Grand Med cruise was excellent. Here is my ramble in no real order. Cruise Critic was so helpful with trip planning that I figured I should provide my feedback to help others. First of all if you are considering this cruise book it now. Our last NCL cruise was 25 years ago on our honeymoon. We have cruised RCCL, Carnival and HAL since.

The Spirit is an excellent ship with great staff. The ship has lots of wood and a wide teak promenade deck. No glitz and glamour. You know you are on a ship and not a resort. Ships are not made like this today.

We spent three nights in Barcelona prior to cruise. Stayed in a two bedroom apartment close to La Ramblas. Enjoyed the DIY day trip to Monserrat as well as Camp Neu (highlight for our 17 year old), Sagrada Familia and the Bari Gothic area. 19 year old did a lot more as he had the energy to visit something every night. Other than taxi from airport and to the port we used the subways and trains. Read more