A little preparation goes a long way.
Before you go
Please print your bag tags! The instructions can be found on the bag tag document here.
Please review your guest ticket booklet here.
Please check your cruise booking information to insure your name on the reservation matches the name on your passport. It’s a requirement of the cruise line as well as customs and immigration.
The weather will cool in the evening and mild to warm during the day.
The outlet type predominantly used in Italy and Spain = type C and my favorite universal adaptor is this one
Consider travel insurance. Reach out to me for a quote if you’re interested!
Your travel tips
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Charging
While Italy uses Type C, F, or L, type C is the most common and very likely will be what you find in the hotels.
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Adaptors
This adaptor has been designed for exactly what you would like to use it for and can handle any scooter charge. The one I always travel with is this one and it is also capable of charging a scooter overnight and still has outlets to charge all your devices at the same time. BOTH are universal adaptors that can be used anywhere in the world.
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Extension
Just to be on the safe side I recommend you bring a short extension cord just in case the outlets aren’t in a convenient location. The last thing you want to do on vacation is move furniture around. A short extension cord like this one would bring the outlet to the scooter and not the other way round.
The basics
your itinerary at a glance
one NIght in barcelona, eight Nights on board the odyssey of the seas with roayl caribbean & six nights in Rome
Travel dates: April 14th- April 30th
Your FLIGHT to Barcelona
Confirmation code: IRF0LV
Flight UA 464
Depart: Tuesday, April 14th, 10:48AM from Seattle (SEA)
Arrive: Tuesday, April 14th, 4:59PM in Chicago (ORD)
Layover 4 hours 41 minutes
Flight UA 769
Depart: Tuesday, April 14th, 9:40PM from Chicago (ORD)
Arrive: Wednesday, April 15th, 1:15PM in Barcelona (BCN)
GROUND TRANSPORTATIOn
From the airport to your hotel you have a private driver in a van picking you up!
Your confirmation number is 643872605
The driver will meet you with a sign reading Mike Stone just outside of the baggage claim area. He will wait up to an hour after you land so don’t feel any anxiety about getting off the plane and rushing to get outside.
Your driver’s name is Mr. Muhammad Awais. You will receive a text on the day of (or the day before) pick up with the driver’s phone number. You will also get text updates on your driver’s location
The company’s phone number is +1 888 616 0550
Your hotel in barcelona
Hotel: Hotel España Ramblas
Checking In: April 15th
Checking out: April 16th
Confirmation #
Location: C/ de Sant Pau, 9-11, , Barcelona, Catalonia, 08001, Spain
Phone number: +34 935 50 00 00
Your room details: Deluxe room, with breakfast
reservation
APRIL 15th
Mr Porter Barcelona
A 7PM reservation has been made for the whole family.
Address: Carrer del Rosselló, 265, Eixample, 08008 Barcelona, Spain
Phone: +34 932 71 12 45
Menu: mrportersteakhouse.com
APRIL 16th, barcelona
8:45AM-9:15AM: Check out and store your luggage
After breakfast you’ll want to head down to the lobby to check out of your rooms. You’ll have the hotel store your luggage until you can pick it up on the way to the dock. This is a locked dedicated luggage room and they have already confirmed you’re welcome to store your things there.
9:15AM-9:45AM: Pick up & transfer to the basilica
A touring van and driver will collect you at the hotel to transfer to the basilica. If you have any trouble you can contact +371 233 03903 through Whatsapp to get help.
11:15Am-1:30PM: Explore and snack
Following the tour you can explore around the area near the basilica. You could grab some tapas to share at Madre Taberna Moderna. Maybe go shopping along Avinguda Gaudi which is closed for pedestrians and lined with shops and cafes or Passeig de Gracia which is known for its high end retail stores. If you like markets, visit Mercat de la Sagrada Família which is a large indoor farmers style market. Just be sure to meet the driver back at the drop off point by 1:30PM.
9:45AM: Sagrata familia tour
1:30PM-1:55PM: transfer and arrive back at the hotel
You’ll find a second van waiting for you at your hotel. You want to collect your luggage from the hotel and between the two vans there will be plenty of room for all of you and your things.
2:30PM: drop off at the dock to board the odyssey of the seas
You and your luggage will be dropped off at the dock for your cruise.
Your Cruiseeight Nights on board the odyssey of the seas with roayl caribbean
Travel dates: April 16th- April 24th
Your stateroom number: 13246, deck 13
Your reservation number: 5607201
Check in: You have until 48 hours prior to departure to check into your cruise, select your wifi, drinks, and gratuity add ons, and insure your Royal Caribbean member IDs are attached to your cruise itinerary by adding your reservation number to your profile. Please feel free to reach out if you have questions!
Sail time: 5PM but they ask that you arrive up to 3 hours prior
Contact information for a ship representative prior to boarding: 844-278-9748
Meals: Your dinner reservation is for 5:30pm in the main dining room. There is a large table reserved for the family.
Day one on board, April 16th
Boarding: You will board at 2:30PM, two & a half hours prior to setting sail
booking your free meal At chop’s Grille
As clients you each get a free meal while on board!
As soon as possible once you’re on the ship you need to visit the guest services desk. Take the vouchers I sent you and present them to the staff member assisting you. The whole family will need to be present with their vouchers to book you all together for the meal. Here are the reservation details you are asking for:
Chop’s Grille, April 21st, 6PM.
Ask them to check to make sure they can accommodate the entire group at that time before starting to reserve seats. You may need to shift your reservation time to keep everyone together. Once you have a time slot you know will accommodate everyone, they can work to make sure you all get seated at two tables side by side.
6:30PM Dinner reservations: Chef’s table
Tonight you have specialty dining reservations at Chef’s Table! Everything is prepaid so you’re all set to just arrive and enjoy. Attire is formal, though in my experience you're safe in wedding guest style attire.
Day two, April 17th
pallma de mallorca: Docked 8am-6pm
Your excursion
5:30PM Dinner reservations: Main dining hall
Tonight you have standard dinner reservations in the main dining hall.
If you arrive back on the ship too late for your reservation in the main dining hall, or would simply prefer something else, you can go to any other restaurant included in the rate. They do not accept reservations so you will need to wait to be seated together if you choose to.
Easy palma: Day two on the cruise
Experience the best of Palma de Mallorca, the capital of the Balearic Islands in Spain, with a comfortable, scenic city drive and outside visits to the city's major attractions, including Bellver Castle and the Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma.
Duration: 3 hours
Departs: 9:45AM
What to bring: Your sea pass and your passport
Day three, April 18th
Today you’ll be at sea
Ship entertainment
6:00PM Dinner reservations: izumi sushi
Tonight you have specialty dinning reservations at Izumi.
Attire: Smart casual
Take advantage of the ship’s amenities and entertainment!
Here is the link for your on board options for your day at sea. Just scroll down to the “Activities & Shows” section for more information
Day four, April 19th
nice (Villefranche), France: Tendered 7AM-8pm
Tendered means the ship will not be able to pull up directly to the dock and passengers will have to board a smaller vessel in order to reach the dock. You’ll want to allow extra time to get on and off of the ship this day. I would allow about 30 minutes to make sure you’re all ready at 10AM for pick up.
6:00PM Dinner reservations: wonderland
Tonight you have specialty dinning reservations at Wonderland.
Attire: Smart casual
10:00am-10:20PM: pick up and transfer to Colline du Château
Pick up at the Villefranche dock and transfer to Colline du Château (Castle Hill) to see the view of the French Riveria from above. Take a few minutes to take some picture and take in the view. If you have any trouble you can contact +371 233 03903 through Whatsapp to get help.
10:35-11:05AM: transfer to old town Monaco
This drive winds along the coast and it’s beautiful.
11:05aM-11:45PM: monaco cathedral, Musée océanographique de Monaco
Explore old town making sure to stop at the cathedral to see the resting place of the Grimaldi royal family and see the museum which clings to the side of the cliff with beautiful views.Enter if you feel you have time or simply take in the view. At 11:45 you can take the short walk by the park to the Prince’s Palace to see the changing of the guards.
11:55aM-12:05PM: see the changing of the gaurd at the Prince’s Palace
12:05Pm-12:20PM: continue to explore
Free time to explore old town before meeting back at the drop off point at 12:20pm to continue on.
2:10Pm-3:30PM: casino de monte-carlo
Time at the casino. You can play the tables or slots, visit the museum, and/or stop by for a coffee and dessert at the Rose Cafe. Tickets are 20 Euro at the ticket office and they come with a 10 Euro voucher to use at the slots or tables.
12:20pM-2:00PM: transfer, Opera de Monte‑Carlo and lunch
One the way to lunch you’ll pass by the Opera House. The exterior is beautiful and I’ll ask the guide to point it out so you don’t miss seeing it.
YOU HAVE A RESERVATION AT LA NOTE BLUE FOR 12:30PM. The phone number for the restaurant is: +377 93 500 502
Following lunch you’ll meet the driver at 1:50PM to head to the casino.
3:30pM- 4:00PM: transfer back to the dock to board your cruise
Day five, April 20th
8:00AM-9:15AM: Pickup and transfer to Pisa
You will be picked up at the La Spezia port where the ship will be docked from 6:15AM-8PM. If you have any trouble you can contact +371 233 03903 through Whatsapp to get help.
9:15AM-10:15AM: Pisa Entery and exploration
You will have about 45 minutes to explore the area. You’ll have audio guides that will have longer listening times than you have time to spend at this site. I recommend focusing on the areas you are interested in and skipping the rest
10:15Am-12:00PM: Drive to florence
This drive should take about an hour and forty five minutes but you will want to allow for up two and a half hours in case of traffic. If you arrive a little earlu it just gives you more time in Florence.
2:00PM-3:00PM: timed entrance to crypt of Santa Reparata
Entrance into the Cathedral di Santa Maria del Fiore is timed and you will have to enter at 2:00PM. These tickets are non refundable and the time can’t be changed so you will need to be there on time. Following entry, visit the baptistry and museum. Your tickets include entry to these locations.
3:00PM-3:45Pm: transfer to Piazzale Michelangelo
This is the best place to go for a view of all of Florence. Stop here for a photo before heading back to the coast.
3:45PM-4:00Pm: time for photos!
4PM-6Pm: transfer to La Spezia and board the ship
6:30PM Dinner
You won’t return to the ship in time for your standard reservation in the Main Dining Hall. You can visit any of the other restaurants on the ship tonight.
12:00PM-1:15PM: Lunch at TRATTORIA DALLOSTE
This famous steakhouse is within two blocks of the duomo and you guys have a reservation! It’s located at Via Borgo San Lorenzo 31, Florence.and the phone number is +39 055 202 6862
1:15PM-2:00PM: a short walking tour of the historic center
This area is filled with historical landmarks and piazzas. Your guide will meet you at the restaurant at 1:15PM to show you around and you can feel free to ask questions.
Day six, April 21st
Today you’ll be at sea
6:00PM Dinner reservations at chop’s grille hopefully!
Ship entertainment
Take advantage of the ship’s amenities and entertainment!
Here is the link for your on board options for your day at sea. Just scroll down to the “Activities & Shows” section for more information
Day seven, April 22nd
sicily (messina), italy: docked 8AM-6pm
9:15am excursion
5:30PM Dinner reservations: Main dining hall
Tonight you have standard dinner reservations in the main dining hall.
If you arrive back on the ship too late for your reservation in the main dining hall, or would simply prefer something else, you can go to any other restaurant included in the rate. They do not accept reservations so you will need to wait to be seated together if you choose to.
lovely taormina: Day seven on the cruise
In a small group, discover Sicily's fascinating ancient history in the promontory resort town of Taormina, and enjoy views of Mount Etna on a guided walking tour. Your guide leads you through ancient squares in the mountainside village, passing 15th century Palazzo Corvaia. Have the chance to explore the Public Garden, once a privately-owned oasis but part of the city since 1922. Then explore at your own pace for 45 minutes, shopping along Corso Umberto's promenade or tasting authentic Sicilian cuisine in a village cafe.
Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes
Departs: 9:15AM
What to bring: Your sea pass and your passport
Day eight, April 23th
naples/capri, italy: docked 7:00AM-6PM
Free day in naples w/optional lunch reservations
Reservation details TBA
5:30PM Dinner reservations: Main dining hall
Tonight you have standard dinner reservations in the main dining hall.
If you arrive back on the ship too late for your reservation in the main dining hall, or would simply prefer something else, you can go to any other restaurant included in the rate. They do not accept reservations so you will need to wait to be seated together if you choose to.
Your hotel in rome
Hotel: The Republic Hotel
Checking In: April 24th
Checking out: April 30th
Confirmation # 9084717836927
Location: 61 Via Gaeta, Rome, Lazio, 185, Italy
Phone number: +39 068 1157001
Your room details: Classic room, with breakfast
rome, April 24th
10:00AM: Pickup
You, and all of your luggage, will be picked up from the dock after breakfast on the ship. If you have any trouble you can contact +371 233 03903 through Whatsapp to get help.
You can choose to drop your bags off a the hotel where I have already arranged for them to hold onto your things OR you can travel with them in the minivan until you get dropped off at the hotel at 3PM.
11:15-11:30AM: arrive in rome
11:30Am - 3:30PM: TOuring Rome
Some sites worth considering as you explore:
Take a tour of the Colosseum and the stroll down Via dei Fori Imperiali to see all of the ruins from above
Visit the Trevi Fountain
Visit the Pantheon
Visit the Jewish Ghetto and Trastevere
3:00PM: check in at the republic hotel
You and your bags (if you choose to travel with them) will be dropped off at the hotel at check in.
6:30PM: Dinner reservation at Angie’s
You have a reservation for 9 at Angie’s Restaurant! Here is the website if you would like to take a look at the menu.
Address: Piazza Mignanelli, 21a, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
Phone number: +39 06 679 7310
April 25th: your time in rome
8:15am: leave for your tour
Be sure to have your knees and shoulders covered today when you choose what you’re wearing. Your tickets include everything but a tour guide tip. You’ll want to set up your Uber ride about ten minutes before you want to leave because you’ll need a van and there are fewer of them than cars. You may wait for a little bit. The tour company asks that you arrive at 8:45AM to check in. It takes about 25 minutes to get there.
Pickup address: Via Gaeta, 61, 00185 Roma RM, Italy
Destination: Via Tunisi, 4, 00192 Roma RM, Italy
Your meeting point: At the bottom of the steps across the street from the entrance of the Vatican Museums. The steps are located right next to Caffè Vaticano on the corner of Viale Vaticano and Via Tunisi. Your guide will be wearing a blue and carrying flags. Here is a photo:
8:45am: check in for your tour
TICKETS WILL BE ADDED AS SOON AS I RECEIVE THEM. JUST CLICK THE LINK TO SEE YOUR TICKETS AND SHOW THE TOUR GUIDE
9:00am: tour starts
12:00Pm on: tips for the rest of your day
Your tour end at St Peter’s Basilica around noon. If you would like to take a break and get some lunch here are a few recommendations:
Ristorante Dai Miei located near the Vatican at Via delle Fornaci, 75/77, 00165
Restaurante “La Vittoria” located near the Vatican at Via delle Fornaci, 15-17, 00165
After lunch you can walk to the Castel Sant,Angelo. This fortress offers some of the best views over the Vatican and the Tiber River. You can get tickets to enter for less than $20 USD. You don’t need to get these in advance but you’ll wait in line for a bit if you don’t. I didn’t get tickets and only waited about 10 minutes. There IS an elevator available to people who can’t climb the 270 steps to the top. Once at the top there’s a cafe where you can get a coffee with incredible views and people watching opportunities.
From there you can cross the Ponte Sant’Angelo bridge. It leads form the castle over the river and it’s famous for its ten angle statues designed by Bernini.
From there you can simply wander around or head back to the hotel!
April 26th: your time in rome
free day to explore or simply relax
April 27th: your time in rome
free day to explore or simply relax
April 28th: your time in rome
free day to explore or simply relax
April 29th: your time in rome
free day to explore or simply relax
GROUND TRANSPORTATIOn
From the hotel to the airport, you have a private driver in a van picking you up!
Your confirmation number is 943400101
The driver will meet you in the lobby of the hotel or just outside the front door at 6:00AM.
Your driver’s name is Mr. Asif Pervaiz. You will receive a text on the day of (or the day before) pick up with the driver’s phone number. You will also get text updates on your driver’s location
The company’s phone number is +1 888 616 0550
Your FLIGHT home
Confirmation code:
UA971
Depart: Thursday, April 30th, 9:45AM, from Rome (FCO)
Arrive: Thursday, April 30th, 1:05PM, in Chicago (ORD)
Layover: 3 hours 15 minutes
Flight UA1801
Depart: Thursday, April 30th, 4:20PM, from Chicago (ORD)
Arrive: Thursday, April 30th, 7:00PM, in Seattle (SEA)