Vision of the Seas June 1 2020

[OBRN1]

We have never been on a European cruise. We will be flying in from Florida to Barcelona two days before cruise departure. We have two boys with us 20/18 year old. We have done many Caribbean cruises. Any advice on where to stay in Barcelona and what to do while there would be great. We always like to book our tours in advance with a private guide not a royal caribbean package. If anyone has any advice who to book excursions through at the different ports would be great. Thanks in advance. These are our ports of call Nice, France, Florence, Italy, Rome, Italy, Naples, Italy, Kotor, Montenegro, Venice Italy for two days arrive at @2pm Zadar, Croatia. Not sure where they dock in Venice maybe take a water taxi to the main city. Thanks again for all the help.

Melissa 

[1025cruise]

For port excursions, you should look in the ports of call boards for suggestions. You might also want to check your roll call to see if there are any groups.

[OBRN1]

Thank you

[3StepDam44]

Hello, Barcelona is a wonderful Port with so much to do and see.  The evening will give you a different take on it too.  There are many Cobbled side streets to walk along and have a drink and Tapas.  Last time I was there the Supermarket "Carrefour" on Las Ramblas was very good and reasonably priced.  There is also a wonderful Food Market along Las Ramblas on the left, which is a lovely way to spend some time.  Plenty of local Food Stalls and places to grab Coffee and Pastry etc.  Hope you all have a lovely time.x😊

[little britain]

@OBRN1 Are you sure you are going to Nice - usually they tender into Villefranche? Easy to catch the train into Monaco or Nice

You won't be docking in Florence as that is 70miles inland - are you going to LaSpezia or Livorno?  If it is La Spezia catch the train to the Cinque Terre - you won't have seen anything like it.

Kotor is just charming and you walk around the medieval town or if you are feeling fit you climb to the top of the hill for the views.

Rome you can catch the train in and be in town by 10. Take the HOHO from outside the station to orientate yourself. Get off at Spanish steps and walk your way past the Pantheon to Piazza Navona for lunch. Walk to the river and pick up the HOHO again to take you back to the station. €9.50pp for the train and €20pp for the HOHO.

Not sure where ships will dock in Venice next year but of all your ports this is the one for wandering, getting lost and drinking Aperol...

As above don't miss the market on the Ramblas.  Walk the streets of the old town near the cathedral and eat tapas. 

What I'm trying to say is there is no real need for a tour in any of these ports IMHO. 

Edited December 4, 2019 by little britain

[bobgp]

We did this cruise (also our first time in the Med)  in September of this year. The Vision, although one of their older ships, is perfect for this itinerary. This ship was in fine shape and the crew was outstanding. No need to pay more for a newer ship as you will be very busy off the ship.We utilized Italy Tours for our tours in Italy. I highly recommend them. Very responsive to email and their drivers and guides were excellent. You will tour in a van which accommodates 8 people max as compared to Royal Caribbean tours that are in a bus with 40 people. Many places to see and enjoy. Wear comfortable shoes and be aware you will have lots of company as Italy is always crowded. 

 

Enjoy and reach out with any questions.

[Norwich Cruiser]

I can highly recommend Hotel Jazz as a good a base as any for your Barcelona pre cruise stay.

For any private tours you may be considering we’ve always used Romeinlimo and have always been extremely pleased.

[Pencruise]

On 11/30/2019 at 1:09 PM, OBRN1 said:

We have never been on a European cruise. We will be flying in from Florida to Barcelona two days before cruise departure. We have two boys with us 20/18 year old. We have done many Caribbean cruises. Any advice on where to stay in Barcelona and what to do while there would be great. We always like to book our tours in advance with a private guide not a royal caribbean package. If anyone has any advice who to book excursions through at the different ports would be great. Thanks in advance. These are our ports of call Nice, France, Florence, Italy, Rome, Italy, Naples, Italy, Kotor, Montenegro, Venice Italy for two days arrive at @2pm Zadar, Croatia. Not sure where they dock in Venice maybe take a water taxi to the main city. Thanks again for all the help.

Melissa 

The ship offered a 2 day water shuttle ticket when we were on Vision this year.  We actually walked, about 30 mins to Rialto Bridge and 40 to St. Marks - Venice is fabulous you will love it.  We are doing the same cruise again next year in Aug and Sept. 

[bobgp]

We stayed at the Hotel Barcelona 1882. Very new and modern. I believe $120 euros per night. It is located 4 blocks from La Familia. In front of La Familia you will find the hop on hop off buses. Tours are about 2 hours each. Hope that helps.