Best of spain & portugal ~ european ocean cruise

a Captivating Journey...

Fine wines and world-renowned cuisine

Portugal cruises will offer you an insight into its enchanting culture. Indulge in the country’s robust cuisine that celebrates the riches of the ocean and its lush, rolling countryside, not to mention the crisp whites, fruity reds, and famous port wine. Marvel at fairy-tale castles, lounge on endless sandy beaches, explore colourful markets, and experience ancient musical traditions. Most importantly, connect with the people, who are as warm and welcoming as the sunny climate.

Portugal cruises will offer you an insight into its enchanting culture. Indulge in the country’s robust cuisine that celebrates the riches of the ocean and its lush, rolling countryside, not to mention the crisp whites, fruity reds, and famous port wine. Marvel at fairy-tale castles, lounge on endless sandy beaches, explore colourful markets, and experience ancient musical traditions. Most importantly, connect with the people, who are as warm and welcoming as the sunny climate.

All the things you need to know

Formerly a sleepy Spanish city, Barcelona has recently been reborn as an eclectic fusion of the modern and medieval. This coastal city exudes European charm and welcomes multitudes of travellers every year. It’s a major destination with must-see architectural gems that date back some 2,000 years. You’ll encounter fascinating examples from the Roman Empire, the Middle Ages, the Modern masters like Gaudî, and many Cataluñian greats. Outstanding art museums can be found throughout the city, proudly displaying the works of world-renowned artists and countrymen, including Goya, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalî, and Joan Miró. For a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, venture to the awaiting Mediterranean Sea and all the seaside has to offer. Maybe a brisk hike in the nearby forest covered Collserola Hills or the hilltop in Montjuïc with its botanical gardens is the perfect recharge for a rollicking evening in one of the premier party capitals of the world. Round out your cruise to Barcelona dining at a tapas bar and savour a variety of delicious small dishes to share—from traditional Spanish to the more innovative.

While at sea, take the time to recharge before the next adventure. Lounge by the pool, be spoiled at the spa, taste the delicacies or explore the venues on-board, until we arrive at the next amazing destination.

Malaga is the gateway to the Andalusian countryside and the Costa del Sol, some of the region’s most impressive beaches. It also is home to a number of magnificent palaces, including the Moorish Alcabaza and Gibralfaro.

From Cádiz you can easily get to Seville, exploring the old town with its quaint Moorish feel as well as its impressive monuments, pretty parks and lovely architecture. Along the way, restore your energy at any of the mouth-watering tapas bars offering some of the country’s finest seafood and typical Andalusian cuisine.

While at sea, take the time to recharge before the next adventure. Lounge by the pool, be spoiled at the spa, taste the delicacies or explore the venues on-board, until we arrive at the next amazing destination. 

Porto, Portugal’s second largest city after Lisbon, is one of Europe’s oldest cities and was registered as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996. Of course, Porto’s name itself hints at perhaps Portugal’s most famous export—port. This is where the fortified wine was first produced. The city has a rich history and is reminiscent of times gone by. You wouldn’t be wrong to compare it to an ideal Shakespearean backdrop. In Porto, the skyline is composed of sky-high bell towers, opulent baroque churches, and majestic beaux art buildings, which all create a romantic air that’s only heightened by the glorious shafts of sunlight that illuminate the city.

See why this city stands out above all others as you stroll along elaborate mosaic sidewalks and pass by the Monument to the Discoveries. A quick trolley ride transports you to the cobblestone district of Baixa. Or be lured away and pampered in the resort cities of Cascais and Estoril.

This storied capital with a history that extends back before the Roman Empire is only 1 of 2 cities in Portugal designated as a global city by the Globalization and World Cities (GaWC) Study Group. Once one of the world’s great naval and shipping powers, modern day Lisbon is an important hub of finance, commerce, media, entertainment, arts, international trade, education, and tourism.

Take a wonderful tour through Lisbon and you’ll discover Graca, the beautifully restored old area of the city, filled with old tiled buildings and mansions and Chiado, Lisbon’s arts district, for a different air of sophistication with its many boutiques, galleries and theatres. And, of course, a cruise to Lisbon is not complete without sampling a nice bottle of Port wine; the fortified red wine that can be found throughout the country. 

The Rhône Valley had been the route of choice for marauding armies and peaceful traders for centuries, and Lyon’s current site, at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône Rivers, cried out to be fortified. In 43 BC the Romans founded the city, which subsequently grew in importance; Emperor Claudius, conqueror of Britain, was born here.

There are many Roman remains to see, but it was the production of silk that brought Lyon to prominence during the Middle Ages, and throughout the city you can see signs of the wealth that poured in – Renaissance buildings, imposing churches and Europe’s largest pedestrian square, Place Bellecour, with a statue of Louis XIV as its focus.

The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is crammed with antique shops and intriguing traboules – narrow covered passageways enabling silk merchants to transport their wares to the river without getting wet – that today are a joy to amble through. As well as its glorious architecture, Lyon is generally acknowledged as France’s (and to locals, the world’s) gastronomic capital.

In fairness it has much to commend it: nouvelle cuisine was invented near here and the city boasts a huge array of speciality food shops and eateries, including 20 restaurants with one or more Michelin stars and countless little places to eat.

It’s your final afternoon in which you are free to explore Lyon further or perhaps though, return to the sumptuous surroundings of your ship, head up on to the Sun Deck and just contemplate the wondrous places you have seen and experienced over a quiet cup of tea.

This evening enjoy the sumptuous Captain’s Dinner, with the chef serving specialities of the regions you’ve visited during your voyage of discovery. After dinner, sit back and relax to the sounds of a talented local pianist who’ll entertain you with French songs on board.

While at sea, take the time to recharge before the next adventure. Lounge by the pool, be spoiled at the spa, taste the delicacies or explore the venues on-board, until we arrive at the next amazing destination.

Boasting some of the finest beaches in all of Spain, Alicante is the largest city on the Costa Blanca. Being that this is one of the more boisterous and festive destinations, it’s no surprise that directly behind the beach you’ll find numerous hotels, nightlife venues, and even an 18-hole golf course.  Beyond the tourist surface, this picturesque Spanish town enjoys a rich heritage with thousands of years of maritime history. To see how Alicante achieves the perfect balance of antiquity and modernity on Alicante cruises all you have to do is relax on the pristine sand of La Playa de San Juan, shop the Explanada de España, and conquer the Castillo de Santa Barbara. Venture through Alicante’s old town and take a trip back in time as you wander through its narrow streets passing by cathedrals and the town hall.  For a jaw-dropping view of the harbour and the distant mountains, climb up to the top of Mount Benacantil to the Castillo de Santa Barbara. This structure was originally built by the Carthaginians in 400 B.C. and later claimed by both Romans and Arabs who built upon it further. When the sun falls on Alicante, the city ramps up for a long evening of eating, drinking, laughing, and dancing that truly confirms its reputation as a lively Spanish town.

Best known as the birthplace of paella, Valencia has steadily moved onto the radar of savvy travellers. It’s a vibrant, friendly, mildly chaotic place with two outstanding fine-arts museums, an accessible old quarter, Europe’s newest cultural and scientific complex – and one of Spain’s most exciting nightlife scenes. Whole sections of the old city, for example the Carmen Quarter, have been extensively renovated. One of the best spots for exploring Valencia’s history is at the museum L’Almoina, which opened three years ago in the Carmen on the site where Valencia was founded by the Romans in 138 B.C. Here, you can walk over glass floors, looking down at a stunning assemblage of ruins excavated in the area. The exhibition includes Roman baths, tombs and a medieval Moorish ward for plague victims.

Discover a slice of Spain not found in Barcelona or Madrid on your Valencia cruise. This city has quietly built up a great reputation of its own, namely with innovative engineering and ultra-modern architecture. A few of its notable projects include Ciudad de las Artes y Ciencias (city of art and sciences); a futuristic complex that houses the family-friendly arts and science museums and the extraordinary futuristic buildings designed by local legend, Santiago Calatrava.

Formerly a sleepy Spanish city, Barcelona has recently been reborn as an eclectic fusion of the modern and medieval. This coastal city exudes European charm and welcomes multitudes of travellers every year. It’s a major destination with must-see architectural gems that date back some 2,000 years. You’ll encounter fascinating examples from the Roman Empire, the Middle Ages, the Modern masters like Gaudî, and many Cataluñian greats. Outstanding art museums can be found throughout the city, proudly displaying the works of world-renowned artists and countrymen, including Goya, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalî, and Joan Miró. For a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, venture to the awaiting Mediterranean Sea and all the seaside has to offer. Maybe a brisk hike in the nearby forest covered Collserola Hills or the hilltop in Montjuïc with its botanical gardens is the perfect recharge for a rollicking evening in one of the premier party capitals of the world. Round out your cruise to Barcelona dining at a tapas bar and savour a variety of delicious small dishes to share—from traditional Spanish to the more innovative.

  • Occupancy – 2,170

Cabins:

  • AquaClass Stateroom:

    191-209 Sq. ft.
    Veranda 42-62 Sq. ft.

    AquaClass® guests enjoy a spacious private veranda, eXhale bedding, premium bathroom amenities, a massaging showerhead and complimentary fitness classes. Plus, unlimited access to the Persian Garden, complimentary dining at Blu, and personal spa concierge.

  • Concierge Class Stateroom:

    209 Sq. ft.
    Veranda 42 Sq. ft.

    A dedicated concierge is always just steps away from your room to assist with your vacation needs. Attend exclusive events, including a Welcome Aboard Concierge Class Lunch and Destination Seminar. Then there’s the room. Here, you’ll find it’s little details so meticulously thought out that they truly make a world of difference. It’s a room that’s so much more than a room—it’s an experience.

  • Veranda Stateroom:

    150-175 Sq. ft.
    Veranda 38 Sq. ft.

    Ample indoor and outdoor space come together to create your private sanctuary at sea. Your personal veranda lets you greet the day, enjoy fresh sea breezes, and soak in breath-taking sunsets.

  • Ocean View Stateroom:

    170 Sq. ft.

    Expansive views make Ocean View Staterooms the ideal place to unwind at sea. These perfectly indulgent spaces come furnished with Celebrity’s eXhale bedding featuring the king-sized* Cashmere Mattress and everything else a modern traveller needs.

Trellis – The airy Main Restaurant offers exquisite menu selections, which change nightly to give you a variety of classic and contemporary choices. And the service? Legendary.

Constellation Lounge – The perfect daytime spot to gaze over the sea with a cocktail in hand. At night, the space comes alive with live music and dancing.

The Retreat – The Retreat is an unparalleled vacation experience that includes every stunning suite, a private restaurant, and an exclusive lounge that rivals any high-end resort.

Fortunes Casino – Relax, recharge, and play the hottest slots and table games at Fortunes Casino. It offers a sophisticated ambiance and a captivating atmosphere that comes alive with plenty of action.

Art Gallery – When you visit the Art Gallery, you’ll be surrounded with one of the world’s largest permanent collections of contemporary art, accompanied by a complete art program.

Rooftop Terrace – An alfresco movie theatre with cosy furnishings. The inviting Rooftop Terrace beckons you to stay a while.

Gallery

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We are here to help. Our travel experts will organise and book your dream holiday.
call us today or complete our online enquiry form to start your next adventure.

Let's Chat

We are here to help. Our travel experts will organise and book your dream holiday.
call us today or complete our online enquiry form to start your next adventure.