Marina
September 15, 2026

Belfast, Northern Ireland, offers docking at Belfast Port. Travelers explore Titanic Belfast and Giant’s Causeway. Excursions visit Ulster Museum. Local markets sell Ulster fry. The peak season, May to September, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures basalt columns and Irish Sea vistas. Dining onboard includes Irish stew, a Northern Irish favorite. Souvenirs, like linen crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Celtic history. Light layers and waterproof boots suit the temperate climate, while sturdy shoes enhance causeway hikes. Belfast’s cultural charm offers a vibrant stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of industrial heritage and scenic coasts, making Belfast an engaging destination for exploration.

Dun Laoghaire (Dublin), Ireland, has docking at Dun Laoghaire Harbour. Travelers stroll the Victorian pier. Excursions explore Powerscourt Estate’s gardens. Local markets sell Irish cheese. The peak season, May to September, brings mild weather. Photography captures Dublin Bay. Dining onboard includes boxty. Souvenirs, like shamrock trinkets, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover maritime history. Light layers suit temperate conditions. Dun Laoghaire’s coastal charm offers a serene Irish stop near Dublin.

Cobh (Cork), Ireland, offers docking at Cobh Port with excursions to Cork. Travelers explore St. Colman’s Cathedral and Blarney Castle. Excursions visit Kinsale’s harbor. Local markets sell soda bread. The peak season, May to September, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures colorful waterfronts and Irish Sea vistas. Dining onboard includes Irish stew, an Irish favorite. Souvenirs, like wool crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Gaelic history. Light layers and waterproof boots suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance historic walks. Cobh’s maritime charm offers a vibrant Irish stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic landmarks and scenic harbors, making Cobh an engaging destination.

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.

Le Verdon-sur-Mer, France, has docking at Le Verdon Port with excursions to Bordeaux. Travelers explore Bordeaux’s wine museums and Place de la Bourse. Excursions visit Médoc vineyards. Local markets sell canelés. The peak season, May to September, brings mild weather. Photography captures Gironde estuary and chateaux. Dining onboard includes entrecôte bordelaise, a French dish. Souvenirs, like wine bottles, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover wine history. Light layers suit the temperate climate. Comfortable shoes enhance vineyard tours. Le Verdon’s wine country access offers a serene French stop, blending culture with scenic beauty.

Returning to Bordeaux — see Day 5 above for port info.

Saint-Jean-de-Luz, France, offers docking at Saint-Jean-de-Luz Port. Travelers explore La Maison Louis XIV and sandy beaches. Excursions visit Biarritz’s surfing coast. Local markets sell gâteau basque. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Basque architecture and Bay of Biscay vistas. Dining onboard includes piperade, a Basque favorite. Souvenirs, like espadrilles, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Basque history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance beach walks. Saint-Jean-de-Luz’s coastal charm offers a vibrant French stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic sites and Basque culture, making Saint-Jean-de-Luz an engaging destination for exploration.

Gijon, Spain, has docking at Gijon Port. Travelers explore Cimadevilla’s historic fishing quarter. Excursions visit Oviedo’s Gothic cathedral. Local markets sell fabada, an Asturian stew. The peak season, May to September, brings mild weather. Photography captures Atlantic beaches and colorful streets. Dining onboard includes cachopo, a regional dish. Souvenirs, like cider bottles, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Asturian culture. Light layers suit the temperate climate. Comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Gijon’s coastal charm and cultural vibrancy provide a delightful Spanish stop, blending maritime heritage with regional traditions.

La Coruña, Spain, offers docking at La Coruña Port. Travelers explore Tower of Hercules and María Pita Square. Excursions visit Santiago de Compostela. Local markets sell pulpo a la gallega. The peak season, April to October, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Roman lighthouses and Atlantic vistas. Dining onboard includes empanada gallega, a Spanish favorite. Souvenirs, like scallop crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Galician history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance historic walks. La Coruña’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Spanish stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of ancient landmarks and scenic coasts, making La Coruña an engaging destination.

Oporto, Portugal, offers docking at Leixões Port. Travelers explore Ribeira’s colorful waterfront and Livraria Lello. Excursions visit Douro Valley’s vineyards for port wine tastings. Local markets sell pastéis de nata. The peak season, April to October, brings mild weather for city tours. Photography captures tiled buildings and Douro River views. Dining onboard includes francesinha, a Porto favorite. Souvenirs, like port bottles, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Portugal’s maritime history. Light layers suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance riverside walks. Oporto’s vibrant riverfront charm offers a dynamic Portuguese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic sites, wine culture, and scenic beauty, making Oporto an engaging destination for exploring Portugal’s northern heritage and Douro Valley.

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.