Barcelona: Europe's main cruising harbor

Useful information for cruise ship passengers

Barcelona has recently become the main port of call in Europe, with over one and half million passengers every year. Most cruise companies operate to and from Barcelona.

This success has been possible thanks to the logistical facilities and services required by cruise companies, ships and passengers (such as docking facilities, flights, hotels, etc.) but also to the fact that most passengers have a great time in Barcelona.

Moorings and Piers

The Port of Barcelona has a total of seven terminals spread along four piers:

• Moll Adossat (Terminals A, B, C and D)
• World Trade Center (North and South Terminals)
• Maremagnum (Port Vell Terminal)
• San Bertran (essentially for ferries)

Moll Adossat

Or Muelle Adosado (in Spanish) is where the big cruise ships (up to five at a time) moor. This pier is too far away to walk to town and you'll need transport.
The Port Authority runs a shuttle service and there are cabs available. In both cases expect long waiting lines, and more so for cabs if passengers are embarking/disembarking.

D Terminal has recently been renovated and is essentially used by Costa Crociere ships. A new Terminal is presently under construction.

World Trade Center

Generally speaking, this is where smaller ships moor. It is conveniently located within walking distance of the city (Ramblas area).

Ships moored at the World Trade Center

Port Vell Terminal

It is the smallest of all Barcelona piers and receives only small ships. It is located even closer to the city than WTC North and South Terminals and next to the Maremagnum shopping and leisure center.

San Bertran Terminal

Located on San Bertran Pier, this terminal is essentially oriented to the ferries connecting Barcelona to the Balearic Islands and to Italy and is only used occasionally by cruise ships.