Nice Cruise Ship Port Guide

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

Getting to Nice’s cruise port is simple no matter where you’re coming from. Flying in? Nice Côte d’Azur Airport is only 4 miles away – you can grab a taxi (15-20 minutes to the port) or hop on one of the regular shuttle buses that run every half hour from the airport to the port entrance.

If you’re travelling by train, head to Nice-Ville station, which sits 1.2 miles from the port. From there, it’s either a quick 5-minute taxi journey or a lovely 20-minute walk along the Promenade des Anglais. Driving? Just follow the signs to “Port Lympia” or “Port de Nice”. You can park at the port for £15 per day, but do book ahead if you’re coming in summer.

Local buses #81 and #100 stop right by the port entrance too – handy if you want to get to and from the city centre or nearby towns.

Port Parking Options

There are several places to park your car at Nice’s cruise port. The main terminal has covered parking for £20 a day, and you can walk straight to your cruise ship from there. It’s worth booking ahead online to save yourself a spot, as it gets quite busy in summer.

If you want to spend a bit less, there’s an open-air car park about 400 metres from the terminal that costs £15 per day. For trips longer than a week, try the long-term parking area at the western side of the port – it works out at £95 per week. All the car parks have security cameras and staff watching them day and night.

If you have a disability, you can park in the special spaces right by the terminal entrance. The prices are the same as regular parking, but remember to show your blue badge.

Local Transport & Transfers

Getting to Nice’s cruise terminal is straightforward whether you’re coming from the city centre or airport. The port is about 4 miles from Nice Côte d’Azur Airport and 1.5 miles from central Nice. A taxi costs roughly €35 from the airport or €15-20 from the city centre. If you fancy saving a bit of money, rideshare services tend to be cheaper.

If you’re watching your pennies, these public transport options work well:

1. Bus #98 goes straight from the airport to Port Lympia every 20 minutes (€6)
2. Tram line 2 runs from the airport to near the port – you’ll need a quick walk (€1.50)
3. City bus #30 connects central Nice to the cruise terminal (€1.50)

It’s worth booking your transfer ahead during busy times to avoid queues and get better prices.

Port Terminal Facilities

Nice’s cruise terminal has all the basic facilities you need when getting on or off ships. Inside the main building, you can store your bags, use the loos and sit in an air-conditioned waiting room. There’s free Wi-Fi too, though it can be a bit slow when it’s busy.

You’ll find a small café for drinks and snacks, plus vending machines dotted around. The terminal also has ATMs, places to exchange money, and helpful staff at tourist information desks. Getting on board is straightforward with dedicated check-in areas, security checks, and customs facilities.

The staff wear uniforms and speak several languages – they’re there to help if you need directions, a wheelchair, or have any questions. Finding your way about is simple, with signs in both French and English.

Things to Do Before Your Cruise in a Day

Before setting sail from Nice, you’ve got plenty to keep you busy. Pop into the Old Town (Vieux Nice) first – it’s a lovely maze of narrow streets packed with local shops and cafes. The Promenade des Anglais is brilliant for a morning walk by the Mediterranean Sea.

These spots are worth your time in Nice:

1. Cours Saleya Market – Wander through stalls of fresh fruit, flowers, and local treats at this lively outdoor market
2. Castle Hill (Colline du Château) – Walk up to see amazing views of the city and bay
3. Place Massena – Have a look around the main square with its beautiful buildings and fountains

You can store your bags at the port or nearby storage spots whilst you’re out and about before boarding.

Walks near the port

From the port, you can take several lovely walks to see Nice’s seaside beauty. The Promenade des Anglais is the main attraction – a 7-kilometre path with palm trees running along the Mediterranean. You’ll spot plenty of locals out for their daily run, bike ride or afternoon stroll on this famous boardwalk.

If you fancy a bit of history, walk east from the port up to the Colline du Château (Castle Hill). It’s a 20-minute climb, but you’ll get brilliant views of the city, port and sea. For a taste of local life, it’s just a quick walk to the Old Town (Vieux Nice), where you can wander through winding streets, bustling markets and past beautiful Baroque churches. Taking the Place Garibaldi route, you’ll pass grand squares and the MAMAC modern art museum – all within 15 minutes’ walk from the port.

Dining and Shopping

Food fans and shoppers can find loads to see and do just minutes from the port on foot. You’ll spot lovely cafes with local Niçois dishes like socca and salade niçoise along Rue Bonaparte and Rue Lascaris. If you fancy some high-end shopping, wander over to Avenue Jean Médecin, where department stores and international brands line the streets.

Whilst wandering through the Old Town’s narrow lanes, make time for:

1. Cours Saleya Market – a lively outdoor market full of fresh produce, flowers, and local treats
2. Rue de France – packed with boutiques selling French fashion and accessories
3. Place Masséna – where you’ll find Galeries Lafayette and plenty of restaurants

Pop into the food shops along Rue Pairolière too – they’re brilliant for picking up local olive oil, wine, and traditional candied fruits.

Accommodation near the port

Looking for a place to stay near Nice’s cruise port? You’ll find several brilliant options within a 10-minute walk. The fancy Hotel Suisse sits on Castle Hill, with lovely views of the Mediterranean and old town. For something mid-range, Hotel La Perouse is a good choice, with its rooftop terrace and handy port location.

If you’re keeping an eye on costs, Hotel du Port and Hotel Cronstadt both have nice, clean rooms that won’t break the bank. They’re practically next door to the cruise terminal. Need more space? Residence Lamartine has apartment-style rooms with small kitchens and living spaces – perfect for longer stays.

Remember to book early if you’re travelling in the busy season (May-October), as these well-placed hotels get booked up fast. Most places will hold your bags if you turn up before you can get into your room.

Tips for First-Time Cruisers from The Port

Getting ready for your first cruise from Nice is easier with a bit of planning. It’s best to show up a day early to sort out any travel hiccups that might mess up your sailing schedule. Pop your must-haves in a small bag to keep with you until your main luggage turns up in your cabin – think medicines, important papers and spare clothes.

Want smooth sailing through Nice’s port? Follow these tips:

1. Fill in your online registration at least 72 hours before you set off
2. Have several copies of your boarding paperwork and passport handy
3. Arrive at the terminal exactly when you’re meant to – not too early, not too late

Grab the cruise line’s app before you board – you’ll need it to see what’s on each day, book your meals and arrange trips when you dock.

Customs & Immigration at The Port

You’ll need to go through customs and immigration at Nice’s cruise port after you finish checking in. Make sure you’ve got your passport and boarding papers ready for the staff to look at. The customs officers will go through your documents and might ask questions about what you’re bringing on the ship.

Those with non-EU passports will need to show their visa if one’s needed. During busy times, you might queue for about 15-30 minutes. Everyone walks through metal detectors, and your bags go through X-ray machines. Don’t try to bring anything that’s not allowed – things like weapons, illegal drugs or fresh fruit and veg.

Keep your passport handy throughout your trip – you’ll need it whenever you get off at different ports. Once you’re through customs, you’ll get a cruise card which works as your ID on the ship and lets you pay for things on board.

See what’s on offer from the Port of Marseille for a different Mediterranean cruise destination.

Local Currency & Payment Options

The euro is what you’ll need for shopping and eating out in Nice and other Mediterranean ports. Although most places take cards these days, it’s worth having some cash on you for smaller bits and bobs, local markets and taxis. You’ll spot plenty of cash machines around Nice, including a few near the port.

To get the most for your money during your port stop:

1. Get euros straight from local cash machines with your debit card – you’ll get better rates than at currency exchange places
2. Let your bank and card companies know about your cruise beforehand so they don’t block your cards
3. If you have credit cards that don’t charge extra for foreign spending, use those for bigger purchases

Most Nice restaurants and shops take Visa and Mastercard, though American Express isn’t quite as common. Keep some smaller euro notes handy for tipping and buying things at markets.

Emergency Contacts

Safety comes first when you’re visiting Nice and other Mediterranean ports. Save these important emergency numbers on your phone: 112 for general emergencies, 15 for ambulances, 17 for police and 18 for the fire brigade.

You’ll find the main Nice police station at 1 Avenue du Maréchal Foch, and if you need medical help, the nearest hospital to the cruise port is Hôpital Saint-Roch at 5 Rue Pierre Dévoluy. The tourist police are based at 1 Promenade des Anglais. Your cruise ship’s port agent can help with emergencies too – you’ll usually see their details posted near the gangway.

Don’t forget to save your ship’s local emergency number and the port authority’s round-the-clock hotline: +33 4 92 00 42 00.

History of The Port

Nice’s port tells quite a story – from the ancient Greek sailors who dropped anchor here in 350 BC to the busy harbour you see today. After the Greeks, the Romans made it even bigger, turning it into a crucial Mediterranean trading spot. You can still spot bits of this old history in the buildings around Port Lympia, though it got a complete makeover in the 18th century.

Three big changes shaped the port into what it is now:

1. 1749-1755: They built the modern deep-water harbour
2. 1840s: They added shipbuilding yards and made the quays bigger
3. 1980s: It became a prime spot for cruise ships

As you walk about, you’re treading the same ground where ancient traders, Napoleon’s ships and today’s massive cruise liners have all sailed through. It’s among France’s most important harbours, historically speaking.

Nowadays there are proper safety rules in place, but you’re still walking through centuries of maritime history.

Environmental Initiatives at The Port

Since 2015, Nice’s port has made huge strides in going green. There are now special power points for ships to plug into whilst they’re docked, which means they can switch their engines off – this cuts air pollution by a whopping 95%. They’re doing brilliant work with waste too – about 80% of cruise ship rubbish gets recycled, and they even turn leftover food into compost for farms in the area.

Look up at the terminal roofs and you’ll see loads of solar panels, which handle 30% of all the port’s power needs. They’ve got a clever water treatment plant that cleans ships’ ballast water before it goes into the Mediterranean, which helps protect sea life. If you pop down to the port, you’ll spot electric buses ferrying people between terminals, and there are new air quality measuring stations dotted about – you can see their readings in real time on the port’s app.

Accessibility Information for Disabled Passengers

The Nice port makes travel easier for all visitors with lots of accessible features throughout. You’ll spot wheelchair-friendly paths connecting all terminal areas, and helpful staff are on hand to lend assistance with getting on and off ships.

The port’s disability services include:

1. Free wheelchair and mobility scooter loans when booked in advance
2. Fast-track service desks with lower counters and hearing loop systems
3. Accessible loos with emergency alarms on every terminal floor

Need extra help? Ring the port’s accessibility team at least 48 hours before you arrive. All shuttle buses running between the port and city centre are wheelchair-friendly, with hydraulic lifts and secure spots for chairs. You’ll also find marked parking bays near terminal entrances for cars showing proper disability badges.

Cruise Insurance and Medical Facilities at The Port

Getting the right travel insurance with proper cruise cover is essential before you set sail. Your policy needs to include things like medical evacuations at sea, cancelled trips and lost bags – don’t leave home without sorting this first.

There’s a medical centre in Terminal B that’s open round the clock for emergencies, basic health checks and first aid. It’s run by proper doctors and nurses who know their stuff. They work closely with nearby hospitals and can get you transferred quickly if you need more serious treatment.

If you take regular medicines, bring your prescriptions with you and keep all tablets in their original boxes. The port’s chemist can help with emergency medicine supplies, but you’ll need the right paperwork from your doctor back home.

Families: Child-Friendly Services and Activities

Looking after the kids is sorted at our port terminal, with loads of brilliant things to keep them busy before you sail. There’s a watched play space with qualified staff, fun digital games, and furniture that’s just the right size for kids in all the waiting areas.

Got a baby? We’ve got a proper nursing room and changing tables in every loo. You’ll also find a small shop with all the baby bits and bobs you might need, plus snacks.

What we’ve got for families:

1. Free pushchairs to borrow while you’re here
2. Special family lanes at check-in so you won’t queue for ages
3. Kids’ activity packs full of colouring books and puzzles

If you’re bringing children under 12, you’ll like our family areas with tellies showing kids’ shows and spots to charge your gadgets.

Local Cultural Highlights and Events

Looking for culture? You’ll find loads to see around our busy port. Head to the lively Cours Saleya market, where locals sell fresh flowers, food and proper Provençal crafts. The Place Massena is a must-see with its bold red buildings and patterned square – it’s particularly lovely when they put on the evening light shows.

The city comes alive with big events all year round, including February’s Nice Carnival (one of the biggest in Europe) and the Nice Jazz Festival in July. Wander through the Old Town (Vieux Nice) with its snug streets packed with local restaurants serving Niçois dishes like socca and pissaladière. Pop into the Russian Orthodox Cathedral, which shows off Nice’s old links with Russian nobility. If you fancy some art, the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art has brilliant work from both local and international artists.

Best Times of Year to Cruise from The Port

When to Cruise: Best Times From The Port

While there’s plenty going on all year, choosing the right season for your cruise really matters. Nice’s Mediterranean weather is brilliant from May to October, with July and August being the busiest and warmest months.

These times tend to work best for cruising:

1. Early June to mid-July: Lovely 24°C temperatures, manageable visitor numbers, and steady sailing weather
2. September to early October: Still nice and warm, fewer tourists about, and better deals from most cruise lines
3. Late April to May: Spring flowers, mild weather, and clear views along the coast

Winter cruises between November and March can be quite choppy with cooler weather, but you’ll find much better prices and quieter ports during these months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Pets Allowed on Cruise Ships Departing From Nice Port?

Most cruise ships sailing from Nice don’t allow pets aboard, but service animals are fine. If you need to bring a service animal, just let the cruise company know beforehand and make sure you’ve got the proper paperwork sorted.

What Is the Typical Water Temperature at Nice’s Beaches During Cruise Season?

The Mediterranean water at Nice’s beaches feels lovely between June and September, with temperatures sitting at around 20-24°C (68-75°F). It’s perfect for a dip when you fancy a break from your cruise ship.

Are There Luggage Storage Lockers at Nice Cruise Terminal for Early Arrivals?

No storage lockers at Nice’s cruise terminal, I’m afraid. If you get there early, you’ll have to hang onto your bags or sort out storage at either the train station nearby or one of the luggage spots in the city centre.

Which Cruise Lines Offer Last-Minute Deals From Nice Port?

MSC Cruises and Costa Cruises often have good last-minute price cuts from Nice. You can look at their websites each day, or chat with local travel agents to grab these money-saving deals.

Can I Charge My Electric Vehicle at the Nice Cruise Port Parking?

No EV charging spots right at Nice cruise port’s car park, but you’ll find a few public charging points about 10 minutes on foot in Nice city centre if you need to top up your car.

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