This trip had been over a year in the making—and believe us when we say, it was so worth the wait. From daydreaming over coffee to late-night YouTube rabbit holes of cruise reviews, we couldn’t stop talking about it. Our excitement was so contagious that we managed to convince both sets of parents to come along. Yes, that’s right—two generations, one unforgettable voyage. And spoiler alert: this wasn’t just any trip. This was a bucket list Mediterranean cruise with Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas, one of the largest and most beloved ships on the sea.
We’ll be diving deep into each port in separate posts, but here’s the high-level: seven nights aboard a floating city, with stops in Palma de Mallorca, Florence/Pisa, Rome, and Sorrento, all bookended by the beautiful city of Barcelona. If you’re looking for a way to check off multiple iconic European destinations in one go, this cruise is the way to do it.
Planning the Perfect Start
One of our top planning tips—especially for international cruises—is to arrive at your departure port at least a day early. Flights get delayed. Luggage gets lost. TSA decides to hold up your bag for no reason (looking at you, Paris). You don’t want to risk missing the ship you’ve been dreaming about for months.
So we booked a flight out of Chicago, set to arrive in Barcelona on Saturday morning—giving us a full evening to relax before embarkation. It sounded simple enough… until we had a heart-pounding 30-minute connection window in Paris. Imagine sprinting through Charles de Gaulle airport, clutching carry-ons, praying your gate is still open. Somehow, we made it—barely. And yes, we now only book direct flights when going abroad. Lesson learned.
¡Hola, Barcelona!
Once we touched down in Barcelona, we grabbed a taxi straight to the Hyatt Regency Barcelona Tower. Hyatt is our go-to when using Chase points, and this one? Easily one of the nicest hotels we’ve ever stayed at. The staff was beyond welcoming—handling our rooms, luggage, and all six of our sleepy, travel-worn selves like pros. We even managed to surprise both sets of parents with their own rooms as a special treat to kick off the vacation. Credit card points for the win!
And then came the drink. While we were winding down at the hotel bar, Kobe’s dad, Albert, ordered a Strawberry Daiquiri that would set the tone for his entire trip. We are not exaggerating—he is still talking about it. We could’ve missed the cruise and he’d still be raving about that cocktail.
First Taste of Spain
With a few hours to spare before crashing for the night, we grabbed a taxi and headed toward one of Barcelona’s most iconic landmarks: La Sagrada Familia. Designed by the legendary Antoni Gaudí, this basilica looks like something out of a dream—an architectural marvel that’s still under construction more than 140 years after it began. Seeing it in person is completely awe-inspiring. The detail. The scale. The history. It reminds you exactly why we travel—to experience things that photos and videos could never fully capture.
Dinner was at a cozy local spot nearby (we’ll drop the name once we dig up the receipt!) and it was everything we hoped for. We ordered classic sangria, seafood paella, and a rich tiramisu that melted in our mouths. After dinner, we wandered the neighborhood, window-shopped, and soaked in the Barcelona night air.
Cruise Eve Vibes
Our hotel was perfectly situated—just 15 minutes from both the port and the heart of the city. Back at the Hyatt, we called it an early night, buzzing with anticipation. Tomorrow, we’d be boarding the newly renovated Allure of the Seas, our floating home for the next seven nights.
Next up? Setting sail for Palma de Mallorca and beyond. Stay tuned for our day-by-day recaps, excursion tips (because, trust us, it was hard to find solid info ahead of time), and all the unforgettable moments we’re still gushing about.
– A & K