Curator’s statement
This 9-day cruise on Celebrity Equinox was the perfect mix of adventure and downtime. We explored the colorful streets of Lisbon, sampled world-class tawny port in Porto, and got a taste of Morocco’s lively markets in Tangier. Sea days were all about relaxing, good food, and ocean views. It was an easy, memorable way to experience three countries in one trip.
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Celebrity Cruises’ 9-day Spain, Portugal, and Morocco cruise provides a mix of culture, history, and relaxation. Sailing from Barcelona, this itinerary combines immersive port visits with luxurious onboard experiences, giving travelers a seamless way to explore three fascinating regions.
Our journey began in Barcelona, a city bursting with energy, architecture, and local flavor. Boarding the Celebrity Equinox, it was immediately clear this ship balances modern luxury with comfort. Spacious staterooms, gourmet dining options, and elegant public spaces made it easy to settle in and start anticipating the adventure ahead.
The first full day onboard was a sea day, with ample time to relax and enjoy the ship’s amenities. Highlights of the day included relaxing in the Persian Garden spa, and aperol spritzes at the Sunset Bar—a must-visit spot on deck 15 aft.
Lisbon—Praca do Comercio Monument
Arriving in Lisbon for an overnight stay allowed plenty of time to explore. We wandered through the Alfama and Baixa historic districts, admiring iconic tiled facades, and sampled the famous desert of Portugal—the Pastel De Nata (custard tart). We also took excursions to nearby Cascais, a charming seaside town with a relaxed atmosphere and beautiful coastal walks, and Sintra, famous for its fairy-tale palaces and lush gardens.
Porto’s rich history and famous wine culture make it an essential stop. We went on a short Duoro river cruise to get unique views of the city, then sampled 20 year-old tawny port wine at Poças—one of the rare Port Wine companies that was started by a Portuguese family and has remained in the hands of the same family since its foundation.
After Porto, a second sea day allowed for a slower pace. Time on the decks watching the Atlantic roll by, indulgence in the spa, and trying out the ship’s specialty restaurants (dinner at Murano was a highlight) made this a refreshing break between ports.
Duoro river view of Porto
Tangier, Morocco is a completely different experience, with vibrant markets, colorful architecture, and a lively atmosphere. Getting away from the crowded tourist areas, we took a guided tour through the medina in Asilah—a seaside resort town with a well-known historic medina filled with murals, narrow streets, and art.
Cádiz served as the gateway to Seville, where history and cuisine shine. A small group walking tour of the Alcázar paired with a sherry tasting provided an authentic, crowd-free experience that showcased Andalusia’s best.
Asilah—Morocco coast view
The final sea day was an opportunity to relax, reflect, and enjoy the ship’s luxurious amenities one last time before arriving back in Barcelona.
This itinerary is ideal for travelers who want a mix of culture, history, and luxury on board a mid-size cruise ship. Couples, friends, and solo travelers will appreciate the balance of guided excursions and leisurely sea days. From the historic streets of Lisbon and Porto to the vibrant energy of Tangier and Cádiz, this cruise delivers an effortless, unforgettable way to experience Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.
Asilah medina street view
Need to know
If you go in the summer, pack layers as the weather can be very hot in the day and cool at night aboard the ship.
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our cruises page.
Travel Advisor
Kari Bonafilia
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