15 Night Azores & Spain Transatlantic

Caribbean charm shines in the Bahamian capital, where you’re never more than a few steps away from rhythmic percussions, appetizing flavors, white-sand beaches, and some of the clearest waters in the world. This picture-perfect paradise was once a pirate’s haven— and you can explore its colorful past of buccaneers, blockade-runners and bootleggers along historical streets and at the three colonial fortresses that line the shores. If you’re looking for a more hands-on maritime adventure, look no further. Cruise to Nassau and swim with stingrays, dive with dolphins, or spot colorful coral on a glass-bottom boat. And just across the bridge is beautiful Paradise Island, home to world-famous luxury hotels and resorts. Spend the day at the famous Atlantis and splash your way through its expansive water park, grab a piña colada at the Marina Village, and spot the hammerhead sharks in Predator Lagoon.

Nicknamed the Green Island, Ponta Delgada is full of lush natural wonders, 16th-century architecture and mini-expeditions. When you arrive at the Azorean capital, situated on the south coast of the island Sao Miguel, wander around the old town to snap photos of monuments that cover postcards, traditional Portuguese churches and old forts. Or embark on an afternoon on the water to catch sight of the whales and dolphins that gather in the sea.

The hub of Spain's southern Costa del Sol, Málaga is the picture of paradise. Scale the hilltop to dramatic La Alcazaba, the sandy-colored Moorish fortress dating back to the 11th century that overlooks this ancient seaside city. Sun yourself on the idyllic beaches of Caleta and Malagueta, taking in views of the mountains across the bay. See the eccentric works of modernist master Pablo Picasso, the city's most famous native son, at the Picasso Museum. Cruise to Málaga and immerse yourself in baroque and renaissance architecture at Málaga Cathedral, with its elaborate arches and stone reliefs depicting the saints, or turn the clock back to the first century A.D. at the ruins of the Roman Theatre.

Situated on the white sandy beaches and crystal-clear Mediterranean waters of Spain's eastern shore, the lively city of Alicante is rich in Moorish and Spanish history. It's perched at the base of the ancient fortress Castillo de Santa Barbara, where you can climb or take an elevator to explore the castle during your Spain cruise. Wander through the narrow lanes and colorful houses of the Old Town, then head toward the seafront on the Explanada de Espana, a marble-laid promenade. Relax on the golden sand of Playa del Postiguet beach. A few streets over, at the foot of Mount Benacantil, you'll find the Basilica de Santa Maria with its distinctive twin towers — Alicante's oldest church, it was built in the 13th century when the Spanish reclaimed the city from the Moors.