Barcelona cruise

Has anyone done the Barcelona/Lisbon itinerary with Oceania? I would live to hear advice for what to do in each port, and recommendations for private guides, drivers, and restaurants. Love to hear from past cruisers!

Has anyone done the Barcelona/Lisbon itinerary with Oceania? I would live to hear advice for what to do in each port, and recommendations for private guides, drivers, and restaurants. Love to hear from past cruisers!

It would be good if you posted your specific itinerary since there are so many similar cruises.

It would be good if you posted your specific itinerary since there are so many similar cruises.

Good idea- thanks!

Barcelona, Spain

6:00 p.m.

Palma de Mallorca, Spain

8:00 a.m. 11:00 p.m.

Ibiza, Spain

8:00 a.m. 11:59 p.m.

Valencia, Spain

9:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m.

Cartagena, Spain

8:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m.

Malaga, Spain

8:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m.

Gibraltar, United Kingdom

8:00 a.m. 11:59 p.m.

Tangier, Morocco

8:00 a.m. 8:00 p.m.

Seville (Cadiz), Spain

8:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m.

Lisbon, Portugal

We used Spain Day Tours in Barcelona for a couple of day trips pre-cruise and also for tours in Valencia, Seville and Lisbon. They were excellent.

I recommend arriving in Barcelona a few days early--there's so much to see! We especially loved the Gaudi sites.

We toured Palma de Mallorca on our own; took the bus into town, did a self guided historical walking tour I found in a guide book. The Cathedral was beautiful.

In Gibraltar, we negotiated with a cab driver to take us to the list of places I wanted to see. I had added a bit to the tour on Gibraltar's tourism website. Also had time to walk around town a bit.

In Tangiers, we also hired a cab driver when we got off the ship.

We had two days in Cadiz. The first, we took the train to Jerez for horse and sherry stuff. The second day, we did a self-guided historical walking tour.

We added a couple of days to see Lisbon and were glad we did.

We've done all of your ports on our own It just requires some homework.

Plan to spend several days in Barcelona and take the HOHO bus both routs the first day or two and then just enjoy the city. One visit to Las Ramblas is more than enough so no need to stay in that most touristy of areas. We love the Hotel Arts on the beach and for a more reasonable stay the hotel the Colon by the cathedral is very central.

We loved the Hotel Colon! Stayed there at the conclusion of our November Riviera Cruise from Istanbul to Barcelona. The area in front of the hotel is a pedestrian square so it is somewhat quieter than a busy city street .... and there is a Hop On Hop Off (HOHO) bus stop right there, so it is extra convenient. I am trying to attach a photo taken from our hotel room window -- Barcelona is now one of our favorite places!

On the Riviera last September, we had the same port stops with a few exceptions.

Barcelona, Spain

6:00 p.m.

Palma de Mallorca, Spain: We used Spain Day Tours/Top day Tours

8:00 a.m. 11:00 p.m.

Ibiza, Spain: We walked off the ship & explored on our own.

8:00 a.m. 11:59 p.m.

Valencia, Spain: Not last time,but, on a previous cruise. Very nice. Check with Spain Day Tours

9:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m.

Cartagena, Spain: We used Spain day Tours

8:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m.

Malaga, Spain: Alhambra a must. Use Spain Day Tours

8:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m.

Gibraltar, United Kingdom: Been there before, so we just explored on our own.

If first time, do the Rock tour.

8:00 a.m. 11:59 p.m.

Tangier, Morocco: We stopped in Casablanca instead.

8:00 a.m. 8:00 p.m.

Seville (Cadiz), Spain: Most people do Seville tour, been there on a previous cruise. We used Cadiz & Beyond Tours for a tour of Arcos de La Frontera & Jerez Sherry Bodega tour. Fantastic, better than our previous Seville tour.

8:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m.

Lisbon, Portugal: We stayed in the city center: Altis Anenida Hotel: Excellent

We, too, have used Spain Day tours several times and they were excellent. Echo going to Barcelona early. We love the city and spend extra time there whenever we port there. Recommend at least using a tour that will get you in without having to stand in line at La Sagrada Familia. It can save you a couple of hours in busy season. City is very walkable, but HOHO is also a good way to see a lot of sites in a short amount of time.

Valencia - We were just there in November and did the HOHO. Booked it through VIATOR tours, as it was less expensive and also prepaid that way.We had the option that gave both colored routes and picked it up within reasonable walking distance from the port.

Mallorca - We had OBC and booked Valldemossa and Soller trip. We enjoyed it very much.

Malaga - concur Alhambra a must see.

Lisbon - Another wonderful city. We spent 3 days there before our cruise to Southhampton. Didn't know what to expect and very pleasantly surprised. We stayed at Avenida Palace. Great location, nice people and fun to be in a converted palace.