Monrovia’s port sits at Cape Mesurado on Bushrod Island, just a couple kilometers from downtown.
Since there’s no fancy cruise terminal, you’ll need to grab a taxi ($15-25) or hop on a hotel shuttle ($20) to get around.
Don’t forget to pack some USD (newer bills from after 2006) and your yellow fever card – they’ll definitely want to see that!
Try to visit during the dry months (November-April) for the best experience.
This port’s been around since 1822 and has quite a story to tell as one of West Africa’s key gateways to the sea.
Map of Monrovia Liberia Cruise Ship Port
Where is The Port Located?
The Port of Monrovia sits at 6.3°N and -10.8°W on West Africa’s coastline in Montserrado County, Liberia. It’s tucked away at Cape Mesurado, right where the St. Paul River flows into the Atlantic Ocean.
This natural harbor, called the Freeport of Monrovia (port code: LRMLW), is on the northern coast of Bushrod Island. You can get to downtown easily via the 450-meter Ducor Bridge. If you’re flying in, it’s about 30 km from Roberts International Airport and right in the heart of Liberia’s administrative center.
How to get to the port, by air, train, road
Planning a cruise to Monrovia? You’ll want to know how to get to the port without any hassle. Roberts International Airport (ROB) is your best bet if you’re flying in – it’s about 50km from the port, and you’ll need to allow 60-90 minutes for the transfer.
Got your bags? Grab a shared shuttle ($10-$15), splash out on a private shuttle ($75-$150), or just hop in a taxi ($50-$80). The Robertsfield Highway runs straight to the port, so you won’t get lost.
Already hanging out in downtown Monrovia? Jump in one of the shared taxis for $5-$10, or save some cash with the minibuses that’ll only set you back $1-$3 along Tubman Boulevard.
Just a heads-up – Liberia doesn’t have trains for passengers, so don’t waste time looking for that option. If you’re staying at a hotel, though, ask if they’ve got shuttle services for cruise passengers – many do!
Port Parking Options
Port Parking Options
Looking for parking at the port? Things are pretty tight, honestly. Monrovia’s cruise port doesn’t have any dedicated parking areas for passengers that we know of.
Instead, you might want to consider:
- Grabbing a private taxi (costs between $10-$20) to drop you off
- Using the parking at Roberts International Airport (L$50 per half hour) – but heads up, it’s about 45km from the port
- Renting a car ahead of time through vendors at the airport
Just so you know, there’s not much info out there about parking specifically for the port. You won’t find shuttles running between the airport and cruise terminal, and those convenient park-and-cruise packages don’t exist here yet. Might be worth checking with your cruise line to see what they suggest for getting to and from the ship.
Local Transport & Transfers
Getting Around Monrovia When Cruising
Need to navigate Monrovia during your cruise stop? No worries – just plan ahead a bit.
A bunch of hotels run shuttles to the cruise terminals – some are free, others might set you back about $20 per person. Just make sure to book these ahead of time. Taxis are pretty reliable too, with set rates between $15-$25 from downtown, while ride-sharing apps let you see your fare upfront and track your ride.
Flying into Roberts International? Better arrange your transfer early – private cars cost $80-$120 for the 60-90 minute drive. The local “penny buses” are super cheap (only 50 cents to a buck), but honestly, they’re a pain if you’ve got suitcases or trouble walking.
Port Terminal Facilities and Accessibility
Port Terminal Facilities and Accessibility
When you’re ready to get off the ship in Monrovia, you’ll step onto a working harbor that has a few quirks. This place is mainly built for cargo ships, with cruise passengers as more of an afterthought.
You won’t find a fancy cruise terminal here – instead, you’ll walk through APM Terminals‘ multi-purpose facility. The port can handle ships up to 195 meters long, but don’t expect much in terms of accessibility features – they don’t really advertise what they have.
On the bright side, the harbor’s natural layout keeps things calm for docking, and you’re only about 2km from downtown Monrovia. The bridges connect straight to the road network, though you might get stuck in city traffic during rush hour.
Things to Do Before Your Cruise in a Day
Only Got a Day in Monrovia Before Your Cruise? Here’s What to Do
With just 24 hours before your ship sails, you’ll want to make every minute count in Monrovia. Kick things off with a quick trip to Providence Island – this is where freed slaves first put down roots back in 1822. Then head over to the National Museum to get the real scoop on Liberia’s fascinating backstory.
When hunger strikes, Sweet Lips Cafe is your go-to spot. Try their killer pepper soup or dig into some proper jollof rice. After lunch, wander through Waterside Market to snag some cool local stuff to take home.
Feeling wiped out? Chill for a bit at Ce Ce Beach or catch an awesome sunset at Mamba Point.
Oh, and don’t space on the boring-but-necessary stuff – swap some currency, grab an MTN SIM card, and keep that yellow fever certificate on you. Trust me, you’ll need it!
Walks near the port
Cruising to Monrovia? Ditch the tour buses and explore on foot! The Historical Providence Island Walk is just a quick 800-meter stroll from where your ship docks. You’ll stumble upon colonial buildings with cool spiral staircases that tell the story of Liberia’s beginnings – stuff most cruise passengers totally miss.
The “Walk with a Doc” meetups happen twice a week and are super casual. You’ll pick up some health pointers while enjoying a 30-45 minute walk that works for everyone, even your out-of-shape uncle.
For something different, check out the pirate-themed walks where you actually get to play along in the story. Or just grab a map from the port office and wander the paved paths yourself – they lead right to Providence Island’s tree-lined trails where you can escape the heat.
Dining and Shopping
Dining and Shopping
When your ship pulls into Monrovia, you’ll be pretty surprised by all the food options – trust me, it’s way better than the usual cruise stuff.
Wanna try some authentic local food? Head to Aunty Nana’s for killer jollof rice or check out Family Porch where you can dig into Liberian dishes with the locals. If you’re into seafood, Whales Spoon has super fresh catches, or grab a spot at La Pointe for their ocean-view buffets. The Barracuda dishes up decent sushi with some piano tunes on weekends, and Bramante’s got that Italian vibe with fancy imported wines.
Once you’ve stuffed yourself, hit up the craft markets near Waterside for cool wooden carvings and colorful tie-dye fabrics. Need something a bit more upscale? The shops at Mamba Point and Royal Hotel have quality Liberian souvenirs. Or just wander along UN Drive where street vendors sell these amazing handmade baskets and masks.
Accommodation near the port
Need a place to crash near Monrovia’s cruise port? No sweat! There are plenty of good spots, but definitely book ahead when it’s busy.
YVE Hotels are your best bet if you want to stay super close to the port without breaking the bank – lots of other cruise folks stay there too.
Craving beach vibes? Check out Bamboo Beach Resort with its casino and watering holes, or Ocean Drive Beach Resort where you can splash in two different pools or hit the golf course.
More of a city person? Murex Plaza is only 700 meters from Ghana Embassy and throws in free WiFi. Feeling fancy? Boulevard Palace Hotel brings the 5-star treatment with a sweet pool and nightclub. And Hotel Provident has your breakfast covered plus solid laundry service when you need it.
Customs & Immigration at The Port
Got Your Accommodation? Now for the Port Stuff
Once you’ve sorted your place to stay, you’ll need to deal with the port entry process. Don’t worry too much – cruise ships usually handle most of the customs paperwork for you, which is a real blessing given Monrovia’s basic port facilities.
Just make sure your passport isn’t about to expire (you need at least six months left on it) and bring your yellow fever card. They’re pretty big on health checks because of those Ebola outbreaks they had before. For quick trips ashore, you probably won’t even get your passport checked, but hang onto your cruise ID card – you’ll definitely need that to get back on the ship.
Local Currency & Payment Options
Local Currency & Payment Options
Liberia has this cool dual-currency thing going on, so you’ll be using both Liberian Dollars (LRD) and US Dollars (USD) while you’re there. Make sure to bring clean USD bills printed after 2006 – they’re accepted pretty much everywhere in Monrovia.
It’s smart to have some small USD bills ($1-$5) for shopping at the cruise port. Keep some LRD on hand too for when you hit up local markets or need to pay for transportation. Cash is king here – credit cards only work at fancy places.
Skip the street money changers and exchange your currency at banks for better rates. Don’t carry all your cash around – stash the extra in your ship’s safe and try not to flash big wads of money in public.
Emergency Contacts
Emergency Contacts
Before hitting the streets of Monrovia, take a minute to save these emergency numbers in your phone. You’ll want the National Port Authority Emergency Line (+231 77 777 7777), JFK Medical Center (+231 88 651 6789), and your cruise line’s emergency contact (Carnival: 800-227-6482; Ambassador: +44 1473 659 999).
While you’re docked with us, you’re part of our port family. Got trouble? VHF Channel 16 will get you help fast. American travelers should jot down the U.S. Embassy’s emergency number too: +231 77 677 7000. And for any local headaches, Port Security (+231 88 538 9241) has your back.
History of The Port
While these emergency numbers will keep you safe during your visit, getting to know Monrovia’s rich maritime history will make your time here way more interesting. The city got its start back in 1822 as Christopolis before being renamed Monrovia in 1824, originally set up as a place for freed slaves to settle.
The port really hit the big time in 1948 when Liberia created its ship registry. Pretty impressive – today, Liberia’s flag flies on about 15% of all ocean-going ships worldwide, putting it fourth globally. The port took some hard knocks during the civil wars (1989-2003) but has bounced back in a major way.
You’ll be docking at the same spot where cruise ships like MS Nautica have pulled in before – just one small part of Monrovia’s long-standing connection to the sea.
Best Times of Year to Cruise from The Port
When’s the best time to set sail from Monrovia? Go for the dry season (November-April) when you’ll hit that sweet spot of 25-27°C weather, blue skies, and smooth sailing.
The golden window is really December through March – that’s when about 65% of cruises between 2025-2027 are scheduled. During these months, you’ll barely face any port delays (just 0.8 hours on average) and can make the most of shore trips and water activities.
Steer clear of August-October unless you enjoy monsoons, storms, and sticky humidity. Sure, September cruises still run, but expect some hiccups. If you’re looking to dodge the crowds but still catch decent conditions, try the shoulder months (November or April).
Port Tips
Port Tips
Navigating Monrovia’s port isn’t exactly straightforward, but with a few local tricks, you’ll be good to go. Take it from us – we’ve been there and learned what works in this busy commercial port that wasn’t built with cruise passengers in mind.
- Sort out your transport before arriving – either through your cruise line or by booking taxis ahead of time. The local security situation can be dicey, so don’t wing it. And always hash out the fare before getting in!
- Keep your fancy stuff hidden and dress down when exploring the local spots. The markets are amazing but flashy gear attracts unwanted attention.
- Grab some bottled water before heading out and slap on bug spray – the mosquitoes don’t mess around here.
- Just a heads-up: most ships drop anchor offshore since the docks aren’t great for cruise vessels. You’ll likely hop on a tender boat to reach land.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Monrovia Safe for Cruise Passengers?
Monrovia’s got a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde situation going on. Truth is, crime rates are pretty high there, especially once the sun goes down. Your best bet? Stick with your cruise buddies, don’t wander around at night, and only use transportation you know is legit. The place has its charm, but you’ll need to keep your wits about you to enjoy it safely.
What Local Cultural Experiences Are Unique to Liberia?
You’ll discover Liberia’s cultural gems by jumping into colorful ethnic festivals, watching local artists craft traditional masks, trying your hand at country cloth weaving, joining friendly community meals, and wandering through lively markets where craftspeople share both their handmade goods and the stories behind them.
Are There Wildlife Excursions Available From the Port?
Absolutely! You can hop on some fantastic wildlife tours right from the port. Jump aboard guided excursions to catch chimps swinging through trees, colorful butterflies fluttering about, saltwater hippos splashing around, and unique local birds. Choose from boat safaris, jungle treks, or visits to nearby sanctuaries – there’s something for every nature lover!
What Languages Are Commonly Spoken by Locals?
You’ll find English, Liberian English, and Liberian Kreyol as you explore the country. These are the languages you’ll bump into most often, though plenty of locals chat in indigenous languages from the Mande and Kru families when they’re back in their communities.
How Reliable Is Internet Connectivity for Travelers?
Heads up – internet in Monrovia is pretty spotty because they rely on just one underwater cable (the ACE cable). When they’re fixing it, which happens more than you’d like, everything goes down. If you’re visiting, you’ve got a few options: grab the ship’s Wi-Fi when you can, pick up an Orange Liberia SIM card near the port, or hit up one of the internet cafĂ©s downtown if you need to get online.
