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Which cruises go to Spain and Portugal Royal Caribbean?

  • Cruisefinderpro
  • 3 December 2025

Understanding Which Cruises Go to Spain and Portugal Royal Caribbean

Spain and Portugal are two of the most enchanting destinations along Europe’s western coastline, and Royal Caribbean offers some of the best cruise itineraries that explore this beautiful region. Travelers are drawn to Spain for its passionate culture, architecture, beaches, and world-famous cuisine, while Portugal captivates with its scenic coastlines, historic cities, port wine heritage, and warm hospitality.

If you’re wondering which cruises go to Spain and Portugal with Royal Caribbean, this in-depth guide gives you everything you need: itinerary types, ports visited, ship deployments, sailing seasons, route variations, and insider tips. Whether you love history, food, beaches, architecture, nightlife, or culture, the Iberian Peninsula offers a mix of excitement and relaxation that truly appeals to every kind of traveler.

Royal Caribbean includes Spain and Portugal on many of its Western Mediterranean, Atlantic coast, Iberian Peninsula, and transatlantic itineraries. These routes can last from 5 nights to 14 nights, depending on the ship and season. Let’s explore how these itineraries work and which cities you can expect to visit.

Royal Caribbean Itineraries Visiting Spain and Portugal

Royal Caribbean designs a wide range of European itineraries each year, and many of them feature Spain, Portugal, or both. You'll find itineraries that exclusively focus on the Iberian region, as well as combined routes that include France, Italy, the Canary Islands, or the United Kingdom.

Below is a detailed explanation of all itinerary types that include Spain and Portugal.

Western Mediterranean Itineraries Including Spain & Portugal

Many of Royal Caribbean’s Western Mediterranean cruises begin or end in major Spanish cities like Barcelona. These itineraries often include stops in Portugal, especially Lisbon, during longer voyages.

Typical Stops in Spain and Portugal

  • Barcelona

  • Málaga

  • Palma de Mallorca

  • Valencia

  • Lisbon

  • Porto (Leixões)

Why Travelers Love This Itinerary

  • Perfect mix of beaches and city exploration

  • Ideal for first-time European visitors

  • Visits several cultural capitals in one sailing

Western Mediterranean sailings often combine Spain and Portugal with Italy, France, or sometimes Gibraltar.

Atlantic Coast & Iberian Peninsula Itineraries

This is the most Spain-and-Portugal-focused itinerary Royal Caribbean offers. These cruises hug the Iberian coastline, giving guests an in-depth look at both countries.

Destinations Often Included

  • Lisbon

  • Porto

  • Cádiz (for Seville)

  • Málaga

  • Vigo

  • La Coruña

  • Bilbao

  • Barcelona

Why These Itineraries Are Popular

  • They offer an immersive Iberian cultural journey

  • Beautiful mix of northern and southern Spain

  • Opportunity to explore Portugal’s coastal cities thoroughly

  • Often fewer sea days than Mediterranean itineraries

These itineraries may start in the UK, Spain, or Italy.

Canary Islands + Spain + Portugal Itineraries

Royal Caribbean also runs longer voyages combining Portugal and Spain with the Canary Islands, an archipelago south of mainland Spain.

Common Ports for These Cruises

  • Lisbon

  • Funchal (Madeira, technically Portugal)

  • Tenerife

  • Gran Canaria

  • Málaga

  • La Coruña

Why Travelers Choose This Route

  • Warm weather year-round

  • Beautiful volcanic islands

  • Beaches, nature, and hiking opportunities

  • Cultural blend of Portugal, mainland Spain, and the islands

These itineraries are often 10–14 nights long.

Transatlantic Cruises Featuring Spain and Portugal

Royal Caribbean ships reposition between Europe and the Caribbean twice a year, and these longer sailings often include Spain and Portugal.

Ports Commonly Visited

  • Lisbon

  • Málaga

  • Cádiz

  • Barcelona

  • Vigo

What Makes These Itineraries Unique

  • Longer sailing days

  • Fewer ports but more time to explore each

  • Unique one-time routes

  • Great value compared to shorter itineraries

These sailings are popular among experienced cruisers or those wanting extended vacations.

Ports in Spain and Portugal Visited by Royal Caribbean

Let’s explore each major port visited by Royal Caribbean and understand what makes each destination special.

Spain: A Royal Caribbean Favorite

Spain is one of Royal Caribbean’s most frequently visited European destinations thanks to its wide variety of ports, cultural richness, and ideal location.

Below are the most common Spanish ports included in Royal Caribbean itineraries.

Barcelona: The Cruise Capital of Spain

Barcelona is not only a port of call—it is one of Royal Caribbean’s most important homeports in Europe.

Ships Often Sailing From or Visiting Barcelona

  • Oasis-class ships at times

  • Odyssey of the Seas

  • Explorer of the Seas

  • Symphony of the Seas (seasonal)

  • Voyager-class ships

Barcelona offers easy access to Gaudí architecture, Mediterranean beaches, and incredible cuisine.

Málaga: The Gateway to Costa del Sol

Málaga is a vibrant port on Spain’s southern coast, surrounded by historic sites and beachfront views.

Typical Shore Highlights

  • Day trip to Granada

  • Visiting the Picasso Museum

  • Walking the Alcazaba fortress

  • Exploring Costa del Sol towns

Málaga is included in Western Mediterranean, Canary Islands, and Iberian Peninsula itineraries.

Valencia: Spain’s City of Arts and Sciences

Valencia blends historic charm with futuristic architecture. Royal Caribbean often includes it on seasonal Mediterranean routes.

Why Valencia is Popular

  • Beautiful beaches

  • Old Town for culture lovers

  • Famous paella origins

  • Striking modern attractions

Palma de Mallorca: Island Paradise

Palma offers a perfect combination of cultural attractions and relaxing coastal scenery.

Highlights

  • Palma Cathedral

  • Beachfront promenade

  • Coastal caves

  • Mountain villages

Palma is often included as part of Spain-focused itineraries or Western Mediterranean trips.

Cádiz: For Travelers Wanting to Explore Seville

Cádiz is the gateway to Seville, one of Spain’s most captivating historic cities.

Why Cádiz is a Must-Visit

  • One of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities

  • Day trips to Seville’s cathedral and Alcázar

  • Andalusian charm

  • Beautiful coastal views

Cádiz appears in Iberian and transatlantic itineraries.

Bilbao & La Coruña: Highlights of Northern Spain

Royal Caribbean sometimes includes northern Spanish ports during Atlantic or Iberian sailings.

Experiences in Bilbao

  • Guggenheim Museum

  • Basque cuisine

  • Historic old town

Experiences in La Coruña

  • Tower of Hercules

  • Seaside promenades

  • Gateway to Santiago de Compostela

Portugal: A Jewel of Iberian Cruise Routes

Portugal is included in many Royal Caribbean itineraries, offering rich history and breathtaking views.

Lisbon: One of Royal Caribbean’s Most Popular Atlantic Ports

Lisbon is a highlight on almost every Spain-and-Portugal cruise.

What Makes Lisbon Special

  • Iconic yellow trams

  • São Jorge Castle

  • Belém Tower

  • Fado music

  • Amazing pastries and wine

Lisbon appears on Mediterranean, Atlantic, Iberian, and repositioning itineraries.

Porto (Leixões): The Home of Port Wine

Royal Caribbean includes Porto on longer Iberian routes.

Why Travelers Love Porto

  • Douro River views

  • Port wine cellars

  • Colorful architecture

  • Authentic Portuguese cuisine

Porto’s port, Leixões, is a convenient gateway to explore northern Portugal.

Madeira (Funchal): Portuguese Island Escape

Some itineraries add the beautiful island of Madeira.

Reasons Madeira Is a Favorite

  • Lush mountain landscapes

  • Botanical gardens

  • Wine tasting

  • Oceanfront promenades

This port is common on Canary Islands sailings.

Which Royal Caribbean Ships Visit Spain and Portugal?

Different ships rotate through Europe depending on the season. While this varies yearly, some ships traditionally operate many Spain-and-Portugal itineraries.

Ships Commonly Visiting Spain & Portugal

  • Odyssey of the Seas

  • Anthem of the Seas

  • Explorer of the Seas

  • Symphony of the Seas (seasonal)

  • Independence of the Seas

  • Jewel of the Seas

  • Adventure of the Seas

  • Voyager-class ships

These ships operate either Mediterranean or Atlantic coastal routes.

What Makes Spain and Portugal Ideal Cruise Destinations?

Spain and Portugal deliver an incredible blend of experiences in a single region.

Culture and Heritage

Both countries offer centuries of rich history, from Roman ruins to medieval castles to modern attractions.

Diverse Cuisine

Tapas in Spain, pastries in Portugal, fresh seafood, and wine everywhere—foodies are in heaven.

Natural Beauty

From Portugal’s dramatic cliffs to Spain’s sun-soaked beaches and islands, nature lovers have endless choices.

Convenient Port Locations

Royal Caribbean ships can dock close to city centers in several ports, making exploration easy and flexible.

Choosing the Right Spain & Portugal Itinerary for Your Travel Style

With multiple itinerary categories, choosing the perfect one depends on your vacation priorities.

For First-Time Europe Travelers

Choose: Western Mediterranean cruise including Barcelona and Lisbon

This offers an excellent introduction to culture, cuisine, and landmarks.

For Culture & History Lovers

Choose: Iberian Peninsula or Atlantic Coast route

You’ll explore multiple Spanish and Portuguese cities deeply.

For Nature and Scenic Views

Choose: Canary Islands + Portugal itinerary

These itineraries are perfect for outdoor lovers and photography enthusiasts.

For Long, Relaxing Voyages

Choose: Transatlantic repositioning cruises

These include fewer ports but memorable stops in Spain and Portugal.

Which Cruises Go to Spain and Portugal Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean offers a wide range of cruises visiting Spain and Portugal, whether you’re seeking a short Mediterranean getaway, an Iberian cultural adventure, or an extended transatlantic journey. With ports like Barcelona, Lisbon, Málaga, Porto, Cádiz, and Madeira included across different itineraries, the region offers endless beauty, history, relaxation, and adventure.

From sipping wine along the Douro River to strolling Barcelona’s iconic streets or relaxing on Andalusian beaches, every Royal Caribbean itinerary that includes Spain and Portugal provides unforgettable experiences.

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