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

Favorite Port Of Call - Castries, St Lucia

Introduction

The shoreline of St. Lucia is nothing short of spectacular with its secret coves and uncrowded beaches. The 2 symetrical peaks, called the Pitons, form the island’s highest peaks and its most impressive icons.

The islands' capital, Castries, is appealingly situated in a sheltered bay beneath a backcurtain of mountains. The strategic importance of its superb natural harbour was recognized from the earliest days of European colonialism. For many decades Britain and France fought for possession of the island. At the end of the 19th century, Castries was an major hub for Caribbean shipping.

Numerous earthquakes, hurricanes and devestating fires have obliterated any remnants of Castries' colonial charm, leaving a modern town. There are only a few nineteenth and twentieth century Creole style traditional buildings that have been saved from destruction.

St Lucia also boasts the planet's only drive-in volcano, as well as stench-ridden sulphur springs, and famous Diamond Falls where the mineral-laden waters are renowned for their beneficial qualities and swimmers can enjoy in ponds of varying heat.

Without a doubt, the island’s gorgeous scenery, unspoiled beaches and luxuriant greenery make St. Lucia an unmissable destination.


Castries Port - Description

The cruise ship will be scheduled to dock at Pointe Seraphine in Castries. The center of town is about 15 minutes on foot. If the Point Seraphine berths are full, your cruise ship will dock at Port Carenage, which is even more convenient. Port Seraphine can host 1 to 3 cruise ships simultaneously. If you're taking a taxi into town, note that taxi fares are set, so make sure you use a registered taxi, marked by a TX on the number plate.

For more port details see the St Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority Website. For a list of cruises that call at Castries see St Lucia Cruise Schedules.

Don't Miss

Shops
There are two modern tax-free shopping cemters at either side of the docks. Pointe Seraphine, the closer, offers souvenirs and island-made handicrafts. Local products are hand-made batiks, impressive pottery and intricate straw baskets and jars. Across the port La Carenage is a large shopping center filled with outlets and restaurants. Water taxis offer a service between Pointe Seraphine and La Place Carenage. For an entirely different experience, try the local and lively market in central Castries. Here the first Market Hall, built completely of iron and finished in 1894, still stands. The market is home to over three hundred traders.

Dining
For food-lovers 2 restaurants can be recommended in the vicinity of the port. The Coal Pot, which features New World cooking - a combination of local seafood with traditional French cuisine. Or try Froggie Jacques Bistro for a different take on fusion cuisine. Both these two establishments are located in the Ganters Bay area, just a few minutes from the port.

Derek Walcott Square

The square is named after the Nobel Prize Winner for Literature, well known for his superb poetry. For a taste of his work -

Those five or six young guys
lunched on the stoop
that oven-hot summer night
whistled me over. Nice
and friendly. So, I stop.
MacDougal or Christopher
Street in chains of light.
(taken from Blues)

The grandest building on the square is the Cathedral. Its sombre exterior hides a stylish inside of note for the richly colored stained-glass windows. Whilst in the square also clock the 400 year old samaan tree. Close by you'll reach Morne Fortune, translated as 'lucky hill'. Its top gives a super panoramic vista of Castries.

Tour to Soufriere

This is St Lucia’s most historic town named by the French after the sulphorous whiff that wafts down from the nearby volcano. Situated in the southern half of the island and in a beautiful setting, it is around an hour’s trip from Castries, along a winding road through steep, green-clad countryside.
The town even now features some original Creole wooden buildings, but it is more famous for its incredible natural surroundings. Wonder at the famous twin Pitons, the world’s only drive-in volcano, take a dip in its sulphur springs. And include in your visit the booming Diamond Falls waterfall. At the moment Holland America Line offer a cruise that visits both Castries and Sourfriere. See

Cruises to Soufriere.

Trip to Pigeon Island

This beauty place isn’t actually an island, as it is linked to the mainland by a manmade causeway. Pigeon Island can boast of a greater amount of history than any other part St Lucia. It has been used both as a pirate hideout and a military station. Impressive are the partly restored remains of an eighteenth century fort constructed by the British. Also visit the Pigeon Island Museum, which chronicles the island's development. Windstar cruiseline visit Pigeon Island, click on

Cruises to Pigeon Island.

Trip to Rodney Bay

Rodney Bay is St Lucia's main resort, a lively center of shops, bars, restaurants, and hotels behind Reduit Beach, a gorgeous stretch of golden sand. (Rodney BayThe townThe resort} is about a 15 minutes by car from Castries.

Jungle Activities

St Lucia’s steep, hilly terrain lends itself to adventure. On offer are hiking, walking, quad-biking, biking and horse-riding. The daredevils amongst you will try out the zip-wire rides soaring through the jungle. An option is more chilled-out Aerial Tram, which gives wonderful views of the lovely surroundings.

Tour to Fond Doux Estate
This nineteenth century West Indies style working plantation gives tourists the chance to experience a real taste, feel and smell for St. Lucia through the tropical fruits and plants in the grounds. There are acres of cocoa bushes, bananas and coconuts along with coffee, nutmeg, cinnamon, cardomon, and lots of citrus fruits. The orchards, original sugar works and fascinating spices plot are always open for tourists to see. Fond Doux's restaurant serves a superb Creole cuisine.

Other Information

Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$) U.S. dollars are widely accepted
Language Spoken: French and English
Time Zone: GMT minus four hours

Cruise Port - San Juan, Puerto Rico

Introduction
Suan Juan is a city steeped in history. As far back as 1508 the Spanish expedition leader Juan Ponce de Leon founded Caparra, a small town near to a natural harbor on the north coast of Puerto Rico. In 1521 the base was abandoned and moved to the current position of Old San Juan. During the 16th century, San Juan was the origin for Spanish expeditionary forces leaving to a several regions in the Caribbean.
Even now the old city of San Juan offers an original Old World feel with over 400 restored Spanish 17th century villas. The area also contains many restaurants, bars, shops and casinos for cruise passengers to experience.


You Choose The Cruise
Many seasoned cruise vacationers turn to San Juan as an alternative to a Florida departure port. Thanks to its central Caribbean situation, the island provides good access to interesting Southerrn Caribbean ports, like the Netherland Antilles and the Windward Isles. A short flight saves the long cruise to these areas from mainland US. The choice of cruises available from San Juan is wide, including the Leeward Isles (USVI, St Maarten, St Kitts, Guadeloupe), the Windward Isles (Dominica, St Lucia, Barbados, St Vincent, Grenada,Tobago), and the Netherland Antilles off the north coast of Venezuela (Aruba, Curacao and Bonaire). Several cruiselines operate cruises from San Juan, such as Carnival, Royal Caribbean, PO Cruises, Princess Cruises, Silversea and Celebrity Cruises. For a complete selection see Cruises From San Juan Puerto Rico.




San Juan Cruise Terminals
San Juan port is split into 3 areas. Old San Juan quays 1 through 6, the Pan American pier, and Navy Frontier pier. Normally ships dayporting at San Juan berth at the Old San Juan Piers, so passengers can walk into Old San Juan. Cruise ships starting from San Juan will berth at Old San Juan pier 4, or the Pan American Pier (about 15 mins by cab from Old San Juan).





Sightseeing in Old San Juan
Charming Old San Juan stands atop a bluff facing the Atlantic to the north, and the bay to the south. This walled fortified area, today a major historic landmark, was founded in 1510. Old San Juan is a small area, quick to get around on foot. When your energy runs out catch the free bus that runs around the main attractions. Take time to stroll along the tight cobblestone streets and admire the pastel colored buildings, craft shops, and wander around the interesting museums.

Paseo de la Muralla and Paseo de la Princesa
Two enjoyable walks are the Paseo de la Princesa, a newly reworked path that meanders along the coast and the Paseo de la Muralla which contours along the ancient city walls. Following these paths will help you get your bearings of the city.

El Morro Fort
El Morro, an enormous fort dating back to 1539, protects San Juan from sea attack. Its full name is Castillo San Felipe del Morro, after the favored saint of King Philip . You can walk around six levels of gun platforms and thickstone walls that loom over San Juan Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

San Cristobal Fort
San Cristobal Fort dates back to the eighteenth century and contains an intricate network of tunnels built for clandestine goings-on.

La Fortaleza
Another must-see is La Fortaleza, San Juan's most ancient fort, constructed in 1540. It later became the governor's official residence. Informative tours lead you through the opulent interior, with golden banquet hall, tall galleries, and rooms laid out in period fashion.

Cathedral de San Juan
This impressive cathedral was built in 1592, on the same site of the previous cathedral that was destroyed by a hurricane. Located on Calle Cristo, this neoclassical structure holds the bones of Ponce de Leon, a Spanish explorer, and the first governor of Puerto Rico.

Escambron Beach
, and Escambrion beach, on the northern coast is one of the prettiest in the city. It's quick to reach, and gives fabulous views along the coastline to El Morro. Condado beach, just further along the coastline, is also worth a visit.

Shopping
Most of the shopping in Old San Juan is centered on the multitude of shops along Cristo, Fortaleza and San Francisco streets. Alternatively visit the two craft markets to find a wide choice of fashions, art, souvenirs and jewelry. One is located at the Plaza de la Darsena, by pier 1, the second on the Paseo de la Princesa, a short distance along from pier 1.


Getting to San Juan Port
From the Airport
The airport is located approximately ten miles from the Pan American dock and eleven miles from the Old San Juan piers. It usually takes around three quarters of an hour in a taxi for the journey. The cost is around $20. There are extra charges for baggage.


Other Info
Official Language English and Spanish
Currency US Dollar
Weather Puerto Rico basks in near summer weather all year, with daytime high temperatures varying from 75 to 85F.
Timezone Atlantic Standard Time GMT-4

Tampa Cruise Port

 

Introduction

Tampa is situated at the center of the coastline of Florida at the head of a large bay sheltered by the Pinellas peninsula.

In the early 19th century the Federal Government made a decision to move the Seminole Indians to lands near Tampa bay. Fort Brooke was constructed on the east bank of Hillsborough River to maintain control over the area. It continued as an isolated and little populated outpost until 1884 when the Florida railroad businessman Henry B Plant determined to build a railroad which ran through Tampa, ending at Port Tampa. Following the completion of the railroad, Plant set up a steamship service carrying passengers, mail and cargo between Havana and Port Tampa. Following these projects Plant constructed a number of opulent hotels around the bay, including Port Tampa Inn and the St Elmo Inn in Port Tampa, and the Tampa Bay Hotel by Hillsbrough River in Tampa.

In 1885 the Tampa Board of Trade enticed the Cuban Don Ybor to construct a new cigar-making factory in the town. The cigar business grew rapidly, in part due to the fact it was ideally positioned between the supply of tobacco coming in through Port Tampa and the retail markets of the USA.

At a similar time rich phosphate deposits were discovered near the city, leading to a mining and shipping boom. By 1900 Tampa had grown from a tiny outpost to one of the biggest cities in the state.

Tampa's rise continued through the next century, and today the city has evolved into a modern urban center busy with enterprise and commerce.

The economic achievements of the city are in many ways thanks to its thriving ports. At the beginning Port Tampa operated as the city’s port, but it was first joined by, then beaten into second place by, the Port of Tampa. The city was a busy departure and arrival port for foot passengers in the 1880s and 1890s but passenger operations dwindled through the next century. But it was not till the 1980s when cruises became popular, with Regency Cruises and HAL arriving at the Port of Tampa to operate cruises to the Caribbean. From 1994 Carnival also homeported a ship at Tampa, the Tropicale.

You Choose The Cruise

Cruise vacations from Tampa call at intresting ports of call including places in Jamaica, Mexico, and Grand Cayman. Choose from cruises of 4, 5 or 7 day durations.

The ports-of-call make for a memorable trip - you can visit a wide range of exciting sights - in Belize experience lazy Cave Tubing in the Sibun Caves, in Costa Maya see the lush flora and fauna of the verdant tropical rain forest, in Grand Cayman stroll along the beautiful white sands of fabulous 7 Mile Beach and in Roatan swim in the blue waters of Half Moon Bay Beach.

Cruises from Tampa shows all the cruise ship departures from Tampa.

Cruise Terminals Map




Cruise Terminals


Cruise Terminal 2
Tampa Port Authority’s Garrison Seaport Center project of the late 1990s included the creation of Cruise Terminal 2. Available facilites include customs, baggage trolleys, a snack bar, taxi rank and restrooms. The terminal has access to a single mooring. Cruise Terminal 2 is home to Carnival. Car Parking is located directly across Channelside Drive at the Channelside multi-level car lot.



Cruise Terminal 3
Cruise Terminal 3 was finished in 2002 to service a growing demand for cruise vacations out of Tampa. Facilities include a snack bar, luggage carts, restrooms, VIP lounge and customs. The cruise terminal has a single cruise ship mooring. Terminal 3 is used by Royal Caribbean, HAL and NCL cruise ships. Parking is located straight across Channelside Drive at the Channelside multi-level car park. Valet services are available.



Cruise Terminal 6
Cruise Terminal 6 is positioned just to the north of Terminal 3. Cruise Terminal 6 provides facilities for HAL. The cruise terminal services just one cruise ship mooring. Parking is available next to the terminal.

For the port website see Tampa Port Authority.




Sightseeing In Tampa

Florida Aquarium
The whole family will marvel at the myriad of sea creatures on show at the Florida Aquarium. Favorite exhibits include Ocean Commotion, Coral Reefs, No Bone Zone, Wetlands and Aquariumania. Extra activities are available such as Swim with Fish and Penguins - Backstage Pass. The Aquarium is sited just beside cruise terminal 3.

SS American Victory
The cargo ship SS American Victory sailed all through World War 2, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Today it has been renovated into a working museum. Walk aboard and witness the entire ship including weapon systems, lifeboats, a hospital section, the bridge and steering center. The SS American Victory is moored by the Florida Aquarium.

Channelside Bay Plaza
The large Channelside development offers many bars, shops, eateries and entertainment venues.

Tampa’s Riverwalk
Enjoy the best-known sights of the city and sweeping views across the Hillsborough river by hiking the new Tampa Riverwalk. As the walk meanders along the waterside it passes a whole host of sites including The Florida Aquarium, American Victory Ship, Channelside Bay Plaza, Teco Line Streetcar, USF Park, Florida Museum Of Photographic Arts, Glazier's Children’s Museum and the Tampa Museum of Art.

Henry B Plant Museum
The railroad entrepreneur Henry B Plant commissioned the majestic Tampa Bay hotel as a destination resort for visitors to Tampa. It’s lavishly constructed in the style of a Arabian palace, with extra touches of Victorian design. Nowadays the hotel building is primarily taken up by the University of Tampa, but it is also home to the well worthwhile Henry B Plant Museum, which details the life and times of the famed entrepreneur.

Ybor City State Museum
With its Cuban roots Ybor City is one of two National Historic Landmark Districts in the state of Florida. Ybor City’s iron balconies, narrow streets and brick houses give a glimpse of 19th century history. Drop in at a bar with flamboyant flamenco dancers, or buy a hand-made cigar at a shop. Several stops of the old Teco streetcar are near the cruise port and can carry you to Ybor city.

Busch Gardens Theme Park
At Busch Gardens you’ll be able to go on a memorable trek crossing the magnificent Serengeti plains, take in a show with live perfomers, enjoy up-close meetings with rare wildlife and frighten yourself on pulse-pounding roller coasters. Busch Gardens is positioned 8 miles north of the cruise port.

Traveling To The Cruise Port

By Air
Tampa Airport is around 7 miles away from the cruise terminals. Catching a taxi is a simple way to travel between the two.

By Car
From Orlando
Follow I-4 westwards to exit 1. GoTravel south along 21st Street and turn right on Adamo Drive then head left onto Channelside Drive. For cruise terminal 6 make a left onto McKay Street to access the parking area next to the cruise terminal. For cruise terminals 2 and 3 continue for about three-quarters of a mile south along Channelside Drive. The Channelside parking lot is located on the right of the street across from the Florida Aquarium.

From St Petersburg
Take I-275 eastwards. Merge with I-4. Follow I-4 eastwards to exit 1 , signed Port Of Tampa/Ybor City. Continue southwards along 21st Street and turn right on Adamo Drive then turn left onto Channelside Drive. For cruise terminal 6 make a left onto McKay Street to access the open parking next to the terminal. For cruise terminals 2 and 3 continue for about three-quarters of a mile south on Channelside Drive. The Channelside parking garage is located on the right of the street just across from the Florida Aquarium.

Cruise Port - Singapore

Introducing Singapore

Singapore, a sovereign nation, is located off the southern point of the Malay Peninsular in Southeast Asia 85 miles (137 km) north of the Equator. Singapore and the Malay Peninsula are connected by a 1km bridge crossing the narrow Johore Straits. The country has a total area of 278 square miles (720 square km) made up from the main island and 54 smaller nearby islands.

The Malay Annals tell how Singapore was founded centuries ago when a prince from Sumatra when hunting on the island of Temasek saw a lion. He took the sighting as a good omen and established a city at the place named 'Singapura' after the Sanskrit for 'lion city'.

Modern Singapore was founded in 1819 by Sir Stamford Raffles who signed a treaty with local rulers giving control of Singapura to the British.

Raffles' confidence in the trading prospects of the island were proved over the following decades as Singapore's growth surged, in step with an increasing demand for East Asia sourced rubber and tin in Europe.  More and more ships' quays were built along the banks of the Singapore Straits - eventually extending to more than 3 miles (5 km) in length.

Singapore's prosperity and security crashed to an end when Japanese aeroplanes blitzed the sleeping city in the small hours of 8 December 1941. Singapore surrendered to the Japanese on Chinese New Year 15 February 1942, and was renamed Syonan-to (Light of the South).  Japan surrendered in 1945 and Singapore was put into British Military Administration.

In 1959 the growth of the independence-movement led to self-government and Singapore's first general election.  Lee Kuan Yew was installed as the country's first Prime Minister.

Today many elements of Singapore's multi-cultural, wartime and colonial past can be found around the city. The cruise tourist can step back through time by following a history trail such as the Jubilee walk, the Singapore River walk or the World War 2 trail visiting important docks, buildings, bridges and memorials.

You Choose The Cruise

There is a whole multitude of cruises available which depart from Singapore.  The two most popular itineraries are both 7 day trips - firstly the voyage hugging the eastern seaboard of the Malay peninsula and secondly the voyage circumnavigating the Gulf of Thailand. Alternatively choose from many  of the more extensive cruises on offer including grand voyages to Southern India, Australia or Indonesia. Cruises from Singapore is a comprehensive calendar of cruise ship sailings out of the city.

Singapore Cruise Terminals

In 1991 Singapore's first cruise centre, the Singapore Cruise Centre at Harbourfront, opened.  Then in 2012 a second centre, the Marina Bay Cruise Center at Marina Bay, was inaugurated. 

Singapore Cruise Centre

Singapore Cruise Centre offers efficient baggage services, fast customs clearance, separate passenger embarkation and disembarkation areas and security screening. Passengers can enjoy a range of facilities at the centre including an information counter, left luggage services, free Wi-Fi and food and beverage outlets.

The cruise port can cater for for two cruise ships, with one quay 310m long, 11m deep and the other 270m long, 11m deep.

Parking can be found at the nearby HarbourFront Centre car park costing about $40 per day.

Marina Bay Cruise Center

The cruise centre boasts separate arrival and departure halls as well as a substantial ground transport area all to ensure a smooth and hassle free experience for cruise passengers. There's comfortable seating in the lounges, with luggage porters, a foreign exchange counter, toilets, a stylish cafe and an information desk.

A 360m pier by the terminal with two berths down both sides so two large cruise ships can berth at the same time.

The DriveCruise option includes discounted parking at the cruise centre's car park.

Sightseeing in Singapore

Merlion Park

Merlion Park, the home of the iconic Merlion statue, is located in front of the Fullerton hotel on the shore of Marina bay. The statue was constructed by sculpturor Lim Nang Seng and was inaugurated in September 1972 by then PM Lee Kuan Yew to greet visitors to Singapore. To reach Merlion Park take the MRT to Raffles Place on the North South or East West line.

ArtScience Museum

The ArtScience Museum beautifully mixes art and science to create a thoughtful narrative. The museum has a permanent exhibition with an arresting three dimensional video presentation and has two extra galleries for temporary exhibitions. Part of the Marina Bay Sands area, the ArtScience Museum is a few minutes walk from the Marina Bay Cruise Center.

Gardens By The Bay

Costing over $1billion Gardens by the Bay is a masterpiece of horticulture and garden creativity that displays flora in an unparalleled way. The two showpieces are its signature Supertree Grove, a collection of tall trees made of steel covered by vertical greenery, and the Cloud Forest, a gigantic conservatory that mimics the climate and environment of a mountaintop forest. Gardens in the Bay is not far from the Marina Bay cruise port.

National Gallery Singapore

Costing $530 million, taking 10 years and completed in 2015, the refurbishment of the Supreme Court and City Hall buildings created the splendid National Gallery Singapore.
In the Supreme Court wing (the one with the dome) view the UOB Southeast Asia Gallery showcasing the works of Southeast Asia artists including Latif Mohidin, Nguyen Gia Tri and Hernando Ocampo. In the City Hall wing tour the DBS Singapore Gallery with more than 400 masterworks from local artists including Chua Mia Tee, Chen Chon Swee and Liu Kang.

The Long Bar Raffles Hotel

Raffles Hotel, immortalized by writing legends like Ernest Hemingway, Joseph Conrad and Rudyard Kipling, is a colonial-style hotel established by two Armenian hoteliers in 1887. Birthplace of the Singapore Sling, the two-storey Long Bar located on the 2nd floor of the hotel is where to enjoy this famous cocktail. The hotel is easy to find, located a few minutes walk from City Hall MRT.

Siloso Beach

Siloso beach on Singapore's Sentosa Island is a wide stretch of clean white sand, lapped by the clear turquoise sea. Facilities include beach chair and umbrella hire, showers and restrooms. The beach is an exciting gondola ride from the International Passenger Terminal or a cab ride from the Marina Bay cruise centre.


Traveling to the Singapore Cruise Terminals

The easiest way to transfer from Changi Airport to either of the cruise terminals is via taxi.  The fare is approximately $25.

Guide To San Francisco Cruise Port

Introduction

San Francisco, considered by many as the US’s finest city, is surrounded on three sides by ocean and bay. In spite of the hilly nature of the land on which the city is built, the original city developers kept faith with a grid system. This has resulted in some steep roads, fatiguing for the pedestrian and testing for those behind the wheel of a car.

In 1769 Spanish settlers arriving from Mexico established the Presidio of San Francisco as an armed fort and the Mission San Francisco de Asís as a missionary base with the aim of converting the indigenous Ohlone population. Mexican ownership of the region was given to the Americans in the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848. In the very same year that SF became part of the US, gold was discovered close to the city, attracting the attention of thousands of would be prospective gold miners. The makeshift outpost rapidly grew into the US’s biggest city west of the Mississippi. From the 1860s through the 1890s San Francisco grew rapidly with the building of complete new neighborhoods. Over half of the population were foreign born, coming from places such as Britain, Germany and China.

On April 18, 1906, San Francisco's rapid expansion came to a halt when a strong earthquake devastated the city. Raging fires spread out of control burning to the ground almost three quarters of the city’s buildings. Restoring the city’s buildings began almost immediately, but building standards were not improved, as many argued that this would hamper rejuvenation.

After two decades of consolidation, the city emerged in the 1930s to benefit from another economic boom time. The Bay Bridge and Golden Gate Bridge were built in a flury of construction, and in 1940 the Golden Gate World Fair received worldwide recognition.

Today the city is an international center for manufacturing, commerce and banking, and is also the home of a major deep water port.

You Choose The Cruise

A wide variety of cruise vacations are on offer with lengths of 7,10,15 days or even longer. Two popular voyages are first the cruise to the magnificent Hawaiian islands, standing alone in the middle of the vast Pacific Ocean, and secondly the cruise to the wonderfully scenic coast of Alaska.

Cruises from San Francisco details all the cruise ship departures out of San Francisco.

Cruise Terminals

San Francisco has 2 cruise terminals sited on the Embarcadero Waterfront, the main terminal at Pier 35 and a secondary terminal at Pier 27. The roles of the two terminals are due to swap in late 2014, with Pier 27 becoming the foremost terminal, with Pier 35 serving as a secondary berth for smaller ships.

Pier 35 Terminal
Pier 35’s attractiveness benefited greatly from the resurgence of the city’s docks in the years after the pulling down due to the 1989 quake of the Embarcadero Freeway that divided the piers and the city. The pier offers two cruise ship moorings pier 35 north and pier 35 south. The terminal is missing all but the necessary services, but there is one plus point. After you have embarked aboard your ship, go to the top deck, to appreciate the spectacular views of Alcatraz, the Bay Bridge, San Francisco bay and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Pier 27 Terminal
The brand new cruise terminal at Pier 27 scheduled to open in late 2014 as SF’s primary cruise terminal is named in honor of James R Herman, former president of the Longshoreman Union. The terminal has just one cruise ship mooring, but this is 1200ft long, a considerable increase over the quays at Pier 35. The modern terminal boasts extensive embark/debark halls with retail shops, tourism services, meeting rooms and ticketing counters.

Parking
Parking is not provided by the cruise port; however car parking lots nearby offer competitive rates for cruisers.

See San Francisco Port for the port website.

Sightseeing In San Francisco

Fisherman’s Wharf
Every year Fisherman’s Wharf draws hundreds of thousands of tourists to its many different attractions. Your visit to Fisherman’s Wharf can take in Pier 39, popular with children thanks to its sea lion colony and carousel, the cable car turnaround at Beach and Hyde, a wonderful part of San Francisco’s iconic cable car system, Ghirardelli Square, originally a chocolate enterprise started by Domenico 'Domingo' Ghirardelli, SS. Jeremiah O'Brien, a fully functional Liberty Ship and Hyde Street Pier, home of a number of historic ships. Also be sure to fit it a trip on San Francisco's unique cable car system.

Chinatown
Chinatown is located in the heart of the city bounded by Kearny Street to the east, Bush Street to the south, Powell Street to the west, and Columbus Avenue to the north. Characterful globe lanterns and brightly colored banners cross the avenues, which are lit at night by elaborate streetlights in the form of a Chinese temple on two dragons.

Golden Gate Bridge
The iconic Golden Gate Bridge bridge is accessible to both bicyclists and pedestrians, and was constructed with sidewalks on both sides of the six vehicle lanes. A trip to the Brige's visitor center offers a multi-media presentation on the history of the bridge.

Traveling To San Francisco Cruise Port

Whether arriving by car or taxi, the cruise port's downtown location necessitates a trip across the city, so be sure to allow plenty of time for your journey.