Cruise Port - Dubai, UAE

Introduction

The City of Dubai is a member of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates. The city is located on the southern coast of the Gulf of Arabia. As recently as the 1950's Dubai was a small fishing and trading town. Today a towering metropolis has risen. All around is bigger, taller, and more spectacular. Steel and glass towers spring out of the sterile desert and dreamlike islands have been built in the Arabian sea, formed as palm trees or unbelievably a map of the globe.

Dubai is today a huge trading zone and has become a key commercial center in the vicinity. It is called the 'City of Merchants', due to the huge amount of business, and also 'City of Gold', thanks to its vast taxfree Gold markets. Dubai's most unique feature is its wonderfully furnished hotels and its gigantic shopping malls, certain to amaze even the most travel weary.

The air is hot making it necessary that all indoor areas are air-conditioned. In winter, Dubai is perfect, warm and dry, perfect beach weather. Later on temperatures can easily hit 40°C and it is tiringly sticky.

You Choose The Cruise

The most popular cruise is a tour of the Arabian Gulf calling at interesting ports such as Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Muscat and Fujairah. More extended sailings to Far East and India are also available. A further option is a sailing to the Mediterranean sea. Cruises From Dubai shows all cruise ship departures from Dubai.

Cruise Terminals

Port Rashid

2010 marked the unveiling of a brand new cruise ship facility, cruise terminal 2, forming part of an extensive reworking of the ageing Rashid area. The new building spans 3,450 square metres and is intended to handle four cruise ships simultaneously so enabling a rising number of visiting ships. Traditional domes, arches and carvings are the foremost architectural features of the building’s exterior. This appearance is of up-to-date Arabic architecture, and reflects Dubai's long history as a trading center.

4 years later, next to cruise terminal 3, cruise terminal 3 was built.

Both cruise terminals boast a full range of facilities like souvenir shops, currency exchanges, post offices, duty free shops, business centers and ATM machines.

Dubai Harbour

Late in 2021, two new cruise ship terminals at Dubai Harbour (adjacent to Palm Jumeirah) were opened. The terminals also boast the full range of modern amenities.

Sightseeing in Dubai

Dubai Museum
Al Faheidi Fort, which dates back to the nineteenth century, houses the Dubai Museum, which has an impressive collection of cultural, artistic and military artifacts. The fort, Dubai's oldest standing building, was constructed to protect the town from warlike tribes. These days tourists can see pearl diving tools, traditional musical instruments, alabaster statues, copper jewelry and clay pots. Situated on the southern side of Dubai Creek.

Dubai Creek and Creekside Park
Dubai Creek, which separates the city's Bur Dubai and Deira neighborhoods, is a seawater inlet which is hectic all the time with ships voyaging between Dubai and India, Arabia and East Africa. Catch a abra for a trip up the Creek and back. Next saunter along the creekside path, which extends from seafront and attractive Creekside Park. Where the visitor will find mini-golf, fishing piers, a cafe and gardens.

Gold Souk
Though you may not be considering to buy something, a stroll through the glittering Gold Souk is enjoyable. The shops sell incredible quantities of silver, platinum, diamonds, gold and precious gems. Be sure to negotiate. Both sides of the lanes of the gold souk, each shop front is full with gold necklaces, watches, rings, earrings and bangles. The prices are amongst the lowest anywhere. Situated on the north waterfront of Dubai Creek.

Spice Souk
At the narrow alleyways of the spice market, the visitor can smell the feeling and the aromas of years of history. Large bags of flower petals, medicinal herbs, spices, incense, fragrances and aromatic oils are presented at each stall. Next to the Gold Souk.

Burj Khalifa
At 2625ft and 160 stories Burj Khalifa is the world's tallest building. You can go to the observation deck on story 124 or the restaurant at story 122. Access is by the lower basement level of the Dubai Mall.

Burj Al Arab hotel
The amazing Burj Al Arab is the star of the Dubai skyline. It’s seven star rating may or may not be outrageous, however everyone agrees upon its amazing design.
One way to get inside the hotel without paying for a room is to book a meal at one of the hotel's classy restaurants.

Bastakia Quarter
The traditional Bastakia Quarter is a memory of the era when the city was a little fishing port. Walk along the maze of streets and witness the attractive homes with their distinctive wind towers that directed any breeze down to the house so providing cooling. The Quarter is situated on the north bank of Dubai creek.

Jumeirah Beach Park
Jumeirah Beach boasts fine soft sand and crystal seas. It is occasionally very busy. You’ll find picnic areas, lifeguards, showers, playground, toilets and food kiosks.
On Mondays the beach park is reserved for children and women.
The park is sited one mile in a southerly direction from the cruise port.

The Desert
Experience the sands around the city in a 4x4 expedition. After the ride stop at a Bedouin encampment and enjoy a feast with a performance from a belly dancer.

Getting To The Cruise Port From The Airport

Dubai Airport is sited about 3 miles to the northeast of the city’s center. The new airport is at Jebel Ali twenty miles south of the city center. The easiest way to travel from the airport to the cruise terminal is by cab.

Cruise Port - Baltimore, Maryland

Introduction

Baltimore is sited in central Maryland, on the Patapsco river, an inlet of Chesapeake Bay. In the first part of the 18th century the region was a hub of tobacco growing, and a port was built on the bay to allow the trade of tobacco to Europe. Baltimore began as a small town by the port, providing for the requirements of the thriving docks. The town expanded as new products like corn from the adjoining region, and sugar from the Caribbean, went through the port.

During the American War of Independence Baltimore acted as the US’s capital in the short term, because congress was forced to abandon Philadelphia. The war increased shipbuilding in Baltimore, and the Fell’s Point yards produced both trade and privateer ships. In 1812 the British attempted to negate the threat by attacking the city, but were eventually repulsed in the heroic Battle of Baltimore.

Constructed in the years 1828 to 1853 the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad allowed the movement of grain from western states to the port and led to a large increase to business in the city. In 1904 a great fire swept through the center of Baltimore, leading to the destruction of more than 1500 buildings. The burnt-out buildings were replaced during a busy decade of reconstruction.

Another period of redevelopment happened in the 1980s, with an ambitious project to redesign the Inner Harbor area. This waterfront area is today a big draw for tourists, and attractions are the Maryland Science Center, the Historic Ships Museum, the National Aquarium, the Baltimore Museum of Industry, Harborplace shopping center and the American Visionary Art Museum.

Baltimore has become the United States’ eighth largest port, stretching over 22 miles of shoreline. As well as trade, the port has traditionally welcomed passengers. The city was the 2nd biggest landfall for immigrants in the early 20th century. Local steamship cruises were all the rage in the middle of the 19th century. Today there’s a sunnier pick of cruises available, though, as cruise ships travel to the fantastic Bahamas and Caribbean.

You Choose The Cruise

Favorite all year long cruises include the Caribbean and the Bahamas. These destinations offer warmer weather even in winter, with sunshine-filled days and balmy evenings.

During the summer, sailings to Bermuda generally include a one-night stopover, so passengers can experience the nightlife. Also available in the summer months are cruises along the eastern seaboard of New England and Canada, visiting charming and historic ports-of-call.

For a calendar of cruises departing from Baltimore, see cruises from Baltimore.



Baltimore Cruise Terminal

The Maryland Cruise Terminal, a former paper-shed building was inaugurated in 2006 on the South Locust Point shoreline. The terminal building provides the basic services like vending machines, pay phones, check-in desks, an ATM and restrooms. Beside the terminal stands a parking lot, with capacity of more than 1500 vehicles.

The cruise ship berth is 1139ft long and is dredged to 35ft, which limits the cruise port to just one ship.

For the port website see Maryland Department of Transportation Port Administration
.


Sightseeing in Baltimore

National Aquarium
Discover to the ocean world at the National Aquarium. The best exhibits include a massive shark tank, acrobatic dolphins, a stingray zone and animal planet Australia.

Harborplace shopping center
A shoppers’ heaven with more than 100 shops and 15 restaurants. The open square is nearly always host to street musicians.

Historic Ships in Baltimore Museum
The collection of ships at the Historic Ships Museum are the Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse, USCGC Taney, the USS Constellation, the USS Torsk and the Lightship Chesapeake.

Federal Hill
Federal Hill got its name after a day of partying instigated by Maryland’s inclusion into the US constitution. Revelers launched a mock ship, named the ‘Federalist’ from atop the hill into the harbor. It’s now a small park, offering spectacular views over the bay. To its south you’ll find the pretty neighborhood of Federal Hill, with elegant streets and townhouses. It makes a good spot for a stroll with a break at a welcoming snack bar.

Baltimore Museum of Industry
The museum presents the history of industry and commerce in the Baltimore area from the last two hundred years, with a set of exhibits featuring early era machines.

Fort McHenry
Just half-a-mile to the west of the cruise port lies historic Fort McHenry overlooking the bay. In the 1812 War, United States forces based at Fort McHenry succeeded in defending the city from attack by the British in a fierce fight. The Battle of Baltimore was witnessed by Francis Scott Key from a boat at anchor in the bay, and he was stirred into composing the words of the Star Spangled Banner.

Getting to the Port

From The Airport
Baltimore Washington International Airport airport offers frequent services from lots of places around the US, and internationally.

The cruise terminal is about 5 miles from the airport, a ten minute ride by the cruise shuttle express or taxi.

By Car
From both Annapolis and Washington it takes under an hour to the Maryland cruise terminal.

From the North
Follow I-95 southwards under the Ft McHenry tunnel. Keep in the right side lane as you exit the tunnel. Turn off at Exit 55, signed Key Highway and Ft McHenry. Pass under the interstate. Turn left at the lights to join East McComas street. Follow the signs to the Cruise Maryland Terminal.

From the South
Head along I-95 northwards to Exit 55, signed Key Highway. From the ramp, stay straight ahead on East McComas Street. The Maryland Terminal is to the right.

Cruise Port - Los Angeles, California

Introduction

Los Angeles, also called LA, is the foremost city in the state of California, and the second most populated city in the whole of US. Sited on a broad flat area in South California, LA is surrounded by massive mountain peaks, parched plains, the Ocean and widespread forests.

Beginning as a insignificant settlement in the eighteenth century, LA began to grow when the railroad came, and enlargened rapidly until the present. These days the urban area has as its hub LA County, but extends into Ventura County, San Bernardino County, Riverside County and Orange County.

The city is home to eighteen million people who originate from all parts of the globe. LA has people of many backgrounds, including a big Hispanic population, a large Asian community, and big communities from other national backgrounds.

Los Angeles is an important center of global trade, business, retail and culture, but is most famous as the home of the world's movie industry. The glamour of Hollywood, Sunset Strip, Beverly Hills and Bel Air has enhanced the city’s attraction as an accessible dream further pushing the area's massive enlargement.

The popularity of Los Angeles’s cruise ports has increased dramatically recently, and today nearly 300 cruises start from the port every year. Routes available include the Hawaiian islands and the Mexican Riviera. A cruise from Los Angeles makes an unforgettable vacation.

You Choose the Cruise

The best liked itinerary from LA cruise port is a trip down the western coastline of Mexico. Baja California cruises typically call at Ensenada and Catalina island. Mexican Riviera cruises stop at Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo. Longer cruises available are roundtrips to the Hawaiian islands, and non-return trans Panama canal trips to the eastern US. In early summer there's also a variety of itineraries to Vancouver, as ships prepare for the Alaska cruising season. For a list of cruises from Los Angeles, see cruises from Los Angeles.

Los Angeles Cruise Terminals

There are 2 cruise ports in San Pedro bay, the World Cruise Center in the Port of Los Angeles (often called simply San Pedro), and four miles to the east Long Beach Cruise Terminal adjacent to the Port of Long Beach. Cruise ships dock at the World Cruise Center, except most (but not all) Carnival-affiliated cruise ships which leave from Long Beach.

World Cruise Center Cruise Terminals

There are two cruise terminals at the World Cruise Center, Terminal 91-92 for access to berths 91-92 (total length of pier 1550') and Terminal 93 for boarding at berth 93 (span of dock 1200'). Capacity is two to three large ships.

Each terminal has the basic facilities, including shopping, cafes, cab ranks, check in, parking areas and bars. For the port website see Port of Los Angeles Website

Long Beach Cruise Terminal

In 2003 Carnival Cruiseline deserted San Pedro cruise port and commissioned the Long Beach Cruise Port five miles away.

The cruise terminal is situated inside the white dome that used to house Spruce Goose, today located in Evergreen Aviation museum, McMinnville Oregon.

Long Beach cruise center possesses a single 1110-foot sized berth able to accommodate one massive cruise liner.

The cruise terminal has all the basic services, like cab ranks, parking areas, check in, eateries, bars and shops.

Next to the terminal lies the Queen Mary ocean liner.

Sightseeing In San Pedro

Los Angeles Maritime Museum

Be introduced to the history of Los Angeles harbor at the Los Angeles Maritime Museum, sited at the Municipal Ferry Terminal. Check out hundreds of displays such as models, old documents, machines and photographs from famous vessels and boats. Sited near Harbor and 6th around half mile southwards from the cruise terminal.

Ports O' Call

Designed like a New England coast town, Ports O' Call is a great place to visit. There's several shops, bars, galleries and restaurants, connected by charming cobblestone paths. There is a quayside for boat sailings around the bay, day trips to Catalina Island and whale watching cruises. Ports O’Call is around a mile southwards from the cruise terminal.

Red Car Trolley Ride

The Waterfront Red Car Line is a one and a half mile long vintage trolley service running between the World Cruise Center and the Marina. The car stops by Ports O' Call and the LA Maritime Museum. The Red Cars are entirely refurbished to their previous glory, with upholstered wooden seats, ornate polished fittings and hardwood paneling.

Abalone Cove

Abalone Cove is an attractive beach, with a gorgeous coastal setting, radiant sunsets and superb views over Catalina island. Nextdoor Sacred Cove gives excellent rock pooling. Four miles west from San Pedro port.

Sightseeing in Long Beach

Queen Mary

In 1936 Queen Mary was launched for the historic Cunard Cruise Line and the liner sailed the seas for over thirty years, with a time of military service during WWII. The ship crossed the Atlantic over a thousand times, and set speed records on several occasions. In the late 1960s Queen Mary came to Long Beach and became a notable resident.

Sited adjacent to the cruise port.

Shoreline Aquatic Park and Aquarium of The Pacific

Be introduced to the colorful reefs of the Tropics, the frigid environment of the Arctic and the sunny seas of Southern California at this brilliant aquarium. Observe the ocean’s fearsome predators in the big Shark Lagoon. Subsequent to your tour to the aquarium amble around neighboring Shoreline Aquatic Park, a large area of parkland overlooking the sea. Located just across from the cruise terminal, taking five minutes by cab.

See Naples’ canals from a Gondola

Naples island possesses nearly a mile of canals, consisting of the straight Naples Canal and the large Rivo Alto Canal. A singing gondolier dressed in stripes makes a wonderful guide.

Rental gondolas are on offer near to the Bayshore Aquatic Playground Park. Or you can rent a kayak at the park, for a much lower price. Located around 2 miles east of the Long Beach cruise terminal.

Rancho Los Cerritos Ranch

Built in the mid 1800s, the house and grounds of Rancho Los Cerrotos Ranch are rich with the history of a mix of Spanish, Mexican and American California beginnings. Furnishings in the exhibit rooms show the work and leisure of both the owners and the workers of old-style ranch. Located around 5 miles northwards of Long Beach cruise terminal.

Alternative Ideas

Other attractions include Getty Center, Disneyland, Hollywood Sign, Warner Bros Studios, Universal Studios, Walk Of Fame, Farmers' Markets, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County Museum of Art and Venice Beach.

Getting to the Cruise Ports

San Pedro

By Car

Join the Harbor freeway (I-110) in a southerly direction. Leave at CA47 and proceed through the Harbor Boulevard junction. Make a right to enter the World Cruise Center.

From the Airport

Join the supershuttle minibus to the Word Cruise Center cruise terminal. Around a 45 minute ride.

Long Beach

By Car

Join the Long Beach freeway (I710)southwards. Follow the signage leading to the Queen Mary. On arriving, watch for signs for the cruise terminal drop-off and passenger parking.

From the Airport

Board the supershuttle service to Long Beach cruise terminal. Allow for an hour’s ride.

By Train

The closest train station to the cruise terminals is in central LA, about twenty-five miles away. When you book your ticket, choose San Pedro-Catalina Terminal Bus Stop (SPD) or Long Beach Queen Mary (LBQ) as the termination. A thruway coach will transfer you onward from the train station to the arranged bus station. The bus stations are within a short walking distance of the cruise ports.

Blog mentioned at BlogCatalog.

Cruise Port - Sydney, Australia

Introduction

Sydney, which has a population of over 4 million, is the biggest urban district in the country of Australia. The city is located in a coastal plain, bordered by the Pacific Ocean, the Blue Mountains and the Hawkesbury River.

Sydney was founded in the late eighteenth century when a convict fleet from England arrived in Australia. The transportation of convicts to Australia was the brainwave of the British Secretary of State, Lord Sydney. Consequently the new settlement’s name. The original colonist had a hard existence, living in wood hovels, eking out poor rations, and undergoing cruel punishment at the hands of the wardens. The natives, however, were to fare even more baldy, as the new diseases wiped out vast Aborigines. The mild climate, and the multitude of opportunities proved a draw, and the first free colonists came in 1793.

Unconstrained by bureaucracy, the settlement developed quickly through the next hundred years, as the migrants established hundred of mines, farms, businesses, factories and shops. Throughout the twentieth century, growth carried on as immigrants came from both Europe and Asia. Nowadays Sydney is a multicultural, large and modern city, with inhabitants hailing from all over the globe.

Today Sydney has become a very popular destination with tourists. Well-known attractions include Bondi Beach, The Rocks, the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbor Bridge. The city’s sightseeing attractions and coastal location have made it a top cruise ship port. More than 150 cruiseliners utilize the port every year.

You Choose The Cruise

There’s a fantastic range of cruises departing from Sydney to pick from. For a full calendar of cruise departures from Sydney, see Cruises From Sydney.

First time cruisers will enjoy the short cruises to nowhere, which give a great feel for cruising. Cruises to mysterious Tasmania or sun kissed Queensland are popular 7 day itineraries. Longer (9-10 night) cruises journey to the beautiful beaches of the Pacific islands Vanuatu and New Caledonia. 14 day routes include a circumnavigation of New Zealand, or a sailing to the lovely Pacific islands of New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Fiji. Cruise aficionados will appreciate longer sailings to the oriental wonders of Japan and China, or the ambitious circumnavigation of the Australian continent.

Cruise Terminals Map

Sydney Cruise Terminals

Sydney’s cruise services are split between 2 places, Wharf 5 and the Overseas Passenger Terminal.

Overseas Passenger Terminal
The OPT has access to an eight hundred foot quayside, with a capacity of just one large cruise ship. The terminal is a modern building with the usual variety of facilities for cruise passengers. It has restaurants, an hotel and outside eateries. The OPT is situated at Circular Quay, opposite the Opera House within walking distance from Sydney’s sights.

White Bay

In 2013 Sydney Ports refurbished a roll-on/roll-off terminal at White Bay into a cruise ship terminal. The new terminal is about 4 miles from Sydney.

For the port authority website see Sydney Ports.

Sightseeing in Sydney

If you’ve a day or so to spare at either end of your cruise holiday, Sydney is a great place to visit.
The Rocks
The original colonists landed at The Rocks, and lots of of the buildings here are well preserved, for instance the Merchants House, Susannah Place, Campbells Storehouse and Cadman’s Cottage. Integrated into this historical area, the visitor will see shops, galleries, bars, cafes and restaurants. The Rocks area is very near to Circular Quay.

Sydney Harbour Bridge
Sydney Harbour Bridge has a footpath giving easy access to the sightseer. Call at the Pylon Lookout on the south side of the bridge to see a fascinating display on how the bridge was constructed. If heights don’t frighten you join the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb, a 3 ½ hour expedition to the very top of the bridge. The climb leads you up catwalks, girders and ladders at day or night.

Sydney Opera House
Sydney Opera House, located on Bennelong Point on Syney Cove, is thought by many to be amongst the archictectural wonders of the world. Designed by Jørn Utzon and constructed with much controversy, the landmark building was opened in October 1973. Try to watch an opera, a concert or a ballet, if your vacation timetable enables you to. The Opera house is a quick walk along the coastline from Circular Quay.

Royal Botanic Gardens
The beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens is an oasis of greenery sited between the ocean and the urban center of the city. A path leads around the sea front, giving lovely views over Sydney Harbour and Farm Cove.

Bondi Beach
Bondi Beach is known the world over as a home of surfing. During summer Bondi beach is the place for surf, fun and sun. The beach looks out on a large moon shaped bay of blue ocean. Bus 380 from Circular Quay will get you there in about forty minutes.

Getting To The Port

From Sydney Airport
Overseas Passenger Terminal - Catch the train from either the International Train Station or the Sydney Airport Domestic station to Circular Quay (green line). The OPT is a short walk from Circular Quay Station.
White Bay - the easiest option is a taxi.

From Central Train Station
Main line train services terminate at the Central Rail Station.
The Inner West and South lines connect Central station to the city center. Get off the train at Circular Quay or Wynyard. A further option is a taxi.

By Car
Neither cruise terminal has integrated parking lots, however long stay parking is available nearby.

Cruise Departure Port - Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

Introduction

Situated around 80km northwest of Rome, Civitavecchia, translated as 'old town', is a working cruise, ferry and cargo port with good transport links to the Rome area and the middle of Italy. You'll find an efficient direct train service from Civitavecchia Port to central Rome, with services every 30 minutes, and a journey time of around an hour.

Emperor Trajan founded Civitavecchia Port in the part of the second Century, giving it the name Centumcellae. Even today, ruins of Trajan’s Port, which lie within the walls of the modern port , can still be seen. At the end of the fifteenth Century, Civitavecchia port was subject to frequent attack by mercenaries. Pope Julius II instigated the building of a massive castle to protect the harbor. This was finished by Michelangelo in 1537. In the 19th century Civitavecchia was connected to Rome by a railway. World War II brought destruction to nearly three-quarters of the Port. The rebuilding extended the harbor beyond its pre-war area.

Nowadays many cruise liners dock regularly at the Port of Civitavecchia. Cruise companies with a presence at the port include Royal Caribbean, Azamara, Princess, and Seabourn.


You Choose The Cruise
In general itineraries focus on either the Eastern Mediterranean - Greece, the Greek Islands and Istanbul, or the Western Mediterranean - France, Spain, Morocco and Mallorca or Ibiza. A typical 7 day Western Mediterranean itinerary would call at Genoa, Marseille, Barcelona, Palma, and Cagliari. For a full calendar of cruise departures from Civitavecchia see cruises from Civitavecchia.




Civitavecchia Cruise Terminals

Much of Civitavecchia port is occupied by container ship and ferry ship traffic. Cruise ships berth at quays on the land side of the long sea wall. These are 11 (Traianea), and 12 and 13 (Antemurale Colombo). Number 25 (Commerciale) is also used as an overflow berth. Currently there are 3 cruise terminals, named the Bramante at pier 12, and temporary terminals on quays 11 and 25. 



Sightseeing in Civitavecchia

Being the official Port of Rome, Civitavecchia is the access port to one of the most beautiful and fascinating destinations in the world. But if you've visited Rome before, and fancy a change, Civitavecchia has several sights of interest well deserving a visit. Wander through the city center, and you will see remains of the old town walls, Benedict XIV's fountain, medieval buildings such as the old hospital, pretty piazzas and plenty of everyday Italian life. Follow a tour a the town with a relaxing hour or two at the beach (or gastronomes may prefer a trip to a restaurant!). Specific sights of interest in Civitavecchia are:

The Cathedral of San Francesco d'Assisi
The Franciscans built Cathedral of San Francesco d’Assisi on the remains of 17th Century monastery. The Baroque-Neoclassical design of the cathedral attracts many visitors. Pope Gregory IX laid the foundation stone in 1228, and the cathedral was completed in 1253. The church features intricate stained glass windows and decorative frescos.

Forte Michelangelo
The 16th Century fortification named Forte Michelangelo towers over the port. It was commissioned by Pope Julius II and finished in 1535 by Giulano Leno.The middle tower was designed by Michelangelo. Built on the ruins of Roman barracks, the fort is made from walls over 6 metres thick.

Civitavecchia Beach
Steps leading from the coastline walkway, just opposite the train station, lead to a pretty sandy beach. The sea is very clear and the beach is popular with swimmers.

La Scaglia tombs
The La Scaglia Necropolis dates from the Estrucan period. View these extensive underground tombs. The cold sacerdotal atmosphere seems eerily unnerving, but nonetheless fascinating.

Getting to the Port

From Leonardo da Vinci Airport
By Cab
A taxi ride from Fiumicino airport to the Civitavecchia Port costs about €150 one way. Taxis are available outside the arrivals terminal. It's a good idea to only use registered taxis (white vehicles showing a taximeter).
Train
Take the train from the Leonardo da Vinci Airport to the Rome Termini train station. The journey takes around 35 minutes. Remember to validate/punch your ticket before boarding the train. Connnect with the Rome-Civitavecchia train.

Travelling From Rome to the Port
Train
A train to the Port of Civitavecchia runs from Rome's Termini train station, located in the center of Rome. It's a half-hour service and costs about 14 euros per person. The trip takes between 70 and 80 minutes. The Port is a 10 minute walk from the train station. Turn right as you leave the train station, and walk along the road that parallels the sea front. The way is frequently signed. When you get to the entrance to the port, adjacent to the Michelangelo fort, look for a bus stop. Here shuttles leave to the cruise piers. There's also a nearby information kiosk which can be very helpful.

Cruise Port - Barcelona, Spain

Introduction

Barcelona is Spain’s second-largest city and the capital of the autonomous community of Catalonia, a defiant and independent region of Spain, which has a distinct culture, language, and history. Situated on Spain's southern coast, its climate is perfectly Mediterranean, sea breezes chasing away the heat. It’s the perfect location for a vacation, spending time by strolling the boulevards, shopping, relaxing at a café, sampling Spanish fare for dinner, and visiting fantastic sights.

You Choose The Cruise

There's an extensive range of cruises available which stop at many diverse destinations. The most popular is a trip around the Western Mediterranean. Alternatives include the Canary Islands, North Africa, or longer trips to the Eastern Mediterranean and Greek Islands. A typical Western Mediterran cruise would call at ports like Valencia, Palma de Mallorca, Marseille, St Tropez, Monaco, Portofino, Livorno, Amalfi, Sorrento, and Civitavecchia. For a complete listing of cruises departing from Barcelona, see cruises from Barcelona.

A map of the Port of Barcelona

Barcelona Cruise Terminals

Ships berth at Port Vell. The area has become a tourist attraction in its own right with a large Maremàgnum shopping mall with a fun IMAX theater, and Europe's largest aquarium. Port Vell leads directly onto Las Ramblas, the main Barcelona street packed with cafes and entertainment that leads into the heart of the city. Las Ramblas is alternately called the singular form, La Rambla.

The port has 8 terminals at Port Vell, split into 3 locations.

Adossat Quay
Cruise Terminals A, B, C and D are located at the Adossat Quay and are furthest away from the city. Terminal D is also called Palacruceros. Shuttle buses make the short trip from these cruise terminals to the start of Las Ramblas.

World Trade Center Terminals N, S
There are 2 terminals in the World Trade Center or WTC pier which are called North, and South. The East quay provides an extra berth. From these it is an easy walk to Las Ramblas.

Port Vell Quay
Across from the World Trade Center Terminal. This ferry terminal is only occasionally employed for cruise ships.

Each terminal possesses a dedicated taxi rank. Other information

For the port website, see Port Of Barcelona.

Sightseeing in Barcelona

Barcelona takes at least a week to tour, many days longer than the single day cruise ship passengers have. Be sure to include well-known destinations such as La Sagrada Familia, Gaudi's much photographed church, the medieval Barrio Gothic district, and the Picasso museum. Don't forget to head up to Montjuic for a wonderful view over the whole of the city and the surrounding hills and ocean.

Las Ramblas
A fabulous promenade leading from Port Vell to Placa de Catalunya, right in the middle of old Barcelona. It's packed with cafes, shops, florists, street entertainers, and Boqueria, a charming market. Halfway up Las Ramblas is the Gran Teatre del Liceu, Barcelona's magnificent opera theater. Las Ramblas ends at the Placa de Catalunya, a huge square surrounded by shops and cafes.

La Sagrada Familia
Barcelona's funkiest church was designed by the famous Gaudi. Work began in 1883, and the imaginative building is only now nearing completion. Don't miss features like the nativity-themed facade, the mosaic bell towers, and massive doors representing faith, hope and charity.

Barri Gotic
In Barcelona's gothic quarter, the buildings date back to the 13th century. The streets are narrow and winding and packed with busy life. Art lovers will enjoy the Museu Picasso, showcasing the works of Picasso. Another must-see is the Cathedral of Santa Eulalia, a magnificent example of early-European architecture.

The Museu d'art Contemporani de Barcelona

This shining white glass and concrete building towers over Old Barcelona. The Contemporary Art Museum collection, beginning around 1950, includes many works from Catalan, by artists like Antoni Tapies and works by International names such as Miguel Barcelo.

La Pedrera
Gaudí realised a fantastic house with undulating, lifelike curves for the property developer Pere Milà Camps. La Pedrera was Gaudi's last work before dedicating all his time to the Sagrada Família.

Parc Guell
A real treat for Gaudi fans, Parc Guell is a pleasant town park. The planting is imaginative and colorful, but the number one attraction are Gaudi's buildings, such as faux temples and mosaic seats.

Montjuic
The area of Montjuic rises 700 ft above the city's port and is filled with boutiques, galleries, cafes and museums. Don't miss the Museu Arqueologic which showcases a diverse range of items from prehistoric cultures from Catalonia and the Balearic Isles. Another super art museum is the Museu Nacional d'art de Catalunya, which highlights Romanesque works.

Getting to the Port

From the City to the Port
Walking
The WTCcruise ship terminals are the nearest to the foot of Las Ramblas, being approximately a 5-minute walk. However, the Adossat quay cruise ship terminals, A, B, C, and D, are a lot further and you need to catch a shuttle bus named the Blue Bus, which picks ups at the memorial to Christopher Columbus and deposits you at Adossat dock.
Metro
The Drassanes station (Green Line, L3) is no more than five minutes by foot from the Christopher Columbus memorial.
Taxi
It's easy to take a taxi from Barcelona's center to the port. This is not expensive, cost around eight euros, and fast, generally under a quarter of an hour. .

Travelling from the Airport to the Port
By bus
Catch the Aerobusline A1 from terminal 1, line A2 from terminal 2 to Placa Catalunya in Barcelona, service approximately every 10 minutes, then travel by metro to Drassanes. From Drassanes walk to the statue of Christopher Columbus. Get on the Blue bus to take you to your cruise terminal.
Taxi
The quickest method for travelling from the airport to the port is a taxi. The trip takes about 25 mins and will cost you about thirty euros in total. The cost will include per-bag supplements and additional airport and cruise terminal levies.

Cruise From Venice, Italy

MSC Sinfonia docking at Port Marghera

Introducing the Cruise Port of Venice

After many years of protesters complaining about the sight of large cruise ships sailing down the Giudecca canal, the Marittima cruise port is now only available to smaller vessels.  Larger cruise ships dock at Port Marghera, a commercial port located just a mile or so north east of Venice, on the Italian mainland.  Passengers are still checking-in for their cruise at the Marittima cruise port, and then being shuttled to Port Marghera by small boat.

The windmills at the island of Mykonos

You Choose The Cruise

There's a great variety of itineraries on offer from Venice, from a short tour of the Adriatic sea, to longer round-Italy, or the Greek Islands, or even further afield choices. The editor's favorite is 'Greek Islands In The Sun' from MSC (Venice, Baris, Corfu, Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, Katakolon, Dubrovnik, Venice). More adventurous options would be
'Holy Land' from Princess (Venice, Split, Alexandria, Port Said, Ashdod, Haifa, Kusadasi, Santorini, Athens) or
'Mediterranean Empires' from Holland America Line (Venice, Split, Athens, Istanbul, Mykonos, Kusadasi, Santorini, Katakolon, Venice). A useful resource is Cruises From Venice at Cruise Schedules, which details all the up-and-coming cruise departures.

Travelling to Porto Marghera

Currently passengers are checking in at the Marittima cruise terminal, as previously, and then being shuttled to Port Marghera by small boats. The following section describes traveling to the Marittima cruise terminal.


Travelling from the airport
The Marittima cruise terminals are a 15- or 20-minute taxi journey from Venice's Airport. A cheaper option is the airport bus to the Piazzale Roma, followed by a taxi or bus ride. Another option is a private water taxi, pricey but fun.

From the Piazzale Roma
The Piazzale Roma is the major transport hub for Venice and is the final point motor vehicles can reach before the city center. It is located at the termination of the access causeway to Venice. The piazza is home to the bus station, and sits between the train station, and the cruise and ferry terminals. There is also a major Vaporetto stop (For ACTV timetables see http://www.alilaguna.it) operate an express boat service between the Piazza San Marco and Marittima (Line M) every half hour from morning until late afternoon. It takes 20 minutes. As an alternative, you can take a water bus (# 1 or 2 line) to the Piazzale Roma and proceed from there as described.

From Venezia Santa Lucia Train Station
It's a quick walk to cross the new Ponte della Costituzione (Constition Bridge) to reach the Piazzale Roma. From Venezia-Mestre Train Station
Mestre train station is on the Italian mainland. Catch bus line #2, this departs directly outside the station, to Piazzale Roma on Venice island.

Other Things to Know
Language Italian
Currency Euro