Booked our European Cruise, yay! But the language barrier...

samunnel · May 2011

We are going to Barcelona, Cannes, Florence and Rome in May 2012 on a cruise. I am so incredibly excited, but have been wondering about the language barriers we might run into. Should I brush up on my Spanish, French and Italian? Or do alot of the tourist spots in those locations speak some English? How did you handle getting lost in translation?

bridetobemo · May 2011

Granted I've never been to Europe but I imagine alot of the tourist spots speak some English, it never hurts to brush up on your languages though just in case!

maddie7 · May 2011

Just watch the people that come at you off the cruise to "tour" you around, its always a rip off! And congrats!

Be careful in Rome- its the city of thieves and gypsies- a real pity! They try everything, from distracting you to surrounding you, to throwing a fake baby at you, its really miserable and detracts from the beauty of the city. Definitely invest in an under-the-clothes wallet!

viewfromheaven05 · May 2011

We did a European cruise for our honeymoon and honestly, did not have much trouble with the barrier. English is a universal language and most of the people spoke it and are very friendly. DH did use his French in paris in the gallery mall to help us find our way out (if you go to that department store...remember which entrance you came in, theres about 4 ways to exit!). I barely used my spanish. All the tour guides provided by the cruise line will speak english. do be careful of pickpocketers! Esp. in Rome, thats where I felt it could happen the most.

Which cruise line are you going on?

Have a blast! Its absolutely amazing over there and I want to go back so bad!

dalm0m · May 2011

Everybody the world over speaks passable English in the touristy areas. Americans are the only ones who aren't bilingual.

If you are going on a cruise ship, they will have all sorts of people to help.

annakb8 · May 2011

It's likely that everyone you encounter will speak English. Probably much better than you speak Spanish/French/Italian. When I travel in Europe I generally try to speak the language, and 90% of the time the person I'm speaking with just answers me in English anyway.

jsquared62009 · May 2011

Like PP have said, you'll run into enough people that speak English in the touristy areas to get by. However, I always think it's best to at LEAST learn "good morning/afternoon/evening" "please" and "thank you" for whatever country you are going to. most people appreciate it when you at least try to speak their language.

chantelcutie7 · May 2011

Yep, I agree with PP.
You'll absolutely be able to get around just fine with English...BUT it's always nice to get some of the basics down.

samunnel · May 2011

Thanks ladies! I appreciate the tips. And viewfrom.... we're going Royal Caribbean!

I figured we would have to be careful about our belongings, it's sad that you have to worry about things like that.

j_jaye · May 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_honeymoon_booked-european-cruise-yay-but-language-barrier?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:11Discussion:38a42b1d-c9ca-4d08-9428-0db96fad79d3Post:52cc14c6-421b-4dc1-ba2b-3bac6372fc80">Re: Booked our European Cruise, yay! But the language barrier...</a>:
[QUOTE]Just watch the people that come at you off the cruise to "tour" you around, its always a rip off! And congrats! <strong>Be careful in Rome- its the city of thieves and gypsies-</strong> a real pity! They try everything, from distracting you to surrounding you, to throwing a fake baby at you, its really miserable and detracts from the beauty of the city. Definitely invest in an under-the-clothes wallet!
Posted by maddie7[/QUOTE]

I am sure the romans and Italians in general would be so pleased to read this!

Personally I have never felt unsafe or encountered any problems that have been mentioned in Europe. In fact the only place i have felt unsafe was Harlem in the USA.
You get touts in every country that tourists are in even the USA.

As other have said most tourist areas will have vendors that speak english but it is polite to learn some basics.

Bonzo2011 · May 2011

Like PPs have said, you'll find many English speakers in all of these places, but the locals always appreciate when tourists try to communicate in the native language. If they can tell from your accent that you're not comfortable in the language, they will often respond in English, but the gesture is typically appreciated. That said, expect some people in Barcelona to be insulted if you speak Spanish. Barcelona is part of the Catalan region, and they speak the Catalan dialect. One lady there explained that many of the older generation grew up being taught that the Spanish were invaders, and keeping the Catalan culture alive was of utmost importance. Never mind that the Spanish invaded centuries before the United States even existed, the original native culture is very important to them! And I personally think it's cool to find places like that, where you have such an ancient history still being preserved.

What other posters have said about pick pockets in Rome can be true. The gypsies are very tricky, and prey on gullible tourists. Just stay aware of your belongings, don't carry valuables in a purse that could be snatched, have your FI keep his wallet in a front pocket, and stay aware of your surroundings. I have known people who had things stolen while traveling, but honestly it could happen anywhere in the world so just because Rome has a reputation don't let it scare you too much. Use common sense and you should be fine!

Enjoy your European cruise! It sounds amazing!

Snippylynn · May 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_honeymoon_booked-european-cruise-yay-but-language-barrier?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:11Discussion:38a42b1d-c9ca-4d08-9428-0db96fad79d3Post:52cc14c6-421b-4dc1-ba2b-3bac6372fc80">Re: Booked our European Cruise, yay! But the language barrier...</a>:
[QUOTE]Just watch the people that come at you off the cruise to "tour" you around, its always a rip off! And congrats! <strong>Be careful in Rome- its the city of thieves and gypsies- a real pity! </strong>They try everything, from distracting you to surrounding you, to throwing a fake baby at you, its really miserable and detracts from the beauty of the city. Definitely invest in an under-the-clothes wallet!
Posted by maddie7[/QUOTE]
WTF?! I can't believe only ONE person commented on how repulsive that comment is. What a load of SHIIT. I lived in Italy for 3 years and visited Rome many times and never had issues. Maybe you attract problems with your crap attitude?

Bonzo2011 · May 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_honeymoon_booked-european-cruise-yay-but-language-barrier?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:11Discussion:38a42b1d-c9ca-4d08-9428-0db96fad79d3Post:fbbc737c-ba41-4924-9f12-bee631989fbc">Re: Booked our European Cruise, yay! But the language barrier...</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Booked our European Cruise, yay! But the language barrier... : WTF?! I can't believe only ONE person commented on how repulsive that comment is. What a load of SHIIT. I lived in Italy for 3 years and visited Rome many times and never had issues. Maybe you attract problems with your crap attitude?
Posted by Snippylynn[/QUOTE]
If you were living there, that's probably why you didn't have problems. I lived in Italy for a year, and never personally had problems. I would speculate that the confidence you get from being comfortable in a place drives away any would-be pick pockets. All of the stories I have heard of people being robbed were first time tourists who put down a bag for "just a second" never to see it again, or who kept their passports in their back pockets only to find them gone. Like I said in response to this same idea, it's really all about common sense and staying aware. There are pick pockets and theives everywhere in the world, if you give them an opportunity they'll take advantage. But it you act like you know what you're doing, and stay aware, you'll probably (hopefully) never have issues.

annakb8 · May 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_honeymoon_booked-european-cruise-yay-but-language-barrier?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:11Discussion:38a42b1d-c9ca-4d08-9428-0db96fad79d3Post:6be7b6c2-56a2-4c7d-ba4f-e99d1cb21a39">Re: Booked our European Cruise, yay! But the language barrier...</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Booked our European Cruise, yay! But the language barrier... : If you were living there, that's probably why you didn't have problems. I lived in Italy for a year, and never personally had problems. I would speculate that the confidence you get from being comfortable in a place drives away any would-be pick pockets. All of the stories I have heard of people being robbed were first time tourists who put down a bag for "just a second" never to see it again, or who kept their passports in their back pockets only to find them gone. Like I said in response to this same idea, it's really all about common sense and staying aware. There are pick pockets and theives everywhere in the world, if you give them an opportunity they'll take advantage. But it you act like you know what you're doing, and stay aware, you'll probably (hopefully) never have issues.
Posted by Bonzo2011[/QUOTE]

I don't know. I've never lived in Europe, but I have spent a good chunk of time there and never had anything stolen.

Also, does it bother anyone else that Gypsies (or Roma as they are appropriately known) seem to be the only minority group left that it is socially acceptable to sterotype and discriminate against?

teachermegs · May 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_honeymoon_booked-european-cruise-yay-but-language-barrier?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:11Discussion:38a42b1d-c9ca-4d08-9428-0db96fad79d3Post:38f9b60f-d6da-4061-a3ff-cf8cf7767276">Booked our European Cruise, yay! But the language barrier...</a>:
[QUOTE]We are going to Barcelona, Cannes, Florence and Rome in May 2012 on a cruise. I am so incredibly excited, but have been wondering about the language barriers we might run into. Should I brush up on my Spanish, French and Italian? Or do alot of the tourist spots in those locations speak some English? How did you handle getting lost in translation? :)
Posted by samunnel[/QUOTE]
We went to Barcelona, Florence and Rome and never had a problem. I believe it was in Rome where we were asked for directions in Italian.

mica178 · May 2011

My Italian and French are pretty weak, but I've always managed in those countries. I'd imagine it'd be even easier when you're in huge port cities.

Re: the gypsies, I've traveled through Europe by myself a couple times, with family or a significant other a couple times, and I've never had a problem with pickpocketers or thieves. Just use your common sense, keep your arm over your purse, and you'll be fine. My sister has managed to be robbed almost every time she's traveled on the continent, but she has the common sense of a pea hen (and that might be insulting the bird).

Booked our European Cruise, yay! But the language barrier...

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