This was our first Ocean Cruise after going to China & Hong Kong, then Russia with Viking River Cruises.
We asked Viking to give us 'sensible' flight times (UK to Barcelona) and they gave us a 7 hour flight, starting at 06:20 at BHX, transiting through AMS, before finally arriving at BCN at 12:30. Our return flight from Rome was no better. So, we arranged our own flights and got £ 150 per person refunded, which worked for us.
We arrived in BCN the day before our cruise and booked a private transfer to the Eurostars Grand Marina Hotel (5 Star) which is at the port and close to Las Ramblas, which was perfect.
Exceptionally well planned with good lighting in the bathroom and cabin. The underfloor heating in the bathroom was great.