Europe sailings aboard Mariner of the Seas open doors to Spain, Portugal and Norwegian fjords

Cruise enthusiasts and world travellers have a fresh opportunity this year as the ship Mariner of the Seas kicks off its Europe sailings. The itinerary features top destinations in Spain and Portugal, and ventures into Northern Europe including the fjords of Norway. All this from Southampton, England, giving travellers a convenient gateway from the UK.

Broad itinerary options for global tourists

The Europe sailings include a variety of choices to suit different traveller styles. Weekend getaways from Southampton can deliver French city stops like Paris (via Le Havre) or Belgium’s Bruges/Zeebrugge. There are also seven-night Norwegian fjords cruises, eight-night northern city escapes, and voyages lasting seven to nine nights focusing on Spain and Portugal. These options mean you can pick a pace that fits your time and budget.

Spain and Portugal highlight: rich culture, coastal charm

For lovers of historic cities and sun-drenched landscapes the Spain and Portugal legs are especially attractive. One port making its debut is Porto in Portugal. This city ride promises views from the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge and trips to port wine cellars. Notably, Porto has been recognised as Europe’s Leading City Destination for 2025 by the World Travel Awards. Another stop is Lisbon, Portugal’s capital, a coastal city full of charm and easily paired with a cruise.
Spain also features strongly — the chance to explore vibrant Spanish ports plus Portugal’s coast gives a rich Mediterranean flavour.

Northern Europe: the fjords and city gems

On the Northern Europe side, the itinerary takes you into the majestic Norwegian fjords over a seven-night sailing. For city lovers the eight-night northern city escapes include stops like Copenhagen in Denmark. Copenhagen has again been crowned Europe’s Leading Cruise Port for 2025 by the World Travel Awards. From cruise terminals to cultural attractions the Danish capital delivers a standout experience for global tourists.

Why travellers should consider this cruise

This sailing season offers multiple benefits for the global traveller:

• Departure from Southampton makes UK access easy.
• Multiple duration options let you choose short trips or longer voyages.
• The mix of Spain, Portugal and Northern Europe means you can cover coastlines, historic cities and scenic nature in one trip.
• The inclusion of award-winning destinations like Porto and Copenhagen adds prestige and travel-friendliness.
• Great fit for different travel styles: couples, families, first-time cruisers or seasoned travellers.

Travel tips for smooth sailing

• Book early to secure shore-excursions in popular ports like Porto and Copenhagen.
• Consider the season: Northern Europe legs may have different weather than Spain and Portugal.
• Check visa and cruise-port entry requirements from your home country.
• Pack a mix of layers (for Nordic stops) and warm wear (for Mediterranean warmth).
• Don’t miss local culture: in Porto sample the wine, in Lisbon wander historic quarters, in Copenhagen use the city’s efficient transport.

A travel-friendly highlight of 2025

For anyone planning a cruise adventure in 2025 the Mariner of the Seas Europe sailings stand out as a smart, travel-friendly option. They deliver a mix of culture, coast and scenic nature across some of Europe’s most celebrated destinations. Whether your interest is sipping port wine on the Douro riverbank, wandering Lisbon’s hills, or cruising through Norwegian fjords at dawn, this one itinerary spans very different experiences. And all of it with the ease of departure from Southampton.

For global tourists seeking a memorable European sea journey, this sailing season offers both breadth and depth in one package. With award-winning destinations in the mix, you’ll not just visit Europe—you’ll experience it.

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Visit Almourol Castle: Portugal’s Stunning Templar Fortress on the Tagus River

Situated on an islet in the Tagus River, Almourol Castle is one of the most beautiful and historically important landmarks in Portugal. The castle is located in the center of Portugal, between Entroncamento and Abrantes, and is an impressive fortress, rising 18 meters above the water. Its strategic location and spectacular views have captured the imagination of many, and it continues to be one of the most popular sites in the country.

Almourol Castle is a medieval castle which was built by the Knights Templar. It is famous for its Templar history as well as its deep connections to the Roman Empire. Almourol Castle is only accessible by boat which adds to its charm as a point of interest. The spectacular combination of history, architecture, and natural beauty makes it an ideal site to visit.

A Journey to Almourol Castle: Boat Trips and Panoramic Views

The Almourol Castle is situated on an islet and hence, its visitors need to do a boat trip on the Tagus River before accessing the centre of the castle from the island. The Tagus offers an adjunct to the boating adventure by providing amazing scenery of the river, the banks, and the castle. At four euros and a little portion of, time tourists get priceless, scenic pleasure boat rides to islands with castles.

The castle is a monument to history and the ride on the boat that pays a river protects him from a distance offers an additional opportunity to relish its glory. For all day, the boat trip an experience that trumps all sense of endless admiration. What makes the castle so beautiful is its isolation and the position, plus the surrounding nature with the river makes the importance of the island cove. The place invokes tenderness.

The Historical Importance of Almourol Castle

The Knights Templar have helped shaped Portuguese history and, importantly, Almourol Castle is something of a monument to that association. It was built as a medieval defensive outpost during the ruthless reconquest of the Iberian peninsular from the Moors. The Templars kept and defended the castle as part of their critical efforts of region and frontier Christianity expansion.

Almourol Castle is also notable for the fact that it, and its history, traces even further back to the Roman Empire. The island was deeply and heavily settled. Roman usage of the island included something as elaborate as fortifications, and complicated as portage of vessels of trade, enriching the area Almourol Castle is located within. With both Roman, and Templar influences, Almourol Castle affords enthusiasts of history to fascinate themselves with the complex, and layered, history of Almourol and Portugal.

The castle was a vital defensive point during the middle ages. Its strategic position on the Tagus made it defensive territory by river, and its sheer, castle walls offered the, to fortress them and defend their high vantages.

Architectural Design and Legacy of the Templar Order

Almourol Castle embodies its medieval roots through its architecture, most notably the embodiment of medieval architecture in the the solid stone walls, lofty towers, and the fortification of the castle which has stood the test of time. The fortification of the castle is interesting in itself, but the castle walls with thin window slits and battlements offer insight into the skills of architecture and construction of the Templars that built the castle.

The single most important feature of the castle is the central defensive keep. The central keep served dually as a defensive stronghold and as a dwelling of the knights which occupied the seignory. The central keep is encased within a set of walls, a gate, and protective towers which offer the idea that the walls and keep do not serve as a final line of defense. In modern times, remnants of a medieval military castle present a faint idea of the strategy deployed in the construction of the castle.

Countless reminders of the Templar Order’s architecture and symbols of the knights are present within the castle, attesting to the the mark the Templars left on the castle. People are able to wander the grounds, discover the Templar’s impact on the history of the castle and visualize the life of the knights and their dominion.

Tourism and Accessibility to Almourol Castle

Both Entroncamento and Abrantes town centers enable easy access to Almourol Castle thanks to their multiple and varied transport systems. Castle-bound ferries dock at both riverside camps which are roughly equidistant from the town. By far the most rewarding part of the castle visit is the inclusive sightseeing walk which reveals the breathtaking beauty of the Takus’ tributaries.

Because the castle is on an island and has basic service facilities, visitors are encouraged to come equipped with sufficient water and sturdy shoes for their short walk on the island. Losing out on such episodes of history combined with stunning island surroundings, should be avoided whenever central Portugal is on your travel itinerary.

A Site of Cultural and Natural Beauty

To visitors’ great pleasure, Almourol Castle is fully surrounded by rich nature, adding to its history. Visitors are welcomed by lush and dense greenery, adding to the serenity provided by the Tagus, which gracefully embraces the castle and its surroundings.

Almourol’s Castle visitors are welcome to several neighboring historical and natural parks within the region. The castle is situated within the core of some of Portugal’s most treasured natural geographies which allows visitors to hike, watch birds or otherwise marvel at the Portugal countryside.

Conclusion: One of the most fascinating historical experiences to have in Portugal

Almourol Castle is a fascinating and overwhelming site for visitors keen to engage and appreciate Portugal’s medieval history and rich heritage. Almourol is usually reached through Tagus River which heighens the surreal anomolous character the castle portrays in comparison to the surroundings. The historical importance and the architectural stature of Almourol turns it to the most captivating of the lot to eastern Portugal. Almourol Castle never disappoints visitors and leaves a lasting tendancy, especially to those keen on the Templar legacy, the Roman history, and captivating sights.

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