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Europe’s western reaches can be truly illuminating. Discover a fascinating range of architecture, culture and cuisine stretching from Stockholm in the north to Gibraltar in the south.

Lisbon, Portugal cityscape at Rossio Square.

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Bruges, Belgium, is a medieval city full of character. Known as 'Venice of the North', it features narrow canals, cobblestone streets and stunning architecture. The Isle of Skye in Scotland is also a beautiful spot, with many seafood restaurants and gorgeous waterfront views. The last of our top recommendations is the south of France, where vast vineyards and sunny coastlines beckon. All of these, and more, can be visited on a Cunard cruise.

What are the best sights in Western Europe?

The weather can vary depending on where in Western Europe you visit as, thanks to the Gulf Stream, the area is warmer and wetter than it should be for its latitude. Wherever you travel, a light raincoat and good walking shoes are wise choices, and layers for cooler evenings on deck. Suncream, glasses and sunhats should be packed for cruises in May-August.

What should I pack for a Western Europe cruise?

The weather in Western Europe ranges quite a lot, but the chances of warm, dry days are best from May to September. Peak season lasts from June until August, so if you're looking for fewer crowds avoid these months.

When is the best time of year to cruise Western Europe?

Spain, Portugal, Great Britain, Ireland, France, Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Iceland are all visited on Cunard Western Europe cruises. Our itinerary selection changes, so be sure to check our range of cruises regularly. For more details on our ports of call, visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/cruise-destinations/western-europe/western-europe-ports">Western Europe ports page</a>.

Which countries do Cunard visit on a Western Europe cruise?

Copenhagen in Denmark, Dublin in Ireland and Lisbon in Portugal are just some of the highlights of a Cunard Western Europe cruise. For a full list of ports in this region visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/cruise-destinations/western-europe/western-europe-ports">Western Europe ports page</a>.

Which cruise ports do Cunard visit in Western Europe?

Frequently asked questions Western Europe Cruises

View on the Triumphal arch on the Commerce square during the sunrise in Lisbon city, Portugal

Porto, Portugal old town on the Douro River.

Featuring charming cobbled streets, colourful architecture and the most westerly point in Europe, Lisbon is a cultural gem and not to be missed.

Explore the stunning wine-making regions of Portugal, France and others, and discover what wine expert Will Lyons will be drinking this summer.

Grapes ripening on stock in a Mallorca vineyard on a sunny day in Mallorca, Spain.; Shutterstock ID 694313695; Invoice Number: -

Dazzling landscapes, flower-filled gardens – plus the famous fortified wine and delicious cake – all wait to be discovered on this rugged green isle.

Beautiful view of amazing tropical scenery with exotic palm trees and mountain valleys above wide open sea in golden evening light at sunset with blue sky and clouds in summer, Canary Islands, Spain

Blooming spring park in Barcelona city centre, Spain travel photo

Sugar-sand beaches. Warm sunshine beaming down. Long days and temperate evenings. A cruise to Spain can only be described as idyllic, bringing with it plenty of photogenic scenery, fascinating history, flavoursome cuisine, and welcoming people.

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Witness history being made as all four Queens meet in Liverpool, a landmark first. Sail on iconic Transatlantic Crossings, sun-soaked Mediterranean voyages, and an array of different itineraries from Southampton. Book your escape before 30 June 2026 to save 10%* when you book the Cunard Fare or Early Saver.

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Discover a world of inimitable luxury, inspired entertainment, and flavoursome world cuisine on board a Cunard Queen, all with the added advantage of a special offer.

Picturesque sea view of Boka Kotor bay, Montenegro, Kotor old town

Panoramic view of unique Roque Cinchado unique rock formation with famous Pico del Teide mountain volcano summit in the background on a sunny day, Teide National Park, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain

View between buildings in New York city, USA

The first places most people think of are Rome and Athens, due to their unique historical and cultural sights. Cunard also visits Spain - Barcelona features amazing Gaudi architecture that's well worth a look - Southern France - famous for its vineyards - and Croatia, where lesser-known but just as impressive historic sites await.

What are the best places to visit in the Mediterranean?

The best weather in this region is from April until November, and Cunard visits the Mediterranean within this window. If you're looking for a tan and don't mind the heat, travel in June or July, but if you prefer milder temperatures book your cruise in the autumn months.

What is the best time of year to cruise the Mediterranean?

Spain, France, Monaco, Italy, Malta, Croatia, and Greece all use the Euro. Gibraltar uses the Gibraltar Pound, (although Pound Sterling and Euros are unofficially accepted in parts).

What is the currency in the Mediterranean?

The Mediterranean has a changeable climate, depending on the season, but dry, hot and sunny days are to be expected in the peak summer months and often during spring and into autumn. It's not out of the question for temperatures to exceed 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) in July or August while even September and October can herald warm and pleasant weather. If you're hoping to spend time relaxing on some of the Mediterranean's sandy beaches, it's best to avoid travel during November to March when temperatures are cooler and days can be fresh and rainy.

What is the weather like in the Mediterranean?

A variety of languages are spoken in the Mediterranean. In Spain, where Spanish is the official language, you'll also find regional languages including Catalan, Galician, Basque and Occitan. Spanish is also spoken in Gibraltar, even though the official language of Gibraltar is English. Similarly, in Malta both Maltese and English are spoken.
In France the native language is French, in Italy it's Italian, in Greece it's Greek and in Croatia it's Croatian. French is also the official language of Monaco but you'll encounter Italian spoken by much of the population here too.

What languages are spoken in the Mediterranean?

Depending on the time of year, you'll need cool clothes and comfortable shoes for exploring the exciting ports along your journey. A sunhat and sunscreen are a must in the summer months, and would be wise in the autumn too, as the sun can still be strong in September and October. For evenings on deck bring light jackets for when the temperatures cool.
For more details and suggested packing lists, see our special guide on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/cruise-destinations/mediterranean/mediterranean-cruise-packing-guide">what to pack for Mediterranean cruises</a>.

What should I pack for a Mediterranean cruise?

There are twenty sovereign countries that surround the Mediterranean Sea: Spain, Gibraltar, France, Monaco, Italy, Malta, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia &amp; Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, Greece, Turkey, Syria, Cyprus, Lebanon, Israel, Palestine, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco.
Cunard typically sails to countries on the Southern European Coast; Spain, Gibraltar, France, Monaco, Italy, Malta, Croatia and Greece. Be sure to check our exciting itineraries for more details.

Which countries are in the Mediterranean?

UK and EU citizens, residents of Schengen countries, plus residents of the US, Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan and New Zealand don't currently require a visa to travel to the Mediterranean, provided the duration of stay is less than 90 days.
Some countries within the Mediterranean require a minimum 6-month validity on your passport, so it's advisable to check the local requirements of the countries included in your Mediterranean cruise itinerary.

Will I need a visa for a Mediterranean cruise?

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Western Europe cruises

Featured Western Europe cruises

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Explore Western Europe

Lisbon, Portugal

Leixoes (Porto), Portugal

Gibraltar

Cruises to Spain

Be inspired

Fall in love with Lisbon

Grape expectations

The magic of Madeira

More destinations to explore

Mediterranean

Canary Islands

Northern Europe

Transatlantic Crossings