tourist cruise terminal

Your browser is not supported for this experience. We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.

Find Your Favorite Beach

Atlantic Coast

Beach Camping

Family-Friendly

Places to stay.

Campgrounds

Travel Ideas

Accessible Travel

Eco-Friendly Travel

African American Heritage Travel

More Travel Ideas

Florida Webcams

Toll Roads Info

Travel Guides

What to do before or after your cruise from port canaveral.

By Janet K. Keeler

The act of “blasting off” is certainly an apt way to describe the action of Florida’s Space Coast, home to the Kennedy Space Center .

But Port Canaveral Cruise Por t is also taking off. Last year, nearly 7 million cruisers boarded one of the 13 ships that set sail from Port Canaveral. A fourth terminal is being built to accommodate even more travelers.

Port Canaveral is the closest of Florida’s seven cruise ports to the Orlando theme parks, including Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. That means travelers can fly into Orlando International Airport , spend a couple days in the parks, then head over to Port Canaveral, about an hour away. In fact, Disney is banking on that and has theme-park-and-cruise packages with transportation included to shuttle vacationers to its ships homeported at Port Canaveral.

Besides the theme parks, there is a variety of things to do around Port Canaveral either before or after a cruise. A novelty for many visitors is riding bikes on the hard-packed sand of Brevard County. There are loads of places in Cocoa Beach to rent bicycles by the hour and hit the sand, among them Beach Bums , A1A Beach Rentals and Village Cycle Shoppe .

Many of the bike shops also have kayaks, paddleboards plus fishing and beach gear. And surfing? They hang 10 along the Space Coast and you might want to book a lesson which usually comes with board rental. The Cocoa Beach Surf School caters to families and kids. Sebastian Inlet State Park is the epicenter of Florida competitive surfing and finding a place to watch the surfers ride the waves is a cool thing-to-do near Port Canaveral Cruise Port if you’re not ready to go all cowabunga.

Port Canaveral is near lots of small cities that have their own flavor. You could head over to the historic downtown of Melbourne and browse the unique shops then stop into Meg O’Malley’s for some serious Irish grub. Drive south to Indialantic and visit the Sea Turtle Preservation Society . North of the cruise port is Titusville and Dixie Crossroads restaurant, a favorite local spot that serves shrimp, shrimp and more shrimp and other seafood landed at the docks just miles away.

If you don’t have a car and depending on where you are staying for your extended vacation, the Brevard bus and trolley system could get you where you want to go. Tickets cost about $1.50 per ride, less if you qualify for a reduced fare or buy a multi-ride pass.

Here are four more things to do before or after a cruise from Port Canaveral.

- Merge Studios

The Space of the Space Coast

For more than 50 years, Brevard County has been the center of America’s space program and there’s no better place to experience the history than the Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex . The visitors complex is every bit as much of a theme park as the ones in Orlando except there’s no roller coaster—yet. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t lots of thrills. The Rocket Garden gets you up close to some of the towering vessels that explored space, including the Mercury-Atlas which launched John Glenn’s historic mission to orbit the Earth in 1962. Like the brochure says, you really do feel like you’re walking among giants, literally and figuratively. Visitors have opportunities to meet astronauts in person. There is a shuttle simulation ride that punctuates both the excitement and danger of space travel, and astronaut training simulators , too. Don’t forget that the visitor center is part of the working space center. Look at the schedule in advance and you might be able to hear a bonafide countdown and watch a launch. You can also watch launches for free almost anywhere in the county. The beaches will be lined with folks and their binoculars.

- Lauren Tjaden

The Natural World on Display

Just north of the cruise port is the Canaveral National Seashore , the longest stretch of undeveloped Atlantic coastline. With so much development all around, the national seashore offers a respite to the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The visitors center in New Smyrna Beach provides the history of the area and more information on things-to-do. There are 24 miles of beach and since this is Florida’s East Coast, the sunrise is a big draw. The park opens at 6 a.m. so you can get there in time for the daily sun show. The beach is also a nesting ground for protected marine turtles so you’ll need to tread lightly. Two-thirds of the park is Mosquito Lagoon , a favorite place for kayakers. Nearby is the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge , a favorite spot for birders—there are 350 species in the refuge—and photographers (keep that smartphone charged!). Even without a fancy camera you can capture photos of bald eagles and egrets. Merritt’s bird population swells from November to April as migratory birds take to the Atlantic Flyway.

- Florida Travel

The Zoo the Locals Love

The Brevard Zoo in Melbourne holds a special place in the hearts of many people who grew up on the Space Coast. They remember birthday parties, summer camps and feeding the giraffes especially. Giving nibbles to the lorikeets might come in a close second. If you’ve got young children in tow, the zoo is a wonderful spot to entertain them for at least a half a day—just remember that the giraffes take a rest on Tuesday and Thursday mornings so if you have your heart set on feeding them, plan accordingly. There are 900 animals from all around the world at the zoo, and the adventurers among you might want to kayak past the giraffes, rhinos and lemurs. The gentle train trip—it’s just 10-minutes long— past the camels might be more your wee kids’ style.

- The Wizard of Oz Museum

Oddly, the Wizard of Oz

No, you for sure aren’t in Kansas. The new Wizard of Oz Museum in Port Canaveral is just minutes south of the cruise port. Why Florida? Mostly, the operators say, because there are so many tourists in Central Florida either going to theme parks or sailing away on cruises and they figured if they build it, they will come. The museum houses historic displays and artifacts from the making of the movie, including Dorothy’s iconic blue pinafore . But what sets this museum apart is the immersive experiences. Through modern technology, mostly laser projectors, visitors feel like they're caught in that movie’s tornado, traveling through Munchkinland or even floating in the poppy field. But wait, there’s more. The museum also houses immersive experiences via the paintings of Vincent Van Gogh and a space experience using images from the James Webb telescope. Keep an eye out for the Wicked Witch everywhere. It’s open daily and tickets are $29 for adults and $15 for kids, immersive experiences included.

Places to Remember

Cape Canaveral

Cocoa Beach

A brown pelican sits in the brightly colored water of the Indian River Lagoon under the orange and blue skies at dusk near the Indian River Lagoon National Scenic Byway.

Port Transportation: Getting to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal Without a Car

If you are flying in for your cruise or just don’t want to deal with the headache and expense of dealing with parking your car, we have you covered.

The good news is that in a city with a mature transportation network like New York, you have a number of options in getting to the port. And if you’re overwhelmed with trying to get around the city, don’t worry, we’ll tell you exactly how to get to the terminal without dealing with driving.

As for convenience, it’s hard to beat transportation network companies like Uber and Lyft. By downloading the app, you can call a car on demand, anywhere in the New York/New Jersey area. So even if you are flying into Newark or staying outside the city proper, you can still get a ride.

Unlike most cities across the country, rates for Uber/Lyft are roughly in line with their taxi counterparts, but it does depend on where you are coming from and where you are going. For example, if you are flying (or staying) in New Jersey and sailing from Manhattan, then you’ll be charged extra for your car going from New Jersey to New York. Uber charges $20 for going between the two states. Lyft charges $15 for passing between the two states.

Still, it’s hard to beat the convenience and high service level associated with these services. Below, we’ve listed their estimated prices from the areas around town to the Manhattan port. (Note that the taxi fares include a customary 20% tip. Uber & Lyft prices do not. Uber doesn’t use tipping. Lyft makes it optional.)

If you think you want to take a rideshare service, you can read more details about Uber & Lyft here .

When you think of New York, one of the most iconic images is of a person waiting on the side of a busy street hailing a yellow taxi. With around 15,000 taxis in the city alone, they are a popular (and highly visible) way to get around.

If you are coming from an area airport to the Manhattan Terminal, then picking up a cab at the airport is easy as they all have taxi stations where you can hop in. Elsewhere in the city you can have your hotel call you a cab or simply go out and hail one like a local.

Rates are typically a little higher than rideshare services. We’ve listed estimated rates in the table above. As you can see, you’ll spend a little (but not excessively) more to take a taxi.

One suggestion is to take a cab if you are coming from JFK International. The taxis have a flat rate of $52 from the airpot to anywhere in Manhattan .

Cruise Shuttles

The two most frequent visitors to the Manhattan Terminal are Carnival and Norwegian Cruise Lines. Both offer shuttle service to the port.

Carnival has the most offerings of any cruise line we’ve seen in the area, with shuttles that will transfer you from all three major area airports. Prices are reasonable if traveling solo or as a couple, but you can still find a better deal with a cab or Uber/Lyft. Here’s a look at Carnival’s transfer rates. Note that rates a per person.

Newark Airport One Way: $31.00 Round Trip: $62.00 LaGuardia Airport One Way: $32.00 Round Trip: $64.00 John F. Kennedy Airport One Way: $33.00 Round Trip: $66.00

Norwegian Cruise Lines also offers a shuttle, but only between New York’s LaGuardia Airport. If you are flying into JFK or Newark, you’ll need to use alternate transportation. The fare is $40 one way, per person.

For a couple of reasons, we usually suggest going with another option than a cruise shuttle transfer. First, it is expensive if traveling with more than just one or two people.. The rates shown above are per person. So a family of four is paying $31 each ($124) just to get from Newark Airport to the cruise port, or $248 round-trip. Other options usually price based on the car, not the number of occupants.

Second, cruise transfers are extremely limited. In this case, they run only from area airports to the Manhattan Terminal… and only on the day of sailing. So if you come in early or are staying at a hotel in the area, then the cruise line transfer isn’t a viable option.

Independent Shuttles/Car Services

If you are traveling with a larger group to the Manhattan port, then your best bet is likely to look for an independent shuttle or private car service. These providers can offer private service to the port, usually for less per person than a taxi or other service, assuming you have seven or more passengers.

To be frank, the number of shuttles and car services in the New York area is extremely high. That means we can’t list them all here. Instead, we’ve rounded up a sample list of area companies to give you a good start to go from.

The prices quoted by these companies can vary widely depending on what sort of service you need and exactly where you are coming from. However, as a general rule expect it to be a better value the larger a group you need to transport. Be sure to shop around before selecting a service as it can save you considerable money.

One other thing to keep in mind is that the prices you are quoted won’t include gratuity, which can add on another 15-20% to your fare.

https://www.goairlinkshuttle.com https://www.carmellimo.com http://www.winstontrans.com/service_to_from_manhattan_cruise http://www.hyslimo.com/Content/Piers_and_Cruises.asp

Public Transportation (MTA)

If you want to use public transportation, the M50 bus runs east and west across Manhattan, along 49th and 50th Streets, dropping off right near the terminal. Bus fare is $2.75.

You’ll likely need to transfer to the bus from a subway, unless you are staying near the M50 bus route. Many major subway lines have a station on either 49th and 50th Streets, including the A, C, E, N, Q, R, B, D, F, and M. You’ll simply need to get off and then catch the M50 bus eastbound to the cruise port.

While cheap, riding public transportation can be a little confusing for first timers, and stressful when you are trying to carry your bags for a cruise. You can check out the information about the M50 route and riding the bus here to help you get your bearings.

Photo: Heather Paul

Popular: 39 Useful Things to Pack (17 You Wouldn't Think Of)

Read next: park & cruise hotels for every port in america, popular: 107 best cruise tips, secrets, tricks, and freebies, related articles more from author, 12+ convenient hotels near the manhattan cruise terminal, guide to new york cruise parking (cape liberty, manhattan, brooklyn), dropping off passengers at new york cruise ports (with pictures), 12 cheap hotels (under $200) within 2 miles of the manhattan cruise terminal, sailing from new york city ports, taking uber & lyft to the manhattan cruise terminal.

I just wanted to thank you for the concise and seemingly complete info about travel from a New York airport to the port-of-departure for a cruise. I am a first time cruising person. As a Canadian, I was unsure about booking my cruise departure location. I was worried about arriving in “New York, New York” I am so very grateful that you have dispelled the myths about being unfriendly to visitors.

I’m sorry to have thought that I thought New York was an unfriendly place. Your website is full of very informative stuff that I thought was just for “the ‘insiders’- ‘only for new yorkers’, etc.” . New York city is seemingly, actually welcoming and understanding to visitors.

Thank you so very much. Beverly Miller

just got off NCL Star and the food was fine. It’s not as fancy as some but perfectly good and attractive. The service can be excellent or good but rarely mediocre.

My family has been thinking about going on a cruise this fall. So, I liked that you pointed out that when we get off the boat there are several different transportation options. Personally, I think that a large shuttle or car service would work with our family.

Don’t go Norwegian, you will have more fees than anything. THe food is like slop and service is mediocre.

Cruise News: Carnival’s New Ship, Royal’s New Beach Club, NCL’s Big Milestone & More

Cruising with a baby: what to know from someone who’s done it, answered: how much cash should you take on a cruise, hotels with cruise shuttles for every major port in america, 107 best cruise tips, tricks, secrets, and freebies, 39 useful things to pack for your cruise (including 17 you’d never think of).

Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions

Vacation Rentals
Restaurants
Things to do
Things to Do
Travel Stories
Rental Cars
Add a Place
Travel Forum
Travelers' Choice
Help Center

Find the best cruise for you

Featured cruise deals, cruising guide, why take a cruise vacation.

If you have a place on your bucket list, chances are, a cruise will get you there. Cruises cover the world, taking millions of passengers each year to destinations like the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Alaska, Europe, the Mediterranean and even Antarctica. Cruising offers a tremendous value, with trips that include your lodging, meals and entertainment, all rolled into one. Some cruise lines even offer fully inclusive vacations, which cover drinks and tours ashore. Cruising means seeing the world while unpacking only once.

Cruises also provide a wonderful option for families, with many ships offering things like waterslides, mini-golf courses and fun clubs for kids and teens -- all for free. Planning is easy: Pick your destination and the right ship for you. The cruise line makes it simple, offering packages to help you save on extras like alcohol, shore tours or even airfare.

Travelers say they choose to cruise because cruising often costs less per night when compared with staying at a hotel, where they'll have to book -- and pay for -- all their extras.

What are Tips for Finding Cheap Cruises?

If you're a flexible traveler, you'll have a better chance of finding cheap cruises. Take a cruise that doesn't sail over the summer or holidays, when prices are highest. Book an inside cabin, or take your chances with a "guarantee cabin," ideal for passengers who aren't picky about their cabins but really want the lowest price available. Book cabins on lower decks, which often come with lower prices than those rooms on higher floors.

Cruise lines such as MSC Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International offer rates that might drop as low as $75 per person per night -- and sometimes lower. Here's a tip: Many times, the smaller ships from these lines offer the smallest prices.

If you want a real bargain, consider a transatlantic or repositioning cruise. These cruises are one-way or open-jaw trips, that start in one port and finish at another. You can score a deal sailing from Florida to Europe, for example, or even from New York to Florida. Just be aware, you'll probably have to pay a bit more for airfare to return.

What are Tips to Finding Last-Minute Cruise Deals?

Being flexible will get you the best last-minute cruise deals. If you live near a cruise port and can drive, you're probably going to be able to jump on those deals that might pop up a week or two before the ship is set to sail.

If you don't have flexibility with dates and locations, be willing to bend on destination. This will allow you to find a wider range of last-minute deals traveling to locations in their off-season or shoulder season.

Do plenty of research and know what your ideal cruise costs on average. When you see it drop, pounce! Many cruise lines update pricing several times every day, so be prepared.

Best cruises in 2020

Part of the appeal of cruising is that there's truly something for everyone. Ships come in an array of sizes, some loaded with so many activities, you couldn't get to them all in a week.

Families will find plenty of options and activities onboard big ships, which have transformed cruising, making the vessels as exciting as the destinations to which they sail. The Caribbean is a great option for families, offering lots of sunshine, great beaches and culture. Alaska, famous for its incredible vistas and abundant wildlife, also is a solid family cruise option. Consider cruise lines such as Carnival, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Disney, Celebrity, MSC and Holland America for a family cruise.

River cruising has been heating up over the past few years, with itineraries that send passengers down the Danube or Rhine rivers in Europe or to even more exotic locations, like the Mekong River in Cambodia or Vietnam or the Volga River in Russia. Popular river cruises embark in cities like Amsterdam, Budapest and Lisbon. Popular river cruise lines include Viking, AmaWaterways, Avalon, Scenic, Emerald Waterways, Tauck, Uniworld and Crystal.

If you're a thrill-seeker, consider an expedition cruise. These cruises, often onboard small ships, offer an intimate experience that brings passengers right up next to glaciers, whales, penguins and iguanas. Ships visit tiny spots all over the world, including Antarctica, Alaska, Australia and Greenland. Passengers will spend their time kayaking, hiking, biking and exploring with expert guides and knowledgeable naturalists. Expedition travelers love cruise lines such as Lindblad Expeditions, UnCruise Adventures, Silversea, Hurtigruten, Ponant and Quark Expeditions.

Luxury cruises offer all-inclusive experiences onboard smaller ships with perks like butlers, high-end amenities and personalized, intuitive service. Ships often feature luxury touches like marble and crystal decor, intimate spaces and beautiful spas. Because luxury ships tend to be smaller, they can often reach off-the-beaten-path destinations bigger ships can't -- ports like St. Tropez or Guadeloupe. If you're looking for a luxury cruise, consider Crystal, Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas, Oceania, Azamara, Viking Oceans and Silversea.

Cruises by style

Luxury Cruises
Cruise Deals
Family Cruises
Last Minute Cruises
River Cruises

Find other cruise vacations in popular destinations

Cozumel Cruises
Seattle Cruises
San Francisco Cruises
Los Angeles Cruises
Fort Lauderdale Cruises
Baltimore Cruises
Boston Cruises
Aruba Cruises
New Orleans Cruises
New York City Cruises
Galveston Cruises
Ensenada Cruises
Miami Cruises
Cruises from Florida
Cruises from Seattle
Cruises from San Francisco
Cruises from Los Angeles
Cruises from Fort Lauderdale
Cruises from Tampa
Cruises from Baltimore
Cruises from Boston
Cruises from New Orleans
Cruises from New York City
Cruises from San Diego
Cruises from Galveston
Cruises from Miami
Princess Cruises
Holland America Line
Carnival Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line
Celebrity Cruises
Royal Caribbean International
MSC Cruises
Viking Ocean Cruises
Oceania Cruises

Find cruise vacation on popular cruise ships View all

Adventure of the Seas
Allure of the Seas
Anthem of the Seas
Enchantment of the Seas
Freedom of the Seas
Harmony of the Seas
Liberty of the Seas
Mariner of the Seas
Oasis of the Seas
Carnival Breeze
Carnival Conquest
Carnival Dream
Carnival Elation
Carnival Glory
Carnival Liberty
Carnival Magic
Carnival Sunshine
Carnival Valor
Carnival Vista
Regal Princess
Royal Princess
Ruby Princess
Celebrity Equinox
Disney Dream
MSC Seaside
Norwegian Bliss
Norwegian Breakaway
Norwegian Escape
Norwegian Getaway

San Antonio
St. Augustine
Washington DC
HOME Main nav menu item
MAPS & STOPS Main nav menu item
Things to DO Main nav menu item
SCHEDULE Main nav menu item
FAQS Main nav menu item

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

1147 reviews

Old Town Trolley Tours of Boston 4.3

Complete Guide to Boston Cruise Port

One of America’s most historically rich and attraction abundant cities, Boston is the destination of choice for travelers from all corners of the globe. A popular tourist hub, the cruise port is always brimming with activity with its nearly half a million visitors per year. Whether you’re arriving by cruise, departing on a cruise or a visitor who’s looking for ways to enrich your Boston vacation , the cruise port is an ideal starting point! Here’s a guide to help you plan out all you can see and do while in the area.

Things to Do and See

Put your feet onto the Freedom Trail!

Just a couple of miles from the Boston Cruise Port you can join the Freedom Trail at the Old North Church. One of 16 stops along this historic trail, the Old North Church is the oldest standing church in the city and earned its place in American history when its steeple was used by Robert Newman to signal Paul Revere and the other Sons of Liberty that the British troops were arriving. Immortalized in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s famous poem, the church is a National Historic Landmark and a “must-see” while visiting Boston.

Picture Yourself on a Midnight Ride

Another stop along the Freedom Trail, The Paul Revere House offers you a glimpse into the life and passion that led this American patriot to make his historic midnight ride. The quaint two-story colonial home is now a museum and National Historic Landmark and Boston’s oldest building. A tour will treat you to a view of colonial-era furnishings, interesting exhibits, some authentic Paul Revere silver items and a gift shop filled with crafts, books and much more.

Become a Patriot or a Loyalist

At the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, you’ll do more than you’ve ever done at any other museum. Here, you’ll be immersed in the events that took place that fateful night more than 230 years ago and even have the chance to dump tea overboard alongside the American patriots. You’ll be a part of a town-hall meeting, meet Samuel Adams and other patriots and learn everything about what transpired leading up to the American Revolution. This interactive museum includes holographic displays, one of only two remaining tea chests, the acclaimed multi-sensory documentary “Let It Begin Here ® ” and much more.

Discover the Institute of Contemporary Art

Home to some of the world’s most intriguing and talked about contemporary art , Boston’s Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) is much more than an art museum. Its building, which is dramatically perched over the water, is revered by architectural connoisseurs around the globe for its beauty and the fact that it offers an open space for visitors to enjoy the museum’s offerings as well as its glorious waterfront setting.

Watch the Planes Take off on Castle Island

Although it’s technically no longer an island (it was connected to the mainland in 1928), Castle Island is one place where you can escape the bustle of the city without going too far. This 22-acre urban park is home to Fort Independence (originally built in 1634), a bastion that was built to defend the Boston harbor. Also here are Pleasure Bay (an artificial pond where folks like to swim), a playground, popular take-out restaurant Sullivan’s (try the clams cakes!), beaches, paths for walking and jogging and a great vantage point for watching the planes take off and land at Logan International Airport.

Sip a Harpoon Ale

In Boston’s Seaport District , this popular brewery is where beer lovers can get to know one of the country’s leading IPA brewers. Harpoon Brewery, a staple in Boston since 1986, hosts tours, tastings and a variety of events throughout the year. Be sure to stop into their Beer Hall and munch on their delicious pretzels as you sip one of the famed brews.

Dining Near the Cruise Port

When in Boston, eating is more than just a meal, it’s an experience your taste buds won’t soon forget! And, as you’d imagine, around the Cruise Port, the options are infinite, offering a myriad of cuisine choices for every palate. You’ll be able to sink your teeth into everything from a juicy steak or hamburger, to all kinds of seafood, salads, sandwiches and international eats. Here’s some of the top restaurants in the area:

Pete’s Dockside

For a relaxed and casual experience, walk up to the counter at Pete’s Dockside and savor an array of breakfast, sandwiches and fried seafood. Mouthwatering specials include fried haddock, chicken parmesan lasagna, fish cakes, shepherd’s pie and more.

Legal Test Kitchen

Known for its fresh seafood, Legal Test Kitchen offers a great atmosphere and menu items that will leave you wanting more including their open-faced crab cake sandwich, truffled lobster mac-n-cheese, their “impossible burger”, clam chowder, raw oysters and more.

Rosa Mexicana

Enjoy tableside guacamole, frosty margaritas and the lively atmosphere of this well-known Mexican restaurant. From their tacos to their enchiladas and quesadillas, Rosa’s menu is chock full of delectable choices for brunch, lunch and dinner.

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House

Enjoy breathtaking waterfront views as you sip your favorite cocktail at this opulent steak house in Boston’s seaport district. Appease your appetite with specialties like tuna tartare, charred octopus, hand-cut prime rib, filet mignon and much more.

Tamo Bistro and Bar

Brunch, lunch, dinner or just a lite bite at this chic spot cannot be beat. Sourcing local ingredients and serving them up in an array of creative dishes, Tamo is a popular dining destination for locals and visitors alike. Sample such delicacies as crispy salt and pepper calamari, scallops, North End Pizza, a spicy tuna roll (and other sushi), clam chowder and many other menu items.

An Italian eatery that serves up homemade recipes that have been handed down generations, Nebo will fulfill your craving for pastas and other classic dishes, but created with a modern twist. They even serve gluten free pizzas and pasta!

Shopping near Boston’s Cruise Port

As you can imagine, finding the perfect souvenir, clothing, accessories, gifts and anything else you’re looking for while in Boston is easily attainable within just a few minutes of the Cruise Port. Here’s a list of some of the top spots for shopping :

Faneuil Hall Marketplace and Quincy Market

Close to the Cruise Port, this National Historic Landmark once served as a marketplace for fishermen, merchants and vendors and as a soapbox for leaders including Samuel Adams, James Otis and others to rally support for their efforts. Established in 1743, Faneuil Hall is now home to 100 shops, including locally owned boutiques and national recognized retailers, as well as a large assortment of pushcarts featuring art and other unique items. And, if you’re thirsty or hunger hits, you’ll be in luck; Faneuil Hall has numerous restaurants and pubs as well as a vast food hall in the Quincy Market Food Colonnade featuring many choices.

Copley Place

Exuding luxury and opulence, Copley Place is where you’ll have the opportunity to purchase clothing, jewelry, accessories and more from world-class retailers including Tiffany & Company, Tory Burch, Neiman Marcus, Chanel, Coach, Jimmy Choo and many more. This exquisite shopping destination draws visitors from around the world and never disappoints even the most discriminating shopper.

See it all Aboard the Old Town Trolley

Although the Cruise Port is within a couple of miles of many of Boston’s most popular attractions and historic sights, your best bet to see it all is to take the Old Town Trolley Tour . The orange and green trolley picks you up just outside the cruise terminal and will transport you to more than 100 points of interest. Because you can hop on and off and stay as long as you wish at any of the stops, you can enjoy and explore the city at your own pace. You’ll also have the benefit of all the knowledge and entertainment of the onboard conductor and the option to extend your tour over two days!

Amsterdam Cruise Port

Guide to passenger terminal amsterdam (pta).

Amsterdam has developed into a major northern European cruise port hub. Cruise Port Amsterdam is the company which handles both large ocean cruise ships and long river cruise boats.

Cruises arrive and depart from the Passenger Terminal Amsterdam which is close to Amsterdam Central station and has easy access to the city centre.

Passenger Terminal Amsterdam

The main building at the Amsterdam Cruise Port is called the Passenger Terminal Amsterdam (PTA) and opened in the year 2000. It was designed by global architecture firm HOK with lead designers Hal Hayes and Larry Malcic. Its wave-like glass structure is a striking example of the modern architecture to be seen on the Amsterdam IJ waterfront.

As well as having handled around 4 million cruise passengers since opening, the multi-purpose building is also used for events and functions for up to 3,000 people.

Located on the Piet Heinkade road, the PTA is sandwiched between the Mövenpick hotel and the Piet Hein office building .

The Amsterdam cruise terminal has a 600m long dock (depth 10m) on the northern side and has the size to host large cruise ships of up to 340m in length.

This modern facility has meant Amsterdam has become a popular stop-off on North Sea, Baltic and polar cruises and is served by many of the major cruise lines.

Amsterdam’s cruise terminal is located only 25km (13.5 nautical miles) from the North Sea. You can check out the sea cruise calendar here .

In and around the Passenger Terminal Amsterdam you will find a huge reception hall (3,000m² area), promenade and panorama decks, a Thinking of Holland souvenir shop, a coffee bar, a Subway sandwich outlet and a tourist information desk. There is free WiFi internet available.

Luggage lockers at PTA cost €4 (small, 35 x 45 x 85cm) or €6 (large, 35 x 62 x 85cm) for 24 hours use – payment by coins only.

A bike rental shop (Amsterbike) is outside at Piet Heinkade 25.

A large underground car parking facility (Piet Heingarage) has 400 spaces and has a maximum day rate of €50.

If you are looking for a nearby supermarket in Amsterdam to stock up on supplies, there are Albert Heijn branches either by walking east from PTA to Oostelijke Handelskade 1065 or by heading west past Amsterdam Central Station to Prins Hendrikkade 20.

Hotels near Amsterdam Cruise Port

Without doubt, the most convenient hotel for cruise passengers as mentioned is the high-rise Mövenpick Hotel , which is literally nextdoor to the Passenger Terminal Amsterdam building.

It offers 408 stylish, well-appointed rooms (ranging in size from 26m² to 38m²). Those on the higher floors have great views of the IJ river, especially looking west back towards the city. Executive rooms on the 19th and 20th floors get lounge access included.

It is well rated by travellers and has a restaurant on-site. You can book the Mövenpick hotel here via Booking.com .

Another good hotel in the area is the well-rated Jakarta Amsterdam hotel which is located across the bridge on Java Island. It offers modern, stylish rooms and a light, airy interior decorated with tropical plants.

Other nearby hotels to consider are the art-deco Grand Amrath (former Shipping House) and the modern DoubleTree by Hilton .

Passenger Terminal Amsterdam to Amsterdam Central Station

Amsterdam Central Station, the city’s main transport hub is only a short distance away from Amsterdam’s cruise port terminal. There are a number of options for getting to and from the station.

Walk: It’s an easy 10-15 minute walk along the Piet Heinkade road. As you come out of the PTA building you need to head right in a westerly direction.

Tram: GVB tram 26 runs to Amsterdam Central Station where you can change onto other Amsterdam trams and public transport. A standard 1 hour single costs €3.40, a 1 day ticket costs €9.00 – buy on board, payment by card only. You can also book GVB multi-day tickets online here and immediately use them on a smartphone.

Amsterdam City Passes

Passenger terminal amsterdam to amsterdam schiphol airport.

Train: From Amsterdam Central Station there are regular trains running to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. This journey takes around 15-20 minutes. Tickets cost €5.90 (2nd class) and €9.33 (1st class) including the €1 surcharge for buying a disposable ticket.

Taxi: A taxi to the airport will take 30-45 minutes and costs around €45-60. Amsterdam taxis can be pre-booked online with Sneleentaxi which uses reliable local firms.

Alternatively, taxi app Uber is present in Amsterdam with similar fares.

River Cruises from Amsterdam

It is possible to do various European river cruises from Amsterdam which travel through the Rhine and Danube and visit cities such as Cologne, Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest. The longest continue through Romania and Bulgaria and reach the Black Sea at Rousse.

This article was originally published in 2010 and has continuously been updated. Last update 9 February 2024 .

Links on AmsterdamTips.com may pay us an affiliate commission.

How To Travel Amsterdam to Dublin

International Coach Services to/from Amsterdam

How To Travel Amsterdam to Prague (2024)

How To Travel Amsterdam to Dusseldorf

CRUISE PORT GUIDES

Fort-de-France – Martinique cruise port guide

Martinique is an island located in the Caribbean Sea, and is part of the Lesser Antilles archipelago. It is situated between Dominica to the north and St. Lucia to the south. Martinique is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on its east side, and by the Caribbean Sea on its west side. The island has a total area of 1,128 square miles, making it one of France’s overseas departments with a population of approximately 400,000 people.

This cruise destination is known for its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and rich culture. From the vibrant colors of the Pitons du Carbet to the breathtaking views of Fort-de-France Bay. The island’s unique cuisine is a mix of French and Creole flavors, while its music is just as diverse – from traditional folk songs to modern Zouk beats. Whether you’re looking for an adventure or a relaxing vacation, Martinique promises something special for everyone.

Fort-de-France is the capital of Martinique that your ship will make its port of call for the day. It boasts a vibrant culture, pristine beaches, and spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea. The city is also home to some of the most iconic monuments in the French Caribbean, such as Fort Saint Louis and La Savane Park. Visitors can explore its cobblestone streets and sample its delicious cuisine.

Cruise port Martinique

Docking in fort-de-france in martinique..

Martinique is not a tender port. Cruise ships are able to dock in Fort-de-France. There are two different cruise terminals available.

Cruise terminal Pointe Simon

Pointe Simon cruise terminal in Martinique is the preferred berth for cruise ships to dock. This dock is right in front of Hotel Simon and from here it is a very easy 10 minute walk to the historical city center of Fort-de-France Pointe Simonn cruise terminal is right in front of the main busstation. You can catch easily catch local transportation to places around the island.

Cruise terminal Quai destourelles

If there is a second cruise ship in town than this is the berth that will facilitate the second ship. It is a little further from town. You are docking in an industrial port here and listen careful to the announcements to see if you are allowed to walk in the port of if a complimentary shuttle bus is required. On the cruise pier you will find several facilities like a taxi stand, toilets, tourist information, wi-fi and shops.

Taxi prices in cruise port Martinique.

Taxi’s are available at the exit of the cruise pier. Taxi’s are typically taxi vans that can fit up to 8 people. A representative of the taxi union is often found at the exit of the cruise pier.

Taxi prices are displayed on a sign. Although the price list as stated on the sign is a bit contradictory, it is a good indication on what you are most likely to pay when you are planning your own taxi tour.

Taxi by the hour = 50 euro

The suggested tours to do by taxi are: 1 hour panoramic view of Martinique tour = 80 euro 2 hour Balata Sacre-Coeur Basilica tour = 160 euro 3 hour Balata Botanical Garden tour = 240 euro 4 hour Northern tour – Tropical forest – Saint Pierre Vulcano and Rum Distillery = 320 euro 4 hour Northern panoramic tour – banana plantation = 320 euro 4 hour Southern panoramic tour – rum distillery = 320 euro 5 hour Southern tour – les salines beach = 400 euro

*Prices are for a tour up to 8 people. Taxi fares are subject to change.

Walk to the town

Whether you dock at the Pointe Simon or Quai destourelles, you are wishing walking distance of the town Fort-de-France. Pointe Simon is basically situated in front of the historical city center. When you are docked at Quai destourelles you can walk into town within 10 minutes.

Things to see and do in town

The historical center of Fort-de-France is small, easy to navigate and flat. It is lovely city center when you can easily roam the streets for an hour or two. Here are 10 highlights you can’t miss in the city center: Fort Saint-Louis Statue de Belain D’Esnambuc Musee D’Archeologie Precolombienne. Biblitoheque Schelcher Pavillion Bougenot Prefecture Musee D’Histoire & D’Ethnographie Espace Culturel Camille Darsieres Cathedrale Saint-Louis Theatre & Espace Museal Aime Cesaire

There is a beach within walking of the Fort-de-France cruise terminal. It is the La Francaise beach, next to Fort Saint-Louis. This is a beach without facilities and also not the nicest beach that Martinique has to offer. However it is the only one within walking distance of the cruise terminal. For the nicer beaches we recommend you take a taxi or take the ferry.

One of the nicer beaches of Martinique is Les Salines beach all the way on the southern point of the island. You will need transportation to get to it from the cruise terminal.

Ferry to the beach

Across the market and next to the Pointe Simon cruise terminal you will find a ferry that can take you to the beach for a small fee. The ferry’s run frequently and it is a nice service to use if you want to go to the beach. Catch the ferry at Flamingo berth. The ferry will take you across to Die Trois-Ilets. On this island you will find several beaches with facilities, shopping and even a museum en golf course.

Currency ashore

The official currency in Martinique is the euro. We highly recommend to have some at hand because it simply is the easiest way to pay for souvenirs, tours, taxi’s and food. However , depending on your plans ashore, you could also just go by with US dollars. They are widely accepted in tourist areas and for tourist services. Creditcards are also widely accepted in restaurants and larger shops.

Find Wi-fi ashore

Wi-fi is available either at the cruise pier, depending on where you dock. However you will also find this widely available at restaurants and bars if you are a paying customer. For the European guests amongst us; Martinique is considered part of the European Union. Your phone and mobile internet will most likely work here as is does at home, provided you are able to roam data.

Shopping in Fort-de-France

There are plenty of souvenir and small shop stands at the cruise terminal in Martinique. Obviously with the city center right near the ship there are lots of local shops found in the historical city. It even accommodates a larger shopping mall called Perrinon, which you can easily reach by foot from the ship.

Find your port of call:

Mediterranean
Norway – Cruise port guides
Baltic & Scandinavia
British isles
Western Europe
French Polynesia
North America
Central America
Southeast Asia
North Africa
Middle East

The official guide to Copenhagen
Beyond Copenhagen
Copenhagen Card
See & do
Eat & drink

Getting to and from the cruise terminals

Copenhagen has three cruise terminals: Langelinie, Nordre Toldbod and Ocean Quay. Here, you will find useful information on how to get to and from the three cruise terminals in order to reach Copenhagen Airport , Copenhagen Central Station and Copenhagen City Center .

Use the j ourney planner to get detailed information on your trip with public transport. Simply just fill out your start and end destination, and the online journey planner will figure out the fastest and easiest route for you.

Uncertain of which cruise terminal you will arrive at? You can easily find this information here - find your cruise ship by date or search by name.

Getting to and from Ocean Quay

Copenhagen airport.

Bus 25 and metro : Take bus 25* from the bus stop Oceankaj located in terminal 1. Get off at Orientkaj metro station and take the M4 line towards Kongens Nytorv. Change at Kongens Nytorv to the M2 line towards Copenhagen Airport. The duration of the trip is approximately 40 minutes. You will need a valid 3-zone ticket, which costs 30 DKK.
Bus 164 and metro : Take bus 164 (runs all year round) towards Ballerup St. Get off at Orientkaj metro station and take M4 towards Kongens Nytorv. Change at Kongens Nytorv to the M2 line towards Copenhagen Airport. The duration of the trip is approximately 40 minutes. You will need a valid 3-zone ticket, which costs 30 DKK.
Taxi : The trip will cost approximately 425 DKK during the day (weekdays) and around 520 DKK during the evening, at weekends and on bank holidays. The duration of the trip is about 40 minutes.

* When cruise ships call at Ocean Quay, the bus departs every 10 to 20 minutes from when the first cruise ships arrive until 1 hour before the last ship in port departs.

Copenhagen Central Station

Bus 25 and metro: Take bus 25* from the bus stop Oceankaj located in terminal 1. Get off at Orientkaj metro station and take M4 towards Kongens Nytorv directly to Copenhagen Central Station (Københavns Hovedbanegård). The duration of the trip is approximately 30 minutes. You will need a valid 2-zone ticket. The price is 24 DKK.
Bus 164 and metro : Take bus 164 (runs all year round) towards Ballerup St. Get off at Orientkaj metro station and take M4 towards Kongens Nytorv directly to Copenhagen Central Station (Københavns Hovedbanegård). The duration of the trip is approximately 30 minutes. You will need a valid 2-zone ticket. The price is 24 DKK.
Taxi : The trip will cost approximately 212 DKK during the day and about 262 DKK during the evening, at weekends and on bank holidays. The duration of the journey is about 30 minutes.

Copenhagen City Centre

You can either choose to go to Copenhagen Central Station (directions can be found above), Kongens Nytorv or Nørreport when you go to Copenhagen City Centre. You can also visit Copenhagen's charming neighbourhoods. Find everything you need to know here .

Kongens Nytorv:

Bus 25 and metro: You can reach Kongens Nytorv by taking bus 25* from the bus stop Oceankaj located in terminal 1. Get off at Orientkaj metro station and take M4 towards Kongens Nytorv. The duration of the trip is approximately 20 minutes. You will need a valid 2-zone ticket and the price is 24 DKK.
Bus 164 and metro : Take bus 164 (runs all year round) towards Ballerup St. and get off at Orientkaj metro station. Then take M4 towards Kongens Nytorv. The duration of the trip is approximately 20 minutes, and you will need a valid 2-zone ticket. The price is 24 DKK.
Taxi: The trip will cost approximately 175 DKK during the day (weekdays) and around 215 DKK during the evening (weekdays), weekends and bank holidays. The duration of the trip is about 25 minutes.
Bus 25, metro and train: Nørreport can be reached by taking bus 25* from the bus stop Oceankaj located in terminal 1. Get off at Orientkaj metro station, take M4 towards Kongens Nytorv and get off at Østerport Station. Then take the S-train in the direction of Hundige, Høje Taastrup, Frederikssund, Køge or Ballerup (lines A, B, C, E or H) and get off at Nørreport Station. The duration of the trip is approximately 25 minutes. You will need a valid 2-zone ticket, and the price is 24 DKK.
Bus 164 and train : Take bus 164 (runs all year round) towards Ballerup St. and get off at Hellerup Station. Here you take the S-train in the direction of Hundige, Høje Taastrup, Frederikssund, Køge or Ballerup (lines A, B, C, E or H) and get off at Nørreport Station. The duration of the trip is approximately 35 minutes. You will need a valid 3-zone ticket, and the price is 30 DKK.
Taxi: The trip will cost approximately 175 DKK during the day (weekdays) and around 215 DKK during the evening (weekdays), weekends and bank holidays. The duration of the trip is about 20 minutes.

Find more info on tickets and prices here

Getting to and from nordre tolbod.

Walk and metro: Walk 14 minutes to Marmorkirken metro station and take the metro line M3 or M4 to Kongens Nytorv. Change at Kongens Nytorv and take the metro line M2 to Copenhagen Airport. The duration of the trip is approximately 35 minutes. You will need a valid 3-zone ticket. The price is 30 DKK.
Taxi : The trip will cost approximately 232 DKK during the day (weekdays) and 286 DKK during the evening (weekdays), at weekends and on bank holidays. The duration of the journey is 30 minutes.
Walk and metro: Walk 14 minutes to Marmorkirken metro station and take the metro line M3 or M4 towards Kongens Nytorv directly to Copenhagen Central Station (Københavns Hovedbanegård). The duration of the trip is approximately 25 minutes, and you will need a valid 2-zone ticket. The price is 24 DKK.
Taxi : The trip costs approximately 116 DKK during the day (weekdays) and 143 DKK during the evening (weekdays), at weekends and on bank holidays. The duration of the journey is 20 minutes.

You are close to the city centre at Nordre Toldbod, but if you do not want to walk, you can choose one of the following options:

Walk and metro to Nørreport: Walk 14 minutes to Marmorkirken metro station and take the metro line M3 or M4 towards Kongens Nytorv. Change at Kongens Nytorv to the M1 or M2 metro line towards Nørreport Station. The duration of the journey is 25 minutes. You will need a valid 2-zone ticket. The price is 24 DKK.
Hop On Hop Off: You can also walk to Langelinie and take a Hop on Hop off bus that, among others, stops at Nyhavn, Amalienborg Palace, Tivoli, etc. The price is 199 DKK. Read more about the Hop on Hop off bus here .
Taxi : You are already in the city centre, but if you do not want to walk, a taxi to, e.g., Nørreport will cost approximately 96 DKK during the day (weekdays) and 120 DKK during the evening (weekdays), weekends and on bank holidays. The duration of the trip is approximately 10 minutes.

You can also visit Copenhagen's neighbourhoods. Find your guide here .

Find your Copenhagen neighbourhood guide

Free public transportation for children under the age of 12

Getting to and from langelinie.

Bus 27 and train: Walk 5 minutes to the bus stop, Indiakaj, and take bus 27 towards Østerport Station. Get off and take a regional train (RE) towards CPH Lufthavn. The duration of the trip is approximately 35 minutes. You will need a valid 3-zone ticket. The price is 30 DKK.
Walk and metro: Walk 15 minutes to Østerport Station and take the metro line M3 or M4 to Kongens Nytorv. Change at Kongens Nytorv and take the metro line M2 towards Copenhagen Airport. The duration of the trip is approximately 35 minutes, and you will need a valid 3-zone ticket. The price is 30 DKK.
Taxi: The trip will cost approximately 270 DKK during the day (weekdays) and around 333 DKK during the evening (weekdays), at the weekend and on bank holidays. The duration of the trip is about 30 minutes.
Bus 27 and train: Walk 5 minutes to the bus stop, Indiakaj, and take bus 27 to Østerport Station. Then take the S-train in the direction of Hundige, Høje Taastrup, Frederikssund, Køge or Ballerup (lines A, B, C, E or H) and get off at Copenhagen Central Station (Københavns Hovedbanegård). The duration of the trip is approximately 20 minutes. You will need a valid 2-zone ticket. The price is 24 DKK.
Walk and metro: Walk 15 minutes to Østerport Station. Then take the metro line M3 or M4 towards Kongens Nytorv and get off at Copenhagen Central Station (Københavns Hovedbanegård). The duration of the trip is approximately 20 minutes. You will need a valid 2-zone ticket. The price is 24 DKK.
Taxi: The trip will cost approximately 135 DKK during the day (weekdays) and 167 DKK during the evening (weekdays), at weekends and on bank holidays. The duration of the trip is about 15 minutes.

When going to Copenhagen City Center, you can either choose to go to Copenhagen Central Station (directions can be found above), Kongens Nytorv or Nørreport. You can also visit Copenhagen's charming neighbourhoods. Find your guide here .

Kongens Nytorv

Bus 27 and metro: Kongens Nytorv can be reached by walking 5 minutes to the bus stop, Indiakaj, and taking bus 27 to Østerport Station. Then take the metro line M3 or M4 to Kongens Nytorv. The duration of the trip is approximately 15 minutes. You will need a valid 2-zone ticket. The price is 24 DKK.
Hop on Hop Off : You can also choose to take a Hop on Hop off bus that stops at Langelinie. The Hop on Hop off bus stops at, among others, Nyhavn, Amalienborg Palace, Tivoli, etc. The price is 199 DKK and is valid for 72 hours. Read more about the Hop on Hop off bus here .
Taxi: The trip costs approximately 96 DKK during the day (weekdays) and 120 DKK during the evening (weekdays), at the weekends and on bank holidays. The duration of the journey is 10 minutes.
Bus 27 and train: Nørreport can be reached by walking 5 minutes to the bus stop, Indiakaj, and taking bus 27 to Østerport Station. Then take the S-train in the direction of Hundige, Høje Taastrup, Frederikssund, Køge or Ballerup (lines A, B, C, E or H) and get off at Nørreport Station. The duration of the trip is approximately 15 minutes. You will need a valid 2-zone ticket. The price is 24 DKK.

Get free public transportation with a Copenhagen Card

Car parks near the cruise terminals.

It is possible to use the public car park located approximately 50-100 metres from the ships. There is room for approximately 200 cars, and you have to pay. No advance reservation is possible. The price is:

07:00 – 17:00: DKK 22.00 per hour*
17:00 – 07:00: DKK 12.00 per hour*
Maximum DKK 150.00 per 24 hours*

* Please note there could be an additional fee depending on the method of payment.

Langelinie and Nordre Toldbod

Unfortunately, there is no long-term parking at Langelinie and Nordre Toldbod. If you are boarding your cruise ship here, the nearest indoor car park is in Dronningens Tværgade 4, 1302 Copenhagen. Price: DKK 500 per day.

Do you need more information?

Get social :, useful links.

Web Accessibility
Editorial policy

Other sites

Wonderful Copenhagen
Cruise Copenhagen
Copenhagen Convention Bureau
Travel Trade
Intl. press room

Trieste Cruise Port – the essential guide

If you’ve eagerly anticipated setting sail from Venice on your dream Mediterranean or Greek Isles cruise, prepare for an unexpected delight.

Venice, in 2021, had to bid adieu to many of the larger cruise ships due to rising water levels, creating a unique opportunity for the picturesque Trieste Cruise Port to steal the spotlight.

This charming Italian port, nestled gracefully along the scenic Adriatic coastline, now beckons you with open arms, offering itself as the gateway to your unforgettable voyage.

Read on to discover all the essentials for a smooth cruise experience, setting sail from Trieste Cruise Port.

Quick navigation

Trieste Cruise port

So where exactly is Trieste cruise port, and how easy is it to spend time in Venice before or after a cruise from Trieste?

First, you must check which ports to head to with your cruise line when booking a cruise from Venice. If it’s from Trieste or Ravenna , you need to consider this before you book your flight and make transfer arrangements.

Trieste is located 160 km northeast of Venice. It has the Adriatic Sea to the west and borders Slovenia to the east. It’s about a two-hour transfer either by road or rail from Venice.

If you plan to spend a few days in Venice before your cruise, we recommend saving a night or two to stay in Trieste. It’s a great city, with plenty to see and do.

The good news is that getting to Trieste from Venice is not tricky, and you have choices. Allow for the travel time and budget for the extra cost. We discuss all your transport options further below in this article.

Given that most cruise ships arrive at Trieste’s Stazione Marittima cruise port (the more central cruise port), the information we give here is for Stazione Marittima port. The historical cruise passenger terminal building is close to the city’s largest square, Piazza Unità d’Italia.

What are the closest airports to Trieste cruise port?

Trieste Airport TRS (40 km)
Venice Marco Polo Airport VCE (150 km)

If you prefer to skip Venice, search for flights to Trieste’s airport. To get from the airport, book an airport transfer to your hotel before you leave home. Alternatively, below you have the following public transport options.

Trieste Airport (TRS) to central Trieste

Trieste airport is around 40 km from central Trieste. Here are the transport options available to get you to the city center:

Bus : APT Gorizia is the local bus company operating bus number 51 from the airport. You can buy a one-way bus ticket for about 5 euros.

Taxi : There are taxis at the airport as you exit the arrivals area. The journey time is an estimated 30 minutes for around 50 euros. Expect to pay more if you are traveling in the evenings.

Train : Our favorite way to travel is by train. A direct train from Trieste airport to the central train station runs 2 or 3 times every hour. It’s a quick 29-minute journey costing around 5 euros per person.

Check out Omio’s website to easily search and compare train ticket prices to find your journey . Tickets can also be booked through Trenitalia or Italotreno. However, Omio offers price comparisons for your trip and a more straightforward booking process.

Venice Marco Polo (VCE) Airport to central Trieste

Venice airport is around 150 km from central Trieste.

If you arrive on an international flight to Venice Marco Polo Airport and want to transfer directly to Trieste, here are your best options:

Private Transfer: a private transfer is the easiest but most expensive option. Book through a trusted supplier such as Viator and have a driver waiting for you as you exit the arrivals lounge. The journey time is around 2 hours and can cost about 200 euros. This becomes more affordable if you have four or more guests and can share the cost for a hassle-free way of getting there.

Train: there is no train station at Venice Marco Polo airport. Take a taxi about 10 km from the airport to Venice’s central train station, Mestre. From there take a train direct to Trieste center. The journey takes 2 hours. You can book train tickets in Italy online before you leave home or at the train station.

How to travel between Venice island and Trieste

If you have chosen to explore Venice for a few days before or after your cruise and are staying on Venice Island, the train is a great way to get to or from Trieste. Purchase tickets to travel from Venezia S. Lucia train station to Trieste Centrale (or vice versa).

Choose the quickest journey where you do not need to change trains.

Trenitalia and Italo Treno are the leading train operators in Italy. They have high-speed Frecce trains that connect you to major cities and numerous regional trains.

You can book train tickets before you leave home, about three months after your travel date.

Alternatively, you can purchase train tickets directly at the train station. The cost of a single journey between Venice island and Trieste for an adult is around 15 euros per person.

Taxes are readily available to get to the port or your hotel from Trieste train station. Prices do vary, especially in the high season. Check with the taxi driver before you climb in. The journey time is about 20 to 30 minutes. The price will increase if it’s a national holiday or an evening journey.

Local buses also run from the train station to central Trieste and the cruise port.

Where to stay in Trieste

We recommend at least one hotel night in Trieste before your cruise starts – it’s a great city to explore. Here are our top 4 hotel recommendations for your stay in Trieste:

1. Double Tree by Hilton Trieste

The Double Tree by Hilton Hotel is centrally located about a 10-minute walk from the cruise port. The building is beautiful and is surrounded by a good selection of cafes and restaurants. If you are a Hilton Honors member (it’s free of charge to join their loyalty program), expect extra perks when you check in. We appreciated the chilled bottled water and fresh cookies.

2. Savoia Excelsior Palace

This is an excellent hotel, architecturally stunning, right next to the cruise port near Piazza Unità d’Italia. Enjoy good service and friendly staff – everything you’d expect for a 4-star plus experience. Ask for a balcony room directly overlooking the pier for a beautiful view. And to top it all, their lounge has an excellent cocktail menu.

3. Grand Hotel Duchi d’Aosta

This small, intimate boutique hotel has excellent facilities and a restaurant, Harry’s Piccolo. It’s located right on Piazza Unità d’Italia.

A popular feature includes a heated indoor pool in a city center location, and the hotel enjoys an excellent rating at Booking.com .

4. Hotel Continentale

The Hotel Continental is centrally located just a 10-minute walk from the central train station in Trieste and 15 minutes from the cruise port. Some rooms are a little dated, but overall, it is a good 4-star experience.

5. Hotel Solun

Hotel Solun is a great 4-star choice! The hotel is only 10 years old and has spacious, light, modern rooms, an excellent bar, and a nice restaurant. There are just 34 rooms and apartments, so book early. On our cruise embarkation day, we took a taxi from the hotel to the port for just 10 euros.

Splendid Trieste, Italy – a walking tour

Trieste, located in Italy’s Friuli Venezia Giulia region, is the region’s historical capital. The architecture, cuisine, and languages reflect its multicultural diversity, a mixture of Mediterranean and central European heritage.

A great starting point for getting to know the city is Piazza Unità d’Italia (Unity of Italy Square). This is the main square in Trieste. Once home to the old marina, it faces the sea and is the city’s commercial hub, with many beautiful government buildings lining three sides of the square.

There is a tourist information office right in the square. The friendly staff will provide information and paper maps of the city if you like, so visit them before you start your day.

From Piazza Unità d’Italia, head towards Piazza della Borsa. This square is an excellent place to shop or shop for coffee. Enjoy walking and exploring the area until you reach Canale Grande. This 2 km long waterway is a lively area of shops and restaurants; it’s also an excellent place to return to for an evening restaurant as the whole area is beautifully lit at night.

Just a 20-minute walk southwards of the canal is the Roman Theatre of Trieste on Via del Teatro Romano. A beautifully preserved Roman theater, it was built at the base of a sloping hill called San Giusto. Many of the archaeological finds discovered when the site was excavated in 1938 can be viewed in the museum at the Castle of San Giusto , located a short walk away.

When you reach Castello di San Giusto, you will have fantastic panoramic views over Trieste. It’s a bit of a climb but well worth it. End your city walk at the cathedral, Cattedrale di San Giusto Martire.

If you are hungry and looking to try local seafood dishes, we recommend Antica Trattoria Le Barettine, located between the cathedral and Unity of Italy Square. If, however, they are closed for the season, there are many restaurants to choose from in this area.

Favorite day trips from Trieste

Here are our favorite spots just a short distance outside Trieste that are worth visiting during your stay:

Miramare Castle – Castello di Miramare

Crowned by the spectacular 19th-century Miramare Castle located on a rocky spur on the Gulf of Trieste, this grand house once owned by the Habsburg family is a must-see while visiting the city. The castle and surrounding park are open every day except Christmas and New Year. The park is free of charge to enjoy, and the fee of 10 euros per person to enter the castle is well worth it.

Sistiana Bay

Just 20 km north of Trieste is the stunning bay of Sistiana. You could combine a visit here with Miramare Castle as the castle is on its way, about halfway between Trieste and Sistiana. You drive along the beautiful coastal road known as Costiera Triestina . There are plenty of places to stop and take photos, the most picturesque being at Santa Croce Mare and Grignano.

Book an excursion with a trusted supplier such as Viator so that transportation and a guided tour of the bay are included. You will even have time to explore and swim at the beach there. Note that it’s a shingle beach, not sand, edging the inviting turquoise water of the Adriatic Sea.

How to get to Port of Trieste from the historical center

The passenger cruise terminal, Stazione Marittima (Port Station), is located right next to the historical center and is within walking distance from Piazza Unità d’Italia (Unity of Italy Square).

If you are not within walking distance, we recommend asking your hotel concierge to book a taxi for the short ride to the port. Even if your hotel is only a 20-minute walk, remember you will have all your cruise packing and luggage with you, so a taxi is the best choice to avoid the long walk with suitcases.

How to get to Trieste Airport from the Port of Trieste

If your cruise ship arrives at Stazione Marittima cruise port in Trieste and you fly the same day as you disembark your cruise, here are your options for transportation to the airport in Trieste.

Taxi: The most straightforward way but also one of the most costly ways to travel is by taxi. Taxis are available at the port or by calling tel. +39 040 307730. Note you cannot book a taxi in advance. There is a flat rate from Trieste cruise port to Trieste airport at 60€. It takes about 45/50 mins.

Bus: You need to make two separate journeys to reach the airport using the bus.

a) Stazione Marittima cruise port to Trieste Piazza Libertà bus station

The distance is 1.1 km, about 15 minutes walking or 5 minutes by taxi (tel. +39 040 307730). Note you cannot book a taxi in advance.

Alternatively, take a bus (12-15 mins) from Riva del Mandraccio, numbers 8/24/30. You can purchase a ticket on board for 1.40€ single ticket. Buses leave every 10 minutes.

b) Trieste Piazza Libertà bus station to Trieste Airport

Bus G51 buses approximately every 30 mins, depending on the time of the day. It takes approx 55mins/1hour. You can purchase tickets for the G51 bus at the Trieste bus station (payment cash/credit card/debit card) for 4.40€ single ticket.

Train: You must make two journeys to reach the airport using the train.

a) Stazione Marittima (cruise port) to Trieste Centrale train station

The distance is 1.1 km and takes approximately 15 minutes to walk or 5 minutes by taxi tel. +39 040 307730 (you cannot book a taxi in advance). Alternatively, take a bus 12-15 mins from Riva del Mandraccio, number 8/24/30 (you can purchase a ticket on board 1.40€ single ticket, buses every 10 mins).

b) Trieste Centrale train station to Trieste Airport

There are trains about every 30/45 minutes, depending on the time of the day. Check the timetable with Omio, which includes the Trenitalia trains . It takes 28 minutes, and a single ticket costs around 5€.

Cruise lines departing from Trieste Cruise Port

Ships: Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Viva, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Breakaway
Destinations: Mediterranean, Greek Isles, Adriatic Coast
Ships: MSC Splendida, MSC Fantasia
Destinations: Eastern Mediterranean, Turkey
Ships: Azamara Onward
Destinations: Greek Isles, Ionian Sea
Ships: Seven Seas Navigator
Destinations: Mediterranean, French Riviera, Spain
Ships: Queen Victora
Destinations: Adriatic Coast, Western Mediterranean
Ships: Star Princess

These cruise lines offer a variety of itineraries departing from Trieste, allowing you to explore stunning regions of the Mediterranean, the enchanting Greek Isles, the picturesque Dalmatian Coast, and more for your upcoming cruise in 2024 and 2025. Be sure to check with our travel partner, Cruise Direct , for specific departure dates and availability.

Trieste awaits you with exciting cruise adventures!

Meet the author: Sarah has created and booked hundreds of travel itineraries for thousands of customers during a career in the travel industry that spans 20 years. Having worked hand in hand with cruise lines, hotels, airlines and tour operators worldwide, she offers inspiring & detailed insights in the world of travel and tourism.

Did you find the article helpful?

Would you consider supporting us at no cost to you? Learn how you can say Thank You - at no cost to you.

We would love to hear from you!

We invite you to comment below if you found the article helpful or need us to cover an angle we missed.

Please note that comments are not immediately visible.

We check comments for relevance before publication to avoid unsuitable content or SPAM appearing on our website.

30 thoughts on “Trieste Cruise Port – the essential guide”

We are tentatively booked at Forum Bijou in Trieste. How far is that from the port for Norwegian line?

Hello Marge

Thank you for contacting us. We apologize for the delay in replying to you. The latest information we have received from NCL is that they are using terminals Molo Bersaglieri for Pier #29 and Pier #30 OR Trieste Marine Terminal (TMT) – Via della Rampa for pier #57.

Kindly check with NCL which terminal they intend to use for your cruise sailing; the address should be on your cruise tickets.

If you are staying at Forvm Boutique Hotel, on Via Valdirivo, 30, this is about 10 minutes by taxi from the cruise terminal Molo Bersaglieri. This cruise terminal is very central.

To get to Trieste Marine Terminal is a little further; it is south of the city center, but it is still an easy taxi journey of around 15 minutes.

I recommend you ask your hotel to assist with booking a taxi to ensure you get to the cruise port in good time. We wish you a great stay in wonderful Trieste and a super cruise vacation.

Hello Sarah,

We will be departing Trieste on October 27 on the Norwegian Epic. Our cruise docs give the port address as “Trieste Cruise Terminal Via Della Rampa1,Trieste 34123, Italy”. Looking at the address in Google maps, it doesn’t quite make sense. Would this mean we are using Ormeggio 57? What address or location would you recommend we give the taxi driver (we will be staying at the DoubleTree in Trieste)?

Hello Mark,

Thank you for contacting us at CruiseTrail! It is important that you use the address given to you by your cruise line. Some cruise ships use the Trieste Marine Terminal, reached via Via Della Rampa, a few kilometers outside of the city center. I recommend you check with your cruise line if in doubt or if you have questions, and that you give the full address on your ticket to your driver. Be sure to give them the cruise line’s name so they get you as close as possible to the cruise ship.

In May 2024 we will be staying in Venice 2 days and then Trieste 1 day before boarding the NCL Pearl. We are already booked at the Doubletree Hilton in Trieste. Since we’re staying on the island of Venice a train sounds like our best option to travel to Trieste. I plan to buy the train tickets early but am concerned about navigating the train system in italy. Is it easy to find the correct train?

Hi Wanda! Thank you for contacting us at CruiseTrail! We have used the train system many times in Italy without any problems. I recommend the following: 1. Purchase your tickets online (we like Omio) and download them onto your smartphone, so you can show them when onboard the train. 2. Turn up to the train station in good time so you do not feel stressed in finding your train. Find your route on the announcement boards, and it will tell you which track you need. The tracks are numbered. 3. If in doubt, ask an attendant, or go to the information desk, they will be able to help you in English. If you are staying on Venice island, you need to book from the Santa Lucia train station in Venice, to Trieste Centrale train station. Enjoy your cruise vacation, it sounds like you have a good plan! Trieste is lovely.

Our NCL cruise ends in Triste. How difficult is it to disembark and travel to the train station with luggage? We booked a hotel in Venice hoping to have time to tour the city before returning to Rome the next day. Any guidance is greatly appreciated.

Many thanks for contacting us at CruiseTrail!

You do not mention which cruise terminal your ship arrives at, do check your cruise ticket however very often it is Stazione Marittima.

To get from Stazione Marittima cruise port to Trieste Centrale train station takes approximately 15 minutes to walk, about 1.1 km. This does not sound a long way but actually with luggage it can be difficult walk along a busy road. I would certainly opt to take a taxi to the train station which will only take 5 minutes (depending on traffic). There are often plenty of taxis in the port area when cruise ships arrive. You can also call tel. +39 040 307730 (you cannot book a taxi in advance).

Alternatively, take a bus 12-15 mins from Riva del Mandraccio, number 8/24/30 (you can purchase a ticket on board for about 1.40€ single ticket, buses every 10 mins). However, this is a public bus and can get crowded and be problematic with a lot of luggage.

Once you are at the train station, the regional Trenitalia train will take you directly to Venice in around 2 hours.

Book a train ticket to Venice Mestre if your hotel is on the mainland, or to Venice Santa Lucia station if your hotel is on Venice island.

You can search and compare tickets with our travel partner Omio before you leave home if you like. They have a very handy app where you can download and store your tickets on your phone.

I hope this information is of help. Good luck and have a wonderful cruise vacation with NCL!

Best regards Sarah

Hi What’s the best option to get to the city centre from the cruise port. We are on MSC cruise arriving Trieste on 18th October

Hi George, thank you for contacting us at CruiseTrail!

If your MSC Cruise ship is docking at Stazione Marittima, Molo dei Bersaglieri, you are within walking distance (5 mins) of the main square in the city, Unity of Italy Square (Piazza Unità d’Italia).

Depending upon where your hotel is located (if you are staying in Trieste after your cruise) then you may either choose to walk or take a taxi from the port. I hope you enjoy your cruise and the city of Trieste – it’s really lovely and a great place to end a cruise vacation.

We are taking a cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line. We were told the ship will leave from Trieste Marina Terminal. The address is Punto Franco Nuovo Molo VIII. We are staying by the Roman Theater in Trieste. How do we get to the port?

Hi Nancy! Thank you for contacting us at CruiseTrail! Trieste Marina Terminal is located south of the center of Trieste, and I recommend you ask your hotel for help in booking a taxi to get you there as it is too far to walk. Be sure to give the name of the cruise line and cruise terminal when you book to ensure the driver takes you to the correct terminal. I hope you have a wonderful cruise from Trieste.

Thanks Sarah, Very helpful information. Looking forward to our cruise from Trieste.

Thank you for your kind words. I hope you have a wonderful cruise vacation.

Hi Sarah, thank you for the article. We will embark our cruise ship in Trieste in the summer of this year with Holland America line. The port address that HAL gives is: “Via Von Bruck, 3 Trieste, TS 34143 Italy”. From the Google map, I see this address is kind of far from the train station. Since we will stay in Venice for a few days before the cruise and would like to take the train to Trieste. Can you tell us what is the best way for us to get to the port from train station? Or is there any other ways to go to Trieste’s HAL port from Venice other than train? Thank you.

Many thanks for contacting us at CruiseTrail, and I do apologize for the delay in replying. I was awaiting more information from Holland American but it seems very vague from them regarding the cruise port they are using in Trieste.

From the information I received over the phone, it seems the Holland American cruise port is a short walk from the center of Ravenna, less than 10 minutes. I would, however, recommend that you check your cruise ticket for the exact address or contact your local cruise representative and have them check the correct port for your particular sailing.

The easiest and most cost-efficient way to get from Venice to Trieste is by train. You can find out all about booking train travel in Italy on our website. There is the option of a private transfer , with, for example, Viator, but this is the most expensive way to travel unless you are a small group and can share the cost.

To get from the train station to the cruise port, there are local buses from the train station, and also taxis. The journey time from the train station to the center is about 10-15 minutes. We usually recommend staying at least one night in Trieste prior to embarkation day to ensure that you arrive at your cruise ship in good time.

We hope you have a wonderful cruise vacation. Please check your cruise port address on your cruise ticket or with your HAL representative before you travel to ensure you arrive at the correct embarkation port.

We are cruising into Trieste later this year. We want to go to Venice for a couple of days. Is there a web site that would give me a phone number so someone can help me book train tickets to Venice?

Thank you for contacting us at CruiseTrail. How wonderful you are taking the time to visit Venice during your cruise vacation!

If you are not using a travel agent to help you with your booking, I recommend that you book directly with Omio, who offer train tickets with the fast train (Frecciarossa) and regional trains. You will most likely need to change in Bologna for your journey between Trieste and Venice. Omio also has an online help center where you can email them your questions. The Omio website is available in English, and you can pay in your local currency. It is very user-friendly. I recommend that you first create an account with them (free of charge), and you will have access to the information you need about managing your booking and also contact with their help center. When you have made a booking, you can download your tickets to the Omio app on your smartphone (if you like) and have them all in one place and easily accessible when you travel. We partner with Omio, and you can choose to book your train tickets here .

Good luck with your booking; we hope you enjoy Venice!

NCL has a homeport in Trieste now. On the Gem we embark in Trieste. The next day our stop is Venice (from 6:30a to 11p). I cannot locate information on how we get into Venice on May 23, 2023. If it’s a tender, where does it drop you off? I tried NCL without success. Their answer was Port of Venice and it’s a tender port. Does that mean we take a 2 hr. city operated tender to Venice from Trieste? I need details for a tour @ 9:30a meeting near St. Mark’s. As an organized traveler who pre-books as much as possible from home, I find no detailed information. Do I need a day pass or water taxi – I’m not able to determine based on what information is available on groups on FB, NCL or Cruise Critic.

Hello, and thank you for contacting us!

If your ship visits the Port of Venice, it will most likely anchor off-shore and use tender boats to get you into Venice. I have found this pdf from the NCL website which has more information about the port. I recommend you contact NCL again and ask them if this is the port you arrive at on the tender boat.

Once you are at the Port of Venice, you have several options to get to St. Mark’s Square.

NCL may offer a water bus that you can book in advance to get you there, this may be rather expensive, but it will get you there relatively quickly. You must be prepared for queues in Venice, especially when cruise ships visit and thousands of passengers are disembarking around the same time. Ask NCL if they offer water bus transportation and the price, and if you can be off the ship in the earliest group.

You can walk; this will take a good hour, I would guess, bearing in mind the crowds and finding your way. Although the walk is often delightful, it will take time. Hop on the People Mover (1 EURO each payable at the ticket machines with cash or a credit card) from the port to get you to Piazzale Roma, and you walk from there.

Alternatively, you can ride a water taxi from one of the first stops on the Grand Canal to St. Mark’s Square. It will be quicker than walking.

Perhaps you may consider booking a private transfer from the Port of Venice to St. Mark’s Square to get you there even quicker. We trust Viator as a travel partner for transfers in Venice, and you can look closer at the prices they offer here , although this may be the most expensive option for you.

We hope this information is of help to you. We wish you a fantastic day on Venice Island.

Hello Sarah We are flying into Venice Marco Polo Airport looking for any hotel, near Venice Maestre Central Station (MCS), that can provide a shuttle bus to pick us up at the airport. After staying for 3 days, we will check into Holland American Line Cruise ship at Trieste Marine Cruise Terminal. We will take ±2 hours train ride from Venice MCS to Trieste Central Train Station, and stay two nights in Trieste Town. If I take Local Bus #30 from Trieste City Center to Trieste Marine Terminal. There is no Inside Port Transportation from Passeggio Sant’ Andrea (GdF) at the port entry Gate to the Holland American Line Cruise Ship (Except for Walking that may be restricted). As you suggested we will take a taxi instead from our hotel in Trieste to HAL Cruise Port Terminal.

Hi George! It sounds like you have a good plan for your cruise vacation! If you are still searching for a hotel in Venice Maestre, you may like to look at Ambasciatori Hotel Mestre Venice. They offer an airport shuttle bus transfer. It is the same complex as Delfino Mestre. Located very close to the train station, next door to a supermarket, and the bus stop is outside the hotel to get you into Venice island. It is a 3-star option if this suits you. I recommend you read the reviews then contact the hotel regarding an airport shuttle transfer. If you like, you can start your hotel search on our hotel booking resource page . If you decide to look at hotel accommodation on Venice island instead, you can travel by train from Santa Lucia train station (located on the Grand Canal, Venice island) to Trieste. Good luck! I wish you a fantastic trip.

What is the best way to get to Friuili Venezia Guilia airport from the Trieste Cruise terminal? Is the bus station in walking distance (considering bag drag, etc.)

Hi Melissa! Thank you for contacting us!

You have a few options for transport from Trieste cruise terminal to Trieste Airport. If you cruise ship arrives at Statzione Marittima cruise port. Here are your options:

1. TAXI: The easiest way but also one of the most costly is a taxi. Taxi are available at the port or by calling tel. +39 040 307730. Note you cannot book a taxi in advance. There is a flat rate from Trieste cruise port to Trieste airport at 60€. It takes about 45/50 mins.

2. BUS: You need to make two separate journeys to reach the airport using the bus.

The distance is 1.1Km, about 15 mins walking or by taxi 5 mins (tel. +39 040 307730). Note you cannot book a taxi in advance. Alternatively take the bus (12-15 mins) from Riva del Mandraccio nr 8/24/30. You can purchase ticket on board 1.40€ single ticket. Buses leave every 10 mins.

b) Trieste Piazza Libertà bus station to Trieste Airport with Bus G51, buses approximately every 30 mins, depends on the time of the day. It takes approx 55mins/1hour. You can purchase tickets for G51 bus at the Trieste bus station (payment cash/credit card/debit card) 4.40€ single ticket.

3. TRAIN: You need to make two separate journeys to reach the airport using the train.

a) Stazione Marittima (cruise port) to Trieste Centrale train station: 1.1Km / approx 15 mins walking / 5 mins by taxi tel. +39 040 307730 (you cannot book a taxi in advance) / by bus in 12/15 mins from Riva del Mandraccio nr 8/24/30 (you can purchase ticket on board 1.40€ single ticket, buses every 10mins)

b) Trieste Centrale train station to Trieste Airport: There are trains about every 30/45 mins, depends on the time of the day. Check timetable with Omio which include the Trenitalia trains . It takes 28 minutes, single ticket is around 5€.

I hope this information helps you to decide which alternative suits you best. There are often many taxis at the cruise port when ships dock, but I have included the phone number for you as well. I also recommend that check with the guest services on board to see if they offer a transfer to the airport.

I was wondering the best way to get from Trieste port to Marco Polo airport. I will be traveling on my own. Taxi would be the preferred option but seems expensive. Thank you

Hi, Taxis and private transfers can get pricey when traveling alone or in smaller groups.

Depending on your travel dates, some buses and trains are pretty convenient. You can search for buses and trains with the provider we recommend and use. Click here to read more: Search, compare, and book transport .

I find it convenient to travel by train in Italy. One solution could be to take the train to Venice Maestre central station and then, from there taxi or bus to Marco Polo airport. I wish you a wonderful trip, and let me know if you have further questions.

Thank you for this helpful information! My husband and I are taking our first cruise, and Trieste is our embarkation port. We were unsure how to get from the airport to the ship, but your article spells it all out for us. We hope to have a little bit of extra time to explore what sounds like a beautiful city before we set sail. Thanks again for this awesome info!

How exciting, I am sure you will have a lovely trip. Thank you for your kind words; I am happy I could help. And yes, there is plenty to do and see in Trieste. I hope you enjoy the city before your cruise.

Thank you so much. Very helpful. We will be in Trieste September 2024. Brenda Brisbane Australia

Thank you for your kind words. Have a great time in Trieste, there is a lot to see and enjoy.

CruiseTrail.com

Editorial Guidelines

Resources we recommend

Cruise port guides

Essential cruise trip items

For the most recent version of this page, visit:

www.cruiseandsea.com

https://www.cruiseandsea.com/port/reykjavik-iceland/

Reykjavik Iceland

The capital of Iceland is Reykjavík , located in the far north-west of Europe. Almost half of Iceland’s population lives in this city where the sun shines almost 24 hours a day in the summer. Cruise ships stop in Reykjavik between May and October. In winter, the night lastst 20 hours, which doesn’t stop residents from defying the coldness in the pubs and thanks to their distinct humour.

Iceland’s landscape of volcanic soils is described as lunar. The painted houses brightened the landscape. Geothermal energy draws on the heat produced by volcanoes to produce energy. This region is known for its fishing gastronomy, for its handicrafts and for making unique woolly sweaters.

Share this page

Useful Information

Icelandic (the majority of residents also speak English, several posters are also in English)

None are required (except for your tour guides), but you can round up the bill (exept for you guides)

ISK Icelandic króna - Credit cards are accepted in most businesses. It is not possible to convert your crowns to other coins in Iceland, so be sure to withdraw only the amount you will need for your stay.

Time difference

from New York: +4h

from San Francisco: +6h

from London: -1h

Where is located the Port of Reykjavík Cruise Terminal

Travelling around the reykjavik cruise port, how to get from reykjavík airport to the port.

Keflavik International Airport is located 50km from Reykjavíkport. Taxis are availabe 24 hours a day at the airport.

A bus transfer service is available and the journey to Reykjavík will take 45 minutes. Wi-Fi is free on the bus. Buy your tickets online before you leave.

The public transport will take you more than 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Private transport are available.

Directions from Airport to Cruise terminal

directions_boat Old Port
directions_boat Skarfabakki wharf

Directions from Cruise terminal to Airport

A shuttle bus is usually available to get to the centre of the city. Tickets are on sale at the port shop (10 euro or 14 euro for a round trip in 2014) Otherwise, a paved path (Shore walk) along the sea also goes to the center of the city, mall it takes at least 45 minutes to walk. Points of interest in the centre of the city are within walking distance of each other.

A transit service is also in operation.

Activities in Reykjavik

Rebate cards, reykjavík city card.

The Reykjavik Welcome Card gives you free access to public transit and several museums and municipal swimming pools, plus discounts at other museums and restaurants.

Neighborhoods

A walking tour of the Old Town will allow you to enjoy the bustling old harbour, colourful buildings and the sculptures and murals you will come across on your way.

Église Hallgrmskirkja

This unique church is a symbol of the city. An elevator take you to an observation deck.

Saga Museum

Museum on the history of the Vikings. Scenes are recreated to demonstrate the history of the first inhabitants of Iceland. Audioguide available in French.

National Museum of Iceland

This small museum about Iceland’s history is located on the southwest corner of the pond (Tjorn).

Reykjavík City Museum

This museum has two exhibitions. The Arbaer Museum, an open-air museum of 30 buildings that show how the people of Reykjavik lived. The exhibition Reykjavik 871± 2 is based on the discovery of a house dating back 871 (± two years). You can also see Viking artifacts found nearby.

Reykjavík Maritime Museum

Reykjavik Maritime History Museum

Reykjavík Art Museum’s

This museum is composed of three buildings scattered throughout the city. The building housing contemporary art, located near the Old Port, is the easiest to access. The other two buildings have paintings and sculptures and are accessible by taxi.

Perlan (Pearl)

A hot water storage facility transformed into a tourist attraction with restaurants and observation decks. free.

Blue Lagoon

These artificial geothermal-heated pools are part of a health centre. They were created during the construction of the geothermal power plant when the water ceased to be absorbed by the ground. The minerals that have been deposited at the bottom give it this color. The property is 40 minutes from the city centre. Tour companies offer express buses from the BSI bus terminal. Open 9 hours a day in summer and 10 hours rest of the season. Entrance 30 euros includes locker (rental of extra towels).

Excursions in Reykjavik

Golden Circle - To see a Geyser, the gullfoss waterfall (the widest in Europe) and Thingvellir, a national park, site of Europe’s first parliament, where you can observe the meeting of the tectonic plates of Europe and America.
Volcanoes and Glaciers - Different excursions will allow you to see volcanoes and/or glaciers. From helicopter tours to 4X4 tours , there’s something for everyone.
Horse Riding - discovering Iceland’s landscapes on horseback.
Whale and Bird Watching (Puffins) - These tours are offered by your cruise line or from the Old Port via Special Tours
City tour - Several city tours (on foot or by bus) are offered and also combine other attractions such as a swim at the Blue lagoon or a visit to museums.
Bike Tour and bike hire

Cruise and Sea is not responsible for the content of external websites and transactions made on third-party websites. Ad Find unforgettable experiences to discover the world.

Cruise and Sea is not responsible for the content of external websites and transactions made on third-party websites. Ad Find amazing things to do. Anytime, anywhere.

Useful References

Tourism Board - Reykjavik
Tourism Board - Iceland
Reykjavik on Wikipedia
Iceland on Wikipedia
Travel Advice and Advisories (Government of Canada)

For details or to book an excursion, visit our page:

Alternative:

https://www.viator.com/en-CA/Reykjavik/d905-ttd?pid=P00045706&mcid=42383&medium=link&campaign=morebutton

Akureyri Iceland

Other cruiseports in the area

More world destinations.

Adriatic Sea
Canada and New England
Central America
Mediterranean Sea
Northern Europe
Norwegian Fjords
Panama Canal
South America

Independent Quest: Maps and Guides for Travelers ™

Ponta Delgada Azores (Portugal) Cruise Port Guide: Review (2023)

Panoramic photo of Blue Lagoon in Sao Miguel Island close to Ponta Delgada cruise port

Overview for cruise visitors to Ponta Delgada. Things to do and must-know. Attractions, shore excursions, and sightseeing. Where ships dock, how to explore and get around, maps, tourist info, and basics.

By: Editor-in-Chief Update: May 23, 2023

Anyone that knows Ponta Delgada well wonders why cruise ships don’t call at this port more frequently. Is there much to do? Yes. Have you been to Ponta Delgada and didn't find anything appealing to enjoy? Could it be that you missed something? That's not surprising.

Where is Ponta Delgada

Where cruise ships dock

Shuttle bus.

Cruise terminal
Things to do in Ponta Delgada
Top attractions of Ponta Delgada and Sāo Miguel
Shore excursions (Shorex)
Discover on your own
Sightseeing
What's within walking distance
How to get around
Must-know: tourist info, language and currency
Safety, emergencies, and basics

There are many things to do on the lovely island of São Miguel, where Ponta Delgada cruise port is. But, and this is a big but, most cruise lines rarely offer several of the most extraordinary attractions.

The port of Ponta Delgada (in the Azores, Portugal) is the gateway to a good number of stunning sites located between 3 and 28 miles (4,8 and 45 km) from the cruise piers and terminal.

Cruisers who like a stroll close to the port will discover a few charming sites near the piers. But you have to travel inland to enjoy spectacular landscapes. And unique gastronomic delights. For one-of-a-kind experiences, you must venture out to sea.

Ponta Delgada is a cruise port of call usually visited in Transatlantic and European Atlantic itineraries during the Spring-Summer season. As many as 149,000 passengers and over 140 cruise ships visited Ponta Delgada in 2019.

Ponta Delgada is very safe. The area around the port has a very pleasant character, is very clean and well maintained. The local population is friendly, polite and speak English very well. For those cruising with families, there are just a few exciting things for kids to do. Cruise passengers with walking difficulties will find it simple to wander around in Ponta Delgada on your own.

Where is Ponta Delgada cruise port

Ponta Delgada is in the middle of the Atlantic ocean, far from other cruise ports. Funchal (Madeira) and the other islands in the Azores are the only ports close by. The cruise port in Ponta Delgada is 900 miles (1450 km) West of Lisbon and 2570 miles (4,136 km) East of New York.

Bathed by the Atlantic Ocean, Ponta Delgada is on the South Coast of the island of Sāo Miguel and, with a population of around 68,809, is the largest city of the Azores. The Azores is an archipelago with nine islands and Sāo Miguel, often referred to as the emerald green island thanks to its flora, is the largest. The island is 35.8 miles (62 km) long, and its maximum width is 9.8 miles (15.8 km).

Cruise ships dock in two distinct areas, both close to the historical downtown of Ponta Delgada. If you have been to Ponta Delgada before, you may be under the impression that cruise ships always dock by the Terminal Maritimo , which is where ships moor most of the time.

However, when more than two cruise ships call at Ponta Delgada it is possible to dock at the long pier (parallel to the city) that is also a breakwater.

The Terminal Maritimo , also known as Portas do Mar (Sea Doors), is on a modern complex with cafes, restaurants, and shops. It has a long pier for two large ships and is around 700 feet (200 meters) from the main avenue of the historical city.

This avenue along the harbor (Portuguese: Avenida do Infante Dom Henrique ), leads to the main square and heart of Ponta Delgada, another 700 feet (200 meters) farther west.

The breakwater pier is 0.85 miles long. It is used primarily by cargo ships and occasionally by cruise ships. It ends by an old fort (Forte de São Brás), and next to another major square in Ponta Delgada.

When cruise ships dock at the industrial pier, passengers are prohibited to walk to town if cargo is being unloaded. The good news is that a shuttle bus will be provided. The main cruise terminal is so close to the old city that a shuttle bus is not needed.

Cruise terminal services and amenities

Do not expect to find any amenities or services at the industrial pier. Except for cruise excursion buses and a few taxis. By contrast, cruise passengers will find in Terminal Maritimo the following services and amenities:

Be aware that cruise passengers will have to pass by x-ray scanners at the terminal to re-enter the ship.

Things to do in Ponta Delgada cruise port

The island of Sāo Miguel has quite a few highlights. But when cruisers ask "What is there to do in Ponta Delgada?" whale watching is undoubtedly the most spectacular experience you must enjoy in Ponta Delgada. Surprisingly, it is seldom mentioned and rarely offered.

Amazingly only a couple of cruise lines offer whale-watching excursions. It is mindboggling considering that the best time for whale-watching in the Azores is between May and September, precisely when cruise ships call at Ponta Delgada.

For those that are not thrilled or feel intimidated to encounter massive whales on a small boat, there are many scenic sights to marvel at and experiences to enjoy. Here are the top things to do on a cruise to Ponta Delgada:

Enjoy whale and dolphin watching
Marvel at Sete Cidades crater lakes
Visit the active geysers at the Furnas Valley
Explore Ribeira Grande town
Walk around Ponta Delgada historical center
Stroll through the Terra Nostra botanical gardens
Discover a pineapple plantation
Tour a tea plantation
Drive a 4WD through off the beaten track sites
Savor a cozido (stew) cooked in hot springs
Taste Azorean wines and cheeses
Shop for local handicrafts and gourmet delicacies

Top attractions in Ponta Delgada cruise port and Sāo Miguel island

Cruise travelers will have the opportunity to experience the best things to do in Ponta Delgada in the following sites:

Sete Cidades crater lakes The “Lake of Seven Cities” is a natural wonder of mesmerizing beauty. Must-see: the two lagoons (green lagoon and blue lagoon), Vista do Rei sightseeing point, the village and church of Saint Nicholas. Distance from port: 16 miles (26.6 km), under a 40-minute drive. Learn more on Wikipedia
Lago do Fogo The Lake of Fire is a pristine volcanic crater with a stunning lake. Must-see and do: sightseeing from “Miradouro da Lagoa do Fogo” (viewpoint), hiking to the edge of the lake, sandy beach, and endemic flora. Distance from port: around 16.5 miles (26.6 km), 25-minute drive. Learn more on Wikipedia
Furnas Valley Active volcanic complex with dozens of hot springs (fumaroles). Must-see and do: Pico do Ferro viewpoint, Lagoa das Furnas , Nossa Senhora das Vitórias chapel Terra Nostra botanical garden, savor Cozido nas Caldeiras - meat and vegetable slow-cooked stew. Distance from port: 28.4 miles (45.6 km), 45-minute drive. Visiting time: 2 to 3 hours (not including lunch). Learn more on Wikipedia
Parque Terra Nostra This stunning botanical garden features a casino within a hotel and a natural hot-water swimming pool (yes, you can swim here). Distance from port: 42.9 miles (26.7 km), 45-minute drive. Discover more on the official website in English.
Ribeira Grande The first capital city of the Azores dating back to the late 15th century. Must-see: Igreja Matriz (main church), Municipal (Ethnographic) Museum, Azorean Emigration Museum, and Santa Bárbara surfing beach. Distance from port: 13.3 miles (21.4 km), around a 20-minute drive. Learn more on Wikipedia .
Arruda Pineapple Plantation Azores pineapples are known for being small but very juicy and sweet. Must-see: plantation and store where you can purchase pineapple liqueurs and sweets. Distance from port: 3.1 miles (4.9 km), 10-minute drive. Read more on the official website in English.
Gorreana Tea Plantation Dating back to 1883 and claiming to be the oldest and only operational factory in Europe, this 32-acre farm produces 44 tons of tea annually. Must-see: beautiful sights, picking and packing to tea, a museum with the original equipment. Distance from port: around 19.1 miles (30.8 km), 30-minute drive. Learn more on the official website in English.
Ponta Delgada historical center To find out more about all the top attractions in the historical center of Ponta Delgada keep reading this port guide or click here .

Adventure, thrilling and fun activities

Except for 4WD tours, dolphin and whale watching, cruise excursions do not offer most activities listed below. You will have to book these with alternative online and local tour services. Here are the top thrilling activities you may enjoy when calling on a cruise to Ponta Delgada port:

Bicycle rides
Big Game Fishing
Birdwatching
Horseback riding
Paragliding
Scuba Diving

Cruise shore excursions and tours

Obviously, all cruise lines callling at Ponta Delgada offer many and diverse shore excursions in Ponta Delgada. Royal Caribbean offers 4 shore excursions , Norwegian Cruise Line has available 8 shore tours , and Carnival lists 7 cruise excursions .

Celebrity Cruises offer as many 8 shore explorations , Holland America lists 6 cruise excursions and Princess has available 8 excursions in Ponta Delgada cruise port.

The upper-premium cruise lines like Oceania and Viking visit Ponta Delgada cruise port on many/a few itineraries. Oceania Cruises organizes 12 shore excursions in Ponta Delgada. Although most luxury cruise lines include shore excursions with the cruise fare, Regent, Seabourn and Silversea offer unique and diverse explorations ashore in Ponta Delgada. Regent lists 11 excursions , Seabourn has 8 excursions , and Silversea offers 12 excursions .

There are also excursions offered by the following reputable private online services and local tour operators:

Shore Trips
Shore Excursions Group
Tours by Locals
Cruising Excursions
Shore Excursioneer

Local tour operators

Amongst the many local tour operators, none of which are affiliated, endorsed, or approved by IQCruising, the following have received excellent reviews and gave secure websites:

futurismo.pt
picosdeaventura.com
epicadventures.com
whalewatch.com
azoresgolfislands.com
azoresfishing.pt
azoresshoreexcursions.com

Explore Ponta Delgada on your own.

Cruise passengers that like to explore ports on their own will find a few attractions nearby to discover on foot. There is also one sightseeing train and the sightseeing yellow bus. Public transportation is good but not easy to navigate for tourists. Close to the port, the are taxi ranks, which is an affordable way to get around.

Sightseeing in Ponta Delgada

The Yellow bus sightseeing hop-on hop-off has two main routes. Both cost € 22.00 and start by the São Brás Fort within walking distance from the port. One tour has seven stops sightseeing Ponta Delgada, Ribeira Grande, and the Fire Lake (Lagoa do Fogo). The second tour covers Ponta Delgada and the Seven Cities Lagoon and has six stops in between.

The Lagarta tourist train has four tours: a city tour, a garden tour, a beach tour, and a heritage tour. All these tours start at São Brás Fort and cost € 7.50. For more information check the official websites:

Yellow Bus Hop-On Hop-Off
Lagarta Tourist train

What's within walking distance of the cruise port

Close to the cruise port and the terminal, between 500 feet and ¾ of a mile, there are many landmarks, churches, museums and highlighst to explore on foot. These are the top attractions in the historical center of Ponta Delgada:

Main square. The heart of downtown with statue of Gonçalo Velho Cabral (the Portuguese navigator who discovered the Azores) at its center. The town hall square is next to it.
City Gates. On the main square, the three-arched “Portas da Cidade” is a main landmark impossible to miss.
St Sebastian Church. The main church in the city, the Igreja Matriz de São Sebastião is located next to the main square. The interior is a must-see.
Synagogue Museum. The old synagogue is now a museum (Museu Hebraico Sahar Hassamaim), less than 500 feet west of the main square.
Military Museum at São Brás Fort Dating back to 1552, this fort overlooking the ocean houses a military museum.
St Joseph Church The very large Igreja de São José is one of main buiildings in the square next to the Military Museum.

Must-know: tourist info, language, and money matters

Portuguese is the official language but English is widely spoken. The English speaking cruise passenger will easily communicate with locals pretty much everywhere.

Currency and money matters

The Euro (€) (EUR) is the legal tender in Portugal as a full member of the European and Monetary Union. US$ dollars or any other currency are NOT accepted and you must have Euros to pay for services or purchases in cash.

Credit cards: Most credit cards are accepted. DoubleCHECK

There are ATM machines by all banks, sometimes labeled “Multibanco” where you can cash Euros with both your debit card and credit card.

Tipping: Tipping is not expected in restaurants, cafes, or bars as employees have labor contracts with all sorts of benefits. However, it is customary to round up the check but always less than 5%. The same applies to taxi drivers.

Haggling: Haggling is not expected on any shops or services with exception of street vendors - be aware that many are not legal and you can get your purchases confiscated.

Business and commercial opening hours

Museums open from 10 am to 5 pm but close on Mondays. Shops are open on weekdays from 9 am to 7 pm, although some may be closed for lunch between 1 pm and 3 pm. Many shops close on Saturday after 1 pm. Shopping malls are open 7 days a week and on holidays from 10 am to 11 pm. Banks are open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 3 pm.

Safety, US travel advisory, and basics

Ponta Delgada and all the Azores are well known for being very safe.

For comprehensive and updated information about traveling to Portugal see the U.S. Department of State website page evolving advisory.

Covid-19 advice for cruises to Ponta Delgada (Portugal)

For updated coronavirus (Covid-19) information and travel advice to Portugal and Ponta Delgada visit the website of the U.S. Embassy in Portugal . For more Traveler's Health advice to Portugal see the CDC Website .

Ponta Delgada Basic Info at a Glance

Share Ponta Delgada Port Review

The information on this page was accurate when last updated and published but changes may have occurred without notice. It is advisable to confirm details with local tourist information before planning your cruise, tour or excursion of Ponta Delgada Cruise Port. If any inaccuracies are found or if there are any suggestions to improve the content of this page please let us know.

Submit a Correction / Suggestion.

Terms of Use
Legal & Privacy

Protect Your Trip »

Here's when you need (and don't need) a passport to cruise.

It's the type of sailing – closed-loop or open-loop – that largely determines whether or not you need a passport to cruise.

Do You Need a Passport for a Cruise?

Passports on a map showing cruise lanes.

Getty Images

A passport isn't always required for cruising.

To determine whether or not you need a passport to cruise, you first need to figure out if the itinerary is closed-loop or open-loop (also known as open-jaw).

Closed-loop cruise: A closed-loop cruise typically doesn't require a passport since it begins and ends in the same U.S. port (though there are some exceptions to this rule).

Example: Royal Caribbean International 's seven-night Western Caribbean & Perfect Day cruise stops in several countries – the Bahamas, Jamaica, Haiti and Grand Cayman – but the itinerary is considered closed-loop because it starts and ends in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Open-loop cruise: An open-loop cruise begins in one U.S. port and ends in a different U.S. port.

Example: Carnival Cruise Line 's 16-day Panama Canal from Seattle itinerary is not considered closed-loop because it departs from Seattle and completes its journey in New Orleans.

All of the above regulations have been determined by the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative: a plan by the departments of State and Homeland Security that determines which documents are acceptable for proving identity and citizenship when entering the United States.

Where to cruise without a passport

There are several destinations where you can cruise without a passport on a closed-loop sailing. They include the following:

The Bahamas

When looking at cruises to these locations, be mindful of the home ports. The Bahamas, Mexico, Bermuda, the Caribbean and Canada are all foreign ports, which means they only qualify for the passport exception if they are a stop along your cruise itinerary . If the cruise originates in any of these countries, it is likely you will need a passport.

Since Alaska, Hawaii and New England are all U.S. destinations, any closed-loop routes departing from these locations will not require a passport. However, keep in mind that it can be hard to find closed-loop cruises originating in Hawaii or Alaska.

To find closed-loop itineraries for a Hawaiian voyage or Alaskan cruise , try searching for sailings departing from major cities on the West Coast, like Seattle or Los Angeles . By contrast, quite a few closed-loop cruises leave from New England ports, but they are often marketed as Canadian cruises.

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks Newsletter

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Sign up to receive the latest updates from U.S News & World Report and our trusted partners and sponsors. By clicking submit, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy .

When you need a passport for closed-loop cruises

Some cruise itineraries include foreign ports that require a passport for disembarkation. This is most commonly an issue for travelers on a closed-loop Caribbean cruise. Barbados , Guadeloupe , Haiti, Martinique , St. Barts , and Trinidad and Tobago all require U.S. citizens to present a valid passport to disembark and enter the country, despite WHTI regulations not requiring a passport for these destinations. Labadee, Royal Caribbean's private island , is an exception and does not require a passport despite its location in Haiti.

If your itinerary includes a country requiring a U.S. passport, your cruise line will require you to have the passport at check-in. Note that your passport must not expire within six months of your arrival in a foreign country or else it won't be considered valid for international travel.

Read: The Easiest Way to Renew Your Passport

Acceptable forms of ID

All travelers – U.S. citizens and foreign nationals alike – must present documents that show identity and citizenship when entering the United States. A U.S. passport can show both. If you don't have one or don't want to bring one, be aware that you may need to present more than one document.

U.S. citizens 16 and older

If you're a U.S. citizen age 16 or older sailing on a closed-loop cruise without your passport, you will need a government-issued photo ID like a driver's license. In addition, you must present a document that proves your U.S. citizenship. These include:

Passport card
State-issued enhanced driver's license (EDL)
Government-issued birth certificate
Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST)
American Indian Card (Form I-872) or Enhanced Tribal ID Card

The Trusted Traveler Programs are risk-based programs to facilitate the entry of travelers who have been vetted and preapproved. Most of these programs will provide you with a machine-readable card that allows you to pass through border checkpoints quickly. Keep in mind, some of these IDs are only available to travelers 16 and older.

Read: TSA Precheck vs. Global Entry

U.S. citizens younger than 16

U.S. citizens younger than 16 are only required to present proof of citizenship, such as one of the following documents:

Original, notarized or certified copy of their government-issued birth certificate
Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by U.S. Department of State
Certificate of Naturalization issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Read: How to Get a Passport for Kids

Non-U.S. citizens

If you are a lawful permanent resident (or LPR) of the United States, you are required to present a permanent resident card or other valid evidence of permanent residence status.

Non-U.S. citizens, with the exception of Canadians and Mexicans, are not subject to passport exceptions, so a valid passport will need to be provided. Canadian citizens can present a valid passport, Enhanced Driver's License or Trusted Traveler Program card. Mexican citizens must present a passport with a visa or a Border Crossing Card.

Unacceptable forms of ID

While most common forms of identification are accepted, there are a few exceptions. U.S. military identification cards and U.S. Merchant Mariner documents are valid forms of identification, but only when traveling on official orders or in conjunction with official maritime business, so it is unlikely they will be accepted when traveling on a cruise.

Here are some other documents that will not be accepted as proof of citizenship:

Voter registration cards
Social Security cards
Baptismal papers
Hospital certificates of birth (for anyone older than a newborn)

It is important to note that many of the permitted forms of identification, such as a passport card or EDL, are only accepted at land and sea border crossings. Unforeseen circumstances, such as a medical air evacuation, may cause you to return to the U.S. by air travel. In this case, these documents won't be accepted when you try to reenter at the border crossing.

To avoid extra delays in your return to the U.S. following unforeseen travel complications, the Department of State recommends that everyone taking a cruise from the United States carry a valid passport book in case of emergency.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Erin Vasta has traveled extensively to international destinations, gaining a deep knowledge of travel regulations in the process. Her expertise in this area has saved her family and friends from unnecessary travel delays and ensured stress-free trips through border security in nearly 15 countries. To write this article, Vasta used her international travel experience and research skills.

How Much Does a Cruise Cost?

Gwen Pratesi April 24, 2024

The Best Whale Watching in Cape Cod

Lyn Mettler April 24, 2024

Best Whale Watching Tours in Maine

Marisa Méndez April 23, 2024

The Best Wineries in Napa Valley

April 23, 2024

The Best East Coast Beaches

April 19, 2024

The Best Hard-sided Luggage Picks

Erin Evans , Rachael Hood , Catriona Kendall , Amanda Norcross and Leilani Osmundson April 17, 2024

The Best Carry-on Luggage

The Best Luggage Brands

Rachael Hood April 17, 2024

The Best Yellowstone National Park Tours

John Rodwan April 17, 2024

Winter is here! Check out the winter wonderlands at these 5 amazing winter destinations in Montana

Travel Tips

What Airport Is Closest To Manhattan Cruise Terminal

Published: December 13, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Kirstin Dobbs

Plan Your Trip

Introduction

When planning a cruise from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal, one important factor to consider is the closest airport for your arrival. Knowing the nearest airports can help streamline your travel plans and ensure a smooth journey to your cruise departure point.

The Manhattan Cruise Terminal is one of the busiest cruise ports on the East Coast, serving as a gateway to major cruise lines and popular destinations. Located in the heart of New York City, it offers convenient access to a wide range of attractions, including iconic landmarks like Times Square, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty.

With several airports serving the New York City area, it’s essential to know which one is closest to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal. This knowledge can help you plan your travel itinerary more efficiently, saving you time and potential stress.

In this article, we will explore the closest airports to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal, highlighting their proximity, transportation options, and other relevant information to assist you in making informed travel decisions. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first cruise adventure, this guide will provide valuable insights to enhance your overall experience.

Transportation Options to Manhattan Cruise Terminal

Once you arrive at the airport closest to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal, you have several transportation options to get to your cruise ship. Here are some common choices:

Taxi or Ride-Sharing Services: Taxis are readily available at the airports, and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft also operate in the area. This convenient option allows you to reach the cruise terminal directly, and prices may vary depending on traffic and distance.
Shuttle Services: Many shuttle companies offer transfers between airports and the Manhattan Cruise Terminal. These shared-ride services are usually cheaper than taxis and can be pre-booked for a hassle-free experience.
Public Transportation: New York City has an extensive public transportation system, including buses and subways. Depending on your airport and location, you can use public transportation to reach the cruise terminal. However, be prepared for crowds and the possibility of transferring between different lines.
Private Car Service: If you prefer a more personalized and comfortable experience, you can hire a private car service. These chauffeured vehicles can pick you up from the airport and take you directly to the cruise terminal, providing a convenient and stress-free journey.

It’s important to consider factors such as cost, convenience, and the number of passengers when choosing your transportation option. Additionally, it’s a good idea to check for any ongoing road construction or traffic conditions that may affect travel times.

Now that you have an overview of the transportation options available, let’s explore the closest airports to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal and how to get there.

Closest Airports to Manhattan Cruise Terminal

Here are the three closest airports to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal:

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): Located approximately 15 miles southeast of Manhattan, JFK is one of the busiest airports in the United States. It offers a wide range of domestic and international flights, making it a popular choice for travelers. From JFK, you have various transportation options to reach the Manhattan Cruise Terminal, including taxis, ride-sharing services, shuttle buses, and public transportation.
LaGuardia Airport (LGA): Situated about 8 miles northeast of Manhattan, LaGuardia is another major airport serving New York City. While it primarily handles domestic flights, some international flights are available as well. Similar to JFK, you can utilize taxis, ride-sharing services, shuttle buses, or public transportation to get to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal from LaGuardia.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): Located across the Hudson River in Newark, New Jersey, Newark Liberty International Airport is approximately 16 miles west of Manhattan. It is a major hub for both domestic and international flights. To reach the Manhattan Cruise Terminal from Newark, you can take a taxi, use ride-sharing services, book a shuttle, or utilize public transportation options.

These airports offer a wide range of flight options, making it convenient for travelers from various parts of the world to reach the Manhattan Cruise Terminal. It’s essential to consider factors such as flight availability, cost, and proximity when choosing the most suitable airport for your cruise departure.

Now that we have covered the closest airports to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal, let’s explore other airports in the vicinity that may also be convenient for your travel plans.

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

John F. Kennedy International Airport, commonly known as JFK, is one of the primary airports serving the New York City area and is located approximately 15 miles southeast of the Manhattan Cruise Terminal. As one of the busiest airports in the United States, JFK offers a wide range of domestic and international flights, making it a popular choice for travelers.

Getting to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal from JFK is convenient, thanks to various transportation options available:

Taxis: Taxis are readily available outside the airport terminals and offer a direct and hassle-free way to reach the cruise terminal. The journey typically takes around 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions and the time of day.
Ride-Sharing Services: Services like Uber and Lyft operate in the New York City area and provide a convenient alternative to taxis. By using a ride-sharing app, you can book a car to take you to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal directly.
Shuttle Buses: Many shuttle companies offer transfers from JFK to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal. These shared-ride services are often more affordable than taxis and can be pre-booked, ensuring a smooth and efficient journey.
Public Transportation: The AirTrain JFK provides a connection between the airport and the New York City subway system. By taking the AirTrain to the Howard Beach Station or Jamaica Station, you can transfer to subway lines that will take you to Manhattan. From there, you can use additional transportation options to reach the cruise terminal.

It’s important to note that traffic conditions in New York City can be unpredictable, so it’s recommended to plan your travel accordingly, allowing extra time for potential delays. Additionally, it’s advisable to check for any construction or traffic updates that may affect your journey.

JFK offers a wide range of amenities, including restaurants, shops, and lounges, providing a comfortable and enjoyable experience for passengers. Whether you plan to arrive in New York City a few days before your cruise or have a layover at JFK, you’ll find plenty of facilities to make your time at the airport pleasant.

With its extensive flight options and convenient transportation links, John F. Kennedy International Airport is an excellent choice for travelers heading to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal.

LaGuardia Airport (LGA)

LaGuardia Airport, located approximately 8 miles northeast of the Manhattan Cruise Terminal, is another major airport serving the New York City area. While it primarily handles domestic flights, there are also some international flight options available. LGA is known for its close proximity to Manhattan, making it a convenient choice for travelers heading to the cruise terminal.

When it comes to transportation options from LaGuardia to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal, here are some of the most popular choices:

Taxis: Taxis are abundant at LaGuardia, and you can easily find them outside the airport terminals. This direct and efficient option allows you to reach the cruise terminal in approximately 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
Ride-Sharing Services: Similar to other airports, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft operate at LaGuardia Airport. Using a ride-sharing app, you can book a car to transport you to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal conveniently.
Shuttle Buses: Many shuttle companies offer transfers between LaGuardia and the Manhattan Cruise Terminal. These shared-ride services can be pre-booked and are often more affordable than taxis, providing a cost-effective transportation option.
Public Transportation: While LaGuardia does not have a direct subway connection, you can use buses to reach the nearest subway station. From there, you can transfer to subway lines that will take you to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal.

When planning your journey from LaGuardia to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal, it’s important to consider traffic conditions in New York City, as they can significantly impact travel time. It’s recommended to allow extra time for potential delays, especially during peak travel hours.

LaGuardia Airport offers a range of amenities, including dining options, shops, and lounges, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for passengers. Whether you have a layover at LGA or plan to spend some time in New York City before your cruise, you’ll find convenient facilities to make your stay pleasant.

With its proximity to Manhattan and various transportation options, LaGuardia Airport is a convenient choice for travelers heading to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal.

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

Newark Liberty International Airport, situated approximately 16 miles west of the Manhattan Cruise Terminal, is a major airport serving the New York City area. It is a hub for both domestic and international flights, offering a wide range of travel options for passengers. While not as close as JFK or LaGuardia, Newark Liberty International Airport is still a convenient choice for travelers heading to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal.

Here are the transportation options available to get from Newark Airport to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal:

Taxis: Taxis are easily accessible at Newark Airport, and they provide a direct and convenient way to reach the cruise terminal. The journey from Newark to Manhattan usually takes around 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
Ride-Sharing Services: Similar to other airports, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft operate at Newark. By using a ride-sharing app, you can book a car to transport you to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal.
Shuttle Services: Several shuttle companies offer transfers between Newark Airport and the Manhattan Cruise Terminal. These shared-ride services can be pre-booked and provide a cost-effective transportation option.
Public Transportation: The Newark AirTrain connects the airport to the Newark Liberty International Airport Station, where you can transfer to NJ Transit trains heading to New York Penn Station. From there, you can either walk or take a short taxi ride to the cruise terminal.

As with any travel in the New York City area, it’s important to account for traffic conditions when planning your journey. It’s recommended to allow extra time for potential delays, especially during peak travel hours.

Newark Liberty International Airport offers a variety of amenities, including dining options, shops, and lounges, allowing passengers to relax and enjoy their time at the airport. Whether you have a layover at Newark or choose to explore the area before your cruise, you’ll find plenty of facilities to make your experience comfortable.

Despite being a bit farther from Manhattan, Newark Liberty International Airport provides travelers with convenient transportation options to reach the Manhattan Cruise Terminal.

Other Airports near Manhattan Cruise Terminal

In addition to the closest airports mentioned earlier, there are a few other airports near the Manhattan Cruise Terminal that you might consider for your travel plans. While these airports may not be as close, they can still offer convenient alternatives depending on your specific circumstances.

Here are a few other airports near the Manhattan Cruise Terminal:

Teterboro Airport (TEB): Located in Teterboro, New Jersey, Teterboro Airport is a popular choice for private jet travelers. While it primarily caters to general aviation and private aircraft, some charter flights may be available. From Teterboro, you can arrange for ground transportation to take you to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal, which is approximately 24 miles away.
Westchester County Airport (HPN): Situated in White Plains, New York, Westchester County Airport offers primarily domestic flights. If you choose to fly into HPN, you can arrange for ground transportation, such as private car services or taxis, to take you to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal, approximately 35 miles away.
Stewart International Airport (SWF): Stewart International Airport is located in New Windsor, New York, approximately 60 miles north of Manhattan. While it’s farther away, it may be a viable option depending on flight availability and your travel preferences. From Stewart International Airport, you can arrange for ground transportation to reach the Manhattan Cruise Terminal.

When considering these alternative airports, it’s important to factor in the distance, flight availability, transportation options, and any additional costs associated with ground transportation. Depending on your specific situation, one of these airports may offer a suitable alternative to the closest airports.

Before finalizing your travel plans, make sure to research flight options and consider the overall convenience and cost-effectiveness of each airport. It’s also essential to take into account traffic conditions and allow ample time for travel when making your way to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal.

Regardless of which airport you choose, proper planning and research will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal.

Choosing the closest airport to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal can greatly enhance your travel experience and streamline your journey. The three main airports, John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), serve as major gateways to New York City and offer convenient transportation options to reach the cruise terminal.

JFK, being one of the busiest airports in the United States, provides a wide range of flight options and convenient transportation links. LaGuardia, located closer to Manhattan, offers easy access to the cruise terminal and shares similar transportation options. Newark Liberty International Airport, although slightly farther away, still provides convenient options for travelers heading to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal.

Additionally, there are other airports near the Manhattan Cruise Terminal, such as Teterboro Airport, Westchester County Airport, and Stewart International Airport, which may be suitable alternatives depending on your needs and preferences.

When planning your travel, consider factors such as flight availability, cost, proximity to the cruise terminal, and transportation options. Taxis, ride-sharing services, shuttle buses, and public transportation are commonly available to transport you from the airport to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal.

By choosing the airport that best meets your travel requirements and utilizing the transportation options available, you can ensure a smooth and convenient journey to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal.

Now that you have a comprehensive understanding of the closest airports to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal and the various transportation options, you can make an informed decision and enjoy a fantastic cruise experience, taking in the iconic sights of New York City.

Privacy Overview
Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

Caribbean cruise line reroutes ships, cancels stop at island port due to violence, turmoil

Published: Apr. 25, 2024, 12:11 p.m.

Royal Caribbean International has canceled stops at its private beach in Haiti through September as a result of the violence plaguing the island nation, a private fan blog, citing messages to travelers, reports. AP

Robert Higgs, cleveland.com

MIAMI – Royal Caribbean has cancelled stops at its private port of Labadee through the summer because of simmering violence in Haiti.

In March, the cruise line canceled stops at the private beach area through May, but this week Royal Caribbean reworked cruise schedules through the summer and into September, a post on the Royal Caribbean Blog said.

“Guests booked on cruises in the summer and early fall are getting notifications from Royal Caribbean that their visits to Labadee have been canceled,” the blog said. “On Tuesday (April 23), cruisers began to share updates they received from Royal Caribbean that their itineraries have been updated to drop Labadee and replace it with another port or a sea day.”

Labadee is a beach area on a peninsula in northern Haiti near Cap-Haitien used exclusively by Royal Caribbean. The cruise line has its own security force at the site, which is walled off from the rest of the country.

The 260-acre site has been leased by Royal Caribbean since the 1980s. It is about a six-hour drive from Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, and thus far has not seen any incidents of violence, the blog said.

More than 2,500 people were killed or injured in gang violence from January to March across Haiti, a more than 50% increase from the same period last year, according to a report Friday by the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti. The vast majority of violence is in Port-au-Prince .

Cap-Haitien, Haiti’s former capital, has been spared much of the violence and is going through a bit of a resurgence, The Associated Press said . Business owners, anxious parents and even historic state ceremonies have been relocating there, and that began even before gangs started attacking key government infrastructure in Port-au-Prince in late February.

Royal Caribbean International had no formal announcements of the changes posted to its website. Royal Caribbean Blog is an unofficial site for fans of the cruise line and is not affiliated with Royal Caribbean International.

But it cited chatter and messages from cruise ticket holders about changes to their itinerary that showed stops at Labadee were being canceled and replaced with either an extra day of cruising at sea or stops in alternate ports.

A notice from the cruise line, reposted on the blog, informed guests about the change in travel plans, without explicitly mentioning the violence.

“Due to the continuing situation in Haiti, we’ll now visit Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos, instead of Labadee, Haiti,” the notice reads. “We’re sorry for the change – your safety is our top priority. Nevertheless, we’re excited to visit a new port with you!”

Grand Turk is the capital island in the Turks and Caicos archipelago north of Haiti.

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Travel | Port Canaveral chalks up record month amid…

Things To Do

Subscriber only, travel | port canaveral chalks up record month amid growing cruise demand.

Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas arrived to Port Canaveral to home port for the first time on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel)

Port Canaveral saw just under 800,000 cruise passengers move on and off its ships in March as part of a record year that keeps topping expectations.

That set a one-month record for the port with an average of nearly 25,600 people a day around 93 cruise ship calls. March is traditionally one of the strongest months of the year for the port with its spring break traffic.

It also marked the halfway point of the fiscal year that began in October 2023. Six months in, the port has seen 3.9 million passenger movements from 479 ship calls.

“The industry itself is very, very strong right now,” said Port CEO Capt. John Murray at the port commission meeting on Wednesday. “There’s a lot of expansion plans. The companies are starting to reorder ships again after the pandemic.”

NCL details new dining on Canaveral-bound Norwegian Aqua

That includes more ships from Norwegian Cruise Line, which has been sending its new vessels to Port Canaveral as they debut including next year’s Norwegian Aqua.

“So a lot of great things, a lot of great things, a lot of enthusiasm and I can say that the industry is 110% of what it was prior to the pandemic,” Murray said. “They are back and booming right now. So we’re fortunate to be taking advantage of that here at the port.”

Operating revenue for the year is already at $98 million, which is $3.6 million above budget. It also means the record projection of $187 million in operating revenue through the end of the fiscal year in September is likely to get surpassed as well.

Ship capacity is determined to be at 100% if each stateroom is occupied by two passengers, so ships sailing with families, for instance, will push capacity above 100% and in turn increase revenue for the port from the cruise lines as well as add to an uptick in parking charges.

Royal Caribbean to send massive Utopia of the Seas to Port Canaveral

One of the big drivers has been the addition of a second Oasis-class vessel by Royal Caribbean so that the port hosts two of the largest cruise ships in the world.

Allure of the Seas joined Wonder of the Seas last fall to begin short three- and four-night sailings to the Bahamas, and will continue that until the debut of Royal’s new Utopia of the Seas this summer. Since arriving, it has added more than 650,000 passenger movements to the port’s growing tally.

The port has been home port to 13 ships from Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian and MSC Cruises, and is set to welcome its first ships from both Princess Cruises and Celebrity Cruises this fall.

Port Canaveral plots timeline to take over marina for new cruise terminal

Right now it has six cruise terminals, but is beginning the work to eventually build a seventh later this decade. During an interview earlier in April at the Seatrade Cruise Global conference in Miami Beach, Murray said the key to growth for the port will be a shift in how the port gives access to each terminal, such as how it plans to operate its seventh terminal.

“It’s going to be multiuser. It’s not going to be a single-use facility. That’s going to be how our concept of operations would be going forward,” Murray said. “The only way you’re going to get good utilization of a terminal is if you can put multiple brands in there and not have it dedicated to just one user.”

That’s how it runs several of its terminals now including Disney Cruise Line at Cruise Terminal 8 and Carnival Cruise Line at its newest terminal, Cruise Terminal 3.

“If they’ve got seven days a week at one terminal and they’re only using three, maybe four days, that’s not high utilization,” Murray said. “Yet, it’s a facility that we’ve got blocked out that we’re not getting any benefit from it for the investment we’ve made.”

He notes Cruise Terminal 10, which gets used by three brands, gets used six days a week.

Murray said with newer and bigger ships on order from all the major lines, the demand is just going to continue to spike for parking space at Florida’s big three ports.

“I think the point now for all of the major brands is finding somewhere to operate,” Murray said. “Because there’s only Miami, [and] we all know how full Miami is; Everglades, [which has] limited capacity or opportunity for growth; and we have more land, but you know, it’s not all going to get committed to the cruise industry.”

“So the question is, how do we allow more opportunities for the cruise lines to operate? This is one — get high utilization out of the terminal.”

More in Travel

From the big shows aboard some of cruising’s biggest ships to the quiet hush of charming Vero Beach. From dancing on the sands with Lionel Richie and Nile Rodgers in the Bahamas to driving into mud puddles off road in Florida’s “outback.” The October issue of “Explore Florida & the Caribbean” offers something for every traveler, from adventurers to deckchair readers. We’ll stand in the shadow of giant elephants and giraffes at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, explore the $1 billion new old Pier Sixty-Six resort in Fort Lauderdale and swim with manatees in Crystal River.

The new issue of Explore Florida & the Caribbean takes you places

The immersive experience inside the Wizard of Oz Museum puts guests inside scenes from the fantasy novels in Cape Canaveral. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

Things To Do | Central Florida’s Wizard of Oz Museum has ruby slippers, real Dorothy dress

The St. Johns River Festival of the Arts returns to downtown Sanford April 27-28 with nearly 140 artists showing paintings, photography, sculptures, jewelry and more. (Courtesy Wellons Communications)

Things To Do | St. Johns River Festival of the Arts brings nearly 140 artists to Sanford this weekend

Regent Seven Seas Cruises third Explorer-class ship Seven Seas Grandeur builds on the luxury offerings of its two sister ships.

Travel | Regent Seven Seas Grandeur builds on luxury of 2 sister cruise ships

Why Some Smart Cruise Travelers Stay on the Ship During Port Days

W HEN SUSAN HARSELL, a travel adviser based in Basye, Va., arrives at a port during a cruise vacation, she runs through a mental checklist to decide whether she wants to get off the ship or not. She evaluates her ship’s arrival time (afternoon arrivals are less crowded than mornings), length of stay and the number and size of other ships already at port. Only when she’s confident she’ll have a rewarding, immersive visit ashore does she get off the ship.

Every cruise port call triggers this dilemma and few of us can weigh the options as professionally as Harsell can. Staying on deck can bring on unbearable levels of FOMO, but if you disembark with little sense of what you’re in for, you might end up packed into a tour bus, wishing you were on your third margarita on the ship’s deck instead. To make the most out of days off the ship—and to know when to stay put—it helps to do some leg work.

Know Your Ports

On “port days,” when the ship is docked, cruisers step out of the bubble of a cruise ship and stretch their legs. Some travelers view those days—and the ability to pop into multiple places—as the whole point of the trip.

But in certain ports, your ship might pull into a spot next to six other mega liners. The best strategy in these cases: Skip group activities and opt for an in-and-out approach. “Get off early, knock out what you want to do and then get back on the ship,” advised Doug Parker, host of Cruise Radio, a podcast about cruises.

Before Barry Maher, a motivational speaker based in Santa Barbara, Calif., steps foot on any ship, he studies its port stops. “I know which ones I want to hit,” he said, “and decide how I want to hit them,” whether on his own or as part of a ship tour.

If you value immersing yourself in a destination, or dislike traveling long distances on shore visits, think small. Smaller lines like Windstar Cruises and the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection can dock at less-crowded ports closer to the action. In Bermuda, big ships pull into the Royal Navy Dockyard, but a dock on Front Street in Hamilton caters to smaller ships and obviates the need for bus rides.

At the cruise terminal in Vancouver, you’re just steps from key attractions, like the Vancouver Lookout, which offers 360 views of downtown. In St. Maarten, you might have to travel a bit to get to Maho Beach, where planes buzz right overhead as they land, but for planespotters, it’s a no-brainer.

Think in terms of the value proposition, says Parker. Look at cost, personal interest, transit time and activity time. He might pass on, say, a crowded in-and-out tour, but happily take a break from the sun deck and hop into a bus for a new experience like learning to play Gaelic football in Cork, Ireland.

Know Yourself

Before you go ashore, get real about your fitness level. Port days can mean a lot of walking, especially in the Mediterranean, a region known for hot sun and long shore visits. Harsell advises her clients “to find whatever balance is right for them.” Most cruise concierges will happily provide a rundown of the terrain well in advance.

Cruisers with limited mobility, for instance, might not welcome the uneven cobblestone streets in Santorini. And a “tender port,” where you must take a small boat to go ashore, can prove challenging.

It’s not always clear when booking if a port is docked or tendered, so “I always call the cruise line during the booking process,” said Cory Lee, a wheelchair-travel expert who shares his experiences on his website, Curb Free with Cory Lee. Lee likes newer ships, like Virgin Voyages’ fleet, which offer greater accessibility.

If you’re the independent type who likes to skip the group tour and go out on your own, it’s up to you to make your way back to the ship on time. Synchronize your watch with the ship’s time, then set your phone to Airplane Mode, advised Parker. The local time might differ from the ship time or you might cross time zones on an excursion. Both make it too easy to miss the ship at day’s end.

Skip the Lines

If you’re strategic, port days can double as spa days. When you know you’re in for an underwhelming shore experience, stay on board and get pampered instead—and enjoy a discount to boot, typically at least 20% off on major cruise lines like Celebrity and Crystal Cruises when on-ship spa demand is low.

On sea days, the lines for ship amenities can be maddening, especially for in-demand activities, like roller coasters and waterslides. Knowing in advance which shore days you’ll skip can eliminate anxiety about missing out on those attractions. You can just give them a whirl when everyone else is loading into the tour bus.

Why Some Smart Cruise Travelers Stay on the Ship During Port Days

City Politics | Norfolk cruise center getting multiple upgrades…

City Politics

City politics | norfolk cruise center getting multiple upgrades ahead of year-round traffic.

A cruise ship docked at the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center in downtown Norfolk is seen from inside Hilton Norfolk The Main on Friday, April 12, 2024. (Kendall Warner / The Virginian-Pilot)

NORFOLK — City Council voted Tuesday to approve enhancements to the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center in anticipation of becoming a year-round cruise destination in 2025.

The changes are huge, said Stephen Kirkland, who runs the cruise terminal as the executive director of Nauticus.

“A cruise ship will be here every single week, embarking and debarking passengers, and we need to be prepared for that heightened activity,” Kirkland said.

Starting Feb. 15, Carnival Sunshine will begin its weekly cruises leaving from Norfolk. The 12-deck ship is 893 feet long and can carry over 3,000 passengers — leading to a turnover of more than 6,000 people when the ship is at full capacity, setting sail and returning in a single day.

Modifications to the terminal include expanding the walkway from Waterside Drive , adding a circular drop-off lane, a revised bus lane and canopies for passengers — changes that will enhance pedestrian and vehicle circulation downtown. The city earmarked $12 million for the project.

The most advantageous change, according to Kirkland, is a sloped walkway from the first to second floor that will allow guests exiting the ship to move quickly downstairs to go through customs, collect their luggage and make their way to the ground transportation loop.

“The quicker and more efficient we can be with that process, the better the whole day is,” Kirkland said. “That allows us to embark sooner which allows that ship to set sail on time.”

Currently, there’s one elevator, one escalator and a set of stairs connecting the first and second floor.

Construction on the enhancements is due to begin in June, but additional cruise traffic from ships diverted by the Francis Scott Key bridge collapse in Baltimore has added complications: the terminal was supposed to be closed for 14 months at the conclusion of the 2023 season.

Those ships originally bound for Baltimore will not delay the construction schedule, Kirkland said. Half Moone cruise terminal had a “window” during which it was able to support Royal Caribbean and Carnival with diverted ships, but those ships will not continue to arrive after construction begins in June.

With Norfolk set to become a year-round home port for the world’s largest cruise line, passengers are anticipated to travel from across the country to catch their ship. That brings economic impact in the form of more flights to Norfolk, hotel stays the night before and after the voyage, restaurants, transportation and more.

“That’s a big deal for us as a community. It’s a game changer,” Kirkland said.

Cianna Morales, 757-957-1304, [email protected]

More in City Politics

Norfolk City Council gave the go ahead to development of a large-scale retail and grocery store off East Little Creek Road in Wards Corner, a site where developers have sought to bring a Target.

City Politics | Norfolk approves big box store development at Wards Corner site where Target sought

Portsmouth city leaders want to formally transition into the Hampton Roads Regional Jail by January. But Sheriff Michael Moore said he's aiming to move the process along even quicker to try and secure the facility and relocate before the start of the holiday season.

SUBSCRIBER ONLY

City politics | portsmouth submitting jail relocation plans to state with aim to move in by january.

A U.S. Department of Justice evaluation of a dozen Virginia Beach facilities found that the city is not in compliance with the American Disabilities Act and will need to make changes to those buildings and others.

City Politics | Virginia Beach needs to improve building accessibility after settlement with DOJ

Newport News is adjusting the city's proposed budget to give public safety workers a 5% pay raise in the next fiscal year and implement a step plan that officials say will make the city more competitive with surrounding localities and help retain employees.

City Politics | Newport News introduces pay raise plan for police, firefighters to compete with other cities

Trending nationally.

High school athletic director used AI to fake racist recording of principal, police say
Chicago Bears’ flashy game plan for lakefront stadium project greeted with questions
Backcountry skier says group that triggered avalanche left without rendering aid
Allstate will insure California homes again, under one condition
Barbra Streisand drops first new song in 6 years in response to rise in antisemitism

IMAGES

Virgin Voyages Cruise Terminal at Port Miami
Miami Cruise Terminal
MSC Cruises Terminal at Port Miami
MSC's New Miami Cruise Terminal
MSC Cruises Terminal at Port Miami
7 Things to Know About the Long Beach Cruise Terminal

VIDEO

Tilbury Cruise Terminal, London
Tourist Information White Bay Cruise Terminal Sydney Australia from Holland America Noordam
Cruise Line Warns ACT RIGHT OR ELSE! New Cruise Skips Port, Item Banned from Ship
Japan tour cruise line

COMMENTS

Your cruise guide to 1200 cruise ports
1200. Interactive World Cruise Map. Cruise Ships Port Expenses Hints and Tips River Cruises Ferry Ports. Select Country and Port: Select a Country Alaska Albania Algeria American Samoa Angola Anguilla/Barbuda Antarctica Antigua Argentina Aruba Ascension Australia Azores Bahamas Bahrain Barbados Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bonaire Brazil ...
Cruise Port Transfers: What's the Best Way to Get to Your Ship?
An airport shuttle is a reliable way to reach your cruise port (Photo by Adam Coulter) Cruise lines provide motorcoach transfers from the airport to the cruise port (and back again at the end of ...
Around Port Canaveral: Before or After Your Cruise
Last year, nearly 7 million cruisers boarded one of the 13 ships that set sail from Port Canaveral. A fourth terminal is being built to accommodate even more travelers. Port Canaveral is the closest of Florida's seven cruise ports to the Orlando theme parks, including Walt Disney World and Universal Studios.
Cruise Terminals
The New York metro area is a top tourist destination in the U.S. and a top cruise port for travel to the Caribbean, Canada, Europe and other destinations around the world. The Brooklyn Cruise Terminal is located in the Red Hook section of Brooklyn, NY. The 182,000- square-foot, full-service cruise terminal represents a $52 million investment in ...
Port Transportation: Getting to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal Without a
Bus fare is $2.75. You'll likely need to transfer to the bus from a subway, unless you are staying near the M50 bus route. Many major subway lines have a station on either 49th and 50th Streets, including the A, C, E, N, Q, R, B, D, F, and M. You'll simply need to get off and then catch the M50 bus eastbound to the cruise port.
Cruises
Cruises cover the world, taking millions of passengers each year to destinations like the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Alaska, Europe, the Mediterranean and even Antarctica. Cruising offers a tremendous value, with trips that include your lodging, meals and entertainment, all rolled into one. Some cruise lines even offer fully inclusive vacations ...
Freeport (Bahamas) Cruise Port Guide: Review (2023)
Overview. Freeport is a regularly visited cruise port of call in the Caribbean during the Fall-Winter season, with as many as 400,000 passengers and over 150 cruise ships visits in 2019. The cruise port terminal has a delightful ambiance, the area is very clean and immaculately kept. On the whole, Freeport is safe but it is advisable to use ...
Boston Cruise Port Guide
A popular tourist hub, the cruise port is always brimming with activity with its nearly half a million visitors per year. Whether you're arriving by cruise, ... Close to the Cruise Port, this National Historic Landmark once served as a marketplace for fishermen, merchants and vendors and as a soapbox for leaders including Samuel Adams, James ...
Amsterdam Cruise Port Terminal
Cruises arrive and depart from the Passenger Terminal Amsterdam which is close to Amsterdam Central station and has easy access to the city centre.. Passenger Terminal Amsterdam. The main building at the Amsterdam Cruise Port is called the Passenger Terminal Amsterdam (PTA) and opened in the year 2000. It was designed by global architecture firm HOK with lead designers Hal Hayes and Larry Malcic.
Rhodes (Greece) Cruise Port Guide
The cruise port in Rhodes has six berths for as many cruise ships moor (including large cruise ships up to 380m in length and up to 10m draft). There is a small terminal for cruise passengers with a few shops and a tourist info booth right by the exit gates of the port.
Why Some Smart Cruise Travelers Stay on the Ship During Port Days
WHEN SUSAN HARSELL, a travel adviser based in Basye, Va., arrives at a port during a cruise vacation, she runs through a mental checklist to decide whether she wants to get off the ship or not ...
Where Do Cruise Ships Dock In Houston
The Bayport Cruise Terminal is situated in Pasadena, Texas, approximately 25 miles southeast of downtown Houston. Its address is 4700 Cruise Road, Pasadena, TX 77586. The terminal is conveniently located near major highways, making it easily accessible for both local residents and out-of-town visitors.
Where Is The Cruise Ship Terminal In New Orleans
The New Orleans Cruise Ship Terminal, also known as the Port of New Orleans, is a bustling hub for cruise travel in the Gulf of Mexico. It serves as the departure point for a variety of cruise lines, offering a wide range of itineraries and destinations. Located in the heart of downtown New Orleans, the cruise ship terminal is part of the Port ...
Barcelona Cruise Port Terminal: Tourist Transport, Dock Facilities
Cruise Bus Ticket Prices. Single ticket: €3.00. Return ticket: €4.50. You cannot use the T-Casual transport ticket on this cruise bus service. There is no fixed timetable for the Blue Bus however the cruise terminal operators co-ordinate the running of the bus with the arrival and departures of the cruise ships.
The 'work of art' cruise terminal that's a destination in ...
Qatar Tourism. The new terminal stands at the end of the pathway connecting the Corniche to the cruise port: a sand-colored, two-story building, hidden from view by Doha's Mina District. The ...
Falmouth (Jamaica) Cruise Port Guide: Review (2023)
Updated: May 30, 2023. Unlike what you may read in many blogs and reviews, the cruise port in Falmouth is the safest and more hospitable to explore on your own in all of Jamaica. And with the best location to explore the island. Cruise passengers that have never been to a far from an affluent Caribbean island may feel intimidated and not ...
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
Parking is available near Cruise Terminal 4 at Port Everglades. The garage opens at 10:45 a.m. Parking rates for a standard size vehicle are $15 daily.* ... Undercover Tourist reserves the right to substitute this package for one of equal or greater value based on availability. This onboard offer has no cash value, is non-transferable and is ...
Martinique cruise port guide
Fort-de-France - Martinique cruise port guide. Martinique is an island located in the Caribbean Sea, and is part of the Lesser Antilles archipelago. It is situated between Dominica to the north and St. Lucia to the south. Martinique is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on its east side, and by the Caribbean Sea on its west side.
Getting to and from the cruise terminals
07:00 - 17:00: DKK 22.00 per hour*. 17:00 - 07:00: DKK 12.00 per hour*. Maximum DKK 150.00 per 24 hours*. * Please note there could be an additional fee depending on the method of payment. Langelinie and Nordre Toldbod. Unfortunately, there is no long-term parking at Langelinie and Nordre Toldbod. If you are boarding your cruise ship here ...
Where Is The Carnival Cruise Terminal In New Orleans
The exact address of the Carnival Cruise Terminal is 1100 Port of New Orleans Place, New Orleans, LA 70130. This prime location allows cruise passengers to experience the charm and excitement of the city before or after their voyage. The terminal is located just steps away from the famous French Quarter, renowned for its vibrant music ...
Trieste Cruise Port
Taxi: The most straightforward way but also one of the most costly ways to travel is by taxi. Taxis are available at the port or by calling tel. +39 040 307730. Note you cannot book a taxi in advance. There is a flat rate from Trieste cruise port to Trieste airport at 60€. It takes about 45/50 mins.
Reykjavik Cruise Port
Where is located the Port of Reykjavík Cruise Terminal. The smaller ships dock in the centre of the city in the Old Port, but most ships use the Skarfabakki wharf which is located 3km from the centre of the city. The Cruise Passenger Visitor Centre offers tourist information services, shops, toilets, telephone and internet.
Ponta Delgada (Portugal) Cruise Port Guide: Main Review (2023)
The cruise port in Ponta Delgada is 900 miles (1450 km) West of Lisbon and 2570 miles (4,136 km) East of New York. Bathed by the Atlantic Ocean, Ponta Delgada is on the South Coast of the island of Sāo Miguel and, with a population of around 68,809, is the largest city of the Azores. The Azores is an archipelago with nine islands and Sāo ...
Cruise guide: Info on Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian
Cruises, long seen as post-retirement travel, are luring newcomers. According to the CLIA report, 27% of cruise passengers the past two years were new to cruising.
Here's When You Need (and Don't Need) a Passport to Cruise
Open-loop cruise: An open-loop cruise begins in one U.S. port and ends in a different U.S. port. Example: Carnival Cruise Line's 16-day Panama Canal from Seattle itinerary is not considered closed ...
What Airport Is Closest To Manhattan Cruise Terminal
Newark Liberty International Airport, situated approximately 16 miles west of the Manhattan Cruise Terminal, is a major airport serving the New York City area. It is a hub for both domestic and international flights, offering a wide range of travel options for passengers. While not as close as JFK or LaGuardia, Newark Liberty International ...
Caribbean cruise line reroutes ships, cancels stop at island port due
The cruise line has its own security force at the site, which is walled off from the rest of the country. The 260-acre site has been leased by Royal Caribbean since the 1980s.
Port Canaveral chalks up record month amid growing cruise demand
Port Canaveral saw just under 800,000 cruise passengers move on and off its ships in March as part of a record year that keeps topping expectations. That set a one-month record for the port with ...
Why Some Smart Cruise Travelers Stay on the Ship During Port Days
W HEN SUSAN HARSELL, a travel adviser based in Basye, Va., arrives at a port during a cruise vacation, she runs through a mental checklist to decide whether she wants to get off the ship or not ...
Norfolk cruise terminal construction to start in June
Construction on the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center is due to begin in June. But additional cruise traffic from ships diverted by the Francis Scott Key bridge collapse in Baltimore have ...