Another cruise is coming up soon

So it is summer again, and it is time for another cruise. Having enjoyed so much the Mediterranean cruise we did last year, we decided to repeat this adventure this year as well. I thought I had all the flight squared away, booking on miles. Going to Barcelona through Frankfurt on LH Business class, and coming back through Frankfurt as well. I thought it would be a good opportunity to experience the First Class Lounge in Frankfurt, and I’ve managed to snag a First class on LH. Or so I thought. With Lufthansa having the entire airplane’s fleet refits with the new First class, the inevitable happened and a schedule change occurred. Not only a schedule change but a total change of the itinerary - coming back to JFK and not EWR. Unfortunately for me, it just would not work – it is hard to catch a flight at 8:00 in the morning (instead of the scheduled 12:30 pm) if your ship only docks at 7:00 in the morning.

So, looking at the CO page (all done prior to 3/3) I started to panic as there was not one way of getting back on my date (or any of the following dates) on business class. In order to make my options know, I even checked with AA who had nothing. Luckily, the CO agent I talked to managed to find alternative through Toronto on Air Canada. I lost the chance to visit the First Class Lounge,but at least I get home on the intended day, plus I got some miles back.

This time around we are going to stay at the Hilton Barcelona. The hotel just went through massive refurbishment and was closed for six months. I got an excellent rate through the Hilton weekend sale last January (for less than 100 Euros a night), and I am looking forward to experiencing the hotel.

I will be spending couple of days in Barcelona before the cruise. I booked some excursions with Spanish Trials. We took their tour last year (Bicycles and Wineries) and had a blast of a day. I am usually do it yourself type, but after the fun we had last year, as well as one of the itineraries involving a travel to the mountains, I trust them on those excursions. They are not cheap, especially comparing to doing it yourself; however with a group size of up to 6-8, a great guide, lunch included and the repeated customer discount I still think it is worth it to me.

I will promise to post a full review and pics once I'll get back.