Azamara Quest
May 12, 2026

Fusina, Venice, Italy, offers docking at Fusina Port, a gateway to Venice. Travelers explore St. Mark’s Square and Doge’s Palace via water taxis. Excursions visit Murano’s glassblowing workshops. Local markets sell Venetian masks. The peak season, April to October, brings mild weather. Photography captures canals and historic architecture. Dining onboard includes risotto al nero, a Venetian dish. Souvenirs, like glass ornaments, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Venice’s maritime history. Light clothing and comfortable shoes suit walking tours. Binoculars enhance lagoon views. Fusina’s proximity to Venice offers a magical Italian stop, immersing travelers in its iconic canals and Renaissance splendor.

Koper, Slovenia, has docking at Koper Port. Travelers explore Tito Square and Praetorian Palace. Excursions visit Postojna Cave’s karst formations. Local markets sell truffles. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather. Photography captures Venetian architecture and Adriatic views. Dining onboard includes jota, a Slovenian stew. Souvenirs, like olive oil, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Slovenian history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate. Comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Koper’s coastal charm offers a serene Slovenian stop, blending Venetian heritage with scenic beauty.

Sibenik, Croatia, offers docking at Sibenik Port. Travelers explore St. James Cathedral and Krka National Park’s waterfalls. Excursions visit Skradin’s marina. Local markets sell pašticada. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Renaissance architecture and Adriatic vistas. Dining onboard includes crni rižot, a Croatian favorite. Souvenirs, like lavender crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Dalmatian history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while sturdy shoes enhance park walks. Sibenik’s historic charm offers a vibrant Croatian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of UNESCO sites and natural beauty, making Sibenik an engaging destination for exploration.

Dubrovnik, Croatia, offers docking at Gruž Port. Travelers explore Old Town walls and Lokrum Island. Excursions include kayaking along Adriatic shores. Local markets sell travarica. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures medieval ramparts and Adriatic vistas. Dining onboard includes pašticada, a Croatian favorite. Souvenirs, like lace crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Dalmatian history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while sturdy shoes enhance wall walks. Dubrovnik’s historic charm offers a vibrant Croatian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of UNESCO landmarks and scenic coasts, making Dubrovnik an engaging destination for exploration.

Kotor, Montenegro, offers docking at Kotor Port. Travelers explore Old Town walls and St. Tryphon Cathedral. Excursions include hiking Lovćen National Park. Local markets sell njeguški pršut. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures medieval alleys and Adriatic vistas. Dining onboard includes cicvara, a Montenegrin favorite. Souvenirs, like olive wood crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Illyrian history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while sturdy shoes enhance fortress hikes. Kotor’s historic charm offers a vibrant Montenegrin stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of UNESCO landmarks and scenic bays, making Kotor an engaging destination.

Catania, Sicily, Italy, docks at Porto di Catania, 1 kilometer from downtown, with taxis for 10-minute rides. The city, population 310,000, features the 11th-century Catania Cathedral. Travelers visit Piazza del Duomo for the Elephant Fountain. Local markets sell pistachio pastries. Excursions to Mount Etna, 1 hour north, offer crater hikes. Peak season May to September; taxis 5-10 EUR. Dining includes pasta alla Norma at trattorias. Souvenirs feature lava stone crafts.

Amalfi, Italy, anchors offshore with tenders to Porto Amalfi, a 5-minute ride to the town center on the Sorrento Peninsula. The village, population 5,000, centers on Piazza Duomo, where the 9th-century Cathedral of St. Andrew houses bronze doors from 1066. Travelers stroll Via Lorenzo for ceramics shops and lemon groves. Excursions to Ravello, 15 minutes uphill, visit Villa Rufolo’s 13th-century gardens. Positano, 30 minutes by boat, offers pebbly beaches and pastel houses. Local boats access Emerald Grotto, a sea cave with stalactites, 20 minutes away. Markets sell limoncello and sfogliatella pastries. Peak season May to September; taxis 10-20 EUR. Dining includes scialatielli (seafood pasta) at harborside trattorias. Souvenirs feature hand-painted ceramics. Coastal paths suit short hikes.

Sorrento, Italy, offers docking at Sorrento Port. Travelers explore Piazza Tasso and Pompeii’s ruins. Excursions visit Capri’s Blue Grotto. Local markets sell limoncello. The peak season, April to October, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures cliffside towns and Amalfi vistas. Dining onboard includes gnocchi alla sorrentina, an Italian favorite. Souvenirs, like ceramic crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Roman history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance ruin walks. Sorrento’s coastal charm offers a vibrant Italian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic sites and scenic cliffs, making Sorrento an engaging destination for exploring Italy’s Amalfi Coast.

Bastia, Corsica, docks at Port de Commerce, a 10-minute walk to the old town, population 45,000. Travelers visit the 15th-century Citadel with Genoese towers. Place St-Nicolas offers cafe-lined squares. Excursions to Cap Corse, 30 minutes north, explore fishing villages. Local markets sell clementines. Peak season June to September; taxis 5-10 EUR. Dining includes aziminu (fish soup) at harbor trattorias. Souvenirs feature olive oil.

Nice, France, provides docking at Nice Port. Travelers explore the Promenade des Anglais and Old Town’s colorful markets. Excursions visit Eze’s medieval village. Local markets sell socca. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather for Riviera tours. Photography captures Mediterranean coastlines and pastel facades. Dining onboard includes ratatouille, a Provençal favorite. Souvenirs, like lavender sachets, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Riviera history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance town walks. Nice’s vibrant Riviera charm offers a dynamic French stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of scenic waterfronts, historic villages, and cultural richness, making Nice an engaging destination for exploring the French Riviera’s elegance and Mediterranean beauty.

Ajaccio, Corsica, offers docking at Ajaccio Port. Travelers explore Napoleon’s Birthplace and Fesch Museum. Excursions visit Calanques de Piana. Local markets sell brocciu cheese. The peak season, April to October, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures historic streets and Mediterranean vistas. Dining onboard includes civet de sanglier, a Corsican favorite. Souvenirs, like olive wood crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Corsican history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while sturdy shoes enhance coastal hikes. Ajaccio’s cultural charm offers a vibrant French stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic landmarks and scenic cliffs, making Ajaccio an engaging destination for exploration.

Villefranche-sur-Mer, France, offers docking at Villefranche Port. Travelers explore Citadelle Saint-Elme and Villa Ephrussi. Excursions visit Nice’s Promenade des Anglais. Local markets sell socca. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures colorful villas and Mediterranean vistas. Dining onboard includes salade niçoise, a French favorite. Souvenirs, like lavender crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Provençal history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance seaside walks. Villefranche’s coastal charm offers a vibrant French stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic fortresses and scenic Riviera, making Villefranche an engaging destination.

Santa Margherita Ligure, Italy, offers docking at Santa Margherita Port. Travelers explore Portofino’s harbor and San Fruttuoso Abbey. Excursions visit Cinque Terre villages. Local markets sell focaccia. The peak season, April to October, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures colorful villas and Ligurian vistas. Dining onboard includes trofie al pesto, a Ligurian favorite. Souvenirs, like ceramic crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Riviera history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance village walks. Santa Margherita’s coastal charm offers a vibrant Italian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of scenic harbors and Ligurian culture, making Santa Margherita an engaging destination for exploration.

Livorno, Florence, Italy, offers docking at Livorno Port with excursions to Florence. Travelers explore Florence’s Duomo and Uffizi Gallery. Excursions visit Pisa’s Leaning Tower. Local markets sell ribollita. The peak season, April to October, brings warm weather for city tours. Photography captures Renaissance art and Tuscan vistas. Dining onboard includes bistecca alla fiorentina, an Italian favorite. Souvenirs, like leather crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Medici history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Livorno’s cultural gateway offers a vibrant Italian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic art and scenic hills, making Livorno an engaging destination.

Returning to Livorno — see Day 15 above for port info.

Marseille (Provence), France, offers docking at Marseille Port. Travelers explore Notre-Dame de la Garde and Vieux-Port. Excursions visit Aix-en-Provence’s lavender fields. Local markets sell bouillabaisse. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures basilicas and Mediterranean vistas. Dining onboard includes ratatouille, a French favorite. Souvenirs, like lavender crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Provençal history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Marseille’s cultural charm offers a vibrant French stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic ports and scenic fields, making Marseille an engaging destination for exploration.

Sete (Carcassonne), France, offers docking at Sete Port with excursions to Carcassonne. Travelers explore Carcassonne’s UNESCO fortress and Sete’s canals. Excursions visit Minerve’s Cathar village. Local markets sell tielles. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures medieval ramparts and Mediterranean vistas. Dining onboard includes cassoulet, a Languedoc favorite. Souvenirs, like lavender crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Occitan history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance fortress walks. Sete’s historic charm offers a vibrant French stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of medieval heritage and coastal beauty, making Sete an engaging destination for exploration.

Palamos, Spain, offers docking at Palamos Port. Travelers explore the medieval old town and Fishing Museum. Excursions visit Girona’s Gothic cathedral. Local markets sell gambas de Palamós. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Costa Brava beaches and historic streets. Dining onboard includes fideuà, a Catalan dish. Souvenirs, like ceramics, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Catalonia’s history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance town walks. Palamos’ coastal charm offers a vibrant Spanish stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of maritime heritage, scenic beaches, and medieval history, making Palamos an engaging destination for exploring Spain’s Costa Brava and cultural richness.

Mahon, Menorca, Balearic Islands, Spain, features docking at Mahon Port. Travelers explore the historic Santa Maria Church and Xoriguer Gin Distillery. Excursions visit Ciutadella’s Gothic cathedral and prehistoric Talayotic sites. Local markets sell Mahón cheese. The peak season, May to September, brings warm Mediterranean weather. Photography captures deep-water harbors and limestone cliffs. Dining onboard includes caldereta de langosta, a Menorcan lobster stew. Souvenirs, like espadrilles, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Balearic history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the climate, while comfortable shoes enhance historic site tours. Mahon’s serene harbor and rich archaeological heritage offer a tranquil Spanish stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a blend of cultural exploration, scenic beauty, and Menorca’s laid-back island vibe, making it an ideal destination for history and relaxation.

Barcelona, Spain, offers docking at Barcelona Port. Travelers explore Sagrada Familia and Park Güell. Excursions visit Montserrat Monastery. Local markets sell paella. The peak season, April to October, brings warm weather for city tours. Photography captures Gaudí architecture and Mediterranean vistas. Dining onboard includes tapas, a Spanish favorite. Souvenirs, like ceramic crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Catalan history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Barcelona’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Spanish stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of modernist landmarks and scenic coasts, making Barcelona an engaging destination for exploring Spain’s Catalan region.

Valencia, Spain, offers docking at Valencia Port. Travelers explore City of Arts and Sciences and La Lonja. Excursions visit Albufera’s lagoon. Local markets sell paella. The peak season, April to October, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures futuristic architecture and Mediterranean vistas. Dining onboard includes horchata, a Valencian favorite. Souvenirs, like ceramic crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Valencian history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Valencia’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Spanish stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of modern landmarks and scenic coasts, making Valencia an engaging destination for exploration.

Cartagena, Spain, offers docking at Cartagena Port. Travelers explore Roman Theatre and Naval Museum. Excursions visit Murcia’s cathedral. Local markets sell caldero. The peak season, April to October, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures ancient ruins and Mediterranean vistas. Dining onboard includes zarangollo, a Spanish favorite. Souvenirs, like ceramic crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Carthaginian history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance historic walks. Cartagena’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Spanish stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of Roman landmarks and scenic harbors, making Cartagena an engaging destination for exploring Spain’s Murcia region.

Málaga, Spain, offers docking at Málaga Port. Travelers explore Alcazaba Fortress and Picasso Museum. Excursions visit Ronda’s deep gorges. Local markets sell gazpacho. The peak season, April to October, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Moorish architecture and Mediterranean vistas. Dining onboard includes paella, a Spanish favorite. Souvenirs, like ceramic crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Andalusian history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Málaga’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Spanish stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic fortresses and scenic coasts, making Málaga an engaging destination for exploring Spain’s Costa del Sol.

Gibraltar, U.K., offers docking at Gibraltar Port. Travelers explore Rock of Gibraltar and St. Michael’s Cave. Excursions include dolphin-watching tours. Local markets sell fish and chips. The peak season, April to October, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures limestone cliffs and Mediterranean vistas. Dining onboard includes roast beef, a British favorite. Souvenirs, like monkey-themed crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Barbary history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while sturdy shoes enhance rock hikes. Gibraltar’s unique charm offers a vibrant British stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of natural wonders and scenic straits, making Gibraltar an engaging destination for exploration.

Seville, Spain, offers docking at a Guadalquivir River port. Travelers explore Alcázar’s Moorish palace and Seville Cathedral. Excursions visit Jerez’s sherry bodegas. Local markets sell gazpacho. The peak season, April to October, brings warm weather for city tours. Photography captures Gothic spires and Andalusian vistas. Dining onboard includes jamón ibérico, a Spanish favorite. Souvenirs, like flamenco crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Andalusian history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance historic walks. Seville’s vibrant charm offers a dynamic Spanish stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of Moorish heritage and cultural landmarks, making Seville an engaging destination for exploration.

Returning to Seville — see Day 27 above for port info.

Returning to Seville — see Day 27 above for port info.

Lisbon, Portugal, offers docking at Lisbon Port. Travelers explore Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery. Excursions visit Sintra’s Pena Palace. Local markets sell pastéis de nata. The peak season, April to October, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Manueline architecture and Tagus River vistas. Dining onboard includes bacalhau, a Portuguese favorite. Souvenirs, like azulejo crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Age of Exploration history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Lisbon’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Portuguese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic landmarks and scenic rivers, making Lisbon an engaging destination.

Leixoes, Portugal, has docking at Leixoes Port with excursions to Oporto. Travelers explore Porto’s Ribeira district and Livraria Lello. Excursions visit Douro Valley vineyards. Local markets sell port wine. The peak season, April to October, brings mild weather. Photography captures Douro River views and azulejo tiles. Dining onboard includes francesinha, a Porto dish. Souvenirs, like cork crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Portuguese history. Light layers suit the temperate climate. Comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Leixoes’ access to Porto offers a vibrant Portuguese stop, blending culture with riverfront charm.

Bilbao, Spain, docks at Getxo Port, 10 kilometers from downtown, with shuttles for 20-minute rides. The city, population 340,000, features the Guggenheim Museum with Frank Gehry’s titanium design. Travelers stroll Casco Viejo for pintxos bars. Excursions to San Sebastián, 1 hour east, explore La Concha Beach. Local markets sell Idiazabal cheese. Peak season June to September; taxis 10-15 EUR. Dining includes bacalao at old town taverns. Souvenirs feature Basque berets.

Pasajes, Spain, provides docking at Pasajes Port. Travelers explore the historic fishing village and Victor Hugo’s house museum. Excursions visit San Sebastián’s La Concha Beach. Local markets sell pintxos. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures colorful boats and Basque architecture. Dining onboard includes marmitako, a Basque stew. Souvenirs, like berets, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Basque history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance village walks. Pasajes’ quaint coastal charm offers a vibrant Spanish stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of maritime heritage, scenic beaches, and Basque culture, making Pasajes an engaging destination for exploring Spain’s northern coast and traditions.

Bordeaux, France, docks on the Garonne River at Port de la Lune, a 10-minute walk to the city center, population 260,000. Travelers visit the Gothic Cathédrale Saint-André and Place de la Bourse. Local markets sell canelés. Excursions to Saint-Émilion, 45 minutes east, explore wine chateaux. Peak season April to October; trams 2 EUR. Dining includes entrecôte bordelaise at riverside bistros. Souvenirs feature wine corks. Bike rentals explore vineyard trails.

Returning to Bordeaux — see Day 35 above for port info.

Returning to Bordeaux — see Day 35 above for port info.

St. Peter Port, Guernsey, Channel Islands, offers docking at St. Peter Port with tenders to shore. Travelers explore Castle Cornet and Hauteville House. Excursions visit Sark Island. Local markets sell Guernsey gâche. The peak season, May to September, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures harbor views and English Channel vistas. Dining onboard includes bean jar, a Guernsey favorite. Souvenirs, like wool crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Norman history. Light layers and waterproof shoes suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance castle walks. St. Peter Port’s historic charm offers a vibrant stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of maritime heritage and scenic islands, making Guernsey an engaging destination.

St. Malo, France, offers docking at St. Malo Port. Travelers explore walled old town and Fort National. Excursions visit Mont Saint-Michel. Local markets sell galettes. The peak season, May to September, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures ramparts and English Channel vistas. Dining onboard includes moules marinières, a Breton favorite. Souvenirs, like cider crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Breton history. Light layers and waterproof shoes suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance cobblestone walks. St. Malo’s historic charm offers a vibrant French stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of medieval walls and coastal beauty, making St. Malo an engaging destination for exploration.

Cherbourg, France, docks at Port de Cherbourg, 1 kilometer from downtown, with shuttles for 10-minute rides. The city, population 80,000, features the Cité de la Mer with Titanic exhibits. Travelers visit Fort du Roule for harbor views. Local markets sell Calvados. Excursions to Mont Saint-Michel, 2 hours south, explore medieval abbeys. Peak season May to September; taxis 5-10 EUR. Dining includes moules marinières at port bistros. Souvenirs feature Norman pottery.

Rouen, France, offers docking at a Seine River port. Travelers explore Rouen Cathedral and Joan of Arc sites. Excursions visit Giverny’s Monet gardens. Local markets sell tarte normande. The peak season, May to September, brings mild weather for river tours. Photography captures Gothic spires and Seine vistas. Dining onboard includes sole meunière, a Norman favorite. Souvenirs, like calvados, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Normandy history. Light layers suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance cobblestone walks. Rouen’s medieval charm offers a vibrant French stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic landmarks, artistic heritage, and riverfront beauty, making Rouen an engaging destination for exploring France’s Normandy region.

Returning to Rouen — see Day 42 above for port info.

Honfleur, France, has docking at Honfleur Port. Travelers explore the picturesque harbor and Sainte-Catherine Church. Excursions visit Deauville’s beaches. Local markets sell Calvados brandy. The peak season, May to September, brings mild weather. Photography captures cobblestone streets and Seine views. Dining onboard includes moules marinières, a Norman dish. Souvenirs, like cider bottles, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Impressionist history. Light layers suit the temperate climate. Comfortable shoes enhance harbor walks. Honfleur’s charming waterfront offers a delightful French stop, blending artistic heritage with coastal beauty.

Dunkerque, France, has docking at Dunkerque Port. Travelers explore the WWII Operation Dynamo museum. Excursions visit Malo-les-Bains’ beaches. Local markets sell mussels. The peak season, May to September, brings mild weather. Photography captures historic fortifications. Dining onboard includes carbonnade flamande. Souvenirs, like lace crafts, are available in ship shops. Briefings cover wartime history. Light layers suit coastal weather. Dunkerque’s historic port offers a poignant French coastal stop.

Antwerp, Belgium, docks on the Scheldt River at Kattendijkdok, 2 kilometers from Grote Markt, with trams or a 20-minute walk. The city, population 530,000, features the Cathedral of Our Lady with Rubens’ altarpieces. Travelers visit the MAS Museum for maritime history. Excursions to Bruges, 90 minutes west, explore medieval canals. Local markets sell Belgian waffles. Peak season April to October; trams 3 EUR. Dining includes moules-frites at old town brasseries. Souvenirs feature lace bookmarks.

Ijmuiden, Netherlands, has docking at Ijmuiden Port with excursions to Amsterdam. Travelers explore Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum and canal cruises. Excursions visit Zaanse Schans’ windmills. Local markets sell stroopwafels. The peak season, April to September, brings mild weather. Photography captures canals and historic facades. Dining onboard includes bitterballen, a Dutch snack. Souvenirs, like Delft pottery, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Dutch Golden Age. Light layers suit the temperate climate. Comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Ijmuiden’s access to Amsterdam offers a vibrant Dutch stop, blending culture with canal charm.