I booked a 4/12/08 transatlantic from Ft. Lauderdale to Barcelona. This is my first transatlantic cruise. I have to spend the night after the cruise in Barcelona, and need some input. All the prices I checked on are over $300 per night,and the nearest hotel to the airport is about 15 miles.
We were going to do a TA in April also so I had done some research on hotels. It is not cheap Here are some that were recommended by CC members maybe something will be in your budget
Hotel. Try the Rialto in calle Ferran. It is just off the Ramblas, close to the old town and not far from the port area. With all the luggage I would take a taxi!
Four is average for my wife. We have two days before the cruise, and one day after the cruise; plus the 14 night cruise.
Can anyone tell me what a taxi would cost for two people from the port area to the airport? I read some reviews on the Rialto Hotel, most of which were not good. I need some input on hotels.
Hi Sonny. What about a hotel package offered via RCCL? I assume you are on RCCL. You have probably already thought of that, but I just had to ask? As far as the train, when we were in Morocco this summer, we took the train twice. A 1 hour, and a 2.5 hour ride. Both times, there seemed to be mostly locals on board, with no luggage. We had 6 pieces for us 3. They had storage racks for it, we just had to keep the aisle clear. We were also on the Gatwick Express train, from Gatwick to central London this summer, it also had lots of luggage racks. Also, when I took the trains for 2 weeks all over europe, my mom and I never had a problem storing out luggage. So, I really don't think it'd be a problem. I must admit, I have never taken a train in Spain, but I don't think it'd be much different, especially if it is going to the airport. I guess what I'm trying to say, is that every train in Europe, England and Morocco I have been on, always had luggage storage. Anyways, hope this helps. Lil' Lori
Yikes, I just looked at the hotel packages RCCL offers. Those prices are pretty scary. Have you tried looking at "Tripadvisor", to see what people say about the hotels? What they recommend? Good luck, Lil' Lori
SonnyV, I remembered Samantha Brown had done a show on Barcelona in her Passport to Europe series. I looked on the website and here is the link. She has a link within her review for the hotel she stayed in. Maybe this might help.
Sonny, I am quite fussy when it comes to hotels. I would not book anything less than a 4star hotel, even for a one night stay. Make sure you do lots of research before you book. Don't rush in you have got plenty of time.
Good advice, Kentishgirl. I feel the same way as you do with hotels. I just got off the phone with American Airlines, and they managed to get me a flight out of Barcelona on the same day the cruise ends. So, my wife and I won't have to spend the night in Barcelona.
Does that mean you won't have any sightseeing time? I am regretting not doing a couple of days in Barcelona before our cruise. Guess if it looks good we will have to go back!!
If it was post cruise I would do some sightseeing, but after a 14 night cruise my wife will be anxious to return home. My wife and I will have more discussion about staying in Barcelona. I don't have to decide on our itinerary until next Friday. We're really not an avid sightseeing couple.
I know how your wife feels. 14 nights is long enough. We rarely go away more than a week at a time now, unless of course we decide to go back to the U.S.!!
Hi Sonny We were on the Voyager in September. It was fantastic but let me warn you about the taxi drivers. Not one of them can speak or even try to speak English. We've never done this and did'nt know what to do. We asked (at the airport) about 20 taxi drivers for help - in the end we figured it out that we were suppose to go to the first taxi in the line. the other simply will shake their heads and in the beginning we had no idea why. Before we could even asked if they speak english they said NO. WE had a night post cruise in Barcelona. WE stayed at Apsis BCN Events - a 4 star. was very nice - no problems. I have no idea what it cost because our travel agent made a mistake with our flights and they booked us into a hotel for their account. the hotel is between the airport and the city. Have a nice cruise Sanet
quote:
Originally posted by Sonny V: I booked a 4/12/08 transatlantic from Ft. Lauderdale to Barcelona. This is my first transatlantic cruise. I have to spend the night after the cruise in Barcelona, and need some input. All the prices I checked on are over $300 per night,and the nearest hotel to the airport is about 15 miles.
Lil' Lori
Have you tried looking at "Tripadvisor", to see what people say about the hotels? What they recommend? Good luck, 
Lil' Lori
