MSC Grand Voyages from Marseille

Union Island, the southernmost gem in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, rises from the Caribbean as a volcanic sentinel that generations of sailors have used as a landmark on the passage to the Grenadines — its Twin Peaks offering spectacular hikes rewarded with panoramas across a tapestry of cays, reefs, and indigo water. The island serves as the yachting hub of the southern Grenadines, with Clifton Harbour bustling with sloops bound for Tobago Cays, Palm Island, and Carriacou. The dry season from December through May delivers the Caribbean's finest sailing conditions and crystal-clear visibility for diving the thriving coral gardens.

Barcelona is the city where Roman history, Gothic grandeur, and Gaudí's delirious Modernisme collide in a Mediterranean coastal capital of astonishing energy and beauty. The Sagrada Família — still under construction after 140 years — continues its audacious ascent toward completion, while the Gothic Quarter's Roman-era foundations and the Passeig de Gràcia's extraordinary concentration of Modernisme masterpieces reward days of exploration. For a complete sensory experience, lose an afternoon in the covered labyrinth of La Boqueria market before descending to the waterfront for Catalan seafood at its finest. May through June and September through October offer the most pleasant weather; the city connects directly to Paris by overnight train.

Funchal — Madeira's radiant capital, its name derived from the wild fennel that greeted Portuguese settlers in 1419 — cascades down volcanic hillsides to a deep-water harbour that has welcomed mariners and wanderers for six centuries. The Reid's Palace, opened in 1891, remains one of the Atlantic's most legendary hotels, its clifftop terraces commanding views that inspired Churchill, Shaw, and a century of distinguished guests. The city's floating flower market, levada walks through ancient laurisilva forest, and the exhilarating toboggan descent from Monte combine for days of effortless discovery. The subtropical climate makes Funchal appealing year-round, with spring particularly spectacular for wildflowers.

Las Palmas, set on the banks of the Río Paraguay deep in Argentina's Gran Chaco, is a port of quiet fascination — a late nineteenth-century agricultural colony that grew around a palm-oil processing industry and retains a languid, end-of-the-world atmosphere that few travellers ever encounter. The surrounding Chaco wetlands are a paradise for birders, with rare species including the maned wolf, giant anteater, and dozens of endemic birds inhabiting the gallery forests along the river. This is not a destination for conventional sightseeing, but for those seeking genuine immersion in South America's wild interior. The dry season, April through October, offers the most navigable conditions.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the cosmopolitan capital of the Canary Islands, balances volcanic grandeur with refined urban pleasures — from the Santiago Calatrava–designed Auditorio rising beside the Atlantic to the ancient dragon tree at Icod de los Vinos and the World Heritage Teide volcano looming above the island. The city's Carnival, second in scale only to Rio de Janeiro's, erupts each February in spectacular costumes and street revelry. Local wines from the volcanic slopes, wrinkled potatoes with mojo verde, and fresh Atlantic fish define the island's culinary character. November through April offers reliably warm, sun-drenched conditions.

Salvador de Bahia, Brazil's first capital, is a cultural hub known for its Afro-Brazilian heritage and stunning colonial architecture. Must-do experiences include savoring traditional dishes such as acarajé and quindim, and exploring the lively Pelourinho district. The best season to visit is during the dry months from September to March, when the city's vibrant festivals and street life are in full swing.

Hasselt is Belgium's jenever capital, home to a National Jenever Museum, Europe's largest Japanese Garden, and a fashion scene that belies its provincial size. Visit April through October via Uniworld River Cruises for cherry blossom season in the Japanese Garden, artisanal spirit tastings in historic distilleries, and the unpretentious Flemish culinary culture that makes this Limburg capital one of Belgium's most rewarding secrets.

Santos is Brazil's largest port and a historical gem, offering a blend of colonial architecture and vibrant local culture. Must-do experiences include sampling local specialties like “pastel de camarão” at the Mercado Municipal and exploring the nearby beaches of Búzios. The best season to visit is during the southern hemisphere's summer from December to February, when the weather is warm and the beaches are bustling.