- Costa Cruises from Barcelona - Costa Cruises, With Permission
Costa Cruises offers cruises to the Western Mediterranean from Barcelona, Spain. Costa's cruises depart from Terminal D (aka: Palacruceros) located at the Adossat Wharf in the Port of Barcelona. Completed in 2007, Palacruceros, was wholly financed by Costa Crociere (Italian name for Costa Cruises), costing around 12 million Euros. Here are the Western Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona as offered by Costa Cruises along with pre- and post-cruise Barcelona hotel options.
Western Mediterranean Cruises with Costa Cruises
Costa Pacifica – Launched in 2009, the Costa Pacifica is one of Costa Cruises biggest ships at 114,147 tons. Starting in May 2010, the Costa Pacifica will be offering seven-night cruises roundtrip from Barcelona, Spain. Referred to as the Mediterranean Magic cruises, the 2010 itinerary includes ports of Palma de Mallorca (Spain), Tunis (Tunisia), La Valletta (Malta), Catania (Italy), Civitavecchia (Italy) and Savona (Italy).
Costa Concordia – Built in 2006, the Costa Concordia is similar in size and layout to the Costa Pacifica with both featuring a 6,000 square meter Samsara Spa that spans two levels, a Grand Prix simulator, a coffee and chocolate bar and many other amenities. During 2010, the Concordia offers seven-night Mediterranean cruises called, Riviera Highlights. Stops include Marseille (France), Savona (Italy), Naples (Italy), Palermo (Italy), Tunis (Tunisia) and Palma de Mallorca (Spain).
Costa Marina – One of Costa Cruises oldest ships, the Costa Marina was refurbished in 2002. She's a small ship as well, at only 25,558 tons and carrying only 1,000 passengers and under 400 crew members. For 2010, the Marina offers Western Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona that are seven nights in length. Roundtrip from Barcelona, other stops include Monte Carlo (Monaco), Livorno (Italy), Olbia (Italy), Capri (Italy), Tunis (Tunisia) and Port Mahon (Minorca).
Best Barcelona Hotels for Cruises
Passengers wanting to extend their cruise can choose from a number of Barcelona hotels. Since the cruise port of Barcelona is basically at the foot of Las Ramblas, this is a popular choice for cruise passengers. On the other hand, staying close to the attractions of the Gothic Quarter or near Gaudi's architecture is another option. Here are a few choices.
Hotel Eurostars Grand Marina – This hotel is conveniently located at the World Trade Centre (WTC Terminal), near where Royal Caribbean cruises from Barcelona. This modern hotel features 291 luxurious rooms, views of the harbor, an outdoor pool, and a piano bar.
Hotel Montecarlo Barcelona – Located on Las Ramblas, this charming hotel is only a couple blocks from Placa de Catalunya and steps from the Gothic cathedral. Converted from a 19th century palace, the hotel features modern amenities such as large, spa-like bathrooms and free WiFi.
Majestic Hotel and Spa – This luxury hotel is one of Crystal Cruises' recommended Barcelona hotels (Costa Cruises currently doesn't have any hotels listed on their website). It's located in the center of Barcelona and within walking distance to Las Ramblas, shopping, and the Gaudi monuments. The hotel features luxurious rooms, an outdoor pool, and a spa on the top floor.
Costa Cruises is one of the many cruise lines that offer Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona, Spain. Passengers will need to only unpack once as they get to cruise to other countries, such as Italy, France, Monaco and Tunisia. Unpack twice, if they choose to extend their cruise vacation with a Barcelona hotel.
Renee Ruggero - Renee is a published travel writer and cruise industry insider with more than 1,000 days on cruise ships, visiting over 50 countries.
