From Barcelona to Rome: How My First Cruise Surprised Me in the Best Way
After years of wondering if cruising was for me, I was lucky enough to be invited on the newly amplified Allure of the Seas with Royal Caribbean on a 4-day sailing from Barcelona to Rome. And now? I’m completely hooked. I wanted to share a full rundown of my first impressions, highlights, and honest thoughts — especially if you're considering your first cruise too.
First Impressions: The Size, the Ease, and the Wow Factor The first thing that struck me was the sheer size of the ship. I knew it was going to be big, but wow — it was absolutely enormous (and it’s not even the biggest ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet!). Check-in was a breeze — smooth, stress-free, and incredibly well-organised. We explored the ship while waiting for the cabins to be ready, and by the time we made our way to our room, our luggage was already there waiting for us.
The Cabin: Spacious and functional Our stateroom was a lovely surprise — spacious, stylish, and perfectly comfortable for two, with a private balcony offering gorgeous ocean views. The only small critique I’d have is that the shower could have been a little more spacious, but honestly, with everything else on offer, it didn’t detract from the experience at all.
So Much to Do: Something for Everyone I was genuinely amazed at the volume and variety of things to do onboard. Whether you're travelling as a couple, a family, solo, or with friends, there’s truly something for everyone. Our first stop was Palma. Since I had visited before, I decided to stay onboard — and I’m so glad I did. The ship was practically empty, giving me the perfect chance to explore, relax by the pool, and even enjoy the waterslides without any queues. I also braved the Abyss slide (highly recommend!) — although I have to admit, I chickened out of trying the zip line!
Day at Sea: A Pleasant Surprise I’ll be honest — I was a little nervous about our full day at sea. I imagined long queues, crowded spaces, and feeling “stuck” onboard. But the reality couldn’t have been further from that. There was so much space everywhere, no waiting for food or drinks, and the atmosphere was so relaxed. In fact, it felt as easy and enjoyable as the day before when most guests were off the ship.
Ports and Excursions Our final stop was La Spezia, Italy — a gateway to some incredible places like Pisa, Florence, and Cinque Terre. Whether you want a full day of sightseeing or prefer wandering local streets, there's so much to experience. The Food: Beyond All Expectations The food onboard truly deserves its own mention. The buffet restaurant had an incredible selection — literally something for every craving — and the main dining room offered beautifully presented dishes that changed daily. Beyond that, there were burgers, pizza, hot dogs, ice cream, and some truly exceptional specialty restaurants. I was lucky enough to enjoy a dinner at Chops Grill, a premium steakhouse, and it was absolutely delicious — well worth it for a special night.
The Entertainment: World-Class The entertainment onboard was nothing short of spectacular. The Aqua Show was genuinely one of the best performances I’ve ever seen — think acrobatics, high diving, and incredible staging, all under the stars. And that was just the beginning — live music, bands, singers, sports bars, game shows, karaoke, comedy nights…the list goes on. During the day, there was everything from quizzes to spa treatments, a full gym, a running track, shops, and adults-only quiet spaces. Kids and teens had dedicated clubs too, packed with activities.
Final Thoughts: Will I Cruise Again? Before this trip, I was hesitant — worried about the crowds, the logistics, and whether cruising was "for me." Now? I can honestly say I’m already planning my next one. I’ve stayed at All-Inclusive hotels where it’s been harder to get a table or a sun lounger than it was onboard the ship. The sense of luxury, the variety of activities, the quality of food and entertainment, and the overall value for money completely won me over. If you’re even slightly considering a cruise — do it. You might just love it as much as I did.
