La Spezia Cruise Ship Port Guide

How to get to the port, by air, train, road

Getting to La Spezia’s cruise port is straightforward. The closest airports are Pisa International (72 km) and Genoa (110 km), with regular shuttle buses running to La Spezia. You can catch direct trains from main Italian cities to La Spezia Centrale station, which sits just 1.5 km from the cruise terminal – either a quick taxi journey or a 20-minute walk.

If you’re coming by car, take the A12/E80 motorway and exit at La Spezia. Simply follow the signs to “Porto” or “Terminal Crociere.” You can leave your car at the cruise terminal’s car park or use one of the public parking spots nearby. Local buses run between the city centre and the port area, with Line 3 stopping nearest to the cruise terminal. You’ll find taxis easily at the station, city centre, and bigger hotels.

Port Parking Options

There’s handy parking for cruise passengers at La Spezia’s port terminal. You’ll spot both short-term and long-term car parks within walking distance of the cruise ships. The main parking area at Largo Fiorillo has round-the-clock security cameras and room for more than 200 cars.

If you need long-term parking, you can book a space at the covered car park on Via San Cipriano for £15 per day. For a cheaper option, try the outdoor car park at Piazzale Kennedy – it’s £10 daily and comes with a free shuttle bus to the terminal. During busy times (May-October), you’ll need to sort your booking ahead of time.

For quick drop-offs, there’s a free 30-minute zone right in front of the terminal building.

Local Transport & Transfers

Getting around from La Spezia’s cruise port is straightforward. You’ll spot taxis right outside the terminal – it’s about £10 to the city centre, and drivers can take you on trips to Cinque Terre villages too. If you fancy saving money, hop on the public bus – Line 3 runs every 15 minutes between the port and centre.

For Cinque Terre visits, it’s a 15-minute stroll or quick taxi journey to La Spezia Centrale train station. Trains run regularly to all five villages, taking between 7-30 minutes. If you’re planning trips to Florence or Pisa, you can sort out a private driver, join one of the ship’s tours, or catch the regional train from La Spezia Centrale. There are water taxis too if you’re heading to spots along the coast.

Port Terminal Facilities

The La Spezia cruise terminal has all the basic bits and pieces you’ll need. There are toilets, places to sit, and a tourist info desk where you can grab maps and ask about the local area. Free Wi-Fi is available, though it can be a bit patchy when it’s busy.

You’ll find a small cafe for drinks and nibbles, plus vending machines dotted around the building. There are ATMs and places to exchange money too. The terminal’s duty-free shop is rather modest but good for picking up essentials, local goods, and souvenirs at the last minute.

Security-wise, you’ll go through X-ray machines and metal detectors when you enter, and there’s a storage area for your luggage if you want to pop into town. When it’s sweltering in summer, the air-con keeps things nice and cool inside.

Things to Do Before Your Cruise in a Day

If you’ve got a day free before your cruise leaves La Spezia, there are loads of brilliant things to do near the port. You can wander around the old city centre, starting along Via del Prione – it’s the main shopping street packed with boutiques and local places to eat. Make sure you pop into the 13th-century Church of Santa Maria Assunta – its marble front is quite something.

Have a walk through the Public Gardens, where you’ll see Mediterranean plants and lovely views across the sea. The Technical Naval Museum is worth a visit to learn about La Spezia’s seafaring past, or you can climb up to San Giorgio Castle for amazing views over the Gulf of Poets. When you’re hungry, the fish market area is brilliant for proper Ligurian seafood restaurants. If you fancy some modern shops, Porto Mirabello shopping centre is just a few minutes from where the cruise ships dock.

Walks near the port

The port area in La Spezia is brilliant for a good walk. The Passeggiata Morin promenade has lovely palm trees and ace views of the harbour and boats. It’s about a mile long and takes you from the cruise terminal right to the centre of town.

If you fancy a proper walk, try the coastal path to Lerici – it’s roughly 5 miles and goes through lovely little villages and rocky bays. You’ll get fantastic views of the Gulf of Poets along the way. For something more urban, wander down Via del Prione, the main shopping street near the port. You’ll come across old buildings, local shops and proper Italian restaurants. Make sure to pop down the side streets to Piazza Saint-Bon to see some cracking naval architecture.

Dining and Shopping

After wandering La Spezia’s lovely paths, you’ll find brilliant spots to eat and shop near the port. Via del Prione, the main shopping street, has boutiques, local craft shops and Italian fashion stores just 10 minutes on foot from the cruise terminal. For proper Ligurian food, pop into the historic centre where family-run trattorias cook up fresh seafood and local favourites.

1. Make time for Via Garibaldi’s daily market – it’s packed with fresh produce, regional cheeses and local olive oils
2. Nip into Piazza Saint Bon for traditional focaccia and farinata from small bakeries
3. Browse the pedestrian-only Via Cavour for Italian leather goods, ceramics and lovely souvenirs

Just keep in mind that most shops shut for a midday break between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM, so time your shopping right.

Accommodation near the port

Plenty of places to stay are within walking distance of La Spezia’s port for cruise visitors wanting an overnight stay. Several mid-range hotels line Via San Cipriano and Via Chiodo, putting you close to both the cruise terminal and city centre. The Hotel Firenze e Continentale and NH La Spezia are solid choices, with comfortable rooms and modern facilities.

For those watching their budget, you’ll find many B&Bs and guesthouses in the historic centre, especially around Via del Prione. If you fancy something more upmarket, the Grand Hotel Portovenere sits just a short drive from the port. Most places let cruise passengers check in early and can sort out port transfers. Best to book well ahead if you’re coming during the busy cruise season.

Tips for First-Time Cruisers from The Port

Getting Ready for Your First Cruise from La Spezia

Want a smooth start to your holiday from La Spezia’s cruise port? A bit of planning goes a long way. The port’s well-organised layout and modern setup makes things straightforward, but you’ll still need to sort a few things beforehand.

1. Pop down at least 3-4 hours before your ship leaves – Italian ports are quite strict with security. Remember your passport and boarding paperwork.
2. Sort out your transport to the port early. Whether you fancy a taxi from La Spezia station or want a private shuttle, it’s best to book ahead. The port’s not exactly next door to the city centre, and wrestling with suitcases on public transport isn’t much fun.
3. Keep a small day bag with the basics – water, snacks, and any medicines you need. Your main bags might not turn up in your cabin until later in the evening.

Customs & Immigration at The Port

While going through immigration at La Spezia’s port, you’ll need to clear both Italian customs and the cruise line’s security points. Keep your passport and cruise card handy – you’ll show them several times. The port runs a straightforward screening process where Italian staff and ship security operate together.

You’ll walk through metal detectors and put your bags through scanners, much like at airports. If you’re starting your cruise from La Spezia, get to the port at least three hours before your ship leaves. If you’re already on the cruise and just coming back from a day trip, you’ll need your cruise card to get back on board. You can’t bring fresh food, plants or certain restricted items back onto the ship. Italian customs might do random checks, so it’s wise to keep receipts for anything you’ve bought on land.

Local Currency & Payment Options

Money in La Spezia is quite simple – you’ll need euros for most places. Whilst big shops take credit cards, it’s best to keep cash for smaller shops, cafés and local markets. You’ll spot ATMs (called Bancomat in Italy) all around the town centre, including several near the cruise terminal.

1. Banks generally give better exchange rates than currency exchange shops, but remember they shut between 1:30 PM and 4:00 PM for the Italian riposo (afternoon break)
2. Let your bank know you’re travelling to avoid any card blocks, and try to use cards that don’t charge extra fees abroad
3. Keep plenty of smaller euro notes (€5, €10, €20) with you, as some shops might not take larger notes for small buys

Emergency Contacts

Emergency numbers you’ll need in La Spezia are straightforward: 112 for general emergencies across Europe, 113 for police, 118 if you need an ambulance, and 115 for the fire brigade.

If something goes wrong at sea, ring the Port Authority on +39 0187 546320. Feeling under the weather? The main hospital, Ospedale Sant’Andrea, is at Via Veneto 197 – you can phone them on +39 0187 533111. For help with tourist-related issues, the tourist police are on +39 0187 21459.

It’s a good idea to keep your cruise ship’s emergency numbers with you, along with contact details for your country’s nearest embassy or consulate in Italy – just in case you need them.

History of The Port

La Spezia’s port goes way back to Roman times and has been a crucial shipping spot in Liguria ever since. Thanks to its brilliant location, it was perfect for naval activities, and in 1861, the Italian Royal Navy decided to set up their main base here. The commercial port we see today really got going in the late 19th century, turning La Spezia into one of Italy’s biggest shipping spots.

A few important bits from its past:

1. They built the Arsenal in 1869, making La Spezia Italy’s biggest naval base
2. In the 1890s, they added loads of commercial shipping bits and bobs, including new cargo terminals
3. The 1990s saw cruise ships starting to pop in, which changed the port into a proper tourist spot

The port took quite a beating during World War II but bounced back quickly with a proper modern makeover.

Environmental Initiatives at The Port

Since 2010, La Spezia’s port has really stepped up its green game. They’ve got these brilliant shore-to-ship power systems that let cruise ships turn off their engines whilst docked – which means less air pollution and quieter surroundings. There’s also a proper water treatment plant that cleans all the ships’ wastewater before it goes back to sea.

Pop by and you’ll spot solar panels across the terminal roofs, powering the port’s daily work. They’ve gone all in with electric vehicles for their staff and put charging points all over the place. The port’s got a proper recycling setup too, dealing with all the rubbish from cruise ships. If you’re keen on environmental matters, you might fancy having a look at their website – they keep tabs on air and water quality round the clock, and you can see all the readings in real time.

Accessibility Information for Disabled Passengers

The port terminal has three wheelchair-friendly entrances and well-equipped facilities for disabled passengers. You’ll spot ramps with gentle slopes, wide doorways, and accessible toilets throughout the building. Our team knows how to help passengers with mobility needs and can sort out special transport if you let us know beforehand.

1. If you use a mobility scooter or wheelchair, you can get onto the ship using special hydraulic gangways that move up and down to match different ship heights
2. You’ll get priority boarding and help with your bags at no extra cost
3. There’s a special pickup/drop-off area near the main entrance where your accessible vehicle can park just 15 metres from the terminal

Give the port’s accessibility team a ring at least 48 hours before you arrive so they can get everything ready for you.

Cruise Insurance and Medical Facilities at The Port

Getting proper travel insurance and having access to medical care are really important when you’re cruising from La Spezia port. You’ll want comprehensive travel cover that includes cruise-specific problems, medical emergencies and cancelled trips. Most cruise companies won’t let you board without seeing your insurance papers.

For basic medical help, there’s a first-aid station right in the main terminal, with medical staff on duty when cruise ships come and go. If you need more serious treatment, La Spezia’s General Hospital is only 3 kilometres away. The hospital has round-the-clock emergency care and staff who speak different languages.

You can also find several chemists within walking distance of the cruise terminal, and if you need to see a doctor, the port’s information desk can help sort out appointments.

Families: Child-Friendly Services and Activities

The La Spezia cruise terminal is great for families with little ones, with loads of child-friendly bits and bobs. There’s a lovely family waiting space with small-sized furniture, a play area, and nappy-changing stations in both the ladies’ and gents’ loos.

When you’re at the terminal with your children, you can use these brilliant family features:

1. A watched-over kids’ zone where youngsters aged 4-12 can do arts and crafts and play games whilst mum and dad sort out the boarding
2. Family-friendly places to eat with children’s menus, high chairs, and colouring activities
3. You can borrow pushchairs from the information desk, which makes getting around the terminal much easier with small children

The terminal workers know how to help families, and you’ll spot clear signs showing you where to find all the child-friendly facilities throughout the building.

Local Cultural Highlights and Events

Beyond family fun, La Spezia buzzes with culture and local traditions all year round. The Palio del Golfo rowing race takes place in August, when 13 seaside villages battle it out in the bay. In July, top jazz musicians from around the world come to play at the city’s Jazz Festival, whilst the Festa della Marineria shows off naval heritage with tall ships and sea-themed displays.

Pop into the Technical Naval Museum to learn about La Spezia’s maritime past through old items and ship models. The CAMeC modern art museum has changing displays by Italian and international artists. Summer nights come alive with outdoor concerts in Piazza Verdi and food festivals in the old town. The Mercato Civico and other local markets let you mingle with locals whilst finding regional food and handmade crafts.

Best Times of Year to Cruise from The Port

La Spezia’s port is bustling with cruise ships from March to November, when Mediterranean weather is at its best. The busiest time falls between June and August – you’ll get hot sunny days and hardly any rain, which is brilliant for Italian Riviera trips. Just keep in mind that summer brings bigger crowds and steeper prices.

When to go? Here’s what works best:

1. April to May – Spring means nice mild weather, lovely flowers everywhere, and fewer tourists about – perfect timing for day trips to Cinque Terre and Pisa
2. September – The sea’s still warm and the weather’s lovely, but you won’t be fighting through summer tourists
3. October – You can catch harvest festivals, enjoy comfortable temperatures, and find some good bargains on cruise tickets

During winter (December to February), there aren’t many cruises running because the sea gets rough and it’s quite cold.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Height Clearance for Cruise Ships at La Spezia?

La Spezia’s port has no height limits, as it’s an open harbour with no bridges or anything above the ships. You can bring in any cruise ship, no matter how tall it is.

Are There Any Ship Repair Facilities Available at the Port?

Yeah, there are proper ship repair spots at La Spezia. You can spot the big cranes along the docks, and they’ve got a dry dock plus workshops where they’ll sort out all kinds of boat repairs and maintenance work.

Which Cruise Lines Regularly Use La Spezia as Their Home Port?

La Spezia doesn’t work as a home port for any cruise lines. It’s just a stop-off point where ships from MSC, Costa, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian pull in during their Mediterranean routes.

What Is the Typical Water Depth at the Cruise Ship Berths?

The cruise berths at La Spezia sit at depths between 43-49 feet – just right for big modern cruise ships to sail and dock safely all year round.

Can Passengers Store Luggage at the Port Before Official Check-In Time?

There aren’t any luggage storage spaces at the port before check-in starts. Your best bet is to keep your bags with you, or give your cruise company a ring to see if they allow early bag drop-offs.