Jan 2019 Review - Morocco and Canary Islands from Barcelona

[tammyjw305]

My husband and I went on the NCL Spirit at the beginning of January, leaving from Barcelona. I'm creating a pictorial review, but will probably be slow.  

 

We are in our early 40's. This is our 2nd time on the ship, 11th cruise, and 10th on NCL. The itinerary was the following: 

 

Barcelona, Spain
At Sea
Casablanca, Morocco
At Sea
Las Palmas, Canary Islands
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands
Funchal, Madeira
At Sea
Granada (Malaga), Spain
Alicante, Spain
Barcelona, Spain (Flight Departure)   

 

All ports and countries were new for us, so very exciting. We have kids that did not go with us, so we did not extend our trip too much. We had the night before and after the cruise to explore Barcelona. We booked our first Lufthansa flight from Dallas-Fort Worth to Barcelona with a layover in Frankfurt, Germany. Our ticket just allowed us a personal item and one checked back each.  This worked out with no problem. We also could not pre-pick our seat (without paying), but we were able to pick the seat when we checked in. They auto-put us in the back of each flight, but with the layover, we wanted to get off quicker to catch the next flight. We have heard about Frankfurt airport being slow for layovers, and we have experienced slowness when leaving from Frankfurt (FRA) to the US before. So, we were a little nervous about our 1.5 hour and 2 hour back layovers. All worked out. Landing in FRA only required going through passport controls, where there was barely any line. Then we were at the gate socializing with a work group that had met up from multiple places around Europe and going to a project in Spain :). 

 

On the flight to Barcelona, flying over the Mediterranean, right before landing, was beautiful. No whitecaps, so I wondered if it was a lake at first. Very smooth sea! Lufthansa gave us a second breakfast on the second flight. Overall, a little better food than we were used to on airlines in America, more drink service, but slower to come back to pick up trash -- focusing on the drink service. At the Barcelona airport, no additional passport control -- in the EU already -- and no customs. We used the ATM at the airport to get some Euros. Unfortunately, we forgot, the ATMs like to give 50 Euro bills that businesses do not like to take -- we had 2 50 Euro bills... If there are no fees, I recommend getting 40 Euros in two transactions to avoid the 50s. There was no ATM fee; ask your bank if they charge a foreign exchange fee. 

 

We got our bags and then shuttled off to Terminal 2 to catch the train to town. We had researched and got a T10 transport ticket. Attempted to use the first 50 Euro, but no go in the ticket machine. It allowed for 10 trips or 5 trips for 2 people -- handing it back for the 2nd person to scan too is allowed. If you need to change bus/subway/train transportation, you have 75 minutes for the one scan trip. The T10 card is 10.20 EUR.   

 

[tammyjw305]

There was Joy in DFW before leaving Dallas. We left a week after Christmas, so got to enjoy Christmas decorations still up at the ports. Definitely left up longer than decorations in towns in the US. 

 

 

(Really seeing if I can figure out how to post pictures.)

[tammyjw305]

We got off the train at the Garcia stop and walked to the hotel. We stayed at the Hotel Ibis Styles. After checking in, we cleaned up and settled in a little before going out to explore more. It was now Wednesday, Jan 2nd. We went to Las Ramblas. I loved all the great architecture in Barcelona. Many cities have a couple of great buildings, but Barcelona had almost all great buildings :). Some examples: 

 

 

 

 

[tammyjw305]

Old Temple: 

 

 

[tammyjw305]

We then stopped to experience Tapas. I do not remember the name of the place that we tried, but it was very good and affordable priced. We had 4 tapas to share: calamari (no sauce though, was good with the bomba sauce), pan con tomate (tomatoes on bread), bomba (this is potato with meat in the middle and spicy sauce), and croquette (chicken and ham fried ball). Husband had a beer and me fancy water; it was 19 Euros. 

 

We found things to fairly affordable. The next morning, we got bottled water for 54 Euro cents and soda bottle for a Euro. 

 

We decided to walk back to the hotel and got to bed early after our previous night overnight flight without sleep. Also, we had early plans in the morning. 

[tammyjw305]

The next morning, we got up early to visit Parc Guell. Husband found on the web before that they allow people to go in before it opens for free. I had read it was 17 Euros per person, but saw on the train an ad that showed it as 23 Euro -- so pricey. I wanted to see the Gaudi work and the sunrise was a surprise bonus. The sun did not rise in many of our ports until between 7:30 and 8am -- this seemed very late to us. Several mornings we were trying to find our way in the dark at ports. 

 

We took a bus to the park; we just missed one so had to wait a bit for the next one. There were many others there early too. It was on a hill, so there were great views toward the ocean and the sunrise. There was some construction going on at the park, but it was very unique and very beautiful. 

 

 

 

 

 

[tammyjw305]

The sunrise: 

 

 

 

and the moon:

 

 

with the ocean: 

 

[tammyjw305]

More of the park:

 

 

 

 

 

On the left, you see people standing at the top of the building. In the middle and on the right is the construction where we could not go.

 

Edited March 24, 2019 by tammyjw305

[tammyjw305]

Then we walked to La Sagrada Familia. We had a booked Fat Tire bike tour for when we departed the cruise that we knew visited, but we went anyway. Husband wanted to go while it was still dark to see it lit up, but I was too slow getting ready...  It was very pretty and big, unique, different architecture in different parts, of course, still under construction.

 

 

 

 

Fruits: 

 

 

We did not go inside. I read it was highly recommended and to get a ticket for a particular time slot online beforehand to avoid lines. 

[tammyjw305]

Then it was back to the hotel to grab our luggage and check out. We caught the Metro/subway and then walked to the cruise port bus stop.

 

 

 

On the walk, Christopher Columbus monument: 

 

 

 

We found the cruise bus stop with others there with luggage, good sign. The protector bus waiting area noted to wait there for the bus. Then several buses passes us by, and they were dropping off people to go into town. Finally, one driver waved us to the end of the block for pick up. Weird -- why say wait somewhere different than they were picking up. We had pre-purchased a one-way ticket for 3 Euros each. They also took cash only on the bus. They were confused by our pre-paid ticket; like they had not seen it before. The option was on their web site :). From reading online before, it seemed like a fairly new service they were offering. They had a round-trip for 5 Euros, but it had to be used the same day (we could not have used it when we departed the cruise). Our ship was their last stop in terminal C. The port was across a bridge over the water. We could have walked but given the distance was worried it would be too hard on our luggage wheels. 

Edited March 24, 2019 by tammyjw305

[mimmy52]

Thank you for this review and especially the photos.  We’ll be doing the same ports in October on MSC and look forward to reading/seeing more about your trip.

[tammyjw305]

21 hours ago, mimmy52 said:

Thank you for this review and especially the photos.  We’ll be doing the same ports in October on MSC and look forward to reading/seeing more about your trip.

You should not be disappointed. It was one of our favorite trips, so far 🙂

[tammyjw305]

Time to check in -- exciting! Luggage drop off was slow; there were lots of untagged luggage in need of tagging, which made the drop off slow. The Security line was also long; we were not chosen for the shorter line -- maybe suites. We have not yet seen platinum embarkation that is listed as a perk. Only one checkpoint open for the non-chosen; after we waited and almost there, they opened another lane. All Latitudes check in was together, and though the line was shorter, it moved much slower than non-Latitudes check in. However, check in was quick, and we were able to immediately board. We were seated at the MDR for lunch by 12:45 pm. We enjoyed a nice lunch with our friendly waiter, Chris Davis, from St. Vincent. We both had the greek salad. Husband liked it more. I had the burger, and husband shrimp pasta -- he noted that the pasta was very good.

 

After we checked out the ship a little, and we were able to go our room (ready at 1:30). Our room was an upgrade bid and win. We have never been offered an upgrade or a chance to bid for one before, so we played the game and bid for an oceanview and balcony. Originally, we were in an inside room, deck 4, forward. After our Sept cruise, I was eager for a window. We ended up in an oceanview on deck 8. We were happy with the location and enjoyed the window. 

 

This is NCL's oldest and smallest ship. I decided that I like it because I knew how to get around :). Though the Blue Lagoon would be better bigger and not being a walk through. The Asian decor, that the ship is known for, is good. I heard people had trouble with their toilets not flushing. Ours would act that it would not flush -- push the button multiple times for it to flush 30 secs later after moving into the vanity/sink area. I have not seen that happen before, but no embarrassing maintenance calls needed, so good. Our US 110 plug was not working when we arrived, called maintenance, and they fixed it quickly.  

[fabnfortysomething]

it can be tricky finding the platinum embarkation desks at Barcelona terminal

 

you have to go along to the far end desks where suite the CAS Special assistance and platinum desks are

if you don't know to do that you are funnelled into the nearer desks with long lines  

[tammyjw305]

6 hours ago, singinalot said:

 

 

wow great tip! Thank you. I hadn't heard you could go in for free. We are going next year. What time did you get there?

 

We ended up cutting it pretty by the time we arrived; it opened at 8:30 am when we were there. Check the hours for the month you are visiting: https://parkguell.barcelona/ca/planifica-la-teva-visita/tarifes-horaris

[tammyjw305]

12 hours ago, fabnfortysomething said:

it can be tricky finding the platinum embarkation desks at Barcelona terminal

 

you have to go along to the far end desks where suite the CAS Special assistance and platinum desks are

if you don't know to do that you are funnelled into the nearer desks with long lines  

 

Doh...I would have looked if I knew they had one... We asked in Valparaiso and told there were none. 

[tammyjw305]

We went to dinner in the MDR. I had ravioli with smoked mozzarella as an appetizer. Husband had the veggie burrito as his main; he really liked it. I had beef medallions, though it came as NY strip at first, but she replaced it quickly. The NY strip is on the menu everyday, so I wanted the beef medallions that were only on the menu once. The odd thing was that our waiter kept changing. I don't know why. I know they have assistants, but the original never returned. We had desserts: volcano cake (my always favorite) and strawberry shortcake (this was an untraditional strawberry shortcake with the strawberry and shortcake mixed together instead of layered). Then we went to welcome onboard show to get an introduction to the different performers for the cruise.

 

We went to sign up for the Behind the Scenes tour, but it was scheduled for around 8am the next morning. We had no sleep on the plane and then getting up early for Parc Guell, so we really needed one day to catch up on sleep. We did not sign up. They noted needing to pick a time that worked for the Gallery, but with breakfast, this time seemed like an odd choice. I wondered if they were trying to keep attendance down instead... 

 

We did sleep late the next morning on our Sea Day. We played charades with the cruise director's staff and met a few people on board. We had Blue Lagoon for lunch for me and Indian food on the buffet for husband. He loves the Indian food on the buffet, noting they had vegetarian India dishes in one section and meat India dishes in another. The buffet on this ship is good size. The back of the ship (normally the Great Outdoors on NCL ships) is terraces, offering many great places to eat. 

 

For dinner, we had Le Bistro booked with our platinum free dinner. It was very good -- husband had muscles, my asparagus appetizer, pork chops, and we both had the Napoleon for dessert (its the best!). I had the filet that I always like. They also brought the "compliments of the chef" salmon mousse and bread -- always very good too! On the free specialty dining NCL option, you pre-pay the tip when booking the cruise. However, with the platinum certification, you do not, so we normally tip. This time there was no room key swipe or receipt to tip with. It is nice the free thank you for repeat cruising item is really free, but we had very good service and planned to tip. 

 

To end our sea day, we went for a walk on the promenade deck (had some calories to burn) to watch passing through the Strait of Gibraltar. Earlier the Captain announced the passing time. It was cool; we could see the Gibraltar, including the rock, and Tangier, on the Africa side!

 

A misplaced picture/late picture -- La Sagrada Familia before sailing away: 

 

Edited March 26, 2019 by tammyjw305

[tammyjw305]

Casablanca

 

Welcome to Africa! This was the port where we had the most time -- 7am - 6pm. I believe the ship took a little longer to be cleared, but was cleared by 7:20 am. We got off after it was cleared. It was still dark out, and this was port that we were trying to find our way in the dark, which was a little scary. Our plans were to take the train to Rabat. Before we read great advice by this gentleman: 

http://travel4brews.com/2018/03/09/cruise-train-rabat-from-casablanca/
http://travel4brews.com/2018/03/12/spending-half-day-in-rabat-morocco/

 

Despite the great advice, we took the long way to the train station and got lost one -- a police man redirected us. Also at the port were aggressive taxi drivers -- a ride for 5 or 6 EURs. The train station is called Casa Port. Right outside the train station was the actual port exit where we had to show our ship key cards. We were trying to make the 8am train, but it was tight. We had not visited the ATM yet (available at the train station). The machines, that we were having trouble with and knowing if we would make the 8am, took credit cards, and the cashiers/humans only took cash. We did not make the 8am, so bought tickets for the 9am. Trains ran every hour on the hour to Rabat and on the 28s of the hour back.  Check the latest schedules on the ONCF web site: http://www.oncf.ma/Pages/Accueil.aspx . From the blog's recommendation, we got first class tickets. The train was fairly uncrowded on the way to Rabat, but fairly crowded on the way back. While waiting for our train, we used the train station wi-fi, checked out the views outside -- it was getting lighter outside, visited the clean restrooms, and learned how to read the train schedule and determined our platform. Each train had an electronic sign announcing the next three stations, except on the way back. Though we determined on the way back that the train terminated at Casa Port, so no problem. 

 

In Rabat, we first walked to the Hassan Tower and Mausoleum. 

 

First, had to have a picture confirming that we were in Africa:

 

 

Entering the Hassan Tower and Mausoleum area: 

 

 

The tower:

 

 

These pillars were the foundation for the Mosque that was planned but never built:

 

 

Edited March 27, 2019 by tammyjw305

[tammyjw305]

Beautiful buildings and building features: 

 

 

 

 

 

In South America, they had stray dogs around; here it was stray cats: 

 

[tammyjw305]

The Mausoleum was beautiful: 

 

 

 

I bought a scarf to be a hair cover in Morocco, but did not end up using it. It was not required here, and we did not go into the Mosque in Casablanca. 

 

More outside pictures: 

 

 

 

A view to the ocean: 

 

[tammyjw305]

Then we walked to the Medina (the market): 

 

 

 

We each got lunch of a large panini type sandwich in Moroccan Dirhams, which we later determined were about $0.50 USD each. We heard that French was spoken in Morocco, but also heard that you have to negotiate with taxi drivers in Arabic. We tried to learn some key words in French. It did not help us at the Medina. We looked a little more at the market while eating and then continued to the Kasbah. View of the ocean outside the Kasbah: 

 

 

Kasbah: 

 

 

Inside the Kasbah, narrow alleys and neat connected buildings painted the same: 

 

[tammyjw305]

To know about the Kasbah that I had not read and very surprised by, people that live there start following you and talking to you -- giving a tour for a tip or money. If you want a tour, their English was good and seemed like they would do a good tour. However, we were not expecting this and felt like we were being followed and hustled that we did not like. 

 

We worked our way through, unescorted, to this great view: 

 

 

 

 

[FredZiffle]

Great review, Tammy.  Saw your CC name and thought I'd pop in and say hi.  Hope you and Travis are doing well.

 

- Carl

[tammyjw305]

1 hour ago, FredZiffle said:

Great review, Tammy.  Saw your CC name and thought I'd pop in and say hi.  Hope you and Travis are doing well.

 

- Carl

 

Hi Carl, 

 

Thanks! We are good -- kids' school stuff, work, and travel when we can :). How are y'all? What great trips have you done lately? 

 

Tammy

[tammyjw305]

We then walked toward the train station. We stopped for an ice cream cone to share (which was more than both our lunches) outside the Medina and closer to the train station. Culture lessons learned: they provided a small spoon, and we were supposed to eat the cone with a spoon. I'm not a big fan of cones, so I can get onboard. 

 

At the train station, there were machines that were suppose to accept cash, but only accepting credit cards was working. We had cash withdrawn to use, so did not want to use a credit card. Given the problem, the line at the cashiers was long and again we were close to the leaving time. We managed to get through the line and make the train. We could have bought a round trip ticket before leaving Casa, but you have to know what time you want to come back. We went back an hour earlier than we originally planned. 

 

Back in Casa, we walked to visit the famous Mosque, walking through their Medina: 

 

 

Walking back through the Medina, instead of trying to communicate, husband started handing vendors money, and they would hand him what quality he paid for or change. He tried a fried pie dough dessert with caramelized sugar. We tried some pasties, but were not going through the Dirhams very quickly. The craziness of the Medina was starting to get me and my comfortable level. So, I wanted to go back to the train station store to buy some candy for later. The money went fast there. On the walk back to port, we found an under-construction street with nowhere to walk/traffic very close but others were walking so we did too -- eek. 

 

Back into the port, a boat: 

 

 

Casa and Rabat were very exciting to see -- different than other places we have gotten to visit. Husband noted that people were  very friendly; I had not noticed one way or the other -- taking everything else in, I guess.