Spain & Bermuda Transatlantic 14 Nights • Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy • Celebrity Ascent

In the 1800s, William Lauderdale built a fort. Today, 16 million visitors come each year for miles of broad white sandy beaches, dozens of lush green golf courses, and Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale. Stroll the famous beachfront promenade, just 15 minutes from the port, and plunge into the warm Atlantic.

Head downtown to Las Olas Boulevard, paralleling New River, to sip lattes in outdoor cafés, shop chic boutiques, and catch concerts at the performing arts center. Stop at Stranahan House, the city's oldest structure, built in 1901 as a trading post and preserved as a museum, or explore a whole village of historic buildings at History Fort Lauderdale. Join a Segway tour along the river or a waterborne cruise of Millionaire's Row.

During your cruise to Fort Lauderdale, head out to the Everglades and enjoy Flamingo Gardens, home to pink flamingos, snarling alligators, black bears, and Florida panthers—plus exotic trees, butterfly gardens, and native flowers.

You'll find great shopping on Fort Lauderdale cruises. Look for high fashion at Galleria Fort Lauderdale, north of the port and blocks from the ocean. Head west to Sawgrass Mills for 350 designer outlets, specialty shops, and eateries. Spend a relaxing day in downtown Hollywood, south of the port, for quaint shops, sidewalk cafés, and events in the park.

Discover Floribbean cuisine, a fusion of old Florida favorites with new Caribbean influences. Local seafood includes lobster, grouper, mahi-mahi, pompano, snapper, tuna, and stone crabs.

Florida dominates production of citrus fruits. Before you cruise from Fort Lauderdale, take advantage of anything orange—juices, sauces, marinades, marmalades, dressings, soups, and cakes. Try authentic key lime pie, which is sweet, tart, creamy, and yellow—not green—in a Graham cracker crust.

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.

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.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, when Spain held sway over the rest of Europe and the New World, much of its naval power was concentrated in the port of Cartagena. Many of the coastal fortifications from that era still exist, although instead of guarding the city, they provide splendid views of the harbor. Cartagena is one of the world’s great natural harbors and over the ages has known its fair share of conflict, conquest, and riches. Brimming with a fascinating history, this is the wharf where Phoenician traders unloaded exotic treasures and where Roman citizens crowded into a grand theatre. Explore the archeological ruins, castle battlements, artillery, museums, historic churches, and architectural wonders on your Cartagena cruise. For a casual stroll complete with a little sightseeing and a coffee, put on those comfortable shoes and head on a guided tour through the heart of the city. Or, visit a family-owned wine cellar that produces traditional wine. Cartagena is a cosmopolitan city filled with tapas bars, art galleries, fine restaurants and world-renowned shopping. It’s a charming coastal city that utterly captivates all visitors.