Royal Clipper Cruise Barcelona to Marseille

Our holiday began at Heathrow where we were able to use the very efficient services of Purple Parking who took our car from us at Terminal 5 and delivered it back to Terminal 1 when we returned. Our British Airways flight left on time and by 1030 we were enjoying Barcelona.

We had booked one night at the 4 star Ciutatad Hotel which was in an excellent location for the port area and also for Las Ramblas and central Barcelona. After checking in we walked towards Las Ramblas with a Tapas stop on the way, followed by a beer and some people watching in Catalunya Square. I know Barcelona well so it was great to visit all our favourite places again including of course the Nou Camp Football Stadium One of the best ways to see all the sights is to use the hop on hop off bus tours. It's always a good idea to stay one or two nights before your cruise to make the most of the city you are departing from and to make sure you don't miss the ship!

After enjoying a great night in Barcelona and some more sightseeing we collected our luggage and took a short taxi journey to board the beautiful Royal Clipper. With her complement of 42 sails she really is a stunning sight and we felt excited about the next six nights on board. The Royal Clipper is the largest and only five mast ship and carries 227 passengers in luxurious style offering superb service and fantastic food.

The check in was easy and our luggage was taken straight to our cabin which had a large double bed, portholes, plenty of storage space and a marble bathroom with shower and toilet. There are also more spacious cabins with private veranda, whirlpool bath and sitting area.

Dinner is served between 7pm and 9.30pm and you are free to dine when you wish and with whom you wish. There are no fixed tables so it is a great way to mix with the other passengers on board. Every evening there was a choice of five or six main meals and it was waiter service. Breakfast and lunch are both buffet style.

After dinner the entertainment is provided by the crew, a small band or just chatting with your fellow guests in the Tropical Bar. There are no formal nights so there was no need for Rob to pack a dinner jacket or even a tie.

We sailed from Barcelona to Menorca, Majorca, Monte Carlo, St Tropez and Marseille with one day at sea when we had the chance to climb the mast to the 'crow’s nest'. Each time we left a port, usually around 6pm, the Captain played a piece of classical music which created a truly magical atmosphere.

I loved our Royal Clipper cruise and if you would like to know more, I would be more than happy to talk to you about it.