There will be no sails to hoist on our Trans-Atlantic Cruise to Spain unlike crossings prior to the 19th century. Today transatlantic crossings are faster, usually only about 5 or 6 days at sea, safer and all about a comfortable and relaxed sailing.
The advantages of taking a transatlantic cruise are varied but one big one that I always think of is no jet lag. Instead you will arrive relaxed and fresh as you adjust to the time changes over a number of days. For many it is also the excitement of crossing the expansive Atlantic Ocean, a journey that their forefathers may have experienced.
Today’s luxury ocean liners offer travellers an abundance of onboard activities; learning to fold towels into creative animals, wine tasting and spa treatments to high tech classes for computer or camera enthusiasts. Entertainment is also a part of the cruise experience and today’s ships have a variety of singers, dancers, karaoke, games, movies and casinos to capture your attention.
I always recommend coming prepared with something that is just for you when cruising; like a book you have always wanted to read, crossword puzzles, a craft project like knitting, or needle point that will easily fit into your suitcase. If you find yourself overloaded with shipboard activities then you can find a quiet corner, curl up in your state room and enjoy some quiet time with a book or hobby.
Land Ahoy! The first sighting of land will be the Azores, a group of volcanic islands located 850 miles west of Portugal. There will be time ashore here on Faial Island in the town of Horta or you may wish to take one of Holland America’s shore excursions.
The famous Rock of Gibraltar will be our next opportunity to get on shore and marks the entrance to the Mediterranean and we will cruise through the Strait of Gibraltar one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.
Malaga on Spain’s Costa del Sol will be the first of four cities we visit along the Spanish coast. The unique architecture of each city has been influenced by past occupants in the 14th & 15th Centuries; Greeks, Phoenicians, Romans, Moors and Arabs. Wells Gray Tours has included tours in Granada, Alicante, Mallorca and Barcelona and includes visits to the famous Alhambra Palace, Generalife Water Gardens, Barcelona’s Cathedral, the Columbus Monument, and Spanish village.
Once you have done an ocean crossing you will be hooked!
Itinerary from Interior
Trans-Atlantic Cruise to Spain
Itinerary from Victoria
