09/05/2025
Join us as we explore Europe’s coastal cities – one port at a time! In this blog series, we share detailed, practical, and personal guides for every stop along the Victoria Cruises Residential Ship’s journey. Whether you’re stepping ashore for a quick stroll or spending a full day exploring, these posts will help you make the most of each destination.
Stavanger, one of Norway’s most picturesque cities, offers passengers a modern port infrastructure and well-developed accessibility features. Ships dock right in the city center, making major services and attractions easily accessible.
⚓ Port Location & Access
Cruise ships dock in downtown Stavanger, close to major sights. The port area is flat and fully accessible, making disembarkation easy for those using wheelchairs or with limited mobility.
♿ Accessibility
The city center is generally flat, with well-maintained roads and sidewalks that feature ramps and curb cuts. Most cafés, museums, and public buildings have accessible restrooms.
🚌 Transportation & Sightseeing
Walking Distance: Major sights are within walking distance from the port.
Organized Tours: Accessible sightseeing tours are available directly from the port or nearby cathedral, using flat routes and guided by experienced English-speaking guides.
Taxis: Accessible taxis are available but limited in number. Advance booking is recommended.
🚤 Accessible Boat Excursions
Fjord tours to Lysefjord operate on modern electric boats equipped with accessible decks, seating areas, and snack bars. Viewing Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) and Hengjanefossen waterfall is a popular activity.
💡 Useful Information
Currency: Norwegian Krone (NOK)
Payment: Card payments widely accepted
Tipping: 5–10% customary in restaurants
Wi-Fi: Free internet access at the port
Restrooms: Accessible toilets available at the port and public facilities
Tallinn, Estonia’s capital, features a compact and well-organized cruise port and a nearby Old Town, making it an ideal destination for cruise passengers. The modern terminals are easy to navigate, and the city center is a short walk away.
⚓ Port Location & Access
Cruise ships dock at the Old City Harbour (Tallinna Sadam), about a 15–20 minute walk from the Old Town. The port area is accessible, with clearly marked pedestrian paths leading into the city.
♿ Accessibility
The terminal is flat, equipped with elevators and ramps. While some Old Town streets are cobbled and steep, many major attractions (e.g., city walls, main square, museums) are reachable via accessible routes. The city has made strong efforts toward inclusivity, with more and more venues offering accessible restrooms.
🚌 Transportation & Sightseeing
Walking: The city center is reachable on foot, with accessible shuttle buses also available.
Taxis: Accessible taxis can be pre-booked.
Organized Tours: Accessible city tours with flat routes and guides are available.
💡 Useful Information
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Payment: Card payments accepted everywhere
Tipping: Not mandatory, but small tips are appreciated
Wi-Fi: Available in the port and in various city locations
Restrooms: Accessible facilities at the terminal and public institutions
Le Havre, located at the mouth of the Seine, is a modern port city and a frequent gateway to Paris or Normandy. The port infrastructure is modern and fully accessible.
⚓ Port Location & Access
Cruise ships arrive at the Le Havre Cruise Terminal, about 2 km from the city center. The terminal area is flat and accessible, with designated pedestrian walkways.
♿ Accessibility
The terminal is fully accessible. The city center lies on mostly flat terrain and is easy to explore on foot or by wheelchair. Most museums and public buildings are accessible. Trains to Paris offer wheelchair spaces and lifts, but advance booking is required.
🚌 Transportation & Transfers
Shuttle Buses: Depart from the ship to the city center (accessible vehicles available).
Train Station: About a 10-minute drive away. Paris can be reached in approximately 2 hours by train.
Taxis: Accessible taxis are available with advance reservation.
💡 Useful Information
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Payment: Cards accepted almost everywhere
Tipping: 5–10% expected in restaurants
Wi-Fi: Available in the terminal and city center cafés
Restrooms: Accessible toilets in the terminal and many public areas
Bilbao, the cultural hub of Spain’s Basque Country, features a modern port located in nearby Getxo. From there, comfortable transport options connect passengers to the city center.
⚓ Port Location & Access
Cruise ships dock at the Getxo Cruise Terminal, approximately 12 km from downtown Bilbao. The terminal is modern, located on flat terrain, and fully accessible. Transport to the city is by shuttle bus or taxi.
♿ Accessibility
The terminal is fully accessible. Several of the shuttle buses are also wheelchair-friendly. Bilbao’s city center is flat and easy to navigate, and major attractions (like the Guggenheim Museum) are accessible. Streets are wide and sidewalks are in good condition, although some older buildings may have limited access.
🚌 Transportation & Sightseeing
Shuttle Bus: Regular service between port and city center; some buses are accessible.
Taxis: Accessible vehicles available with advance booking.
Public Transport: Bus and metro stops near the port, some with partial accessibility.
💡 Useful Information
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Payment: Cards widely accepted
Tipping: Not mandatory, but small tips are customary
Wi-Fi: Free at the terminal and in many cafés/restaurants
Restrooms: Accessible toilets available at the cruise terminal and in public spaces
Porto is accessible to cruise passengers via the nearby Port of Leixões. This modern facility is located about 9 km from the city center.
⚓ Port Location & Access
Ships dock at the futuristic Porto de Leixões Cruise Terminal. The terminal is fully accessible and has a direct exit toward the city. Porto’s center can be reached by taxi, shuttle bus, or public transport in around 20–30 minutes.
♿ Accessibility
The terminal is flat and equipped with elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms. While parts of Porto’s old town are hilly and cobbled, most main sights (like the Ribeira district and Sé Cathedral) can now be accessed via barrier-free routes. New trams and metro trains are accessible.
🚌 Transportation & Sightseeing
Shuttle Bus: Available to the city center, with accessible options.
Taxis: Accessible vehicles available with advance notice.
Public Transport: Metro station near the port offers easy access to downtown Porto.
💡 Useful Information
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Payment: Card payments accepted almost everywhere
Tipping: 5–10% expected in restaurants
Wi-Fi: Available in the terminal and many urban spots
Restrooms: Accessible toilets in the port and throughout the city
Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory near the Spanish border, features a small but well-equipped cruise port, with easy access to the city center.
⚓ Port Location & Access
The Gibraltar Cruise Terminal is located right at the edge of the city, about a 10–15 minute walk from the central Main Street. The port is on flat ground with ramps, elevators, and well-developed sidewalks.
♿ Accessibility
The terminal is accessible, and many routes within the city are also barrier-free. Major attractions (such as the Rock of Gibraltar, Skywalk, and caves) offer special vehicles or elevators, though access may be limited in some areas. Main Street is flat and fully accessible.
🚌 Transportation & Sightseeing
Walking: The city center is comfortably reachable on foot.
Taxis: Accessible taxis are available; advance booking recommended.
Organized Tours: Available for guests with limited mobility using special vehicles.
💡 Useful Information
• Currency: Gibraltar Pound (GIP), but British Pounds (GBP) and Euros (EUR) are also widely accepted
• Payment: Credit and debit cards are accepted everywhere
• Tipping: Not mandatory, but a small tip is often appreciated in restaurants
• Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available in the port area and in several central locations
• Restrooms: Accessible restrooms can be found in the terminal and at various points throughout the city center
As passengers step ashore from the Victoria Cruises Residential Ship, they are welcomed by Europe’s diverse ports – including Stavanger, Tallinn, Le Havre (Paris), Bilbao, Porto, and Gibraltar – all offering modern, visitor-friendly infrastructure. These ports feature well-developed transportation links and increasingly accessible facilities to ensure a smooth and convenient disembarkation experience for everyone.
Despite their varied regional atmospheres and geographic settings, each destination serves as a reliable gateway for exploring the city – whether for a short stroll or an extended day trip. For residents of the Victoria Cruises Residential Ship, everything is in place to explore Northern and Western Europe’s coastal cities safely, comfortably, and meaningfully.
Author: VCL Team
09/05/2025
