Perhaps this doesn’t make much sense, well I hope it becomes clear. I haven’t flown for many years, in fact it’s the reason we started to cruise many years ago. We had often wondered about taking cruises direct from Europe, but the flying aspect stood in the way – until now. This blog will follow our journey from home, to London, across to Paris and then to Barcelona where we will board Princess Cruises brand new ship Star Princess.
Day One
Our journey started early on Monday morning catching the National Express coach from our home town to Victoria Bus Station. The coach was a little late arriving and was then delayed leaving our home town, but that was purely down to traffic in and around the town. Other than that the journey was pleasant, the coach clean and comfortable and the drivers informative and helpful. With no hold-ups on the roads, we made up most of the time.
Crossing London
Heading out of the Bus Station we found a London Taxi in the rank outside and headed on our way to St Pancras International Station to connect with Eurostar. The route across London was really quite interesting and the taxi driver was very entertaining. It really wasn’t long until we were heading into St Pancras. Now this station has incredible architecture – if you have time to look at it. Unfortunately we were up against time and headed straight for the International Section.
Security was very straight forward and we even got a stamp in our passports – something that we haven’t had for years and will soon be phased out with the new system being implemented. We had wondered whether we would be subject to the new Entry & Exit System (EES) but this is being phased in and wasn’t in operation when we went through.
And so with very little delay we were through into the Embarkation Lounge, or Cattle Market as we knicknamed it. What a crush! We have seen videos of this being quite busy, but it is very different actually being there. We wound our way through the crowds to the far end of this hall to the Pret a Manger shop. Here there are snacks and drinks that you can purchase. We chose to have a coffee, which was very good, and bought some snacks to eat on the train.
Eurostar
Once boarding was called for our train the throng swiftly went through the gates and onto the travellator. This takes you directly up to the platform and you can find your numbered carriage.
TIP: The station is very easily accessible and there were no stairs or escalators to manage. However if you require assistance, it is worth booking this in advance as they appear to have a separate waiting area and people were being escorted to a lift.
We found our carriage easily, stowed our bags and found our pre-booked seats with ease. We were soon heading our way out of the city, through the Channel Tunnel and on to Paris.
Paris
We arrived at Gare du Nord on time and headed out of the station to catch our next taxi across Paris.
TIP: If you need a taxi, follow the signs out of the station. You will find that there is a well organised queuing system at the door. If you have booked a private driver you will be directed to the left hand rank. If you want a taxi you are directed to the right hand rank. Taxis pull round into the loading area and you are directed to one when you get to the front of the queue. Very efficient but be prepared to wait a little.
Our taxi driver was again very helpful and happy to chat. However, be prepared to close your eyes at times! Our driver was very careful – but much of the rest of the traffic wasn’t! We took about 30 minutes to cross the city to our hotel situated across the Gare de Lyon station.
An Evening in Paris
We had pre-booked a room at the Hotel Palym and were greeted by a friendly and efficient manager. Having booked in we took our cases to the room. We were very pleasantly surprised. This had been classed as a smaller double room – but in fact it was very roomy. All the facilities you require were available and there was even a little balcony overlooking the street. The room, the bathroom and toilet were all decorated well and were clean and tidy. The only draw back was the toilet which was extremely small and when people talk about not having room to `swing a cat`, you really couldn’t!
Knowing we had an early start the next morning, we thought we would stretch our legs and head across the road to the Gare de Lyon station to get our bearings. It was reasonably quiet and so we were able to stroll around and look at the beautiful building. We also found a nearby cafe to have some supper – French Onion Soup, a good portion of chips (fries) and a couple of beers went down very well. But then an early night to be ready for the next part of our adventure in the morning.
Day Two
Following morning found us fully refreshed and ready for the next leg of the journey. Breakfast in the hotel was continental style and a help yourself buffet. There were plenty of choices from fresh fruit and yoghurt to cereal and croissants. The coffee machine produced a nice cuppa too. However we didn’t have time to dally as our train to Barcelona was due to leave at 7.41am.
We headed across the road once more to the Gare de Lyon station and found that our train would be leaving from Hall 1. Following a short wait in a not too crowded hall, we were able to board. A very straight forward process onto the train and up the stairs to the first class section.
INOUI
We booked first class on this train as there was little difference in price and there are really good windows to view the journey. Whilst there are stairs to negotiate these are quite straight forward. You can even get coffee and snacks (chargeable) delivered to your seat!
The seats are extremely comfortable. Plenty of room, reclineable, access to power and if you are able to log in there is wifi as well. The journey is very smooth with a number of stops along the way. It is a really good way to see countryside through France and into Spain. What we didn’t realise though was the pressure we would have in our ears travelling at speed, through tunnels and undulating countryside. Be prepared if you are prone to this as its very similar to flying.
TIP: Most of the announcements are in French so if you are not particularly fluent just speak to staff as they are very happy to answer your queries.
The journey is approximately 6.5 hours but we have found that time has gone quickly. There is plenty of scenery to look and of course you can get up and walk around to stretch your legs. The end of our journey is in sight.
Barcelona
And so at 2.29pm on our second day we reach Barcelona. Time to find our hotel and book in for the evening. Tomorrow will be an auspicious day as we board the newly launched Start Princess for a 7-night cruise. Exciting times as we will also meet up with our good friends Luke and Gavin (Cruise Monkeys).
Conclusion
This is the first time we have tried to do a No Fly Fly Cruise in Europe as usually we would sail direct from the UK. Once we are home we will create a blog with more detailed information of costs. However there is no doubt it will be something we would consider again. It does add to the overall travel time but we made a concerted effort to treat this journey as part of our holiday. Overall it has been a pleasant experience, with perhaps the most uncomfortable being the departure hall at St Pancras. Everyone we have met along the way have been helpful and pleasant.
And so to the next adventure … to our cruise!