Spain & Portugal Transatlantic 14 Nights • Southampton, England • Independence of the Seas

A cruise out of Southampton unlocks all kinds of incredible destinations, from French and Spanish wine country to Norway’s majestic fjords. But this charming port is also a great destination in and of itself. Spend some time getting to know it before your vacation — you won’t be disappointed. If you have a soft spot for medieval history, you’ll find plenty of interesting sites here. Like Bargate, a gatehouse that dates back over a thousand years to Norman times. Or visit St. Michael's church on Castle Way — built in the 11th century, it’s home to ancient Norman artifacts and relics. Then, fast forward a few centuries at the Tudor house in St. Michael’s Square, which served as the home of a wealthy merchant family in the 15th century. Today it’s a museum that showcases exhibits featuring nearly a thousand years of local history.

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.

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.

Get a taste of Spain's Galicia region in the bustling port city of Vigo. See the work of local artists at the Vigo Museum of Contemporary Art. Then, head to the Cies Islands for a dip in the clear blue waters surrounded by the region's forested mountains. Later, feast on huge grilled red prawns and meaty mussels with a glass of crisp Galician white wine.

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.

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.

Find yourself right in the middle of the vibrant Junkanoo culture, bustling straw markets and glitzy casinos of Nassau. Here you can march to the beat of your own goombay drum, surrounded by swaying palm trees, white-sand beaches and the crystal-clear turquoise waters that make the islands of The Bahamas famous.

Head west of the city for a bike ride past alligators on the Everglades’ Shark Valley route. Take the kids to the Miami Children’s Museum, or paddle a kayak through Biscayne Bay. Come evening, indulge in haute cuisine at a swanky beachside restaurant— all before cocktails and dancing amid The Magic City’s trendy nightlife scene.

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.