We will be staying in Barcelona for a couple days in May prior to departing on the Norwegian Gem for a cruise. We have never done a cruise before and I am concerned about whether it will be difficult to find our way to the ship. Is this a non-issue or do I have something to worry about?
Posted by
Tarzana, California, USA
67 posts
Most of the cruise ships dock at the same place. The docks are a few blocks from downtown. Very convenient for tourists.
Barcelona is a favorite or ours. Have fun
Dean
Posted by
dallas, tx, usa
1358 posts
I think it is a non-issue. Not to worry.
When you arrive in Barcelona, ask the best way to get to the NCL docks.
Depending on where you are, it may be best to take a bus, or maybe a trolley. Barcelona taxis are very expensive. Local residents will know how to get to the docks better than we travelers.
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
Actually, Carl, advice from those who've been there may be better to reassure Janice, rather than waiting until they get there. As Dean suggested, it's a non issue. If you head down to the bottom of the Ramblas and hang a right at the Christopher Columbus statue,you'll find the entrance to the passenger ship docks a few hundred meters along. There is a bus route that does the cruise dock circuit, but it's sporadic and not tied into the Metro system. The best way is by taxi, which won't be all that expensive. From the airport, it's about 30 Euro...from Placa de Catalunya in downtown Barcelona, about 10 Euro. Just tell the driver what terminal your ship is docked at, and he/she will take you right there.
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
Actually, Norm, we found that the bus that shuttles back and forth to the cruise terminal was quite frequent (October 2008) and certainly convenient.
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
Yes the shuttle bus is convenient...if you can get to it with your luggage, and if you time it properly. It's about a five minute walk from the Metro stop at Drassanes, across the Placa dl Portale de la Pau....a fair number of stairs and intersections if you're dragging more than one suitcase. When we were there, the bus only ran about once every half hour. That's why I suggested a 10 Euro taxi ride (for 2) from downtown, rather than a 6 Euro( for 2) ride on the Metro and the shuttle.
Posted by
Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
7 posts
As a person born in Barcelona, I share the opinion of Norm If you have been a few cases it is best if you go the subway but many suitcases the taxi is the best option.
Posted by
Centennial, CO, US
2186 posts
We have the opposite situation -- we will be arriving in Barcelona on a cruise ship and need to get to the train station, to go north to Collioure.
We'll only have one suitcase per person. Does the metro go to the train station or should we look for a taxi?