Annede07

@CH_ca, you shouldn't be wary... the city has 11000 taxis (compare to 13000 in NY) and among such large numbers there are always a few rotten apples, in Barcelona, in New York and in any other big city with a large fleet of taxis. But this is not the norm, in general term, taxi people are honest.

 

In any case, do familiarize yourself with the way the taxi fares work and then you'll be able to spot any of those undesirables and fight back any attempt to charge you more. These were the fares for 2017, the ones for 2018 aren't much different: http://taxi.amb.cat/documents/956832/1007019/Tarifa+Taxi_2017/23e065d2-2639-4731-a6c4-edbcf7c3df22

 

Note that, in general terms, you pay what it's shown in the meter plus any applicable supplement (see the fares). Everything is computerized and the driver, if asked, will print you (should print you, anyway) a ticket out of the onboard computer. Thus everything is registered and accountable for. Typically, when arriving at the destination the meter will show a figure and then the driver will type in the codes of any applicable supplement -if any-, resulting in a final figure.

 

If you're familiar with the type of supplements -and there aren't many- you'll be able to realize whether he's overcharging or not... and, if in doubt, asking politely why is he charging this or that supplement should yield you a proper explanation. If not convinced you can always place a complaint at the Taxi Authority: http://taxi.amb.cat/en/usuari/queixes but DO remember to ask for a receipt and make sure the taxi license matches the one that's shown on the door of the taxi.

Thanks for this info. For a airport to port ride, what would be consider the correct gratuity/tip for 4 people, or do we not tip? I am accustomed to tipping here in the U.S and but I see a lot of varying opinions.

We're doing the 1/2 tour you mentioned from Viator. We're traveling with a 19 and 16 year old and it seemed like a good option. 9am meeting time so not too early! Good luck!

I can’t speak for the epic as I have not been on epic but on getaway and escape there are no showers in gym area

Thanks!

Just a guess but I think OP wants to know if there are shower facilities in the gym because OP couldn't find pictures of the workout areas showing restrooms or locker rooms ...

Thank you :)

bump

All “*” ports MAY tender if a dock is not available. Naples is normally NOT a tender port. You usually walk off onto the pier.

Thanks! :)

Just curious about the Gym on the Epic. It looks pretty nice and complete. Just curious if they are showers facilities in the gym? I couldn't find any pictures of the workout area that showed restrooms or locker rooms...TIA!

I didn't know Naples was a tender port! Glad I saw this! I think I am on the same cruise at OP!

For my Mediterranean cruise I did have about €250 that I brought with me, I always kept €20 or so in my wallet, the rest in my safe. I found I could buy most souvenirs and food at restaurants with my credit card, used the cash for shuttles, public transport and a few smaller souvenir purchases.

Just curious, did you end up using most of your cash? We are bringing cash to tip the tour drivers and guides and that alone is around €240, so I wonder how much to bring for a snack or souvenir?

They had 2 outlets that can take a 3 prong cord. Make sure you do not have anything with a surge protector. 6 feet will be pushing it a bit, but the beds are short, so it may work for this cabin layout. If you have the bed by the balcony, I don’t know how that layout differs in terms of the outlet.

 

Yes, the outlet is by the coffee maker, inside the small cabinet.

Quick question. We have the same room type as you, can you tell me if the plugs can take a three prong extension cord, or if we should bring our two prong one? Also, is a 6 foot extension cord long enough to reach from the plugs which I think are in that desk area, to the bed when the bed (and what will be my side of it) are next to the sink? Thanks for any help!

Thanks bambilin for posting!

 

I agree... DH and DS wore khaki shorts and tropical or polo shirts to dinner in Taste. It is not an issue there at all. It is within the dress code description.

 

This is what NCL is known for, and part of what makes it “freestyle”. That is why their “formal” night used to be called “Dress up or not night”. I did not pay close attention to the dailies to see if that is still the case, as we knew we would not be doing any formal night this cruise. We hardly saw anyone really dressed up. I wore summer dresses or jeans to dinner. Enjoy your trip!

Thank you! Also, I very much enjoyed your review! It was the best one I read so far. Great job!

Hi. Since the OP mentioned not dining in the specialty venues I thought I would reply. We have previously sailed on the Epic and will again on 8/19. If you want to eat in the Manhattan Room, Cagneys or LeBistro no shorts are permitted for anyone 12 or over. Jeans are actually permitted as long as not torn or hanging off. Polos are fine as well. I just shared all of this info with my group too. You will see people in jeans, slacks, suits, and even a tux or two. My DH and the boys usually wear khakis and a polo. Go with what works best for you. Hope that helped.

 

 

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Thanks!! Very helpful!:D

Not sure if it's the same for the Med Cruise, but what do you suggest we wear for evening in general? Some nights we will eat in the free restaurants, some in the specialty. Do my DH and 20 year old DS need to wear slacks (non jeans), or are "nice" shorts or jeans ok? Also, should they wear polos or button down shirts? And, for me and my 16 year old DD, are pants and shorts ok, or should we plan on dresses, skirts? TIA!

Keith is on a cruise

 

I would not overnight in London unless it is a day earlier, arriving in Barcelona the day before your cruise. You really don’t want a plan that gets you to the port “just in time”,,,, because there is no contingency. If you miss your ship, you will miss the first two days of your cruise, catching up in Naples.

Thanks for being nice in your response, it's appreciated! I'm definitely considering my options.

I've done this cruise a number of times.... I always fly in the day of.. nothing to worry about there, lots of folks from the UK do - including everyone doing an NCL fly-cruise ☺

 

Rule of thumb on Barcelona airport...

* Factor in an hour from your flights landing time to get through the airport - Passport Control is usually a breeze but you can wait a while on luggage - an hour in total should cover it (including a comfort break!).

* Taxis at the airport are fairly frequent and i've never seen the queue larger that 3-5 waiting. The drive to the port should take 20 minutes - they drive pretty fast over in Barca 😊 But factor in 30minutes for traffic.

 

So in short i would say you are spot on with your estimate... you should be at the port for 2.30pm. Check in can be fairly busy at that time so it may take you an hour or so to get checked in and onboard.

 

I wish you speedy luggage delivery 😉

**last year my suitcase was the very last to come out on the carousel.... they literally switched it off because it was the last one!!! Haha..... Typical! 🙄 Mind you, the first time i traveled to Barca my suitcase was first out.... baggage carousels = the're savage but they never discriminate... its all a lottery!

 

Enjoy 😊

 

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Thank you, I'm happy to read this! I have a car sevice picking us up so hopefully they are waiting! Funny thing on the baggage carousel...Last time in NYC at JFK the baggage stopped...My bag was literally hanging from the belt to the carousel. I tried to grab an edge of the suitcase, but I'm too short. Finally a nice tall person toppled it down for me! ;p

;)

Wait for Keith’s response - he usually has good info on this kind of stuff

Don't know who that is, but I'll wait :)

Hopefully you elected to get travel insurance.

I did :D:D:D:)

We're flying in from Greece, the morning of, arriving at 11 am for the April 22 cruise. Customs in spain in my experience has been a breeze when flying in from another EU country. You should be fine.

Thank you! I'm hoping so!

I would arrive the day before. Last fall, flights cancelled and delayed from Heathrow due to fog (happens frequently). All later flights to Barcelona were full. They routed me thru Madrid. I was supposed to arrive at 4pm. Ended up arriving at 10pm.

 

 

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It's April 29th so hoping the weather is not a factor???

We are flying from the West Coast to LHR, spending the night near Heathrow airport and flying into Barcelona to arrive at 12:45pm on embarkation day. We need to be onboard Epic by around 4pm. The flight historically is on time 88% of the time and most delays are under 30 minutes. With the port only being 30 minutes away, but having to clear customs/immigration at BCN, I am confident we have plenty of time and should arrive to the port by 230pm or 3pm at the latest. Looking to see if I am being silly about this plan and should arrive earlier?

Excellent! I'm sailing 4/29 on Epic. You are a detail person, like me and I'm appreciating this info so much! :)

I could never do this but it is making me question how much i was planning to pack for my 7 day cruise. I'm inspired! :)

What??

 

The link at the beginning of this thread: https://www.ncl.com/onboard-packages/internet-packages

 

Clearly says "per day" in the description..... so multiply the $$ times the number of days and there is your cost. Not sure where $87.50 is coming from.

I see now, they have a typo on the MYNCL. It says It's $87.50 and then it says price is per day so I got confused. It's $12.50 X 7 $87.50!

No typo..... per day is correct

$87.50 per day to use social media????