Lisbon to Ft. Lauderdale

Paraty, Brazil, delivers South America's irresistible combination of dramatic landscapes, vibrant culture, and extraordinary biodiversity. Essential experiences include exploring local markets, tasting the distinctive regional cuisine, and venturing into the surrounding natural environments. Best visited May through September, when drier conditions prevail and temperatures remain pleasant. Cruise lines including Scenic Ocean Cruises feature this port on their most compelling itineraries. Whether you have a few hours or a full day, the port rewards exploration at every pace and in every direction.

Bilbao is the Basque Country's cultural capital, where Frank Gehry's iconic Guggenheim Museum anchors a city transformed from industrial port to world-class destination. Visitors should not miss the pintxo bars of the Casco Viejo and the extraordinary Michelin-starred dining scene, alongside the museum's titanium splendor. The ideal months to visit are May through October, when mild Atlantic weather bathes the city in soft light perfect for exploring its riverside promenades and nearby Rioja wine country.

Bordeaux, France's premier port city, is renowned for its historical significance, stunning architecture, and world-class wine. Must-do experiences include savoring local delicacies at Marché des Quais and exploring the breathtaking art installations at Place de la Bourse. The best season to visit is during the late spring and early autumn, when the weather is pleasant and the vineyards are in full bloom.

Cherbourg, a historic port city in Normandy, is renowned for its vibrant maritime heritage and rich culinary offerings. Must-do experiences include exploring the Place de Gaulle Market and savoring local dishes such as "moules marinières" and "calvados." The best season to visit is during the spring or early fall when the weather is mild and the local festivities are in full swing.

Zeebrugge — Belgium's principal cruise port, whose very name means 'Sea-Bruges' — serves as the maritime portal to one of Europe's most perfectly preserved medieval cities, with the UNESCO-listed canal network of Bruges just fifteen minutes away, its lace shops, chocolate artisans, and moated Beguinage offering an almost impossibly picturesque step back into the Flemish Golden Age. The port itself carries its own dramatic history: the site of the audacious 1918 Zeebrugge Raid, when the Royal Navy launched a daring assault to block the harbor during World War I. Year-round access to Bruges, Ghent, and Brussels — each within easy reach — makes Zeebrugge a supremely versatile port of call.

Rotterdam, Europe's largest port, is a city that rebuilt itself from wartime ruin into one of the continent's most exhilarating architectural laboratories — a skyline of Cube Houses, the pencil-thin Westerkade skyscrapers, and the breathtaking Markthal arching over an indoor food market of extraordinary abundance. The Boijmans Van Beuningen collection ranks among Europe's finest, while the art district of Witte de With pulses with galleries and design studios. Day-trip to Kinderdijk's nineteen iconic windmills, a UNESCO World Heritage site rising from the polders just south of the city. Spring and early summer offer the finest conditions.

Zadar, a historic port city on Croatia's Dalmatian coast, is a captivating blend of ancient architecture and vibrant culture. Must-do experiences include visiting the Church of St. Donatus and enjoying the enchanting music of the Sea Organ. The best season to visit is during the warm summer months when the city comes alive with festivals and outdoor activities.

Sarandë is Albania's Ionian coast jewel, where the UNESCO-listed Butrint archaeological marvel and the impossibly turquoise Blue Eye spring create a Mediterranean experience rivaling Greece at a fraction of the cost. Visit June via Emerald Yacht Cruises or Virgin Voyages for six-civilization archaeological sites and Albania's exciting Mediterranean frontier.

Prickly Pear Island is an uninhabited Caribbean cay north of Antigua where pristine white-sand beaches, a tidal sandbar, and exceptional coral reefs create the essence of tropical paradise without resort infrastructure. Must-dos include snorkeling the vibrant reef systems in 30-meter visibility, swimming the calm Caribbean-side beach, and savoring grilled lobster at the seasonal beach bar. Visit December through April for the driest weather and calmest seas.

Okinawa, Japan's subtropical Ryukyu archipelago, offers a fascinating counterpoint to mainland Japanese culture with its own cuisine, language, and traditions. Must-dos include exploring Shuri Castle ruins, snorkeling the Kerama Blue waters, and sampling longevity-boosting Okinawan cuisine. March through May is ideal, with cherry blossoms, warm weather, and calm seas before typhoon season.

Montreal is the world's second-largest francophone city, set on an island in the St. Lawrence River where French colonial heritage meets North American energy and one of the continent's most exciting food scenes. Must-dos include visiting the stunning Basilique Notre-Dame, eating smoked meat at Schwartz's and bagels at St-Viateur, and exploring the Plateau's bohemian streets. June through September offers peak festival season, including the world's largest jazz festival.