MEDITERRANEAN ANNIVERSARY CRUISE
Before the Cruise: Falling in Love with Barcelona
Alicia & Wes kicked off their anniversary trip with a few days in Barcelona — and it quickly became one of the highlights of their adventure. Each morning, they made it their mission to hunt down a new bakery, sipping strong Spanish coffee and savoring fresh baked goods. Breakfast soon became their favorite meal of the day.
Wes also struck up a unique friendship with a local who wanted to improve their English. In exchange, Wes picked up casual Spanish lessons — a fun and unexpected way to connect with the culture. These little moments made Barcelona feel more like a second home than just a pre-cruise stop.
Q: What inspired you to take this trip?
A: This was our anniversary, and we wanted to celebrate it with something really special. We had never been out of the country together, so exploring Europe felt like the perfect adventure. And, to make it even sweeter, I had earned a free cruise through the Royal Caribbean Casino—so it all came together like it was meant to be!
Q: What was your favorite port of call?
A: Pisa was the whole reason we booked this cruise—it had been on our bucket list for years. The moment we finally stood in front of the Leaning Tower, it felt like the trip had come full circle. Of course, we did the classic “holding up the tower” photos (with varying levels of success!), and it was every bit as fun and surreal as we hoped. On a funny side note, Wes discovered that in Pisa you have to pay to use the restroom. He decided if he was going to pay, he’d better get his money’s worth—so let’s just say he made the most of it! Those little stories are the ones that stick with you long after the trip is over.
Q: What stood out most during your time in Italy and Spain?
A: Walking through the cathedrals in both Italy and Spain was absolutely breathtaking. Each one felt like stepping into a different world — the soaring ceilings, intricate stained glass, and centuries of history carved into stone. We’d find ourselves pausing just to take it all in. In Spain, we wandered slowly, almost in silence, just absorbing the beauty. In Italy, it was the same — every corner revealed something new and humbling. Those moments reminded us why we wanted this trip to be more than just a cruise; it was about experiencing the heart and soul of the places we visited.
Q: Did you get a chance to see Vatican City?
A: Yes — though we didn’t go inside, standing in St. Peter’s Square was unforgettable. You could feel the faith of the people all around you — their reverence, devotion, and awe. That energy was powerful, and it left us both humbled and grateful to experience it together on our anniversary trip.
CONCLUSION
Alicia & Wes’s anniversary cruise was more than a vacation — it was a chance to step into Europe’s history, faith, and beauty while creating memories they’ll cherish forever. From the laughter in Pisa to the quiet reverence outside Vatican City and the sweet mornings in Barcelona, their story is proof that travel is the best way to celebrate love.
