Happy New year to all!

I hope your New Year is off to a great start. Our sailing for the fall will be here before you know it. It is not too early to start making plans for this awesome 14 day journey.

Two things to consider right now for your sailing.  First is airfare. If you use points to book airfare, I suggest that you start looking into that. If you plan to purchase an airline ticket, I would suggest that you do this fairly soon. I do not see the chance that airfares will relax their fares as Europe is a hot destination this year. If you need my guidance, I can make suggestions. However, I am asking that you take over your own air reservation. This is not because I don’t want to do it, it is because if you have a problem, I want you to be as close to the airline as possible. Last Summer Europe had a lot of air problems, and me trying to be a go between will not serve you well.

Next is hotel stays in Barcelona. Right now, hotel prices are ranging $200 to $250 per night. If you have points to use, I would suggest you do so. Even some large chains such as IGH are blocking the use of points. So, you need to decide, how many days you want to stay in Barcelona, and secure the hotel with a refundable deposit. I suggest this in case you see a lower price closer to departure.

Once you have secured your hotel, you want to get your air organized. More than likely, you will arrive early to mid-morning in Barcelona. It will take a full hour from the time you land to get through immigration, so plan to stand and wait a while. It is just the way it works in the Barcelona airport.

I can arrange airport to hotel transfers easily if you and friends are staying at same hotels and have similar arriving flight times. Otherwise, a cab ride will be close to $40 from airport to hotel.   It is easy to get a cab to a hotel. Also, the same goes from getting to the port from the hotel, I can arrange transfers and save you some money.

I happen to love Barcelona and enjoy each time we stay there. I will be able to suggest tours for you to take based on your interest. Barcelona is quite the night life town and has delicious food offerings. I will probably create some links in a few months that you can book while in the city. 

Barcelona has a lot of foot zone areas in which to walk. Plan to take your walking shoes as streets can be narrow and not all taxis can get you where you want to visit.

I will be traveling on the Reflection next week, so if there are questions you have about this ship, please let me know! I will try to get your questions answered. If you know of anyone else that would like to join you on this amazing Transatlantic voyage, please send them my way. However, the awesome fare I secured for you is no longer available, but there are other fares I can help to accommodate.

Happy New Year

Kathy Hays Cruises