P&O Cruises Ocean Cruises: 22 nights from Southampton with Arcadia
Jan 6, 2026

Lisbon

Perched on steep slopes overlooking the Tagus River, Lisbon offers all the pleasures you'd expect from Portugal's main attraction.

The capital of Portugal, Lisbon (in Portuguese Lisboa) has experienced a great rebirth in recent years, with a lively and flourishing contemporary culture. Perched on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, Lisbon is one of the rare European cities that face the ocean and use water as an element that defines the city. Lisbon enchants travelers with its white limestone buildings, intimate alleys and an ancient charm that makes it a popular destination all year round.

Funchal

The famous Portuguese poet, Júlio Dinis described Funchal as: ‘The sea on one side, the mountains on the other and between these two majestic splendours, the city smiles like a sleeping child, safe and warm, between its parents’. Funchal, the capital of the Portuguese island of Madeira is the soul of Portugal. Settlers over 500 years ago were attracted to this sheltered place, which is structured like a natural ‘amphitheatre’. Gentle slopes, abundant greenery and flowers, rise above the pretty harbour for almost 1,200 metres. The port is located 15-minute walk from the city center, in Funchal's magnificent bay with its sparkling blue waters. Due to its strategic mid-Atlantic location, Madeira has been a stopover point for ocean-going ships for many years.

Funchal, the capital of the Portuguese island of Madeira is the soul of Portugal. Colonists over 500 years ago were drawn to this sheltered place, which is structured like a natural 'amphitheater'. Gentle slopes, abundant greenery and flowers, rise above the pretty port for almost 1200 meters. The magnificent bay of Funchal, with its sparkling blue waters, is home to the port, a 15-minute walk from the city center. Thanks to its strategic mid-Atlantic location, Madeira has been a stopping point for ocean-going ships for many years.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the capital of Tenerife, is located in the north-east of the island. Its pleasent climate and commercial areas make the city the perfect place for walking and enjoying long hours of relaxation. There are lots of things to visit in the city such as its avenues, parks and Henry Moore's most famous sculptures, hidden treasures and historic buildings such as the Church of the Conception or the Carta Palace.

Do not miss the opportunity to taste local cuisine. Santa Cruz de Tenerife is a beautiful port located in Tenerife, the largest of the western islands of the Canary Islands archipelago. In the area around the port, there are wide avenues, squares, exotic green areas and some examples of modern architecture. At the heart of the city, near the sea, there is Plaza de España, built in the mid-20th century and once the site of the San Cristobal Castle (16th century).

The oldest part of the city is rich in religious monuments. The construction of the Church of San Francisco, one of the best examples of the Baroque style, began in the 17th century. The Church of Pilar, dated back to the 18th century, stands on the remains of an ancient temple. The city has also some green areas filled with exotic tree species. The Garcia Sanabria Park houses an important outdoor Sculpture Museum.

Another not to be missed place is the Maritime Park, a recreational area designed by architect César Manrique and located in the old Canary Islands commercial basin. Also known as the Black Castle, this circular defensive bastion was built in the first half of the 17th century with volcanic stones. From a naturalistic point of view, Tenerife is an island of contrasting landscapes. The wide beaches of fine sand in the south of the island give way to lush vegetation in the north.

Every year, the outfits of the island's capital prepare to host Carnival, declared International Tourist Interest and one of the most spectacular in Spain. Its privileged location makes it possible to enjoy beautiful beaches such as Las Teresitas, get to know the city of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or visit Teide National Park, the symbol of the island.

Mindelo

Mindelo is a lively port city located on the island of São Vicente in Cape Verde, an archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa. Cultural vibrancy, historical importance and natural beauty blend perfectly making Mindelo a unique and fascinating destination for tourists. The city is known as the cultural capital of Cape Verde.

It has a rich musical tradition, in particular morna and coladeira are the traditional musical genres of Cape Verde. The city is associated with the famous singer Cesária Évora. Cesária Évora was a Cape Verdean singer and probably the most famous morna singer in the world. Her nickname was “barefoot diva” because of her habit of performing barefoot. Mindelo hosts one of the most lively carnivals in the region, often compared to those in Brazil.

The event is a great attraction for tourists and locals, with parades, music, dances and elaborate costumes. Mindelo has a thriving art scene, with numerous galleries and markets where local artists and artisans exhibit their works. The Mindelo Art Center is a notable venue for unique exhibitions and shows. The city's nightlife is lively, with numerous bars, restaurants and clubs that offer live music and entertainment, especially in the historic center around Praça Estrela and Rua Lisboa.

Praia

Praia is the capital of the Republic of Cape Verde, located on the island of Santiago, the largest of the archipelago, west of Senegal. The country is divided into charming little unofficial districts, the most important are Plateau (centre), Achada, Varzea, Safende and Sucupira (bazaar area). At the Sucupira market, you can buy exotic souvenirs, such as Panu or Babosa land, as well as a variety of handicrafts. Its great strength is the port, which, in addition to its development and the fishing industry, allows the export of coffee, sugar cane and tropical fruit. Thanks to its pleasent climate, It is possible to visit the city all year round. Even during the so-called rainy season (from mid-August to mid-October), it can happen that there is no rainfall for weeks. Thanks to ocean currents, Cape Verde has the lowest temperatures of all West African countries. Cape Verdeans are very fond of music, especially zouk, Funana and local HipHop. They are able to dance energetically throughout the night and one can easily join in. The city has several colonial-era buildings. The main attractions in the city center include Albuquerque Square, the old town hall built in 1920, the presidential palace, built at the end of the 19th century, the Monument of Diogo Gomes, the Portuguese navigator who discovered the island of Santiago in 1460. Apart from those mentioned, its beautiful beaches and good nightlife make this place an idyllic destination.

Praia is the capital of the Republic of Cape Verde, located on the island of Santiago, the largest in the archipelago, west of Senegal.
This country is divided into charming unofficial small districts, the most important of which are the Plateau (center), Achada, Varzea, Safende, and Sucupira (bazaar area).
At the Sucupira market, among local and culinary products, you can buy exotic souvenirs, such as the earth of Panu or that of Babosa, as well as a variety of handicrafts. Its great strength is the port, which, in addition to the development and fishing industry, allows the export of coffee, sugar cane, and tropical fruits.
In this locality, it is possible to think of visiting it at any time, although the climate is pleasant all year round. Even during the so-called rainy season (from mid-August to mid-October), it can happen that there is no precipitation for weeks. Thanks to the ocean currents, Cape Verde has the lowest temperatures of all the countries in West Africa.
The Cape Verdeans love music very much, in particular, the zouk, the Funana, and the local HipHop. They are able to dance with energy all night and you can easily join in.
The city has several colonial-era buildings. The main attractions in the city center include Albuquerque Square, the old town hall built in 1920, the presidential palace, built at the end of the 19th century, the Monument to Diogo Gomes, the Portuguese navigator who discovered the island of Santiago in 1460.
In addition to those named, it does not have any particular important places to visit, but it is thanks to the beautiful beaches and the beautiful nightlife that makes this place an idyllic destination.

Walvis Bay

Namibian Coastal Expeditions from Walvis Bay!

Set sail on an extraordinary cruise from Walvis Bay, Namibia, a unique coastal city nestled between the vast Namib Desert and the Atlantic Ocean. Known for its abundant birdlife, seal colonies, and stunning desert landscapes, Walvis Bay offers an unparalleled departure point for exploring the dramatic coast of Namibia and beyond. Prepare for a journey filled with incredible wildlife, breathtaking natural beauty, and unforgettable discoveries in one of Africa's most captivating regions.

Cape Town

In the heart of South Africa's breathtaking landscapes, there is a city shrouded in mystical aura and historical mysteries, and it’s Cape Town. This is a place where the grandeur of mountain peaks, endless beaches, and the turbulent ocean waters converge, create beauty and magic. Cape Town is graced by its iconic symbol – Table Mountain, which towers over the city like a guardian of ancient secrets and legends. Visitors can ascend this natural wonder to enjoy stunning views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean coastline.

Cape Town is also renowned for its cultural diversity. It attracts artists, musicians, and writers from all parts of the world, inspiring them with its unique atmosphere. The streets of Cape Town are vibrant with local markets, street art, and cafes offering dishes from various parts of Africa and the world. An interesting fact about Cape Town is its unique geography. The city is located at the southernmost tip of the continent, where the Table Bay is one of the largest and deepest natural harbors in the world. This makes it an ideal departure point for cruises along the Atlantic Ocean.

Cruises from Cape Town offer exciting journeys along the shores of South Africa, including stops at historic sites like Robben Island, where political prisoners of the apartheid era, including Nelson Mandela, were imprisoned. If you're interested in the underwater world, you can visit the largest aquarium in the Southern Hemisphere. For photography enthusiasts, we recommend the Bo-Kaap district, where houses are painted in vibrant colors.

Cruises from Cape Town also provide the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of South Africa's Western Cape, encountering wildlife and national parks, majestic waterfalls and endless beaches along the way. Cape Town not only impresses with its beauty and cultural heritage but also serves as the perfect starting point for thrilling cruise adventures, allowing guests to discover all the grandeur and diversity of this remarkable part of Africa.

The mother city of South Africa occupies one of the most beautiful positions in the world, with an iconic mountain located right in its center. As beautiful as the beaches and surrounding vineyards, the harsh desert of Table Mountain is covered with a unique flora, which captures everyone's attention.

With 6.5 million international tourists, South Africa appears to be the first destination in Africa. The inhabitants of Cape Town are truly open to tourism, which began at the threshold of the 90s, at the end of apartheid. Thanks to a significant regional and European tourism development, in recent years, the nation has grown considerably. African visitors are distinguished from those from overseas, differentiated by the activities carried out and seasonal movements.

But everyone participates fully in the development of the tourism sector. For lovers of architecture, the city is also famous for its colonial style, called Cape Dutch, particularly evident in the Constantia districts. During your stay in this fabulous place, you can stroll through the main streets: starting from Piazza Heerengracht where the first camp of the East India Company was founded. A short distance away, shopping lovers can also enjoy and discover Adderley Street, the main shopping street.

Without forgetting Government Avenue, where passers-by will find themselves in a beautiful glazed walkway of ancient oaks. Here museums abound, such as the Museum of History and Culture, the oldest South African institute after the Castle of Good Hope, residence of the city's first governors in the second half of the 17th century.