celebrity cruises portofino

• Work with Us
• Destinations

What to Do in Portofino, Italy in Only One Cruise Day

What to do in Portofino when you only have one day to visit? With its usually gorgeous weather, a full day meandering ashore is perfect. Portofino is one place where you don’t need a ship’s shore excursion.

What to Do in Portofino on a Day in Port

A sky that matched a cerulean blue Crayola crayon. The breeze was just enough to keep a comfortable temperature, even in the sun. Our MSC Splendida western Mediterranean itinerary included a port call with a Portofino day trip. And here I was, on a bus from Genoa, zooming along the highway, towards Santa Margarita and nearby tiny Portofino.

From the looks of it, the highway seemed like any other highway in America. I had to keep reminding myself that I was in Italy. Italy! Only two years before, I learned that I was half-Italian so this trip had a special meaning to me. Not quite sure how I’d feel or what to expect when I set foot in the “old country,”  I kept looking out of the bus window hoping someone in my paternal family was from this part of Italy. I planned to just wander since I didn’t really know what to do in Portofino at that point.

Getting to Portofino From Your Cruise Ship

Located on the northwest coast of Italy, Portofino’s closest major city is Genoa. Most large cruise ships dock in Genoa. From there, it’s a 40-minute motor coach ride to Portofino. Luxury smaller ships simply drop anchor in Portofino Harbor and everyone comes ashore by tender. 

Another way cruise ships visit this charming town is to anchor off of nearby Santa Margherita. After a tender boat ride from your ship to the dock in Santa Margherita, guests may choose a 20 minute water taxi directly into Portofino Harbor.

There is also a scheduled bus that runs between Santa Margherita and Portofino, but since your ship will provide transport, there’s no need to get involved in public buses.

Many cruise (and non-cruise) visitors choose to walk the 3-mile scenic overlook path between the two towns. You’ll find signs pointing the way to the Pedonale per Portofino. Walk west to the shoreline and follow the path into Portofino.

But the most dramatic entrance is when your ship drops anchor just offshore from Portofino and within minutes, your ship’s tender boat is docked alongside the town’s sprawling Piazetta, filled with cafés and visitors soaking up the Mediterranean ambiance.

From Genoa to Santa Margarita by Motor Coach

Our bus drove about one hour, across highways and through the mountains until we finally reached the quaint city of Santa Margherita. We had about an hour to stroll around the downtown, visit a church, grab a late morning cappuccino or gelato before we boarded the small ferry boat for the half-hour ride to Portofino.

It’s such a small town that you can easily walk up, through and around it in one afternoon. Once you leave the port area and head over towards the shops and restaurants, there are several self-guided walks that you may choose. The streets are appropriately narrow and winding and of course quite cobbly, so be mindful of where you step.

Walk up the winding cobblestone path to a medieval castle

Be sure to walk up the path from the right side of the harbor (as you face the town) to see the 12th century Church of San Martino. Back in the Piazetta again, take the path on your left up the hill to the small, simple yet beautiful Church of St. George.

From there, continue along the walled path, past terraced gardens and beautiful overlooks to Castello Brown. This 17th century fortress has an impressive amount of historical artifacts and works of art. Y ou’ll need to pay a few Euros to see the grounds.

On the way back to the ferry boat, I stopped at a small bakery to buy an assortment of sweets to bring back to the ship for the staff in the MSC Splendida Yacht Club .

Dining and Shopping in Portofino

Portofino and surrounding towns are known for their pasta with pesto sauce, a signature dish of the Liguria region. Being a fishing village, fresh fish is also very popular as well as their focaccia bread, served with olives, olive oil, herbs and cheeses.

Highlights to shop for in Portofino include delicate lace and lace tableware, leather accessories and jewelry. Bakeries line the pathways and you can always buy a box of Italian cookies and candies to bring back to the ship.

Keep an eye on the time so you don’t miss your ship. It’s never easy to say good-bye to Portofino.

This is the Portofino that I’ll take home with me.

You’ll Also Love

New Azamara Owners Buy Pacific Princess to Add to Fleet

Where to Stay in Rome and Feel Like a Local

6 More Misunderstood Facts and Myths About Travel in Italy

9 Best Things to Do in Rome in Only One Day

Cruise Port Guide for a Lovely Day in Lipari

Westin Excelsior Rome Hotel Review

Hi Lori, I don’t have an answer to that question. Either contact the cruise line and see if they offer e-bike shore excursions or Portofino Tourism. I’m guessing maybe not as you have to travel a bit just to get out of the famous port area. Good luck and have a fantastic cruise! Portofino looks just like a postcard.

Can we rent e-bikes in portifino? Here on cruise ship for the day.

Hi John, Thank you for reading my Portofino article and I’m glad it was helpful. I’ve been there three times by cruise ship and it’s always exciting when your tender rounds the bend and you see what looks like a postcard.

Enjoy your cruise and be sure to find time to enjoy a glass of wine and appetizers at one of the waterfront cafés. Thank you again.

I will be in Portofino on September 24 as part of a cruise. You info has helped prepare us. Thank you.

Hi Pat, Thanks for reading the article. It is a spectacular place to visit. Sounds like your next visit to “Portofino” will be entirely more interesting. Sherry

What lovely images–both digital and your words. I will have a new appreciation of the Portofino restaurant near my home.

Comments are closed.

What are you looking for?

Portofino, Italy

Tucked into a rocky coastline, dotted with brightly painted boats and crowned with a hillside of richly colored buildings, Portofino is a picture-perfect harbor. Passengers typically are dropped off at the waterfront's cobblestone square with the sidewalk cafes and choice boutiques just steps away. Hillside climbs reward visitors with magnificent views, and a hidden staircase behind the Church of San Giorgio leads to a splendid castle.

• CruiseMapper
• Cruise Ports
• Mediterranean - Black Sea Cruise Ports

Portofino (Italy Riviera)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Mediterranean - Black Sea

Local Time 2024-04-29 04:24

Port Portofino cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Portofino, Italy Riviera. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Portofino is port town and popular resort vacation destination popular for its scenic harbour and historical association with famous artists and celebrities. The town is part of the metro city Genoa on the Italian Riviera. The town has population under 500.

Portofino is clustered around its small harbour, and is famous for the colourful buildings along its coastline. According to Pliny the Elder (AD 23-AD 79), the settlement was established by the Romans and named Port of the Dolphin (Portus Delphini), because of the many dolphins that inhabited Tigullian Gulf.

The city is picturesquely situated in a cove at the southeastern tip of a promontory of the same name. The port of Portofino owes its popularity to its splendid setting, agreeable climate and luxuriant vegetation. The "Pearl of the Mediterranean" has been known as an exclusive gathering spot for the wealthy, actors and artists. In 1935 the government of nearby Genoa declared it a national monument. Portofino's architecture has changed very little during the past 60 years as alterations have to receive approval.

Tourists are able to enjoy the unique ambiance, quaint cafes and chic boutiques that overlook the yacht harbor. Explore the surrounding coastline with its tiny villages tucked away in hidden coves. However, if your taste runs toward the clamour of big city life, Genoa is just a short drive away as is Santa Margherita and Rapallo.

One of the main sights in Portofino is the Statue of Christ of the Abyss, which on August 29, 1954 was placed underwater in the inlet at a depth of 17 m (56 ft). The statue, sculpted by Guido Galletti, was placed in memory of Dario Gonzatti, to protect scuba divers and fishermen. It represents Christ in the act of blessing, looking up to the sky with open arms.

Other notable sights include Castello Brown (16th century), the Church of St. Martin (12th century), the Church of St. George (which houses some saints' relics) and the Oratory of Santa Maria Assunta (Gothic style).

Portofino cruise terminal

Portofino is a tender port, which means cruise ships anchor near the coast and their passengers are transported to the pier via the ship's tender boats.

Since 2016, Genoa Maritime Authority (the managing company of Marina di Portofino) officially allows cruise liners to anchor at a closer distance from the coast, effective from the beginning of next year's cruise season. The new port regulation (issued in October 2015) provided the installation of 2 buoys marking the limits of the new anchorage area. The new area is approx 560 m (1800 ft) from the coast, as opposed to the previous 1300 m (4300 ft). The new anchorage position reduced passenger tendering transit time from avrg 12 min to 5 min. This also resulted in improved logistics and safety, fuel cost reduction and better wind protection for the vessels.

Explora Journeys reveals itineraries for ships EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II through April 2026

Explora Journeys, the distinguished luxury lifestyle brand under the MSC Group, has revealed its sailing itineraries for both EXPLORA I and EXPLORA...

Seabourn announces 2025 Mediterranean & Northern Europe itineraries

Seabourn has unveiled its 2025 Europe season, offering a diverse range of itineraries encompassing the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and the Canary...

Ritz-Carlton unveils 2024 Mediterranean cruise itineraries for Evrima ship

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection unveiled 2024 Mediterranean itineraries for the Evrima ship.  With total 21 voyages, the extended...

VIDEO: Jessica Minh Anh transforms Costa Toscana into a sky-high sea catwalk

On February 28, 2022, the producer behind the most innovative Fashion x Sustainability projects in the world, Jessica Minh Anh, will transform the...

Crystal Yacht Cruises announces preview of Crystal Esprit complete deployment

Crystal Yacht Cruises announced a preview of the complete deployment for its all-suite, 62-passenger yacht Crystal Esprit for 2023 to the first...

Windstar Announces European Cruises 2020

Windstar Cruises announced its in-depth exploration of Europe in 2020, boasting a variety of itineraries through the Baltic, North, Norwegian...

Windstar Doubles Concierge Collection Shore Excursions

Windstar doubled the number of Concierge Collection shore trips in 2018. Passengers now benefit from a total of 90 shore excursions to choose...

•   show more news

Portofino - user reviews and comments

• Portofino Tourism
• Portofino Hotels
• Portofino Bed and Breakfast
• Portofino Vacation Rentals
• Flights to Portofino
• Portofino Restaurants
• Things to Do in Portofino
• Portofino Travel Forum
• Portofino Photos
• Portofino Map
• All Portofino Hotels
• Portofino Hotel Deals
• Last Minute Hotels in Portofino
• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Vacation Rentals
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

Portofino Celebrity Cruises - Portofino Forum

• Europe    
• Italy    
• Liguria    
• Italian Riviera    
• Portofino    

Portofino Celebrity Cruises

• United States Forums
• Europe Forums
• Canada Forums
• Asia Forums
• Central America Forums
• Africa Forums
• Caribbean Forums
• Mexico Forums
• South Pacific Forums
• South America Forums
• Middle East Forums
• Honeymoons and Romance
• Business Travel
• Train Travel
• Traveling With Disabilities
• Tripadvisor Support
• Solo Travel
• Bargain Travel
• Timeshares / Vacation Rentals
• Italian Riviera forums
• Portofino forum

12 replies to this topic

Yup - teeny tiny little "harbor" - https://www.travelawaits.com/2559986/best-things-to-do-in-portofino/ - that is it....

https://www.celebritycruises.com/ports/portofino

Thanks so much.

Thank you very much.

Thanks a lot.

Thanks so much. I understood now

Thanks a lot for your explanation.

• Portofino to San Fruttuoso day trip Apr 25, 2024
• Ferry from Santa Margherita to Portofino-Crowded at 11:30 am Apr 19, 2024
• Delfino's - negative reviews, but always loved the view Apr 16, 2024
• 5 nights in Portofino or somewhere near by? Feb 28, 2024
• Portofino and cinque terra in November Oct 24, 2023
• Day trips from Portofino Sep 19, 2023
• Portofino Celebrity Cruises Sep 12, 2023
• Portifino - how insane does it really get? Sep 12, 2023
• 2hour trips with a 3 year old Aug 11, 2023
• Santa Margherita to Bellagio Aug 10, 2023
• Flying from Paris Jul 28, 2023
• Portofino to Florence Jul 04, 2023
• One Day in Portofino Top 5 things to do Jun 27, 2023
• Fishing ? Jun 23, 2023
• Where to stay in Portofino 3 replies
• Milan to Portofino 3 replies
• Portofino or Cinque Terre? 7 replies
• Portofino or Rapallo - which is nicer? 10 replies
• Portofino Area vs. Amalfi Coast with a day trip to Capri 5 replies
• Paraggi Beach 2 replies
• Driving time from Portofino to Lake Como? 3 replies
• Portofino or Cinque Terre 6 replies
• Driving/Itinerary Rome to Portofino to Bari to Positano 5 replies
• Milan - Santa Margherita train 33 replies

Portofino Hotels and Places to Stay

CELEBRITY CRUISES: CELEBRITY BEYOND IN THE ITALIAN RIVIERA & FRANCE 

This summer, Trey and I went on a 9 night cruise around France and the Italian Riviera with one of Celebrity Cruises’ newest and most luxurious ships— the Celebrity Beyond! Celebrity Beyond is part of the Edge class, which has some of the most beautiful staterooms and suites, 8 speciality restaurants, and 4 main dining restaurants, and world class entertainment every night! And to top it all off, every port we docked at, was some of the most amazing destinations in Europe. To be totally transparent, I never thought I would be a huge cruise person, but I genuinely LOVE cruising now, and loved doing a European cruise with Celebrity Cruises! 

Click Here to Learn More about Celebrity Beyond & the routes!

Here is a full recap of my experience with Celebrity Cruises: Celebrity Beyond on their France & Italian Riviera route. 

This post is sponsored by Celebrity Cruises but all thoughts and views are my own. 

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

New to Cruising? Here is a general overview in pertaining to Celebrity Cruises, and specifically, their Celebrity Beyond ship! What’s Included in Celebrity Cruises —  The set price of Celebrity Cruises includes a variety of different things depending on the type of state room you book and the package you decide to purchase. For the most part, the package includes – 1. Your accommodation – of course this varies between an inside room, a room with a balcony, a suite room, etc. 2. “All Included Fare” Package – if you opt in to buy this package, it comes with classic beverages package (regular beverages and alcohol, but not premium drinks), basic internet, and the tips at the end of the cruise. 3. Food – breakfast, lunch, dinner, late night bites, and room service WiFi & Roaming — Basic wifi package is included in the “All Included Fare.” You can upgrade to a higher speed, which I recommend if you need to do any streaming. For the most part, WiFi works great but we noticed during Sea Day, it’s the weakest considering everyone is on the ship and it’s just out at sea all day. Overall, reliable! Shore Excursions — As relaxing as a cruise is, it can also be go go go! Especially when you are stopping at some amazing ports! I highly recommend looking at your shore excursion options early so you have a general ideal of what you want to do at each port. I would also recommend booking excursions directly with Celebrity Cruises. That way, you’re guaranteed a high quality and safe excursion, as well as returning back to port on time. Reservations — The first day that you get on the ship, spend some time exploring it and start making reservations! Whether it’s dining at the speciality restaurants or a couple’s massage, the ship does have limited capacity so you’ll want to book before things sell out!! Also the first day always has special discounted rates! Medication & First Aid — There is a first aid facility on the ship but bring enough medication with you! Motion Sickness — From my personal experience, you can hardly feel the ship move if the weather is good! But if it’s windy or the waves are strong, then of course there’s a chance you’ll feel it! Our cruise averaged 14MPH, so the ship actually moves VERY slow. But if you’re worried about being nauseous, I would recommend motion sickness pills! But at all of the ports, you’ll also be able to find a Pharmacy. Furthermore, book midship and book mid cabin (not too close to front or rear, and not too high or low on the ship), you’ll most likely feel the ship move the least. 

WHAT TO PACK

There is a dress code on Celebrity Cruises, with most nights being a “smart casual” such as pants and slacks, button up shirts, and dresses. There’s also Formal Nights where you can bring your best outfits! Keep in mind that there are some parts of the ship that require specific dress codes for dining, such as no shorts or flip flops, and while going from the pool to your room, you can’t just be in a bathing suit. Depending on how long your cruise is and what you plan on doing, here are my recommendations!

• Formal Wear – Cruising is the BEST opportunity to overdress! Especially because there are dedicated formal nights, I would highly consider packing a suit and a nice dress! Basically something you maybe wouldn’t normally wear on an average dinner out.
• Work Out Wear — Celebrity Beyond has an amazing gym and a beautiful walking track on the upper deck. If you want to get some exercise time in, I would recommend some good shoes! They also have Peloton machines.
• Comfortable Clothes – Bring comfortable clothes for excursions (especially walking shoes) but also for during the daytime of the cruise.
• Day Bag – Bring something to carry your belongings during excursions like a tote bag or small backpack for water, your camera, a towel if you are going to swim at the beach!
• A Portable Steamer / Iron – The cruise does have laundry services but the price can add up and if you’re tight on time or trying to get off the ship, the last thing you want to wait on is pressed clothes!

ON BOARD FEATURES OF CELEBRITY BEYOND

As I had mentioned earlier, Celebrity Beyond has amazing specialty restaurants but on top of that, specialty cocktails and bars, spa and wellness center, and even a night club!

• In the Grand Plaza, you’ll find Cafe Il Bacio, where I got my iced lattes every morning, and the Martini Bar, which also has amazing entertainment from the bartenders in the evening. There’s also a stage and dance floor where they host silent disco.
• Resort Deck: Rooftop garden and outdoor movie nights, a main swimming pool, adults only Solarium Pool, jacuzzi’s, cabana’s, and tons of lounge chairs for tanning!
• Theatre: A main theatre with entertainment every single night
• Casino & Shops
• Night Club and Lounges
• Specialty Restaurants include: Le Petite Chef, Eden, Raw on 5, Magic Carpet, Le Voyage, & Fine Cut Steakhouse
• Wellness Spa, Fitness / Gym Center with cycling classes, yoga and meditation, and a walking track.

ALL ABOARD CELEBRITY BEYOND

The day before the cruise ship leaves the port, you should be all checked. I would recommend downloading their Mobile App as soon as you book! You can find all the information you need for your trip, from what time you have to get on the ship by, to what the events are throughout the day, to the times restaurants are open! 

DAY 1: BARCELONA

We flew into Barcelona the day before the cruise because we were already in Europe. Make sure you have a bit of cushion, as the cruise waits for no one! With flights delays and luggage being lost during the summer time, I would highly recommend getting a couple days early if you can! 

Even the day that the actual cruise departs, you can book an excursion the morning of, so some people were exploring parts of Barcelona. Trey and I opted to get onto the ship around 10AM, so we can drop off our bags and fully explore the ship! This way, we can get our bearings and have a general idea of where everything is! We like to visit every floor and explore as much as we could. Visit all the specialty restaurants and the spa to get a feel for any reservations you want!

By 6PM, the gangway went up and we were ready to start cruising!! I always try to go to as many events as possible! On most days, our ship docked around 8AM and the gangway went up around 4PM!

DAY 2: MARSAILLES

For our trip to Marsailles, we opted for an excursion, which was “Luberon Villages: Discover the Secrets of Provence.” We went to a Lavender Musuem, spent some time in Luberon and Rousillion, and had some free time to walk around! It was a little underwhelming because lavender season ended early and we didn’t get to see any fields! The towns were still cute but I would have explored Marsaille or Cannes instead during off-season for the Lavender Fields!

DAY 3: VILLEFRANCHE SUR MER

We spent the day on our own, exploring Villefranche Sur Mer, Eze, and Monaco! Because Villefranche’s port is so small, the cruise ship was unable to dock right on the shore. So in order to get off the cruise ship, you have to take a Tender (smaller boat), which adds in about 20 minutes or more. Keep in mind the tenders are constantly moving and you might have to wait for one as well. They’ll announce a last Tender time, so you know exactly when you need to return. If you are on a Celebrity Cruise excursion, you also have tender priority to get off the ship!

DAY 4: SANTA MARGHERITA

This was probably one of my favorite ports! We opted to go on an excursion and did an Olive Oil Tasting at the Belmond Splendido Hotel in Portofino. The food was delicious, and the Belmond hotel was unbelievably beautiful. It felt like such a luxurious experience, and we had a great time! We first took a car from Santa Margherita to Portofino and had a nice walking tour. I thought Portofino was so charming!

From Portofino, we decided to walk back to Santa Margherita, which was about 2km. The weather was perfect and it was beautiful to see more of Portofino!

DAY 5 & 6: LIVORNO

We docked in Livorno for 2 days, which gave us the freedom to explore further without having to return to the ship. Some people went to Florence and got hotels overnight, but we decided to return to one of my favorite places in the world — Cinque Terre. We left when the ship docked and came back in the evening!

The next day, we had plans to go to Florence, but we ended up being too tired and just wanted to stay on board the ship and enjoy all of the on board amenities.

DAY 7: DAY AT SEA ON CELEBRITY BEYOND

Day at Sea is probably one of my favorite days! At first I wasn’t sure how I would be able spend an entire 24 hours on a cruise ship without being bored but now Trey and I have to make an itinerary of what we want to participate in and what we have to skip! There are just endless amounts of activities going on the ship at all times, including different types of trivia, sports competitions like pool volleyball, football toss, and archery, as well as shows throughout the day! The Rooftop Garden is showing movies, and all the bars, restaurants, and shops are open!

DAY 8: SICILY

I didn’t have too many expectations for Sicily but I LOVED it. Our excursion was Taormina by Land and Sea, so we started with a walking tour around Taormina and it was the most charming little town! It was super cute, gave me quintessential Italy vibes, and had great food and shopping. Then we hopped on a boat and explored Taormina by Sea, in which there was a grotto tour and at the end we go to hop off the boat and swim!! It was such a fun day and Trey’s favorite excursion!

DAY 9: NAPLES

I haven’t spent much time in Naples, but I couldn’t resist an opportunity to visit Capri and the Amalfi Coast. We did a Capri excursion on this day and took the first ferry we could over to Capri from Naples. We had a walking tour, an opportunity to explore on our own. From there, we took another ferry to Positano and ate at our favorite restaurant, reliving all of our favorite Eurosummer memories from last year. It was the sweetest way to wrap up our trip!

Because this is our last night on the ship, the food and entertainment is typically some of the best they have so make sure you reserve your seats to the shows, and swing by your favorite restaurant! Most of the time, the shops will have a sale the last days too!

DAY 10: CIVITAVECCHIA / ROME

We arrived in Civitavecchia the next day, and it was time to head home! We had a noon flight out of Rome so we left the cruise ship around 8AM, but typically most guests are required to leave by 9 or 10AM.

I hope you found this recap of the cruise helpful!! Let me know if you have any questions below!

Share this:

• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

Similar Posts

The 17 Best Things To Do In Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

The Best Things to do in Tam Coc & Ninh Binh, Vietnam

How to Spend 1 Day in Delhi, India

Ubud Itinerary: The Ultimate 3 Day Ubud, Bali Itinerary

Pack with me: the best dresses for your summer vacation.

My Journey to Becoming a Travel Blogger

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

One Comment

Thank you for writing this article. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to do this cruise at first because I wasn’t sure if it would be good for a honeymoon. But after reading your posts and seeing your pictures I think ityll be perfect. Thank you so much! 😊❤️

• Favorites & Watchlist Find a Cruise Cruise Deals Cruise Ships Destinations Manage My Cruise​ FAQ Perfect Day at CocoCay Weekend Cruises Crown & Anchor Society Cruising Guides Gift Cards Contact Us Royal Caribbean Group
• Back to Main Menu
• Search Cruises " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-2-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruises" target="_self"> Search Cruises
• Cruise Deals
• Weekend Cruises
• Last Minute Cruises
• Family Cruises​
• 2024-2025 Cruises
• All Cruise Ships " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-4-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-ships" target="_self"> All Cruise Ships
• Cruise Dining
• Onboard Activities
• Cruise Rooms
• The Cruise Experience
• All Cruise Destinations " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-5-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-destinations" target="_self"> All Cruise Destinations
• Cruise Ports
• Shore Excursions
• Perfect Day at CocoCay
• Caribbean Cruises
• Bahamas Cruises​
• Alaska Cruises
• European Cruises​
• Mediterranean Cruises​
• Cruise Planner
• Make a Payment
• Beverage Packages​
• Shore Excursions​
• Dining Packages​
• Royal Gifts
• Check-In for My Cruise
• Update Guest Information
• Book a Flight
• Transportation
• Book a Hotel
• Required Travel Documents
• Redeem Cruise Credit
• All FAQs " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-7-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/faq" target="_self"> All FAQs
• Boarding Requirements
• Future Cruise Credit​
• Travel Documents​
• Check-in​ & Boarding Pass
• Transportation​
• Perfect Day at CocoCay​
• Post-Cruise Inquiries
• Royal Caribbean
• Celebrity Cruises

Cruise to Portofino, Italy

Portofino shore excursions, amazing experiences coming soon., sorry, there are no excursions for this port at this moment., things to do in portofino.

Take a Hike

Promontory in Portofino regional park overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, in Portofino, Italy

Grab your hiking boots and get ready for an adventure through Portofino Regional Park. The park is home to an extensive network of lush trails and coastal paths that overlook the Mediterranean Sea. You can hike through this unique environment during both the winter and summer, making it the perfect year-round activity for outdoor enthusiasts.

Village Views

iew of Church of St. George (1154), Portofino, Italy

Stretch your legs and climb to the top of the hill above Portofino. Here, you'll come to the Church of St. George, where you can take in sweeping views of the vibrant village below. Continue walking an additional 10 minutes, and you'll find yourself at Castello Brown, which overlooks the stunning bay, making it the premier spot to watch the boats come in and out of the harbor.

Dive Right In

The Portofino Marine Reserve stretches across the city and is home to a variety of marine life and is a must-see for divers. Cruise to Portofino and explore shipwrecks, natural walls and drop-offs, and come face to face with the flounder and octopus that call this part of the Mediterranean home.

Local Cuisine

Come hungry to Portofino — home to Ligurian cuisine, the originator of some of Italy's most popular culinary exports. Sample pasta dressed in pesto alla genovese, with basil, pine nuts, cheese and garlic. Try fresh focaccia, eaten here like a pizza straight out of the oven. During your Portofino cruise, sink your teeth into a piece of branzino (European sea bass) baked under a mound of sea salt.

Portofino is a dream destination for shopaholics. Luxury boutiques and upscale shops line the streets and piazzas. If buying Gucci or Salvatore Ferragamo in Italy isn't your thing, there are several lesser-known and less expensive shops in Piazza Martiri dell'Olivetta selling beautiful cashmere, which is commonly found in Portofino.

Best Deals to Portofino, Italy

These cruises are selling out fast, get them while you can.

Departs From {{card.portName}}

Onboard {{card.shipName}} of the Seas

{{ card.totalGroups }} Itineraries

We've circled the globe and couldn't find any sailings that match your search. View All Cruises

We're having trouble retrieving these cruises. View All Results

Similar to Portofino, Italy

Previewing: Promo Dashboard Campaigns

My Personas

Code: ∅.

Due to essential maintenance our website will be down from 5am to 9am on Sunday 17th Sep. Apologies for any inconvenience.

• Need help? 1 800 555 600 1 800 555 600
• Let Us Call You CALL ME
• Drink Packages
• Shore Excursions
• Flights by Celebrity℠
• Manage Reservation
• Upgrade with MoveUp

• Join Captain's Club

Already booked? Sign in or create an account

• South Korea
• New Zealand
• Grand Cayman
• St. Maarten
• U.S Virgin Islands
• New England & Canada
• Pacific Coast
• Antarctic Ocean
• Panama Canal
• Transatlantic
• Transpacific
• Cruise Ports (+300)
• Mediterranean
• Mexican Riviera
• All Inclusive
• Bucket List Cruises
• Cruise & Land Package
• Family Cruises
• Groups & Events
• New Cruises
• Overnight Stays Cruises
• Popular Cruises
• Specialty Cruises
• Destination Highlights
• Group Excursions
• Private Journeys
• Shore Excursions Overview
• Small Group Discoveries

• 360° Virtual Tours
• Celebrity Apex® NEW
• Celebrity Ascent℠ COMING SOON
• Celebrity Beyond℠ NEW
• Celebrity Constellation®
• Celebrity Edge®
• Celebrity Eclipse®
• Celebrity Equinox®
• Celebrity Infinity®
• Celebrity Millennium®
• Celebrity Reflection®
• Celebrity Silhouette®
• Celebrity Solstice®
• Celebrity Summit®
• Explore Edge Series

Galapagos Expedition Series

• Celebrity Flora®
• Celebrity Xpedition®
• Celebrity Xploration®
• The Retreat
• All Suites. All Included
• Iconic Suite
• Penthouse Suite
• Reflection Suite
• Royal Suite
• Signature Suite
• Celebrity Suite
• Aqua Sky Suite
• Horizon Suite
• Concierge Class
• Eat & Drink
• Entertainment
• Spa & Wellness

• Cruising 101
• Cruise Fare Options
• Cruise Tips
• First Time on a Cruise
• What is Included on a Cruise
• Future Cruise Vacations
• Accesible Cruising
• Manage Cruise
• Flights by Celebrity
• Healthy at Sea
• Travel Documents
• Our Distinction
• Royal Caribbean International
• Celebrity Cruises

• 75% Off 2nd Guest + Onboard Credit
• Cruise and Air Savings on Caribbean Cruises
• Alaska Cruisetour Savings
• 20% Off Galapagos Cruises
• Last Minute Luxury
• Bluelight & Military Offers
• View All Offers
• All Included
• Cruise & Land Packages
• Dining Packages
• Photo Packages
• Wi-Fi Packages
• View All Packages
• Captain's Club
• Celebrity Points
• Loyalty Exclusive Offers

Enjoy up to 75% Off 2nd Guest + Up to $200 onboard credit per room 

Portofino, Italy Shore Excursions

Tabs view portofino cruises.

• Portofino Port Guide
• Portofino Shore Excursions
• Europe Overview
• View Portofino Cruises

See the Stunning Ligurian Riviera on Portofino Shore Excursions

As a port of call on the Italian Riviera, Portofino is an exquisitely set jewel in Italy’s crown of visit-worthy cities. Portofino shore excursions are a best bet for enjoying the town and the surrounding Ligurian Riviera to the fullest.

The seaside village of Portofino hugs the Bay of Portofino in a half-moon shape for just a few miles, but some say those few miles are among the most scenic you’ll see on an Italy cruise . When you book Portofino shore excursions for a guided walking tour, you’ll see the town like a local, passing pastel-painted homes, villas that boast colorful flowers overflowing from terracotta pots, and a harbor filled with a working fishing fleet side by side with the yachts of the glitterati who regularly vacation here. Along the harbor front, you’ll pass fashionable shops and cafes on your way to Castle Brown. Built in the 1500s as a fortress, the hilltop castle has been beautifully restored. Hear the complete history as you walk the gardens filled with the scent of roses. Perch on one of the many benches and admire stunning views of the harbor below. 

From your cruise to Portofino , enjoy a tasty tour that starts with a stroll through the town and around its bustling Piazzetta (town center) to view the Church of St. George, then spend time in the lush tropical gardens of the Hotel Splendido as you sample local olive oils, freshly made bread, and accompanying wines as a prelude to a leisurely Ligurian-style lunch. Shore excursions in Portofino, Italy naturally lend themselves to water tours. Cruise the Bay of Portofino on a leisurely trip that lets you enjoy the stunning scenery, replete with lush palms and fruit-laden olive trees. Stop at Rapallo to tour a 16th century castle and the small town of Santa Margherita Ligure on the Gulf of Tigullio. Wander lovely beaches and picturesque streets as you wish before heading back to the ship.  

Travel on Portofino shore excursions to the nearby towns of Cinque Terre, a UNESCO protected territory and one of the top Italian shore excursions . As you travel by boat, train, and motor coach, you’ll be treated to views of rocky beaches and sheer cliffs as you pass through the towns of Rapallo Vernazza and Levanto before reaching Monterosso, the oldest and most scenic of the Cinque Terre towns. Stroll the towns with a guide, then explore on your own, enjoying views of terraced vineyards, beautiful beaches, and medieval castles. Pause for a drink, snack, or relaxing lunch and chat with the locals, who are always eager to talk about their towns with interested visitors. 

Learn More About Shore Excursions

Previewing: Promo Dashboard Campaigns

• Celebrity Cruises

Tender ports and Celebrity

By p18750 , July 20, 2022 in Celebrity Cruises

Recommended Posts

For the past several years we have tried to avoid Celebrity cruises that have tendering stops. The reason dates back to an Australia cruise several years ago on Celebrity. I do not remember the tendering port but it was in Western Australia and the temperature was very warm, over 100 degrees F. Just as several groups of tours were returning Celebrity decided they needed to move the ship and stop tendering for approximately an hour. So over a hundred passengers stood in the heat with no shade, no water and no place to sit down. Since many Celebrity passengers tend to be older this should have been a concern for the captain and hotel manager on the ship. To their credit the people in the town were holding a craft fair nearby and when they saw the line of elderly   people standing in the heat they brought over their own chairs, cool drinks from their own coolers and shade awnings from their booths all while the Celebrity tender personnel looked on and did nothing.

With this experience in our mind we were concerned when Celebrity cancelled our Adriatic cruise and we were shifted to the Edge with two tendering ports. The first port was Portofino where the tendering went wonderful and I thought Celebrity had actually improved. The tendering at Portofino used air conditioned tender boats that ran every five minutes. So today we get to Cannes and have to tender again. According to the ship the temperature is 97 degrees with 63% humidity. The tender boats sit at the dock with no air conditioning, no air flow and bake for 20 minutes before they return to the ship. It appears the passengers on this cruise are younger than the typical Celebrity cruise but even so it could not have been comfortable. So it appears Celebrity still has little or no concern about the comfort of their passengers and we will continue to avoid cruises on Celebrity with tender ports.

Link to comment

Share on other sites.

cruisestitch

You should know that in some places the town operates the tenders, not Celebrity.    

Edge and other Celebrity ships will use their own tendering boats and crew in many cases, but certain ports require their own local tender boats and operators.  I know the Edge tenders are modern and comfortable when they are used.

Ipeeinthepools

5 minutes ago, TeeRick said: Edge and other Celebrity ships will use their own tendering boats and crew in many cases, but certain ports require their own local tender boats and operators.  I know the Edge tenders are modern and comfortable when they are used.

Great, at least the Edge has one improvement for the non-suite passengers.  

WeBcruisingMN

I hear ya….we dislike tendering ports too. On our recent Silhouette cruise (mid-June 2022)  we had two of them. 1-St. Peter Port (Guernsey) was fine on the outbound, but the line for the tender back (mid day 1:00) was super long, with much of the waiting done in full sun (thankfully it was only about 70°, but it was still quite warm). We waited 55 minutes before we could board a tender for the return. We are young middle-agers, but it was a difficult wait for the older folks for sure!

2-Waterford, Ireland we were booked on a Celebrity excursion, so we walked from the theatre with our tour group to board. Went alright and we departed fairly quickly after boarding. Return tender was on our own timing (some people stayed in town), and of course it was warmer and the tender boat was so stuffy inside. They loaded people into every possible nook and seating area, just jammed us in (and we were all supposed to be wearing masks in the sweltering, stale air conditions). One lady in the very front corner opened a window to get some air … which seemed like a good idea, but then when the tender boat moved beyond the ‘No Wake zone’, a wave of water came through the window and drenched a few people 😵

Of course we survived, but we have similar thoughts about tendering. I understand why they have to do tendering, and we would rather Cruise than Not Cruise…

One other note is that I asked the Silhouette Captain’s Club concierge on the first day of the cruise about priority tendering for Elite and above. She said they are not doing that at the present time, “because of Covid”. 🤷🏻‍♀️ ….so that was a bummer to us to ‘lose’ that benefit. Maybe that was just the policy on that ship?

Arizona Wildcat

And tendering is sometimes temporarily suspended due to weather conditions.  They might move tendering to the other side of the ship due to wind or suspend because of fog or other issues.

Suspending all tender ports would cause many ports to be dropped.  Possibly you could stay on board for those ports.

1 minute ago, WeBcruisingMN said:   One other note is that I asked the Silhouette Captain’s Club concierge on the first day of the cruise about priority tendering for Elite and above. She said they are not doing that at the present time, “because of Covid”. 🤷🏻‍♀️ ….so that was a bummer to us to ‘lose’ that benefit. Maybe that was just the policy on that ship?

The Summit took the same position when we had to tender in Bermuda.  However, they were still doing priority tendering for Elite + and Suite guests.    Next time perhaps you should ask if they still have priority for the suites (I suspect they do) and ask how Covid isn't an issue for suite guests.

Ok if we are comparing miserable tendering experiences, I'll add mine.   A couple of years ago we were on the Silhouette in Edinburgh for the Tattoo.   Almost everyone was off the ship for the Tattoo and Celebrity was not able to get a local supplier to help with the tenders.  So Celebrity was limited to using their own tenders and it was about a 15 minute ride to the ship.  The Tattoo ended at about 11:00 pm and everyone descended down to the tender dock.  There were limited facilities at the tender dock and it took several hours to get everyone back on the ship with the last guests getting back onboard at 2:45 am.

The tendering was done by Celebrity, not the port. There are priority tendering for suite guests and Elite members but that is only for the early tender boats. Once those have been transported then everyone is transported on a first come first serve basis. At no time did I see the tender boats were full even for the priority tendering in the morning. 

I am not saying Celebrity should not visit tendering ports but as long as they do such a poor job we will avoid them. Certainly, with the hot weather it would seem they could have done tendering every 5 minutes rather than every 20 minutes. They also could have run the air conditioning on the tender boats to make it more comfortable as they did in Portofino. I do not know why they are not doing that but my guess is it would require 4 tender boats rather than the two they are running with the associated cost and manpower. 

Jeremiah1212

I would suggest emailing the CEO and complaining they should do more to control the weather and sea conditions. 

39 minutes ago, p18750 said: For the past several years we have tried to avoid Celebrity cruises that have tendering stops. The reason dates back to an Australia cruise several years ago on Celebrity. I do not remember the tendering port but it was in Western Australia and the temperature was very warm, over 100 degrees F. Just as several groups of tours were returning Celebrity decided they needed to move the ship and stop tendering for approximately an hour. So over a hundred passengers stood in the heat with no shade, no water and no place to sit down. Since many Celebrity passengers tend to be older this should have been a concern for the captain and hotel manager on the ship. To their credit the people in the town were holding a craft fair nearby and when they saw the line of elderly   people standing in the heat they brought over their own chairs, cool drinks from their own coolers and shade awnings from their booths all while the Celebrity tender personnel looked on and did nothing. With this experience in our mind we were concerned when Celebrity cancelled our Adriatic cruise and we were shifted to the Edge with two tendering ports. The first port was Portofino where the tendering went wonderful and I thought Celebrity had actually improved. The tendering at Portofino used air conditioned tender boats that ran every five minutes. So today we get to Cannes and have to tender again. According to the ship the temperature is 97 degrees with 63% humidity. The tender boats sit at the dock with no air conditioning, no air flow and bake for 20 minutes before they return to the ship. It appears the passengers on this cruise are younger than the typical Celebrity cruise but even so it could not have been comfortable. So it appears Celebrity still has little or no concern about the comfort of their passengers and we will continue to avoid cruises on Celebrity with tender ports.

Perhaps the smaller ships may be best for you.  Oceania is able to dock at many of their ports due to the size of their ships.

I'm going out on a limb here and will state there are very few people (passengers as well as cruise staff) who prefer tendering to docking at a port. 

But I think it's an obvious statement that docking, which would be preferred by all,  isn't always possible at a port of call, and tendering is necessary.

Tendering is a trade-off for including some ports in an itinerary, whether planned in advance, or an alternative for pre-arranged docking, if this isn't possible for whatever reason.  You certainly have the option of not getting off the ship. 

york survey

OK Looks like I'm on my own on this one!!

I like tender ports as you get to see smaller places, but still be the benefits of a larger ship, and the arrival has more of a nautical effect. However all the cruise lines need to consider passenger welfare and make sure everyone is included and safe.

So I've suggested a number of times that that tender ports should be limited to 1 a week and only where shore side, large, good quality tenders are available.

Most of the above situations are totally unacceptable and, unfortunately, not uncommon. But are easily managed with a little more preparation and thought!!

WorkerBee74

To be completely honest, anyone travelling to the Mediterranean in the summer should be fully prepared at ANY point to not have A/C comfort everywhere you go.  It's hot.  It's always hot.  This year was incredible, but it's almost always +35 somewhere on a summer cruise, that's just the way it goes.

Whether you take a fan, a cooling towel... whatever it is to cool yourself down... TAKE IT.  I've seen so many posts complaining about the heat - I for one would never travel to the Med in JULY and then complain about the heat.  Just like I don't go to Florida in July.

The tendering stories I read in this thread match my experiences in a variety of lines. Tenders are often not air conditioned. They often wait until full which means sitting in the heat for a while. Weather, tide, and conflicts at the dock (we shared a dock with a ferry at one port) can suspend tendering at any point, often without warning. And at many ports, the port tenders are used (and so all ships of any cruise line in port that day are facing the same challenges).  So I don’t think this is a Celebrity issue.   

I understand why people don’t like tender ports (my husband hates them) but I am one of those few that love tender ports because of the photos and views I get of the ship and of the ability to be dropped off right downtown usually (instead of in an industrial or cruise dedicated port).

1 hour ago, Jeremiah1212 said: I would suggest emailing the CEO and complaining they should do more to control the weather and sea conditions.     

Good Answer

1 hour ago, Ipeeinthepools said:   The Summit took the same position when we had to tender in Bermuda.  However, they were still doing priority tendering for Elite + and Suite guests.    Next time perhaps you should ask if they still have priority for the suites (I suspect they do) and ask how Covid isn't an issue for suite guests.

Not sure why you are making the OP's comments into a suite vs non-suite issue.

24 minutes ago, TeeRick said: Not sure why you are making the OP's comments into a suite vs non-suite issue.

This response was for WeBcruising who was told priority tendering for Elite and above was cancelled due to Covid.  I'll bet you a shiny quarter that it wasn't cancelled for suites.  So why did the Concierge suggest that "Covid" caused them to drop priority tendering for Elites.  You can't try to blame everything bad on Covid.

AstoriaPreppy

TBH, one of the things we loved most about the Edge class in the Med. was the use of Destination Gateway, Magic Carpet and Edge tenders in certain ports. We actually kinda enjoyed it, compared to the annoyance that tendering can often be on other lines/older ships.

It sounds like the ship may have used local tenders in one of your ports? Possibly a local regulation? The Edge tenders we used were... revelatory. Fully air conditioned, cushioned theater-like seating, and flatscreen monitors, while departing/returning to a lovely onboard space with a wall of windows and light.

phoenix_dream

2 hours ago, WorkerBee74 said: To be completely honest, anyone travelling to the Mediterranean in the summer should be fully prepared at ANY point to not have A/C comfort everywhere you go.  It's hot.  It's always hot.  This year was incredible, but it's almost always +35 somewhere on a summer cruise, that's just the way it goes.   Whether you take a fan, a cooling towel... whatever it is to cool yourself down... TAKE IT.  I've seen so many posts complaining about the heat - I for one would never travel to the Med in JULY and then complain about the heat.  Just like I don't go to Florida in July.

That was one of my first thoughts when reading the original post.  Yes, it's hot.  That was known before anyone decided to get off the ship.  If it's too hot for you, then you have the option to stay onboard.  And in the example of waiting in line for an hour, no one is forcing anyone to do that.  Until final boarding time you are free to wander and take care of yourself.  I can only assume the people in line had the ability to walk over to said craft fair and find some shade and drinks?  Yes, tendering can be a pain.  But it's a choice.  You can't always assume you'll have mini yachts to comfortably take you to and fro.   If the Captain suddenly has to move the ship it's not being done for serendipity - there is a reason.  It's a pain for them as well.  And I'm not clear what you expected the Celebrity tender crew to do as this was an unanticipated event, and they had no chairs, shade, or drinks to offer.   If in the future you want to pick cruises without tender ports or stay onboard, that is certainly your choice.  

Respectfully, not everything in travel is convenient, comfortable or even timely.  That is the nature of travel, and one should be prepared for trying conditions (have you seen some airport lines lately?)  Also, I do not consider Celebrity "elderly", and never have. Tendering can be a hassle at any age, but it certainly wouldn't dictate my choice of cruise line.

1 hour ago, Ipeeinthepools said:   This response was for WeBcruising who was told priority tendering for Elite and above was cancelled due to Covid.  I'll bet you a shiny quarter that it wasn't cancelled for suites.  So why did the Concierge suggest that "Covid" caused them to drop priority tendering for Elites.  You can't try to blame everything bad on Covid.

I guess I missed that.  Sorry.  Even before COVID I have been on Celebrity cruises where priority tendering was not offered to Elite/Elite+ members.  Also, once on Reflection, we were in a sky suite and had to go to Michael's Club to get tender tickets - with no other priority.  Line was still very long.  So the practices vary by ship I think.

3 hours ago, p18750 said: I do not remember the tendering port but it was in Western Australia and the temperature was very warm, over 100 degrees F. Just as several groups of tours were returning Celebrity decided they needed to move the ship and stop tendering for approximately an hour. So over a hundred passengers stood in the heat with no shade, no water and no place to sit down. Since many Celebrity passengers tend to be older this should have been a concern for the captain and hotel manager on the ship.

Reminds me of our experience trying to reboard an X ship at a non-tender port .. Cartagena, Colombia.  All sun with no place to sit, get out of the sun, find water, pee, or any other creature comfort in sight for about an hour before the very long line even started to move.

It's not just tendering ports that can be a problem.

As elite plus I was recently able to take advantage of priority tendering on Reflection in Europe. It would seem it's a ship by ship decision.

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in

• Welcome to Cruise Critic
• ANNOUNCEMENT: Set Sail Beyond the Ordinary with Oceania Cruises
• ANNOUNCEMENT: The Widest View in the Whole Wide World
• New Cruisers
• Cruise Lines “A – O”
• Cruise Lines “P – Z”
• River Cruising
• Cruise Critic News & Features
• Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
• Special Interest Cruising
• Cruise Discussion Topics
• UK Cruising
• Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
• Canadian Cruisers
• North American Homeports
• Ports of Call
• Cruise Conversations

Announcements

• New to Cruise Critic? Join our Community!

Write Your Own Amazing Review !

Click this gorgeous photo by member SUPERstar777 to share your review!

Features & News

LauraS · Started Friday at 07:21 PM

LauraS · Started Friday at 03:17 PM

LauraS · Started Thursday at 04:15 PM

LauraS · Started Thursday at 03:00 PM

LauraS · Started Thursday at 10:41 AM

• Existing user? Sign in OR Create an Account
• Find Your Roll Call
• Meet & Mingle
• Community Help Center
• All Activity
• Member Photo Albums
• Meet & Mingle Photos
• Favorite Cruise Memories
• Cruise Food Photos
• Cruise Ship Photos
• Ports of Call Photos
• Towel Animal Photos
• Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos
• Write a Review
• Live Cruise Reports
• Member Cruise Reviews
• Create New...

• Need help? 1-888-751-7804 1-888-751-7804
• Let Us Call You CALL ME
• Drink Packages
• Manage Reservation
• Shore Excursions
• Upgrade with MoveUp

• Join Captain's Club

Already booked? Sign in or create an account

• South Korea
• New Zealand
• Grand Cayman
• St. Maarten
• U.S Virgin Islands
• New England & Canada
• Pacific Coast
• Antarctic Ocean
• Panama Canal
• Transatlantic
• Transpacific
• Cruise Ports (+300)
• Mediterranean
• Perfect Day at CocoCay
• All Inclusive
• Bucket List Cruises
• Cruise & Land Package
• Groups & Events
• New Cruises
• Popular Cruises
• Specialty Cruises
• Destination Highlights
• Group Excursions
• Private Journeys
• Shore Excursions Overview
• Small Group Discoveries

• 360° Virtual Tours
• Celebrity Apex®
• Celebrity Ascent℠ NEW
• Celebrity Beyond℠
• Celebrity Constellation®
• Celebrity Edge®
• Celebrity Eclipse®
• Celebrity Equinox®
• Celebrity Infinity®
• Celebrity Millennium®
• Celebrity Reflection®
• Celebrity Silhouette®
• Celebrity Solstice®
• Celebrity Summit®
• Celebrity Xcel℠ COMING SOON
• Explore Edge Series

Galapagos Expedition Series

• Celebrity Flora®
• Celebrity Xpedition®
• Celebrity Xploration®
• The Retreat
• All Suites. All Included
• Iconic Suite
• Penthouse Suite
• Reflection Suite
• Royal Suite
• Signature Suite
• Celebrity Suite
• Aqua Sky Suite
• Horizon Suite
• Concierge Class
• Eat & Drink
• Entertainment
• Spa & Wellness

• Cruising 101
• Cruise Fare Options
• Cruise Tips
• First Time on a Cruise
• What is Included on a Cruise
• Future Cruise Vacations
• Accessible Cruising
• Healthy at Sea
• Manage Cruise
• The Celebrity Store
• Travel Documents
• Royal Caribbean International
• Celebrity Cruises

• 75% Off 2nd Guest
• 3rd and 4th Guests Sail Free
• Exciting Deals
• View All Offers
• All Included
• Cruise & Land Packages
• Dining Packages
• Photo Packages
• Wi-Fi Packages
• View All Packages
• Captain's Club
• Celebrity Points
• Loyalty Exclusive Offers

Enjoy 75% off your second guest’s cruise fare and get bonus savings on select dates. Plus, additional guests in your stateroom sail free on select sailings.

See the Stunning Ligurian Riviera on Portofino Shore Excursions

As a port of call on the Italian Riviera, Portofino is an exquisitely set jewel in Italy’s crown of visit-worthy cities. Portofino shore excursions are a best bet for enjoying the town and the surrounding Ligurian Riviera to the fullest.

The seaside village of Portofino hugs the Bay of Portofino in a half-moon shape for just a few miles, but some say those few miles are among the most scenic you’ll see on an Italy cruise . When you book Portofino shore excursions for a guided walking tour, you’ll see the town like a local, passing pastel-painted homes, villas that boast colorful flowers overflowing from terracotta pots, and a harbor filled with a working fishing fleet side by side with the yachts of the glitterati who regularly vacation here. Along the harbor front, you’ll pass fashionable shops and cafes on your way to Castle Brown. Built in the 1500s as a fortress, the hilltop castle has been beautifully restored. Hear the complete history as you walk the gardens filled with the scent of roses. Perch on one of the many benches and admire stunning views of the harbor below. 

From your cruise to Portofino , enjoy a tasty tour that starts with a stroll through the town and around its bustling Piazzetta (town center) to view the Church of St. George, then spend time in the lush tropical gardens of the Hotel Splendido as you sample local olive oils, freshly made bread, and accompanying wines as a prelude to a leisurely Ligurian-style lunch. Shore excursions in Portofino, Italy naturally lend themselves to water tours. Cruise the Bay of Portofino on a leisurely trip that lets you enjoy the stunning scenery, replete with lush palms and fruit-laden olive trees. Stop at Rapallo to tour a 16th century castle and the small town of Santa Margherita Ligure on the Gulf of Tigullio. Wander lovely beaches and picturesque streets as you wish before heading back to the ship.  

Travel on Portofino shore excursions to the nearby towns of Cinque Terre, a UNESCO protected territory and one of the top Italian shore excursions . As you travel by boat, train, and motor coach, you’ll be treated to views of rocky beaches and sheer cliffs as you pass through the towns of Rapallo Vernazza and Levanto before reaching Monterosso, the oldest and most scenic of the Cinque Terre towns. Stroll the towns with a guide, then explore on your own, enjoying views of terraced vineyards, beautiful beaches, and medieval castles. Pause for a drink, snack, or relaxing lunch and chat with the locals, who are always eager to talk about their towns with interested visitors. 

Learn More About Shore Excursions

Previewing: Promo Dashboard Campaigns