Mediterranean Cruise Trip Report: Barcelona to Rome on Sun Princess

⭐ Introduction

I share my real adventures using points and miles — not theoretical examples, not “in a perfect world,” but the actual trips my family takes. And this one? It was spectacular. A Mediterranean cruise booked strategically, made way more affordable than it looks, and honestly just a fun itinerary start to finish.

If you want the full breakdown of exactly how I booked this trip, you can read that here: 👉 How I booked this trip

This post is the trip report — the ports, the food, the logistics, and everything I’d recommend if you’re planning the same route.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products, tours, and services I personally use and love.

⭐ Trip Overview

Cruise Line: Princess Cruises

Ship: Sun Princess (Sphere Class)

Package: Premier Package

Route: Barcelona → Gibraltar → Cartagena → Sea Day → La Spezia → Rome

This itinerary is a great mix of:

• Easy DIY ports

• One big adventure day

• One slow day

• One sea day

• A major European city at the end

It’s beginner‑friendly, family‑friendly, and perfect if you want variety without chaos.

⭐ How We Booked the Trip

✈️ Flights

We flew to Barcelona on Alaska miles — one of my favorite redemptions because Alaska’s partner sweet spots still come through when you need them.

We flew home from Rome on Delta, booked through Air France because:

• It priced better

• Delta’s site was being dramatic

• And partner bookings are always worth checking

If you want to learn how I consistently book trips like this, start with my Beginner Points Guide.

🏨 Hotels

• Hilton Barcelona — booked on points, chosen specifically for the Executive Lounge because I love a lounge dinner before a cruise.

• NH Collection Roma Palazzo Cinquecento (Grand Termini) — convenient, comfortable, and not “too Termini” despite the location.

🚢 Cruise

• Booked Sun Princess directly

• Bought the Premier Package

• Specialty dining every night

• Private drivers for transfers (always)

If you want my full Sun Princess review, it’s here: 👉 Sun Princess Review

⭐ Barcelona (Embarkation Day)

Barcelona is one of the easiest embarkation cities in Europe. If you’re new to Mediterranean cruising, this is the city you want.

What we actually did:

• Taxi from airport

• Tapas for lunch

• Executive Lounge dinner

• Sagrada Familia

  • Amazing

  • Hot

  • Dress code not enforced (yes, it was that hot)

If you’re planning Barcelona, here’s my full guide: 👉 Barcelona Port Guide

⭐ Gibraltar (Cable Car Closed Edition)

The cable car is currently not operating, so we pivoted — and honestly, it ended up being a great day.

What we actually did:

• Europa Point — gorgeous views, super easy

• Explored the city walls

• Found a fantastic wine bar built right into the walls of Gibraltar

  • Great wine

  • Great vibe

  • Great views

If you’re sailing soon: Don’t plan on the cable car. Do count on Europa Point + wine.

⭐ Cartagena — Roman Wine Tasting Tour (Viator)

Cartagena was NOT a DIY day for us — we booked a Roman wine tasting tour through Viator, and it was honestly one of the most fun tours we’ve ever done.

What we actually did:

• Dressed up in Roman-style tunics

• Learned ancient wine traditions

• Ate foods inspired by what Romans served 2,000 years ago

• Drank wine like Romans (minus the questionable hygiene practices)

• Laughed the entire time

If you want something quirky and memorable, this is it.

Book the Same Tour → Cartagena Roman Wine Tasting

⭐ Sea Day

Sun Princess sea days are genuinely good — pools, seating, Sphere atrium, quiet spaces, specialty dining.

If you want my full breakdown of the ship, here’s the review: 👉 Sun Princess Review

⭐ La Spezia — Cinque Terre Tour (Shore Excursions Group)

This was our big day, and we booked it through Shore Excursions Group — a company we use often because they guarantee you back to the ship.

What we actually did:

• Visited three of the five Cinque Terre towns

• Took trains between them

• Ate seafood

• Enjoyed the views

• Sweated (Cinque Terre is stunning, but she makes you work)

If you want Cinque Terre without the chaos of planning it yourself: 👉 Cinque Terre from La Spezia Guide

⭐ Rome (Debarkation Day + Tuscany Day Trip)

Rome is chaotic, beautiful, dramatic, and absolutely worth the effort — but let’s be honest: the port is FAR. This is not a “grab a taxi and hope for the best” situation.

Debarkation Day — What we actually did:

• Private driver from port → NH Collection Roma Palazzo Cinquecento

• Explored Rome on foot

  • We’ve been to Rome a few times, so we skipped the big tours

  • Walked to our favorite spots

  • Ate a fabulous lunch

  • Got gelato (mandatory)

  • Wandered without a plan — the best way to do Rome when you’ve already seen the highlights

Last Day — Tuscany Day Trip

Before flying home, we did a full Tuscany day trip — the perfect way to end the trip. Wine, countryside, food, views… it was everything.

⭐ Food & Dining

We ate:

• Tapas in Barcelona

• Executive Lounge dinner

• Roman wine tasting foods

• Seafood in Cinque Terre

• Pasta + gelato in Rome

• All the specialty dining Sun Princess would let us book

If you want my cruise dining tips, they’re here: 👉 Cruise Dining Tips

⭐ Mediterranean Packing List

Planning a Mediterranean cruise? Here’s the exact packing list I used — outfits, essentials, and the items that saved me in the heat.

👉 Mediterranean Packing List

⭐ About the Author

Julie Davis is the creator of No Point Left Behind, where she shares real trips booked with real points and miles — no theory, no fluff, just the exact strategies her family uses to travel better for less.

If you love Mediterranean itineraries, cruise port guides, or Lazy Girl travel planning, you’re in the right place.