Portugal Cruises

Cruises to Portugal call at the country's Atlantic seaports and islands. Madeira, just off the southern coast, boasts its own Wine Institute and a number of protected natural areas for visiting hikers. In coastal Oporto, tourists often join the locals for a glass of sweet port wine, the city's signature drink. Lisbon, the Portuguese capital, is a magnet for history buffs seeking museums, monasteries and evidence of the city's Muslim heritage. The remote Portuguese territory of Azores features cool waves, whitewashed cottages and volcanic beaches covered in black sand.

• Portugal is featured on Western Mediterranean cruises. The Mediterranean cruise season lasts from late April to October, although a few ships cruise the region year-round. Portugal also can be included on itineraries that call at Northern Europe ports.

• If you must fly a long distance to reach your port of departure, we suggest that you arrive at the port city at least one or two days in advance of your Portugal cruise. This will give you time to rest and get oriented before boarding the ship. Most cruise lines offer pre-cruise hotel packages.