11 Tips and 6 Places for the Pre-Cruise Port City - Barcelona, Spain

[@AlwaysBeVacationing]

Enjoyed this? Jump to our latest video! kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6Cqp4xnaq-lhLM

[@jdmoncada8205]

No other travel video has mentioned the pigeons. Glad I found this one!

[@AndrewandMegan]

Tapas are definitely an experience, but I've really found that dining in Europe is meant to be a relaxed experience. In the States, the servers are like helicopters buzzing around you all the time, asking if everything is good and bringing you the check while you're still eating. As you saw, it's VERY different in Europe, as you may not see a waiter for 20+ minutes. I got to where I really enjoyed it and could savor my meals and enjoy the people around me. Great tips though! We're looking forward to going back to Spain next year and visiting Barcelona this time. - Andrew

[@AlwaysBeVacationing]

Agreed! European dining is an experience to be savored and not rushed. We crave the slower pace of Spain vs. the US. Next time there.. . I will be a bit more prepared to slow the hustle. Barcelona is one of our top 3 favorite cities and we can't wait to return as well. - Subscribed to your channel so we can watch your adventures. Thanks for watching.

[@Huagang318]

Nice video shot. it is very informative and helpful. Thanks.

[@sweetypatnett6123]

Barcelona is beautiful. Smart idea to arrive before your cruise. I'm planning the same thing.

[@robertm.4916]

Great video and GREAT info! I’ll be more prepared for my Barcelona trip next month. Minus the pigeon droppings of course. What about tipping and gratitude’s in Barcelona.. I heard in some places in Europe it’s actually an insult to tip.

[@AlwaysBeVacationing]

It is an insult to tip in most of Europe. They pay the servers a higher wage in Europe and do not rely on customers to subsidize the wage like w do in the US.

[@jerrywashington5044]

Thanks for the informative video; it will come in handy when we're planning our next cruise.

[@charlined6171]

By far one of the better n informative videos for mediterranean cruises 🛳 👌🏿

[@AlwaysBeVacationing]

Thank you charline… we will be doing it again soon… next time London!

[@georgemorley5926]

From Australia , heading there in August for a cruise , thanks for the info very helpful , good luck with your future videos , Peace from Australia

[@darylbarkley8940]

This is the best video I've seen, and so informative. Thanks for this video. We are going on a Cruise -"Royal Carribean" Symphony of the Seas. -Mediterranean- From Barcelona Spain, to Rome, Italy ,France, This was so helpful. ( So helpful knowing about the jetlag, and pigeon-headsup.

[@AlwaysBeVacationing]

Thank you Daryl! You will LOVE that itinerary!!

[@darylwhitty]

Planning my first re booked cruise October 2022 on Freedom of the Sea . Hope we can finally meet Melody and Rodd

[@AlwaysBeVacationing]

We were scheduled to be flying towards Odyssey of the Seas today. However, we are hunkered down battling Omicron instead. Freedom of the Seas is still one of our favorite ships! Thank you for keeping us in the loop of your plans. We were wondering when you would rebook! When all the madness is over we’ll have to plan a celebration!!

[@tanjasellsnoco2843]

AHHHH! So fun to see your faces!!

[@AlwaysBeVacationing]

Hey!!! Thanks for watching:). Still kickin it :)

[@aliobeido8754]

Great video

[@darylwhitty]

Rodd was especially helpful and you both explained a tremendous amount ! Exquisite views ! You guys rock! You always there for tips, tricks and 101 reasons why viewers need to subscribe to your channel!

[@AlwaysBeVacationing]

Thank you again for watching! It means the world to us!!

[@sweetypatnett6123]

Thanks for sharing this video. Continue to enjoy life. 😊😊

[@alycat5719]

Wonderful video! Super helpful in my research!

[@outandabout9794]

Great info and tips. I've subscribed. Thank you.

[@sweetypatnett6123]

Thanks for sharing this video. ❤

[@pen4tenn]

Thank you for the video.

[@rosedandaro1761]

Thank you😊

[@agomezlourido]

Thank you so much… looking forward to our trip next summer. 🎉

[@AlwaysBeVacationing]

Honestly, we can't wait to go back! Barcelona has to be one of our top 5!

[@irishinusa1615]

Great information. Subscribed 👍😁. Looking forward to seeing more 😀

[@kellysanchez-pp6rd]

GREAT video! we are going in May and this is super insightful!

[@AlwaysBeVacationing]

Have a great time!!!

[@bigedyr]

Nice video editing. Good job!

[@AlwaysBeVacationing]

Thank you! Working on getting 1% better every-time. :)

[@davidmealey2000]

Thanks for the tips! Heading there for two days before my first European trip, and my first solo vacation before boarding a 9-day NCL Epic cruise to France and Italy. Have not heard about the baby wipes or the jet lag prepper site on any other vlog.

[@AlwaysBeVacationing]

You will fall in love with Barcelona! :) It remains one of our top favorites in Europe. Would love to hear about your trip when you get back.

[@MrJONES925]

Nice video but why don’t you tell people how to get around? It’s important to a lot of people

[@alycat5719]

OMG the pigeon poop!!! I cannot believe you get pooped on like that!

[@AlwaysBeVacationing]

Right??? Pretty funny!

[@blairbunker]

(NOT a PAID endorsement) YOUR shoulder bag is GREAT, but we use "scottevest" as our second (maybe 3rd depending on weather) line of defence against theft; because it is always under a top layer or two. It has deep zippered, buttoned, Velcro, strapped, pockets that are dummy, exteriour, internal, hidden, including numerous and varied attachment points, but mostly purpose built for things like your phone, water bottle, tablet, etc. and you can't leave it behind if you don't take it off!!! Best of all it is clothing and NOT luggage by any airline description; like having a third carry on that does NOT count!!!

[@TheEmptyArmchair]

Fantastic suggestions! We're getting ready to go on Wonder of the Seas on her WB transatlantic in October this year, so your tips were especially helpful for us. I hadn't heard about the pigeon issue and needing wet wipes! We will definitely have those packed. Looking forward to seeing your other videos!

[@AlwaysBeVacationing]

Wonder of the Seas is BEAUTIFUL! Fantastic plan to sail on her across the sea. :). That will give you plenty of time to enjoy all she has to offer. More videos are coming! We are in the process of learning new editing software during our hobby time and it is going slower than we hoped. Hope to share some Wonder with you before you sail as there are some DON'T miss tips and at least one DO miss tips. LOL

[@TheEmptyArmchair]

@@AlwaysBeVacationing Thanks! I just started my own YT channel and I'm learning as well. Which editing software are you using? Right now I'm just using iMovie. Can't wait for the tips!!!

[@AlwaysBeVacationing]

@@TheEmptyArmchair We started on a PC and a program called Movavi. We recently Appled Up. (pun on Royal Up) - Now using all Apple, Final Cut Pro. It is hard to teach an old dog new tricks... therefore we are back to the beginning of the learning curve! Just subscribed to you... keep posting! I am rooting for your success!

[@TheEmptyArmchair]

@@AlwaysBeVacationing Final Cut Pro is fantastic. I used it a long time ago in 2001. You shouldn't have any trouble picking it up. I found it pretty fun. I'm still on PC and not sure if I want to go all Apple ;o) Wouldn't mind RoyalUp, but I'm already in an Owner's Suite on Wonder so I'm happy. Rooting for your success, too!

[@JennyLaBouff]

Great video! Which month is your favorite time to go to Barcelona.

[@AlwaysBeVacationing]

We would go to Barcelona ANY month. :) If I had to pick a season, we typically choose a shoulder season - Fall, early Winter. It still sits at the top of our TOP 3 favorite cities.

[@coffeecodeweb]

Thank you for the tips. My wife and I are planning a transatlantic cruise from Barcelona to Port Caneveral. We are hoping to do this in October 2023. I noticed there are some 4-5 days of cruising. Was that boring being at sea all day and night?

[@AlwaysBeVacationing]

We love sea days! It allows you to really unwind, slow down and catch up on a good book, catching some rays or running around enjoying the ship’s adventures!

[@coffeecodeweb]

@@AlwaysBeVacationing we both enjoy unwinding and reading. Thanks for responding:)

[@soonerjane8966]

May 2022 we did Fort Lauderdale to Rome - on Holland America. It was 6 days from Fl to Azores- plenty to do on HAL. One day we saw whales !!! We use ATT&T for our carrier - hubby was charged $10 per day (max) I didn't use mine daily but when I did it was $5.00 per day.

[@nexthomegps]

@@soonerjane8966 that’s great!! Sounds similar to the plan we have… you spend less on the second person! - currently looking for something even better ;)

[@TheTravellingSwiss]

Great video 😃👍🏻 Like 7 We subscribed your channel 😊

[@AlwaysBeVacationing]

We just jumped on your channel! WOW! Switzerland is higher on our list now. :)

[@paulstar2616]

we are going there on a NCL cruise in October 23 and spending two days before flying home, would love to take a tour, any suggestions..

[@hhuynh5273]

Was it easy to get a taxi around?

[@darylwhitty]

You haven’t done any videos for a while …. Miss you guys 😪

[@AlwaysBeVacationing]

So sorry! We have several waiting for edit. Work has had us busy busy! And 22 days til Wonder of the Seas!!! Even more coming soon :)

[@claudiaa.merandi1969]

I’m not sure what hotel I should choose as I am sailing out of Barcelona on June 1. Any recommendations

[@AlwaysBeVacationing]

We found the chain H10 to be full of charming boutique hotels. And they are scattered throughout the city which makes choosing one a breeze!

[@arlenewiles7606]

Such GREAT information and tips! Question, have you all had any troubles with the Travelon sling bags? I'm really interested in purchasing, but lots of reviews of the zippers failing or the loops ripping. Thank you for your time!

[@mosercoaching]

Oh my! We love our slings!! We pack them on every trip. Rod even takes his to the gym in town! We have had ours since 2018 with no issues!! Honestly our slings are our all time favorite travel item!

[@arlenewiles7606]

@@mosercoaching thank you so much for your help& honesty! I’m going to order one today for our upcoming trips! 😊

[@michaels3003]

​@@arlenewiles7606, the current quality may not be the same as it was five years ago. Did you buy it?

[@arlenewiles7606]

@@michaels3003 I did. We have a small trip coming up where we’re going to test it out. But it appears to be in great condition.

[@michaels3003]

@@arlenewiles7606 , thank you and good luck!

[@robynhorne5578]

Next time?? Woh, on line I don’t own a computer, well I just don’t have $$ , well my sister has been around the world, true with better half, me just stayed home, and looked after our mother which I will never forget,bye for now Mr Cello Man 👨🙏🙏🤔🤔😊😊💤💤🙋‍♀️🙋‍♀️🙋‍♀️👋👋👋

[@user-ff9px6yb6g]

This video has great information, but you only get to hear half of it. He's so loud and she's so quiet that you either have to keep adjusting your volume or just miss everything she says. It sounds like she's super far away from the microphone, and he's super close. This video would be so much better without the audio issues it has. There was a lot I was hoping to learn here, but I'm sure I missed some good stuff because I couldn't hear what she was saying without turning it up all the way...and even then she was hard to hear.

[@LynnUs78]

Me and my son are going to be sailing out of Barcelona for his Graduation in June. How did you guys spend money there? I'm looking for a nice hotel that's not far from the port. Do you have any suggestions?

[@AlwaysBeVacationing]

I was a little worried about money at first but it was pretty simple. We have a credit card that doesn't charge international exchange rates. We also grabbed a small amount of cash at an atm from that card. But honestly, we used our card. We did grab EU on the ship at the concierge for spending money in Palma and Italy. Hotels! Yes :) we found a fun boutique style chain that is unique at every location. Check out booking.com. I think I found our hotels there and booked direct on their site. H10 Hotels. We stayed at H10 Casa Mimosa to be close to the La Sagrada pre cruise. And in the gothic district to explore there after the cruise we stayed at the H10 Madison. Both locations put you in walking distance to almost everything you want to see plus the dark European decor is beautiful! LOVE Barcelona! What ship are you sailing on? Trip to remember!!

[@susanjohnston4066]

Texting anyone is possible while phone is in Airplane mode, correct?

[@AlwaysBeVacationing]

On Freedom of the Seas when traveling with another couple we paid a few $$ per day to text thru the Royal Caribbean app.

[@1964orange]

Just curious, tip #11 is not in your listing and I must be daft because I could not see the free link to pre purchase your tickets to get into the park? Please advise.

[@AlwaysBeVacationing]

park.barcelonatickets.org/parkguell-tickets/ Here you go! Thanks for catching that!

[@joeheathercole]

Question, I noted you mentioned Royal Caribbean doesn't let you use your own tour guide in Rome? We have a company we are using for Rome, Naples, and another port. Are we not able to?

[@AlwaysBeVacationing]

Check with Royal Caribbean… that was a post Covid protocol that Italy had placed on RCL in order for them to allow excursions. It may have been lifted by now. Let us know here!’

[@ed11186]

Was this City of Barcelona Tour or FC Barcelona by Royal Caribbean? I was wondering which one allows to let you see inside La Sa Grada de Familia

[@nexthomegps]

We explored Barcelona on our own. This was pre-cruise! It is a very easy city to explore.

[@AlwaysBeVacationing]

(the little puppy channel... that's our other channel) Barcelona was a pre-cruise city. We flew in early and explored on our own. We used it as an excuse to relieve our jet lag!

[@carolyngardner4999]

Was this hotel closed to the cruise port

[@AlwaysBeVacationing]

Yes! It was an 11 minute taxi ride in morning traffic. Only 3.3 KM according to google. We loved the location. It was central to everything we wanted to see before the cruise. We stayed in Gothic Quarter post cruise and that was a great location too. Hmmm, sounds like another video?

[@ddg874]

@@AlwaysBeVacationing hi. thanks for the info. Question: (1) which hotel in the gothic quarter?; (2) did you have issues with pickpockets, etc?

[@AlwaysBeVacationing]

@@ddg874 1) H10 Madison! We loved the location and style of this hotel and wished we had more time there. 2) No issues at all with pickpockets. We had our travelon slings and kept them zip/locked and everything very secure. - nothing in back pockets, phone in hand always (with a wrist strap for me) or phone in zipped/locked bag.