Sunday, November 6, 2022

THE SUN SETS IN BARCELONA, ALL ABOARD REGAL PRINCESS!

Aboard Regal Princess
Stateroom C512
Leaving Barcelona, Spain
Sunday, November 6, 2022
Sunny, 70F


Port of Barcelona

TK was looking for coffee this morning 
He was intrigued by pigeons everywhere

Juliet on the balcony

Closeup of Juliet
Photos taken by TK

We really like Barcelona, a city of art and architecture. TK has different memories of his Navy days and Barcelona; he remembers partying with American college kids there in the late 60s-early 70s. He was in Barcelona at least 8 times during his 4 years in the Mediterranean.  I have my own memories when sailors and soldiers visited Aix en Provence. Maybe more about that later.

Today was a women’s marathon in Barcelona—what does that have to do with us? Taxis are not allowed in the center city for two hours! Our prearranged taxi driver called TK early and asked if we could leave the hotel earlier-thankfully we were ready!  He told us that there are marathons and bike races almost every Sunday!

The port was not far from the hotel and since we were early, we a had very easy time through security and luggage drop off. Our wait was not long, and we had access to our cabin by about 11 a.m.  We headed to the dining room for lunch –me, hamburger, TK, beef tenderloin. 

Stateroom C512
Home for 26 days

Closet space, shelving, and a safe

Bathroom-shower is on the left

Unpacking was easy enough so we wandered about the ship a bit. We have been on the Regal several times in the past, so navigation is easy. We are satisfied with our stateroom--good size balcony, plenty of storage (even though we we brought our whole household with us)

TK pondering about his "Take" for today
Settled, we went to dinner in the buffet when the ship was preparing for leaving the port.  Admittedly, I lose weight on a cruise because the food is too fancy for my taste. TK does not gain weight any more either, so we are going to be just fine.

As I write we are watching the Buffalo-Jets football game. Go Buffalo! We are thinking of family back home and “Football Sunday.” I wonder what great food Denise cooked up today.

I am very very anxious to visit Aix en Provence tomorrow, where I lived from August 1967 to July 1968. Those were my halcyon days though I did not know it at the time.  My leg is a little better today, but nothing will prevent me from walking all over this fabulous “old city” to revisit my favorite spots. TK indulges me on this.

TK’s Takes: Our experience in Barcelona reminded him of a song, “The Old Gray Mare She Ain’t What She Used To Be.” I hope he wasn’t thinking of me lol. I think he meant both of us, that’s what I’m going with.  And then…he played the song for me.  Hmmm.

TK mentioned that Marcel (Montserrat tour guide) said that in Barcelona work can be done on the inside of the older structures, but the outside has to remain the same.  He said Tom Hagen would be happy about that!

Let the fun begin!!

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ABOUT THE REGAL PRINCESS:

The Regal Princess’ maiden voyage was in May 2014. She was refurbished in 2018. This ship has been used for the setting of The Real Love Boat, on CBS in 2022.  Its length is 1082 feet, and the beam is 126 feet. There are 1,780 passenger cabins and 81% have balconies. There are 751 crew cabins. The capacity is about 3,560 and 1,350 crew.

According to Giacomo Mortola, head architect of the ship’s interior design, “Mainly it is a combination of warm, elegant tones that convey a feeling of comfort and sophistication. One example—a favorite architect of mine, Frank Lloyd Wright, used wood, bronze, leather-covered wall, and I used these materials to impart the look and feel of the aft dining room. These materials were also used in the entertainment areas including the Princess Theater, Vista Lounge, and TV studio.”

Other stats:

Regal Princess On-Board Recreation

  • Indoor Pools: 1
  • Outdoor Pools: 2
  • Spa: Yes
  • Casino: Yes

Regal Princess Dining Choices

  • Symphony Dining Room (Capacity: 600)
  • Concerto Dining Room (Capacity: 600)
  • Allegro Dining Room (Capacity: 618)

Regal Princess Entertainment

  • Princess Theater: Production shows and entertainers (Capacity: 925)
  • Crooner's: 1960s style martini bar (Capacity: 115)
  • Vista Lounge: Live bands, comedians, special events (Capacity: 384)
  • Bellini's: Italian-inspired cocktail venue (Capacity: 35)
  • Club 6: Dance club (Capacity: 135)
  • Churchill's: Cigar lounge (Capacity: 27)
  • Library

TK: 9,000 steps

Janie: 8500 steps

 

 

 

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