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CRUISES TO SPAIN

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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

Mediterranean Cruises and Cruisetours

Experience the cuisine and culture of italian and greek cruises.

On a Mediterranean cruise with Princess®, explore the homes of Greek gods, Italian artists and multicultural treasures. As you walk down bustling roads and beaches, cultures and history fill the air. Uncover divine legends at the Acropolis, admire religious relics at Dubrovnik’s Cathedral or climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa and soak up sweeping views of the emerald landscapes.

Mediterranean Cruise Options

Mediterranean (From Barcelona)

The gateway to greatness.

On these Mediterranean cruises, travel from Spain through some of Europe’s most famous ports as you make your way to Italy. Begin in Barcelona where archaic artwork is on display throughout the city. Then saunter through the lavender fields of Provence when you cruise to Marseille. Or visit Il Campo dei Miracoli , also known as “The Field of Miracles,” a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the heart of Pisa.

Find Cruises

Mediterranean & Aegean (From Rome)

From one sea to another.

Embark on a Mediterranean cruise through the Aegean Sea and stroll through highlights of Italy and Greece while also visiting hidden gems like Montenegro. Sail along the Amalfi Coast and tour ancient ruins, including Pompeii. Then cruise to Mykonos, where windmills and bright white architecture accent the turquoise sea. Continue indulging in dreamy landscapes in Athens where mythology comes to life.

Mediterranean & Adriatic (From Athens)

Culture, cuisine and connections.

Marvel at world-renowned landmarks on a Mediterranean cruise through the Adriatic Sea. Arrive into Athens early to explore the original Olympic stadium. Then sail to the black-sand beaches of Santorini before feasting your eyes on the culinary creations of Italy. Fill up on pizzas and pastas in Sicily and Naples before cruising into Barcelona.

Highlights of Spain Cruisetour 13 - 31 Nights

• 3 nights Madrid
• 1 night Valencia
• 2 nights Barcelona
• Escorted by a Tour Director
• Then board your Mediterranean cruise
• Explore Gibraltar, Provence, Genoa and Florence
• Select sightseeing included
• Most meals included

Classic Italy Cruisetour 13 - 28 Nights

• 2 nights Venice
• 2 nights Florence
• 2 nights Rome
• Then sail to Naples and Sicily, depending on your itinerary
• Longer Mediterranean cruisetours may also visit ports in Greece, Turkey, France and beyond

Best of Greece Cruisetour 10 - 25 Nights

• 1 night Athens
• 1 night Nafplion (only on 2023 cruisetours)
• 1 night Delphi
• 1 night Kalambaka

Why Cruise the Mediterranean

World-Class Dining

Captivating cuisine.

With mouthwatering entrees and confections, the Mediterranean invites you to embark on a gourmet tour through iconic cities. Reawaken your taste buds with Italian classics like pastas, pizzas and gelato. Or fill your plate with gyros, keftethes and baklava on a Greek cruise. From breakfast to dinner and every delectable dessert in between, the best is before you with Princess.

Bold Reds and Crisp Whites

The countryside of Italy and Greece are home to some of the most flavorful wines around the globe. With sun and warm temperatures year-round, vineyards are flourishing with grapes by the harvest season. Sip on Italy’s red wines, or sample Greece’s white blends. From sweet Lambruscos to earthy Bordeauxs, fill up your glass on a Mediterranean cruise with Princess.

Ancient Ruins

Where history comes to life.

From towers and temples to cities and shorelines, the Mediterranean is sprinkled with remains of civilizations past. Step back in time on a tour through ancient ruins on a Mediterranean cruise with Princess. Imagine life as a gladiator at the Colosseum, explore Greek mythology at the Parthenon and discover the archeological excavations of Pompeii — a lost city and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Art Galleries & Museums

Artistic ingenuity abounds.

From the treasures on land to the jewels within museums, the Mediterranean is a true work of art. On an Italian cruise, see portraits from the Renaissance period at the Uffizi Museum in Florence, and admire Michelangelo’s masterpieces at the Vatican Museum in Rome. Or walk in the footsteps of celebrated artists that called these regions home — like Picasso and Dali — and allow their work to spark your creativity.

Sun-Kissed Beaches

A vision of natural beauty.

Visions of sparkling coasts and crystalline waters welcome you to the Mediterranean. Dip your toes on the black-sand coast of Santorini on a Greek cruise. Head to Salerno to spend the day in Positano relaxing on the white beaches and admiring the pastel houses that decorate the cliffs around you. Or travel to Mykonos with your loved ones and daydream on the city’s long stretch of golden sand and stroll in the sunshine.

Mediterranean Excursions

Our award-winning Mediterranean cruise shore excursions bring you to iconic beaches, landmarks and ancient artifacts. See the yacht-lined shores of Kotor while riding on a tuk tuk, an electric rickshaw. Savor the flavors of “Koum Kouat” liqueur, created from Corfu’s exclusive citrus plant. Or stroll along the streets of Dubrovnik’s Old town, one of the most well-preserved medieval cities in the world.

Learn more about Mediterranean shore excursions

Local Connections

From chefs and beverage makers to artists and guides, meet the many personalities that call the Mediterranean home with our Local Connections program. On a Mediterranean cruise, voyage to an olive tree farm just outside of Provence, and join your hosts for a unique olive oil tasting. Or explore the Archaeological Museum of Naples with a local artist, and accompany them for lunch to dive even deeper in Italy’s art scene.

Learn more about Local Connections in the Mediterranean

More Ashore

Enjoy even more opportunities to experience the colors, cultures and flavors of the Mediterranean with More Ashore late-night departures and overnight stays. Witness the beautiful sunset in Mykonos on a Greek cruise. Sit front-row for a flamenco dance, and savor a paella dinner during an evening in Barcelona. Or stroll the illuminated streets of Genoa with gelato in hand after a traditional Italian dinner.

Mediterranean Cruise Ports of Call

Discover some of the world-renowned destinations that await you on a Mediterranean cruise with Princess.

Rooted in Greek mythology, Athens is alive with stories from civilizations of the past. On a cruise to Europe departing from Athens, arrive early to tour the remains of ancient lores — like the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Acropolis — dine at the city’s lively tavernas and admire iconic sculptures bathed in natural light within the Acropolis Museum.

View cruises with Athens | View Athens shore excursions

Until it was popularized by the 1992 Olympics, Barcelona was a hidden gem amidst Europe’s diverse landscapes. Now it’s widely recognized for its architectural masterpieces and spirited customs. On European cruises from Barcelona, leave enough time before you depart to visit Park Güell — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and feel inspired by the colors and unique artistry that lies in the park and throughout the entire city.

View cruises with Barcelona | View Barcelona shore excursions

As one of the greenest islands in Greece, Corfu is an emerald treasure amidst the colorful Mediterranean landscape. From Paleokastritsa, hike to the mountaintop for unparalleled views of the Ionian Sea. Or get a taste of Corfu when you team up with a famous chef, and handpick local produce that they’ll use to prepare your lunch. Experience it all on a Greek cruise with Princess.

View cruises with Corfu | View Corfu shore excursions

On a Mediterranean cruise to Livorno, travel to Florence or Pisa where artifacts abound. Capture snapshots of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, stop by Michelangelo’s David statue at the Accademia and walk up to the “Gates of Paradise” at the Baptistery. Or explore the countryside and meander through the region’s rolling hills that bear vineyards and green olive groves.

View cruises with Florence | View Florence shore excursions

Nestled within Boka Bay lies a medieval gem. Kotor is enrobed in ancient houses, palaces and churches that speak to its 12th-century origins. On a Greek cruise, dine on Montenegrin cuisine in the home of a local chef, appreciate 14th-century Venetian art at St. Tryphon’s Cathedral and taste regional wines along the riviera. Or see another side of the city when you kayak through the tunnels of Lipa Cave.

View cruises with Kotor | View Kotor shore excursions

As the largest port in the Mediterranean, Marseille is the gateway to opportunity. On a Mediterranean cruise, spend the day in Arles, and explore the landscapes that inspired much of Van Gogh’s artwork. Stroll through the MuSaMa , a soap museum, and create your own blend alongside a master soap maker. Or roam the city’s most popular landmark, Notre-Dame de la Garden, a Catholic basilica that overlooks the city.

View cruises with Marseille | View Marseille shore excursions

Famous for its beaches and spirited lifestyle, Mykonos is the heartbeat of Greece. Embark on a jeep safari past the city’s windmills, lighthouses and lakes. Walk past temples and marble-lined sanctuaries in Delos, the birthplace of famous Greek gods. Or soak up a day of relaxation on the beach with the city’s Cycladic architecture as your backdrop — all on a Greek cruise with Princess.

View cruises with Mykonos | View Mykonos shore excursions

Italy’s capital city is something of a dream. Grand chapels and stone angels line the roads, whispering secrets of Rome’s past. On a cruise to Europe from Rome, arrive early to toss a coin into Trevi Fountain. Legend has it, you’ll be guaranteed return to The Eternal City. Then walk in the footsteps of Emperors at the Colosseum, and receive a blessing from the Pope at St. Peter’s Square.

View cruises with Rome | View Rome shore excursions

Santorini is the epitome of Greece. Wander into the welcoming cafes in Oia, a village teeming with whitewashed buildings and blue-domed roofs. Continue to some of the world’s oldest vineyards and taste the bouquet of wines produced on the island, making sure to visit the black-sand beach of Kamari before heading back to your Mediterranean cruise ship.

View cruises with Santorini | View Santorini shore excursions

#PrincessCruises Europe Connections

Mediterranean cruise onboard experience.

Accommodations

Your home away from home.

Your stateroom is where you rest and recharge between adventures. That’s why every room is equipped with the expertly designed Princess Luxury Bed, 100% Jacquard-woven cotton linens and our SLEEP program created by a board-certified sleep expert. From interior cabins to full suites, unwind in any of our staterooms, and enjoy peace of mind with the option of connected rooms for families of four or more traveling together.

Flavors that Inspire

From the zest of Provencal ratatouille to the sweetness of Greek Halva, the Mediterranean is bursting with flavor. On board most Princess ships, indulge in a pasta dinner at Sabatini’s℠, or savor local seafood at Crown Grill. While ashore, treat yourself to gelato in Italy or churros in Spain. From ship to shore, appease your appetite with one-of-a-kind dining experiences on every Mediterranean cruise itinerary.

Entertainment

Find your joy.

Embark on adventures by day, and indulge in entertainment by night. Watch Movies Under the Stars® at our 300-square-foot outdoor theater. Attend original productions from Broadway legend Stephen Schwartz, composer of Wicked . Or learn traditional moves, like Flamenco or Irish stepdance, and listen to popular music from the destinations on your itinerary. On a European cruise with Princess, the choice is yours.

Celebrations & Romance

Love blooms on the love boat.

It's difficult to imagine something more romantic than sailing through the alluring cities and charming countryside of Europe. While on board your European cruise, we cater to your sentimental side with private dining on your balcony — like breakfast for two or a sunset dinner — honeymoon packages, flowers and chocolates delivered to your room and couples-only massages in the Sanctuary.

Youth & Teen Center

Step outside the classroom.

Our European cruises were crafted with every guest in mind — even the younger ones. From 6-month old babies to 17-year old teens, kids can unwind and relax or play and explore. In partnership with Discovery™, kids can learn even more with special insights about Italy, Greece and everywhere in between. With engaging activities on board and ashore, kids can see history books come to life before their eyes.

Vegas Hits the Seas

Experience the thrill of cards, dice, roulette and blackjack at the casino onboard our European cruises. Learn from experts — like our staff or perhaps other guests nearby — and put your skills to the test. More casual players can pull up a seat at the slot machines for the same adrenaline at their own speed. For an afternoon full of games, join fellow travelers for Bingo, or compete in scheduled group tournaments.

Ships Sailing Mediterranean Cruises

Our Princess fleet includes ships that range from small to large vessels. From a balcony stateroom, marvel at breathtaking shorelines passing by before enjoying international cuisine in one of our many eateries during your Mediterranean cruise.

Star Princess®   |  Sun Princess® | Sky Princess®   |  Regal Princess®   |   Island Princess®

European Cruise Articles

Read about storied attractions, charming history, diverse cultures and preparation advice for cruising Europe.

Explore Europe

Learn all about our exciting options to visit Europe from cruises to in-depth cruisetour vacations. 

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Five reasons to cruise from Southampton

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See all Europe cruise articles and videos

Travel, Airfare, & Hotels: Let Princess Get You There

Airplane to Ship Transfer

We get you where you need to go.

Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city.

Learn more about transfers

Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

Stay longer and relax.

Extend your Europe cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the services of the representative.

View Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

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European Cruise Destinations

Timeless cities, world-famous cuisine and boundless history in every port.

Scandinavia & Baltic Cruises

Royal palaces, ancient art & celebrated history of Baltic ports.

Shore Excursions

Experience fabled lands and world famous museums with it's locals.

Spain Small Ship Cruises

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• Urban Exploration
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• Wildlife Viewing
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• Emerald Radiance
• Le Champlain
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Flavors of Portugal & Spain - Cruise Only

• Explore Porto's historic old town
• Taste Portugal's wines
• Visit Nossa Senhora dos Remédios
• Hike through Vega Terron, Spain

Westbound Atlantic Ocean Crossing

• Visit Las Palmas, Gran Canaria
• Take in the fresh ocean breeze
• Explore San Sebastian, La Gomera
• Relax on paradise beaches

Where Culture and Royalty Reign

• Visit Majorca's old town
• Tour Ibiza known as \"white island\
• Discover Malaga's historical charm
• Visit the port city of Tangier

Transatlantic:Malaga to St.Maarten

• Admire Malaga's landmarks
• Enjoy the expansive Atlantic Ocean
• Cruise across the Caribbean
• Set sail from St. Maarten

Malaga to Cannes

• Gaze upon Malaga's architecture
• Explore luxurious Ibiza
• Go see Palma's Gothic cathedral
• Admire St. Tropez's famous beaches

Cruising Southern Spain and Portugal – with Smithsonian Journeys

• Explore Lisbon
• Discover Palma de Mallorca
• Experience Barcelona
• Discover Cadiz

Spain, Morocco & Portugal

• View Bonifacio's natural beauty
• Discover charming Motril
• Visit Malaga to view architecture
• Marvel at Bonifacio's views
• Explore charming Mahon, Menorca
• See Malaga's Moorish architecture
• Enjoy Marbella's natural beauty

Grand Prix Trials

• Explore Malaga
• Discover Granada
• Experience Ibiza
• Visit Mahon

Morocco & Canary Islands

• Enjoy Malaga's architecture
• Discover Cadiz, Spain
• Visit the Lanzarote Islands
• Explore Gran Canaria's beauty

Grand Voyage: Lisbon to Cannes

• Explore Portimao, city in Algarve
• Visit Cadiz, 'the cup of silver'

Malta, Balearic Islands & Spain

• Relax aboard a majestic tall ship
• Gaze upon Palma's Gothic cathedral
• Visit the World Heritage City
• Explore Cagliari, Sardinia

From the shores of the Mediterranean to the Atlantic coast

• Explore the city of Valletta
• Learn about Cartagena's heritage
• Tour the city of Cadiz

Grand Voyage: Malta to Las Palmas

• Explore Valletta
• Experience Gozo
• Enjoy Ibiza

Old World Gateways to the Atlantic

• Experience Vigo
• Discover Ferrol
• Explore Gijon

Along the Mediterranean Sea with the Mucem

• Explore Athens
• Discover Mahon
• Explore Cartagena

Lisbon to Malaga

• Visit the Algarve in Portugal
• Ride the Cable Car in Gibraltar
• Watch the dolphins in Gibraltar Bay
• Explore Malaga's fortress palace

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Why Travel With Adventure Life

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• Cruise From

Barcelona, Spain

• Carnival Legend
• Carnival Spirit
• Carnival Valor

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• 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, fees, and port expenses are additional per person.

TAG & THEY’RE IT!

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

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• Mediterranean - Black Sea Cruise Ports

Barcelona (Spain)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Mediterranean - Black Sea

Local Time 2024-04-20 03:59

Port Barcelona cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Barcelona, Spain. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Barcelona cruise port is currently ranked the largest Mediterranean cruise port with turnaround operations (roundtrip itineraries) and the world's 4th busiest. Its harbor area is one of the world's biggest. By population (over 1,6 million) the city is ranked Spain's largest and Europe's 16th largest.

By the metro population (around 5,5 million) it is ranked EU's 6th largest (after Paris , London , Madrid , Ruhr, Milano ). The city is on the Mediterranean Sea, located between the mouths of two rivers (Llobregat and Besos).

IMPORTANT : Since October 22, 2023, cruise vessels are no longer allowed to dock at Muelle Barcelona Norte (northern port, near the World Trade Centre area) and instead are redirected to berth at Moll Adossat Pier (southern port) which was previously utilized by larger cruise companies like NCL-Norwegian , RCI-Royal Caribbean and MSC . As a result, disembarking cruise tourists instead of stepping directly into the city's historic downtown (10-minute walking distance) are transported via shuttle buses (~30 minutes drive distance) from the southern port to access the city center.

Barcelona cruise port

Barcelona Port (locode ESBCN) is ranked Europe's 9th largest containership port by annual traffic.

The Port's area (sized 10 km2 / 4 mi2) is divided into 3 zones - Port Vell, Commercial Port, and Barcelona Free Port ("Zona Franca de Barcelona", industrial/logistics port).

There is an ongoing enlargement project that will double the port's size by diverting the Llobregat river to the south.

• UN-LOCODE (United Nations location code) - ESBCN
• supported by excellent road, rail, and air infrastructure
• deep harbor water and berths (draft 11,5 m / 38 ft)
• sheltered harbor area
• access unrestricted by tides
• capability to accommodate 9 cruise vessels at a time

Each of the Port's international cruise ship terminals has air conditioning, public phones, lifts and escalators, currency exchange kiosks, duty-free shops, gift/souvenir shops, cafe-restaurant, taxi rank, bus shuttle to downtown.

The cruise port is accessible the whole year round - 24/7, 365 days a tear.

The best vantage points to observe the cruise port's traffic are the cable car (connecting La Barceloneta neighborhood, Ciutat Vella district), the Ferry Station and the Montjuic Castle.

Cruise ships usually arrive in Barcelona in the early morning (4, 5, 6, 7, 9 am) and in the early afternoon (at 1, 2, 2:30 pm) and depart from Barcelona in the late afternoon or in the evening (at 5, 6, 7, 8:30, 10 pm).

Port Barcelona's cruise operations contribute to the city's economy (as revenues) around EUR 796 million (USD 900M) annually. The cruise port adds EUR 413 million (USD 467M) annually to Catalonia's GDP (gross domestic product). This industry also supports 6760 local jobs and generates EUR 152 million (USD 172M) in government taxes. Each cruise vessel in Barcelona generates on average EUR 1 million (USD 1,13M) in sales, contributes EUR 0,5 million (USD 565,417) to Catalonia's GDP, and generates EUR 0,2 million (USD 226,131) in Gov taxes.

In 2014, at its 6 existing cruise terminals, the seaport handled 764 ship calls and over 2,36 million passengers, with an economic impact of EUR 257 million (spent on restaurants, bars, visiting museums, churches, also on transportation and city shopping). On February 5, 2014, Royal Caribbean announced that for the summer 2015 season the Allure of the Seas ship will be based in Europe and homeported in Barcelona. Starting May 24, the Allure's program had 25 voyages with a repeating 7-night round-trip itinerary visiting the ports of Palma de Mallorca , Marseille , La Spezia, Civitavecchia-Rome, Naples. Right after the RCI's announcement, the Barcelona Port announced its estimation for the Allure's additional 158000 passengers and expected spending of around EUR 17,5 million in the city.

On July 23, 2015, Carnival Corporation announced its agreement with Barcelona Port Authority to invest over EUR 46 million in building a second (private) cruise terminal at Moll Adossat (read more in the "Terminal" section). The facility was opened on May 5, 2018. On September 13, 2015, the cruise port had its day record for cruise tourists, handling a total of 26,770 passengers on 4 cruise ships visiting the port in a single day. These were the vessels Norwegian Epic , Nieuw Amsterdam , Vision OTS and Allure OTS .

Port's cruise passenger growth in the period 2010-2015 was as follows: 2010 (2,350264 million, growth of 9,06%), 2011 (2,658691 million, growth of 13,06%), 2012 (2,408618 million, -9,4%), 2013 (2,599363 million, growth of 7,9%), 2014 (2,364292, -9%), 2015 (2,540302 million, growth of 7,4%).

The port ended 2015 with more turnaround passengers (embarking in Barcelona) reporting 3,7+ million (a 7% increase). The number included regular ferry passengers (~1,1 million) and cruise ship passengers (~2,54 million). The biggest increase in passengers concerned those leaving on ships using Barcelona as a turnaround port (where the itinerary begins and ends). In 2015, the cruise port posted its highest-ever number of handled passengers (2,5+ million). In terms of home-ported ships, Barcelona was ranked Europe's second - following Port Venice .

In November 2016, Port Barcelona presented its "Air Quality Improvement Plan" - an initiative aiming to reduce bad emissions from port activities. The document involved 25 actions rolled out in 53 operations. Among the most representative actions are promoting the LNG fuel (liquefied natural gas) as an alternative for both marine vessels and road freighters. The policy offers discounts for cleaner ships and replacing the Port's service fleet with electric vehicles. According to statistics, port activities produce 7,6% of the city's average NOx concentrations annually and 1,5% of the fine particulates. Promoting LNG-powered ships , terminal machinery and trucks is one of the plan's highlights. LNG fuel cuts NOx emissions by 80% and eliminates soot, particles and SOx emissions. The environmental discounts are on port fees. Currently, the law allows a max 5% port fee discount for environmental reasons.

For season 2019, the cruise port had scheduled a total of 830 ship calls with estimated 3,2 million tourists.

In May 2021, MSC Cruises signed a deal for building an exclusive (for MSC ships only) terminal in Port Barcelona. The facility will be operated under a 31-year concession, includes an MSC investment of ~EUR 33 million (~USD 40,2M) and is planned for completion and inauguration in 2024.

In June 2022 the Port announced that starting in 2023, all visiting cruise ship tourists will pay an additional EUR 3 (12+ hours stay) and EUR 1 (fewer than 12 hours stay). The new port fees are added to the existing EUR 1,75 per person and are usually included in the cruise fares listed upon booking. For comparison, since 2019, Port Marghera-Venice charges EUR 10 port fee.

Port Barcelona statistics

FY2018 (fiscal) was a record year with significant growth in various sectors. Port's main trade is with China. Around 25% of all TEUs (containers shipped on large box ships ) passing through the port start or end in China. In 2018 also increased the shipping trade with Algeria (+45%), USA (+18%), India (+4,4%), Mexico (+12,6%), Vietnam (+27,5%), Thailand (+18,7%), Egypt (+14%). "Motorways of the Sea" (Mediterranean routes connecting to Italy and North Africa) goods shipping volumes increased 7%.

These Mediterranean lines connect Barcelona to the ports Civitavecchia-Rome , Genoa (Milan) , Savona , Livorno-Florence , Porto Torres (Sardinia Island) , Tangier (Morocco) , Algiers (Algeria) and La Goulette-Tunis .

• Liquid bulk (mainly hydrocarbons) grew 5,2% (to 15,2 million tons), LNG +3%, gasoline +12,6%, Biofuels +34,8%. Dry bulk cargo decreased 4,7%. Vehicle shipping decreased 3% (to 810,218 units). The port handled a total of 262,379 TEUs (+7,7%). Port's rail traffic increased 13,3%. Car transport by rail increased 11% (to 263,900 units).
• In 2018, the port handled total 4,4 million passengers (8,6% increase), including 1,4 million ferry (+2%) and 3 million cruise (+12%). Turnaround passengers grew 16%. Day-passengers grew 8%. Low-season cruisers increased 17% and were ~44% of all cruise passengers.

For 2018, Port Barcelona reported 4% increase in net turnover - EUR 173,5 million (USD 198 million), 8% increase in profit - EUR 53,7 million (USD 61,3 million) and 4% increase in cash flow - EUR 102,5 million (USD 117 million).

APM Terminals (global container terminal operator) operates under the concession port's container terminal. In 2019, APM Terminals Barcelona invested ~EUR 47 million in equipment (29x new straddle carriers/trucks, 2x new Super PostPanamax gantry cranes, 1x Reefer Rack with refrigerated container plugs) to improve terminal's efficiency and productivity. Also in 2019 APM increased terminal's reefer (refrigerated TEU-container) capacity by 31% (to a total of 632 reefer connections) and launched online real-time TEU tracking (on its website).

Cruise itineraries to and from Barcelona Spain

Follows a list of destinations visited by cruise ships leaving out of Barcelona:

• Mediterranean itineraries on cruises out of Barcelona port visit the largest ports of Italy, France, Greece, and Turkey. Feature destinations are also the French Riviera and the Italian Riviera (coastal regions with top-luxury resorts).
• The most commonly operated are 7-day round-trips. One-way itineraries from Barcelona end up in Civitavecchia-Rome , Genoa , Piraeus-Athens , Venice , Istanbul .
• Most of the Canary Islands itineraries leaving roundtrip from Barcelona also visit North Africa (Morocco) and Funchal (Madeira Island) often combined with other ports in Spain and Portugal.
• Short-break (Mini Cruises) from Barcelona to Genoa are 2-nights / 3-days long. They are operated by MSC Cruises ships and visit Marseille France .
• Among the most visited Mediterranean island ports are Mallorca, Sicily, Corsica, Malta, Sardinia.
• World Cruises from Barcelona are offered mainly by Costa Cruises ships. The itineraries are usually eastbound (via Suez Canal ) and visit ports in Southeast Asia, South Pacific (Australia, New Zealand), South America.

Ship relocation voyages (RepositionCruises.com) are one-way itineraries from Barcelona to the largest ports of the UK, Holland, Denmark, as well as to the Canary Islands. Eastbound routes (transiting the Suez Canal) may end up in ports in Asia ( Dubai , Singapore , Hong Kong ) and even in Australia ( Sydney NSW ) on longer "around the world" itinerary segments.

Westbound Transatlantic crossings (on ship relocations out of Barcelona) are offered in the Fall (starting in late September - early October through the end of November). Among the special destinations that may be visited is Bermuda. The disembarkation could be in NYC New York, in some of the large Florida ports, also in Bridgetown (Barbados) , Fort de France (Martinique) , even in Havana (Cuba) . The longest Transatlantic cruises out of Barcelona are on Costa ships repositioning from Europe to South America. They offer disembarkation in either Brazil ( Rio De Janeiro , Santos-Sao Paulo ) or Argentina ( Buenos Aires ).

Barcelona cruise terminal

Port Barcelona has a total of 8 cruise ship terminals, 4 ferry terminals, and 2 large yacht marinas. There are restaurants and cafes at most of the terminals.

(NEW) Catalonia Cruise Terminal G (Royal Caribbean)

In January 2024,  RCG/Royal Caribbean Group became the solitary contender/only bidder for Barcelona Port's newest Cruise Terminal G. The bid was placed by the consortium "Catalonia Cruise Terminal G" including RCG and CTI/Cruise Terminals International Ltd (2022-founded, London England UK-based company that owns, develops and manages cruise port infrastructure).

The approval for Terminal G was granted in April 2024.

RCG will co-fund the project (total budget EUR 85 million/USD 92M), start the construction works, and also will be the managing company of Terminal G, scheduled for completion/inauguration in 2027-Q1.

The modern facility encompasses an area of 54000 m2 (581250 ft2) including a dock/quay with length 450 m (1476 ft), which allows berthing for the world's most colossal cruise vessels .

Initially, three companies - NCL/Norwegian ,  Viking OCEAN  and  Virgin Voyages - planned to participate in the bidding process. However, as the process resumed, Royal Caribbean remained the sole bidder.

One of the tender's stipulations was that the partner/participating entity could not hold a controlling interest in Terminal G.

Until 2024, through its subsidiary Creuers del Port de Barcelona, RCG held a 38% stake in Barcelona Port Investment - the entity that manages Barcelona's cruise terminals A, B, and C (at Adossat Dock), along with World Trade Center's two terminals. The remaining 62% were owned by the Turkish company Global Ports Holding/GPH. Since 2023, GPH is the sole proprietor of Creuers del Port de Barcelona's shares as RCG opted to divest its stake (38%) to ensure compliance with the Terminal G tender's conditions.

(NEW) MSC Cruise Terminal

In May 2021, MSC was approved to build an exclusive (for MSC Cruises ships only) terminal.

The facility will be operated under a 31-year concession (2024 through 2055), sized 11670 m2 (125620 ft2) and designed by Ricardo Bofill.

The new MSC Cruise Terminal project is budgeted ~EUR 33 million (~USD 40,2M).

Construction works started in June 2021, with planned completion and inauguration in 2024.

Port Vell (Maremagnum) cruise terminal "M" (Old Port Barcelona)

The Port Vell port complex includes a fishing port, 2 yacht marinas, 1 cruise ship terminal, ferry terminal. Terminal M ("Maremagnum", near the World Trade Center) is for both ferry and cruise vessels. It has 3 small piers - named "South Pier" (S), "North Pier" (N) and "East Pier" (E). All terminals are designed to serve smaller ships. Their location is near the World Trade Center (which has a dedicated cruise parking area) and the Eurostars Grand Marina Hotel.

The Maremagnum terminal (aka "Port Vell terminal") is the port's smallest and the most central as location. The terminal is a short walking distance from the old city. The walking distance from here to La Ramblas street is some 10 min. There is a tour bus stopping at Portal de la Pau (at the harbor's end of Las Ramblas).

The Port Vell area has the Maremagnum (shopping mall, nightlife complex), the IMAX Port Vell (cinema complex) and the famous Aquarium Barcelona (with over 8000 fishes and 11 sharks kept in 22 seawater basins).

Moll Adossat Pier (Palacruceros) cruise terminal

At Adossat Pier are located 4 terminals - at berth A, berth B, berth C, berth D (Palacruceros). They have the biggest distance from downtown. Here berth most (including the largest) cruise ships. This dock handles over 85% of the visiting ships. There is a blue bus shuttle between the Port and the city center (Las Ramblas).

Moll Adossat Barcelona (or Muelle Adosado in Spanish) is the port's biggest wharf and also the newest cruise terminal. At this long quay can be berthed 4 large vessels simultaneously.

In October 2013 was announced a plan for the expansion of Terminal D and the building of a new Terminal E serving ships with capacity 4500+ passengers.

(NEW) Carnival's "Helix Cruise Center" terminal (Barcelona Adossat)

At the end of April 2017, the world's largest cruise shipping company Carnival Corporation released renderings of its new cruise terminal at Barcelona Adossat. The facility was named "Helix Cruise Center" and inaugurated on May 5, 2018, as Europe's newest passenger terminal.

• The new terminal (cost EUR 46 million / USD 55 million) is designed to handle Carnival's largest ships, among which are the new class LNG-powered vessels .
• The facility is designed by Batlle I Roig Arquitectura, sized 12,500 m2 (134,550 ft2). Paired with an existing facility, it represents Europe's largest (combined) passenger terminal.
• Building's design company is "Battle I Roig". The plans show a modern architectural style featuring straight lines, minimalistic concepts, a contemporary and comfortable environment.
• Construction works officially started in July 2016 and were completed in May 2018.

The new terminal is located at Adossat Wharf. Currently, this berthing is used by 8 of Carnival's all 10 brand companies. The terminal is used as both destination (call port) and homeport (for Barcelona turnaround operations). Carnival expects to handle here 1+ million passengers annually after the opening of the new (2nd) terminal.

This terminal has its own pier-side parking facility (max capacity 300 vehicles) dedicated to embarking passengers.

The new terminal is exclusively used by Carnival Corporation ships (only) as the company was granted with exclusive concession rights to operate the facilities. In addition to the new cruise terminal in Barcelona, Carnival Corporation also operates exclusive terminals at ports Puerta Maya (Cozumel Mexico) , Grand Turk Island , Mahogany Bay (Roatan Island, Honduras) , Amber Cove-Puerta Plata (Dominicana) , Long Beach (California USA) , plus 2 private Caribbean islands (in the Bahamas) - Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays .

World Trade Center

The World Trade Center has two terminals – pier South and pier North. Those terminals provide easy Las Ramblas tours. There is an overflow area at the East berth.

San Bertran cruise terminal

The port's Sant Bertran wharf is a terminal for the ferry and small-sized cruise vessels. It is used for docking of smaller cruise ships only during peak season.

The building's interior size is 2200 m2 (23680 ft2). The wharf's width is only 12 m (40 ft). The berth's length is 255 m (837 ft) allowing max ship length of 220 m (720 ft) and a max draft of 11 m (36 ft).

The distance from San Bertran to the city is 400 m (1310 ft).

Port Barcelona Ferry Terminals

The port has 3 terminals dedicated to ferry shipping traffic:

• Terminal Drassanes is operated by Balearia .
• Terminal Ferry de Barcelona is operated by Trasmediterranea .
• Grimaldi Terminal Barcelona is operated by GNV-Grandi Navi Veloci .

Each of the ferry terminals has a ticket office, air conditioning, public phones, cafe-restaurant, taxi rank, and provides short-term parking for check-in passengers (before embarkation).

Long-term parking is not permitted (only drop-off areas).

Long-term parking is available at the World Trade Center (phone number 0034 93 508 80 62), at Valet Parking Cruceros (phone number 0034 93 511 37 44) and at Parking Viajeros (phone number 0034 618 70 79 70).

The port's ferry terminals are with convenient underground (metro) and bus connections.

• Picasso museum: the best artworks of Picasso.
• Montjuic: see all the city, its countryside and the ocean from a vantage point. There is a good view of the two industrial Barcelona port terminal.
• La Sagrada Familia: Gaudi designed that iconic church in 1883. The building has big doors that show charity, hope, and faith. The towers and the frontage are designed with mosaic work.
• La Rambla: breathtaking promenade which connects the old Barcelona’s heart with Port to Placa de Catalunya. The famous street offers shops, cafes, lively food markets, street performers and here is situated the Gran Teatre del Liceu, the opera theater of Barcelona.
• Palau Guell: a 19th-century palace designed by the famous Antoni Gaudi
• Barri Gotic: enjoy the old-world experience in the narrow pavement streets with shops, galleries, restaurants, and bars. Here you will find the Picasso museum and the Cathedral of Santa Eulalia.
• La Pedrera: the last work of Antoni Gaudi before Sagrada Familia was made for Pere Mila Camps, a property developer.
• Barceloneta: situated across Port Vell, an ex-fishing port. Enjoy a clean and sunny beach surrounded by houses in a bright colour. The gamblers can spend some time at the Gran Casino de Barcelona.

Barcelona tours, shore excursions, hotels

City tours and shore excursions.

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Cruise from Barcelona, Spain

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Easy Breezy Barcelona 

Nothing beats the convenience of cruising from Barcelona. Barcelona is perfectly positioned on the Mediterranean Sea: From its central location, it's easy to cruise to other exotic ports on the Spanish coast as well as the unique Balearic Islands, France and Italy. Before you depart, you can spend time soaking up Barcelona's stunning sights, like the infamous Sagrada Familia, a Roman Catholic Church designed by the renowned Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi. Cruise out of Barcelona and enjoy a quick dip in warm Mediterranean waters. The city will instantly charm you with its friendly locals, abundance of cultural attractions, sensational Spanish cuisine and appealing summer weather year-round.

Jul 10, 2024 – Sep 10, 2024

Ultimate Europe & Beyond Cruise

40 Destinations, 63 Nights

EXPLORE MORE

TWO WAYS TO EXPLORE

Explore the wondrous shores of the Western Mediterranean like never before onboard the thrill-topping Symphony of the Seas ® — rated the best cruise ship by Travel Weekly readers in 2021.

ADVENTURE SEEKERS WANTED

Cross a once-in-a-lifetime adventure from your bucket list with a 7 night Western Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona. Wander through charming villages in France , indulge in culinary delights in Italy and plunge into the azure waters of the Greek Isles . There’s no question this vacay will top all your vacations.

EXPLORE WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES

OASIS OF THE SEAS

Embark on a legendary Euro vacation from Barcelona to bucket-list worthy shores. Oasis of the Seas ® unlocks one-of-a-kind thrills onboard in between weeklong discoveries on shore. From wave-taming on two FlowRider® surf simulators to plummeting 10 stories down the Ultimate Abyss℠ — this is total memory-maxing under the Mediterranean sun.

EXPLORE OASIS OF THE SEAS

Barcelona Shore Excursions

Amazing experiences coming soon., sorry, there are no excursions for this port at this moment., things to do in barcelona.

SKY HIGH DELIGHTS

La Sagrada Familia Interior Colorful

Get an up-close glimpse of La Sagrada Família, a cathedral masterwork designed by celebrated Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. Marvel at its sky-piercing spires and then step inside to admire intricate mosaics, Montjuïc stone pillars and the Nativity façade. You can even climb to the tippy-top of the spires for panoramic city views.

SEAS THE DAY

Barceloneta Beach at Sunset

With seven beaches spanning more than two miles of Mediterranean coastline, Barcelona’s harborfront is known for some of the world’s best sun-seeking and on-the-sea adventures. Lounge along the shore, kayak deep blue waters— or charter a fishing trip for the chance to reel in tuna, swordfish or Mediterranean spearfish.

Take a stroll along La Rambla’s pedestrian boulevard to experience the city’s pure essence. Souvenir shops, street artists, flower stalls, sidewalk cafes and Catalan folk sardana dancers set a lively scene. Its marvelous centerpiece, La Catedral, dates from the 1200s— and its tower delivers sweeping views of medieval Barcelona.

LOCAL CUISINE

Barcelona has mastered the art of eating. Many restaurants serve up creative nueva cocina española, while waterfront spots dish out seafood paella and multi-course lunch menus include a glass of sparkling cava wine. For a taste of Catalan cooking, try pa amb tomàquet (tomato-topped bread). Or nibble on Spanish tapas (bite-sized appetizers) around the bar like a local, with house-made vermouth in hand.

You could spend hours checking out the markets of Barcelona for high-quality leatherwear, jewelry, old books and unique housewares. Passeig de Gràcia and Barcelona Shopping Line are two popular retail promenades— and the Gothic Quarter is home to dozens of family-owned shops that sell textiles, stationery, decorative ceramic tiles and earthenware kitchenware.

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5 secrets to getting a luxury cruise for less

Editor's Note

Luxury cruises range in price from expensive to outrageously expensive. But the value of high-end ships is clear: For the money, you get more fare inclusions, nicer accommodations, upscale dining and higher space-to-passenger and crew-to-passenger ratios than on big, mass-market ships.

Still, sometimes you want the luxe for less.

You'll never find a cheap luxury cruise, but you can find sailings that are less expensive than others (either when sorting by the total cost or the per-night rate). You might have to compromise on sail dates or take a risk with the weather, but you can get great value by choosing the cruise less traveled.

Here are the five most affordable luxury cruises we could find so you can save a little bit when you sail in style.

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

Fall Caribbean cruises

Caribbean cruises might be the bread and butter of mass-market cruise lines, but they don't have the same prominence among the itineraries of the luxury lines. Tropical cruises on luxury lines tend to be shorter sailings, taking place in the fall and winter (rather than year-round) and often targeting younger professionals who might not have the time to take two-week vacations.

Combine those factors with a shoulder-season fall travel date (between mid-September and the week before Christmas), and you have yourself a more affordable luxury cruise.

For example, Regent Seven Seas Cruises ' 2024-2025 Caribbean season runs from November through March. The least expensive sailing for the season takes place in early December in the travel lull between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Fares start at $4,299 per person for a weeklong round-trip cruise from Miami. A similar seven-night sailing costs $4,999 ($700 more) in February.

Related: How to snag cruise ship suites for less

Shoulder-season Alaska cruises

No matter which cruise line you sail, it's a truth universally acknowledged that the first and last Alaska sailings of the season are the most affordable. Why? Timing and weather.

The Alaska cruise season begins in late April or May and runs through September and occasionally October. These travel dates are often nonstarters for families who wait for the summer school break to take their vacations. Even travelers not bound by school schedules sometimes shy away from these cruises because of the imperfect weather conditions.

In May, temperatures can still be chilly in Alaska, waterways in glacier areas can be clogged with ice, Alaska's famous salmon haven't started to run and bus service at Alaska's famed Denali National Park hasn't yet begun. In September and October, the temperatures start dropping — and the rain keeps falling — and attractions such as Denali begin to close.

All that said, if you're willing to take a risk on the weather and aren't planning a land tour up to Denali, you can score a deal on a high-end Alaska sailing during these off-peak times.

In 2025, a September Alaska cruise on Silversea starts at $4,500 per person on Silver Moon. The same cruise in July starts at $5,900, making the shoulder-season cruise $1,400 less expensive. Even better, May is less rainy than July, so you could experience sunnier days on the more affordable sailing.

Related: The best time to go on a cruise

Transatlantic crossings

Many travelers choose their cruise for the ports of call. Cruisers are drawn to the destinations, whether they're checking exotic ports off their bucket list or love spending time on the beach. It's no surprise, then, that longer-than-average itineraries with few to no port calls are not warmly embraced by many cruise fans (except for devoted sea-day lovers).

Because many cruise ships regularly reposition between Europe (where they spend the summer) and the Caribbean (where they spend the winter), transatlantic crossings are inevitable. To attract guests, the cruise lines add interesting onboard activities and guest lecturers to the voyage, and they lower prices. If you love relaxing sea days and would revel in spending day after day in the middle of the ocean, an ocean crossing is a surefire way to get a luxury cruise experience for less.

Small, all-inclusive line SeaDream is a solid example of how affordable transatlantic sailings can get. In 2025, SeaDream 1 will sail its last Mediterranean cruise of the season from Barcelona to Malaga, Spain, and cruise prices start at $6,799 for an eight-night cruise. The ship then sails from Malaga across the Atlantic to San Juan, Puerto Rico. That 13-night sailing is five nights longer than the preceding cruise, but its starting price is $3,799 — a $3,000 difference.

Entry-level cabins

As a traveler chasing luxury, you're all about the upgrade. To get a great price on a high-end cruise ship, you might want to reconsider your aversion to booking the cheapest rooms.

Entry-level suites on the nicest ships are not the windowless closets you'll find on some of the mass-market ships. They're spacious cabins with either windows or private balconies and separate sleeping and sitting areas; many have nicely appointed, reasonably sized bathrooms and often walk-in or large closets. You'll get the same personal service, have access to the same gourmet dining and can enjoy the same ship amenities (a spa, a serene pool deck, social lounges and more) as folks in the top suites.

Also, you'll pay less. For example, an entry-level suite on luxury line Seabourn 's Seabourn Encore is a veranda suite measuring 246 to 302 square feet with a 68- to 83-square-foot private balcony. On a seven-night Greece and Turkey cruise departing in June 2025, prices for these rooms start at $5,499 per person. Opt for the next suite level up — a 450-square-foot penthouse suite with a 93- to 103-square-foot balcony — and prices start at $9,299. That's an increase of $3,800, all for a suite you won't spend much time in on this port-intensive itinerary.

Related: The best luxury cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity

Suite enclaves on big ships

Several big-ship cruise lines have entered the luxury travel space with suite enclaves that come with extra amenities, and the options can be affordable by luxury standards. These cruises are ideal for families looking for upscale accommodations combined with robust children's programming or luxury travelers who prefer a more casual vibe or a wealth of entertainment and activity options on board.

Options include Norwegian Cruise Line 's The Haven, Royal Caribbean 's Royal Suite Class and MSC Cruises ' Yacht Club. Travelers who book these suites get VIP treatment compared to their shipmates. They have access to exclusive restaurants, lounges and sun decks; get priority boarding and theater seating; and might even receive more fare inclusions such as drink packages, internet access, gratuities and butler service (depending on the category booked).

Cruise fares in these top suites aren't cheap, but they can be comparatively affordable in two ways. First, Royal Caribbean, MSC and Norwegian cruise ships typically sail shorter itineraries than true luxury lines, so you could book a short cruise to spend less on your total vacation cost. Second, while prices are comparable to the luxury lines and can skyrocket when ships start to sell out, you can sail in the ship's top suites for what you'd pay for midlevel on a luxury ship.

For example, you can book an aft-facing penthouse with a large balcony (619 to 668 square feet with a 199- to 248-square-foot balcony) on a seven-night Caribbean cruise on Norwegian Encore for $4,426 per person (including fees) on a February 2026 sailing. It comes with all of NCL's Free at Sea inclusions (drinks, dining, Wi-Fi and shore excursion credit), as well as the services of a butler and concierge, and access to The Haven's private lounge, restaurant and sun deck.

A weeklong Regent Seven Seas cruise to the Caribbean in February costs $10,349 per person for a 655-square-foot Grandeur Suite (with a 166- to 263-square-foot balcony). The cheapest veranda suite on that sailing starts at $4,999 per person — still more expensive than a suite in Norwegian's The Haven.

Related: The 7 best cruise ship suites — picked by someone who has seen them all

Bottom line

A luxury cruise will never be cheap, but you can find ways to spend less when you travel on high-end ships. Booking early and taking advantage of limited-time promotions will also help you save when you sail in style.

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You can sail on this lavish cruise from Los Angeles to Vancouver at a steal

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A five-day cruise to Vancouver from Los Angeles is a steal thanks to a new offer from Princess Cruises.

The current promotion takes 35 per cent off the regular cost of the cruise. Plus, third and fourth guests sail free. 

The cruise sails out of Los Angeles on Tuesday, May 7 and spends three days at sea before disembarking in Vancouver on Saturday, May 11.

Passengers will sail on the five-star Sapphire Princess, which has four swimming pools, six hot tubs, a live theatre, mini golf, an ice skating rink, renowned spa treatments, movies under the stars, a jogging track, and much more.  

Princess Cruise from Los Angeles to Vancouver 

Prices before taxes and port-handling fees are affordable in nearly all room categories, with inside staterooms starting at $281, ocean views at $377, balconies at $512, mini-suites at $647, and suites for $1,456 (see slide two).

The total cost for an interior stateroom for two people is $944.84  ($472.42 per person) including all taxes and port-handling fees. This price works out to a per-person, per diem amount of $94.48 (see slide three).

Not only does that cost include your transportation on a beautiful five-star vessel, but it also includes meals, entertainment, snacks, and lodging. The only thing it doesn’t factor in is alcohol, but you may opt to purchase a drink package that can reduce the cost of your spending.

At under $100 per person per day, you would be hard-pressed to find accommodation in California or Vancouver for that price let alone with food and entertainment. 

Flights from Vancouver to LA

One-way, direct flights from Vancouver to Los Angeles start at under $100 with Flair Airlines, with one daily departure from Vancouver International Airport (YVR).

Since the Flair flight leaves at 7 a.m. from YVR travellers will theoretically land in L.A. in time to make the cruise. However, it isn't recommended to leave this little time.

Cruise lines prefer passengers to arrive at least four hours before the posted sailing time. Plan to spend one night in L.A. to avoid missing the cruise.

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Cruises To & From Barcelona, Spain

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In Barcelona, you’ll find stunning architecture, delectable cuisine, and vibrant cultural experiences at every turn. Get to know Barcelona’s many distinct neighborhoods, including the Old Town or Ciutat Vella , where you’ll find museums, cafes, and shopping. Venture to the Gothic Quarter, or Barri Gotic , and stroll through its narrow streets, where you’ll see the best of Barcelona’s Gothic architecture, mystical corridors, and old city cafes. Another must-visit stop in Barcelona is Las Ramblas, the famous pedestrian walkway in the heart of the city that will take you past restaurants, bars, stores, and the storied Boqueria food market.

This Spanish coastal gem is not only one of the most popular cities in the world, but is also a departure port for cruises around Europe. Cruises from Barcelona visit some of the most beautiful destinations in Spain, including Seville, Ibiza, and Malaga, as well as gorgeous Mediterranean destinations in France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, and Malta. Spend a few magical days in this spectacular city before embarking on a cruise of a lifetime through Europe.

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Introducing: Barcelona City Stays

Embark on an in-depth experience in the city where your cruise starts or ends. Stay in accommodations we’ve carefully selected. Enjoy tours guided by experts to see the must-sees and do the must-dos. Take private transportation between your airport, hotel, and ship.

Guided Tour Highlights:  Explore the best of Barcelona, including iconic sites such as Antonio Gaudí’s La Sagrada Familia and Parc Guell and the Picasso Museum. Experience the culture, savor the cuisine, and marvel at the art and architecture of this dynamic city.

Top Destinations on Cruises from Barcelona

Greek islands.

Sail around Greece’s idyllic islands, where you’ll dive into crystal-clear waters and discover historic landmarks. Walk along the white-washed buildings of Santorini, visit the Temple of Venus in Rhodes, enjoy fresh seafood in Mykonos, and admire the stunning Parthenon in Athens. This spectacular cruise will also take you to the preserved medieval city of Valletta in Malta and Ephesus in Turkey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Discover the magic of Spain during a cruise around the Mediterranean. Soak up the sun and embrace the boho-chic spirit in the Balearic islands of Mallorca and Ibiza. Visit Gaudi masterpieces in Barcelona and admire the Moorish architecture in Andalusian cities like Seville and Granada. Savor traditional Spanish cuisine in Valencia, known for its excellent paella; Vigo, home of the world-famous Albariño; and Bilbao, where you can easily spend a day trying out its wide-array of tapas and pintxos. 

Experience la dolce vita during a cruise that stops in Italy’s most beautiful destinations. In Venice, make your way through the floating city’s romantic canals and intimate alleyways. Visit the chic island of Capri, where you’ll find the Blue Grotto, and the ancient city of Pompeii that was buried under ash after a volcanic eruption in 79 AD. Swim in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Sicily, or visit the golden beaches of Santa Margherita in the glittering Italian Riviera. Finish off your trip with a day in Rome, where ancient ruins, spectacular art, and delectable food await.

Explore the coastal wonders of France. In Florence, start your day on the coast of the Ligurian Sea and end the day looking up in awe at the Gothic-style Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Settle into the French Riviera in Nice, a charming town filled with glitzy beaches and seaside restaurants. Discover the scents of Provence, known for its lavender and perfumes.

Wine and dine your way through Portugal, a destination of culinary capitals and seaside escapes. Explore the medieval buildings and cathedrals in Lisbon and finish off a day of sightseeing with a sweet pastel de nata . Visit the lovely vineyards of the Douro Valley in Porto and sip on the city’s most popular export, Port wine. Discover Madeira, a tiny archipelago of four islands off the coast of Portugal.

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Why Sail from Barcelona with Celebrity Cruises

Travel to Europe’s sophisticated cities and sun-drenched locales in complete luxury on a cruise from Barcelona with Celebrity Cruises. Voted best cruise line in Europe for 14 years in a row, you’ll have your choice of incredible itineraries to choose from.

On our newest vessel, Celebrity Ascent®, experience the thrill of sailing on a cutting-edge, outward-facing ship with remarkable venues like the floating Magic Carpet and Eden, an experiential restaurant and lounge that will tantalize all of your senses. Savor the fresh flavors and ingredients of Greece and Italy, then indulge in world-class cuisine on board. Relax under the sun in the French Riviera or Amalfi Coast, then by the pool on the expansive Resort Deck.

When you’re not busy exploring each port destination, you’ll have endless entertainment options, bars and lounges, and innovative venues to experience on board. Spend your days at sea unwinding at The Spa and your nights dancing under the stars. A cruise with Celebrity around the Mediterranean is an unforgettable experience unlike any other.

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Barcelona port facilities & location.

The Port of Barcelona is a popular departure port for Mediterranean cruises and is a little less than an hour’s walk away from the center of the city. You can also take a bus shuttle service that runs between the port terminal and the famous Christopher Columbus monument that welcomes visitors at one of the ends of Las Ramblas. Another option is to travel by taxi, which will get you downtown in about 20 minutes.

Top Sights & Landmarks to See Before Cruises From Barcelona

La sagrada família.

Barcelona’s most iconic monument and an absolute must-see for any visitor is the world-renowned La Sagrada Familia, envisioned and created by the famous architect, Antoni Gaudi. As a religious man, Gaudi devoted a large part of his life to this majestic, towering cathedral and unfortunately died before its completion. The sheer size of its majestic towers and the immaculate detail displayed on every square inch of the cathedral and basilica—both indoors and outdoors—is unparalleled. La Sagrada Familia was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, and Pope Benedict XVI consecrated the basilica in November of 2010.

Santa Maria del Mar Basilica

The Santa Maria del Mar Basilica might seem simple when compared to La Sagrada Familia, but this Gothic cathedral is equally as stunning. It is the only surviving church in the pure Catalan Gothic style and is notable because of its intricate stained-glass windows and unifying proportions. While most churches took centuries to build, Santa Maria del Mar was completed in only 55 years, from 1329 to 1383. Known as the “People’s Church,” the basilica has suffered through extensive damage twice: First during the 1428 earthquake and later in 1936, when rioters burned parts of its facade for 11 days straight during the Spanish Civil War. After both instances, the cathedral was rebuilt to its former state.

Casa Milà (Pedrera)

In 1905, Pere Mila and his wife, Roser Segimon, purchased a plot of land measuring over 1,800 square meters and commissioned Gaudi to build a new property for them. This gigantic structure—often the ridicule of their peers and contemporaries—became their home with attached apartments that the couple would rent for profit. Casa Mila became known as La Pedrera (“the stone quarry”) because its façade seemed nothing like a mansion, but more of a strange stone monstrosity to locals. Casa Mila was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.

Casa Batlló

In 1904, Josep Batlló commissioned Gaudi to build this stunning, dreamlike structure. The tiny details will astound you, and the surprising dragon-shaped roof makes Casa Batlló impossible to miss during your visit to Barcelona. The imaginative design was inspired by both the ocean waves and dragons, and stands out even among the ornately-decorated homes that line the Passeig de Gracia. Tour the grounds using an interactive video guide that accompanies your audio tour, showing you in virtual reality form what the different spaces looked like long ago.

Learn More About Barcelona Shore Excursions

Top things to do in barcelona, spain, shop along las ramblas.

The famous pedestrian walkway known as Las Ramblas is nearly a mile long and is one of the city’s major thoroughfares, leading from just across from the Barcelona cruise terminal port to Plaza de Catalunya in the center of old Barcelona. As you stroll, you’ll pass restaurants, cafes, bars, shops, street performers, street food vendors, and a famous food market called Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria (or simply “la Boqueria”). If you stroll the entire length of Las Ramblas, you’ll end up in Plaza de Catalunya, an enormous square with fountains, a small park, and plenty of photo-worthy sights.

Visit Barcelona’s Sport Stadiums

Every sports enthusiast will be thrilled to visit the city of Barcelona for its many sports stadiums, whether you’re exploring before or after a cruise from Barcelona. The Olympic Stadium was actually built before the Olympics existed, but it was remodeled for the event held in Barcelona in 1992. Soccer fans can visit Camp Nou Stadium, home of FC Barcelona (or “Barca” as the locals call them). Camp Nou holds nearly 99,000 fans and is Europe’s largest stadium. Go on a tour of the stadium and see everything from the team’s changing rooms to the tunnel, the press area, and more.

Explore Park Güell

Park Güell is yet another stunning representation of Gaudi’s unique design and vision. In 1900, a rich count purchased a massive plot of land and designated it to be a ‘garden city’ for the city’s wealthiest patrons. Gaudi’s design of the park and homes inside the garden city proved to be too elaborate for their time, and the project was unfortunately abandoned in 1914. The two houses and park grounds make up a magical place that will sweep you away as it showcases some of Barcelona’s famous sights and symbols.

Walk Around Barceloneta

Once a quaint fishing village, this highly sought-after area is now an adorable beachfront neighborhood with brightly colored houses and a charming beach that faces the Mediterranean Sea. If you continue to follow the waterfront, you eventually reach Port Olimpic with its bars, cafes, and small shops. Stop in the Casino de Barcelona to try your luck or enjoy a floor show.

Stroll Through Barcelona's Gothic Quarter

One of the most well-known districts in all of Europe is Barcelona’s well-defined and fascinatingly unique Barri Gotic , or “Gothic Quarter.” Mystical and strange, yet beautiful and cleverly unique, the architecture of Barcelona’s stunning Gothic Quarter is a must-visit highlight. The 13th-century architecture that defines this area has a mystical old Europe feel, and the streets are winding and narrow, like corridors running through the city. While visiting the Gothic Quarter, be sure to spend some time in El Born, the trendier neighborhood known for its hip galleries, shops, restaurants, bars, and small cafes.

Where can I eat in Barcelona?

You’ll find plenty of restaurants, bars, cafes, and street food vendors along Las Ramblas. However, if you prefer to taste the truly authentic Catalan and Spanish-style cuisine on your Barcelona cruise, it is worth taking a stroll down the backstreets to discover the hidden culinary gems of this city.

Boqueria Food Market

More than just a fresh produce market, this world-renowned attraction plays host to many bar-style restaurants serving freshly prepared local cuisine in a lively setting.

Owned by Pep, one of the friendliest locals you’ll meet, Cal Pep is one of Barcelona’s best-known spots for tapas.

Can Culleretes

Local specialty dishes are the main draw of Can Culleretes, one of the oldest restaurants in Barcelona.

Los Caracoles

Famous for its caracoles (snails), Los Caracoles is another of the oldest restaurants in Barcelona, and it is also unique for its outside stone rotisserie.

What’s the culture & history of Barcelona?

There are two legends that describe the story of Barcelona’s founding—one attributing the city’s foundation to the mythological demi-god Hercules, and the other that states that Carthaginian general Hamilcar Barca, Hannibal’s father, founded the city in the 3rd century BC and named it Barcino after his family’s lineage. Barcelona was conquered and inhabited by the Visigoths in the early 5th century, transforming it into the capital of all Hispania for a few years. Barcelona became a hub for Catalan Separatism during the Catalan Revolt of 1640 to 1652 against Philip IV of Spain. During the Spanish Civil War, Barcelona continued to thrive as the second-largest city in Spain in the center of a region that remained relatively prosperous.

In recent history, the Summer Olympics came to Barcelona in 1992. To prepare for the games and the massive crowds that would accompany them, many industrial buildings and businesses that lined the waterfront in Barcelona were demolished to make room for a two-mile beach for tourists to enjoy. New construction projects popped up all around the city, resulting in more beaches, parks, and nature-centered areas. All these changes and improvements to city life transformed Barcelona into one of the most-visited cities in the world.

Where can I go shopping near the Barcelona cruise port?

The street stalls, vendors, and small shops that line Las Ramblas are an excellent place to find inexpensive souvenirs, such as FC Barcelona football memorabilia, small trinkets, leather bags and shoes, as well as hand-crafted ceramics and lacework made by local artists.

How can I get around Barcelona?

Barcelona is a pedestrian-friendly city with plenty of public transportation options. From the Port Terminal, there is a shuttle bus service that will drop you off directly in Las Ramblas. If you’re looking to explore Barcelona in a short amount of time, you can board one of the hop-on, hop-off tour buses that visit major landmarks and popular tourist destinations. If you prefer to explore the city on your own, you can also use any of the bus routes, metro lines, or taxis found all over the city.

What are the local currency & tipping customs?

In Barcelona, the currency is the euro. You won’t have any trouble finding ATMs throughout the city, especially in heavily populated areas like Las Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter. Should you need currency exchange services, you will find these in the airport, most major banks, and in currency exchange offices on Las Ramblas. The exchange offices are typically open for later hours than banks, but you will receive a better exchange rate at most banks. Tipping in Barcelona is not expected, but if you do feel inclined to do so, leave anything from 5% to 10% as a token of appreciation for great service.

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These 3 lesser-known cruise lines offer amazing voyages on sail-powered ships

There is nothing quite as magical — or romantic — as a cruise on a sailing ship.

To stand on the deck of a vessel topped with dozens of billowing sails, propelled through the waves by the power of the wind alone, is to go back in time to an earlier age of travel, when crossing the world's oceans was as adventurous as it was challenging.

It's an experience that's all about the feeling of the wind in your hair, the lean of the vessel (known as the heel) as it's pushed by the wind and the sway from the waves (which is actually smoother than what you get on a motor ship).

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In contrast to what you'll find on so many motor-powered ships, cruising on a masted ship is about the simple thrill of traveling across the sea and not about all the many attractions you'll find on board.

Only a handful of small cruise brands — so small that you might never have heard of them — offer trips on sailing ships. Here, we look at the three biggest players in this niche subset of the cruise industry.

Sea Cloud Cruises

If it's an authentic, old-style sailing experience you want, then Sea Cloud Cruises is the line for you. The Germany-based company operates three large sailing ships where the sails are unfurled by hand, just as they were on sailing ships centuries ago.

On the biggest of these three vessels, the 136-passenger Sea Cloud Spirit , 18 deckhands scurry high into the rigging on sea days to manually untie and prepare the sails, an amazing sight. Unveiled in 2021 , it's a full-rigged, three-masted sailing ship of the sort that hasn't been common on the world's oceans for more than a century.

Related: Why Sea Cloud Spirit is a sailing vessel you'll want to try

Sea Cloud Cruises' two other vessels — Sea Cloud 2 and Sea Cloud — are smaller but offer a similar show as the sails are set by hand the old-fashioned way. The former is a 23-year-old, three-masted barque propelled by 23 sails (five fewer than Sea Cloud Spirit); the latter is a 93-year-old, four-masted barque with 30 sails and a storied past.

Now configured to carry 64 paying passengers, Sea Cloud was originally the private yacht of Postum Cereals heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post and her husband, the famed financier E. F. Hutton. At the time, the vessel was the largest private yacht in the world. It later served the U.S. Navy as a weather ship during World War II, after which it became the presidential yacht for the Dominican Republic. It only began sailing as a cruise vessel in the 1980s.

If you have money to spare, you can still book Post's opulent private quarters on Sea Cloud, now its owner's suite. It'll set you back around $5,000 per day per couple. Her husband's slightly smaller quarters are also available to book at a similar rate.

Post, the wealthiest woman in the U.S. during her lifetime, notably also built Mar-a-Lago, the massive estate in Florida that is now the official residence of Donald Trump.

Sea Cloud Cruises is the most all-inclusive and upscale of the three brands listed in this story, with pricing to match. Expect to pay nearly $1,000 per person per day or more for many sailings.

Sea Cloud Cruises' three vessels offer a diverse array of sailings in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Canary Islands and Morocco, the Caribbean or along the west coast of Central America.

Related: Cruising Costa Rica, Panama with Sea Cloud Cruises

Windstar Cruises

Founded in the 1980s, Windstar Cruises got its start as a sailing ship line. While it now operates traditional motor-powered ships, too, voyages on sailing ships are still a big part of its business.

Three of the Seattle-based brand's six vessels — Wind Spirit, Wind Star and Wind Surf — are sailing vessels, and they all offer a similar yacht-like, small-ship experience.

Two of the three vessels (Wind Spirit and Wind Star) are particularly intimate, measuring 5,407 tons and carrying just 148 passengers with every berth full.

Related: The 2 types of Windstar ships, explained

The line's third sailing vessel, Wind Surf, is nearly three times the size at 14,745 tons. It's one of the biggest sailing ships in the world (only a sister vessel that sails for Club Med is bigger). Wind Surf carries 342 people, an enormous number for a sailing ship.

Unlike on the vessels operated by Sea Cloud, the sails on Windstar's sailing ships aren't unfurled by hand in the old-fashioned way but by the push of a button from the bridge. It's a fully automated system that is much more modern, if less dramatic.

Still, the experience of slicing through the waves by the power of the wind alone on Windstar ships is as glorious and romantic as it is on the Sea Cloud ships.

Windstar Cruises is less all-inclusive and pricey than Sea Cloud but still offers a relatively upscale experience. Its dining program is done in partnership with the food-focused James Beard Foundation, which also brings James Beard Award-winning chefs to the ships regularly for food-themed itineraries.

For an extra $89 per person per day, passengers can also make the experience more all-inclusive with included Wi-Fi, unlimited beer, wine and cocktails, and gratuities (three things that aren't included in regular fares).

The line's three vessels typically spend nearly all of their time sailing in the Mediterranean, the Caribbean or along the west coast of Central America.

Related: Read more about Windstar's itineraries

Star Clippers

Like Sea Cloud and Windstar, Star Clippers operates three sailing vessels that are among the biggest and most elegant sailing vessels in the world.

The belle of the ball at the line is Royal Clipper, a stunning five-masted ship that is billed as the largest square-rigged ship in the world. Its enormous array of 42 sails has a sail area of 56,000 square feet — significantly more than the sails atop any of the Sea Cloud or Windstar vessels. (Only Sea Cloud Spirit comes relatively close with a sail area of 44,100 square feet spread across 28 sails.)

Built to resemble Preussen, a legendary tall ship of the 19th century, the 24-year-old Royal Clipper shares the spotlight at Star Clippers with two smaller sister vessels, Star Flyer and Star Clipper.

Carrying 166 passengers apiece, the smaller vessels were designed to resemble the speedy clipper ships of the 19th century, which were known for their narrow profile and large sail area. Each vessel has a sail area of 36,000 square feet spread across 16 sails, a large amount for the size.

When it comes to the setting of sails, Star Clippers vessels offer a level of old-style authenticity that is in between the ships of Sea Cloud and Windstar. Like on Sea Cloud vessels, the sails are pulled into position by a team of deckhands using hand power and winches to tighten the "sheets," or ropes.

Unlike on Sea Cloud vessels, the deck hands don't climb high into the rigging to untie and prepare the sails for winching. That part is done automatically at the push of a button from the bridge, as it is on Windstar vessels.

In one key difference, though, Star Clippers lets passengers harness up and climb into the crow's nest of its vessels — a thrilling experience. Just be prepared for your knees to go a bit wobbly as you get to the top; it's way up there.

Star Clippers sailings are the most affordable option among the three sailing brands, in part because the onboard experience is less all-inclusive and upscale.

The three Star Clippers vessels mostly operate sailings in the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands, the Caribbean and along the west coast of Central America.

Bottom line

It's still possible to get a taste of what traveling the world's oceans was like in the days before motor power. Three small cruise companies — Sea Cloud Cruises, Windstar Cruises and Star Clippers — offer voyages on large sailing ships that are as majestic as anything that has sailed the seas in centuries past.

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

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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How Much Does a Cruise Cost?

The average cost of a cruise varies by ship, destination, trip length and more. Use this guide to learn more about cruise costs.

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With the rising cost of everything, including travel, cruise fares – some as low as $26 per person per night based on double occupancy – seem like an incredible bargain. And they certainly can be, but the fares you see advertised online often don't include extras like taxes, fees, port expenses, gratuities, shore excursions, specialty dining, alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, room service fees and more.

Cruise pricing can be confusing with so many variables; unless you're sailing with a smaller luxury line that is all-inclusive , your bill on the day of disembarkation may be unexpected or even shocking. Small things like buying bottled water or renting noodles for floating in the ocean at a cruise line's private island can add up quickly. To help you plan better for a cruise vacation , U.S. News has broken down some of the costs and add-ons you need to take into consideration before booking your next getaway on the high seas.

How much does a one-week cruise cost?

A cruise can cost anywhere from about $171 per person for a four-night Bahamas cruise to up to $94,999 per person for a 154-night world cruise and anywhere in between. Cruise fares vary based on itinerary, number of nights, cabin type, amenities and cruise line. Here are a few examples of base cruise cost ranges on larger cruise lines for various regions:

• A seven-night Caribbean cruise in November costs approximately $424 to $1,158 per person.
• A seven-night Alaska cruise in May costs approximately $244 to $1,632 per person.
• A seven-night Western Mediterranean cruise in June costs approximately $439 to $3,218 per person.
• A seven-night Mexico cruise in January costs approximately $529 to $695 per person.
• A seven-night Canada and New England cruise in October costs approximately $470 to $954 per person.

What's included in the base fare with a larger cruise line?

Mass-market cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean International , Norwegian Cruise Line , MSC Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line – and more upscale lines like Celebrity Cruises , Holland America Line , Cunard Line , Disney Cruise Line and Princess Cruises – advertise "starting from" base fares, which are for inside cabins. These are the least expensive staterooms on the ship, and they do not have windows. Staying in these accommodations still gives you access to all the complimentary dining venues, several types of nonalcoholic beverages (nonbottled water, iced tea, lemonade, juices, hot coffee and tea), the ship's pools, the gym, kids clubs and onboard entertainment.

If you want a room with a view – or a larger stateroom – consider booking an ocean view room with a porthole or window, or a cabin with a balcony or veranda. With these rooms, you'll have access to all the ship's included amenities and typically more spacious accommodations for the week. Of course, this option will come at a higher price point.

No matter which room category you choose, port expenses, taxes and fees are not included in the base fares, and they're automatically added to the cost of your cruise. The amount of these charges will depend on the length of your cruise and where you're sailing. Gratuities for the staff and crew are also additional.

Find the best value sailings on  GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

What if you want more amenities and perks?

If you splurge on a suite or a higher room category, such as Celebrity's Concierge Class, you'll get perks like priority embarkation, a Welcome Aboard Concierge Class Lunch, complimentary sparkling wine and daily tastings (upon request), concierge service, invitations to exclusive destination seminars, pillow selection and more.

With Disney Cruise Line's Concierge Staterooms and Suites, guests have a dedicated concierge agent offering personalized assistance for pre-arrival planning for port adventures, dining reservations, other onboard activities and special requests. You'll also have priority check-in and boarding, complimentary Wi-Fi, access to a private lounge, and other perks.

You may opt to stay within an exclusive area of the ship, such as MSC Cruises' Yacht Club, Norwegian's The Haven or Celebrity's The Retreat. These high-end private retreats offer an all-inclusive experience with additional features, while still including access to all the entertainment, dining venues and more on board. The accommodations can cost hundreds more dollars per day, but you'll have an experience similar to sailing on a small luxury vessel.

For example, the MSC Yacht Club offers an intimate all-inclusive space within its larger ships. The private area is accessible with a key card and features luxurious suites, a dedicated concierge, 24-hour butler service, a private restaurant and lounge, a rooftop pool, and other amenities. There are also additional dining and snack options throughout the day at the pool and lounge.

You'll find similar amenities in Norwegian's and Celebrity's private retreats, including priority boarding and disembarkation, exclusive sun deck areas, and priority access when boarding tenders for going ashore.

What factors determine pricing?

Base pricing and the additional components vary greatly among the cruise lines, so you'll need to determine what your budget is for the trip – and what you can and can't live without when it comes to accommodations and amenities. Travelers may also find that one cruise line has a deal or promotion with reduced pricing that includes airfare, specialty dining, a beverage package, free Wi-Fi or other perks in the advertised rate, while another line isn't running any specials for a similar itinerary. 

Voyages on older cruise ships tend to be less expensive, so if you're on a tight budget, consider a ship with fewer bells and whistles. If you're sailing on a short itinerary in the Bahamas and plan to lounge by the pool or on the beach all day, you may not be concerned about having high-tech onboard amenities, martini bars and several specialty restaurants.

Save the money to splurge on more expensive fares when you're planning to sail on longer voyages on larger and newer ships. You'll want several days at sea to enjoy the onboard amenities on some vessels, such as a three-level racetrack and a 10-story-tall slides on a new ship like Norwegian Prima or its new sister ship, Norwegian Viva, set to debut in summer 2023.

Another significant factor to consider is the time of year you want to travel. Better deals are available in the offseason, but the offseason varies depending on what part of the world you're traveling to. For example, May is a great time to find a deal in the Caribbean. The offseason – or shoulder season – in that market typically runs from May to November. However, keep in mind this period overlaps with hurricane season .

You also may be able to find last-minute deals in many other destinations if you're flexible. Working with a travel agent is an excellent way to learn of last-minute specials and cruise deals that offer add-ons like beverage packages, specialty dining inclusions, shore excursions and other perks. You can also check out the online specials that change frequently.

Read: The Best Cruise Lines for the Money

Solo travelers may pay more

If you're traveling alone , you may also need to factor in a single supplement, which can add up to as much as 100% of the cruise fare. To save money, bring a friend so you can access the lower double occupancy fare or consider lines that feature rooms for solo travelers; select Royal Caribbean, Norwegian and Celebrity ships offer solo cabins.

These smaller accommodations – around 100 to 200 square feet in size – are priced and designed for solo travelers. Key card access to Norwegian's Studio Complex and Lounge is included with the line's solo cabins and offers a place to relax and mix and mingle with other cruisers. Other lines that offer solo cabins include Holland America, MSC and Virgin Voyages . While the price may not be as inexpensive as the double occupancy fare when traveling with someone else, these accommodations offer some savings over a typical solo fare.

Some lines often feature special deals on select sailings where the single supplement is waived or reduced. A knowledgeable travel agent specializing in cruises can assist in finding the best offers for solo travelers.

Read: The Top Cruise Lines for Solo Travelers

Kids cruise free promotions can help families save

If you're traveling with kids, many cruise lines – such as Holland America, MSC, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Disney and Princess – offer "kids sail free" promotions periodically throughout the year. You can also find discounted fares for the kids on select sailings. Regent Seven Seas Cruises has fares as low as $999 for children 17 and younger on a variety of select voyages whose regular fares are around $6,000 and up. This fare also includes unlimited shore excursions and all the benefits and perks of sailing with an all-inclusive luxury cruise line.

Read: The Top Cruises for Babies and Toddlers

Food and beverage packages are another expense to consider

Once you determine your total cruise fare with the taxes, fees, port charges and gratuities, you'll need to budget for the additional expenses you'll have on the ship – and these extras can add up quickly. Meals at specialty dining venues , alcoholic drinks and other beverages may not be covered in the basic cruise fare. You'll also have to pay for room service on most ships.

You can purchase specialty dining, beverage and Wi-Fi packages before or during your cruise. These packages offer savings over purchasing everything individually – and it's best to buy them once you book your cruise, as they're typically cheaper to purchase before you board the ship. For an example of the savings, Royal Caribbean offers up to a 40% discount with a dining package. This package includes reduced pricing for children ages 6 to 12, while kids 5 and younger eat for free. The cruise line's unlimited dining package also offers discounts on bottles of wine.

In addition to specialty dining venues that charge a flat fee – usually between $30 to $50 – there are also restaurants that charge as much as $75 or more for dinner. Other venues feature a la carte menus with sushi, bar food and even steakhouses that price out individual courses. Some of these may not include gratuity, so that's another add-on. If you decide to dine at any of these spots – and they're not included in your package – you'll have to budget for them in the total cruise price. Enticing dessert items in the gelato and ice cream shops on some ships also come with a price, including Coco's and Dolce Gelato on Norwegian or MSC's Venchi.

There are endless options when considering beverage packages, too, so you need choose what fits best with your interests and budget. Some of the package options are only for nonalcoholic drinks like fountain sodas, sparkling waters and coffees, while premium or deluxe beverage packages cover beer, wine and cocktails, so they are more expensive. Depending on the cruise line, most premium packages will usually cover drinks up to $15, but many craft cocktails on cruise ships can be quite expensive, costing much more, especially if you request a call brand for the liquor. If you have the premium package and want to splurge on the fancy beverage, you'll have to pay the difference.

Other lines have packages that cover top-shelf beverages of up to $20 each and include wine, large bottles of water and soda, and other perks. You'll need to budget around $85 per person per day for this option – and an additional 18% gratuity. This type of package can add up to quite a bit of money on a seven-day cruise or longer.

For additional savings, look into bundle pricing that includes specialty dining, Wi-Fi, photos and more. Purchasing them together may be more cost-effective. For example, Holland America offers a "Have It All" package that encompasses a shore excursion credit, a signature beverage package (including the service charge), one evening of specialty dining and Wi-Fi. If you're sailing on longer cruises of 10 to 21 days or more, the benefits increase. The line estimates savings of 50% when you purchase this bundle.

While these packages may not always work out in your favor, you'll at least know what your dining, imbibing, excursions, Wi-Fi and even additional activities on the cruise will cost.

Read: Cruise Drink Packages: Your Options by Cruise Line

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

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Additional costs on a cruise ship

Cruisers will also incur additional fees from excursions, fitness classes, spa treatments, access to thermal spa rooms, babysitting services, ship tours, wine tastings, cocktail demonstrations, cooking classes, laundry services, and some entertainment venues and activities on the ship – such as Norwegian's racetrack and Carnival's first roller coaster at sea, BOLT. See some of the more popular added costs you'll want to consider below.

Wi-Fi access

If you need Wi-Fi during the cruise, that's another cost to factor into the total price. Here are two examples of pricing for internet plans for two cruise lines.

Carnival offers three options for Wi-Fi, using Starlink. The basic Social Wi-Fi Plan gives you access certain social media channels like Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Twitter, WhatsApp and more starting at $12.75 per day per person. The cost increases to $17 per day per person with the Value Wi-Fi Plan. This option gives you access to your email and to sites for weather, news, finance and more. It does not support Skype or music and video streaming services like Spotify and Netflix during your cruise.

Carnival's Premium Wi-Fi Plan starts at $18.70 per person per day and offers speeds up to three times faster than the Value plan. With this plan you can make Zoom calls and use Skype. For all three of these plans, you can save 15% off the total price if you book in advance of your trip.

Celebrity also uses Starlink. The line's "Always Included" fare includes basic internet, a classic drink package and gratuities. If you don't book that fare, Wi-Fi plans range from $20 per day for basic service to premium Wi-Fi at $35 per day.

• Shore excursions

If you're traveling to far-flung or new destinations, you'll want to book shore excursions. Cruise lines recommend that you book excursions directly with them rather than hiring an independent tour company or operator, but it can be more expensive to book tours through the cruise line.

However, if you experienced a delay on an independent tour and couldn't get back to the ship on time, there's a chance you could get left behind if you're not on a ship-sponsored tour. If you decide to go with a private tour guide, be sure to book an excursion where you'll arrive back at the ship with plenty of time to spare before the vessel departs for the next destination. Most tour operators in busy cruise ports work with the cruise ship schedules all the time, so you should be fine with a reputable independent guide.

Some trips last an entire day or are once-in-a-lifetime adventures like dog-sledding on a glacier in Alaska or taking a helicopter ride in Iceland. These types of excursions can be costly, ranging anywhere from hundreds to even thousands of dollars.

If these types of experiences are not in your budget, then look for historic walking or panoramic driving tours. These excursions are shorter in duration and typically the least expensive tours available on the cruise. Most of these types of tours will cost less than $100. And, of course, there are always other options available that range between the lower and higher price range of excursions.

If your ship is docked directly in the town or city, then you'll be able to explore off the ship on your own for free. Some cruise lines also offer complimentary shuttle buses into town, or a round-trip ride for a nominal fee, if it's not within walking distance of the ship. That's another less expensive option for you to sightsee, shop or grab lunch in town.

Transportation

Transportation is another expense that's often overlooked in the total cost of a cruise. Consider if you'll be driving or flying to the cruise port. If you're driving, you'll have to pay for gas and parking at the port – and maybe a hotel the night before the cruise, depending on when you arrive and when your ship is scheduled to set sail. Don't forget the meals or beverages you'll purchase on the way.

If you're flying to the port, especially on a long-distance flight, it's best to come in a day early. In that case, you'll also have to pay for a hotel, transfers from the airport to the hotel and then a transfer (private hire, Uber or cab) to the ship's terminal. There will also be meals to budget for while you're in town before the cruise and a ride back to the airport after the cruise.

Souvenirs or forgotten items

Don't forget to account for purchases on the ship. Items that you forgot to bring from home will be more expensive on the ship. It's also easy to run up the bill when buying souvenirs for yourself or the kids. It's a good idea to periodically check your bill online or with guest services to see the current balance. You can keep a running tab of what you've billed to your stateroom – and also make sure that the charges are correct.

Cruise pricing checklist

To sum it up, here's a checklist of major items that will help you to compare costs across cruise lines and tally up the total cost of a cruise:

• Base cruise price
• Taxes, fees, gratuities and port expenses
• Specialty dining
• Beverage package
• Optional activities
• Miscellaneous expenses
• Air or ground travel to the port
• Hotel prior to embarking

If you don't want to budget for all the individual expenses related to a cruise – and you don't need the over-the-top entertainment of a larger cruise ship – consider booking a mostly all-inclusive or fully all-inclusive cruise with a luxury cruise line . These cruise lines include almost everything in your cruise fare.

Mostly all-inclusive cruises

One option for a mostly all-inclusive cruise is Viking Ocean Cruises . The line's nine all-veranda ocean-going vessels accommodate 930 passengers – and all of Viking's ships feature the same categories of staterooms and suites, dining, lounges, and entertainment venues across the fleet. The ships offer an immersive cultural curriculum on board with regional dishes, destination performances and enrichment lectures.

Viking's fares include veranda accommodations, port taxes and fees, free Wi-Fi, access to The Nordic Spa and fitness center, 24-hour room service, ground transportation (if you book airfare with Viking), and one complimentary excursion in each port. You'll also have complimentary alternative dining options and free beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner on board the ship. Specialty coffees, teas and bottled water are available 24 hours a day at no extra charge. Guests are also invited to a welcome cocktail party and farewell reception.

If you like to have an aperitif before your evening meal or an after-dinner cocktail, those beverages will be at an additional cost. You'll also need to budget for any optional shore excursions that are not included in the fare.

Keep in mind that Viking is an adults-only cruise line, so children younger than 18 are not permitted.

Read:  The Best Adults-Only Cruises

All-inclusive cruises

Silversea Cruises , Regent Seven Seas and Seabourn Cruise Line boast all-inclusive luxury experiences with shipwide amenities such as ocean-facing suites, butlers, premium spirits, fully stocked in-suite bars, no tipping and complimentary dining at world-class restaurants.

Additional perks with Regent Seven Seas include complimentary shore excursions, free two- or three-night land programs, a free one-night hotel stay before the cruise departure, transfers from the airport to the ship, and business class or economy airfare, depending on the destination.

Silversea offers door-to-door arrangements where everything is handled by the cruise line. You can also opt for a port-to-port all-inclusive rate if you prefer to make your own travel arrangements. If you're on one of the cruise line's expedition cruises, fares will include a pre- or post-cruise hotel stay. All Silversea fares cover a selection of complimentary shore excursions in each port.

If you're interested in an even smaller ship – and are sailing to the Caribbean or Mediterranean – SeaDream Yacht Club features an intimate luxury experience on its two 56-stateroom yachts. The fares include top-notch cuisine, open bar and gratuities, complimentary daily yoga, access to water sports activities and nightly movies under the stars.

Read: The Top Cruises on Small Ships

How much does a luxury cruise cost for two?

If you want to go on a mostly adults-only luxury ship, what can you expect to pay for two people? This will depend on the ship, where you want to sail and for how long – and what amenities are included in the fare.

For a seven-night cruise in the Baltic region in June with Regent Seven Seas, an all-inclusive fare with suite accommodations is $12,540 ($6,270 per person). There are also additional perks available, depending on where you book the cruise. Some of the extras include a cash-back offer, a two-category upgrade and shipboard credit.

Silversea has a similar itinerary in June, and the fare also comes with added perks for $13,860 for two people ($6,930 per person) in suite accommodations.

While the price tag may seem high, compare the total cost with the base fare on a larger cruise ship and then add in all the extras.

See the top cruises on  GoToSea .

The bottom line

The average cost of a cruise is all over the map – and there are many variables to consider. Hiring a cruise specialist to navigate the rough waters may be your best option. Cruise specialists are also privy to special deals and incentives that you may not be able to access on your own.

Travel agents can also advise you of promotions that may include free specialty dining, beverage packages, complimentary Wi-Fi, shore excursions, discounts on solo and family travel, and more. This approach will save you the hassle of searching online or calling the individual cruise companies to check on what specials are available.

If you'd rather have one price with everything included so there's little room for surprises at the end of the trip, consider a mostly or fully all-inclusive cruise fare. If you don't need waterslides for the kids, big Broadway shows and high-tech entertainment, opt for a cruise on a small luxury line.

When doing the math and comparing the costs, you might be surprised how similar in price cruising with a larger mass-market cruise line and a smaller luxury line can be. In the end, your decision will come down to your personal preferences and what you value most for your cruise vacation.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, paddle-wheelers on the Snake and Columbia rivers, and an 18-stateroom river ship on the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia. Most recently, she traveled on a small luxury expedition vessel in Antarctica and crossed the notorious Drake Passage twice. She covers the travel and culinary industries, specializing in cruises, for major publications including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• How Much Does an Alaska Cruise Cost?
• Cruise Packing List: Essentials for Your Cruise
• The Best Cruise Lines
• The Best Gay Cruises
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

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Spain to deport dozens of cruise passengers after removing them from ship

Spain will deport more than 60 people who arrived last week by cruise ship in barcelona, article bookmarked.

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Spain will on Thursday deport more than 60 Bolivians who arrived last week by cruise ship in the northeastern port of Barcelona but were not allowed to disembark because their visas were false.

The Spanish government’s office in Barcelona said 65 of the 69 Bolivians who arrived will be flown to the Bolivian city of Santa Cruz. The plane will be paid for by MSC Cruises , which owns the ship in which they arrived from Brazil .

Four members of a family with Spanish relatives will be allowed to enter Spain.

Spanish authorities said the Bolivian passengers had false visas to enter the European border-free Schengen area, an ID-check-free travel zone comprising 29 European countries.

The Bolivians’ visa problems meant that the cruise ship with more than 1,000 passengers was stuck for two days in Barcelona and unable to continue on its route in the Mediterranean Sea until the situation was resolved.

The cruise ship set sail after the Bolivians were temporarily accommodated in another boat while police interviewed them.

MSC Cruises said last week the Bolivian passengers’ documentation appeared correct upon boarding in Brazil.

MSC Armonia, with more than 1,000 passengers reportedly on board, plans to sail to Italy on Thursday, the cruise company said.

Solange Duarte, a Bolivian diplomat in Barcelona, told The Associated Press on Wednesday she had received reports that some of the stranded Bolivians had been duped into obtaining fake visas but had no further information.

“We have asked the families to indicate who has processed this visa and we have not gotten answers,” she said.

Spain ’s national police were looking into the possibility of a fake visa scam, Duarte said.

MSC Cruises said in a statement Wednesday the Bolivian “passengers appeared to have proper documentation upon boarding in Brazil ” but Spanish authorities later said the visas were not valid for entry into the Schengen area.

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