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Portofino tender information for Celebrity Cruises passengers

Portofino is a tender port — there is no large-ship dock in the harbour. Celebrity passengers disembark by tender boat, then walk to shore excursion meeting points in the village.

Most cruise ships do not dock directly in Portofino due to the small size of the harbour. Instead, ships anchor offshore and passengers are transported into the village using tender boats. The tender ride itself offers fantastic views of the Italian Riviera coastline and the colourful Portofino harbour as you arrive.

Read our full Portofino tender information guide and meeting point directions before port day.

Why Portofino is different from docked ports

Unlike docked ports where you step straight onto a pier, Portofino requires tender boats in both directions. That means queuing, walking from the landing, and returning well before all aboard — especially on busy days when several ships share the Gulf anchorage.

Use the cruise planner with your ship's arrival and departure times to see how much usable time you have ashore.

Recommended excursion: Small Group Santa Margherita, Camogli & Portofino

The only shared small-group shore excursion from Portofino visiting Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure and Camogli in a single cruise day. Approx. 4 hours, Maximum 8 guests per 8-seat van, designed around tender-port timing.

Celebrity Cruises ships in our Portofino schedules

Select your ship for port call history, tender planning advice, and excursion recommendations.

Planning links

FAQ

Do Celebrity ships dock in Portofino?
No. Celebrity Cruises vessels anchor offshore and use tender boats to reach Portofino village. Allow time for tender transfers when planning shore excursions.
Which Celebrity shore excursion fits a Portofino call?
The Small Group Santa Margherita, Camogli & Portofino Shore Excursion is designed for tender-port timing — Approx. 4 hours, maximum 8 guests per van, visiting Santa Margherita Ligure, Camogli and Portofino.
Where do I meet my excursion after tendering?
Meet near FARMACIA on Piazza della Libertà — approximately 5 to 7 minutes walk from the tender pier. See our meeting point guide for walking directions.