SeaDream II
May 5, 2025

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.

Porto, Portugal, offers docking at a Douro River port. Travelers explore Ribeira District and Livraria Lello. Excursions visit Douro Valley vineyards. Local markets sell francesinha. The peak season, April to October, brings mild weather for river tours. Photography captures colorful riverfronts and Douro vistas. Dining onboard includes bacalhau, a Portuguese favorite. Souvenirs, like port wine, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Portucale history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Porto’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Portuguese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic districts and scenic vineyards, making Porto an engaging destination for exploration.

Baiona, Spain, docks at Puerto de Baiona, a 10-minute walk to the old town, population 12,000. Travelers visit the Monte Real Fortress, a 16th-century castle with sea views. The Carabela Pinta replica showcases Columbus’ 1493 return. Excursions to Vigo, 20 minutes north, explore oyster markets. Local markets sell percebes (goose barnacles). Peak season June to September; taxis 5-10 EUR. Dining includes pulpo a la gallega at harbor tapas bars. Souvenirs feature scallop shells.

La Coruña, Spain, offers docking at La Coruña Port. Travelers explore Tower of Hercules and María Pita Square. 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 Roman lighthouses 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 historic walks. La Coruña’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Spanish stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of ancient landmarks and scenic coasts, making La Coruña an engaging destination.

Bilbao, Spain, docks at Getxo Port, 10 kilometers from downtown, with shuttles for 20-minute rides. The city, population 340,000, features the Guggenheim Museum with Frank Gehry’s titanium design. Travelers stroll Casco Viejo for pintxos bars. Excursions to San Sebastián, 1 hour east, explore La Concha Beach. Local markets sell Idiazabal cheese. Peak season June to September; taxis 10-15 EUR. Dining includes bacalao at old town taverns. Souvenirs feature Basque berets.

Returning to Bilbao — see Day 6 above for port info.

San Sebastian, Spain, offers docking at San Sebastian Port. Travelers explore La Concha Beach and Parte Vieja’s pintxo bars. Excursions visit Monte Igueldo’s viewpoints. Local markets sell txakoli. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Basque architecture and Bay of Biscay vistas. Dining onboard includes bacalao al pil-pil, a Basque favorite. Souvenirs, like espadrilles, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Basque history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance beach walks. San Sebastian’s culinary charm offers a vibrant Spanish stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of scenic beaches and Basque culture, making San Sebastian an engaging destination.

Saint-Jean-de-Luz, France, offers docking at Saint-Jean-de-Luz Port. Travelers explore La Maison Louis XIV and sandy beaches. Excursions visit Biarritz’s surfing coast. Local markets sell gâteau basque. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Basque architecture and Bay of Biscay vistas. Dining onboard includes piperade, a Basque favorite. Souvenirs, like espadrilles, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Basque history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance beach walks. Saint-Jean-de-Luz’s coastal charm offers a vibrant French stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic sites and Basque culture, making Saint-Jean-de-Luz an engaging destination for exploration.

Bordeaux, France, docks on the Garonne River at Port de la Lune, a 10-minute walk to the city center, population 260,000. Travelers visit the Gothic Cathédrale Saint-André and Place de la Bourse. Local markets sell canelés. Excursions to Saint-Émilion, 45 minutes east, explore wine chateaux. Peak season April to October; trams 2 EUR. Dining includes entrecôte bordelaise at riverside bistros. Souvenirs feature wine corks. Bike rentals explore vineyard trails.

Returning to Bordeaux — see Day 10 above for port info.