Spain & Morocco Transatlantic 16 netter • New Orleans, Louisiana til Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy • 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.

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.

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.

The Mediterranean port of Cartagena is home to 3,000 years of history, with the Roman Theatre dating back to the first century A.D. Visit the eighteenth-century Concepcion Castle and pop into its historical interpretation center while you're there. Stroll through town to enjoy the extensive street art at Plaza del Ayuntamiento.

With 28 centuries of celebrated history, Rome holds the edge when it comes to unrivaled adventures. The city that sparked the world’s largest empire is very much alive today with a jumble of ancient ruins, world-renowned art and vivacious street culture. Here you can live la dolce vita, recalling the glory days of Ancient Rome and twirling forks full of pasta in a trattoria. Ride past centuries-old basilicas in a three-wheeled Ape Calessino, or stand in awe of paintings by Italian masters at Villa Borghese. Whether it’s Vatican City’s spiritual allure, Trastevere’s backstreet charms, or the Colosseum’s embattled legacy— The Eternal City endures with endless adventures.