Day Zeebrugge (Brussels), BelgiumArrives 08:00 AM Departs 04:00 PM "With its picturesque canals, cobblestone streets and fairy-tale gabled houses, Bruges might have been custom built just to charm visitors. But this small and pleasingly quiet capital of West Flanders, 11 kilometers from the North Sea port of Zeebrugge, was actually once a mercantile center that dominated all of Western Europe under the powerful Dukes of Burgundyâwhich explains the profusion of priceless art and medieval architecture tightly packed within the city's moatlike ring of waterways.
Easily managed in a day, Bruges is a city for strolling: A walk in any direction from the handsome Market Square leads to immaculately preserved 13th-century churches and turreted merchants' houses. Former hostels for the sick and poor were long ago converted into museums containing works by local Old Masters like Jan Van Eyck.
Bruges is famous for its sweet tooth, with numerous chocolate shops and sidewalk vendors selling hot-off-the-iron waffles topped with whipped cream. Its pubs serve Belgium's famously quaffable beers in an atmosphere of warmth and coziness that the Flemish call gezellig. You'll be charmed.
"
Day Portland (Weymouth), England, United KingdomArrives 08:00 AM Departs 05:00 PM "Portland and the nearby town of Weymouth sit on the south coast of England in Dorset County near the area's beautiful beaches. From here, visitors can wander on Chesil Beach or venture further afield to explore some of the most interesting sights of the British countryside. Outdoorsy types will enjoy walking along the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to see natural arches, cliffs and fossils spanning 180 million years of geological history. Those fascinated by the life of the English aristocracy may prefer a visit to the fabulous Minterne House and Gardens, home to the Digby and Churchill families for 350 years.
Portland is also a good jumping-off point to see Stonehenge, one of the world's most recognizable ancient structures, shrouded in mystery and likely already on your must-see list. Other sites that will appeal to British history buffs are Sherborne Castle, built by Sir Walter Raleigh and housing his family artifacts, and the unusual Cerne Abbas Giant. At the end of your day exploring, we recommend a stop at the 500-year-old Black Dog Pub back in Weymouth for a pint of local cask ale.
"
Day Brest, FranceArrives 10:00 AM Departs 06:00 PM Brest is Brittany's second largest administrative centre, and has a great deal to offer. Although it was heavily bombed in 1944, this is by no means the town's most interesting feature: it has rebuilt itself around a vision of the future, with incredible constructions like the Pont de l'Iroise bridge, which crosses the river Elorn. An amazing feat of architecture, this magnificent cable-stayed bridge was opened in 1994. Admire it from Albert Louppe bridge, which is for pedestrians and cyclists only. It's a great place to take a walk and enjoy the view of the famous Brest harbour, the âRade de Brest', a sheltered area of the sea big enough for great ships to lie at anchor.
Day At Sea
Day At Sea
Day Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel, Azores, PortugalArrives 08:00 AM Departs 05:00 PM "More than the archipelago's capital and administrative hub, Ponta Delgada is an ambassador of the Azores to the world. Embellished with lacy iron balconies, the 17th-century architecture of whitewashed walls is framed by the local volcanic basalt. Hydrangeas and grazing cows add splashes of color to the evergreen background. Ponta Delgada presents itself as a gateway to discovering the Big Island of São Miguel and the best of the Azores on one island.
One of the top places to see is Furnas, where you can find natural hot springs that will cook your lunch, as well as Gorreana Tea Factory, the only tea plantation in Europe. Another popular destination is Lagoa do Fogo (Fire Lagoon) with its impressive volcanic landscapes, and Ribeira Grande, a picturesque fishing village where time seems to stand still. São Miguel is also known for pineapples, so trying this fresh fruit, either from a local market or from a roadside vendor, is a must."
Day At Sea
Day At Sea
Day At Sea
Day At Sea
Day At Sea
Day At Sea
Day Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USArrives 07:00 AM "Shimmering blue waters, swaying palm trees and soft ocean breezes greet you in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, where you'll find yourself somewhere between laid-back island time and the fast pace of a thriving city. In this sun-filled, year-round beach town, pristine beaches are the main attraction, shorts and flip-flops are the daily uniform, and yachts are often the preferred form of transportation. It's a place where you can do as much, or as little, as you desire.
Because of its many canals and waterways, Ft. Lauderdale is sometimes called the Venice of America. It's home to the annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, one of the largest in-water boat shows in the world. Visitors can easily get a taste of the area's nautical lifestyle by cruising the Intracoastal Waterway on an old-fashioned paddle wheeler. Other options include hopping aboard one of the popular water taxis or Venetian gondolas that glide down the historic New River, which flows right through town. "