Mediterranean Moments: From Barcelona to Naples

Christie Costello
Oct 1
5 min read

Rocky cliff overlooking a cityscape and blue sea; several buildings and ships in distance under clear blue sky, creating a vast, tranquil scene.

I’m writing this update in real time, halfway through our Mediterranean adventure. This trip has already been full of iconic sights, funny surprises, and meaningful connections — with my husband, new friends, and even strangers along the way. I love sharing these moments while they’re fresh, and I can’t wait to hear which part of this journey speaks most to you.

Barcelona: Kicking Things Off

Barcelona swept us in right from the start — wide boulevards, colorful neighborhoods, and of course, the jaw-dropping beauty of Gaudí’s architecture. The Sagrada Familia was even more moving in person than I’d imagined. Having a private guide added so much depth, pointing out details we never would have noticed on our own.

Getting around Barcelona was surprisingly simple — you can catch a taxi at nearly every intersection in the city. After long days of sightseeing, that was a gift.

One of my favorite connection moments came at a little tapas bar. Our waitress turned out to be from Italy, which meant we found ourselves practicing Italian in the middle of Spain — and shaking our heads at the randomness of it. She was so kind and brought us free shots of limoncello as a gesture. (Side note: We don't really drink! Ha ha.) Chris went for it, and I took a tiny sip before quietly pouring the rest into my ice glass so she wouldn’t know. We didn’t want to offend her thoughtfulness, and it became one of those funny little travel moments we’ll always remember.

Travel Tip: Private tours at major sites like the Sagrada Familia give you context that makes the experience unforgettable.

My Takeaway: Embrace cultural mashups — those “wait, how did that happen?” moments often become your best stories.

Gibraltar: Between Two Worlds

We weren’t sure what to expect here, but Gibraltar delivered a fascinating mix of cultures. The famous cable car up the Rock was… fine, but the real highlight was Europa Point. Standing at the southern tip, lighthouse behind us, Morocco visible across the water — it was breathtaking.

Lighthouse with red stripe by the sea, blue sky, and mountains in the distance. A person walks along a wall near rooftops and railing.

Connection-wise, this day was really about us. We laughed through some travel hiccups — transportation lines, long waits — and found joy in simply exploring together.

Travel Tip: The city itself isn’t great for catching a taxi — in fact, it was terrible. If you’re mobility-challenged, this isn’t the easiest stop. Plan an organized tour in advance or consider staying on the ship instead.

My Takeaway: Don’t force yourself to tick every “must-see.” Sometimes the less hyped spot ends up being the one you’ll remember most.

Marseille: A Day of Surprises

Marseille had its own rhythm — bustling, layered, and a little chaotic in the best way. We took the hop-on hop-off bus, which gave us sweeping views of the city as it climbed up to the Notre-Dame de la Garde for a panoramic look at the port below.

My funniest memory here? Trying to explain ourselves to an Uber driver when our French ran out. All my Spanish and Italian prep didn’t help one bit. But the effort itself sparked some laughs, and it reminded me how important it is to try, even when you get it wrong.

Three people smiling in front of a large cathedral with striped stone patterns. The sky is cloudy, and some scaffolding is visible. — AnnMarie, Laurie, and Christie in front of the cathedral in Marseille, France

Travel Tip: Learn a few phrases in the local language. Even a clumsy attempt can spark kindness from locals.

Cinque Terre via La Spezia: Italy at Last

Rolling into Italy felt like stepping into a postcard. The Cinque Terre villages were every bit as colorful and charming as you’ve seen in photos. We bought the Cinque Terre Card and used the trains to hop between the towns, which made getting around smooth and simple. Of the villages, Monterosso al Mare is the only one that’s truly mobility-friendly, with flatter streets and easier access.

Travel Tip: If mobility is a concern, stick to Monterosso al Mare. It’s by far the most accessible of the five towns.

We walked along the coast, sampled local delights, and settled into people-watching in the gorgeous weather. Even though the season is cooling down, there were still plenty of folks of all ages swimming in the sea.

Two men high-five at a colorful beach bar counter labeled "Stella Maria." A bartender serves drinks in a lively, wooden setting.

For lunch, Chris went with pizza while I enjoyed a bruschetta — simple, delicious, and just right for the day. The beach bar where we ate was perfetto and at one point, a few of the staff unexpectedly broke into song, not as a performance, but because that's just how they roll. It was exactly what I hoped for from Italy...absolutely magical!

Our connection time here was quiet but lovely — just time with my husband, soaking it all in together. No agenda, no rush, just gratitude.

Travel Tip: The Cinque Terre Card is worth it. Trains make hopping between towns easy, especially if you want to visit more than one of the five villages.

My Takeaway: Plan margin for wandering. Some of the best travel moments happen when you put the map away and just see what unfolds.

Sea Days: A Chance to Pause

Life onboard the ship has been its own kind of adventure. Princess staff have been incredible — thoughtful, attentive, always smiling. We went to a couple of shows, but honestly, we spent more time resting, reading, and simply catching our breath.

Our group was together most dinners and a few shows. What a treat to celebrate 5 different milestone birthdays (of the 7 of us!). That made this trip extra special!

Connection came easy here: slowing down together, meeting fellow travelers, and appreciating the crew that made it all run so smoothly.

Travel Tip: Don’t overschedule sea days. Use them to recharge so you’re ready to enjoy the next port fully.

Naples: Buffer Days Well Spent

A pizza with fresh basil and charred crust is on a table. A hand holds a pizza cutter with a red handle on a vibrant, cheesy surface.

Now we’re in Naples, where we’ve built in five unstructured days. Everyone else has scattered to their next destinations, and we’ve chosen to slow down. We’ll do a private Naples food tour, maybe ferry the Amalfi Coast, and if we’ve got the energy, explore Herculaneum. But the real plan? Catching up on work a little, so we can truly relax as the next phase of travel begins.

This buffer time was intentional, and it’s already paying off. It’s given us space to reconnect, laugh, and enjoy Italy without rushing.

Travel Tip: Build buffer days into long trips. They’re priceless for rest, recovery, and flexibility.

Wrapping Up

This journey so far has been about so much more than places. It’s been about connection — with my husband, with fellow travelers, with crew who made us feel at home, and with locals who turned small moments into lasting memories on our Mediterranean Moments milestone cruise.

And the adventure isn’t over. Next, six new companions will join us for a food-filled journey through Rome, Florence, and Bologna. But that’s a story for another blog.