SJS Posted February 27, 2018 #1 Share Posted February 27, 2018 My sister and I have a cruise booked for next year that sails out of Barcelona. We've never been to Europe or flew international so it's very much out of our comfort zone! I just read an article about safety in Barcelona that is making me second guess this cruise. Will two women in their 60s be safe? Can we trust the hotel safe to store our passports and extra cash? Appreciate any feedback from those that have been there. Sent from my SM-G930T using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarea Posted February 27, 2018 #2 Share Posted February 27, 2018 I'd check in the Spain forum, I've seen some threads there on the subject: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=596. We've been to Barcelona several times, and have never felt unsafe, but we also try to keep vigilant for the pickpocket threat in crowds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Rewind Posted February 27, 2018 #3 Share Posted February 27, 2018 I agree with Bob - we never felt unsafe but also kept a mindful eye on surroundings. As long as you are keeping an eye out and keeping track of your stuff, the thieves will notice and move on to an easier target. We were there for two days before a TA and one night on La Rambla we noticed one guy on a cell phone checking out the back pockets on a tourist. Another time while riding the Metro there was an announcement that there were pickpockets on our train and be mindful of our stuff - at the next stop we saw two guys get off and sit down to wait for the next train. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grapau27 Posted February 27, 2018 #4 Share Posted February 27, 2018 My sister and I have a cruise booked for next year that sails out of Barcelona. We've never been to Europe or flew international so it's very much out of our comfort zone! I just read an article about safety in Barcelona that is making me second guess this cruise. Will two women in their 60s be safe? Can we trust the hotel safe to store our passports and extra cash? Appreciate any feedback from those that have been there. Sent from my SM-G930T using Forums mobile app Most hotels have safes in the rooms but worth checking with the hotel first. There are 100s of hotels in the city and beach area to choose from. Las Ramblas has lots of outside restaurants and shops. We have stayed many times and never encountered any problems but pickpockets are about so don't wear jewellery or carry to much cash around. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desert Cruizers Posted February 27, 2018 #5 Share Posted February 27, 2018 Having been to Barcelona, I recommend to the ladies who carry purses, invest in the Pac Safe products. Also when carrying purses, Cameras etc, hold unto the straps, loop over your head & and keep items in front of you. We walked all over Las Ramblas in the evening and had no problem but as Bob & others said, be alert. I also carried a small pouch under my clothing for limited $ and a credit card. Rest stayed in a safe at the Hotel. https://www.pacsafe.com/ These products can also be bought at Amazon or E Bags. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SJS Posted February 27, 2018 Author #6 Share Posted February 27, 2018 Thank you all so much! Sent from my SM-G930T using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LondonTowner Posted February 27, 2018 #7 Share Posted February 27, 2018 Baer Elon a, like the majority of European cities is very safe. Like any big city all over the world there are pickpockets. Don't carry large amounts of cash or valuables and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grapau27 Posted February 27, 2018 #8 Share Posted February 27, 2018 Thank you all so much! Sent from my SM-G930T using Forums mobile app It is a lovely city for shopping and eating and reasonably safe so be vigilant but also enjoy. The cruise terminal is only a 5-10 minute taxi ride away. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cocod08 Posted February 27, 2018 #9 Share Posted February 27, 2018 I was in Barcelona for the first time last November. And also read all about the pickpockets and what not. I was traveling mostly solo and meeting friends on the ship. I never felt unsafe even walking the Ramblas coming back from my paella cooking excursion at 9pm. Maybe I was crazy but it was a fun evening. This was my first international trip across the pond as well. Go and enjoy you won’t regret it! Read up on the Spain boards lots of great info there. Highly recommend Segrada Familia if you have the time simply amazing!!!! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gerif Posted February 27, 2018 #10 Share Posted February 27, 2018 I have a small pouch that goes around my neck. It holds my cell, a little cash, a photocopy of my passport and a credit card (not the one I’m using for the cruise). Living near Manhattan and having spent time there since I was a kid has taught me to be very aware of my surroundings so I usually feel pretty secure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George C Posted February 27, 2018 #11 Share Posted February 27, 2018 It is like any big city, need to be careful, someone from our group had someone attempt to mug him, we loved the city and would love to go back Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare silentbob007 Posted February 27, 2018 #12 Share Posted February 27, 2018 Just don't go into oblivious tourist mode and you should be fine. When you see crowds around street performers, skirt around them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grapau27 Posted February 27, 2018 #13 Share Posted February 27, 2018 Barcelona has been the hub for the Spanish Costas Brava and Dorada for 50 years so they have lived with tourism and always give you a great welcome. Learn a few Spanish words or take a Spanish phrase book with you and they will appreciate it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
topnole Posted February 27, 2018 #14 Share Posted February 27, 2018 My sister and I have a cruise booked for next year that sails out of Barcelona. We've never been to Europe or flew international so it's very much out of our comfort zone! I just read an article about safety in Barcelona that is making me second guess this cruise. Will two women in their 60s be safe? Can we trust the hotel safe to store our passports and extra cash? Appreciate any feedback from those that have been there. Sent from my SM-G930T using Forums mobile app The main risk is pick pocketing type of stuff. You need to be very diligent on this. They are experts and work in teams but they surely pick on what looks like easy targets so look aware and vigilant. I’ve witnessed this stuff there and i’m sure I’ve made eye contact with potential theives. At that point they go elsewhere. Barcelona is known to be one of the worst in Europe. Use common sense as described on this thread and you will be fine. if you don’t carry much to lose you can’t lose much. I never felt physically unsafe anywhere we went but i am a relatively tall and well built guy and my wife and I are careful. I wouldnt go wandering down a dark street at night etc. just be very aware of your surroundings just as you would in a city like NY or New Orleans and you’ll be fine. I find large euro cities to be the least worrisome from a physical safety perspective. My only worries involve pick pocketing etc. Just go and be smart about it. You will have fun and it is a great city to visit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Langley Cruisers Posted February 27, 2018 #15 Share Posted February 27, 2018 What hotel are you staying at? Ours did NOT have a safe in the room (a one bedroom suite at the Hotel Colon). We were gutted. Agree with the pick-pocketing risks. You should check things out online, either You Tube or travel websites concerning pick-pocketing "schemes" and such. Having said that, there were a few times when I felt uncomfortable but we were not going to let that deter us from enjoying one of the most fabulous cities in the world!! Barcelona is magnificent. I recommend a Hop On Hop Off bus tour. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LondonTowner Posted February 27, 2018 #16 Share Posted February 27, 2018 Langley Cruisers Did you ask at the reception if they had a safe. Although there wasn't one in the room they probably would have safe guarded your valuables in the main safe. The system is common in European hotels. Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George C Posted February 28, 2018 #17 Share Posted February 28, 2018 We bought money belts lots of Europe ports with pick pockets Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LondonTowner Posted February 28, 2018 #18 Share Posted February 28, 2018 There are pickpockets throughout the world, not just in Europe. Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George C Posted February 28, 2018 #19 Share Posted February 28, 2018 There are pickpockets throughout the world, not just in Europe. Sent from my iPad using Forums Very true Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cb at sea Posted February 28, 2018 #20 Share Posted February 28, 2018 You should be "vigilant" at home, too....tons of crime occur everywhere, everyday. Just use your common sense, and intuition! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrMan Posted February 28, 2018 #21 Share Posted February 28, 2018 The main risk is pick pocketing type of stuff. You need to be very diligent on this. They are experts and work in teams but they surely pick on what looks like easy targets so look aware and vigilant. I’ve witnessed this stuff there and i’m sure I’ve made eye contact with potential theives. At that point they go elsewhere. Barcelona is known to be one of the worst in Europe. Use common sense as described on this thread and you will be fine. if you don’t carry much to lose you can’t lose much. I never felt physically unsafe anywhere we went but i am a relatively tall and well built guy and my wife and I are careful. I wouldnt go wandering down a dark street at night etc. just be very aware of your surroundings just as you would in a city like NY or New Orleans and you’ll be fine. I find large euro cities to be the least worrisome from a physical safety perspective. My only worries involve pick pocketing etc. Just go and be smart about it. You will have fun and it is a great city to visit. I am in Barcelona 3 times yearly. Don’t let the scare mongers scare you off. You are smart ladies, use common sense. You are safer there than La, Chicago or NaY. Have fun it’s a great city. If you have time visit Monsorat, Sitgis, and La Segrida La Familia. Have fun! Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KiwiGal117 Posted February 28, 2018 #22 Share Posted February 28, 2018 I was in Barcelona last year for a conference and often took the subway around alone to get to meetings and dinners. I have a Travelon travel handbag that I wear cross body (it is built with anti theft security functions and I bought mine on Amazon for about $35). I was conscious in crowded situations - and had no problem. Don’t keep anything in your pockets and hold on to your bag. But that is true anywhere. It is a lovely city and I felt quite safe. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desert Cruizers Posted February 28, 2018 #23 Share Posted February 28, 2018 We were there for a TA and our group stayed at the Universl Barcelona. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dd likes to cruise Posted February 28, 2018 #24 Share Posted February 28, 2018 While we were in Barcelona it was a little cool so most days I had a light jacket on. I kept my cross body bag on under my jacket. I could even keep a hand on it at all time while my hand was in the jacket pocket. Just be aware of your surroundings. One big thing they warn you about it someone knocking your drink over or spilling something on you, one person comes to help you clean it up and a second person is the thief. If you run into anything like that keep them away and refuse their help. We have 2 more trips booked there, so we felt safe enough. Really an easy place to get around on your own. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
topnole Posted February 28, 2018 #25 Share Posted February 28, 2018 I am in Barcelona 3 times yearly. Don’t let the scare mongers scare you off. You are smart ladies, use common sense. You are safer there than La, Chicago or NaY. Have fun it’s a great city. If you have time visit Monsorat, Sitgis, and La Segrida La Familia. Have fun! Sent from my iPhone using Forums If you think my post was scare mongering you read it wrong. I think I said pretty much what you did but with a more detail. Neither of us have any idea how much they have travelled but from reading their post they clearly seem better off having an understanding of what to be aware so they can be “smart tourists”. Not everyone has long history of travel experience. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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