24/04/2025
Europe, the Old Continent, is in fact a treasure trove of new experiences. Whatever you're looking for, you’ll find it here – the stories of the past, rich culture, and modern adventures. Explore the iconic landmarks of Paris, London, and Barcelona, soak in the southern charm of Seville, wander the gothic streets, or bask in the sun along the Mediterranean coasts. Head north to England and Scandinavia, once roamed by Vikings, and dive into the depths of European history. Savor delicious tapas in Bilbao, sip fine Italian wines in Florence, and dare to try the bold surströmming in Stockholm.
Unwind in Rome with a true Italian espresso in the shadow of the Colosseum, or let the ancient magic of Greece captivate you. Rub shoulders with international celebrities in Cannes, stroll the mild shores of Valencia, then finish your day with a pint of Guinness in a cozy Irish pub beneath the walls of a centuries-old castle.
Exploring Europe by sea is an unforgettable experience – our ports are ready to welcome you!
Read the first part of our Europe Cruises Port Guide series to be fully prepared for when we arrive at our first European destination!
La Coruña (Spain)
Port location and accessibility: La Coruña's cruise port, Muelle de Trasatlánticos, is located right in the city centre, so you can reach the main attractions and the old town within a few minutes' walk of arrival.
Port services: The modern terminal offers free Wi-Fi, a tourist information desk and gift shops. Nearby is the Los Cantones Village shopping centre with shops, restaurants and a cinema.
Nearby attractions:
Tower of Hercules - the oldest working lighthouse in the world, accessible on foot.
Old Town - charming streets, cafés, historic buildings.
Picasso's former home - a glimpse into the artist's childhood.
Calle San Andrés - the city's main shopping street.
Transport: Most places are within walking distance. Taxis are available at the port, and public transport is also easy to get around the city.
Tip: Most shops are open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 20:30. Many shops are closed on Sundays, but some shopping centres may be open on Sundays.
Lisbon port guide
Lisbon, the colourful and historic capital of Portugal, is a popular stop on the Victoria Cruises Residential Ship itinerary. Cruise ships usually anchor in the Alcântara or Santa Apolónia harbours, both easily accessible from the city centre.
The Santa Apolónia terminal has the advantage of being close to the famous Alfama district and St George's Castle - some of which are within walking distance, but the hilly city makes it worth taking a taxi or sightseeing tram.
The port is well equipped with barrier-free entrances, lifts and a tourist information desk. Most of the newer trams and buses are low-floor, but it's worth finding out about the current vehicle types in advance. Accessible public toilets are also available in many parts of the city.
The LX Factory, with its trendy restaurants and shops, and the iconic landmarks of the Belém district (Jerome Monastery, Monument of Discoveries) are also popular destinations, easily accessible by taxi.
Useful tip: Most shops are open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 20:00, and on Sundays the larger malls may be open.
Lisbon's unique atmosphere and historic beauty make it an unforgettable experience for all visitors - even the city's hills are no obstacle if you plan ahead!
Dublin Ireland port guide
Dublin, the bustling capital of Ireland, retains both its rich history and modern flair. The city is renowned for its friendly people, iconic pubs and of course Guinness - an evening easily spent over a pint of beer or Irish whiskey. The colourful streets of the Temple Bar district, as well as the Guinness Storehouse and Jameson Distillery, are a great place to explore local flavours and traditions. Dublin's vibrant cultural life, musical pubs and intimate atmosphere will captivate any visitor.
The Dublin Cruise Terminal is mainly located at Alexandra Quay, which is about 4 kilometres from the city centre. The port is modern and well-equipped, but a shuttle or taxi service is usually required to reach the city centre. Many ferry companies provide free or paid shuttle services to the city centre.
Some smaller boats dock in Dun Laoghaire, a picturesque suburb about 20-25 minutes from Dublin. From here you can also easily get into the city by train (DART), bus or taxi.
Dublin's port is cycle-friendly and the city's flat terrain makes bike hire an ideal option for exploring. The MyTaxi (Shop) and Free Now apps make it easy to hail a taxi. In terms of shopping, there are no major shopping centres near the port, but once you get into town, Grafton Street and Henry Street offer the best shopping experience - where Irish wool products, handcrafted souvenirs and the famous Irish whisky are popular.
The Dublin Marina is well equipped for passengers with reduced mobility, ensuring a comfortable and barrier-free experience. Ramps, lifts and accessible toilets are available in the terminals, as well as dedicated parking spaces for passengers with reduced mobility. Staff are on hand to provide assistance as required.
Access to the city centre is also barrier-free: buses from the port have special wheelchair spaces, and trams offer dedicated boarding points in the city centre.
When exploring the city, it is worth bearing in mind that although most sights are easily accessible, some areas, such as the Temple Bar district, have cobbled streets that can make transport difficult. However, many museums and attractions, such as Trinity College and the Book of Kells exhibition, are accessible and staff are on hand to help with access. Accessible hop-on hop-off buses are also available for sightseeing, which are air-conditioned, equipped with Wi-Fi and wheelchair access. The Port of Dublin is therefore well prepared to welcome passengers with reduced mobility and offers a range of options for exploring the city in comfort and without barriers.
Belfast Northern Ireland Port Guide
Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland, where history and modern culture mix in an exciting way. The city is famous for the story of the Titanic - the famous ocean liner was built here, and the Titanic Belfast Museum is still one of the most popular attractions. Victorian architecture, cosy pubs and a vibrant arts scene all contribute to Belfast's character. The city is also within easy reach of the iconic Giant's Causeway, one of Northern Ireland's natural wonders.
Belfast Harbour is an ideal base for exploring the city by sea. Cruise ships typically anchor at Stormont Wharf, Northern Ireland's largest shipping terminal. From here, Belfast city centre is just three miles away and is quickly accessible - shuttle buses usually leave every 15 minutes. The port receives over 155,000 visitors a year and has a well-organised infrastructure to provide a smooth experience for travellers.
Belfast's port is fully accessible, with ramps, lifts and smooth walkways to make it easier for passengers with reduced mobility to get around. Wheelchair-friendly tours and transport options are available throughout the city, including accessible taxis and public transport.
Liverpool Cruises port
If you're looking for a city in the north of England with the excitement of London, Liverpool is the perfect choice. A city rich in history and culture, it is second in England for the number of museums, theatres and art galleries. Liverpool's unique atmosphere and vibrant energy make it more than just an alternative to London. The city boasts several UNESCO World Heritage sites and was named European Capital of Culture in 2008. Local football teams Liverpool FC and Everton FC are closely linked to the city's spirit, while the Beatles' history is inseparable from Liverpool. European cruise passengers can base themselves right in the heart of the city and easily explore the Beatles' heritage, famous English monuments and historic waterfront.
Liverpool's cruise port is located right next to the Pier Head and the Royal Liver Building, providing easy access to the city's most popular attractions. Although amenities within the terminal are limited, there are a number of restaurants and shops in the Pier Head area. Taxis are available near St. Nicholas Place, while Lime Street Station, the city's train station, is just a 20-minute walk away. For convenient transportation, Hop-on Hop-Off buses also run every 15 minutes from the pier.
Liverpool - Accessible Harbour Experience
Liverpool's cruise port, Princes Dock Cruise Terminal, is fully accessible for passengers with reduced mobility. The terminal has one level and is equipped with barrier-free entrances, lifts, ramps and accessible toilets. Access to the terminal is provided by mini-buses and specially equipped vehicles from baggage check-in to the bridge to the ship.
According to the latest information, the Port of Liverpool Authority and the shipping companies are working together to ensure a smooth experience for passengers with reduced mobility, including providing appropriate prior information and assistance during the journey.
If you have special needs, such as using a wheelchair or other mobility device, it is advisable to inform the shipping company in advance to ensure that you have the appropriate assistance and accessibility during your journey.
Tylbury/London cruises Port
Tilbury is a historic port town in Essex, England, on the banks of the River Thames. The town is famous for Fort Tilbury, which was built in the 16th century and played an important role in the defence of England. Tilbury's proximity to London is of strategic importance, particularly for maritime trade and shipping. The town's harbour is still active today and plays an important role in the UK's maritime transport.
Tilbury Cruise Terminal is one of the main entry points for passengers arriving in the UK by sea. The terminal has modern facilities including customs and border control, baggage handling and passenger lounges. The terminal is easily accessible by car and public transport and parking facilities are available for passengers. Tilbury Town train station is located close to the terminal, with direct trains to central London. The terminal staff speak several languages and are happy to help passengers find their way around. The terminal also has restaurants and shops to make your journey more comfortable. The terminal security measures comply with international standards, ensuring the safety of passengers and staff. The terminal regularly receives cruise ships of various sizes and types and is able to cater for modern shipping needs. The terminal has also introduced environmentally friendly measures such as waste management and energy efficiency programmes
Tilbury Cruise Terminal plays an important role in the UK tourism and economy, contributing to the development of the region.
For passengers with reduced mobility, the Tilbury Cruise Terminal provides barrier-free access, with ramps and lifts throughout the terminal to facilitate travel. Staff are trained to assist passengers with reduced mobility and special attention is paid to individual needs. There are designated spaces for disabled parking close to the entrance. Accessible restrooms are also available in the terminal. Information desks offer special services such as induction loops for the hearing impaired. The terminal works with local transport operators to ensure barrier-free transport between the city and the terminal. Passengers can indicate their special needs in advance so that staff can be prepared to provide the appropriate support. The terminal is constantly improving its services to make travel more comfortable for passengers with reduced mobility. Tilbury Cruise Terminal is committed to ensuring equal access for all passengers.
Author: VCL Team
24/04/2025
