gulfgreek

We would like to get transportation from our ship in Greenwich to a hotel in London near Victoria Station. What is the most cost effective way to do this? We don’t want to take the subway/Tube. The taxi service the ship is offering is expensive ($300-$400 per person). Can we do it cheaper? Thanks!

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Last July on our Into the Midnight Sun Cruise we had an on board Meet and Mingle rerception from Cruise Critic. We made several friends at that reception who remained friends and companions throughout the whole 15 day cruise . We're leaving on the Viking Sky for an 8 days Southern Mediterranean Cruise leaving on December 16th, 2018. Will there be a meet and mingle reception on that cruise? I know this is rather early but just being curious.

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Did you pay a deviation fee for your air tickets since you are staying a few days after the cruise?

Yes, I find we were charged $100 pp. extra for our later flight from Barcelona to USA due to our staying over 3 extra days after our cruise ended.

Sorry for the incorrect answer.

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Gulfgreek and

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No extra charges

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Let me clear that up. Viking air made the arrangements for flights back home after our stay in Barcelona. But we booked our own hotels because the Hotel bookings Viking offered we're too expensive

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Gulfgreek, sounds like we may be on a similar cruise next year, Iconic Mediterranean. We signed up for the Air Plus as well. Glad it wasn't too difficult an experience. What Airlines were offered to you? We will be flying out of Denver and I know we will need connecting flights. Thanks!

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We have used Viking Air Plus twice now and had good result in flights. We actually researched the flights we wanted and called and both times got the flights we wanted.

 

My question is - how far in advance can you call Viking Air Plus? Is it 310 days before departure? A different number of days?

It was difficult booking times that we requested but they came through. The difficulty was getting good connecting flights out of Pensacola, Fl. to Rome and back from Barcelona.

We even upgraded our seats through Viking for half of what we spent last year booking on our own.

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Area to the west of Las Ramblas isn’t safe. East and the Barri Gòtic, the medieval city, has been atmospheric and safe for us. We’re at the Hotel Colón this time, with a private terrace overlooking the cathedral plaza. Reasonable rates and highly recommended by friends.

 

But. Pickpockets everywhere. Be careful, especially on public transport. We have tales . . . .

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Hotel Neri. The one. Check it out. Small. Elegant. Stylish. Get a room overlooking the Plaça San Felipe. One of our v faves ever.

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We used Hilton points and stayed at the same hotel the ship used...the Hilton on Ave Diagonal. It was not close to La Rambla, but we bought a 3-day Metro pass which gave us access to the subways, Trams and buses throughout the city. We used the subway at Maria Christina, near the hotel, and got everywhere we wanted to go, with the exception of Park Guell. We got the subway to the area, but took a taxi to the park. Do your research...there are several bus routes you can take to get you there!

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We, too, stayed at Grand Hotel Central. Really liked the location and great restaurants nearby. Staff was very helpful.

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We also recently stayed at a Catalonia Hotels & Resorts property, the Hotel Catalonia Passeig de Gracia, a 4* hotel. It is a boutique hotel, just at the top of Las Ramblas. Very convenient and the staff and accommodations were excellent. Complimentary wine and tapas each afternoon! Highly recommend.

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We just (Saturday till yesterday) spent 4 nights at the Hotel Catalonia Magdalenes. A few blocks east of La Ramblas, it is in the middle of the Gothic Quarter. It is a new hotel we located the TripAdvisor. I'd give it a 4.9 out of 5. The Cathedral is an 8 minute walk away. Wonderful location to see the local's, not the tourists. You are 10 minutes east of La Ramblis, to which I'd now avoid. We walked it for 1 block and quickly figured out it was for tourists. Rooms were new, and ours had a small balcony. PM me for a few pics. Wonderful shops & restaurants in the area. It is approx 10 minutes taxi from the Port, and 45 from the airport. Traffic is additional!. :)

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Have stayed at the Citadines on La Ramblas, close to Placa Catalunya, very central to what we wanted to do and personally we felt more than safe and enjoyed it. We had a studio apartment so there was a small kitchenette which came in very handy for us, lots of restaurants and several places to pick up food if you’re tired and choose to stay in, El Corte Ingles at PC has a great prepared food department one floor down from street level.

 

As to pickpockets, yes there are some but not surprisingly you’ll find them in any large town or city, as in any travel just be vigilant and use common sense, stay away from places you know you shouldn’t visit, be aware of your surroundings.

 

We’ve been to Barcelona twice with our 3rd visit in just 3 weeks, enjoy your visit.

 

 

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Agree with the above that La Rambla is not the best area to stay in Barcelona. I'd recommend Hotel Euro Park on Aragó street in the charming Eixample neighborhood. It's closer to the Sagrada Familia than La Rambla. It's next to a nice maket, about a ten minute walk to Passeig de Gracia, 15 minute walk to Plaza Catalunya, and 20 minutes to La Rambla.

 

http://www.hoteleuropark.com/en/surroundings/

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There are many better and safer areas to stay in. Las Ramblas is a one time stroll for first timers in our opinion.

After many stays we find the Arts (Ritz Carlton) supurb for views location and service. We walk to most places we wish to get to from there.

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Thank you for recommendations. Trip not until late December 2018. Just starting early.

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Any recommendations for 4.5 or 5 star hotels near Las Ramblas? Staying over several days after our Viking cruise.

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We are booked in a penthouse veranda (PV1) on a Viking Sea Caribbean cruise next year on deck 6 recommended by the Viking agent as "best view." I am wondering if this deck which is high on the ship and just below the pool deck will be noisy or will experience more ship movement than a lower deck (e.g. Deck 5). Any recommendations?

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SHHHHHHH! is it always great and so quiet the first few days before everyone discovers these perfect spots. However, as more and more of us become past cruisers the secrets will be out....we had the Explorer's Lounge almost to ourselves the first few nights and mornings (thanks to CC alerting me to how wonderful it was).

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Got it. Thanks

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Has anyone been on the Sky and how do they compare?

We loved the Viking Sea. Any noticable new or updated changes on the New VikingSky?

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We are avid Tour de France followers.

Will the onboard TV's have live coverage of this event?

Also, are thereTV's in public areas? More enjoyable with others rather than in our cabin.

Thanks. my version is awkward but it worked. [emoji12]

 

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