Portland, England
Welcome to Portland, England, a dramatic and historic port of call on the stunning Jurassic Coast. As a key gateway to this UNESCO World Heritage Site, Portland attracts major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Viking.
Passengers are drawn to its rugged natural beauty, rich maritime history, and easy access to the charming towns and iconic landscapes of Dorset.
From fossil hunting on ancient beaches to exploring majestic castles, Portland offers an authentic taste of England's spectacular southern coast.
The top attraction is the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site stretching for 95 miles. Many shore excursions focus on exploring coastal landmarks like the magnificent limestone arch of Durdle Door and the beautiful, sheltered Lulworth Cove, both approximately a 45-minute drive from the port.
Closer to the ship, the iconic Portland Bill Lighthouse stands at the southern tip of the island, offering fantastic views and insight into the area's maritime importance.
For history enthusiasts, a visit to the dramatic ruins of Corfe Castle provides a glimpse into centuries of English history, located about an hour's drive away.
Last updated on February 16, 2026
The adjacent seaside resort town of Weymouth is the most popular nearby destination, located just 15-20 minutes from the port. It boasts a beautiful sandy beach, a picturesque historic harbor lined with pubs and restaurants, and classic Georgian architecture.
A bit further afield is Dorchester, the county town of Dorset, which is about a 30-minute drive. Here, visitors can explore its Roman heritage, including a Roman Town House, and learn about its connection to the famous author Thomas Hardy.
The charming coastal town of Lyme Regis, famous for its fossils and the historic Cobb harbour wall, is another fantastic option, reachable within about an hour's drive west.
Last updated on February 16, 2026
The cruise ship terminal is located within the large, commercial Portland Harbour. This is an industrial area, not a town center, so there are very few amenities like shops or restaurants within walking distance of the berth.
Cruise lines and the port authority almost always provide complimentary shuttle buses to transport passengers off the port estate.
These shuttles typically go to the nearby resort town of Weymouth (about a 15-20 minute ride) or a central point on the Isle of Portland, making it easy to start your exploration. Ships dock directly at the quay, so tendering is not required.
Last updated on February 16, 2026
The official currency in Portland, England is the British Pound Sterling (GBP), often represented by the symbol £. US Dollars and Euros are not accepted for transactions, so you will need to use the local currency.
ATMs are readily available in nearby towns like Weymouth and Portland's main village, Easton, offering the best exchange rates. Major credit cards, such as Visa and Mastercard, are widely accepted in shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions.
Last updated on February 16, 2026
Portland and the surrounding Dorset region are considered very safe for tourists, with a low crime rate. It is generally safe to explore independently, whether you are wandering through Weymouth or hiking a coastal path.
Standard travel precautions, such as being aware of your surroundings and keeping valuables secure, are always recommended. When walking along the coast, be sure to stick to marked footpaths, as cliff edges can be unstable. Guided tours are not necessary for safety but can be a convenient way to see multiple sites.
Last updated on February 16, 2026
The cruise season in Portland runs from late spring to early autumn, primarily May through September. During this time, the weather is typically mild and temperate. Summer daytime temperatures usually range from 15°C to 22°C (60°F to 72°F).
The English weather is famously changeable, so it's wise to expect a mix of sunshine and potential for rain showers, even on the same day. Packing in layers, including a light sweater and a waterproof jacket, is highly recommended to stay comfortable regardless of the conditions.
Last updated on February 16, 2026
The primary way to leave the secure port area is via complimentary port shuttle buses, which transport passengers to nearby Weymouth or a central location in Portland. From these drop-off points, various options are available.
Local buses connect Weymouth and Portland to other towns in Dorset. Taxis are available for hire in town centers, and pre-booking is recommended for specific journeys. Ride-sharing services like Uber operate in the area but may have limited availability compared to larger cities. For independent travelers, public buses are an affordable and effective way to explore the local area.
Last updated on February 16, 2026
The best shopping opportunities are not on the Isle of Portland itself but in the nearby town of Weymouth. Its pedestrianized town center features a mix of well-known British high street brands, department stores, and smaller independent boutiques.
Look for local souvenirs such as items carved from Portland Stone, a famous local limestone, or regional food products like Dorset apple cake and local fudge. Prices in shops are fixed, and haggling is not part of the local culture. The best selection of shops for a day visit can be found along St. Mary Street and St. Thomas Street in Weymouth.
Last updated on February 16, 2026
Hop aboard for an authentic 1-hour and 45-minute sightseeing tour of Portland and three lighthouses with a guide born and raised in the city. Get an insider’s look at rich history and current happenings, including hidden gems and little-known facts that other tours miss. Your guide, a college librarian, is always researching Portland's hidden history to provide an informative and entertaining tour delivered with a true Mainer's sense of humor.
Explore the wit and grit of the diverse people who built Portland on this 2-hour walking tour through the historic Old Port. Your locally-raised guide will captivate you with extraordinary stories largely left out of history books as you stroll 1.5 miles toward Casco Bay. See where Indigenous Wabanaki leaders first met European colonizers and enjoy an inclusive, surprising look at Maine's largest city. This tour is led by Portland's top-rated guide on TripAdvisor.
Discover the hidden history of Black Portlanders who shaped Maine's ideals of freedom and equality on this 2-hour walking tour. Over a 1.5-mile route, you'll trace the steps of abolitionists and learn about Black-owned businesses central to the Underground Railroad. Led by Portland's #1 TripAdvisor guide, Dugan Murphy, this tour presents an amazing constellation of stories left out of most history books.
Step aboard a vintage Maine Lobster Boat for a private 2-hour sightseeing charter and leave the crowds behind. You will navigate through the islands of Casco Bay, passing historic 19th-century forts and iconic lighthouses along the stunning coastline. This personalized tour for families and small groups ends with a breathtaking Maine sunset and includes a complimentary first round of local beer or wine.
Skip the city and head straight to the coast on this dedicated lighthouse tour. You'll explore three iconic beacons, delving into their rich history and admiring their stunning architecture from up-close. While most lighthouses aren’t open for interior tours, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking coastal views. This focused, relaxed tour is the perfect way to connect with Maine’s maritime past.
Join a "Walk Through Time" to discover Portland's history with railroads, fires, wars, and famous poets since 1632. This roughly 2-hour walking tour takes you through the historic Old Port, downtown, and waterfront areas. Along the way, you may see locations like the home of Henry Wadsworth-Longfellow, the Eastern Cemetery, and the Abyssinian Church.
This 3-hour tour follows the scenic South Portland Greenbelt Pathway to three local lighthouses. Your stops include the Portland Breakwater Light, also known as "Bug Light," and Spring Point Ledge Light near historic Fort Preble. The tour passes Willard Beach before arriving at the famous Portland Head Light in Fort Williams Park, where you can purchase lunch from a local food truck.
Step aboard a vintage Maine Lobster Boat for a completely private 2-hour sightseeing charter for your group of up to six guests. Leave the crowds behind as you cruise through the islands of Casco Bay, passing four iconic lighthouses and historic 19th-century forts. Departing from Portland's Old Port, this tour is perfect for families and includes a complimentary first round of local beer or wine.
Discover that Portland is known for more than just beer on this craft beverage tour. You'll explore the growing scene of spirits and locally produced wine, visiting producers of small-batch organic rum or wines blended with Maine wild blueberries. The tour concludes at the Portland Beer Hub in the Old Port, where you'll receive a 10% discount on additional purchases.
Experience coastal Maine’s beauty on a full-day, 10-12 hour adventure to the Acadia and Bar Harbor area. The trip features a journey to a scenic region known for rugged shorelines and panoramic summits, with two hours of free time in Bar Harbor to explore. You will also visit the striking Fort Knox-Narrows Bridge Overlook for views of its soaring towers. The day concludes with a photo stop at Stephen King's famously eerie home in Bangor.
Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Maine by capturing the moment in a painting. On this tour, you will hike to a scenic location to paint what you see. No experience is necessary, as this all-level class is designed for beginners and experienced painters alike to interpret the landscape.
Embark on an unforgettable boat tour where nature and history intertwine in Casco Bay. You'll glide past majestic sites like Fort Gorges, the iconic Portland Head Light, and the abandoned Ram Island Ledge Light. The journey also includes views of stunning cliffs and the scenic Diamond Pass, culminating at a spot where you may see seals basking on the rocks.
Board a vintage fire engine for a fun and unique 50-minute sightseeing tour of Portland. Your knowledgeable guide shares a local's perspective on the city's colorful history, covering lighthouses, Civil War forts, and more. This family-friendly tour includes interesting stories and a multimedia experience packed with historic images of Maine.
Explore Portland's bustling inner harbor and main shipping channel on this scenic boat tour. You will navigate through Diamond Pass for close-up views of Civil War-era forts. The cruise also offers views of as many as four lighthouses that guide mariners into the harbor.
Explore Portland's culinary culture, which features artisan entrepreneurs from bakers and brewers to chefs and confectioners. This tour combines social history and culinary education, narrated by engaging local guides who share the stories behind the city's food scene. You will visit 4-5 venues and enjoy a mix of Maine-inspired fare, providing plenty of food for lunch and a sweet treat to cap it off.
Take a fully narrated, 60-minute scenic cruise through busy Casco Bay and its innermost islands. Look for lighthouses, forts, lobster boats, seals, and seabirds along the way. You will see as many as four lighthouses, including a close-up view of Portland Head Light, Maine’s oldest and most photographed lighthouse.
Sample from the city's best donut shops on this walking tour focused on Portland's culinary scene. Your guide will share Maine's connection to the invention of the donut and other interesting city history. You'll get to skip the line at the famous Holy Donut, as well as visit other local favorites that are equally delicious.
Discover Portland and the shores of Casco Bay by bicycle on this lighthouse-focused tour. You will cycle along the Maine coast to learn about Portland’s history and see its lighthouses, generally viewing four iconic beacons including Bug Light and the Portland Head Light. A delicious lunch is provided by the award-winning "Bite into Maine" food truck.
Relax and unwind on a 105-minute, fully narrated cruise around Casco Bay at dusk. You will make your way around the inner islands and lighthouses while enjoying the evening breezes. This is a great way to end a hectic day as you watch the city lights begin to sparkle on the water.
Board the Elizabeth Grace for an exclusive tour of the 19th-century stone fortresses in Portland Harbor. This one-of-a-kind experience offers private access to Fort Scammel, the only fort in the harbor to have seen active combat. Along the way, you’ll also cruise past other great sights in the bay, including iconic lighthouses. A four-person minimum is required for this tour to operate.
Showing 1 ship in port and 8 ships in the area
On average cruises that visit Portland are somewhat expensive compared to other itineraries. See the graph below for the monthly average cost per day. Cruises visiting Portland during the the peak season of fall are considerably more expensive than the the low season of winter.
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