Sweet Life on Spain’s Coast Could Bust My Clothing Budget

Days 24-25, 2026 Fall Atlantic Sampler

Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 19-20, 2026; Cartageña and Barcelona, Spain.

“Just imagine what living here would be like.”

As a child, I imagined growing up somewhere totally different than my mostly suburban life. Books took me to childhoods in New York City or on a coastal island. From a car window I imagined who I would be had I been born on a farm or in a mountain cabin.

Now as I cruise, I sometimes imagine life as an ex-pat. Canada would rank high – friendly, English-speaking – except for winter. I do not like cold weather. Australia and New Zealand likewise tempt me, but generally require a family connection or a substantial financial income.

Currently Spain is at the top of my imaginary list, particularly the Mediterranean coast. The climate is mild, the cost of living isn’t exorbitant and the lifestyle would suit me. I studied Spanish in high school and college, and while I can’t say I speak it now, I believe it would come back quickly.

But my real draw to Spain is Koala Bay. It’s not a place, but a Spanish retailer of casual women’s (and men’s) clothing. I discovered it in Alicante two years ago, purchasing t-shirts with embellished giraffes, leopards and cougars. Last fall, I added tops from the Màlaga outlet.

The Cartageña store was not near the port, but luckily Barcelona’s location was a short walk from our pier. I put it at the end of our AI-assisted walking route and then had to make decisions quickly in order to get back before the ship left.

Result: two dresses, a skirt and five tops. At this pace, I may be tempted to ship a bag of clothing home while we are in New York City or Fort Lauderdale.

We were incredibly lucky to be assigned to Pier S in Barcelona and not on the main quay long enough to dock seven cruise ships stem to stern as in the past. Pier S is right at the foot of Las Ramblas, the beautiful tree-lined boulevard leading from the waterfront to Plaça Catalunya, the busy square in the center of Barcelona.

Today Las Ramblas wasn’t so beautiful, as work crews are in the final phase of an extensive renovation that is leveling and replacing the huge stones of the wide pedestrian walkway. Barriers shifted traffic back and forth as teams worked throughout the almost mile-long boulevard.

Despite the work, we slowly walked up the slight slope, photographing the interesting architecture as we went. We stopped at La Boqueira Market, with its booths featuring fresh fish, fruits, vegetables, bread, eggs, cheese, meat and especially Iberian cured meats. We were tempted to perch on a stool to enjoy wine and tapas, but settled for photographs before moving on.

Across La Rambla is Barri Gotic, or the Gothic Quarter, where Barcelona started. Its labyrinth of narrow lanes leads to hidden squares with – surprise – shops selling souvenirs, leather shoes and local art.

Our goal was the Cathedral of Santa Eulalia, with a broad square providing a view of its neo-Gothic façade. It also was a good spot for a light lunch at a shaded sidewalk café, where we shared a pizza and Greek salad, accompanied by local wines. From there we walked the winding streets to the waterfront and the Koala Bay shopping spree.

I didn’t have to go far Monday in Cartageña for the highlight of my day. On the pier from the ship to shore were a half-dozen vendor stalls, and that’s where I saw Laura, a jewelry designer I’ve met twice before. She makes a variety of drop earrings with beautiful designs. They are fairly inexpensive and make great gifts, but I tend to keep them for myself.

We took another photo together after I selected some of her new designs (no photos — they may be surprise gifts). The forecast for our shortened visit (all aboard was 1:30 p.m.) initially was for rain, but it held off. I think I will declare Capt. Rens a good weather captain, sharing the title with Capt. Friso.

When we visited Cartageña last fall, I had pictured Màlaga in my mind until I got ashore. This time I remembered the familiar layout of the streets and enjoyed a couple of hours of walking by shops and cafes. At places the narrow streets skirt excavations of Roman ruins. My first visit was during Holy Week and these streets were lined with processions. Today was quiet as the shops slowly opened.

I stopped to talk to a couple of school boys, whose assignment was to interview visitors. Their English impressed me (so much better than my Spanish) as Ruen and Ismael asked about my impressions of their city.

I told them I can imagine happily living here.