Ocean Cruise

Barcelona
Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is said to have been founded by the Phoenicians and was
once the rival of the powerful states of Venice and Genoa for control of the Mediterranean trade.
Today, it is Spain's second-largest city and has long rivaled, even surpassed, Madrid in industry
and commerce. The medieval atmosphere of the Gothic Quarter and the elegant boulevards
combine to make the city one of Europe's most beautiful. Barcelona's active cultural life and
heritage brought forth such greats as the architect Antonio Gaudi, the painter Joan Miro, and
Pablo Picasso, who spent his formative years here. Other famous native Catalan artists include
cellist Pau Casals, surrealist Salvador Dali, and opera singers Montserrat Caballe and Josep
Carreras. Barcelona accomplished a long-cherished goal with the opportunity to host the
Olympics in 1992. This significant event prompted a massive building program and created a
focal point of the world's attention.
Palma

Spain's Balearic Islands are among Europe's most popular resort destinations. Mallorca is the
largest and most developed of these islands. Rome and Carthage battled over this territory and
portions of ancient Roman constructions still remain. Founded almost 2,100 years ago, the city
of Palma de Mallorca, the island's busy capital city boasts a considerable store of history.
Mallorca welcomes its visitors to an island, which can be both exciting and tranquil. The
abundant sightseeing and sunshine are yours to enjoy.
Mahon
Mahon is the capital of Menorca, second largest of the Balearic Islands. It stands out from the
others because of the abundance of prehistoric structures, and because its culture was
influenced by British occupation in the 18th century. The people who built the prehistoric
constructions are believed to have been responsible for similar works in Sardinia, and for
Stonehenge in England. Believed to have been founded by the Carthaginian General Mago,
Mahon was held by the Moors from the 8th to the 13th century and in turn occupied by the
English, the French and the Spanish. Mahon was finally ceded to Spain by the Treaty of Amiens
in 1802.
Cagliari, Sardinia
The pleasingly green, quiet island of Sardinia offers the visitor scenic beauty and a relaxed
lifestyle. Cagliari, the island's capital, features handsome Italianate architecture and several
churches reflecting a variety of influences. Impressive views are provided by the city's hillsides,
with one of the best panoramas available from the old walls of Terrazzo Umberto. The island's
natural charm has attracted pleasure-seekers to the Costa Smeralda since the Aga Khan
sought shelter ashore from a storm at sea.
Bonifacio (Corsica)
The scent of wild maquis carries you to aromatic Corsica, birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte.
Set off the southeastern coast of France and separated from Sardinia by the Strait of Bonifacio,
the rugged island was fought over for much of its millennia-long history; a particularly
contentious period of Genoese rule led to a short-lived independent state before it became a
French territory in 1769. Corsica was an infamous haven for smugglers and pirates; indeed,
bands of brigands were still roving there as late as the last century. Today, the island shows its
wild side in its jagged mountains, steep gorges, and forests of native Corsican pine. The town of
Bonifacio is a medieval beauty and particularly striking to behold from the sea, with its imposing
citadel precariously perched atop the white limestone cliffs. Look for the legendary Staircase of
The King of Aragon cut directly into the rock face; if physically able, climb the 189 steps for
spellbinding, 180-degree views. Bonifacio’s cobblestone streets and piazzas are abuzz with
craft shops, bars and brasseries, while fine-sand beaches and hidden pirate coves are plentiful. 
Portoferraio (Elba)
Despite its small size, the island of Elba has been known since the beginning of recorded
history. Called Ilva by the Ligurians and Aethalia by the Greeks, Elba passed to the Etruscans
and later the Romans. It was ruled by Pisa in the Middle Ages, was a haven for Barbary pirates
in the 16th century and then privately owned by the powerful Medici family. The island's most
famous resident was Napoleon Bonaparte, whose first exile from France and short reign over
Elba lasted from May 1814 to February 1815. During that time, Napoleon was able to improve

the island by altering street plans, building new roads, modernizing agriculture and developing
the iron mines. Iron ore is still mined above the Rio Marina and then shipped from Portoferraio
(Port of Iron). With a population of just over 11,000, the town is the largest of the eight on the
island and is considered its capital. Geologists and gem stone collectors find Elba a treasure
trove with over 150 minerals and semiprecious stones found here due to the seismic turmoil that
created the island. The rich soil also produces an astonishing range of foliage and flowers aided
by sun that shines almost every day of the year. Despite summer tourism, the island is largely
agricultural and the ambience is quiet and relaxed, allowing the visitor to enjoy Elba's natural
charm, peaceful abundance and timeless beauty.
Portovenere
The port is lined with ancient houses from as early as the 12th century. And the dominant citadel
dates from then, as well.  Below that, explore the grotto where Lord Byron used to daydream. Or
climb the castle beside St. Peter’s church for a view of the villages of Cinque Terre clinging to
the cliffs across the gulf.  
Cannes
Cannes was founded in the 2nd century BC by a Ligurian tribe, and was subsequently colonized
by the Romans in 154 AD. During the town's entire history it went through a period of upheaval
and desolation by war. In 1834, Lord Brougham, an English aristocrat, was so enchanted by
Cannes that he decided to settle there. This marked the beginning of the town's affluence, with
luxury residences springing up to provide winter accommodations for international nobility. From
1930 onward, Cannes became a summer resort. Its local economy had traditionally relied on
fishing, but was quickly replaced by tourism. Today, Cannes is best known for its world famous
film festival and, for two weeks in May each year, attracts the brightest and most talented stars
of the silver screen.
La Ciotat
The charming harbor of La Ciotat is on the Cote d’Azur midway between Marseille and Toulon. It
is in some ways archetypical of the Riviera. If one thinks of Cannes and St. Tropez in relation to
cinema, then La Ciotat predates their notoriety, for it was here that the Lumière Brothers,
summer residents, filmed the arrival of a locomotive at the local station in 1895, which became
the first commercially displayed cinema in history. They filmed several other pioneer films here,
and also created the first color photographs in La Ciotat. Not to be outdone, Jules Le Noir
invented the quintessential Rivera boules game pétanque here in 1910. Learn all about it in the
local Musée Ciotaden.
Monaco
The Principality of Monaco is the epitome of Riviera chic. This tiny enclave of 370 acres
surrounds a sheltered harbor that draws yachts worldwide to enjoy the beautiful scenery, mild
weather, and elegant casino. Glamorous Monte Carlo is one of Monaco's four quarters,
including La Condamine, the business district; Monaco-ville, the capital; and Fontvieille, an area
built on reclaimed land. Ruled by Prince Albert II, Monaco has a population of over 32,000, of
which about 16 percent are citizens or Monégasques.