West Indies to Spain

Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. San Juan is a city of white-sand beaches, lush rainforests and inspiring Spanish colonial architecture. Compact and elegantly planned, Old San Juan spans the centuries. El Morro fortress has been standing watch over San Juan Bay since the 16th century and its formidable cannons peer out to sea. The streets of the centuries-old UNESCO World Heritage Site are paved with steel-blue adoquín stone, used to ballast the Spanish galleons that brought settlers here. These colorful, narrow byways lead to picturesque multihued facades and townhouses with neoclassical balconies.

St. Martin is a fascinating mix of France and Holland and the island has been shared by the two nations since 1648. The early economy relied on cotton, tobacco, salt and sugar. A large salt pond remains, once harvested by the Dutch East India Company for trade. Today, the Dutch side of the island, anchored by its capital, Philipsburg, is dotted with resorts and casinos. The renowned Rotary Lookout Point offers stunning panoramic views of the Simpson Bay Lagoon and surrounding islands. Further north, the 1.5-mile swath of white sand at Orient Beach is ideal for sunbathing.

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.

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

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.

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.

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. As you sail today, savor a range of international cuisine on board. Choose from a variety of international flavors at the World Café, enjoy al fresco dining on the Aquavit Terrace, or regional specialties in The Restaurant.

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.

Sail the gateway between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Its defining landmark, the soaring Rock of Gibraltar, was one of the Pillars of Hercules of ancient myth.

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.

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