Bridgetown to Lisbon

Bridgetown, the captivating capital of Barbados, combines faded colonial history, captivating tradition, and vivid white beaches plucked directly from your richest imagination of Caribbean perfection. Recently listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, thanks to its beautifully preserved colonial architecture, Bridgetown’s mask of modernity covers a core of complex history and fascinating culture. Sherbet coloured buildings line up to overlook the waterfront of the Constitution River at the ‘The Careenage’ - where gleaming ships bob on the blue water, and peaceful strolls along a wooden boardwalk await. Stop for a sobering moment at the commemorative plaque honouring the people traded at this spot, when Bridgetown was the British Empire’s most important harbour, and first stop on the Transatlantic Slave Trade crossing. Just five minutes’ stroll from here is Carlisle Bay - a postcard-perfect place where you'll find crystal-clear, turquoise seawater glowing in the Caribbean sun, and a mile of soft white powder sand. A treasure trove for divers, the shipwrecks scattered below the shallow water’s waves are now inhabited by turtles and swirling, rainbow-coloured tropical fish. Head to the backstreets, where street food vendors serve up spicy chicken soup, barbecued pigtails and thirst-quenching coconut water. There are bargains aplenty to be had on Broad Street, where duty-free malls and souvenir stalls cram together, vying for your attention. Roebuck Street is the spot where one of the Caribbean’s favourite drinks, rum, was discovered - having been created here from the by-products of the island’s booming sugarcane trade. Nowadays, it’s lined with bars splashing every variety of the deliciously spicy dark libation imaginable into glasses. For a touch more culture, visit one of the oldest synagogues in The Americas - Nidhe Israel Synagogue, which was built in 1654. The adjoining museum tells the story of Barbados’ Jewish immigrants, who were instrumental in the island’s development.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Located 300 miles (483 km) off the coast of West Africa, the Cape Verde archipelago comprises ten islands and five islets, most of them of volcanic origin. They are divided into the windward and leeward groups and cover an area slightly larger than Rhode Island. Colonised by the Portuguese in the 15th century, they first settled on the island of Santiago to the south of São Vicente and established the town of Cidade Velha. It was from here that the main slave trade developed between the Cape Verde Islands, Europe and America. While Praia on the island of Santiago is the archipelago’s largest and capital city, Mindelo, with its brightly coloured colonial buildings, is considered the island’s prettiest town. It boasts an excellent deep-water harbour, Porto Grande, which is in close proximity to Mindelo. The official language is Portuguese, while the national language is Crioulo, a Creole dialect of archaic Portuguese mixed with many African elements and adapted English words. Going Ashore in Mindelo Pier Information The ship is scheduled to dock at the portof Mindelo. It is about two miles (3.2 km) to the centre of town. A few taxis may be available at the port gate, 500 yards (455 metres) from the ship. It is recommended to establish the fare with the driver before leaving the port area. Shopping Best buys are traditional handicrafts such as pottery, baskets and woven articles. Main shopping areas are found in the town centre. You may want to check out Art Criola and Art Africana for best selections. Most shops close for lunch between 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. The local currency is the escudos, but euro notes are currently accepted in all shops, bars and restaurants. Cuisine Cape Verdean specialties include cachupa, a tasty stew of several kinds of beans and meats and fish. Fish soup is also a good choice, as is pastry filled with a mixture of fresh tuna, onions and tomatoes. Mindelo has no lack of good restaurants, many offering Portuguese specialties. Other Sights The main sights are covered on the organised excursions. Private arrangements are not available in this port.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Watch the stars glittering at night, climb jungled volcano calderas, and explore the historical allure of this entry point to the sun-gorged island of Gran Canaria. The sprawling capital of the Canaries is Spain's ninth biggest city, stretched out along the sparkling coastline. Visitors and locals alike blow off steam on the city's urban beaches, before filling out bustling, authentic tapas bars. An offshore barrier of lava strips waves of their power, making Las Canteras's urban beach expanse one of the best and calmest in the Canaries. Strap on your snorkel to explore the seabed, which blooms with colourful fish and tropical reefs. Or, settle back to soak in the warm glow of one of the best climates in the world, while reclining on the soft sand, which arcs along the capital's fringe. At the other end of town, La Vegueta old town is a charming stroll along cobbled streets, wandering past decorative doorways and balconies that beg to be photographed. The narrow 15th-century streets take on an extra romantic air in the evenings, as lanterns cast a soft glow over them. Calle Colon offers a hint of the street's history - and it's here where the handsome colonial house - turned museum - of Christopher Columbus stands. Columbus stayed here to recuperate, between his boundary-redefining voyages. Out of Las Palmas, diverse and exciting volcanic landscapes await, including the spectacular Caldera de Bandama, which plunges 200 metres into the earth. From the summit, views stretch out to the looming island of Fuerteventura unravel. You can also discover pretty white-wash fishing villages, dazzling gardens, and the sun-bathed vineyards that produce Gran Canaria's crispest wines.

The discovery of Madeira or the legend of the two lovers Although there are serious doubts as to whether the island was known as far back as antiquity, the official discovery of Madeira dates back to the 15th century and is attributed to Joao Goncalves Zarco. He set foot on Porto Santo in 1419 and on Madeira a year later. He named the island "Madeira"-wood in Portuguese- because of the immense forests that cover the island. However, legend has it that Zarco did not come here by chance. It is said that in the 14th century, a couple of lovers who were not bound by the sacred bonds of marriage fled by sea to live out their love. Their names were Anne d'Hertford, a Frenchwoman, and Robert MacKean, an Englishman. Their boat, pushed by a storm, ran aground on the island of Madeira. The two unfortunate lovers died shortly afterwards, one from illness, the other from sadness, but the sailors who were with them on the boat survived. Unfortunately for them, they were captured and sold into slavery in Morocco, where they recounted their adventures and the discovery of an island covered in forests with gigantic trees. The story reached the ears of the Portuguese, and it was thanks to them that João Gonçalves Zarco discovered Madeira and its precious wood.

The discovery of Madeira or the legend of the two lovers Although there are serious doubts as to whether the island was known as far back as antiquity, the official discovery of Madeira dates back to the 15th century and is attributed to Joao Goncalves Zarco. He set foot on Porto Santo in 1419 and on Madeira a year later. He named the island "Madeira"-wood in Portuguese- because of the immense forests that cover the island. However, legend has it that Zarco did not come here by chance. It is said that in the 14th century, a couple of lovers who were not bound by the sacred bonds of marriage fled by sea to live out their love. Their names were Anne d'Hertford, a Frenchwoman, and Robert MacKean, an Englishman. Their boat, pushed by a storm, ran aground on the island of Madeira. The two unfortunate lovers died shortly afterwards, one from illness, the other from sadness, but the sailors who were with them on the boat survived. Unfortunately for them, they were captured and sold into slavery in Morocco, where they recounted their adventures and the discovery of an island covered in forests with gigantic trees. The story reached the ears of the Portuguese, and it was thanks to them that João Gonçalves Zarco discovered Madeira and its precious wood.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

A glorious mosaic of beauty, freedom and authenticity, Portugal’s capital is a stirring artwork of a city. Known for the seven hills it spreads across, and its stirring fado music, Lisbon is a pastel-coloured blend of houses and beautiful tile artworks - and this creative city strikes a perfect harmony between natural and manmade beauty. Stroll along Alfama's steep, cobbled streets as you explore one of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods - where each house and door could be its own photograph. Look for the decorative tiles, with the distinctive blues and whites of Azulejo ceramics, and visit the dedicated museum to learn more. Afterwards, wind up to São Jorge Castle, where views out across Lisbon’s red rooftops unravel. Just one of many majestic viewpoints, you can also seek out Miradouro da Graça for perhaps Lisbon's finest panorama, with the copper-coloured suspension bridge stretching over sparkling water beyond the sea of buildings. The elegant Tower of Belém rises in the Tagus estuary and is a historic defender of these shores. The grand, carved cloisters of Jerónimos Monastery spread out close by, and there's another UNESCO recognised location close by at Sintra, where a colourful town is set amid thick gardens and towering mountains - capped by the royal Pena Palace. Later, relax and take a quick break to drink Ginjinha, a cherry liqueur made from chocolate cups instead of coffee. Lisboetas have a sweet tooth, and the famous Pastel de Nata's crumbling pastry and caramelised-custard topping is the essential accompaniment to any coffee stop.