Taxi from the Poblenou area of Barcelona to the port cost 25 euros. Embarkation very quick and easy as we are gold members we skipped the queues and went straight to the front. RCC tried to make us wait to have our photo taken but we politely declined. Boarded ship at around 1245 and were advised our balcony stateroom was ready. After dropping off our hand-luggage in our impressive room (7370) we explored the ship and then went to the very busy Windjammer restaurant . The whole ship is very impressive, we enjoyed the Hoof & Claw pub with the nightly singer (Dallas Cord) also enjoyed the Boleros Bar below the promenade deck where staff again were very friendly and helpful. Staff around other areas of the ship were hit & miss with some being very friendly to others being so/so. Our son (age 13) really enjoyed the teen club and took part in the afternoon & evening activities through until 1am, he was encouraged to mix with the other teens from many countries around the world. My son used the flowrider, the impressive basketball court and the ice rink. He hurt his knee the second last day and was taken to the medical centre - staff & doctor there were excellent and my son had both crutches & wheelchair to use on his last day, so didn't spoil his holiday too much. During the day (after exploring the ports) we opted to sunbathe most days on the top deck. No problem getting a sun lounger and the bar staff regularly passed by offering "bar service", and funny waiter offering "the more you booze the better the cruise". Didn't go to any of the shows but others said they were quite good. Most people on the ship dressed up for the first formal night and not as many on the second one, which suited us too. Mixture of nationalities on board with many Americans, Norwegians, Spanish, Japanese and also Lebanese, Vietnamese ....

Have read from others that the lifts were busy, yes I would agree but you didn't wait too long and this is a good reason to use the stairs and burn off the extra calories. Used the gym a few times, it was well equipped and nice and cool. We bought the premium drinks package as we like to have the option of beer, wine & vodka. This worked out cost effective for us even though we don't drink to excess. This is our second cruise (last year Grandeur of the Seas) , enjoyed both cruises and will cruise again with RCC as not impressed with reviews about other ships.