We just flew in from BCN to JFK last night. Landed at 4:30 pm. We originally had a Delta flight at 12:00 noon but when we woke up in Barcelona yesterday am we had a text from Delta that our flight was delayed until 2:20. We were able to push back our car service from our hotel from 8:45 to 11:00 am. We had heard that airlines do not allow checking of bags more than 3 hours before flights so did not want to get to airport too early and just sit around. Our check in at BCN on Delta was a breeze. We were literally the only people at the counter. Walked right up and checked in. Breezed through security and passport control and were at the gate in plenty of time. We were gate E74 and were bused to the plane.
We were on a land vacation and had spent five days in Portugal (Ericera) and five days in Barcelona. We loved the city of Barcelona. It was awesome. We had enough time to do most of the attractions. We hit La Sagrada Familia, La Pederera, Gothic Quarter, Monserrate (a must see), Montjuic, took a boat ride in the harbor, saw a Flamenco show/dinner, rode the hop on hop off bus all day one day, walked down La Rambla, took the Metro many places, etc. Really felt like we saw and experienced the city If the Magic was in port it would have been a bonus LOL.
If you are looking for a hotel in Barcelona before or after a cruise look into the U232 Hotel. We found it a great location near the Metro and very nice hotel.
MJ