Spain & Portugal Transatlantic 15 nätter • Galveston, Texas till Barcelona, Spain • Liberty of the Seas

When you cruise from Galveston, you’re in for big thrills before you even set foot onboard the ship. A favorite vacation stop among families, this fun-loving seaside city in Texas offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty and warm southern hospitality. Start your visit with a Texas-style breakfast in the historic Strand District, the pulsing heart of the city and a hub of antique shops, restaurants and bars. Make time for a walk along the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, home to lots of family-friendly rides, games and other attractions. Then explore Galveston’s illustrious history on a scenic stroll past well-preserved Victorian mansions and centuries-old landmark buildings. If you visit Galveston, you must dedicate a bit of time to the city’s museums, which host exhibits on all kinds of topics — from Galveston’s history with oil and railroads to the pirates and corsairs that haunt the Gulf Coast’s rich and colorful past.

Ponta Delgada offers both history and natural wonders. See the famous Porta da Cidade, made from local volcanic stone, and walk along the 16th-century fortifications of Forte de Sao Bras. Head to the town square, where you'll find the baroque-style Convento de Nossa Senhora da Esperanca. Looking for a more relaxing day, enjoy local Azorean wine and grilled linguica sausage in the city center.

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.

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.