Our Ports of Call this past May

Madeira, Portugal

A jewel of an island set in the blue waters of the Atlantic, with towering green peaks desending through lush vineyards to rocky coastline. The average temperature in May is 65 degrees, so it is a sunny holiday island. Its main export is tourism, and of course the lovely Madeira wine. In fact, Shakespeare has Falstaff in Henry IV "willing to exchange his soul for a cup of Madeira and a cold capon." The big attraction here is one of the world's famed hotels: Reid's Hotel, built in 1891 and considered the quintessential haven of the English Remittance man.

---

Casablanca, Morocco

With four million people, Casablanca is the most modern city in Morocco and the second largest city in Africa. The first country in the world to recognize the United States of America when independence was declared in 1776, Morocco displays equal European and African influences: for every place of worship there are three or four European-style cafes. Casablanca is also home to the Hassan II mosque - the second largest mosque in the world - and also the site of King Mohammed VI's major palace. The king has four such palaces in various locations.

---

Malaga, Spain

This southern Spanish city is the birthplace of Picasso, with a new museum commemorating the famous artist just opened last year, three decades after his passing. The museum is located in the Palazzo la Buena Vista, a historic 16th century building, with a 204-piece Picasso collection that includes paintings, sculpture, drawings, creamic, and graphic works spanning the years 1890 to 1972. Malaga was founded more than 3,000 years ago by the Phoenicians and features magnificent sights such as the Alcazaba, an ancient Moorish castle, and the spectacular Cathedral.

---

Palma de Majorca, Spain

Traditionally the haunt of celebrities and royalty, Palma de Majorca combines natural beauty with glamour. Invaded multiple times in the 13th and 14th centuries, the town shows the characteristic Gothic architecture of the period. The imposing cathedral La Seu is the most notable feature of Palma de Majorca - the Roman Catholic cathedral was designed in the French Gothic style and built in 1601 over the site of an Arab mosque. As the major city and port on the island of Majorca, Palma contains a number of fine museums, shopping centers, and restaurants.

---

Barcelona, Spain

The second largest city in Spain, Barcelona offers tourists the chance to visit ancient Roman remains, view medieval architecture, and finally walk through modern streets and thoroughfares. The city is home to the incredible temple Sagrada Familia, to which architect Antoni Gaudi devoted 40 years of his life. It is architecturally one of the five or six most remarkable buildings in the world. Barcelona also houses a number of notable and impressive museums, several beautiful parks, and has a number of international shopping opportunities.

---

Carcassonne, France

The only fortified town in Europe that is still inhabited, Carcassonne was originally slated to be demolished in 1849, but was preserved as a historical monument and eventually designated a World Heritage site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The city was built by the Romans over 2,200 years ago, with a fortified settlement on the hill where Carcassonne now stands. In its present form it is an outstanding example of a medieval fortified town, with its massive defenses encircling the castle, the castle's surrounding buildings, the city streets, and its fine gothic cathedral.

---

Monte Carlo, Monaco

According to Somerset Maugham, Monte Carlo is "375 sunny acres peopled with shady charcters." These "characters" are the rich and famous of Europe. As the capital city of Monaco, Monte Carlo, with its beautiful buildings and view of the Mediterranean, has been a glamorous town for over 100 years. Its fame increased with the wedding of Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III. Their son, Prince Albert II, now reigns. In addition to being the playground of th European wealthy, Monte Carlo is the setting for the famed Casino, and its gardens and deluxe hotels.

Note: We have reserved 60 hotel rooms for those of our shipmates who may wish to stay here for a day or two as an optional add-on.

Home | Ports | Ship | Stars | About | Contact | 2006 Cruise | 2009 World Cruise