France & Italy Cruise 5 Nights • Barcelona, Spain • Explorer of the Seas

A cruise from Barcelona is one of the best ways to experience all the brightest jewels of the Mediterranean — but it’s also a great opportunity to spend some time discovering one of the coolest cultural hubs in western Europe. This lively seaside city checks all the boxes — history, culture, amazing food, a thriving art scene and so much more. When you visit Barcelona, you can start every day with a steamy cortado in a charming sidewalk café. After that, the options for adventure are endless. Swim with sharks at Aquarium de Barcelona, one of the largest aquariums in Europe. Check out ancient Roman relics at the Barcelona City History Museum, located in the vibrant Gothic Quarter. Make a reservation to see a sultry flamenco show. And when hunger hits, head to Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria, a pilgrimage site for foodies. It was a covered market back in the 1200s. Now it’s one of the top food markets in the world and a must-visit stop before your cruise out of Barcelona.

Your ship departs promptly at 5:00 pm, so plan to arrive at least 2-3 hours early to account for checking in and boarding protocols. During this time, many of the ship's amenities are open and operating, so feel free to start your vacation early.

Head to the Place Foch in the old town center to get a feel for the true Ajaccio. A statue of Napoleon stands in the center, surrounded by local cafes and restaurants that offer typical Corsican dishes like veau aux olives (veal with olives) or agneau corse (Corsican lamb). Top off your evening by sipping a chestnut liquor while watching the sunset on the dock.

Experience la dolce vita in The Eternal City— recalling the glory days of Ancient Rome and twirling forks full of pasta in a trattoria. Stand in awe of paintings by Italian masters at Villa Borghese. Soak up Trastevere’s backstreet charms. Discover Vatican City’s spiritual legacy. Or ride past centuries-old basilicas in a three-wheeled Ape Calessino.

Messina is the coastal jewel of northern Sicily. Let yourself get a little lost in the city, as you wander the streets taking note the of the history embedded in its architecture. See the famous Messina Cathedral — its dome has stood since 1551. Stroll among neoclassical and Art Nouveau sculptures at the Camposanto. And check out the Church of the Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani, a 12th-century church that offers a unique example of Norman architecture, blending Arab, Byzantine and Roman elements.

Discover enchanting Ravenna — once the capital of the Western Roman Empire and a thriving hub for craftsmen, artists and master masons. This charming seaside port is a haven for lovers of art and architecture boasting a staggering 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Which makes it an excellent place to spend a couple of days exploring after your cruise. Wander through majestic churches and impressive palaces that showcase some of the world’s finest Christian mosaics. Plus, take advantage of your proximity to Venice and Bologna — both less than 2-and-a-half hours by car. Stroll through the iconic St. Mark’s Square and ride a gondola beneath the Rialto Bridge in Venice. Or eat your way around the Mercato Delle Erbe and catch amazing views from the top of Asinelli Tower in Bologna. Visiting Ravenna gives you the opportunity to go off the beaten path and to visit Venice’s famous canals or Bologna’s enchanting streets.

The cruise might have ended, but there are still some great activities to enjoy in the area. If you flew into this port, be mindful of your departure flight time and plan accordingly.