Floating University
A voyage from Lisbon to Tarragona aboard the Le Boréal, April 25 – May 2, 2027
We invite you to embark on the first-ever Floating University, a seven-night voyage from Lisbon to Tarragona. This journey reflects The New York Historical’s mission to examine the past in order to understand the present, featuring fascinating presentations by some of the most popular professors on campuses throughout the United States.
These renowned scholars bring their subject-matter expertise, their love of teaching, and their captivating lecture styles aboard Le Boréal, where you’ll also spend a week exploring the Iberian Peninsula and the forces that have shaped societies on both sides of the Atlantic. From the monuments of Lisbon to the architecture of Seville to the archaeological treasures of Cartagena, this thoughtfully curated itinerary offers a journey through history, culture, and the region's enduring maritime legacy. We look forward to welcoming you aboard.
Highlights
- Onboard presentations from Rutgers Professor Louis Masur include:
Hamilton vs Jefferson: The Rivalry That Shaped America
Abraham Lincoln: Separating Fact From Fiction
Rock 101: The Music and Stories of Ten Classic Songs - Onboard presentations from Stanford Professor Caroline Winterer include:
What Historians Still Don't Know About History
Understanding Ben Franklin: America's Founding Genius
Are We Rome? Are We Repeating Their Rise and Fall? - A voyage along the Iberian Peninsula’s storied coasts—where Roman, Moorish, and Christian influences have shaped centuries of history, architecture, and cultural identity—plus curated shore excursions to historic districts, archaeological sites, and vibrant local communities.
- Exploration of Lisbon’s Age of Discovery landmarks and a rare inland sailing along the Guadalquivir River to Seville, once a vital gateway to Spain’s global empire.
- Exploration of historic cities including Cádiz, Málaga, and Cartagena, where Roman, Moorish, and maritime legacies remain vividly preserved.
- Discovery of Valencia’s dynamic blend of historic landmarks and forward-looking architecture reflecting Spain’s evolving identity.
