Transatlantic: Spain & Dominican Republic

Founded in 1521, San Juan’s picturesque cobblestone streets, plazas and chapels reflect its Spanish heritage. But the second oldest city in the Americas also boasts fine beaches, lush rainforests, verdant mountainsides, imposing forts and a lovely tropical climate. Looking for a cruise to San Juan? Check out our selection of Caribbean cruises and read all about why you should cruise from San Juan.

The waterfront warehouses where gold-hungry pirates once stored their booty now house treasure of another kind: duty-free china, watches, jewelry and other luxury goods. Shopping is one of the big onshore attractions in Charlotte Amalie, the capital of the US Virgin Islands. Offshore, colorful coral reefs in turquoise waters lure snorkelers and scuba divers from all over the world. And everywhere, there’s spectacular scenery everyone can enjoy!

With an area of only 37 square miles, the island of St. Maarten is the smallest landmass in the world to be divided between two governments. The southern Dutch half offers casinos, duty-free shopping and island culture. The French half is all subdued sophistication. Looking for a cruise to St. Maarten? Check out our selection of Caribbean cruises.

A mecca for outdoor enthusiasts with thriving coral reefs and rain forest preserves. Explore the world’s only drive-in volcanic crater at Sulfur Springs. Visit the Diamond Botanical Gardens and Falls and the Morne Coubaril Estate. Looking for a cruise to St. Lucia? Check out our selection of Caribbean cruises.

The most British of all the Caribbean islands, games of cricket are as common here as the typical island water sports. Visit the third-oldest Parliament in the entire Commonwealth. Stroll the inviting beaches of Carlisle Bay, tour a rum factory, or visit the historical Garrison area. Bridgetown is the only city outside continental North America that George Washington visited. The George Washington House, the actual house where he stayed, is now part of the Garrison Historic Area. View Shopping Guide (Current shopping maps available onboard.) Looking for a cruise to Barbados? Check out our selection of Caribbean cruises.

Porto Grande Bay, also Mindelo Bay, is a bay on the north coast of the island of São Vicente, Cape Verde. The main city of São Vicente, Mindelo, is situated at the bay. The Porto Grande Bay is a natural harbour.

Porto Grande Bay, also Mindelo Bay, is a bay on the north coast of the island of São Vicente, Cape Verde. The main city of São Vicente, Mindelo, is situated at the bay. The Porto Grande Bay is a natural harbour.

Located at the eastern tip of the island of Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, Santa Cruz is a natural cruise destination as over half of its perimeter is shoreline. The beaches are lovely at that, from the yellow sands of Las Teresitas to the black sands of the quieter, clothing-optional Las Gaviotas. There’s also plenty to do and see inland, especially if you’re here during the spectacular Carnival.

The third largest of the Canary Islands, Gran Canaria offers a continent of contrasts. There’s the elegant capital, Làs Palmas, where Columbus once called en route to the New World; lovely beaches and the Sahara-like sand dunes of Maspalomas; and, inland, a volcanic landscape of valleys, gorges and mountains rising to 6,000 feet.

The capital of Lanzarote in the Canary Islands, Arrecife (which means “reef” in Spanish) is renowned for its abundance of reefs and islets along its coast. If your cruise takes you to Arrecife, be sure to explore this island’s many natural wonders, from the fabulous El Reducto beach to the craters, lava tunnels, canals and tubes of Los Volcanes Nature Park. Explore more of Arrecife on a European cruise!

With beautiful beaches and a backdrop of the snowy Atlas Mountains, Agadir is a lively, modern resort where Moroccan traditions live on in the old streets of the Kasbah. For an in-depth look at Berber culture, head inland to the oasis citadel of Taroudant, where five kilometres of walls protect ancient houses, mosques and great markets selling traditional handicrafts.

The urban landscape of this famed city clearly demonstrates the contrasts between the old and the new. Start with a visit to the central market, a massive kaleidoscope of colours. Then kick off your shoes as you visit the modernist landmark of the Hassan II Mosque, the 3rd largest mosque in the world.

Indulge in the culture of Andalusia’s capital of Seville and visit its stunning Cathedral, one of the largest in the world. Stop and taste the tapas and smell the orange blossoms during a stroll down the winding Medieval lanes. But be sure you leave time to visit the breathtaking Plaza de Espana.

An unforgettable stop on any European cruise, with its Gothic cathedrals, medieval castle, and quaint village neighbourhoods, Lisbon is Portugal’s feature attraction and has been the country’s capital since 1147. Wander the narrow cobblestone streets of this city at your own leisurely pace, stopping along the way at a remarkable museum or 1930’s era patio caf. Explore more of Lisbon on a European cruise!