Lisbon, Portugal has emerged as a premier destination in the global cruise industry, and the city continues to attract a growing number of visitors each year. This surge in popularity is attributed to strategic port upgrades, Lisbon’s rich cultural heritage but relatively small city center, and a prime geographical location that draws both European and North American clients – two of the cruise industry’s biggest markets.
Port and Infrastructure Upgrades
In recent years, Lisbon has invested significantly in modernizing its cruise port facilities to accommodate the increasing influx of cruise ships and passengers. A pivotal development was the inauguration of the new Lisbon Cruise Terminal in November 2017. Designed by renowned Portuguese architect João Luís Carrilho da Graça, this state-of-the-art terminal offers larger spaces, enhanced services, and improved amenities. Strategically located approximately 0.6 miles (900 meters) from Terreiro do Paço (also known as Praça do Comércio), it provides passengers with easy access to the city’s historic downtown district. This is in contrast, for example, to the Porto Cruise Terminal, located on the South Pier of the Port of Leixões, which is 3 km from the city of Porto and requires a taxi to reach the city center.
The Lisbon terminal’s design emphasizes sustainability and efficient passenger flow to minimize congestion within the city. It features two cruise terminals equipped with modern facilities, including duty-free shopping, tourist information centers, and multiple transportation options for exploring Lisbon.
The Growth in Cruise Traffic
Lisbon’s cruise industry has experienced remarkable growth, setting new records in recent years. In 2023, the Port of Lisbon welcomed 758,328 passengers, marking a 54% increase compared to 2022. This figure surpassed the previous record of 577,603 passengers set in 2018.
The number of cruise ship calls also saw a significant rise. In 2023, the port recorded 347 stopovers, 20 more than in 2022. Notably, the ‘turnaround’ segment—cruises that embark and/or disembark at the Lisbon cruise terminal—experienced exponential growth, with a total of 204,004 passengers, a 131% increase compared to the previous year.
This surge in cruise activity has had a substantial economic impact on the city. Considering that a passenger embarking in Lisbon spends an average of €367 and a transit passenger spends €82, the direct economic impact on the city exceeded €83 million in 2023.
Diverse Cruise Lines and Routes Featuring Lisbon
Several major cruise lines include Lisbon in their itineraries, such as Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, MSC Cruises, Holland America Line, Cunard Line, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Virgin Voyages, and P&O Cruises. These cruise lines feature routes that cater to a wide range of cruising preferences, from short European voyages to extended transatlantic adventures.
For example, Carnival Cruise Line offers a 7-day Europe cruise that departs from Lisbon and includes stops at La Coruña and Bilbao in Spain, Le Verdon (near Bordeaux) in France, and concludes in Dover (London), England. This itinerary is perfect for travelers seeking to experience Northern Europe’s mix of vibrant cities combined with some relaxing days at sea.
On the other hand, MSC Cruises runs a 10-night Mediterranean cruise that begins and ends in Lisbon. This route takes passengers to Alicante and Minorca in Spain, Olbia and Genoa in Italy, and Marseille in France, among other destinations. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the Mediterranean’s warm climate, stunning coastlines, and iconic cities before returning to the beauty of Portugal.
These examples reflect the variety of experiences available to cruise enthusiasts, whether they are looking for a brief escape or a more immersive exploration of European and Mediterranean cultures. Lisbon’s inclusion in such diverse itineraries underscores its reputation as an essential destination in the global cruise circuit.
Would You Like to Take a Cruise from Lisbon?
Embarking on a cruise from Lisbon offers travelers a unique opportunity to explore diverse destinations while first checking out the city’s unique history and beautiful palaces. Amenities include passenger services such as lounges, restrooms, and Wi-Fi, as well as baggage handling services to make your arrival and departure as hassle-free as possible. The port is also accessible to people with disabilities, with ramps and assistance available upon request.
Getting from Lisbon Airport to the cruise port is quick and convenient with several transportation options available:
- Taxi – Taxis are readily available at the airport, with a travel time of approximately 20 minutes to the port. Expect to pay around €15-20.
- Metro – The airport is connected to the city’s metro system. Take the red line from the airport all the way to the final station called São Sebastião and transfer to the blue line toward Santa Apolónia. Get out six stops later at “Terreiro do Paço,” which is a short walk from the cruise port.
Tips for Transportation – Avoiding Taxi Scams in Lisbon at the Airports and the Cruise Port
Travelers arriving at the Lisbon Cruise Port should exercise caution when choosing transportation into the city. While taxis are readily available near the port, reports of overcharging and scams targeting tourists are becoming more common. To avoid unnecessary stress and inflated fares, it’s highly recommended to download ride-hailing apps such as Uber or Bolt before disembarking the ship. These apps provide transparent pricing and a reliable way to reach your destination without the risk of being overcharged. Both Uber and Bolt operate extensively in Lisbon and are often a more affordable and trustworthy alternative to traditional taxis. Bolt tends to be cheaper than Uber.
If you don’t have mobile data access upon arrival, plan ahead by downloading an eSIM for Portugal while still connected to the ship’s WiFi. An eSIM allows you to activate data services immediately upon entering the port, enabling you to book a ride seamlessly and avoid relying on unregulated taxi services. Setting up the eSIM in advance ensures you’ll have the connectivity needed to use ride-hailing apps, navigate the city, or contact emergency services if necessary. These steps not only save money but also provide peace of mind, making your exploration of Lisbon more enjoyable and stress-free.
Trust us when we say, it is better to avoid taxis altogether at the Lisbon Cruise Terminal and use Uber or Bolt instead. This way, you will avoid taxi drivers suddenly asking for large amounts of cash or taking longer routes to charge you more money and you having no way to protest or escape handing over the money. To avoid getting in a long line for Uber drivers, we suggest walking a short 10-minute walk away from the cruise terminal into the city to get a Bolt or Uber or taking the metro at Terreiro do Paço, where you can buy a metro card inside the station. Just to give you an idea, passengers have reported being charged €300 euros for a ride when a ride to the other side of the city would not cost you more than €15 to €20. If you are reading this and have never used Bolt or Uber before, it’s worth downloading it and practicing how to use these apps in advance.
Book Your Own Tour in Lisbon Instead of Booking Through the Cruise Line
It’s easy to book your own tour in Lisbon due to the variety of tour operators in Lisbon. Here are some of our favorites:
Lisbon – Half Day Sightseeing Tour on a Private Electric Tuk Tuk
Best of Lisbon Guided Walking Tour
Portuguese Cuisine: 17 Tastings Lisbon Food Tour
Sintra and Cascais Small-Group Day Trip from Lisbon
Sustainability Initiatives and Future Prospects
Lisbon is committed to enhancing the sustainability of its cruise operations. A notable development is the planned installation of plug-in infrastructure to allow ships to switch to electricity while docked, significantly reducing emissions of harmful pollutants. The European Union has set a 2030 deadline for ports to install the necessary infrastructure, and in Lisbon, a €27 million project to connect the port to a power station is expected to be completed by 2029. This initiative aims to cut 77% of greenhouse gases emitted annually around the Lisbon port area.
These efforts reflect Lisbon’s dedication to promoting sustainable and quality tourism, ensuring that the city’s growth as a cruise destination aligns with environmental and community well-being.
Final Thoughts
Lisbon’s status as a leading cruise destination is a testament to its strategic investments in port infrastructure, reputation as a beautiful and friendly city, and commitment to sustainability. As Lisbon continues to enhance its facilities and services, it is poised to remain an even bigger player in the global cruise industry, offering travelers an unparalleled blend of history, culture, and modern amenities.
