Italy, Portugal & Morocco 11 netter • Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy til Lisbon, Portugal • Mariner 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.

Sicily's capital city Palermo is a patchwork of influences from the Greeks, Romans, Arabs and Normans, all of whom have left their imprint here throughout the ages. Admire the diverse architecture of the Palazzo Reale, the historic seat of the kings of Sicily. Check out Piazza Vigliena, the 17th-century Baroque center square. Explore stunning mosaics at the Martorana. Or head to the top of Mount Pellegrino, where you can visit the enigmatic Shrine of St. Rosalia and take in vast views of the Golden Shell Valley.

All across Cagliari, you can find markings from past conquerers. Wander through the first-century ruins of Villa Tigellius to get a taste of the Romans. Step into the church of San Giacomo to find an architectural expression of Spanish affluence. Head to the historic old town to see medieval Torre dell'Elefante, a guard tower that dates back to 1307. Just a short walk away, you'll find the Bastione San Remy, the city's 19th-century fortifications.

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.

Cruise into Tangier, Morocco, and discover a city where continents meet and cultures blend in spectacular fashion. As your ship docks, you’ll step into a vibrant port city brimming with history, charm, and breathtaking views. 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. Just a short journey from the port, Cape Spartel offers stunning vistas where the Atlantic and Mediterranean meet, while the legendary Hercules Caves invite you to explore their myth-filled beauty. Back at the waterfront promenade, enjoy Moroccan and European-inspired flavors at cafes and restaurants lining the coast. Tangier’s artistic legacy, inspiring writers and painters for generations, adds to its allure. A cruise to Tangier delivers an unforgettable blend of history, culture, and coastal beauty, leaving travelers with memories to last a lifetime.

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.

Portugal's Madeira island is a natural paradise. The lush mountains, brilliant flower gardens and jagged cliffs offer the perfect backdrop for an adventure-filled holiday. Break a sweat hiking one of the levandas, or cool off with a dip in the crystal-clear blue waters. Or indulge in some local cuisine, like grilled mussels or espetada, Madeira's answer to the grilled beef kebab.

Porto is a city that offers so much history and architecture to explore. Enter the Palacio da Bolsa to appreciate the decorative carvings and the traditional tile work. And if you've got your architecture fix taken care of then venture out to Foz do Douro, a trendy district that offers views of where the river enters the ocean and take it all in.

Lisbon is a quintessential European city, full of natural beauty, historic architecture and culinary pleasures — not to mention one of the best climates anywhere on the planet. To get to know Portugal's capital, walk between the captivating miradouros — terrace viewpoints that are scattered on the hilltops, offering stunning vistas from the sea to the castles and beyond. Watch as the light peeks through the clouds and shines down on The City of Seven Hills during your cruise to Lisbon. If you're a history buff, head to Belem or nearby Sintra to explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Jeronimos Monastery and Quinta da Regalaira.