Hello Family and Friends,
Would you want to travel with me for Easter 2025 holiday? Let’s go spend 4 days of our Easter holiday at the South of France and enjoy the tranquility of Italy and Spain.
It will be Easter Sunday on 20th April 2025 and it will also be my 44th Birthday! That’s double honors and i’m excited about making it special….well, if you know me, you know my ‘special’ means traveling and visiting new places.
The Cruise
We are going on a Mediterranean (Europe) cruise 🚢 from Saturday 19th to Wednesday 23rd April 2025.
So, you are welcome to JOIN ME on this 4 days cruise 🎊🎈🎉.
Here’s How it will Work:
- This is NOT a typical birthday bash, even though it is also my birthday. The goal is simply to come and have a great Easter holiday.
- Your primary objective if you are coming on this trip should be to come and have good fun and a nice Easter holiday.
- You know I’m the master of fun and adventure, so the theme for this trip is NAUTICAL EASTER ADVENTURE. Let’s celebrate the blessings of Christ’s resurrection. Jesus fully paid the price, we must ENJOY & EXPLORE.
What to Expect
We will be visiting 3 cities in 3 countries
Our Itinerary
Day 1: Saturday 19th April, 2025
Barcelona City Tour
Enjoy a stroll around Barcelona City Centre and discover world-class art museums, fashionable designer restaurants, bars, galleries, and shops and visit the basilica and monastery buildings at Barcelona City Center.
- See the La Sagrada Familia: This is the largest unfinished Catholic Church in the world. The detail put into every piece of construction is astounding and it will be a lovely idea to see this gorgeous church if you have never been there before.
- We will also enjoy tour of the Port area of Barcelona city. This is a very beautiful area
Ship departs at 6.00 pm local time
Head over to Barcelona Port to board the ship for the night. Boarding starts at 12:00 noon and closes at 2 hrs before departure. The earlier you arrive the better and more time you have to explore the ship before it sails.
Day 2: Sunday 20th April 2025
Arrive Marseille, South of France at 9.00am local time
Arrive Marseille in southern France. Marseille is the second largest city in France and is the capital of Provence (South Eastern France). It is the third most renowned and populated metropolitan area in the country. Marseille boasts a bustling street life full of aromatic cafes, fresh fish markets, and breathtaking views. The city provides a remarkable experience you won’t forget.
Disembark Ship to Explore Marseille
You have the option to remain on the ship to enjoy the amenities which include spa, restaurants, drinks, pool and lots of water activities. If you prefer to explore the city however, there are various options which include:
• Visiting Avignon: Enjoy the low medieval walls still encircling the old center as it nestles up against a ninety-degree bend in the Rhône river
• Take in extraordinary views of the Vieux Port from Palais du Pharo or Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde
• Explore Aix-en-Provence to experience a traditionally conservative town filled with charming cafes and awe-inspiring museums
Ship departs the port at 6.00 pm
Ship will depart the port at exactly 6.00 pm. Make sure you return to board for the night if you would not want to be left behind.
Birthday group dinner at 8:30 pm
Dress code is formal and the dinner venue is xx Restaurant
Cruise show after dinner
After dinner, we enjoy the cruise show. Further details will be provided later.
Day 3: Monday 21st April 2025
Arrive Genoa, Italy at 9:00 am local time
To experience a marvelously eclectic and vibrant atmosphere that boasts more zest and intrigue than all the surrounding coastal resorts combined. Offering an array of attractions, from exquisite art galleries and museums to Europe’s second-largest aquarium, this quaint Italian city perfectly merges old-town charm with modern appeal.
Disembark Ship to explore Genoa and Portofino
You can choose to enjoy the tranquility of the ship, or disembark to see the city of Genoa and Portofino.
Ship departs the port at 6:00pm
The ship departs the port at 6.00pm. You must return and have boarded before this time so you are not left behind.
Enjoy cruise amenities
There will be many broadway-like shows to enjoy on board before retiring for the night
Day 4: Tuesday 22nd April 2025
Day at sea
This is a full day to enjoy the tranquility of sailing and having a good time on cruise. For those of us who would have gone to tour the cities on the first two days, a day at sea gives you the opportunity to recharge before docking at the next port. There is lots of attractions and activities for a day at sea.
Day At Sea Highlights:
- Bask in the sun or jump in the water to cool off, a day at the pool is time well spent. A wide selection of pools allows you to choose the perfect environment while attendants stand by to meet your needs.
- Enjoy the many amenities the ship has to offer such as hit the gym or mindful yoga session, pampering yourself with a relaxing spa day, catching an entertaining show with talented performers. You could also shop in the variety of fashionable outfits, accessories, and jewelry shops.
- Take your taste buds on a trip around the world with extensive dining options. The ship offers a variety of delicacies to satisfy pallets of all preferences.
- If you like the casino, you can try your luck. There is a casino on board to take your seat and your chance of hitting one of the jackpots.
Day 5: Wednesday 23rd April 2025
Arrive back in Barcelona at 8:00 am local time.
We are back from our cruise to Barcelona and depart to our respective destinations from here.
How to Join the Trip
- Kindly book your cruise using this link – MSC Cruise from Barcelona Prices start from $474 per person. You can make a refundable deposit payment of $198 (for 2 people in a stateroom) to secure your booking and finalise the final payment by February 2025. The earlier you book, the cheaper the fare.
- Check for flight deals to Barcelona here – Skyscanner Flight Deals You may also fly to Madrid and take a 2hrs 45mins train from Madrid to Barcelona.
- Check for train deals on Omio if flying to Madrid and will take a train to Barcelona.
If you need help with your bookings, contact me at [email protected] or +234 802 825 2777
FAQs About the Trip
Can I bring children?
Yes, children below age 12 sail free on this cruise, so why not!
Can I bring a guest?
Sure you can bring as many people as you desire! It’s actually your Easter get away, even though we will be celebrating my 44th birthday together on the 20th.
Can I see a walk-through of the ship?
Watch this YouTube video – https://youtu.be/oQgkP-wvRJ8?feature=shared for the walk-through. You can have a virtual tour of the rooms here – https://virtual-tours.msccruises.com/MSC-Fantasia/en-gl/index.html?sc=scene_balcony
How much does the cruise cost?
The starting price (interior stateroom) is $494 per person and increases depending on the room type/size. Kids do not pay for sailing, while kids above 18 years have considerable discount.
Can I share this information with others?
Definitely! Please feel free to share with friends who are interested in coming along to enjoy this cruise.
Are there other associated costs on the cruise?
Your cruise package comes with free breakfast, lunch and dinner. You also have complimentary bottled water, mineral water, coffee or Tea during lunch and dinner in the main dining room.You have free access to the broadway-style theater shows, Pool area, Kids club and activities, Fitness center (from 14 years), Sport facilities and entertainment activities. However, other item such as alcoholic drinks, specialty dinner, spa and excursions comes at a cost.
How many rooms will I need for a family?
State rooms are cheaper as the number of people increases i.e the cost of 2 people in a state room is cheaper than cost of 1 person in a room. There are also different types of rooms, you can simply book the size that fits your family requirement.
Is there an agency or booking cost?
No. This is my birthday treat so I am glad to provide travel support for all. All costs are actual, there is no service or agency cost included.
What is the travel requirement for this trip?
All the Countries we are visiting are a part of the Schengen so you need a Schengen visa if traveling with a Nigeria passport. Check in is required to board the ship, just like we do for flights.
Is there a meet up point?
Everyone takes care of their flight and we meet up in Barcelona city center on 19th April 2025, if you want to see the city. If not, you can head straight to Barcelona Port anytime from 12:00 noon local time, to check in to the ship.
Is there a check-in process to board the ship?
Yes, there is a check in process, just like we do for flights and you can do your check in online as well. Your booking will have a dedicated check in time and window, please note however that check in closes 2hrs before ship departs. In this particular instance, that will be 4:00 pm local time. Your check in luggage will be dropped off at check in and delivered to your cabin. The expected delivery timeframe might not be immediate hence I recommend that you take any items you will need such as a change of clothes, swimwear and any medications on embarkation day in your carry-on bag.
What if I need assistance with bookings?
Feel free to buzz me at [email protected] or 0802 825 2777 for assistance with your bookings.
Where can I get reliable travel information?
I will post a lot of useful travel information related to this trip on my Instagram page @xplorabliss Follow me and save useful information for your planning.
Do I need to confirm if I am coming on the trip?
Not at all. You would not need to confirm your travel plans, you could simply make it a surprise!!!
I’m afraid of water, can I come on a cruise?
Absolutely. There will be some motion, but it is not strong enough to affect you significantly. If you still have motion concerns, my recommendation will be to select a middle cabin and maybe bring a motion sickness tablet. But I promise you, you won’t need it.
Is there a dress code?
I will love to get great photos and beautiful memories from this trip. So, I think that having a colour theme for some of the days helps significantly.
Day 1: 19th April – No dress code
Day 2: 20th April – White for day time; formal for dinner
Day 3: 21st April – Touch of blue and red for day time.
Day 4: 22nd April – Touch of yellow for day time.
Day 5: 23rd April – No dress code
What is the best travel itinerary to arrive Barcelona?
Fastest is to fly directly to Barcelona. If however you find a good flight deal to Madrid, it is equally okay. You can simply take a 2hrs 45mins train ride from Madrid to Barcelona.
Do I need to book Insurance with my cruise?
No. If you already have a travel insurance, then cruising is covered. I also suggest you book your travel insurance independently, it is cheaper than booking with the cruise.
Is there a luggage limit on the ship?
Yes, luggage limit is 2 check in bags of 23kg each + 1 carry on bag + 1 personal bag.
Will I have internet access while cruising?
Your regular internet providers do not provide service at sea. If you want internet access when sailing, you need to subscribe to the provision on the ship, at a cost.
Fun Fact About Me
I was born on Easter Monday on 20th April 1981, and have had the opportunity to celebrate my birthday on Easter Sunday or Monday 7 times. Year 2025 will be the 8th Easter birthday I’ll be having and I will be turning 44 years. If you sum up 4 + 4 it equals 8 ….the 8th time…Super cool, right?
Here’s what’s interesting; After my 44th birthday in 2025, the next time my birthday will fall on Easter is in 2071, when I’ll be exactly 90 years old. I hope to live to see that day in good health and have another awesome celebration 🤩.
My Birthday Wish List
My request is simple;
Follow me on XPLORA BLISS social media handles if you do not already do so, and engage with my posts. I am planning to build a viable online business.
Instagram- @xplorabliss
Facebook – @xplorabliss
LinkedIn – @tolulopeonipede
TikTok – @xplorabliss
Read more about XPLORA BLISS here – https://xplorabliss.com/about
Thank you and catch you on the cruise if you can make the trip! 🙏