Spain & Bahamas Transatlantic

Galveston, Texas, a charming island city along the Gulf Coast, is a delightful blend of history, culture, and seaside leisure. Known for its Victorian architecture and sun-soaked beaches, Galveston offers a rich array of experiences for visitors. The Historic Strand District, with its 19th-century buildings housing shops, galleries, and restaurants, takes visitors back in time to an era of bustling port trade and grand social affairs. The district is especially vibrant during the annual Mardi Gras celebrations, which transform the streets with parades, music, and festivities.

For those intrigued by history, the island is home to several captivating museums. The Bryan Museum, set in a historic orphanage, showcases one of the largest collections of Southwestern artifacts, providing insight into the region's past, from Native American history to the Texas Revolution. Meanwhile, the Galveston Railroad Museum celebrates the city’s legacy as a transportation hub, offering interactive exhibits and vintage train rides for enthusiasts of all ages.

Galveston is also renowned for its natural beauty and outdoor activities. Miles of sandy beaches, like Stewart Beach and East Beach, provide perfect spots for sunbathing, swimming, and family-friendly fun. The Galveston Island State Park offers kayaking, bird-watching, and hiking through diverse ecosystems that reflect the coastal beauty of Texas. Additionally, the Moody Gardens complex combines entertainment with education, featuring a rainforest pyramid, an aquarium, and even a 3D theater, making it a must-visit for families.

A fun fact about Galveston is that it’s home to the oldest operating opera house in Texas, the Grand 1894 Opera House, which has been entertaining guests since the late 19th century with a variety of performances, from Broadway shows to concerts. With its captivating history, picturesque beaches, and vibrant cultural scene, Galveston invites travelers to unwind and explore a unique blend of Texas coastal charm.

Beloved by cruise-goers, Nassau is a stunning Bahamian paradise and an essential destination on many Caribbean cruises. With so much to experience and explore, charming Nassau will easily enchant you on your adventure to the Bahamas! Hit one of Nassau’s many beaches, including Montagu Beach, Goodman’s Bay, and Cable Beach, to soak up some sunshine and relax in warm sands. Take a plunge in the ocean to snorkel or swim with dolphins, sharks, and sting rays. Enjoy even more wildlife and Nassau’s botanical beauty at Ardastra Gardens and Zoo, where you’ll catch a glimpse of bright pink flamingos. Head to nearby Arawak Cay to sample the island’s best fish fry and conch, a Bahamian delicacy, or taste a flight of sweet rum at distilleries in the city center. Venture downtown for a shopping excursion; the Nassau Straw Market is popular for buying souvenirs made of hand-woven straw.

Vibrant Nassau awaits you!

Alicante, a captivating coastal city on Spain’s Costa Blanca, enchants visitors with its blend of rich history, Mediterranean charm, and vibrant nightlife. Dominated by the impressive Santa Bárbara Castle perched on Mount Benacantil, the city offers sweeping views of the turquoise Mediterranean Sea and the bustling streets below. This 9th-century fortress, one of Spain's largest medieval castles, provides a fascinating glimpse into Alicante’s past, from its Moorish origins to its role in various sieges and battles. Today, the castle is a must-visit site, complete with guided tours, museums, and breathtaking vistas of Alicante’s shimmering coastline and urban sprawl.

The city’s historic quarter, El Barrio, is a maze of narrow, winding streets, colorful houses, and charming squares. Here, you can explore Alicante’s cultural treasures, like the Co-Cathedral of St. Nicholas, a stunning example of Spanish Baroque architecture. The area comes alive at night with its vibrant tapas bars, traditional taverns, and lively plazas, offering an authentic taste of Alicante’s nightlife. Visitors can indulge in local delicacies such as "arroz a banda" (a seafood rice dish) and "turrón" (a nougat confection) while soaking in the atmosphere of this historic neighborhood.

Alicante’s beautiful Explanada de España promenade is another highlight, famous for its distinctive wavy mosaic tiles and lined with palm trees. Stretching along the harbor, this vibrant walkway is the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, dotted with cafes, artisan stalls, and street performers. Just a stone's throw away is Playa del Postiguet, a sandy beach right in the heart of the city, ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and people-watching. With its warm climate and more than 300 days of sunshine a year, Alicante is a year-round destination that caters to sunseekers and beach lovers alike.

Fun fact: Alicante is renowned for its annual festival, Las Hogueras de San Juan (Bonfires of Saint John), which takes place in June and marks the arrival of summer. The festival is celebrated with parades, fireworks, and the burning of large satirical effigies made of wood and papier-mâché, creating a spectacular and unforgettable experience for visitors.