We had heard that there might be protests in and around Barcelona on the day we needed to get to the port. In the morning, we knew something was amiss when we left our hotel and there was no traffic on La Ramblas. We waited a few minutes, then decided to walk with luggage to Columbus Circle. Still, no cabs, but we could hear the demonstrations coming down the street and all traffic was blocked in both directions. Peter, Kathryn and Kevin decided to walk further to see if they could catch a cab. The rest of us found a café and waited an hour till traffic resumed. We jumped in cabs and were at the port in 10 minutes.

The cruise terminal in Barcelona is efficient and the porters grabbed our luggage as soon as we were on the sidewalk. The security line took about 15 minutes to get through, and then the Princess registration took another 15. Not too bad for a ship carrying 4500 passengers.

First impressions were that the design is more contemporary and stream-lined than previous Princess ships, which you would expect for a brand-new ship. The atrium is only 3 stories high, vs. 4 for most of the other ships. We’ll do a proper review of the ship in a later blog.

Our balcony cabin has a 6ft sofa, and a long desk. Plus, a fancy closet system and walk-in shower with door.

After unpacking, we all went upstairs for the sail-away party on the Lido deck and dined together in the Aurora Dining Room before turning in for the day.

Tomorrow: Sea Day