Barcelona to San Juan

Overlooking the Mediterranean city, Barcelona is a destination that welcomes exploration. Vibrant and metropolitan, this UNESCO-Awarded city is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. It is especially notable for its Art Nouveau architecture and the work of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi, which can be seen throughout the city. His best-known work is the immense, unfinished church of the Sagrada Familia, which has been under construction since 1882 and is still financed by private donations. Completion is planned for 2026. SeaDream overnights in this bustling Mediterranean city and typically docks downtown at the World Trade Center, just steps away from the iconic tree-lined pedestrian La Rambla boulevard

Somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean, far from civilization, the luxuriously green archipelago of the Azores emerges from the sea like shards of paradise that splintered from the heavens above. While each of the Azores is volcanically formed, Faial Island boasts one of the most dramatic calderas, whose mile-wide depression is ringed by precipitous cliffs. From the Espalamanca Overlook, absorb a magnificent panorama of Horta and the picturesque coastline, perhaps even catching sight of the neighboring islands of Pico, São Jorge and Graciosa. While exploring, keep an eye out for brightly hued blue hydrangeas, a frequent sight that gave rise to Faial’s affectionate nickname of Blue Island. On the island’s starkly beautiful westernmost tip, you’ll find a lighthouse that survived a volcanic eruption and found itself further inland after the lava flow had solidified. Set off on a seagoing exploration to view majestic whales, which abound in the nutrient-rich Azorean waters, and at the fascinating Scrimshaw Museum, examine whale’s teeth that were intricately carved by local fishermen during long voyages. You might encounter some of these hardy folk at Peter Café Sport, a buoyant local institution famed for its sailing memorabilia and invigorating gin and tonics.

San Juan, founded in the 1520’s by Spanish settlers, is both the largest city and the capital city of Puerto Rico. A territory of the Unites States, Puerto Rico is comprised of the large main island as well as five smaller islands, including the popular islands of Vieques and Culebra (both ports of call on select SeaDream voyages). SeaDream docks in Old San Juan, the oldest part of the city. Parts of this historic port city are still surrounded by stone walls dating back to the 1500’s. Narrow cobblestone streets, small shops, and points of interest like Cathedral of San Juan Bautista make this charming city a great place to stroll. Guests sailing into or departing from San Juan will enjoy views of Castillo de San Felipe del Morro, a mid- 1700’s Spanish fortress. San Juan Luiz Munoz Marin Airport is approximately a 30-minute drive to the port in Old San Juan. Currency in Puerto Rico is USD.