French novelist Marcel Proust famously wrote, “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.” With Royal Caribbean ships sailing around the world, our crew members have the opportunity to discover new places and perspectives nearly every day. To give you an inside look through their eyes, we’ve selected a few favorite shots our crew has captured during their travels across the top five destinations in Europe.
Want to get in on the action? Through October, Symphony of the Seas (the world’s largest cruise ship) is making roundtrip journeys from Barcelona, stopping at multiple ports in the Mediterranean along the way. If you’re feeling inspired after looking through these snapshots, find your perfect Europe cruise here!
Amalfi Coast, Italy
It’s hard to imagine ever getting tired of the beautiful Amalfi Coast in Italy. With delicious Italian food, stunning vistas of the Mediterranean Sea and ancient Roman history at your fingertips — the Amalfi Coast has it all. This is undoubtedly one of our crew members’ favorite spots, and who can blame them? History buffs can tour the ancient ruins of Pompeii, gourmands can taste the region’s specialty limoncello liqueur and get their fill of extra virgin olive oil and fresh mozzarella, and those looking for glamour can explore the stunning villas of Capri.
Take a cruise to the Amalfi Coast and other culture-rich destinations, and you just might come away with a new lease on life.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona’s most iconic landmark is La Sagrada Familía, Antoni Gaudí’s unfinished architectural masterpiece, and it’s for good reason. The cathedral has been under construction for more than 130 years, and it’s a sight to see with its spectacular facades and towering spires unlike any other cathedral in the world. Visiting La Sagrada Famlía is a must. Barcelona also has world famous beaches, museums, delicious tapas and exciting nightlife to enjoy. While there, be sure to check out the city’s other modernist masterpieces, and if you’re in the mood for a little excitement, head out for a night of flamenco dancing.
Plan a cruise to Barcelona to take in all the sights of the city.
Lisbon, Portugal
Situated on the northern bank of the Tagus River, looking out to the Atlantic, you’ll find the Monument to the Discoveries in Lisbon, Portugal. The giant stone monument commemorates the spot where Portuguese navigators and ships departed in the 15th and 16th centuries to trade in faraway lands. As an epicenter of travel and trade, Lisbon has since developed into a city rich with a mix of cultures, religions and customs. Modern-day explorers can get a sense of the notable land by sampling Portuguese wine, attending a high-energy soccer match, or biking through the city’s narrow alleyways and historic squares.
Discover Lisbon and explore the cruises that can take you there.
Copenhagen, Denmark
There are quite a few ways to explore the beautiful city of Copenhagen, Denmark: Hop on a bicycle, and find yourself blending in with the locals as you cycle through the city’s many sites, like the bronze Little Mermaid statue and the 17th-century Rosenborg Castle. You can also explore the city by water as you cruise through the canals of the storybook Christianshavn district. Of course, you can’t go wrong with a good ol’ fashioned stroll through the city, providing plenty of opportunities to stop for a drink along the way too.
Learn more about the many cruises sailing to Copenhagen here.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Nowadays, Dubrovnik, Croatia might be best known as the place where Game of Thrones has been filmed, but the city’s history is even more fascinating than what you see on the TV show. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the old city of Dubrovnik and the walls that surround it have survived many empires, from the Roman to the Byzantine. Walk through the old city and admire historic structures or see Dubrovnik from above by cable car.
Looking to set sail for Dubrovnik? See which itineraries are heading there now.
Get packing! Find a Royal Caribbean cruise sailing to European landscapes (new and familiar) here.