Sailing From Barcelona Port (Virgin Voyages Insider Guide)
🕒 Updated: June 6, 2025 | Published: June 6, 2025 | Written by: Joenid
This guide is designed for anyone sailing from Barcelona on a Virgin Voyages cruise. You’ll discover how to reach the Barcelona cruise port from the Barcelona airport, navigate the embarkation and disembarkation processes, and pick up essential tips to ensure a smooth sailing experience.
*This post reflects my personal experiences and opinions. It is not sponsored or paid for by any company.
Arriving In Barcelona Airport
The Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport (BCN) is the closest airport to the cruise port terminal. Barcelona Airport (BCN) features two separate terminals:
- Terminal 1: for international flights
- Terminal 2: for domestic flights
Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at El Prat Airport (BCN)
If you’re flying to Barcelona, I recommend arriving at least one day in advance. This way, you can avoid potential flight delays that might impact your trip.
I wanted to make the most of my trip, and managed to arrive several days early to fully experience Barcelona and even had time for a short trip to Valencia.
Barcelona Airport To Cruise Ship Port
When sailing from Barcelona, the nearest train station (Estació de França) is about a 25-minute walk away. However, the most convenient way to reach the cruise terminal is by car. You can take a taxi or a Cabify (similar to the Uber app) for the ride.
- Taxi: accepts credit cards, and offers the FREENOW app, but using the app is not mandatory.
- Cabify: accepts credit cards but requires you to have the Cabify app installed on your mobile to book a ride.
Tip: I recommend setting up the Cabify app on your mobile device before you land in Barcelona. During the account setup, you’ll receive a text message for verification, which you won’t get if you aren’t connected to your mobile data.
Barcelona Cruise Terminal
The official Virgin Voyages cruise terminal in Barcelona is the South Terminal at World Trade Centre Barcelona. However, ensure you review your embarkation instructions carefully, as on a recent Virgin Voyages trip, we embarked at Barcelona Terminal C.
Terminal S at World Trade Center and Terminal C
Sailing From Barcelona: Cruise Embarkation Process
Make sure to complete the Ready To Sail steps on the Virgin Voyages app at least 72 hours before your trip. Once you do, you’ll receive an email containing a printable PDF for your luggage tags.
Do you need the luggage tags? If you didn’t receive the email with the printable tags or forgot to print them out, don’t worry. Virgin Voyages crew members will provide you with luggage tags at the terminal.
Luggage On Embarkation Day
The luggage porters at Barcelona, compared to Miami port, are Virgin Voyages employees, so there’s no need to carry cash for tips. If you arrive at the cruise terminal:
- Before your boarding time. Starting at 9 am, you can drop off your luggage and explore Barcelona until it’s time to board the cruise.
- At your boarding time. You can carry your carry-on luggage on board. However, larger bags must be checked with the luggage porter, and they’ll be delivered to your cabin.
Sailing From Barcelona: Cruise Disembarkation Process
When you sail on Virgin Voyages, you have the flexibility to disembark the Lady Ship no later than 10:45 am. I don’t recommend booking a flight (early in the morning) on the same day as your disembarkation. However, if you do, reserve a disembarkation time slot on the VV app the night before your departure to ensure a smoother experience.
Screenshot of the Virgin Voyages app for the disembarkation luggage instructions and selection of disembarkation group time
What happens if you skip choosing a disembarkation time? You can still leave the ship; however, be prepared for longer lines.
Note: Since I had no travel plans on my disembarkation day, I opted to carry my own luggage. It also allowed me to enjoy one last brunch at Razzle Dazzle, which is open from 6:30 am to 9:30 am on that final morning.
Luggage On Disembarkation Day
- Virgin Voyages crew can handle your luggage for you. Just be sure to place your luggage outside your cabin by 10:00 pm the night before disembarkation.
- If you choose to carry your own bags, you can take your luggage (even larger bags) outside the ship.
DON’T FORGET TO READ:
Leaving Barcelona Port Cruise
When you disembark the ship, you’ll find a line for taxis. If you disembark at Terminal S and the wait time is longer than you’d like, consider taking a walk to the Columbus Monument, where you can easily find a taxi.
Note: The Columbus Monument is just a 5–10-minute walk from Terminal S at World Trade Center Barcelona, and it’s convenient if you’re traveling light.
I highly recommend staying an additional day in Barcelona instead of rushing to disembark and catch your flight to the Barcelona airport. If you decide to travel on the same disembarkation day, aim for a flight after 1:00 PM.
Sailing From Barcelona Vs. Miami
The embarkation process for sailing from Barcelona feels different from what you’d experience at the Miami port. I feel that the brand-new terminal V in Miami provides a more vibrant Virgin Voyages brand atmosphere, creating an exciting boarding experience.
However, each port offers breathtaking views during the sail-away party and the perfect spot for an Instagrammable shot. Departing from Barcelona, you catch a stunning glimpse of the historic city, with the majestic Sagrada Familia rising beautifully in the background. Miami port showcases remarkable modern skyscrapers, and both ports provide a memorable start to your voyage.
To Wrap Up
I hope this guide has provided useful details for a smooth sailing experience from Barcelona, not just with Virgin Voyages but with any cruise line. From getting to the port to navigating the embarkation and disembarkation process.
And don’t forget to keep an eye on your Virgin Voyages emails and app alerts in case anything about boarding and disembarkation changes.
