Spain & Portugal Cruise 8 Nights • Barcelona, Spain • Brilliance of the Seas

A cruise from Barcelona is one of the best ways to experience all the brightest jewels of the Mediterranean — but it’s also a great opportunity to spend some time discovering one of the coolest cultural hubs in western Europe. This lively seaside city checks all the boxes — history, culture, amazing food, a thriving art scene and so much more. When you visit Barcelona, you can start every day with a steamy cortado in a charming sidewalk café. After that, the options for adventure are endless. Swim with sharks at Aquarium de Barcelona, one of the largest aquariums in Europe. Check out ancient Roman relics at the Barcelona City History Museum, located in the vibrant Gothic Quarter. Make a reservation to see a sultry flamenco show. And when hunger hits, head to Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria, a pilgrimage site for foodies. It was a covered market back in the 1200s. Now it’s one of the top food markets in the world and a must-visit stop before your cruise out of Barcelona.

Your ship departs promptly at 5:00 pm, so plan to arrive at least 2-3 hours early to account for checking in and boarding protocols. During this time, many of the ship's amenities are open and operating, so feel free to start your vacation early.

Palma de Mallorca is the perfect place to immerse yourself in history and beauty. Go back in time to the 14th century at Bellver Castle, with its mix of Arab arches and Roman-inspired fortification. Catch a wave on the golden sands of El Arenal beach. Then, tuck into cocarrois, a local take on empanadas, or cool off in the quiet gardens and medieval ruins of the 10th-century Arab Baths.

Start your day in Valencia by roaming the cobblestone streets of Barrio del Carmen — walk along the 11th-century city walls built by the Moors before popping to one of the neighborhood's many restaurants for seafood-packed paella. Head to El Cabanyal, the old fishermen's quarter near the beach, to enjoy the sunshine and fresh seafood. Then, soak in the Mediterranean sun and bright-blue waters at Malvarrosa Beach.

Fuel up for your Lisbon adventure with a delectable pasteis de nata, a sweet custard tart spiced with cinnamon and best savored warm. Then, climb the Seven Hills of Portugal and admire panoramic views of the sea and the city from above. Ride the yellow tram to explore every inch of colorful Lisbon. Wander along the seaside in the Belem district and marvel at the 16th-century architecture of the Jeronimos Monastery and Belem Tower.

Porto is a city that offers so much history and architecture to explore. Enter the Palacio da Bolsa to appreciate the decorative carvings and the traditional tile work. And if you've got your architecture fix taken care of then venture out to Foz do Douro, a trendy district that offers views of where the river enters the ocean and take it all in.

Get to know La Coruna by walking the Paseo Maritimo, an ocean-facing promenade that'll take you past some of the city's must-see sights. Pop into the Aquarium Finesterre and say hi to the energetic seals that sun themselves on the outdoor terrace. Climb the hill to the Tower of Hercules, a Roman-era lighthouse that's still in use today. See Celtic artifacts and 16th-century cannons at the fortress of Castillo de San Anton.

Your adventure doesn't have to end once you've gotten back to Southampton. Before you go, spend a few days exploring the quaint English towns of the Hampshire region like Winchester, the ancient capital, or the pretty market town of Romsey. This village is also home to the Romsey Abbey, one of the most magnificent churches in Southern England thanks to its round Norman arches and lofty nave.

The cruise might have ended, but there are still some great activities to enjoy in the area. If you flew into this port, be mindful of your departure flight time and plan accordingly.