2020 Europe & The Americas: Destinations to Delve Into

From the rolling Irish countryside to the birthplace of Aphrodite, the destinations in our 2020 Europe & The Americas Collection offer imaginative adventures and the chance to explore more of Europe’s and North America’s cruises & intriguing destinations. To inspire your cruise planning, here’s a glimpse from our Destination Experts at what you’ll find in just a few of our newest ports in Europe – surprising facts, tempting culinary specialties and more.

Ciutadella de Menorca, Spain
In contrast to the more hopping Balearic Islands driven by the thumping bass of lively nightclubs, you’ll immediately notice that the rhythm of life on Menorca is reflected in gentle waves lapping at powdery sands.

Did you know? Ciutadella’s daily open-air market has been a place to socialize and shop since the 14th century. Meet locals as you shop for handcrafts, jewelry, colorful textiles, leather goods and avarcas, traditional Menorcan sandals.

Culinary delight to try: Artisanal Mahón made from raw cow’s milk and aged for 2 to 3 months

Dartmouth, UK
Don’t miss the pristine coves of the River Dart estuary, lined with quaint cottages and bobbing sailboats. The waterfront is so picturesque that you may wonder if any Pilgrims were tempted to unload here when the Mayflower pulled in for repairs en route to the New World.

Did you know? Agatha Christie summered in Dartmouth. Greenway, her gorgeous summer home and gardens, as well as nearby landmarks often surface in her stories.

Culinary delight to try: Real Devonshire cream tea with scones at a riverside café

Glengarriff, Ireland
Far away from Ireland’s cosmopolitan urban centers, nestled deep in Bantry Bay, Glengarriff offers all the joys of the Irish countryside, from the dramatic beauty of its coastline to quirky cultural distinctions like a nature walk through the private gardens of a local family.

Did you know? To properly kiss – and reap the rewards from – the famed Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle near Glengarriff, you need to lean backwards holding onto an iron railing from the parapet walk. The legendary gift is worth it: eloquence.

Culinary delight to try: When in Ireland, do as the Irish do and drink the country’s national drink, whiskey. At Jameson Distillery near Glengarriff, go behind the scenes for a look at whiskey making and enjoy a tasting.

Marina di Carrara, Italy
As you sail into Marina di Carrara, the gorgeous snow spilling down from the mountains onto the green pine forests above the nearby town of Carrara will take your breath away – until you remember it is summer. What you are seeing is the exposed veins of the world's most sought-after white marble. The Tuscan seaside resort of Marina di Carrara lies just outside the Marble City and invites you to enjoy some quality beach time or journey farther afield to explore the magic of Tuscany. 

Did you know? The lush green hills of Carrara provided the white stone for Michelangelo's Pieta and Rodin's The Kiss and have been worked since Roman times.

Culinary delight to try: Tuscan wine, of course. Head into the geographic and metaphoric heart of Italy for a memorable wine-tasting adventure.

Paphos, Cyprus
Paphos isn’t just sunny, it’s really sunny – with an average of 13 hours a day in the summer and five hours during what are normally dreary months. It’s easy to fall in love with this beautiful land of rocky coastline and clear blue waters, which is why it was the perfect setting for the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite, goddess of beauty and love.

Did you know? A highlight of the Paphos Archaeological Park, the House of Dionysus has some of the finest, best-preserved mosaics in the world. Discover gods, goddesses and a floor made of seashells depicting the mythical Greek sea monster Skyla.

Culinary delight to try: Eat like a Paphos native with mezes, a series of small dishes served at a leisurely pace to allow space for conversation. Start with olives, followed by bread with tahini, before moving on to grilled lamb kebabs.

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