Spirit of Discovery
December 20, 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.

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.

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.

Santa Cruz de La Palma, Canary Islands, offers docking at La Palma Port. Travelers explore old town’s colonial streets and Caldera de Taburiente. Excursions visit Los Tilos’ laurel forests. Local markets sell mojo sauce. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather for island tours. Photography captures colorful facades and volcanic vistas. Dining onboard includes papas arrugadas, a Canarian favorite. Souvenirs, like cigar crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover La Palma history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the subtropical climate, while sturdy shoes enhance hikes. Santa Cruz’s island allure offers a vibrant Spanish stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of colonial heritage and natural beauty, making La Palma an engaging destination.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands, offers docking at Santa Cruz Port. Travelers explore Auditorio de Tenerife and Anaga Mountains. Excursions visit Teide National Park. Local markets sell mojo potatoes. The peak season, November to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures volcanic landscapes and Atlantic vistas. Dining onboard includes ropa vieja, a Canarian favorite. Souvenirs, like lava crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Guanche history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the subtropical climate, while sturdy shoes enhance mountain hikes. Santa Cruz’s coastal charm offers a vibrant Spanish stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of modern landmarks and scenic volcanoes, making Santa Cruz an engaging destination.

Arrecife, Lanzarote, Canary Islands, docks at Puerto de Naos, 2 kilometers from downtown, with shuttles or taxis for 10-minute rides. The city, population 60,000, features the San Gabriel Castle, now a history museum. Charco de San Ginés, a lagoon, hosts fishing boats. Excursions to Timanfaya National Park, 30 minutes west, explore volcanic craters. Local markets sell mojo sauce. Peak season November to April; taxis 5-10 EUR. Dining includes papas arrugadas at harbor cafes. Souvenirs feature lava jewelry.

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.

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

Vigo, Spain, offers docking at Vigo Port. Travelers explore Cíes Islands and Santa María Cathedral. 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 rugged islands 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 island walks. Vigo’s coastal charm offers a vibrant Spanish stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of natural islands and historic shrines, making Vigo an engaging destination for exploration.

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