Some holidays are about fitting in as much as possible. Others give you the luxury of taking your time. A voyage along the Atlantic coasts of Spain and France with Cunard offers a little of both: days spent discovering great food, architecture, and historic cities ashore, balanced by unhurried time on board as the scenery changes beyond the ship.
In 2027, consider a seven-night voyage from Southampton aboard Queen Anne. You can wake up ready to explore Bilbao, spend the following days discovering Galicia, and finish with a taste of Normandy, without changing hotels or repacking along the way. Two days at sea create a natural pause between these stops, giving you time to enjoy the ship rather than simply moving from one destination to the next.
A different side of northern Spain
Spain’s Atlantic coast has a character all of its own, and one of the pleasures of this route is seeing how much changes as you travel west. From Getxo, Bilbao brings together two of the Basque Country’s biggest draws: innovative architecture and a food culture worth travelling for. The Guggenheim Museum has transformed the city’s riverside but leave time to wander through the older streets of Casco Viejo, where pintxos bars make it easy to turn lunch into an afternoon of trying a little of everything.
Further west, the mood shifts again in Galicia. La Coruña faces directly onto the Atlantic, with its distinctive glass-fronted buildings lining the waterfront and the ancient Tower of Hercules standing watch over the coast. Vigo, meanwhile, has long been shaped by the sea, from its busy fishing port to a food scene where shellfish and freshly landed seafood take centre stage.
Let the sea days be part of the holiday
The days between ports are not simply gaps in the itinerary. They give you the chance to settle into Queen Anne and enjoy a completely different pace. For Princess Grill guests, that begins with having more space of your own. Suites have a private balcony and defined living area, while priority embarkation helps the journey begin smoothly. Beyond your suite, you also have access to spaces reserved for Grill guests, including the Grill Suites Lounge and the Grill Suites Terrace at the top of the ship, where there are loungers and whirlpools overlooking the sea.
Finish on the French coast
Cherbourg provides a final change of scene before the journey back to Southampton. Its identity has always been closely tied to the sea, and the Cité de la Mer explores that maritime history inside the city’s former transatlantic terminal, including the chance to step aboard Le Redoutable, a former nuclear submarine.
You can just as easily keep the day simple, though. Wander around the harbour, find a café, or browse the streets around the centre before returning to Queen Anne for your final evening on board. That balance is what makes this kind of voyage so appealing in 2027.
To book your Cunard voyage, speak to your Travel Counsellor today.
Cunard’s new voyages for October 2028 to May 2029 bring together winter sun, European city stays, and far-reaching journeys across the world. Guests can mark a milestone at sea on Queen Mary 2, spend an evening in Rio de Janeiro during Carnival with Queen Anne, or join Queen Elizabeth for a 115-night World Voyage. There’s also a 10% Early Booking Saving on eligible bookings made by 30th December 2026.*
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Virgin Voyages’ Beach Club at Bimini brings together the best parts of a Caribbean beach day, from white sands and clear waters to lagoon-style pools, live DJs, Bahamian-inspired food, and plenty of space to relax. This adults-only retreat is designed for doing as much, or as little, as you like, whether that means settling into a hammock, swimming in the pool, enjoying a cocktail by the shore, or heading into the water for a little more adventure. With complimentary dining, Wi-Fi, beach access, and transfers from the ship included, it offers a stylish and effortless way to experience Bimini.
Finding your match...
