Lisbon has done it again. The Portuguese capital was named Europe's Best Cruise Destination at the 2026 World Cruise Awards, marking its third win in the category after previous victories in 2021 and 2024. The announcement came on Monday, 12 October, during the sixth annual ceremony held at Princess Grand Jamaica.
The city beat out a formidable lineup of European cruise hotspots, including Athens, Barcelona, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Funchal, Monte Carlo, Nice, Rome, Oslo, and Southampton. According to the Lisbon Port Authority (APL), the win reflects the dedication of everyone working in the city's cruise tourism sector, from terminal staff to tour operators, along with the warm welcome that Lisbon's residents extend to visitors. Their collective effort, the authority says, is helping cement the capital's reputation as a competitive, innovative, and sustainable destination.
This is Lisbon's third win in the category, and it continues a remarkable streak for Portugal. Since the World Cruise Awards launched in 2021, Lisbon and Madeira have shared the European destination title between them. This year, Portugal also picked up Europe's Best River Cruise Destination, while DouroAzul was named Europe's Best River Cruise Line. Madeira's Port of Funchal went one step further, taking the global award for World's Best Cruise Terminal for Sustainability.
The Lisbon Cruise Terminal also earned its sixth consecutive nomination for Europe's Best Cruise Terminal, though that honor went to Iceland's Port of Reykjavik – Vör Cruise Terminal in 2026. Still, the consistent recognition speaks to the quality of the facilities and the experience that awaits cruisers who dock in Lisbon.
For travelers, the practical takeaway is simple: Lisbon is a cruise hub that keeps raising the bar. The city's terminal sits right on the Tagus River, a short stroll from the historic Alfama district, the Time Out Market, and the iconic yellow trams that climb the hills. Whether you're starting a transatlantic voyage or hopping off for a day of pastéis de nata and fado music, the city makes a strong case for arriving early or staying on after your cruise ends.
Beyond Europe, the global awards brought more news. Abu Dhabi took the title of World's Best Cruise Destination, while Vietnam was named World's Best River Cruise Destination. Regional winners included Jamaica, the Seychelles, Mexico, and Canada's Prince Edward Island. Norwegian Cruise Line swept both the global and European awards for Best Cruise Line, and Dubai's DP World Mina Rashid was named World's Best Cruise Terminal.
Individual ships also got their moment in the spotlight. Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas won World's Best Large Cruise Ship, Sun Princess took the dining category, Disney Wish was recognized for family cruising, and Celebrity Apex earned the romance award. Utopia of the Seas received the entertainment prize, while Australis was named World's Best Expedition Cruise Line and Pandaw took World's Best River Cruise Line.
The awards are decided by votes from cruise industry professionals and the public, with a year-long voting period culminating in the ceremony. This year's event was part of World Travel Week in Jamaica, which brought together representatives from across the travel sector. If you're planning a European cruise, Lisbon's repeated wins suggest it's a destination that delivers, whether you're a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sailor. And with Portugal's river cruise offerings also earning top marks, there's never been a better time to explore the country by water.
For more on how Europe's travel landscape is shifting, check out how heatwaves are reshaping the travel map and which countries are leading the travel boom. And if you're considering a river cruise, you might want to read about recent disruptions on the Danube before booking.
