Leaving from Barcelona

My wife and I will be taking a Mediterranean cruise this fall (Brilliance
aft cabin) and would like some opinions from people that have embarked from
there before.

Should we leave a day or two earlier instead of trying to make the ship from
the plane?

Is one airline better than another when flying overseas (subjective, I
know)?

What is the earliest time you would schedule your return flight on
disembarkation day?

Thanks,

Neb.