jam19872016

Nachos (€14)

Today's activities?

Did some walking around near the hotel. It definitely gets no points for surroundings. Nothing here and doesn't have a European vibe at all. I was hoping to find somewhere for dinner but the small strip of restaurants across from the hotel all close for dinner. I'm just going to eat at the hotel restaurant. Hopefully the foods good and a decent value. You really never know with hotel restaurants but there is literally nothing else open within walking distance.

I'm not sure if the whole thing needs to be replaced or just the part that burned off. If they don't replace the entire thing I am sure it will be repainted.

I had no problems. I think it's a little less frowned on than a regular restaurant. Beats walking around with the bottle 😆.

I don't remember much about them. I don't think I caught much of their set. I don't remember any of the acts being bad so you should be good. Enjoy your TA there were a lot of freedom pax going back on Pride.

I have not. I believe I read our terminal is not impacted but I don't know that for sure. There was a liquor store after security if we are in the same terminal. All the stops in the ports of call had us go through security again after passing the duty free, but I don't know if they would have collected if we had purchased anything since I did not try.

Took a quick nap. I can't plug my fan in as it is not compatible with the EU voltage so I'm going to need to download a white noise app or something to help me sleep tonight. I'm gonna walk a little see what's near me.

This one.

Yes it does. May have to dip a toe or two in.

Walking outside. The grounds look nice. I might finally get use of my bathing suit.

OK, the gym is nothing special. The room is not air conditioned and I don't suspect I will be using it. Pool is outside let's see if it's more inviting.

Walked back to the hotel and did a little unpacking and got caught up here while my mom played her games. Now I'm gonna go and check out the gym.

Once we rested for a few minutes Hunger kicked in. I Googled food near me. I have downloaded offline maps for Barcelona so that I can get around even without service or wifi. Found a spot right across the road and we stopped in. I ordered a hamburger with goat cheese (€11.70) and a fried egg (€1.50). My mom ordered a chicken sandwich with ham (€6.75) My burger was good although I would have liked the cheese to have a stronger flavor. My mom also enjoyed her sandwich and the prices were fairly reasonable. We got a donut to go (€1.25) and they threw in an extra for free. Very nice.

Total cost for this hotel for 5 nights is $853.91 inclusive of everything except a €13 city tax I paid at check in. This was the best price I could find for a hotel with decent reviews. So far I am happy with it. It is comfortable, clean, and the staff seem friendly and were able to accommodate am early check in. I don't think it is in a good location for touring but the price difference I think will make up for that.

The Freedom getting loaded with supplies. The next time I see her she will have a brand new funnel. This was at 1048, about 5 minutes before we reached the front of the taxi line so about a half hour. Not great but not unbearable. Uber was more expensive according to people near us in line. Our taxi cost €28.50 and is located near the airport but a little closer so expect a taxi to the airport to be a couple euro more. Credit cards were accepted.

Rewinding back to disembarking I got up at 950 to leave the ship. There was no line to leave, the guy behind asked how many were still on board and he said 200. There was a short line at customs but it moved quickly. A quick glance and a stamp and we were on our way. We exited the terminal and went towards the line for taxis across the street. We were stopped and informed the line was behind us. It wrapped around the building. Around the building it was back as far as the eye could see. The back of the line. You cannot see anywhere near where the line curves to the front of the building forget about seeing the line in front of the building and in the taxi stall. That was at 1022. I was regretting not taking a shuttle to the airport and trying for a taxi from there. It ended up not being too terrible at all. The line moved very fast. Taxis were coming in and loading up about 10 at a time with a constant turnover. As one group moved out, another moved in.

And I'm at the hotel. We were able to check in early. Gonna get settled in and then talk about disembarking experience.

Last call at 944. Guess I should start thinking about leaving the ship.

Disembarking halted just after 8 because the terminal is full. At 830 andy came on again and said please stop coming down....or ignore me and keep coming down and be miserable crammed in a line that's not moving 😅. I'm in no hurry I can wait here or the hotel so I will wait here patiently until they cut off the wifi.

Unless it's been eliminated again it was reinstated sometime around September 2022. They had it on my premiere and made a big deal about its return. I have not done any premieres since then because of the crowding and less drawings and better deals on regular sailings but at one point the party did see a comeback.

One more coffee. I had no idea the ship would be this quiet so early. I'm more of a wake up at 8 and scramble to be out of the room by 830 kind of cruiser. Or if I need to be off more a wake up and walk off kind of cruiser. My hotel check in is not until 3pm so I'm going to wait until last call.

Too funny I should have branded my own to sell 😆 I won't be as live until the return crossing but I'll have a few daily updates while in Europe and on Cunard.

One last hearty breakfast.

I probably won't be live but I'll give a few updates a day, again wifi dependant. Hopefully starlink is working for them like it is for Freedom.