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September 17, 2024

Inspired by the Mediterranean Sea, Emerald Cruises has created a new itinerary that allows guests to immerse themselves in Spanish culture, from Catalonia to Andalusia. This 9-day cruise will depart in 2025 from Barcelona to Málaga.

Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, will be the embarkation port, with stops at various coastal cities in the western Mediterranean, including Castellón de la Plana, Palma de Mallorca, Alicante, Cartagena, and Almería. The cruise will also include visits to the refined British city of Gibraltar and the ornamental, spice-laden charm of Tangier.

What sets Emerald Cruises apart is its all-inclusive, unforgettable journey. Everything is included: meals, airport transfers, gratuities, taxes, and port fees. Not to mention complimentary wine, beer, soft drinks, and select cocktails throughout the day, as well as a welcome and farewell reception and the services of a shore excursions manager available at all times. Guests also enjoy the free EmeraldPLUS cultural experiences and EmeraldACTIVE shore excursion programs, adding to the excellent complimentary services provided.

Let’s explore this fascinating itinerary in detail.

The journey aboard the Emerald Sakara yacht begins in Catalonia with its Costa Brava coastline and the works of famous artists like Gaudí and Dalí. Specifically, the journey starts in Barcelona, a city renowned as the capital of Modernism, home to dreamlike buildings such as La Sagrada Familia and the Palau de la Música Catalana. Be sure to book a flight to Barcelona that arrives no later than 1:00 p.m. to allow enough time to reach the port and complete the boarding procedures.

The yacht’s first stop will be Castellón de la Plana, with its orange groves, elegant noble palaces, majestic churches, and a picturesque promenade that stretches from the medieval village to the sea. The city is enriched by a dynamic culture, thanks to the Columbretes Islands Natural Park, famous for hiking, and the Jaume I University, one of Spain’s most important academic institutions.

On the third day, the itinerary brings guests to Palma de Mallorca, the capital of the Balearic Islands, a city steeped in history with its stunning Cathedral of Santa Maria, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, and Bellver Castle.

Continuing the route, the next destination is Alicante, which enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. At the heart of the city stands the Castle of Santa Barbara, dating back to the 9th century. Alicante’s beautiful beaches, such as Playa de San Juan and Postiguet Beach, are also worth noting.

On the fifth day, the yacht arrives in Cartagena, a port prized since the days of the Carthaginians for its strategic location. Cartagena is a city full of discovery, having been influenced by various cultures over the centuries, evidenced by its diverse architectural styles (from Roman to Art Nouveau). In 1987, the ancient Roman theater was unearthed, restored, and opened to the public.

The next stop is Almería, located in the southeastern corner of the Mediterranean coast. This Spanish city is known for its diverse landscapes: from the Tabernas Desert, the only desert in Europe, to the Sierra de Alhamilla mountain range, and its 200 kilometers of coastline featuring beautiful beaches and coves perfect for swimming.

The final two stops are Gibraltar, located on the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula at the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea (a British territory surrounded by Spain), and Tangier. Located in northern Morocco, Tangier captivates with its blend of cultural influences. The medina, the “Sultan’s Palace” now dedicated to Moroccan arts, and the bullring on “Plaza de Toros” are the main attractions.

The luxurious yacht cruise concludes in Málaga, where an included transfer will take guests to the airport for return flights, which must depart no earlier than 11:00 a.m.

For more details about Emerald Cruises, and to explore updates and news, visit our website Cruising Journal.

Lucia Angeli

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