Transatlantic from Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

In ancient times it was said that all roads lead to Rome… but in your case, the seaport of Civitavecchia is your road to Rome. Get there and you’ll find out what made the place so popular. The Vatican's Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo, the Colosseum with its lurid history, and the Trevi Fountain — where a tossed coin promises your return — are not to be missed on any visit to the so-called “Eternal City,” one of the cradles of civilization. Take a walking tour of Rome’s many historical landmarks and enjoy the lively sidewalk cafés, ending the day alla romana strolling through the atmospheric Centro Storico.

If you guessed that Cartagena’s name comes from the Tunisian Carthage, give yourself one history point. This “New Carthage” was founded in the third century B.C., and has continuously been a major naval port ever since. The city’s an enduring symbol of Roman dominance, with Punic walls and an amphitheater that you can still visit today. Don’t miss the Old City neighborhood near the port, but make sure to venture further to get the full experience — regional delights like Murcia’s 17th century Sanctuary of Fuensanta, the Moorish-built gardens of Huerto del Cura, and Lorca Castle’s Fortress of the Sun, all reward curious explorers of the Costa Calida area.

Cruise to Málaga and enjoy one of Spain’s oldest cities. First founded by the Phoenicians, the city of Málaga had hosted a number of civilizations over its 3,000 years. The end result is a city that’s a cornucopia of Roman and Moorish influences, among others. Travel to Málaga and enjoy the city’s many museums, especially Museo Picasso Málaga… after all, this is the city where the artist himself was born. Take a side-trip to nearby Granada, where visitors can explore the Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s at once an imposing fortress, impressive palace and a small town.

Best known as the gateway to the Mediterranean, Gibraltar is a port whose big features defy its reputation as a tiny British territory. For instance, the Rock of Gibraltar is more a mountain than a pebble — despite its understated name — and features limestone burrow tunnels that helped Gibraltar fend off invaders for over 200 years. The most scenic way up the rock is the Mediterranean Steps — imagine a staircase leading up the great rock towards even greater vistas. Down below in Gibraltar (and especially on Main Street) shopping is big… and perhaps more importantly, it’s duty-free.

Kick back amidst the sun-kissed pleasures of a pink-sand paradise on Carnival cruises to King’s Wharf. This British overseas territory of Bermuda has a rich naval heritage… plus powdery beaches fringed in coconut palms. Located at the very tip of Bermuda’s glittering archipelago of over 100 islets and cays, King’s Wharf was made for lounging in the Gulf Stream’s balmy subtropical clime, which meanders between Bermuda and mainland North America.

Set sail from Florida’s Gulf Coast and you’ll discover just how convenient — and action-packed — cruises out of Tampa can be. Welcome to one of Florida’s busiest ports — where the historically Cuban district of Ybor City, the aquarium, city shopping and local art museums are all in easy reach. Wide beaches and urban adventures are also at your fingertips when you book a Carnival cruise from Tampa. And come nightfall, 7th Avenue in Ybor City heats up, Latin-style.