During our recent 2 weeks P&O cruise on Arvia of the med, it featured 6 port days. Most stops were in Spain and a couple included Italy and France.
On port days you can leave your passports and you only need to have your cruise card with you. Occasionally you may need your passport or a copy and the ship will advise. When leaving the ship, if you press the “*” button in the lift, it will take you to the level for disembarking which is handy. Ocassionally, especially is a seaside port, the tide may changing requiring a different level to enter the ship.
On leaving, your cruise card is scanned and most ports allow a quick exit. Likewise when returning, the only difference is that you are required to go through security.
Our cruise stopped at 6 ports and the ship will tell you the times that you need to be back by. It is important to make sure that you are back in time. If doing excursions, the safest is to book P&O shore excursions as if any delays, the ship will wait for you.
The port stops are handy for buying any drinks or snacks from local supermarkets to bring back to your room. As well of course take in local sites!
At ports, P&O do put on coaches when needed to the nearest town/point of interest. As we had a “Select fare”, the coaches were free to board. Otherwise, you are charged. See the earlier post about booking your cruise to learn more about “Select” fares.
Prior to port days, you can book available excursions. They go on sale a couple of weeks prior to your cruise and you can also book using the “My Holiday” app or visiting the shore experiences area on deck 7 of the ship.
Port Stop 1 – La Caruna (day 3)
Our first port day in Spain started with some showers and brightened up by the afternoon.
This port is great for exploring locally with shops, bars and restaurants near by.
A local square is also worth visiting which was called Maria Pinto.
Port Stop 2 Palma, Mallorca (Day 6)
On arrival at the port, we had a complete day in Palma. A short 20 minutes coach ride took us to the town.
Nearby the coach stop was near the Palace of the Royals and Cathedral. Both impressive sites.
On the day we visited a craft market and impromptu sales of knock off designer goods were on sale.
While a lot of decent licensed traders, take care with some of the unofficial street sellers. In asking for a price and not being interested in bartering, my wife and daughter were followed by an aggressive sales person still trying to get a sale.
Many shops are in walking distance and proved popular with tourists.
The only downside is the getting back to the ship. The queue for the coach was long at this port and again a fair wait for security. A lovely area to visit though.
Port Stop 3 – La Spezia (Day 8)
We used the coach transfer to the terminal and started the day early. To fully appreciate this port, you likely need to book an excursion to an option like “Pisa”. We walked locally and did not find anything of much interest. A stroll to stretch our legs at best. However, it was also a Sunday and nothing was open.
Of note when boarding the ship, P&O run their own security for his port.
Port Stop 4 – Marseille (Day 9)
A lively port with facilities and shops nearby. We took the train around the town which included a stop at the Notre Dame. While the train had some commentary, it was 10 euros each and not the best value in my opinion.
On the day of our visit there was lots of Police presence and a stage being built to receive the Olympic torch in the run up to the 2024 Olympics. I was able to get a little merchandise and bought an Paris Olympics cap.
Port Stop 5 – Barcelona (Day 10)
An impressive city next to the sea. After exploring many shops, we were finally able to visit the cathedral – Basílica de la Sagrada Família. A highlight of all the port days while on this cruise.
Despite warnings to be careful from distractions, thankfully we had no issues on the day from pickpockets/distractors.
A very busy city and reminded me of London/Paris due to size and quite Parisian in style in parts.
Managed to get some cathedral souvenirs as well.
Port Stop 6 – Cadiz (Day 12)
This port stop is convenient as no coach transfers and you can walk to lots of alleys with shops.
Narrow alleys with lots of shops. Quite a nice port.
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