France, Spain & Portugal Cruise

If you have time to explore Amsterdam before your cruise departs today, take a visit to the Van Gogh Museum, home to the largest collection of the artist's works. Stroll through the picturesque Jordaan neighborhood, renowned for its narrow streets, quaint cafes, and boutique shops, or enjoy a scenic canal cruise to see the city's iconic architecture from a unique perspective. If you're looking for a relaxing start to your cruise, head to Vondelpark, the city's largest green space, perfect for a leisurely walk before heading to your ship.

Gracefully combining past and present, as well as Flemish and French, Bruges offers a little something for everyone. Linked by the Baudouin Canal, this medieval town is the stuff of fairytale and storybooks. Cobblestone streets, old, historic churches and a dreamy landscape make this a very sought after destination -- especially during the summer months. Stroll through the Markt, a bustling plaza where the rhythmic beat of horse-drawn carriages echoes off a soaring belfry tower.

Immerse yourself in a rich art history, best reflected in the paintings of Bruges’ own Jan Van Eyck, one of the most significant Renaissance artists of the 15th century. Spend a delightful day on the medieval streets of this city with a seemingly endless supply of charm, culture, and beauty.

Foodies will revel in the eclectic dining options at local bistros. Dig into sweet Belgian waffles and stop by the renowned chocolate boutiques on your cruise to Bruges. If sampling the fresh fish of this country is on your agenda, the fish market located here is one of the biggest in Europe. Or, take a scenic cruise through the medieval city of Ghent, Belgium and discover important landmarks, including Chinese Teahouses, 13th-century monasteries and castles of the Counts.

Zeebrugge serves as the gateway to both Bruges and Brussels. Bruges is approximately 17 km (10.6 miles) away, a 20-minute drive, offering medieval architecture and charming canals. Brussels, the Belgian capital, is about 100 km (62 miles) from the port, taking around 1.5 hours by car or train.

Paris, the 'city of light,' blends monumental landmarks with intimate corners easily explored in a day. The Eiffel Tower dominates the skyline, while a stroll along the Seine reveals bookstalls and bridges framing views of Notre-Dame. The Louvre showcases treasures from every era, and nearby the glasswork of Sainte-Chapelle dazzles. In the Marais, elegant squares and boutiques sit alongside centuries-old architecture, while classic cafés provide the perfect pause before returning to the heart of the city.

Cruise ships dock at Le Havre Cruise Terminal, close to the city center. Paris is 200 km (124 miles) southeast, reached in about 2.5–3 hours by train, coach, or private transfer. Many cruise programs offer full-day excursions that cover the highlights of Paris or the coast of Normandy. An early start and late return are typical, but a visit to Paris from Le Havre is both possible and rewarding.

Your day at sea offers endless opportunity for activity and relaxation. Enjoy enriching onboard experiences like hot glass classes and archery tournaments, and you can send the kids to Camp at Sea for a fun-filled day of activities. Visit the state-of-the-art fitness center, where floor-to-ceiling windows provide stunning ocean views, and indulge in your choice of dining options, from breakfast to late-night snacks.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Santiago de Compostela has been an important pilgrimage centre for Christians since the 800's, when the tomb of the apostle James was believed to have been found by a hermit, guided to it by a bright light.

Centuries of building and subsequent preservation efforts have maintained a range of extraordinary architecture in the Old Town, including Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical styles. Ships will dock in Vilagarcia which is a 50 minute drive from Santiago De Compostela.

Perched on a rocky peninsula in Spain's northwest, La Coruña is brimming with ancient Roman heritage and maritime history. This historic town is nicknamed the 'Crystal City' due to the 19th-century enclosed glass balconies that reflect the glittering waters of the Atlantic. Ships will dock at the Port of La Coruña.

Top Things to Do in La Coruna:

• visit the Tower of Hercules
• stroll the streets of La Coruña’s Old Town
• cycle along the Paseo Marítimo
• visit the Santiago de Compostela
• sample some of the areas delicious seafood

At the mouth of the Rio Douro lies Porto (or Oporto), a city famed for its production of Port, which is still stored and matured in the vast cellars that stretch along the banks of the river. The cities skyline is composed of sky-high bell towers, opulent baroque churches, and majestic beaux art buildings. Ships will dock at the Port of Leixoes.

Top Things to Do in Porto:

• visit Guimarães, the first capital of Portugal
• cruise the Douro River
• explore the historical city centre, Ribeira
• visit a wine cellar and taste some port wine

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.

Málaga is the lively capital of the Costa del Sol, famed for its beaches and mild climate. It is a city of narrow streets, whitewashed houses, churches and sunny plazas. Málaga also serves as a popular starting point for excursions to splendid Granada and the famed Alhambra. Ships will dock at the Málaga cruise terminal.

Top Things to Do in Málaga:

• take in the views from The Alcazaba fortress
• see Picasso's paintings at Museo Picasso
• visit the Alhambra in Granada
• relax on a Costa del Sol beach
• visit the scenic village of Mijas

Your day at sea offers the opportunity to relax at the adults-only Solarium, or enjoy live music and games by the pool. In the evening, treat yourself to a gourmet dinner, watch a riveting performance at our high-tech theater, or enjoy cocktails at one of the lounge bars. End your day with a movie night under the stars, topping off a memorable day at sea.

Your cruise finishes today in Barcelona, a captivating city on Spain's northeastern coast. If you're extending your stay in the city, start with a visit to La Sagrada Família, Antoni Gaudí's masterpiece, then wander through the narrow, historic streets of the Gothic Quarter.

The bustling La Boqueria Market offers a sensory overload with its colorful stalls and local delicacies. Stroll down Las Ramblas for street performances and shopping, and don't miss the stunning views from Park Güell. For art lovers, the Picasso Museum showcases an impressive collection of the artist's early works.