Overall, my wife and I enjoyed this cruise very much. We flew US Airlines and were scheduled to arrive in Barcelona three days prior to cruise departure. Unfortunately, our US Air connecting flight was delayed causing us to miss the international flight from Philadelphia to Barcelona. US Air customer service could not have been more uncaring and bumbling in trying to assist us. We ended up staying overnight in Philly, at our expense, and arriving in Barcelona via Frankfurt Germany, a day late. WE WONT FLY US AIR AGAIN!

Barcelona is a wonderful city and we enjoyed our shortened pre-cruise visit there immensely. Hotel Suggestion: Hotel Continental Barcelona is right on Las Ramblas and very reasonable at about 115 Euros per night for a balcony room.

Boarding the ship in Barcelona was easy. The ports of call were great. We booked one land tour using Royal Caribbean but booked the other tours with tour companies using the internet. The private tour companies offered comprehensive small group tours at prices more reasonable than RCI did. By the way...it wont take long to realize how expensive Europe really is. The Euro does not go far, bring lots of 'em. Read more