The population of the metropolitan area is about 500,000. Catalan is the primary language (same as in Barcelona), but many speak Spanish. Between the 10th and 14th centuries, this island was ruled by the Muslims. James I brought Christianity back to Palma at the end of 1229.

Castle Belver is one of the largest round castles in Europe. Built in the 14th century for James II, it was used as a prison for many years and now is one of the main tourist attractions in Palma.

I donâÂÂt know about the famous, but the rich are definitely a presence here.

Another view of Palma from Holland AmericaâÂÂs Maasdam.

This photo is the one that will remind me of Palma (I have this one as my desktop). Cathedral of Santa Maria de Palma, was begun under the rule of James I, but was not done until after 1601. This gothic church, like many others in Spain, is built on the foundation of a mosque. The locals refer to it as âÂÂLa SeuâÂÂ; 360+ feet long, 165 feet wide and 130+ feet tall. Wow!

As we tied up, I noticed these cars that were being shuttled to one of the ferries.

We arrived after the Costa Favolosa (favolosa is Italian for âÂÂfabulousâÂÂ). It carries 3780 passengers, compared to our 1200 passengers. It entered service in 2011. It is similar in size to the infamous Costa Concordia.