A Grand Journey of Boundless Skies and Crimson Sunsets Cruise on Explora II from Barcelona

Barcelona

The port of Barcelona was born about the same time as the city was. It is one of themost important ports in the Mediterranean, cruise ships leave the city to call on some of themost desirable cities in the Western Mediterranean. The port has modern facilities and allthe services needed to accommodate the many passengers who have Barcelona as anembarkation and a disembarkation port. Barcelona is one of the most cosmopolitan andmulticultural capitals of Europe. Among many attractions that include the Sagrada Familia,Montjuic, Gaudi's Güell Park and the famous Ramblas. It’s a hub of activity and the city isalways bustling.

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.

Bridgetown (Barbados)

Bridgetown is the capital and largest city of the nation of Barbados. The Bridgetown port, found along Carlisle Bay lies on the southwestern coast of the island. Bridgetown is a major West Indies tourist destination, and the city acts as an important financial, informatics, convention centre, and cruise ship port of call in the Caribbean region. Bridgetown´s centre was originally composed of a swamp, which was quickly drained and filled-in to make way for the city´s early development. At the heart of Bridgetown is the Careenage and Constitution River.This body of water provides the city with direct access from medium sized yachts or small craft boats. Although moderately shallow, the Careenage slices Bridgetown into two parts. During the rainy season the Constitution River flows into the Careenage area and acts as an outflow for water from the islands interior storm drainage network. Flowing into the Carlisle Bay on the southwest coast of the island, the Careenage can be observed as a marina for boaters entering or exiting the inner basin located directly in front of the Parliament buildings of Barbados. In the centre lies the main street of Bridgetown which is Broad Street which runs directly through the centre of the city. Broad Street passes the Parliament Buildings and serves as the centre of city´s shopping area.