We have travelled to Palma by flying, and also by boat. We took the over-night ferry from Barcelona and found it VERY interesting. We left Barcelona about 11:00 P.M. The boat was huge and we enjoyed watching the many large trucks loading from the dock. We did not book a cabin, but had chairs in the common area. I made reservations from home on line, but I don't know that that was necessary. The chairs were not luxurious, but were adequate--for the short term. The boat was complete with bar, disco, pool and so forth. Down side was a very early morning arrival in Palma.