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. Ahead of your cruise from the Port of Miami, 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 holiday early.

A small Bahamian island with a mysterious past once recognized as the location of the Lost City of Atlantis and legendary Fountain of Youth. Today, a hidden gem known for miles of pristine beaches, plenty of water activities, and year-round sport fishing.

The great Rock of Gibraltar is a sight to behold. Made of limestone, it towers 1,400 feet above the mouth of the majestic Mediterranean Sea and is surrounded by beautiful countryside and a nature reserve.

Malaga is the gateway to the Andalusian countryside and the Costa del Sol, some of the region's most impressive beaches. It also is home to a number of magnificent palaces, including the Moorish Alcabaza and Gibralfaro.

Boasting some of the finest beaches in all of Spain, Alicante is the largest city on the Costa Blanca. Being that this is one of the more boisterous and festive destinations, it’s no surprise that directly behind the beach you’ll find numerous hotels, nightlife venues, and even an 18-hole golf course. Beyond the tourist surface, this picturesque Spanish town enjoys a rich heritage with thousands of years of maritime history. To see how Alicante achieves the perfect balance of antiquity and modernity on Alicante cruises all you have to do is relax on the pristine sand of La Playa de San Juan, shop the Explanada de España, and conquer the Castillo de Santa Barbara.Venture through Alicante’s old town and take a trip back in time as you wander through its narrow streets passing by cathedrals and the town hall. For a jaw-dropping view of the harbor and the distant mountains, climb up to the top of Mount Benacantil to the Castillo de Santa Barbara. This structure was originally built by the Carthaginians in 400 B.C. and later claimed by both Romans and Arabs who built upon it further. When the sun falls on Alicante, the city ramps up for a long evening of eating, drinking, laughing, and dancing that truly confirms its reputation as a lively Spanish town.

Valencia, Spain- Best known as the birthplace of paella, Valencia has steadily moved onto the radar of savvy travelers. It's a vibrant, friendly, mildly chaotic place with two outstanding fine-arts museums, an accessible old quarter, Europe's newest cultural and scientific complex – and one of Spain's most exciting nightlife scenes. Whole sections of the old city, for example the Carmen Quarter, have been extensively renovated. One of the best spots for exploring Valencia's history is at the museum L'Almoina, which opened three years ago in the Carmen on the site where Valencia was founded by the Romans in 138 B.C. Here, you can walk over glass floors, looking down at a stunning assemblage of ruins excavated in the area. The exhibition includes Roman baths, tombs and a medieval Moorish ward for plague victims.

Discover a slice of Spain not found in Barcelona or Madrid on your Valencia cruise. This city has quietly built up a great reputation of its own, namely with innovative engineering and ultra-modern architecture. A few of its notable projects include Ciudad de las Artes y Ciencias (city of art and sciences); a futuristic complex that houses the family-friendly arts and science museums and the extraordinary futuristic buildings designed by local legend, Santiago Calatrava.

Formerly a sleepy Spanish city, Barcelona has recently been reborn as an eclectic fusion of the modern and medieval. This coastal city exudes European charm and welcomes multitudes of travelers every year. It’s a major destination with must-see architectural gems that date back some 2,000 years. You’ll encounter fascinating examples from the Roman Empire, the Middle Ages, the Modern masters like Gaudî, and many Cataluñian greats. Outstanding art museums can be found throughout the city, proudly displaying the works of world-renowned artists and countrymen, including Goya, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalî, and Joan Miró. For a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city center, venture to the awaiting Mediterranean Sea and all the seaside has to offer. Maybe a brisk hike in the nearby forest covered Collserola Hills or the hilltop in Montjuïc with its botanical gardens is the perfect recharge for a rollicking evening in one of the premier party capitals of the world. Round out your cruise to Barcelona dining at a tapas bar and savor a variety of delicious small dishes to share—from traditional Spanish to the more innovative.

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.