Curator’s statement
Our summer family vacation was unforgettable—a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and connection. Over two weeks, we explored the magic of Europe together with our teenagers, creating memories at every turn. We began in vibrant Barcelona, where art, architecture, and tapas filled our days. From there, we embarked on a dreamy cruise through the Greek Isles, soaking in stunning coastlines and ancient history under the Mediterranean sun. We ended with a full week in Paris, wandering through charming streets, indulging in pastries, and taking in world-class art and fashion. It was the kind of trip that brought us closer together while letting us all experience the world in a new, inspiring way.
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Where to stay in port
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Things to do in port
Our two-week European summer vacation with our teenagers was a well-balanced adventure packed with luxury, culture, and unforgettable experiences. We began our journey in Barcelona, arriving a few days early before our cruise departure to adjust to the time change and explore the vibrant city. We made the most of our time by pre-booking tickets to Gaudí’s iconic Sagrada Familia, which left us all in awe. A visit to the colorful Mercat de la Boqueria gave us a taste of local flavors—fresh juices, jamón, and tapas that our teens loved. One of our favorite meals in the city was at L’Arrosseria Xàtiva, a more local spot away from the tourist crowds, where we had delicious, authentic paella. It was the perfect start to ease into our European adventure.
From Barcelona, we boarded the Celebrity Ascent cruise, where we stayed in a Magic Carpet Sky Suite. The suite setup was ideal for families, offering a private hallway connecting our suite with an interior room for the kids. The Sky Suite itself was gorgeous—spacious, with a large, luxurious bathroom and even a pillow menu.
We had a personal butler who made everything seamless, from restaurant reservations to onboard assistance. One of the highlights was exclusive access to The Retreat, including a private sundeck with plush loungers, amazing sea views, a quieter pool, and the chic Retreat Lounge—a perfect place to cool off with a drink when the Mediterranean sun became too much.
Our excursions were equally amazing: a grotto boat ride in Malta, a walking tour of Mykonos, shopping and strolling through my favorite hidden corners of Venice Beach (so many boutiques and great restaurants!), and breathtaking views in Santorini, especially in Fira where we found unique evil eye jewelry and handmade Grecian sandals from a local family shop. Turkey exceeded expectations—touring the ancient ruins of Ephesus, wandering through the charming streets of Şirince, and sharing a traditional Turkish lunch in a local resident’s home was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
We ended our trip with a full week in Paris, and it couldn’t have been more perfect. Our first evening kicked off with dinner at Paul Bert, where the steak frites and peppercorn sauce were simply unforgettable—hands down one of the best meals we’ve ever had.
The next day, we had a full-day private tour with an incredible guide (ask me for more information!). We explored Montmartre, skipped the line at the Louvre to see breathtaking art, passed by Notre Dame, ended at the Eiffel Tower, and even enjoyed a scenic Seine River cruise.
One day was spent in Normandy visiting Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery—moving and unforgettable. Another day took us to Versailles, which, though crowded, was absolutely worth it. The town of Versailles itself is charming and perfect for a pre-palace stroll and lunch.
A personal highlight for me was the Christian Dior Museum. We also spent time boutique shopping in Le Marais, hunted for French skincare deals at CityPharma, and yes, did a bit of window shopping on the Champs-Élysées—including a stop at the Louis Vuitton flagship, which felt like a museum. We picked up heavenly macarons at Ladurée Carrousel, made our way to Galeries Lafayette Haussmann (don’t miss the 5th floor for Jellycats!), and stocked up on gourmet goodies like mustard and vacuum-sealed French butter from La Grande Epicerie.
The logistics, balance of activities, and once-in-a-lifetime moments made this vacation one of the most memorable experiences our family has ever shared.
Places to eat & drink in port
L’Arrosseria Xativa in Barcelona for Paella, Mercat de la Boqueria for food specialties and tastings.
Our favorite restaurants on the cruise were Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud (the seafood risotto is amazing) and Eden Restaurant for an amazing meal, fun cocktails, and the best views on the ship.
When in Paris, you can’t go wrong at any pastry shop for croissants, but Maison Louvard is outstanding! For macaroons, you will find Laduree throughout the city. They are even at the airport—and trust me—try one! I am not a fan of macaroons, but these hit differently so now I am forever a fan. For a French steak dinner, Bistrot Paul Bert is an absolute must and for seafood, Brasserie La Lorraine is a do-not-miss! Service was exceptional and the seafood was fresh and oh so yummy.
Need to know
One thing we learned quickly—there’s generally no need to book most restaurants in advance in Barcelona or Paris. Both cities are filled with incredible spots, and part of the fun is discovering hidden gems as you wander. That said, for more popular or iconic places like Paul Bert in Paris (an absolute must!) as reservations are essential.
While Paris is truly magical, it’s important to stay alert—pickpocketing is very common, especially in tourist-heavy areas like the metro, Eiffel Tower, and Champs-Élysées. That said, we found the French people to be incredibly kind, patient, and willing to help, especially when we stumbled through French. Even with limited language skills, a polite “Bonjour” and smile went a long way, and locals were quick to assist when we needed directions or help navigating the city.
Another helpful tip—specialty restaurants on the cruise can’t be booked in advance and can fill up quickly, especially during peak nights. As soon as you board, head straight to the concierge or Retreat Lounge to make your reservations. It’s the best way to ensure you get your preferred dining times and experiences. Between that and booking your rooms several months ahead, especially if you’re traveling with kids and want connected accommodations, a little planning goes a long way.
Travel Advisor
Ali Curtis
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