Our Day in Palma (Pt. 6)
By Ashonté S. Lyles
In the previous episode, “Setting Sail” our long-awaited cruise adventure began with a flurry of excitement as we prepared for departure from Barcelona. Reviewing essential cruise documents, we swiftly navigated the embarkation process, boarding the Symphony of the Seas. Our itinerary includes stops in Palma de Mallorca, Marseille, La Spezia, Vatican City, Rome, Naples, and Pompeii, before returning to Barcelona. The first day saw us attending a sailaway party, followed by an unexpected but delightful dinner at the Michelin-rated steakhouse, Chops Grille. We ended the evening dancing at a silent party on the Symphony’s Boardwalk before retiring for the night, ready for the adventures ahead. First stop, Palma de Mallorca.
Sunrise Over Palma
Breakfast vibes come alive on the Symphony of the Seas, as we ride the dawn into a fresh adventure – welcome to Palma De Mallorca, where the island of Mallorca in Spain radiates a cool allure. From the iconic Palma Cathedral "La Seu" to the Royal Palace of LaAlmudaina, Palma boasts historical landmarks inviting us to wander through its old town's narrow, winding streets and vibrant markets. Beyond its historic charm, Palma reveals a sleek side with trendy boutiques, cozy cafes, and an energetically alive waterfront. This breakfast experience becomes a stylish prelude to a day merging urban cool with the magnetism of history.
Here We GEAUX (go)!
Our journey unfolds as we dock in port at 8 am, the gangway opening at 8:30 am. Marlon and I woke just after the ship docked and made our way by 9 am to the Windjammer Café—Symphony's buffet extravaganza, offering a daily smorgasbord that aligns with the theme of the day. On this day, it embraced a British theme.
The Windjammer, like all the ship's eateries, buzzed with activity from the moment its doors swung open at 6:30 am. Beyond the delectable food, I found myself captivated by the diverse crowd. It dawned on me that the Symphony was a gumbo of the entire globe—the various languages of passengers and crew blending like a flavorful linguistic roux, each person adding an essential layer of cultural richness to the cruise experience. Very well-mannered children of all ages buzzed about the lively buffet. The ship's staff moved like a synchronized orchestra, cooking at made-to-order stations, replenishing disappearing delicacies, clearing tables, and warmly greeting guests. The buffet lines cater to every palate and diet. After indulging in a satisfying breakfast, we returned to our cabin and readied ourselves to disembark.
¿Què Passa Palma?
We opted to wing-it and explore Palma our way. But of course, Royal Caribbean and travel agencies in port, as well as independent contractors offer many shore excursion packages. Local taxi drivers, for example, often will take you on a tour, waiting at each stop to take you to the next. We were scheduled to be in port 8 am – 4 pm, with an all-aboard time at 3:30 pm. Determined not to repeat previous cruise mistakes that left us running at full speed to avoid being left behind, we made note of the all-aboard time and called Dad and Kimiyo so we could disembark together. To my surprise, they had already been off the ship for an hour and were touring the Royal Palace of La Almudaina, “You know ‘The Pathfinder’, she already has us on a tour” my dad laughed. We agreed to meet after the shuttle dropped us off and their tour was complete.
NOTE:
Helpful tips on communication abroad can be found in the “Tips & Tricks” category here on “The Horizon Calls.” Look for “Know Before You GEAUX: Communication Abroad.”
Shuttle in Palma de Mallorca
The distance into town is 4 km (2.5 mi) from the Port of Palma Terminal 6 - Dique del Oeste. Travel time is approximately 25 minutes. It is close enough to walk, however, the shuttle, provided by a local operator, is recommended and costs €10 round trip per person (cash only). The shuttle runs every 15-20 minutes. The drop-off location was just a short walk from the jetty or the Camí de la Escollera in front of the Palma Cathedral. Taxis are also available outside the terminal.
Know Before You GEAUX: To Shuttle or Not to Shuttle | Ship-to-Shore Options
When planning shore excursions during each port visit, it's essential to gather information on taxi/ride-share rates through internet research or by consulting cruise staff. When weighing the ship-to-shore options available, consider the following factors based on the group’s needs and planned activities:
Total Cost
Compare the current fare rates to the cost of shuttles available in port to determine the most economical option.
Travel Time
Factor in the travel time from the port or terminal to your desired destination, whether it's the town center or an excursion location. This can significantly impact your overall experience.
Convenience of Travel
Evaluate the convenience of each transportation option, considering any mobility requirements. Keep in mind that relying on public transportation may be unreliable or inconvenient, and walking may be restricted at operational ports.
Time Restraints
Be mindful of the ship's schedule, as cruise ships adhere to strict departure times. Ensure you allow ample time to return to the ship before the designated set sail time, which typically requires being onboard at least 30 minutes before departure.
Romance, Her Name is Palma
Arriving on dry land, we descended from the shuttle bus, greeted by the breathtaking beauty of the royal vacation home, Palace Almudaina. Smack in the heart of Palma De Mallorca, this historic palace carries a legacy that dates back to the Moorish period, with its construction believed to have begun in the early 10th century. The architecture, adorned with influences from different eras, showcases a captivating blend of styles. Palace Almudaina is a must-hit for anyone wanting to vibe deep with the island's culture. Big shoutout to Dad and 'The Pathfinder,' Kimiyo, for soaking in those regal halls.
Just as the magnificence of the palace has me thinking Palma is as serious as its history, after one of many steep climbs to come, we turned the corner and there stood a person in a giant panda bear costume with a top hat for tips on the ground. It was a warm 73°F that day in Palma and I wondered out loud saying, “They must be burning up in there, I hope they’re making good money for that.” Then a woman walked up and put some euro in the top hat, what ensued stopped all passers-by in their tracks. The panda started dancing to the global hit “Baby Shark!” I wasn’t ready.
Dad called to say their tour had ended and to meet them at the entrance to the historical landmark facing the water and I asked him to stay there. Climbing more hills and stairs, we wound around the palace grounds until we reached a large staircase at the entrance. I noticed the fortress was surrounded, by street vendors. Not seeing Dad or Kimiyo, we called again, “Where y’all at?” Dad said “Oh, yeah Pathfinder took off to barter with the street vendors. We’re on the other side of the fountain.” I looked out over the staircase, “I see y’all stay there we will come to you,” I said. Dad did not stay there.
Eventually, we linked up and did some more bartering with a few street vendors all of whom were from various countries on The Continent. Next the exploration began, we walked passing many restaurants, boutiques, and street musicians. ‘The Navigator’ leading the way, we found a street that resembled the tree-lined La Rambla in Barcelona called Passeig del Born in Catalan or Paseo del Borne in Spanish, and we paused to take in the scenery and some pics for lasting memories.
Many Expressions
Continuing our leisurely stroll, we encountered a myriad of art installations gracing different boutiques and stores. Notably, even architectural facades served as canvases for artistic expressions. The term 'installations' is apt here, as the art scattered across Palma spanned various mediums and forms of expression. From the dynamic performances of street musicians and artists to the juxtaposition of Medieval and modern architecture, from vibrant street and graffiti art to the meticulous gardens and landscaping, the visual and auditory feast extended to paintings and sculptures adorning various establishments. Even the lively interplay between street vendors and potential customers added to the Spanish island’s enchantment. In Palma, art, in its diverse forms, takes center stage, captivating both the eyes and ears."
Walking and Walking Some More
Navigating the bustling streets of Palma, once traversed by Moors, our exploration stirred appetites, prompting a quest for a light meal and a taste of sangria. In our pursuit of a restaurant accommodating four, unexpected hills emerged, leading us to a staircase that seemed to ascend endlessly. At its summit, a delightful surprise awaited—a serenading saxophonist treating us to melodies like “Just the Two of Us” by Grover Washington Jr. and Bill Withers followed by the infectious beats of “Staying Alive” by the Bee Gees. Grooving to the music, we tipped the musician and resumed our culinary quest for satisfaction.
At Hunt’s End
Spotting a restaurant with a few available tables outside, we requested seating and were led by the server through the bar area to a courtyard table that defies description. Nestled within the ever-expanding Cappuccino Grand Café, an Italian chain boasting eight locations in Palma and six others in Spain, our experience exceeded expectations. Situated on Plaza De Cort at Hotel Cappuccino, this grand café showcases stunning works of art, outdoor seating, and an expansive interior with an open-air courtyard. Weather concerns were addressed with a retractable awning for the courtyard, ensuring comfort during inclement weather or scorching heat. Sipping on red sangria and Estrella beer, and savoring delicious gnocchi, we immersed ourselves in the unique ambiance, which even extended to the restroom on the second floor. Cappuccino Grand Café owes us nothing!
Et Veig Després (See You Later)
More than satisfied with our day in Palma we headed back to the shuttle bus pickup. We took our last photos of the palace and cathedral and haggled more with our brothers from the Diaspora. Back aboard the Symphony, we returned to our cabins, dropping items purchased in Palma, Dad, and Kimiyo opted for naps, while Marlon and I decided to watch Sailaway and tell Palma “See you later.” After we left shore, we still had three hours before our Main Dining Room reservation, so we took a stroll to the art gallery.
Craig Tracy
While examining the art on display in the cruise ship gallery we ran across a familiar artist's work. The work of Craig Tracy was on display for auction. Our connection to this mixed-media painter and body painting savant is layered, we purchased a stunning piece entitled "Ebony" done in the style of Vincent van Gogh's Starry Night in 2022 while on an unexpected trip to my hometown New Orleans, Louisiana. Mr. Tracy and his brothers who together with the artist run and manage the Craig Tracy Gallery on Royal St., are NOLA natives as well. Imagine our surprise to find his painting on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. I recalled from following the brothers on Instagram, that one of the brothers had taken the very tour we were on with the Symphony of the Seas one year earlier. I don't know if that vacation and Craig's work at auction onboard have anything to do with each other, but then seeing the artwork shown below—all of it is very serendipitous.
For the full story on the art of Craig Tracy go to "Bizarre Encounters Abroad” category here on “The Horizon Calls.” Look for “Craig Tracy.” in a future article.
I was so inspired by "Ebony" that I made my own mixed-media podcast for my Undergraduate certificate at Full Sail University, entitled "Mardi Gras Eve" which you can watch here.
Dinner with Princess & John
After our artful discovery, we headed back to the room to get ready for Formal Night with French cuisine in the main dining room at 8 pm. Of course, Dad and Kimiyo were ready before me! I had a cheesy escargot among other delectable dishes.
Silence Please
We capped the night with a silent party on the boardwalk and rocked out with the young and young at heart. Then ate a midnight snack at Johnny Rockets on Deck 6 and had drinks at Playmaker’s before a nighttime stroll on Deck 16 where we took the day's last pics of the ship at night.
Palma's Embrace: A Day to Remember
Palma de Mallorca is a perfect location for a romantic getaway with a lively, yet leisurely atmosphere. It's also a vibrant tapestry of love and liveliness. Wander through its cobbled streets adorned with colorful stalls and serenaded by street performers, adding a whimsical touch to your romantic escapade. Embrace the spontaneity as you explore hidden squares, discovering the magic of Palma's quirky charm.
You Don’t Marseille?
Let’s GEAUX (go) to France, "Bienvenue à Marseille," our next stop is the second largest city in France where the residents take nonchalance seriously!
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