Grand Iberia, Africa & Asia Passage

Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. The vibrant city of Barcelona, with its lively culture and inviting outdoor spaces, preserves a rich history. Picturesque medieval lanes wind through the oldest part of the city, the Gothic Quarter, where remnants of the city's Roman wall were uncovered. Its treasures include the neo-Gothic Barcelona Cathedral, the medieval Jewish district of El Call and the Romanesque Church of Santa Maria del Pi. In the evenings, diners relax in the Royal Plaza at restaurants along the elegant square's perimeter.

Barcelona is steeped in history, with stunning architecture and a rich culture. Mediterranean breezes grace the shore and Catalonia's capital is a feast for the senses. Long strolls on wide boulevards—such as Las Ramblas, the mile-long leafy pedestrian way, and the Passeig de Gràcia, lined with some of Europe's most elegant buildings—set the tone for a city that moves to its own tempo. Native son and famed architect Antoni Gaudí adorned his city with whimsy, whether along fantastical city blocks or with his colossal masterpiece, the towering La Sagrada Família cathedral.

Valencia is steeped in 2,000 years of history and culture. Its Old Town is one of Spain's largest, a diverse medley of ancient buildings, wide-open plazas and cultural monuments. The Gothic Silk Exchange, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, bears witness to Valencia's Renaissance trading power. A literal taste of Valencia's past bubbles up in every skillet of paella. The centuries-old rice dish was invented here and perfected by farmers; barracasthroughout the city offer demonstrations and tastings of this famously rustic cuisine.

Journey between continents as you sail the Alboran Sea, home to the largest population of bottlenose dolphins in the Western Mediterranean.

Granada is a splendid canvas of Moorish architecture, rich Andalusian tradition and remarkable history. It was the last stronghold of the Moorish Nasrid dynasty, whose 250-year reign ended during the 1492 reconquest of Spain by Catholic monarchs. The grand Granada Cathedral is a soaring celebration of that victory; its Royal Chapel holds the tombs of Queen Isabel and King Ferdinand, the celebrated pair who oversaw the triumph. Their magnificent fortress-palace, the Alhambra, was long the stronghold of Moors, and so offers a magnificent blend of Islamic and Christian detail.

Cádiz lies on Spain's breathtaking province of Andalusia and gained incredible wealth during the 18th century; riches from the Americas were unloaded here after the Guadalquivir River to Seville silted up. This scenic southern region is the home of the matador and world-class equestrian art. Seville, city of polyamorous suitor Don Juan, boasts plenty of its own glories. Its grand cathedral, Alcázar Palace and Tower of Gold were built from the coffers of Spanish kings, but its fiery flamenco defines its true spirit. It is best to ponder it all while sipping sherry at a bodega.

Casablanca lures visitors with its heady mix of neo-Moorish splendor and French influence. Known as “Casa” to locals, its streets exude an atmosphere of bygone days. Made famous by the 1942 eponymous film, today it is one of Africa's most important ports. Parisian-style boulevards unfold past cafés and colonial buildings. The city's medina is a maze of warrens pulsing with old-world energy, the hollers of carpet merchants and the fragrance of incense. The most impressive structure is the Hassan II Mosque, the country's largest and most magnificent.

Sail the Atlantic Ocean, divided in half, north to south, by the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Longer than the Rockies, the Himalayas and the Andes combined, this underwater mountain range is the longest on Earth.

The island of Madeira is an enchanting Atlantic paradise. Known as the “Garden Island” for its rich agriculture, terraced hillsides and beautiful flowers, it maintains a temperate year-round climate. The island's irrigation aqueducts, or levadas, were dug into the hillsides so that early farmers could make use of every patch of land. One of the island's most prolific crops that has long been fed by levadas is grapes, which produce four types of Madeira wine popular around the world. In the capital and port city of Funchal, the picturesque Old Town is best explored on foot.

Sail legendary waters, where medieval Europeans believed “there be dragons” beyond the ocean's horizon.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife exudes both Spanish flair and island tranquility, featuring painted buildings, shops and a city park where fountains and birdsong provide a soothing ambiance. Volcanic Mt. Teide, Spain's highest point, looms over much of the island. Its hills harbor fruit plantations and vineyards that produce some of Spain's finest wines. The Orotava Valley slopes down from Teide to the sea and Puerto de la Cruz; the former fishing village transformed into a spa town in the 19th-century and today invites a stroll amid its boardwalks, leafy squares and seaside charms.

The nutrient-rich waters of the Atlantic Ocean are home to more than half of the world's fisheries, annually providing millions of tons of fish and other marine species for human consumption and industrial purposes.

The Atlantic Ocean derives its name from Greek and means “Sea of Atlas,” a reference to the mythological Atlas, a Titan who supported the heavens on his shoulders as a punishment for fighting the gods.

Dakar exudes the rich authenticity and vibrancy of the real Africa. Spread across the triangular shape of the Cape Verde Peninsula, this ever-evolving city clings to long-held traditions. Today, accents from the city's days as the capital of French West Africa are everywhere, from the impressive Hôtel de Ville de Dakar to the facade of the railway station. A recent landmark, the ambitious Monument of the African Renaissance, stands atop a hill outside Dakar. The tallest statue on the continent, it commemorates the 50th anniversary of Senegal's independence from France.

The vast waters of the Atlantic Ocean have played a crucial role in exploration, trade and cultural exchange for centuries. Christopher Columbus departed Spain for Asia in 1492, landing on Caribbean shores as one of the first European settlers.

Takoradi was a humble fishing village until 1920 when it was merged with its "twin," Sekondi, to make it the central transportation hub and port city it is today. This maritime history can still be felt in its impressive harbor, the oldest in Ghana and the location of much of the country's export business. The vibrant nature of this city is best represented by the Market Circle, where a range of goods, including clothes, produce and electronics, can be found. Historic forts and lighthouses dot the city's scenic coastline as reminders of the area's dark, colonial past.

The vast waters of the Atlantic Ocean have played a crucial role in exploration, trade and cultural exchange for centuries. Christopher Columbus departed Spain for Asia in 1492, landing on Caribbean shores as one of the first European settlers. As you sail today, attend an informative lecture or watch a film on our 8k laser-projected panoramic screen in The Aula, one of the world's most advanced venues for learning at sea. This indoor-outdoor experience allows nature to take center stage with its retractable floor-to-ceiling windows that unveil 270° views.

Trace the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, an underwater mountain range longer than the Rockies, the Himalayas and the Andes combined. Its hidden towering peaks divide the Atlantic Ocean in half, North to South.

Follow in the wake of the great explorers, including Captain James Cook, who traversed these waters, claiming the island of South Georgia for Britain in 1775.

Luanda is the most populous Portuguese-speaking capital city in the world and among the oldest colonial cities in Africa, having been founded in 1576 as São Paulo da Assunção de Loanda. Angola's primary port, as well as its major industrial, cultural and urban center, the city is a short drive from striking natural wonders, including the otherworldly landscape known as Miradouro da Lua (“Viewpoint of the Moon”). Here, millions of years of erosion have created a karst landscape with different colored strata that stretch toward the sea.

Sail the legendary waters of the South Atlantic Ocean, where intrepid explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton navigated the fateful voyage of the Endurance, which resulted in her sinking in Antarctic waters in 1915.

Named for the whales that lured fishing vessels to its plankton-rich waters, Walvis Bay, or “Whale Bay” in Afrikaans, enjoys a deep harbor and the protection of the Pelican Point sand spit. The port was long valued by explorers making their way around the Cape of Good Hope, but it was the British who occupied it by 1884 and eventually incorporated it into their Cape Colony. Today, Walvis Bay is the gateway to the rich culture of Swakopmund, where German architecture recalls the settlers who established this coastal city in 1892 with the support of the kaiser.

Situated between the sands of the Namib Desert and the surf of the South Atlantic, Lüderitz retains a Bavarian flavor from Namibia's days as German South-West Africa. Remarkably, the town has changed little since Germany departed in 1915. Stunning Art Nouveau buildings, seemingly relocated from Europe, lend a surreal feel to a simple stroll as the aromas of kreppel pastries waft from a bakery and the Gothic-style Felsenkirche, or Rock Church, looks on from atop Diamond Hill. The Lüderitz Museum helps to make sense of this remarkable dual canvas of Europe and Africa.

Sail the legendary waters of the South Atlantic Ocean, where intrepid explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton navigated the fateful voyage of the Endurance, which resulted in her sinking in Antarctic waters in 1915. Meet fellow guests and listen to the soothing sounds of classical music in the Living Room, an ideal setting for relaxation. Enjoy a cup of coffee or sip on a refreshing cocktail.

Cape Town enjoys one of the world's most picturesque settings at the foot of the iconic Table Mountain. The cosmopolitan city is the gateway to dramatic coastal splendor, a thriving wine country and a rich array of cultural venues that embody the spirit of the “Rainbow Nation.” The city's heritage took root in Company's Garden, where 17th-century European settlers grew food to stock ships rounding the cape. In and around the celebrated Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, historic architecture and delicious cuisine reflect an array of African, Dutch, English and Malay influences.

One of Cape Town's most colorful and fascinating districts, Bo-Kaap unfurls along the slopes of Signal Hill. This kaleidoscopic neighborhood of brightly hued houses lining cobblestone streets is home to the vibrant Cape Malay culture. The Asian flavor remains in sacred mosques, fragrant spice markets and delicious restaurants. The noontime cannon that booms from atop Signal Hill once helped sailors synchronize their watches, but today it ushers in the lunch hour, when the aromatic scent of Cape Malay cuisine fills the air as it drifts from local eateries.

Once a vital trading post, today Cape Town is a dynamic blend of rich heritage and modern vibrancy. The V&A Waterfront, set within a working harbor, offers boutique shopping, world-class dining and lively artisan markets alongside historic landmarks. One of Cape Town's standout experiences is a visit to the summit of UNESCO-listed Table Mountain by cable car. The mountain frames the city with its flat-topped silhouette, features unique biodiversity and offers stunning views from atop its summit.

Sail the calm waters of the Indian Ocean, used to transport gold, myrrh, pottery, grain, dates and countless other products for more than 7,000 years.

Previously called Port Elizabeth, the city's name was changed in 2021 to the Xhosa and Southern Khoe name for the Baakens River that flows through the city. Along with the surrounding towns and townships, Gqeberha forms part of Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. Its urban coastline is dotted with picturesque, Blue Flag beaches which are popular hotspots for locals and visitors alike. In addition, the city serves as a gateway to the Eastern Cape's wildlife and great outdoors, including safari adventures to witness the “Big 5” game species.

Long before the Portuguese, the Greeks and Romans sailed the Indian Ocean to establish trade with southern India. The Tamils exported spices, silk and exotic animals, which can be seen in the mosaics of ancient Roman villas.

The largest city in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal province, Durban's Zulu name translates into “bay.” Durban is graced with stately Victorian touches, from the old Town Hall to the tree-lined Esplanade. The waterfront promenade invites leisurely strolls kissed by Indian Ocean breezes. The Durban Botanic Gardens are Africa's oldest, founded by British colonialists in 1849 as an extension of England's Kew Gardens. Durban is home to the largest Indian population outside India, infusing the city with a rich Hindu spirit and curry aromas.

Sail the Indian Ocean, the 3rd largest in the world. It is almost six times the size of the United States, spanning more than 6,000 miles from Africa's southern tip to Australia's west coast.

Teeming with life, the Indian Ocean spans vast distances, harboring underwater mountains, warm currents and unique ecosystems.

Traverse the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and discover its biodiverse life that nurtures colorful coral reefs and ancient seamounts.

Zanzibar and its namesake archipelago are located off the coast of Tanzania. A beacon of Swahili culture, its history is marked by Persian settlers, Omani sultans and a pivotal role in the ivory and spice trades. The island's geography features the central ridge of Masingini and indigenous forests, home to the rare Zanzibar red colobus monkey. Zanzibar also is heavily invested in the Blue Economy, a holistic initiative encompassing a range of activities that balance economic development with the conservation of marine biodiversity.

Kenya's chief port and a coastal gem, Mombasa is a melting pot of traditions. Located on a coralline island and linked by a causeway to the African mainland, it boasts a rich tapestry of Middle Eastern and African cultures, having been a key Indian Ocean port since the 14th century. The narrow streets of Mombasa's old town are lined with ornately styled architecture and home to mosques, cathedrals and Hindu temples, while lateen-rigged dhows and small vessels anchor in its ancient port between trips to trade with the Arabian Peninsula, Persian Gulf and India.

Teeming with life, the Indian Ocean spans vast distances, harboring underwater mountains, warm currents and unique ecosystems. Meet fellow guests and listen to the soothing sounds of classical music in the Living Room, an ideal setting for relaxation. Enjoy a cup of coffee or sip on a refreshing cocktail.

Victoria, the capital and largest city of the Seychelles archipelago, sits on the island of Mahé in the western Indian Ocean. Originally settled by French colonists and called L'Établissement, it was renamed after Queen Victoria during the early 19th century when it became a British colony. Exuding tropical charm, its landmarks include the Clock Tower, an iconic structure erected in 1903 to commemorate Queen Victoria's diamond jubilee. The Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market, bustling with vibrant colors and flavors, showcases the island's abundance of spices, fruits and fish.

Traverse the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and discover its biodiverse life that nurtures colorful coral reefs and ancient seamounts. As you sail today, attend an informative lecture or watch a film in our state-of-the-art theater. A range of insightful TED Talks and destination-inspired seminars are offered daily.

Sail the azure waters between the island nations of Sri Lanka and the Maldives at the tip of India's southern point. The Laccadive Sea has been a thriving region for pearl fishing for thousands of years.

Brimming with old-world charm, Colombo is Sri Lanka's cultural epicenter. With its large harbor and strategic seaside location, Colombo quickly earned favor among ancient traders. The island was first colonized by the Portuguese, followed by the Dutch, then the English, who ruled until the country gained independence in 1948. Still today, evidence of all three nations is clear in the cuisine, language and architecture. Within the city's 19th-century fortress stands the neobaroque Old Parliament Building, and the city's streets carry the names of former British governors.

Traverse the Bay of Bengal, the world's largest bay and a vital trade route for global maritime commerce of goods such as textiles, petroleum and petrochemicals, minerals and agricultural and seafood products.

Langkawi is Malaysia's stunning archipelago of swaying coconut palms and island shores fringed by powder-sand beaches that lies some 30 miles from the country's northwestern coast. Langkawi's mangrove forest is renowned for its swamps, towering hills and varied wildlife, including otters and lizards, and macaques and tree crabs that can be seen hiding among the mangroves. Atop Mt. Machinchang, the Sky Bridge looms 2,300 feet above sea level, offering stunning vistas of Langkawi and its surrounding islands.

This narrow passage between Malaysia and the Indonesian island of Sumatra was a major route for early traders shipping glassware, precious stones, camphor, ivory and sandalwood. Today, it is one of the busiest shipping channels in the world, linking the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Along this historic waterway, the lush shores of Sumatra grace the horizon to the south, stretching out to lowlands, mangroves and swamps. The more urban skylines of Malaysia—George Town and Kuala Lumpur among them—shimmer in the distance to the north.

Singapore is the world's only island city-state. Established in 1819 for the East India Company by Sir Stamford Raffles, after whom the famed hotel is named, it grew from a secluded backwater into a shabby port city before transforming itself into a sophisticated metropolis. The technology and economy are highly advanced here, yet the islands host plentiful green parks with tree-lined footpaths and the stunning National Orchid Garden. For a panoramic view of it all, the observation deck of the Marina Bay Sands towers offers the perfect solution.

The South China Sea has been one of the world's major trade routes for centuries. Today, one-third of the world's maritime shipping passes through its waters, which are also rich fishing grounds and potential energy resources.

Sail the South China Sea; after the five oceans of the world, it is the world's largest body of water covering more than one million square miles.

Founded in 1571, Manila is one of the Philippines' oldest cities. Its storied history is evident in Intramuros, its walled old town—dominated by the formidable Fort Santiago, once the prison of Philippine national hero José Rizal, it reflects Manila's past as a seat of power for the Spanish Empire. Nearby, the UNESCO-listed San Agustin Church stands as an enduring symbol of resilience, one of few structures in Intramuros to survive centuries of seismic activity and wartime destruction entirely intact—today, it provides an authentic glimpse into Manila's early colonial era.

The Philippine Sea has been shaped by deep ocean trenches and major currents. Forming part of the western Pacific, it has long been central to navigation and regional exchange—Ferdinand Magellan was the first European to sail it in 1521.

Okinawa is the largest island of Okinawa Prefecture, Japan's southernmost region, a chain that stretches hundreds of miles to Taiwan. In medieval times, the island's capital of Naha was the vibrant cultural center of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Its once-great power is reflected in the restored Shuri Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Okinawa is designated as a Blue Zone, home to one of the world's longest-lived people, the Ryukyuan. By some accounts, the island is home to three times as many centenarians per 100,000 people as Japan's mainland.

The East China Sea is a vital maritime route for international trade and fishing, connecting China, Japan and South Korea. Its history is entwined with regional cultural exchange, shaping the area's heritage and identity.

Sail Mar Pacífico, meaning “peaceful sea,” dubbed by Ferdinand Magellan when he crossed these waters almost 500 years ago.

Tokyo is a spellbinding blend of neon splendor and tranquil Shinto shrines, towering skyscrapers and meditative Zen gardens. Founded as the tiny fishing village of Edo, Tokyo's history was shaped by emperors and shoguns. As the Edo period progressed, it grew into one of the world's largest cities, as it remains today. Tokyoites embrace the traditional and the cosmopolitan here, both worshipping at the city's Asakusa Kannon Temple and frequenting the high-end retail stores of the Ginza district, all while the distant symmetrical cone of Mt. Fuji watches over the city.

Bid farewell to your fellow guests and journey home. Or spend more time exploring, perhaps joining one of our extensions.