Destination Highlight: Barrier Reef Snorkeling Adventure with Celebrity Cruises

One ticket to adventure

The first thing I noticed about Belize wasn’t dramatic.

It was practical.

We stepped off the Celebrity Constellation and onto a tender boat just after sunrise, knowing that if we signed up for this Belize Barrier Reef snorkeling adventure, it would take the entire port day. No shopping afterward. No squeezing in something else. This was the plan.

And I can say without hesitation—it was the right decision.

Tendering to Belize City, Belize

Because Belize City is a tender port, your day starts early. There’s something about holding that excursion ticket in your hand that feels like a commitment. You’re not wandering the port to see what looks interesting. You’ve already decided how you’re going to spend your time.

I’ve had scuba diving on my bucket list for years. At this point in life, I’m realistic. Snorkeling is more practical—and in a place like Belize, it’s more than enough. The Belize Barrier Reef is the second-largest barrier reef system in the world, stretching along the coast of Belize and into neighboring countries. It’s known for strong visibility, diverse marine life, and relatively easy access from shore.

We boarded a second boat with our group and headed out toward Caye Caulker.

A history lesson of Belize, the aquatic ecosystem, and safety briefing.

There were around forty guests in total, but once we reached the snorkeling sites, the guides divided us into smaller groups. The ride to Caye Caulker took about 45 minutes. Along the way, the guides talked about the reef and the mangroves that help protect it.

Perfectly blue water and anticipation of the adventure that lies ahead

Caye Caulker came into view gradually. It’s a small island—actually two islands split by a hurricane decades ago. There are no cars, just sandy roads and golf carts. It feels relaxed without trying too hard to impress you.

Approach to Caye Caulker

Before heading out to snorkel, we stopped at a beach bar called the Lazy Lizard. The process was simple: order your lunch before you leave so it’s ready when you return. That small logistical detail made the entire day run smoothly.

How can you not want to see what the restaurant has to offer with a sign like this?

Then we were fitted with snorkel gear.

Mask and Snorkel

I’ve done enough excursions over the years to know when equipment is subpar. This wasn’t. The masks didn’t fog up, and the snorkels had backflow valves to help prevent saltwater from coming in. When you’re in the water for 45 minutes at a time, those things matter.

The first snorkeling site was about 10–15 minutes from the island. The water was roughly 30 feet deep where we entered, and the visibility was very good.

Snorkelers in the water

We saw snapper, sergeant major fish, grouper, and a lobster tucked into coral. A guide pointed out a green moray eel partially hidden in the reef. At one point, I drifted a little too close to coral without realizing it, and the guide gently redirected me. The supervision was attentive but not intrusive.

The sandy bottom had more conch shells than I’ve seen in one place before, some still alive and leaving visible trails behind them in the sand.

After about 45 minutes in the water, we climbed back aboard and moved to a second site.

his one was shallow—about waist-deep with a sandy bottom. The guides used sardines to attract nurse sharks. Within minutes, several arrived. Then more.

We stepped into the water and stood while the sharks fed nearby. They were focused entirely on the bait. Stingrays began moving through the group as well, occasionally brushing against legs as they swam past.

At one point, the sharks and stingrays outnumbered the people in the water. It was unusual, but it never felt unsafe. The guides were organized, calm, and clearly experienced.

If you’re concerned about swimming ability, buoyancy devices are provided. On this tour, we used life preservers from the boat. You can float easily without much effort. This is a good option for first-time snorkelers who are comfortable being in the water and following instructions.

Afterward, we climbed back on board and were handed rum punch while we dried off.

We returned to the Lazy Lizard for lunch.

Grille Snapper, Plantains, and Beans and Rice

I ordered grilled fish with rice, beans, and plantains. The fish was fresh and well-prepared. The plantains were particularly good—caramelized and soft without being overly sweet.

Island Grilled Lobster

Another guest at our table ordered grilled lobster caught locally. It was split open and easy to eat, with a generous amount of meat.

I also tried a coconut mint mojito. After several hours in the sun and saltwater, it was refreshing and well-timed.

We had about an hour to eat and walk around. I noticed fishing charters, dive shops, and small hotels. The island felt welcoming and straightforward. The locals were friendly without being pushy.

It left an impression.

Before heading back to Belize City, we made one final stop near the mangroves to watch tarpon feeding.

Tarpon gumping out of the water to grab a sardine

Large tarpon were jumping two to three feet out of the water to grab sardines. There were no nets or barriers, which made it feel more natural than some controlled feeding setups elsewhere.

The boat ride back to Belize City took about 45 minutes. We were on one of the last tenders returning to the ship. In total, the excursion lasted roughly six and a half hours.

Here’s the direct answer: YES, I would do this again. Without hesitation.

Even if I were on back-to-back cruises stopping in Belize, I’d strongly consider booking the same Belize Barrier Reef snorkeling tour. Conditions change. Marine life moves. You won’t see exactly the same thing twice.

It’s important to understand that this excursion uses your entire port day. If shopping in Belize City is a priority, this tour won’t leave time for that.

But if your goal is to experience the Belize Barrier Reef, snorkel in clear water, see nurse sharks and stingrays up close, and spend time on Caye Caulker, this is a well-run, organized option.

One additional note: use reef-safe sunscreen. Certain chemicals in traditional sunscreens damage coral ecosystems. Mineral-based, reef-friendly options are widely available and worth bringing with you.

What surprised me most was how much Caye Caulker stayed on my mind afterward. I found myself taking photos of hotel signs and fishing charter boards. I could easily see returning for a few days—perhaps a small-group fishing trip or a longer stay focused on snorkeling and diving.

Caye Caulker is ideal for travelers who want a laid-back Caribbean island without large resorts. It offers reef access, fishing, diving, and simple accommodations in a compact setting.

If you’re planning a cruise stop in Belize City and want a full, active day centered on the water, this Belize Barrier Reef snorkeling adventure is a strong choice.

And if you’re considering turning that one port stop into a future standalone trip to Caye Caulker, that’s a conversation worth having.

Some excursions are entertaining. This one was worth repeating.

Celebrity Cruise -Destination Highlight: Explore Chichen Itza Ruins with VR

A Small-Group Shore Excursion from Cozumel with Celebrity Cruises

We were docked in Cozumel at 7:00 in the morning when this day started. It was early enough that the ship still felt quiet, with most people just getting coffee or heading to breakfast. We met in the theater on the Celebrity Constellation for our excursion called “Destination Highlight: Explore Chichen Itza Ruins with VR.”

I had wanted to see Mayan ruins for a long time. I had previously visited Tulum on another cruise and enjoyed it, but I knew Chichen Itza was supposed to be much larger and more historically significant.

From Cozumel, we took a 45-minute ferry ride to Playa del Carmen. The ride was smooth and uneventful. Once we arrived, we boarded a small coach for the drive inland. One thing that stood out immediately was the group size — there were only twelve of us. Instead of being on a large bus with 50 or 60 people, it felt much more personal and relaxed. You didn’t feel rushed, and it was easy to hear the guide and ask questions.

The drive into the Yucatán Peninsula took about two and a half hours. Early on, each of us was handed a Samsung tablet, which is how the “VR” portion of the tour works. It’s not a headset. Instead, the tablet shows reconstructions, diagrams, and historical images while the guide explains what you’re about to see.

Our guide, Victor, had studied Mayan history in college and had spent a year living near Chichen Itza with descendants of the Maya. He explained things clearly and without exaggeration, which I appreciated.

During the drive, Victor talked about how accurate the Mayan calendar was and how many of their buildings were designed around astronomy, solstices, and equinoxes. On the tablets, we could scroll through about 200 images showing what Chichen Itza looked like when it was first discovered and how the temples may have appeared when they were originally painted in bright colors. Having that background before arriving helped a lot.

Arriving at Chichen Itza

When we arrived, the first thing you notice is how busy it is. Vendors line the walkway selling hats and souvenirs, and it can feel crowded at first. But once you step into the main open plaza and see El Castillo, the main pyramid, it immediately gets your attention. It’s much larger and more imposing than what I experienced at Tulum.

The Main Temple - El Castillo

Victor explained that each side of the pyramid has 91 steps. When you multiply that by four sides, you get 364, and when you add the top platform, it comes to 365 days in a year. The pyramid was designed to function as a solar calendar. That was one of the first moments where it really hit me how advanced the Mayans were in math and astronomy.

El Castillo - Snake heads honoring the Snake God

He also explained that Chichen Itza was built over five cenotes, or natural sinkholes, and that one is located directly beneath the main temple. Inside El Castillo itself, there are smaller temples built within it, layered over time as new structures were built on top of older ones.

One of the more interesting demonstrations happened when Victor asked us to clap our hands in front of the pyramid. When you clap, the sound echoes back about seven times and changes pitch. Instead of sounding like a normal echo, it ends up sounding like a bird call. Victor explained that the stepped design of the pyramid causes the sound waves to reflect in a way that mimics the sacred quetzal bird. It wasn’t something I would have noticed without someone explaining it, but it showed how deliberate the design was.

One of four “91 step” stairways to the top of the temple.

The Great Ball Court

Victor also cleared up a few things I had always heard about Mayan culture. One of those was human sacrifice. Movies often make it seem like sacrifices were forced or only involved enemies. Victor explained that many people actually volunteered and that being sacrificed was considered an honor that could elevate a family’s status.

He also talked about the Mayan ballgame played in the Great Ball Court. I had always heard that the losing team was killed. According to Victor, that wasn’t the case at Chichen Itza. Each team had seven players — six on the court and one captain positioned above. The winning captain would ultimately be sacrificed, and the losing captain would perform the ritual. Again, it was considered an honor, not a punishment.

Wide Angle shot of the Ball Court facing to the Royal Family area

One of two Stone Hoops in the Ball Court

Victor demonstrated how sound carries clearly from one end of the ball court to the other. Even a small noise can be heard across the full length of the structure.

Carvings in the Ball Court that depict two of the seven players on a team.

Temple of the Warriors and Other Structures

We then moved on to other areas of the site, including the Temple of the Warriors. The rows of columns and carvings give you a sense of how large and complex the city once was.

The Warrior Temple

Victor explained how animals like the serpent, jaguar, and eagle were used symbolically throughout the site to represent different gods and aspects of the Mayan belief system.

Carving of the Jaguar on a smaller Temple

Carvings on a smaller temple

We also passed through areas used for burial and cremation. These sections are less visually dramatic than the main pyramid, but they add important context about daily life and religious practices at Chichen Itza.

The cremation platform

Carvings depicting the faces of ancestors that have already transitioned to the land of the Gods.

What to Know Before You Go

Chichen Itza is extremely busy today. Before becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it averaged around 1,000 visitors per day. Now it averages closer to 20,000. Even in early February, it felt crowded, so I would expect the summer months to be significantly busier.

There are also some practical rules to know ahead of time:

• Tripods, monopods, and selfie sticks are not allowed.

• Backpacks are allowed, but no food can be brought inside the archaeological zone.

• Water is allowed.

• Phones and standard cameras are fine.

• GoPros require an additional fee.

The tour moves at a steady pace. Because it’s a small group, it never felt chaotic, but it is structured. Victor guided us from one main structure to the next without free time to explore independently. Personally, I would have liked about 30 extra minutes to walk around and take photos on my own. We did return to the ferry with some time to spare before the ship departed, so it felt like that might have been possible. Still, the guided portion was thorough and well organized.

It’s also a long day. We left the ship at 7:00 a.m. and returned around 4:30 p.m. The tour included a small sandwich and bottled water before entering the site, and a snack bar on the way back. I would recommend eating a solid breakfast on the ship and bringing a protein bar to leave on the bus for afterward.

Is This Tour Worth It?

I have only seen “Destination Highlight: Explore Chichen Itza Ruins with VR” offered through Celebrity Cruises. I haven’t seen this specific VR-based version offered by Royal Caribbean, Carnival, or Princess. Other cruise lines do offer tours to Chichen Itza, but this combination of a small group, tablet-based visuals, and in-depth historical explanation appears to be unique to Celebrity.

This tour is ideal for travelers who are genuinely interested in history and don’t mind committing to a full day. It’s not designed for people who want a quick stop or a large bus experience. The small group size makes it feel more personal, and the added context helps you understand what you’re seeing rather than just walking past ruins.

If you are visiting Chicken Itza on your own check out these tour options:

A Festive Weekend Escape: Our 3-Night Royal Caribbean Cruise on Utopia of the Seas

Looking for the perfect pre-holiday getaway? Our Royal Caribbean cruise on Utopia of the Seas was the ultimate short escape, combining festive décor, ocean views, and world-class dining. Sailing out of Port Canaveral, this 3-night cruise offered the best of mega ship cruising—including a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay, a full day at sea, and specialty dining experiences that made the trip unforgettable.

While mega ships come with larger crowds, Royal Caribbean has done a fantastic job designing Utopia of the Seasto move large volumes of people efficiently, preventing long, immovable lines and bottlenecks. To our pleasant surprise, embarkation on Day 1 was just as low-stress as on the smaller Royal Caribbean ships we’ve sailed, which set a positive tone for the entire cruise.

Our Balcony Stateroom on Deck 8: Prime Location for Coffee and Sunrise

We stayed in a balcony room on Deck 8, between mid-ship and aft—a perfect location for both convenience and comfort.

Highlights of the location:

• Sunrise coffee moments: As a morning person, stepping out onto the balcony and walking a few steps to a Central Park café was magical. Watching the sunrise over the ocean with a hot coffee in hand set the tone for each day.

• Close to the Lido Deck: Decks 7 and 8 are ideal on Royal Caribbean ships to be near the Lido Deck, and this location made grabbing breakfast or lunch quick and easy.

• Quick elevator access: Being near the mid-ship elevators meant minimal wait times, giving fast access to Deck 15 and the Windjammer Marketplace.

The combination of convenience, a private balcony, and prime location for sunrise coffee made this cabin feel like a little home at sea. If you’re booking a Royal Caribbean balcony stateroom, we highly recommend mid-ship on Deck 8 for both sunrise views and proximity to the ship’s amenities.

🎄 

Holiday Decor on Utopia of the Seas

Sailing the weekend before Christmas means Royal Caribbean decks are fully decked out for the holidays. The Royal Promenade sparkled with garlands, oversized ornaments, Christmas trees, and festive music, creating a tropical holiday vibe. Walking through the ship felt like wandering through a floating Christmas village—sunshine included.

Specialty Dining on Utopia of the Seas

Hooked Seafood: Exceptional Dining at Sea

Hooked Seafood was our absolute favorite specialty restaurant on board. This New England-inspired eatery delivered a refined, relaxed atmosphere, incredible service, and some of the best seafood at sea.

What made Hooked special:

• Fresh lobster, crab cakes, and perfectly seasoned fish

• Decadent appetizers and desserts

• Unlimited entrée option—just ask for a second plate, and the staff happily obliged

If you’re a seafood lover planning a Royal Caribbean cruise, Hooked is a must-do. Reserve early, as mega ships like Utopia of the Seas get busy quickly.

🥩 

Chops Grille: Central Park Views with a Busy Atmosphere

Chops Grille, Royal Caribbean’s signature steakhouse, offered a beautiful view of Central Park, the ship’s lush open-air garden.

• Steaks and sides were excellent, and service was attentive.

• However, the restaurant felt tight and crowded, unlike the Chops restaurants on smaller ships with ocean-view tables and sunset ambiance.

On smaller ships, enjoying a sunset dinner at Chops is one of our favorite specialty dining experiences. On Utopia, while the food was amazing, the Central Park view didn’t replace that peaceful ocean-view charm.

Main Dining Room: Relaxed Final Night

We only visited the Main Dining Room on the last night of the cruise. It was warm, relaxed, and familiar—offering a perfect contrast to the specialty dining experiences.

Tip: On mega ships, the Main Dining Room can be just as enjoyable, especially if you want a quieter, less crowded meal.

A Day at Sea & Aquatic Shows That Dazzle

Sea days on mega ships are like exploring a floating city. With so many lounges, decks, and activities, there’s always something new to see.

Aquatic Shows

The aquatic performances were breathtaking—daring dives, synchronized choreography, and dramatic staging. Truly world-class entertainment and the highlight of our sea day.

Check out one of our clips on Instagram: 📸 @venturetosee

Mega Ship Tips: Reservations Are Key

Unlike smaller Royal Caribbean ships, mega ships require reservations for:

• Theater shows

• Specialty dining

• Evening entertainment

We missed most of the theater shows because we didn’t book in advance. Lesson learned: on mega ships, plan ahead or miss out.

CocoCay: Revisiting Our First Cruise

We visited Perfect Day at CocoCay, which was nostalgic because the first time we’d been there was back in 2009, on our first-ever cruise.

• 2009: Untouched, quiet, magical Caribbean paradise

• 2024: Fully developed with waterparks, restaurants, and crowds of 10,000+ passengers

Even with the crowds, walking the island and soaking in the scenery was worth it—just different from our first experience.

A Special CocoCay Moment: Stingray Sighting

While exploring CocoCay, my wife and I swam out to a floating cabana on the back side of the island. With fruity Caribbean beverages in hand, we lounged above the turquoise water, taking in the sun and scenery.

As we relaxed, we noticed the outline of a stingray perfectly camouflaged in the sand below us. The water was about 10–13 feet deep, so there was no danger of stepping on it—but it was incredible to see marine life up close, even in a highly developed area. Moments like this reminded us that the Caribbean still holds little pockets of natural wonder.

Affordability Tips for Royal Caribbean Mega Ships

Sailing on a large, newer Royal Caribbean ship comes with incredible experiences—but also a higher price tag.

If you’re not planning to take full advantage of high-energy activities—like the zip line, The Abyss, or FlowRider—a smaller ship might be more budget-friendly.

However, if you love a bustling atmosphere, abundant dining, and shopping, here’s how to maximize value:

1. Book Early: Secure your cabin as soon as possible for the dates you want.

2. Consider Longer Itineraries: 4+ day sailings allow you to experience more of the ship’s offerings.

3. Watch for Pre-Payment Sales: Look for deals on specialty dining, shore excursions, and drink packagesbefore final payment.

With planning, you can enjoy the mega ship experience without overspending.

What We’d Do Differently Next Time on Utopia of the Seas

1. Skip Chops, revisit Hooked, and enjoy the Main Dining Room more

Hooked was our favorite specialty restaurant, and we’d pair it with more evenings in the Main Dining Roomfor relaxed meals and less crowded dinners.

1. Choose a longer itinerary

At the time of this blog, Utopia of the Seas only offered 3- and 4-day cruises. For a fuller experience of dining, shows, and activities, we’d consider a 4-day or longer sailing, rather than a quick 3-day escape.

1. Plan ahead for shows

On mega ships, reservations for theater performances fill fast. Next time, we’d research shows in advance and book seats early, ensuring we don’t miss any entertainment.

Things to Buy to Enhance Your Cruise Experience

To make the most of your Royal Caribbean mega ship cruise, consider bringing or buying:

• Reef-approved sunscreen – Protect your skin while being environmentally conscious. Purchase here: https://amzn.to/48lqZOT

• Reusable water bottle – Stay hydrated on the ship and during port days. Purchase here: https://amzn.to/3XkCMrE

• Snorkel gear – Ideal for exploring CocoCay or other beaches. Purchase here: https://amzn.to/3MnnvDU ; https://amzn.to/43RhN3c

• Magnetic hooks – Perfect for organizing your stateroom and hanging towels/swimsuits. Purchase here: https://amzn.to/489Q1jC

• Waterproof phone pouch – Keep your phone safe while enjoying water activities. Purchase here: https://amzn.to/48Hr0Nl

• Compact day bag – Carry essentials for excursions or onboard exploring. Purchase here: https://amzn.to/48BHiIv 

These items enhance convenience, safety, and enjoyment throughout your cruise.

Final Thoughts

Our 3-night Royal Caribbean cruise on Utopia of the Seas was festive, memorable, and full of lessons. Mega ships offer incredible entertainment, dining, and stateroom conveniences, but they require planning and awareness of crowds.

From balcony sunrise coffee on Deck 8 to specialty dining at Hooked Seafood and Chops Grille, a stingray sighting at CocoCay, and the high-energy fun onboard, this cruise reminded us why we love Royal Caribbean—and why thoughtful planning makes all the difference.

Follow along for more travel adventures on Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube @venturetosee. www.venturetoseellc.com

Porto, Portugal — A Sip (and a Rush!) on Our Carnival Legend Adventure

Our family’s Carnival Legend cruise to Spain, Portugal, and France in the summer of 2024 was one for the memory books. Nine days of sunshine, great food, and waking up in a new destination each morning. One of those ports — Porto, Portugal — ended up being both memorable and educational. Not everything went as we expected, but that’s what makes travel interesting!

We docked at Porto Leixões Cruise Port, roughly 3 km (2 miles) from downtown Porto. The setting was beautiful, the skies were blue, and the city’s terracotta rooftops glowed in the morning sun.

Statue of Vimara Peres

Weather in Porto in Mid-June

If you’re cruising to northern Portugal in mid-June, be prepared for some truly perfect travel weather. Expect daytime highs between 23–26°C (73–79°F), cooler evenings around 16°C (60°F), and plenty of sunshine. The breeze rolling in from the Atlantic keeps the heat comfortable, especially along the riverfront.

Our June day in Porto was gorgeous — bright blue skies, warm sunshine, and ideal conditions for exploring.

Arriving in Porto Leixões

The Carnival Legend cleared passengers around 9:00 a.m., and by 9:30 our family of four (including two teenagers) was stepping onto our tour bus for the City Tour and Port Tasting excursion. The bus was parked right next to the ship — easy and organized.Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.

Stop #1: Douro River Lookout & Calém Port Tasting

Our first stop was a quick photo moment overlooking the Douro River and Porto’s famous bridges. The view was stunning — colorful hillside buildings, boats drifting along the river, and the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge connecting Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia.

Dom Luis I Bridge

Then we headed to Calém, one of Porto’s well-known Port wine cellars. The tasting tables were set with two Port samples per adult, a ruby and a tawny. Since our teens were underage, the Calém attendant thoughtfully changed their glasses to orange juice. Click here for an alternative experience.

Entrance to Calém Port Cellar

Calém port Cellar

The tasting itself was delicious… but rushed. We had maybe 10 minutes before being ushered through the gift shop and back onto the bus. A few guests managed to make purchases — my wife included, grabbing a special Port for us to open on our 25th wedding anniversary — but overall, the experience felt too quick to enjoy.

For more information on a tour of Calém click here.

Stop #2: Clérigos Church & Tower

Next, we headed into the city center to visit the famous Clérigos Church and Tower. The baroque design is stunning, and the skip-the-line access included in our excursion saved us from waiting in an incredibly long queue.

Clérigos Tower

The interior was gorgeous, but again, time was limited. We had roughly 20–25 minutes to explore — just enough to look around but not enough to fully take in the details or climb the tower.

Inside the Clérigos Church

For more information on a tour of the Clérigos Church and Tower click here.

Stop #3: Palácio da Bolsa (Exchange Building)

Our third and final major stop was the Palácio da Bolsa, one of Porto’s most beautiful and historic buildings. The guided portion here was excellent — we spent nearly one full hour learning about the palace’s architecture, ornate rooms, and Portugal’s trading history.

The grand entrance to Palácio da Bolsa

The Arab Room, in particular, was jaw-dropping.

One of the court rooms of Palácio da Bolsa

Once the visit ended, we expected a bit of free time to explore Porto, but instead we returned directly to the ship — a full 2–2.5 hours before all-aboard.

For more information on a tour of Palácio da Bolsa click here.

The Early Return — and Some Frustrations

Arriving back at the ship so early left us feeling like we’d missed out on experiencing Porto properly. Several guests asked to leave the group and explore independently — and looking back, we wish we’d done the same.

Between the rushing, the early morning Port tasting, and our teens being charged full adult fares despite not being able to participate, the excursion simply didn’t deliver what we had hoped for.

Still, every travel hiccup teaches you something, and Porto has absolutely earned a return trip from us — on our own schedule next time.

What We’d Do Differently Next Time

If we visit Porto again by cruise ship, here’s how we’d make the most of our day:

1. Take a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

This is the option we wish we had taken. Multiple companies operate Hop-On Hop-Off buses from Porto’s city center, and they’re perfect for cruise visitors. You can see major highlights at your own pace — Ribeira, Clérigos, Foz beach area, Vila Nova de Gaia, Port houses, and more — without feeling rushed or tied to a strict schedule.

For more information on Hop-On Hop-Off buses click here.

2. Explore Porto Independently

A taxi or Uber from the cruise port to downtown costs very little and takes only about 10 minutes. From there, everything is walkable or easily reachable on transit.

3. Enjoy a Relaxed Lunch Along the Ribeira

The Ribeira riverfront is one of the most beautiful places in Portugal. We’d grab a table overlooking the Douro, enjoy fresh seafood or a Francesinha sandwich, and simply take in the scenery.

4. Visit Port Houses on Our Own Schedule

Instead of a rushed group tasting, we would personally visit one or two Port cellars — Calém, Taylor’s, Sandeman, or Graham’s. Going independently gives you time to enjoy the tour, ask questions, and savor the tasting properly.

5. Skip Clérigos Unless It’s on Your Must-See List

It’s beautiful, but also crowded, and similar to many other cathedrals in Spain and Portugal. If time is limited, there are better ways to enjoy the city.

Top 3 Additional Things to Do in Porto for Cruise Visitors

If you’re planning your own adventure from the cruise terminal, here are three fantastic options:

1. Walk Across the Dom Luís I Bridge

The views from this double-level bridge are spectacular. Walk from Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia and straight into the Port wine district.

2. Visit Livraria Lello

Often ranked as one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, Livraria Lello is a must for book lovers and architecture fans. Buy tickets online to skip the line.

For more information on Livraria Lello click here.

3. Visit the FC Port Museum

For all of those Futbol Hooligans out there, a fun expense bringing you closer to the pitch.

For more information on FC Port Museum click here.

Final Thoughts

Our Carnival Legend Porto excursion may have been rushed, but the city itself? Porto is the kind of place best explored slowly — on foot, with a glass of Port in hand, and without watching the clock.

And when we finally open that bottle of Calém Port on our 25th wedding anniversary, I know we’ll smile remembering this perfectly imperfect day in Portugal — the good, the chaotic, and everything in between.