Transatlantic

It’s easy to see why Barcelona is the most-visited city in Spain. As the capital of the country’s Catalonia region, this cityscape’s cultural mosaic pieces together a 2,000-year-old hodge-podge of sun-drenched beaches, cutting edge architecture and a world-renowned dining and drinking scene. Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí left his modernist handprint all over the city, while medieval treasures linger in historic Gothic Quarter squares. Get lost in the whimsical gardens of Park Güell or savour a chef-led Catalan cooking class. Browse art collections dedicated to Picasso and Miro – or ride a cable car to the top of Montjuïc Hill, relishing citywide views along the way.

Situated on the white sandy beaches and crystal-clear Mediterranean waters of Spain’s eastern shore, the lively city of Alicante is rich in Moorish and Spanish history. It’s perched at the base of the ancient fortress Castillo de Santa Barbara, where you can climb or take an elevator to explore the castle during your Spain cruise. Wander through the narrow lanes and colorful houses of the Old Town, then head toward the seafront on the Explanada de Espana, a marble-laid promenade. Relax on the golden sand of Playa del Postiguet beach. A few streets over, at the foot of Mount Benacantil, you’ll find the Basilica de Santa Maria with its distinctive twin towers — Alicante’s oldest church, it was built in the 13th century when the Spanish reclaimed the city from the Moors.

Lanzarote, one of the Canary Islands, is home to gorgeous aquamarine seas, white-sand beaches and nearly year-round sunshine. Travel inland, and you’ll find more than 350 volcanic cones rising out of its National Park, making for an otherworldly volcanic landscape. More than 100 volcanoes erupted here in the 1700s. From that even arose a series of black-ash vineyards that now produce award-winning wines — not to mention strange, haunting beauty. UNESCO has dubbed the island a biosphere reserve protected site, and its remote, wild beaches are the perfect place for a surfing excursion or a simple afternoon spent relaxing at what feels like the edge of the world.

The Canary Islands sit more than 1,000 miles from mainland Spain — but as your ship docks at the largest island, Tenerife, you’ll feel like you’ve entered another world. Exploring the island’s diverse nature will reinforce this: The landscape here ranges from to deserts to towering volcanoes, dense forests to spectacular beaches. Head to Mount Teide National Park to see the volcanic mountain that claims the title of Spain’s highest peak. Cool off in the Bajamar natural salt-water pools, or go scuba-diving among octopus and barracudas in Tabaiba. When you’re tuckered out from your adventure, head to a seaside restaurant for a glass of sangria and crusty bread slathered with almagrote, a local hard-cheese spread flavored with tomato, garlic and paprika.

It’s easy to see why Grand Bahama Island is one of the most popular in The Bahamas chain. Its postcard-perfect beaches are made of sand that shimmers like pearls, fronting crystal-clear waters in every hue of blue. And Freeport and Lucaya have plenty of thrills for everyone, from golfing and gambling to eco-adventures and watersports. Hike Rand Nature Center’s forest-lined trails and discover cascading waterfalls at the Garden of the Groves. Cruise to Grand Bahama Island and dive deep into acclaimed underwater spots or join in a wildly festive junkanoo parade. Capture an authentic portrait of Bahamian life— from the first beat of the Goombay drum to the last sip of a fruity Bahama Mama.

Watch the sun rise above the Atlantic horizon on a morning walk along the Fort Lauderdale Beach promenade. Then grab breakfast by the water – you have plenty of spots to choose from, after all this ‘Venice of America’ is home to more than 480 kilometres of waterways.
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