Royal Caribbean Fans

General

Barcelona is a city full of life and culture. It is the 2nd largest city in Spain and the largest on the Mediterranean coast. 

History

Barcelona was the host of the 1992 Olympic Games, which helped to improve some areas of the city.

What to Do

Las Ramblas - No visit to Barcelona is complete without walking along this cultural and active boulevard. A variety of local shops, cafes and flower stalls make it a pleasant place to stroll along.

Sagrada Familia - This is one of Gaudi's most famous works. The construction of the Cathederal began in 1882 and is still being built to this day, despite Gaudi dying in 1926.

Picasso Gallery - The gallery houses a collection of over 2,000 exhibits of Picasso's work.

General

Ibiza is part of the Balearic Islands, along with Mallorca, Menorca and Formentera.

History

Ibiza has not always been a party island. Archaeological evidence tells us that habitation of Ibiza dates back to over 4,000 years.

What to Do

D' Alt Vila - This is the fortified 'High Town' of Eivissa, the Islands capital.

Talamanca Bay - East of the town and within easy walking distance from the yachting marina. The bay has long sandy beaches and clam waters.

Playa d'en Bossa - Just south of the Eivissa, it is the longest, nicest and most popular beach on the Island. There is water sports and many bars and restaurants. 

General

La Coruna is situated in the north west corner of Spain. It is one of the country's busiest ports.

History

In 1588, Philip II's Invincible Armada sailed from this port with a fleet of ships to conquer England. Sir Francis Drake and the English returned one year later and devastated the town. 

What to Do

Torre de Hercules Lighthouse - Originally built during the reign of Trajan, a Roman emperor born in Spain in AD 98. Most of the structure was rebuilt in the 18th century. Climb the 242 steps to the top for the fabulous view of the city and coastline.  

Castle of San Anton - Formerly a 16th century fort, stands at the north eastern tip of the town and houses the Archaeological Museum.

Orzan and Riazor Beach - Two sandy beaches located near the city centre.

General

The Canary Islands are made up of 7 small Islands scattered over a 300 mile area. The Islands are volcanic in origin and contain a great diversity of landscapes, from desert to garden, dunes to forest and fertile valleys to high mountains.

History

The first European visitor was Lanzarotto Marcello, a Genoese sailor, who colonized the Island of Lanzorate. This is where the Island gets its name from. 

What to Do

Vegueta - The oldest area of the city. It is a wonderful place to learn about the history of the Island as you wonder the old streets and alleyways.

Museo Canario - This museum contains the Islands most important collection from Guanche times.

General

Located along the southern coast of Spain, it is known by many as the capital of the Costa del Sol.

History

In the past the Costa del Sol has been known for its tiny fishing villages. These villages have now all been replaced with large retirement and resort towns.

What to Do

Cathedral of Malaga - constructed between the 16th and 17th centuries. It is one of the best examples of Spanish Renaissance architecture. 

Picasso's Birthplace Museum - An essential visit for art lovers. This is where the famous artist was born and lived for the first 14 years of his life and where he discovered his love for painting. Also of interest: The Picasso Museum, has a large amount of works that were donated by his daughter in law.

Malaga Bullring - One of the largest in Spain and was built in 1874. Bullfights are still held frequently.

General

Located 180 miles from the coast of Africa. Mt. Teide, the highest mountain in Spain, attracts visitors to the Island.

History

It is believed that the first inhabitants, the Guanches, arrived in the 1st or 2nd century BC. The Guanches were cave dwellers, who like the Egyptians, carefully embalmed their dead.

What to Do

Plaza de Espana - You will find the 'Museo Arqueolgico' with exhibits pertaining to the life and death rituals of the Guanche society. The tourist office and local government headquarters are in this location.

Iglesia Matriz de la Concepcion - Dating from the early 16th century. It is the towns most important historical building.

General

Vigo has a population of around 300,000. It is situated on the slopes of Monte del Castro in the northwestern Spanish province of Galacia.

History

The name Galacia is Celtic in origin. The Celts occupied the region in around the 6th century BC. During the reign of Philip IV, Vigo was surrounded by a wall supported by towers, which nested on pillars embedded in the sea. It was erected to defend against pirates.

What to Do

The Citadel - Called El Castro, it was built by Philip IV and was one of the three forts that guarded the town. Today, a park, from which there is wonderful views over the city and bay. 

Ribera del Berbes - Fishing quarter across from the port. It is a great place to explore and enjoy the fresh seafood in the various outdoor cafes.

General

Gibraltar is a small strip of land about 3 miles long and a mile wide. Dominated by 'the Rock' which reaches a height of 1,400ft

History

Gibraltar played an important path in both World Wars. its location made it an important naval base for the Allied Forces during WWII.

What to Do

The Apes Den - No visit to Gibraltar is complete without going up 'the Rock.' It is home to the Barbary Apes. Take a tour to the top via cable car or minibus.

Europa Point - The most southern tip of the peninsula and provides views across the strait of Morocco.

General

Southampton is located in the south of England and is the cruise capital of the UK.

History 

In 1912, the RMS Titanic sailed from Southampton. Four in five of the crew on board the vessel were from Southampton, with about a third of those who perished in the tragedy hailing from the city.

What to Do

SeaCity Museum - The SeaCity Museum tells the story of the people of the city, their fascinating lives and historic connections with the Titanic and the sea. 

Ship Spotting - No trip to Southampton is complete without a bit of 'ship spotting'. Southampton is the cruise capital of the UK, so there is usually at least one ship in porteach day. 

General 

Cork is the second largest metropolitan area in Ireland.

History

Cobh, or Queenstown as it was named then, was the last stop for the fatal maiden voyage of Titanic. Cork gets its name from the Irish word 'Corcaigh' meaning 'marsh'.

What to Do

Queenstown Story - A dramatic exhibition of the history of Cobh, situated just opposite the dock. 

Blarney Stone - Located about 5 miles from Cork, the castle is one of the oldest and most historic in Ireland. While you're there, make sure to kiss the Blarney Stone, as it is supposed to bestow the gift of eloquence on anyone who kisses it.

General

Charlotte Amalie is the capital of the U.S.V.I.. It is one of the premier cruise ship destinations in the Caribbean and sees 1.5 million cruise passengers a year.

History

In November 1493, Cristoforo Colombo and his fleet came upon the island. As it was throughout much of the Caribbean, the Virgin Islands were inhabited by the Carib and Arawak Indians. Over the next two centuries the Indians would be wiped out by modern European weapons, ancient European disease and man’s timeless lust for gold that condemned the easily subdued indigenous Caribbean tribes to a life of forced labour. In the late 1600’s the Danish West India Company took control of largely uninhabited St Thomas, with the plan to develop large plantations. Convicts from Denmark were originally going to be used for labour, however it failed miserably. Free Danish settlers soon arrived, those that survived the voyage, only to witness the majority of their fellow settlers die the next few days after. In the 1670’s, it was decided that the only alternative to working the plantations was the importation of African slaves. The town that would grow along the waterfront would soon be named after Queen Charlotte Amalie, the wife of Denmark’s King Christian V.

Charlotte Amalie became a thriving town through the help of sugar exports, pirates, inter island trade and a growing slave market. Other islands continued with their plantations, however St Thomas developed into a commercial center. In the 1800’s, Charlotte Amalie became an important coaling station to serve the growing number of steamships.

As the First World War was looming, the US negotiated buying the Virgin Islands from Denmark. The United States soon brought the Islands for $25 million. That works out at just $300 an acre.

What to Do

Fort Christian - Built by the Danes in 1666, it guards the narrow harbour entrance and is one of the oldest buildings in St Thomas.

St Thomas Skyride - The St Thomas Skyride is a great way to take in the views. The cable car takes visitors up to Paradise Point, 700 feet above the town and harbour.

Magens Bay - Constantly rated as one of the top ten beaches in the world.

General

Lisbon is the capital of Portugal. it is both the western-most and oldest capital city in Europe. it has a population of just over 1 million inhabitants.

History

In 1255, the City became Portugal's capital. The City's greatest glory came during the 15th and 16th centuries as Portugal developed into a vast maritime power that stretched from Europe to Africa.

On November 1st, 1755, a severe earthquake, that was felt from Scotland to North Africa, devastated the City. It caused many fires and a huge tidal wave to occur. 2/3 of the City were left in ruins and thousands perished. 

What to Do

Castle of St. George - There are wonderful views of Lisbon from the Castle, one of the few structures to survive the 1755 earthquake. 

25th April Bridge - This bridge spans the Tagus river near the terminal. It was built in the 1960's and is the third longest suspension bridge in the World.

General

Although Geirangerfjord is not the biggest of the Norwegian Fjords, it continues to be one of the most photographed fjords in Norway. The impressive views and splendid landscapes of Geiranger make it a must see for all avid cruisers.

What to Do

Geirangerfjord - The transit along the fjord is a sight worth seeing in its self. The magnificence of the surroundings dwarf even the largest of cruise ships. Along the way, make sure to look out for the many waterfalls, including the spectacular Seven Sisters and the Bridal Veil.

Dalsnibba - About 6 miles up the valley from Geiranger is the summit of Dalsnibba. This location provides the views, which made Geiranger and the fjords so popular. 

Geiranger Church - Located near the town, this little wooden church is built in an octagonal shape and offers picturesque views of the cruise ships and surrounding countryside, for those not wanting to trek the 6 miles to Dalsnibba.