Barcelona to Dover July 22, 2018

[Baylor81]

Hey guys! I need some insight from those that have taken the itinerary from Barcelona to Dover. We are seriously considering booking this cruise ASAP but I would love a little input. We are a family of 4. Our kids will be almost 13 & 15 when we set sail.
Is there anything to do during the daytime on the ship when at sea for teenagers? I know there is fun stuff for kids 12 and under but what about the teenagers? This ship doesn’t seem like it’s got much going on for them. Please tell me I’m wrong.
Also we plan on arriving in Barcelona on the 20th. Disney provides transportation from your hotel (which we have not booked) to the port for $90 each..total of $360 which seems super high to me but is it?
What type of shore excursions are offered at each port? I cannot for the life of me find any info about those that are offered.
What about transferring from Dover to London at the end of our trip? Have any tips? We are planning on staying a couple days after we arrive before flying back home.
Thank you to those who take time out of their day to answer my many questions.

 

[ACQUADUCK]

We have a very very active cruises meets group that you could join and get loads of information.

Hey guys! I need some insight from those that have taken the itinerary from Barcelona to Dover. We are seriously considering booking this cruise ASAP but I would love a little input. We are a family of 4. Our kids will be almost 13 & 15 when we set sail.

Is there anything to do during the daytime on the ship when at sea for teenagers?

Yes, lots.

I know there is fun stuff for kids 12 and under but what about the teenagers? This ship doesn’t seem like it’s got much going on for them. Please tell me I’m wrong.

With 134 members many with children, as well as the teenage activities, they can get to known each other in advance.

Also we plan on arriving in Barcelona on the 20th. Disney provides transportation from your hotel (which we have not booked) to the port for $90 each..total of $360 which seems super high to me but is it?

Local regulated taxis the black and yellows are cheap, far cheaper for a family. Not need to book any pre paid service, they are plentiful on demand and high stanadards.


What type of shore excursions are offered at each port? I cannot for the life of me find any info about those that are offered.

On the DCL website, and we have been discussing in the cruises meets group.
https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/port-adventures/europe/

Quite lengthy to post about each port and all excursions here.

Some ports like Cadiz you can go DIY.

What about transferring from Dover to London at the end of our trip? Have any tips? We are planning on staying a couple days after we arrive before flying back home.

TRAIN from Dover Priory to St Pancras, fast new high speed trains, requires a quick taxi transfer from the cruise port, all on demand.

Thank you to those who take time out of their day to answer my many questions.

 

[PurplePencil]

This past summer, my family and I did the reverse itinerary (Dover to Barcelona). During the day for the teens, there is Edge (11-14) and Vibe (14-17). Especially on longer itineraries such as this one there are plenty of activities, here are some examples from Vibe:

Zombified- a zombie movie that the teens make with a CM; filming takes place over a few days; filming takes place in the teen club in addition to the sports deck
Gotcha- a major game across the entire ship where teens (and a Tweens in the tween version) choose a codename and then are assigned a person to find on the ship and "Get" them in one of multiple ways including touching them with a paper spoon, pouring a cup of water on their head (top deck only), writing the word poison on a cup or plate then having the victim eat/drink it or high-fiving. A picture of a cruise staff member is also provided each day and if the teen finds them they get bonus points
Pizza Perfection/ Anyone Can Cook: Pizza- In Cabanas the teens answer trivia to gain toppings and make pizzas then cook them in Pinnochio's.

Edge has lots of scavenger hunts, video games, crafts, takes over Vibe usually once a day. Most teens also meet others in the teen/tween clubs and will hangout elsewhere on the ship

 

[Baylor81]

Where do I find these "very very active cruises meets groups" (Acquaduck) This is only my second time using this website and prior to posting I tried to search Barcelona + Dover and never saw anything like what you are mentioning. It would be helpful if you could post a link or tell me what I need to put in the search area to find a group regarding the Barcelona to Dover itinerary. Thank you

 

[ACQUADUCK]

Where do I find these "very very active cruises meets groups" (Acquaduck) This is only my second time using this website and prior to posting I tried to search Barcelona + Dover and never saw anything like what you are mentioning. It would be helpful if you could post a link or tell me what I need to put in the search area to find a group regarding the Barcelona to Dover itinerary. Thank you

Hi,
We are not allowed to post links but if you search the normal places with the title Disney Magic 22nd July 2018, you would find it.

Some live in Spain with local information, some live in London, and some have been to the cruise ports before. We have booked private tours or Disney tours and local hotels.

 

[FSU Girl]

I haven't done this sailing so can't really help with most of your questions. But getting from your hotel to the port is super easy in Barcelona. We took a taxi for less than $20 Euro. It was just me and my friend, but we way over packed and had a lot of luggage with us. I would just do that instead of the Disney transportation which seems overpriced to me

 

[ACQUADUCK]

I haven't done this sailing so can't really help with most of your questions. But getting from your hotel to the port is super easy in Barcelona. We took a taxi for less than $20 Euro. It was just me and my friend, but we way over packed and had a lot of luggage with us. I would just do that instead of the Disney transportation which seems overpriced to me

Agree,

DCL transfers are very expensive, in particular for a family, the local taxi service is city run, regulated, cheape and prompt.

DCL Hotels are to the East of the city, only placed well for the beaches, and very expensive. City centre hotels like Hotel Jazz, cheaper, and at the hub if a lot if transport and sites with easy access to all and the airport.

We have had pre paid services like Barcelona day tours For transfers let us down twice and lie. So local taxis are best.

 

[FSU Girl]

Agree,

DCL transfers are very expensive, in particular for a family, the local taxi service is city run, regulated, cheape and prompt.

DCL Hotels are to the East of the city, only placed well for the beaches, and very expensive. City centre hotels like Hotel Jazz, cheaper, and at the hub if a lot if transport and sites with easy access to all and the airport.

We have had pre paid services like Barcelona day tours For transfers let us down twice and lie. So local taxis are best.

I'm not sure where out hotel was in the city, we actually got lost walking around and had a taxi take us back at 3am and he tried to explain we were a block away, but we were really turned around so he ended up taking us back for free which was so nice. I kind of figure anything Disney related will be really expensive

 

[ACQUADUCK]

I'm not sure where out hotel was in the city, we actually got lost walking around and had a taxi take us back at 3am and he tried to explain we were a block away, but we were really turned around so he ended up taking us back for free which was so nice. I kind of figure anything Disney related will be really expensive

That wasn't a nice experience.

Like many capitals Barcelona has a " hub" , and it's Placa Cataluna, the transport, HOHO, traditional shops, are there, and coming off it is, La Rambala, Gothic Area, and Passeig de Gracia where Casa Mila and other Antoni Gaudí properties are.

Sagrada familia just a couple of stops on the metro.

If you base a hotel there, then it's hard to get lost, and easy to get back. The Gothic area is an area even the best orientated person can get lost, but walking parallel to La Rambala, if you know which direct that is, then you can always " un loose " yourself.

Disney hotels being out East you will have to use transport to most places and can get lost, and whilst great for the better beaches, far too out if the city, and better deals can be had.

 

[PurplePencil]

In Dover, it is easy to take the train into London (Dover Priory to St. Pancreas)

 

[ACQUADUCK]

In Dover, it is easy to take the train into London (Dover Priory to St. Pancreas)

Yes, on a Sunday it's a train an hour but I think it will be around 9.47 . So have a breakfast, get off get a taxi and plenty of time, and then a fast train to London.

Also note there is a cycle race in London, so train is best. Many roads closed. ( motorways ok).

 

[Canadian Girl]

I do Disney transfers in New York and Orlando, but we took a local taxi in Barcelona to the ship. It was cheap and easy as it was fairly close. I travelled with a 13 year old. Lots to do. She hung out in the Edge and is still in contact with the friends she made.