by Portugal Getaways Team
August 18, 2026 • 6 min read
Cruises to Portugal, in short
Why cruise to Portugal?
Cruising is a wonderfully easy way to see Portugal and its neighbours: you unpack once and wake up in a new place most days. Portugal's ports are among the most scenic in Europe, from the wide Tagus estuary at Lisbon to the volcanic drama of Madeira and the Azores. A cruise pairs the country with the wider region, taking in Spain, Morocco, the Atlantic islands or the western Mediterranean, all in a single trip.
Portugal's cruise ports
- Lisbon: the main port, right by the historic centre, and the starting point for many cruises.
- Porto (Leixões): the gateway to Porto and the Douro, a short ride from the city and Gaia's Port cellars.
- Funchal, Madeira: a favourite Atlantic call, with gardens, levadas and the famous toboggan.
- Ponta Delgada, Azores: volcanic islands of crater lakes and hot springs, a highlight of transatlantic sailings.
Can you cruise to Portugal from the US?
Yes. There are two easy ways to do it. The most common is to fly to Lisbon or Porto and join a cruise there, which is how most of our packages work, with flights from the US included. The other is a transatlantic crossing that calls at Madeira, the Azores and Lisbon between North America and Europe, so you sail one way and fly the other. For example, our MSC transatlantic sails between Madeira and the Azores and the US ports of Boston, New York and Miami. Either way, the package handles the flights, hotels and transfers, so getting there is part of the trip, not a headache.
Types of cruises to Portugal
- Ocean cruises calling at Portugal: Iberian and Atlantic voyages that combine Portuguese ports with Spain and Morocco.
- Cruises departing from Lisbon: sailings that begin in the capital and head into the western Mediterranean or along the coast.
- Transatlantic and island cruises: longer voyages via Madeira and the Azores, often crossing to or from the Americas.
- Douro river cruises: a gentle, scenic sail through Portugal's oldest wine region, round-trip from Porto.
Featured cruise packages
Here are a few of our cruises that showcase Portugal. Prices and dates vary by departure, so tap through for the latest.
Sail the Atlantic islands and the Iberian coast aboard Cunard, with two full days in the Azores.
View this cruiseExplore Europe and North Africa aboard the Norwegian Star, at an easy, unhurried pace.
View this cruiseA night in Porto, a seven-night A-ROSA Douro cruise and a final night in Porto, with wine tasting included.
View this cruiseStart in Lisbon and sail into the western Mediterranean aboard the Norwegian Dawn.
View this cruiseWhat's included in a cruise package
The cruises are sold as complete, all-in packages rather than the cruise fare alone. A typical package includes:
- All flights to and from Portugal
- Pre- and post-cruise hotel nights, often in Lisbon or Porto, with breakfast
- Full-board cruising, so meals on board are included
- All transfers, both airport and pier
- An expert trip manager and support
Extras usually include shore excursions, drinks packages, gratuities and speciality dining, though some cruises, such as the Douro river sailing, bundle in a drinks package and experiences. Booking everything together is where the value and the peace of mind come from.
When to cruise to Portugal
Portugal's ocean cruises run mainly from spring to autumn (April to October), when the weather and seas are at their best, with some transatlantic repositioning voyages in spring and autumn. The Douro river season runs roughly March to November, and is especially lovely in autumn during the grape harvest. Book early for the best cabins and departure dates.
How to book a cruise to Portugal
Browse the current cruise packages to compare ships, itineraries and what is included, choose your departure, and book ahead for the best cabins. If you would rather have it built around you, ask the team for a tailor-made cruise-and-stay trip that adds nights in Lisbon, Porto or the islands.
Frequently asked questions about cruises to Portugal
Can you cruise to Portugal from the US? Yes. Most travellers fly to Lisbon or Porto to join a cruise, with flights included in the package, or take a transatlantic crossing that calls at Madeira, the Azores and Lisbon between North America and Europe.
Which Portuguese ports do cruises visit? The main ones are Lisbon, Porto (via Leixões), Funchal in Madeira and Ponta Delgada in the Azores, often combined with Spanish and Moroccan ports.
Can you do a river cruise in Portugal? Yes. The Douro river cruise sails through Portugal's oldest wine region round-trip from Porto, a gentle, scenic alternative to an ocean cruise, with wine tastings on board.
What is included in a Portugal cruise package? Typically all flights, pre- and post-cruise hotel nights with breakfast, full-board cruising, all airport and pier transfers, and a trip manager. Shore excursions, drinks and gratuities are usually extra.
When is the best time to cruise to Portugal? Ocean cruises run mainly from April to October, with the Douro river season from around March to November and lovely in the autumn harvest.
Do cruises to Portugal include flights? Yes. The packages include return flights, along with hotel nights, transfers and full-board cruising, so you book the whole trip in one go.
Ready to Set Sail to Portugal?
Ready to Set Sail to Portugal?
Browse our cruise packages, with flights, hotels, transfers and full board included, or let Portugal Getaways tailor a cruise-and-stay trip around you.
