Island Princess
March 9, 2025

Cape Town, South Africa, docks at V&A Waterfront, a 10-minute walk to downtown, population 4 million. Travelers ascend Table Mountain via cable car for panoramic views. Local markets sell biltong. Excursions to Robben Island, 30 minutes by ferry, visit Mandela’s cell. Peak season November to March; taxis 50-100 ZAR. Dining includes bobotie at waterfront restaurants. Souvenirs feature beaded crafts.

Returning to Cape Town — see Day 1 above for port info.

Walvis Bay, Namibia, offers docking at Walvis Bay Port. Travelers explore Dune 7 and Swakopmund’s German architecture. Excursions include flamingo tours at the lagoon. Local markets sell biltong. The peak season, May to October, brings dry weather for coastal tours. Photography captures sand dunes and Atlantic vistas. Dining onboard includes kapana, a Namibian favorite. Souvenirs, like Himba crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Namib history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the arid climate, while sturdy shoes enhance dune walks. Walvis Bay’s desert allure offers a vibrant Namibian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of unique landscapes and wildlife, making Walvis Bay an engaging destination for exploration.

Mindelo, Cape Verde, offers docking at Porto Grande. Travelers explore the vibrant Mercado Municipal and Palácio do Povo. Excursions visit São Vicente’s Monte Verde for panoramic hikes. Local markets sell grogue, a local rum. The peak season, November to April, brings mild weather for island tours. Photography captures colorful colonial buildings and Atlantic vistas. Dining onboard includes cachupa, a Cape Verdean stew. Souvenirs, like woven baskets, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Creole culture. Light clothing and sun protection suit the subtropical climate, while sturdy shoes enhance mountain hikes. Mindelo’s lively music and cultural blend offer a vibrant Cape Verde stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of colonial heritage, scenic landscapes, and Afro-Portuguese traditions, making Mindelo an engaging destination for exploring Cape Verde’s unique island charm and vibrant cultural scene.

Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, offers docking at Funchal Port. Travelers explore Monte Palace Gardens and Funchal Cathedral. Excursions include levada walks. Local markets sell bolo de mel. The peak season, April to October, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures lush gardens and Atlantic vistas. Dining onboard includes espada com banana, a Madeiran favorite. Souvenirs, like embroidery crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Madeiran history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the subtropical climate, while sturdy shoes enhance levada hikes. Funchal’s scenic charm offers a vibrant Portuguese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of botanical beauty and scenic coasts, making Funchal an engaging destination.

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.

Siracusa, Sicily, Italy, offers docking at Siracusa Port. Travelers explore Ortigia’s Duomo and Archimedes Museum. Excursions visit Etna’s volcanic slopes. Local markets sell arancini. The peak season, April to October, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures baroque architecture and Ionian vistas. Dining onboard includes pasta alla norma, a Sicilian favorite. Souvenirs, like lava crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Greek history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance historic walks. Siracusa’s ancient charm offers a vibrant Italian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of archaeological sites and coastal beauty, making Siracusa an engaging destination for exploration.

Piraeus (Athens), Greece, offers docking at Piraeus Port with excursions to Athens. Travelers explore Acropolis and Parthenon. Excursions visit Cape Sounion. Local markets sell souvlaki. The peak season, April to October, brings warm weather for city tours. Photography captures ancient ruins and Aegean vistas. Dining onboard includes moussaka, a Greek favorite. Souvenirs, like olive oil, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Hellenic history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance historic walks. Piraeus’ cultural gateway offers a vibrant Greek stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of iconic landmarks and scenic coasts, making Piraeus an engaging destination for exploration.

Volos, Greece, offers docking at Volos Port. Travelers explore Centaurs’ Path and Archaeological Museum. Excursions visit Meteora’s monasteries. Local markets sell tsipouro. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures cliff monasteries and Aegean vistas. Dining onboard includes souvlaki, a Greek favorite. Souvenirs, like olive oil, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Thessaly history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while sturdy shoes enhance monastery hikes. Volos’ cultural charm offers a vibrant Greek stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of ancient artifacts and scenic cliffs, making Volos an engaging destination for exploring Greece’s mainland coast.

Patmos, Greece, provides docking at Skala Port. Travelers explore the Monastery of St. John and Cave of the Apocalypse, both UNESCO sites. Excursions visit Chora’s historic village. Local markets sell loukoumades. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather for island tours. Photography captures Byzantine architecture and Aegean vistas. Dining onboard includes dolmades, a Greek favorite. Souvenirs, like religious icons, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Patmos’ biblical history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance monastery walks. Patmos’ spiritual heritage offers a serene Greek stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of sacred sites, scenic beauty, and island culture, making Patmos an engaging destination for exploring Greece’s Dodecanese heritage.

Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey, offers docking at Kusadasi Port with excursions to Ephesus. Travelers explore Ephesus ruins and Artemis Temple. Excursions visit Virgin Mary’s House. Local markets sell baklava. The peak season, April to October, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures ancient ruins and Aegean vistas. Dining onboard includes kebabs, a Turkish favorite. Souvenirs, like carpet crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Hellenistic history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance ruin walks. Kusadasi’s historic charm offers a vibrant Turkish stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of archaeological sites and scenic coasts, making Kusadasi an engaging destination.

Rhodes, Greece, offers docking at Rhodes Port. Travelers explore Medieval City and Lindos Acropolis. Excursions include snorkeling at Kallithea Springs. Local markets sell souvlaki. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Knights’ Street and Aegean vistas. Dining onboard includes moussaka, a Greek favorite. Souvenirs, like ceramic crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Dodecanese history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance historic walks. Rhodes’ cultural charm offers a vibrant Greek stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of UNESCO landmarks and scenic beaches, making Rhodes an engaging destination for exploration.

Chania, Crete, Greece, docks at Souda Port, 7 kilometers from downtown, with taxis for 15-minute rides. The city, population 50,000, features the 16th-century Venetian Harbor. Travelers visit the Archaeological Museum for Minoan artifacts. Local markets sell raki. Excursions to Samaria Gorge, 1 hour south, offer hikes. Peak season May to September; taxis 5-10 EUR. Dining includes bougatsa at harbor cafes. Souvenirs feature olive oil soaps.

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.

Bar, Montenegro, docks at the port, 1 kilometer from Old Bar, with taxis for 10-minute rides. The city, population 42,000, features the 11th-century Stari Bar fortress. Travelers stroll the Aqueduct, a 16th-century Ottoman structure. Local markets sell rakija brandy. Excursions to Lake Skadar, 30 minutes north, offer boat tours. Peak season June to September; taxis 5-10 EUR. Dining includes cevapi at seaside cafes. Souvenirs feature olive oil.

Taranto, Italy, offers docking at Taranto Port. Travelers explore Aragonese Castle and MarTa Museum’s artifacts. Excursions visit Alberobello’s trulli houses. Local markets sell orecchiette. The peak season, April to October, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures ancient ruins and Ionian vistas. Dining onboard includes tiella, an Apulian favorite. Souvenirs, like ceramic crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Magna Graecia history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance historic walks. Taranto’s ancient charm offers a vibrant Italian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of archaeological treasures and scenic coasts, making Taranto an engaging destination for exploring Italy’s Puglia region.

Valletta, Malta, offers docking at Valletta Port. Travelers explore St. John’s Co-Cathedral and Upper Barrakka Gardens. Excursions visit Mdina’s medieval walls. Local markets sell pastizzi. The peak season, April to October, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Baroque architecture and Mediterranean vistas. Dining onboard includes rabbit stew, a Maltese favorite. Souvenirs, like lace crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Knights of Malta history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance historic walks. Valletta’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Maltese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of UNESCO landmarks and scenic harbors, making Valletta an engaging destination.

Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, offers docking at Civitavecchia Port with excursions to Rome. Travelers explore Colosseum and Pantheon. Excursions visit Vatican City’s Sistine Chapel. Local markets sell gelato. The peak season, April to October, brings warm weather for city tours. Photography captures ancient ruins and Tyrrhenian vistas. Dining onboard includes carbonara, an Italian favorite. Souvenirs, like Murano glass, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Roman history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance historic walks. Civitavecchia’s cultural gateway offers a vibrant Italian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of ancient landmarks and scenic coasts, making Civitavecchia an engaging destination.

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.

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.

Genoa, Italy, offers docking at Genoa Port. Travelers explore Palazzo Ducale and Via Garibaldi. Excursions visit Portofino’s colorful harbor. Local markets sell focaccia. The peak season, April to October, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Renaissance palaces and Ligurian vistas. Dining onboard includes pesto pasta, an Italian favorite. Souvenirs, like ceramic crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Genoese history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance historic walks. Genoa’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Italian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic landmarks and scenic coasts, making Genoa an engaging destination for exploring Italy’s Liguria region.

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.

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.

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.

Cádiz (Seville), Spain, offers docking at Cádiz Port with excursions to Seville. Travelers explore Seville’s Alcázar and Cádiz’s old town. Excursions visit Jerez’s sherry bodegas. Local markets sell gazpacho. The peak season, April to October, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Moorish palaces and Atlantic vistas. Dining onboard includes jamón ibérico, a Spanish favorite. Souvenirs, like fan 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. Cádiz’s cultural gateway offers a vibrant Spanish stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic landmarks and scenic coasts, making Cádiz an engaging destination.

Casablanca, Morocco, docks at Port de Casablanca, 3 kilometers from downtown, with taxis for 15-minute rides. The city, population 3.5 million, features the Hassan II Mosque with a 210-meter minaret. Travelers stroll the Corniche for Atlantic views. Local markets sell tagines. Excursions to Rabat, 1 hour north, visit the Royal Palace. Peak season April to October; taxis 20-50 MAD. Dining includes couscous at medina cafes. Souvenirs feature leather slippers.

Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain, has docking at Arrecife Port. Travelers explore Timanfaya National Park’s volcanic landscapes. Excursions visit Jameos del Agua’s lava caves. Local markets sell mojo sauce. The peak season, November to April, brings mild weather. Photography captures black sand beaches and volcanic craters. Dining onboard includes papas arrugadas, a Canarian dish. Souvenirs, like lava jewelry, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover volcanic history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the subtropical climate. Sturdy shoes enhance park hikes. Lanzarote’s dramatic landscapes offer a vibrant Spanish stop, blending volcanoes with coastal charm.

Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, offers docking at Las Palmas Port. Travelers explore Vegueta’s old town and Las Canteras Beach. Excursions visit Bandama Caldera. Local markets sell papas arrugadas. The peak season, November to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures colonial streets and Atlantic vistas. Dining onboard includes sancocho canario, a Canarian favorite. Souvenirs, like mojo sauce crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Guanche history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the subtropical climate, while sturdy shoes enhance caldera hikes. Las Palmas’ coastal charm offers a vibrant Spanish stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic districts and scenic beaches, making Las Palmas an engaging destination.

Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida, offers docking at Port Everglades. Travelers explore Las Olas Boulevard and Everglades tours. Excursions include airboat rides. Local markets sell conch fritters. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures canals and Atlantic vistas. Dining onboard includes stone crab, a Floridian favorite. Souvenirs, like seashell crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Seminole history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the subtropical climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Fort Lauderdale’s urban charm offers a vibrant American stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of scenic waterways and natural adventures, making Fort Lauderdale an engaging destination for exploration.

Cartagena, Colombia, offers docking at Cartagena Port. Travelers explore San Felipe Castle and Old Town’s colorful streets. Excursions include Rosario Islands snorkeling. Local markets sell arepas. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures colonial walls and Caribbean vistas. Dining onboard includes sancocho, a Colombian favorite. Souvenirs, like emerald crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Spanish colonial history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while comfortable shoes enhance historic walks. Cartagena’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Colombian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic fortresses and scenic islands, making Cartagena an engaging destination for exploration.

Panama Canal Transit, Panama, offers scenic cruising without docking. Travelers view Gatun Locks and Centennial Bridge from the ship. Excursions include canal history tours. No facilities exist; provisions are ship-based. The peak season, December to April, brings dry weather for canal cruising. Photography captures engineering marvels and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes arroz con pollo, a Panamanian favorite. Souvenirs, like molas, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover canal history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while binoculars enhance lock viewing. Panama Canal’s industrial allure offers a vibrant stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of engineering feats and scenic waterways, making the Panama Canal an engaging destination.

Puntarenas, Costa Rica, offers docking at Puntarenas Port. Travelers explore Paseo de los Turistas and Carara National Park. Excursions include zip-lining in Monteverde. Local markets sell gallo pinto. The peak season, December to April, brings dry weather for coastal tours. Photography captures mangroves and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes casado, a Costa Rican favorite. Souvenirs, like coffee crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Tico history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while sturdy shoes enhance rainforest hikes. Puntarenas’ natural charm offers a vibrant Costa Rican stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of wildlife and scenic coasts, making Puntarenas an engaging destination.

Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala, offers docking at Puerto Quetzal Port. Travelers explore Antigua’s colonial streets and Pacaya Volcano. Excursions include coffee plantation tours. Local markets sell tamales. The peak season, December to April, brings dry weather for coastal tours. Photography captures cobblestone plazas and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes pepián, a Guatemalan favorite. Souvenirs, like textile crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Mayan history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while sturdy shoes enhance volcano hikes. Puerto Quetzal’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Guatemalan stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of colonial heritage and scenic volcanoes, making Puerto Quetzal an engaging destination.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, offers docking at Puerto Vallarta Port. Travelers explore Malecón and Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. Excursions include snorkeling at Los Arcos. Local markets sell pozole. The peak season, November to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures colorful boardwalks and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes birria, a Mexican favorite. Souvenirs, like huichol crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Jalisco history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance reef exploration. Puerto Vallarta’s coastal charm offers a vibrant Mexican stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of cultural landmarks and marine adventures, making Puerto Vallarta an engaging destination for exploration.

San Pedro (Los Angeles), California, offers docking at San Pedro Port. Travelers explore USS Iowa and Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. Excursions visit Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. Local markets sell fish tacos. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures historic ships and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes avocado toast, a Californian favorite. Souvenirs, like surf-themed crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Chumash history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. San Pedro’s maritime charm offers a vibrant American stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of naval history and scenic coasts, making San Pedro an engaging destination.