Sunlit Iberian Escape – Vigo, Lisbon & Bilbao

About this cruise

If you want the classic cruise without a massive time commitment, this is a strong option. 8 nights from Southampton on June 26, 2027, visiting Bilbao, Lisbon, Leixões (Porto) and Vigo. There's a stretch of back-to-back port days, so those days are busy, but the sea days around them give you time to recharge. The Western Mediterranean does coastal beauty and good eating in equal measure. Most ports give you about 11 hours, so you can do more than just tick off the main sights. As for the ship itself, Mariner Of The Seas takes the food seriously, with 12 restaurants to choose from. 4 are included, and the rest are worth the splurge. If you like having options (restaurants, bars, activities, entertainment), a big ship delivers that. Pro tip: fly in the day before. Southampton has plenty to offer, and you'll board relaxed instead of rushed. It's peak season, so the weather is at its best and the ship will be full. That's part of the fun. Hard to ask for much more than that, honestly.