Spirit of Discovery
November 6, 2026

Portsmouth, England, provides docking at Portsmouth Port. Travelers explore the Historic Dockyard and HMS Victory. Excursions visit Stonehenge’s ancient stones. Local markets sell pork pies. The peak season, May to September, brings mild weather for city tours. Photography captures naval ships and Solent vistas. Dining onboard includes fish and chips, an English favorite. Souvenirs, like nautical crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover maritime history. Light layers and waterproof shoes suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance dockyard walks. Portsmouth’s naval heritage offers a vibrant English stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic ships, prehistoric sites, and coastal charm, making Portsmouth an engaging destination for exploring England’s maritime and ancient history.

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.

Mahon, Menorca, Balearic Islands, Spain, features docking at Mahon Port. Travelers explore the historic Santa Maria Church and Xoriguer Gin Distillery. Excursions visit Ciutadella’s Gothic cathedral and prehistoric Talayotic sites. Local markets sell Mahón cheese. The peak season, May to September, brings warm Mediterranean weather. Photography captures deep-water harbors and limestone cliffs. Dining onboard includes caldereta de langosta, a Menorcan lobster stew. Souvenirs, like espadrilles, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Balearic history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the climate, while comfortable shoes enhance historic site tours. Mahon’s serene harbor and rich archaeological heritage offer a tranquil Spanish stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a blend of cultural exploration, scenic beauty, and Menorca’s laid-back island vibe, making it an ideal destination for history and relaxation.

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.

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.

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.

Tangier, Morocco, offers docking at Tangier Port. Travelers explore Kasbah Museum and Medina’s souks. Excursions visit Chefchaouen’s blue streets. Local markets sell tagine. The peak season, April to October, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures colorful alleys and Strait of Gibraltar vistas. Dining onboard includes couscous, a Moroccan favorite. Souvenirs, like leather crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Berber history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance medina walks. Tangier’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Moroccan stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic kasbahs and bustling souks, making Tangier an engaging destination for exploring Morocco’s northern coast.

Returning to Portsmouth — see Day 1 above for port info.