European Cruising is Back
Spain/Morocco Voyage * June 4 - 11, 2022
Spain/Morocco PortSpain/Morocco Voyage
Europe is opening for travel with tourist activity slowly getting back to normal due to the increase in vaccination rates and confidence levels. Lifestyle couples can now plan for our European luxury cruise vacation if they've been putting it off over the past year.
Bliss Cruise is set to sail the sensational landscapes of Spain for an 8-day/7-night voyage that departs from Barcelona and includes several great stops with highlighting ports of call in Morocco and Málaga. The impressive ship features contemporary (yet classic) and stylish (yet refined) staterooms and suites that create a fresh and elegant feel to your vacation stay. One of the greatest features of this ship is the large number of staterooms with verandas. There's nothing better than opening your door to the fresh sea air and views.
The ship also features restaurants, concierge amenities, a Spa and Wellness Center, live entertainment and daily enrichment programs. Shore excursions are available that vary by activity level, including museum visits and walking tours, with restaurant recommendations for those who’d like to explore the local dining scene.
Discover Spain with this immersive itinerary that'll connect you to the country's authentic local life and culture. We have lots to see and do in Málaga, Spain which is the birthplace of the famous artist Pablo Picasso. Casablanca, Morocco is a great place for tourists to experience great food, sightseeing, street life and so much more. There will also be 2 full days at seas to relax and unwind...
Pre-Cruise Information & Reception
We recommended that you arrive the night before the cruise to ensure that you don't miss the boat. We'll make arrangements at a hotel for a group rate to stay the night before the cruise. We'll also be hosting a pre-cruise Meet & Greet Reception to give everyone the opportunity to start getting to know each other before sailing the open waters. We'll have more information on the pre-parties in future newsletters.
Beautiful Beaches
Málaga, Spain: This venue is becoming one of the most popular Cruise stops around the Mediterranean sea. One reason for this is it's an entry point for visiting Andalusía -- Southern Spain’s most popular region. A visit to Málaga combines a sunshine coastline with stylish city living. It also hosts some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe.
Playa Guadalmar: is an authorized naturist beach in the city of Málaga. It sits on 64 hectares of protected land for its high environmental value, as it allows the settlement of many species that inhabit the area. This beach has moderate waves and dark sand with an extension that 400 meters long and 30 meters wide on average. This beach has no promenade, but instead, is surrounded by lots of vegetation.
Playa De San Julián: San Julián beach is also in the city of Málaga. It's a semi-urban beach with dark sand located on the west coast of the city, between the beaches of Torremolinos and Playa de Guadalmar. It is about 1,850 meters long and about 50 meters wide. There is little traffic close to this beach and it has a nudist area.
Things To Do In Málaga, Spain
Panoramic Málaga & Picasso Connection: Gain insight into the life, works, and techniques of the Málaga native, followed by a scenic stroll to Plaza de la Merced, the birthplace of Picasso. Learn about the childhood and youth of the iconic 20th-century artist and take a private, guided tour of nearly 300 pieces of Picasso’s work, donated from the private collections of the Picasso family.
•Enjoy a panoramic bus tour of Málaga's rich archaeological remains and fascinating monuments
•Visit Gibralfaro Castle, a magnificent 14th-century fortress overlooking the city and port
•Visit Pablo Picasso’s birthplace and admire some of the artist’s works; donated from the Picasso family’s private collections.
A Stroll Through Málaga & Tapas Tasting
Discover the historic architecture and timeless traditions of Málaga on a walking tour led by a local guide. Begin in the heart of town at the Plaza de Merced, where you'll come across the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. After a few photos and some artful insight, continue along the narrow streets of Málaga.
Wind past the ruins of the ancient Roman Theater (built in the 1st century AD) and look up to find Málaga's signature landmark -- the palatial Alcazaba. Erected in the 11th century, this monumental fortress was once the residence of Arabian Kings.
During the outing, you'll also enjoy an authentic taste of Spanish culture visiting typical tapas bars. Here you will share local dishes, fine wine and good conversation with new friends.
Malaga & Tapas Tasting
•Start in the Plaza de Merced and set out on foot through the historic streets of Málaga
•Witness the legendary Alcazaba and stroll past the former home of Pablo Picasso
•Visit local tapas bars and share a selection of homemade Spanish dishes with new friends
Things To Do In Casablanca, Morocco
Casablanca & Hassan II Mosque: Embark on a tour that delves into the religious history, artistic heritage and Hollywood lore of Casablanca. Your day begins at the awe-inspiring Hassan II Mosque, crowned by a minaret rising more than 850 feet overhead. Enjoy a rare visit inside this architectural achievement boasting a retractable roof that can transform the grand prayer hall into an open-air patio in a matter of minutes.
•Step inside the largest mosque in Morocco, which also boasts the world's tallest minaret
•Enjoy a panoramic drive along the Corniche Boulevard and explore the historic Habous District
Casablanca Walking Tour & House of Music
There's no better way to experience Casablanca than on foot. A local guide will lead the way as you set off through the heart of the city. Make your way to the Central Market and join the locals shopping for fresh vegetables, seafood, flowers and other items.
At the Dar Al Ala Museum (House of Music), you'll meet a lively member of the Andalusian Orchestra for a very special tour that provides a musical look at Casablanca's heritage. Enjoy some time to unwind and explore before heading back to the ship.
•Enjoy a walk that explores the city center, Central Market and bustling United Nations Square
•Mingle with locals at the Central Market and find yourself tossed in the mix of city life
•Visit the Dar Al Ala Museum for a melodious look at traditional Andalusian music
Casablanca & Lunch at Rick's Café
Rick’s Café Casablanca was designed to recreate the bar made famous by Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman in the movie classic "Casablanca."
Set in an old courtyard-style mansion built against the walls of the Old Medina of Casablanca, the restaurant/piano bar is filled with architectural and decorative details reminiscent of the film: curved arches, a sculpted bar, balconies, balustrades as well as beaded and stenciled brass lighting that casts luminous shadows on the white walls.
•Rick’s Café takes advantage of Morocco’s abundance in seafood. Lunch time favorites such as Chili Con Carne and American Hamburgers are also available along with “the catch of the day” and a Moroccan Tagine. The rooftop terrace barbecue called the “The Pergola” offers a range of items from mixed grill to roasted game hen and swordfish steak.
•Listen to the sounds reminiscent of the 1940s and 1950s, including classic French, Spanish and Brazilian songs along with American favorites such as "Summertime," "The Lady is a Tramp," "Blue Moon" and the inevitable "As Time Goes By."
Call your Travel Agent or Bliss Cruise today for more information: (954) 462-5477
