Is there any way to determine what days in late May cruise ships will dock in any of the 5 villages? I hear they are swarmed with tourists and to try and avoid cruise days. How would I know if the days I plan to stay in Manarola are cruise days? TIA Mike
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16748 posts
Ships don't dock in the Cinque Terre; most cruise visitors come from the port of La Spezia. Here's one resource for tracking port activity there this year:
http://crew-center.com/la-spezia-italy-cruise-ships-schedule-2017
Clicking on the name of each ship will bring up a page of stats, including size/occupancy. But day trippers also come in by train from other parts of the region.
Posted by
Minneapolis
1277 posts
Hi Mike. Just google 'cruise schedule port of La Spezia' and you will see schedules including each day in May. But like Kathy says, there will be groups also coming via train virtually everyday; a lot of youth groups, etc. But don't let it deter you. Just consider them part of the fun, or walk five minutes to a different part of town to avoid them. Enjoy your trip!
Posted by
Kirkland
227 posts
I don't think you need to worry about cruise ships in the cinque terra ... the harbors are simply too small. Instead, look at this site for La Spezia and Livorno. There will be a few day trippers taking ships tours to the 5 towns. That said, they'll mostly be there from 10-3, riding motor coaches for a quick look/see. If you're overnighting in Manarola you'll still enjoy the essence of the town.