Spain & Gibraltar Transatlantic 14 Nights • Miami, Florida to Barcelona, Spain • Rhapsody of the Seas

As far as vacation destinations go, Miami tops most sun-seekers’ lists. With its gorgeous beaches, vibrant neighborhoods and melting pot of cultures, the Magic City is the perfect place to spend a few days before you island hop on a three day cruise from Miami. Before you set sail, jump-start your morning in true Miami style with a Cuban cafecito from a ventanita — a streetside shop window. Then climb the historic lighthouse at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park on quiet Key Biscayne before lounging on the island’s secluded sandy shores. If you’re looking for a bit more action, head to South Beach — home to world-class restaurants, nightlife, shopping and lively beaches, all set against snap-worthy Art Deco buildings. Art lovers who visit Miami can head to Wynwood and explore the neighborhood’s colorful street murals and local galleries. Or take a trip back in time at the Renaissance-style Vizcaya estate, which offers a glimpse into Miami’s dazzling past. From showstopping seven day cruises from Miami to last-minute weekend adventures, spending a day in South Florida is the perfect way to begin your adventure.

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.

Dangling on the western edges of The Bahamas' Out Islands, Bimini was once an escape route for Prohibition-era rumrunners— and today it’s a small-island paradise for sun-seekers and anglers. For such a tiny isle, Bimini certainly packs a huge adventure punch. The capital of Alice Town buzzes with a low-key vibe, while miles of sugary sands lead to scuba diving and snorkeling in bright-blue waters filled with sunken shipwrecks. Legend has it Bimini Road was once part of the Lost City of Atlantis, and several ghosts haunt Great Isaac Lighthouse. Here you can go sailing, Bimini Museum browsing or Bimini Nature Trail hiking— all amid the salty Bahamian air.

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.

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.

Sunny Alicante sits at the foot of the historic Castillo de Santa Barbara. Meander along the narrow streets of its old town, or shop and dine along the city's shady, marble-laid promenade along the seafront. Alicante's white sandy beach Playa del Postiguet has gentle, shallow waters and a great castle view.

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.

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.