Mediterranean Cruise on Allure of the Seas
This past summer, I had the incredible opportunity to embark on a dream vacation—a Mediterranean cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas, departing from the vibrant city of Barcelona, Spain. From exploring iconic landmarks to indulging in local cuisine, every moment was unforgettable.
Barcelona: A City That Captivates
We arrived in Barcelona a day before our cruise set sail, giving us ample time to soak in the city’s energy. Staying at a charming boutique hotel near Las Ramblas was the perfect choice—it placed us right in the heart of the action. Strolling along the bustling boulevard was a treat, with endless opportunities for people-watching and discovering hidden gems.
A highlight of our day was hopping on a Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour, which gave us a fantastic overview of the city. One of the most memorable stops was the awe-inspiring Sagrada Familia, a masterpiece of architecture that left us speechless.
Of course, no visit to Barcelona is complete without indulging in sangria and tapas—and we did just that!
🚢 Allure of the Seas: A Floating Paradise
This was our first time cruising on an Oasis-class ship, and it exceeded all expectations. Despite its massive size, the ship is thoughtfully designed with distinct “neighbourhoods,” countless restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues that make it feel spacious and never overcrowded.
My personal favourite? The Pesky Parrot bar, serving up tropical cocktails that were as delicious as they were refreshing.
From gourmet dining to Broadway-style shows, the onboard experience was top-notch. But as amazing as the ship was, the real magic happened at the ports of call.
🏝️ Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Our first stop was the stunning island of Palma de Mallorca, part of Spain’s Balearic Islands. We hopped on a shuttle to the town centre and were dropped off right by the majestic Catedral-Basilica de Santa Maria de Mallorca. After admiring the cathedral, we wandered through charming streets lined with shops and restaurants.
A visit to the Mercat de l’Olivar was a sensory delight—fresh produce, local meats and cheeses, and of course, mouthwatering tapas. It was the perfect introduction to the island’s culinary scene.
🍷 La Spezia & the Tuscan Countryside, Italy
Next, we docked in La Spezia, Italy, where we joined Royal Caribbean’s Tuscan Farmhouse Tour. This excursion took us through the rolling hills of Tuscany to a picturesque farmhouse. There, we sampled freshly made pasta, truffle-infused olive oil, local meats, cheeses, and wine. It was a peaceful, delicious escape into the heart of Italy’s countryside.
🏛️ Civitavecchia & Rome, Italy
Our third port was Civitavecchia, the gateway to Rome. As first-time visitors to Italy, we couldn’t miss the chance to explore the Eternal City. We booked the Rome in a Day excursion, which started with a strong espresso (my first ever!) en route to the city.
We began at the Vatican, arriving early to beat the crowds during the Youth Jubilee. After exploring the Vatican, we had over four hours to roam Rome’s historic centre. We kicked things off with a delicious lunch—bruschetta, carbonara, and tiramisu—then walked it off by visiting iconic landmarks like the Roman Forum, Colosseum (a personal bucket list item!), Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon. Rome is incredibly walkable, and while we were exhausted by the end of the day, every step was worth it.
🍋 Naples & Sorrento, Italy
Our final stop was Naples, where we chose a Royal Caribbean excursion to Sorrento. The drive along the Amalfi Coast offered breathtaking views, and Sorrento itself was a charming seaside town. We savouredNapolitano pizza, tiramisu, gelato, and a refreshing taste of Limoncello. It was the perfect way to end our journey—relaxing, delicious, and full of Italian charm.
✨ Final Thoughts
This Mediterranean cruise was truly a bucket list experience. From the grandeur of the Allure of the Seas to the rich culture and cuisine of Spain and Italy, every moment was filled with adventure, beauty, and unforgettable memories. If you're dreaming of a European escape, I can’t recommend this itinerary enough. Reach out to me to start planning your bucket list cruise!