Ultimate Family Cruise: Royal Caribbean Mediterranean Adventure with Star Class Perks (Europe 2024)
Trip Dates: July 16 – July 28
When you’re planning a trip for 14 people across four families with kids ranging from toddlers to tweens, you expect a few bumps along the way. But what unfolded was the kind of journey that turns into family legend a perfect blend of culture, cuisine, and cruising. From the palaces of Madrid to the turquoise shores of the Mediterranean, this was a trip that brought us closer, created lifelong memories, and proved that group travel with kids can be seamless (and even luxurious!).
Part 1: Madrid – A Grand Kickoff
Our European adventure began in Madrid, where we spent two nights soaking in the capital’s regal energy and vibrant culture. Jet lag hit a few of us hard especially the younger kids but nothing that a siesta and some churros couldn’t fix.
Royal Palace: Lavish halls that captivated both adults and kids imaginative play helped the younger ones stay engaged.
Flamenco Show: A passionate performance at Torres Bermejas that held the attention of even the smallest in the group.
3-City Tour (Toledo, Ávila, Segovia): We joined the highly rated 'Three Cities in One Day' tour from Madrid, which made logistics simple and allowed us to explore three iconic destinations in a single, comfortable day. From the Roman aqueduct in Segovia to the medieval walls of Ávila and the cultural richness of Toledo, the tour struck the right balance of guided insights and free time for photos and food. Even with young kids, the pacing worked well, and the air-conditioned coach was a major plus.
Dinner at Restaurante Botín: Located in La Latina, the oldest restaurant in the world didn’t disappoint. From legendary roast suckling pig to kid-friendly dishes, it was a culinary experience for the whole group.
Part 2: Barcelona – Culture, Cuisine, and Color
We traveled from Madrid to Barcelona on a first-class Iryo bullet train. The journey took approximately 2.5 hours and was booked about two months in advance to secure the best pricing and seating availability. It offered a scenic, high-speed alternative to flying and made transferring between cities both easy and comfortable. While the train station in Madrid felt more complex than most airports, the 2.5-hour ride was smooth, comfortable, and a highlight in itself. There was plenty of space for luggage and great onboard service.
Sagrada Família & Park Güell: Gaudí’s creations amazed all ages. The unique architecture was fun and educational. A guided tour of Park Güell helped us navigate easily and kept the group moving.
La Boqueria Market & Paella Class: Fresh juices and local treats at the market, followed by a hands-on paella-making experience with the Barcelona Interactive Spanish Cooking Experience. Perfect for both grown-ups and kids plus wine for the adults.
Dining: We had fantastic meals throughout our time in Barcelona, especially at La Boqueria where the variety of fresh food options satisfied both kids and adults. One of our favorite moments was a late-night visit to a local tapas bar that welcomed our large group with warm hospitality, flavorful dishes, and incredible value. No reservations, just good timing and great food.
Hotel Stay: Lamaro Hotel (formerly Hotel Colón) offered a perfect base for our time in Barcelona. Set directly across from the Cathedral in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, the location was ideal for exploring on foot. Our Superior Triple room was comfortable and spacious enough for our family, with modern touches and city views.
The breakfast buffet stood out as one of the best we’ve had in Europe plentiful, fresh, and offering something for everyone. A true highlight of the property was the rooftop bar, which is exclusive to hotel guests. In the evening, it transforms into one of Barcelona’s top spots, with sweeping views of the cathedral and skyline.
Our group booked multiple room types: one family stayed in the Family Suite with separate sleeping areas for added comfort, while another couple enjoyed the Penthouse Suite, complete with a private terrace and hot tub an incredible way to end each day.
Part 3: All Aboard – Oasis of the Seas
We boarded Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas from the port of Barcelona, and embarkation was seamless thanks to Star Class. Our home? The Ultimate Panoramic Suite a show-stopping room added during the ship's last dry dock. Perched high above the bridge, this suite offered floor-to-ceiling windows with 200-degree ocean views and a private dining area that made every sunrise and sunset unforgettable. With over 900 square feet of space, it was one of the most spectacular accommodations we’ve ever experienced at sea.
Suite Perks We Loved:
Daily snacks and treats delivered just as we returned from shore excursions
Priority laundry service, which meant we came home with clean clothes one of the best travel hacks for ending vacation stress-free
Exclusive access to the suite lounge and sun deck
Unlimited specialty dining at the ship’s top restaurants
Complimentary beverage packages and high-speed VOOM internet
Reserved show seating, private embarkation and disembarkation, and personalized itinerary planning
And of course, we had our Royal Genie, Smytha, who made sure every part of our day ran smoothly. From restaurant reservations and activity coordination to surprises for the kids and escorting us through port terminals, she made Star Class feel truly elite.
Onboard Activities:
For Kids: Splash zone, Adventure Ocean kids club, and mini golf
For Adults: Spa time, cocktails, and suite balcony relaxation
For Everyone: Group dinners and nightly shows, including Broadway musicals and aqua theater stunts
Ports of Call Highlights
Palma de Mallorca: We chartered two private boats to accommodate our group and spent the day cruising the coastline. The kids had a blast jumping off the boat and swimming in the warm, clear Mediterranean waters. It was one of the most relaxed and joyful days of the entire trip.
La Spezia (Florence): We took a guided tour through Florence, including a stop at the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo's David. The guide kept things engaging for all ages. After the museum, we enjoyed a delicious Italian lunch before returning to La Spezia where our ship was docked.
Rome (Civitavecchia): We booked a full-day private tour with a licensed driver-guide who picked us up right at the port. With special access into the historic center, we covered all the must-see sites: the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel. We stopped for lunch at a cozy family-run trattoria for fresh pasta and local wine. It was a packed day but seamless and unforgettable.
Amalfi Coast: We booked the Sorrento, Positano, and Amalfi Day Trip from Naples with Pick-Up through TripAdvisor, which allowed us to comfortably explore the coastline in a small group. The scenic drive offered breathtaking views, and we had time to enjoy shopping, coastal walks, and incredible food in each stop. The kids loved trying different flavors of gelato in every town, while the adults soaked in the views and ambiance. It was a full, beautiful day.
We skipped the South of France in favor of an extra sea day which gave everyone a chance to fully enjoy the ship.
Part 4: Why Group Cruising Works
Cruising with a big group of families works surprisingly well, and this trip proved just how smooth and rewarding it can be.
One of the real GOATs of our experience? Our Royal Genie, Smytha. Though only three of us were in a Star Class suite, Smytha made it her mission to ensure the entire group had a seamless experience. At every port, she personally escorted all 14 of us off the ship, ensuring quick access, clear directions, and hassle-free coordination. Her warm personality, attention to detail, and proactive planning elevated our cruise in ways we didn’t expect.
The ship itself helped too:
Flexibility for everyone to explore their interests
Built-in entertainment for all ages
Star Class and the Genie service eliminated logistical stress
Everyone reunited for meals and memories, keeping the experience cohesive
Smytha’s presence made everything feel easy from dinner logistics to navigating disembarkation. For those considering Star Class, your Genie is assigned after booking and can be reached prior to sailing to start planning personalized experiences from show reservations to in-room surprises and port coordination. Booking through a travel advisor can also help ensure you’re placed in the right suite category to unlock these perks. dinner logistics to navigating disembarkation. She was a true highlight of our experience and a big reason why we’d book Star Class again in a heartbeat.
Conclusion: A Trip to Remember
This wasn’t just a vacation it was an unforgettable, shared adventure that brought our families closer. From epic sights and incredible food to carefree cruising, the journey was pure magic.
Traveling through Europe with four families and 14 people could have easily been chaotic, but with the right planning, support, and a focus on flexibility, it became one of the smoothest and most enriching experiences we’ve ever had. The mix of city exploration, cultural immersion, private tours, and high-end cruise amenities struck the perfect balance for both kids and adults.
The luxury of Star Class elevated everything from our Genie coordinating the smallest details to the exclusive access and perks that made us feel like VIPs every step of the way. Our decision to invest in the right accommodations, tours, and support meant we could focus entirely on enjoying the moments: swimming in the Med, admiring the Sistine Chapel, or laughing over tapas in a backstreet bar.
If you’re thinking of planning a similar trip, the most important thing we learned is that group travel doesn’t have to mean compromise. With thoughtful coordination, a solid itinerary, and the right cruise experience, it can be the most rewarding way to see the world with the people you love.
This trip wasn’t just about Europe. It was about reconnecting, exploring together, and creating stories that we’ll talk about at every family gathering for years to come.
Tips for Families Considering a Similar Trip:
Book early: Popular suites, flights, and private tours fill up fast, especially in summer.
Consider Star Class for premium perks: The value adds up when you factor in the dining, internet, private transfers, and concierge-level service.
Use a travel advisor (like me!) to manage the moving parts: Coordinating multiple cities, hotel stays, excursions, and cruise logistics is no small task. An experienced advisor can streamline your planning.
Build in extra days before the cruise: Arriving a few days early helps adjust to the time zone and gives a cushion for any flight delays.
Mix private and guided tours: This gives you the freedom to customize experiences while still benefiting from expert insight.
Stay in well-located hotels with included breakfast: It saves time and money while giving your family a reliable start to the day.
Keep a flexible mindset: Not every moment will go perfectly, but the spontaneous ones are often the most memorable.
Take lots of photos but be present: Capture the moments, but don’t forget to live them fully too.
Because when travel is done right, it’s not just about where you go. It’s about who you go with and how you make it unforgettable.
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