Spirit of Discovery
December 18, 2027

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.

Leixoes, Portugal, has docking at Leixoes Port with excursions to Oporto. Travelers explore Porto’s Ribeira district and Livraria Lello. Excursions visit Douro Valley vineyards. Local markets sell port wine. The peak season, April to October, brings mild weather. Photography captures Douro River views and azulejo tiles. Dining onboard includes francesinha, a Porto dish. Souvenirs, like cork crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Portuguese history. Light layers suit the temperate climate. Comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Leixoes’ access to Porto offers a vibrant Portuguese stop, blending culture with riverfront charm.

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.

Cadiz, Spain, in Andalusia, is on the Atlantic coast, near the Strait of Gibraltar. One of Europe’s oldest cities, its port leads to a historic center with narrow streets and the 18th-century Cadiz Cathedral. The Roman Theatre and city walls show its ancient roots. Nearby beaches like La Caleta are popular, and Jerez, 35 km away, offers sherry tastings. The surrounding Costa de la Luz has sandy shores and coastal villages, ideal for day trips. Local markets sell fresh seafood, reflecting Cadiz’s maritime culture.

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.

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.

Tenerife, Canary Islands, offers docking at Santa Cruz de Tenerife Port. Travelers explore Teide National Park and Loro Parque. Excursions visit Anaga Mountains. Local markets sell mojo potatoes. The peak season, November to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures volcanic peaks 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. Tenerife’s natural charm offers a vibrant Spanish stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of volcanic landscapes and scenic coasts, making Tenerife an engaging destination.

La Gomera, Canary Islands, Spain, has docking at San Sebastián Port. Travelers explore Garajonay National Park’s UNESCO-listed laurel forests. Excursions visit Valle Gran Rey’s beaches. Local markets sell palm honey. The peak season, November to April, brings mild weather. Photography captures misty forests and volcanic coasts. Dining onboard includes almogrote, a Gomera cheese paste. Souvenirs, like pottery, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Guanche history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the subtropical climate. Sturdy shoes enhance forest hikes. La Gomera’s natural beauty offers a serene Spanish stop, blending forests with island allure.

La Palma, Canary Islands, Spain, has docking at Santa Cruz de La Palma Port. Travelers explore Caldera de Taburiente National Park’s volcanic crater. Excursions visit Los Tilos’ laurel forests. Local markets sell mojo sauce. The peak season, November to April, brings mild weather. Photography captures volcanic landscapes and starry skies. Dining onboard includes papas arrugadas, a Canarian dish. Souvenirs, like cigars, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover volcanic history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the subtropical climate. Sturdy shoes enhance hikes. La Palma’s natural beauty offers a serene Spanish stop, blending volcanoes with island charm.

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 14 above for port info.

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