Crystal Serenity - October 1, 2026

Barcelona is the cultural heartland of Spain, yet its first language is Catalan, the native tongue of the proudly independent Catalonia region. Stroll down the shady, tree-lined Ramblas between street musicians and elegant bistros. Then perhaps visit the venerable Gothic cathedral, Picasso Museum or enjoy the architectural genius of Antonio Gaudi's Church of the Holy Family.

The major island in the chain known as the Balearics, Mallorca is Spain's sunny outpost in the Mediterranean. The town of Palma boasts a shady plaza near the Gothic Cathedral. Visit the Roman ruins and the Drach Caves nearby, or journey to the enchanting village of Valledemosa. Leave time to shop for lovely majolica faux pearls and hand-made lace.

Spain's third-largest city, and capital of the province of Valencia, comes as a pleasant surprise to many. Home to paella and the Holy Grail, it is also blessed with great weather and the spring festival of Las Fallas, one of the wildest parties in the country.

A major seaport and naval base, it has a fine natural harbor, protected by forts. It was founded in 225 B.C. and soon became a flourishing port: the chief Carthaginian base in Spain. The medieval Castillo de la Concepcion, whose ruins are surrounded by fine gardens, commands a splendid view of the city and harbor. No traces of the ancient city remain.

One of the "Pillars of Hercules," Gibraltar is an historic landmark with British and Spanish influences. Guarding the entrance to the Atlantic, the great rock still serves as Britain's threshold to the Mediterranean. Take a cable car to the top of the rock for a spectacular view of two continents as well as the famous Barbary apes.

The economic capital of Morocco and the second largest city in Africa, Casablanca is an exotic blend of African, Arabian and European cultures. White-washed houses and peaceful mosques line the narrow streets of ancient Medina, the original Arab Section. Nearby, souks hum with the activity of contented shoppers bargaining for fine leather and handicrafts. The Ain Daib quarter in the southern part of the city boasts a strand of oceanfront resorts and restaurants set along the beach. Visit the mysterious "pink" city of Marrakech with its famed market and snake-charmers.

The "Gateway to Africa," located at its northwestern tip, Tangier is a fashionable resort that retains all of its age-old mystery and excitement. French and Islamic influences meet and merge in this fascinating old city. Mosques and minarets overlook the shadowy streets of the bazaar, while the higher part of town, with its broad boulevards and lovely parks, looks down on the ocean.

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

Lisbon is many cities, from the cobbled alleys of the Alfama district to the broad Parisian style avenues at its heart. View it all from the heights of St. George's Castle. Belem's Monument to the Discoveries recalls the seafaring past, while nearby Sintra's storybook palaces, and the seaside resort of Caiscais, have different tales to tell.