Postiguet beach and the seafront of Alicante, with Santa Barbara Castle on the hill above.
Featured Cruises to Alicante, Spain
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Alicante, Spain
Alicante is a sunny port city on Spain's Costa Blanca, the capital of its province in the Valencian Community, with more than 350,000 residents on the Mediterranean coast of southeastern Spain. It is famous for the Castle of Santa Barbara, one of the largest medieval fortresses in Spain, which crowns Mount Benacantil above the harbor, and for the Explanada de Espana, a palm-lined promenade paved with about 6.5 million marble tiles. It is also one of the driest cities in Europe, with more than 3,000 hours of sunshine a year.
Do cruise ships dock in Alicante? Yes. Ships berth at the city's cruise terminal, and Alicante ranks among Spain's most important cruise ports. How far is the cruise port from the old town? The terminal operator puts the city center about 0.6 mile (1 km) away, so the promenade, the old quarter and Postiguet Beach are within reach on foot, or by a short taxi ride from the farther berths.
Cruises to Alicante are mainly Western Mediterranean itineraries. MSC and Costa call most often, with Oceania, Holland America, Cunard, Azamara, Regent Seven Seas and Explora Journeys also visiting. Alicante is a turnaround port as well, so some cruises start or end here, mostly MSC voyages along with a few on Costa, which makes it an easy city to add a day or two of sun before or after the cruise.
Plan the castle first: the lift entrance faces Postiguet Beach, so you can ride up for the view over the harbor, then make your way down through the old quarter to the promenade, and bring sun protection whatever the season.
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Destinations for Cruises to Alicante, Spain
The following cruise destinations can be visited on a cruise that includes Alicante, Spain. Select a destination to view the upcoming cruises that are available:
Make a selection below to view the cruises available during that month in that destination.
Pricing listed above is per person, based on double occupancy in the least expensive accommodations available, is subject to change, and may not reflect the most recent pricing (as pricing gets updated throughout the day). Prices include Required Cruise Fees & Expenses, as well as Government Taxes & Fees. Prices may not reflect discounts and special promotions that you may qualify for. Go to the Category selection step of the online booking process to view the live pricing and latest offers.
Cruise Lines with Cruises to Alicante, Spain
The following cruise lines offer cruises sailing to Alicante, Spain. Select a cruise line to view the upcoming cruises that visit Alicante, Spain:
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Deluxe Cruise Lines
These cruise lines fit (quality and, usually, price-wise) somewhere in between Premium and Luxury cruise lines.
A country club casual atmosphere can be expected on these lines, as can be elegant accommodations and gourmet cuisine. These cruise lines are a great option for adults looking for a upscale, yet laid back, vacation.
Unique itineraries are often available on these cruise lines, as their small-to-mid-sized ships can visit ports of call that large ones can't get to.
The pricing on Azamara Club Cruises includes select beverages and pre-paid gratuities, while the pricing of Viking Ocean Cruises includes shore excursions and select beverages.
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Mainstream Cruise Lines
Value is a key feature of these popular cruise lines, as they offer lots of activities, entertainment and dining options, along with a variety of stateroom types. Some of the cruise lines in this category have ships with unique innovations like water slides, rock-climbing walls, ice-skating rinks, surfing simulators, bowling alleys, and boardwalks.
Their ships are usually anywhere from mid-sized to very large "mega" ships, accommodating thousands of guests. These ships give the feel of being in a large resort.
Mainstream cruise lines are a great option for just about everyone (including multi-generation families, and first-time cruisers), and typically have great youth programs.
During the cruise, entertainment may include Broadway productions, Vegas-style shows, comedians, and music. Some of these lines have select formal nights during the cruise. Specialty restaurants are becoming more and more common (some which have a cover charge for this type enhanced dining experience). Buffets are usually available throughout the day, besides room service, and the main dining room(s).
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Premium Cruise Lines
These cruise lines enhance what mainstream cruise lines typically offer, by providing their guests with higher quality service and cuisine, along with more spacious public spaces and accommodations.
Depending on the cruise line, the ships in this class range in size from small to very large.
These cruise lines appeal to a more discerning traveler, and are typically more expensive than mainstream cruise lines, but more affordable than the luxury lines.
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River Cruise Lines
Becoming more and more popular, a river cruise is an immerse and destination-focused vacation experience, on a small and luxurious vessel.
River cruises sail through the inland waterways of some of the world's most interesting vacation destinations (i.e. Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North America), and provide their guests with a greater opportunity to spend time visiting more unique ports of call than a traditional cruise typically would.
Because the destination is the star of a river cruise, (typically guided) shore excursions are included at no additional charge by many River cruise lines. There are usually many interesting lectures given during the cruise, by experts on the history and culture of the region being visited.
Among the famous rivers that one may take a river cruise on are the Rhine, Mississippi, Seine, Danube, Mekong, Nile, Yangtze, Amazon and Douro.
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Specialty Cruise Lines
These cruise lines offer a truly unique vacation experience, with a wide range of possible amenities and itineraries. Some are expedition cruise lines, others have sailing yachts or are coastal ships.
On these types of cruise lines, there's usually a focus on a specific destination or theme. Itineraries are usually very destination intensive, aided by the fact that they're able to reach many ports of call that larger ships can't.
Expedition cruise lines are a great fit for adventure-seeking travelers, featuring exciting destinations like the Galapagos Islands, Antarctica, and the Norwegian coast. During the cruise, there will usually be plenty of interesting lectures given by experts on the destination being visited. Often, shore excursions are included in the cost of the cruise. In fact, some of these cruise lines have all-inclusive pricing. There's a definite focus on the ship's surrounding scenery, as well as opportunities to view wildlife in their natural habitat. Small, but comfortable, ships are commonplace here, with anywhere from basic to very luxurious public spaces, cuisine, and accommodations (depending on the cruise line and ship).
Sailing Yachts, sail-assisted motor ships, offer a really unique vacation experience. Accommodations and cuisine on these intimate vessels can be anywhere from good to fantastic, depending on the cruise line. Destinations offered by these cruise lines may include the Caribbean, Europe, Panama Canal, Tahiti, and Costa Rica.
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Luxury Cruise Lines
When the finest cruise vacation is your top priority, this is the place to start.
On a luxury cruise line, guests experience highly personalized service, a more intimate (and usually formal) onboard experience, gourmet cuisine, well-appointed accommodations, and fantastic amenities. Many of these brands have smaller ships, allowing them to reach ports of call that the larger ships can't, which results in unique itineraries.
All of these brands feature a version of all-inclusive pricing, and some of them have ships with all-suite accommodations. Although these cruise lines are usually more expensive than the rest, they also provide their guests with so much more, resulting in a fantastic value when considering all that's included.
Azamara is a deluxe cruising experience that's geared towards discerning travelers yearning to travel, in luxury, to exotic and rare vacation destinations. On an Azamara cruise, you'll experience extremely high levels of service, gourmet cuisine, and fantastic accommodations. With a country club casual dress code and open dining format, this premium product is a fabulous choice for many travelers. Special amenities that all guests booked on an Azamara cruise benefit from include pre-paid gratuities, bottled water, soft drinks, specialty coffees, and teas. Select standard spirits, international beers, and wines are also included (available in the bars during regular opening hours, and not through room service). Guests who are booked in a suite get complimentary specialty dining, free internet, complimentary access to the Thalassotherapy pool and spa deck, and much more!
Carnival Cruise Line is one of the largest and most popular cruise lines in the world. Known for its festive yet casual atmosphere, Carnival offers a variety of on-board dining, entertainment, and activity options to suit any mood or taste. Carnival's WaterWorks is a fabulous water park found onboard many of their ships. Among the many cruise destinations offered by Carnival are Alaska, the Bahamas, Canada, the Caribbean, Europe, and Mexico.
Until you personally experience the five-star service for which Celebrity Cruises is acclaimed, you won't know what it means to be treated not simply as a passenger, but as an honored guest. Fabulous service, great food, and entertaining shows are all available onboard each Celebrity cruise ship. AquaClass accommodations, balcony staterooms with special spa amenities and access, are available on most Celebrity ships. The line also offers a state-of-the-art Spa with first-at-sea fitness programs aboard all vessels. Consistently rated as one of the best cruise lines in the world, you simply can't go wrong with Celebrity Cruises.
Costa Cruises enjoys the reputation of being Europe’s number one cruise line. This Italian company has a large fleet that sails Caribbean, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, South America, Asia, Indian Ocean, Middle East, Baltic and Russia, and Transatlantic itineraries. Spa accommodations are available on several of the newer Costa ships, and there are a wide range of things to do as you Cruise Italian Style with them.
Crystal, previously known as Crystal Cruises, is one of the world's leaders in ultra-luxury cruising. Their all-inclusive fleet includes two renovated ocean-going ships, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony. Extraordinary service, abundant space, gourmet cuisine (comparable to the finest restaurants on land), and excellent itineraries are some highlights of an unforgettable Crystal cruise. Combining the included amenities (fine wine, premium spirits, gratuities, and much more) with their exceptional accommodations and service, Crystal is a fantastic value in the luxury cruising market.
Cunard's glorious ocean liners are floating palaces of art deco splendor and Edwardian excess, surrounding guests with every comfort and luxury. They are the quintessence of luxury travel. With Cunard, the journey may be even more magnificent than the destination. There are currently four vessels in the Cunard fleet: Queen Anne, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria, and their flagship, Queen Mary 2. Regardless of which one you choose, you're going to be on a luxurious vessel with fabulous food, entertainment & service.
Founded in 2014, originally as Emerald Waterways, Emerald Cruises, is an award-winning deluxe cruise line well known for its great value and contemporary style, offering both river and yacht cruises. Included in an Emerald Cruises vacation is a wonderful selection of dining and beverage options, as well as a selection of shore excursions for when you are exploring on land. Wine, beer and soft drinks are included during lunch and dinner aboard their Star-Ships and their yacht, with complimentary tea and coffee all day long. Bottled water is provided in your room, and is replenished daily. Their onboard cuisine uses local, fresh ingredients, further immersing you into the destination being explored. WiFi is included standard and tipping is included, which are both otherwise significant expenses that you won't have to consider during your vacation.
Part of the MSC Group, Explora Journeys offers the ultimate all-inclusive luxury cruise experience, from architecture and design to technology and features. They are wellness-focused, offering a fantastic variety of experiences in each destination (both onboard and ashore). Explora Journeys offers a variety of beautiful voyages in destinations such as the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Africa & Indian Ocean, Canada & New England, and more.
Award-winning Holland America Line has been among the leaders in cruising for over 140 years. This premium cruise line has a fleet of modern yet classic ships that combine to offer over 500 cruises a year, sailing in all seven continents! While on a Holland America cruise, guests can count on world-class entertainment, a variety of onboard activities to choose from, remarkable service, tastefully appointed accommodations, and fantastic dining. Select ships have special venues such as Lincoln Center Stage, B.B. King's Blues Club, as well as gourmet restaurants like the Pinnacle Grill and Tamarind (a Pan-Asian venue that has been praised by Condé Nast Traveler as having cuisine "that rivals the top restaurants on land."). Other onboard venues include several bars and lounges (serving masterfully crafted cocktails), the Greenhouse Spa & Salon, a fitness center, swimming pools, and a casino that offers a variety of games. The Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine® magazine offers cooking demon
MSC Cruises is the world's third-largest cruise line with a strong and growing presence in North America and is committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. With 23 ships and over 250 destinations to choose from, guests can enjoy beautifully designed ships with a diverse guest mix. MSC Cruises sails year-round from Miami, Orlando (Port Canaveral), New York City, and Galveston starting November 2025. Many itineraries include late-night and overnight stays at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the only private island marine reserve in The Bahamas. For guests wanting privacy and luxury, most U.S. ships offer the MSC Yacht Club, an exclusive sanctuary at the top of the ship only accessible by key card. MSC Cruises is a great vacation choice for families, with many activities and expansive kids' clubs for kids of all ages. In April 2025, MSC Cruises' newest flagship, MSC World America, will sail from Miami to the Caribbean. Beauty and discovery await with MSC Cruises.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is proud to present Freestyle Cruising aboard one of the youngest fleets of cruise ships in the world. Enjoy open-seating dining, where you can dine whenever and with whomever you wish. Don't want to pack formal wear on your vacation? With the resort casual evening attire, you don't have to! All of the Norwegian ships feature a variety of specialty restaurants and entertainment venues. An NCL cruise is perfect for guests of all ages and includes complimentary youth programs. Their award-winning entertainment options include Broadway-style production shows, world-class acrobats, and much more. The Haven by Norwegian™, available on select ships, is an exclusive enclave for suite guests staying in NCL's most luxurious accommodations. Some Norwegian cruise ships have Studio accommodations designed and priced for solo travelers. NCL is the only major cruise line to offer year-round Hawaii cruises.
Formed in 2002 by luxury cruise industry veterans Joe Watters and Frank Del Rio, Oceania Cruises is one of the the world’s leading deluxe cruise lines. The finest cuisine at sea, award-winning itineraries and outstanding value define Oceania Cruises’ five-star product and have positioned the company as the cruise line of choice for travelers seeking a truly refined and casually elegant travel experience.
The six small to mid-size ships in Regent Seven Seas' award-winning six-star fleet include the intimate all-suite Seven Seas Navigator, the all-suite, all-balcony sister ships Mariner and Voyager, the all-suite, all-balcony Explorer and Splendor, and the recently introduced Grandeur. Regardless of which ship you choose, you're going to be on a luxurious vessel that's staffed with an ultra-attentive staff and a gourmet all-inclusive setup, in which gratuities, as well as select wines and spirits, are included.
What type of traveler is Royal Caribbean right for? All types! Royal Caribbean is popular with families, seniors, couples, honeymooners, singles, and large groups (regardless of travel experience). Why? Because there's something for everyone on a Royal Caribbean cruise. The line has one of the largest fleets in the world, consisting of some of the most beautiful and modern ships in the cruising industry. Their ships are destinations within themselves! Possibilities aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship include Broadway-style shows, casinos that will make you think you're in Las Vegas, a variety of dining venues, great programs for children, as well as (depending on the ship), innovations like surfing simulators, sky-diving simulators, rock-climbing walls, ice-skating rinks, and much more.
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours is a 5-star luxury cruise line, providing all-inclusive river and ocean journeys through Europe, Asia, Australia, and more. Scenic Luxury provides award-winning service and exceeds expectations of comfort and luxury with a small ship experience. Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours has a diverse selection of dining and beverage options, as well as a selection of shore excursions for when you want to explore land. Wine, beer and soft drinks are included aboard their Space-Ships. Bottled water is provided in your room, and is replenished daily. Their onboard cuisine uses local, fresh ingredients, further immersing you into the destination being explored. WiFi and tipping is included, which are both otherwise significant expenses that you won't have to consider during your vacation.
Silversea's all-inclusive ultra-luxury vacations appeal to discriminating travelers accustomed to plush accommodations and attentive, individualized service. Distinguished by its award-winning, all-suite ships and impeccable service, Silversea's all-inclusive fares include round-trip airfare (from select gateways), a pre-cruise deluxe hotel stay, all beverages including select wines and spirits, gratuities, transfers, and a special shoreside event, The Silversea Experience, on select sailings.
Discover a new age of sailing, where the romantic traditions of the past are combined with the modern comforts and amenities of the present. Star Clippers' tall ships are perfect for cruising in casual elegance. On board you will enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, friendly crew, and international cuisine, all in pampered comfort. If you're a boating enthusiast, you can lend a hand hoisting the sails, learn to climb the mast, tie marine knots, or just lay back and let the crew do all the work.
Designed to combine the luxury lifestyle of The Ritz-Carlton® and the untethered freedom of a yachting vacation, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offers all-inclusive voyages onboard custom-built yachts. Their cruises range from 3 to 13 nights and more, offering many overnight calls and uniquely curated experiences ashore at distinguished destinations. As with The Ritz-Carlton® on land, each yacht features personalized service, elevated dining, and luxury amenities. All of this is delivered in an intimate setting, with a heightened level of care and attention.
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Things to do in Alicante, Spain
From the castle on Mount Benacantil to the marble promenade below it, here are the best things to do in Alicante on a cruise day:
♦ Castle of Santa Barbara
One of the largest medieval fortresses in Spain sits atop Mount Benacantil, 545 feet (166 m) above the city. You can walk up or ride the lift, whose entrance is on the avenue opposite Postiguet Beach, and the battlements look out over the harbor, the old town and the coast. It is the single best view in Alicante and the natural first stop.
♦ Explanada de Espana
Alicante's signature promenade runs along the harbor under rows of palm trees. Its pavement of about 6.5 million marble tiles is laid in a wave pattern, and cafes and shaded benches line the way. It follows the waterfront toward the old town, a natural first stroll from the ship.
♦ The Old Town and Basilica of Santa Maria
The lanes of the old quarter climb the slope toward the castle hill. The Basilica of Santa Maria, built mostly between the 14th and 16th centuries in the Gothic style on the site of a former mosque, is the landmark church here, and the Co-Cathedral of St. Nicholas, the bishop's seat, stands nearby.
♦ MARQ Archaeological Museum
The provincial archaeology museum traces the region's story from about 100,000 years ago to the early 20th century, with Iberian, Roman and medieval collections. Named European Museum of the Year in 2004, it is a strong choice for travelers who want history indoors.
♦ Postiguet Beach and Tabarca Island
Postiguet is the sandy city beach at the foot of the castle hill, steps from the old town and the easiest swim of the day. With more time, ferries run from Alicante to Tabarca, a small walled island about 9 miles (15 km) to the south whose surrounding waters became Spain's first marine reserve in 1986.
Average Monthly Weather for Alicante, Spain
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Average monthly high and low temperatures. Values are in Fahrenheit (switch to Celsius):
The information above is provided for informational purposes only. Monthly statistics are based on the most recent instance of that month. Weather is subject to change and cannot be guaranteed. The data is provided by a third-party and we accept no liability regarding its accuracy.
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