Arrived in Barcelona 2 days early, took taxi to Hotel, stayed in Hotel Barcelona Universal on Ave Paralelo, short walk to Las Ramblas, HOHO bus and metro. We would stay there again. Barcelona has so much to see: took metro to Segrada Familia, absolutey Guadi. Line to get in is long but moves, Buy ticket in advance on internet and bypass line. I heard that at bank across the street from church you can use pc to purchase ticket (not sure which one or if is true) instead of waiting in line. We went on HOHO bus Turistic which took us all over giving a general overall view of all Barcelona. Sampled tapas at Gimlet few blocks from Hotel, standing room only at counter and table, staff and food was great. Walk Las Ramblas and sat at cafe with sangria and took in atmosphere,people watching you see all different types. Watch you belongings because the pickpockets are watching them also.
Took taxi to port for embarkment. We did online check-in prior so check-in on Celebrity Solstice was quick and we boarded by 1200hrs. Cabin was very comfortable and cabin steward very help full tracking down our luggage when it did not show up. First night, attended first time cruse critic introduction at Michael club, meet other cruise critic members and tried to find out how cruise critic works. Maybe 50 members attended and some other new members voiced similar concerns about web site navigation. We did not try the specialty dinning because we had dinner every night at main dinning room with a fantastic table of guest, we lucked out. Waiter staff was attentive and provided good service and overall the food was very good. thanks Yoto, Unto and Carlos. I wanted to mention the mixologist staff at the Martini Bar for the service and show that they performed each and every night especially Gusti, Sheldon, Ket, and Petur.
PORTS