Spain & Morocco Transatlantic 17 Nights • New Orleans, Louisiana to Barcelona, Spain • Mariner of the Seas

It’s easy to get lost in the magic of New Orleans. With its stately Creole-style architecture, world-class food scene, and impromptu parades, this loud, colorful city makes for a great start to any adventure. If you cruise from New Orleans, you should definitely plan to spend a few days exploring the city’s French Quarter, famous for its nightlife, jazz clubs, street performers and iconic balconied buildings. Make sure to try some of New Orleans’s famous sweet beignets and chicory café au lait at some point during your visit, but save room for heartier fare — New Orleans is known around the world for its cooking, and you’re going to want to dig in to steaming bowls of jambalaya, crispy po-boys and savory muffalettas. If you visit New Orleans, you should also pencil in a ghost tour — the city is famous for its haunted history, and local tour guides do a great job bringing all the hair-raising details to life.

Your ship departs promptly at 4:00 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.

Adventure is hotter in The Magic City. From the sun-drenched beaches to the diverse blend of cultures. Pedal a bike along Ocean Drive’s Art Deco strip or kayak through Oleta River State Park’s winding mangroves. Swim with dolphins at the Miami Seaquarium. Or explore the deep-rooted Cuban heritage of Little Havana, complete with croquetas, mojitos, cigars and live salsa music.

As you depart the ship, you'll become aware of the hubbub: Casablanca is bustling, especially in the port. Head away from that area and into the city center, where you'll find tall Moorish buildings, like the Hassan II Mosque, or Art Deco landmarks, like the Sacré-Coeur Cathedral. From there, walk to where you can enjoy a snack or beverage in Place des Nations Unies — a bustling square filled with restaurants. Not sure what to indulge in? Seafood pastilla and snail soup are not to be missed. After you've filled up, it's time to try your hand at haggling in the souks. Watch the locals at Maarif Market strike bargains over fresh flowers, olives and spices before trying it yourself.

Spend the day exploring Tangier, Morocco, before you set sail on your epic cruise. Begin at the iconic Kasbah, a hilltop fortress offering sweeping panoramas of the Mediterranean, or explore the Medina, a maze of bustling souks filled with spices, textiles, and handmade treasures. In this awe-inspiring city, continents meet and cultures blend in spectacular fashion. And it’s easily accessible, and the Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport is only a short drive away. A cruise to Tangier delivers an unforgettable blend of history, culture, and coastal beauty, leaving travelers with memories to last a lifetime.

Seville’s distinct personality is intoxicating. Wander its narrow streets and you’ll discover palaces built by Moorish kings in Old Town and lively tapas bars in Santa Cruz. Admire the lavish stylings of Plaza de España, and stroll through greenery at Maria Luisa Park. Stand in Spain’s oldest bullfighting ring. Marvel at Spanish masterworks at the Museum of Fine Arts. Or breathe in citywide views from Torre del Oro.

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.

Afternoons in Barcelona are best spent eating Spanish tapas in a cozy bar. Then take a Gaudí-inspired architecture crawl to see modernist wonders like Casa Milà, Casa Batlló, Park Güell and the awe-inspiring La Sagrada Família. Explore medieval dockyards at the Maritime Museum— or throw on an apron and learn the centuries-old art of Catalan cuisine in a chef-led cooking class.

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.