Barcelona FAQ hotels, sights, drivers, tours

[CAcruzfunatic]

Would you mind posting Barcelona information and questions: Pre/post-cruise hotels, sights to see and not be missed, airport transfers, tour guides and drivers???

[CAcruzfunatic]

We will be in Barcelona in November 2007 and are looking for a pre and post cruise hotel for our family of six and a couple of two. I have been looking at some apartment hotel properties. Anyone had any experience with this type of property?

 

We would like to spend a couple of days in Barcelona as well. What things have people done that they would recommend?

 

Anyone used a driver or company to do airport transfers?

 

Thanks for any input!!!

[gratefulguy]

One good way to research a trip is to read the Roll Calls for sailings that go to the port(s) you are interested in. You can find these sailings by searching a travel agent web site that has the option of looking for specific ports of call. Then, with that list, come back to CC and read the "befores and afters" of those cruises.

I'm headed to Barcelona (airport code BCN--often used as an abbrv. for the city in posts) on the Grand Princess Nov.1, 2006 so here are some web-sites I've used for research:

http://www.tripadvisor.com

http://www.bcn.es/guia

http://www.barcelona.es

http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com

http://www.mobissimo.com

http://maribelsguides.com (not positive this is right URL)

Of course, if you just google, you'll see many more!

Have fun.

[CAcruzfunatic]

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showp...53&postcount=1

 

I just found this post that starts with some great information on Barcelona. (From the standpoint of a true traveler, willing to venture out and experience the culture)

[CAcruzfunatic]

gratefulguy

 

Thanks so much for the links. I will check them out. That is great advice.

 

Are you on the Grand for the Trans-Atlantic?

 

Are you getting off in Florida or Galveston?

 

We embark the Grand on the 18th of November in Galveston for its first western carib of the season. Maybe we will cross paths in the terminal!

 

Great timing for your cruise with the Grand fresh out of Dry Dock and looking spiffy!

 

Have a great cruise!!!

[gratefulguy]

Yes, fanatic, I have family in League City, TX, so I'm spending an early "Thanksgiving" with them before flying back to SD on the 19th.

Hoping the dry dock (wet dock?--webcams look like she is afloat in Palermo!) gets some upgrades in the interior and that our crossing is in smooth seas, so we don't mess-up the new paint job!

BTW, there is a lady from Fair Oaks on our cruise--"travelingjan"--have you seen her posts?

Louis

[gratefulguy]

Just checked the webcams for the Grand--it looks to me as though Princess is showing "non-live" views. They have had several shots that first appeared to be places in Palermo, taken from a camera different from the one they were using during her cruises. Now, I'm wondering if these are just stock footage from the tourist bureau! The shot from the "wedding cam", shows the Oct. 19th view.

I guess they want us to get "antsy" about what changes they might be making---it's working!!

[Parrot Mom]

Would you mind posting Barcelona information and questions: Pre/post-cruise hotels, sights to see and not be missed, airport transfers, tour guides and drivers???

 

We were in Barcelona a bit more than a year ago and the hotel that we found many independent cruisers in was the Hotel Continental directly on The Ramblas...only 66 rooms, but the continental breakfast, free internet service make up for the decor..lol.. also, while there several cruisers earlier last year recommended Auriello who we used and can't say enough about.. He books early and ifyou write to me at parrotmom@comcast.net I'll be glad to send you more information about him.. We most likely wlll do a trans-atlantic next year and he day we book is the day I reserve Auriello for another tour and pick up in Barcelona.. he does several tours.. We saw more in one day than the average tourist does going on and off the tourist bus.. Since cruisers have been so helpful and for the most part their advice been right on.. I feel that I should do the same.... I owe!! parrotmom@comcast.net

[cberge]

Would you mind posting Barcelona information and questions: Pre/post-cruise hotels, sights to see and not be missed, airport transfers, tour guides and drivers???

 

Do a search on this board as there is a ton of info on it that will answer all your questions tenfold(even about apt's for rent).The search function is easy to use...top bar third over from right..says SEARCH.Get a good guide book from your library(so you don't have to buy one for a short stay) and do some research re the sights you may want to see.There is a Hop/on Hop/off bus which is a great way to get around as well.Taxi's easiest way into the city as it is not far..some have vans.

[gratefulguy]

Found other good sites from reading Maribel's guide

http://www.softguides.com

http://www.sagradafamilia.org

http://www.mnac.es

http://www.artticketbcn.org

http://www.liceubarcelona.com

http://www.elcorteingles.es

As you know, many sites in other languages have flag icons to link to different languages, but I've found a few that use the word "Welcome" instead. Sometimes these links aren't visible at first if there's animation, or a long loading time, or if you don't view in a full window.

Glad I don't have to travel anymore without the WWW--it sure makes info more available!

[Parrot Mom]

One of the reasons that I freely recommend Auriello from Barcelona Taxi was not only did we think he was outstanding, but I received a note from somebody who I recommended him from...and this is what she said.. "just had to write you and tell you how wonderful Aurelio was

He made our trip and so did you for referring him.

We can't thank you enough.The man is so nice and so informative. We fell in love with this gentle man and with Barcelona." and rarely do I receive feedback....this was the second note thanking me... One of the things I have been so grateful for in the past ten years of being on the computer is all the mostly honest help people have given me. There are times when you will notice my posts and I've been brutally honest...the latest example being our cruise on NCL Majesty on 9/10

 

Now, my next cruise which isn't booked yet..I'm really going to need help for Casablanca,, Tangiers and the Canary islands..

[fmax]

Here's a thread that's faqs on Barcelona

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=264642&highlight=faq

 

If you search the board there's also a long post by a local of Barcelona who has been offering plenty of advice and answering questions.

 

 

Frances

[Parrot Mom]

Well...I can tell you we were in Barcelona in October 2005...and we used a guide because we are older and my husband has a bad ankle..Yes, we saw the Cathederal.. and I must tell y ou I was very unimpressed...except for the newer interpretation of the work.. We hit in one day all the highlights plus a great meal at Salamanca...If we had been on o ur own...when our driver took us to see a famous site.. I looked across the street and saw a very primative mural on the wall...When I asked him what it was he said it was a Nativity scene by :Picasso.... it was one of those moments in traveling when you know...you just know..that the average tourists hasnt seen it and it's absolutely striking...and unforgettable. We had two nights in Barcelona..and saw more than the average tourist with explanations about why the corners of the streets are angled,, etc.etc.. No, we didn't stay at a high end hotel, but at the boutique (i.e. inexpensive Hotel Continental) where intenet service was free... a huge continental breakfast was avaiilable and refreshments and drinks available all day long.. Since our cruise was 17 days plus a pre-cruise.. we travled with an abundance of luggage and there is no way that we could hop on and off.. or take a regular taxi..lol

[cberge]

Now, my next cruise which isn't booked yet..I'm really going to need help for Casablanca,, Tangiers and the Canary islands..

 

I know I have posted on Tangiers as far as going with a guide and there were a lot of other posts on same thread...they were on this board,and they may have been moved if you can't find them.They were posted this summer.If you can't find them check out this CC board for info...Africa & Middle East - Cruise Critic Message Boards

[CAcruzfunatic]

Just checked the webcams for the Grand--it looks to me as though Princess is showing "non-live" views.

 

I think you're right! I just checked the web cam on the Princess website and it should be early AM there and the cam is showing bright daylight.

 

I beleive they do want to entice and tease. Before you know it you will be embarking in Barcelona and all the wondering will be answered.

[CAcruzfunatic]

BTW, there is a lady from Fair Oaks on our cruise--"travelingjan"--have you seen her posts?

Louis

 

I did check out "travelingjan" posts and it sounds she probably lives within a mile of us. What a small world. I thought she may be someone that is friends of our neighbors that we me one time on a repo cruise. I haven't had a chance to ask them yet. They will be traveling with us in November as well.

 

You have a great roll call thread going. Looks like some great information there as well.

 

Thanks again! We'll waive in Galveston.

[CAcruzfunatic]

We were in Barcelona a bit more than a year ago...while there several cruisers earlier last year recommended Auriello who we used and can't say enough about.... We saw more in one day than the average tourist does going on and off the tourist bus.

 

Do you have a way of contacting Auriello? email? telephone?

 

What were the sights you enjoyed most of his tour? Did you use him for transfers as well?

 

Thanks so much for you input!!!

[CAcruzfunatic]

Here's a thread that's faqs on Barcelona

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=264642&highlight=faq

 

Frances

 

Frances what a fantastic thread. Thanks so much for the link!!!

 

I will link a few pages to this thread for future reference.

 

Thank you again!

[CAcruzfunatic]

Gran Havana - http://www.silken-granhavana.com/

Le Meridien - http://www.lemeridien.com/spain/bar...el_es1601.shtml

Hotel Colon - http://www.hotelcolon.es/

Hotel Majestic - http://www.hotelmajestic.es/

Hostal Opera - http://www.hostalopera.com/eng/hostal.asp

NH Calderon Hotel - http://www.hotelnhcalderon.com/

Ac Diplomat - http://www.achoteldiplomatic.com/index.english.html

Condes de Barcelona - http://www.condesdebarcelona.com/

Apsis Atrium Palace - http://www.hotel-atriumpalace.com/

Hotel Atlantis - http://www.hotelatlantis-bcn.com/

Hotel Montecarlo - http://www.montecarlobcn.com/swf/menuing.html

Hotel Regina - http://www.reginahotel.com/

Hotel Arts, Barcelona http://www.ritzcarlton.com/hotels/barcelona/

Hotel Continental http://www.hotelcontinental.com/

Apartments www.homeinbarcelona.com

 

Thanks Fmax and others for the great complilation.

[CAcruzfunatic]

I have been looking at this apartment hotel I found on Trip Advisor, Hispanos 7 Suiza http://www.barcelona19apartments.com/index2.html . It looks very nice and a two bedroom apartment will accomodate four. I have seen prices for this November from $160E per night. I did call the hotel and they are currently wanting $310E per night for next year. Maybe that will go down as the date gets closer and they still have rooms. The review on Trip Advisor are very good. I would probably want to book something sooner just in case they ended up full.

 

Has anyone stayed here? It looks like it is very close to La Sagrada Familia http://www.sagradafamilia.org .

 

How far from La Sagrada to Las Ramlas?

[CAcruzfunatic]

Thanks Fmax for this great compilation of websites with information on Barcelona

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=5296803&postcount=5

[fmax]

Not sure what other ports you're doing, but here's some other FAQs I started, or useful threads

 

Marseille

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=264664&highlight=faq

 

 

Villefranche

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=383583&highlight=villefranche

 

Pisa/Florence

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?

t=264654&highlight=faq

 

Rome

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=283936&highlight=faq

 

 

On your Own

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=391118&highlight=naples

 

my med cruise pixs

http://medcruisesplendour.shutterfly.com/action/

 

Frances

[jstducky]

I just spent 2 nights pre-cruise in Barcelona and I loved it.

 

I would recommend taking a day and doing the Bus Turistic Hop-On, Hop-Off bus. Start with the northern route through the Gaudi sites, hitting Casa Mila, Parc Guell and La Sagrada Familia. Then transfer over to the southern route to catch Mont Juic, Barri Gotic and Port Vell.

 

At night, take the Bus Turistic over to Placa Espanya or ride the subway. The magic fountains water, light and music show they have every night starting at 9:30 pm in the summers is fantastic.

 

Walk around La Bouqueria in the early mornings. Walk along Las Ramblas late at night.

 

There are so many wonderful sights in this city!

[CAcruzfunatic]

Here is that post for Pisa/Florence. The link above wouldn't work. Thanks Fmax

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=264654&highlight=faq

[CAcruzfunatic]

Thanks Frances for the links to the great threads. You hit almost everyone of our ports! You are a research mad man! We will all benefit from all your work!

 

Thanks!