Cruise Buzz

Welcome aboard Silversea Cruises Silver Spirit in Barcelona, Spain

From the city famous for Art Nouveau to the ship inspired by 1930’s Art Deco interiors

 

After 15 hours of uneventful flying (thank goodness I missed Hurricane Sandy) I arrived in Barcelona with plenty of time to explore.  Unlike my last cruise in the region, I booked a pre-cruise stay to maximize my time in port, I am very glad I did because Barcelona can easily keep me busy for days.

After a fitful sleep, I headed out to the streets for a walk to Gaudi’s La Sagrada Família.

Antoni Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece is one of Barcelona’s most popular tourist attractions. With that said, because this Gaudi landmark is a top draw for tourists, I did not actually get to go inside because the line was too long.   I actually just got to walk around the outside of the building this time.

Helpful hints for visitors heading to La Sagrada Família

• Pre-Order your tickets online, and make sure you get in the correct line
• Splurge and pay the extra fee to ride the elevator to the top of one of the spires

 

Let’s meet my home away from home Silversea Cruises Silver Spirit

 

After a 15-minute transfer from the hotel, I arrived to the ship.

I was totally excited to see that Silver Spirit was docked in the primo-downtown spot in Barcelona. Alongside the World Trade Center pier, guests were close enough to popular sites like La Rambla, Olympic Park, Mirador de Colon, the Barri Gothic, and the marina. Ships from MSC and Holland America Line were also in port, but just far enough away to require a shuttle from the secured port area to the sites. Bonus point for Silversea Cruises. As they say, size matters and because of her dainty size, Silver Spirit got the best berth in town.

 

 

Upon embarkation, which only took less than 10 minutes, I had time for a quick bite before checking out my Silver Suite. My butler arrived shortly thereafter bearing products, instructions for how to convert my spacious space into an oasis at sea.

 

I am looking forward to dining in Silver Spirit’s signature sushi bar Seishin tonight and I have secured reservations (and pre-ordered Sangria) at Stars, the trendy tapas restaurant and supper club tomorrow night.

 

Sea day tomorrow.

I am thinking spa. Do you have any ideas what I should do? Leave me a comment.