msc cruises genoa

Cruises to and from Genoa (Portofino), Italy

Genoa cruises: Portofino, history and local cuisine

Gateway to the Italian Riviera, the Port of Genoa is one of the most important (and one of the largest) in Italy, a strategic harbour since ancient times.

Cruises to Genoa offer the chance to explore its many sights, including Genoa Aquarium , designed by architect Renzo Piano, and the city’s picturesque Boccadasse district , a lakeside fishing village. Genoa excursions also offer the opportunity to taste signature dishes made from fresh ingredients, such as pesto Genovese and focaccia.

On a Genoa cruise, guests can also admire one of Italy’s most beautiful stretches of coastline or an excursion to the UNESCO-listed Cinque Terre . Its five fishing villages, perched on steep cliffs, offer superb sea views, small seafood restaurants, and a tableau of townhouses.

A short trip away from Genoa, Portofino beckons with colourful facades, boutiques and surrounding lush hills. Explore the Cinque Terre, Portofino and much more on a Genoa cruise with MSC Cruises.

Best Genoa (Portofino) cruises

Cruises from genoa (portofino) in 2024.

Dive into the Italian Riviera from Genoa , as well as countries across the Mediterranean and the Americas. Our cruises from Genoa in 2024 unlock the best of Italy : coastal towns like Sicily’s Taormina , Olbia  and the Emerald Coast in Sardinia, Civitavecchia  for those seeking out Rome , Livorno for jaunts to Florence, or sail south to Naples . Some cruises from Genoa also stop at choice French coastal spots, including Marseilles (a perfect base for Provence) and Cannes for the Côtes d’Azur. For a change of scene, choose a route that stops at ancient Turkish ports like Kusadasi and Istanbul , or go further with MSC Grand Voyages  and sample North Africa by heading to Morocco, or East Africa by sailing to Kenya and Tanzania. If that puts you in the mood for exploration, other MSC Grand Voyages from Genoa can whisk you to Brazil’s enthralling Rio de Janeiro , sun-soaked Barbados , the Canadian wilderness and enough far-flung spots to last a lifetime. It’s all available from Genoa cruise port .

Cruises to Genoa (Portofino) in 2024

Take a cruise to Genoa to explore this centre of power and commerce in the Mediterranean , with its imposing churches and palaces, and brilliantly futuristic aquarium designed by Renzo Piano . Around the historic centre is a tangle of medieval streets known as caruggi, unique to the city.

Watch the skies light up around Lanterna di Genova , the city’s 12th-century lighthouse, or admire the pale-stone Gothic wonder of Genoa Cathedral . Guests on a Genoa cruise can see the wooded hills and pastel-painted villas on the Ligurian Coast , with excursions to coastal hideaways like Portofino , full of brightly painted medieval houses, and the seafront villages of the Cinque Terre .

Though you’ll never tire of Italy’s rustic villages and refined lifestyle, a cruise to Genoa can also cover some other, similarly inviting destinations. These include bustling, history-crammed Athens , the blissful beaches of Turkey’s Kuşadası  and the Balearic buzz of Spanish islands like Palma de Mallorca .

Find inspiration on a huge range of Genoa excursions

Genoa excursions further open up this enchanting city and its surroundings, offering the chance to see the Ligurian Coast and its fragrant citrus groves, or simply to delve deeper into Genoa’s maritime history.

Nearby towns like Portofino and its scattering of sea-facing restaurants are within easy reach, or a little further afield lie grander spots like the high-style capital of Milan.

Put simply, guests on Genoa tours  have a world of Italian culture to look forward to, from boat trips to archaeological adventures led by knowledgeable guides.

Book now and save up to 20% on Genoa shore excursions.

How to reach Genoa cruise port

Where do msc cruises’ ships dock in genoa.

MSC Cruises’ ships dock at Genova Cruise Terminal , located at Genova Ponte dei Mille/Ponte Andrea Doria .

These piers are located less than two kilometres west from the Genoa city centre and are conveniently close to the city’s main railway station, bus stops, Principe metro station and the SS1 freeway, meaning that it’s easy to reach whether you’re arriving by road or rail.

How do I reach the car park at Genoa cruise port?

There is a valet car parking service available to MSC Cruises passengers.

Whether you’re driving from Genoa’s city centre or from the airport, you’ll need to follow signs to ‘terminal crociere’, which is signposted from both directions. Approaching the terminal, there are MSC ship’s signs leading them to the luggage drop off, where the parking, by the car valet service mentioned above will withdraw guest’s cars as well.

Garage Ponte dei Mille

Tel. +39 010 24 62 613

E-mail: [email protected]

MSC Parking is bookable online up to 48 hours before your cruise departure. Bookings after the 48 hour deadline can be made directly with MSC Parking, and the same reduced rates will be applied when presenting your cruise travel documents

How to get to the Genoa cruise port from the train station?

If arriving in Genoa by train , you’ll likely find yourself at the city’s main rail station, Genova Piazza Principe , which is located around 500 metres from the cruise port, making it an easy walk to the cruise terminal.

To get to the cruise port, hold right hand as you get away from the station on to Via Andrea Doria. You will see some stairs leading down on your left hand, in front of Principe metro station. Go down the steps and across the square to the main road, turn right and then take the immediate left, where you will see the cruise terminal ahead of you.

How do I get from Genoa Airport to the cruise port?

Genova City Airport, also known as Christopher Columbus Airport , is located around 6 kilometres to the west from the cruise port. The easiest way to get to the cruise terminal from the airport is to request an MSC Transfer service, which you can do easily by contacting the MSC call centre or your travel agent. 

If using public transport, either take the Volabus airport shuttle that takes you directly to Genova Piazza Principe rail station in around 30 minutes, or take the train, which arrives at the same station in about 10 minutes. Note that the train station Genova Cornigliano, is around a 10-minute walk from the airport. Genova Piazza Principe is around 500 metres from the cruise terminal. 

If driving, leave the airport and follow signs to ‘centro’ to the SS1 freeway. Stay on the SS1 until you reach a fork in the road. Keep left, following the sign to ‘passenger terminals,’ then keep right until you reach the cruise terminal, following the MSC Ship’s signs you will find Ponte dei Mille and the luggage drop off point after around one kilometre. The entire journey should take around 15 minutes in good traffic conditions.

Does Genoa have a beach?

There are a number of great beaches nearby Genoa . In fact, the coastal area surrounding Genoa, known as the Ligurian Riviera , has some of Italy’s finest beaches.

One of the best beaches within the city limits is Spiaggia di Boccadasse , which is located in the former fishing village of Boccadasse, around six kilometres to the east of the cruise port. This beach here is small and surrounded by colourful Ligurian architecture.

Other beaches nearby worth visiting include Spiaggia di Vernazzola and Spiaggia di Sturla . Other great beaches in the region are located near Camogli, a town around 20 kilometres to the east of Genoa that can be reached in under an hour by train. A little bit further on is Portofino , one of the most stunning coastal towns in the country, surrounded by beautiful coves.

What should I do in Genoa in one day?

If you only have one day in Genoa, take time to explore the myriad narrow streets and alleyways of the Old Town . Here, you’ll find museums, ancient architecture and sprawling palaces. And don’t forget that the city is full of excellent restaurants, serving up plenty of local pesto Genovese on all kinds of pasta dishes.

Some of the most popular sights include the Christopher Columbus House , Palazzo San Giorgio , Cattedrale di San Lorenzo and Piazza de Ferrari , Genoa’s main square. There are also hours to be spent visiting Genoa Aquarium (Italy’s largest aquarium), conveniently located close to the cruise port. Alternatively, explore Boccadasse , a beautiful coastal village. Wherever you choose to ear, make sure to try traditional pesto Genovese , as you’re in the birthplace of this famous sauce.

What is the weather like in Genoa?

Genoa has a typical Mediterranean climate with warm and dry summers and mild winters. The warmest months are typically July and August, with daily high temperatures usually averaging 28°C, while daily highs average above 20°C from May until October. The coolest months are usually January and February, with daily high temperatures averaging around 12°C. July is often the driest month in Genoa, with just two days of rain on average.

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Explore Genoa (Portofino) and the surrounding areas...

Genova Cruise Terminal MSC

Genova  Ponte dei Mille/Ponte Andrea Doria

GARAGE PONTE DEI MILLE GENOA - VALET Parking

Tel. +39 010 24 62 613 E-mail: [email protected]

• Guests are invited to reach Ponte dei Mille or Ponte Doria where a valet service is available
• MSC Parking is bookable online up to 48 hours before your cruise departure. Bookings after the 48 hour deadline can be made directly with MSC Parking, and the same reduced rates will be applied when presenting your cruise travel documents

Parking rates

Genoa Piazza Principe station is about 1 km from the Port and Genoa Brignole railway station is about 4 km from the Port. You can also request the MSC Transfer service by calling our contact centre or your travel agent.

You can facilitate your travel with luggage delivery service by  clicking here .

Cristoforo Colombo Genoa airport ( https://www.airport.genova.it/en/ ) is about 10 km from the Port.

• If you choose a public bus it will take you straight to Genova Porta Principe railway station.
• You can also request the MSC Transfer service by calling our contact centre or your travel agent. Fly&cruise guests have their transfer included in the package.

Driving to the airport of departure? With ParkinGO , MSC customers get 5% discount on parking near the main airports in Europe. Book now to get the best deal!

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Genoa Cruises

Cruises from / to Genoa in 2024

Excursions & Activities Genoa

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• Category: SOMETHING SPECIAL
• Duration: 2.45 hour(s)
• Code: GOA06T
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• Category: MSC PROTECTOURS
• Duration: 2.5 hour(s)
• Code: GOA14T

• Category: SCENIC ROUTE
• Duration: 3.15 hour(s)
• Code: GOA18T

• Category: CITY TOUR
• Duration: 7.15 hour(s)
• Code: GOA23T

• Category: CULTURE AND HISTORY
• Duration: 4.15 hour(s)
• Code: GOA25T

• Duration: 7 hour(s)
• Code: GOA29T

• Duration: 4 hour(s)
• Code: GOA44T

• Code: GOA45T

• Category: MSC BIKE ADVENTOURS
• Duration: 4.5 hour(s)
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• Code: GOABK2

• Category: NATURAL WONDERS
• Duration: 3.45 hour(s)
• Code: GOA19T

• Duration: 7.5 hour(s)
• Code: GOA37T

• Duration: 3.5 hour(s)
• Code: GOA39T

Genoa  is marvellously eclectic, vibrant and full of rough-edged style; it’s a great  cruise excursion . Indeed “La Superba” (The Superb), as it was known at the height of its authority as a Mediterranean superpower, boasts more zest and intrigue than all the surrounding coastal resorts put together. During a holiday to Genoa you can explore its old town: a dense and fascinating warren of medieval alleyways home to large palazzi built in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries by Genoa’s wealthy mercantile families and now transformed into museums and art galleries. You should seek out the Cattedrale di San Lorenzo , the Palazzo Ducale , and the Renaissance palaces of Via Garibaldi which contain the cream of Genoa’s art collections, as well as furniture and decor from the grandest days of the city’s past, when its ships sailed to all corners of the Mediterranean Sea. The Acquario di Genova is the city’s pride and joy, parked like a giant ocean liner on the waterfront, with seventy tanks housing sea creatures from all the world’s major habitats, including the world’s biggest reconstruction of a Caribbean coral reef. It’s a great aquarium by any standards, the second largest in Europe by capacity, and boasts a fashionably ecology-conscious slant and excellent background information in Italian and English. Just 35 km south of Genoa, there’s no denying the appeal of Portofino , tucked into a protected inlet surrounded by lush cypress- and olive-clad slopes. It’s an A-list resort that has been attracting high-flying bankers, celebs and their hangers-on for years, as evidenced by the flotillas of giant yachts usually anchored just outside. It’s a tiny place that is attractive yet somehow off-putting at the same time, with a quota of fancy shops, bars and restaurants for a place twice its size.

Travel to the genoa cruise terminal.

From the A10 (Autostrada dei Fiori), A7 (Milan-Genoa) and A26 (Alessandria-Genoa) motorways, take the Genoa Ovest exit. Then follow the signs marked Genoa Port.

GARAGE PONTE DEI MILLE GENOA - VALET Parking

Tel. +39 010 24 62 613 E-mail: [email protected]

• Guests are invited to reach Ponte dei Mille or Ponte Doria where a valet service is available
• MSC Parking is bookable online up to 48 hours before your cruise departure. Bookings after the 48 hour deadline can be made directly with MSC Parking, and the same reduced rates will be applied when presenting your cruise travel documents

Parking rates

Genoa Piazza Principe station is about 1 kilometre from the Port. You can reach the Port by taxi (2 minutes depending on traffic). Genoa Brignole railway station is about 4 km from the Port and you can reach it by bus or taxi.

Cristoforo Colombo airport is about 10 kilometres from the Port. It is served by taxi and by bus. The bus will take you straight to Genova Porta Principe railway station.

Driving to the airport of departure? With ParkinGO , MSC customers get 5% discount on parking near the main airports in Europe. Book now to get the best deal! 

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7 Night Mediterranean - Western Cruise

Contemporary and family-friendly cruising with distinct Mediterranean influences on everything from the line’s style and décor to cuisine and onboard entertainment

Whether you’d like to try Gaudi’s Experience, or create your own adventure along the Amalfi Coast, you’ll never forget your Mediterranean cruise.

Cruise to the historical port city of Genoa for a laid back walk through history in the city’s well-preserved streets, and be sure to try the local foods like pesto and focaccia bread.

• Msc World Europa - Passenger Capacity: 6,762 (max occupancy) Year Built: 2022 Last Refurbished: N/A

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Msc Cruises

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Msc World Europa

Departing From

Genoa, Italy

Destination

Mediterranean

Ports of Call

Genoa, Italy , Naples, Italy , Messina, Sicily, Italy , Valletta, Malta , Barcelona, Spain , Marseille, France

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7 Night Mediterranean - Western Cruise sailing on the Msc World Europa

Departure dates: apr 2024 - nov 2025.

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*** All itineraries are subject to change without notice. Please confirm your itinerary on the Review page before purchasing your cruise.

Rates & offers are subject to select dates & categories, cruise only, per person, based on double occupancy, in US Dollars, & include NCCF. Government taxes & fees are additional. All rates & offers are capacity controlled, are subject to availability & confirmation, & may change without notice. Additional restrictions may apply. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed -- please confirm details at time of booking. Stateroom photos are for sample purposes only -- actual design and layout may vary.

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Genoa cruise port

Mediterranean - black sea.

• Coordinates 44.416, 8.919
• LOCODE ITGOA
• Local Time 2024-04-13 12:41

Genoa cruise ship schedule

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Two MSC World Cruises Depart From Genoa

• January 5, 2023

Two MSC Cruises’ ships have departed from Genoa in Italy for simultaneous world cruises which is an industry first, according to the cruise line.

The MSC Poesia and MSC Magnifica will sail together for the start of their respective voyages with more than 4,200 guests from 54 countries onboard the two vessels before the ships part ways at the edge of the Mediterranean Sea for different routes around the globe, the company said.

The MSC Poesia’s 117-day voyage will cross the Atlantic, transit the Panama Canal and travel up the West Coast of Central America and North America before sailing the Pacific Ocean and then an extended period in Asia.  Crossing the Indian Ocean, the ship will then return to the Mediterranean via the Suez Canal. In total, MSC Poesia will call 53 ports in 33 different countries.

The MSC Magnifica’s 119-day sailing will circumnavigate South America following a transatlantic voyage, cross the South Pacific Ocean on to the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea, the Red Sea and then through the Suez Canal into the Mediterranean Sea.  The ship will visit 43 destinations in 24 different countries.

Veteran Brazilian Chef and Restauranteur Allan Vila Espejo will serve a menu onboard both ships, the MSC Poesia will feature both internationally renowned Japanese American Chef Roy Yamaguchi and Michelin-starred Swedish chef, TV personality and author Niklas Ekstedt, and MSC Magnifica will host renowned Peruvian Chef James Berckemeyer.

The MSC Poesia will also sail a world cruise next year, with a brand-new itinerary that includes 52 destinations in 31 different countries navigating the Mediterranean, Red Sea, South Africa, South America, Caribbean, USA and Canada, before returning to mainland Europe via Greenland and Iceland.  One of the standout features of the 2024 world cruise will be a segment that explores the River Amazon in Brazil.

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Genoa, Italy - Update

As a result of heavily disrupted traffic in the genoa area, guests are requested to take additional travel time into consideration. alternative routes are available to reach genoa cruise port, though traffic delays are likely on surrounding highways, including those serving the city..

 Geneva, Switzerland – Update in connection to the tragic collapsing of the Morandi Bridge which occurred on 14 August in Genoa, Italy.    As a result of heavily disrupted traffic in the Genoa area, Guests are requested to take additional travel time into consideration. Alternative routes are available to reach Genoa Cruise Port, though traffic delays are likely on surrounding highways, including those serving the city.    Please note all our cruises from Genoa this weekend have been confirmed and Guests’ are expect to be present at the time of embarkation mentioned on their cruise ticket. We recommend you to take an additional 2 hours of travel time to get to Genoa.    The below practical information is meant for Guests travelling to Genoa:    Travelling into Genoa by road : - Please take an additional 2 hours of travel time into account.  - Vehicles coming from A7/A12 motorway, recommended exit: Genova Est. - Vehicles coming from A10 motorway, recommended exit: Genova Pra/Genova Pegli. - We recommend you to tune in via radio on 103.3 MHz FM for hourly updates in English on RAI IsoRadio, or via the following website autostrade.it .  - We advise you to strictly follow temporary road diversions or temporary traffic sign posts which may deviate you from your planned trajectory.   - If you are arriving by plane : - If you booked your own flights, please take an additional 2 hours of travel time into account.  - Please visit the website of Genoa Airport for road traffic updates. - If your cruise package includes flights, we will take care of your airport transfers.   If you are travelling by train : - Please contact the railway company that issues your ticket and take an additional 2 hours of travel time into account.   If there are further updates about the traffic situation we will be posting them on this website, and we encourage you to regularly check this space.    While it may take longer to reach Genoa, there will be no impact for our ship operations, and our cruises this weekend are scheduled to take place as planned. Also, excursions in or around Genoa will be taking place as planned.    If the above guidelines have not answered all your questions, please contact our contact centre.    MSC Cruises

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CRUISES TO AND FROM GENOA (PORTOFINO), ITALY

Genoa cruises: portofino, history and local cuisine.

Gateway to the Italian Riviera, the Port of Genoa is one of the most important (and one of the largest) in Italy, a strategic harbour since ancient times.

Cruises to  Genoa  offer the chance to explore its many sights, including  Genoa Aquarium , designed by architect Renzo Piano, and the city’s picturesque  Boccadasse district , a lakeside fishing village. Genoa excursions also offer the opportunity to taste signature dishes made from fresh ingredients, such as  pesto Genovese  and focaccia.

On a Genoa cruise, guests can also admire one of Italy’s most beautiful stretches of coastline or an excursion to the UNESCO-listed  Cinque Terre . Its five fishing villages, perched on steep cliffs, offer superb sea views, small seafood restaurants, and a tableau of townhouses.

A short trip away from Genoa,  Portofino  beckons with colourful facades, boutiques and surrounding lush hills. Explore the Cinque Terre, Portofino and much more on a Genoa cruise with MSC Cruises.

BEST GENOA (PORTOFINO) CRUISES

Cruises from genoa (portofino) in 2024.

Dive into the  Italian Riviera from Genoa , as well as countries across the Mediterranean   and the Americas. Our cruises from Genoa in 2024 unlock the best of  Italy : coastal towns like Sicily’s  Taormina ,  Olbia  and the  Emerald Coast  in Sardinia,  Civitavecchia  for those seeking out  Rome , Livorno for jaunts to Florence, or sail south to  Naples .

Some cruises from Genoa also stop at choice French coastal spots, including  Marseilles  (a perfect base for Provence) and  Cannes  for the Côtes d’Azur. For a change of scene, choose a route that stops at ancient Turkish ports like  Kusadasi  and  Istanbul , or go further with  MSC Grand Voyages  and sample North Africa by heading to Morocco, or East Africa by sailing to Kenya and Tanzania.

If that puts you in the mood for exploration, other MSC Grand Voyages from Genoa can whisk you to Brazil’s enthralling  Rio de Janeiro , sun-soaked  Barbados , the Canadian wilderness and enough far-flung spots to last a lifetime. It’s all available from  Genoa cruise port .

CRUISES TO GENOA (PORTOFINO) IN 2024

Take a cruise to Genoa to explore this centre of power and commerce in the  Mediterranean , with its imposing churches and palaces, and brilliantly futuristic aquarium designed by  Renzo Piano . Around the historic centre is a tangle of medieval streets known as caruggi, unique to the city.

Watch the skies light up around  Lanterna di Genova , the city’s 12th-century lighthouse, or admire the pale-stone Gothic wonder of  Genoa Cathedral . Guests on a Genoa cruise can see the wooded hills and pastel-painted villas on the  Ligurian Coast , with excursions to coastal hideaways like  Portofino , full of brightly painted medieval houses, and the seafront villages of the  Cinque Terre .

Though you’ll never tire of Italy’s rustic villages and refined lifestyle, a cruise to Genoa can also cover some other, similarly inviting destinations. These include bustling, history-crammed  Athens , the blissful beaches of Turkey’s  Kuşadası  and the Balearic buzz of Spanish islands like  Palma de Mallorca .

FIND INSPIRATION ON A HUGE RANGE OF GENOA EXCURSIONS

Genoa excursions further open up this enchanting city and its surroundings, offering the chance to see the Ligurian Coast and its fragrant citrus groves, or simply to delve deeper into Genoa’s maritime history.

Nearby towns like  Portofino  and its scattering of sea-facing restaurants are within easy reach, or a little further afield lie grander spots like the high-style capital of Milan.

Put simply, guests on  Genoa tours  have a world of Italian culture to look forward to, from boat trips to archaeological adventures led by knowledgeable guides.

Book now and save up to 20% on Genoa shore excursions.

HOW TO REACH GENOA CRUISE PORT

Where do msc cruises’ ships dock in genoa.

MSC Cruises’ ships dock at  Genova Cruise Terminal , located at  Genova Ponte dei Mille/Ponte Andrea Doria .

These piers are located less than two kilometres west from the Genoa city centre and are conveniently close to the city’s main railway station, bus stops, Principe metro station and the SS1 freeway, meaning that it’s easy to reach whether you’re arriving by road or rail.

How do I reach the car park at Genoa cruise port?

There is a  valet car parking service  available to MSC Cruises passengers.

Whether you’re driving from Genoa’s city centre or from the airport, you’ll need to follow signs to ‘terminal crociere’, which is signposted from both directions. Approaching the terminal, there are MSC ship’s signs leading them to the luggage drop off, where the parking, by the car valet service mentioned above will withdraw guest’s cars as well.

Garage Ponte dei Mille

Tel. +39 010 24 62 613

E-mail:  [email protected]

MSC Parking is bookable online up to 48 hours before your cruise departure. Bookings after the 48 hour deadline can be made directly with MSC Parking, and the same reduced rates will be applied when presenting your cruise travel documents

How to get to the Genoa cruise port from the train station?

If arriving in  Genoa by train , you’ll likely find yourself at the city’s main rail station,  Genova Piazza Principe , which is located around 500 metres from the cruise port, making it an easy walk to the cruise terminal.

To get to the cruise port, hold right hand as you get away from the station on to Via Andrea Doria. You will see some stairs leading down on your left hand, in front of Principe metro station. Go down the steps and across the square to the main road, turn right and then take the immediate left, where you will see the cruise terminal ahead of you.

How do I get from Genoa Airport to the cruise port?

Genova City Airport,  also known as  Christopher Columbus Airport , is located around 6 kilometres to the west from the cruise port. The easiest way to get to the cruise terminal from the airport is to request an MSC Transfer service, which you can do easily by contacting the MSC call centre or your travel agent. 

If using public transport, either take the Volabus airport shuttle that takes you directly to Genova Piazza Principe rail station in around 30 minutes, or take the train, which arrives at the same station in about 10 minutes. Note that the train station Genova Cornigliano, is around a 10-minute walk from the airport. Genova Piazza Principe is around 500 metres from the cruise terminal. 

If driving, leave the airport and follow signs to ‘centro’ to the SS1 freeway. Stay on the SS1 until you reach a fork in the road. Keep left, following the sign to ‘passenger terminals,’ then keep right until you reach the cruise terminal, following the MSC Ship’s signs you will find Ponte dei Mille and the luggage drop off point after around one kilometre. The entire journey should take around 15 minutes in good traffic conditions.

Does Genoa have a beach?

There are a number of  great beaches nearby Genoa . In fact, the coastal area surrounding Genoa, known as the  Ligurian Riviera , has some of Italy’s finest beaches.

One of the best beaches within the city limits is  Spiaggia di Boccadasse , which is located in the former fishing village of Boccadasse, around six kilometres to the east of the cruise port. This beach here is small and surrounded by colourful Ligurian architecture.

Other beaches nearby worth visiting include  Spiaggia di Vernazzola  and  Spiaggia di Sturla . Other great beaches in the region are located near Camogli, a town around 20 kilometres to the east of Genoa that can be reached in under an hour by train. A little bit further on is  Portofino , one of the most stunning coastal towns in the country, surrounded by beautiful coves.

What should I do in Genoa in one day?

If you only have one day in Genoa, take time to explore the myriad narrow streets and alleyways of the  Old Town . Here, you’ll find museums, ancient architecture and sprawling palaces. And don’t forget that the city is full of excellent restaurants, serving up plenty of local pesto Genovese on all kinds of pasta dishes.

Some of the most popular sights include the  Christopher Columbus House ,  Palazzo San Giorgio ,  Cattedrale di San Lorenzo  and  Piazza de Ferrari , Genoa’s main square. There are also hours to be spent visiting  Genoa Aquarium  (Italy’s largest aquarium), conveniently located close to the cruise port. Alternatively, explore  Boccadasse , a beautiful coastal village. Wherever you choose to ear, make sure to try traditional  pesto Genovese , as you’re in the birthplace of this famous sauce.

What is the weather like in Genoa?

Genoa has a typical  Mediterranean climate  with warm and dry summers and mild winters. The  warmest months  are typically July and August, with daily high temperatures usually averaging 28°C, while daily highs average above 20°C from May until October. The  coolest months  are usually January and February, with daily high temperatures averaging around 12°C. July is often the driest month in Genoa, with just two days of rain on average.

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When cruises are cheaper than trains and planes

P lanes, trains and automobiles may be the obvious and often most cost-effective ways to get from A to B but, surprisingly, cruise ships can be, too.

Repositioning sailings are the unsung bargains of the cruise world, where canny travellers can often pick up voyages at vastly reduced rates – and give more orthodox forms of transport a run for their money.

The key to finding such a deal comes from studying cruise schedules for sailings – some of which may be just one or two nights – that go directly from one place to another. 

While low-cost flights are generally accepted as the cheapest way to travel internationally, global airfares are on the rise – and by the time you pile on charges for luggage, food and drink and the cost of travelling from the airport to the city centre – where cruise ships invariably dock – taking the sea-going route can emerge as the unlikely winner (and you’ll arrive in considerably more style).

It can even work for travelling to different parts of the UK, though options tend to be restricted to Fred Olsen Cruise Lines when it repositions ships on overnight voyages between the likes of Southampton and Newcastle, Rosyth or other ports further north. 

Italy to Spain from £54

For city-hopping stays in and around Europe, MSC Cruises is the one to watch, as it enables customers to book many of its Mediterranean cruises on a port-to-port basis, rather than taking the entire voyage.

For instance, travellers can book one-nighters between Genoa and Barcelona or Genoa and Marseilles for as little as £54pp, while an overnight sailing between Valencia and Marseilles is £72pp, with these prices obviously including meals. The £54 figure is based on an October 11 departure. For a flight from Genoa to Barcelona on the same date, Skyscanner (skyscanner.net) quotes a service with ITA Airways for £111.99pp, including luggage.

Tony Andrews, the managing director of travel agency cruise.co.uk, says: “MSC doesn’t talk about this enough, as these one-nighters are a great way for people to have a city-break-style experience with a cruise as part of it. It’s a really interesting way to do it.”

The leisurely way to cross the pond

Transatlantic crossings are another potential area to pick up a sea-going bargain, but it’s a question of waiting until the price is right, as rates continually fluctuate.

Many lines offer transatlantic repositionings in spring and autumn, while Cunard runs the only regular crossings between Southampton and New York on its liner Queen Mary 2.

On one occasion some years ago, when prices dropped to just a few hundred pounds, I was sailing from Southampton on the QM2 and met a passenger who had opted to do the same purely because the rates were so much cheaper than flying and he wasn’t in a rush (the crossing takes a week).

Cunard’s prices have since risen overall, but there are still reduced rates on some departures that make this tactic worth pursuing if you fancy a more leisurely way to cross the pond.

Alison Earnshaw, the managing director of online agencies Cruise 118 and Six Star Cruises, says that when rates drop to £600 or £700, taking the ocean route becomes more cost-effective as transatlantic flights have become so expensive.

Another plus is the lack of luggage restrictions, because on cruises you can famously take as much as will fit in your cabin.

“We’ve had people booking to sail to see family in the States with lots of luggage that they’re taking out for them, and then flying back lighter,” she explains. “Alternatively, we’ve had customers who’ve flown to New York for the shopping and sail back as they can bring as much as they want.”

Swap Blighty for Barbados – for £1,129

The Caribbean is another region that comes up trumps for value, with P&O Cruises offering a two-week repositioning voyage from Southampton to Barbados (with stops in Antigua, St Kitts and St Lucia) from £1,129. This price is for an October 18 departure, and includes the flight back to Britain. 

A return fare to Barbados with British Airways (including luggage) during the same period is £733pp. Inter-island flights with Caribbean Airlines (caribbean-airlines.com) between Barbados and other islands in this itinerary amount to approximately £714pp. Add in hotel stays and it’s clear just how much you can save by taking to the water. 

Going global

Miles Morgan, the founder of Miles Morgan Travel, cited world cruises as another option for good-value deals, when cruise companies carve itineraries into segments if they haven’t been selling well, enabling customers to buy legs such as Sydney to Singapore.

“You need to look at sailings a few months in advance, as this is when they tend to be carved up,” he says. “So look now for autumn sailings and at Christmas for the spring. There might be nothing going or you might do well.”

I soon found a 17-night sector of a world cruise on Cunard’s Queen Victoria, departing Singapore on March 26 and arriving in Cape Town on April 12. It calls at Sri Lanka, Mauritius and Port Elizabeth in South Africa. From £1,099pp, not including flights, it works out at £64pp a night – about the same as a Travelodge. 

Flights for the same routing between Singapore and Cape Town for the same time period via Skyscanner amount to approximately £1,150pp, including luggage. Another win for the cruise. 

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