July 23 - Barcelona, Spain

our route

Weather – 27 degrees, warm, humid, clear

Steps – 6,045

another view of our route

Today we board the Seven Seas Mariner, a 700-passenger ship that will be home for the next 10 days. This is the same boat we were on last Christmas, were on for the ‘retirement-Covid’ cruise and will be on again next Christmas. We certainly don’t seek out voyages on this boat, but it seems to have the itineraries we like. I definitely like the comfort of

familiarity.

itinerary

One benefit of let lag (if it’s even jet lag) for me is that I sleep later than at home. Last night I was in bed by midnight and didn’t get up until after 9:30!! This would be unhear of at home…I think this is a sign to be on vacation MORE!

Another basic hotel breakfast and we were on our way to the ship. We are one of 4 boats at the Port of Barcelona today. The 4 boats have about 14,000 passengers in total…compared to the others, we are tinsy-tiny at a mere 650.

Before we board, we have a plan of attack...board, another champagne, pool deck, park, laundry, Aperol Spritz. Laundry is included with our cruise fare, but having been in Barcelona on our own for a couple of days means a load into the self-serve machines is in order. Then to our room, wait for delivery of the big suitcases, unpack and chill.

made it!!!

For sail-away, we head to the upper deck for a cocktail, nibbles, the band, and the view. This cruise is different from our last couple. Not surprisingly, a Mediterranean summer cruise is full of younger people and families with kids. This is totally fine, just very different. I think there was one kid on our cruise last summer and can’t remember one on the retirement cruise.