Lifestyle cruise guide
Desire Lisbon–Morocco Cruise September 2027
The Desire Lisbon–Morocco Cruise September 2027 is a seven-night couples-only lifestyle voyage aboard Oceania Allura. Sailing round-trip from Lisbon, it combines Portugal, southern Spain, Morocco, the Canary Islands, and Madeira with luxury dining, designated clothing-optional areas, sensual theme nights, workshops, pool parties, and a private couples' playroom.
At a glance
Cruise Details
- Cruise organiser
- Desire Cruises
- Ship
- Oceania Allura
- Departure date
- September 19–26, 2027
- Departure port
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Duration
- 7 nights / 8 days
- Route
- Lisbon
- Cádiz
- Casablanca
- Santa Cruz de Tenerife
- Funchal
- Lisbon
- Experience level
- Best suited to lifestyle-aware couples; first-timers are welcome
- Age policy
- Adults only and couples only
- Guide rating
- 4.8 out of 5
- Last updated
- July 2026
The experience
Atmosphere
Intimate, refined, sensual, and strongly couples-focused. The itinerary blends culture, architecture, wine, Atlantic islands, and North African influences, while two sea days create time for the full Desire onboard programme. The smaller Oceania ship supports a more private and upscale atmosphere than a large mainstream party cruise.
Who This Cruise May Suit
- Couples wanting an intimate couples-only lifestyle cruise
- Established lifestyle couples
- Travelers interested in Portugal, Spain, Morocco, and Atlantic islands
- Guests who value smaller luxury ships and fine dining
- Couples wanting a round-trip European itinerary
- Desire Resort guests wanting a familiar atmosphere at sea
Who May Prefer Something Else
- Single travelers
- Guests seeking a large mainstream party ship
- Couples wanting the lowest possible cruise price
- Travelers uncomfortable with clothing-optional areas
- Guests wanting a conventional adults-only cruise
- Anyone who prefers a broad party atmosphere over an intimate couples focus
Why consider it
Highlights
- Seven-night round-trip sailing from Lisbon
- Ports in Portugal, Spain, Morocco, the Canary Islands, and Madeira
- Two full sea days for the onboard Desire programme
- Smaller luxury Oceania ship
- Designated clothing-optional areas
- Private couples' playroom
- Sensual workshops, seminars, shows, and theme nights
- Prestige Select beverage package included
- Internet access included
- Luxury dining and room service
Entertainment
- Sensual theme nights
- Pool parties
- Couples-focused workshops
- Seminars
- Sensual evening shows
- Hosted social activities
- Designated clothing-optional areas
- Private couples' playroom
Theme Nights
- Desire publishes sensual theme nights for each sailing
- Exact themes and dress guidance should be confirmed before packing
- Participation is optional, although many guests enjoy dressing for the evening programme
Dining
- Oceania's main dining venues
- Specialty restaurants
- Casual dining venues and cafés
- 24-hour room service
- Prestige Select beverage package
- Dietary requests may be accommodated with advance notice
Cabin Types
- French Veranda staterooms
- Veranda staterooms
- Concierge Level Veranda staterooms
- Penthouse Suites
- Oceania Suites
- Vista Suites
- Owner's Suites
Cruise fare
Usually Included
- Cruise accommodation
- Luxury dining restaurants, casual venues, and cafés
- Prestige Select beverage package
- 24-hour room service
- Internet access
- Theme nights
- Pool parties
- Workshops and seminars
- Sensual evening shows
- Access to the couples' playroom
- Standard onboard entertainment
Budget separately
Possible Extra Costs
- Flights to and from Lisbon
- Pre-cruise and post-cruise hotels
- Airport and cruise-port transfers
- Travel insurance
- Shore excursions
- Visa or entry requirements where applicable
- Port fees, taxes, document fees, gratuities, administration, and security surcharges where not included in the quoted fare
- Spa and salon treatments
- Casino spending
- Shopping and professional photographs
- Medical treatment
- Selected premium experiences or purchases not included in the final fare
- Additional personal tips
Reasons to Consider It
- Round-trip European itinerary
- Distinctive mix of Iberian, Moroccan, Canary Islands, and Madeira ports
- Two sea days for the full onboard experience
- Smaller luxury ship
- Couples-only environment
- Strong lifestyle focus
- Prestige beverage package and internet included
- High-quality dining
- Lisbon is well suited to a pre- or post-cruise city stay
Things to Consider
- Higher pricing than a comparable mainstream cruise
- Not available to single travelers
- May feel too lifestyle-focused for couples wanting only a mild adult atmosphere
- International flights add to the total trip cost
- Some port calls may feel short for larger destinations
- Entry rules should be checked carefully for Morocco and other ports
- Some advertised surcharges may sit outside the headline cabin fare
- Exact entertainment, themes, timings, and policies can change
Where it goes
Itinerary
- Day 1
Sunday, September 19: Lisbon, Portugal; embarkation
- Day 2
Monday, September 20: Cádiz, Spain
- Day 3
Tuesday, September 21: Casablanca, Morocco
- Day 4
Wednesday, September 22: Day at sea
- Day 5
Thursday, September 23: Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
- Day 6
Friday, September 24: Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
- Day 7
Saturday, September 25: Day at sea
- Day 8
Sunday, September 26: Lisbon, Portugal; disembarkation
Before embarkation
Arriving Before the Cruise
Arriving at least one day before departure reduces the risk of a delayed flight or transport problem causing you to miss the ship.
- Arriving in Lisbon at least one day before embarkation is strongly recommended
- Baixa and Chiado are convenient for central sightseeing, restaurants, and nightlife
- Avenida da Liberdade offers a broad range of upscale hotels
- Alfama suits travelers wanting a historic and atmospheric stay
- Hotels near Lisbon Airport may suit late arrivals but are less convenient for sightseeing
- A post-cruise stay can make the round-trip itinerary more relaxed
- Confirm the embarkation terminal and transfer time before booking non-refundable accommodation
Plan with confidence
Useful Guides Before You Book
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Desire Lisbon–Morocco Cruise only for couples?
Yes. Desire markets the sailing as adults-only and exclusively for couples. Single travelers are not generally accepted as cabin guests.
Is the entire ship clothing-optional?
No. Clothing-optional access applies only in designated areas. Normal cruise clothing is required in restaurants and ordinary public spaces, and local rules may affect what is permitted near ports.
Which ship is used for the Lisbon–Morocco cruise?
The September 2027 sailing is scheduled aboard Oceania Allura, a smaller luxury ship with veranda staterooms, suites, specialty dining, bars, lounges, spa facilities, and other premium features.
Is the itinerary round trip?
Yes. The published route begins and ends in Lisbon, which simplifies flight planning and makes it easy to add a hotel stay before or after the cruise.
Which countries does the cruise visit?
The published itinerary includes Portugal, Spain, and Morocco, with port calls in Lisbon, Cádiz, Casablanca, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and Funchal.
Is this cruise suitable for first-time lifestyle couples?
It can be, particularly for couples who have discussed their boundaries and are comfortable in a sensual, clothing-optional, couples-only environment. Desire is generally more intimate and lifestyle-focused than a broad adults-only party cruise.
Should we arrive in Lisbon before embarkation day?
Yes. Arriving at least one day early is strongly recommended because flight delays, baggage problems, and missed connections can prevent passengers from reaching the ship on time.
What is included in the cruise fare?
The organiser advertises luxury dining, the Prestige Select beverage package, internet access, theme nights, workshops, sensual shows, clothing-optional areas, and playroom access. Exact inclusions and surcharges can vary by booking terms, so confirm the complete final price before booking.
How much does the Desire Lisbon–Morocco cruise cost?
Fares vary by stateroom or suite category, promotion, and booking terms. Check current fares, cabin options, deposits, surcharges, and cancellation conditions directly with the organiser.
How can we check current cabin availability?
Use the organiser's current cabin and booking information to view the latest options. Availability can change by category, so confirm the exact cabin, fare, and payment terms before making travel arrangements.