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 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.
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.
Barcelona
Málaga
Palma de Mallorca
Valencia
Lisbon
Porto (Leixões)
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.
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.
Lisbon
Porto
Cádiz (for Seville)
Málaga
Vigo
La Coruña
Bilbao
Barcelona
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.
Royal Caribbean also runs longer voyages combining Portugal and Spain with the Canary Islands, an archipelago south of mainland Spain.
Lisbon
Funchal (Madeira, technically Portugal)
Tenerife
Gran Canaria
Málaga
La Coruña
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.
Royal Caribbean ships reposition between Europe and the Caribbean twice a year, and these longer sailings often include Spain and Portugal.
Lisbon
Málaga
Cádiz
Barcelona
Vigo
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.
Let’s explore each major port visited by Royal Caribbean and understand what makes each destination special.
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 is not only a port of call—it is one of Royal Caribbean’s most important homeports in Europe.
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 is a vibrant port on Spain’s southern coast, surrounded by historic sites and beachfront views.
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 blends historic charm with futuristic architecture. Royal Caribbean often includes it on seasonal Mediterranean routes.
Beautiful beaches
Old Town for culture lovers
Famous paella origins
Striking modern attractions
Palma offers a perfect combination of cultural attractions and relaxing coastal scenery.
Palma Cathedral
Beachfront promenade
Coastal caves
Mountain villages
Palma is often included as part of Spain-focused itineraries or Western Mediterranean trips.
Cádiz is the gateway to Seville, one of Spain’s most captivating historic cities.
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.
Royal Caribbean sometimes includes northern Spanish ports during Atlantic or Iberian sailings.
Guggenheim Museum
Basque cuisine
Historic old town
Tower of Hercules
Seaside promenades
Gateway to Santiago de Compostela
Portugal is included in many Royal Caribbean itineraries, offering rich history and breathtaking views.
Lisbon is a highlight on almost every Spain-and-Portugal cruise.
Iconic yellow trams
São Jorge Castle
Belém Tower
Fado music
Amazing pastries and wine
Lisbon appears on Mediterranean, Atlantic, Iberian, and repositioning itineraries.
Royal Caribbean includes Porto on longer Iberian routes.
Douro River views
Port wine cellars
Colorful architecture
Authentic Portuguese cuisine
Porto’s port, Leixões, is a convenient gateway to explore northern Portugal.
Some itineraries add the beautiful island of Madeira.
Lush mountain landscapes
Botanical gardens
Wine tasting
Oceanfront promenades
This port is common on Canary Islands sailings.
Different ships rotate through Europe depending on the season. While this varies yearly, some ships traditionally operate many Spain-and-Portugal itineraries.
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.
Spain and Portugal deliver an incredible blend of experiences in a single region.
Both countries offer centuries of rich history, from Roman ruins to medieval castles to modern attractions.
Tapas in Spain, pastries in Portugal, fresh seafood, and wine everywhere—foodies are in heaven.
From Portugal’s dramatic cliffs to Spain’s sun-soaked beaches and islands, nature lovers have endless choices.
Royal Caribbean ships can dock close to city centers in several ports, making exploration easy and flexible.
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.
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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