We arrived in Barcelona on Friday so that we could acclimate to the new time zone and see the city prior to getting on the ship. We stayed at the Hilton Diagonal Mar for two nights, and were extremely pleased with the modern accommodations, sea views, large swimming pool, and friendly/helpful staff. This hotel is located in a quiet area just a block from the beach and 1/2 block from a Hop On Hop Off bus stop. We took the HOHO bus and toured the entire 2 routes on Saturday.
On Sunday we left the hotel at noon and headed for the pier. There was a line, but it moved quickly, and we were soon in our cabin. We originally booked a junior suite, but a few days before sailing, I upgraded us to a Grand Suite....wow....was it ever worth it!
The Grand Suite was so comfortable. The bedroom area is separated from a full living area by a pull-back curtain, and the balcony is twice the size of that on a junior suite. There was a wicker chaise lounge on the balcony as well as a table and 2 chairs. We spent a lot of time reading on the chaise lounge and it was relaxing and comfortable. I was impressed with the amount of storage space in the cabin. Being in a Grand Suite, we also had access to the Concierge Club lounge on the 9th floor. We are not big breakfast eaters, so just went there for continental breakfast in the mornings and then for complimentary pupus and drinks before dinner. The concierge, Israel, was able to send a fax for me mid-week, and got us tickets to the ice show, added a shore excursion for us, and changed our dining reservations.
Loads of storage room, nice balcony furniture, big tub in bathroom, double sinks, very quiet.