Lisbon to Portsmouth

From Moorish walls and Manueline carvings to elaborate azulejo tiles and Gothic arches – the traces of Lisbon’s rich history can be seen and felt simply by wandering its storied (and rather hilly) streets. But Europe’s second-oldest city is also one of its most cosmopolitan, and amid historic landmarks like Jerónimos Monastery and São Jorge Castle, you’ll find chic rooftop bars with views across red terracotta rooftops and the sparkling Tagus river, design-led concept stores selling artisanal souvenirs, and stylish restaurants serving up inventive takes on local ingredients.

This picturesque city is popular for its colorful tile-decorated buildings, its many hills and the iconic bridges by the Douro River. For an authentic Portuguese experience, go to the Ribeira neighborhood and cross the Dom Luis I bridge to watch the magical sunset among the locals.

Perched on a rocky peninsula in Spain's northwest, A Coruna 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 A Coruna.

Top Things to Do in A 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

A day at sea with Crystal can be as relaxed or as engaging as you wish. Begin with breakfast on your veranda, take a walk along the Promenade Deck or spend the morning by the Seahorse Pool before retreating to the Aurōra Spa & Salon for a restorative treatment. Enrichment is always close at hand, with lectures, bridge, creative workshops, dance classes, wellness sessions and opportunities to fine tune skills from photography to golf.

Dining is a highlight throughout the day, from relaxed bites by the pool to elegant dinners at venues such as Umi Uma by Nobu, Beefbar or Waterside. As evening arrives, enjoy live music, theatre entertainment, comedy, social gatherings, cocktails in the lounges or a quiet night in with 24-hour in-suite dining.

Known as the Port of the Moon for the graceful curve of its harbor, the UNESCO-listed city of Bordeaux showcases some of the finest culture, cuisine, and architecture of southwest France. Surrounded by prestigious vineyards – including Médoc, Saint-Émilion, and Sauternes – the city is a paradise for oenophiles. Learn about the history of wine at La Cité du Vin, a state-of-the-art museum that’s appropriately shaped like a wine decanter, before setting off to the vineyards for an afternoon of wine tasting. Or, simply amble around the city, strolling along the River Garonne, admiring the gothic spires of Cathédrale St-André, and stopping for oysters and a glass of wine at the Marché des Capucins.

Old meets new in this quintessential Atlantic seaport, where half-timbered medieval houses and hidden Renaissance passageways co-exist with a modern marina of sleek 21st-century yachts and even an electro-solar sea bus. Dip into daily life here under the 19th-century wrought-iron roof of Les Halles market, where there’s a hum of haggling shoppers and traders shouting about the freshness of their produce amid stalls selling briny oysters and a rainbow of local fruit (look out for juicy Charentais melons in summer). Stop for a petit café on the terrace outside before exploring the old town, with its clock tower, stone gargoyles and shipowners’ mansions.

The sea has always defined Brest, in a sheltered bay on the westernmost finger of Brittany. A harbour for ships since Roman times, its strategic importance in World War II was the reason 90 per cent of it was bombed by the Allies. Remarkably, the castle overlooking the harbour survived (today it houses a marine museum), while the rest of the city was rebuilt on a modern chequerboard pattern. But it’s the sea that draws the eye, from the jumble of ports and quays to the futuristic Oceanopolis, which plunges you into the wonders of marine life, with penguins, tropical lagoons, and shark tanks to see.

If you are looking for a unique blend of British and French charm in an idyllic setting, then look no further than St. Peter Port. The Channel Islands' blend of cultural diversity, historical significance, natural beauty, and autonomy make them one of the most coveted archipelagos on travelers’ wish lists. The 19 islands (seven of which are inhabited) possess a distinct identity, they have their own governments, legal systems, and even currency and are known for their olde world charm, stunning landscapes with beautiful beaches, lush countryside, and historical sites. St Peter Port, the largest town on the second largest islands Guernsey, sits around 40 miles off the French coast of Normandy – in the Gulf of St Malo – and the influence of past French culture can still be felt on the island. It’s like stepping back in time: St. Peter Port's heart lies in its picturesque harbor, where colorful houses cascade down the hillside, creating a postcard-worthy scene and the bustling harbor is dotted with sailboats and fishing vessels, giving it an authentic maritime ambiance. The town boasts a rich history evident in its architecture. St. Peter Port Castle, dating back to the 13th century, and Castle Cornet, a historic fortress, stand as reminders of the island's past. Georgian and Regency buildings lend an air of timeless elegance to the streets. Naturally, there are plenty of pubs serving pints and fish and chips and tea shops serving cream teas – this is still Britan after all! Be sure to enjoy some authentic Channel Islands fare before you leave.

With a name that literally means, "the Harbor," Le Havre is indeed a city that grew out of a need for a working port. In the early 16th century, the harbor at Honfleur was silting up, rendering the port less and less usable. King Francois I had a solution: establish another harbor on the right bank of the Seine estuary, just 15 miles from Honfleur. So it came to pass that in 1517, Le Havre was built. Though it always had a military function, Le Havre flourished essentially as a commercial port, receiving cotton, tobacco and sugar from America and distributing the goods throughout France. But its military role was expanded in the 17th century when the harbor was converted to a naval base. In WWII, Le Havre was pressed into even greater military service as it became a stronghold on the continent. The city you see today is mostly post-war construction-much of Le Havre was destroyed during the war. Its reconstruction was overseen by architect Auguste Perret. Its commercial rebirth was spurred by the bustling port activity that began in the 1960s, and continues today.

The oldest sailing regatta in the world breezes into the harbor of this salty-aired town on England’s biggest island every summer. But the buzz it creates is felt year-round. Amble along the esplanade for cloud-scudding views across the Solent to the mainland or browse the charming independent stores on the high street. This nautical powerhouse has a long history of shipbuilding, which can be discovered at the maritime museum and the quirky Sir Max Aitken Museum, set in a loft where sails for the royal racing yacht Britannia were made. Across the river in East Cowes, lemon-yellow Osborne House is where Queen Victoria retreated to after the death of her beloved Prince Albert.

You would be hard pressed to find a city with a more significant naval heritage than Portsmouth. The world's oldest dry dock, it is home to some of history's most storied ships, including Lord Nelson's flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar, HMS Victory; Henry VII's Tudor warship, Mary Rose; and the world's first iron hulled armored ship, HMS Warrior. The city also has impressive cultural and entertainment credentials. It is the birthplace of author Charles Dickens and comedian Peter Sellers and has served as a shooting location for a variety of films, including the James Bond installment, Tomorrow Never Dies. For all its high-level associations, Portsmouth remains a wonderfully low-key destination. Enjoy a pass along the cobbled streets of the shopping district or step aboard a high-speed elevator of the Spinnaker Tower, the sail-inspired observation tower that rises 560 feet above the port to showcase magnificent views.

Portsmouth, a historic port city on England's south coast, is known for its significant maritime heritage. The city's key attraction for cruise travellers is the Historic Dockyard, showcasing the HMS Victory and the Mary Rose Museum, offering insights into naval history. Additionally, the Spinnaker Tower stands out for its panoramic views of the harbour.

For transport, Portsmouth is well-linked to London. Regular train services connect Portsmouth Harbour or Portsmouth & Southsea stations to London Waterloo, with journeys taking around 1.5 to 2 hours. Coaches offer an alternative, often more economical route. Additionally, taxis and car hire services are readily available for direct travel. Portsmouth's blend of historical significance and easy accessibility to London makes it an intriguing destination for cruise visitors.