Italy, Spain, Azores Transatlantic 14 Nights • Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy • Odyssey of the Seas

The Eternal City endures with endless adventures, so it’s definitely worth exploring before your cruise from Civitavecchia. Rome is just an hour from the port by train, so spending a few days here is easy and convenient. Start each morning with a frothy cappuccino and a warm, flaky cornetto in an al fresco café and watch the city wake. Then head to the Palazzo Massimo, home to one of the world's biggest collections of ancient art. Or visit the thermal Baths of Diocletian, where you can see two ancient, decorated tombs dating back to the early second century AD. And of course, no visit to Rome is complete without a trip to the famous Colosseum, which once hosted gladiator contests, battle reenactments and Roman dramas. If you’re a foodie, you’re in the right city. Roman cuisine is all about simple, fresh, unfussy flavors. Think thin and crispy pizza cooked in wood ovens, homemade pasta tossed in simple sauces, crispy fried vegetables and decadent breakfast pastries often stuffed with cream.

Your ship departs promptly at 5:00 p. m., 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.

While traveling to Florence or Pisa, enjoy a scenic drive through the celebrated Tuscan countryside with its rolling hills, olive and cypress trees and medieval villages. After climbing Pisa's Leaning Tower, explore the atmospheric white, rose and red piazzas (squares). In Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, you can marvel at the paintings in the Uffizi Gallery and cross the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge, packed with local boutiques to poke your head into.

The Mediterranean port of Cartagena is home to 3,000 years of history, with the Roman Theatre dating back to the first century A.D. Visit the eighteenth-century Concepcion Castle and pop into its historical interpretation center while you're there. Stroll through town to enjoy the extensive street art at Plaza del Ayuntamiento.

After your arrive in Málaga, soak in the ancient history at La Alcazaba Moorish fotress and the ruins of the Roman Amphitheatre. Then, unwind on sunny La Malagueta beach or in the orchids and ferns at La Concepcion Botanical Garden. Check out the works of the city's most famous former resident at the Picasso Museum, and savor regional, fresh-caught pescado frito (fried fish) with a squeeze of fresh lemon.

Come see firsthand the unique mix of cultural influences that define Gibraltar. Traipse through the Moorish Castle, a still-standing medieval fortress. Ride the cable car to the summit of the city's namesake landform, the Rock of Gibraltar — at the top, you can get up-close-and-personal with the local Barbary macaques. Then, head to Gibraltar Port and savor the distinctive blend of Mediterranean and British flavors that makes up the local cuisine.

Ponta Delgada offers both history and natural wonders. See the famous Porta da Cidade, made from local volcanic stone, and walk along the 16th-century fortifications of Forte de Sao Bras. Head to the town square, where you'll find the baroque-style Convento de Nossa Senhora da Esperanca. Looking for a more relaxing day, enjoy local Azorean wine and grilled linguica sausage in the city center.

With a front-and-center-stage view of Lower New York Harbor, Cape Liberty is only a hop, skip and a short subway ride away from New York City. This dizzying urban landscape is filled to the brim with non-stop adventure around every street corner. Tucked among the Wall Street skyscrapers and bright Broadway lights, you’ll discover ethnic enclaves, like the famed Little Italy, historic brownstones, European-style cathedrals and leafy Central Park. Take in world-renowned exhibits at MoMA or the Guggenheim. Trace America’s multicultural past at Ellis Island and walk across the Brooklyn Bridge before or after boarding your New Jersey cruise. Or snap a selfie with Lady Liberty, with the Big Apple’s skyline dazzling in the background.

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.