8 Nights Spanish Serenade: Lisbon to Barcelona and reverse

Type of Vessel

With only 212 guests, you begin to feel like it's your own private yacht almost as soon as you step aboard. The sitting area of your spacious suite gives you an expansive ocean view, making it a welcome retreat. When you're ready to make an appearance, the lounges, club, casino and library are waiting to be explored. Take some "you" time in the tranquil WindSpa, enjoy a dip in the pool, work off that decadent dessert in the Fitness Center and, of course, you are always welcome to visit the Bridge to examine navigation charts with the Captain. Star Breeze is large enough to pamper and entertain you, yet small enough to tuck into delightful tiny harbors and hidden coves that others can’t reach.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Lisbon, Portugal: The rhythm of Lisbon invites you to join its captivating dance. This splendid capital city on the banks of the Rio Teja offers a warm welcome and an unparalleled blend of architectural styles. Elegant outdoor cafés line the cobbled sidewalks. Turn-of-the-century funiculars climb the scenic hills. And, everywhere, the city engages you with its easy style and remarkable charm.

Day 2 | Portimao, Portugal: Follow the savory aroma of sardines grilling to the colorful quay, or let your lust for leather lead you to the old town’s shops and 18th century buildings. In ancient Silves, once a Moorish capital, the castle and cathedral are right next to each other in town. How thoughtful of them to make sightseeing so easy.

Day 3 | Seville, Spain: Today we cruise up the Guadalquivir River into the heart of Seville. (Most large cruise ships dock in Cádiz more than an hour away.) The Renaissance struck early here, during the Dark Ages that cloaked the rest of Europe. The Old Town alone contains three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the incomparable Alcázar Palace, just waiting for your own oohs and ahhs to echo through the Moorish arches and Italian courtyards. Or head out to the Donana National Park, declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Day 4 | Gibraltar, British Territory: It’s an odd bit of Britain here at the toe of Spain, with Barbary apes and miles of tunnels as well as traditional red phone boxes. Legend says Gibraltar was one of the two pillars erected by Hercules to mark the edge of the world. Take the cable car to the top to see if you can see it from here. No, that’s not it. That’s just Africa. What a view.

Day 5 | Malaga, Spain: Here, on the shores of Costa del Sol, the Andalusian spirit thrives. Be sure to include an optional visit to see the brilliant and comprehensive collection of Picasso’s work at Museo Picasso Málaga, a tribute to this artistic genius in the city of his birth. Or you may choose to opt for a visit to the beautiful village of Mijas, where picturesque Andalusian country life creates some of the world’s best wines.

Day 6 | Almeria (Granada), Spain: Enjoy a walking tour of this ancient city. If you prefer, opt for a beautiful drive through the Andalusian countryside to Granada and the magnificent UNESCO site, the Alhambra Palace. Built in the 14th century, this breathtaking example of Moorish architecture combines intricate mosaics and stone-cast latticework in a tapestry of grace and sophistication unparalleled in western civilization. Or take an optional excursion into nature at one of three UNESCO Biosphere Reserves.

Day 8 | Palma de Mallorca, Spain: Mallorca is steep, green, and fringed with enticing coves and more than 200 lush beaches. But all that natural beauty is just the beginning. Hear whispers of Chopin in Valldemossa’s monastery where he and George Sand once spent time. Watch the street performers on the piazza around the church, or cross the island to beautiful Sóller.

Day 9 | Barcelona, Spain: The old meets the new in this sunny Catalan metropolis, where narrow alleyways contrast with grand boulevards, trendy cuisine meets homemade tapas, and everywhere you’re greeted by the warm, welcoming smiles of the fashionable locals. Don’t miss UNESCO sites like the mind-boggling architecture of Antoni Gaudí or La Sagrada Familia Cathedral, with its eight decorative spires soaring hundreds of feet into the sky.

Food and Dining

All meals in all venues at all times, including room service menu available 24 hours. All non-alcoholic beverages, including cappuccino, espresso, and other specialty non-alcoholic drinks are offered to guests. There is also a welcome cocktails reception as well.

Onboard Activities/Events

Guests are allowed unlimited access to use all water sports equipment and there is also on board entertainment. A casino, library/business center, lounge, pool, whirlpool, and screening room are also available for guests at their leisure.

Shore Excursions

Explore beautiful landmarks throughout your journey between Lisbon and Barcelona on many highlighted excursions. Below are just a few of the many that you can experience on your voyage.

Portimao, Alfanzina Grotto Trip
Seville and the Alcazar
Seville, Concierge Collection: Gourmet Getaway
Gibraltar: City Under Seige
Malaga & Picasso
Malaga by Segway
Malaga, Deluxe Mijas, Malaga Wine Experience
Almeria City Tour & Tapas
Almeria, Granada & the Alhambra
Palma de Mallorca, Kayaking in Palma de Mallorca
Barcelona Highlights

Staterooms or Cabins

Guests can enjoy amenities including a queen size bed with luxurious linens, a waffle weave robe and slippers, a flat screen TV with DVD player, a full stocked minibar and refrigerator, safety deposit box, direct dial phone, luxury bath amenities, Wi Fi access, fresh flowers and fruit, granite vanity with makeup mirror, wake in closet with ample drawer space, bathroom with granite countertop, full size tub and a shower, and hairdryers.
Gracious Balcony and Ocean View Suites are where stylish comfort and ocean views welcome you in 277 square feet. Your queen bed, which can be separated as twins if you prefer, features luxurious Egyptian cotton linens. Enjoy a luxurious soak in your full-size tub or an invigorating shower, then wrap up in your waffle-weave robe and slippers, savor a treat from the fresh fruit bowl, or simply stretch out and enjoy the fresh flowers.
Classic Suites allow you to relax in 400 to 530 spacious square feet. Your living area offers beautiful views from the forward-facing window and French doors onto your private veranda. Two spacious closets give you plenty of room to unpack.
Owner’s Suites with 575 square feet, your Owner’s Suite offers separate living room and dining areas. A veranda, two flat-screen TVs and DVD players, and a full master bath and separate powder room indulge you in spacious comfort.

Spa

WindSpa is available to guests who wish to take time and relax after an adventurous day out exploring Panama or Costa Rica.

Fitness

There is a fitness center on board for guests who want to continue their workout while sailing.