Italy & Spain Solar Eclipse

Civitavecchia was settled in 108 A.D. by the Emperor Trajan and has since served faithfully as a gateway to the capital of the Empire—Rome. Once the center of the Ancient World from which emperors ruled over nearly all of western civilization, Rome is still a cultural mecca. Stroll the ancient halls of the Colosseum or gaze upon the ceilings of the Sistine Chapel.

La Spezia, Italy is a stunning town not far from some of Italy’s most famous cities like Pisa, Genoa and Florence. Historically, La Spezia was a prominent trade center during the Roman Empire. Today it remains not only one of Italy’s busiest port towns, but also home to the country’s largest naval base. As a stop on a Cinque Terre cruise, La Spezia is convenient, centrally located, and a little underrated. The city is a major stop for a variety of Mediterranean cruises, and passengers often continue on to Ligurian cities like Cinque Terre, Pisa, or Genoa from La Spezia. Cinque Terre is merely a thirty minute westbound train from Stazione La Spezia Centrale, making it easy to explore the port of call and surrounding areas in a day or half-day excursion. Florence, too, is just two hours away—start your day on the coast of the Ligurian Sea and end the day looking up in awe at the Gothic-style Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. From the La Spezia cruise port, you’ll have a view of commercial and passenger ships coming and going from the port’s plentiful canals and inlets. Don’t miss views of the Apuan Alps and Cinque Terre to the west. On your Cinque Terre cruise, the opportunities are plentiful to explore inland cities and seaside towns alike.

There are few towns more picturesque than Portofino, an Italy cruise destination that rivals Cinque Terre, Florence, and Rome. This small and intimate vacationer’s haven offers Portofino cruise passengers the quintessential Italian experience. You’ll be tendered via boat to a land of sunshine, beach umbrellas, and fresh seafood, where you can scuba dive to see a statue of Christ underwater, or enjoy a challenging hike up Monte de Portofino for the afternoon. Portofino begs you to turn off the notifications on your phone, order a cold drink or sip a cappuccino, and enjoy the finer things in life. The pastel homes and buildings against the glittering lure of the Ligurian Sea is a feast for the eyes. Sure, you could venture on to Genoa or spend a day in San Rocco, but Portofino has all the simple pleasures you could ask for. Portofino, oozing Italian charm and brimming with art and history, is proof that you don’t have to compete with Italy’s big cities for a great time.

Formerly a sleepy Spanish city, Barcelona has recently been reborn as an eclectic fusion of the modern and medieval. Seek inspiration from the creations of its modernist architect, Antonio Gaudí, or the Picasso Museum. Or, take in the breathtaking cathedrals in the Gothic Quarter.

Share your meal with an incredible view as you journey toward the Old World aboard our youngest fleet of ships. Once you land, view priceless works of art as you crane your neck toward the heavens in the Sistine Chapel. Sip from a demitasse cup of espresso in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower. And see why Rome wasn’t built in a day and marvel how it’s preserved over two and a half thousand years later. Master your poker face and brush up on your blackjack in our onboard casino. Then take on the highest rollers in the city of Monte Carlo. Or take a wine tasting course presented by our professional Sommeliers so when you’re tapas hopping in Spain, you’ll order the perfect pairing.

Málaga is the gateway to the Andalusian countryside and the Costa del Sol, some of the region’s most impressive beaches. It also is home to a number of magnificent palaces, including the Moorish Alcabaza and Gibralfaro.

Pristine waters and white sand beaches surround visitors in Cagliari, the capital of the island of Sardinia. This Mediterranean paradise is filled with great opportunities to scuba, snorkel and swim, in addition to exploring local attractions like the ancient churches and monuments of Castello, the city’s oldest sector.

Civitavecchia was settled in 108 A.D. by the Emperor Trajan and has since served faithfully as a gateway to the capital of the Empire—Rome. Once the center of the Ancient World from which emperors ruled over nearly all of western civilization, Rome is still a cultural mecca. Stroll the ancient halls of the Colosseum or gaze upon the ceilings of the Sistine Chapel.