We started our journey flying with Singapore Airlines from Brisbane to Barcelona via Singapore and Munich, with the return via Milan. The service stood out, with attentive and friendly crew throughout. While the food could have offered more variety, the comfortable seating made the long-haul journey very manageable.

A one-night pre-cruise stay at INNSiDE by Meliá Barcelona Apolo proved convenient, located near Montjuïc and within easy reach of the port. The hotel is modern and well suited to a short stay, although Las Ramblas may be a better base for longer visits. Rooms were simple yet comfortable, with excellent beds, and breakfast offered a good variety. The atmosphere was bright, staff were welcoming, and check-in was efficient. It is worth noting the surrounding area is best avoided on foot at night. Overall, it is a reliable option for one to two nights pre-cruise. Our time in Barcelona included a quick tapas lunch at Bar Tomate in Las Ramblas, providing a great introduction to Spanish cuisine. A walking tour followed, though the pace and style did not suit, leading to an early departure. A highlight was the Kiss of Freedom Wall, a creative mosaic image formed by hundreds of small tiles. Dinner at Los Caracoles delivered excellent Spanish flavours. While the snails were not a standout, the experience itself was memorable.

The seven-night sailing onboard Star Princess impressed from the outset. Despite carrying 4,300 guests, the ship never felt crowded, with bars, restaurants and onboard services running smoothly. Embarkation and disembarkation were seamless throughout.

Accommodation in a Deluxe Balcony Cabin, number 11124, was spacious, modern and well appointed, providing a comfortable base for the voyage. More dining highlights were The Butcher’s Block by Dario delivered premium cuts ideal for meat lovers, while Spellbound by Magic Castle combined cocktails with theatrical elements, although it did not fully meet expectations.

Included dining was also strong, with O’Malley’s Irish Pub offering relaxed comfort food and Alfredo’s Pizzeria serving high-quality, made-to-order pizzas. Entertainment across the ship was engaging, with live music, trivia and theatre shows, while the Candlelight Concert Series in The Dome provided a particularly memorable experience.

Shore excursions delivered a varied itinerary. In Málaga, time in Granada allowed for independent exploration followed by a relaxed stop at Vinoteca Restaurant, where local buskers added to the atmosphere. Gibraltar offered a cable car ride to the top of the rock, with fog limiting views but the resident monkeys providing a memorable encounter.

Cartagena was explored via a double-decker bus tour, with the Roman Theatre a standout, alongside elegant architecture and pedestrian-friendly streets in the historic centre. In Marseille, a tour to Aix-en-Provence and Lourmarin delivered mixed impressions, with Aix-en-Provence less engaging, although lunch at Le Ramus stood out. Lourmarin was a highlight, with its charming streets, boutique shops and artistic feel.

Returning to Barcelona for a final night allowed further exploration. La Boqueria Market offered a lively mix of fresh produce and local delicacies, while Sagrada Família impressed as one of Gaudí’s most extraordinary works. Park Güell also stood out for its colourful design and unique character, with pre-booking essential for both attractions.

Overall, Star Princess delivers a modern and well-balanced cruise experience, combining strong dining, engaging entertainment and comfortable accommodation. Barcelona enhances the journey with its rich culture, cuisine and standout attractions.