Costa de Lisboa Cruises

The Costa de Lisboa, a stunning coastline along Portugal‘s vibrant capital, Lisbon, is a captivating cruise destination that combines picturesque beaches, rich history, and delightful culture. This region is famous for its iconic landmarks such as the Belem Tower and the stunning architecture of the Alfama district, making it a delight for explorers. Fun fact: Lisbon is often referred to as the “City of Seven Hills,” offering breathtaking viewpoints, known as “miradouros,” that showcase the breathtaking vistas of the Tagus River. A cruise along the Costa de Lisboa allows you to discover the best of both the scenic coastline and the vibrant city life, all while enjoying the comfort and luxury of your cruise ship.

Major Cruise Lines Offering Itineraries to Costa de Lisboa

• Norwegian Cruise Line: With a fleet of 20 ships, Norwegian operates 12 that feature itineraries which include stops at Costa de Lisboa. The Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Star are popular for their freestyle dining and variety of entertainment options. Most frequently departing from Lisbon or Rome, these ships offer the perfect opportunity to explore the rich culture of the region.
• MSC Cruises: Operating 23 ships, MSC has 10 that sail to the beautiful Costa de Lisboa. The MSC Virtuosa and MSC Seascape stand out for their modern designs, innovative onboard experiences, and exquisite dining options. Most departures typically occur from ports like Barcelona or Southampton, making it easy for cruisers to venture into Portugal’s vibrant coastal area.
• P&O Cruises: With a fleet of 7 ships, P&O has all 7 offering itineraries to Costa de Lisboa. The Azura and Ventura are particularly admired for their classic British cruising experience and friendly service. Departures mostly happen from Southampton or Santa Cruz de Tenerife, providing guests convenient start points for their exploration of the coast.
• Princess Cruises: This cruise line features a fleet of 17 ships with 13 that travel to Costa de Lisboa. The Sun Princess and Sky Princess are highly regarded for their wide selection of onboard dining options and entertainment experiences. Departures typically occur from Southampton or Rome, providing easy access to captivating destinations along the coast.
• Holland America Line: Featuring a fleet size of 11, Holland America operates 4 ships that include itineraries to Costa de Lisboa. The Nieuw Statendam and Oosterdam are known for their upscale dining experiences and immersive cultural programs, promising a delightful cruise experience. Departures usually happen from Rotterdam or London (Dover), offering a cultured launch into your adventure.

Luxury and Small Ship Cruise Options in Costa de Lisboa

• Oceania Cruises: Oceania has a fleet of 8 ships, with 5 visiting the charming Costa de Lisboa. The Marina and Sirena are distinguished by their focus on fine dining and luxurious accommodations, ensuring an exceptional cruising experience. Most cruises generally depart from Southampton or Barcelona, setting the stage for an enriching journey into this stunning area.
• Explora Journeys: With a fleet size of 2, both EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II sail to Costa de Lisboa. Recognised for their high-end amenities and wellness offerings, these ships provide a lavish experience tailored for discerning travellers. Departures frequently occur from Barcelona or Miami, ensuring a stylish kick-off to your travels.
• Azamara Cruises: With a fleet of 4 ships, Azamara features 3 that offer itineraries in Costa de Lisboa. The Azamara Journey and Azamara Onward are noted for their immersive local experiences and longer stays in each port, allowing guests to fully engage with the vibrant culture. Departures are most common from Lisbon or Barcelona, enabling easy access to explore the stunning landscape.
• Seabourn: Operating a fleet of 5 ships, Seabourn has 1 dedicated to journeys in Costa de Lisboa. The Seabourn Ovation is known for its luxurious accommodations and impeccable service, creating a high-end cruise experience. Departures usually occur from Barcelona or Monte Carlo, ensuring an exquisite start to your exploration.
• Fred Olsen: With a fleet of 3 ships, Fred Olsen operates all on itineraries that include Costa de Lisboa. The Balmoral and Bolette provide a personable cruising experience characterised by friendly service and comfortable accommodations. Most departures occur from Southampton or Liverpool, making it convenient for UK cruisers to explore this enchanting destination.

Must-Visit Harbours in Costa de Lisboa

• Lisbon: The capital city, Lisbon, is famous for its historical and architectural wonders. While docked, visit the iconic Belém Tower, explore the grandeur of the Jerónimos Monastery, and take a stroll through the charming streets of the Alfama district. Be sure to enjoy a delicious pastéis de nata (custard tart) from a local bakery!
• Málaga: As a convenient port city in Southern Spain, Málaga is known for its rich history and beautiful beaches. Visit the fascinating Picasso Museum, explore the Alcazaba fortress, or relax on the sandy beaches. Be sure to indulge in some local tapas and Málaga wine before heading back to your cruise!
• Barcelona: Although not always part of the cruise itinerary, Barcelona is a must-see for its stunning architecture and vibrant culture. Explore Antoni Gaudí’s iconic Sagrada Família, stroll through the bustling La Rambla, or take a moment to relax in Parc Güell to see its gorgeous mosaics. Don’t forget to indulge in local Catalan dishes at a quaint restaurant!
• Valencia: Often seen as a gateway to Catalonia, Valencia’s mix of historic and modern structures is impressive. While docked, explore the City of Arts and Sciences or visit the stunning Valencia Cathedral. Sample authentic paella in Valencia, the birthplace of this famous dish, for a true Spanish culinary experience!
• Gibraltar: Known for its dramatic Rock, Gibraltar is an intriguing stop for cruise passengers. Explore the famous Gibraltar Botanical Gardens and take a cable car ride to enjoy stunning views of the strait. While in the area, visit the St. Michael’s Cave and its impressive stalactite formations.

The Best Times to Cruise to Costa de Lisboa

When planning your cruise to Costa de Lisboa, timing can enhance the experience significantly. From January to March, temperatures are relatively mild, typically averaging between 8°C and 16°C, making it a lovely time to explore without large crowds. Spring (April to June) is a spectacular season to visit, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C, ideal for sightseeing and enjoying the lovely blooming gardens. The summer months of July to September tend to be warm, ranging from 20°C to 30°C, perfect for beach activities but may attract larger tourist crowds. Autumn (October to December) brings cooler temperatures averaging around 10°C to 20°C, a picturesque time to enjoy the region’s festivity and cultural celebrations.

The Cost of Cruising to Costa de Lisboa

When budgeting for your cruise to the Costa de Lisboa, expect one-week itineraries to generally range from GBP 600 to GBP 1,600 per person, varying based on your choice of cruise line and accommodations. For two-week voyages, prices generally sit between GBP 1,200 and GBP 3,500 or more. Luxury cruises may require a higher investment, typically averaging between GBP 2,000 and GBP 6,000 for a week. Dining costs onshore may average around GBP 12 to GBP 25 for meals, while drinks generally range from GBP 4 to GBP 10, letting you savour the delicious Portuguese flavours during your travels.

Ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through the enchanting Costa de Lisboa? At Cruise1st, we’re here to assist you in planning the perfect holiday with a fantastic selection of itineraries and cruise lines tailored to your preferences. Your dream cruise along the stunning coast of Portugal awaits—book your cruise today!