Best of spain & portugal ~ european ocean cruise

Formerly a sleepy Spanish city, Barcelona has recently been reborn as an eclectic fusion of the modern and medieval. This coastal city exudes European charm and welcomes multitudes of travellers every year. It’s a major destination with must-see architectural gems that date back some 2,000 years. You’ll encounter fascinating examples from the Roman Empire, the Middle Ages, the Modern masters like Gaudî, and many Cataluñian greats. Outstanding art museums can be found throughout the city, proudly displaying the works of world-renowned artists and countrymen, including Goya, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalî, and Joan Miró. For a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, venture to the awaiting Mediterranean Sea and all the seaside has to offer. Maybe a brisk hike in the nearby forest covered Collserola Hills or the hilltop in Montjuïc with its botanical gardens is the perfect recharge for a rollicking evening in one of the premier party capitals of the world. Round out your cruise to Barcelona dining at a tapas bar and savour a variety of delicious small dishes to share—from traditional Spanish to the more innovative.

While at sea, take the time to recharge before the next adventure. Lounge by the pool, be spoiled at the spa, taste the delicacies or explore the venues on-board, until we arrive at the next amazing destination.

While at sea, take the time to recharge before the next adventure. Lounge by the pool, be spoiled at the spa, taste the delicacies or explore the venues on-board, until we arrive at the next amazing destination. 

While at sea, take the time to recharge before the next adventure. Lounge by the pool, be spoiled at the spa, taste the delicacies or explore the venues on-board, until we arrive at the next amazing destination.

Boasting some of the finest beaches in all of Spain, Alicante is the largest city on the Costa Blanca. Being that this is one of the more boisterous and festive destinations, it’s no surprise that directly behind the beach you’ll find numerous hotels, nightlife venues, and even an 18-hole golf course.  Beyond the tourist surface, this picturesque Spanish town enjoys a rich heritage with thousands of years of maritime history. To see how Alicante achieves the perfect balance of antiquity and modernity on Alicante cruises all you have to do is relax on the pristine sand of La Playa de San Juan, shop the Explanada de España, and conquer the Castillo de Santa Barbara. Venture through Alicante’s old town and take a trip back in time as you wander through its narrow streets passing by cathedrals and the town hall.  For a jaw-dropping view of the harbour and the distant mountains, climb up to the top of Mount Benacantil to the Castillo de Santa Barbara. This structure was originally built by the Carthaginians in 400 B.C. and later claimed by both Romans and Arabs who built upon it further. When the sun falls on Alicante, the city ramps up for a long evening of eating, drinking, laughing, and dancing that truly confirms its reputation as a lively Spanish town.

Best known as the birthplace of paella, Valencia has steadily moved onto the radar of savvy travellers. It’s a vibrant, friendly, mildly chaotic place with two outstanding fine-arts museums, an accessible old quarter, Europe’s newest cultural and scientific complex – and one of Spain’s most exciting nightlife scenes. Whole sections of the old city, for example the Carmen Quarter, have been extensively renovated. One of the best spots for exploring Valencia’s history is at the museum L’Almoina, which opened three years ago in the Carmen on the site where Valencia was founded by the Romans in 138 B.C. Here, you can walk over glass floors, looking down at a stunning assemblage of ruins excavated in the area. The exhibition includes Roman baths, tombs and a medieval Moorish ward for plague victims.

Discover a slice of Spain not found in Barcelona or Madrid on your Valencia cruise. This city has quietly built up a great reputation of its own, namely with innovative engineering and ultra-modern architecture. A few of its notable projects include Ciudad de las Artes y Ciencias (city of art and sciences); a futuristic complex that houses the family-friendly arts and science museums and the extraordinary futuristic buildings designed by local legend, Santiago Calatrava.

Formerly a sleepy Spanish city, Barcelona has recently been reborn as an eclectic fusion of the modern and medieval. This coastal city exudes European charm and welcomes multitudes of travellers every year. It’s a major destination with must-see architectural gems that date back some 2,000 years. You’ll encounter fascinating examples from the Roman Empire, the Middle Ages, the Modern masters like Gaudî, and many Cataluñian greats. Outstanding art museums can be found throughout the city, proudly displaying the works of world-renowned artists and countrymen, including Goya, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalî, and Joan Miró. For a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, venture to the awaiting Mediterranean Sea and all the seaside has to offer. Maybe a brisk hike in the nearby forest covered Collserola Hills or the hilltop in Montjuïc with its botanical gardens is the perfect recharge for a rollicking evening in one of the premier party capitals of the world. Round out your cruise to Barcelona dining at a tapas bar and savour a variety of delicious small dishes to share—from traditional Spanish to the more innovative.