An Epic 1st Cruise- Day 1 Travel day

[ginger ninja]

Travel day

So the day was finally here, after nearly a year of waiting, attempted planning and lots of worry as to if we would fall over board we were all excited to set off.

We only live 20 mins from Manchester airport so the 4am set off time didn't seem to bad, that was until the time actually arrived and dealing with two tired kids (one of whom is 14, so that escalates the stroppy mood by 100! ) All bags were checked the night before so at bang on time we were off to the airport.

We flew with Ryanair at 6.25am, set off on time and had a quick flight down to Barcelona with some lovely views of the Pyranees on the way

Once we arrived at Barcelona we got a taxi to the Hotel, we knew there were cheaper ways to get there but for ease and convenience a taxi it was at 32 euros.

We arrived at the Novotel Barcelona City at 11am

I had emailed the hotel to check we could store our bags due to the early arrival and done online check-in but it still took over 20mins at reception! passport details had be given and also a deposit of 100 euros held on a credit card ( both of which I felt could have been done online and just a quick check at reception to speed this up)
The hotel looked lovely at first glance but the staff really didn't seem too helpful to me it could be just me but the staff member just seemed more interested in taking a parcel delivery and talking to the driver than sorting us out. I like communication when doing stuff like this

Bags all stored till the room would be ready at 2pm, we went in search of food and to have a nosey around the local area. Over the road was a large retail centre that had a supermarket, loads of stores (including a Disney store) and loads of places to eat.

The kids wanted a McDonalds or Burger king but breakfast was still being served and that wasn't what they were in the mood for having been up since 4am!
We found a lovely yoghurt bar called Yogurteria Danone and the kids got a freshly made waffle each

These were topped with Nutella and vanilla frozen yoghurt and have been declared the best waffle ever! They were really cheap at 4.5 Euro each and were quite big and smelt gorgeous
after the kids were fed and watered we set off to find food the the big kids (and maybe a beer or 2 we are on holiday after all)
Under the main shopping area in a area called El Mercat, It was full of places to eat of varying sizes, some restaurants, some small tapas bars but they all looked nice and we were spoilt for choice
If you like serrano ham there is a place for you

As it was still early everywhere was just setting up but we saw a great offer at a little bar right in the middle of it all. This place did what was described as Catalan hot dogs, where the sausages were made with different fillings in them not on top.

(Love how its cheaper to drink beer than soft drinks!)
The offer was a hot dog with beer and patatas bravas for 7.5Euro

very yummy indeed and the beer went down very well, so well we had to have a couple more!

Whilst we were eating the kids had been investigating a place called Happy pills!
It was basically a sweet shop where you picked your size of jar, don a plastic glove and stuff to your hearts content with whatever you fancy! The outcome was these

kept them busy for a good 20mins deciding what they wanted in it and picking labels!
After finishing up here and thanking the great guy behind the bar for his hospitality we set off back to the hotel to get in our room.
The room was ready

Nice and clean and great for 1 night.
After dumping our bags we were all tired from the early start so had a rest for an hour or so, after that we wanted to explore the hotel and mainly the rooftop pool and bar.

it was very breezy up there and only the boys were brave enough to go in (Notice the happy teen in the pic? That was DD14 her face did improve over the trip!)

after about 20mins enough icicles had grown on them to have had enough and go and shower and get warm.
Our tummies were telling us we needed food again and there was a certain Manchester team playing an important match tonight that DH wanted to catch so would like to be back by then. As it was getting late and the early start was taking its toll on us all we decided to go local, but after walking around the area for 15 mins we didnt find anywhere that appealed (this is one bit I wished I had researched more)So we went back to the shopping centre as we knew there was loads of choice there. We found a place called Kurz & Gut. Sorry no pics of here but trust me your not missing much! The service was not the best and the food was some very strange concoctions like pepper chicken, spaghetti and tuna croquettes! It filled a hole but we certainly wouldn't return!
After this we headed back to the hotel and headed up to the rooftop bar for a nightcap and for DS to take some pics of the Torre Agbar across the road

We also watched the footy surrounded by fans of the opposite team (PSG) we may have cheered too loudly as it seems the barman was a fan too and service was a bit slower after this..ooopppss! Hahahaha All in bed by 11.30 very excited to go on our first cruise tomorrow

[WileyCoyote]

Ah, tired and grumpy teens, perfect travel companions .. Not !
What a fab day though, love those tapas places , sounds just like the sort of place we would love. And the waffle ... Mm nutritious , who cares, it's holiday time.
Hotel looks quite swanky. Shame service was so perfunctory though. That's a big word for a Sunday tea time isn't it ! Dinner, erm, sounds ... Well awful actually. Never mind. Am sure the cruise food will soon put that right.

Well, boarding day tomorrow. Can't wait.

[Cutiepie]

Great start, we also stayed in the Novotel 5 years ago, I see the service at reception has improved.. It is handy for the shopping centre though..

[ginger ninja]

Originally Posted by WileyCoyote

Ah, tired and grumpy teens, perfect travel companions .. Not !
What a fab day though, love those tapas places , sounds just like the sort of place we would love. And the waffle ... Mm nutritious , who cares, it's holiday time.
Hotel looks quite swanky. Shame service was so perfunctory though. That's a big word for a Sunday tea time isn't it ! Dinner, erm, sounds ... Well awful actually. Never mind. Am sure the cruise food will soon put that right.

Well, boarding day tomorrow. Can't wait.

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You are the master in dealing with tired grumpy teens Amanda! Luckily I only have 1 to handle! The cruise food certainly did make up for that meal.

[HiddenMickey35]

Lovely hotel we went there after Disney Cruise ..

[stecee]

Those Happy Pills sound like they should be illegal!
Can't wait to see how you got on cruising