19 nights · Spain · Departs Barcelona (Spain) · Visiting Ceuta, Casablanca, Arrecife, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, San Sebastian de la Gomera, Funchal, Lisbon, Gibraltar, Malaga, Alicante, Ibiza · Aboard MSC Explora Journeys on the MSC Explora 2
Image courtesy of MSC Explora Journeys ©
| Cruise line | MSC Explora Journeys |
|---|---|
| Ship | MSC Explora 2 |
| Duration | 19 nights |
| Port calls | 12 |
| Departures | 1 sailings |
| From fare | $11,725 per person |
| Year built | 2024 |
| Guests | 1473 |
| Cabins | 461 |
| Crew | 640 |
| Length | 248 m |
| Beam | 32 m |
| Cruising speed | 18.0 kn |
Barcelona is a Mediterranean port city built on Roman foundations, with Gothic lanes and striking modernist architecture. La Rambla runs from Plaça de Catalunya towards the waterfront and the old town. Gaudí’s Sagrada Família and Park Güell show the city at its most distinctive. Set aside time for a market lunch and a walk through El Born, where medieval streets meet lively cafés. Barcelona’s beaches offer a welcome pause between visits.
Ceuta sits on the North African shore, yet belongs to Spain. This compact port faces Morocco across the Strait of Gibraltar. Walk the Royal Walls, whose moat and bastions recall centuries of strategic importance. Then pause in Plaza de África, beside the cathedral and sanctuary. For a broader view, follow the road or trail toward Monte Hacho. The city rewards curious visitors with layered history, sea air and an unmistakably cross-cultural character.
Casablanca is Morocco’s commercial capital, where Atlantic breezes meet broad boulevards and a lively medina. Begin at the Hassan II Mosque, whose vast prayer hall and soaring minaret stand beside the ocean. Then explore the French-era Art Deco centre, or browse the lanes of the Habous quarter for pastries, crafts and bookshops. Casablanca rewards curiosity with a modern Morocco shaped by trade, architecture and daily life.
Arrecife is Lanzarote’s compact capital, where Atlantic light catches whitewashed buildings and fishing boats in the harbour. Step ashore near Charco de San Ginés, a sheltered lagoon edged with cafés, seafood restaurants and low houses. César Manrique’s vision shapes Lanzarote, from its striking architecture to gardens and cultural spaces. Beyond town, volcanic landscapes and vineyards reveal why the island feels unlike any other Canary Island.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife is more than an island gateway. This Atlantic capital rewards a closer look. Browse the stalls at Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África, then follow the old streets towards Plaza de España. Its broad avenues, shaded plazas and market cafés make wandering pleasantly straightforward. Modern landmarks include the sculptural Auditorio de Tenerife, while palm-lined parks offer a welcome pause. Mount Teide rises inland; the golden sands of Las Teresitas lie within reach.
San Sebastián de la Gomera is a small port with a large place in Atlantic history. Columbus called here in 1492 before sailing west, and the town rewards a leisurely walk. See the 15th-century Torre del Conde, then visit the Church of the Assumption, linked to his stay. Beyond the waterfront, La Gomera’s steep green interior leads to Garajonay National Park, where ancient laurel forest fills deep ravines.
Funchal sits in a broad, sunlit amphitheatre above Madeira’s deep Atlantic harbour. Its compact centre rewards exploration, from the Old Town’s painted doors to the cathedral’s carved cedar ceiling. Ride the cable car uphill to Monte for sweeping views, then descend through gardens or by traditional wicker toboggan. Madeira’s wines and market produce offer a taste of the island before your ship sails.
Lisbon is a city best approached with time and comfortable shoes. Its seven hills rise above the Tagus, linking tiled lanes, grand squares and viewpoints with wide river views. In Alfama, narrow streets preserve the feel of old Lisbon. In Belém, the Jerónimos Monastery and Tower recall Portugal’s age of discovery. Pause for coffee and a warm pastel de nata between sights.
Gibraltar stands at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, looking across the Strait towards Morocco. The Rock rises above a compact town shaped by British, Spanish and Mediterranean influences. A taxi tour of the Upper Rock Nature Reserve brings far-reaching views and close encounters with Barbary macaques. Below, explore the Great Siege Tunnels and Moorish Castle, then browse Main Street’s shops and cafés.
Málaga is more than a gateway to Andalusia; it is a port city with a confident life of its own. In the old centre, the Roman Theatre sits below the Moorish Alcazaba, while the cathedral rises above nearby streets. Visit the Picasso Museum or his birthplace, then try grilled sardines and local wine at a pavement table. The Mediterranean is close: city beaches, Atarazanas Market and palm-lined promenades make lingering easy.
Alicante makes a graceful first impression: its Mediterranean harbour opens onto a lively, walkable city centre. Ride the lift to Santa Bárbara Castle, perched on Mount Benacantil, for sweeping views across rooftops and sea. Below, old-quarter lanes lead to the Basilica of Santa Maria and the Co-Cathedral of Saint Nicholas. Stroll the palm-lined Explanada de España, then try turrón, Alicante’s famed almond-and-honey confection. Beaches, cafés and the Archaeological Museum offer rewarding stops within easy reach of the harbour.
Ibiza Town rewards a day ashore with more than its famous nightlife. Above the working harbor, Dalt Vila climbs within Renaissance walls, part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Follow steep lanes to the cathedral and castle, where views sweep across the port and Mediterranean. Below, cafés, galleries and boutiques bring quieter pleasures to the waterfront and old quarter. Come early for history and cooler streets; linger into evening as harbor lights begin to glow.
Barcelona is a Mediterranean port city built on Roman foundations, with Gothic lanes and striking modernist architecture. La Rambla runs from Plaça de Catalunya towards the waterfront and the old town. Gaudí’s Sagrada Família and Park Güell show the city at its most distinctive. Set aside time for a market lunch and a walk through El Born, where medieval streets meet lively cafés. Barcelona’s beaches offer a welcome pause between visits.
Published August 12, 2026
Last updated October 3, 2026
Author: J. Richard
Good to know: Prices are quoted per person based on double occupancy and include all applicable taxes and fees. Availability and prices can change quickly, so please continue through the booking process to confirm the latest availability and pricing before you pay.
We work hard to make sure everything on this website is accurate and up to date. However, some information may be incomplete or inaccurate, including details supplied by third parties or otherwise outside our control, and we cannot be held responsible for such errors. We work with 41 cruise line operators, that are providing cruises on 585 ships visiting 1,731 ports across 7,194 unique cruises, creating 13,822 itineraries. This is a great deal of data to continually update daily from our suppliers. If a pricing error, misrepresentation, or omission occurs, we reserve the right to adjust the pricing, correct the information, or cancel or decline any booking made in error, with notice to you. Thank you for your understanding!
