Spain, Portugal, Sint Maarten, Martinique Cruise on Costa Fascinosa from Marseille (France)

Marseille (France)

Marseille is the second largest city in France, after Paris and is the third largest urban area and metropolitan area after Lyon. Marseille is the capital of the Provence Alpes Côte dAzur region, as well as the capital of the Bouches du Rhône department. The Quai des Belges at the end of the harbour is the site of the daily fish market. The Old Port or Vieux Port is the main harbour and marina of the city. It is guarded by two massive forts (Fort St Nicolas and Fort Saint Jean) and is one the main places to eat in the city. Things to see and do include the Old Port area, Abbey of Saint Victor, The Centre Bourse, and the adjacent Rue St Ferreol district, for the main shopping area, museums, and historical buildings. Marseille is always a popular cruise port because of its sheer beauty – it’s one of those cruise destinations that you’ll never forget.

Malaga (Spain)

Malaga is the capital of the Costa del Sol, or Empire of the Light, as Ortega y Gasset described it in a poem. You’ll find the Picasso Museum, which is devoted to the most influential artist of the twentieth century. He was born in the city in 1881. You’ll be amazed to visit this cosmopolitan city as tourist, visiting the monuments of the Alcazaba and Giralfaro or ancient Roman theatre. Not to mention the beautiful and unfinished Cathedral of the Incarnation, erected on the site which was the largest mosque in Malaga. This has long been a popular port for cruise passengers because there is no shortage of things to explore, enjoy and sample. The city itself is easily navigated on foot and that’s probably the best way to see it. For sun lovers, there are no less than 16 beaches for you to choose from.

Funchal (Madeira)

The city´s name comes from the abundance of fennel (funcho) found on the island. It was an important shipping center during the 15th-17th centuries. It is one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal. It is a modern, cosmopolitan, rejuvenated city, well known for its many top class restaurants, stunning new 4 & 5 star hotels and warm climate all year round. The city itself is nestled in a great natural amphitheatre, facing the blue Atlantic with a backdrop of dramatic mountains. It is located in the stunning south of Madeira, on it’s sunniest coast amidst banana plantations and wonderful gardens. Funchal has also for many years been one of the Atlantic Cruise-ship’s main ports of call, with the Liner harbour right in the middle of the town. Once ashore, the cafés, restaurants and history that mark this famed capital are just a stroll away. Tourists in Funchal can also enjoy activities such as diving in the crystal-clear waters, surfing the waves, taking day excursions along the coast and through the eucalyptus smelling mountain woods.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife port of fishing, commercial, passenger and sports in the Santa Cruz de Tenerife, located in the Atlantic Ocean. Next to this port is the famous building of the Auditorio de Tenerife. It has a significant relevance in two categories: Cruise Passengers and in Fresh Fish caught. Due to the importance of interinsular maritime transport, it also holds a dominant position in Passenger Transport. Some of the world's largest ocean liners have stopped in the Port. The proximity of two international airports backs up its position as base for cruises.

St. Martin (Philipsburg)

Philipsburg is the main town and capital of the country of Sint Maarten. The town is situated on a narrow stretch of land between Great Bay and the Great Salt Pond. The island is located around 240 kilometers east of Puerto Rico. It's great importance is that it an international commercial port. St. Maarten has suffered in recent years a strong population growth due to the strong development of tourism. The leading immigration of Haitian, French and Dominican descents.

Martinique (Fort de France)

Nowadays, Fort-de-France is the capital of Martinique which is located in the clear blue waters of the Caribbean with a background of green mountains... It is picturesque city, with it's french side very pronunced, ideal to go gift shopping, or going for lunch to a terrace of a small cafe. There is also a Central Park, with the gardens full of flowers and fountains, he historic Fort of St. Luis, the Cathedral and the Library. In the island you can find buildings such as the Paul Gaugin Memorial, the Museum of the Empress Josephine, Napoleons wife and the Museum of Art of Shells. The tourists that are hiking fans can climb the Bare Mountain.

Guadeloupe (Pointe-à-Pitre)

Guadeloupe mixes the best of France, a fully modern infrastructure and fantastic food, with a local culture. It’s two main islands look like the wings of a butterfly and are joined together by a mangrove swamp. Grande-Terre, the eastern wing of the island, has a string of beach towns that offer visitors a variety of fun in the sun. From beach bars to long stretches of beautiful sand and azure water. Basse-Terre, the western wing, is home to the national park, crowned by La Soufrière volcano. Hiking trails and a Jacques Cousteau underwater reserve offer adventure for those who want it. South of the butterfly-shaped ‘mainland’ of Guadeloupe are a number of small archipelagos that give a taste of Guadeloupe’s yesteryear.