New year, new trip!
In February the crowds are away, weather is more mild. I'm guessing the Spring is an ideal time to see lots of Europe.
This itinerary will be exploring Provence in France then Portofino, Rome, Monreale in Italy, Malta then a few days in Barcelona.
Time to fly. SAN - JFK - Barcelona
Before getting to Barcelona there's a quick layover in NYC. Why just sit in the terminal for a few hours? Walk out of the terminal and explore the old TWA terminal.
With exploring over it's time to board the next flight and get ready for bed. See you in the morning Europe.
If you've ever wanted to cruise out of Europe, by far the easiest city to leave from is Barcelona. It's a quick $45 Uber ride to the port. Not to mention the views getting there as well as once you're on the ship are stunning.
This time the ship will be the MSC Grandiosa. MSC is unique in that they load and depart passengers in every port they visit. More of that in a bit. But for now... let's say hello Barcelona. I've missed you.
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| Snow-capped mountains just outside of Barcelona |
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| From the rear of the ship you can see La Familia |
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| Say hello to the beautiful MSC Grandiosa |
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| One of the most beautiful ships I've seen |
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| Dessert anyone? |
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| So many sweets to choose from |
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| Yup that's chocolate |
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| Nothing like hour-old cheese |
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| Amazing score locating this room |
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| Yes that's a personal hot tub |
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| LCD roof that changes regularly |
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| The food on MSC easily tops current US ships |
Bags unpacked. Time for bed as tomorrow is the first port day.
If you were to dream up what a French Mediterranean port would look like it is easily Marseilles.
Not a ton to do here. Enjoy a stroll along the beach. If you get off the ship right as it pulls in you can do two routs of a hop-on-off bus and see everything. Wait to leave until 9 or so and you'll only be able to do one lap.
