My wife and I have booked a transatlantic cruise on the Navigator of the Seas. We will be arriving in Barcelonia on April 26, 2008. I have free air miles, but I have to leave Barcelonia on the 28th. I have a choice to stay in Barcelonia for those two nights, or fly to San Juan and spend the two nights there. I've been in San Juan many times and feel a little more comfortable staying there. However, I don't want to miss an opportunity while in Barcelonia. Can anyone tell me if Barcelonia would be a better choice?
Sonny <Changed to only one night in Barcelona>
This message has been edited. Last edited by: Sonny V,
Yes! You should spend your 2 nights in Barcelona. It is a wonderful city. One of the best places I have been. There is so much to do and see and the people are really friendly and so proud of their city. If you need help with what to see and do just let me know your interests and I will give you some ideas. Just don't miss this opportunity.
I would appreciate any information you can give us. We aren't night life people, we enjoy the most interest sites of what ever city we are in. Hotel suggestions would also help. Are there a lot of english speaking people? Tell what you did and saw in Barcelonia; I'm sure other members would love to read about it as well. Thank you for your reply.
sonny, I am not really a city person but just loved Barcelona and going back again next year. The hop on and off bus is a brilliant way to find all the places of interest.
I would love to hear about Barcelona also, we are planning a cruise out of there next October. We want to come in on the weekend and sail on Monday Oct 20, need some help with hotel choices. Should we book hotel through the ship or do in on our own?
When I was there in 87 we visited a beautiful old Cathederal, went to see the statue of Christopher Columbus. I beleive he points to the new world (USA)and went to the tallest dept store (at that time anyway). I believe we went up 7 floors and I said ENOUGH! Don't remember how many more there were. Stay away from the Sangria...it's deadly!!!
While I can't offer any first-hand experiences, I can provide a review from our PortReviews.com sister site, written by Tom Ogg. Looks like a great place to visit (heeding the warnings about pickpockets, though).
LisaP
Posts: 3140 | Location: Massachusetts, USA | Registered: December 17, 2005
Just got back from Barcelona.we were at port here from our cruise for 1 day and seen so much by using the hop on and off bus.You can buy tickets and catch this by the Christopher Columbus monument.It(turistic) bus) took us all over barcelona.We seen it all!
The hop on hop off tourist bus is definately the best way to see the best of Barcelona in a couple of days. There are actually 2 different routes, the red and the blue. You can buy a 2 day ticket which covers both routes. This is a real bargain and includes discounts to many of the places you will want to visit. The people of Barcelona and the area around have their own language, Catalan. They also all speak Castillian Spanish which is what most foreigners learn. Many do have a little English, especially the younger people. It is a good idea to learn a few words of Spanish - they are always delighted that you have cared enough to try. Starting from the harbour look out for the pillar and statue of Christopher Columbus. Straight on into the city and you are strolling La Rambla with its artists, musicians, flower sellers and cafes - a wonderful place for people watching. It really comes alive after 8pm when people have finished work and begin the 'paseo'. At the sea end of La Ramble there is a hidden treasure - on the right is a champagne bar. It is very small and serves nothing but Spanish champagne, which is called Cava. La Rambla which is less than a mile long and leads to the Plaza de Catalunya. Off it you will find The Old Gothic Quarter with it's impressive Cathedral and winding narrow streets, La Boqueria market, the Gran Theatre del Liceu, and the Plaza de Reial, all of which are well worth visiting. Barcelona is the city of the architect Anton Gaudi. His buildings are fantastic! Visit in particular The Temple la Sagrade Familia, Casa Mila 'La Pedrera' and Parc Guell. Other places to visit are the Maritime Museum, the Zoo, the Museum of Modern Art, Montjuic and the Olympic Stadium and Tibidabo for great views over the city. There is much more than this in Barcelona to keep you coming back.
As far as I know there are three lines on the hop on and of bus. The third takes you around the beach area. The bus was a great way to travel and we were also advised when to change on to another line and shown were the stop was.
We spent three days in Barcelona before our cruise. Highly recommend this city. We walked alot ( we love to walk) but also took the Metro (safe and easy) We stayed at the Hotel Montecarlo (on Las Ramblas). I recommend this hotel. We booked it via the internet directly with the Hotel. Not cheap ( in terms of Euros vs. Dollar) but nothing else was cheap either. great location and we had a high room, with Balconey overlooking Las Ramblas and with the windows closed, it was very quiet.
Hi! We are planning to stay a couple of days in Barcelona after our return on the Millenium. Were thinking of doing bike excursion/tour. Has anyone done this?
