Seven Seas Splendor
August 11, 2025

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.

Skiathos, Greece, offers docking at Skiathos Port. Travelers explore Koukounaries Beach and Evangelistria Monastery. Excursions include boat tours to Lalaria Beach. Local markets sell loukoumades. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures pine-clad shores and Aegean vistas. Dining onboard includes stifado, a Greek favorite. Souvenirs, like olive oil, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Sporades history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while water shoes enhance beach exploration. Skiathos’ island charm offers a vibrant Greek stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of scenic beaches and cultural heritage, making Skiathos an engaging destination for exploring Greece’s Sporades.

Istanbul, Turkey, offers docking at Istanbul Port. Travelers explore Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. Excursions visit Blue Mosque. Local markets sell simit. The peak season, April to October, brings mild weather for city tours. Photography captures Ottoman domes and Bosphorus vistas. Dining onboard includes döner kebab, a Turkish favorite. Souvenirs, like carpet crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Byzantine history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance historic walks. Istanbul’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Turkish stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic landmarks and scenic waterways, making Istanbul an engaging destination for exploring Turkey’s cultural hub.

Returning to Istanbul — see Day 3 above for port info.

Cesme, Turkey, docks at Cesme Port, a 10-minute walk to the town center, population 40,000. Travelers visit the 16th-century Cesme Castle for Ottoman artifacts. Local markets sell lokum. Excursions to Alaçatı, 15 minutes east, explore windmill-lined streets. Peak season June to September; taxis 20-50 TRY. Dining includes kumru sandwiches at seaside cafes. Souvenirs feature evil eye beads.

Santorini, Greece, offers docking at Fira Port with tenders to shore. Travelers explore Oia’s blue-domed churches and Thera ruins. Excursions include sailing to Nea Kameni. Local markets sell fava beans. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather for island tours. Photography captures caldera views and Aegean vistas. Dining onboard includes moussaka, a Greek favorite. Souvenirs, like volcanic crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Minoan history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while sturdy shoes enhance cliff walks. Santorini’s iconic charm offers a vibrant Greek stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of stunning views and ancient ruins, making Santorini an engaging destination.

Positano, Italy, has no docking; ships anchor offshore with tenders to the Amalfi Coast. Travelers explore colorful cliffside villages and Spiaggia Grande. Excursions visit Amalfi’s cathedral. Local markets sell limoncello. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures pastel houses and Tyrrhenian vistas. Dining onboard includes spaghetti alle vongole, an Italian favorite. Souvenirs, like ceramics, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Amalfi history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance village walks. Positano’s picturesque charm offers a vibrant Italian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of scenic coastlines, historic sites, and coastal culture, making Positano an engaging destination for exploring Italy’s Amalfi Coast beauty.

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.

Monte Carlo, Monaco, offers docking at Monte Carlo Port. Travelers explore Prince’s Palace and Casino de Monte-Carlo. Excursions visit Eze’s medieval village. Local markets sell pissaladière. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures yachts and Mediterranean vistas. Dining onboard includes bouillabaisse, a Monégasque favorite. Souvenirs, like perfume crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Grimaldi history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance village walks. Monte Carlo’s luxurious charm offers a vibrant Monégasque stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of opulent landmarks and scenic Riviera, making Monte Carlo an engaging destination.

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.

Returning to Barcelona — see Day 12 above for port info.

Alicante, Spain, offers docking at Alicante Port. Travelers explore Santa Bárbara Castle and Explanada de España. Excursions visit Elche’s palm groves. Local markets sell turrón. The peak season, April to October, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Moorish castles and Mediterranean vistas. Dining onboard includes arroz a banda, a Spanish 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 castle walks. Alicante’s coastal charm offers a vibrant Spanish stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic landmarks and scenic promenades, making Alicante an engaging destination for exploration.

Granada, Spain, has no docking; ships anchor at Motril Port with excursions to Granada. Travelers explore the Alhambra’s UNESCO-listed Moorish palaces. Excursions visit Albaicín’s historic streets. Local markets sell turrón. The peak season, April to October, brings mild weather. Photography captures intricate tiles and Sierra Nevada views. Dining onboard includes gazpacho, an Andalusian staple. Souvenirs, like ceramic plates, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Moorish history. Light clothing suits the temperate climate. Comfortable shoes enhance palace tours. Granada’s rich heritage offers a profound Spanish stop, immersing travelers in its cultural splendor.

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.

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.

Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal, offers docking at Ponta Delgada Port. Travelers explore Sete Cidades and Furnas hot springs. Excursions include whale-watching tours. Local markets sell cozido das Furnas. The peak season, April to October, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures volcanic lakes and Atlantic vistas. Dining onboard includes bacalhau, a Portuguese favorite. Souvenirs, like lava crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Azorean history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the subtropical climate, while sturdy shoes enhance crater hikes. Ponta Delgada’s natural charm offers a vibrant Portuguese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of volcanic landscapes and marine adventures, making Ponta Delgada an engaging destination.

Horta, Azores, Portugal, has docking at Horta Port. Travelers explore Faial’s volcanic Capelinhos. Excursions visit Caldeira’s crater trails. Local markets sell Azorean cheese. The peak season, May to September, brings mild weather. Photography captures volcanic landscapes and marina murals. Dining onboard includes cozido, an Azorean stew. Souvenirs, like scrimshaw crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover volcanic history. Light layers suit the temperate climate. Sturdy shoes enhance hikes. Horta’s scenic beauty offers a tranquil Portuguese stop, blending volcanic wonders with island charm.

St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada, offers docking at St. John’s Port. Travelers explore Signal Hill and Quidi Vidi village. Excursions include puffin-watching at Cape Spear. Local markets sell toutons. The peak season, June to September, brings milder weather for coastal tours. Photography captures colorful rowhouses and Atlantic vistas. Dining onboard includes cod au gratin, a Newfoundland favorite. Souvenirs, like Labradorite crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Viking history. Warm layers and waterproof boots suit the cool climate, while sturdy shoes enhance hill walks. St. John’s maritime charm offers a vibrant Canadian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic sites and scenic coasts, making St. John’s an engaging destination.

Corner Brook, Newfoundland, Canada, docks at Corner Brook Port, a 10-minute walk to downtown, population 20,000. Travelers visit the Captain James Cook Monument for Bay of Islands views. Local markets sell moose jerky. Excursions to Gros Morne, 1 hour north, offer fjord hikes. Peak season June to September; taxis 5-10 CAD. Dining includes cod au gratin at harbor restaurants. Souvenirs feature Labradorite jewelry.

Quebec City, Quebec, Canada, offers docking at Quebec City Port. Travelers explore Old Quebec and Montmorency Falls. Excursions visit Île d’Orléans. Local markets sell poutine. The peak season, June to September, brings mild weather for river tours. Photography captures fortified walls and St. Lawrence vistas. Dining onboard includes tourtière, a Quebecois favorite. Souvenirs, like maple crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover French Canadian history. Light layers and waterproof boots suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance historic walks. Quebec City’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Canadian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of UNESCO landmarks and scenic rivers, making Quebec City an engaging destination.

Montreal, Quebec, Canada, offers docking at Montreal Port. Travelers explore Old Montreal and Notre-Dame Basilica. Excursions visit Mont Tremblant. Local markets sell poutine. The peak season, June to September, brings mild weather for city tours. Photography captures cobblestone streets and St. Lawrence vistas. Dining onboard includes tourtière, a Quebecois favorite. Souvenirs, like maple crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover French Canadian history. Light layers and waterproof boots suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance historic walks. Montreal’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Canadian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic districts and scenic rivers, making Montreal an engaging destination for exploration.

Returning to Montreal — see Day 29 above for port info.

Returning to Quebec City — see Day 28 above for port info.

Saguenay, Quebec, Canada, offers docking at Saguenay Port. Travelers explore Saguenay Fjord and La Pulperie Museum. Excursions include whale-watching in Tadoussac. Local markets sell tourtière. The peak season, June to September, brings mild weather for fjord tours. Photography captures dramatic cliffs and St. Lawrence vistas. Dining onboard includes poutine, a Quebecois favorite. Souvenirs, like maple crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Quebec’s history. Light layers suit the temperate climate, while sturdy shoes enhance fjord hikes. Saguenay’s natural charm offers a vibrant Canadian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of scenic fjords, cultural heritage, and wildlife adventures, making Saguenay an engaging destination for exploring Quebec’s wilderness.

Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada, offers docking at Sydney Port. Travelers explore Fortress of Louisbourg and Baddeck’s Bell Museum. Excursions include Cabot Trail tours. Local markets sell oatcakes. The peak season, June to September, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures colonial forts and Atlantic vistas. Dining onboard includes seafood chowder, a Nova Scotian favorite. Souvenirs, like Celtic crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Acadian history. Light layers and waterproof boots suit the temperate climate, while sturdy shoes enhance trail hikes. Sydney’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Canadian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic forts and scenic coasts, making Sydney an engaging destination.

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, offers docking at Halifax Port. Travelers explore Peggy’s Cove and Citadel Hill. Excursions include whale-watching tours. Local markets sell lobster rolls. The peak season, June to September, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures lighthouses and Atlantic vistas. Dining onboard includes seafood chowder, a Nova Scotian favorite. Souvenirs, like Acadian crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Mi’kmaq history. Light layers and waterproof boots suit the temperate climate, while sturdy shoes enhance coastal walks. Halifax’s maritime charm offers a vibrant Canadian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic forts and scenic coasts, making Halifax an engaging destination for exploration.

Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, offers docking at Saint John Port. Travelers explore Reversing Falls and Rockwood Park. Excursions include Hopewell Rocks tours. Local markets sell dulse. The peak season, June to September, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures tidal phenomena and Bay of Fundy vistas. Dining onboard includes seafood chowder, a New Brunswick favorite. Souvenirs, like Acadian crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Mi’kmaq history. Light layers and waterproof boots suit the temperate climate, while sturdy shoes enhance park hikes. Saint John’s natural charm offers a vibrant Canadian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of tidal wonders and scenic parks, making Saint John an engaging destination.

Portland, Maine, offers docking at Portland Port. Travelers explore Old Port and Portland Head Light. Excursions include lobster boat tours. Local markets sell lobster rolls. The peak season, June to September, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures lighthouses and Atlantic vistas. Dining onboard includes clam chowder, a Maine favorite. Souvenirs, like blueberry crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Wabanaki history. Light layers and waterproof boots suit the temperate climate, while sturdy shoes enhance coastal walks. Portland’s maritime charm offers a vibrant American stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic districts and scenic harbors, making Portland an engaging destination for exploration.

Boston, Massachusetts, offers docking at Black Falcon Terminal. Travelers explore Freedom Trail and Boston Common. Excursions visit Salem’s Witch Museum. Local markets sell clam chowder. The peak season, May to September, brings mild weather for city tours. Photography captures colonial landmarks and Charles River vistas. Dining onboard includes lobster rolls, a New England favorite. Souvenirs, like patriot crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Revolutionary history. Light layers suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance historic walks. Boston’s cultural charm offers a vibrant American stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic trails and scenic harbors, making Boston an engaging destination for exploration.

New York, New York, offers docking at Manhattan Cruise Terminal. Travelers explore Statue of Liberty and Central Park. Excursions include Broadway shows. Local markets sell bagels. The peak season, May to September, brings mild weather for city tours. Photography captures skyscrapers and Hudson River vistas. Dining onboard includes pastrami sandwiches, a New York favorite. Souvenirs, like I ❤️ NY crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Lenape history. Light layers suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. New York’s urban charm offers a vibrant American stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of iconic landmarks and cultural experiences, making New York an engaging destination.