Bruin Steve

https://aerobusbarcelona.es/?lang=en

I don't recall right now...but it was booked AT the Hilton Copacabana concierge desk in the lobby...They seemed to have an exclusive deal between this provider and the Hilton.

I guess the real questions are what it is that you might be looking to shop for...and where it fits into your trip (Pre-cruise? Post-cruise? How much time do you have and how are you planning on getting there). First, as to "Outlet Malls", it helps to know a little about the shopping mall business. Most large outlet malls in urban areas such as Los Angeles are located in fairly out-of-the-way places--because of non-compete clauses in many department store and other large retailer leases and marketing agreements. The large retailers don't want cut-rate competition for their large stores--so these outlet malls were forced to locate in areas outside of a certain radius of most ordinary malls. So, in the Southern California area, most of the better, larger outlet malls are located far from the port or from LAX--Camarillo, Barstow, Carlsbad, Ontario, Cabazon, Fort Tejon, Lake Elsinore...Check out a map and you'll see how far these places are from where you'll be. Likely not worth the long trip. As to those regular shopping malls, your best bet for a LARGE shopping mall near LAX and the port is the Del Amo Mall in Torrance--about half-way beteen LAX and the port...It is in a relatively safe area--sort of middle class suburbia. At one time the largest mall in the US, it is currently the sixth largest shopping mall in the United States and has a large variety of stores. https://www.simon.com/mall/del-amo-fashion-center https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Del_Amo_Fashion_Center.

It is "El Corte Ingles"...It's a major Spanish Department Store. At this location, there are some food service options...but it's not what I'd call a major "food court". There is a restaurant on the ninth floor...and the "El Gourmet Club", a few counter service food counters with limited seating adjacent to the supermarket in the basement. It's good for quick bites on the go. For an actual meal, you've got lots of choices all around the Placa and its adjoining streets and down Las Ramblas...everything from American fast food--McD's, Taco Bell, Burger King, 5 Guys, KFC, etc. There's a Hard Rock Cafe on the Placa...Next door to the H10 Catalunya laza, there's a Tapas joint...halfway down that street, there's apretty good pizza place and a BBQ. There are places to eat, many casual and inexpensive in all directions...

I agree... BUT...I'm a very good negotiater...and I made it through to a very good BA representative with a decent amount of authority. And there were some other factors involved in addition to the One World thing. But, yes, the results were highly unusual. Probaly not often duplicated.

We've done 11 cruises post-pandemic (since cruise lines started experimenting with boarding times), four of them out of San Pedro--two each on Princess and RCCL... We've found it to be a mixed bag, but, largely, we've never had to board late. We TRY to remember to get into the system quickly, but, for whatever reason, we haven't always been able to. One cruise, on RCCL Navigator, I messed up and forgot about check-in and ended up with a 1:00 or 1:30 boarding time. No problem, we did as we usually do and showed up at the port about 10:10 or 10:15. We got out of our Uber and handed over our luggage and noticed they were just opening up--the guy waved me in--no one ever asked about boarding times...and we were on the ship by 10:25! Next time on RCCL, we had an early 10:30 boarding time...When we got there, there were lines forming for stated boarding times...and we got on fast. But those with later boarding times still got on quickly--right after the people with the early boarding times. I guess, once they moved everyone onboard, they weren't going to just force people to stand there. The agents were there and waiting for guests, why not just move them along? And, of course, even for those of us on the 10:30 line, no one EVER really looked for our boarding times and we didn't see anyone get held back or turned away.

Just to close the loop: We booked the AMS-LHR-LAX for 60K AAdvantage miles plus $588.90 US for two. After a short discussion with BA regarding our One World status, they assigned us seats at no additional cost--in the "Club Euro" section on the first leg and in standard economy on the second (wish it were the other way around, but beggars can't be choosers). We depart AMS at 11:40 am, arrive at LHR at noon (hour time difference, depart LHR at 3:45 pm and arrive at LAX at 6:55 pm Pacific time. I think those flights minimize the stress. We have plenty of time to wake up at our hotel in Central Amsterdam, enjoy breakfast, check out and get a taxi to the airport. 3:45 at LHR is more than ample time for the little we'll have to do there. We'll not need to worry about passing through ant sort of customs/immigration/whatever line until we arrive at LAX.

First, at San Pedro World Cruise Center, there is no "Long Term Parking" or "Short Term Parking"...It's just "Parking"...It's a single lot, $20 per day. And it's a BIG lot. We have never had trouble finding parking there. Earlier in the day, there are a whole lot of people leaving the prior cruise and getting into their cars and driving off--so lots of spots open up. Even later in the day, a lot of people working at certain jobs on the pier and terminal get off work and start driving off, leaving open spots behind. But, if you want to be more certain of a good spot, get there earlier than your 2:30 time and find a spot as those people from the prior cruise leave. You also might find they will let you on the ship well ahed of your 2:30 boarding time.

I went with the BA flights via LHR. Yes, schedules, gates, etc. can always change...and likely do. But never plan hoping there will be changes for the better...Wqual chance things will change for the worse. 3:45 at Heathrow while not going through whatever hassles those are (whether properly "customs", "immigration", "passport control" or whatever they are...and not having to collect and re-check luggage) is MUCH better than dealing with those things and LIKELY having to hike some distance between gates...in only 2:20. As to the points, little difference to me between 50K and 60K. That money paid? It's actually about 50/50 between taxes and airline fees: Total cost (All passengers) $588.90 Base Fare $0.00 Taxes and Fees $312.10 Carrier-imposed fees $276.00 Whatever it is, it's still around $200 pp difference. Pending confirmation, it looks like I've convinced BA to waive the seat reservation fees (long story) and assign me Business Class seats for the short leg and preferred seat for the second. In the long run, I'm spending many thousands of dollars on 24 nights worth of cruises plus 7 nights of hotels before and after...the flight TO Europe (nonstop on AA to LHR) cost me only 30K points plus $5.90 pp...So, spending another $400 is not my biggest concern. The bigger consideration is convenience. I would have abandoned the entire plan and just booked the KLM nonstop--a flight I've taken a few times in the past--except KLN's current pricing is incredibly high...and I don't have any points to do that one...and I had points sitting around on AA and BA that have gone unused for years--might as well use them.

Just did a little research. Apparently, the flight from AMS lands at Philly at gate A (West) 26...and the flight to LAX departs from C 30...That's about as far away as you can get! lus, the second half, being a domestic flight, gets no free food....though not a big deal, it's something...Leaning further toward BA and LHR...

From my experience, AA tends to release only a very limited number of seats for popular routes as points awards...When they go, they're gone. Eventually, depending on supply and demand, they may release more...but you are taking a gamble waiting. Also, the connections, and times tend to get worse over time. And I believe 25-30K in points is not a bad deal for AA... The $295 pp in addition to the points is due to high taxes flying through LHR--at least that's what they've told me in the past. And, maybe I should have noted that this is for August 22--high travel season. My initial thought is that the simpler schedule--plenty of time at LHR--is worth the extra $412 for the two of us. And extra 10K in points is not a big deal...I have the points. So, $400 for simplicity and a little peace of mind. The next consideration is whether to just pay for seat assignments or wait until 7 days out...being Ruby does get me a six day jump on others... And I don't yet know what BA will charge for the seats...If it's cheap enough in Avios (BA's points) we'll use those...I've had 24,000 of those sitting around that I don't know how I'll ever use.

Probably going to book this later tonight when AA.com posts the flights for my date. Based on what they offered last night for the day before mine, these could be two of the options using AAdvantage points: 1) BA via Heathrow...Depart AMS at 11:40 am...3:45 in LHR to change planes---30K AA points plus $295 pp 2) AA via Philadelphia...Depart 10:55 am...2:20 in PHL to change planes--and terminals...and go through customs(?)...25K AA points plus $89 pp BA vs AA? Heathrow vs. Philly? Customs at final destination vs. Customs en route (and there's also a note about TERMINAL CHANGE in PHL!) Able to pre-reserve seats vs. Pay for seat reservations (cash or BA Avios--which I have) or wait until 7 days prior for seats with my One World Ruby status (AA Million MIle Gold). Any thoughts?

We've walked from the Crowne Plaza to the port at least a couple of times...It's NOT "a couple of miles". Depending on which berth you're at, it's about 800 to 1200 yards--about three to four blocks. It is FLAT. You cross only one major street. Sidewalks all the way. Handicapped curb cuts as required by law. The hotel has a shuttle for a small fee and it helps to schedule it when you arrive at the hotel, but Uber/Lyft are fairly inexpensive as well and very convenient. No need to book in advance, but, if you have ECVs, it may be hard to get those into typical Uber and you may need an XL or one equipped to carry them. I trust you have a way to carry your luggage with these...if so, the ride to the pier should be esy. The CP is VERY convenient to a variety of restaurants within only a couple of blocks. I particularly like the San Pedro Brewing Company--only a half a block from the CP. The other hotel to stay in would be the Doubletree...Very nice though a bit farther from downtown, the restaurants and the pier...but the hotel will shuttle you to the pier and to downtown restaurants for free.

But not even close to the Carnival terminal in Long Beach. It's clear on the other side of Long Beach, several miles from any of the cruise piers.

We just cruised out of Seattle on Quantum a month ago. Stayed at the Fairfield Inn & Suites near the Space Needle...2.9 miles and quick Uber to Pier 91...Included breakfast. Hotel was nice, aple, clean. We'd stay there again. To be completely honest, there are LOTS of mostly chain hotels in this area I am sure most are nice. We picked this one for two reasons: 1) Close to port. 2) We had lots of Marriott points to spend. If we were higher on Hilton points, we would have picked a nearby Hilton product. If we had no hotel points, we probably just would have looked for the best deal. We took Uber or Lyft from the Airport to the hotel and hotel to Pier 91. Actually works out cheaper and more convenient thatn Seattle Express. For the ride from the ship back to the airport, since we used the very convenient FREE Luggage Valet to take our luggage to the airport and check it in for us...and since we had a later flight out, we just got an Uber/Lyft to Pike Market, killed some time, ate lunch and took the very easy (with no luggage to worry about) fixed rail train to get us back to the airport for $3 pp. Easy.

Some more important questions: 1) When do you intend to arrive in the Los Angeles area? 2) Do you want to spend any time sightseeing or are you just getting in the night before and need convenience--a place to sleep and, perhaps, park your car for the duration of the cruise? IF you are getting into town well before your cruise-say a couple of nights or more and want to see sights in the area....then I would not recommend staying in the harbor area more than the night before. I'd recommend a more tourist-oriented area--like Santa Monica...maybe Marina del Rey/Venice Beach...or, if you are specifically interested in, say, studio-related attractions, Universal City/Hollywood, or, if wanting to visit Disney, Anaheim...Then drive to San Pedro either the night before and stay one night there...or drive there embarkation morning and just park at the pier. OTOH, If you just plan on driving in the day before the cruise and just want to check into a hotel, have dinner, leave your car at the hotel and relax, then stay in San Pedro at one of those two hotels mentioned--the Crowne Plaza or the Doubletree. Get a Park and Cruise package and take the hotel shuttle or a short Uver/Lyft to the pier in the morning...or even walk to the pier if you are at the Crowne Plaza. Both hotels are nice. The CP location is far more convenient--close to the pier, close to lots of restaurant choices. The Doubletree is more relaxing--in a very pretty marina location but not close to many restaurants and a longer ride to the pier. Parking at the CP is underground below the hotel, covered and more protected. Parking at the DT is an exposed surface lot. I have done both and would do either again based on the price. Also check the additional price you pay for the week's hotel parking versus the $20 per night to park at the pier--remembering that parking at the pier means easier logistics.

It's 20 miles, virtually all by Freeway...it likely takes 30-60 minutes depending on the time of the drive--longer during peak rush hour, a little shorter if it's, say, late morning or very early morning--all depends on traffic--which is often busy on a weekday between, say, 6 to 10:30. And, of course, if there is an accident or construction, that time could be longer. Most wuld usually figure about an hour and be safe with that 90%+ of the time. And, remember, it will take you a little time to get out of LAX...planes often need to taxi for a time before reaching the gate...it takes time to get off, time to walk from the terminal to baggage claim...and there can be a wait for your luggage. Then, if using Uber, Lyft or taxi, you will need to shuttle to the LAX-it pick-up lot.

Interestingly, the list of obstructed cabins is different on Summit from those on Millennium... On Deck 8, that Summit list shows 13 cabins: C2 8061 40% C2 8074 50% C2 8098 35% C2 8100 35% C2 8102 25% CS 8104 25% C2 8108 10% S1 8117 35% AW 8121 25% C2 8047 25% C2 8048 25% C2 8049 25% C2 8050 25% On Millennium, Deck 8, it shows only 8 cabins as obstructed: C2 8050 25% C2 8049 25% C2 8048 25% C2 8047 25% 2B 8011 25% 2B 8010 25% 2B 8007 5% 2B 8006 5% Link: 02_15_23_FLY_Obstructed_Cabins_ML.pdf (rccl.com) ...and they are largely different cabins. My cabin, 8054, doesn't appear on either ship's list...however, the photos of 8048 and 8050 don't look that good for me as that structure would be only about 30 feet forward of my balcony (so, looking forward, that will clearly be in the view though probably not a big deal since the ship also slants out just forward of that)...But Celebrity doesn't consider the view to be obstructed unless the obstruction "blocks a portion of the direct outward view from a stateroom". So, 30 feet forward does not technically constitute an obstruction. Interestingly, also, is that most of these cabins are no longer "C2" as shown on that list, rather they are now "C1" and, therefore, sells for an even higher price. Among Veranda cabins, the obstructed view cabins generally sell for a LOWER price.

That would not be it. The symbol appears in similar location on Deck 9...but not on Deck 6 or 7. Those decks are also subject to similar nearby slant balconies. Also doesn't appear adjacent to any of the other irregular balconies. The only other place it appears is on Deck 6--all the way forward... Those are the three forward-most of the "Sweet Sixteen" cabins on each side of the ship--where the balconies have a "superstructure" around them. I believe, in the case of those marked cabins, it's the obstruction caused by these structural pillars (though, curiously, they didn't put the diamonds on the cabins above them on Deck 7):

We are in 8054 on Millennium in March/April for B2B Japan cruises. Not the cabin I would ordinarily choose...however, there is a reason. These are two of the infamous overbooked Japan sailings and we originally booked for 2021 and were canceled and "lifted-and-shifted" several times...and, since they had already been selling cabins for the 2024 cruises before they canceled 2023, by the time we were forced to move to 2024, there were few Concierge cabins left...and 8054 was the only option to allow us to remain in the same cabin for both legs of the back-to-back, When we got this cabin, I saw a number of notes on the internet about a possible obstruction. From what I can tell, it appears they are talking about window washing equipment which looks to have a "standing" home--while not in use--about 2 or three cabins forward--outside 8048/8050...I found this photo somewhere, apparently looking forward from the balcony of 8052. So, that structure appears to be in front of 8050. I imagine that it will be less obtrusive from 8054--but still visible when looking forward....just less visible than this. Also, when looking at the official Celebrity website deck plans, they show an odd diamond designation on the balconies for 8048 and 8050 and for 8047 and 8049 on the other side...but the "key" does NOT explain what the diamond symbol means...I am guessing that it refers, somehow, to the obstruction. Does anyone know for sure?

Fully agree. Never worthwhile to read 30+ pages of expired links, businesses that are no longer in business and prices that are nowhere near current.

HangryGrl, Los Angeles Harbor (The combined ports of Los Angeles/Long Beach) is a VERY BIG place. It is the THIRD BUSIEST port in the world, the largest port in the Western Hemisphere. It is MASSIVE. It contains wll over 10,000 acres and 68 miles of waterfront. Just the distance across the harbor from the Western edge in San Pedro to the Eastern edge in Long Beach is SIX MILES. Traveling those six miles means crossing two bridges and the very industrial Terminal Island that straddles the harbor entrance. That said, it is not entirely unrealistic to stay in San Pedro for a cruise out of Long Beach or to stay in Long Beach for a cruise out of San Pedro. It just means some extra ground transportation the morning of your cruise. But, yes, often people might stay in Long Beach for a San Pedro cruise--but most often if they have a little extra time and want to visit some Long Beach attractions like the Queen Mary or the Aquarium of the Pacific...or some might stay in San Pedro for a Long Beach cruise--but most often due to hotel prices or shortage of availability. BUT, the real question is, lacking any specific purpose, WHY? Best thing you could do for a short pre-cruise stay (for longer stays, I recommend staying in a completely different part of the city), is to choose a hotel for CONVENIENCE. So, if cruising out of Long Beach--which means CARNIVAL (other cruise lines all use San Pedro), stay in the Convention Center area of Long Beach--and, if you can, stay in one of these hotels: Hyatt Regency, Hyatt Centric at the Pike, Renaissance, Westin, Maya Doubletree, Residence Inn Downtown, possibly the Hilton or the Best Western Convention Center (though the first six better and more convenient than the last two. The Maya and Residence Inn are VERY CLOSE to the Carnival Terminal, the Hyatts, Renaissance and Westin are in the prime tourist area--closest to restaurants and shops. Good luck...

We just did the Quantum of the Seas a couple of weeks ago (Aug 21 sailing). Originally going to stay by the airport, then thought better of it. Ended up staying at the Fairfield Inn (Marriott product) in the Seattle Center area...Comfortable clean room. Took Lyft from airport--$49 inc. tip. Easy, door-to-door. Spent the rest of the day walking around the area--Space Needle, Gates Foundation...all easy walking distance. Ate at Five Points Cafe... nice casual bar/restaurant--sandwiches/comfort food. Breakfast at hotel included in the morning, then, at checkout, we took an Uber to the port (Pier 91)...under $20 including tip (2.9 miles, drop-off right in front of entrance). For disembarkation, we checked in our luggage with the "Luggage Valet" service on the ship. NO CHARGE--they collected the bags and the next time we saw them was at our home airport! EASY. So, without bags, we got a quick Lyft to Pike Fish Market...wandered around, ate lunch, then took the fixed rail from Westlake Station to the airport. $3 pp! Without any luggage to deal with, it was SO EASY...

I DON'T book ahead. In my experience, that usually gets you a higher price...and I've also had a rideshare company booked a week ahead only to have them cancel on me the morning of the ride. It sounds good, but it doesn't work. My strategy is to: 1) have both Uber and Lyft apps downloaded and set up. 2) When you need the ride, log on at both (you just input the destination in the "Where to" box...the app knows exactly where you are). 3) Choose whichever one gives you the best deal (the app will let you know the price--tip not included--and how many minutes it should take the driver to reach you), Accept the deal and just close out of the other app. If both prices seem high, close both, wait a minute or two and try again...sometimes prices go down. It also gives you choices (with different prices) for a regular car, a larger vehicle, a luxury vehicle, one equipped for handicaps, Spanish speaking, etc. 4) Look for your ride. The apps tell you the driver's name, his/her type and color car and license plate number...and gives you a tracker map that shows him driving to meet you in real time. After the ride, the app will send you an email that lets you add a tip. You will be surprised at how well it all works. Oh...other benefit: You've input your credit card number into the system, so there is no need to pull out your wallet, give the driver a credit card, have sufficient cash on hand, etc. Your card is charged at the end of the ride.

I don't ever recall it being an issue and I've stayed there in the summer. I cam't guarantee it works perfectly, but OTOH, if there had been a problem with it, I would have remembered. I recall once, 20 years ago, staying in an alleged 4-star hotel in Paddington that had NO AC--the front desk lent us a small fan but it was like living in a sauna...and that one I remember to this day!