This was our 20th anniversary present to each other, so we wnted to hit some major ports. We arrived in Barcelona at el Prat airport and after a very short wait were set up on our transfer bus to the port.

The embarkation process went very smoothly and soon we were on the pool deck enjoying a light lunch and some adult beverages. We had booked a Spa mini-suite which gave us unlimited access to the thermal relaxation facilities, and we took advantage of them several times during the cruise. Our first full day was an at sea day, We took in the Cirque Dreams dinner show which was fantastic.

The rest of the week was a new port and excursion every day. In Naples we did the Hop on- Hop off bus tour of the city. This allowed us to ride the bus to interesting points then get off and explore on our own. We had Pizza Margherita at a wonderful spot called Pizzeria Oliva, then we were off to a Cameo factory where the wife picked out several beautful pieces. Then back on the bus for some breath-taking vista overlooking the city and the bay. In Rome, it was the Forum, the Vatican museums ,the Sistine chapel and St Peter's Basilica. All of the beautiful. The next port was Livorno. We took walking tours of Pisa and Florence, where we saw the Leaning tower, Michelangelo's David, the Piazza del Duomo, the Fontana del Porcellino, and the Uffizi museum. Friday we arrived in Canne. Our excursion took us to the principality of Monaco, and Monte Carlo where we toured the Grand Casino, saw the Palace and the Oceanographic museum. Monaco was positively beautiful. Saturday we visit our last port before returning to Barcelona. The wonerful city of Palma on the island of Mallorca. We took a bus tour to the village of Valdemossa up in the mountains outside of Palma, where we enjoyed some sangria and quiet stroll through the village for some shopping before heading back down to see Palma itself. We really enjoyed this tour. Next stop Barcelona. We opted to stay in Barcelona for two days at the Hotel Montblanc as an add-on to the cruise. While there we saw the Sagrada Familia cathedral which was Gaudi's crowning glory, and went to the Monastary at Mont Serrat to see the Black Madonna, then off to Oller de Mas Vineyard and winery for an organic wine tasting and tapas. Truly outstanding. Read more