My wife and I, in our early to mid-60's, are from Las Vegas NV. This was our 10th cruise; 3rd on HAL; and our 4th to Europe. We booked it last October to replace a cancelled river cruise due to medical issues. We loved the itinerary and bargain price for a "guaranteed" balcony cabin. The also gave us an opportunity for a pre-sail stay in Barcelona and post-sail in London. All three components of this trip were fabulous!
Pre-Sail Stay in Barcelona: We arrived in Barcelona for 3 days/nights in this beautiful and vibrant city. We stayed at the 3-star Sant Agusti Hotel just a few blocks from the Las Ramblas. Perfect location to access the features of this beautiful and bustling car/pedestrian boulevard full of restaurants, whacko street mimes, hotels, etc.. We were within walking distance to the Placa Catalunya and the marina. Decent hot breakfast buffet, small but clean room, helpful staff and quiet at night. Not a palace, but certainly commodious enough for a short stay. Hotels on the Las Ramblas are generally very noisy at night since the natives eat late and party even later.
We used Hop On-Hop Off Buses for transport to more distant places (the Metro subway is cheaper, but not as fun). Gaudi's Sagrada Familia and Pedrera are must see things as well as The Cathedral...all amazing. And, don't miss the huge La Bouqeria Central Market, on the Las Ramblas, a few blocks from our hotel. Wow! Everything in the way of fresh veggies, meats, fish, flowers, etc. Don't leave the city without trying tapas and paella. A 10-12 euro cab ride gets you to your ship.