BARCELONA — This is our recollection of the first time we enjoyed Barcelona, four years ago… Drive in from a beautiful seaside resort. Pay a small fortune to park the car, somewhere near the tourist haven known as La Rambla. Wander the narrow streets. Get lost. Stumble across a church that's been in a… Continue reading Cruise Home Port A Changed City
Category: Ports
Valencia Inspires an 'F' Word
VALENCIA, Spain — As we departed this port stop during the Oceania Riviera's Christening Cruise, one word seemed to cover the experience of visiting Valencia. Fascinating. When the America's Cup came to the city in 2007, the port had to be re-built. There was some controversy and, in the end, an "open vote" of… Continue reading Valencia Inspires an 'F' Word
Oceania Riviera Christening Cat's Meow
BARCELONA — The Oceania Riviera was our christening christening, which is to say our first. If you're like us and you've never been able to enjoy the spectacle of seeing a cruise ship become official, what follows will give you a rough idea what happens… The ceremony begins with the pre-ceremony. Acrobats tie themselves… Continue reading Oceania Riviera Christening Cat's Meow
A City and A Painter Linked Forever
AIX-EN-PROVENCE — In Hollywood, famous people get their "star" or a handprint on a sidewalk. In this pretty little place, Paul Cezanne gets the sidewalk. You wouldn't likely find Aix-en-Provence (pronounced "ex-on-prah-vence) unless you took a guided tour from the Oceania Riviera, moored 28 kilometres away, like we did. By extension, you also wouldn't see… Continue reading A City and A Painter Linked Forever
Marseilles: Two Ports Busier Than Ever
MARSEILLE, France — We loved this first-ever Mediterranean seaport the last time we were here. Then we remembered why. We'd been travelling the roads of France with two teenagers and a pre-teen, squishing five people in hotel rooms built for four (or less), and when we arrived in Marseille, the people at the Novotel… Continue reading Marseilles: Two Ports Busier Than Ever