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Just an FYI...taxi from "C" where Viking Star was docked, to Sagrada Familia was only 14 euro.  

Just an update...Both friends had the insurance through Viking.  The friend that cancelled due to family illness will be refunded, not a problem.  The friend that is now a single occupancy needs to pay the 6k+ but will get it back because she too had insurance.  In the end, both parties will be refunded.

Thinking of taking a taxi for 4 from Barcelona Port to La Sagrada Familia (have purchased tickets on-line).  Any idea of the cost for Taxi? 

I believe I read somewhere Taxi's line up at the Columbus Monument.  Does Viking have shuttle service to the Monument?

Do drivers speak English or do I need to brush up on the Spanish?

We may use a Taxi to a few other locations so all tips and advice are appreciated.  

Question - On a bused included excursion, is it possible to stay longer and find my own transportation back to ship or is that a Viking no-no?  

I realize the answer to this question may be in the fine print somewhere but was wondering if someone with experience could help explain.  Two of my friends are booked on Viking Star (double occupancy rate) to leave in 34 days.  One of the friends has a father not in good health.  She now realizes that she MAY have to cancel her trip.  Both friends purchased the insurance.  

My friend asked our travel agent and was told IF she cancels, she will be refunded all but the insurance cost.  However, the OTHER friend will now have to pay a single rate which is about 3k more.  This does not seem correct to me.  Why purchase the insurance?  I get it that one friend would save, but the other would be screwed.  

Any thoughts or experiences?

13 minutes ago, lackcreativity said:

I know what you mean: flying is not my favorite thing, but I do my best to just put it out of my mind because it's what I must do to get to our vacations. If it helps, they have enough life boats and rafts for all the passengers and crew, and the life boats are all enclosed vessels for protection from the elements. I think you will find it feels like a very nice hotel, and you will have so much fun you will be distracted from your fear. And there is the unlimited wine at lunch and dinner if that helps!

I'm sure that unlimited wine will help.  I know the chances of something bad are slim.  Just "a thing" because it's new to me.  Thanks.

5 minutes ago, lackcreativity said:

I assume you were joking (mostly) about the life jacket. Just FYI, the life jackets are stored by the life boats, not in the cabins as ships did in the past. Common sense indicates that you don't want people to have to go back to their rooms to retrieve them in the event of an actual emergency. Viking staff will explain all that at the muster drill which you must attend at the beginning of the cruise. 

Yes, I was joking about the life jacket, but not the fear of being up to 5 miles out and something happening in the middle of the night.  Nope...not joking about that.

Thanks everyone.  I'm starting to get a good feel for what is about to happen and SOOO looking forward to it.  That being said, I still think I need to wear a life jacket to bed (haven't gotten over that fear yet).  

Never having been on a cruise before, I'm trying to imagine the small things.  For example:  

A) Is breakfast crowded due to early morning excursions and folks just starting their day early?  Is it easier to order room service if your in a hurry (the menu looks great)?

B)  I understand we receive maps of the port area.  Are they detailed enough to do a self guided walking tour?  (don't worry, I have an app for that...but curious).

C)  How late do people normally stay up and about on the ship?   Most in bed by 10?  11?

D)   How long does it typically take to eat a meal at the Chef's Table or Italian Restaurant?

E)  When folks arrive on that first day, do they typically stay on board or go see the Port City (no included excursions)?

Anyone wanna share their experience?

1 hour ago, taylortime05 said:

 

Does this also include the guided tour?

It includes audioguide.  https://sagradafamilia.org/en/tickets-individuals

13 hours ago, taylortime05 said:

I'm looking at tickets on https://sagradafamilia.org/.  I would like to skip the line with guided tour with audio to hear the guide plus access to take the elevators.  On the website it seems if you get a guided tour you don't have an option to take the elevators too.  Is it better to take the tour at 9 am?  Thank you in advance for your guidance.

I just booked tickets,  including the "with towers" option.  I read elevators will take us up but we must walk down a stairwell.  I'm not sure about any other elevators.  Maybe someone who has been there will chime in.

Well folks, I'm trying.  I was able to see an opening or two for things we wanted.  I grabbed them.  Problem now is, it wasn't enough for all 4 of us...so I'm still waiting for tours to "open up".  I haven't heard back from Viking since the first phone call when I was told they would get back to me.  

I'm trying very hard to relax about this.  However, I want to purchase tickets to Sagrada Familia and really can't since I don't know what time slot we will all end up in for the included tour.  Currently 2 in one and 2 in another.  (trying to get into the earlier one).  Also still waiting on an opening in a paid tour option (3 of us are in and one still waiting).  Actually, not one tour has all 4 of us in the same time slot.  Disappointed for sure.  Thanks for all your words of encouragement, just not feeling thrilled about this yet.

Fairly new here.  Thinking of doing a day in Barcelona on my own (4 of us).  Reading about Sagrada Familia but not sure where to get "fast track" tickets.  I don't see it on their website.  Is this only for tour companies?  If so, any recommendations?  

Also, any suggestions on how to spend the day?  Self guided walking tour maps?  Or reputable tour guides if needed.

Thanks in advance.

Nothing new from Viking yet.  Still looking and waiting.  In the meantime, CCWINELOVER I'm taking your advice on getting tickets to Segrada Familia.  Although I can't figure out this "skip the line or fast track" thing".  If I purchase tickets through   https://sagradafamilia.org/en/tickets-individuals I don't really see a fast track option.  Not wanting to spend 3 hours in a line.  Any advice on that?  

Just keeping you all updated...I did receive a call last night from a viking representative.  Wanted to let me know they understood my concerns and are working maybe adding a tour or seats.  She was very nice and stated someone would be in contact again within 48 hours to let me know if things are working out.  

I appreciated the call big time.  I'm learning to relax a little.  I love hearing all your tips and ideas.  Much appreciated.

12 hours ago, lackcreativity said:

Your thread title made me remember a line from the old Steve Martin movie Parenthood. It was something about in life you can either ride the roller coaster, with all the excitement of it's ups and downs, or the merry-go-round which is safe but rather boring. Enjoy your trip!

Steve is an old favorite of mine.  

Grandma:
I always wanted to go again. You know, it was just so interesting to me that a ride could make me so frightened, so scared, so sick, so excited, and so thrilled all together! Some didn't like it. They went on the merry-go-round. That just goes around. Nothing. I like the roller coaster. You get more out of it.

Thanks for the advice.

I am loving all the information folks...keep it coming.  Will be looking for some self guided walking tours as well.    

Just an update - I did email Tellus@viking.com, will let you know if they respond.  

I appreciate all of your comments!

Wow, thank you everyone for the encouragement, suggestions and stories.  It really means a lot to have someone understand AND provide information.  I'm blowing a kiss to each of you right now.

I will continue to watch for openings and try everything suggested.  Along with any suggestions yet to come, I'm open to hearing it all folks.

I wonder if I should book some outside tours in case I'm not as lucky as some of you...with the "free cancellation" option.  What are your thoughts?

Thanks for your encouragement CCWineLover.  I think I'm even more frustrated because I'll be looking for 4 openings as we want to experience things together.  

Sorry, wasn't trying to hide my cruise...August 22 -  Iconic western mediterranean.

I didn't even THINK of the meal reservations..ugh!  I did notice the massage unavailability though.   Yes, I'm trying to stay positive and will keep after it.  

Thanks for your reply.

Having some ups and downs with Viking Ocean and we haven’t even stepped on the ship yet.  All and any advice is appreciated.  I’m feeling very disappointed at this point.

Currently having an issue with excursions.  I get it, we booked 2 of the least expensive rooms and higher paying cruisers have first options.  What I DIDN’T understand…is that excursions would sell out and I wouldn’t be able to take part.  Not one of the excursions I wanted was available within 15 minutes of the time Viking set for me to book on-line.  I was on at 3:01 as instructed.  Even the included excursions only have late afternoon still open.  (Was hoping to at least have a few morning excursions).  Being a first time cruiser, I thought perhaps I was not understanding, maybe another tour would be added.  So I called customer service.  NOPE.  She told me no seats would become available unless someone else cancelled.  She recommended I keep checking the site for inventory to open up and that they do not have a waiting list.  She then suggested I book my excursions through an outside company.  I have a problem with this.  First and foremost, an outside company doesn’t really care if I make it back to the ship on-time.  Chances are things would be fine.  BUT WHAT IF?  If I was ABLE to book through Viking, I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t be left behind.  This is part of the reason I wanted to try this type of cruise.  I didn’t want to have to worry about finding reputable companies to book with.  I thought I was getting Viking.

I was also reminded that “next time I cruise with Viking, I should book a step up in the room department for better options”.  This does not sit well with me.  I certainly PAID for what I thought was a cruise with excursions and options and I wonder what other things will not be part of my trip because of my room selection.    

Any suggestions?  ANYONE?

This was not my first bump in the road.  When we received our air information, we had a really long layover.  This was eventually corrected but it was not easy.  I began with the “chat” and was told “nothing we can do”.  I asked if there was anyone else I could talk to and explain the situation…”no”.  I relayed this information to the folks I’m traveling with who had been on a Viking River Cruise before and still had an email of someone who helped them in the past with an error.  GREAT…I emailed her and suddenly, my flight was changed.  I did not receive any return email…but the problem was solved.   My frown turned up-side-down.    A big thank you for that! 

I am not someone who expects everything to be perfect, my group of 4 is very disappointed however.  Any advice is appreciated.  

Interesting...Glad all are safe!  

https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/cruises/2019/03/27/viking-sky-cruise-ship-engines-failed-lack-oil-official-says/3288348002/

Any ideas on what lens would be used most? I'll take a few but what should top my list? Thanks in advance for any advice. I have a Nikon D90.