Back from the JADE Barcelona 5/30....

[romanroxy]

Flight was AA from the USA to Madrid to Barcelona.

 

• No need to remove your shoes at airport security in Europe. Yes, you can keep them on!
  
  
• Allow AT LEAST a 2-hr layover in between each flight..even 2 hours is tight and we saw people who missed their connecting flight...esp with the transatlantic flights (customs line, rechecking back in, etc).
  
• If you are flying into or thru Madrid, it is a very confusing (and massive!) airport.
  
• Barcelona airport was very nice and easy to figure out. Taxi ride from port to airport for 4 passengers was about 35 euro. This is cheaper than taking the ship's shuttle.
  
  

No tenders, the shipped docked at all of the ports.

 

MONACO

Very nice, very upscale, very clean...saw so many mercedes benz cars, BMW, and Bentleys too. Saw people wearing shorts and flip-flops in the cathedral with no problems.

 

No unemployment. (interesting info)

 

There are four casinos in Monte Carlo--2 are free to go in (hubby did win 200 euro on a slot at Cafe de Paris)...no cameras, no bags allowed--you'll need to check them in.

 

There is a tram that looks like a train (it's like the parking lot trams at Disneyland) that will take you around Monaco...I think it was 7 euro pp. It was located when you walk off the ship. We took this to the top (Rock) where the Palace, Oceanic Museum, Gardens, and Cathedral are located. Walk around "old Monaco"...the buildings are beautiful and there are shops & cafes thru the cobblestone streets. We took a city bus back down to the casino area, then back to the port.

 

Dogs seem to be allowed everywhere, so watch your step (like you do at PetSmart)...we wandered into the mall bookstore (like a Borders) and there were dogs in there too. Cool to see books, CDs, and DVD's in French.

 

LIVORNO

 

Pre-booked a private tour with "Your Tour in Italy" with 2 other couples. It was OUTSTANDING!!! Our tour guide was Gian. He was AWESOME!!!

 

Driving through the Tuscan countryside to Pisa and to Florence was even more beautiful than I imagined...in fact, Florence was my favorite place out of the whole trip. I hope to go back to see MORE! Photos don't do this breathtaking place justice!

 

Stopped to see the leaning tower (Field of Miracles with its four white buildings, including the cathedral and leaning tower)...there are a ton of souvenir stands along the wall. If you have a moment, this is the time to pick-up a t-shirt or magnet in Pisa...because there won't be much time during your visit.

 

Next was on the Florence...went to Piazzale Michelangelo for a breathtaking view of the city and to see one (green) copy of David. There are a few souvenir stands here and this is the time to buy some (I wish I did, because I NEVER had another opportunity and never was able to get a Italia t-shirt because I kept waiting). They are pretty cheap here!

 

We saw other places, I just don't know the names, but they were ALL beautiful!

 

We had reservations for the Accedemia (Michelangelo's David) or else you wait in a super long line. The museum itself is not very big at all, just crowded.

 

It's "forbidden" to take photos in there...but, I saw some people quickly snap a quick, discreet photo of David.

 

Our guide knew of a great place for lunch at a quaint little Tuscan cafe. Also, took us to the BEST gelato in Florence! They make it from scratch.

 

Went to the Uffizi Gallery, but hubby and I opted to shop instead (still didn't buy my t-shirt, but bought a leather purse for 15 euro)...and ended up in H&M with pre-teen daughter to buy shoes.

 

Here's a tip for you...the Market Square where the bronze boar statue is...well, steer away from here for bargains. It's packed so tightly with an overwhelming amount of merchandise! Walk over a few streets and you will get a better bargain (6 euro for a leather belt vs 15 euro for the same belt!) and steer away from the stands near the merry-go-round...go across the street, it's less crowded and the vendors have better prices.

 

ROME

 

It's impossible to see Rome in a day. My 2nd favorite stop behind Florence. A MUST-RETURN place to visit.

 

We were lucky enough to share a guided tour with Rudy in Rome tour with 2 other couples. He was fantastic!

 

Get your tickets for the Vatican ahead of time--the line was super long to get in. We had a tour guide that Rudy arranged, so we walked right in.

 

There is too much to see in the Vatican Museum.

There are toilets as before you enter...another long line. We had a group of pushy Hindu ladies behind us...so close that they were touching us and one even tried to open the door to wc stall I was in. Geez!

 

If there was a place I felt like I was going to be pick pocketed, it would be in the Vatican--people were so tightly crowded in there...would be tons of opportunities for this to happen.

 

People were talking loudly in the Sistine Chapel and even taking photos...both are "forbidden". There is another set of toilets near the Sistine Chapel...more lines are to be expected.

 

Too much to list about Rome, except there isn't enough time to see it all. People were nice, it was neat to see a mix of Romanesque and Baroque building style.

 

Adorable little dump trucks and mini cars.

 

Plenty of places to use the toilet too...many you walk down the stairs to...and no seats (not that you want to sit on any).

 

NAPLES

 

Lots of graffiti...probably the most I have ever seen anywhere! Although there was graffiti in Rome and Florence/Pisa...it was nothing like you see in Naples...which was filthy and dirty. Not a good representation of Italy.

 

Once you get off the ship, walk past the swarms of aggressive & pushy (but, polite) taxi drivers trying to sell you a private tour. Go directly to the end of the port to a little building that sells tickets...looks like a little travel agency.

 

We bought SITA bus passes for 5 euro pp round trip to Pompeii. FORGET about taking the Circumvesuviana train to Pompeii--you won't want to walk there or pay 10 euro for a taxi to take you to the train station. The trains are covered with graffiti too.

 

Pompeii was massive and great to see. It was 11 euro pp. Wear comfy shoes & socks. They offer a free map and booklet. We didn't feel like we needed a tour. We liked seeing it on our own at our own pace.

 

There is a place to eat inside of Pompeii--the food is ok. There are also places to eat just outside of the excavation site too.

 

Take the SITA bus back to Napoli--it comes by every 30 minutes.

 

We didn't make it over to Sorrento. I hear it's very nice, as well as the Almafi coast too.

 

PALMA

 

Easy to get around. Very clean, friendly, and lots of shopping opportunities.

 

Driving is not so crazy like in Italy.

 

You can take the City Sightseeing tour bus (#50 bus) also called "HOHO" Hop-on Hop off--there is a stop right at port when you exit the terminal.

 

JADE SHIP

 

• Loved the Hawaiian decor! I really did!
  
• Service was great like always!
  
• See the "SHOUT" show--dancing and singing from the mod 60's (Dusty Springfield, Lulu, Pet Clark, etc). I think it was Wednesday night.
  
• Thursday is wear ALL white party.
  
• Chocolate buffet is Friday night from 10:30-11:30pm. Get there early for photo opps and before it gets crowded from the evening farewell show.
  
• At SEA DAY...buffet was busiest between 9-10am...at one point there were NO coffee cups, no coffee either! Very hard to find a seat.
  
• The buffet has a "kid's zone" with a small buffet area, plus 11 pint-size tables and chairs and highchairs for family & kids. Everyday, I saw adults (with NO kids) sitting at these tables, which I thought was kinda rude, instead of walking further down for a regular table.:mad:
  
• The food in the buffet was good. (I personally like the food way better on Royal Caribbean).
  
• The service in the main dining was slow, maybe we just got a slow Server each time...as I would see people sat after us and get served much faster and were done before us.
  
• FORGET the spa!!! They automatically get 18% gratuity no matter how good or ok the massage is. I had a massage and the Therapist was ok, the service was mediocre for what you expect on the cruise. They have you fill out a form to find opportunities to sell products to you--believe me, write down that you have NO STRESS or HEALTH PROBLEMS or DRY SKIN or you'll be listening to spiels on their beauty lines.
  

Take a taxi from the ship to the airport--it's about 35 euro. We left at 6:30am with our own luggage for our 10am flight. Made it with some time to spare. Keep checking the assigned gates, they might change the Gate that your flight is out of. :)

[jnv]

thank you so much for that great review, we are booked on the Jade in October, have been planning for so long - can't wait to see that part of the world.

Did you take Euros or get your currency changed once you arrived? So far we have $1000 in euros as our tours require euros (no American dollars or credit card) so we want to have at least our tour euros before we leave the states.

[kwcrnp]

Great review, thanks. We go on the Jade in 3 weeks :D:D

[romanroxy]

thank you so much for that great review, we are booked on the Jade in October, have been planning for so long - can't wait to see that part of the world.

Did you take Euros or get your currency changed once you arrived? So far we have $1000 in euros as our tours require euros (no American dollars or credit card) so we want to have at least our tour euros before we leave the states.

 

Hubby got euros before the trip from the Bank. I did use my cc only once.

 

The casino takes USD.

 

I was amused by the expected Vintage Hawaiian decor throughout the ship.

 

I LOVED the ports, esp Livorno and Rome. I was so wiped out from jetlag in Barcelona, I never got to see it.

 

The staff on the Jade were very nice.

 

You'll love the cruise! Bon voyage! :)

[SteveH2508]

Just got off the same cruise ourselves. It is hard work - there is so much to see that you really need the sea day after Monaco, Florence & Pisa, Rome and Pompeii. We didn't go ashore for Palma and felt a lot better for it.

 

The staff on the Jade are excellent - very friendly and efficient - no complaints (apart from no real coffee for our coffee-maker but we got some non de-caf after asking for it).

 

NB - two for one Martinis in the Star Bar (Deck 13) each night (8-10pm) - not many people seemed to spot this one! I might do a full review in the next few days if work/time permits.

[omc329]

Thanks for the review. Question about the tourist train. Everything I've read indicates that it is a round trip without on/offs. Your post seems to indicate that you could get off elsewhere than where you began. Can you get on/off, just off and not on, or is it a simple round trip beginning and ending at the same point? Thanks for clarifying. :)

[Twaincruisers]

We were on the Jade in March on a different itinerary. I would also repeat a note by the OP: check the board for flights and then find someone to confirm the gate. We sat at the posted counter with another group. Eventually, staff came out and informed us that the plane was leaving from another gate. When we passed the same board, it still listed the wrong gate.

 

When we were there, they were doing "enhanced" security; that is, if you were in the wrong line! The additional security at the gate was haphazard and inconsistent. At one point I thought I was going through Israeli security when the guy took everything in my bag, open things, and even had me take a picture with my camera. Meanwhile, my wife's bag was opened but nothing was taken out and separate items were not opened.

[romanroxy]

Thanks for the review. Question about the tourist train. Everything I've read indicates that it is a round trip without on/offs. Your post seems to indicate that you could get off elsewhere than where you began. Can you get on/off, just off and not on, or is it a simple round trip beginning and ending at the same point? Thanks for clarifying. :)

 

Do you mean about the train (tram) in Monaco?

 

In Monaco, there was a start point from the Port and ended up at the Rock. This was not on/off at anytime. There was a HOHO Bus (Hop On/Hop Off) also available (for more money) that offered this option for an all day pass. This tram slowed down at certain attraction places. It wasn't a very long ride, but a nice, quick overview of Monte Carlo without walking.

 

However, when the tram slowed down (briefly stopped) near the casinos, I think I recall someone quickly getting off.;)

 

Or did you mean the bus in Palma? (HOHO) The #50 bus in Palma has 16 stops and goes around in 1 direction from 10am-?. You can Hop on at anytime during the day at any stop or hop off anywhere too. You pay the Driver. There were maybe 2-3 stops that has a stand with a person that you pay too (instead of paying the Driver, if you happen to get on at that particular stop).

 

Let me know if that answered your question. :)

[omc329]

Do you mean about the train (tram) in Monaco?

 

In Monaco, there was a start point from the Port and ended up at the Rock. This was not on/off at anytime. There was a HOHO Bus (Hop On/Hop Off) also available (for more money) that offered this option for an all day pass. This tram slowed down at certain attraction places. It wasn't a very long ride, but a nice, quick overview of Monte Carlo without walking.

 

However, when the tram slowed down (briefly stopped) near the casinos, I think I recall someone quickly getting off.;)

 

Or did you mean the bus in Palma? (HOHO) The #50 bus in Palma has 16 stops and goes around in 1 direction from 10am-?. You can Hop on at anytime during the day at any stop or hop off anywhere too. You pay the Driver. There were maybe 2-3 stops that has a stand with a person that you pay too (instead of paying the Driver, if you happen to get on at that particular stop).

 

Let me know if that answered your question. :)

 

It more than answered my question. Thanks!

 

Yes, I meant the tram/tourist train in Monaco, though the clarification for Palma is nice to have as well. I was unaware that the tram in Monaco ended in a different spot then where it picked up. That is useful to know. Info on that tourist train/tram is clear as mud, including the net sites for the thing. Getting first hand info from one who has btdt makes be feel a bit more secure in planning my day. Thanks again. :)

[romanroxy]

Here is a photo of the tram in Monaco. It is available to board right on the port when you exit the terminal building. I'm not sure if it takes a group of people FROM the Rock...the driver just told everyone to exit/get off when we reached the Rock. We took the regular City bus back to the Casino area...I think there are 6 bus lines that run thru Monaco? It was pretty inexpensive. You can get a one-time pass or an all day pass for a few euro pp. :)

 

See, it's like the Disneyland parking lot trams....very nice. ;)

 

 

------------------------------------

NAPLES: Here is a photo of the place that sells SITA bus tickets, City Sightseeing Tour (HOHO Bus) tickets, transportation to Sorrento, etc. It is located at the end of the pier before you reach the city street. Just walk quickly past the swarms of shady Taxi cab drivers trying to sell you rip-off rides to Pompeii or wherever you might be going...

 

[romanroxy]

NAPLES: Much of the area near the port looks like this, which is why I'm glad we took the SITA bus directly from the port and not try to walk around looking for the Circumvesuviana train.

 

One guy drove his motorbike onto the sidewalk and asked us if we wanted to buy an iPHONE (probably just recently stolen from another tourist)...another dude came up to us trying to sell us a rolex.

 

 

Another photo of Naples....not too much graffiti in this pix. All of the lovely statues and monuments that we saw were covered with graffiti in Naples...so sad. :(

 

[romanroxy]

Here is the line to get into the Vatican City Museum...WITHOUT a reservation...:eek:

I don't know if this was considered a short line or what the norm is, but it went on and on around the building. Glad we didn't wait in it...

 

 

--------------------------------

 

Roma è così bella!!!

Viaggio di bon!!!

[housepeepers]

I find it best to use my ATM card. y bank (BOA) charged very little for the conversion. That way you can get euros whenever you need them ( say once every couple of days) and don't need to carry huge amounts of $$ with you. My hubby kept the cash in a neck pouch/wallet thingie that went around his neck and under his shirt, especially in Naples which was a little seedy..

[tawnyam70]

Flight was AA from the USA to Madrid to Barcelona.

 

• No need to remove your shoes at airport security in Europe. Yes, you can keep them on!
  
  
• Allow AT LEAST a 2-hr layover in between each flight..even 2 hours is tight and we saw people who missed their connecting flight...esp with the transatlantic flights (customs line, rechecking back in, etc).
  
• If you are flying into or thru Madrid, it is a very confusing (and massive!) airport.
  
• Barcelona airport was very nice and easy to figure out. Taxi ride from port to airport for 4 passengers was about 35 euro. This is cheaper than taking the ship's shuttle.
  
  

No tenders, the shipped docked at all of the ports.

 

MONACO

Very nice, very upscale, very clean...saw so many mercedes benz cars, BMW, and Bentleys too. Saw people wearing shorts and flip-flops in the cathedral with no problems.

 

No unemployment. (interesting info)

 

There are four casinos in Monte Carlo--2 are free to go in (hubby did win 200 euro on a slot at Cafe de Paris)...no cameras, no bags allowed--you'll need to check them in.

 

There is a tram that looks like a train (it's like the parking lot trams at Disneyland) that will take you around Monaco...I think it was 7 euro pp. It was located when you walk off the ship. We took this to the top (Rock) where the Palace, Oceanic Museum, Gardens, and Cathedral are located. Walk around "old Monaco"...the buildings are beautiful and there are shops & cafes thru the cobblestone streets. We took a city bus back down to the casino area, then back to the port.

 

Dogs seem to be allowed everywhere, so watch your step (like you do at PetSmart)...we wandered into the mall bookstore (like a Borders) and there were dogs in there too. Cool to see books, CDs, and DVD's in French.

 

LIVORNO

 

Pre-booked a private tour with "Your Tour in Italy" with 2 other couples. It was OUTSTANDING!!! Our tour guide was Gian. He was AWESOME!!!

 

Driving through the Tuscan countryside to Pisa and to Florence was even more beautiful than I imagined...in fact, Florence was my favorite place out of the whole trip. I hope to go back to see MORE! Photos don't do this breathtaking place justice!

 

Stopped to see the leaning tower (Field of Miracles with its four white buildings, including the cathedral and leaning tower)...there are a ton of souvenir stands along the wall. If you have a moment, this is the time to pick-up a t-shirt or magnet in Pisa...because there won't be much time during your visit.

 

Next was on the Florence...went to Piazzale Michelangelo for a breathtaking view of the city and to see one (green) copy of David. There are a few souvenir stands here and this is the time to buy some (I wish I did, because I NEVER had another opportunity and never was able to get a Italia t-shirt because I kept waiting). They are pretty cheap here!

 

We saw other places, I just don't know the names, but they were ALL beautiful!

 

We had reservations for the Accedemia (Michelangelo's David) or else you wait in a super long line. The museum itself is not very big at all, just crowded.

 

It's "forbidden" to take photos in there...but, I saw some people quickly snap a quick, discreet photo of David.

 

Our guide knew of a great place for lunch at a quaint little Tuscan cafe. Also, took us to the BEST gelato in Florence! They make it from scratch.

 

Went to the Uffizi Gallery, but hubby and I opted to shop instead (still didn't buy my t-shirt, but bought a leather purse for 15 euro)...and ended up in H&M with pre-teen daughter to buy shoes.

 

Here's a tip for you...the Market Square where the bronze boar statue is...well, steer away from here for bargains. It's packed so tightly with an overwhelming amount of merchandise! Walk over a few streets and you will get a better bargain (6 euro for a leather belt vs 15 euro for the same belt!) and steer away from the stands near the merry-go-round...go across the street, it's less crowded and the vendors have better prices.

 

ROME

 

It's impossible to see Rome in a day. My 2nd favorite stop behind Florence. A MUST-RETURN place to visit.

 

We were lucky enough to share a guided tour with Rudy in Rome tour with 2 other couples. He was fantastic!

 

Get your tickets for the Vatican ahead of time--the line was super long to get in. We had a tour guide that Rudy arranged, so we walked right in.

 

There is too much to see in the Vatican Museum.

There are toilets as before you enter...another long line. We had a group of pushy Hindu ladies behind us...so close that they were touching us and one even tried to open the door to wc stall I was in. Geez!

 

If there was a place I felt like I was going to be pick pocketed, it would be in the Vatican--people were so tightly crowded in there...would be tons of opportunities for this to happen.

 

People were talking loudly in the Sistine Chapel and even taking photos...both are "forbidden". There is another set of toilets near the Sistine Chapel...more lines are to be expected.

 

Too much to list about Rome, except there isn't enough time to see it all. People were nice, it was neat to see a mix of Romanesque and Baroque building style.

 

Adorable little dump trucks and mini cars.

 

Plenty of places to use the toilet too...many you walk down the stairs to...and no seats (not that you want to sit on any).

 

NAPLES

 

Lots of graffiti...probably the most I have ever seen anywhere! Although there was graffiti in Rome and Florence/Pisa...it was nothing like you see in Naples...which was filthy and dirty. Not a good representation of Italy.

 

Once you get off the ship, walk past the swarms of aggressive & pushy (but, polite) taxi drivers trying to sell you a private tour. Go directly to the end of the port to a little building that sells tickets...looks like a little travel agency.

 

We bought SITA bus passes for 5 euro pp round trip to Pompeii. FORGET about taking the Circumvesuviana train to Pompeii--you won't want to walk there or pay 10 euro for a taxi to take you to the train station. The trains are covered with graffiti too.

 

Pompeii was massive and great to see. It was 11 euro pp. Wear comfy shoes & socks. They offer a free map and booklet. We didn't feel like we needed a tour. We liked seeing it on our own at our own pace.

 

There is a place to eat inside of Pompeii--the food is ok. There are also places to eat just outside of the excavation site too.

 

Take the SITA bus back to Napoli--it comes by every 30 minutes.

 

We didn't make it over to Sorrento. I hear it's very nice, as well as the Almafi coast too.

 

PALMA

 

Easy to get around. Very clean, friendly, and lots of shopping opportunities.

 

Driving is not so crazy like in Italy.

 

You can take the City Sightseeing tour bus (#50 bus) also called "HOHO" Hop-on Hop off--there is a stop right at port when you exit the terminal.

 

JADE SHIP

 

• Loved the Hawaiian decor! I really did!
  
• Service was great like always!
  
• See the "SHOUT" show--dancing and singing from the mod 60's (Dusty Springfield, Lulu, Pet Clark, etc). I think it was Wednesday night.
  
• Thursday is wear ALL white party.
  
• Chocolate buffet is Friday night from 10:30-11:30pm. Get there early for photo opps and before it gets crowded from the evening farewell show.
  
• At SEA DAY...buffet was busiest between 9-10am...at one point there were NO coffee cups, no coffee either! Very hard to find a seat.
  
• The buffet has a "kid's zone" with a small buffet area, plus 11 pint-size tables and chairs and highchairs for family & kids. Everyday, I saw adults (with NO kids) sitting at these tables, which I thought was kinda rude, instead of walking further down for a regular table.:mad:
  
• The food in the buffet was good. (I personally like the food way better on Royal Caribbean).
  
• The service in the main dining was slow, maybe we just got a slow Server each time...as I would see people sat after us and get served much faster and were done before us.
  
• FORGET the spa!!! They automatically get 18% gratuity no matter how good or ok the massage is. I had a massage and the Therapist was ok, the service was mediocre for what you expect on the cruise. They have you fill out a form to find opportunities to sell products to you--believe me, write down that you have NO STRESS or HEALTH PROBLEMS or DRY SKIN or you'll be listening to spiels on their beauty lines.
  

Take a taxi from the ship to the airport--it's about 35 euro. We left at 6:30am with our own luggage for our 10am flight. Made it with some time to spare. Keep checking the assigned gates, they might change the Gate that your flight is out of. :)

Quick question about the transatlantic flights that stop in Madrid. Why would we have to check back in? Can you explain further? thanks!

 

"Allow AT LEAST a 2-hr layover in between each flight..even 2 hours is tight and we saw people who missed their connecting flight...esp with the transatlantic flights (customs line, rechecking back in, etc). "

[romanroxy]

Quick question about the transatlantic flights that stop in Madrid. Why would we have to check back in? Can you explain further? thanks!

 

 

Good question. I'm not really sure if it was because we came from a U.S. flight??? This layover was 1.5 hrs and the transatlantic flight arrived about 10 minutes late.

 

We flew from Phx to Dallas/FW to Madrid to Barcelona...and returning the same but, in reverse. We booked American Airlines, but they use Iberia for the Madrid/Barcelona connecting flights.

 

Here's just a quick summary:

 

• Get off plane in Madrid to catch next flight to Barcelona from AA to Iberia (an AA partner).
  
• Long walk...the terminal looked like it stretched on longer than any indoor shopping mall.
  
• Wait in a long line for Passport check.
  
• Try to figure out what connecting gate to go to...VERY confusing airport!
  
• Somehow was routed to security check with other passengers catching the same connecting flight. Other English-speaking passengers waiting in line were asking each other about IF you had to re-check in luggage (the answer is "no"...luggage continued on).
  
• Long line in Security check.
  
• After security check, hop a tram to next gate (or maybe this was before security check??? I just can't remember...but, this was add'l time).
  
• Find gate...and all the passengers had already boarded. By this time it was about 10-15 minutes from departure.
  

-------------------------

RETURN flight (and this gets even more confusing!)

 

• Barcelona to Madrid (easy with no problems...Barcelona is like any regular airport and not so confusing).
  
• Madrid (2 hr layover)--find connecting gate...the airport is HUGE!
  
• Tram, passport check, etc...and the MOST important thing is that we had to recheck in at the American Airlines desk (near the gate)...more waiting.
  
• At the Dallas/FW (2 hr layover)...you wait in a LONG line for U.S. Customs, get your luggage and recheck it back in, go thru security, get on the tram, etc...this 2 hours goes by faster than you think...you end up with NO time to sit and wait...you are waiting in lines during this time (and lucky to squeeze in a quick trip to the restroom too).
  
• Some people with connecting flights missed them. Be sure to allow at least 2 hours with the transatlantic flight for either. Even with 2 hours, we were rushing the whole time. :(
  
  

[tawnyam70]

Oh dear! I'm hoping since we are flying Iberia from the states clear through we (maybe) won't have this issue. Sounds like a complete nuisance. Thanks for answering my question - we leave in about 3 hours for the airport. Woo Hoo!

[romanroxy]

Oh dear! I'm hoping since we are flying Iberia from the states clear through we (maybe) won't have this issue. Sounds like a complete nuisance. Thanks for answering my question - we leave in about 3 hours for the airport. Woo Hoo!

 

Have a nice flight (and cruise too!)--let us know your experience upon your return. :)

[Eriep]

Were you able to use Discover card in Italy? What credit cards are best for this trip? Any problems using ATM's?

[travelgirl4ever]

Thanks for all the helpful information! My question - will they do currency conversions on the ship? i.e. dollars to euro?

Anyone use atm at the BCN airport? We need a lot of euros for land tours and I am trying to figure out the best way (most economical) to get them. Thanks.

[romanroxy]

Were you able to use Discover card in Italy? What credit cards are best for this trip? Any problems using ATM's?

 

I used my Visa card once...we used euro the rest of the time. Didn't use an ATM, but I saw a few MONEY-type shops that do currency exchange.:)

[Illinitrvlr]

Thanks for all the helpful information! My question - will they do currency conversions on the ship? i.e. dollars to euro?

Anyone use atm at the BCN airport? We need a lot of euros for land tours and I am trying to figure out the best way (most economical) to get them. Thanks.

 

We used ATM's several times while in port. The tour guides know where they are and are happy to take you there prior to the end of the tour.:D