Four-month around-the-world cruise sets sail from Barcelona

A round-the-world cruise ship set sail from the port of Barcelona on Tuesday night, carrying over 2,300 passengers eager for the adventure of a lifetime.

The travelers will visit more than 46 destinations across 21 countries during the four-month journey aboard the MSC Magnifica.

The cruise initially departed from Italy on January 5, made a stop in Marseille, and after its visit to the Catalan capital, it is set to continue towards Brazil.

The ship's route spans the globe, encompassing South America, crossing the Pacific Ocean to Australia and New Zealand, and then returning to the Mediterranean along the African coast.

Throughout the day on Tuesday, dozens of excited passengers boarded at Terminal B of the Port of Barcelona, loaded with luggage and beaming with excitement.

"We have worked our whole lives, for 49 years. Now is the moment to do it; it is our dream," said Gabrielle, a French retiree traveling with her husband, in an interview with Catalan News.

Barcelona also welcomed many international visitors embarking on the cruise. Anabelle, a retired Portuguese woman, arrived with her friend, both bringing plenty of luggage for the shared adventure.

"I said I would do this when I turned 70, and here I am," she explains.

The ship’s passengers are predominantly retirees or couples who can work remotely.

Pilar, who is making the journey for the second consecutive year, is traveling with her retired husband while continuing to work remotely from the ship.

"It will be four months of adventure and experiences. It is a unique journey," she explains. Despite having visited many countries already, she is especially looking forward to New Zealand, a destination she has never seen.

Others, like Valeria and Pascal - a couple where he is retired and she works remotely - boarded in Marseille. But the first night on board was not as smooth as expected.

"It was hard to sleep because I realized that we would be on the cruise for four months. It is a long time," Valeria explains.

The MSC Magnifica, their home for the next four months, is equipped with plenty of amenities to ensure passengers stay entertained.

The ship features five restaurants, 12 bars, a swimming pool with a retractable cover, a cinema, a theater, gyms, mini-golf, and even a jogging track.