Combining the best that Portugal has to offer, Titan has devised a package that includes three or four nights’ cruising, stopping at port vineyards and attractive towns, with a stay of a similar duration in a historic pousada – in this case a restored 12th century monastery – situated on the edge of a national park. And yes, the thrones on board the ship have been removed.

2. Portuscale cruise to Madeira

If you’re particularly fond of Portugal you could go the whole hog and cruise with a Portuguese company. Portuscale is luring a growing number of British guests on board and this fado cruise, visiting the island of Madeira and its satellite island Porto Santo, looks intriguing. Sailing round-trip from Portimão on the Algarve, those isles are the only ports of call on this five-night voyage but you do get extended time in each to enjoy the scenery and culture. Unspoilt Porto Santo is a treat, with miles of soft sands (a 4WD tour is an optional excursion).

Fado is the national music of Portugal and performers of this plaintive genre will be on board and there will be workshops and talks. The ship, M/v Funchal, is a rebuilt classic, full of character.

3. Noble Caledonia voyage to the Portuguese Azores

The Portuguese Azores, way out in the Atlantic between Portugal andNew York, are a regular stop for ships travelling across the Atlantic, but only the main island of Sao Miguel is visited.

There are another eight – and they are all stunning. Noble Caledonia has a small-ship voyage that not only visits most of them – including tiny, remote Corvo – but charters Sea Cloud II for the trip. A classic barque (though only 13 years old), it has 27 sails that are set by hand by the crew scrambling up the three tall masts. The interior is polished wood, brass and sumptuous fabrics; the service and dining are top-notch, too. All excursions including a trip inside a volcano on Graciosa and a guided walk around the Unesco-listed town of Angra do Heroísmo on Terceira, are included.

^{This three-mast tall ship has the look and feel of a 1930s sailing ship}

4. APT cruise on the Douro

For a cruise on the Douro, the River of Gold, APT has a classic seven-night itinerary starts in Porto and takes in castles, monasteries, vineyards, rock formations and 16th-century towns and palaces, including the one that features on the label of bottles of Mateus rosé. At the end of the cruise guests are taken to Salamanca in Spain, which boasts one of the finest squares in Europe. The ship, AmaVida, is equally appealing. Most cabins and suites have balconies and the lounges and restaurant are plush. This is not the cheapest Douro option but APT offers a high-end experience with complimentary excursions, wine with meals and treats such as private port tastings.

^{APT offers a classic seven-night itinerary for a cruise on the Duoro}

5. Cruise and Maritime’s Azores to the Algarve

Southampton is not convenient for many people, which is why it’s encouraging to find a voyage from Bristol. This Cruise & Maritime Voyages itinerary is also one of the few that calls at all three of Portugal’s key ports – Lisbon, Porto and Portimão. This ensures a good mix of famous city sights, nibbling seafood on terraces and relaxation on an Algarve beach.

Other destinations on the route include Gibraltar and handsome La Coruña but a big draw is Cadiz because the visit coincides with the vibrant Feria de Abril (April Fair) in Seville, an easy drive away. C&M’s ship is the Azores, a traditional older vessel taking 550 passengers.

^{The Azores cruise ship calls at all three of Portugal’s key ports}

In telegraph.co.uk