Our Blog
Welcome to the Sapphire Blue Travel Blog library. Check our blogs on travel, relationship, faith and a combination of the lot. We hope the contents here will inspire you and your spouse to travel brilliantly through life and travel.
Our Mediterranean Cruise Port Days
Where We Explored (and Rested!) Cruising through the Mediterranean on MSC World Europa allowed us to experience historic cities, coastal charm, and laid-back sea days. We boarded in Barcelona and visited five ports: Marseille, Genoa, Civitavecchia, Messina, and...
Valletta Cruise Port Day: Blue Grotto, Marsaxlokk & City Wandering
Our stop in Valletta, Malta, was the one we were most excited for – and it truly delivered. From Valletta cruise port, we took in the dramatic cliffs of the Blue Grotto, the colourful boats in Marsaxlokk, and a peaceful afternoon wandering Valletta’s historic streets....
Cruise Essentials: What We Pack for a Smooth Trip
Packing for a cruise doesn't need to be stressful — it just needs to be smart. After several cruises, from the Mediterranean to the South Pacific, we've learned what's worth bringing... and what's better left at home. On our most recent Mediterranean cruise, we were...
Discover Civitavecchia – A chilled Port Day
 Unmissable Sights and a Culinary Treat Civitavecchia, Italy, is a charming port town situated on the Tyrrhenian Sea, just a one-hour train ride from Rome. It’s the gateway for cruise passengers visiting the Eternal City. While many rush off to explore Rome, we...
A Laid-Back Day in Genoa
Cruising into Genoa on the MSC World Europa, we didn’t quite know what to expect. The city isn’t as instantly recognisable as Rome, Florence or Venice, but it turned out to be the most surprisingly enjoyable stop. With colourful buildings climbing up the hills, an easy port location, and the option to explore at your own pace, Genoa gave us exactly what we needed that day: history, beauty, and no pressure to rush, even in the rain.
MSC World Europa Ship Tour
A Comprehensive Walkthrough of MSC World Europa's Dining, Entertainment & Cabin MSC World Europa is one of the most modern ships in the MSC fleet. It offers a blend of luxury, entertainment, and eco-friendly innovations. Whether you're looking for a relaxing...
A Relaxing Monday in Tarragona
When you think of a day trip from Barcelona, Tarragona might not be the first name that comes to mind. But sometimes, the best experiences are the ones that don’t go to plan. That was precisely the case when we headed to Tarragona on a quiet Monday, expecting Roman ruins but discovering something even better: a peaceful, picturesque city full of charm, history, and surprise highlights. We changed our itinerary, and I forgot to check that Tarrafgona was open, but all the Roman ruin sites are closed on Monday. We think it was the best mistake and made for a great day.
A Winter Escape on MSC World Europa
We cruised on the MSC World Europa in early February 2025, sailing the Mediterranean from Barcelona with stops in Marseille, Genoa, Civitavecchia, Messina, and Valletta. In this blog, we share our experience staying in an Infinite Ocean View Cabin, what it’s like to cruise the Med in winter, and tips we learned along the way as a couple travelling from Australia.
The Ultimate Travel Accessories List
Pack Smarter. Travel Easier. Packing for a trip can feel overwhelming, but having the right accessories takes the stress out of the process. Whether you're heading off on a weekend city break, a long-haul adventure, or a cruise, these travel essentials will help you...
Gaud۪̉s Barcelona: Top Sites to Visit and What You Need to Know
On our recent trip to Barcelona, we immersed ourselves in Antoni Gaudi's Barcelona, one of the most renowned architects in history. GaudÃ’s unique and imaginative style defines much of the city, and we were excited to visit several of his most famous works. Here’s a...
A Relaxing Montjuïc Walk: Castle, Views & Hidden Gems in Barcelona
Montjuïc is one of Barcelona’s most beautiful and historic areas, offering breathtaking views, lush gardens, and cultural landmarks. We spent an afternoon wandering through its diverse attractions, from the historic Montjuïc Castle to the tranquil gardens and scenic overlooks. Whether you’re drawn to history, nature, or panoramic cityscapes, Montjuïc provides a relaxing yet enriching experience.
Exploring Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter: A Relaxing Walk to Beat Jetlag
The Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic) is the heart of Barcelona, full of narrow, winding streets, medieval architecture, and a deep sense of history. During our visit in early February, this leisurely walk was the perfect way to combat jetlag while discovering one of the...