Seabourn Ovation - May 8, 2024

Lisbon is many cities, from the cobbled alleys of the Alfama district to the broad Parisian style avenues at its heart. View it all from the heights of St. George's Castle. Belem's Monument to the Discoveries recalls the seafaring past, while nearby Sintra's storybook palaces, and the seaside resort of Caiscais, have different tales to tell.

For a scenic view of Oporto, proceed to the 12th-century Cathedral where a long stone balcony overlooks the river and city below. Take a wine-tasting tour in this city renowned for its port wine and sample the region's local specialties. The city of Oporto makes a wonderful backdrop for savoring a glass of its fine liquor.

Now one of the principal Spanish naval stations, El Ferrol's natural harbour, protected from the sea by rocky hills, is the third largest in Spain. After 1939 the city's name became El Ferrol del Caudillo because it was the birthplace of General Francisco Franco, who had become caudillo (leader) of Spain; in the 1980s, however, the longer name was abolished.

Arriving at Waterford is spectacular. It is a big event for this small town and the people warmly welcome you. Tour its famous crystal factory and watch how it's done. Or, enjoy a drive across Ireland's scenic countryside.

Holyhead is a port and resort on the Welsh Holy Island. Visitors to the town can still see much evidence of early Celtic and Roman cultures. Places of interest in the Holyhead area include Holy Mountain and the South Stack Lighthouse. Visitors can also go fishing, golfing, and sailing. The town is known as a busy ferry port.

Set on a hill north of the Sperrin mountains, the port city of Derry is surrounded by a wall that dates back to the seventeenth century. Within these walls, you'll find the wealth of history and culture of one of the longest continuously inhabited places in Ireland. Walk the narrow passageways surrounding Shipquay Street, Derry's main street. Or visit the Amelia Earhart Cottage, which commemorates her historic voyage and visit to Derry.

The walled inner town of St. Malo dominates the view as you sail into the harbour of this historic city, making this ancient naval port one of France's top tourist attractions. It is possible to walk the perimeter of the inner town on the ramparts on top of the walls. The walk not only gives fine views of St. Malo itself but also up the valley of the Rance towards Dinard and out over the numerous off shore islets.

Cherbourg is located in Normandy, which is a province of France. Ever since the reign of Louis XIV, Cherbourg has been an important port town to all of Europe. The city is dominated by Mount Roule, which is the site of a fortress. From the terrace at Mount Roule, one can view a magnificent panorama of the area, which includes the Naval and arsenal, as well as the lush Emmanuel Liasis park, which houses an impressive display of subtropical vegetation.

Dover is the port city for London, England. Its famous white cliffs have inspired songs and have been a welcome-home sight for returning Brits. Your trip to London takes you through the gorgeous countryside of Kent, where many of England's well-to-do keep fabulous country estates. In London, you'll know you're in one of the great capitals of the world.

One of the largest and most modern ports in the world, Rotterdam is the major foreign-trade center of the Netherlands and its second largest city. Among the noteworthy buildings that survived the German air bombardment of 1940 were the stock exchange, the city hall, and the Van Beuningen Museum, with its collection of paintings by Dutch masters.

Norway's political and cultural capital, Oslo was recently selected as the city with the highest quality of life in Europe. It's not surprising, considering the city's treasures: beautiful Frogner Park filled with modern sculpture, the emotional power of the Munch Museum, the Viking Ship Museum, forested mountains and secluded coves, all within the city limits.

Sweden's second city, Gothenburg - situated on the country's west coast - has a magnificent harbour and a brilliant showpiece boulevard. The most popular attraction in Sweden, Liseberg is one of the world's best amusement parks. Gothenburg is easily accessible by air, bus, train and boat and, once you're there, a bunch of spanking new hostels in the city center awaits your weary head.

Copenhagen is the capital city of Denmark, and travelers find it incredibly charming. For historical interest, explore the streets of Christianborg and Amelienborg palaces. Leisure seekers can stroll the streets or lounge in the cafes of Stroget. Visit Tivoli Gardens, too, and don't forget to see the statue of the Little Mermaid, a tribute to Hans Christian Andersen.

The Kiel Canal also known as the Nord-Ostsee Kanal is an artificial waterway in northwestern Germany that links the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. The canal extends in a northeastern direction across the state of Schleswig-Holstein from Brunsbuttelkoog, near the mouth of the Elbe River, to Kiel, on the Baltic.

Hamburg's port on the river Elbe has been busy since medieval times, when it was a cornerstone of the Hanseatic League. It is a graceful city of parks and lakes, and grand old buildings like the Rathaus (City Hall). Brahms and Mendelssohn were born here, and Hans Leip, who wrote Lili Marlene.

Hamburg's port on the river Elbe has been busy since medieval times, when it was a cornerstone of the Hanseatic League. It is a graceful city of parks and lakes, and grand old buildings like the Rathaus (City Hall). Brahms and Mendelssohn were born here, and Hans Leip, who wrote Lili Marlene.