Western Europe Transatlantic 13 Nights • Southampton, England • CELEBRITY APEX

Vigo, Spain- El Sireno, a gilded sculpture depicting a figure that is half man, half sea creature, towers over the city's lovely gardens and well-preserved historical buildings. The legendary black salts offshore on the Islas Cies are said to bring good health. Catholic pilgrims flock to the nearby sacred cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, built over the burial spot of St. James.

As one of Europe’s largest fishing ports and maritime centers, this coastal town located in northern Spain is famous for its amazingly fresh seafood. Dine like a local on your Vigo cruise, sampling tapas, the finest oysters, and Galician wines for a hearty lunch at a tapas bar or pescadería. Then stroll through the narrow winding streets of Casco Vello, the historic district, to Rua do Príncipe where you’ll find an assortment of boutiques for keepsakes and souvenirs. For a great view of the Galician coast, there are several beaches worth visiting such as Playa de Samîl with its 1,800 meters of sandy, white coastline.

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.

Ponta Delgada, Azores: Formed from the peaks of a vast underwater volcanic mountain range, Ponta Delgada is the capital city of São Miguel island and is considered by many to be the most important city in the Azores archipelago. A stroll along the town’s harbor front promenade will provide gorgeous scenic views of the turquoise blue Atlantic Ocean, as well as fascinating architecture dating back to the 16th century Renaissance. Hiking, kayaking and surfing are among the popular water sports on cruises to Azores. April through September whale watching joins the ranks of water activities when regular sightings of various types of the mammal can be spotted during the season, including short-finned the pilot whales, Sowerby’s beaked whale, and sometimes even a blue whale.

Top Hot Springs and Geysers in Azores

Volcanic activity formed these islands millions of years ago and continues to play an important role in shaping the vivid beauty and attractions of Azores today. Volcanic craters, gardens, lakes, and natural wonders like hot springs and geysers abound on a cruise to Azores.

Poca da Dona Beija

Head to Poca da Dona Beija in the town of Furnas, for a dip in one of its five thermal pools. The warm waters have hints of orange from the iron that runs through and considered to be therapeutic, as well as relaxing.

Lagoa do Fogo

Lagoa do Fogo (Fire Lake) is by far the islands most grand natural wonder. Located in the middle of São Miguel, the tranquil lake is a result of waters that fill out the grounds of an extinct crater.

Terra Nostra Park

Explore the 200-year-old garden which hosts beautiful collections of cultivated trees, plants, and flowers native to Azores. The park also features a thermal spring pool with warm temperatures of about 104 degrees Fahrenheit and essential minerals for a soothing and restful bath.

Lagoa Das Furnas

Make your way to the village of Furnas for the breathtaking hot springs of Lagoa Das Furnas (Furnas Crater Lake), one of the other crater lakes on the island. While there you can also sample, cozido, a local Portuguese stew that is prepared by lowering the pot into a hot spring and slow-cooked for hours using the natural geothermal heat.

Royal Naval Dockyard has something for everyone. Taste local flavors and stroll through the shops and museums. Or have a close encounter at Dolphin Quest, where you can see, pet and swim with these magnificent marine mammals.