Transatlantic Azores

As the home of Kennedy Space Centre, Cape Canaveral is the launching point for all-out adventure in Central Florida. Its beaches offer a mix of family-friendly shores and secluded swathes of sand. And with Orlando’s theme park sprawl only an hour away, you can easily mingle with your favourite characters. Beyond the parks lie equally amusing gems packed with Old Florida character. Kayak past manatees in the Banana River Lagoon and zip line above alligators at Brevard Zoo. Discover notable art museums and Park Avenue’s ritzy charm. Orlando cruises give you access to trace the region’s roots at the Orange County Regional History Museum.

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.

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.

Portugal’s island of Madeira is an adventure junkie’s paradise. Explore this unique island by land, sea or air. Trek the levandas, the island’s open canal system, and take in panoramic views of the mountains and the ocean. Dive into the deep blue sea to swim with fish and rare seals with your Madeira cruise. If you’re looking for something to spike your adrenaline, soar above the island while hang-gliding or paragliding. In the mood for more low-key exploration? Stop by a local bakery for a slice of queijada, a regional cheescake, and walk along the harbor in Funchal, taking in the 17th-century architecture.

Lisbon is a quintessential European city, full of natural beauty, historic architecture and culinary pleasures — not to mention one of the best climates anywhere on the planet. To get to know Portugal’s capital, walk between the captivating miradouros — terrace viewpoints that are scattered on the hilltops, offering stunning vistas from the sea to the castles and beyond. Watch as the light peeks through the clouds and shines down on The City of Seven Hills during your cruise to Lisbon. If you’re a history buff, head to Belem or nearby Sintra to explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Jeronimos Monastery and Quinta da Regalaira.