This was our second trip on the Jade in two years. The prior was the Western Med (Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Canaries, Gibraltar). So, we admittedly knew the ship quite well along with the onboarding procedures at Barcelona.
We stayed at the Barcelona Fira Palace for two nights prior to embarkation and made use of the Hop On, Hop Off bus (recommended!!). We were also quite fortunate to meet up with a couple we had befriended via CC on our last cruise. (We happened to coincidentally book this cruise at the same time a year before and didn't find out until about two weeks prior to sailing!) Being able to spend time with them on the trip just made it so much more wonderful. Our check-out time was noon so we hopped in a cab at about 11:45 and headed to the pier. We handed over our luggage (and several euros) to a porter and got into the already considerable embarkation line. However, except for one snafu that was taken care of pretty quickly, check-in was quite smooth with no issues.
We immmediately signed up for the 12-day relaxation spa deal which is quite worth it in our opinion - especially given the large number of at-sea days. We thoroughly enjoy the spa area - others don't - different strokes . . .
Small but more than adequate. Balcony a bit more protected than upper decks. Bathroom small but sufficient. Enough storage space for us.