Going Ashore: Symphony of the Seas From Barcelona

Earlier this year, I cruised on Symphony of the Seas from Barcelona. You can read about my thoughts on Symphony of the Seas here, and I go into detail on each deck. 

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I wasn’t planning on doing any specific tours but just wandering around the ports and taking the bus into the cities.

Symphony of the Seas Itinerary from Barcelona

Here’s the itinerary for each day of the cruise:

Day 1: Barcelona

Day 2: Palma De Mallorca

Day 3: Marseille (Provence)

Day 4: La Spezia

Day 5: Rome (Civitavecchia)

Day 6: Naples

Day 7: At Sea

Day 8: Barcelona

Palma Majorca (De Mallorca)

After setting sail from Barcelona on the first day, Palma was the first port of call. There were shuttle buses, but I decided to walk as it was a pleasant day.

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After twenty minutes, I arrived at Porto Pi shopping centre, which I’d read about, but ahhhh! It was shut, a bank holiday. I hadn’t done my research properly, never mind I continued walking towards Old Town. 

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It was an hour to walk from the ship to Old Town. I passed the beautiful cathedral, I didn't go in as I had visited before, and you can probably make out in the photo that the queues were long.

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You also need to be fit and mobile as there are a lot of steps. It’s probably best to book online. I’d recommend using Get Your Guide they were showing entrance tickets for £7.83, and skip the line. If you want a guided tour, they do an Old Town and Cathedral tour for £22.83.

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Anyway, moving on, I continued my walk and came to Old Town. A beautiful area. I wandered the mediaeval streets.  The old town is a mesmerising labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets, hidden squares, and ancient architecture, encapsulating the rich heritage of the city. 

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It really is a wonderful place just to stroll through. I found a table in the square and immediately started chatting with some of my cruise mates at the next table. I ordered a coffee and a brandy, thank you very much! Ready for the walk back to the ship.

After a leisurely hour, I was satisfied with my dip into Palma. I walked back past the cathedral, and the lines were still very long. Returning to the ship to get ready for the evening, as tonight was formal night.

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Marseille 

At the port of Marseille, you can get a free shuttle bus to town. But, from the port, you can explore the heart of the Vieux Port (Old Port), a historic harbour lined with cafes and local markets.

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Aix-en-Provence - Take an excursion to this charming town, known for its beautiful architecture, fountains, and markets. It's a great place to immerse yourself in the Provencal lifestyle. Wine Tasting in Provence. Marseille is close to the renowned wine region of Provence. Excursions to nearby vineyards offer the chance to taste some of the region's best wines.

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My favourite previous Marseille trip with my husband was a full-day excursion to the lavender fields. It was an unforgettable experience, immersing myself in the beauty and scents of Provence. I had the chance to smell the lavender oils, have a delicious lunch in a charming village, and even create my own custom perfume. That day is a cherished memory. 

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However, that trip wasn’t on offer this time. Instead, I opted for a more relaxed day, strolling along the picturesque harbour, enjoying a cup of coffee, and having a light lunch. It was a different but wonderful experience, as I savoured the sights and sounds and people of this beautiful area.

La Spezia

The next port of call was La Spezia. This port of call is for Florence, Pisa and Cinque Terre. My husband and I visited Florence.  Which I will return to some time as it was his favourite. Cinque Terre was my preferred trip, with a lovely outing on the sea by the local ferry. It’s a great way to discover the beautiful coastline, with views of the five pretty fishing villages. Monterrosso, Vernazza, Manarola, Corniglia, and Riomaggiore.

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The ferry departs about 300 hundred metres from the cruise terminal, about a five-minute walk. Cinque Terre tickets can be purchased at the docking point. The ferry company recommends you buy it on the day rather than online, as the weather conditions may be bad, and ferries could be cancelled. For info, look at Cinque Terre. 

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The journey is very pleasant, with wonderful views, and you can use the ferry as a hop-on hop-off service. You can do this excursion by train, but the ferry has the distinct advantage of the unique views you get from the sea. Each village has its own charm of pretty houses and vineyards perched on the cliffs and hillsides. 

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It was a wonderful, relaxed day. 

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Rome

The ship's tours of Rome were full, so I'd purchased myself a walking tour through get your guide. 

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It was a very hot day, and Rome was incredibly busy. I now realise you cannot do Rome in a day in a big group. There were no opportunities to go into the Vatican, Sistine Chapel,  or the Colosseum. 

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Possibly you could do this if it’s a small group and you have skip-the-line tickets. There were about 40 people in our group, including elderly and children. It was very unsuccessful. We lost half of our group. The streets were very busy, the lines were excessively long. 

However, I felt the essence and history of this beautiful place, and I will return. I hope this negative information has been helpful and helps you make good decisions when deciding to come to Rome. 

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It was exhausting and a temperature of 40 degrees. However, I managed to get some photos from the outside. Incidentally, I did complain to Get Your Guide, and they very kindly sent me a code to use at a later date. The group was too large, and the guide could not be heard. 

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I might not have got to see everything I wanted, but I got a taste of what Rome's all about. I'm definitely going back, though, maybe at a less hectic time. This city's got so much to offer, and I want to take it all in without feeling like I'm rushing through it all. Maybe a long weekend in the winter would be better. My experience underscores the importance of thoughtful planning. 

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Naples

Naples, Italy, is a fantastic port as you’ll have access to a  beautiful part of Italy. It serves as a gateway to many destinations in Southern Italy, such as Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, Capri, Ischia, and the historic city of Naples itself. 

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The Amalfi Coast, with its picturesque towns, is easily accessible from Naples. As for tours from a cruise ship docking in Naples, there are several popular options: Pompeii and Herculaneum - Explore these ancient Roman cities that were preserved under volcanic ash after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. 

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Amalfi Coast - Visit charming towns like Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. Enjoy the stunning coastal views, visit local shops, and indulge in the beauty of the Mediterranean. 

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Capri - Cruise over to the island of Capri to explore its beautiful landscapes, including the famous Blue Grotto, the Gardens of Augustus, and the charming town of Anacapri. 

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Many cruise lines offer organised tours to these destinations from Naples Port. These excursions often include transportation and a guided tour. It's essential to consider the time in port. Additionally, you might also opt for self-guided exploration or local tours upon arrival in Naples. 

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My personal favourite is Sorrento. It oozes charm, the buildings drip with bougainvillaea, and the area has a wonderful smell of lemons. Visit the lanes coming off the square to wander through small unique shops and cafes. The tour may stop on the way back to your ship at the limoncello factory. Here you can see how the limoncello is made and have the opportunity to buy some gifts.

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Another favourite is Ischia. Ischia, an exquisite Italian island in the Tyrrhenian Sea, boasts a blend of natural beauty, rich history, and therapeutic hot springs. The island's volcanic origins contribute to its hot springs, renowned for their therapeutic properties. The healing waters offer a rejuvenating experience.

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The island's charming towns, such as Ischia Ponte and Forio, exhibit a blend of history and charm. Ischia Ponte is home to the imposing Aragonese Castle, a historic fortification that stands on a rocky islet, offering breathtaking panoramic views. 

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I have very fond memories of Ischia, as this is where my husband and I had our honeymoon. We stayed in a little Pensione. Checked table cloths, pizza, local wine, beautiful gardens, and memories of visiting the hot springs. It's more commercial now. In those days, it wasn’t on the tourist radar, and it was a gem of old-world charm and undisturbed tranquillity. Beautiful.

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I would recommend booking your cruise line excursion for Naples, as it's a long day. The roads are very busy. If you do your own thing and you are late, it's unlikely the ship will wait. Sometimes if it's somewhere special you want to go, don't consider cost, if you can, weigh up suitability and comfort.

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If you prefer staying on board during your port visit, you'll be pleasantly surprised by the fantastic little shopping centre right at the port in Naples. It offers a variety of options, from shoes and bags to clothes. I bought quite a few things for my next cruise, nothing more than 10 euros. In my opinion, it's the best shopping at any Mediterranean port. 

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After a day at sea, my week away was over, and I was fully refreshed, it was time to head home again and sadly leave a truly magnificent ship. My holiday stirred many happy memories on our favoured cruise line.