Med, Spain & Portugal Total Solar Eclipse 14 Nights • Southampton, England • CELEBRITY APEX

Southampton, England- Southampton is a bustling port city bursting with history, as well as shopping opportunities, great restaurants, and superb pubs. Located on England’s southern coast, the area has a deep connection with WWII, having been used as a staging area for the attack on D-Day. It’s also well-known to be the home port of the Queen Mary 2. Today, the city is largely defined by its universities and retail shopping. The real sightseeing, however, happens when you use this port as a jumping off point for attractions found outside, yet relatively close to the city. For instance, London is but a little over an hour away by train. You can also take a ferry to the Isle of Wight, an English holiday favorite with 25 miles of coastline, sand dunes and dramatic white cliffs. While on your Southampton cruise you can also visit the nearby, quaint town of Windsor where you can visit the many boutiques of High Street or enjoy a tour of historic Windsor Castle.

Your ship departs promptly at 4:00 pm, so we recommend arriving at least 2-3 hours early to smoothly navigate check-in and boarding. All ship amenities are open and ready, so kickstart your vacation with a refreshing drink or a delicious snack.

Porto, Portugal’s second largest city after Lisbon, is one of Europe’s oldest cities and was registered as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996. Of course, Porto’s name itself hints at perhaps Portugal’s most famous export—port. This is where the fortified wine was first produced. The city has a rich history and is reminiscent of times gone by. You wouldn’t be wrong to compare it to an ideal Shakespearean backdrop. In Porto, the skyline is composed of sky-high bell towers, opulent baroque churches, and majestic beaux art buildings, which all create a romantic air that’s only heightened by the glorious shafts of sunlight that illuminate the city.

Lisbon, Portugal- See why this city stands out above all others as you stroll along elaborate mosaic sidewalks and pass by the Monument to the Discoveries. A quick trolley ride transports you to the cobblestone district of Baixa. Or be lured away and pampered in the resort cities of Cascais and Estoril.

This storied capital with a history that extends back before the Roman Empire is only 1 of 2 cities in Portugal designated as a global city by the Globalization and World Cities (GaWC) Study Group. Once one of the world’s great naval and shipping powers, modern day Lisbon is an important hub of finance, commerce, media, entertainment, arts, international trade, education, and tourism.

Take a wonderful tour through Lisbon and you’ll discover Graca, the beautifully restored old area of the city, filled with old tiled buildings and mansions and Chiado, Lisbon’s arts district, for a different air of sophistication with its many boutiques, galleries and theaters. And, of course, a cruise to Lisbon is not complete without sampling a nice bottle of Port wine; the fortified red wine that can be found throughout the country.

This island enclave is often described as a mini-Barcelona, with a Gothic feel that has overtaken centuries of Roman and Moorish culture. Visit El Baluard, the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, which was built on the site of the remnants of the 16th century Bastio de Sant Pere, or shop for bargain pearls at the city's many jewelers.

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.

Cruises to Ibiza, Spain - Ibiza is an island in the Mediterranean Sea off the eastern coast of Spain that is often synonymous with world-famous mega-clubs and is a summertime meccas for many celebrities and DJs. However, you’ll find on your cruise to Ibiza that the island is simply one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean. With mystical islets and hidden coves that beg to be explored, Ibiza Town is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk along the ramparts of the ancient capital, D’Alt Vila and enjoy a Cava Sangria tasting. Or, spend an afternoon relaxing on the soft sands of the secluded north-coast cove.

Thanks to Ibiza’s booming club scene, an assortment of eclectic and fashionable shops have popped up and are well worth exploring. And head to Las Dalias for a market filled with merchants and artisans selling authentic Bohemian clothes. Traditional Ibiza cuisine comes from the sea and the island’s rich farmland. Stroll to just about any local bistro or restaurant for fried Ibizan fish, shellfish, lobster stew, or roasted lamb.

Whether it’s the lush beats and sounds of the summertime mega-clubs that call you to Ibiza, or the beautiful sandy beaches, there’s an abundance of culture and history to discover and experience on your Ibiza cruise.

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.

If there ever was a seafaring city, La Coruña is it. It's been a port and gateway to world travelers for over 2000 years. And from almost any spot on your La Coruna cruise, you can witness spectacular panoramic views of the ocean. La Coruña is the capital of Spain’s Galicia region and boasts some 2000 years of history. Much of it can be discovered along the streets of its “Ciudad Vieja” or Old Town. Here, cobbled lanes roll up and down hills, winding past gothic churches, stately plazas, imposing fortifications and all manner of medieval relics. At the blustery tip of the city looms the Tower of Hercules, a still working Roman lighthouse, built in the 1st century AD, when its beacon marked the very limits of the civilized world. Beyond the shadows of history, you might find yourself bathed in sun-drenched bliss on a spectacular beach, or trying on the latest fashions found along the shopping streets of this commercial and cultural hotspot.

Bilbao, located in Spain's Basque region, is the ideal gateway to Vitoria and the famous Rioja wine region. Today, the city is famed for the Museo Guggenheim, which opened in 1997, firmly placing Bilbao on the art and tourism map which, subsequently, led to a major urban regeneration. Since then, more museums and galleries have opened, and has in turn prompted a parallel resurgence of fabulous restaurants, cafes and bars. There are so many amazing sights to explore on your Bilbao cruise. Not sure where to begin? You can start with a bus tour of the city for an overview. Or, simply take a stroll through the Casco Viejo (Old Quarter) to find yourself immersed in 14th century architecture, a whirlwind of boisterous bars, eclectic shops, gothic cathedrals, historic plazas and lively street performers. In addition to the architecture, this Basque gem is not short on places to eat and drink. Gastronomy joins the other arts flourishing in Bilbao. From traditional Spanish favorites to avant-garde culinary adventures, you’ll find them all in this city. Dine like a local and head out for “pintxos”, an assortment of appetizers to share and savor.

Southampton, England- Southampton is a bustling port city bursting with history, as well as shopping opportunities, great restaurants, and superb pubs. Located on England’s southern coast, the area has a deep connection with WWII, having been used as a staging area for the attack on D-Day. It’s also well-known to be the home port of the Queen Mary 2. Today, the city is largely defined by its universities and retail shopping. The real sightseeing, however, happens when you use this port as a jumping off point for attractions found outside, yet relatively close to the city. For instance, London is but a little over an hour away by train. You can also take a ferry to the Isle of Wight, an English holiday favorite with 25 miles of coastline, sand dunes and dramatic white cliffs. While on your Southampton cruise you can also visit the nearby, quaint town of Windsor where you can visit the many boutiques of High Street or enjoy a tour of historic Windsor Castle.

Your cruise may have ended, but the adventure continues. Take advantage of the fantastic activities in the area. If you're flying out, please keep your departure flight time in mind and plan accordingly.