By
Rebecca Gibson |
This article was first published in the Spring/Summer 2018 issue of the International Cruise & Ferry Review. All information was correct at the time of printing, but may since have changed.
Located on the south-east coast of Spain where the Turia River meets the Mediterranean Sea, Valencia has become increasingly popular with cruise guests over the past few years, and 2018 will be no different.
This year, the port is scheduled to receive 195 ship calls and more than 425,000 passengers – a 3% growth from 2017. The rise can be largely attributed to the fact that MSC Cruises will homeport two ships in Valencia – MSC Divina from March to September, and new flagship MSC Meraviglia from October to November. In addition, the port will welcome ships from 30 different cruise companies, including AIDA Cruises, Azamara Club Cruises, Costa Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, TUI Cruises and Viking Cruises.
Valencia’s secure cruise terminal has two docks that can accommodate 300-metre-long ships, and a 430-metre and a 440-metre quay in the northern part of the port. This enables the port to cater for almost all the cruise ships sailing in the Mediterranean, from smaller vessels to the newer, larger and more family-oriented ships.
All cruise guests are given a special welcome on arrival and they can enjoy independent sightseeing in Valencia’s historic city, or participate in various shore excursions.