Gibraltar: when your ship stops here
A rock above the sea with wild monkeys on top, a castle tower from 1160, and a runway across the main road.
Facts checked Nov 6, 2026, each with its source. No prices on this page.
Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory near the southern tip of Spain, where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic. It covers 6.8 square km (2.6 square miles) and is dominated by the Rock of Gibraltar, with the town at its foot. Wikipedia says it is a popular port for cruise ships. Our sources do not say how far the cruise terminal is from the center, so ask on board how you will get into town.
Source: Wikipedia: Gibraltar
Top 3 things to do
1. The Upper Rock Nature Reserve
Most of the upper area of the Rock is a nature reserve. It is home to around 230 Barbary macaques, the famous "apes" of Gibraltar, which are really monkeys and the only wild monkeys found in Europe. Over 500 kinds of flowering plants grow on the Rock.
Tip: Wild animals should be left alone. Our sources give no ride or opening details, so ask on board.
Source: Wikipedia: Gibraltar
2. The Moorish Castle
In 1160 the Almohad Sultan ordered a permanent settlement with a castle, called Medinat al-Fath, the City of the Victory. The Tower of Homage of the Moorish Castle still stands.
Tip: Our sources give no opening hours or distance from the terminal.
Source: Wikipedia: Gibraltar
3. The airport runway and the town below the Rock
The runway of Gibraltar International Airport crosses Winston Churchill Avenue, so movable barricades close the road when aircraft land or take off. The terminal is within walking distance of much of the town, which Wikipedia also calls a popular shopping destination.
Tip: Watch for the barricades and the signals before you cross.
Source: Wikipedia: Gibraltar
What to skip
Crossing into Spain on a short call
Wikipedia says motorists and pedestrians crossing the border with Spain are occasionally subjected to very long delays. On a short call it is safer to stay on the Rock and keep your return time in view.
Source: Wikipedia: Gibraltar
Before you go ashore
You do not have to book a tour: you are free to go ashore on your own. Royal Caribbean sets the all aboard time about 30 minutes before the ship sails, posts it near the gangway, and says the ship does not wait for guests touring on their own.
Source: Royal Caribbean FAQ: Do I need to book a shore excursion?
Back-to-backs that stop in Gibraltar
Back-to-back cruises from these home ports have a stop in Gibraltar, from the Royal Caribbean sailings we track:
- Back-to-back cruises from Barcelona 3 back-to-backs with a stop in Gibraltar
Sources
Find back-to-backs that stop in Gibraltar
Two or more Royal Caribbean cruises in a row, with a day in Gibraltar on the way.
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