CHRISTMAS IN PORTUGAL
The 6 best christmas cruises in Portugal you can book this season, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is first for a reason; start there.
Join Catamaran Seaborn at Funchal Marina at 11:00 PM for a 90-minute New Year cruise. You’ll pass Madeira’s Christmas lights, return to the bay for the midnight fireworks, and toast with champagne and Madeira wine. The boat is not wheelchair accessible, and warm clothing is essential.
“Absolutely brilliant, great crew. Lovely atmosphere everyone was out to have a good time.”
Board Marlin Boat Tours at Doca de Alcântara at 11 pm for a two-hour New Year’s Eve cruise on the Tagus. You’ll see Praça do Comércio, the 25 April Bridge, and Lisbon’s lit skyline, then toast midnight with sparkling wine and raisins. Beer, wine, and sangria are included, but dinner is not.
“I would definitely recommend this. We all thought we'd like it but seeing the fireworks from the water with the city in the background was spectacular. The crew on the boat were attentive such as handing out blankets and always checking on us. The boat was very nice and was a great experience all around.”
Join Bloo Boat Charter for a three-hour New Year’s Eve sail from Doca do Bom Sucesso. You’ll pass Belém landmarks, the 25 de Abril Bridge, Commerce Square, Alfama, and Christ the King before watching fireworks from the Tagus. Wine, sparkling wine, raisins, and bolo rei are included. Warm clothing is essential.
“Było super, niezapomniane wspomnienia, poza mnóstwem widoków i opowiadaniem przez załogę co widzimy dostaliśmy również rodzynki, ciasto królewskie i 1 butelkę wina musującego na rezerwację. Sam pokaz niezapomniany, polecam serdecznie.”
Set sail from Alcântara aboard a two-hour New Year’s Eve cruise with Marlin Tours. You’ll pass illuminated Lisbon landmarks, enjoy beer, wine, and sangria, then toast midnight with sparkling wine and raisins near Commerce Square. The boat has indoor and outdoor areas, but bring warm clothing for the windy river.
“Highlight of our trip. They took us to the perfect up close viewing of the fireworks which lasted a solid 10 minutes. The staff was very welcoming, ensuring we had a good time - plenty of beer and wine plus snacks. The catamaran had inside and outside areas, which we tried to huddle where it was warm due to unusually cold night. Meet up location was easy to find and well organized. Champagne and raisins distributed at midnight. Checked in at 10, boarded 10:30, disembarked at 11, and returned at 1am.”
Board a comfortable sailboat in Lisbon at 11 PM for a two-hour Tagus River cruise. With up to 10 people, you pass the 25 de Abril Bridge, Christ the King, Ribeira Market, and other landmarks before stopping near Commerce Square for midnight fireworks and sparkling wine. English and Portuguese hosts lead the evening.
“Tolle crew. Wasser. Wein. Champagner. Sightseeingtour zunächst. Danach mittendrin. Drohnenshow und grosses Feuerwerk. Anders als in der Beschreibung gab es auch reichlich zu essen. Wir hatten leider zuvor bereits ein grosses Dinner gehabt. WC an Bord und Decken. Trotzdem warm anziehen. Wir hatten einen fantastischen Jahreswechsel. Herzlichen Dank!”
Spend about two hours on the Tagus aboard a small catamaran, with room for up to 18 people. You’ll pass Belém Tower, Cristo Rei, the Discoveries Monument, the 25th of April Bridge, and Commerce Square while Christmas music plays. Portuguese Christmas cake and local liquor are included. Miguel may be among the crew, though staffing can vary.
“Great Christmas Day boat ride on the Tagus! Everyone was so friendly and it was beautiful and smooth and not cold at all. The best crew and their English was amazing. Miguel was an absolute delight and made it a fantastic day!”
Pick a market, a light show or a sleigh.
