Galveston to Barcelona 18 Apr 10 Voya...

Author Message   E.L.Fink Intermediate Member Username: Yahootie Post Number: 97 Registered: 08-2009 Posted on Monday, May 10, 2010 - 05:45 am:    Phyllis - That could be El Pesebre Restairant. It is the only one on the playa. We plan to make it there for dinner this evening. Learned that the super highway AP-4 from Cadiz to Sevilla heading north has no exits once one leaves the city limits of Cadiz. We had to drive all the way to Jerez to find an exit in order to do a U-turn and came home (Rota) via A-4. elf - John   Phyllis DeLancey Senior Member Username: Phyllis Post Number: 2713 Registered: 06-2003 Posted on Sunday, May 09, 2010 - 07:51 pm:    John, Jim too enjoyed talking with you, who knows we may run into each other again one day, and you can continue the conversation. I just posted some pictures on my facebook page from the cruise, and our few days in Rota. We meet a nice couple at the Navy Lodge who had a car. Saturday the asked us to join them for lunch. It was a very nice place out side the Rota gate and to the right. You had to drive to it and it took about 20 minutes. It was lovely, right on the beach and lots of things to see and different place to eat. We enjoyed it very much.   E.L.Fink Intermediate Member Username: Yahootie Post Number: 96 Registered: 08-2009 Posted on Sunday, May 09, 2010 - 05:59 am:    John - Great to hear Becky made it. We were a little concerned, but the ship offered a ride to the airport. We didn't know it was a different airport. We stood in line for a taxi for 1.25 hours to get a ride to the hotel. Seems only one particular taxi company had a contract with the ship/docks. We stayed at the airport, Best Western Alpha for $89/ night. They offered free shuttle service to/from the airport. When we arrived, one of the ship's taxi drivers was having an arguement with a patron. The driver had gone to the wrong place. Phyllis - Tell Jim, I really enjoyed talking with him about the USS Saratoga. Eventhough, I was just a plane-pushing airman on the flightdeck at the time and had never seen anything below the messdeck (main-deck) in 1 1/2 years. Wish we could have talked further, I had no idea what went on in engineering. There never seems enough time (even when one is not doing something). Just saw the Spanish aircraft carrier. It has a jump-jet ramp, like the Brits. elf   Phyllis DeLancey Senior Member Username: Phyllis Post Number: 2712 Registered: 06-2003 Posted on Sunday, May 09, 2010 - 04:03 am:    John, don't think I'm the right person for a trip report on the cruise. We got off two day early and didn't take any tours in any of the towns.   John R Garrison Senior Member Username: Majorg Post Number: 2590 Registered: 02-2006 Posted on Saturday, May 08, 2010 - 07:53 pm:    John/Lynn: Becky made it safe and sound to Germany. RCL did not make it easy getting her to the Gerona Airport from the ship! Many thanks for taking her to the ship and being there for us. Looking forward to your trip report once you get back home. Happy Travels, John   E.L.Fink Intermediate Member Username: Yahootie Post Number: 94 Registered: 08-2009 Posted on Saturday, May 08, 2010 - 07:28 pm:    Well, the 'cats out of the bag,' but we did enjoy the trip. Just pulled into Rota this AM and checked into the Navy Lodge. There was another couple Wayne & Flo from Clear Lake, Tx. We didn't make the veterans party thrown by the ship, so we didn't meet anyone except those at breakfast. Phyllis, perhaps you could write a general curise trip report and let us write our own indiviual get-home reports. BTW, highway A-4 from Sevilla has all the Rota road-signs!! The new super-highway AP-4 give no indication of how to get to Rota. Guess which road we took to find Rota? Becky make it to her destination? The town of Rota is ending it's celebration of Feria, tomorrow (Sunday). What happened with the stock market last week? elf (John & Lynn)   Phyllis DeLancey Senior Member Username: Phyllis Post Number: 2706 Registered: 06-2003 Posted on Friday, May 07, 2010 - 04:27 pm:    Thanks, John, I wondered why we never meet up with them. Also meet some other folks but don't have their names, one was with your wife the day we play trivia with them.   John R Garrison Senior Member Username: Majorg Post Number: 2580 Registered: 02-2006 Posted on Friday, May 07, 2010 - 01:35 pm:    Phyllis: Actually, you did meet the "Finks"...John and Lynne Albers (John uses E.L.F. or E.L. Fink as his email "handle"). Becky enjoyed meeting you too. Sorry I didn't get to meet you this time. John   Phyllis DeLancey Senior Member Username: Phyllis Post Number: 2705 Registered: 06-2003 Posted on Friday, May 07, 2010 - 12:30 pm:    Here is a list of the folks who were on the ship. We all meet one afternoon. John & Lynn Alveers - Marion & Eliene Matuszewski - Lois & Jerry Webb - Chuck & Pat Thelen - Margaret & Wayne Scott and Jim & I. We did not meet the Fink's, we did meet John Garrison wife Becky one day. We won the trival contest that day with a team name of the SPATS. Also a couple we have meet several other time named the Wentworths were on board. I'm not doing a trip report, there isn't much to say that hasn't or won't be said by others. Lois & I did go to the public libary in Ponta Dega to use the wifi, ended up using there machines, all free and very nice place.   Phyllis DeLancey Senior Member Username: Phyllis Post Number: 2703 Registered: 06-2003 Posted on Wednesday, May 05, 2010 - 07:29 pm:    Eileen, you are most welcome, and it was nice to meet you and Marion. We are still in Dover, this is getting old, now they say the plane is fixed and we will fly tonight. No rental cars any place, have tried from Wilmington to Dover. I am about ready to get on a Grayhound bus and head to Norfolk. We have had some fun times in the terminal, several of us have been here since Sunday. Tonight a group of us were having dinner together in the USO and I told them I was going to write a trip report about my vacation in the Dover Terminal. Thanks havens Grotto's delivers, I love the food, but think I have gained more weight here than on the cruise.   Lois Webb Intermediate Member Username: Lois_w Post Number: 59 Registered: 11-2006 Posted on Tuesday, May 04, 2010 - 07:06 pm:    Eileen, Glad that you and Marion got home safely. Jerry and I are in Barcelona and will fly to Paris tomorrow. Unfortunately it has rained here both Monday and today. Hope to see you again sometime.   Eileen Intermediate Member Username: Colmat Post Number: 104 Registered: 06-2003 Posted on Tuesday, May 04, 2010 - 05:25 pm:    Roger, Just to clarify things, my husband and I traveled on the bus from Malaga to Cadiz and the cost of the fare was 22 Euros per person. It was truly a wonderful cruise. I have never met so many retired military on any other cruise. I wonder if that was because the cruise departed from Texas and there were many Texans on the cruise. Obviously there are many military retirees living in Texas. Upon arrival in Rota on Friday, April 30, we spent two nights in Rota at the Gateway Inn and on Sunday, May 2, made a 0400 showtime flight on a C-5 bound for Dover and then on to Travis. The flight was wonderful. There were only about 20 passengers aboard the aircraft. All who wanted to could spread out on three seats and sleep. To our surprise, each of us received a complimentary snack which consisted of two containers of orange drink, one bag of chips, and a candy bar. After an 8 hour flight we arrived in Dover Sunday morning. We were fortunate enought to get a ride from a fellow space-a passenger to Anapolis where our son picked us up and we spent the night with him. On Monday morning we picked up a car rental at Dulles airport for approximately $110 and drove it back home to Michigan. Everything was wonderful and we really enjoyed ourselves. A special thanks to Phyllis and Jim DeLancey for sharing and all their help and guidance. Eileen   E.L.Fink Intermediate Member Username: Yahootie Post Number: 92 Registered: 08-2009 Posted on Tuesday, May 04, 2010 - 04:45 pm:    Man, did we have a great time!!! We flew from Barcelona back to Malaga for $46 each. Then rented a car from National in Malaga for a week, return to Cadez for 255 Euros. We will stay in a condo just 30 miles east of Gibraltar for 500 Euros a week. Then plan to head to Rota for a hop. elf   Robert Lansing New member Username: Bobthecop Post Number: 1 Registered: 04-2010 Posted on Monday, May 03, 2010 - 05:18 pm:    Sounds like everyone had a good time and exchanged some real good information! The next cruise from Galveston to Barcelona is May 01,2011 And inside rooms starting @ 649.00 (It may even go down?) The wife and I will be booking it soon!   Phyllis DeLancey Senior Member Username: Phyllis Post Number: 2692 Registered: 06-2003 Posted on Sunday, May 02, 2010 - 07:10 pm:    John you are right. Played Trivia with your wife one day, sorry we missed meeting you. There is a bus earlier, but it took 6 hours and our took 4, so did that one. Nice ride along the coast stopping in a few towns, but no long stop for rest room break and none on board.   John R Garrison Senior Member Username: Majorg Post Number: 2564 Registered: 02-2006 Posted on Sunday, May 02, 2010 - 06:45 pm:    Roger: I believe Phyllis and Jim got off in Malaga. the price is for Malaga to Cadiz. Happy Travels, John   Roger Johnson Advanced Member Username: Rwjohn6 Post Number: 324 Registered: 05-2008 Posted on Sunday, May 02, 2010 - 06:33 pm:    Phyllis was that Barcelona to Cadiz by bus for 22 euro. Was the bus station near the cruise terminal. Roger in Fl   Phyllis DeLancey Senior Member Username: Phyllis Post Number: 2690 Registered: 06-2003 Posted on Sunday, May 02, 2010 - 05:11 pm:    We took a bus @1:30 from the BIG bus station by the train station in town. I think we paid about 22 euro for the two of us. It will drop you off at the/near the ferry pier in Cadiz. We used the ferry to get over to ROta. It left @6:20, had the ferry station call a cab, there were 4 of us and 4 bags, cost 10 europ for cab trip. He took us first to terminal, than down to Gateway. He waited at the gate while we all 4 got day passes.   E.L.Fink Intermediate Member Username: Yahootie Post Number: 91 Registered: 08-2009 Posted on Sunday, May 02, 2010 - 04:05 pm:    Phyllis & Jim, Glad to hear you made it! We just pulled into Barcelona this AM and unloaded. Got a flight back to Malaga tomorrow AM. How did you get from Malaga to Rota? Had breakfast with both Waynes and their brides before being made to leave the ship. The ship got tangled up with the gangway and gouged out two 18 inch, 3 inches wide, 6 inches deep cuts into the hull of one lifeboat in Malaga. Rendered it unfit for use. The skipper was ticked! Don't know how it happoned. Did you hear anything about it? Robert Grey is in Waco, Ft. Hood? There should be many hops there? Keep us posted. For some reason I can't send Email, but can receive. elf (John & Lynn)   Phyllis DeLancey Senior Member Username: Phyllis Post Number: 2689 Registered: 06-2003 Posted on Sunday, May 02, 2010 - 02:12 pm:    This note is coming from the new USO @ Dover. We got a flight out of Rota early this morning, now waiting for one to Robert Grey, in Texas this evening. Had a good time, glad to meet some new folks and see some old friends. Good luck to all of you trying to get back.   Jan Advanced Member Username: Seychelle Post Number: 317 Registered: 07-2006 Posted on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 - 03:39 am:    John, I got a horrible feeling in the pit of my stomach just reading your note, and it wasn't even happening to me! Your attitude is much better than mine would have been.   Sandor Ketzis Intermediate Member Username: Siamk Post Number: 139 Registered: 05-2005 Posted on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 - 02:33 am:    John, Don't be too hard on yourself. Sometimes there is no lesson to be learned; we have lots going on, get tired, distracted, etc. or just plain forget. The wife says we need to be kinder to ourselves. We got to the airport once and the AMC clerk said welcome to me, but wife couldn't go. Her ID card expired that day. We got a flight a week later and everything was fine, but stuff like that happens. If you are ever out Baltimore way, give us a call.   John R Garrison Senior Member Username: Majorg Post Number: 2533 Registered: 02-2006 Posted on Tuesday, April 20, 2010 - 11:29 pm:    PR: Unfortunately, no. I have only myself to blame! When someone asked me if I had trip insurance (I do), I responded: "Unfortunately, it doesn't cover stupid!" Happy travels, john   PR Senior Member Username: Pretzlaff Post Number: 1633 Registered: 06-2003 Posted on Tuesday, April 20, 2010 - 03:42 pm:    John-- Are you certain that your wife didn't 'forget' to pack it. My wife does not like to cruise with me.   John R Garrison Senior Member Username: Majorg Post Number: 2532 Registered: 02-2006 Posted on Tuesday, April 20, 2010 - 01:52 pm:    Sandor: Thanks for the words of encouragement. I did run all of the various senerios, but decided that there was a lesson here that I am suppose to be learning. So, I have decided to remain in Spokane and catch up with Becky in Europe in May...or... Happy Travels, John   Sandor Ketzis Intermediate Member Username: Siamk Post Number: 138 Registered: 05-2005 Posted on Tuesday, April 20, 2010 - 05:52 am:    John, What a bummer, Is it too late for you to grab a one-way flight and meet the ship in Nassau? I bet you could make it. If not, what about space-aing out of Norfolk to the Azores and joining the ship there. You could at least salvage part of the cruise. Bet your wife and friends would be happy to see you.   John R Garrison Senior Member Username: Majorg Post Number: 2530 Registered: 02-2006 Posted on Sunday, April 18, 2010 - 06:50 pm:    Bon Voyage! Unfortunately, I will not be making the trip. Becky and I sucessfully flew from Spokane to Houston last night (Saturday). When we were repacking at the hotel this am, I discovered that I had left my passport back on the dresser at home (Spokane, WA). That's called a "thousand dollar Oops"! Becky is continuing on the cruise and is looking forward to meeting the other 17 Pepperd.com SPATS who are on board. Wish I were there. On the way home now. Will spacea over (assuming the volcano has quieted down) to Germany mid-May to retrieve Becky. BTW, she is prepared to stay indefinitely if the volcano doesn't quiet down (oh, well, at least one of us was prepared!). Very glad we have those three kids stationed in the Ramstein area! Trying now to discern what lesson it is that God is trying to get through my thick head. These things do not happen for no reason at all (Rom 8:28). Happy Travels, John   Phyllis DeLancey Senior Member Username: Phyllis Post Number: 2650 Registered: 06-2003 Posted on Saturday, March 20, 2010 - 03:55 am:    We have getting to Rota covered, now if we can just get back to the east coast from Rota all will be well in our world.   Eileen Intermediate Member Username: Colmat Post Number: 102 Registered: 06-2003 Posted on Friday, March 19, 2010 - 06:31 pm:    Bill, Thank you for the information you provided. So sorry that you will not be joining. Good Luck on your surgery. Phyllis, It sounds as if you are all set with your travel arrangements to return to Rota.   Phyllis DeLancey Senior Member Username: Phyllis Post Number: 2646 Registered: 06-2003 Posted on Thursday, March 18, 2010 - 02:27 am:    Eileen, we are flying into Jerez, from there a cab or bus to Rota. Bill so sorry you have had to cancel, we hope all goes well and that our paths cross again sometime.   Bill Sacra New member Username: Bilsa Post Number: 4 Registered: 10-2008 Posted on Thursday, March 18, 2010 - 01:48 am:    Eileen: You inquired about getting from Barcelona to Rota, We have gotten off ships several times in Barcelona but have never gone from there to Rota. Barcelona is 750 miles NE of Seville and the fast train should get you there in approx. 7 hrs. Rota is approx 80 miles S. of Seville and the bus will take 2+ hrs. The bus station at Rota is only 1/2 block from the main gate. You should be able to pull up the schedules on the internet. An alternative is to get off he ship at Malaga which is 150 miles E of Rota. Take train to Seville and bus to Rota. This will shorten your cruise by 2 days. Now for the bad news. I must have hernia surgery next week. The Doctor says absolutely no heavy exercise or lifting for 6 weeks. So we had to cancel the cruise. Back in 1980, I had hernia surgery in the right side. We lived in PA. then and my favorite sport was fox hunting on horse back which is not a sport for the weak hearted. After a month, I was feeling fine and decide to go fox hunting where the horse and rider go over every thing between them and the fox during the chase. We went over a big log and when my horse hit the ground, I felt a pain in my right side. My incision had pulled apart. So this time I will follow Doctor's instructions. We had really looked forward to this cruise.   Phyllis DeLancey Senior Member Username: Phyllis Post Number: 2643 Registered: 06-2003 Posted on Wednesday, March 17, 2010 - 11:16 pm:    Eileen, we too are looking forward to the cruise. I think there maybe more of us than we realize, the last time I counted I think it was about 16 of us. I know what you mean about old Army friends. My husband was Navy, but we have some good friends who are Army, we too will be spending the night with one of them and getting to the bus with them in the morning.   Eileen Intermediate Member Username: Colmat Post Number: 100 Registered: 06-2003 Posted on Wednesday, March 17, 2010 - 06:51 pm:    Phyllis, We would be glad to share our cabin with any fellow Space-a passengers provided we have a room with a good view of the parade activities. Good News for us. My husband just heard from an old Army buddy of his who lives in Houston. He will be picking us up at the Houston Airport on Saturday. He has graciously asked us to spend Saturday night with him and then drive us on Sunday to the Galveston Port. Isn't it just great to have old and gracious Army buddies. We are really getting excited about the trip now.   Eileen Intermediate Member Username: Colmat Post Number: 99 Registered: 06-2003 Posted on Wednesday, March 17, 2010 - 06:43 pm:    Bill, We are also hoping to fly back space-a out of Rota. In your recent e-mail you indicated you would be taking the train out of Barcelona to Seville and a bus ride to Rota. Do you have any specific information on train schedules,and costs to Seville and bus connections to Rota or perhaps commercial flight transportation that would get us to Rota. Any information you provide would be helpful.   Phyllis DeLancey Senior Member Username: Phyllis Post Number: 2632 Registered: 06-2003 Posted on Saturday, March 13, 2010 - 11:23 pm:    Lois you mean beside you, are you looking for a"new best friedn" to drink that wine with? lol   Lois Webb Intermediate Member Username: Lois_w Post Number: 58 Registered: 11-2006 Posted on Saturday, March 13, 2010 - 07:45 pm:    OK, Phyllis. Eileen can be your NEW best friend and I will just stay your OLD best friend. Looking forward to meeting everyone on the cruise. Does anyone have Diamond status with RCL?   Phyllis DeLancey Senior Member Username: Phyllis Post Number: 2630 Registered: 06-2003 Posted on Saturday, March 13, 2010 - 03:53 pm:    Lois you are my BEST friend, Eileen is plan B. As a good spaca aer, you know we have to have a plan B, and I think I remember you trying to talk me into one of those rooms, so you could come watch the parade. Maybe we should just see is Eileen & Marion don't want to host a parade party one night????   Lois Webb Intermediate Member Username: Lois_w Post Number: 57 Registered: 11-2006 Posted on Saturday, March 13, 2010 - 12:03 am:    Bill, Have you checked your spam folder? It may be there. We are staying in Barcelona for 3 nights then flying Vueling to Paris. Will probably space a back from either Germany or Mildenhall.   Bill Sacra New member Username: Bilsa Post Number: 2 Registered: 10-2008 Posted on Friday, March 12, 2010 - 11:18 pm:    We will be in cabin 9307, inside by the elevator. You can pull up deck plans on "Vacationstogo,com" We plan to take the train from Barcelona to Seville.Then take a 2 hr bus ride to Rota. I have tried to sign up by FAX at Rota (011-0034-956-82-1734)) and keep getting a busy signal It is my understanding Rota does not have email. Have tried to use Takeahop. I fill in all of the blanks, press "Send". It is my understanding I am supposed to receive an email on which I confirm the info. I never receive an email. We hope to fly back from Rota or Sigonella. What am I doing wrong? We have been on over 30 cruises, serving as ballroom dance instructors for which we get free cruises. We will be just regular passengers on this one. Most of our Spacea has been going and coming on the same plane so this will be a learning experience with the experts.   Lois Webb Intermediate Member Username: Lois_w Post Number: 56 Registered: 11-2006 Posted on Friday, March 12, 2010 - 07:32 pm:    Jeepers, Phyllis!! And I thought you were OUR best friends so you could use our balcony. Looks like we've been replaced by a promenade room. LOL   Eileen Intermediate Member Username: Colmat Post Number: 98 Registered: 06-2003 Posted on Friday, March 12, 2010 - 05:09 pm:    Phyllis, You are more than welcome to join us anytime you want. I did not realize that this cabin might be a premium inside cabin.   Phyllis DeLancey Senior Member Username: Phyllis Post Number: 2629 Registered: 06-2003 Posted on Friday, March 12, 2010 - 04:06 pm:    Elieen we may be your new best friends. This is a good place to see all the parade they do in the evenings. The room has a nice window seat. I'll be interested to see how you like it. We are deck 7 aft, I'll have a sign on our door.   Eileen Intermediate Member Username: Colmat Post Number: 97 Registered: 06-2003 Posted on Friday, March 12, 2010 - 11:14 am:    We now have our room assignment and it is on Deck 6 with a window overlooking the Promenade. We have never had a cabin like this and it should be a new experience. This is an inside cabin.   Phyllis DeLancey Senior Member Username: Phyllis Post Number: 2628 Registered: 06-2003 Posted on Thursday, March 11, 2010 - 11:23 pm:    For all of you on board this cruise, I'm thinking the day after we leave Nassau would be a good time for us to meet. I'll check once we are on board and see what location is available and put the note out on the board by the tour desk. If anyone wants to do anything else, please feel free to post it on the ships board.   John R Garrison Senior Member Username: Majorg Post Number: 2430 Registered: 02-2006 Posted on Thursday, March 11, 2010 - 07:46 pm:    Eileen: Yes, of course I remember you and Marion very well. Becky and I will look forward to renewing our acquaintance! Phyllis has been keeping track of who all will be going from Pepperd.com and will be setting up a meet and greet for SPATS! We'll only be in Barcelona for the day...we have RyanAir tickets to Frankfurt-Hahn (from Girona Airport) on the evening of May 2. See you on Board. John   Phyllis DeLancey Senior Member Username: Phyllis Post Number: 2625 Registered: 06-2003 Posted on Wednesday, March 10, 2010 - 07:41 pm:    Eileen, as far as I know there are 12 of us, sure we will find more once on board. As I told Bill we are arriving the day of the cruise on a bus that will drop us off at the pier. We will be traveling with Lois & Jerry Webb, and pick up this cruis/tour bus in Round Rock, Texas. I'll be looking for the red bandanas.   Eileen Intermediate Member Username: Colmat Post Number: 96 Registered: 06-2003 Posted on Wednesday, March 10, 2010 - 04:42 pm:    Hello to all. My husband and I have made reservations on this cruise and hope to meet you all on the cruise. The way I see it there are at least ten people who have made firm reservations -- what a nice group and we are really looking forward to it. Would appreciate being advised of transportation plans and sharing from Houston to Galveston. We plan on arriving on the day before (April 17). John Garrison -- it is beginning to become a habit. You might recall that my husband, Marion, and I were on the same transatlantic cruise with you and your wife Becky. We were able to share several experiences and meals together. Hope we will be able to do the same on this cruise.   Phyllis DeLancey Senior Member Username: Phyllis Post Number: 2623 Registered: 06-2003 Posted on Wednesday, March 10, 2010 - 02:00 am:    Bill looking forward to meeting you and Helen. It should be a fun trip. We will be arriving at the ship by bus, hope you find someone to share the cap.   Bill Sacra New member Username: Bilsa Post Number: 1 Registered: 10-2008 Posted on Wednesday, March 10, 2010 - 12:43 am:    My wife, Helen and I will be on the Voyager Hope to learn a lot from more experienced Spats while on the cruise. Will probably fly into Houston Hobby from Birmingham, AL on April 18th. Maybe share a taxi or van from airport to ship with another couple.   Phyllis DeLancey Senior Member Username: Phyllis Post Number: 2621 Registered: 06-2003 Posted on Monday, March 08, 2010 - 07:50 pm:    Diane, sorry it wasn't me. We were at the S&S in Rota than came right back home to Texas.   Diane Rasulis Member Username: Didi Post Number: 34 Registered: 03-2007 Posted on Monday, March 08, 2010 - 06:12 pm:    Phyllis, thanks for the info. The hotel looks like it's a good one and the tours look great. Were you in Aviano in Oct.? I think I saw your name on the computer list, there.   Phyllis DeLancey Senior Member Username: Phyllis Post Number: 2620 Registered: 06-2003 Posted on Monday, March 08, 2010 - 02:12 pm:    The best tours in Barcelona are the double decker busses. You get on them at the far end of the Rambla. There are three different color busses, each will do a different area. You can buy a two day ticket and ride all three. Be sure you visit The church of the Holy Family, one of the busses will go by it. Also take a couple hours to visit the Gaudi Park. It has some lovely tile work in it. We are staying at the Hotel Continetal Barcelona. Someplace on this board someone is looking for a another couple to share the cost of a car down to Rota. Bevery careful walking along the Rambla, lots of busy hands in this area. Also wonderful place to see street acts, and a BIG market where you can get fresh fruit, beer, wine and other treats. The Gothic Quarters are a good place to wander, I'm not big on this after dark and never alone.   Diane Rasulis Member Username: Didi Post Number: 33 Registered: 03-2007 Posted on Monday, March 08, 2010 - 11:10 am:    Any information about Barcelona tours, hotels or rental cars, or ways to get back to Rota would be greatly appreciated. We're on the Disney cruise one day earlier in Barcelona.   Phyllis DeLancey Senior Member Username: Phyllis Post Number: 2594 Registered: 06-2003 Posted on Tuesday, February 23, 2010 - 03:17 am:    John, we for sure have a get together. I thinkw e will hang around Barcalona for a few days. Not sure if we will try to get home from Spain, Italy or Germany. I will send signs up to all and hope for the best. When the ship first docks, it is a mad house at the pier, we will wait for a while, last time it was nuts getting off the dock.   DeeDee Clarke Senior Member Username: Deedee Post Number: 549 Registered: 05-2004 Posted on Tuesday, February 23, 2010 - 02:09 am:    John - you are correct. There is a bus at the pier in Barcelona that will take you outside the pier to the statue. (It is either 1 or 2 Euro.) From there it is a short walk up Las Ramblas. to the metro - look for the elevator.   John R Garrison Senior Member Username: Majorg Post Number: 2370 Registered: 02-2006 Posted on Tuesday, February 23, 2010 - 12:06 am:    Phyllis: Great news that you'll be on board! Please do arrange a SPAT get-together...Becky and I would love to attend. Link to Spanish Bus system...I believe this depends on where you are going on post-cruise. I understand there is "Blue Bus" which picks you up at the pier and takes you to the "Corona (sp) statue". Then there is a short walk to the "Metro" which will take you to the "Barcelona Main Bus Station". From there...well it depends where you are going (we're headed to the Gerona airport to fly RyanAir to Germany). I hope I've got that right. Looking forward to meeting you guys in person. Happy travels, John   John Civick Advanced Member Username: John6412 Post Number: 213 Registered: 07-2008 Posted on Monday, February 22, 2010 - 08:22 pm:    I want to sign up but am trying to sell a house. Once it's sold and if there are any cabins left we're going. Price was 449 guar cabin but now I see it's returned to 479. No matter, it's a bargin!   Phyllis DeLancey Senior Member Username: Phyllis Post Number: 2592 Registered: 06-2003 Posted on Monday, February 22, 2010 - 07:23 pm:    Well here we go again. Just signed up for this one. I know that there will be 5 couples on here, so keep an eye on the board by the pursers and I'll post a get together if ya'll want to. Now anyone have a link to the spanish bus system?   Tommy Towery Member Username: Ttowery Post Number: 33 Registered: 10-2007 Posted on Saturday, February 13, 2010 - 06:39 pm:    Folks...thanks for all the help with my questions about the Barcelona connections, but upon further searching we found a different repositioning cruise that serves us better. It is also on Vacationstogocom and is fast deal #13892 14 nights departing Ft. Lauderdale on April 11, 2010 on Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas to Southampton, England for $549 inside cabin for 55+. That way we can visit London then head up to Mildenhall for a few days then Space-A home (or somewhere close to home.) I'm going to start a new thread on this cruise.   Gerald Weigle Member Username: Gerald Post Number: 32 Registered: 09-2005 Posted on Friday, February 12, 2010 - 02:15 pm:    I'd suggest checking out the Veuling Airlines schedule for a flight from Barcelona to Jerez de la Frontera. My wife and I went this route last year and it turned out fine. From Jerez airport you can take a bus into Jerez and then bus to Rota, with the bus terminal right outside the base gate.   John R Garrison Senior Member Username: Majorg Post Number: 2347 Registered: 02-2006 Posted on Friday, February 12, 2010 - 02:11 pm:    Tommy: Still investigating at this time. Ryanair (actually a partner) runs a bus (12 euro/pp) from the Main Bus station in Barcelona to Girona Airport. Also Taxis and limos are possibilities. We have plenty of time. Ship docks at 0600...plane goes at 21:45. Got no help on this one from either NCCL or Travelocity. Googled Girona Airport to Barcelona for above info. ( http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/gerona/girona-airport-barcelona.html#b arcelonabus ) Happy travels, John   Tommy Towery Member Username: Ttowery Post Number: 32 Registered: 10-2007 Posted on Friday, February 12, 2010 - 01:35 pm:    John et. all - - - How do you plan to get from the cruise port to the airport to catch a Ryanair flight?   Tommy Towery Member Username: Ttowery Post Number: 31 Registered: 10-2007 Posted on Friday, February 12, 2010 - 01:32 pm:    John et. all - - - How do you plan to get from the cruise port to the airport to catch a Ryanair flight?   John R Garrison Senior Member Username: Majorg Post Number: 2345 Registered: 02-2006 Posted on Friday, February 12, 2010 - 12:29 pm:    Tommy: It's not SpaceA, but I have RyanAir tickets from Girona (GOA) (one of RyanAir's two Barcelona airports) direct to Frankfurt-Hahn on the day we debark at Barcelona. After visiting my children in Germany, I will be hopping back stateside from Ramstein. Hope this helps, John   DeeDee Clarke Senior Member Username: Deedee Post Number: 538 Registered: 05-2004 Posted on Friday, February 12, 2010 - 12:27 pm:    When we lived at RAF Lakenheath, we took a cruise out of Barcelona. We flew easyJet to/from Stansted/Barcelona. Their luggage allowance is a bit higher than Ryanair, and it was less expensive too. You could try that if you want to travel to where you were stationed in England before you head back to the states.   Lowell Bynum Member Username: Pagosasnowbird Post Number: 30 Registered: 11-2007 Posted on Friday, February 12, 2010 - 12:22 pm:    I see the cruise stops in Malaga. I realize that cuts two days off the cruise, but I wonder if it might be easier to get from Malaga to Rota.   Tommy Towery Member Username: Ttowery Post Number: 30 Registered: 10-2007 Posted on Friday, February 12, 2010 - 03:11 am:    I have until Feb. 18th to confirm passage on this trip but am concerned about how to get anywhere to pick up a space-a flight once we get off the ship in Barcelona. I lived in England four years but did very little travel to Spain. I see that Rota is 800 miles away. What help can someone give me for a rookie to get somewhere after we get to Barcelona - in plain basic English or instructions please.   John R Garrison Senior Member Username: Majorg Post Number: 2341 Registered: 02-2006 Posted on Thursday, February 11, 2010 - 01:05 pm:    Inside, over 55 rate for this cruise has now dropped another $50 to $449/pp. http://www.vacationstogo.com/fastdeal.cfm?deal=15736 Happy Travels, John   John R Garrison Senior Member Username: Majorg Post Number: 2333 Registered: 02-2006 Posted on Sunday, February 07, 2010 - 02:39 pm:    Inside, over 55 rate for this cruise has now dropped to $499/pp. http://www.vacationstogo.com/fastdeal.cfm?deal=15736 See you on board. John   John R Garrison Senior Member Username: Majorg Post Number: 2319 Registered: 02-2006 Posted on Monday, February 01, 2010 - 02:58 pm:    Phyllis: Contacted RCCL (through our Travelocity agent). RCCL claims they only provide a bus from Bush Intl (we are coming into Houston Hobby) and would charge $140 for the two of us. Even the Supper Shuttle wants $65 a head. Looks like the best deal is to hire a taxi ($85) or Towncar ($90). They (RCCL) also don't provide a bus at Barcelona to the Girona Airport (only to the main Barcelona airport) where we have Ryanair tickets. Still working that one. ELF: I've sent you a private message. Thanks again for your inputs! Happy travels, John   E.L.Fink Intermediate Member Username: Yahootie Post Number: 65 Registered: 08-2009 Posted on Monday, February 01, 2010 - 10:48 am:    John R, The wife & I have booked for the same transatlantic cruise, Galveston - Barcelona. We plan to work our way to Rota for a hop back. Maybe we can get together along the way? elf   John R Garrison Senior Member Username: Majorg Post Number: 2315 Registered: 02-2006 Posted on Thursday, January 28, 2010 - 03:26 pm:    Age 55 rate for an inside is now $529!! http://www.vacationstogo.com/fastdeal.cfm?deal=15736 Happy Travels, John   Phyllis DeLancey Senior Member Username: Phyllis Post Number: 2539 Registered: 06-2003 Posted on Wednesday, January 27, 2010 - 12:16 am:    John, the first cruise we took out of Galveston, Doris & John Nobblet flew out from DC and went with us. They came in on South West the day before, stayed at a hotel that offered a shuttle from the air port to hotel. The next morning, they just went back to the hotel, and than got on a bus from the cruise line. Have you asked RCL about bus service fromthe air port to the ship?   Kenneth Member Username: Keno Post Number: 33 Registered: 07-2006 Posted on Tuesday, January 26, 2010 - 09:33 pm:    John, When we debarked from our Oceania cruise in Nov. we flew out of Barcelona on Luxair to Luxemborg. Had the Spangdahlem AFB commercial shuttle meet us and bring us directly to Spangdahlem lodging. Flight was an hour late but the driver was there waiting for us. Ryanair is in Girona about 1 hour drive from BCN. BCN was easy to get to via cab and relatively easy to find our way around. Jill   John R Garrison Senior Member Username: Majorg Post Number: 2309 Registered: 02-2006 Posted on Tuesday, January 26, 2010 - 09:22 pm:    Gang: Many thanks for the inputs! I've been checking the transportation between Houston Hobby and the Cruise Terminal. For two people it seems that the lowest cost will be a taxi ($75). The shuttles/buses/limos all seem to be charging by the passenger and would result in higher cost. Sharing a ride could be cheaper, but requires advance coordination. Still investigating whether to stay near Houston (We arrive the night before) or stay at a hotel in Galveston. Any inputs as to advantages/disadvantages of either approach? John, the going rate is indeed $593, but Travelocity got me the senior rate at $543. If you will be going, I'd look forward to meeting you in person! Phyllis: Thanks for your input...I knew that you have taken this particular trip on several occasions, and would be a wealth of knowledge. Additional question: Will be headed to Germany (probably via Ryanair) upon debarkation in Barcelona. Any guidance on how to get to the airport (Girona?), etc.. Thanks in advance. John   Phyllis DeLancey Senior Member Username: Phyllis Post Number: 2536 Registered: 06-2003 Posted on Monday, January 25, 2010 - 12:56 am:    John, I don't think you can return cars at Galveston anymore. For two years, we did one way rental with Hertz, it was great. My husband would drop me and our stuff off at the pier, return the car and they would bring him back. Than along came that BIG storm and took care of that plan. Hertz, has not rebuilt over on the island. Last year we went down on a bus that stopped about 3 places to pick up folks and dropped us at the pier. When I asked Hertz when they planned to reopen, they said in a couple years. It is a good cruise, so ya'll have fun.   John Civick Advanced Member Username: John6412 Post Number: 202 Registered: 07-2008 Posted on Sunday, January 24, 2010 - 11:40 pm:    You can stay at nearly any hotel near the pier and the hotel usually has a shuttle (free) that will take you and luggage to the ship the morning of departure. I think we stayed at Comfort Suite?? Wife and I may take this cruise, rent a car in OKC and drive down in one day, stay o'night and sail away the next day. Maybe we'll see you aboard if we go. Right now the going rate for an inside cabin is $593 on the hotsheet.   John R Garrison Senior Member Username: Majorg Post Number: 2304 Registered: 02-2006 Posted on Sunday, January 24, 2010 - 02:29 am:    Should have added: We booked this cruise thru USAA - Membershop - Travelocity on our USAA AMEX Awards card. For Senior Rate ($543 for inside cabin). 2% back using Membershop, 1% back using USAA Amex, $50 cabin credit (more fo more expensive cabins) for using Amex (thru 11 Feb), 15% of shore excursions (booking by 11 Feb) It was too much to pass up. happy travels, John   John R Garrison Senior Member Username: Majorg Post Number: 2303 Registered: 02-2006 Posted on Sunday, January 24, 2010 - 02:18 am:    Becky and I are booked for this transatlantic cruise (we're celebrating our 40th). Hopefully, some of you will be cruising with us. I know there are several of you who have taken this cruise in the past. Since we are coming from the West Coast, we have to arrive in the Houston/Galveston area on the evening of Saturday, 17 Apr. Would appreciate any/all advice for hotels (Houston or Galveston) and ideas on how to travel to the port/pier. See you on board. Happy travels, John