An Unforgettable Mediterranean Cruise: Spain & Gibraltar Adventure (Part 1)

Embarking on a journey across the Mediterranean Sea has always been a dream, and this recent adventure truly surpassed all expectations. As a traveler who once viewed long-haul flights with a touch of trepidation, I can now confidently say that surviving a flight longer than six hours was more than worth it for the incredible experiences that followed. This detailed recap, broken into two comprehensive parts to truly capture the myriad of memories and stunning visuals, dives into the vibrant initial leg of our Mediterranean cruise.

This remarkable voyage marked our second expedition with Princess Cruises, and it was, without a doubt, an even more enchanting experience than our first. The itinerary itself was captivating, but the company truly elevated the trip. We were fortunate to share this European exploration with an amazing group of fellow travel enthusiasts, including friends from Coco Kelley, Sugar & Charm, New Darlings, Color Me Courtney, Corporate Catwalk, Livvy Land, Hi Sugarplum, Princess Pinky Girl, and Smart Schoolhouse. Their camaraderie and shared enthusiasm added an extra layer of joy to every discovery.

Pre-Cruise Adventures: Discovering Spain’s Coastal Charms

Our European escapade officially kicked off with our arrival in Spain. While our Princess Cruises journey was set to embark from Barcelona, we opted for a charming detour, spending our first night in Sitges, a picturesque coastal town just outside the bustling city. This decision allowed us to immerse ourselves in a different facet of Spanish culture right from the start, setting a relaxed tone before the cruise began.

Sitges: A Serene Coastal Escape

Having the opportunity to explore both Sitges and Barcelona, I must confess a particular fondness for Sitges. This tranquil beach town, situated approximately 45 minutes from the vibrant heart of Barcelona, truly captured my heart. Its winding, narrow streets, adorned with quaint shops and inviting waterfront cafes, exude an undeniable charm. The relaxed pace of life, coupled with the stunning Mediterranean views, made it an idyllic introduction to Spain.

One particular Sitges cafe, with its distinctive brass chairs perfectly positioned to offer a spectacular beachfront vista, left a lasting impression. I half-jokingly wished I could transport those chairs back home as a souvenir! A helpful tip for first-time visitors: be mindful of Spanish dining customs. Don’t expect to find lunch readily available between 11 AM and 2 PM, as many establishments observe a siesta period, preparing for the later lunch rush.

Barcelona’s Bustling Charm and Culinary Delights

Our foray into Barcelona itself was a whirlwind of sights and flavors. We navigated the lively and incredibly packed local market, a sensory explosion of colors, aromas, and sounds. Indulging in creamy gelato, not once but twice, became a delightful ritual in the city square, providing a sweet respite from our explorations. We also attempted to visit the iconic Park Güell, a masterpiece by Antoni Gaudí. However, this proved to be a valuable travel lesson: always reserve tickets for popular attractions in advance! We discovered, much to our dismay, that without pre-booked tickets, access to the most magnificent tiled areas of the park is restricted. A slight “oops” moment, but it taught us to be more prepared for future adventures.

Undaunted by our Park Güell mishap, we embraced our natural inclination: to eat! Our evening culminated in a delightful dinner with our group at Gallito, a fantastically cool beachside restaurant. The atmosphere was vibrant, the company was superb, and the food was a perfect ending to our initial Spanish explorations.

Onboard the Princess Cruise: A Seamless European Journey

The true marvel of a Mediterranean cruise, and what we genuinely adore about sailing with Princess Cruises, is the unparalleled opportunity to wake up in a new country or city almost every day. It’s an experience that feels wonderfully surreal yet incredibly exhilarating, especially for someone like me, who had never ventured overseas before this trip. It truly felt like ticking off numerous bucket list items in one magnificent swoop!

Port of Call 1: Cartagena, Spain – A Culinary Delight

Our first official port of call after departing Barcelona was Cartagena, Spain. Our arrival coincided with a local holiday, lending the city a wonderfully sleepy and serene ambiance. Despite the quieter streets, the charm of Cartagena shone through. I delightfuly discovered charming Spanish cookies dusted with stars and couldn’t resist the allure of a whimsical pink carousel.

The highlight of our visit was undoubtedly the immersive tapas tour and wine and sangria tasting. This culinary journey allowed us to literally eat our way through the city, savoring authentic Spanish flavors at every stop. We indulged in delicious patella, mouth-watering Catholetta at Manda Heuvos, and enjoyed card tricks accompanied by refreshing beer at Punta Heuvos. Our gastronomic exploration continued at El Refugio in San Francisco square, and we rounded off our feast with rich espresso and delectable gelato, a perfect end to a perfect day of Spanish feasting.

Port of Call 2: Gibraltar – A Surprising Highlight

Our second stop transported us to Gibraltar, a destination I admittedly knew very little about prior to our trip and hadn’t initially considered a must-visit. Yet, it surprisingly emerged as one of our absolute favorite ports. Without any pre-booked excursions, we decided to simply “wing it,” and this spontaneous approach led to an incredibly memorable day.

Gibraltar is remarkably walkable, but to truly experience its iconic sights within our limited time, we decided to hire a taxi. A helpful tip for future travelers: taxis are readily available in front of the Pizza Hut in the town center, or you can arrive early at the dock to secure one directly at the port. We opted for a private guide for 60 pounds (the spacious van could comfortably seat six people), which allowed for a personalized and efficient tour.

Our knowledgeable guide whisked us away to explore some of Gibraltar’s most unique features. We witnessed the intriguing airport crossing, where vehicular and pedestrian traffic literally crosses an active runway – a truly rare sight! We also visited the Spanish border, observed the vibrant, colorful homes of Catalan Bay Beach, and reached Europa Point, the southernmost tip of Gibraltar, offering breathtaking views where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean. Our tour continued through fascinating tunnels and piers before our guide dropped us off at the base of the cable cars, anticipating our exciting encounter with the famous Barbary macaques.

Encounters with Gibraltar’s Barbary Macaques

Upon reaching the cable car station, we faced an estimated 1.5-hour wait. To maximize our time and experience, we again opted for a private tour, which, for 35 pounds each, included admission and expedited access to the lookout points, the magnificent St. Michael’s Cave, and, of course, a closer encounter with the famous Barbary macaques at the summit. This decision proved invaluable, allowing us to delve deeper into Gibraltar’s wonders.

The monkeys were, without a doubt, the absolute highlight of our Gibraltar visit. Their playful antics and fearless demeanor were captivating. We even witnessed a cheeky monkey saunter into a store attached to St. Michael’s Cave and help itself to a candy bar – a truly memorable moment! While it’s crucial to remember that you should not pet or actively try to touch them, these wild creatures are quite comfortable around humans. They might, however, jump onto you, your car, or even inside your car. The golden rule is simple: if a monkey decides to use you as a temporary perch, remain calm, avoid touching it, and allow it to depart on its own terms. Their curious nature and sheer presence were both exhilarating and immensely fun. I only wished we had more time to observe them at the top of the Rock.

Looking Ahead: More European Wonders

This first part of our Mediterranean cruise recap has only scratched the surface of the incredible journey we embarked upon. The seamless experience provided by Princess Cruises, coupled with the joy of discovering diverse cultures and breathtaking landscapes, has ignited an insatiable wanderlust.

Keep an eye out for the second installment of our trip recap, coming next week! We’ll transport you through more stunning destinations, including the fragrant lavender fields of Aix-en-Provence, the colorful fishing villages of Portofino and Cinque Terre, and the timeless grandeur of Rome. I’m already eagerly anticipating my next European cruise adventure!

For those planning future travels, I often look back fondly on some of my most cherished past trips for inspiration. Our honeymoon to French Polynesia and Bora Bora remains an all-time favorite, a testament to the magic of exploring new corners of the world. Have you ever embarked on a European cruise? What destinations have captured your heart the most?