holland america cruise to portugal

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Cheap Portugal Holland America Cruises

• Europe    
• Holland America Line

28 Night Cruise to the Mediterranean

• You want a classic cruise experience on a thoroughly modern ship
• You love food and want plenty of high-quality restaurants
• You like scheduled activities but don't need anything crazy
• You're looking to read a book on a true open promenade deck
• You want a ship that has elaborate facilities for children

45 Night Cruise to Transatlantic

• You want a mid-sized ship with plenty of open deck spaces
• You like having big ship choice with small ship intimacy
• You love the classic cruise experience and like dressing up
• You crave the mega choices that big mega ships can offer
• You expect nonstop scheduled activities by day and night

14 Night Cruise to Transatlantic

• You like to be entertained, but love a classic cruise atmosphere
• You enjoy using the spa; Oosterdam's thermal suite is soothing
• You appreciate good service and unique onboard programming
• You're traveling with small children who want waterslides
• You need a ship with the latest technological amazements
• You want vibrant nightlife that lasts into the wee hours

42 Night Cruise to Transatlantic

7 night cruise to the mediterranean, 14 night cruise to the baltic sea, 133 night cruise to around the world, 17 night cruise to the mediterranean, 124 night cruise to around the world.

• You want a high-quality cruise experience with classic touches
• You love live music; Zuiderdam's venues excel in this area
• You like your ships big and full of features, but humanly sized
• You crave vibrant nightlife; things wind down around 10 p.m.
• You want thrill-seeking amenities like waterslides or ziplines

28 Night Cruise to Europe

14 night cruise to europe, 27 night cruise to the mediterranean, 25 night cruise to transatlantic, 45 night cruise to around the world, 13 night cruise to the baltic sea, 28 night cruise to the baltic sea, explore portugal.

Holland America is out with another truly epic cruise

Holland America is taking inspiration from the 1920s again for its latest over-the-top Mediterranean cruise.

The Seattle-based line revealed plans Tuesday for an epic, 45-day sailing from North America to the Mediterranean and back that mimics an ambitious voyage the line offered in 1925.

Scheduled to depart Oct. 7, 2025, the Ultimate Mediterranean & Atlantic Passage itinerary, as it's being called, will offer North American travelers a chance to experience a grand tour of the Mediterranean without ever getting on a transatlantic flight — just like in the 1920s.

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

It's the second such voyage the line has put on its schedule in the past year, joining a 42-night sailing from the U.S. to the Mediterranean and back that is already on Holland America's schedule for November.

One notable difference between the newly announced sailing and the one taking place later this year: The first voyage begins and ends in Fort Lauderdale, while the new sailing begins and ends in New York City.

Like the previously announced sailing, the new voyage takes place on Holland America's 1,432-passenger Volendam. It'll bring calls at 18 ports across eight countries, including multiple stops in Greece for visits to such historic sites as the Parthenon in Athens and Knossos Palace on the island of Crete.

Other stops include Ponta Delgada in the Azores archipelago of Portugal as the ship crosses the Atlantic eastward from New York, followed by a call in Portugal's capital, Lisbon.

There will also be overnight visits to Civitavecchia, Italy (the gateway port for Rome); Alexandria, Egypt (the gateway port for Cairo and its pyramids); and Istanbul — all known for their historic sites dating to ancient times.

Barcelona is also on the schedule, as is La Goulette, Tunisia (the port for Tunis, where cruisers can tour the ruins of the ancient city of Carthage); Gibraltar; Cadiz and Cartagena in Spain; and Kusadasi, Turkey. Kusadasi is a gateway port to visit the ruins of the ancient city of Ephesus.

Two more calls are Livorno, Italy (the gateway port for Pisa and Florence), and Naples, Italy, a jumping-off point for visits to the ancient ruins of Pompeii.

The cruise concludes Nov. 21, 2025 in New York after a return trip across the Atlantic.

The 1925 version of the itinerary was relatively similar, also beginning and ending in New York and including stops at ports near many of the Mediterranean's most famous historic sites. That trip took place on the fourth version of Holland America's Rotterdam (the line has had seven ships called Rotterdam over the years, including one currently sailing).

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Holland America cruise

Holland America says 550 passengers were aboard the original sailing, which departed from New York City on Feb. 4, 1925.

The original itinerary in 1925 had 15 stops, many of which are on the new itinerary.

One big difference between the original itinerary and the two new versions of it was that the original sailing was a longer 67 days. This was in part because the ship spent nine full days docked in Egypt for off-ship touring of the country's many historic sites.

Another difference between the trips is that the 1925 version of the voyage wasn't a "closed loop" trip on a single ship — that is, it didn't return passengers to North America at the end of the sailing on the same ship that took them to Europe.

Instead, the voyage ended in Rotterdam in the Netherlands, and passengers had to switch to another Holland America ship for the final transatlantic leg back to New York City.

Founded in 1873, Holland America was originally a shipping and passenger line known for transatlantic crossings that took people between North America and Europe. But starting in the 1920s, it began to occasionally offer what today would be considered more traditional cruises, taking leisure travelers to far-off destinations such as the Mediterranean for sightseeing.

The February timing of the 1925 sailing to the Mediterranean would have coincided with the time of year when there was less demand for transatlantic crossings.

A 'legendary voyage' for Holland America

The new Mediterranean itinerary announced Tuesday is the latest addition to a new series of Legendary Voyages that Holland America unveiled in 2023. The extra-long sailings, scheduled to take place over the next three years, focus on a single region and range from 25 to 59 nights in length. They also feature special programming.

The initial lineup of Legendary Voyages included both previously offered routings and some all-new routes — the latter including an epic itinerary focused on Japan scheduled for 2024 that will last more than 50 days.

In general, the voyages focus on far-off destinations — including Australia and New Zealand, the Amazon and South America, the South Pacific and Hawaii, Greenland and Iceland, Asia, and Alaska and the Arctic Circle. But in a twist, most sailings are designed to begin and end in a North American port, meaning that North American passengers can reach distant places without ever getting on an international flight.

Related: Holland America to offer epic cruise to Hawaii and Alaska

The new lineup of long trips is designed to augment Holland America's celebrated collection of even longer Grand Voyages — far-ranging, often world-circling sailings that typically are 70 nights or longer.

The initial grouping of Legendary Voyages announced in 2023 included 17 specific departures between late 2023 and early 2025. Holland America has since added additional departures.

Holland America has long been known for longer sailings from U.S. ports that brought people to far-flung places around the globe. The new Legendary Voyages and an expanded lineup of other long voyages mark a doubling down by the line on such trips.

Fares for the new Mediterranean itinerary start at $5,749 per person, not including taxes, fees and port charges. For more information, see the page for the sailing on Holland America's website.

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• Cruise Ports
• Western Europe - Azores - Canary Islands Cruise Ports

Lisbon (Portugal)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Western Europe - Azores - Canary Islands

Local Time 2024-04-28 18:13

Port Lisbon 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 Lisbon, Portugal. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Lisbon cruise port is part of Porto de Lisboa (locode PTLIS). This is an Atlantic port visited mainly on roundtrip cruises leaving from UK to Iberia (port cities in Spain and Portugal), Transatlantic repositioning voyages, European ship relocation (Mediterranean-Baltic), also on itineraries to Atlantic islands (Portugal's Azores and Madeira, Spain's Canaries), Western Mediterranean and North Africa (Morocco, Egypt).

Lisbon Port stretches along Rio Tejo/Tagus River (Iberian Peninsula's longest). The Port has 2 cruise terminals (both on the river's north bank) plus 1 quay. All 3 are located close to downtown, allowing tourists an easy foot access to the city's most popular attractions.

Lisbon is Portugal's capital city (population around 510,000, metro over 2,8 million), and also Europe’s westernmost capital. Gulf Stream strongly influences its climate. The cruise port is visited by all types of vessels (from smallest to world’s largest ) and has annual traffic over 400,000 passengers.

Shiprepairs and drydock and wetdock refurbishments in Lisbon are done at Naval Rocha shipyard. For general jobs, the shipyard employs between 200-300 workers, plus subcontractors.

Lisbon cruise port

On April 26, 2014, the port hosted its first "Cruise Day Lisbon" event - a day dedicated exclusively to cruise ship tourism. The special event was marked by a fair (cruise deals promotions), themed cruise talks, cruise ship visit of the tall ship NRP Sagres (Navy school ship), a regatta on Tagus River's estuary. This first-ever initiative was promoted by LCC (Lisbon Cruise Club) and was dedicated to the strong market growth and the economic impact from the Port of Lisbon revenues in 2013. Also, a Forum was opened at Gare Marítima de Alcantara, where were gathered key people from Portugal's tourism and cruising industry. Also there was hosted the "Montra de Cruzeiros” (Portugal's first-ever cruise fair open to the general public. The fair was attended by representatives of cruise ship lines and operators and also by leading travel agencies.

In 2014 (March 10 and 15) ms Azores/CMV Astoria  and Thomson Majesty/Crown Iris were the first 2 of 9 ships with calls scheduled for season 2014. Port Authority gave their captains commemorative plaques during a special welcome ceremony held onboard. MS Azores (formerly Athena) was christened here in May 2013, starting operations for the company Portuscale Cruises (now defunct). On March 12, 2014, the Portuscale Cruises ship MV Lisboa was arrested at Port Lisbon.

On May 6, 2014, all Cunard liners ( Queen Mary 2 , Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria ) docked together in Lisbon. In June 2014, Portuscale Cruises announced its charter deal with CMV-Cruise & Maritime Voyages for MV Azores (later renamed Astoria). The boat replaced MV Discovery and started operations for CMV in 2015. On November 12, 2014, the Portuscale company announced that its summer 2015 itinerary program offers 5-night cruises out of Lisbon.

On February 12, 2015, Portuscale cancelled the remaining 2015 season on its ship MV Funchal . On April 8, 2015, the Portuscale ship Azores (carrying ~500 passengers) was denied departure and held in the port overnight over debt dispute (a previous crewing issue). Note: back then, the ship was operated under long-term charter by CMV UK. On April 9, the ship was allowed to leave the port - after a 19-hour delay.

In 2017, the cruise port handled a total of 320 ship calls (123 by ocean vessels and 197 by riverboats) and 521,042 passengers (2% increase over 2016). The list of all 7 ocean ships with maiden port calls in 2017 included Freedom of the Seas ( RCI_Royal Caribbean ), MSC Meraviglia ( MSC ), Viking Sky ( Viking OCEAN ), Marella Discovery 2 ( Thomson / Marella ), CMV Columbus , Caribbean Princess ( Princess ) and Silver Muse ( Silversea ). For all these occasions, Lisbon Port Authority prepared special welcome ceremonies.

On November 2, 2017, was inaugurated the new "Lisbon Cruise Port" managed by Global Ports Holding (world's largest cruiseport operator). The EUR 24 million budgeted project included 2 years of construction works. The new passenger terminal building is sized 13,800 m2 (148,540 ft2) and has 3 floors. The cruise pier has length 1,500 m (4,920 ft) and can accommodate even the world's largest passenger vessels. The facility is served by 2 fully-automated gangways (mobile passenger bridges), cranes, forklift trucks and supply vessels serving berthed ships with water supplies, food provisions, etc.

The themed event "Seatrade Cruise Med 2018" was scheduled for September 2018 in Lisbon. The Port hosted 4000+ participants during the conference. Exhibitors from around the world showcased cruise-related products and innovations and discussed latest Meditteranean travel trends and topics.

For the pre-COVID season 2019, the cruise port handled ~575000 tourists.

2023 is so far the cruise port's record year, with handled 347 ship calls (including 130 turnarounds/roundtrips) and ~758000 passengers (+33% over 2019).

Since January 1, 2024, cruise ship passengers are automatically charged with EUR 2 universal tourist tax.

Cruise itineraries to and from Lisbon Portugal

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

• Most of the itineraries leaving from Lisbon are one-ways, ending up in big Mediterranean city-ports ( Barcelona , Villefranche-Nice , Civitavecchia-Rome , Venice , Piraeus-Athens ). Northbound itineraries end up in UK ports ( Southampton , Tilbury-London) , in France ( Le Havre-Paris ) or in largest Baltic ports ( Amsterdam , Copenhagen , Stockholm , Hamburg , Warnemunde-Rostock ).
• Round-trip cruise deals from Lisbon are offered mainly by MSC . The 9-day long itineraries visit ports in the Western Mediterranean and also in North Africa (Morocco).
• Western Mediterranean itineraries on cruises out of Lisbon visit ports in Spain (including the Balearic Islands Ibiza , Majorca and Menorca ), Italy (including the islands Sicily, Sardinia, Elba ), Monaco, also Gibraltar (UK). Among the western Med ports are also port cities located on the French Riviera and on the Italian Riviera. Both are coastal regions lined up with top-luxury resorts and perfect beaches.
• From Lisbon are also offered Atlantic cruises - to Canary Islands, Madeira Island , Azores Islands, These itineraries often include stops in North Africa ports, and mainly in Morocco ( Agadir , Casablanca ).
• On World Cruise segments leaving out of Lisbon, the itineraries usually include Transatlantic crossing (to USA-Florida ports) and Panama Canal transition (to USA-California ports). Southbound routes include cruises to South Africa (most ending in Cape Town ).

Westbound Transatlantic crossings on ship relocation out of Lisbon are offered in the fall (starting in October-November). These are one-way itineraries that end up in USA homeports ( Fort Lauderdale , Miami , Port Canaveral-Orlando , NYC New York ) or in turnaround Caribbean ports - Bridgetown (Barbados), Colon (Panama), Havana (Cuba). The longest Transatlantic cruises out of Lisbon are offered by ships repositioning from Europe to South America. The itineraries (RepositionCruises.com) offer disembarkation in either Brazil ( Rio De Janeiro , Santos-Sao Paulo ) or Argentina ( Buenos Aires ).

Repositioning - northbound ship relocation deals offer one-way itineraries from Lisbon to the largest Northern European turnaround ports in UK ( Southampton ), Germany ( Hamburg ), Denmark ( Copenhagen ).

Among the big cruise lines with ships visiting Lisbon port are Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Costa, MSC, Holland America, Cunard, Princess, P&O UK, AIDA, CDF-Pullmantur, Fred Olsen.

Most Douro River cruise ships leaving from Lisbon are operated by Viking , Uniworld , AmaWaterways .

Lisbon cruise terminal

Port Lisbon has all 5 cruise ship docking areas - Santa Apolonia, Santa Apolonia Jusante, Alcantara, Rocha Conde d'Obidos (aka "da Rocha") and the new quay Jardim do Tabaco. Alcantara and Rocha are located close to the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge (famous city attraction). At the square Praca do Comercio is located Lisbon Tourist Office, from where you can get a city tour map for free.

Lisbon Cruise Terminals is a privately owned company that operates all cruise terminals at Port Lisbon. The company also owns the new Cruise Terminal inaugurated in 2017.

• UN-LOCODE (United Nations location code) - PTLIS
• port address - "Administracao do Porto de Lisboa, SA, Rua da Junqueira, 941349-026 Lisboa, Portugal"
• supported by excellent road, rail and air infrastructure
• deep harbor water channel (max draught 15,5 m / 51 ft), deepwater berths (over 1,5 km / 1 mi long docking quay, max depth 10 m / 33 ft), sheltered harbor area
• capability to accommodate 6 vessels at a time

The cruise port is accessible the whole year round – 24/7, 365 days a tear. The cruising season usually starts in April and runs through late November.

Cruise ships usually arrive in Lisbon in the morning (8, 9, am) and depart from Lisbon in late-afternoon (at 4-5-6 pm).

Alcantara cruise terminal A

• location (GPS coordinates) - latitude 38.70198948, longitude -9.16699648
• The Alcantara terminal is 4,8 km / 3 mi away from the city centre.
• The quay's length is 1086 m (3560 ft), max draught 12 m (39 ft) and capacity 3 ships at a time.
• The terminal complex has X-Rays (security and luggage check), gifts shop (crafts store), tourist info center, luggage storage, shuttle bus line (going to the city centre), public phones, taxi rank, dedicated parking area (for cars and buses).
• Disembarking cruise passengers can also use the Cais do Sodré train line to the centre. Tram and bus services are by CARRIS. Day passes for all public transport are also available.

Santa Apolonia cruise terminal B

• location (GPS coordinates) - latitude 38.71317477, longitude -9.12196487
• The quay's length is 360 m (1181 ft), max draught 12 m (39 ft) and capacity 2 ships at a time.
• The terminal complex has X-Rays (security check), gifts shop (crafts store), tourist information center, shuttle bus line (going to the city centre), public phones, taxi rank, dedicated parking area (for cars and buses).

Jardim do Tabaco Quay

• location (GPS coordinates) - latitude 38.71016931, longitude -9.12584603
• This is a newly built quay wit which location is closest to the city centre, allowing passengers to go there on foot (walking distance is less than 15 min).
• The city's main tourist attractions are within walking distance from the quay.

(new) Lisbon Cruise Terminal

New terminal's constructuion started in October 2015, with scheduled inauguration on September 1, 2017. Lisbon's new cruise ship terminal facilities cover a total area of approx 13800 m2 (148550 ft2).

The new terminal has total berthing space over 2300 m (7550 ft) and annual passenger capacity around 1,8 million. Berths are booked on first-come first-serve basis. Berth quay assignments are based on vessel size-type and port stay time.

• The 3-storey building hosts both the port authorities and tourist service staff (max capacity 5000 passengers). The building features a top-floor panoramic 360-degree terrace, shops, VIP lounge, Cafeteria, public events area, food and drinks venues, crew lounge.
• Among the new terminal's amenities are also - parking area (capacity 360 cars, plus 80 bus spaces), taxi rank, 2 fully automated gangways, luggage storage area, docking pier (length 1490 m / 4890 ft) with max draft 12 m (39 ft), latest CCTV technology, highly trained security personnel, free Wi-Fi.
• Terminal's building cost is around EUR 22 million. The new facility will promote the growth of turnaround (Lisbon roundtrip cruise) operations, resulting in a greater impact on the regional tourism and the Portuguese economy.

Jeronimos Monastery: World Heritage Site listed. Dates from the 1500s, part of it is the church where Vasco da Gama, a famous explorer, rests.

Belem Tower: UNESCO World Heritage monument. The watchtower dates from the early years of the 16th century and it is Age of Discovery’s symbol.

St. George Castle: take a look of the city from a bird eye.

Calouste Gulbenkian Museum: private collection ot the finest art. You will see Rubens, Rembrandt, René Lalique and Monet works.

Parque das Nacoes: trendy district from the 21st century. The backdrop of it is the longest bridge in Europe.

Berardo Museum (modern art by a Portuguese millionaire, including Dali, Picasso, Andy Warhol works)

Madre de Deus Convent: discover the unique collection of decorative ceramic tiles (an ancient art form).

The Most Expensive Chapel in the World: visit São Roque Church made from the gold that was found in colonial Brazil. Discover amazing mosaics in the Chapel of St. John the Baptist and great golden art – Coaches Museum’s golden carriages.

Ancient Art Museum (European and Oriental art)

Design&Fashion Museum: dates from 2009. It is housed in a former headquarters of a bank. One of the leading museums for design and fashion in the world.

Fatima Shrine

Fatima Shrine is located approx 120 km (76 mi) to the north-northeast of Lisbon and approx 190 km (117 mi) south of Oporto . The town is in the Ourem municipality (Santarem District) and has population around 8,000.

Fatima has been permanently associated with Marian apparitions, witnessed by 3 shepherd kids at Cova da Iria in 1917. The events were recognized by the Catholic Church as "worthy of belief". A chapel and a statue were erected in 1918 to honor Our Lady of Fatima. Both (the statue and the chapel) were later enclosed within a shrine and basilicas.

Associated facilities, such as a medical facility and hotel, have also been built at the site. Each year, at least 5 milion Catholic pilgrims visit the Sanctuary of Fatima. Numbers reach hundreds of the thousands on May 13 and October 13, the most important dates of the apparitions.

Fatima's economy relies on religious tourism. Locals offer numerous stalls and shops selling religious souvenirs. In addition, services for tourists, restaurants, hotels and other retail benefit from the visitors.

Lisbon tours, shore excursions, hotels

City tours and shore excursions.

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Lisbon - user reviews and comments

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Ponta Delgada Azores (Portugal) Cruise Port Guide: Review (2023)

Overview for cruise visitors to Ponta Delgada. Things to do and must-know. Attractions, shore excursions, and sightseeing. Where ships dock, how to explore and get around, maps, tourist info, and basics.

By: Editor-in-Chief Update: May 23, 2023

Anyone that knows Ponta Delgada well wonders why cruise ships don’t call at this port more frequently. Is there much to do? Yes. Have you been to Ponta Delgada and didn't find anything appealing to enjoy? Could it be that you missed something? That's not surprising.

• Where is Ponta Delgada

Where cruise ships dock

Shuttle bus.

• Cruise terminal
• Things to do in Ponta Delgada
• Top attractions of Ponta Delgada and Sāo Miguel
• Shore excursions (Shorex)
• Discover on your own
• Sightseeing
• What's within walking distance
• How to get around
• Must-know: tourist info, language and currency
• Safety, emergencies, and basics

There are many things to do on the lovely island of São Miguel, where Ponta Delgada cruise port is. But, and this is a big but, most cruise lines rarely offer several of the most extraordinary attractions.

The port of Ponta Delgada (in the Azores, Portugal) is the gateway to a good number of stunning sites located between 3 and 28 miles (4,8 and 45 km) from the cruise piers and terminal.

Cruisers who like a stroll close to the port will discover a few charming sites near the piers. But you have to travel inland to enjoy spectacular landscapes. And unique gastronomic delights. For one-of-a-kind experiences, you must venture out to sea.

Ponta Delgada is a cruise port of call usually visited in Transatlantic and European Atlantic itineraries during the Spring-Summer season. As many as 149,000 passengers and over 140 cruise ships visited Ponta Delgada in 2019.

Ponta Delgada is very safe. The area around the port has a very pleasant character, is very clean and well maintained. The local population is friendly, polite and speak English very well. For those cruising with families, there are just a few exciting things for kids to do. Cruise passengers with walking difficulties will find it simple to wander around in Ponta Delgada on your own.

Where is Ponta Delgada cruise port

Ponta Delgada is in the middle of the Atlantic ocean, far from other cruise ports. Funchal (Madeira) and the other islands in the Azores are the only ports close by. The cruise port in Ponta Delgada is 900 miles (1450 km) West of Lisbon and 2570 miles (4,136 km) East of New York.

Bathed by the Atlantic Ocean, Ponta Delgada is on the South Coast of the island of Sāo Miguel and, with a population of around 68,809, is the largest city of the Azores. The Azores is an archipelago with nine islands and Sāo Miguel, often referred to as the emerald green island thanks to its flora, is the largest. The island is 35.8 miles (62 km) long, and its maximum width is 9.8 miles (15.8 km).

Cruise ships dock in two distinct areas, both close to the historical downtown of Ponta Delgada. If you have been to Ponta Delgada before, you may be under the impression that cruise ships always dock by the Terminal Maritimo , which is where ships moor most of the time.

However, when more than two cruise ships call at Ponta Delgada it is possible to dock at the long pier (parallel to the city) that is also a breakwater.

The Terminal Maritimo , also known as Portas do Mar (Sea Doors), is on a modern complex with cafes, restaurants, and shops. It has a long pier for two large ships and is around 700 feet (200 meters) from the main avenue of the historical city.

This avenue along the harbor (Portuguese: Avenida do Infante Dom Henrique ), leads to the main square and heart of Ponta Delgada, another 700 feet (200 meters) farther west.

The breakwater pier is 0.85 miles long. It is used primarily by cargo ships and occasionally by cruise ships. It ends by an old fort (Forte de São Brás), and next to another major square in Ponta Delgada.

When cruise ships dock at the industrial pier, passengers are prohibited to walk to town if cargo is being unloaded. The good news is that a shuttle bus will be provided. The main cruise terminal is so close to the old city that a shuttle bus is not needed.

Cruise terminal services and amenities

Do not expect to find any amenities or services at the industrial pier. Except for cruise excursion buses and a few taxis. By contrast, cruise passengers will find in Terminal Maritimo the following services and amenities:

Be aware that cruise passengers will have to pass by x-ray scanners at the terminal to re-enter the ship.

Things to do in Ponta Delgada cruise port

The island of Sāo Miguel has quite a few highlights. But when cruisers ask "What is there to do in Ponta Delgada?" whale watching is undoubtedly the most spectacular experience you must enjoy in Ponta Delgada. Surprisingly, it is seldom mentioned and rarely offered.

Amazingly only a couple of cruise lines offer whale-watching excursions. It is mindboggling considering that the best time for whale-watching in the Azores is between May and September, precisely when cruise ships call at Ponta Delgada.

For those that are not thrilled or feel intimidated to encounter massive whales on a small boat, there are many scenic sights to marvel at and experiences to enjoy. Here are the top things to do on a cruise to Ponta Delgada:

• Enjoy whale and dolphin watching
• Marvel at Sete Cidades crater lakes
• Visit the active geysers at the Furnas Valley
• Explore Ribeira Grande town
• Walk around Ponta Delgada historical center
• Stroll through the Terra Nostra botanical gardens
• Discover a pineapple plantation
• Tour a tea plantation
• Drive a 4WD through off the beaten track sites
• Savor a cozido (stew) cooked in hot springs
• Taste Azorean wines and cheeses
• Shop for local handicrafts and gourmet delicacies

Top attractions in Ponta Delgada cruise port and Sāo Miguel island

Cruise travelers will have the opportunity to experience the best things to do in Ponta Delgada in the following sites:

• Sete Cidades crater lakes The “Lake of Seven Cities” is a natural wonder of mesmerizing beauty. Must-see: the two lagoons (green lagoon and blue lagoon), Vista do Rei sightseeing point, the village and church of Saint Nicholas. Distance from port: 16 miles (26.6 km), under a 40-minute drive. Learn more on Wikipedia
• Lago do Fogo The Lake of Fire is a pristine volcanic crater with a stunning lake. Must-see and do: sightseeing from “Miradouro da Lagoa do Fogo” (viewpoint), hiking to the edge of the lake, sandy beach, and endemic flora. Distance from port: around 16.5 miles (26.6 km), 25-minute drive. Learn more on Wikipedia
• Furnas Valley Active volcanic complex with dozens of hot springs (fumaroles). Must-see and do: Pico do Ferro viewpoint, Lagoa das Furnas , Nossa Senhora das Vitórias chapel Terra Nostra botanical garden, savor Cozido nas Caldeiras - meat and vegetable slow-cooked stew. Distance from port: 28.4 miles (45.6 km), 45-minute drive. Visiting time: 2 to 3 hours (not including lunch). Learn more on Wikipedia
• Parque Terra Nostra This stunning botanical garden features a casino within a hotel and a natural hot-water swimming pool (yes, you can swim here). Distance from port: 42.9 miles (26.7 km), 45-minute drive. Discover more on the official website in English.
• Ribeira Grande The first capital city of the Azores dating back to the late 15th century. Must-see: Igreja Matriz (main church), Municipal (Ethnographic) Museum, Azorean Emigration Museum, and Santa Bárbara surfing beach. Distance from port: 13.3 miles (21.4 km), around a 20-minute drive. Learn more on Wikipedia .
• Arruda Pineapple Plantation Azores pineapples are known for being small but very juicy and sweet. Must-see: plantation and store where you can purchase pineapple liqueurs and sweets. Distance from port: 3.1 miles (4.9 km), 10-minute drive. Read more on the official website in English.
• Gorreana Tea Plantation Dating back to 1883 and claiming to be the oldest and only operational factory in Europe, this 32-acre farm produces 44 tons of tea annually. Must-see: beautiful sights, picking and packing to tea, a museum with the original equipment. Distance from port: around 19.1 miles (30.8 km), 30-minute drive. Learn more on the official website in English.
• Ponta Delgada historical center To find out more about all the top attractions in the historical center of Ponta Delgada keep reading this port guide or click here .

Adventure, thrilling and fun activities

Except for 4WD tours, dolphin and whale watching, cruise excursions do not offer most activities listed below. You will have to book these with alternative online and local tour services. Here are the top thrilling activities you may enjoy when calling on a cruise to Ponta Delgada port:

• Bicycle rides
• Big Game Fishing
• Birdwatching
• Horseback riding
• Paragliding
• Scuba Diving

Cruise shore excursions and tours

Obviously, all cruise lines callling at Ponta Delgada offer many and diverse shore excursions in Ponta Delgada. Royal Caribbean offers 4 shore excursions , Norwegian Cruise Line has available 8 shore tours , and Carnival lists 7 cruise excursions .

Celebrity Cruises offer as many 8 shore explorations , Holland America lists 6 cruise excursions and Princess has available 8 excursions in Ponta Delgada cruise port.

The upper-premium cruise lines like Oceania and Viking visit Ponta Delgada cruise port on many/a few itineraries. Oceania Cruises organizes 12 shore excursions in Ponta Delgada. Although most luxury cruise lines include shore excursions with the cruise fare, Regent, Seabourn and Silversea offer unique and diverse explorations ashore in Ponta Delgada. Regent lists 11 excursions , Seabourn has 8 excursions , and Silversea offers 12 excursions .

There are also excursions offered by the following reputable private online services and local tour operators:

• Shore Trips
• Shore Excursions Group
• Tours by Locals
• Cruising Excursions
• Shore Excursioneer

Local tour operators

Amongst the many local tour operators, none of which are affiliated, endorsed, or approved by IQCruising, the following have received excellent reviews and gave secure websites:

• futurismo.pt
• picosdeaventura.com
• epicadventures.com
• whalewatch.com
• azoresgolfislands.com
• azoresfishing.pt
• azoresshoreexcursions.com

Explore Ponta Delgada on your own.

Cruise passengers that like to explore ports on their own will find a few attractions nearby to discover on foot. There is also one sightseeing train and the sightseeing yellow bus. Public transportation is good but not easy to navigate for tourists. Close to the port, the are taxi ranks, which is an affordable way to get around.

Sightseeing in Ponta Delgada

The Yellow bus sightseeing hop-on hop-off has two main routes. Both cost € 22.00 and start by the São Brás Fort within walking distance from the port. One tour has seven stops sightseeing Ponta Delgada, Ribeira Grande, and the Fire Lake (Lagoa do Fogo). The second tour covers Ponta Delgada and the Seven Cities Lagoon and has six stops in between.

The Lagarta tourist train has four tours: a city tour, a garden tour, a beach tour, and a heritage tour. All these tours start at São Brás Fort and cost € 7.50. For more information check the official websites:

• Yellow Bus Hop-On Hop-Off
• Lagarta Tourist train

What's within walking distance of the cruise port

Close to the cruise port and the terminal, between 500 feet and ¾ of a mile, there are many landmarks, churches, museums and highlighst to explore on foot. These are the top attractions in the historical center of Ponta Delgada:

• Main square. The heart of downtown with statue of Gonçalo Velho Cabral (the Portuguese navigator who discovered the Azores) at its center. The town hall square is next to it.
• City Gates. On the main square, the three-arched “Portas da Cidade” is a main landmark impossible to miss.
• St Sebastian Church. The main church in the city, the Igreja Matriz de São Sebastião is located next to the main square. The interior is a must-see.
• Synagogue Museum. The old synagogue is now a museum (Museu Hebraico Sahar Hassamaim), less than 500 feet west of the main square.
• Military Museum at São Brás Fort Dating back to 1552, this fort overlooking the ocean houses a military museum.
• St Joseph Church The very large Igreja de São José is one of main buiildings in the square next to the Military Museum.

Must-know: tourist info, language, and money matters

Portuguese is the official language but English is widely spoken. The English speaking cruise passenger will easily communicate with locals pretty much everywhere.

Currency and money matters

The Euro (€) (EUR) is the legal tender in Portugal as a full member of the European and Monetary Union. US$ dollars or any other currency are NOT accepted and you must have Euros to pay for services or purchases in cash.

Credit cards: Most credit cards are accepted. DoubleCHECK

There are ATM machines by all banks, sometimes labeled “Multibanco” where you can cash Euros with both your debit card and credit card.

Tipping: Tipping is not expected in restaurants, cafes, or bars as employees have labor contracts with all sorts of benefits. However, it is customary to round up the check but always less than 5%. The same applies to taxi drivers.

Haggling: Haggling is not expected on any shops or services with exception of street vendors - be aware that many are not legal and you can get your purchases confiscated.

Business and commercial opening hours

Museums open from 10 am to 5 pm but close on Mondays. Shops are open on weekdays from 9 am to 7 pm, although some may be closed for lunch between 1 pm and 3 pm. Many shops close on Saturday after 1 pm. Shopping malls are open 7 days a week and on holidays from 10 am to 11 pm. Banks are open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 3 pm.

Safety, US travel advisory, and basics

Ponta Delgada and all the Azores are well known for being very safe.

For comprehensive and updated information about traveling to Portugal see the U.S. Department of State website page evolving advisory.

Covid-19 advice for cruises to Ponta Delgada (Portugal)

For updated coronavirus (Covid-19) information and travel advice to Portugal and Ponta Delgada visit the website of the U.S. Embassy in Portugal . For more Traveler's Health advice to Portugal see the CDC Website .

Ponta Delgada Basic Info at a Glance

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This New ‘Standby’ Cruise Fare Costs Just $49 Per Day—but Is It Worth It?

By Jessica Puckett

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Would you be willing to wait at a port city with your bags packed, hoping to board a cruise at the last minute, all in order to secure one of the cheapest cruise deals out there? Holland America—with its industry-first standby fare offerings—is betting yes.

The line’s new Standby List Program allows travelers to put their names on a list of prospective passengers to be confirmed for a voyage if there are unsold rooms on the ship. Standby cruisers only pay $49 a day, but they receive as little as two days’ notice to get ready for the trip.

For flexible travelers, the scheme offers the possibility of huge savings. Here’s everything cruisers should know about sailing on standby.

How do the fares work?

To get on the standby list, travelers can select an itinerary on Holland America's list of standby-eligible voyages and call 877-724-5425 to join. (You can also have your travel advisor add you to the standby list on your behalf.)

Once you're on the list, you'll be charged $49 per person per day (not including taxes, fees and port expenses, which can cost several hundred dollars more). If you’re not selected for the cruise, you’ll receive a full refund.

When the week of the sailing arrives, the cruise line will start notifying standby passengers whether they made the cut. Guests are confirmed for their sailings in the order they were added to the standby list, so signing up early counts. Would-be passengers should expect to hear their status between seven to two days before the voyage’s departure.

Travelers who aren’t confirmed within two days of the sailing’s departure receive an immediate refund. Truly spontaneous travelers can choose to cut things even closer with a more nail-biting option: They can opt to remain on the standby list all the way up until 90 minutes before departure to see if there’s a no-show. If that doesn't work out, they’ll still get a full refund.

The deal could offer major savings to group travelers who have a bit of flexibility this summer, as the third and fourth guests in a stateroom can travel nearly for free—they would just be on the hook for taxes and fees. But young families are not eligible for cruising standby, as the fares are only available for travelers ages 21 and older. Since it would be a major gamble to travel long distances for an unconfirmed trip, the standby option makes the most sense for people who live in or near eligible ports like Vancouver , Seattle , San Diego , Fort Lauderdale , Boston , Montreal , or Quebec .

How can travelers take advantage?

In 2024, the bulk of standby fares that Holland America is offering are for Alaskan voyages departing Seattle, Whittier, and Vancouver, as well as New England and Eastern Canada voyages departing from Boston, Montreal, and Quebec City.

There are also a handful of transatlantic sailings departing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, including an extended six-week sailing in November that meanders through dozens of Mediterranean ports in Italy, Portugal, Spain, Morocco, and Egypt, to name a few. Most of the dates for the standby itineraries stretch from May through September, with a few options in October and November as well.

It all sounds appealing, but there are a few factors travelers should keep in mind. “With this program, you've got to be extremely flexible in all aspects of your trip,” says Tanner Callais, founder of cruise travel advice site Cruzely . “Some of these cruises sail for extended periods of time, including up to 42 days,” which is the duration of that lengthy Mediterranean sailing. “You also don't know what sort of cabin you'll receive,” he says. “If you're someone that has to have a balcony room, then this might not be for you.

The type of cabin could, in fact, be a deal breaker for certain travelers. Holland America says it charges standby guests for an interior stateroom, a space as small as 143 square feet with no windows. But travelers could be assigned any category of room ranging up to a verandah stateroom, which ranges from 228 to 405 square feet with enough outdoor space to fit two deck chairs. However, it’s all based on availability.

“Travelers who want to benefit from a standby fare should keep in mind that once confirmed, Holland America Line assigns their room,” says Rob Clabbers, founder and president of the agency Q Cruise + Travel . “While that might result in savings, it means travelers may end up in the last remaining and likely less preferred location—above a theater or night club [or] all the way forward or aft. While this may work for some, it is definitely not recommended for those who fear seasickness, have mobility issues, would like to be close to travel companions, [or] want to be near or away from elevators,” he says.

Holland America Line also notes that these deals are intended for travelers who live within driving distance of the departure ports. “Booking a last-minute airline ticket could end up being more than the cost of the cruise,” Callais says. “That said, the fares are so low that if you have the flexibility, then it might be one of the best deals you'll ever find. This is especially the case if you're a solo traveler, as the double occupancy fare doesn't apply.”

Travelers will want to run the numbers on each voyage to ensure they’re receiving the best possible deal for enduring the hassle of last-minute arrangements. Some of the sailings do offer incredible value. “However, on other sailings, the savings are not nearly as great,” Clabbers says. “If you or your travel advisor do some research, you may very well find some sailings at fares that are similar or even lower than the $49 per day standby fare—and without the restrictions.”

For instance, it’s possible to book a seven-day Alaska sailing that departs June 9 on Holland America’s website, with prices for an inside room starting at $349 per person, plus $310 in taxes, fees, and port expenses. “You even get a $50 credit to spend on board per room, but the biggest advantage is that you can confirm this several weeks before sailing, so you can fine-tune your travel plans rather than have to wait until the very last minute,” says Clabbers.

Steph Koyfman

Shannon McMahon

Charlie Hobbs

One of the better deals would be the 42-day Mediterranean Cruise leaving from Fort Lauderdale in November. Booking that sailing outright, “you would pay $5,479 plus $435 in taxes, fees, and port expenses per person based on double occupancy for an Inside room,” Clabbers says. But, if you sail the itinerary on standby and get confirmed, “you would pay a total $2,058 per person plus taxes. Obviously that would be a good deal.”

Will other cruise lines start offering standby prices?

You might be wondering why a cruise line would offer fares as low as $49 a day. At the end of the day, more guests on board means ships generate more money. “Obviously, a cruise line wants to sail with every cabin filled to maximize revenue and efficiency of scale,” says Callais. “If a room sails empty, the cruise line is still using the same amount of fuel and paying the crew and captain the same wage.”

The majority of new ships break even at 50% occupancy, while older ships need 80% occupancy to hit that benchmark, according to Tom Baker , president of Cruise Center .

Carnival Corporation, which is Holland America’s parent company, saw an average revenue of $236 per passenger each cruise day in 2023, while its direct expenses per passenger was about $156 each day, according to Callais’ analysis of the company’s earnings report . But whereas most of a line’s expenses are fixed, there’s always more room to increase revenue with more passengers, who are bound to spend more on the ship. “In other words, even if this standby rate is less than the cruise line would make at a normal rate, it's still better to earn a little money from it than zero,” Callais says.

Although Holland America is the only major cruise line currently offering the standby fare, it could catch on at other companies if it brings in enough money. “Like most industries, cruise lines are constantly looking at competitors and seeing what they are offering or doing that might benefit their business,” Callais says. “If it works, it will get picked up by others.”

Regardless, it’s likely that standby offerings will stay limited to certain lines, as well as specific ports and times of year. “If the program trains too many passengers to just wait and cruise standby, then that could actually end up hurting the bottom line,” Callais says.

But for many travelers, planning and looking forward to a trip is half the fun: "Part of the joy of travel is the anticipation of the experience," says Clabbers.

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Funchal, Madeira, Portugal

This city is the capital of the island of Madeira. Funchal, where rows of white houses climb the hillsides, is comprised of three distinct sections. The Old Zone, or Old Town, on the east side boasts historic architecture. The west side is the "touristy" hotel area, with attractions like the Casino Gardens, Quinta das Cruzes Museum and bustling Carriera Street. Between the two you'll find the city center, which brims with museums such as the Madeira Wine Institute.

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Holland America Line’s 2025  European  season is open for booking, and travelers will be able to broaden their horizons like never before on the most diverse, destination-focused itineraries in the industry. With an increase in cruises over 10 days, more sailings to Iceland and a combined 62 overnight calls or late-night departures in leading European cities, Holland America Line is enticing travelers to become immersed in the culture, history and landscapes of the region.

Holland America Line’s 2025 Europe Season

New in 2025, Rotterdam, the Netherlands, returns as a homeport for Holland America Line, hosting Rotterdam and Nieuw Statendam on roundtrip voyages to  Northern Europe  and the Baltic. The cruise line also features more itineraries to trending hot spots like the Holy Land region, Iberia and Iceland. A new 28-day “Arctic Circle Crossing” Legendary Voyage showcases the pristine backdrop of Greenland’s glaciers and wildlife with five calls in the country and visits to Iceland, North Cape and Scotland.

For Holland America Line, Europe 2025 is all about longer cruises, extended time in port and offering the most diverse range of itineraries from weeklong vacations to monthlong explorations,” said Beth Bodensteiner, chief commercial officer of Holland America Line. “We have 10 departure cities this season, and we are excited to be back homeporting in Rotterdam with two ships, deepening our connection to our founding city. Anyone looking to explore Europe in-depth will be able to find a Holland America Line cruise tailored to their interests, whether it’s beach, history, nature, architecture, fjords, castles or cuisine.”

From April to November, Oosterdam joins Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam for a full season in Europe, while Zuiderdam sails the popular 35-day “Voyage of the Vikings.”  The port-intensive itineraries range from seven to 42 days and are designed for destination immersion. Spanning the entire region, cruises visit the Baltic, British Isles, Canary Islands, French and Spanish rivieras, Israel,  Mediterranean  and Northern Europe, including Iceland, Greenland and Norway.

Highlights of Holland America Line’s 2025 Europe cruising season include:

10 Departure Cities, Including Rotterdam:  Rotterdam and Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Barcelona, Spain; Boston, Massachusetts; Civitavecchia (Rome) and Trieste (Venice), Italy; Dover (London), England; Piraeus (Athens), Greece; Reykjavik, Iceland; and Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

New in 2025, Holland America Line is adding 10 roundtrip Dover itineraries aboard Nieuw Statendam ranging from 14 to 28 days, offering a convenient embarkation homeport for British guests. 

11 Overnight Ports:  Alexandria, Egypt; Barcelona; Haifa (Tel Aviv), Israel; Istanbul, Turkey; Newhaven (Edinburgh), Scotland; Reykjavik; Piraeus (Athens) and Rhodes, Greece; Stockholm, Sweden; Trieste (Venice); and Valletta, Malta.

32 Late-Evening Departure Cities (between 10 p.m. and midnight ): Alesund, Norway; Ashdod (Jerusalem) and Haifa (Tel Aviv), Israel; Barcelona and Malaga, Spain; Belfast, Northern Ireland; Cannes, France; Civitavecchia (Rome), Portoferraio, Portofino and Trieste (Venice), Italy; Dubrovnik and Korcula, Croatia; Dún Laoghaire (Dublin), Ireland; Funchal, Madeira; Gibraltar, UK; Greenock (Glasgow) and South Queensferry (Edinburgh), Scotland; Kotor, Montenegro; Kusadasi, Turkey; Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Lisbon; Liverpool and Portland (Weymouth), England; Kerkira (Corfu) and Mykonos, Greece; Port Said (Cairo), Egypt; Reykjavik; St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada; Tallinn, Estonia; Valletta; and Warnemunde (Berlin), Germany.

Northern Europe:

• Seven-day Norway and Denmark; Norwegian Fjords
• Seven- or 14-day Norway and Scotland
• Seven-day between Rotterdam and Reykjavik to Norway and Iceland
• 14-day Norway, Denmark, Germany, Lithuania, Estonia and Sweden
• 14-day Norway Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Finland and Sweden
• NEW  Legendary Voyage: A 28-day “ Arctic Circle Crossing ” departs June 29, roundtrip from Rotterdam. The cruise features 15 ports in Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Scotland and England; passage through the Arctic Circle to the North Cape; scenic cruising through Iceland’s fjords; and four maiden calls in Greenland: Ittoqqortoormiit, Sisimiut, Ilulissat and Nuuk.
• 14-Day “ Arctic Circle Crossing: Edinburgh Evening Stay ” is roundtrip from Rotterdam. Highlights of the cruise include spending Summer Solstice at the North Cape with 24 hours of sunlight, along with a total of five calls in Norway. The cruise also visits the Shetland Islands, England and Scotland, with a late-night departure from Edinburgh.

Mediterranean:

• Oosterdam will sail the entire 2025 Europe season in the  Mediterranean  on cruises from four homeports: Piraeus (Athens), Barcelona, Civitavecchia (Rome) and Trieste (Venice). The itineraries range from seven- to 14-days and cover the eastern and western Mediterranean, including Albania, Croatia, Egypt, France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Malta, Montenegro, Spain, Tunisia and Turkey.
• Nieuw Statendam sails 14-day cruises between Barcelona and Civitavecchia (Rome) and Piraeus (Athens), and roundtrip from Piraeus. The itineraries head to the eastern Med, including Italy, Egypt, Turkey, Croatia, Malta, Montenegro and Greece.
• Nieuw Statendam explores the Holy Land in October on a 14-day cruise roundtrip from Piraeus (Athens) that visits Cyprus, Israel, Turkey and Greece, with overnights at Haifa and Rhodes.

Canary Islands:

• Nieuw Statendam visits the  Canary Islands  on a 14-day Canary Island Enchantment with Morocco & Portugal cruise departing April 20, 2025, roundtrip from Rotterdam, also including ports in Morocco, Madeira, Portugal and England.

Transatlantic :

• The popular “ Voyage of the Vikings ” returns in 2025 aboard Zuiderdam. Departing July 19, the 35-day adventure sails roundtrip from Boston and calls at ports in Maine, Canada, Greenland, Iceland, the Netherlands, Ireland, Northern Ireland and Norway. The itinerary also is offered in 17- and 18-day segments from Boston to Rotterdam or from Rotterdam to Boston.
• In April, Rotterdam and Nieuw Statendam cross the Atlantic Ocean from Fort Lauderdale to Rotterdam; Oosterdam crosses from Fort Lauderdale to Barcelona.
• In October and November Nieuw Statendam, Rotterdam and Oosterdam sail to Fort Lauderdale via Civitavecchia, Rotterdam and Barcelona, respectively.

Collectors’ Voyages Combine Non-Repeating Itineraries

Many of the cruises can be extended into Collectors’ Voyages, which offer the ultimate European exploration. By combining two seven-day itineraries, a seven- and 14-day cruises or longer non-repeating voyages, these artfully crafted journeys up to 42 days combine back-to-back sailings, enabling guests to visit more ports and spend extra time discovering centuries of art, history and culture.

Have It All Early Booking Bonus

For a limited time, when guests book 2025 Europe cruises with the Have It All premium package, the standard package amenities of shore excursions, specialty dining, a Signature Beverage Package and Surf Wi-Fi are included — plus the added perk of free prepaid Crew Appreciation, along with free upgrades to the Elite Beverage Package and Premium Wi-Fi.

Beginning Have It All fares for Europe 2025 sailings range from $1,449 to $8,749 per person, double occupancy, depending on length and destination. Taxes, fees and port expenses are additional.  

Guests also can take advantage of Holland America Line’s Exclusive Mariner Society Early Booking Bonus. Mariner Society loyalty members can enjoy up to $400 onboard credit per stateroom when these cruises open for sale. Guests must book these cruises by Nov. 15, 2023, to receive the Exclusive Mariner Society Early Booking Bonus.

For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit  hollandamerica.com .

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7 amazing cruise itineraries to book in 2024

I don't know about you, but each year, as the weather turns cold, I start daydreaming about getting out of Dodge — or, in my case, Pennsylvania. My mind wanders to cruises that will take me to places where the temperature is warmer, but I also take a hard look at the (exceptionally lengthy) list of places I'm longing to visit.

After digging through what's new for 2024, I've come up with a shortlist of sailings that I think are noteworthy. They range from a standard Bahamas voyage with a new twist and an extended Alaska sailing that includes a foray across the Arctic Circle to more far-flung destinations in the Asia-Pacific region.

Dream on, dear reader, and add these to your list of 2024 cruise itineraries.

Note: All prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, unless otherwise noted. Fares do not include taxes and fees.

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Seabourn's 'Kimberley Expedition: Waterfalls and Wandjinas' itinerary

Last year, the Australia and New Zealand cruise region gained momentum following the pandemic shutdown. In 2024, the hardly populated Australia region of The Kimberley is gaining popularity. Luxury cruise brand Seabourn will be offering a series of six 10-night voyages between Broome and Darwin on expedition vessel Seabourn Pursuit during what will be early winter in the southern hemisphere.

The line's " Kimberley Expedition: Waterfalls and Wandjinas " will take passengers to places along the coast few passengers are able to visit to see the stunning teal waters and horizontal waterfalls of Talbot Bay, sample wines in the Hunter River Region and check out nature preserves in Wyndham.

Details: The first sailing, from Darwin to Broome, embarks on June 12. The final voyage, from Broome to Darwin, departs on Aug. 1. Prices start from $6,134 per person ($613 per person, per night), double occupancy, for the July 2 cruise. All accommodations are suites with balconies.

Celebrity's 'Best of Japan' and 'Vietnam and Thailand' cruises

The number of voyages in Asia was trending upward notably prior to 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic brought cruising in the region to an extended halt. And it's once again on the rise. Following that curve, Celebrity Cruises will be running new 11- to 13-night Asia sailings in 2024 on two ships — Celebrity Millennium and Celebrity Solstice — that bring stops in Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Vietnam and Thailand.

What's notable about the offerings is that they will aim to immerse passengers further into the destinations by including overnights in a total of 11 ports across all itineraries. That means more time to explore Hanoi's Old Quarter as the sun sets, indulge in nighttime gastronomy in Hong Kong, visit one of Bangkok's many markets, or learn why Osaka is known for street food.

Details: Celebrity Millennium's " Best of Japan " cruises run from early mid-March to early October. At press time, the least expensive fares — for a 12-night sailing — start from $1,330 per person ($111 per person, per night) for an inside cabin. It travels round-trip from Yokohama and visits Hiroshima, Pusan and other ports, including Osaka, where the ship will overnight.

Celerbrity Solstice's Vietnam and Thailand cruises kick off in mid-January and run through March. The ship will resume them again in the fall of 2024 and run through the winter season. Prices start from $1,255 per person ($105 per person, per night) for an inside cabin. The voyage sails from Hong Kong to Singapore with stops in Da Nang and Koh Samui, plus overnights in Hanoi and Bangkok.

SeaDream's 'Yachting the Adriatic & Greek Isles' sailing

Here's one to put on your radar if you're looking to book — but not necessarily sail — in 2024. It's a new Mediterranean itinerary that doesn't start up for nearly three more years, in 2026. The SeaDream routing brings stops at seven ports that are rarely visited by cruise passengers. During the seven-night voyages, there will be calls at Primosten, Croatia; Cesme, Turkey; Cetubal, Portugal; and Kythira, Kythnos, Syvota and Tinos, Greece — making these sailings unique and well-suited to anyone who loves the region but who's looking for new places to experience.

SeaDream's small ships, each of which carries just 112 people, are able to reach locales about which passengers on megaships can only fantasize. Couple that with excellent service, and you'll be visiting the Our Lady of Loretto statue in Primosten, touring the Cesme Castle and lounging on stunning Greek beaches from a home base that puts you squarely in the lap of luxury.

Details: An itinerary that includes three of the seven new ports is the 11-night " Yachting the Adriatic & Greek Isles " itinerary from Venice, Italy, to Athens, Greece, departing on Aug. 8, 2026, on SeaDream I. Prices start from $10,399 per person ($946 per person, per night) for a room with a porthole view.

Holland America's 'Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice' Legendary Voyage

Alaska is an absolute must for anyone who enjoys the vastness of untouched wilderness, the wildlife it houses and adventurous pursuits it provides. (Think whale-watching, hiking on glaciers and salmon fishing.) However, Holland America 's Westerdam is hosting a 28-day sailing that's anything but your standard cruise to the Last Frontier .

Passengers will visit the usual Alaska ports, such as Ketchikan, Sitka and Juneau, with scenic sailing through the Inside Passage, past Hubbard Glacier and to Glacier Bay. But they can also expect less-common stops at places like Nome, Kodiak, Anchorage (with an overnight) and Homer. Plus, about halfway through, this cruise crosses the Arctic Circle — a rite of passage for many travelers.

Details: Holland America's 28-day " Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice " cruise — one of the line's Legendary Voyages, known for longer durations and a unique mix of port calls — sails June 9-July 7, round-trip from Seattle. Inside cabins start from $5,299 per person (about $189 per person, per night).

Silversea's summertime French Polynesia cruises

Another consideration for future travel is Silversea Cruises , which is featuring its first full-summer season in French Polynesia in 2026. Silver Whisper will offer two immersive itineraries, including overnights, across 17 voyages between April and September.

Passengers can choose seven-night sailings that visit idyllic favorites like Tahiti, Moorea and Huahine and which also include overnights in Bora Bora. Or, they can cruise for twice as long by selecting a 14-night voyage that calls on the same ports as the seven-night option but with Fakarava, Nuku Hiva, Fatu Hiva, Atuona and Tahuata added.

Details: Silversea's seven-night voyages begin April 6, 2026, and start from $5,650 per person ($808 per person, per night) for an ocean-view cabin.

The line's 14-night sailings start on April 20, 2026. Fares start from $10,450 per person ($747 per person, per night) for ocean-view accommodations.

New Bermuda voyages on Carnival Venezia

Beginning in May of 2025, Carnival Cruise Line 's Carnival Venezia will sail a series of eight four- and five-night cruises to Bermuda from New York. These itineraries are notable because the line is aiming to increase its presence there but also because the style of the ship is new to even most of the brand's most dedicated passengers.

In 2022, Carnival announced its Costa by Carnival concept after revealing it would be transferring ships from its Costa sister brand to the Carnival fleet. Now, when travelers visit the Gibb's Hill Lighthouse or check out the island's renowned pink-sand beaches during a sailing on Carnival Venezia, they can enjoy both the Italian style of the ship and Carnival's fun atmosphere and high service standards.

Details: Voyages kick off on May 22, 2025. Prices start from $429 per person ($108 per person, per night) for an inside cabin on a four-night cruise departing Sept. 18, 2025.

Disney Cruise Line's Lighthouse Point itineraries

Disney Cruise Line 's new Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point , a private destination on the Bahamian island of Eleuthera, is set to open in June with a three-night preview sailing on June 6 aboard Disney Magic. Following the initial voyage, the line will run regular three- to seven-night voyages to Lighthouse Point on Disney Magic, Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream.

The island will feature a dedicated family beach and water play area, an arts and culture pavilion focused on Bahamian culture, 20 family cabanas, an adults-only beach and a selection of shore excursion options.

Details: Prices for itineraries that include Lighthouse Point start from $624 per person ($208 per person, per night) for a three-night cruise on Disney Magic. The cruise departs Nov. 5 and sails from Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades to San Juan, Puerto Rico.

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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.