7 Spanish Cruises That'll Take You to Some of the Most Beautiful Places in the Mediterranean
It’s Hard to Go Wrong in the Mediterranean
Fancy an exotic cruise in the Mediterranean among beautiful coastal towns and gorgeous island scenery? Taking a Spain cruise is sure to delight you. Cruises around Spain have gained favor among British, American and Canadian tourists for their rich cultural experiences and lively sense of adventure.
Sometimes it can be quite the process to find a cruise that’s right for you. But when it comes to the beautiful Mediterranean, it’s hard to go wrong; one of these Spanish cruise lines is sure to fit the bill. Be sure to brush up on some Spanish phrases before you go to enhance your experience even further!
Whether you’re looking for multi-week transatlantic cruise or a shorter Spanish river cruise, luxurious amenities abound on all vessels (many of which include airfare or are all-inclusive). For some of the best Spanish cruises around, take a look at the variety of mega-ship and private yacht style choices that abound.
Oceania Cruises: Iberian Grandeur
Tour the Iberian Peninsula in style aboard Oceania Cruises’ refurbished 11-deck Sirena ship. A rich cultural experience awaits you both at sea and overland at all nine port cities on the Iberian Grandeur route.
This 10-day voyage from Bilbao to Barcelona will immerse you in the history of the region and allow you to lavish in the beauty of the Spanish coast. At sea, enjoy lectures from historians and naturalists, go dancing at the on-board nightclub, or gamble in the French-style casino.
Along the way, sunbathe on both Spanish and Portuguese beaches during the day and take in the vibrant European city-life at night.
P&O Cruises: Mediterranean
Amazing food, stunning scenery and luxury accommodations await with P&O Cruises’ Mediterranean cruise package. The Adonia departs on this 14-night journey from Southampton in the United Kingdom, before sailing through the Bay of Biscay.
The ship makes a stop at Praia da Rocha in Portugal before heading to the culturally rich Valencia on the east coast of Spain. You’ll also enjoy a number of shore excursion choices in Barcelona including a water park, football game, aquarium and city tours.
If you’re tired out from exploring, the beautiful island of Menorca will allow you to relax and gaze lazily at its turquoise waters. Experience the Picasso Museum in Malaga and the famous natural wonders of Gibraltar before finally journeying to the northeastern port of El Ferrol.
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Star Clippers: Balearics, Spain & Malta
For a truly special cruise experience, climb aboard the Star Flyer, a classic sailing clipper ship with no dress codes or restrictive dining schedules. With an experience akin to sailing in your own private yacht, the Star Clippers ships have all the amenities of a big ocean liner, but on a much more intimate scale.
For a luxury jaunt around the Mediterranean Sea, take the 10-day Balearics, Spain & Malta cruise, which departs from charming Malaga. Food festivals and archaeological sites make the resort town of Roquetas de Mar an interesting first stop.
Then it’s on to Cartagena for sunbathing at one of the public beaches, followed by island hopping from Ibiza to Menorca.
Celebrity Reflection: Western Mediterranean
One of the newest mega-ships from Celebrity Cruises, Reflection was the winner of Cruise Critic’s Cruiser’s Choice Award for Best Dining Experience in 2017 with top-rated free and for-a-fee restaurants on board. Enjoy their Western Mediterranean cruise amid luxurious suites that boast access to exclusive areas of the ship.
Reflection’s route starts off the west coast of Italy in Civitavecchia — home to ancient Roman ruins and the medieval Fort Michelangelo — and stops at major Spanish port of calls such as Barcelona, Gibraltar, Malaga and Ibiza.
Experience Spain in 11 nights, taking in famous landmarks, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and plenty of coastal beauty.
TUI Discovery 2: Spanish Sunsets
Looking for a leisurely journey along the southeastern coast of Spain? U.K.-based Thomson cruises has a week long packaged trip (with flights out of England) called Spanish Sunsets, starting in Malaga.
Take in the moorish architecture before you continue on to Palma, the capital city of Majorca. Revel in the Palma Cathedral and enjoy shore excursions aboard a vintage train, up to Bellver Castle, or among the Drach Caves.
Next is colorful Barcelona, which is a must for families and art aficionados, followed by the Balearic Islands party capital, Ibiza. Rounding out the trip are Almeria and Ceuta, which both play host to medieval palaces and fortresses.
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Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas: Transatlantic Cruise
Enjoy two of the most famous mainland Spanish cities before making your way to the Canary Islands. Royal Caribbean offers a 14-night Transatlantic Cruise on their Freedom of the Seas cruise ship.
This cruise departs from Barcelona and tours around the south coast of Spain to Seville.
One of the most famous bullfighting cities in the world, Seville is steeped in history and tradition, boasting both Gothic cathedrals and modern plazas. Then it’s on to Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, known for its dormant volcano and unique beaches.
Las Palmas has a lovely Old Quarter with tons of adorable side streets full of restaurants, British style pubs and cafes. Last, but not least, is the tiny La Palma island, which enjoys a lush landscape and beautiful panoramic views from a huge volcanic crater.
Adventure Life: Cruising the Guadalquivir and Guadiana Rivers
Adventure Life offers a week-long Guadalquivir and Guadiana Rivers cruise aboard their MS La Belle de Cadix. While not as luxurious as some of the other options mentioned, this cruise includes three daily meals, guided shore excursions, wine tastings and on board entertainment.
Enjoy a night full of flamenco dancing in Seville, visit a bull farm in Jerez, and enjoy all the diverse Spanish architecture along the way. You’ll be primarily surrounded by land on both sides, which makes this cruise a much more scenic journey into the heart of Spain.
