CME Cruise Conference

Barcelona, Spain - For those fortunate enough to begin and end their cruise in the magnificent city of Barcelona, an unparalleled opportunity awaits to frame your voyage with unforgettable experiences! Whether you choose to dive into its vibrant Catalan culture for a few days before you set sail, or prefer to unwind and explore its many wonders upon your return – or perhaps even a bit of both – Barcelona is ready to dazzle you.

This is a city that truly has it all: world-renowned architecture, a tantalizing culinary scene, and an infectious zest for life where even a casual stroll provides a constantly renewing feast for the eyes. Imagine the thrill of seeing Gaudí's fantastical Sagrada Família for the first time, its spires reaching for the heavens – an architectural masterpiece you'll never forget (do book your tickets well in advance, it’s as popular as it deserves to be!). Then, picture yourself strolling down the elegant Passeig de Gràcia, marveling at the whimsical façades of Gaudí’s Casa Batlló or Casa Milà (La Pedrera), architectural wonders that seem sprung from a dream.

Don't miss the chance to lose yourself in the charming labyrinthine alleys of the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic), discovering hidden plazas, the magnificent Barcelona Cathedral, and abundant opportunities for shopping of all sorts. For a true taste of local life, dive into the sensory explosion of their food markets; try Santa Caterina near the Cathedral or the famous Mercado de La Boqueria, right off of Las Ramblas. Or perhaps spend some quality time exploring the trendy and artistic El Born district. Start your day with coffee at one of its many charming cafes, then enjoy the extensive collection of Picasso's early works at the Museu Picasso. Just around the corner, the European Museum of Modern Art (MEAM) houses a great collection of contemporary figurative art. El Born is also fantastic for tapas or pintxos, and you might even catch a stunning flamenco performance at Palau Dalmases.

Consider staying for a day or three in the Gothic Quarter or near Plaça de Catalunya to really get a feel for what makes Barcelona one of the world's great cities. Its unique "flavor," a result of its history as the regional capital of Spain's prosperous Catalunya, offers a delightful mix of Spanish and French influences (it's quite close to the French border, after all). Yes, you can practice your Spanish here, but you'll also see and hear Catalan, with its own distinct charm. You won’t regret your time here.

Don't worry about getting around; Barcelona is wonderfully accessible! Arriving at El Prat Airport (BCN), you can easily reach the city center via the convenient Aerobus or a taxi. While the city is very walkable, its extensive sights are best navigated using the efficient Metro system (an Hola Barcelona Travel Card or simply using your contactless payment makes it a joy!). Choosing a hotel in areas like the Gothic Quarter, El Born, or near Plaça de Catalunya offers a fantastic base. When it's time to head to your cruise at Moll Adossat, a taxi or the Portbus (T3) from near the Columbus Monument will get you there smoothly. Let Barcelona’s captivating charm be the unforgettable frame to your incredible cruise journey!

At Sea -

Naples, Italy - Capital of Southern Italy and the largest city in Campania, Naples is the third most populated city in Italy (after Rome and Milan) with over a million inhabitants. It's the most important industrial center and trading port for the South. Naples itself can provide a day's fun and entertainment, if its somewhat rundown appearance doesn't dissuade you. Or, join a tour of incredible Pompeii, frozen in time since A.D. 79 when Mt. Vesuvius brought an end to that then-thriving city. Or, take a quick ferry across the bay to the flowery Isle of Capri. Or, (yes, there's more) visit fabulous Sorrento, vacation spot for the well to do.

Sicily (Messina), Italy - Sicily exudes a magic and mystery found nowhere else in Italy. It's an island where timeless, rugged fishing communities share the same coastline with chic, modern resorts, creating a unique coastal tapestry. The northeastern corner, home to Messina and the stunning hilltop town of Taormina, is particularly captivating. Here, you can sail the legendary Strait of Messina, which churns with mythological currents, or hike to the commanding summit of Monte Scuderi for unforgettable views.

Immerse yourself in experiences unique to this island, like savoring the crunch of a freshly filled Sicilian cannoli or embracing the ritual of Italian coffee culture at a bustling bar. You could devote an entire day to the city's historic churches and piazzas, discovering the powerful, mythology-rich Fountain of Neptune or the magnificent Cathedral of Messina, a nearly thousand-year-old survivor with the world's largest astronomical clock. Whether you're sailing the deep blue Ionian Sea or simply watching the world go by from a classic trattoria, Messina is a place to be savored, not hurried.

Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy - Rome, Italy’s capital, is a sprawling, cosmopolitan city with nearly 3,000 years of globally influential art, architecture and culture on display. Ancient ruins such as the Forum and the Colosseum evoke the power of the former Roman Empire. Vatican City, headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, has St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums, which house masterpieces such as Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel frescoes.

La Spezia, Italy - La Spezia is a gateway to some of Italy's greatest treasures.Unforgettable experiences of the Ligurian Riviera are wonderfully within reach, promising a truly captivating glimpse into this celebrated region. Foremost among your options, the world-renowned Cinque Terre stands as the premier, highly recommended excursion from La Spezia. Getting there is easy with frequent trains from La Spezia Centrale for a quick trip or ferry service from La Spezia's Molo Italia allowing you to experience the Cinque Terre coast by boat and take in gorgeous views". The charm of Vernazza or the iconic vistas from Manarola are sights that will etch themselves into your memory.

A little further afield but well within striking distance is Pisa, whose ships dominated Renaissance trade for decades providing the funds to build the architectural wonders to be seen there. It is best known, of course for it's famous "leaning Tower," from the top of which Galileo Galilei demonstrated that gravity's strength was independant of the weight of a falling object. It stands there still, if somewhat crookedly, after 650 years. It is, however, just one element of the Piazza dei Miracoli – the "Square of Miracles" – where the the magnificent Duomo and Baptistery stand alongside the tower.

Sill further but worth the effort, is Florence where you can view the timeless treasures from the very height of renaissance achievements: the lofty Duomo, Giotto's gorgeous bell tower, Michelangelo's original David, the Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio over the Arno.

Should you prefer to explore locally or if you’ve perhaps visited the Cinque Terre, Pisa and Florence on a previous occasion, La Spezia itself offers a delightful and authentic Italian experience. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the city's picturesque, palm-lined harbor promenade (Lungomare). Wander through the historic old town, browsing the shops along Via del Prione and Corso Cavour, or soak in the local atmosphere at the vibrant daily market in Piazza Cavour – an excellent spot for an authentic slice of Italian life. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in local Ligurian specialties: savor a piece of warm, fragrant focaccia, sample the freshest seafood, or treat yourself to the region's world-famous pesto.

Whether you choose the breathtaking drama of the Cinque Terre, Pisa or the authentic, welcoming heart of La Spezia, your visit is sure to leave you with a taste of true Riviera magic. Even a brief encounter with this stunning corner of Italy can create lasting impressions of beauty, charm, and the sweet life – la dolce vita.

Portofino, Italy - Portofino, picturesquely situated in a narrow cove at the southeastern tip of a promontory might be the most beautiful place you'll ever see. A tiny port on Italy's northern coast, enchanting Portofino has long been popular with artists, actors and important people thanks to its beautiful setting. Abundantly blessed with agreeable climate and luxuriant vegetation, this "Pearl of the Mediterranean" should have a place on everyone's "bucket list." Fortunately for we in the know, it still remains unspoiled. 

Villefranche (Nice), France - Villefranche is your gateway to the one-of-a-kind French Riviera, home to Monte Carlo, Cannes and Nice. Shaded by jagged mountains touching deep blue shores, Villefranche offers sunny beaches, sophisticated resort cities, quaint red-roofed villages and spectacular views.