My husband and I planned this vacation last March. We are a middle aged couple that are active. This itinerary offered many places that we had never been and was anxious to visit.

We departed Charlotte NC airport on Friday, November 7th flying Iberia Airlines into Madrid and then onto Barcelona. It was an overnight flight and was on schedule. Our arrival at the Barcelona airport was uneventful. We traveled with carry on luggage. A quick call to the hotel resulted in a timely pick up in their van. The Renaissance Barcelona Airport Hotel was clean and neat and very contemporary styled. The hotel also provided a ride to the ship for ten euros each the next morning. Dining was available on sight at reasonable prices. Two restaurants are open for a choice in menus. On sight was a fitness center stocked with fresh fruit and bottled water. Our timetable to depart on Sunday morning was eleven AM.

After an approximate 20 minute drive we arrived at the port. We were immediately welcomed aboard the ship with no wait whatsoever to board. Complimentary champagne and orange juice were being offered as we arrived. Being optimistic we went to our stateroom and it was ready for our occupancy. Loved finding bathrobes in the closet! It was almost noon and time for a quick lunch at the Garden Buffet. As on all NCL ships that I have sailed on there are action stations throughout the buffet area. Many, many items to choose from. Seating inside and also lots of room outside at the rear of the Garden Buffet with even more food. Smoking and non smoking sections. After lunch we walked around the ship stopping in the library to check out the book selection. Our fire drill was at 5 PM and we were to set sail at 7 PM. Dinner on our embarkation day was at Cagney's with excellent service by our waiter Mark. I had the five ounce filet, Lobster Bisque and the Chocolate Moulden Cake for dessert! Then on to the show at 9:15. Read more