cruise ship company in spain

• 00800 0310 21 21 1-855-577-9489 1-877-288-3037 1-877-288-3037 1-877-474-2969
• | NCL Travel Blog">11-Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog
• | Norwegian Cruise Line">14-Day Authentic Alaska - Northbound Cruise Tour | Norwegian Cruise Line
• | Deck Plans | Norwegian Cruise Line">14-Day Authentic Alaska - Southbound Cruise Tour | Deck Plans | Norwegian Cruise Line
• | Norwegian Cruise Line">20-Day Transpacific from Tokyo (Yokohama) & Alaska | Norwegian Cruise Line
• | NCL Travel Blog">11 Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog
• View All Results
• Preferences
• Latitudes Rewards
• Special Offers
• Personalised Recommendations
• Make reservations before you cruise
• 1 (current)

* Terms & Conditions Package not available on sailings less than 5 days or charter sailings.

• 00800 0310 21 21

• Departure Ports
• Shore Excursions
• Family Cruising
• Accommodation
• Freestyle Cruising
• View Cruises

CRUISES TO SPAIN

• Email Sign Up For Special Offers
• Phone Let Us Call You

Book Your Spain Cruise Holiday

Cruise to Spain and enjoy its popular coastlines, expansive landscapes, rich history, and lively culture on an all-inclusive Spain cruise holiday. Visit the Iberian Peninsula to fiesta through the Tyrrhenian and Balearic Seas and fall in love with its Mediterranean flavours. Experience Spain's entire splendor and see why this beautiful country brings in many tourists from all over the world. Magnificent architecture, exquisite foods, and historic activities await you on your cruise to Spain.

About SPAIN CRUISES

All-Inclusive Cruises to Spain From Barcelona & Rome

Your tour of Spain will allow you to explore the rich tapestry of art and Gothic architecture that comprises the city of Barcelona . Have a taste of traditional Spanish Paella in Valencia . Sample typical tapas and wine in Cartagena . Marvel at the beauty of the Spanish Baroque style of the Cathedral de San Nicolas in Alicante . Or explore the fascinating blend of Arab and European cultures in Granada . Feel free to cruise into history with Norwegian.

What to Do on a Cruise to Spain

Your cruise to Spain may have various stops depending on your port of departure and length of travel. But there are a few things you must do on your holiday in Spain. From Barcelona, Palma, Majorca, Cartagena, Granada (Malaga), Seville (Cadiz), Bilbao, and Alicante, there are many historical sites, monuments, and culturally-rich activities to enjoy. Eat tapas, taste wines, and see a Flamenco show. Depending on the time of year, you can also enjoy a variety of festivals that include battles involving paint, oranges, and even meringue.

Explore Our Two SPAIN CRUISE DEPARTURE PORTS

Cruises from Rome

Sip an espresso and explore two and a half thousand years of history, art, and culture in Rome as you enjoy your cruise to Spain.

Cruises from Barcelona

Immerse yourself in the history of Barcelona with a visit to the iconic Gothic Quarter on your Spain cruise.

Discover More With A SPAIN CRUISE SHORE EXCURSION

During your cruise to Spain, you have the option to partake on various excursions. Stroll along the narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona . Dine like a local in Valencia with a menu of traditional Paella for lunch. Visit the Alhambra in Granada , where you'll witness one of the finest examples of Moorish art in Spain. Visit Alcazar, the 14th-century fortress-palace of Moorish architectural influences, whilst in Seville . Or venture off to the Canary Islands to see the highest peak in Spain, the highest point in the Atlantic Ocean, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site when visiting Tenerife . Experience the best Spain shore excursions during your travels.

A Spain Family Holiday THEY'LL NEVER FORGET

A Spain Cruise Holiday for the Whole Family

There are family holidays. Then there are the kinds of awe-inspiring holidays your family will remember forever. Sail on a Spain Cruise with Norwegian and discover the ease and convenience of unpacking once and experiencing it all. Freestyle Cruising and family entertainment offered on Spain cruises allows guests of all sizes to experience the best holiday ever. Because on family holidays, it's all about options. And Norwegian's got them, from accommodations that fit all families to delicious dining choices even finicky eaters can't refuse. We haven't forgotten about teens - they also have an exclusive onboard refuge at Entourage.

Select Your Spain Cruise ACCOMMODATION

Contemporary Accommodations

Experience a cruise to Spain with Norwegian Cruise Line and enjoy freedom of choice all along the way. Whether you're bringing the whole crew and staying in a Family Balcony, kicking it solo in a Studio or enjoying the views of Rome from an oceanview stateroom with some of your best friends, we've got just the room for you.

Stay in our Suites - our most luxurious, spacious and well-appointed Spain cruise accommodations. With our award-winning private suites and family accommodations you're always guaranteed a great place to rest.

Freestyle Cruising For Your SPAIN CRUISE

Discover the vast beauty, endless activity, and rich culture of the Adriatic and Mediterranean on a Spain cruise. Only Norwegian Cruise Line offers more choices of what to do and see, and more freedom to do it your way. That's the beauty of Freestyle Cruising. Unpack once and journey from city to city. Enjoy everything that Spain has to offer from Barcelona to Seville then return to the cruise ship to a variety of onboard activities, one-of-a-kind entertainment, and dining options. Dress up for a romantic evening or enjoy a casual dining experience with the whole family. Do what makes you happy with no restrictive timetables, ever. Because your holiday is exactly that - yours.

Find The Best Spain Cruises

• Cruise From

Barcelona, Spain

• Carnival Dream
• Carnival Glory
• Carnival Spirit
• Carnival Valor

* Coming Soon

• Past Guest Photos

Cruises from Barcelona make for some of the most unforgettable vacations you can imagine. Barcelona looks like a city that should be known for its architecture… and, naturally, it is. From monuments in Romanesque and Renaissance styles to Gothic spires and contemporary curves, there’s little surprise Barcelona was the creative playground of acclaimed architect Antoni Gaudí. But that’s just one reason why cruises out of Barcelona are so seductive. Barcelona’s a feast for the eyes and the palate, alike, and be sure not to miss the chance to try tapas as and visit spots like the La Rambla, Port Vell and especially Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia Cathedral. Fun beach bars overlooking the Mediterranean, sleek Spanish designer stores, and Gaudí’s surreal buildings make Barcelona, Spain a whimsical and unique place to visit. For a Mediterranean cruise, Spain is a great place to start — sample the good stuff on one of Carnival’s cruises from Barcelona.

• Cruise to Barcelona to photograph Gaudí’s otherworldly sculptures in Park Güell. 
• Ascend Montjuïc Hill for stunning city views. 
• Enter the 14th-century Catedral’s vaulted galleries and listen for its 13 resident geese.

See it all from Barcelona.

* Taxes and fees are included.

TAG & THEY’RE IT!

Hashtag your cruise photos #carnival and #barcelona — you may see them right here.

Spain Cruises

10 best cruises to spain for 2024-2025, hike in porto, the douro valley, and salamanca, westbound atlantic ocean crossing, malaga to cannes, balearic islands & spain, grand prix trials, morocco & canary islands, malta, balearic islands & spain, lisbon to malaga, top 10 luxury cruises to spain for 2024-2025, top 10 douro river cruises for 2024-2025, our favorite best small cruise ships visiting spain for 2024, silver wind, royal clipper, world navigator, national geographic orion, star clipper, spain cruise tips & travel guide, best spain ports and things to do, the best time to visit spain.

• Barcelona   is  one of the most-visited destinations in the world and home of the work of legendary architect Antoni Gaudi, whose "Sagrada Familia" is still under construction to this day, after more than 100 years.
• Cadiz  and the Straits of Gibraltar are a gateway to the  Canary Islands  and Sevilla.
• Palma de Mallorca  and the Balearic Islands where you can bike or hike through the charming traditional towns and rolling valleys and mountains of the countryside. Or, visit  Ibiza  for it's famous nightlife.
• Salamanca  is an historical port city on the Douro River with its own unique culture.
• Granada  is tucked between the three hills of Albaicin,  Sacromonte, and Alhambra bordering the majestic Sierra Nevada mountain range in Spain's Andalusia region.
• Cordoba  is home to the famous mosque-cathedral, with a stunning 856 interior columns; also home to the Jewish Quarter.
• Seville   features stunning Alcazar palace, the Andalusian gardens, and Maria Luisa Park.

Top 9 Must-See Attractions in the Spanish Minor Islands

Top 9 moorish era sites in spain - must-see historical landmarks & attractions, how to choose a cruise from spain, top 8 things to do in madrid - must-see attractions & experiences, best time to cruise the mediterranean, canary islands travel overview, 10 favorite ports on the douro river, spain traveller stories & reviews, mediterranean babymoon, cruising spain with andrea, spain travel faqs, top spain travel destinations.

• Canary Islands
• Douro River
• Mediterranean
• Palma de Mallorca
• Vega de Terron

Spain Trips by Departure Date

• 2024 Spain trips (49)
• 2025 Spain trips (41)
• July 2024 (14)
• August 2024 (21)
• September 2024 (23)
• October 2024 (30)
• November 2024 (21)
• April 2025 (27)
• May 2025 (19)
• July 2025 (15)
• October 2025 (19)

Top Experiences in Spain

• Spain Cruises (72)
• Spain River Cruises (19)
• Spain Luxury (17)
• Spain Cultural (16)
• Spain Food & Wine (11)
• Spain Beaches (5)
• Spain Active (3)

Spain Trips by Duration

• 8 day trips (26)
• 10 day trips (8)
• 11 day trips (9)
• 12 day trips (4)
• 13 day trips (3)
• 14 day trips (3)
• 15 day trips (4)
• 16 day trips (7)

Spain Trips by Activity

• Spain small ship cruises (43)
• Spain wine tasting (27)
• Spain archaeological site visits (20)
• Spain local market visits (18)
• Spain village visits (17)
• Spain small ship sailing (17)
• Spain urban exploration (13)
• Spain hiking (7)
• Spain land & sea exploration (4)
• Spain biking (3)

Why Travel With Adventure Life

Recognized by.

Prices Shown Now Include All Taxes & Fees

• Need help? 1-888-751-7804 1-888-751-7804
• Let Us Call You CALL ME
• Drink Packages
• Flights by Celebrity℠
• Hotels by Celebrity
• Manage Reservation
• Shore Excursions
• Upgrade with MoveUp

• My Tier and Points
• Join Captain's Club

Already booked? Sign in or create an account

• South Korea
• New Zealand
• Grand Cayman
• St. Maarten
• U.S Virgin Islands
• New England & Canada
• Pacific Coast
• Antarctic Ocean
• Panama Canal
• Transatlantic
• Transpacific
• Cruise Ports (+300)
• Mediterranean
• Perfect Day at CocoCay
• All Inclusive
• Bucket List Cruises
• Cruise & Land Package
• Groups & Events
• New Cruises
• Popular Cruises
• Specialty Cruises
• Destination Highlights
• Group Excursions
• Private Journeys
• Shore Excursions Overview
• Small Group Discoveries

• 360° Virtual Tours
• Celebrity Apex
• Celebrity Ascent NEW
• Celebrity Beyond
• Celebrity Constellation
• Celebrity Edge
• Celebrity Eclipse
• Celebrity Equinox
• Celebrity Infinity
• Celebrity Millennium
• Celebrity Reflection
• Celebrity Silhouette
• Celebrity Solstice
• Celebrity Summit
• Celebrity Xcel COMING SOON
• Explore Edge Series

Galapagos Expedition Series

• Celebrity Flora
• Celebrity Xpedition
• Celebrity Xploration
• The Retreat
• Suite Life. Elevated.
• Iconic Suite
• Penthouse Suite
• Reflection Suite
• Royal Suite
• Signature Suite
• Celebrity Suite
• Aqua Sky Suite
• Horizon Suite
• Sunset Suite
• View All Suites
• Concierge Class
• Galapagos Accommodations
• Eat & Drink
• Entertainment
• Spa & Wellness

• Cruising 101
• Cruise Fare Options
• Cruise Tips
• First Time on a Cruise
• What is Included on a Cruise
• Future Cruise Vacations
• Accessible Cruising
• Captain's Club Rewards
• Cruise Insurance
• Flights by Celebrity
• Healthy at Sea
• Manage Cruise
• The Celebrity Store
• Travel Documents
• Royal Caribbean International
• Celebrity Cruises

• Summer Sale - 75% Off 2nd Guest
• 3rd & 4th Guests Sail Free
• Free Caribbean Veranda Upgrades
• Galapagos 20% Savings + Free Flights
• Resident Rates
• Exciting Deals
• View All Offers
• All Included
• Cruise & Land Packages
• Dining Packages
• Photo Packages
• Wi-Fi Packages
• View All Packages
• Captain's Club Overview
• Join the Club
• Loyalty Exclusive Offers
• Tiers & Benefits
• Loyalty Status Match
• Celebrity Cruises Visa Signature® Card

Enjoy 75% off your second guest’s cruise fare and get bonus savings of up to $200.

Cruises to Spain From the USA

Sail between the new world and the old on Celebrity’s transatlantic cruises to Spain from the USA. You’ll depart from Tampa or Fort Lauderdale and enjoy blissful days at sea to unwind by the pool, relax in the spa, and enjoy fine dining and glittering entertainment. 

In Spain, there’s a thrilling new port to explore every day. See Roman antiquities in Cartagena and sample colorful paella in Valencia’s historic heart. Palma de Mallorca, in the craggy Balearic islands, is known for its beaches, gourmet markets, and the tangle of streets of the old Gothic Quarter. In Barcelona, admire the dazzling curves of architect Antoni Gaudí’s most famous buildings, including the extraordinary Sagrada Familia Basilica. Stops during the crossing may also include sub-tropical Bermuda, an island of pink sands, aquamarine seas, and intriguing naval history, or Ponta Delgada in the lush, volcanic Azores, part of Portugal.

Itineraries

View all cruises from the usa to spain, featured ports of call.

Barcelona bursts with energy, its center packed with superb art galleries, Gothic architecture, and Gaudí’s modernist masterpieces, the most famous of which is the dazzling La Sagrada Familia basilica. Wander along Las Ramblas boulevard, explore the old Gothic Quarter, taste hams and cheeses in the colorful La Boqueria market, and stop for fresh seafood on the beach at Barceloneta, the old fishing quarter. Head up Montjuïc hill to see the superb Joan Miró Foundation and spectacular city views.

Laid-back Valencia has several claims to fame, not least the fact that it’s the home of paella, the surrounding countryside green with rice paddies. Try the local specialty, cooked with chicken and rabbit, fragrant with saffron. Visit the 13th century cathedral, housing what’s believed to be the Holy Grail. Gaze in awe at the shimmering modern architecture of the City of Arts and Sciences and join the locals for a picnic in the Turia Gardens, a former riverbed, now a lush urban park.

Cartagena features layer upon layer of history. The spectacular Roman theater here was only discovered in the 1980s, buried under the old city center. The ancient Punic city walls date back to the third century BC, and in the excellent National Museum of Underwater Archaeology, you can see a replica of a Phoenician ship. Nearby, there are sandy beaches to enjoy, and a chance to visit a traditional stud where thoroughbred Spanish horses, famed for their grace and beauty, are raised.

Departure Ports

Fort Lauderdale

Orlando (Port Canaveral)

Find All Cruises to Spain From the USA

You might also like.

Cruises to Palma de Mallorca

Transatlantic Cruises

Cruises to Europe From Florida

Spain Cruises

Azores Cruises

Portugal Cruises

Italy Cruises

Bermuda Cruises

Best Beach Towns in Spain

What to Expect on Cruises to Europe From the USA

Best Time to Visit Spain

Best Cities to Visit in Spain

Romantic Places in Spain for Couples

Incredible Ways to Experience Spain’s Nature

Insider’s Guide to Southern Spain

Previewing: Promo Dashboard Campaigns

Tue 23 Jul 2024

2024 newspaper of the year

@ Contact us

Your newsletters

The alternative, crowd-free way to see southern Spain

Sailing the guadalquivir, spain’s only navigable river, gets you close to history-filled cities as well as lesser-known pockets of andalusia – and the ship offers a retreat.

Tom Jones’ “Sexbomb” is blasting from the speakers in the panorama bar when suddenly the ship’s captain bursts in with the panache of Robert Carlyle in The Full Monty . When a handful of male crew members follow, to the tune of “In The Navy”, I’m half expecting a strip show to ensue. 

As a first-time cruise passenger, this is a different image to what I expected. The introduction to the crew is more flamboyant than usual, I’m told. 

At 34, as stereotypes would have it, I’m among the younger guests aboared the 88-cabin MS La Belle de Cadix . The sailing is with CroisiEurope, which offers river cruises along the Guadalquivir – Spain ’s only navigable river. The waterway spans 408 miles, winding through Seville, the wetlands of the Doñana National Park, and the beaches of Sanlúcar de Barrameda before draining into the Gulf of Cádiz. 

Only around 6,000 guests experience CroisiEurope’s Guadalquivir cruise each year (for context, research suggests 1.6 million passengers cruise on European rivers annually). The trip is focused on Andalusia and includes many of the region’s big-hitting sights, including Seville’s Royal Alcázar, Granada’s Alhambra Palace, and a guided tour of Cordoba’s Mezquita-Catedral.

We’re starting in Seville , where I lived in the late 2010s. Back then, I spent many hours walking, running, eating – though mostly drinking beer – beside the Guadalquivir in Seville, but little time on the water. Much of the city ’s history and prosperity relies on the river.

“It’s one of the most important, not only in the region, but in Spain,” explains Noemi Jimenez, 30, a licensed tour guide from Seville, during a walking tour. 

In the 16th and 17th centuries, Seville was one of Europe’s wealthiest cities. It was the headquaters of the House of Trade (Casa de Contratación), which controlled trade in the Amercias.

Ships sailing to the New World had to start in, and return to, Spain’s only inland port with high-value taxable goods such as spices, silver, gold and tobacco. 

The Andalusian capital is also where Ferdinand Magellan set sail with a fleet of five ships back in 1519 on what’s known as the world’s first circumnavigation of the globe. The Portuguese navigator, widely credited with masterminding the voyage, was killed by a poison arrow in a tribal clash in the Philippines. Spanish navigator Juan Sebastián Elcano returned the ship to Seville in 1522 with a crew of only 18 men (240 fewer than had set off).  

This is something I contemplate as I wander towards the Puente de Isobel, a bridge connecting Seville with Triana, a seafaring neighbourhood.

As the light fades, loved-up couples sit beside the water drinking Cruzcampo on the flagstones opposite the pastel-coloured houses of Calle Betis. The street’s name is another indication of the river’s history. Calle Betis, taken from “Baetis”, is what the Romans called the Guadalquivir.

I live in Spain – these are the crowd-free beach towns you should try

Later, it was named the “Wadi al-Kabir” or the “big river” when Al-Andalus, or Andalusia as it’s known today, was under Islamic rule during the 8th and 15th centuries. The Almohad dynasty, one of the rulers at that time, built Seville’s golden-tinged “Torre de Oro” on the riverbank, a short walk from where we’re docked. 

Docking within a city means you can get on and off at your leisure every day – one of the benefits of river cruises (ocean cruises often anchor off port and send passengers to land on a tender). And everything is taken care of – food and drink, but also excursions and transfers. 

Vicki, 61, a retired accountant from Hertfordshire, decided on CroisiEurope’s Guadalquivir river cruise mainly for this reason, having planned to visit similar places by rail before realising it would take weeks. 

“I wanted a slightly easier way of doing it where someone else organised it for me,” she explains. 

I have visited most of the cruise’s stop-off points before. Travelling along the Guadalquivir allows me to see them from a different perspective. As we drift in and out of ports, I imagine the Phoenician, Roman, and Islamic settlers enjoying similar views.

However, not all stops are accessible by river, so CroisiEurope arranges coach trips from Seville to Granada and Cordoba. We arrive at the latter one morning, parking at the city’s mighty Roman Bridge before crossing it on foot to reach the 54-metre high Mezquita-Catedral. 

The mosque was converted into a cathedral in the early 13th century when the Christians captured Cordoba. Inside, features from the original mosque still exist, including a forest of columns with candy cane-like arches and a minaret.  Back aboard, we’re seated for dinner at the ship’s pistachio-hued restaurant.

MS Belle de Cadix ’s décor reminds me of a 90s B&B thanks to its lacquered wood dining chairs, gold-framed paintings of flowers and mauve, faux silk, curtains. Though this, along with three-course dinners, only adds to the ship’s charm. Cabins are snug, but come with knockout views.

Meals include everything from fresh salads to grilled sea bass. Post-dinner, passengers chat about the day’s excursion while swigging green, sugar-rimmed cocktails. There’s also a sundeck with a dipping pool to repress the Andalusian heat. 

One day, we stop at El Puerto de Santa María, a port city near Cádiz that’s home to a gargantuan limestone medieval castle, scores of sun-beaten plazas and the odd crumbling industrial building. Here we try the area’s dry fino sherry (El Puerto is on the sherry triangle) from Osborne, a cavernous bodega that smells like Christmas.

As the cruise’s end draws near, we march through the cobbled streets of Cádiz on a final tour. We pass the ostionera stone (brick made from crushed shells), Baroque-meets-Neoclassical-style Cathedral. I pause to admire the pastoral houses lining the coast that mean the city is often compared to Havana. At one point, we squeeze up an alley to find a Roman theatre, built around 70BC. These brushes with history are frequent on the cruise.

But what I’ve loved most are the gentle moments between excursions. The romance of lying on my cabin bed watching different landscapes fade in and out of focus (like when I woke up from a nap to realise the earthy tones of the Donaña Maria National Park and the milky-green Guad had been replaced by an endless blue North Atlantic Ocean).

The post-dinner heart-to-hearts with people like an elderly English chap who told me he’d moved to Spain a couple of decades ago to set up a donkey farm with the love of his life. The solitary evening strolls along the emerald river under flickering stars.

I’ve even come to look forward to the onboard entertainment. And on that, I better run: the flamenco is about to start.

Booking it CroisiEurope’s 2025 prices for a seven-night Guadalquivir cruise start from £1,745pp. The price includes return flights from Gatwick, overseas transfers and the cruise with all meals and drinks, excursions, onboard entertainment and port fees, croisieurope.co.uk More information spain.info

Most Read By Subscribers

Anti-tourist backlash in Europe causes cruise ships to change course

The European head of the world’s largest cruise trade body has warned that its members may need to avoid some of the world’s most famous destinations to protect passengers amid a backlash against overtourism . 

Several European cities have vented their frustrations over rising tourist numbers and its impact on the price of everything from food to accommodation and the local ecosystem. Tourism’s environmental footprint is a complaint usually levied at giant carbon-emitting cruise ships. 

In Barcelona, a popular setting-off point for cruise liners, locals have taken to squirting tourists with water pistols . Protestors in the Spanish Canary Islands started a hunger strike in April to protest overcrowding. 

Last October, cruise passengers were greeted by protesters dressed as polar bears and sea lions as they disembarked at the French port of Brittany, in a nod to the industry’s penchant for pollution. 

A study from the campaign group Transport & Environment found Europe’s luxury cruise ships emitted as much toxic sulphur as 1 billion cars. 

A rising tide

As protests have become increasingly hostile, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has suggested that it may have to divert ships to protect passengers from violence.

“There will be some consideration of adapting the itineraries if for some reason we feel that all passengers will not be well-treated,” Marie-Caroline Laurent, European director of the CLIA, told Reuters . 

Laurent didn’t specify which cities were liable to be axed from itineraries, but it’s easy to join the dots after a wave of protests across the continent in recent months. 

The mayor of Barcelona, Europe’s most popular port for cruise ships, said the city couldn’t take more passengers than the 3.5 million it accepted in 2023.

The CLIA defended its presence in Barcelona, saying only 4% of the city’s visitors were cruise passengers.

Venice, which banned cruise ships from the center in 2021, introduced a so-called “ tourist tax ” to deter or make extra money from day-trippers to the city this summer, months after moving to limit the size of groups that could congregate in the city.

Amsterdam, meanwhile, plans to nearly halve the number of cruises that can stop in its port every year by 2026 and ban them altogether by 2035.

And in Greece, locals have taken to using drones to police new rules on sun loungers in a bid to stop overcrowding on the country’s beaches.

Despite grumbling about a rising lack of hospitality, the global cruise industry is set to carry 10.7% more passengers in 2028 than in 2023, when 31.7 million tourists boarded the liners. 

Latest in Lifestyle

Welcome to ‘Ratatouille’: Paris is trying to curb its rat population ahead of the Olympics kick-off as thousands descend on the French capital

European cities are trying to shun young ‘drunk’ tourists in favor of big spenders, but there are concerns the move could be ageist

Tourism has hijacked Santorini’s wine production as agricultural land becomes exorbitant while visitor numbers continue to climb

4 less touristy spots to visit in France—from cowboy cabins to the ‘Hamptons of France’

Affordable travel is to blame for Europe’s overtourism problem, spoiling its most sought-after cities like Barcelona, Amsterdam and Athens

Most Popular

Democrat megadonor George Soros and his millennial son Alex are throwing their billions behind Kamala Harris as VP’s potential rivals back out

‘Black Swan’ investor warns the ‘greatest bubble in human history’ is about to pop and stocks could lose more than half their value

The top Democrats who have not endorsed Kamala Harris all have one thing in common

Trump had finally closed the fundraising gap in the election—then came a $100 million blue tsunami

Restaurants sit half-empty in Turkey this summer as inflation reaches 91% in places sending tourists and locals flocking to neighboring Greece

Ryanair profits nearly halved as the low-cost airline blames its ‘frugal’ customers for booking too many last-minute tickets

Cruise the Arctic in absolute luxury onboard Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot ship

Share this article

Polar bears can be seen left and right. Photo / Nick Rains, Ponant

What is it really like to embark on an Arctic cruise aboard Ponant’s luxury Icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot? Sarah Porter jumps aboard for a trip of a lifetime

There’s an Inuit proverb: ‘Only the ice and weather will decide’, and this could not have been more accurate than on my recent voyage to northeast Greenland, aboard Ponant’s luxury Icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot.

The captain quoted this when a change in course saw us encounter something rarely seen before – 68 polar bears feasting on a whale carcass. Only the ice and weather led us to this incredible encounter, which left both guests and crew mesmerised.

Le Commandant Charcot launched in 2021 and set a new standard for polar exploration, costing an estimated US$430 million ($709m) to build. I would not be exploring the ice-dense northeast coast of Greenland at this time of the year without the icebreaking capabilities of this incredible ship.

Witnessing her break through an 8m ice pressure ridge was truly spectacular, as was silently sneaking up on the 68 resting and feeding polar bears; unfazed by our presence.

As we left Iceland’s capital of Reykjavik, the fog rolled in, temperatures dropped, and ice began appearing on the horizon.

The tone was set with Captain Patrick Marchesseau’s initial talk, telling us he had some bad news: “The ship has three times more crew than passengers; and the weather did not look good, but rather excellent”.

Marchesseau’s humour became a highlight of most announcements.

READ MORE: Getting to Antarctica is easy for Kiwis - we can cruise from Christchurch to Antarctica on this cruise ship

It took close to two full days to cross the Denmark Strait, but the book I brought to read for such times remained untouched – the lectures from the expedition team, Explorer Club guests and scientists onboard, alongside the happenings in the bridge and everchanging landscape kept me entertained.

Our ultimate ‘Polar Bear Day’ occured after I had stepped on the ice for the first time and then jumped in the ship’s outdoor spa pool . One which uses recycled energy from the ship to heat. I was enjoying a talk on Arctic Ice when the captain announced he had spotted a polar bear … no hang on, there’s a few more than one.

As we approached, the expedition team pointed out that we’d come across a whale carcass with a total of 68 polar bears taking advantage of the feast. The first bears we spotted were a mum and her three cubs that, according to the expedition team, is a rarity.

Whilst keeping a respectful distance so not to disturb the bears, the captain reassured us we could relax and enjoy this moment at ‘polar bear island’ for as long as needed because this is where we would be spending the night.

We enjoyed the close-up views from the outside wrap around deck and bridge, and guests and crew onboard set in for an ‘all-nighter’ under the Arctic’s midnight sun. A night that will be etched in my memory forever.

The bears became curious and approached the stationery vessel, sniffing the air and even giving the ship a lick to see how we matched up against the whale.

Never in my life did I ever think I’d hear the sound of polar bear footsteps and witness these incredible creatures so close. I checked several times through the night from my port side cabin, to see the bears in food comas sound asleep around me.

The two local Inuit guides who were onboard had only ever seen six polar bears at any place at any one time; and experienced expedition guide and photographer Lisa LaPointe said: “Something possibly never seen before, and something that cannot be overstated”.

“As most ships cannot access deep into the pack ice there’s a lot we haven’t seen until Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot.”

We stayed there another day before continuing north to explore more of the untouched coastline. At our furthermost point, we reached a staggering 72 degrees north.

We kayaked several times amongst the icebergs, gently paddling through the ice where the sound of silence was deafening, and it was more like a relaxation session than a workout.

Every meal was outstanding, with menus designed by legendary French chef Alain Ducasse - one of the world’s most-awarded Michelin-Star chefs.

Sundays on board heralded a famous brunch that certainly lived up to the hype and we were fortunate to have the two Inuit hunters, Age (pronounced oogie as in boogie) and Scoresby, join us for this experience and share many stories.

Although their dialect of Greenlandic is very difficult to pronounce and understand, they had a great understanding of English, and we enjoyed chatting about their life in the settlement of Ittoqqortoormiit (I was taught to pronounce it as Eat-Duck-Cut-Door-Meat), one of the most remote settlements on Earth.

With a population of just 340, it is in complete darkness much of the year, and while there are no restaurants , everyone has Wi-Fi, streetlights and Age’s wife runs the only guest house in town.

Scoresby promises me a great Polar Bear steak when I do come and visit, as locals still hunt polar bears for sustenance via an annual quota of 35 bears (perhaps something I’ll politely turn down should I ever return!)

Age and Scoresby shared photos of their families, the first sunrise of the year, ice fishing, and kids swimming from their boats. As remote as we were, we learned that online shopping was done on Amazon, everyone had cellphones, and Age’s teenage son was planning to be a helicopter pilot.

Culture that is so different, yet so alike. As disappointed as I was that we were unable to visit their home, sharing a meal and insight into their lives was an absolute privilege.

Exactly halfway through our voyage, a bucket-list experience was announced over the ship’s PA, and under blue sky and a deck filled with spectators, a few of us brave (or somewhat irrational) guests jumped into the 0.5-degree water for the famous ‘polar plunge’.

I did this a second and third time during the trip, the two latter with the more dramatic scene of a hole cut in the ice, and a chillier -1.5-degrees. The captain and crew had apparently never had guests request more than one polar plunge, so they happily obliged.

The ‘plungers’ marched out onto the ice in their swimsuits, robes, muck boots and compulsory life jacket to the soundtrack of Rocky theme Eye of the Tiger ; the feeling was invigorating, and my bucket-list was ticked (three times).

Le Commandant Charcot exudes the chic French décor and design of the other vessels in the Ponant family; and then some – an indoor swimming pool, detox juice bar, snow room, cigar room, are all extra decadent touches that were fully used by the guests onboard.

Both the science of the ship, and the science onboard the ship, were as fascinating as our surroundings. The dual use of diesel and LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas); the ice routing equipment sends information to universities to update global ice charts; and the clean ship status that Le Commandant Charcot holds reassured me we are not just doing things in an environmentally safe way but in fact positively contributing to something much bigger.

Science facilities include both wet and dry labs, a meteorological station on the top deck, even a sonar room; and space is dedicated on each voyage to host scientists who are selected by the independent Arctic Research Icebreaker Consortium based on submission. Guests also participate in this science by collecting snow samples and uploading photos of clouds and whales alike.

On the last morning, the captain announced over the PA that the ‘Charcot depression’ will likely start setting in for the passengers, knowing the end of the voyage was near.

Nothing will ever replace the sound of polar bear footsteps, but you just don’t know what you’ll experience when you embark on a voyage of exploration to the untouched polar regions … only the weather and ice will decide.

GETTING THERE

The writer flew Qatar Airlines from Auckland to Doha and on to Oslo. From Oslo, she flew Icelandair to Reykjavik. A 42-hour journey in total from home to hotel.

wildearth-travel.com

discover.ponant.com

Sarah Porter works for Wild Earth Travel - small ship and expedition travel specialists. Sarah embarked on this exploration as a guest of Ponant.

Latest from Travel

Battle of the classes: german punks plan protest at idyllic island, how your towel could land you with a $400 fine in spain, is this tiktok trend causing a record number of emergency call-outs, time to get away.

The group plan to disrupt wealthy holiday-makers for six weeks.

Adventure across continents with these epic travel deals

Living the dream – why you should book a bespoke European travel experience

Best European cruises: 6 ships that stand out across the pond

Editor's Note

Prospective cruisers often ask me what the best European cruises are, but that question is difficult to answer because Europe is massive. It encompasses some 45 countries and includes such cruise regions as the Mediterranean, the Baltic and Northern Europe, the British Isles and the Canary Islands.

While cruisers are spoiled for choice in this part of the world, it can be difficult to know where to begin when researching voyages.

To help you out, I've narrowed down my favorites for the best cruises to Europe for different types of travelers, including families, couples and solo travelers.

Note: Pricing was accurate at the time of publication. Fares are subject to change without notice.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Best European cruises for families: Disney Fantasy

Disney Cruise Line is great for kids; if you're planning a cruise in Europe with children, Disney Fantasy is a logical choice for the best European cruise for families.

Character meet and greets, awe-inspiring nighttime entertainment and fun dining experiences mean your kiddos will never be bored. The ship's stellar kids clubs go above and beyond with a likeness of Andy's room from "Toy Story" and Star Wars flight simulators. They can even go to the Marvel Super Hero Academy, where kids can train to become protectors of the universe.

Disney Fantasy is not the line's newest ship, meaning it's a bit more manageable in terms of both size and price. It's not the oldest, either, so families will find more things to do on board than on the line's smallest vessels.

Ashore, Disney's family-friendly excursions will take you to laze on the beach, explore museums and learn about history.

In May 2025, Disney Fantasy will begin three- to 12-night cruises to Western Europe, the British Isles and the Mediterranean . Cruise fares start from $362 per person, per night, for a windowless inside cabin. You can visit ports like Glasgow, Scotland, and Liverpool, U.K., on cruises from Southampton, U.K.; you can also visit Florence and Rome (Civitavecchia) on Barcelona sailings.

Related: Best cruise lines for families

Best European cruises for couples: Viking Star

If you're a couple seeking an upscale Mediterranean or Northern Europe experience that offers real value and a chance to reconnect with your partner, look no further than Viking .

The line's Viking Star sails various Northern Europe and Mediterranean itineraries, and the European ports the ship visits offer plenty of opportunities for you to feel the love. Take a pizza-making class together in Italy , or get a little giggly at a wine tasting in Greece.

Viking includes at least one free shore excursion per port in its fares. That means you can wander Europe's romantic cobblestone streets, hand-in-hand with your sweetie, without paying a penny extra.

While fares aren't the cheapest you'll find, you'll get a lot for your money. In addition to the tours, Viking includes Wi-Fi, specialty dining, and beer and wine with lunch and dinner in its prices.

Plus, all cabins on Viking's ships have balconies, which is great if you want some fresh air but feel like keeping to yourselves. Complimentary room service is available 24/7, so you can order dinner to your cabin for a charming alfresco dining experience for two.

Want even more ways to pamper yourselves together? Check out the phenomenal thermal suite in the ship's spa ; they offer saunas and steam rooms, tile loungers and aromatherapy rooms at no extra charge. Or, splurge on a couples massage, which will leave both of you feeling relaxed and refreshed.

Even better, Viking ships don't allow children on board. It's a great excuse for you and your significant other to rekindle the romance without other passengers' kids ruining the vibe.

Through 2025, Viking's Northern Europe and Mediterranean sailings range from seven to 28 nights. The ship visits ports such as Barcelona; Rome (Civitavecchia) and Venice, Italy; Athens and Santorini, Greece; Istanbul; Bergen, Norway; and Reykjavik.

Fares start from $400 per person, per night for a balcony cabin on a Western Mediterranean itinerary.

Related: The 10 best cruises for couples seeking romance and together time at sea

Best European cruises for seniors: Seabourn Sojourn

If you're a senior traveler who loves great food and excellent wine, one of the best luxury European cruises you can book is a cruise to the Canary Islands on Seabourn 's Seabourn Sojourn.

The small ship carries fewer than 500 passengers, and you won't find raucous parties or tons of children. Instead, you'll be met with stellar service, gourmet food, a room with a view (all cabins have at least a window), and relative peace and quiet. The long itineraries are ideal for wealthier passengers with lots of time to travel.

Seabourn Sojourn's voyages to the Canaries span 12 to 26 days and visit the islands of La Palma, Gran Canaria and Madeira; they also visit Lisbon. Fares start from $314 per person, per night for a suite on a March 2025 sailing. Extras like Wi-Fi, gratuities and alcohol (including the in-room minibar) are rolled into the fares.

Related: Best cruises for seniors who love to travel by sea

Best for solo cruisers: Norwegian Epic

When Norwegian Epic debuted in 2010, it introduced Norwegian Cruise Line 's first cabins for solo travelers. Designed with single beds and a bit less square footage, these so-called studio cabins are clustered around an exclusive lounge reserved for solos. Special activities allow folks traveling alone to mingle and make new friends.

Since Norwegian Epic began sailing, nearly all of the line's new ships — Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Encore , Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva — have been built with accommodations for one , which don't charge occupants a single supplement. However, it's Norwegian Epic that has a presence in the Mediterranean and Greek Isles , offering solo cruisers a chance to explore Europe on a ship with cabins just for them.

On board, passengers have plenty of choices for activities and dining. In addition to the usual cruise-ship offerings — pool games, dance parties, game shows, trivia and movie screenings — Epic offers many fun diversions. Options include an adults-only beach club at the back of the ship, spa treatments, a bowling alley and even gaming lessons (the latter three for a fee).

The vessel sails six- to 12-night voyages, round-trip from Rome (Civitavecchia), calling on ports that include Naples and Florence (Livorno), Italy; Palma de Mallorca and Ibiza, Spain; Marseille and Cannes, France; and Mykonos and Santorini, Greece, among others. At press time, studio fares started at $161 per night for a 12-night sailing. The voyage includes a two-night pre-cruise stay with tours of Rome and features port calls on Santorini, Mykonos and Corfu, Greece; Valletta (Malta); and Sicily, Naples and Florence (Livorno), Italy.

Related: The best cruise lines for solo travelers

Best European party cruises: Virgin Voyages' Resilient Lady

If your Europe bucket list includes the Greek islands, you don't want to sail with children and you enjoy a lively party atmosphere, you can't go wrong with Virgin Voyages ' Resilient Lady. The third ship in the line's fleet, Resilient Lady offers some of the best cruises to the Greek Islands and other places in the Mediterranean.

Expect a casual vibe where passengers dress up like mermaids, crew dress up like drag queens and performers look like real people. Toss in an onboard tattoo parlor, a food court ( it's not a buffet ), free fitness classes and an app that lets you order Champagne to wherever you are on the ship; you get a product that has turned the cruise industry on its head.

Wild nights on board include raucous and sometimes raunchy theater shows, impromptu dance parties and Scarlet Night — a poolside bash reminiscent of a rave where everyone's dressed in red. If you attend enough daily activities, you might even be invited to a secret nighttime tour of the crew bar, drinks included.

The ship offers a regular program of seven- to 11-night voyages. Prices start from $174 per person, per night for an inside cabin on an eight-night cruise to France, Italy and Greece in April 2025.

Related: The best adults-only cruises to try if you can't stand being around kids on vacation

Best European cruises for 'wow' factor: Hurtigruten's Richard With

Looking for a sailing that no other cruise line offers and one that will make everyone on TikTok and Instagram jealous? I'm putting my money on a line you've likely never heard of: Hurtigruten .

The line began more than 130 years ago as a way for Norway's residents to move themselves and cargo up and down the Norwegian coast. It continues today as both a means of transportation and a way for cruisers to experience the country's culture.

On the cruise line's Norwegian Coastal Express route, Hurtigruten's Richard With ship calls on more than 30 ports in just six or seven days (depending on itinerary). Some are quick stops in the middle of the night while cargo is loaded and unloaded, but you could get off the ship in each port if you really wanted to. That in itself makes this itinerary buzzworthy.

Still need convincing? These voyages also cross into the Arctic Circle and sail into Geirangerfjord (northbound from Bergen to Kirkenes) and Trollfjord (southbound from Kirkenes to Bergen). The route affords absolutely breathtaking views and, of course, bragging rights.

The two routes can be combined into longer 13-day sailings, meaning you'd sail round-trip from Bergen and see all the fjords. Seven-night northbound itineraries from Bergen to Kirkenes start at $137 per person, per night for an inside cabin.

Bottom line

Ultimately, the best cruise to Europe is a bit subjective in that it depends where in Europe you'd like to go and what your travel style is. Be sure to weigh a combination of destination, price and onboard vibe when deciding which is best for you and your travel party.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

• Favorites & Watchlist Find a Cruise Cruise Deals Cruise Ships Destinations Manage My Cruise​ FAQ Perfect Day at CocoCay Weekend Cruises Crown & Anchor Society Cruising Guides Gift Cards Contact Us Royal Caribbean Group
• Back to Main Menu
• Search Cruises " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-2-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruises" target="_self"> Search Cruises
• Cruise Deals
• Weekend Cruises
• Last Minute Cruises
• Family Cruises​
• 2024-2025 Cruises
• All Cruise Ships " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-4-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-ships" target="_self"> All Cruise Ships
• Cruise Dining
• Onboard Activities
• Cruise Rooms
• The Cruise Experience
• All Cruise Destinations " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-5-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-destinations" target="_self"> All Cruise Destinations
• Cruise Ports
• Shore Excursions
• Perfect Day at CocoCay
• Caribbean Cruises
• Bahamas Cruises​
• Alaska Cruises
• European Cruises​
• Mediterranean Cruises​
• Royal Destinations
• Cruise Planner
• Make a Payment
• Check-In for My Cruise
• Beverage Packages​
• Shore Excursions​
• Book a Flight
• Dining Packages​
• Royal Gifts
• Required Travel Documents
• Transportation
• Book a Hotel
• Redeem Cruise Credit
• All FAQs " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-7-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/faq" target="_self"> All FAQs
• Boarding Requirements
• Future Cruise Credit​
• Travel Documents​
• Check-in​ & Boarding Pass
• Transportation​
• Perfect Day at CocoCay​
• Post-Cruise Inquiries
• Royal Caribbean
• Celebrity Cruises

Cruise to Alicante, Spain

Alicante shore excursions, amazing experiences coming soon., sorry, there are no excursions for this port at this moment., things to do in alicante.

Conquer a Fortress

The Santa Barbara castle with a view of the city of Alicante, Spain in the background

Climb the ancient fortress Santa Barbara Castle, built atop rocky Mount Benacantil, which provides amazing views of the countryside and a look at the area's history inside the Museum of the City of Alicante within the castle. You can also drive up or take an elevator from Postiguet Beach.

Beat of the Barrio

A narrow street between homes in Alicante, Spain

El Barrio, the historic center of Alicante, has narrow cobbled streets and Spanish-style apartments decorated with flowers, as well as interesting shopping and a handful of museums. Its pedestrian streets are made for strolling. It's also the neighborhood to go to for tapas and cocktails.

Off-Coast Exploration

Ride a boat over to Tabarca Island, a tiny island 11 miles from Alicante's port whose waters make up a protected marine reserve and provide excellent snorkeling. The island also features a small, picturesque community of whitewashed houses with blue shutters.

Local Cuisine

Meals in Alicante center around white fish, shellfish, local produce, olive oil and rice. Try the city's take on paella, made with local Bomba rice, red prawns and clams. Cruise to Alicante and sample esgarrat, which brings together sweet red peppers with salted cod and garlic. For dessert, you must try turron, a tasty local sweet made with honey, almonds and the locally produced Fondillon wine.

Shady Rambla de Mendez Nunez is lined with cafes, bars and family-run shops selling the Alicante's famous leather shoes, bags and more. Stalls at nearby Mercado Central farmer's market sell local wines, fresh fruit, produce and spices. Take home Alicante's celebrated local preserves and salted fish when you cruise to Spain.

Best Deals to Alicante, Spain

These cruises are selling out fast, get them while you can.

Departs From {{card.portName}}

Onboard {{card.shipName}} of the Seas

{{ card.totalGroups }} Itineraries

We've circled the globe and couldn't find any sailings that match your search. View All Cruises

We're having trouble retrieving these cruises. View All Results

Similar to Alicante, Spain

Previewing: Promo Dashboard Campaigns

My Personas

Code: ∅.

Thousands protest in Spain's Mallorca against mass tourism

• Medium Text

Sign up here.

Reporting by Graham Keeley, additional reporting by Catherine Macdonald and Horaci Garcia; Editing by Susan Fenton

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tab

Palestinian factions agree to form unity government

Palestinian factions including rivals Hamas and Fatah agreed to end their divisions and form an interim national unity government during negotiations in China that ended on Tuesday, China's foreign ministry said.