We are in Barcelona after flying from LAX to IAH and then on to Amsterdam for two nights. (Flights, btw, were all good and we had no trouble getting on as pass riders. We even rode "up front" IAH-AMS.) Today we were pass riders on KLM from AMS to BCN and were amazed by the tight operation they run. And free sandwiches and wine in economy on a two hour flight!
No real train news here and certainly not Amtrak but we did ride the trams in AMS quite a bit. We bought a "Strippenkart" multiple ride ticket for 7,30 euros. It's good for 15 rides and certainly beats the 2,60 euro single ride fare. We could have taken the train to and from the airport but that would have involved a transfer to the tram. Instead we used the very efficient Connexxion shuttle service both ways.
We plan to ride the Metro here in BCN and may make a half day trip by train down to Sitges for lunch. Several people on our cruise are taking the AVE trains from Madrid and I'm very interested in hearing what they think of the experience.
There is a big display in Placa Cataluna near our hotel about the new metro line that will connect the beautiful new airport to downtown, the port and northern Barcelona. It looks like a very ambitious project.
Frank in cold and clear BCN.
Posted by sojourner (Member # 3134) on :
How I envy you--would LOVe to see Barcelona.My friends who have been there rave about the Gaudy & other modernista architecture, the art, and the food. Too bad there is no train from here to there!
Posted by amtrak92 (Member # 14343) on :
I hope you have a good trip. Sounds like fun too
Posted by 20th Century (Member # 2196) on :
Have a great time! Amsterdam,Barcelona,Sitges....sounds like fun. I hear and read that Barcelona is amazing. How is Amsterdam these days? I haven't been there in years. Try to take a high speed train ride! But I am sure there is so much to see in Barcelona.
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
You lucky dog! Barcelona is one of the places on my "bucket list", if you will. Some day.....some day....
And with your airline connections, maybe you can coax a ride up in the cockpit? They are allowed to do that as far as I know on European flights that don't go to the US. KLM still flies the MD-11---I would give just about anything to ride in the cockpit of one of those beauties.
Have a great trip!
Posted by palmland (Member # 4344) on :
Frank, it sounds great. I am surprised you weren't tempted to take the train. This is from my favorite web site: http://seat61.com -
" Just hop on an afternoon Eurostar from London to Paris, then take the Elipsos 'trainhotel' from Paris to Barcelona overnight. Enjoy dinner in the restaurant or a drink in the bar as French villages swish past in the moonlight before retiring to your sleeper for the night, then wake up in Spain. Fares start at £59 return for the Eurostar plus £66 each way for the trainhotel, including a bed in a 4-bed Tourist class sleeper. Or better still, £146 each way per person in a 2-bed Gran Clase sleeper with private shower and toilet, dinner with wine and breakfast next morning included in the fare. "
But then it's hard to beat free flights.
Posted by MDRR (Member # 2992) on :
Frank- I know there must be a ship involved in here somehow...?
Posted by MetSox (Member # 6035) on :
I was in Barcelona this past May on a Eurail trip to Switzerland, France & Spain. It really is a beautiful city. I arrived on the AVE from Madrid. The class 103 "Velaro" trainsets are really German ICE3s. The only disapointment was that you can't see out the front window as on the German version.
The Metro is very efficient and seemed much better than it was the first time I was there, 8 years earlier. They've gotten new trains on most of the lines and cleaned up the stations. The systen hardly goes outside at all but if you go to Santa Eulalia station on line 1, there's a footbridge over the main line west of Sants station which is great for watching and photographing trains. That new Metro line on display must be #9. I hope you got a chance to see the classic Franca station.
There are 2 modern tram lines on the outskirts of the city that don't really serve the central area but I understand they will eventually be linked. There's also a classic old tram called the Tranvia Blau to Tibdabo but it might not be running this time of year. Hope you got a chance to ride at least one of the funiculars.
I've been working on a report from this trip but I've been procrastinating. If I ever finish it I'll post it.
Posted by HopefulRailUser (Member # 4513) on :
According to my personal itinerary copy, specially provided for a fellow cruise addict, Frank will board the Azamara Journey on Friday, December 4th. After several interesting ports in Europe he will be crossing the Atlantic and end up in Miami.
After flying to LA there will be a Surfliner trip home.
Posted by Moderator (Member # 2933) on :
From Geoff Mayo (and you are correct, the forum problems haven't been sorted out yet)
I doubt Frank will have time now if he's leaving on Friday, but if he wants a "different" type of rail experience, take a train from Barcelona to Perpignan and back - it can be done in a day. The train continues through but changes gauge at Portbou on the Spanish/French border. The train travels through the machine at about walking pace while a set of equipment unlocks the wheels, slides them out (or in), relocks, and all while the train is in motion!
You need your passport for this trip as there is an inspection onboard the train at the border.
The sleeper, mentioned by Palmland, from Barcelona to Paris Austerlitz (sp?) is also an interesting experience but don't expect much for breakfast, and the track through France leaves a lot to be desired
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
While I guess our "refuse to fly" contingent around here had best not consider such a journey, it would appear that Frank is on a "positioning" voyage that offers much the same experience I had during 1960 sailing on both the s/s Rotterdam and s/s Constitution for point A to B ocean transportation. Since Frank's voyage could possibly result in a WNA - Winter North Atlantic - passage, the rates for such are usually "attractively" priced. Also I've heard that these voyages represent time to do shipboard projects such as renovating cabins and public rooms - or otherwise kind of like staying at a hotel in same straits (I think that is a "been there done that" for most who travel around here).
Nevertheless, the Barcelona-Avignon-Geneve Catalin Talgo is 'a one that got away' for me. During my most recent (and likely my last) overseas trip during 1990, I was traveling Sevilla to Frankfurt/Main simply using trains 'because they were cheap (Eurailpass)'. Unfortunately, RENFE Sevilla-Barcelona had a snagged catenary wire, and so much for the connection to the Talgo. So there were "locals" on both RENFE and SNCF on which I 'soaked up' the "local color" in Second Class with my bags on my lap. The TGV Beziers-Paris was somewhat better - at least I had First Class.
But all told I was "zombied" throughout the entire ten day trip (I remember at a hotel in Paris looking in the mirror and saying "why, why am I doing this????") and when it was "wheels up' at EDDF (FRA), my thought was 'never again'.
During the years my Sister was an 'expat' (London; 1970-89) I felt a degree of "oblige' to 'go over' - and I did some four times. But that is now in the history books.
If that trip caused me discomfort at age 48, hate to think the results of one at age 69.
Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
Reporting from BCN.
We have enjoyed the first two days here in BCN. Thanks, Vicki, for being my agent in absentia. Yes, this is a repositioning cruise. Azamara Journey has been in the Mediterranean all summer and will be in the Caribbean and Panama Canal this winter. We will be pretty far south on much of the crossing. We stop in Alicante, Gibraltar, the Canary Islands, Madeira, Coco Cay in the Bahamas and end up in Miami. I will be flying back to LAX on the 18th but cruise friends will spend a few days in Miami before taking HAL back to, I think, San Diego.
I have not been in either of the train stations but have passed by both Sants and Franca.
Tomorrow promises rain so it might be a good day to try the Metro.
I did look at seat61. com (what a wonderful website if only for vicarious travel!) but the prices have gone up and, as Palmland said, it's hard to beat free (or nearly so) air travel. My out of pocket cost for LAX-IAH-AMS-BCN is $65.00. It does help to have a travel companion with almost 40 years of seniority.
Frank in overcast and cool BCN
Posted by Ocala Mike (Member # 4657) on :
Gil, my late father played in the ship's band on the sister ship to the Constitution, American Export Lines' Independence, on a trip to Naples and Genoa (his "homeland") back in the early 50's. I remember seeing him off and seeing the S/S United States in port (NY, naturally) at the same time. I still have his "merchant marine" ID card somewhere.
I've never been to Europe, only Asia, and that courtesy of an all-expense paid trip on Uncle Sam, 1966-1967.
Posted by palmland (Member # 4344) on :
Sounds like a great return voyage, Frank. Many years ago I took the Portuguese Line from Port Everglades to Lisbon, by way of LaGuira, Tenerife, Funchal, and Vigo and it was superb. We have looked at Oceania Cruise Lines for our next cruise which I believe has a market similar to Azamara.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Oh well, at least the m/v Azamara Journey appears to be of a more "manageable" size when compared with the 100K GRT "Love Tubs" of Carnival and Royal Caribbean.
But "real ships" look like either this or this.
Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
We have been told that Azamara will be making an announcement on December 8th about becoming an "all-inclusive" cruise line much like Oceania, Silverseas, etc. I doubt very much that it will be retroactive.
We have throughly enjoyed our last full day in BCN in spite of having to share it with the crowds from Celebrity Solstice and one of the Princess ships (Golden or Grand?).
Frank in amazingly dry and cool BCN
Posted by dmwnc1959 (Member # 2803) on :
Frank update:
Having left Barcelona Friday evening AZAMARA JOURNEY with Frank onboard has already visited Alicante (Saturday) and Gibraltar (today), and is currently heading for open ocean and Madeira, expected arrival there Tuesday.
Posted by dns8560 (Member # 15184) on :
Such a pleasant excursion. Wish I was aboard!
Posted by dmwnc1959 (Member # 2803) on :
Well it's Tuesday and Frank will be in insufferable Madeira. Forecast calls for some nasty weather that can only be described by the local forecasters as 'mild with passing clouds, winds from the southwest at 6-12mph, high temperature of 69 degrees'. Oh, the humanity. Poor Frank.
Posted by dmwnc1959 (Member # 2803) on :
A sunrise arrival in Madeira...
Posted by dmwnc1959 (Member # 2803) on :
Frank Update: After departing the Canary Islands last Wednesday, the Azamara Journey and Frank have spent the last eight full days at sea, and will come across their first land mass today, CoCo Cay Bahamas (Royal Caribbean's private island). Tomorrow...Miami, and his return to us on the Amtrak Forum. Yea Frank!
Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
Report from IAH:
The crossing was uneventful except for a few rougher than usual days. The smaller ship was great for convenience and lack of any real crowding at anytime but it did ride rougher than a larger ship.
Our stop at Coco Cay was cut short by a squall line that moved in. There was a great water spout while we were on the island and getting back to the ship (it was our only tendered port) was a real "E-Ticket Ride". Both our Captain and the local tender operators showed some terrific seamanship.
Our departure from MIA this morning was delayed by heavy rain and tornado watches. Now it sounds as if the whole East coast is getting slammed.
I missed my flight to LAX and the best Continental could do on a very busy travel day was a 7:10PM departure. That is now pushed back to 9:45PM. At least I have a confirmed seat in First thanks to the wise use of miles. This would not be a weekend when I'd want to be a non-rev.
I decided not to use the Surfliner tomorrow morning. I have a large bag and a smaller rolling tote and it's just easier to take the Santa Barbara Airbus. I should be home by 1:00PM tomorrow. I will, however, be taking a Surfliner back to LAUPT on Tuesday for my trip to BNA on Wednesday.
Frank in cool and clear IAH
Posted by dmwnc1959 (Member # 2803) on :
Welcome back to reality! It must have been a great cruise. I hope you post a review of her on Cruise Talk or Cruise Critic.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Well Frank, it appears there were a few WNA (Adobe Page 5) moments during your voyage.
Only a merchant Seaman appreciates such.
But 30K GRT appears to be an adequate sized vessel to me, but then all too many passengers nowadays think of a "boat' as a 100K GRT "Love Tub" sailing about in a mill pond. Anything else, they are quick to be on sick call.
The book "The Only Way to Cross' by John Maxtone-Graham ISBN 0-02-096010-7 depicts life aboard the Atlantic Ferries at a time when they were "the only way to cross'. (well maybe an L-749 with a flight plan KIDL-CYQX-EINN-EGLL). The book is quite the read and I would think you might wish to locate a copy of such.
Posted by dmwnc1959 (Member # 2803) on :
Mr. Norman, there are also several out there around the 55-65K range you might enjoy such as the (2) Rotterdam-, (2) Volendam- and (4) Statendam-Class ships of Holland-America. Even the (2) Celebrity Century-Class and the (2) Sun-Class of Princess, all around 70K, are quite comfortable and nice. These are medium sized ships with good passenger flow and ratios. I've been on most of these and had really great experiences.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Mr. DMW, my ocean log comprises Trans Atlantic sailings s/s Rotterdam ('60), s/s Constitution ('60), cruises s/s Rotterdam ('79)('81)('86)('88), s/s Statendam ('81), m/v Nieuw Amsterdam ('83). The Trans-At's were the "family trip to Europe', for the cruises, I had a now-deceased girlfriend who "liked 'em'.
My logbook as a Cadet in the Fairfield Navy, let's just say, was extensive throughout the New England Coast, and on the Inland Waterway in Florida (oh Fairfield Navy? my Father's boats).
To be cooped up on that behemoth Love Tub Royal Caribbean recently commissioned would leave me cold. When I did go on cruises, I was appalled at the lack of even basic nautical knowledge shown by some passengers I met (front of the boat back of the boat; can't those dolts even be bothered to learn where the bow and stern are?).
However, this negative review of the Azamara Journey would affect my decision whether or not to sail on that vessel about as much as the negative review Mr. Smith located of the hotel in Florida at which I always stay affects my decision to stay there in the future (throw in my far more discerning Sister as well).
So be it assured, Mr. DMW, cruises and ocean voyages are part of my "been there done that' life experience.
Posted by 20th Century (Member # 2196) on :
Mr.Norman, I had the opportunity to fly on a L-749 or Connie in 1954 via TWA. It was a family trip. The route was LGA-Midway-Los Angeles. I don't know what the name of the Los Angeles airport was. I know it wasn't Burbank. I do remember the 2 and 3 seating arrangement and a box lunch. It was thrift coach 50's style. Due to an airline strike we returned east on the Santa Fe and New York Central. Coach all the way. Unlike our first class bedroom train trip on our previous California visit 5 years before.
Posted by Ocala Mike (Member # 4657) on :
The name of the airport in Los Angeles in 1954 was, oddly enough, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), a name and code it has had since 1949.
![[Frown]](frown.gif)
