Cruising Europe This Summer? Make Barcelona Your Departure Point

If you’re planning on cruising the Mediterranean, sailing to Scandinavia or launching your own Greek odyssey, you probably have Barcelona in your sights as it serves as the perfect starting point for your fly-cruise adventure!

A key port for all the major cruise lines of the world, the capital of Catalonia is the ideal place to start your holiday. Whether you’re looking for a super-easy embarkation or some port-side fun before you sail, we have eight great reasons why you should fly to Barcelona to catch your next cruise:

Easy embarkation: Many of the world’s most popular routes set sail from Barcelona, including ships destined for the Mediterranean, Nordic countries and even the USA. It’s the perfect place to meet other cruise passengers, organise shore excursions and enjoy some land-side R&R.
Great public transport: Unlike in other cities, Barcelona’s port is within walking distance of the main attractions, although there are shuttle buses connecting you to a national and international network of buses, trams, trains and even airplanes.
Delicious Catalan cuisine: Barcelona is a gastronomic paradise, bursting with historic food markets, traditional tapas bars, Michelin-starred restaurants and beachside bodegas. You won’t go hungry!
Unique shopping: Go people-watching, window-shopping or stock up your cruise-ship essentials ahead of embarkation at the famous Las Ramblas, a 1.2km-long boulevard close to the cruise terminal.
Ancient history: Follow the footsteps of the Romans along the cobblestoned streets of the nearby Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic). Step into 600-year-old Gothic churches, visit local museums and soak up the city’s colourful history.
Amazing architecture: If you’re an architecture fan, you can take a stroll through the streets to marvel at the unique and iconic work by Antoni Gaudí, including Sagrada Família, Park Güell, Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (La Pedrera).
Beautiful beaches: Get the best of both worlds by relaxing by the coast by day and exploring the city by night. Barceloneta Beach, Bogatell Beach and Nova Icaria Beach are forever favourites for the soft Spanish sand.
Eclectic festivals: If you time your cruise dates right, you could catch one of the city’s famous festes majors, including Barcelona International Jazz Festival, Sonar electronic music festival and the vibrant five-day La Mercè festival.

There’s so much to do and see in Barcelona, you’ll be wondering if you can delay your departure by another day. With fast, flexible and affordable flights from Dublin to Barcelona, it’s easy to build a city break in Catalonia around your cruise ship schedule.

And don’t forget, Aer Lingus is a major transatlantic carrier, so you can fly from the USA to Dublin and onwards to Barcelona in one smooth trip. Extending your trip to Europe is simple too, with dozens of destinations within easy reach across the airline’s extensive route map.

And why not kick-start your fiesta in the sky? Direct flights from Dublin to Barcelona are only 2.5 hours long, with just enough time to enjoy fresh Irish food, access to wi-fi and a little pre-cruise shopping while you fly.

If you’re thinking about booking a fly-cruise holiday this summer, make Barcelona your departure destination. And let Aer Lingus take you to Spain in style.