Port guide · Italy
One of MSC's most popular embarkation ports and northern Italy's great historic harbour. The terminal is right in the centre: walk to one of Europe's largest medieval old towns and the aquarium; a little over an hour by train and bus or boat takes you to the fishing village of Portofino.
Ships berth at the Stazione Marittima, next to Genoa's old harbour, and you step out straight into the city: 15 minutes' walk south-east to the old town and 10 minutes north to Piazza Principe station, where trains leave for Portofino and the Cinque Terre.
Time: About 15 min to the old townApprox. price: Free
Along the old harbour to the aquarium and from there into the lanes
Time: 5–10 minApprox. price: Metered fare
Handy for getting up to the viewpoints, or with children and older travellers
Route 1
From the pier to Via Garibaldi
A whole street of noble palaces, a World Heritage Site; some are museums
Piazza De Ferrari
The main square, with its big fountain
San Lorenzo Cathedral
A cathedral striped in black and white; free entry
The caruggi
Narrow alleys where you can try pasta with pesto and focaccia
Porto Antico and the aquarium
One of Europe's largest aquariums; paid entry
Back to the terminal along the old harbour
Route 2
Colourful houses around a small bay: one of Italy's most famous villages. On your own, take the train from Principe or Brignole to Santa Margherita Ligure, then a bus or boat; with the changes and the high-season queues, an organised tour is the easiest way.
Want it easy? Join an official MSC shore excursion, timed around the port call. If you booked your cruise with VIAJES FH, ask your advisor to add it for you.
Embarking in Genoa? Many people arrive by train from Milan, and there are also flights to Genoa Airport.
Time: 1.5–2 hApprox. price: Depends on the train
To Genova Piazza Principe; from there, 10 minutes on foot or a short taxi ride to the terminal
Time: About 20 minApprox. price: Metered fare
The airport is about 7 km away: easiest with luggage
Genoa has several terminals: follow your boarding documents.
Your advisor can add shore excursions, drinks packages and onboard internet.
Contact an advisor
Transport and ticket prices are approximate, checked in November 2026, and may change. The latest all-aboard time is the one announced on board.
Cover photo: Parma1983 / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0