Sirena
September 22, 2025

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.

Zeebrugge (Bruges), Belgium, offers docking at Zeebrugge Port with excursions to Bruges. Travelers explore Bruges’ Belfry and Markt Square. Excursions visit Ghent’s cathedral. Local markets sell waffles. The peak season, May to September, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures medieval canals and North Sea vistas. Dining onboard includes moules-frites, a Belgian favorite. Souvenirs, like lace crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Flemish history. Light layers and waterproof shoes suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance cobblestone walks. Zeebrugge’s cultural gateway offers a vibrant Belgian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic landmarks and scenic canals, making Zeebrugge an engaging destination.

Le Havre (Paris), France, offers docking at Le Havre Port with excursions to Paris. Travelers explore Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum. Excursions visit Normandy’s D-Day beaches. Local markets sell crêpes. The peak season, May to September, brings mild weather for city tours. Photography captures Parisian landmarks and Seine vistas. Dining onboard includes coq au vin, a French favorite. Souvenirs, like beret crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Norman history. Light layers and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Le Havre’s urban gateway offers a vibrant French stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of iconic landmarks and historic beaches, making Le Havre an engaging destination.

Dublin, Ireland, offers docking at Dublin Port. Travelers explore Trinity College and Guinness Storehouse. Excursions visit Cliffs of Moher. Local markets sell boxty. The peak season, May to September, brings mild weather for city tours. Photography captures Georgian architecture and Liffey River vistas. Dining onboard includes Irish stew, an Irish favorite. Souvenirs, like Claddagh crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Celtic history. Light layers and waterproof boots suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Dublin’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Irish stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic landmarks and scenic cliffs, making Dublin an engaging destination for exploration.

Nantes, France, offers docking at a Loire River port. Travelers explore Château des Ducs de Bretagne and Machines de l’Île’s mechanical creatures. Excursions visit Clisson’s medieval castle. Local markets sell galettes. The peak season, April to October, brings mild weather for city tours. Photography captures Loire riverfronts and steampunk art. Dining onboard includes beurre blanc fish, a Breton dish. Souvenirs, like nautical crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Brittany’s history. Light layers suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance castle walks. Nantes’ blend of history and innovation offers a vibrant French stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic fortresses, artistic creations, and scenic riverfronts, making Nantes an engaging destination for exploring Brittany’s cultural and creative heritage.

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 8 above for port info.

San Sebastian, Spain, offers docking at San Sebastian Port. Travelers explore La Concha Beach and Parte Vieja’s pintxo bars. Excursions visit Monte Igueldo’s viewpoints. Local markets sell txakoli. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Basque architecture and Bay of Biscay vistas. Dining onboard includes bacalao al pil-pil, a Basque favorite. Souvenirs, like espadrilles, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Basque history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance beach walks. San Sebastian’s culinary charm offers a vibrant Spanish stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of scenic beaches and Basque culture, making San Sebastian an engaging destination.

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.

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.