 28, 2006 Here's a thread with some info on options for "luggage" when disembarking in Barcelona. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=374332&highlight=luggage+barcelona Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiser620 Posted July 30, 2006 #52 Share Posted July 30, 2006 We are sailing on the Jewel on 7/30 and are getting in fairly early in the morning and would like to spend some time sightseeing in Barcelona. My family of five would like to visit La Ramblas, Sagrada Familia and Park Guel. Since I have no idea where anything is, can someone tell me the order of things we should visit. Will 5 people fit in one taxi? Can we walk to the next destination or are these sights too far apart and will we have to take additional taxis? Your help is greatly appreciated and we are open to other sightseeing suggestions too. Thanks. When we were in Barcelona, we spent the morning visiting Sagrada Familia and the afternoon visiting Park Guel. We absolutely loved both of them and came to really appreciate Gaudi's interesting and unique designs. Sagrada Familia is right next to a metro station and very easy to get to. (You can buy a "T10 ticket" which can be used by multiple people. After one person goes through, just hand it back to the next person. Be aware, though, that the ticket goes on the LEFT of the entrance you are going through.) We paid a small fee to take the elevator to the top and enjoyed a great view of the city. We actually ended up spending way more time at Sagrada Familia than we had planned because we looked at all the carvings and took many many pictures and also visited the museum in the basement. We also took the metro to Park Guel, but I don't recommend this unless you are able to climb LOTS of stairs. The metro station is not very close, and to reach the park you must negotiate a long and very steep hill -- so steep, in fact, that several outside escalators take you part of the way up. I'm told that the city bus is a better way of getting there as it stops right at the park entrance. Although Park Guel is quite a bit further away than most of the Barcelona sights, we felt it was well worth the time and effort to get there. Everywhere we looked there was something so interesting to see -- wonderful, fanciful designs. And of course the famous mosaic lizard (dragon) is there. Since the park is high on a hill, there is a great view of the city. If you paid to take the elevator at Sagrada Familia, your ticket will also get you into the Gaudi house at the park. If you are only in Barcelona for the day of your cruise, though, you probably do not have time to go to Park Guel. I would visit Sagrada Familia, walk the Rambla, and also walk around a little bit in the Gothic quarter. And now that I have written this, I see that you said you were sailing 7/30 so you are already there! Maybe this info will be helpful to someone else. I know you will have a great time in Barcelona!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tagoladad Posted August 23, 2006 #53 Share Posted August 23, 2006 Ok…here we go…We left JFK airport on Thursday afternoon July 13. We had a 5:40 PM flight that arrived in Barcelona at 7:45 AM on Friday. Although JFK was a little disorganized, Delta was just great. The flight was smooth as can be. When we arrived at BCN (Barcelona airport) we waited on a very short line (maybe five minutes) to pass through customs and immigration. Our bags were waiting on the carousel and we grabbed a luggage cart (there are no sky caps at the Barcelona airport and the luggage carts are free to use, just walk to the side of the carousel and grab one) and proceeded to the taxi stand. There was a long line of taxis waiting. We knew from these boards that the fare for the cab to the Majestic Hotel should have been around 25 Euros and it was exactly that price. We arrived at the Majestic about 9:00 AM. Great Hotel. As this was our first time in Europe we had nothing to compare it to, but we have stayed in the Plaza Hotel (not so great) the Waldorf Astoria (very nice) The United Nation Plaza (very nice) in New York, The Fairmont in San Francisco (best bed we ever slept in) as well The Princess in Acapulco (beautiful grounds) so even though we’ve never been to Europe we’ve been to a couple of nice hotels and the Majestic was certainly nice. We had room #701, a junior suite overlooking the Passeig De Gracia, the hotel is situated between two Gaudi buildings, the Batllo and La Pedrera. The hotel is just a few blocks from the top of Las Ramblas (there are definitely hotels a lot closer to Las Ramblas) and is on both the RED and BLUE line of Bus Turistic. The staff and concierge at the hotel were excellent. Everyone speaks English, the hotel was immaculate, the staff very friendly, and the room huge. We freshened up and hit the streets. When my DW and I talked about jet lag with our friends, everyone advised us “not to go to sleep” so we didn’t. Even though we hadn’t slept the entire evening (save for a few winks on the plane) we forged ahead and went for a walk and breakfast on the Passeig De Gracia. After a nice omelet at an outdoor café (Tenorio) we bought tickets for the Bus Turistic and made the Sagrada Familia our first stop. The church is quite impressive from the outside so we decided to go inside as well. The line in front of the bus stop was huge so my DW and I figured that we would just walk around the church, see the whole thing take a few pictures and get back on the bus. As we circled the block we found another ticket window around the corner that had absolutely no line, so we bought tickets and went inside. There is an elevator that goes to the top, but the line was very long and we didn’t want to wait. We asked if there were stairs but we were told that there weren’t, so we just walked around for a little bit and left. My DW then walked through the small, limited gift shop but didn’t get anything. Across the street from the church was a great gift shop that had some really beautiful things. We went to a local supermarket in the neighborhood, walked around a little bit and then got back on the bus and made the Parc Guell our next stop. The bus stops on at the bottom of the hill several blocks from the parc. It is a long uphill climb on a very narrow street to get up to Parc Guell. It was very hot (the middle of the afternoon in the middle of July) but the views from the Parc were well worth it. The parc has a beautiful entrance (mosaic dragons and lizards line the steps) and the columns, corridors, open spaces and buildings are really incredible. The panorama overlooks all of Barcelona. Just an incredible view. There is a small snack stand with shaded umbrellas at the top where we enjoyed some ices. We then took the outside path of the parc down to the main street, which led us back down the hill to the bus stop. By now it was about 4:30 or 5:00 PM. We took the bus back to the Hotel Majestic (seeing quite a bit of the city along the way) and took a short nap and got ready for dinner at 9:00. The concierge recommended a restaurant called Botafumiero. It is a seafood restaurant that had great fish and Paella. With wine and tip, dinner for 2 was 100 Euros. Certainly not cheap, but we loved it. When we arrived at the restaurant at 9:00 PM we were one of the only diners in the restaurant. When we left at about 11:30 the place was packed. We took a cab back to the hotel to get ready for tomorrow. We woke up Saturday morning and my wife asked me to look at her watch to see what time it was. I asked her if she had changed her watch to Barcelona time. She said she had, and I said “well, then it’s 12:15 PM. She made some comment about my age and my ability to see small numbers so I checked her cell phone and sure enough, it was 12:15. We felt great but we had slept for about 11 hours. We thought it was a small concession to the travel and the time change, went down to the internet café at the hotel (20 Euros for the duration of your stay), did our business and then I went out to get us some coffee and rolls. We are both big coffee drinkers so we didn’t mind the espresso that they serve in Spain. Got dressed and then took a cab down to the Plaza Catalunya, so that we could walk down Las Ramblas. After a few blocks of the human statues, the bird salesman and postcard kiosks, we took a left hand turn and entered the Barri Gotic (the Gothic Quarter). We found ourselves in front of a beautiful church and sat down at a café (Estruch) for pizza and salad. The plaza was a beautiful place to have lunch and watch the action. After lunch we began our search for the Picasso Museum. We only had the map from the Bus turistic (and because the museum is not one of their stops, it’s not on the map) so we really weren’t sure where it was. We saw some signs pointing in the general direction of the museum and we gladly followed. The time that we spent lost (there is no other word for it. We didn’t know where we were or where we were going) in the Barri Gotic was magical. We loved it. We found wine shops (you can bring wine on the ship, but I’ll talk about that later), alleyways, incredible architecture, friendly people and eventually the Picasso Museum. The line was about 25 minutes and the entrance fee about 8 or 10 Euros. My wife loved the museum and all of Picasso’s works. I’m not as sophisticated as she is, so she tolerated my opinions for the 45 minutes we toured the museum. After we left we walked toward Port Vell. It was a pretty good walk to the port, but we were there to see Barcelona so we didn’t mind. The port is fantastic. I’m not sure which part was old and which parts were built for the 1992 Olympics, but the cool breeze, open space and views of the Marina were beautiful. We walked all the way down (and it was a pretty long walk) to the bus stop for the Bus Turistic. By now it was 8:00 PM (although it seemed like the middle of the day) so we took the bus back to the Batllo (the stop closest to our hotel) and got ready for dinner. We wanted to visit an acquaintance in Barcelona so we asked the concierge to change our dinner reservation at Aqua to 10:30 PM. By the time we finished our visit and got down to Agua (a great restaurant on the beach) it was after 11:00 PM. The hostess wasn’t too happy that we were so late for our reservation so she made us wait till 11:30 for our table. We sat at the table closest to the Mediterranean and settled in. By the time our food came it was midnight and the restaurant was still packed. I guess it’s true…they have dinner at midnight in Barcelona. Food was very good (service just OK). Wife had fish, I had chicken. With wine and tip, about 65 Euros. Grabbed a cab back to the hotel about 1:30 AM to get ready to board the Jewel in the morning. I guess that since we were doing a pre-cruise, we should have packed our luggage with that in mind. I would definitely recommend packing a bag for your pre-cruise and then packing bags for your cruise. We spent a lot of time on Sunday morning having to repack all of our luggage. On Sunday morning, again, I went down to the Fresh and Ready (that was the name) to get coffee and croissants. After breakfast and packing we left our bags with the hotel to do a little last minute sightseeing. We stopped in the Casa Batllo (a famous Gaudi building on the Passeig De Gracia) for only a moment. From the brief glimpse we had it was great. We bought a few souvenirs, took a stroll around the neighborhood (everything was closed on Sunday morning. The streets were deserted) and then went back to the hotel. Grabbed a cab to the port (I don’t remember exactly, but I’m going to say it was about 15 Euros) If you have any questions you can email me at Tagoladad@aol.com please put BARCELONA QUESTION in the subject line Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andros Posted August 23, 2006 #54 Share Posted August 23, 2006 Thanks Tagoladad, what a nice review of your visit. We are returning there this November. We opted to go to Montserrat last year and missed all we wanted to do in Barcelona. So much to see, so little time. This year we wil have 3 days instead of 2 and should be able to do much more. We are even going to return to Montserrat this year if time permits. I will have to look into that Agua restaurant you described, sounds real nice. It was right at the port? Don't worry, I can look it up. Glad to know you and your wife had such a wonderful time there and thanks for sharing it with all your CC family, it is greatly appreciated! Andros/Tony P.S.- I shared the link for this thread and your post with my Roll Call for November's sailing, thanks again! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tagoladad Posted August 24, 2006 #55 Share Posted August 24, 2006 Andros- we've also been on the Majesty of the seas (twice) , and while we enjoyed ourselves very much on the Majesty, it is nothing compared to the Jewel. If you liked the Majesty (like we did) your mouth will drop open when you board the Jewel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fmax Posted January 24, 2007 Author #56 Share Posted January 24, 2007 I thought it was about time to add to this thread and get it back to the front given the fact we've probably got a lot of new cruisers onboard. So here's a link to the Conde Naste site with an article on Barcelona and some of the things to see and do. http://www.concierge.com/destination/barcelona/seeanddo Frances Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
travelteam Posted January 25, 2007 #57 Share Posted January 25, 2007 I thought it was about time to add to this thread and get it back to the front given the fact we've probably got a lot of new cruisers onboard. So here's a link to the Conde Naste site with an article on Barcelona and some of the things to see and do. http://www.concierge.com/destination/barcelona/seeanddo Frances this is a great site, thanks again Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bgg Posted January 28, 2007 #58 Share Posted January 28, 2007 Any idea of what's the earliest flight we can book after our cruise? We're on the Voyager in May. Thanks for any insight on this. (Our first time to Europe so this is the first of many questions to come!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bug18 Posted January 28, 2007 #59 Share Posted January 28, 2007 I've been told the earliest flight you should book is 10 a.m. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrsJobba2 Posted March 31, 2007 #60 Share Posted March 31, 2007 Hi, First of all this is a great thread. I have a couple of questions; 1) We are staying at the hotel Cram (about 5 mins walk for Casa Bastllo) a group of our friends are staying @ the grand marina near the port. We would like to meen them for drinks - anyone know how much a taxi would cost to get us there? 2) Any one know how long it takes the tourist bus on the red line to get from the park guell to the barcelona football stadium? 3) Thank you for the restaurant recommendations but not sure where they are. Could someone recommend a restauant - next to Park Guell & Barri Gotic Many Thanks for your help Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seagopher Posted March 31, 2007 #61 Share Posted March 31, 2007 We will arrive a day early for our transatlantic cruise starting on December 2nd. Does anyone have information as what to do at that time of year? Our travel agent book us into the Avenida Palace, any information on it? Thanks in advance. Phyllis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KruzinAl Posted April 1, 2007 #62 Share Posted April 1, 2007 Frances, great posts on Barcelona, we'll be there May 3-6 and your comments, links have been invaluable. Great job on these boards. Talk to you soon. Al Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fmax Posted May 29, 2007 Author #63 Share Posted May 29, 2007 Again, bringing it up to date for 2007 cruisers. here's a travel book series for various cities - haven't heard of them before - maybe some one can post if they're any good - Barcelona is one of them. http://www.phaidon.com/travel/ Frances Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fmax Posted August 8, 2007 Author #64 Share Posted August 8, 2007 Time Out Barcelona http://www.timeout.com/barcelona/ Frances Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
petel Posted September 11, 2007 #65 Share Posted September 11, 2007 Just a few links that might help ........ enjoy :) Barcelona Card – Free Unlimited Transport And Discount Entry For Attractions in Barcelona City Centre. Barcelona guide book reviews Barcelona Metro Guide Barcelona Metro Map (Subway, Underground) Hop-On, Hop-Off Tour of Barcelona Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dremac373 Posted September 14, 2007 #66 Share Posted September 14, 2007 You guys are great, the info is great!! May 8th cant get here fast enough!! I am so glad we chose a pre stay also...thanx guys Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DedeM Posted October 4, 2007 #67 Share Posted October 4, 2007 You guys are great, the info is great!! May 8th cant get here fast enough!! I am so glad we chose a pre stay also...thanx guys Are you on the Zuiderdam 5/8 sailing? If so, please join our roll call :) Great thread, btw :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peter_krynicki Posted October 10, 2007 #68 Share Posted October 10, 2007 Just a head's up. I've read that the Park Guell will be closed for renovations until further notice. Pjk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruise4kicks Posted October 10, 2007 #69 Share Posted October 10, 2007 Just a head's up. I've read that the Park Guell will be closed for renovations until further notice. Pjk Well, that makes my decision-making so much easier... :( Thanks, Peter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sweetpea Posted October 11, 2007 #70 Share Posted October 11, 2007 Peter Krynici - I'm heartbroken to hear Park Guell will be closed! Please tell me where you have read this! Thank you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calberry Posted October 11, 2007 #71 Share Posted October 11, 2007 Just a head's up. I've read that the Park Guell will be closed for renovations until further notice. Pjk We were just there two days ago. There was work going on in various places but it was certainly open and very busy. That place is so big that it seems it would not be necessary to close the whole park all at one time. I've read about the Palau Guell being closed at times though. Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peter_krynicki Posted October 11, 2007 #72 Share Posted October 11, 2007 Peter Krynici - I'm heartbroken to hear Park Guell will be closed! Please tell me where you have read this! Thank you. My bad. I read the subject of a post too quickly. It's the Palau Guell, Carrer Nou de la Rambla 3-5, which has been closed. For the Park I took some notes on a recent trip: This is the park which was designed by Antoni Gaudi. It is usually reached by metro, and the metro stop is "Lesseps" (Green Line, L3). After exiting the metro you can follow signs that lead you to the park. These signs indicate the direction and distance to the park. From the metro stop to the entrance of the park it is 1500 meters. You can spend an entire day here just walking along the various pathways in the park, and, as many of them lead up the side of the hill, it can be tiring. There is a self-service cafe just below the top of the park, self-service in the sense that there are no waiters. They serve beer and snacks and it is pleasant just to sit here for a while. Entracne to the park is free but there is a small charge for visiting one of the two houses which are in the park, the Casa Museu Gaudi which is 4.00e per person. When we went to the park the area around it did not look very interresting to explore and find a place to eat, so we simply took the metro back. Pjk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elmel Posted October 11, 2007 #73 Share Posted October 11, 2007 You forgot to mention that there is quite a steep incline to reach the Park after you get off the bus or metro. Just be prepared. It definitely was worth the climb. Elissa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sweetpea Posted October 12, 2007 #74 Share Posted October 12, 2007 Thank you Peter! You are soooo forgiven! Sweetpea Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luvdasea Posted January 9, 2008 #75 Share Posted January 9, 2008 fmax-you are the best for providing us with all this great information!! I just wanted to thank you!:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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