Why I'll Never Take a Big Cruise Again: My Small Ship Spain Escape
Picture this: I was sipping sangria in a hidden cove on Mallorca's coast, surrounded by just 40 other travelers, when a local fisherman rowed over to offer us fresh sardines straight from his boat. That's the magic of small ship cruises in Spain – no crowds, just raw Mediterranean beauty. After 15 years booking trips for clients, I finally booked my own small ship adventure last May, and it changed everything.
The Perfect Small Ship Experience
Forget those 3,000-passenger behemoths. I sailed on the MS Sirena (132 passengers) with Ponant for a 7-day Balearic Islands cruise. Starting in Barcelona, we hit hidden coves, ancient fishing villages, and even got to swim with sea turtles near Menorca. The best part? No security lines or crowded dining rooms – just intimate deck chats with fellow travelers.
Real Prices & Practical Tips
For a stress-free trip, book early: I got my €1,890 per person all-inclusive fare (meals, wine, excursions) by booking 10 months ahead through Ponant's website. Here’s how I nailed it:
- Barcelona pre-cruise: Stayed at Hotel Arts Barcelona (5-star, near port) for €195/night. Booked via Booking.com – got a free upgrade to sea view. Airport transfer? Pre-booked a Private Taxi from BCN to Hotel for €32 (via the hotel's concierge).
- Excursions: Don't pay extra for the "Ibiza Town" tour – the ship's included visit to the Port Vell is better than any guided tour. For Menorca's Es Trenc beach, book the Small Boat Adventure directly through the ship (€45) instead of third-party vendors.
- Local eats: Skip tourist traps. At Mallorca's Port de Sóller, I had pa amb tomàquet and ensaimada at La Bodega del Mar for €12. Ask for "tapas de la casa" – it's the real deal.
Insider Tip
Always request a cabin on the upper deck with a window – you'll get the best sunrise views of the coastline and avoid the "cruise ship" feeling. Also, never book a cruise that skips Menorca. The Cap de Formentor peninsula is where Spain's secret is kept – I saw dolphins there at dawn while everyone else was still in bed.
Your Action Plan
Ready to go? Here’s exactly what to do:
- Book your small ship cruise 10+ months ahead (April-May or Sept-Oct for perfect weather)
- Choose a line with under 200 passengers (Ponant, Azamara, or Fred. Olsen for their Spanish itineraries)
- Stay 2 nights in Barcelona pre-cruise – I used the Port Vell area for easy port access
- Pre-book only the small boat excursions (not the big group tours)
Trust me: This isn't just a trip. It's the moment you realize why Spain's coast has captivated travelers for centuries. I still dream about that cove in Mallorca
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