bigsky

21 hours ago, cruiser3775 said:

I went around NZ anti-clockwise. I had a starboard side balcony cabin.   I wanted to see the fjords front on, but the weather was marginal and all the outdoor forward facing areas were closed off. So I just stayed on my balcony for Milford. We went up and turned around and came back, so I saw both sides.  It would be the same  if you were viewing from mid ship on the promenade deck. For Doubtful Sound and Dusky Sound, they are wider and have more than one entrance and exit. So you go in one way and come out another and there are views on both sides.    Once we were around the 'bottom' of the south island, all the coastal views were on the port side.   In port, being on the port side may not be the best view, because you don't know which way the ship will have to berth. If it backs into the wharf, the starboard side may be the one that has the land view. 

Another consideration, and it's a personal one, is that I preferred to take in the amazing scenery of the NZ sounds without a loud commentary, just the waves and the waterfalls. I did go to the promenade deck for a while, but found the commentary very obtrusive.

Thank you for your reply!

19 hours ago, OzKiwiJJ said:

Outside is the best place to be. For the other fiords pick an area where you can easily move from side to side but for Milford be on the port side. You'll understand why when you get there - it's all about the initial impact of seeing the scenery open up on that side. I've cruised into Milford four times now and it still awes me. I've also visited Milford by air and by road but arriving by ship is just spectacular.

 

 

Can't wait!

13 hours ago, reeves35 said:

One advantage of starboard is you'll get the Opera House outside your balcony as you depart.  Port side will have the better view whilst you are docked at OPT

OPT?

11 minutes ago, OzKiwiJJ said:

The best side going into Milford Sound is the port side. It's to do with the way the view opens up as the ship progresses into the fiord, it's more spectacular on that side. Remember to look up and back as well as forward. 

We'll be outside to see the Sounds. Wasn't sure if there was any reason to book one side over the other.

Thanks!

1 hour ago, Over from NZ said:

No there's not a preferable side. Both are going the same way. 🙂 

I booked Starboard and figured I'd change if need be. I'll stick with our balcony cabin : )

Thanks!

Just booked our cruise out of Sydney to NZ Feb 2025 on the Ovation. Long time cruiser, first time to NZ. I always book Starboard side.  Going to Wellington, Picton, Napier, Dunedin and of course the Sounds. Is there a preferable side?

Thank you!

29 minutes ago, lovetotraveltx said:

Just fyi, we just stayed at H10 Cataluyna plaza for 4 nights post river cruise. Loved the location, used taxis and the hop on/hop off bus right across the street from the hotel. Loved the staff, the breakfast and the free Cava in the lobbies and free snacks in the afternoon was a nice touch. I don't recommend a standard double though, it is very, very tiny even for Europe with not even one draw. 

Good to know. Staying there in early August pre cruise. Is the “subway” close by to get to locations quickly? 

17 hours ago, KirstenN said:

Would you be willing to share the name of the company so that I can research? Thanks in advance

 

We’re going thru Italytours.eu for all our excursions 

Booking all our excursions thru Italy tours. Has anyone done either one of these excursions?

Thanks!

On 4/2/2023 at 1:28 PM, lem3u said:

Was also wondering about this.  We have a flight that leaves the Barcelona airport for the US at 11:15am on a sunday in late September.  Any later flights would have meant very, very long layovers and not arriving home until the next day.  The ship docks at 5am, so I would like to have a car waiting to drop us at the airport.  I see the three suggestions above for booking private transfers, so i will investigate them.  Does anyone have any other suggestions for private transfer/taxi companies that are also good and reliable?  This is our second time cruising from  Barcelona. The first was back in 2009 but I cant remember flight times or if we had an delays, etc.  Thanks for any info!

I just replied to your post and saw you here....haha

This early flight out was so much better with getting home the same day. Otherwise, many long layovers! I'm used to cruising the Caribbean and know the drill. This is a new one for us. : )

On 4/7/2023 at 4:54 PM, lem3u said:

Hello,

 

We will be getting off the Symphony of the Seas in Barcelona on a Sunday in late September.  It says the ship docks at 5am.  We will be walking off with our luggage at the earliest permissible time(have an 11:15am flight back to the US).  I want to book a private taxi/car service to the airport, but I'm not sure what time to tell them to be there for our reservation.  Any advise or thoughts from people who have done the same? Not sure how long after docking it is before you are allowed to disembark or any customs/other things that we have to do before we can leave the port. Thanks so much!

I asked this same question as we're sailing on Symphony and we have the same time flight out to the US. I had planned to get private transportation, but someone assure me that there were many taxi's available. Said it shouldn't be an issue at all.  You need to do what's best for you. I think we'll just get off asap and grab a taxi.

Have fun sailing!

On 4/8/2023 at 9:29 AM, Bruin Steve said:

 

Thanks for this info! Def just take the bus to our hotel.

2 hours ago, jonthomas said:

Anyone stay anywhere nicer than continental palacette, with breakfast, good location and paying around 145 US?

What dates?

13 hours ago, Bruin Steve said:

We've caught taxis right in front of the hotel.  The Aerobus to the airport picks up and drops off across the Placa--at the Northeast corner, near the northern end of El Corte Ingles...The H10 is at the Northwest corner...it's a fairly short walk.

We don't need transportation to the airport from the hotel. Was asking where the bus is at the airport to take us to our hotel. Thanks!

On 3/13/2023 at 5:30 PM, Bruin Steve said:

If you stay in a hotel at or very near the Placa Catalunya, a good way to get there from the airport (or return) is to use the Aerobus...

https://aerobusbarcelona.es/?lang=en#

 

Cheap easy bus that picks up right at the terminal and drops off right on the Placa Catalunya...

6,75 € per person one-way or 11,65 € pp for a round trip ticket.  Frequent buses.  We took it both ways last time.  Pre-purchased tickets on the internet.  For our hotel, we only had to roll our suitcases across the plaza.  The "stop" is right in front of northern end of the El Corte Ingles department store.

We're staying at the H10 Plaza Catalunya. I see that there's a bus stop right out front. Does it drop you off there?

Where do you catch the bus at the airport?

Thank you all for your comments. Anxious to book! I called Royal and they didn't know. Thought that was odd.

21 hours ago, Chiliburn said:

Thank you!

Looking to cruise to NZ Jan 2025. Does anyone know when they likely put them out?

Thanks!

On 3/25/2023 at 6:53 PM, taglovestocruise said:

Not the same wheat today.

On 3/11/2023 at 3:50 PM, barb in ga said:

We once went to the MDR early and spoke to the Maitre'D who is there from 1-3 or so to make table assignment change requests. He said the best way is to inform your waiter on day 1 at dinner, and they will assist in first day selections, but  will special order the GF options for the next night, doing this every day. DH can always find select items from  the menu on the first day, but partnering with the Maitre'D allows him a wider choice such as GF pasta, etc. Last cruise he had a beautiful seafood pasta. He has also had good GF at Chops, Jamies, Central Park 150 and other specialty restaurants.

Barb

Good to know! I've watched some Youtube videos with people eating GF as well on the ship. I don't think i'm going to have any issues. Sounds like going to the MDR will be better at getting a better selection as well as not delayed. A little challenging knowing what you'll want to eat the next night. We sometimes just like to grab stuff at the Windjammer. A little more planning eating gf on the cruise.

Thanks!

On 3/12/2023 at 12:00 PM, jonthomas said:

which hotel close to plaza catalunia did you book?

H10 Plaza Catalunya...it's right in the plaza. We booked directly thru them and got free breakfast as well.

On 2/25/2023 at 4:02 PM, Bruin Steve said:

.

 

After staying in 6 or 7 different hotels in various locations in Barcelona, I've gotten to where I always choose to stay as close as possible to the Placa Catalunya.  It's the easiest location from which to walk to most sites or to pick up various form of public trasportation or tours...and for airport transpoirtation...sort of the center of everything for tourists in Barcelona...One of the things I love about the H10 Catalunya Plaza...

I just canceled my other reservation and booked the Catalunya! Thanks!

3 minutes ago, barb in ga said:

DH is celiac and has had good success with a GF diet on Symphony and all other Royal ships. The offerings vary, but you should request assistance in the MDR from the Maitre'D and in the Windjammer from one of the white jacket officers. Usually one of the chefs in the Windjammer will come out to show him the available options and discuss special orders like pasta dishes.

We continue to feel that Royal does a good job for his special requests and dietary needs. He enjoys pasta, pizza, desserts, pancakes, hamburger buns, and hot dog rolls. Most of these things are request only, but some hot dishes will be on a section in the Windjammer marked Gluten Free. Once again, these offerings vary by ship. 

Barb

Did you go to the MDR the first day at boarding? (for future meals) Or at dinner time is sufficient?

Thank you!

49 minutes ago, Homosassa said:

If being gluten free is a medical necessity and not a life style choice, make sure that the need for gluten free food is noted on your reservation.

 

There will be special precautions taken with your food (pre-ordering the day before for all meals with an option for delivery to the buffet).

 

Otherwise, day of meal choices will be limited and buffet options limited for those who are life style and not medically necessary.

Will do! Unfortunately a medical necessity : (

I'll add that to my reservation. Thank you!

On 2/25/2023 at 4:02 PM, Bruin Steve said:

 

 

Now, personally, I don't like the location of the Montcada...though, overall, it's not bad...You are in the Barri Gotic--the old quarter...not far from the Cathedral or the Picasso Museum...but about a 15 minute walk from Las Ramblas or from the Placa Catalunya...

 

After staying in 6 or 7 different hotels in various locations in Barcelona, I've gotten to where I always choose to stay as close as possible to the Placa Catalunya.  It's the easiest location from which to walk to most sites or to pick up various form of public trasportation or tours...and for airport transpoirtation...sort of the center of everything for tourists in Barcelona...One of the things I love about the H10 Catalunya Plaza...

I will look at the Catlunya. We still have time. We made our reservations a while ago. Never been to Barcelona, I wasn't sure which was a good or bad area.

Thanks for your input!