Princess Cruises Portofino Shore Excursions
Portofino is a tender port. Cruise ships anchor in the Gulf of Tigullio and passengers reach the village by tender boat — there is no large-ship dock in the harbour. Princess Cruises itineraries that include Portofino require tender ashore and return queue planning before booking shore activities.
Portofino tender port basics for Princess Cruises passengers
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 Portofino cruise port guide and tender port guide for full planning context.
Why timing matters on a Portofino port day
Princess passengers should use published port times in our cruise planner to see usable hours ashore. A multi-village tour needs roughly five to six usable hours once tender delays are counted.
Use the cruise day planner or interactive cruise planner with your ship's arrival and departure times.
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, meeting at Farmacia.
Meeting point: FARMACIA directions from the tender pier
Return-to-ship confidence
Princess ship excursions include a ship guarantee when booked through the cruise line. The small-group independent tour plans return margins — you are responsible for all aboard, with buffer built into the itinerary.
- Be at the tender pier 45 to 60 minutes before all aboard on a cautious plan
- Confirm all-aboard on your cruise app — it is your hard deadline
- Return queues build when several ships share the Gulf anchorage
Princess Cruises ship schedules
When Princess Cruises publishes Portofino calls, they appear in our ship schedule hub. Browse all cruise ships for current data.
FAQ
- Is Portofino a tender port for Princess Cruises?
- Yes. Ships anchor offshore and passengers tender into Portofino village.
- Which Princess shore excursion covers Camogli?
- The Small Group Santa Margherita, Camogli & Portofino Shore Excursion includes Camogli alongside Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino — villages many overview tours skip.
- How early should I return to the tender pier?
- Be at the village landing 45 to 60 minutes before all aboard on a cautious plan.