Background Info: This was my 25th cruise and our first cruise being Captain's Club Elite level on Celebrity. We both considered this cruise to be one of the best trips we have ever taken (on sea or land). It was quite simply fantastic (albeit exhausting). Great itinerary, great ship, outstanding food and even better service. Simply put, this ship would be very, very hard to beat.

Travel To Port of Embarkation: We stayed 2 nights in Barcelona pre-cruise and were very glad we did. I had not been in Barcelona for 20 years and our time was well spent doing the HOHO bus to all the major sights/attractions -- including Sagrada Familia. If you go to Sagrada Familia it is well worth the wait and price to go inside, especially to take the lifts to the top of the spires and take the long spiral staircase back down -- tremendous views and a totally unique experience.

Pre-Cruise Hotel Info: We stayed at the Hilton Diagonal del Mar. If you are an HHonors club member it is worth staying here for the great concierge lounge on the 15th Floor with a great balcony and views of the city and the sea. It is however located a good distance away from the major tourist attractions - in a newer neighbourhood that doesn't hold much tourist appeal (but close to the beaches); so taking the Metro is involved (but you can also easily catch the HOHO bus from here as well). Would I stay there again? Probably not -- would stay in a more central location, but not disappointed in this hotel. We knew the pro/cons of the location when we booked it and we were pleased overall. Read more