Port of Spain - The Port

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The Port

Port of Spain

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Caribbean Trinidad and Tobago Port of Spain The Port

Overview

The Port The guide was updated: 2024-09-14

Unlike its more popular Caribbean counterparts, Trinidad is not commonly frequented by cruise ships. As a result, disembarking at Port of Spain offers a unique experience that sets it apart from other cruise ports in the region. This distinction can be attributed to Trinidad and Tobago's status as a highly industrialized nation, with its port being a bustling commercial hub. Consequently, the cruise terminal in Port of Spain may differ significantly from the typical Caribbean cruise ports, adding a touch of distinctiveness to your visit.

If your cruise ship docks on the island of Tobago, your cruise ship will likely make its berth at Scarborough, the conveniently located cruise terminal nestled in the heart of the town. On certain occasions, however, ships may anchor off the western tip of the island and tender passengers to Pigeon Point, which is situated approximately 8 km away from Scarborough.

Due to its southerly position in the Caribbean, Trinidad receives fewer visits from major cruise lines compared to other destinations. Notable cruise lines that include Port of Spain in their itineraries are Princess, Holland America, Royal Caribbean, and Fred.

Port of Spain Cruise Terminal

Port of Spain Cruise Terminal

The Port of Spain is the largest cruise port in the twin-island republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The Port has two piers and it can accommodate two cruise ships at the same time. The terminal offers many services and facilities for passengers and crew. It has a tourist information office, souvenir and duty-free shops, cafes and restaurants. Upon docking at Port of Spain, visitors are greeted by a festive atmosphere with calypso singers, steelpan players, and Carnival dancers. Also, there are taxis available outside the terminal offering tours on the island. If you do not want to take a taxi, exploring the city on foot is definitely an option, as the shopping and financial district is only 15 minutes away. As for safety, local authorities strongly recommend walking in groups, especially at night. Other recommendations are not carrying large sums of money and avoiding dark streets or parks at midnight.

Scarborough Cruise Port Tobago

Scarborough Cruise Port Tobago

Located just a few minutes’ walk from the centre , The Scarborough cruise ship terminal is the second port in Trinidad and Tobago. Being a smaller terminal, it can only host one cruise ship at a time, however, on busy days other cruise ships anchor on the west side of the island to then tender passenger ashore. If your cruise ship docks in Scarborough, there are a few cafes, bars and restaurants near the cruise terminal. Other points of interest nearby are the Scarborough Botanical Gardens and Fort King George. There are also buses running regularly from the terminal to Crown Point and the famous beach of Pigeon Point.

Directions to Port of Spain Cruise Terminal.

Directions to Port of Spain Cruise Terminal.

The Port of Spain Cruise Ship Complex is located on Wrightson Road in Port of Spain, Trinidad. If you are arriving by air, the Piarco International Airport is located approximately 25 kilometres east of the city. Taxis are readily available at the airport and throughout the city. If you'd rather take a public bus, the bus terminal in Port of Spain is located at City Gate, which is within walking distance of the port. From Piarco International Airport: Take the Churchill Roosevelt Highway westbound towards Port of Spain. Continue straight for approximately 20 kilometers until you reach Port of Spain. Turn right onto Wrightson Road, where you will see signs for the port. From San Fernando: Take the Solomon Hochoy Highway northbound towards Port of Spain. Continue straight for approximately 35 kilometres until you reach Port of Spain. Turn left onto Wrightson Road, where you will see signs for the port. From Maracas Beach: Take the North Coast Road southbound towards Port of Spain. Continue straight for approximately 30 kilometres until you reach Port of Spain. Turn right onto Wrightson Road, where you will see signs for the port. From Chaguaramas: Take the Western Main Road eastbound towards Port of Spain. Continue straight for approximately 10 kilometres until you reach Port of Spain. Turn left onto Wrightson Road, where you will see signs for the port.

Internet Access

Internet Access

There is free WiFi at the Port of Spain Cruise terminal, however, the connection is somewhat slow.

ATMs at the Port

ATMs at the Port

The safest bet when it comes to finding ATMs at the cruise terminal is heading to the financial district, which is only 15 minutes away on foot. All cash withdrawals are in Trinidad and Tobago dollars (TT dollar), although US dollars are also widely accepted.

Last-Minute Essentials

Last-Minute Essentials

There are clothing boutiques, souvenir shops, and duty-free shops in the Port of Spain Cruise Ship Complex. Should you need to purchase other essential items such as toiletries, snacks, or medication, some of the nearest options are the Starlite Pharmacy & Convenience Store, located at approximately 1.5 km (about 1 mile) away from the port, and the West Mall Shopping Center, approximately 2.5 km (about 1.5 miles) away from the port.

Dining at the Port

Dining at the Port

There are several restaurants and cafes located within the terminal where you can grab a bite or a drink. Other options near the terminal are the Waterfront Restaurant, close to the ferry terminal, or Texas de Brazil – Trinidad, near Invader's Bay. Since the cruise terminal is close to downtown Port of Spain, cruise passengers can also head there to have more dining options to choose from. If time is not an issue, it takes roughly 45 minutes to walk there. The best, safest option is to take a taxi, which only takes 7 minutes.

Things to Do at the Port

Things to Do at the Port

There are a number of things to do at the Port of Spain Cruise Terminal if you have time to spare. The Terminal itself is a great starting point, with a variety of shops and other services available. There are also live performances of steelpan music, traditional Carnival dancers to give cruise passengers a warm welcome. The terminal is located near several local attractions that can be easily reached by taxi or public transportation. Some of the most popular ones are: the Queen's Park Savannah, the National Museum and Art Gallery, and the Royal Botanic Gardens.

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