Tuesday 2 June'26 - Porto (Portugal)
This morning docked actually in at Porto Leixões Cruise Terminal (Port of Leixoes) which is about 30 minutes out of Porto. Porto is actually situated a little further inland on the Douro River. We were docked opposite a breakwater, still being extended, which affronts the Atlantic Ocean. After the usual brekky in the Oceanview, it off on an excursion and for some reason, neither of us can remember why, we had chosen one from the ship's offerings. It was a 6 bridges river cruise (more on that later), followed by wine tasting then some free time (apparently)... On our way to the river cruise, we got a glimpse of the river mouth.
We also got a good view of the latest of what is currently 6 bridges across the river, that links Porto Old Town (and newer parts) with Vila Nova de Gaia or what is now commonly known as "wider Porto". The Ponte da Arrábida (Arrábida Bridge) is made completely of reinforced concrete and is an engineering marvel. Like Lisbon and Vigo, Porto has its "ups & downs" and I am amazed at how the bus drivers get those huge things around these small streets. Finally back down to water level and then boarded the boat for a tirp up and down the river looking at the 6 bridges (soon to be 7) that keep the city "moving". It was interesting travelling up and down the river, where you got to see the blending of the old and new.
Whilst not the most thrilling thing I have ever done, it was interesting travelling up and down the river, where you got to see the blending of the old and new. After that, onto Pocas winery, for a tasting. As you may be aware, Portugal is famous for its ports, with Porto being the home. The Pocas brand has been around since 1918. We were given a history of the Douro Valley and the winery, walked through the winery with hundreds of oak barrels of various vointages, shown the cooperage and then provided with a taste of their white port, LBV and Ruby. Each with their own very distinct flavour. Whilst they were nice, I still prefer an Aussie white port over theirs and a good muscat over a red port any day...
Now, as I said a little earlier, neither of us can remember why we had chosen a ship based excursion. We don't normally and, whilst it was interesting, it was underwhelming! Apart from the boat cruise and wine tasting, the rest of it was on a bus, which meant that whilst you could see the various things the guide pointed out and explained, depending upon which side of the bus you were on, photo opportunities and experiences were limited. One interesting photo I did manage to get is the church, or if you look very closely, 2 churches. If you follow the roof line of both, you'll notice a small single door width spot. This is the separation point as churches were not allowed to touch one another in the 16th century... Just after that, we were told we would have some free time to explore. A grand total of 40 minutes! What was one to do other than grab some quick souvenirs, a slice of a pepperoni pizza and the obligatory, Portuguese Tarts...
After that, back to the ship. I have to say that despite the underwhelming excursion, I would love to come back to Portugal as there is so much that Lisbon and Porto (plus I'm sure other parts) have to offer. The Codfish Museum for one!!! Dinner in the Cosmopolitan then a ganme of trivia in The Club, then bed.
SCandinavian Cruises - 2026
