Are You Ready To Discover Spain?

The countdown is on! It’s time to start planning all those little details that will make our OUTbound Spanish Treasures Cruise even more amazing! Below are a few things to help you make the most of our vacation together. As always, if you have any questions that we haven’t covered, or have a special request, hit us up… either by phone at 916.683.1000 or email us at info@iamOUTbound.com.

Let’s get started!

Cruise Vacation Guide

Your Cruise Vacation Guide

Your Cruise Vacation Guide is your resource for our upcoming OUTbound cruise from Lisbon to Barcelona. Click on the link below to download your copy and to start getting ready already!

Spanish Treasures Cruise Vacation Guide

Flights

Flight Ideas

Since our Spanish Treasures Cruise leaves from Lisbon and ends in Barcelona, flights can be a little tricky. Many OUTbounders are booking a ‘Multi-City’ ticket when looking for flights. The ‘Multi-City’ option can be found on most airline’s websites where you would choose between a one-way or round trip flight or under the ‘Advanced Search’ link. With the ‘Multi-City’ option, you’ll be able to enter your departure airport, arrival in Lisbon (LIS) and then a departure from Barcelona (BCN) back to your original airport. The multi-city option will often be cheaper than purchasing two one-way tickets separately.

The airline you choose is completely up to you. While flights are not included, we’re always happy to help narrow down the best flight options with you. Simply give us a call or send us an email, letting us know where you’ll be flying from, if you have a preferred airline (based on frequent flyer miles or credit card points), and what class of service you typically like to book.

For your return flights home, we DO NOT recommend any flights departing before 12:00pm on Sunday, September 6th. Although we are scheduled to begin disembarking at approximately 7:00am, the airport is about 30mins from the dock, and with most international flights you’ll need to check your bags at the airline counter, get through security and immigration, and still make your way to the gate in time to board..

Boarding Our Ship

Getting to the Ship

Our ship will be docked at the Lisbon Cruise Port – Jardim do Tabaco Quay.

The exact address of the Lisbon Cruise Port is Av. Infante Dom Henrique Armazém B, Loja 8, 1900-264 Lisboa, Portugal.

The Lisbon Santa Apolónia Cruise Terminal complex is fairly small, with just over 10 different dock locations for cruise ships, passenger ferries and cargo ships. As we get a little closer to our sail date, our ship, the Azamara Quest, will be assigned a specific dock. We’ll update this section with the most current dock location once that has been assigned.

There are a number of ways to reach the Lisbon Passenger Terminal of Santa Apolónia.

By Taxi or Uber: Taxis or Ubers from the Lisbon International Airport to the Lisbon Passenger Terminal typically take about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic, and will cost between €30 and €35.

Remember, your transfers from our host hotel to our ship on Sunday are included with your Pre-Cruise Package.

Boarding

Boarding officially begins at 2:00pm local time on Sunday, August 30, 2026, but you are free to arrive at our ship at any time after 12:00pm, drop your luggage with one of the many porters, head through a quick security checkpoint, and then relax with some light refreshments in the dock facility until pre-boarding begins. Once pre-boarding opens, you’ll be able to register at one of the many gate agent counters, board the ship and participate in a quick muster station and security information session, and then begin exploring the gorgeous Azamara Quest.

The Windows Café on Deck 9 will be open to grab a bite and start getting to know your fellow OUTbounders!

Lisbon Host Hotel

Our Hotel In Lisbon

For those of you who are getting an early start and arriving early in Lisbon, we have you covered with our incredible host hotel, the Hyatt Regency Lisboa. A stylish, contemporary hotel in a great location that is only a quick a 15-minute taxi or Uber ride from Lisbon’s Old Towne and the gay bars in the Bairro Alto District, the gay neighborhood of Lisbon. The Hyatt Regency offers bright, comfortable rooms with air conditioning and a generous breakfast buffet that will set you up for a day exploring Lisbon. Here’s a link to all of our host hotel options… Lisbon Host Hotel

Hyatt Regency Lisboa Address: R. da Junqueira 65, 1300-343 Lisboa, Portugal

Getting To Our Hotel

By Car
The Hyatt Regency Lisboa Hotel is about 20 to 25 minutes from the Lisbon airport by either taxi or Uber.

Lisbon Tour Options

LGBTQ+ Tours of Lisbon

On Thursday, Friday and Saturday you can start exploring with our OUTbound optional tours of Lisbon. OUTbound has partnered with a local LGBTQ+ tour agency to design a different kind of Lisbon holiday for our community, oﬀering a uniquely rainbow experience in Portugal’s capital city. Thanks to our LGBTQ+ tour experts and their knowledge, our OUTbounders will get a personal, up close tour of some of Lisbon’s best-known sights. Start exploring all the things you want to see on a standard tour, but with an emphasis on its LGBTQ+ history just for us! Here’s a link to all of our tour options in and around Lisbon… LGBTQ+ Lisbon Tours

Barcelona Hotel Options

Barcelona Hotels

We won’t have a formal post-cruise host hotel in Barcelona after we disembark this summer.

Instead, we have a few fantastic hotel suggestions for our OUTbounders who are spending a few more days in Barcelona after the end of our Spanish Treasures cruise.

All of our suggested hotels are close to the main gay area of Barcelona, called the Gaixample, in the Eixample district. This is where you’ll find tons of LGBTQ bars, clubs, cafés, restaurants and shops to explore. It’s an entire gay village, and the best part is that it’s only about 10 minutes from where our ship docks.

Here is a list of some of our favorite Barcelona hotels. Just click on any of the hotels listed below for more information about each property and make your reservation directly with the hotel…

Claris Hotel & Spa, SLH Hotel

Olivia Balmes Hotel Trabajo

Hotel Center Gran Via

H10 Casanova

These are all great hotels right in the gay district… all within easy walking distance to the best shops, restaurants and clubs in Barcelona!

Theme Nights

Theme Nights & Parties

Nothing makes an OUTbound event more fun than our THEME NIGHTS! This is your chance to express yourself with a fun t-shirt, wild wig or full blown costume. Feel free to show us what you’ve got! As always with OUTbound, you are welcome to participate as much or as little as you like, it’s up to you!

Here are your OUTbound Spanish Treasures Cruise Theme Nights!

Light up our first night onboard at our Neon Lights Party! From electric pink and highlighter yellow to glowing green and orbit orange, this theme is all about bright colors, big energy, and looks that shine long after sunset. Go full glow-stick fantasy or just add a pop of neon, this is your chance to turn heads and light up the dance floor!

Slip (or sip!) into something light, bright, and ready for the afternoon golden hour on the Pool Deck because this afternoon is all about easy summer style. Our afternoon Sundresses and Sangria deck party is all about breezy looks and warm-weather charm, with just the right splash of color and flair. Whether you go casual and cute or dress it up a bit, this night is made for feeling relaxed, radiant, and ready for fun!

Blue & White Night is an OUTbound favorite for a reason. Inspired by the signature colors of OUTbound and the timeless shades of the Mediterranean, this theme is all about crisp whites, bold blues, and effortless vacation style. You can keep it simple and chic or go all out with a look that turns heads, this is one of those nights that always feels fresh, polished, and unmistakably OUTbound.

Turn up the passion for Flamenco Red Night, a theme inspired by bold color, dramatic style, and the unmistakable energy of Spain. Come dressed in your favorite shades of red, from sleek and sultry to bright and fiery. Whether you add a little flair or go full drama, this is your night to make an entrance.

Get cozy and come dressed for the most fab sleepover at sea for our final night onboard. Whether you prefer classic pajama sets, silky sleepwear, fluffy robes, or playful bedtime looks, Slumber Soirée is all about comfort with a stylish twist. Slip into something cute, comfy, and perfect for a laid-back last night with your OUTbound Family!

Travel Tips

Take A Picture!

Before heading out on a big trip, most travelers focus on packing the right clothes, confirming reservations, and making sure your passports are in hand. But seasoned OUTbounders know there’s another small step that can make a big difference in a pinch… snapping a few key photos before you leave home.

These quick snapshots take less than two minutes to capture but can save hours of stress if luggage gets lost, travel apps glitch, or important documents go missing.

Passport
A clear photo of the main passport page can make it faster to get a replacement at an embassy or consulate if your passport is lost. It’s best to keep this image in a secure, password-protected file or cloud app.

Prescription Medications & Labels
OUTbounders who take medication should take a picture of both your pills and the prescription labels. If your medications get lost or you run out, having the generic drug name on hand can make it much easier to refill while traveling.

Boarding Pass & Travel Documents
Travel apps sometimes glitch, and wifi isn’t always reliable at the airport. A screenshot of your boarding pass ensures it’s available offline when needed. The same goes for any hotel confirmations, train tickets, or tour reservations booked outside of your OUTbound trip.

Luggage Contents
Snapping a photo of everything packed in your suitcase before zipping it shut can be invaluable if your bags are delayed or lost. Airlines and insurance companies often ask for detailed lists of contents when processing a claim. A quick image can serve as proof of what was inside your bags and speed up any claims you might need to make.

As we all know, travel can be unpredictable, but your smartphone camera (something that’s already in your pocket and doesn’t require any extra cost) offers one of the easiest safeguards. Taking a few extra photos before you depart is a small habit that can prevent big headaches… and help you stay calm when plans don’t go exactly as expected.

Tipping

Tipping Our Hosts

Tips for our onboard ship staff are included with your OUTbound vacation to Portugal and Spain.

Tips for our tour guides in Lisbon or for any of the shore excursions from our ship during the cruise are not included and are optional. At the end of each day’s guided tour, you’ll have the chance to tip our guide and driver whatever you feel your experience was worth.

If you feel that any individual in particular, either onboard our ship or during one of your tours, has gone above and beyond in making your experience something extra special, we encourage you to reach out to them directly and let them know how much you appreciated their service during our time together.

Currency

What Money Should You Bring?

Portugal & Spain

Portugal and Spain are both members of the European Union and two of the countries that use the Euro (abbreviated €) as their national currency. That means you will be able to use Euros in Lisbon and almost every other city we visit during our cruise.

United Kingdom

Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory on Spain’s south coast. Gibraltar’s official currency is the Gibraltar Pound (GIP) and is pegged to the United Kingdom’s Pound Sterling (abbreviated £). The Gibraltar Pound and the Pound Sterling is accepted everywhere, while Euros are only accepted in some places.

You can also use your credit or debit card as well throughout our trip, as credit cards are widely accepted everywhere in each of the countries we will visit. However, remember that there will be additional bank charges upon usage and even a foreign transaction fee in some cases, depending on your bank.

Visa Requirements

Will I need a Visa to enter the EU?

No! Americans who are planning to visit Europe with us this summer will not have to worry about applying for the European Union’s new travel authorization system.

US Citizens do not need a Visa to enter the EU.

For almost a decade now, European Union authorities have been working on a visa-like system called the European Travel Information and Authorization System. After several years of delays, the new system has now been pushed back until late 2026 because its entry/exit database still isn’t ready.

That means US Citizens will not need a Visa to join us in Portugal and Spain!

For all of the latest ETIAS information, visit the official European Union Travel website HERE.

EU Entry and Exit System (EES)
As of October 12, 2025, US citizens will need to go through the EU’s new Entry and Exit System when traveling to 29 European countries. This applies to any visits lasting up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Your fingerprints, facial image, passport details, and entry and exit dates will be collected upon entry to an EES country and stored digitally. You do not need to pay a fee to enter the Schengen Area or the EU. The new system will be introduced gradually, and no advanced action is required.

There is no online application, advanced registration, or fee required for the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES). It is a biometric border control system that replaces traditional passport stamping. You will complete your EES registration in-person at a self-service kiosk or border desk the first time you enter a Schengen Area country.

Travel to Europe Mobile App (EES)
The Travel to Europe mobile application is now available, allowing pre-registration of travel information prior to arrival in Portugal. The app allows non-EU travelers to pre-register their passport data for the Entry/Exit System (EES) before reaching a border crossing point.

Non-EU nationals can use the app to pre-register their data up to 72 hours prior to entering or leaving a European country.

The app is voluntary and does not replace border checks but makes border crossing more efficient. Use of the application is optional and free of charge, and it is available on the App Store and Google Play. You can get more information about the EES Mobile App by clicking HERE

Will I need a Visa for Gibraltar?

NO. You will NOT need the UK Electronic Travel Authorization app.

Since Gibraltar is an overseas territory of the UK, you will NOT need a Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).

Power Outlets

What Power Converters Will I Need?

Our ship, the Azamara Quest, has two (2) EU 220v Type C outlets and two (2) US 110v Standard outlets in each stateroom. Feel free to bring a USB adapter with multiple outlets so that you can charge several of your devices at once.

If you are joining us early in Lisbon, you’ll need a Type C adapter for use at our hotel as it has the standard EU power outlets.

The Type C is the plug which has two round pins, like this…

You can also find a ton of options on Amazon or other retailers that will include USB ports for charging your phone, tablet and other devices all at the same time.

Keep in mind that the United Kingdom (UK) uses different power outlets than the EU, so the Type C adapter will not work if you are visiting England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland during your trip.

Travel Insurance

If we’ve learned anything over these last couple of years, it’s that the world can be an uncertain place at times. While you’re never required to buy travel insurance, it’s a good idea and we recommend all OUTbounders consider protecting your hard-earned vacation money. The price of your coverage will depend on a few factors, including the cost of the trip, what state you live in, how long before the trip departs, and if you have any pre-existing or underlying health conditions, to name a few.

Some reasons why you might buy travel insurance include:

Cancel for Any Reason
Unexpected Work Requirements
Personal or Family Illness

OUTbound does not provide travel insurance. However, we always recommend using a third-party insurance carrier to provide your coverage.

Get Ready Spanish Treasures