The Port of Figueira da Foz (PFdF), a newcomer to the sector and located between Lisbon and Porto (Portugal), joins the Cruise Europe.
The city, with about 60,000 inhabitants, received passengers on three stops last year - two of them from the Diana, of Swan Hellenic Cruises - and is ready to expand its cruise activity.
Currently, cruise ships up to 140 meters in length and with a draft of 5.5 meters (at low tide) can dock on the west side of the general cargo terminal, west of the port. This berth has a passenger entrance/exit and is about 300 meters from the City Hall and the city center, according to Joaquim Sotto Maior, Port Coordinator for PFdF. Public transportation, including buses and taxis, and a free tourist bus are available near the City Hall.
Work to deepen the port entrance, navigation channel, and docks is scheduled to begin later this year. The turning basin will be widened by demolishing the old breakwaters on the south bank. The cruise ship dock will be extended by five meters and will have a depth of 9 meters.
"These works are expected to last 18 months and then we will be able to receive ships with a maximum draft of 8 m and maximum lengths of between 140 and 170 m," says Maior.
In addition, a passenger terminal is expected to be built and operational by 2026, housing services such as tourist information, restrooms, WiFi, a cafeteria, baggage handling, and customs and immigration.
Shore excursions primarily focus on Coimbra and its museums, Conimbriga, the Bussaco Forest with its religious and military history, the Bairrada wine region, the salt flats, and the historic seaside resort of Figueira da Foz. Other options include the Sanctuary of Fátima. These excursions are mainly organized by tour operators such as TUI/Intercruises.
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