Portugal Luxury Cruises

With glorious year-round weather, century-old cities, miles of stunning coastline and yes, fantastic wine, if Portugal is not on your destination bucket list, then it should be.

Swashbuckling and romantic, Portugal is a bit like stepping into a fairy tale: medieval castles, rocky hills and green meadows are all the norm - although we cannot guarantee any damsels in distress or knights in shining armour! Adding a further touch of mystique is the Douro River Valley, so lovely that many locals consider it enchanted as well as enchanting. Wander the lovely vineyards, sample the country’s eponymous wine and admire the stupendous scenery that warrants its UNESCO World Heritage status. Bookended by Roman, Visigoth and Moorish history, and underscored by fado rhythms and superb gastronomy (pasteis de nata anyone?) allow yourself the luxury of exploring this award-winning country and its islands with Silversea.

DESTINATION HIGHLIGHTS

Lisbon

Spread over a string of seven hills north of the Rio Tejo (Tagus River) estuary, Lisbon presents an intriguing variety of faces to those who negotiate its switchback streets. In the oldest neighbourhoods, stepped alleys whose street pattern dates back to Moorish times are lined with pastel-color houses decked with laundry; here and there, miradouros (vantage points) afford spectacular river or city views. In the grand 18th-century centre, calçada à portuguesa (black-and-white cobbled mosaic) pavements border wide boulevards and are pure Instagram gold.

Funchal, Madeira

When colonists arrived in Madeira in July 1419, the valley they settled was a mass of bright yellow fennel, or funchal in Portuguese. Today the bucolic fields are gone, and the community that replaced them is the self-governing island's bustling business and political centre. Funchal is the only town of any size on the island and the base for the bulk of its tourism thanks to the plethora of hotels, restaurants, bars, cafés, phenomenal coastal and hillside views, and—of course—Madeira wine.

Oporto

Lively, commercial Oporto is the second largest city in Portugal after Lisbon. Also called Porto for short, the word easily brings to mind the city's most famous product - port wine. Oporto's strategic location on the north bank of the Douro River has accounted for the town's importance since ancient times. The Romans built a fort here where their trading route crossed the Douro, and the Moors brought their own culture to the area.

Portimão

Portimão is a major fishing port, and significant investment has been poured into transforming it into an attractive port for cruisers as well. The city itself is spacious and has several good shopping streets — many of the more traditional retailers that closed in the wake of the global economic crisis are slowly beginning to show signs of life. There is also a lovely riverside area that just begs to be strolled.

Horta, Azores

Set on the five-sided island of Faial, Horta is decorated with a colourful cacophony of artworks, which have been daubed across its concrete marina by visitors from around the globe. Left behind by sailors, they tell thrilling stories of life on the high seas. Sitting in the midst of the vast Atlantic, 1,100 miles away from the Portuguese mainland, Horta is the ideal pit-stop for yachts traversing the Atlantic.

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Why Silversea?

Intimate Ships

Silversea has just four ships in our fleet of nine (soon to be ten) that cruise to Portugal, making the most of the miles of craggy coastline. Our ships are among the smallest in the business, no other cruise line can simply compete! At a maximum of 364 suites onboard, we ensure that your home away from home experience begins as soon as you step onboard. Think guaranteed cosy comforts, from quiet little nooks to haute cuisine, we ensure that travelling with Silversea is a once experienced never forgotten experience. The small size of our ships allows us to visit even the most off the beaten track ports, so wherever you want to go, you can get there with Silversea.

Luxury Oceanview Suites

Accommodation aboard any Silversea ship is a luxurious affair and our four Portuguese luxury cruise ships are no exception! Spacious, sophisticated and internationally recognised as being the gold standard of cruising, our luxury ocean view suites really are the epitome of elegance. Make the most of the coast with stunning views from the privacy of your private veranda, or enjoy the creature comforts of your spacious suite. Better yet, imagine yourself enjoying a glass of Port or Madeira in port while enjoying their eponymous coastlines! Now, how about that for bragging rights?

Personalised Service

Let us show you how much we care. Dedicated butlers and stellar service are the hallmarks of any Silversea luxury voyage and we are proud to say that they are the foundation of all our Portugal cruises. Every suite, regardless of category, receives attention from a personal butler to make your holiday a once in a lifetime experience. Excursions booked, reservations made, room service delivered – nothing is too big or too small! Additionally, our crew to guest ratio of nearly 1:1 is the highest in the business. So, let us take care of you, after all … you’re worth it!

All-Inclusive Cruises

All-inclusive means many things to many people, so let’s just clear up any confusion right now. When we say all-inclusive, that’s exactly what we mean. From the Azores to the Algarve, you’ll be secure in the knowledge that your needs have already been taken care of. These include fine food and wine (including premium brands), taxes, fees, evening entertainment, keep-fit classes, gratuities … you name it! Some suite categories even have business class flights and transfers as well, so when we say all-inclusive, we really mean it.

Gourmet Cuisine

Portugal may have given chiles to Asia, brought tea to England, and told the Japanese about tempura, but the country’s gastronomic heritage is still a bit of a mystery – bar the ubiquitous bacalhau and pastéis de nata. A luxury cruise to Portugal will help you enjoy all the country's lovely recipes with our destination-focused dishes and cocktails aboard. Lovers of international fare are not forgotten either: expect yummy Italian specialities in our famous La Terrazza, traditional classics in Atlantide or for those travelling on Silver Spirit, Asian-fusion and Japanese specialities in Indochine and Sheisin. Bom apetite!

Mediterranean Brochure

Request a complimentary brochure

Welcome to our home. Welcome to summer sun, warm waters and beautiful beaches. Welcome to idyllic hideaways and soaring mountain peaks. One look at our Mediterranean brochure, and you’ll be sailing with us in no time!

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