We started out out cruise with a 2 night stay at the La Ramblas Citadines Hotel. We arrived at about 8 AM on Wednesday and they stored our luggage and let us check in at about 11. It was more than adequate, it was clean, friendly, and the location was superb. It was just a few moments walk to the Touristic Bus and Metro. Our room overlooked La Ramblas. One downside was internet in the rooms was Ethernet, only wireless is in the restaurant / lobby area. I wish we had allowed ourselves one more day in Barcelona as it is an amazing city with much to see and do. The on and off Bus Touristic was the best deal going 2 day pass for about $39 a person cannot be beat.It takes 2 routes, goes every where you want to go and see all landmarks and attractions! Purchase online before you go!

On Friday I was on the IPAD in the lobby at about 9:30 AM and on John Heald's Facebook page he said they were going to be ready to embark at 10:30. We were already packed so we got our stuff and hailed a cab.

Once at the ship it was an easy procedure and we were on the by a few minutes after 11:00 We went directly to the room to drop off our carry on bags and proceeded to the Market Place buffet to eat. The food was pretty much your Carnival buffet offering. We only eat at the buffet the day we come on the ship, however we did notice they had some interesting offerings that we never got around to trying. (Wok, Indian food, ETC) Read more