My first cruise - what a Carnival!
I chose a Carnival Cruise on the brand new Carnival Vista departing from Barcelona for eight nights and I was so excited, as was Arthur. You have to fly in the night before a cruise (in case your flight is delayed or cancelled) so I booked the wonderful Duquesa de Cardona hotel directly on the seafront, a short walk from Las Ramblas. Arthur decided it was "the best hotel he had ever stayed in" as there is a lovely rooftop swimming pool with bar and restaurant and the views are amazing. The next morning we were back in the pool and we could see the Carnival Vista in the port - it was massive. We could barely contain ourselves.
We dually jumped in a taxi and arrived at the port. Now this is the confusing bit. Where to check in? Where to drop your bags? Which queue is which? But they are used to this at the port and there were plenty of helpful people on standby to direct us.
Next onto the ship. They give each of you a card with your details on it that access everything from your room, to drinks at the bar to which restaurants you have booked for the evening meal. That day we explored the ship and couldn't believe what facilities it had, especially for Arthur. There was a fairly large waterpark on the top with slides, three or four swimming pools (all saltwater - Arthur didn't like this at all), a sky climb (aerial climbing) a Skyride (bikes around the top of the ship) mini golf, bowling, a cinema, a kids club for all ages. In fact there are too many things to list here. We headed to our cabin after a lunch in the Lido restaurant.
I had chosen an interior cabin - not as some kind of punishment - but because I wanted to experience the most reasonable and value way to do a cruise and do you know what it was great. No window. But I figured we wouldn't be spending too much time in there and I was right. It was small and cosy and we slept really well. There is a nice hum when the ships is moving overnight and it's very soporific. But I can see how it would be lovely to have a balcony and have somewhere to escape from the rest of the ship as it can get quite frenetic.
So first day was at sea. Everyone finding their sea legs. Arthur tried every activity known to small child and then happily went to Camp Ocean - which was the very well run kids club. Considering there was 1200 children on the boat on our sailing, it was very calm and everyone seemed very happy.
So next day we arrived Messina in Sicily. There were various excursions offered up volcanos but I decided a short walk into town would be best as it was hot and his attention span is short.
From that day on we stopped along the coast of Italy in Naples (where we had a lovely trip to Capri) then Pisa (well 20 mins away from Pisa in a port) then Citavecchia (closest to Rome) then we headed to Majorca and onto Marseille.
Typically we would get off for 4-5 hours at each place but you could do 7-8 hours if you have the energy. The ship usually arrives at 6am and departs around 7-7.30pm for the nights sailing. I loved this part of the day. Everyone grabs a drink and watches the port as we glide away in the sunset. Always special.
Every evening there were a choice of restaurants and bars and there were two formal nights where everyone got dressed up. But you don't have to if you don't want to. There are plenty of places to grab a pizza and a fabulous outdoor cinema every night with popcorn and sunbeds with fleece blankets. I liked the fact that they themed the movies. As we were sailing away from Rome, they played Roman Holiday followed by The Da Vinci Code. We went to a few shows, but as Arthur was too young I didn't quite make the late night parties and the nightclub but I can see you can have a really goodtime on these ships.
Finally we were heading back to Barcelona. This is the bit I was dreading - how do you get 4000 off a ship at one time? But yet again it was slick. You chose your departure time. Put your bags outside your door at 10pm the night before. Got up, had breakfast and then disembarked. Picked up your luggage from its designated area and voila - you are off. Taxi - Airport- Home.
Now a lot of my friends and clients asked me would I do it again. And the answer is yes. I can see why people cruise year after year.
What are the pros and cons? Well cons are - you are surrounded by people all the time - there are very few quiet places to hide. But you can find your peace somewhere - there are moments of sheer bliss but also you can get overwhelmed by being on a ship with so many people. To be honest it’s not for everyone - my husband would hate it. But if you have a relaxed spirit, enjoy visiting lots of different places but still have all the amenities of a massive floating hotel/ entertainment centre it’s a great holiday.