Alicante Cruise Ship Port Guide

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

Getting to Alicante’s cruise port is straightforward with several travel choices. The Alicante-Elche Airport is a quick 20-minute taxi or shuttle ride away. Regular trains run between Madrid and Valencia through Alicante’s main railway station, which sits 2 kilometres from the port.

If you’re coming by car, simply follow the N-332 coastal road or A-7 motorway. Look for signs pointing to “Puerto de Alicante.”

1. By Air: Grab a taxi outside the airport terminal (£25-30), or hop on the C6 bus (£3.85)
2. By Train: It’s a 5-minute taxi journey from Alicante station to the port
3. By Road: Put Muelle 14 in your sat-nav, or use the cruise terminal car park

Port Parking Options

Need to park at Alicante’s cruise port? You’ve got a few choices when coming by car. The main terminal has a proper car park with round-the-clock security and CCTV cameras, just 200 metres from the cruise terminal. There are options for both short and long stays.

If you want to save a bit of money, you can leave your car at Plaza del Puerto garage – it’s only a 5-minute walk to the terminal. For longer stays, the Marina Deportiva car park might suit you better, with good weekly prices and a shuttle bus that takes you straight to the terminal.

Just keep in mind that you should book your parking space ahead of time during the busy summer months (June-September). You’ll need to show your cruise paperwork and car documents at all official port car parks.

Local Transport & Transfers

Getting around from Alicante’s cruise terminal is easy with plenty of transport choices. Taxis wait right outside the terminal – you’ll pay about £10-15 to get into town. If you fancy saving some money, hop on the Line 24 public bus that goes straight to central Alicante.

Coming from Alicante Airport? You’ve got three main ways to get there:

1. Airport taxis – quickest way, taking 20 minutes and costing roughly £25-30
2. C6 Airport bus – runs every 20 minutes to the city centre for £3.85
3. Private shuttles – book ahead, starting at £40 for up to four people

For a hassle-free journey, you can sort out your transport beforehand through your cruise line or any independent transport company.

Port Terminal Facilities

When you get to Alicante’s cruise terminal, you’ll find it’s a modern place with everything you might need. There’s free Wi-Fi, spotless loos, and the whole building is nicely air-conditioned. You can find ATMs, places to exchange money, and a tourist desk where you can pick up maps and local guides.

Inside, there’s a small duty-free shop for any bits and bobs you fancy buying, plus a café serving light bites and Spanish snacks. The staff at the information counter speak English if you need help. The terminal is properly set up for people who have trouble getting about, with wheelchair access and lifts. If you want to wander around Alicante before or after your cruise, you can keep your bags safe in the storage area.

Things to Do Before Your Cruise in a Day

Getting in some sightseeing before your cruise? You’ll find brilliant spots near Alicante’s port, all within walking distance. Pop up to Santa Barbara Castle on Mount Benacantil – you’ll see gorgeous views of the Mediterranean and the city sprawling below. Take the lift or walk up if you’re feeling sporty.

1. Have a wander along the Explanada de España, where marble tiles make wavy patterns under rows of palm trees. Grab a coffee and watch the world go by
2. Head to the Old Town (Barrio de Santa Cruz) where you can weave through narrow streets, see lovely coloured houses and eat at proper Spanish restaurants
3. Take a look around the Central Market in its stunning art nouveau building – it’s packed with fresh local food, seafood and tasty bits from the region

Walks near the port

The port area in Alicante has some lovely walking routes – perfect for stretching your legs before or after your cruise. Take a wander down the Explanada de España, where you’ll find palm trees and eye-catching wave patterns made from marble tiles running alongside the port for about half a mile. If you fancy a beach walk, Postiguet Beach is right by the cruise terminal.

Feeling energetic? You can walk up to Santa Bárbara Castle. It’s a bit of a trek – about 30 minutes up – but you’ll get brilliant views of the port and Mediterranean. Or pop over to the Santa Cruz neighbourhood, just 10 minutes from the port, where you can explore narrow streets lined with white houses and colourful flowers.

Dining and Shopping

The cruise terminal puts you just minutes away from brilliant places to eat and shop. You’ll come across proper Spanish tapas bars, seafood spots and laid-back cafes around the marina and old quarter. Pop over to the Central Market – it’s only 15 minutes on foot – for fresh local food and traditional Spanish treats.

If you fancy some shopping, Alicante has three main areas:

1. Rambla de Méndez Núñez – Packed with designer shops and fancy fashion stores
2. Maisonnave Avenue – Full of big European chains and department stores
3. El Barrio – Home to craft shops, antiques and local handmade goods

You’ll find great value on leather items, Spanish wines and local favourites like turrón (almond nougat). Keep in mind that most shops shut for siesta from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, so time your shopping trips right.

Accommodation near the port

Nice hotels are grouped near Alicante’s port area, all walkable from the cruise terminal. The four-star Meliá Alicante sits right at the harbour, with rooms overlooking the sea and brilliant access to both the port and Postiguet Beach. The lovely Hospes Amérigo, set in what was once a Dominican convent, is just two streets from the waterfront and mixes old-world character with modern comforts.

If you’re watching your wallet, Hotel Les Monges Palace and Hotel Rambla are decent choices within a 10-minute stroll of the cruise port. For those wanting their own space, the Rental Apartments Alicante has well-equipped flats with small kitchens – brilliant for longer stays or family trips. Most places let cruise passengers drop off bags early if they arrive before their ship departs.

Tips for First-Time Cruisers from The Port

Getting ready for your first cruise from the port? Here are some handy tips to make things easier. It’s best to get to Alicante at least a day before sailing to avoid any problems with delayed flights or transport. While the port terminal has the basics sorted, you’ll want to be well-prepared.

1. Keep your cruise papers and passport in a separate, easy-to-reach bag – you’ll need them several times during boarding
2. Show up at the terminal at least three hours before your ship leaves, as the security and boarding process can be quite slow
3. Get the port’s mobile app on your phone before you arrive – it gives you live updates about your ship and useful terminal details

Don’t forget to put clear labels on your bags and keep any important medicines with you in your hand luggage.

Customs & Immigration at The Port

The queues at Alicante’s cruise terminal passport control move quite well, with clear signs for both EU and non-EU sections. Keep your passport, cruise card and filled-in customs form ready when you go through immigration. You might wait about 15-20 minutes when it’s busy.

If you’re from outside the EU, you’ll get your passport stamped. EU citizens can use the electronic gates if they have a biometric passport. The customs staff speak English and Spanish, and they’ll only look through your bags if you’re picked for a random check.

When you come back to the ship, you’ll need to go through security – it’s a bit like at the airport. Don’t forget your cruise card – you can’t get back on board without it. You must tell staff if you’re bringing any fresh food or alcohol with you.

Local Currency & Payment Options

The euro (€) is the currency in Spain, and you’ll see it used everywhere in Alicante. While most shops, restaurants and taxis take major credit cards, it’s smart to have some cash for smaller buys and local markets. You can find cash machines (cajeros automáticos) all over the port area and city centre.

Helpful money tips for Alicante:

1. Tell your bank you’re going abroad to avoid any card problems and ask about overseas fees
2. Get your euros from banks instead of tourist spots – you’ll get much better rates
3. Try to keep some small euro notes for taxis and tips, as drivers might not have lots of change

If you’re near the cruise port, many shops show prices in euros and other main currencies, which makes it easier to work out what things cost during your stay.

Emergency Contacts

Essential emergency numbers in Alicante: 112 for general emergencies, 091 for police, and 061 for medical help. These work on all phones, including mobiles – you don’t need a SIM card or signal.

See what’s on offer from Port of Valencia and plan your trip.

The Port Authority Police number is +34 965 130 095, and they’re always open for port emergencies. If you’re on a cruise, keep your ship’s emergency number with you, as they work with local services when needed. The closest hospital to the cruise port is Hospital General Universitario de Alicante at Calle Pintor Baeza, 12.

Pop these numbers in your phone before you arrive. Good to know: emergency operators usually speak English. If you need help with translation, your cruise ship’s reception can lend a hand.

History of The Port

The port of Alicante goes way back – we’re talking 324 BC! While it’s got all the modern safety bits sorted now, its history is quite something. The Romans made good use of it, and when the Moors were in charge, it became one of the Mediterranean’s busiest trading spots. You can still see bits of its trading past everywhere, from old stone storage buildings to the spruped-up old merchant areas.

Three big moments shaped the port’s story:

1. King Alfonso X gave it special sea-trading rights in 1271, making it dead important for the Spanish Crown
2. In the 1500s, loads of ships left from here heading to the New World
3. In the 1990s, they turned it into a proper cruise port, but kept all the old architecture

These days, it’s a proper busy cruise port, showing just how important it still is for sailing and trade.

Environmental Initiatives at The Port

Since 2015, Alicante’s port has gone big on being eco-friendly, with loads of green projects to cut down on its impact on the environment. They’ve put solar panels all over the terminal buildings, which now handle 30% of the port’s power needs. The whole place runs on LED lights and clever sensors to keep energy use down.

You’ll spot recycling points dotted around and there’s a proper water treatment plant that cleans all the cruise ship waste water. Their ‘Clean Air Program’ means ships have to use cleaner fuel when they’re docked, and they can plug into the shore’s power supply to cut down on fumes. The port’s got electric vehicles zipping about for daily jobs, and they’ve just put in a new system to keep tabs on noise levels – which is brilliant news for people living nearby.

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Accessibility Information for Disabled Passengers

The cruise terminal is fully accessible with level floors throughout and wide, flat paths suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. You’ll find helpful staff at both entrances who can lend a hand with mobility equipment and show you around.

The port has these important accessible features:

1. Disabled toilets on both floors, fitted with emergency alarms and handrails
2. Several lifts connecting all levels, with Braille buttons and voice announcements
3. Special seating areas where you can charge electric mobility equipment

If you need extra help, get in touch with your cruise line at least 48 hours before you arrive. The port runs a downtown Alicante shuttle with wheelchair-friendly vehicles – just book ahead through your ship’s guest services desk.

Cruise Insurance and Medical Facilities at The Port

Getting proper travel insurance is really important when you come to Alicante’s cruise port, no matter how long you’re staying. You’ll want a policy that covers medical problems, cancelled trips and lost luggage. While cruise companies sell their own insurance, you might find better deals by looking at separate providers.

There’s a good medical centre right in Terminal 1 of the port that can deal with basic health problems and emergencies. The staff speak several languages and work whenever cruise ships are in. If something more serious happens, ambulances can quickly get you to Hospital General Universitario de Alicante – it’s only 15 minutes from the port. Remember to keep your insurance cards and any important medical papers with you when you’re walking around the port area.

Families: Child-Friendly Services and Activities

Families popping into the cruise port will find loads of child-friendly facilities in both terminals. There are good changing tables in all loos, quiet spots for nursing mums, and you can hire pushchairs from the information desk.

Kids can have fun with these popular bits while waiting to get on board or after getting off:

1. A watched-over play space split into areas for little ones and bigger children, with fun games and learning activities
2. A family café with smaller meals for kids, high chairs, and food choices for special diets
3. An indoor fun zone with video games, board games, and a small cinema showing family films in different languages

The terminals have first-aid points stocked with children’s medical supplies, and you can get free baby bits like nappies and wipes from the service desk.

Local Cultural Highlights and Events

Alicante brims with brilliant culture all year, and many ships dock just in time for the best festivals. The biggest party hits town in late June – Las Hogueras de San Juan – when huge paper-mâché figures stand proudly in the streets before going up in flames. If you’re around during Holy Week, you’ll catch moving religious processions winding through the old quarter.

Pop by in December to see the old town turn into a proper Medieval Market, whilst summer brings fantastic flamenco shows every week at Plaza del Ayuntamiento. The Museum of Contemporary Art (MACA) is worth your time, showing off pieces by Picasso and Dalí. For music lovers, there’s the Alicante Jazz Festival in July, and the Principal Theatre hosts lovely classical concerts throughout the year.

Best Times of Year to Cruise from The Port

Spring and autumn are brilliant times to set sail from Alicante, when it’s about 18-24°C with hardly any rain. You’ll find it’s lovely for wandering about, plus there aren’t as many tourists as in summer.

Summer brings the hottest weather and fantastic beach days, but you’ll have to deal with:

1. Loads of tourists crowding the port from June to August
2. Higher prices for cruises and local hotels
3. Proper hot weather, often hitting 29-35°C in July and August

Winter cruises between December and February are cheapest and the port’s quite peaceful, though you might get some rain and it’s a bit cooler at 13-18°C. The Mediterranean stays fairly calm throughout the year, so Alicante’s a solid choice for setting off no matter when you fancy going.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Cruise Ships Can Dock Simultaneously at Alicante Port?

The Alicante port has spots for 2 cruise ships to dock at the same time at its cruise terminal. The actual number of ships that can fit depends on how big they are and when they’re scheduled to arrive.

Are There Any Luggage Storage Lockers Available at the Cruise Terminal?

Most cruise passengers need a safe place for their bags. While there aren’t any lockers at the terminal itself, you can find quite a few private storage spots just a short 10-minute stroll away in Alicante’s city centre, right by the port.

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

The cruise berths in Alicante have water depths between 11.5 and 14 metres (38-46 feet), plenty deep enough for most modern cruise ships. The harbour’s good depth means ships can dock safely throughout the year.

Can Passengers Use Drones to Photograph Ships From the Port Area?

Nope – you’re not allowed to fly drones around the port area. The rules are quite strict about this. You can’t operate drones near ships or port buildings because of security worries. If you really want to use a drone there, you’ll need to get proper permission from the people who run the port first.

Are There Any Restrictions on Bringing Local Wine Back Onto Ships?

Best to have a look at your cruise line’s rules, but most ships are fine with you bringing 1-2 bottles of wine aboard. Just keep in mind you’ll usually need to pay a corkage fee if you fancy drinking it in their restaurants.

Thinking about something different? Check out the cruises leaving from Málaga Cruise Ship Port.