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Notices
PLEASE CHECK YOUR PASSPORTS.
Passports must be valid for SIX MONTHS AFTER the last date of travel, so if you plan on flying home on July 1, 2025, your passport must be valid through January 1st, 2026.
ETIAS
The European Union's (EU) European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is expected to launch in mid-2025. I will send an e-mail if/when this needs to be complete.
FINAL CRUISE PAYMENTS DUE NO LATER THAN MARCH 26, 2025. TO AVOID ANY PROCESSING ISSUES, PLEASE ENSURE YOUR CRUISE IS PAID IN FULL AT LEAST 1 WEEK PRIOR TO DUE DATE. PAYMENTS CAN BE PROCESSED BY COMPLETING THE CREDIT CARD AUTHORIZATION FORM WHICH CAN BE FOUND HERE.
Click on the image to learn more about the Seaside
June 24-July 1, 2025
Ports of Call
Some places in Europe have ports that do not require you to book an excursion, you can get off the ship and take a shuttle or taxi into town. Port information is provided below so that you can better acquaint yourself with each port and decide which stops you want to book excursions and which you prefer to take transport into town and explore on your own.
I have also provided an updated link to the excursions offered by MSC at each stop which now includes pricing. If you are interested in booking any of these excursions, please let me know and I can add them to your reservation.
In addition to the MSC Excursions, I have included some select excursions that I have looked into which have good reviews and should meet the time criteria for while we are in port. Please remember, the time at port often includes disembarkation time as well as embarkation, which is often at least an hour to 90 minutes prior to leaving port.
Private Tour (Monday, 6/23/25)
Whirlwind Barcelona - Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, Food Tour and Flamenco Dancing!
Meet our tour guide and driver at our accommodations (Andante) for a comfortable ride in air-conditioned private transportation to Park Güell. Bypass the lines and take part in a guided tour to explore the park's highlights, including the vibrant Monument Area with its breathtaking city views. After departing from Park Güell, the guided tour will carry on to La Sagrada Familia, where you'll be awed by its stunning interior and exterior, all with skip-the-line tickets.
After working up an appetite on the first half of the tour, you will embark on a 3-hour private walking tour to explore authentic Catalan cuisine, perfect for true food and wine aficionados. Your guide will lead you through three distinct neighborhoods, including Barcelona’s Old Town, with stops at four traditional tapas restaurants. At each location, you'll savor local Catalonian dishes and classic tapas, such as “patatas bravas,” croquettes, Spanish tortilla, Galician-style octopus, and cured tuna loin, all paired with exquisite wine, cava, and vermouth that you wouldn’t find on your own. Enjoy historical insights into each venue and learn about the origins and traditions behind every taste. This exceptional private tour offers a unique opportunity to experience Barcelona's rich gastronomy and culture with your personal tour guide.
OPTIONAL: We finish our evening at the Tablao Flamenco Cordobés. A top venue in flamenco history, founded in 1970 by a family of artists. It has attracted legends to Barcelona, and this continues at our new venue, "El Duende." This cozy space celebrates flamenco with performances from emerging talents shaping its future with fresh shows every night featuring different artists and a complimentary sangria or beer. Just a short walk away from our hotel.
Cost per person: $ TBD
Optional Flamenco + $28-45 (depending on seat type)
Private Tour - Pompeii & Mt Vesuvius with wine tasting & lunch
Experience the convenience of having your driver meet you the cruise port as you embark on an unforgettable journey to Pompeii Smoothly enter archaeological site, with a knowledgeable guide who will bring the ancient site to life. Enjoy a scenic drive through charming Italian villages before exploring the breathtaking area around Mt. Vesuvius. Your adventure will also include a visit to a local winery, offering a wine tasting and lunch with a taste of authentic Italian culture.
Cost per person: $60-100pp*
Final Pricing depends on total number of participants. Pricing includes transportation and Pompeii Guide. Pompeii tickets are purchased on site for 18€, and lunch and wine tasting are paid individually at the winery.
Private Tour - Pasta Cooking Class &
Wine Tasting at a Vineyard in Tuscany
Discover the beauty of Tuscany with our unique cooking classes held at charming local wineries. Join us for hands-on cooking sessions that create unforgettable moments amidst the stunning Tuscan hills Your culinary adventure awaits!
Cost per person: $160-200*pp
*Pricing depends upon total number of participants.
Total number of participants limited to 25.
Our standard menu features a delicious panzanella salad, freshly made pappardelle with your choice of meat or vegetable sauce, and a classic tiramisu for dessert. Vegetarian and vegan options are upon request.
In addition to the culinary journey, our engaging wine experience offers a guided tour of the winery where the cooking class occurs, a stroll through the wine cellars, and a tasting session featuring four exceptional wines crafted on-site during the meal. This turns your cooking class into a multi-sensory adventure, harmoniously merging culinary skills with the deep-rooted traditions of Tuscan winemaking. Get ready to create the finest dishes ever!
On Board
Want to upgrade your experience? Add a Thermal Area Pass for the cruise!
Discover a world of relaxation throughout your cruise within our Thermal Area containing a variety of heat, reaction, hydro and relaxation experiences.
This offer is only valid to anyone over the age of 18 years old. Your package is valid for the full cruise length and can only be used during our opening hours depending on availability. To secure your preferred days, please visit the MSC Aurea Spa reception on your embarkation day.
Other Experiences with very limited availability that sell out quickly...
E-mail me to book. Experiences must be paid at time of booking.
Additional Information
The cruise leaves on a Tuesday, so it gives you the perfect opportunity to explore Barcelona for a few days before the cruise. You can plan on flying out on Friday night and arriving on Saturday, giving you three whole days to explore, as well as adjust to the jet lag before sail away! I can help facilitate hotel stays for 1, 2 or 3 nights prior to the cruise. Just let me know when you are arriving and your accommodation requirements. You should plan to arrive at least one day prior to the cruise.
We return on July 1st, so there is the long 4th of July weekend just after our return if you want to take advantage of already being in Europe we can extend your stay or even book you on another cruise to explore other ports.
Deposits are $398 per room. Final payments are due March 26, 2025. If you would like to make payments prior to the final payment, please go to the FORMS section of the website and complete the Credit Card Authorization for each payment.
I would suggest looking for and booking airfare soon. I will include some tips on airfare in my mailings. If you need more help with airfare, please reach out to me directly and I will assist you individually.
Finally, I suggest that everyone purchase trip insurance. There is a link to Yonder below that will take you to their site if you would like to compare plans. If you decide not to purchase trip insurance, I will request that you complete a Trip Insurance Waiver prior to processing your final payment.
As always, please let me know if you have any questions!!
Deluxe Balcony Stateroom
Comfortable king bed that can be converted into two single beds on request. Balcony. Sitting area with sofa. Spacious closet. Bathroom with shower or bathtub, vanity area, and hairdryer. Interactive TV, telephone, safe and minibar, Wi-Fi access. Approx. 172-183 ft2 with a balcony that is approx. 54 ft2
Gratuities can be added to final payment, anytime prior to the cruise or paid while on the cruise ($84/pp). Transfers to the airport can be added as well, dependent on flight info.
