Majorca the Jewel of the Mediterranean

 A Day in Mallorca – April 10, 2025

Mallorca (also spelled Majorca), the crown jewel of Spain’s Balearic Islands, continues to enchant me—this is my fourth visit, and it never loses its magic.

Palma de Mallorca, the capital, can be summed up in five words: chic, elegant, sunny, relaxing, beautiful. Nearly two-thirds of the island’s population lives here, and during spring and summer, it buzzes with energy as cruise ships dock and visitors pour in. Yet somehow, Palma still feels timeless and serene.

Have you heard of the Balearic Islands?

This Mediterranean archipelago—Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, Formentera, and Cabrera—is an autonomous region of Spain. Mallorca, the largest, is famous for its dramatic coastline, hidden caves, golden beaches, and over 250 miles of scenic shoreline. Layered with history, the island reveals traces of Roman and Moorish rule, alongside soaring Gothic cathedrals and medieval palaces.

I began my day on the hop-on-hop-off bus, stopping at 18 iconic sights throughout Palma. For several hours, I chose to simply wander—exploring charming neighborhoods, pausing to admire the majestic waterfront cathedral La Seu (which never fails to take my breath away), and striking up spontaneous conversations with locals and fellow travelers.

Fun fact: Mallorca is also known for its exquisite man-made pearls—definitely worth a look, and perhaps a souvenir.

Whether you arrive by sea or land, Mallorca welcomes you with warmth, history, and unmistakable Mediterranean charm. Everyone I spoke with was as smitten with their day in Palma as I was.

And truly, this island keeps calling me back.

Barcelona during holiday season

I’ve visited Barcelona many times, but today’s guided tour was truly unforgettable! Exploring the city before, during, and after sunset was magical—Barcelona is absolutely dazzling with festive Christmas lights that bring its vibrant energy to life.

I wandered through Gaudí’s iconic masterpieces, strolled along La Rambla, and soaked in the charm of the Christmas markets at the Gothic Cathedral. Staying in the Gothic Quarter made it even more special, surrounded by the history and beauty of this timeless neighborhood.

This incredible day is the perfect sendoff before I board my ship tomorrow for an amazing journey home. I’ll be sailing slowly to Florida, with exciting stops in Spain, Portugal, the Azores, Morocco, Bermuda, and the Bahamas. Adventure awaits!

Are you new to international travel but have a dream destination in mind?

 

—-Are you dreaming of visiting an ideal destination that has always captured your imagination?

—-If you're new to international travel and feel a bit uneasy about venturing beyond your home country, don't worry! Planning a trip can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to a foreign destination.

—-Do you find yourself hesitant to rely solely on your own planning skills?

Rest assured, there are resources available to help you navigate the process and ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

To make your visit more enjoyable and well-informed, I suggest the following steps:

1. Begin by exploring your local library or bookstore to gather valuable insights about the places you plan to visit. Look for books, travel guides, and resources that cover popular attractions, local history, cuisine, customs, transportation options, and more.

2. Take the time to study local maps, including metro maps if applicable, to familiarize yourself with the layout of the destinations you'll be exploring. Understanding the geography will help you navigate and plan your itinerary more efficiently.

3. Once you've conducted your research and gained a better understanding of your desired destinations, consider the tours that align with your interests. Many hotels offer tour booking services, allowing you to conveniently reserve tours that catch your attention. Additionally, you can search for free walking tours or popular local tours online, which can range from a few hours to a full day.

4. I emphasize the importance of conducting thorough research in advance. The more knowledgeable you are about the attractions, logistics, and local customs, the more confident and comfortable you will feel during your visit to dream destination.

Remember to tailor your plans according to your specific interests and preferences. Exploring your destinations can be an incredibly rich experience, and adequate preparation will enhance your journey.

I find the trip planning to be almost as fun as the actual trip.

First cruise to Europe during Covid

 

In two weeks, I plan to take a 16-night 

transatlantic sailing from Florida to Southampton, England. I hope we will make our scheduled stops in the Azores, Madeira, Spain, Portugal, and especially Casablanca. I secured the deal of a lifetime for a midship balcony room and will pay no single supplement. I look forward to engaging in all of my favorite activities on a cruise including watching dazzling sunrises and sunsets at sea; enjoying coffee while I meditate on my balcony each morning; making new friends; savoring a variety of sensational entertainment throughout the day and unforgettable world-class shows each night in the theater; feasting on a variety of delectable cuisines; learning from engaging expert lecturers; being challenged on trivia teams; dancing; watching movies under the stars; indulging in divine desserts; participating in fun game shows; laughing often; and enjoying the beauty of an exquisite floating 5-star hotel. 

When you live alone, it’s nice to go away where you will be pampered 24/7. 

         That might just be the best part.🌅😎

New Year’s Eve on my holiday cruise 2021

 New Year’s Eve on my holiday cruise.🎊🎆🎶‼️

There will be several lively celebrations in numerous venues, throughout the festively decorated ship. The biggest celebrations with live music and dancing will take place poolside, in the spinnaker lounge or in the summer palace dining room. There will also be dancing and live music playing in the magnums lounge and a traditional countdown in the atrium. A separate Latin New Year’s celebration will be held at the great outdoors and traditional New Year’s grapes will even be served. At 9:30 PM, they will hand out New Year’s party favors in venues throughout the ship! I look forward to saying goodbye to 2021 and feel hopeful that 2022 will finally bring more normalcy to the world. #WeAreInThisTogether!!