short cruises to spain

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Spain Cruises

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Unforgettable Cruises to Spain

On a Spain cruise, you’ll discover a charismatic, captivating country that has it all, from mountains scattered with whitewashed villages to dynamic cities like Barcelona, and Málaga. Spain’s 3,000 miles of coastline include jewel-like coves and expansive stretches of golden beaches. Craggy castles and ancient watchtowers stand guard over a shoreline that’s attracted different cultures over the centuries, their legacy reflected today in place names, music, and exciting cuisine. 

Share tapas with friends in a sunlit square in Barcelona’s atmospheric Gothic Quarter, or try paella, rich with saffron and seafood, in Valencia. Sample the fine wines of the Rioja region, and sip iced cocktails in a chic Ibiza beach bar. Discover the best of Spain with Celebrity Cruises.

Spain Cruise Highlights

Architecture.

Spain is home to spectacular architecture, from the medieval to the ultra-modern. Marvel at Gaudí’s dazzling organic facades in Barcelona, and the golden glow of the exquisite Alhambra’s Palace in Granada, one of the most beautiful examples of Spanish renaissance architecture in the world.

Tapas Tastings

Bar hopping and tasting tapas is one of the quintessential things to do in Spain. From patatas bravas (fried potatoes served with a spicy sauce) to calamari (fried squid), you’ll have many delectable options to choose from. Tapas are best when shared with friends and family over conversation and drinks.

Costa del Sol

On a Spain cruise, explore the Costa del Sol, the sun-drenched coastline along the country’s southern shores, stretching from Málaga to the west along rugged Andalucia. The coast is known for its golden beaches and the sparkling blue of the Mediterranean. Inland, explore pueblos blancos, or sleepy, whitewashed villages that spill over steep hills.

Featured Ports on Cruises From Spain

Seville (Cadiz)

Palma de Mallorca

Spain Cruise Itineraries

Nine of our award-winning ships sail exciting itineraries to Spain, ranging from 7 to 16 nights. You’ll stop at ports all around the Iberian peninsula, such as Cadiz and Málaga in the sunny south, and Valencia and Barcelona on the shores of the Mediterranean, as well as Mallorca and Ibiza.

Itineraries

Why cruise to spain with celebrity cruises.

Let Celebrity show you the finest of Spain’s cities, islands, beaches, and architecture. Your Spanish adventure begins the moment you step on board into a world of unparalleled service, delicious cuisine, dazzling entertainment, and serene wellness spaces in which to unwind after a busy day ashore. 

As you sail between ports, glide high above the sea on our Edge-series ships’ Magic Carpet® with uninterrupted views. Choose The Retreat® and elevate your experience in a setting of all-included bliss, with an exclusive private lounge and fine dining in Luminae at The Retreat. You’ll enjoy the ultimate premium as you discover the vibrant culture, eclectic cuisine, and dramatic history of Spain with Celebrity.

View All Cruises to Spain

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Mini-cruise to Spain

Enjoy a mini-cruise to spain from only £99 per person.

With our short cruise offer to Spain from Plymouth, you'll experience two days and nights of relaxation on board our flagship, Pont-Aven, and enjoy award-winning service and top-class facilities.

Relax into the rich experience of travelling by sea. Enjoy fine dining at the à la carte restaurant, indulge in a spa treatment and go shopping in our boutiques with top brands at Duty-Free prices . With all this as well as cinemas and live entertainment, there’s lots to do on board to keep everyone entertained.

You’ll disembark in the heart of Santander , and spend a short amount of time ashore. Take a stroll along the promenade and enjoy the fantastic views of the Cantabrian Sea. Why not pop into one of the cafés and tapas bars nearby for a real taste of Spain and sample some tasty local delicacies?

Your mini-cruise includes

Return cruise from Plymouth to Santander as a foot passenger

2 nights on board with en suite cabin accommodation

A short time ashore in the elegant seaside resort of Santander

Mini-cruise prices

Prices are £99 per person including a 2 berth inside cabin each way. Cabin upgrades available - see below. If you'd like to find out more about the cabins available on this cruise, visit our Pont-Aven accommodation section.

Book online for the best price! There’s a service charge of £10 for bookings made through our Contact Centre.

All other cabin types are excluded from this offer. Disabled cabins are available on request, subject to availability.

2024 mini-cruise dates

This cruise to Spain departs from our Plymouth ferry port on either Wednesday or Sunday from 20 March 2024 until 30 October 2024.

All times shown are local time. Passengers are required to check-in at least 60 minutes before departure.

GOOD TO KNOW

Getting to plymouth.

Plymouth is easy to reach from Wales and the West Country with fast access to the ferry port from the A38 motorway. Going south from Exeter, head southwest on the A38 to Plymouth. Exit the A38 at the A374 and follow signs to the 'continental ferry port'. Frequent trains run from London's Paddington Station to Plymouth taking 3 to 4 hours. For rail information visit www.nationalrail.co.uk . Plymouth Citybus operates buses from the train station into the city centre but there is no direct bus to the ferry terminal. Local bus information can be found at www.plymouthbus.co.uk

PARKING AT PLYMOUTH

Port parking is available opposite the ferry terminal. Card/contactless payment is accepted. 24-hour parking is available for £12.00. For more information visit our Plymouth port guide .

ABOUT SANTANDER

Santander, the capital of Cantabria , is an elegant city stretched across a wide bay with many stunning beaches.

Surrounded by mountains and countryside, the streets wind up through the hilly landscape to afford fantastic views of the Cantabrian Sea, which supplies the city's restaurants with the fantastic seafood for which Cantabria is renowned. A shopping hub, the best shopping can be found on the Alameda de Oviedo Boulevard, bustling with street vendors, and the stylish and completely pedestrianised Calle Burgos. For more information visit our Santander travel guide .

SANTANDER FERRY PORT

Santander ferry port is in the heart of the city so within easy walking distance of its shops and attractions as well as being the gateway to the Picos de Europa. For more information visit our Santander port guide .

DUTY-FREE SHOPPING

Duty-free shopping has returned on board, with savings of up to 40% when you sail to and from the UK and Spain.

From duty-free savings on tobacco and spirits and wines – with many of your favourite tipples, and new tastes, yet to be discovered – to unmissable discounts on top brands, including Chanel, Dior, Hugo Boss, and Jean Paul Gaultier; plus your favourites from cosmetics and skincare.

For more information and to see your customs allowances visit our Duty-Free page.

DUTY FREE SHOPPING

Discover our latest amazing deals.

Check out our latest offers leaflet, featuring some of the best deals on board right now.

Pont-Aven is Brittany Ferries flagship cruise ferry offering regular sailings to France and Spain

An elegant coastal city with beautiful beaches and nearby natural wonders like the Dunes of Liencres.

Make the most of your cruise

Discover the great facilities on board including duty-free shopping!

ONBOARD DINING AND BARS

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Terms and conditions.

New bookings only. Offer subject to availability. Amendments are charged at £25. Bookings or amendments cannot be made within 24 hours of departure time. Time ashore is subject to sailing schedules and weather conditions. Club Voyage members receive a 5% discount on the above prices but there are no additional onboard benefits or cabin savings.  Prices shown include the ETS surcharge . Promotional terms and conditions  apply.

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Short & sweet: 8 best mini cruises in 2023 & 2024

Mini cruise holidays are becoming much more popular with younger travellers looking to squeeze their getaways into a long weekend – here are eight of the best in 2023 and 2024.

Words by Jeannine Williamson

Short on time, money or simply want a getaway break to unwind? A mini cruise ticks all these boxes. It’s also a great way of dipping a proverbial toe in the water if you’re new to a life at sea, or trying out a cruise line for the first time.

The quickest way to get afloat is on a short cruise from Southampton, or you can head overseas to get your mini cruise fix. Here are some of the options.

Speedy Greek getaway Celestyal Cruises mini cruise

Fancy seeing the most sun-drenched and Instagrammable Greek islands but don’t have oodles of time? You can do it with Celestyal Cruises.

The budget-friendly Greek line has three- and four-night mini cruises that are big on sights. In fact, you’ll likely see more than many people do in a week staying on land.

The round-trip sailings from Athens visit places like uber-trendy Mykonos – keep your eyes peeled and you may well spot some celebs – and the sun-bleached showstopper Santorini.

If you’re feeling a bit more cultural you can explore ancient sites on your mini cruise as well. Back onboard, Celestyal ships provide an extension of the friendly, laid-back Greek lifestyle. They’re not at all stuffy and you can strut your stuff at Greek dance classes, emboldened by the drinks that are included in the fare.

Channel Island hop MSC Cruises mini cruise

Take a two-night mini cruise to Guernsey out of Southampton on MSC Cruises’ big, bold and blingy MSC Virtuosa.

You’ll spend a day in the compact capital St Peter Port where the waterfront is lined with bars and places to eat. Don’t leave without ordering some ice cream made with creamy milk from the island’s doe-eyed golden cows.

On the ship you can sashay up glittering staircases studded with thousands of Swarovski crystals, shop ‘til you drop in designer boutiques and order a drink from Rob , who presides over the Starship Club and is the first humanoid robotic bartender at sea. There are dates to choose from in 2024.

Paint the town red Virgin Voyages mini cruise

Enjoy full-on adult-only fun (wink, wink) on a four-night round-trip sailing from Miami with Virgin Voyages . Virgin revolutionised cruising with ships that reinvented dining , with a street food-style food court, funky cabins with hammocks on the balcony and amazing Rock Star suites equipped with guitars and tables designed to dance on.

Scarlet Lady is a child-free ship where late-night revellers can throw moves in the outsize nightclub, The Manor, and watch festival-like pop-up acts around the vessel.

There’s a stop in cosmopolitan Key West on these mini cruises and a day at Virgin’s private Beach Club in Bimini where you can dive, snorkel or simply chill out in a cabana with another cocktail.

Stylish sundowners Marella Cruises mini cruise

If you can make your holiday stretch to five nights take a look at Marella Cruises ’  Mediterranean Sunsets sailings on Marella Explorer.

The ship has a bumper batch of 10 bars, including the Indigo Bar which is the longest in the Marella fleet , so you can pick your perfect spot for a sundowner. The sailing from Corfu to Malaga includes calls at Alicante and in between there are two days at sea to kick back and enjoy all the onboard attractions.

The lively entertainment scene stretches into the early hours with silent discos and eighties and nineties-themed nights. Other haunts include The Lounge with its colour-changing bar and hot pink piano.

It’s such a perfect day Royal Caribbean mini cruise

Escape the British winter and January blues to soak up some Caribbean sunshine on one of Royal Caribbean’s four-night Bahamas and Perfect Day mini cruises out of Miami.

After a stop in Nassau, where the Straw Market near the docking spot is a great place to pick up inexpensive hats, bags and jewellery, there’s the Perfect Day at CocoCay . Royal Caribbean’s 120-acre private island is jam-packed with things to do including a waterpark where thrill seekers can tackle Daredevil’s Peak, the tallest slide in North America.

The fun continues back on Freedom of the Seas with its FlowRider surf simulator and glow-in-the-dark laser tag area Clash for the Crystal City. There’s a sailing on January 8, 2024, with similar itineraries available year-round.

Chocs away Celebrity Cruises mini cruise

Get your fill of Belgian waffles, chocolate and a glass or two of one of the country’s 1,500 different beers on a four-day mini cruise from Southampton with Celebrity Cruises .

You can also sign up for a chocolate-making demo followed by an all-important tasting. Leaving on August 23, 2024, the Bruges and Netherlands long weekend also includes a trip to Rotterdam.

If you’ve got a head for heights, and want the best views of the city, head up the 180m Euromast which is the highest observation platform in Holland.

You’ll be aboard the stylish Celebrity Apex where you can sip artisan cocktails such as Forbidden in the whimsical Eden bar, sit in flower-shaped chairs and try to resist touching pink ostrich feather ‘trees’.

Sound waves Norwegian Cruise Line mini cruise

Forget having to hunt for your tent and the possibility of downpours and mud by going to a music festival at sea. Norwegian Cruise Line hosts some of the best and as they’re held in the Caribbean sunshine is guaranteed.

If you’re an R&B fan and want to do something different next Valentine’s Day Maxwell’s four-day Urban Hang Suite Cruise leaves Miami on February 10, 2024. Grammy-award-winning artist Maxwell will perform two concerts and will be more live music from the likes of Ledisi, Robert Glasper, Sabrina Claudio, and Musiq Soulchild, plus DJs, comedy and parties.

Norwegian Pearl stops at Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay, the line’s private island Bahamian playground. Back onboard you don’t need to worry about going thirsty as O’Sheehan’s Irish pub is open 24/7.

Push the boat out Cunard mini cruise

Live a posh Titanic-style lifestyle (minus any icebergs and sinking of course) with Cunard . You can get a taste of the luxe line on a budget with one of the mini cruises from Southampton.

Bag a cabin for less than £300 on a two-night jaunt on the flagship Queen Mary 2 departing on October 20, 2023, and immerse yourself in the retro glamour of afternoon tea served by white-gloved waiters.

There’s a stop in Hamburg , one of Germany’s most multicultural cities, where you can join the local beer culture and sip the city’s own pilsner. Need something stronger? Order lutt um lutt , which is beer fortified with fiery schnapps.

Bruges & Netherlands with Celebrity Cruises

Duration: 4 nights

Where: Southampton, UK | Rotterdam, Netherlands | Bruges (Zeebrugge), Belgium | Southampton, UK

Ship: Celebrity Apex

Price: From £593 pp

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Jeannine Williamson

Sailawaze contributor Jeannine Williamson is an award-winning travel writer specialising in all things cruise and known as ‘the river cruise queen’. Clocking up thousands of nautical miles around the globe, her highlights include exploring the remote Austral Islands on a combined passenger and cargo vessel, crossing the Atlantic on a masted tall ship and getting close up to wildlife in the Galapagos, Indonesia and southern Africa. Still to be ticked off her bucket list are Antarctica and Australia.

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Spain Small Ship Cruises

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Adventure Cruises in Spain

About spain small ship cruises.

In Spain, cruises allow you to explore the country’s famous coastline as much as possible. An inspiring mix of tiny coastal towns, glamourous ports, and striking beaches have earned the Spanish coast one of the top spots in the world for holidays. The relaxed and fun-loving attitude of the people rubs off on visitors and makes a small ship cruise a truly tranquil and fun-filled experience. Spain is also a land of contrast with something for everyone to enjoy. On one side, you will find water sports, beaches, and plentiful nightlife; on the other, fine dining, wine tasting, and rich history and culture to explore.

Best Spain cruises and areas to visit

Costa del sol.

Reaching from the enchanting port town of Malaga along the coast to Gibraltar, the Costa del Sol is one of the best-loved spots in the Mediterranean for holidaymakers. Beautiful topography, endless beaches, and some of the best weather in Europe are just some of the reasons this region is perfect for a small ship cruise around Spain. Cruises of Spain will stop off at historical ports such as Malaga and quaint coastal towns and huge sweeping beaches.

Although not on the coast, Seville is a cruising spot in Spain thanks to the river Guadalquivir. The city’s waterways are great for traveling around and enjoying the historic churches, minarets, and Moorish palaces. Seville is a wonderful blend of modern architecture and historic buildings from Spain’s fascinating past. It is also the place to experience the Andalusian culture with traditional flamenco dancing and many local delicacies, including the famous Seville oranges.

One of Spain’s oldest cities, a small ship cruise to Cadiz allows you to see the multicultural nature of Spanish history. Moorish eastern architecture sits alongside later Catholic cathedrals in great numbers. The city has so much to offer, with the famous beach Playa de la Caleta right in the town's port flanked by two historic castles. The region is also well known for its food, with seafood a particular delicacy thanks to the extensive fish market in the heart of the town.

Canary Islands

The Land of the Eternal Spring, a cruise around Spain’s Canary Islands, takes you across this varied and beautiful archipelago. The lively and well-known islands of Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote have miles of beaches, charming towns, and year-round spring weather. The outlying islands of El Hierro, La Palma, and Gomera are an opportunity to see the Canaries' untouched beauty and encounter exciting marine life, such as whales, dolphins, and turtles.

Best time to cruise in Spain

Mainland, or as it is known locally, Peninsular Spain enjoys long and quite hot summers, although the temperature will be slightly lower on the coast with cool sea breezes keeping the hot midday at bay. So, the best time to visit Spain’s mainland depends on how hot you like; sun lovers will find June to August the warmest months, perfect for heading to the beach or jumping off the boat at swim stops. The Spring is cooler with the best months from March to May perfect for sightseeing, warm but not the severe heat of the summer. The colder months over the winter are great for those who want to avoid the crowds and make the most of the lower prices. January to February is also when Spanish towns host their fiestas, weeks of different local celebrations, which are an incredible cultural and social experience. The Canary Islands also host fiestas at this time; however, the weather is significantly warmer, and although it can reach higher temperatures in summer, most of the year is balmy, warm, and comfortable Spring weather.

How to get to Spain

A much-loved destination for visitors around the world, reaching a small ship cruise around Spain is easy with non-stop international flights to Madrid and Barcelona from the U.S. and connecting international flights available from European airports to Malaga, Seville, and Almeria. Reaching the Canary Islands usually involves a stop in Madrid, Casablanca, or London. Inter-island flights in the Canaries are frequent and cost-effective. Although there is also the option of ferries between all of the parts of the archipelago, these can be quite slow, though often stopping at each island in turn. It is worth noting that international flights to La Palma, El Hierro, and La Gomera are quite rare, and inter-island hopping is the best way to reach these parts.

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Spain Cruises

10 best cruises to spain for 2024-2025, malta, balearic islands & spain, from portugal to spain: porto, the douro valley (portugal) and salamanca (spain), portugal to spain - porto, the douro valley and salamanca, eastbound atlantic ocean crossing, the douro river, the spirit of portugal, hike in porto, the douro valley, and salamanca, morocco & canary islands, lisbon to malaga, top 10 luxury cruises to spain for 2024-2025, top 10 douro river cruises for 2024-2025, our favorite best small cruise ships visiting spain for 2024, silver wind, royal clipper, world navigator, national geographic orion, star clipper, spain cruise tips & travel guide, best spain ports and things to do, the best time to visit spain.

• Barcelona   is  one of the most-visited destinations in the world and home of the work of legendary architect Antoni Gaudi, whose "Sagrada Familia" is still under construction to this day, after more than 100 years.
• Cadiz  and the Straits of Gibraltar are a gateway to the  Canary Islands  and Sevilla.
• Palma de Mallorca  and the Balearic Islands where you can bike or hike through the charming traditional towns and rolling valleys and mountains of the countryside. Or, visit  Ibiza  for it's famous nightlife.
• Salamanca  is an historical port city on the Douro River with its own unique culture.
• Granada  is tucked between the three hills of Albaicin,  Sacromonte, and Alhambra bordering the majestic Sierra Nevada mountain range in Spain's Andalusia region.
• Cordoba  is home to the famous mosque-cathedral, with a stunning 856 interior columns; also home to the Jewish Quarter.
• Seville   features stunning Alcazar palace, the Andalusian gardens, and Maria Luisa Park.

Top 9 Must-See Attractions in the Spanish Minor Islands

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Spain & Portugal

Our cruises and land journeys offer a treasure trove of Iberian discoveries throughout Spain and Portugal... enjoy a taste of the region's unique culinary and cultural arts including Port, wine and sherry tastings... visit famed museums... explore iconic landmark sites in some of the world's favorite cities... and much more...

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Welcome to Spain & Portugal

Bring your appetite for a sensory feast of regional specialties in countries known for living the good life and enjoying near constant sunshine. Sample vintage port, barrel-aged to perfection in Porto where it takes it name... savor sherry and tapas at an 18th-century winery in Jerez... nourish your soul as you drink in architectural gems, medieval, Moorish and modern throughout Spain, as you enjoy the immense diversity found throughout these vibrant, sun-kissed countries.

Madrid, spain, art, history and so much more in spain's extraordinary capital city, madrid.

Founded more that a millennium ago as a Muslim fortress town, Spain's capital city, Madrid, is a cosmopolitan metropolis known for its incredible art collections, inventive cuisine, and lively nightlife. Visiting the city with Tauck, you'll discover grand avenues such as Gran Via and Castellana, and El Parque del Buen Retiro; walk with a local guide through Plaza Mayor and the Mercado de San Miguel; enjoy a guided visit to the Royal Palace (Palacio de Oriente); and tour one of the greatest museums of them all – the Museo del Prado, which opened its doors in 1819, created by King Ferdinand VII to promote Spanish art and display the Royal Collection. Today, the Prado is home to one of the finest collections of European art anywhere, including works by Goya, Velázquez, El Greco, Bosch, Rubens, Titian and others… and with Tauck, you'll explore it all with an art expert.

Cordoba, Spain

Explore the moorish influences and multicultural heritage of córdoba.

It may have begun life as a Roman settlement, but the Spanish city of Córdoba – in the southern province of Andalucia – first reached greatness as a Muslim stronghold and the capital of a Caliphate, and many of its Moorish influences remain to the day. Reclaimed by the Christian world during the 13th-century Spanish Reconquista, Cordoba has long been known as a multicultural melting pot and a center of Spanish intellectual life. Discover it with Tauck on a walking tour through its Jewish Quarter and a guided visit to the 8th-century Mezquita de Córdoba (La Mezquita) – once one of the world's largest mosques, and now a Roman Catholic cathedral. More than 1,200 years old, it's an iconic symbol of the city and its multicultural heritage.

Lisbon, Portugal

From exquisite azulejos to a tauck exclusive at the "portuguese versailles" in portugal's historic capital, lisbon.

A vision of carefully planned, elegant streets, Lisbon's historic city center greets you with an 18th-century ambiance attesting to its days of glory during the Age of Discovery. Tauck welcomes you to Portugal's capital with experiences including a visit to Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, built in the 16th century with "pepper money" profits from the spice trade; tours of the Maritime Museum, chronicling the history of Portugal's pioneering role in sea exploration, and the National Tile Museum, dedicated to the art and history of azulejos, those exquisite glazed ceramic tiles found throughout Portugal; and a Tauck Exclusive private tour and dinner in the Throne Room of the Palacio Nacional de Queluz (Palace of Queluz), a Rococo gem often called the "Portuguese Versailles."

Granada's magnificent Alhambra Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Guided walking tour of granada.

Originally a small 9th-century fortress that had fallen into disrepair, Granada's famed Moorish palace and UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Alhambra, was reconstructed to become a royal palace and a "paradise on Earth" by the Moorish caliphs who ruled here in the 13th century. A century later, now in Spanish hands, it became Ferdinand and Isabella's Royal Court; even later, a Renaissance palace was built on the site. You'll have an opportunity to view it on a guided walking tour of Granada.

El Palace Barcelona

A 20th-century classic reborn for the 21st.

Nearly a century after it opened in the heart of Barcelona near Las Ramblas – and soon became one of Spain's leading luxury hotels – the El Palace Barcelona emerges from an ambitious and comprehensive refurbishment designed to recapture the classic style and splendor of its greatest years. The hotel's public areas, presidential suites and standard rooms have been carefully restored with handmade carpets, restored antiques and exact replicas of objects such as lamps and curtains... and on the 7th floor, the romantic new Diana Garden sports more than fifty species of plants, fountains, pergolas and a pool, all inspired by the Barcelona of the 1920s.

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Cruise from Barcelona, Spain

Best deals to 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 Allure of the Seas ®.

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

SEIZE THE PLAY

Explore seven distinct neighborhoods on the newly Amplified  Allure of the Seas® —  or zipline high above them all. Plunge into the unknown on the Ultimate Abyss℠ 10-story slide or soak up the scene on the redesigned resort-style pool deck. Choose your own adventure on this reimagined Oasis Class ship.

EXPLORE ALLURE 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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Middle East latest: Israel issues new evacuation orders in Gaza

Israel has issued new evacuation orders in Gaza as its military campaign continues more than 10 months since the war against Hamas began. Meanwhile, Israel and Hezbollah are said to be wary of escalating their own conflict. Below, watch military analyst Sean Bell assess the situation.

Monday 26 August 2024 13:04, UK

• Israel-Hamas war

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• Israel issues new evacuation orders in Gaza
• Oil tanker still on fire days after Houthi attack in Red Sea
• Militant group Hezbollah launches drone and rocket attack on Israel 
• Israel struck pre-emptively in Lebanon, where Hezbollah is based
• Israel and Hezbollah 'trade messages' urging against escalation
• Watch: How attacks from both sides unfolded
• Watch: How strong is Hezbollah?
• Analysis : What does Hezbollah mean by 'phase one'?
• Alex Rossi: Great peril remains of wider Middle East conflict
• Live reporting by Samuel Osborne

We're pausing our coverage of the crisis in the Middle East.

Here are the main developments today:

• Israel and Hezbollah have reportedly exchanged messages aimed at preventing further escalation after both sides traded heavy fire on Sunday;
• The exchanges came after weeks of tensions following the killing of a top Hezbollah commander in Lebanon last month;
• Our international correspondent Alex Rossi said while another dangerous moment appears to be passing, the Middle East remains at great peril of a devastating wider conflict;
• You can watch military analyst Sean Bell assess the situation between Hezbollah and Israel below.
• In the Red Sea, a Greek-flagged vessel attacked by Houthi rebels last week is still burning today;
• The group has been attacking ships in solidarity with Palestinians amid the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza;
• Israel has today issued new evacuation orders in Gaza as its 10-month military campaign there continues;
• The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza says 40,435 Palestinians have now been killed since 7 October , with 93,534 injured.

That's all for now.

Some 40,435 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's military offensive in Gaza since 7 October, the Hamas-run health ministry has announced.

It added that 93,534 have been injured during that time.

The ministry does not differentiate between civilians and combatants in its count.

Seven Palestinians have been killed in Israeli military strikes today, medics have told the Reuters news agency.

Two were killed in Deir Al-Balah, where around a million people are sheltering and where Israel has issued an evacuation order.

Two more were killed at a school near the Al-Nuseirat camp and three in the southern city of Rafah, near the border with Egypt.

More than 40,000 Palestinians have been killed in the war, according to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza, which does not differentiate between civilians and fighters in its count.

Israel has issued new evacuation orders for Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, forcing more families to flee the area.

Israel has issued several evacuation orders across Gaza in recent days - the most since the beginning of the 10-month war - saying its forces intended to act against Hamas and other groups in the areas.

The Deir Al-Balah municipality said Israel's evacuation orders have so far displaced 250,000 people.

The orders forced many families and patients to leave Al-Aqsa Hospital, the main medical facility in Deir Al-Balah, where hundreds of thousands of people have taken shelter.

Family displaced 11 times

One woman said she and her children had been displaced 11 times.

Sawasn Abu Afesh told Reuters she has "no money for transportation" and would have to make the journey on foot, while three of her children had been left behind.

"No idea where," she said.

Israel was unable to anticipate the time and place of Hezbollah's "limited and managed attack," showing it has "lost its deterrent power", Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani has claimed.

Hezbollah launched hundreds of rockets and drones at Israel early on Sunday, while Israel's military said it struck Lebanon with around 100 jets to ward off a greater attack.

Iran praised and congratulated Hezbollah's "unique response against several vital and strategic targets" in Israel, Mr Kanaani said.

"Hezbollah's decisive response proved that the enemy's crimes do not go unanswered."

Mr Kanaani said Israel was unable to predict "the time and place" of attacks against it despite "the comprehensive support of its supporters, including the US".

Yesterday the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah launched an attack on Israel in retaliation for the killing of one of its commanders in Beirut - with Israel pre-empting the move with its own airstrikes.

The attacks from both sides followed the death of top Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr, who was killed in a strike in Beirut's southern suburbs in July.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously described Shukr as "one of the most wanted terrorists in the world".

Its army said Hezbollah had been planning to launch a heavy barrage of rockets and missiles towards Israel - as the Iranian-backed group, which is designated a terrorist organisation by several countries including the UK, had promised to retaliate.

Flights to and from Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion airport were temporarily suspended on Sunday after the attacks broke out, but have since resumed.

So what is Hezbollah and will it play a role in the Israel-Hamas conflict in the Middle East?

An oil tanker has been on fire since Friday after it was attacked by Yemen's Houthis, the EU Red Sea naval mission Aspides has said.

Fire and smoke could be seen coming from the Greek-flagged Sounion's main deck in photos published by the EU mission.

The Houthis, who are aligned with Iran, attacked the oil tanker in the Red Sea last week.

The group has been attacking ships in solidarity with Palestinians amid the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

Fires were observed on at least five locations on the main deck of the vessel and part of the superstructure is on fire too, Aspides said.

"So far there are no obvious signs of an oil spill," it added.

Satellite image captured by the European Space Agency’s Copernicus Satellite 2 showed smoke rising from the vessel at sea.

Aspides has warned the oil tanker, which is carrying 150,000 tonnes of crude oil, may pose an environmental hazard.

By Alex Rossi , international correspondent

Another dangerous moment appears to be passing in this disastrous conflict, but great peril remains for Israel, Lebanon and the wider region.

Israel's pre-emptive strike and Hezbollah's retaliatory attack for the assassination of their top commander in late July risked plunging both sides into all-out war.

That nightmare scenario appears to be fading for now, but all the dynamics for a much bigger conflict remain.

Effectively the stand-off - with each side sending messages with bombs and rockets - continues.

Watch: How Israeli and Hezbollah strikes unfolded

A dangerous spiral

The Israelis and Hezbollah are signalling that they do not seek a wider war but the risk of accident and miscalculation remains.

Both sides are also under pressure to do more, which could also lead to a dangerous spiral.

There are people behind Hezbollah's leader Hassan Nasrallah who are urging a more forceful response to Israel's continued assault on Gaza.

And Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has very loud voices in his ear telling him to launch a major operation against the Lebanese militant group to force it back from the border and allow tens of thousands of Israelis to return home.

Great danger so long as Gaza war continues

The problem is that violence often ends up having its own logic and can take actors in directions they may not foresee.

It may not be in Israel or Hezbollah's interest to fight a major war, but it may happen anyway.

And the consequences would be disastrous, with significant damage and casualties on both sides.

The key to dialling down the tensions would be a ceasefire in Gaza, but for the moment that seems to be out of reach, meaning great danger lies ahead.

Polio vaccines for more than a million people have been delivered to Gaza, Israel's military has said.

Five lorries with special refrigeration equipment for vaccine storage were brought into Gaza on Friday and the jabs arrived on Sunday, a statement by the Israeli military body responsible for Palestinian civilian affairs said.

It said vaccinations will be conducted by international and local medical teams at "various locations", in coordination with Israel's military as part of "routine humanitarian pauses" to allow people to reach health centres.

It comes after the first confirmed case of the disease in the territory in a quarter of a century, with other cases suspected after the virus was detected in wastewater in six different locations in July.

Aid groups have plans to vaccinate more than 600,000 children under 10 and have called for an urgent pause in fighting. The UN has aimed to bring 1.6 million doses of polio vaccine into Gaza.

What is polio?

Polio is a highly contagious infection that is transmitted mainly through contact with contaminated waste, water, or food. 

It can cause difficulty breathing and irreversible paralysis, usually in the legs. It strikes young children in particular and can sometimes be fatal.

Hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians live in crowded tent camps, where they lack clean water or proper disposal for sewage and rubbish - with families sometimes using wastewater to drink or clean dishes.

Israel and Hezbollah traded their most intense fire for months in the early hours of Sunday before pulling back hours later, with both sides saying they wanted to avoid further escalation.

Hezbollah claimed to hit an Israeli military intelligence site near Tel Aviv in a barrage of hundreds of rockets and drones. 

Israel claimed its attacks in southern Lebanon had been pre-emptive to avert a larger assault by Hezbollah. 

Our military analyst Sean Bell explains more:

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