Curator’s statement
Our Mediterranean cruise was incredible, and it was our first time sailing with Celebrity Equinox. We were blown away by the cruise ship! Celebrity Equinox is the second of the five Solstice-class vessels, and it's absolutely stunning. The top deck of the Solstice class ships has real grass. Our adventure started in the amazing city of Barcelona, our favorite city. We flew out of Luxembourg to Barcelona two days before our cruise began, and it was an unforgettable journey.
Celebrity offers an unparalleled modern luxury experience, combining stylish design, exquisite cuisine, unparalleled service, a variety of upscale amenities, the cleanest ships and an unrivaled luxurious feel. If you're looking to escape and be pampered, look no further than Celebrity. Their motto, "Modern Luxury," truly captures the essence of their cruises. The ships are opulent and exude a level of attention to detail that is unrivaled. For instance, in all the public restrooms, you'll find real terry hand towels or paper ones next to sinks. I was delighted by the terry hand towels; I never would have thought of having them on a ship.
Celebrity is widely regarded as more upscale and refined, offering a truly exceptional cruise experience. The dining options are outstanding, whether you choose to eat in the main dining rooms (MDRs) or the specialty restaurants. And the bar service is nothing short of extraordinary.
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First stop, since we were cruising out of Barcelona and staying a few nights before was Hotel Catalonia in Barcelona. What a gem, situated on a small quiet street, walking distance to all major attractions, shopping, restaurants. Service - excellent, staff - excellent, location excellent - super clean.
Our room was located on the first floor, with a private balcony overlooking the pool area. Large king-size bed, seating area, nice bathroom with walk-in shower and really nice shampoo, conditioner and shower gel, slippers and robes in the closet. Lots of electrical outlets and USB chargers near the bed. The attention to detail was outstanding, They also have a small breakfast buffet but had what was needed and they also cooked your eggs to order in the kitchen.
The Barcelona cruise port (the address of the Barcelona cruise port is Moll Adossat, 08039 Barcelona, Spain) located in the Barceloneta district by Port Vell on the Mediterranean Sea, offers convenient access to public transportation, particularly the nearby Drassanes metro station, and is in proximity to major attractions such as the Gothic Quarter, La Rambla and the Sagrada Familia, enhancing its appeal for cruise passengers exploring the city.
Barcelona truly embodies a unique blend of culture and history, showcasing its Catalan identity through its language, art and architecture. The vibrant La Rambla serves as a lively artery of the city, lined with entertainers and cafés that invite leisurely exploration. Visitors can immerse themselves in the city's rich artistic heritage by visiting iconic sites such as the Gothic cathedral and the Picasso Museum, while also marveling at Gaudí's unparalleled architectural masterpieces, like the breathtaking Church of the Holy Family (Sagrada Familia) or taking a cable car to Montjuïc for stunning panoramic views of the city.
Dining & shopping
Barcelona is a food lover's paradise with a diverse range of dining options, including traditional tapas and modern fusion cuisine. Local seafood dishes like paella and fideuà, paired with excellent wines and cava, are highlights.
The city also offers a vibrant shopping scene, featuring the lively La Boqueria market, Santa Catherina Market, upscale boutiques on Passeig de Gràcia and unique artisanal stores that sell handcrafted jewelry, pottery and leather goods.
Best place to start visiting is :
La Ramblas boulevard is a lively and iconic street in the heart of Barcelona, Spain, and is home to numerous attractions that captivate tourists and locals alike.
La Ramblas is often the first landmark that most tourists identify with the city. It is a large boulevard which runs through the heart of the city center. It is filled with Barcelona action at its best. Let's not forget all the street performers including human statues. Great area for people watching while having a cocktail, coffee or soft drink.
One of my favorite squares is:
The Plaça Reial in Barcelona is an absolute gem! It's a popular square just off La Rambla, and it's a must-see. It's a vibrant social hub, especially at night, where you'll find both locals and tourists mingling and enjoying the lively atmosphere. The square is lined with restaurants and bars, each offering delicious food and drinks to satisfy every craving.
We have a favorite tapas restaurant or as the Basque say 'pintxo' that we go to everytime we are in Barcelona, whether it be a port stop or staying a few days before or after our cruise. It is called BilBaoBerra La Barra, it is located at Plaça Nova, 3, Ciutat Vella, 08002 Barcelona, Spain, right next to Barcelona Cathedral Square, you'll find yourself immersed in a world of culinary delight. Get ready for an unforgettable dining experience! You'll be amazed by the incredible variety of dishes to choose from. It's like being a kid in a candy store, excited to try everything that catches your eye. You can pick and choose from an astounding array of tapas attractively displayed on platters somewhat cafeteria-style — but much more impressive. Each bite is served on a skewer, which you collect as you enjoy it, and that's how your bill is tallied. And if you're looking to top off your meal, there's a full bar and a selection of specialty coffees to choose from.
After you have enjoyed your tapas, stroll over to the Barcelona Cathedral, it is the seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona in Catalonia, Spain. The cathedral was constructed from the thirteenth to fifteenth centuries, with the principal work done in the fourteenth century. There are street performers in front of it very lively square.
An awesome place to visit for foodies, like me is:
Mercat de La Boqueria - the most famous market in Barcelona,
It has an area of 2,583 m² with more than 300 stalls offering a wide variety of local and exotic products, both to private buyers and restaurants in the city. It is the largest market in Catalonia, the most varied in food offering and also the most visited by tourists. Super crowded so keep your wallet in your front pocket and backpacks on your chest.
Another beautiful market a little walk from La Rambla is :
What caught our eye was the modern multi-color roof design, this modern market building was constructed on the former site of the Convent of Santa Caterina. This market is about a 15-20 minute walk from the Mercat de La Boqueria, the more popular tourist attraction on La Rambla. But, this market is much smaller, which is totally more spacious then the Mercat de la Boqueria. It has most of the same type of food stalls but it is much less busy and pricing is much different. Bars and restaurants have tables and chairs set up outside on the sidewalk. There are information boards with the background and history of the site at the main southern entrance to the market.
The best way to see Barcelona is by taking the hop on hop off bus. It is cheap, easy and a lot of fun.
Along with your cruise fare, you have some additional on-board expenses: we always get the premium drink package, because I like to have a real glass of champagne before and after dinner, my guilty pleasure. We also upgrade our wifi because we both work at times on the ship and need to be connected with clients and family while we are at sea but that is totally up to you.
These were our ports of call:
Embarkation - Barcelona
Day 2 - at sea - my favorite
Day 3 - Seville
Day 4 - Lisbon overnight
Day 5 - Lisbon
Day 6 - Porto
Day 7 - Sea
Day 8 -Tangier
Day 9 - At sea
Day 10- disembarkation in Barcelona
We hardly take shore excursions and prefer to wander on our own and take our time to see what really interests us and do it at our own pace and not rushed. If we miss something, we always know that we will return on another cruise, we usually do four cruises a year.
Need to know
Pack smart: While cruises often provide essentials like towels and toiletries, pack appropriate clothing for excursions and formal nights (if applicable). Don't forget sunscreen and motion sickness remedies just in case. Packing tip: Packing light and smart ensures you have everything you need without lugging around heavy luggage.
Review the itinerary: Before boarding, familiarize yourself with the ship's layout, activities and excursion options. The more you know before you go, the more you'll get out of your cruise!
Attend onboard shows: Cruise ships often feature Broadway-style performances, live music and comedy shows. These events are included in the price of your ticket and are not to be missed!
Relax at the spa: Many cruises offer luxurious spa experiences that will leave you feeling pampered and rejuvenated. These are at an additional cost.
And that's not all — you can also join fitness classes, cooking demos and trivia contests for an extra dose of excitement. To make the most of your cruise, be sure to pick the best times to travel, prepare as a first-time cruiser and check out all the amazing activities on and off the ship. With these tips, you're sure to have a cruise you'll never forget — and one that's full of fun and relaxation!
Get ready for the time of your life on your cruise!
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Cruises page.
Travel Advisor
Monica Fonck
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