Mediterranean Cruise

In May I was lucky enough to go on my first ever cruise. I had an idea of what to expect from what I had read and what I had been told from other people, but it never prepared me for what was in store.

I flew to Barcelona where I was transferred to the ship. This was the first time I had seen a ship of this size up close. I couldn’t believe the enormity of the vessel. To say she was massive was an understatement. I checked in and was shown to my cabin and told that my cases would follow shortly. A few hours later we set sail to Nice in France. I expected to feel the ship move as she pulled away or at least hear the roar of the engines or feel some vibration, but nothing. She moved away gracefully without me even knowing.

I spent the next four days cruising around the Mediterranean, visiting Nice and Ibiza and living the light fantastic. On board the ship were a number of restaurants from waiter service to buffet style. Room service was also available for the less energetic and the obligatory midnight buffet took place on deck with the band playing and the stars sparkling in the night sky. There was no shortage of entertainment either. A typical evening would start with an incredible Ice Dance Show, followed by drinks in one of the many bars, before sitting down to a meal in one of the restaurants. After dinner I would go to watch a show in the theatre, then maybe to the pub on the Royal Promenade. Later I would hit the nightclub and dance until the early hours and then if I had the energy I would round the night off in the casino. Daytimes are just as busy with bingo, golf, swimming or the gym. If you want to relax, why not be pampered in the Spa, or just sunbath on deck. During the day you can also take one of the many excursions available. From Nice I had the chance to visit Monaco, home of the famous Grand Prix and Café de Paris. Ibiza was an overnight stay so that you had the chance to sample the famous nightlife there.

All ages are catered for, with various kids clubs for children of different ages. To say that a ship is like a floating hotel is an understatement. It’s a floating resort. I understand now why people cruise again and again. The service on board, facilities, and attention to detail rank with the best of hotels and the scenery changes every day. It’s hard to get off the ship each time you dock because there is so much to do, but what a way of seeing so many different places. After all the worlds a big place, but a cruise makes it seem a little smaller.