June 1: Left JFK to Barcelona on Iberia (would not use this airline again, seats smaller than normal, unable to view television, could not book seats together and 5 mins before the movie was ended the movie was shut down!)

June 2: Arrived in Barcelona, took a cab to Hotel Colon, taxis were easy to obtain and spoke enough english to get us to our hotel (approx 35 Euros). Able to check in early, great location across from Cathedral, only a five minute walk to Las Ramblas. did not see any pickpocketing that I had read about in reviews, heavy police representation noticed in tourists areas. Ate dinner at hotel colon food was average, would not eat here again, lots of restaurants in the area.

June 3: Taxi to ship approx 30 Euros. Arrived around 2 pm and already lots of people on board. Embarkation took less than 20 minutes. Very convenient duty free shop between check in and ship with reasonable priced soda/water etc. The ship was great we had a junior suite on deck 9. Our room stewart was okay we have had better (this is our 5th cruise) and dining waiter seemed to be behind constantly. However we had a table for 6, with great dinner guests. Entertainment was okay, but usually we were so tired from long excursions we did not participate much. Read more