Atlantic Europe › Portugal › Lisbon
Lisbon, Portugal
Pastel hills, hand-painted tiles and the world's best custard tarts — and from the main terminal, the Alfama district rises right above your gangway.
Pastel hills, hand-painted tiles and the world's best custard tarts — and from the main terminal, the Alfama district rises right above your gangway.
Lisbon usually docks you right beside the old town. Which of the three terminals you're at decides whether Alfama is a stroll or a short ride.
💡 Pro move: From the main terminal, walk up into Alfama first thing while it's quiet and cool, then ride Tram 28 or 15E later when your legs are done — not the other way around.
All ships dock — no tendering. The main Santa Apolónia / Jardim do Tabaco terminal is steps from Alfama; the Alcântara terminal is further west toward Belém and needs transport. Confirm your berth in the daily program.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Caribbean / Celebrity | Santa Apolónia / Jardim do Tabaco | Dock |
| MSC / Costa | Santa Apolónia / Jardim do Tabaco | Dock |
| Holland America / Princess / Cunard | Santa Apolónia or Alcântara | Dock |
| Viking / luxury & mid-size | Alcântara (longer berths) | Dock |
| P&O / AIDA / Fred Olsen | Santa Apolónia / Jardim do Tabaco | Dock |
Lisbon is compact and DIY-friendly from the main terminal, with Belém the one sight worth a tram or tour. Sintra is the classic add-on if you've seen the city.
Lisbon's oldest quarter — tangled lanes, fado bars, miradouro viewpoints, and the Moorish hilltop castle. Largely walkable straight from the main terminal.
Find Alfama tours →The UNESCO Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, plus the original Pastéis de Belém custard tarts. Tram 15E or a tour from the center; closer if you dock at Alcântara.
Find Belém tours →The quintessential Lisbon experience — a vintage yellow tram grinding up through Graça and Alfama. Ride a stretch rather than the whole loop on a tight port clock.
Find tram tours →Fairytale palaces in misty hills 40 min away — Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira. Doable on a port day but tight; a guided tour handles the timing and queues.
Find Sintra tours →From the Santa Apolónia terminal, central Lisbon unfolds on foot (mind the hills). Each route links to a map.
Climb straight from the gangway into Alfama's lanes to the Portas do Sol and Santa Luzia viewpoints over the red rooftops and river. The signature Lisbon walk.
🗺️ Walking directionsFlat, grand downtown: the riverfront Praça do Comércio, the Rua Augusta arch, and the elegant Baixa grid up to Rossio. Easy and pickpocket-aware.
🗺️ Walking directionsIf you dock at Alcântara or take Tram 15E, stroll the Tagus waterfront past the Discoveries Monument to Belém Tower and the monastery. Flat and scenic.
🗺️ Walking directionsClimate normals for Lisbon, Portugal (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 58°F / 14°C | 48°F / 9°C | 8 |
| Feb | 60°F / 16°C | 49°F / 9°C | 8 |
| Mar | 63°F / 17°C | 51°F / 11°C | 8 |
| Apr | 66°F / 19°C | 54°F / 12°C | 9 |
| May | 73°F / 23°C | 58°F / 14°C | 5 |
| Jun | 76°F / 24°C | 62°F / 17°C | 4 |
| Jul | 81°F / 27°C | 65°F / 18°C | 1 |
| Aug | 82°F / 28°C | 65°F / 18°C | 1 |
| Sep | 78°F / 26°C | 64°F / 18°C | 5 |
| Oct | 73°F / 23°C | 61°F / 16°C | 9 |
| Nov | 64°F / 18°C | 54°F / 12°C | 11 |
| Dec | 60°F / 16°C | 51°F / 11°C | 8 |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Upcoming cruises that call at Lisbon, Portugal. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.