Europe June 2011

[lilcruiser25]

I am in the process of planning a 9 night cruise on the Magic to Europe departing Barcelona on June 3, 2011. I have never been to Europe so I need all the advice I can get. I plan to not book excursions and do most of the sightseeing on my own to allow for a flexible schedule. The ports of call are Monaco, Livorno (Florence), Civitavecchia (Rome), Naples, Messina, Palma De Mallorca, and Marseilles. I have a few main questions but any advice or tips are greatly appreciated.

 

How much is the cost to get from the ship into the city of Rome and how long does it take?

How far is the airport from the cruise terminal in Barcelona and what is the approximate cost of cab fare?

What is a good restaurant in Barcelona for lunch and dinner?

What hotel is closest to all the sights in Barcelona for a 1 night post cruise stay?

My flight would arrive at 9:15 am on the day the ship departs. Any suggestions on what to do prior to boarding?

 

Thanks!

[hkto]

How much is the cost to get from the ship into the city of Rome and how long does it take?

9 euro RT, 1 hr 20 min

How far is the airport from the cruise terminal in Barcelona and what is the approximate cost of cab fare?

30 min, 35 euro cab care, 2.80 train fare to Sants

What is a good restaurant in Barcelona for lunch and dinner?

Lots to choose, you'll figure it out when you are there. If you want any specific restaurant check Tripadvisor for ratings

What hotel is closest to all the sights in Barcelona for a 1 night post cruise stay?

No hotel is close to all sights, choose hotel near Plaza Catalunia, you'll be fine

My flight would arrive at 9:15 am on the day the ship departs. Any suggestions on what to do prior to boarding?

Take train from airport to Sants station, drop off the luggage in locker and go sightseeing

[chipmaster]

My 2 cents is fly in a few days earlier. If you have to choose between stay a few days before or after I'd pick after. Two big reason, no risk of missing the boat if your plane is delayed. If you are flying a long ways time adjustment before you hit the cruise is nice. First few days could feel very hard. Better not to on the busy daiily different port and up early and busy all day and also trying to adjust to time change.

 

As the other poster said lots of hotels in the area. We used the Olivia. It was a short 5-7 euro cab ride to the big Gaudi attractions.

 

Not questioning your choice to DIY, but I'd pick and save money on cabin, ship to insure I get the most of my port experience. If your goal in Naples, Rome and Florence to only hit two to three sights not a problem DIY. If you want to really hit the most you can a private excursion about 500 euros for a car that can seat 6-8 people is the way to get the most of your port days.

 

Happy planning!

 

I am in the process of planning a 9 night cruise on the Magic to Europe departing Barcelona on June 3, 2011. I have never been to Europe so I need all the advice I can get. I plan to not book excursions and do most of the sightseeing on my own to allow for a flexible schedule. The ports of call are Monaco, Livorno (Florence), Civitavecchia (Rome), Naples, Messina, Palma De Mallorca, and Marseilles. I have a few main questions but any advice or tips are greatly appreciated.

 

How much is the cost to get from the ship into the city of Rome and how long does it take?

How far is the airport from the cruise terminal in Barcelona and what is the approximate cost of cab fare?

What is a good restaurant in Barcelona for lunch and dinner?

What hotel is closest to all the sights in Barcelona for a 1 night post cruise stay?

My flight would arrive at 9:15 am on the day the ship departs. Any suggestions on what to do prior to boarding?

 

Thanks!

[lilcruiser25]

I am mostly doing it DIY because I enjoy the planning and don't like to commit to an excursion all day where I am on someone elses schedule. This way if i get to one attraction and love it I can spend as much time as I want. Thank you for all your advice.

[Keith1010]

I would highly recommend that you not fly in the day of the cruise. Why? Because should there be major delays taking off or worse your flight is canceled you will miss the start of the cruise. Add to that you may be jet lagged which is not a good way to begin the cruise.

 

Monaco is very easy to do on your own without a tour. You can visit the Palace, the Cathedral and the shops nearb along with the pretty gardens and then go by the Grand Casino and also walk around that area.

 

Florence. The drive from Livorno to Florence is a little of an hour. Take a tour.

 

Civitavecchia, The drive to Rome is 90 minutes but you could also take the train and with good planning see Rome on your own.

 

Naples. Take a tour of Pompeii which is about a 45 minute drive from the port.

 

Marseilles. You can just walk around on your own.

 

If you take the train to and from Rome it is quite cheap. Otherwise, the price will be high.

 

Airport is about 30 minutes from Barcelona Cruise Ship terminal. The cab fare would be $50.00 or less.

 

Keith