Spain Cruises

Explore the Wonders of Spain with CruiseAway

When it comes to effortless explorations of captivating cities, rich history, and diverse landscapes, few places compare to **Spain**. A cruise to this vibrant country allows you to immerse yourself in the unique culture, savour delicious cuisine, and marvel at stunning architecture—all while enjoying the comforts of your floating hotel. Highlights often include iconic landmarks such as **La Sagrada Familia** in Barcelona, the historic **Alhambra** in Granada, and the lively atmosphere of Madrid. Fun fact: Spain is home to over 8,000 kilometres of coastline, not to mention some of the world’s most famous beaches! Book a cruise and experience the essence of this beautiful country firsthand.

Must-Visit Harbours in Spain

Spain beckons with a variety of remarkable harbours for cruisers to explore. Here are five must-visit ports:

• Barcelona: As the second-largest city in Spain, Barcelona offers an eclectic mix of culture, art, and architectural marvels. While there, ensure you visit **La Sagrada Familia**, and don’t miss **Park Güell** for stunning views of the city. For a taste of local life, stroll through the **Gothic Quarter**, where charming narrow streets are lined with delightful shops and eateries. Insider tip: Buy a ticket for the hop-on hop-off bus to cover more ground and discover the city’s highlights at your own pace!
• Cádiz: Known for its stunning coastline and historical significance, Cádiz is one of Spain’s most ancient cities. Explore the magnificent **Cádiz Cathedral** and relax on its beautiful beaches. If time permits, head to the **La Caleta Beach** for a refreshing swim. Pro tip: The city has a rich seafood scene, so make sure to try some local delicacies at beachside restaurants as you soak up the Mediterranean sun!
• Valencia: Valencia is famous for its stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and as the birthplace of **paella**. While there, explore the futuristic **City of Arts and Sciences** and the picturesque **Valencia Cathedral**. Don’t forget to wander through the **Mercado Central**, where you can sample local produce, cheeses, and delicacies. Insider tip: If you visit during **Las Fallas** in March, experience the vibrant festivities and elaborate fireworks—it’s truly one for the bucket list!
• Málaga: The birthplace of Picasso, Málaga offers a unique blend of artistic heritage and stunning coastal views. Visit the **Picasso Museum** and the historical **Alcazaba** fortress for a glimpse into the city’s past. For beach lovers, don’t miss the popular **La Malagueta Beach**. Pro tip: Enjoy a beachside chiringuito for some fresh fried fish paired with local **Espetos** for the ultimate Andalusian meal!
• Santa Cruz de Tenerife: The vibrant capital of the Canary Islands, Santa Cruz de Tenerife is known for its world-class attractions and beautiful beaches. Explore the lush vegetation of **Parque García Sanabria**, or take a trip to the stunning **Teide National Park** to see Spain’s tallest peak, **Mount Teide**. Insider tip: If time allows, grab a leisurely coffee at one of the outdoor cafés and soak in the local atmosphere!

Best Times to Cruise to Spain

Spain experiences a glorious Mediterranean climate, making it an excellent cruising destination almost year-round. The best times to sail are typically from **April to June** and **September to October**, where visitors can enjoy mild temperatures ranging from **20°C to 26°C**. This is the ideal time for exploring popular sites while avoiding the summer peak tourist season, which can often see temperatures soar above **30°C**. December to February brings cooler temperatures averaging **10°C to 16°C**, ideal for cruising at more budget-friendly prices.

Cost of Cruising in Spain

When planning a cruise to **Spain**, budget around **$1,800 to $3,000** for a standard one-week itinerary and **$3,500 to $5,500** for a two-week cruise. Luxury cruises typically start around **$5,000** for one week. The most affordable months to cruise are often during the shoulder seasons, while peak summer months like July and August tend to be much more expensive. Dining costs in Spain can vary, but on average, expect to spend about **$20 to $50** per meal in restaurants, with plenty of delicious tapas options available!

Major Cruise Lines Offering Spain Adventures

• MSC Cruises: With a fleet of **23 ships**, **15** regularly tour **Spain**. Noteworthy ships include the **MSC Magnifica** and **MSC Musica**, with departures often from **Genoa** or **Barcelona**. MSC focuses on family-friendly cruising experiences, providing world-class amenities and exciting onboard activities for guests of all ages.
• Cunard: This prestigious cruise line operates **four ships**, three of which offer Spain itineraries. The **Queen Victoria** and **Queen Anne** showcase luxurious voyages setting sail from **Sydney** or **Southampton**. Known for its elegant onboard atmosphere, Cunard elevates the cruising experience with exceptional service and fine dining, creating lasting memories for passengers.
• P&O Cruises: Featuring a fleet of **seven ships**, **all** sail to **Spain**. The **Azura** and **Ventura** frequently journey from **Southampton** or **Santa Cruz de Tenerife**. P&O Cruises prides itself on delivering a welcoming, family-oriented atmosphere, boasting activities and entertainment tailored for every type of traveller.
• Princess Cruises: With **17 ships** in its fleet, **12** frequently sail to Spain. **Sun Princess** and **Sky Princess** often set off from **Civitavecchia (Rome)** or **Barcelona**. Known for its exceptional service and exciting shore excursions, Princess Cruises offers unique opportunities to explore various Spanish cities in depth.
• Norwegian Cruise Line: This cruise line boasts a fleet of **20 ships**, with **13** offering itineraries that include Spain. Ships like **Norwegian Sky** and **Norwegian Star** regularly set sail from ports such as **Barcelona** or **Lisbon**. Norwegian Cruise Line is known for its “freestyle cruising” concept, offering passengers flexibility in both dining and activities throughout their journey.

Luxury and Small Ship Options

• Viking Ocean Cruises: With **11 ships** in its fleet, **eight** visit Spain, including **Viking Star** and **Viking Jupiter**. Departing frequently from **Barcelona** or **Civitavecchia**, Viking Ocean Cruises focus on immersive travel experiences with culturally enriching shore excursions that allow guests to engage with local traditions.
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises: This luxury cruise line boasts **six ships**, with **five** sailing to Spain. The **Seven Seas Splendor** and **Seven Seas Mariner** frequently set sail from **Civitavecchia** or **Barcelona**. Regent is renowned for its all-inclusive experience, offering personalised service, gourmet dining, and luxurious accommodations for a truly indulgent journey.
• Oceania Cruises: Featuring a fleet of **eight ships**, **seven** cruise to Spain, with **Marina** and **Vista** leading the way. Departures typically occur from **Barcelona** or **Miami**. Oceania is celebrated for its culinary excellence and culturally immersive itineraries, ensuring every meal and excursion is unforgettable.
• Explora Journeys: With a fleet of **two ships**, both cruise to Spain, namely **EXPLORA I** and **EXPLORA II**. Departing primarily from **Barcelona** or **Civitavecchia**, Explora Journeys focuses on delivering sustainable luxury experiences, highlighting the stunning architecture and landscapes of Spain and beyond.
• Silversea: Comprising **13 ships**, six of which explore Spain’s coastal regions. The **Silver Ray** and **Silver Dawn** often depart from **Lisbon** or **Civitavecchia** (Rome). Silversea boasts an intimate onboard experience with exceptional service—a focus on fine dining and enriching excursions to allow cruisers to engage deeply with local cultures.

Explore Alternative Regions

If Spain has caught your eye but you’re also looking for other fabulous options, here are five alternative regions worth considering:

• Western Mediterranean: This area boasts an array of stunning destinations, rich history, and culinary delights that mesmerise explorers.
• Southern Europe: With warm weather, beautiful coastlines, and rich cultural experiences, Southern Europe has something for everyone, from art lovers to beachgoers.
• Caribbean: A vibrant tapestry of island life, the Caribbean offers tropical beauty, lively culture, and sumptuous cuisine complete with stunning beaches perfect for relaxation.
• Portuguese Coast: A cruiser’s paradise awaits along the captivating Portuguese coastline, from the enchanting city of Lisbon to charming beach towns.
• Italy: Renowned for its artistic legacy, culinary delights, and stunning landscapes, Italy promises to fascinate and inspire every visitor.

With its stunning coastline, rich traditions, and delicious cuisine, Spain serves as an incredible backdrop for your next cruise adventure. Why wait? Explore everything **CruiseAway** has to offer and get ready for a memorable journey through Spain!