Never Been to Spain?

I love Barcelona, and I would guess almost anyone else who spent at least a few hours there agrees. It's wonderful to stroll along Las Ramblas, stopping occasionally for some tapas or a refreshing beverage. A lot of Mediterranean cruises begin or end in this wonderful city.

However, there is a lot more to Spain than just this impressive port metropolis.

My friend Danny asked me today about cruises to Spain and Portugal next summer, preferably starting near London to add that world class city to the itinerary.

I explained that most cruise lines focus more on the Eastern Mediterranean, primarily Italy and Greece, or up in Scandinavia and Northern Europe during the summer. The Spain/Portugal/Canary Isles cruises are more of a fall to spring phenomenon, much like we have many more Caribbean and Mexican Riviera ships during the winter months than in summer. In the case of Northern Europe and, in North America, Alaska, it is really a case of going while the waters are most navicable and the weather most pleasant for those cold climates.

However, the deeper I searched, the more terrific choices I found for SUMMER, 2012. I thought, "I haven't blogged on this subject before, so why not?"

Princess is a destination specialist, always providing terrific onboard lecturers to help you get the most from your time ashore. Ocean Princess is one of their smaller ships, carrying only about 700 passengers, so it is a more intimate cruise experience, very much like a boutique hotel. You will become quite familiar with the crew, and they with you, on this 8 night cruise that starts in Dover (near London) and ends in Barcelona.

Azamara Club Cruises, the small ship sister of Celebrity Cruises, offers a similar ship, but with a unique spin. It takes you a bit more upscale in terms of service, with a butler for every stateroom, including the interior rooms. Their truly unique selling proposition includes long, long port stays. On this voyage as on many other Azamara cruises, they even stay overnight sometimes. Azamara Journey's itinerary starts in Southampton (near London) and spends a lot of time in both Portugal and Spain. Because there's only one sea day, there's also time for a lot of time in the Bordeaux region of France.

How about a small ship with an Italian flair? Costa Allegra makes an unlikely voyage from Amsterdam to Italy, stopping in the UK, France, Portugal and Spain along the way. This is a considerably older ship, and I wouldn't put in the same class as the first two, but if you enjoy a toga party and a lot of pasta on the side with Spain, this is a great way to go.

Want a larger, newer Italian ship? MSC Opera is a beautiful large ship, although these days it might be seen as on the smaller side still. Since hiring Rick Sasso from Celebrity Cruises to take the helm, MSC has become something of the Italian Celebrity, although the lines are not otherwise affiliated. Sailing roundtrip from Southampton, you'll add a port in the Netherlands to Spanish stops.

Okay. I hear what you're saying. You want a full blown big ship. How about taking Cunard's beautiful Queen Victoria roundtrip from Southampton? While this one takes you away from Spain to add visits the French Riviera and Italy, you have to admit it is a great 13-night itinerary.

Not big enough or focused enough on the Iberian Peninsula? I saved the biggest for last: Royal Caribbean Independence of the Seas! With so many things to do on the ship, from surfing to ice skating, you could enjoy a terrific vacation without leaving the ship, but definitely do go ashore to enjoy these amazing ports on a spectacular 14-night cruise roundtrip from Southampton (near London).

The only hard part will be choosing which one to take. Call me, and I will be happy to help you one that will fit you like a glove.