Monday, April 1, 2024

Discovering Genoa on a cruise: what to do in a day

genoa cruise port

The building was built in its present form in 1569, but there were previous churches on the site for almost a millennium. It is very beautiful inside, with a lot of art by famous artists. This is a relatively new square, developed in the 18th century leaving earlier buildings surrounding it. The Palazzo Ducale is the north-east side of the square, once the building that housed the government of the Republic of Genoa. It was built in 1298 and is now used for exhibitions and conferences. As you walk along the waterfront, on your right is a curved area with 'sails' - from November to April this is a skating rink!

Where do MSC Cruises’ ships dock in Genoa?

Getting to and from the port is easy, with several transportation options available, including taxis, buses, and trains. The port is also easily accessible by car, with several parking lots available. For a heartier meal, try Cappon Magro, a layered seafood and vegetable salad often served on special occasions, or Minestrone alla Genovese, a vegetable soup rich in flavour and history. Pesto Genovese is another must-try – Genoa is the birthplace of this famous basil-based sauce. It’s typically served with trofie pasta and features fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese and extra-virgin olive oil. In fact, the northwest Italian city – nicknamed ‘La Superba,’ (The Proud One) – is one of the largest port cities in the country.

Shopping Options

Continue straight down the little alley on the right side of the end of the square, and turn left and then right - back to the waterfront street. There are several shopping options in Genoa, including the historic city center, which is known for its boutiques and antique shops. The city also has several large shopping malls, offering a wide variety of products. Piazza De Ferrari is the main square in Genoa and is surrounded by several historic buildings, including the Opera House and the Palace of the Doges. The square is an excellent place to relax and take in the sights and sounds of the city. Getting around Genoa and its surrounding areas is easy, thanks to the city’s efficient transportation system.

Costa unveils 'Sea Destinations' to enrich Mediterranean and Northern European cruises

Your cruise ship can arrange excursions, or you can make your own itinerary through independent cruise-excursion companies such as Viator. One of the best things about a shore day in Genoa is that the main cultural and dining experiences are within easy walking distance of the Old Port. It’s also easy to catch a taxi, shuttle or bus from the waterfront up to the main plaza, Piazza de Ferrari, and make your way around from there. Here are some highlights of an afternoon or a full day onshore in Genoa. Without question, the main draw at Porto Antico is the sprawling modern aquarium, known locally as Acquario Di Genova. It’s the largest aquarium in Europe, housing at least 15,000 animals and 400-plus species, including rare Antarctic fish.

This may be the most famous street in Genoa - the street of Renaissance palaces. It is a pity that the street is quite narrow - it is difficult to get a good view of the facades. Several of the homes are now museums, and these are interesting to explore. There are stairs down to the level of the street below under the overpass.The harbour is not enhanced by an elevated highway that follows the shoreline, and there is another street below it. When walking, keep fairly near the elevated highway - more or less walking under the edge nearest the sea. The walk opens up at the last warehouse, and then you will see the photogenic galleon, the Neptune.

Built-in 1290, the palace has a notable history as it was constructed with materials from the Venetian embassy. It even held Marco Polo prisoner and wrote his travelogue from 1296 to 1299 after he commanded a war against Genoa. The 16th-century palazzo Spinola was commissioned by Francesco Grimaldi. Sadly, the top two original floors of the Palazzo Spinola were destroyed by a bomb during World War II. But this resulted in a restoration project that transformed them into the art museum—the National Gallery Liguria. Palazzo Ducale is located in the iconic square of Piazza de Ferrari.

In 2016, the port reported a record year with handled over 1 million cruise tourists. In 2016, Stazioni Marittime cruise terminals were upgraded with new equipment, including new gangways at Ponte Doria. Genova port's main ferry shipping destinations in Mediterranean Sea (both cargo and passengers) are Sicily Island (Italy), Sardinia Island (Italy), Corsica Island (France), Barcelona (Spain) and also Canary Islands (Spain). The port is also famous with its dismantling (shipbreaking) station where the ominous Costa Concordia ship wreckage was dismantled. The port is also one of the country's still profiting shipbuilding yards serving the yacht construction market, yacht and boat maintenance, navy shipyards.

EXPLORE

genoa cruise port

The palace features an open-air cafe, temporary art, and exhibits. Museum-lovers will be happy to know that Genoa is home to more than a dozen interesting museums. Some focus on naval history, and others showcase paintings and artefacts from the middle ages. Vernazzola is one of the best beaches in Genoa for families with kids, as the water is mostly calm and suitable for swimming. Occasionally, the sea can get a little rough, but for the most part, the bay protects the area making it an ideal spot for an afternoon on the sand.

Portofino

Genoa hits passenger movement record with four MSC ships - Seatrade Cruise News

Genoa hits passenger movement record with four MSC ships.

Posted: Tue, 31 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

After all, you may catch a glimpse of your favourite celebrity. Some of the best shopping streets in the city are Galleria Mazzini, Via Roma, and Via XX Settembre, which include boutiques and well-known fashion brands. As Genoa is one of the busiest ports, you can best believe there are plenty of shops and restaurants for your family to choose from. 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. Seasonal ship relocations (RepositionCruises.com) offer one-way itineraries from Genoa to the UK (Southampton), Holland (Rotterdam, Amsterdam), Germany (Kiel, Hamburg), Denmark (Copenhagen). Eastbound reposition routes (transiting the Suez Canal) may end up in ports in Asia (Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong) and even in Australia (Sydney NSW, Brisbane QLD).

Attraction suitable for both children and adults is definitely the Aquarium! In a port city like Genoa, seafood is woven into every fold of a well-laid table. One of the most authentic local places to embrace the sea-centric dining scene is in the old-mariner neighborhood of Boccadasse.

The Maritime Station is close to downtown (old town), but in an industrial area, so it is better to use a taxi. In 2016, Stazioni Marittime's investments were EUR 2,2 million. Part of the new equipment were Ponte Doria Terminal's new gangways. In the period April 29 - May 17, the Grand Celebration ship (operated by Iberocruceros, owned by Costa Group) was docked in Genoa for planned refurbishment and maintenance. Dry-dock works were performed at the shipyard San Giorgio del Porto - a major shipyard for repairs and refitting. Luxury 4 star property located in Genova old harbour area, close to the Aquarium.

Christopher Columbus, one of the most famous explorers of all time, was born in Genoa, Italy, in 1451 and went on to discover America. The house museum where grew up in the eighteenth century has been reconstructed and is now open to the public. Thus allowing you to learn more about the life and discoveries of the dedicated traveller.

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. 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.

Wherever you choose to ear, make sure to try traditional pesto Genovese, as you’re in the birthplace of this famous sauce. CRUISES Genoa is today a top destination port for cruise ships offering itineraries across the Western Mediterranean, and homeport to the leading international cruise lines. Genoa is also a port of departure for repositioning cruises to and from the Americas and Northern Europe.

Genoa has a vibrant food scene, with several eateries and restaurants serving traditional Italian cuisine. Some of the must-try dishes include the pesto sauce, focaccia bread, and seafood platters. Cruise Admin is a team of experienced writers passionate about cruising. They provide comprehensive and honest information to fellow cruise enthusiasts, sharing insider tips and practical advice to help readers plan and enjoy their cruise vacations to the fullest. When not writing, the Cruise Admin team loves exploring new destinations and seeking out unique cultural experiences.

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