Making Memories in the Mediterranean (Part 3)

Part 3: Mediterranean cruise

Barcelona, Spain
This was our turnaround port so our time here was short but it was also very productive! From the cruise terminal we had to take a bus (4 Euros roundtrip) to get from the port area to town (Colom). The bus drops off and picks up passengers near the giant statue of Christopher Columbus.
Note: The bus ride takes about 5 to 20 minutes depending on which cruise terminal the ship docks at.
A few steps from the Christopher Columbus statue is Las Ramblas (the famous Barcelona street lined with streets vendors and all kinds of buskers). We walked along Las Ramblas but since it was still early many of the vendors were not set up yet.
We saw the Barri Gotic (the Gothic Church) from a distance and walked towards it to take a few photos and admire its architecture up close.
Ultimately, our main goal was to see La Sagrada Familia. On our way to the train station to get there we saw the Arc de Triomf. From there we continued walking to Tetuan Station where we took the train (2,15 Euros; 2 stops) to get to the Sagrada Familia Station. Right as we exited the train station, we were greeted by the tallest (externally) church in the world: La Sagrada Familia!

This iconic church was so beautifully detailed; we had to remind ourselves to stop taking photos so we could appreciate the amount of meticulous work that was put into creating such a magnificent masterpiece.
Tip: It is really easy to take the train from the cruise terminal to La Sagrada Familia. The closest station to where the bus drops you off at the Christopher Columbus statue is Drassanes Station (located right at the start of Las Ramblas). It takes only about 15 minutes and only 1 transfer is needed. 


Cartegena, Spain
Sadly there was no way I was able to get off the ship in this port because the ship didn't dock until 12pm and my shift for work started at 12pm.


Gibraltar, UK
It takes about 30 minutes to walk from the cruise terminal to Casemates Square (the square populated with restaurants and shops located at the entrance of the main shopping area).  
Note: A bus shuttle for 6 Euros (roundtrip) is also available to take you from the cruise terminal to Casemates Square. 
I spent some time walking around the main shopping area and had a delicious hazelnut ice-cream on a cone from an award-winning chocolate shop. I don't know if I was just hungry or if it was the hot temperature in Gibraltar but that ice-cream was probably the best I ever had.
I also had a Princess Cruises shore excursion: Scenic Drive & Europa Point in the afternoon so I had to walk back from Casemates Square to the ship to meet up with the tour group.

Rock of Gibraltar

From Europa Point I was able to see Africa (more specifically a silhouette of Morocco in the distance). We also had high tea at the Rock Hotel which is routinely frequented by celebrities. I have to admit I have had better pastries on ships which is more of a testament to how great the pastries are onboard than a complaint against the Rock Hotel.
I had a good time on my tour but would have liked to see the monkeys which Gibraltar is known for.


Marseille, France
Unfortunately the gale force winds were too strong for the ship to safely dock in Marseille. I was looking forward to my one and only France port but mother nature had different plans.



Genoa, Italy

Upon exiting the cruise terminal we turned right and walked toward the harbour where the giant pirate ship is located. From there we made our way around the streets to see some neat buildings and many shops. I always thought shopping would be expensive in Italy but Genoa has a huge selection of shops selling cheap shoes, bags and souvenirs. The highlight of Genoa was when we went inside a church to escape the crowded streets and heat outside. Upon setting foot inside the church, a wave of air-conditioning along with the high ceilings and beautiful artwork enveloped me with a sense of peace and serenity.


Livorno, Italy
I did a crew tour to Pisa to see the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa on my last day on the Royal Princess. The bus ride took close to 45 minutes to get to Pisa from the cruise terminal in Livorno.
Note: Livorno is an industrial port and a shuttle ticket will need to be bought to get out of the cruise terminal. However, free WiFi is available in the terminal.
It was a blessing to see the infamous Leaning Tower of Pisa in person and a great way to finish off my contract.

For 5 Euros we bought a ticket to go inside the baptistery and the cathedral. Unfortunately, we didn't have much time in Pisa before we had to head back to the ship. So after a quick look inside the baptistery and cathedral and a few more photos of the Leaning Tower we hurriedly went back to meet our fellow crew members on the bus for the ride back to Livorno.


Part 1: Greek Isles cruise
Part 2: Mediterranean and Adriatic cruise