Spain Cruises

History & Culture

Spain is a beautiful country with a rich and colourful history, that has been influenced by the Celtics, the Carthaginians, the Romans and even the Muslims. There's just so much to explore and discover. Spanish cities are full of medieval and modern architecture examples, great artworks of Picasso, Dali and Gaudi, numerous world heritage sites and fascinating cultural activities like flamenco dancing or local festivals.

Food & Drink

Spanish cuisine is rustic, bright and full of flavours. A cruise to Spain is an amazing opportunity to experience Spanish culture through their food. Tapas, paellas, jamon and gazpacho are probably the most famous Spanish food, and you'll find them in every restaurant. Other interesting dishes to try maybe tortillas (a Spanish omelette), croquetas, patatas bravas, calamari and octopus. The must-try desserts are Churros and Crema Catalana. 

Barcelona

The capital of Catalonia and the most popular cruise destination both for Spanish cruises and the Mediterranean. Barcelona is extremely popular among tourists, probably because she has it all. Want to feel the medieval atmosphere, walk the streets of the Gothic Quarter. Love architecture and art explore the masterpieces of Antonio Gaudi and the best paintings of Miro and Picasso. Dream of long walks along the sea, go to the Barceloneta and feel its unique vibe. Looking for some shopping, well Barcelona has multiple options. Foodies would enjoy the great choice of restaurants and food markets, and those who want to dance will admire Barcelona’s nightlife.

Sevilla

One of the most beautiful Spanish cities – Sevilla is also a popular cruise destination. Usually, cruisers visit it from the port of Cadiz to see the stunning examples of baroque, gothic and medieval architecture. Its biggest attraction is the Old Town, which has three UNESCO World Heritage sites: the amazing Alcazar palace, the marvellous Sevilla Cathedrale and the General Archive of the Indies. Another must-see in Sevilla is the Spanish square and the flamenco show.

Valencia

Valencia is a beautiful cruise port in Spain and its third largest city. It has a little bit of everything tourists are looking for. See the Old Town of Valencia and explore the best examples of gothic architecture. Discover modern art and design in the City of Arts. Kids would fall in love with the Oceanographic Aquarium, where they would find belugas and sharks. Starving? Try the Central Market or one of the many local restaurants, and if you want to do some shopping, there are plenty of options in the city.  

Santiago de Compostela

If during your Spanish cruise, you visit the Galicia region and its beautiful towns of Vigo or La Coruna, we recommend you go on a tour to Santiago de Compostela. In the very heart of the city, you’ll find the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, which is famous as it is the final stop to the Camino de Santiago (in English the Walk of St. James) – a pilgrim must-do. You'll be surprised by the beautiful architecture and interiors of the Cathedral, as there are some absolutely stunning examples of Romanesque, gothic and baroque styles.

Palma de Mallorca

As we have already mentioned, the Spanish cruise isn’t only about the mainland. So, another popular attraction is the capital of the Balearic Islands – Palma de Mallorca. Probably the best thing about this destination is its beaches: imagine golden sands, a long coastline and the crystal waters of the Med. Is there anything better for your holiday? If you prefer sightseeing to a chilling day at the beach, we recommend walking around the Old town, visiting the Bellver Castle and, of course, exploring the La Seu Cathedrale.

Alhambra

If you are cruising to Spain, you should definitely think of visiting the magnificent Alhambra Palace in Granada. It's a breathtaking example of Islamic architecture and, probably, the most famous one in Spain. This wonderful complex consists of palaces, buildings and beautiful gardens. Once upon a time, it was the largest aristocratic centre of the Muslims. Today it is an impressive attraction to explore the unique Muslim architecture, gardens and calligraphy.

Currency considerations

The official currency in Spain is Euro. Credit cards are widely accepted, as well as cash. Usually, tips are already included in your bill, so double-check it before tipping.

Customs and traditions to be aware of

They really do have siestas in Spain, and it’s, actually, quite a big deal. So, from 1 to 4 pm, it is common for shops and restaurants to be closed, especially in small Spanish towns. As a result, people in Spain are used to dining later, around 10 pm, which may seem unusual, but it is what it is.

Making the most use of short durations in port

In popular Spanish destinations like Barcelona or Madrid, there’s public wi-fi available for your convenience.

In Spain, they speak the Spanish language and practically no English, so it may be useful to learn a word, or two.

Another piece of advice is to pay attention to your personal belongings, as pickpockets are widespread in major attractions.

Transport

In terms of transport, Spain is one of the most developed countries in Europe, so you don’t have to worry, about how to get around. Taxis and public transport are available for tourists. And we recommend you research the cities you are visiting as there are different transport options available.

We have put together the following FAQs. We hope that you will be able to find an answer to your question below, but if you require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our customer service team.

• When is the best time to cruise to Spain?​

Spain has an amazing climate, which makes it almost a year-round destination. Of course, if you have a winter cruise, you may face some windy, rainy days. But other than that nothing's going to spoil your vacation. The best time to visit Spain, though, is late spring, summer and the beginning of autumn.

• Is Spain cruise a good idea for a family vacation?

​Oh yeah! Spain is a great country to visit with kids. Not only Spain has many fun attractions, but people are extremely kid-friendly.

• What is the biggest ship that cruises to Spain?

The biggest ship you can cruise to Spain is Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class ships. Last year it was Wonder of the Seas, this season it would be Symphony of the Seas.