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6 bridges cruise in Porto: Is it worth it?

One of the most popular things to do in Porto is the 6 Bridges Cruise, so I decided to write…

One of the most popular things to do in Porto is the 6 Bridges Cruise , so I decided to write this article answering the question burning in your chest (“Is it worth to take the 6 Bridges Cruise in Porto?”), and how to save money on this activity.

If you are tired for touristy activities and yet would like to do a river cruise, check out my article about the Best river cruises in Porto (besides the 6 bridges cruise), because it is REALLY worth reading it 🙂

If you want to do a river cruise in Porto BUT not with other 60 people (that is how many people join the 6 bridges cruises!), then consider doing one of these cruises:

Best river cruise in Porto with Wine and Tapas – combine a 6 bridges cruise with some food and wine.
Best river cruise in Porto for parties – perfect for groups of friends that want to party!
Best river cruise in Porto for solo travellers – for those of you traveling alone and wanting to meet new people (I get you, I travel alone all the time!).
Top river cruise on a PRIVATE Yacht – for those that want to take their 6 bridges cruise to the next level.
Best river cruise with a local Fisherman! – for those looking for a more authentic experience.

What is the 6 Bridges Cruise in Porto

It is a 50 minutes river cruise in Douro river, starting either at Ribeira’s quay (in Porto), or in Vila Nova de Gaia’s quay (depending on the company you choose), and it shows the amazingly beautiful 6 bridges in Porto.

The 6 bridges Cruise is ideal for:

Families with kids – it is actually one of the activities we like to include on our private tours in Porto, whenever there are children in the group. During the 6 bridges cruise the kids get to see many exciting things, from natural elements to buildings on both margins, and hence they never get bored.
If you need a break in between activities – as the 6 bridges cruise is rather short, you can use it as a relaxing moment in between a tour and a visit to a Port wine cellar, for instance, or between visiting the best monuments in Ribeira and going out for dinner.
If you are in need of a relaxed time – there’s nothing for you to do once you’re on board, just enjoy the sun and take great photos of Porto 🙂
If you would like to have a better idea of the main buildings of Porto. From the river you have a much nicer and complete perspective of them.
Naturally, if you’re curious about the 6 bridges of Porto 🙂

How to take the 6 bridges cruise

There are several ways. I always prefer to buy the tickets online as I hate to wait in queues (specially during summer time!). Then, you just need to print the tickets and show it at any boat departing from Ribeira neighborhood, in Porto. I recommend you to arrive 10 minutes earlier, in order to ensure that you are one of the first to enter the boat – this way, you’ll get a spot at the bow, rather than on the inside. You can save your seat by getting the online ticket to the 6 bridges cruise . Don’t forget that kids under three years old don’t pay, and kids between 4 – 10 years old have 50% discount. If you want to make the most of your day in Porto, why not combine the cruise with some other activities? Check out some tips below for some great ways to spend your day (and save money). 😉

How to save money on the 6 Bridges Cruise in Porto?

Hop on hop off bus tour + 6 bridges cruise + port wine cellar visit: save 41€.

Many people prefer the combined ticket to the Hop On Hop off bus tour + 6 bridges cruise + Port wine cellar. It is indeed a great deal, as you only pay 35€. This is incredibly cheap because the river cruise costs 15€, a visit to a Port wine lodge around 17 / 20€ and the Hop On Hop Off Bus around 22€ / day. The total cost of those separate activities would be 17€ + 15€ + 22€ x 2 days = 76€, so at the very least, you are saving 41€ if you get the combo ticket. With this ticket, you get a Hop-on hop-off bus ticket that is valid for 2 days and you can use as many times as you want during that period of time. This is great for those who don’t have a lot of time in the city and for seniors, because you avoid the hills of Porto. You also get a guided tour of the Calém wine lodge with wine tasting and discounts on restaurants, bars, shops and other attractions. Plus the 6 Bridges Cruise, obviously. Save yourself some bucks by getting the online combo ticket.

City Train tour + 6 Bridges Cruise + Port wine cellar visit: save 10€

Another way of saving money is to get this ticket for the City train tour + 6 bridges cruise + Port wine cellar . It is a great combo if you are travelling with children because they usually love the magic train! And it’s very cheap – only 29€. I recommend you buy the combo ticket because if you buy separately you will be paying double that price (over 40€) because the river cruise costs 15€, a visit to a Port wine lodge around 17 / 20€ and the magic train 10€. Therefore at the very least, you are saving 10€ if you get the combo ticket .

What does the 6 bridges cruise in Porto consist of?

I already told you the history of the 6 bridges of Porto , and hence I am not going to do the same on this article. Instead, down below you’ll find some pictures taken from inside the boat during the cruise – they might actually help you to decide to either take it or not! 😉

The 6 bridges cruise starts at Luiz I bridge , designed by Théophile Seyrig – no, this is NOT Eiffel’s bridge, unlike what many tour guides in Porto will make you believe!

Afterwards, you’ll see Infante Dom Henrique’s bridge, launched in 2003. It was the last bridge to be built in Porto, and it is a remarkable example of how engineering can present elegant solutions to difficult challenges.

You’ll then view the beautiful D. Maria Pia’s bridge – designed by Théophile Seyrig and Gustave Eiffel. In 1991, this bridge was superseded by São João bridge, built some meters away, as you can see in the picture.

Behind São João bridge, looking very tiny on this picture, is Freixo bridge, launched in 1995.There is a high way called “VCI” that surrounds the city in between Freixo bridge and Arrábida bridge. If you’re renting a car at the airport of Porto, you’ll most likely take this highway when entering the city.

It’s time to go peek my favorite bridge of Porto, the Arrábida Bridge. What a superb piece of engineering – it is actually my favourite bridge in Porto!Nowadays you can climb the arch of the Arrábida bridge from the inside, but to be honest it’s nothing special because, unlike what you might thing, the view from the top is not spectacular.

During the 6 bridges cruise, you can admire the wonderful views of both Porto and Afurada, the magic fishermen village that will appear on your left hand side.

Important notes regarding the 6 bridges cruise in Porto:

Don’t forget to bring both sunscreen and a light scarf, as it gets very sunny and windy at the same time.
Please remember that the online tickets are valid for all the boats that depart from the deck in Ribeira, in Porto, and not on the boats that depart from Gaia.
Remember that this is one of the most popular activities in Porto and hence you should book your tickets in advance – at least 3 / 4 days.
Once inside the boat, please be reasonable and don’t put yourself in danger by climbing to the edges to take photos, as the staff will come to take you down!
If you’re travelling with children, make sure they behave inside the boat, by not screaming and running around other people.

I hope you enjoy the ride! 🙂

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Related tours

Six Bridges Cruise

7.80 / 10 9,297 reviews | 135,909 travellers Great, very well explained, nice route. Spanish is the last language. 8 Anonymous
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the service starts

This cruise takes in Porto's 6 bridges and is the city's most popular attraction . Don't miss it!

During the six bridges cruise, we'll navigate along the Douro from the Arrábida bridge , the longest in the city at the mouth of the river, to the Freixo bridge , found at the far east of Porto.

As well as the aforementioned, we'll cross the Don Luis I bridge (constructed in the 19th century and 385m long) the Infante Dom Henrique bridge (built in 2003) María Pía bridge (designed by one of Gustave Eiffel's associates), and the São João railway bridge.

And more than just bridges, during the cruise you can also enjoy the best views of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia, where the most famous wineries in Porto can be found. And of course, the cruise takes place on a traditional Rabelo boat , with which the barrels were transported from the vineyards of the valley to the Gaia wineries .

Cruise from Vila Nova de Gaia

If you are staying on the other side of the river Douro, you can reserve the six bridges cruise from Vila Nova de Gaia .

More Information

50 minutes.

The activity takes place with recorded commentary in English.

50 minute tour in a traditional Rabelo boat.

When to book?

You can book up to the start time, as long as there are places remaining. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Accessibility.

Not wheelchair accessible.

Sustainability

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code .

Our providers commit to:

Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
Reduce, reuse, recycle.
Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
Uphold fair employment standards.
Foster the growth of local communities.
Preserve the integrity of local culture.
Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
Operate with honesty and transparency.
Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

Tomaz Do Douro Show more

Corporate name: Tomaz do Douro – Empreendimentos Turísticos, Lda,

Not permitted.

Frequently asked questions

Q - Can we ake bottles of wine on the cruise?

Q - Are pets allowed on the boat?

A - The only pets allowed on board are guide dogs and other support animals.

Q - How many people fit on the boat?

A - There are various boats which take the Six Bridges Cruise of Porto. Normally the capacity is between 50 and 60 people.

Q - Can we you a pushchair/stroller?

Q - Are the boats covered?

A - Boats are part covered, part uncovered. If it's raining, you can stay in the covered part.

Q - Does the boat have a bathroom?

A - Yes, it does.

Q - Is this activity safe for pregnant women?

A - Yes, it is.

Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.

Q - How to book?

A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Free cancellation

Meeting point.

Ribeira Dock, Porto

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Cruises in the Douro River 1 Day Cruises

Douro Bridges Cruise

Amazing cruise in a typical “Rabelo” boat between the riverbanks of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia

Sail along the banks of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia in a typical Rabelo Boat and discover the beauty of the Douro River. With appealing prices and a 50-minute duration, the 6 Bridges Cruise has become the most popular boat tour. Enjoy a 10% discount on an online booking!

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Cruise Programme

Cruise Schedules

April - September

First Departure: 10:00 a.m.

Last Departure: 06:00 p.m.

October - March

First Departure: 11:00 a.m.

Last Departure: 04:00 p.m.

If you book online, the issued voucher for this cruise has no specific time , so you will need to exchange it for an updated voucher at the pier , with the departure time of your choice (subject to availability on site);
You may choose one of the following times, subject to availability on site: from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. , and from 02:00 p.m. and 06:00 p.m. (departure every 30 minutes);
This programme includes a guide or audio-guide during the tour (Portuguese, English, Spanish and French);
This cruise requires a minimum number of participants.

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Departure from Pinhão

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6 Bridges Douro River Day Cruise + Best Porto Boat Tours (2024)

Are you ready to enjoy a 6 Bridges Douro River Day Cruise on one of the best Porto boat tours?

The 6 Bridges Cruise is one of the best things to do in Porto, and for a good reason. Hop onboard replica Rabelo boats to experience part of the path that former wine merchants would take when bringing barrels of Port wine from Douro Valley to Vila Nova de Gaia. Or go for a more private experience on a yacht or sailboat.

Escape the city and relax while enjoying the river’s calm waters and seeing this adorable riverside town from the water. I’ve done the six bridges tour in Porto and will share with you if the 6 Bridges cruise is worth it, how long the day river cruise is, and the best Porto boat tours.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links; if you click on the link and purchase the item, I may receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.

Table of Contents

What are the 6 Bridges in Porto?

There are a total of six bridges in Porto:

Ponte Dom Luis I

Ponte do Infante

Ponte de dona maria pia, ponte de são joão bridge, ponte de freixo, ponte da arrábida.

This list is the order in which you will see them during your river cruise. Each bridge is distinct from the next, having been built over multiple years, using a variety of architectural styles. Below is information about each of the six bridges in Porto.

Ponte Dom Luis I

Ponte Dom Luis I connects Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia and is the most famous bridge in Porto . When you see a picture of Porto with a bridge, it is almost always Ponte Dom Luis I.

A double-decker iron arch bridge, the bridge takes its influence from Paris’s Eiffel Tower . The bridge opened in 1886, designed for automobile and pedestrian usage.

Today, the upper level of the bridge is for the metro and pedestrians, and the lower level is for pedestrians and cars. I walked across the upper and lower parts of the bridge. I recommend experiencing the bridge from both the upper and lower decks.

Ponte do Infante is the newest bridge in Porto , built in 2003. This upper-deck road bridge, Ponte do Infante, was built to replace the upper deck of Ponte Dom Luis and is used for automobile traffic.

Ponte de Dona Maria Pia is the oldest bridge that connects Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia, built in 1877. Its identity is often confused with Ponte Dom Luis I due to their similar shape, but they are each different.

Ponte de Dona Maria Pia is a wrought-iron single-deck arch bridge built for railway traffic. Today, the bridge is no longer used and is a landmark.

Ponte de São João Bridge is the futuristic looking bridge of Porto . This concrete bridge was built in 1991 for railway traffic to replace Ponte de Dona Maria Pia. Rail could travel faster on this bridge, so that was appealing. Its futuristic design allows for faster rail travel over the bridge than Maria Pia could provide.

Ponte de Freixo is the most remote and interior bridge in Porto. Built in 1995, the bridge is another road bridge for automobiles to get between Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. Ponte de Freixo is double-wide, allowing for road traffic to cross from both directions simultaneously.

Ponte da Arrábida is the widest of the six bridges in Porto, being 87 ft wide. Opening in 1963, Ponte da Arrábida contains six lanes of traffic plus two pedestrian lanes.

Upon its completion, it had the largest span of any concrete arch bridge in the world. In 2011, Ponte da Arrábida was noted as a National Monument.

Is the 6 Bridges Douro River Cruise Worth it?

If you enjoy river cruises and a quick getaway from the city, a 1 hour Douro River cruise is worth it .

Is the Douro a little touristy? Absolutely. But I would counter that a river cruise is one of the best ways to experience the riverfront and see the city of Porto from a different perspective.

Porto is known as the city of bridges , so you won’t want to miss this activity on your Porto itinerary . I recommend everyone take the short Porto river cruise at least once, especially if it’s your first time visiting Porto.

11 Best Porto Boat Tours

1. private tour in the douro (1 to 4 people) in a boat just for you .

⭐ 5/5 ( 243 Reviews )

The Private Tour in the Douro (1 to 4 People) in a Boat Just For You is one of the best Porto boat tours.

This private tour gives guests the opportunity to explore Porto’s stunning Douro River and its iconic bridges from an intimate perspective. A great pick for a romantic getaway or family vacation.

Your group will be able to enjoy unobstructed views of some of the city’s best landmarks and attractions as you cruise along this beautiful waterway.

Book near sunset and you will get iconic views of Porto by day and night as you cruise along the river. It can get chilly out on the water, so bring your light jacket and get ready for a memorable experience with this family-run boat tour.

Duration: 2 Hours

Private cruise
Alcoholic Beverages
Bottled water
Almonds with aromatic herbs

Size of Tour: You and your group, up to 4 people max

“This boat ride was incredible! Great views, a great tour, and super hospitable guides! They were very friendly and welcoming right from the start, introducing themselves and making us feel very comfortable, they answered all of our questions and shared some very interesting information about the sights we were seeing and about Porto in general. They clearly love their city and love to share that with people! They even gave us a few glasses of “green wine” and let us try a red porto. On top of all of that they also recommended other places to visit in the city as well as great local places to eat dinner (he even made the reservation for us!). This trip was truly incredible and our experience in Porto was perfect thanks to this tour! We would highly recommend and will definitely book another tour when we come back.” – Bambi G ( see more reviews )

Check Prices & Availability: Private Tour in the Douro ➜

see the city center on a full day porto tour

2. Porto City Tour Full Day with Lunch and Six Bridges Cruise – Private Basis

⭐ 5/5 ( 4 Reviews )

See the best of Porto on this Porto City Full-Day Tour with Lunch and Six Bridges Cruise .

With a private guide , you’ll get an immersive experience of Portugal’s second-largest city, from its UNESCO World Heritage Site historical center to newer districts.

Indulge in a wine tasting, take a Douro River day cruise, buy your lunch while enjoying it with a view, and more. All while knowing that your money is going back into supporting the local community through the company’s pledge to support those in need .

Duration: 9 Hours

Driver/guide
Professional guide
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Transport by air-conditioned minivan
Wine tasting

Size of Tour: You and your group

“We were so lucky to have Mr. Andre Vidal as our tour guide for our full-day guided city tour. He is a very knowledgeable, well-organized, and well-attentive tour guide. Our small group of 7 people from 3 hotels and 3 countries is amazed by his professionalism and excellent service. As a used to be a senior tour guide in my working history, I want to give him a rating of 10+ out of 10. He speaks excellent English, excellent French, excellent Spanish, and Excellent Portugal. I have visited more than 35 countries. He is the best tour guide I have ever experienced in my life.” – Tripadvisor Reviewer ( see more reviews )

Check Prices & Availability: Porto City Tour Full Day with Lunch and Six Bridges Cruise – Private ➜

3. Porto City Tour Full Day: River Cruise, Wine Cellars & Lunch

⭐ 5/5 ( 56 Reviews )

Get ready for an unforgettable experience of culture and history on the Porto City Tour Full Day: River Cruise, Wine Cellars & Lunch .

This comprehensive full-day tour includes round-trip travel from your Porto hotel and all activity costs, leaving you free to explore Portugal’s historic city in comfort with an experienced driver and guide.

Experience Bolhão Market, try local wine at Porto’s renowned wine caves, take a sightseeing cruise on the Douro River and more. Get sweeping coastal views from various vantage points along your journey.

Even if you are travelling solo, they will pair you up with other like-minded travellers on this small group tour so you have the best time.

Wine cellars visit with port tastings
6 Bridge River cruise (1 hour duration)
Coffee and/or Tea
Lunch (Optional)

Size of Tour: 8 people max, 3 person minimum per tour

“First, it started with the ease of booking. Wonderful customer service Our guide Tiago arrived promptly; he was so kind and helpful – we were two older ladies with mobility issues. He made it easy for us to see the sights. Ah, the content: churches, Harry Potter book Store, the River Cruise, the Port tasting, wonderful lunch away from all the tourists. Finally, a chance to see the beach on a wonderfully sunny day. Great day; Well worth the money. I would do it again.” – JH ( see more reviews )

Check Prices & Availability of Porto City Tour Full Day: River Cruise, Wine Cellars & Lunch ➜

lookout over clerigos tower in Porto on a full day Porto boat tour

4. Porto City Small Group Full-Day Tour with Wine Tasting and Cruise in Douro River

⭐ 5/5 ( 24 Reviews )

See Porto in a single day on the Porto City Small Group Full-Day Tour with Wine Tasting and Cruise in Douro River.

This full-day tour offers an exciting opportunity to explore this beautiful city while enjoying some of its best attractions, Porto Se Cathedral, Avinida dos Aliados, and the Igreja dos Clerigos. All this plus a river cruise and wine tasting.

It’s an early start, but with hotel pickup and drop-off included, you can sit back, relax and enjoy the best Porto has to offer.

Air-conditioned vehicle
River cruise
WiFi on board

Size of Tour: 15 people max

“The guide very helpful , knowledgeable and accommodating and friendly. Recommend this tour to see porto in one day.” – Natalie S ( see more reviews )

Check Prices & Availability: Porto City Small Group Full-Day Tour with Wine Tasting and Cruise in Douro River ➜

5. Private Tour in Porto with Cruise and Visit to a Wine Cellar

⭐ 4.5/5 ( 6 Reviews )

Journey through time on the Private Tour in Porto with Cruise and Visit to a Wine Cellar.

On this full-day tour, you’ll get to cruise down the Douro River, visit a wine cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia and explore some of Portugal’s best-preserved architectural treasures. Discover all the secrets and corners of Porto, popularly called the “Invicta”, meaning the Unbeaten City.

Take a break from the tour to go for lunch, and at the end of the day, you can transfer back to the hotel or stay in the center of Porto to enjoy the late afternoon and catch the sunset.

This is an unforgettable experience that will give you insight into Porto’s fascinating history and culture.

Duration: 8.5 Hours

Private transportation
Guided tour by a professional tourism driver/guide
6 bridges cruise ticket
Ticket to visit a Port Wine Cellar, with tasting at the end

“Our 10 night river cruise and excursions were great. But the very last day I arranged a private tour with eco tours in Porto Portugal. Absolutely wonderful and far better than the excursions offered on the ship. My mom is 86 and has mobility issues so private tours are life saving for our family. Daniela was our tour guide and he went far and above our expectations in ensuring my mom was able to see everything and experience hard to get to places like the Churchill wine tasting room. He literally backed up an extremely narrow cobblestone road inches from hitting cars and side of building to bring my mom up to the front door. During the tour, he made sure the tour guide carried a chair around for my mom to sit on as well. He was extremely knowledgeable and spoke English very well and was loud enough for all of us to hear in the very luxurious van. Bravo eco Tours! Highly recommend!” – TripAdvisor Travler ( see more reviews )

Check Prices & Availability: Private Tour in Porto with Cruise and Visit to a Wine Cellar ➜

6. Porto: Private Charming Sailboat Tour on the Douro River

⭐ 5/5 ( 33 Reviews )

The Porto: Private Charming Sailboat Tour on the Douro River is one of the most memorable boat tours in Porto.

Enjoy 2 hours of relaxation with friends or family as you cruise along the riverside of Porto and Gaia, taking pictures of the Dom Luis Bridge from the best spots. Sip on sparkling green wine or the famous Port wine while listening to custom music, all without leaving the comfort of your own boat.

Pack some snacks and get ready for an amazing way to explore one of Europe’s best cities and its stunning river.

Included:

Welcome drink (sparkling or Porto wine)
Certified crew
Custom music

“The trip is pretty good!! More than perfect!! And those boatmen were so friendly that told us the history of Porto. We sat in the front of the boat to view the seascape and the colorful houses, meanwhile we tasted the topical green wine which was so great!!! I’m satisfied with this journey! It’s worth!” – GetYourGuide Traveler, Spain ( see more reviews )

Check Prices & Availability: Porto: Private Charming Sailboat Tour on the Douro River ➜

see sao bento rail station on a best of Porto tour

7. Best of Porto Guided Tour with Lunch, Cruise & Wine Tasting

⭐ 4.7/5 ( 21 Reviews )

Have an unforgettable day out in Porto on the Best of Porto Guided Tour with Lunch, Cruise & Wine Tasting .

This full-day tour offers a combination of sightseeing, food, and wine tasting that will leave you feeling satisfied and full of new experiences.

Admire the exterior of the Cathedral and São Bento Railway Station on a guided walking tour. Take a panoramic tour in Boavista and Foz do Douro. Visit a local wine cellar and taste fine wines. Break for lunch and then cruise along the Douro River.

This is one of the best Porto boat tours and is sure to provide something special for everyone. The only thing you will want after this day is more wine.

Guided Porto city tour
Visit to a wine cellar with 2 wine tastings
Two glasses of wine
Pick up from hotels in Porto (if option selected)
Lunch (if option selected)

Size of Tour: 8 -27 people

“Very interesting little town. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and passionate about the city. We saw amazing views of the city from Porto and the town across Porto. Wine tasting was cool, the boat ride always also cool. Overall amazing day” – GetYourGuide Traveler ( see more reviews )

Check Prices & Availability: Best of Porto Guided Tour with Lunch, Cruise & Wine Tasting ➜

8. Porto Wine Tasting Boat Tour

⭐ 5/5 ( 14 Reviews )

Find the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion with the Porto Wine Tasting Boat Tour.

This 2-hour cruise on the Douro River is perfect for private parties, with a sound system and onboard wifi available to make it just right for your occasion.

You’ll get amazing views of the city from this boat as it passes by all 6 bridges in Porto .

Restroom on board

“Wow I cannot share how great of an experience my partner and I had. We were skeptical of the price as it seemed to good to be true, so we signed up and arrived early, and was ensured we were all set to go for our 3pm boat tour. We hung out at the nearby cafe until Ines came to retrieve us to start our boat ride. To our surprise, we had the whole boat to ourselves! Andrés and Ines showed us around the river and were very friendly and knowledgeable of the history of Porto. They then brought out various different wines to taste and paired them with delicioso chocolates. We had some great conversations and they even recommended some local restaurants for dinner. On the way back to dock, we were greeted with a beautiful sunset sky and docked at 5pm. Such a lovely experience, would recommend to anyone visiting Porto with a loved one or group of friends. Thank you so much Andres and Ines!” – Edgar ( see more reviews )

Check Prices & Availability: Porto Wine Tasting Boat Tour ➜

porto tuk-tuk tour combined with a boat tour is one of the best options

9. Porto: Electric Tuk-Tuk City Tour and Douro River Cruise

⭐ 4.6/5 ( 355 Reviews )

The Porto: Electric Tuk-Tuk City Tour & Douro River Cruise is one of the most unique ways to see the city.

This amazing tour offers visitors an unforgettable tuk-tuk ride through some of the city’s most iconic sites and attractions, such as Sao Bento Station, the Clerigos Tower, and the Lello Bookshop. Plus, you can see the city from a different perspective on a cruise down the Douro River.

With a 50-minute tuk-tuk ride and 55-minute river cruise , this is an adventure that cannot be missed.

You can split your tour across multiple days on your trip to Porto or enjoy it all at once.

Duration: 1.75 Hours

Electric tuk-tuk tour
Guide during tuk-tuk tour
Cruise ticket

Size of Tour: Private group

“The guide Frédéric was very friendly and had a lot to tell us about this magnificent city. He answered all our questions and the tour of the city in a tuk tuk allows you to see a lot of things and as the vehicle is slow, we were able to take all our photos. Frankly I recommend. We also took the boat to admire the 6 bridges of the Douro and also we liked the walk, especially since the weather was very nice.” – GetYourGuide Traveler, France ( see more reviews )

Check Prices & Availability: Porto: Electric Tuk-Tuk City Tour and Douro River Cruise ➜

10. Porto Boat Tour

⭐ 4.5/5 ( 102 Reviews )

The Porto Boat Tour is an amazing experience that takes you through the Douro River and its stunning estuary.

You’ll have a chance to enjoy breathtaking views of churches, bridges, and other sites while sipping on a glass of port wine. Take in all the beauty of nature with wildlife sightings along your 2-hour cruise.

With blankets provided during winter months and comfortable Bénéteau sailboats , this is Porto boat tour that will leave a lasting impression. It’s even better at sunset!

Glass of Port Wine

Size of Tour: 28 people max

“We enjoyed a very pleasant cruise down the Douro river and out to the harbor area. It was very personalized as we were the only couple on the boat. The couple taking us out were very friendly and helpful. It was much preferable to the other cruise boats that were packed with people.” – Tet M ( see more reviews )

Check Prices & Availability: Porto Boat Tour ➜

11. Private Yacht – Experience of the 6 Bridges and Douro Estuary Natural Reserve

⭐ 5/5 ( 1 Reviews )

The Private Yacht – Experience of the 6 Bridges and Douro Estuary Natural Reserve tour is great for couples, families and groups who want to take in some of Portugal’s best sights while enjoying a unique experience on board.

This 2-hour small group tour sails along the calm waters of the Douro River to get away from the crowds, taking short breaks so you can admire all its beauty and capture photos that will last forever.

Cross the six iconic bridges of Porto while listening to your favourite music playlist via a Bluetooth speaker – making this trip even more enjoyable. Take in breathtaking views as you sail towards the mouth of the river at Douro Estuary Natural Reserve.

Welcome Drink

Size of Tour: You and your group

“Excellent trip Made the best even out if bad weather Our guide and Captain were both fantastic Will do this again in summer” – K.S ( see more reviews )

Check Prices & Availability: Private Yacht – Experience of the 6 Bridges and Douro Estuary Natural Reserve ➜

The 6 Bridges Douro River Day Cruise in Porto: What It’s Like

After scootering around Lagos and parasailing in Albufeira on Portugal’s southern coast, I was ready for more adventures in this beautiful country. Arrive early to check in for your river cruise before its departure time. After checking in, you will line up to board the boat, prepared to board when the ship is ready. Choose an open seat and get ready to sail.

Depending on the tour you choose, there may be an audio part of the tour explaining the history of the six bridges. My river cruise did not include an audio tour.

Once the boat sails, relax and feel the wind in your hair. Both sides of the boat offer a great view, as whatever you can’t see well on one side, you will see again on the return trip. I loved seeing each of Porto’s six bridges and enjoying sitting down after a long day of sightseeing.

Seeing Porto from the water is charming and well worth the ticket price. If I didn’t take the river cruise, I wouldn’t have seen half of the bridges in this adorable town. I recommend the 6 bridges cruise as part of your Porto itinerary.

Tips for the Best Experience with Your Porto River Day Cruise

Plan your river cruise close to sunset if you plan to watch the sunset from Porto’s waterfront area. Porto is known for their incredible sunsets, so you will want to plan where you will be to watch it. We took our cruise around 5 pm, then stayed in the waterfront district until the sun had set.
During the cruise, you cannot sit at the front of the boat as your seat , but you can take a photo with the view.
If you sit on the left outer edge of the boat, be prepared to be splashed. During my tour, we got splashed, but the rest of the ship stayed dry. It wasn’t a big deal for us, but other people moved after that. Something to note when choosing where to sit during your ride.
Book a ticket in advance to ensure your spot. If you don’t know your schedule, buy your ticket for the same day, but be prepared that not all time options may be available. I bought my tickets on the same day and had to pick a time slightly later than I intended but it worked out.
Tie up your hair unless you are okay with it tangling in the wind.

FAQs about 6 Bridges Cruise Porto

What river passes through porto.

The Douro River passes through Porto , Portugal, flowing from Central Spain until it passes Porto and reaches the Atlantic Ocean. It is the second longest river in Portugal, after the Tagus River, which flows through Lisbon.

How Long is the Douro River Cruise?

A Porto bridges river cruise lasts 50 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the tour operator. The tour starts near Ponte Dom Luis I and proceeds towards interior Portugal before turning around and heading to the mouth where the river meets the Atlantic Ocean, then returning to Porto.

Where do River Cruises Depart from in Porto?

From the Porto side of the river, cruises depart from Cais da Ribeira . To reach this scenic waterfront street, be prepared to climb down plenty of stairs, ride in a tuk-tuk then walk the rest, or take the gondola on the other side of the river and walk across Ponte Dom Luis I.

Final Thoughts: Is the 6 Bridges Cruise Worth it? + Best Porto Boat Tours

The 6 bridges Douro River day cruise is worth it for the unique perspective of the city and bridges, and the best way to see them is on a Porto boat tour.

From taking panoramic tours of Boavista and Foz do Douro to tasting fine wines or sailing along the tranquil waters of the Douro River, there’s something special for everyone on these best Porto boat tours.

Whether it’s with family, friends or on your own, this unique adventure will provide lasting memories that you’ll cherish forever.

The best Porto boat tour is the one with the smallest group size – Private Tour in the Douro (1 to 4 People) in a Boat Just For You .

Happy travelling!

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Porto Six Bridges Cruise in the Douro River

Boat trip on the River Douro between Porto and Gaia - Living Tours

Introduction

Embark on the most popular of the Douro cruises .

Wander through the riverside of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia and discover the beauty of the Douro River .

Take this opportunity and book your riverboat experience!

Sail the Douro River and discover Porto's historic city center, a World Heritage Site.

The six bridges are a true landmark of Porto and are full of history.

Discover the Rabelos , the typical boats from Porto and from the Douro Valley.

Let yourself be amazed by the beautiful sights of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia.

Open ticket, no reservations of schedules are applied.

DURATION

50 Minutes

FREQUENCY AND EMBARK PLACES

Every day

From Ribeira Quay or Estiva Quay (Porto)

From April to October: departures every 30 minutes from 10h00 to 18h00/18h30 (except 13h00)
From November to March: departures every 50 minutes from 11h00 to 16h00 (except 13h00)

From Vila Nova de Gaia Quay (in front of Sandeman wine cellar)

From April to October: departures every 30 minutes from 10h00 to 12h30 and from 14h00 to 18h30
From November to March: departures every 50 minutes from 11h00 to 12h30 and from 14h00 to 16h00

Full description

There are many reasons that make Porto a dream destination. Which one is yours?

It may be its imposing architecture and rich cultural heritage , the joyful and gracious population , the great gastronomy (including, of course, the worldwide famous Port Wine), or even the amazing bridges over the Douro River that are perfect postcards of the city. The six bridges of Porto are a true landmark! Are you up for it?

Take a riverboat cruise on a Rabelo , the old boats which used to carry Port Wine from the Douro Valley to the cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia. This 50 minutes experience, will give you the opportunity to discover these famous bridges of Porto and catch a sight of many points of interesting in the city - look around and observe some of the most impressive monuments and buildings of Porto from the river!

The Six Bridges of Porto:

Points of Interest:

Six Bridges Panoramic Cruise (50 minutes)
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Food and drinks
Personal expenses
Gratuities (optional)

Cancelation rules

Cancellations less than 48 hours or no show, a fee of 100% will be charge.

No cancellation fee if you cancel until 48 hours prior to the activity date.

Additional info

From Ribeira/Estiva Quay you can take a boat from the following companies: DOURO ACIMA, TOMAZ DO DOURO.
From Vila Nova de Gaia Quay you can take a boat from the following company: ROTA DO DOURO.
Your voucher is exclusively valid for the departure place selected at the reservation. It won't be accepted for other embark places.
You must print your voucher and present it at boarding.
Note: on 23rd and 24th June, this cruise has strict hours.
Confirmation of boarding time not available (open ticket).
The cruise is panoramic (whitout explanations)
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
The cruise is subject to weather and navigation conditions.
We recommend that you arrive 15 minutes before the boarding time.

Nearest town

Nearest airport.

* Your name

You must select a date. The voucher is valid for 1 year after the selected date

Those who bought this experience were also interested in:

Douro Valley Cruise from Porto to Régua - Living Tours

Douro Valley Cruise from Porto to Régua with Breakfast and Lunch

Sky Experience: Porto Helicopter Tour

Essential City Tour in Porto with Port Wine Tasting - Half Day

Porto by Night: Fado Tour with Dinner

The Best of Porto: Wine Cellar, Tastings, Francesinha Lunch and Cruise

Typical Houses on Costa Nova Beach - Living Tours

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Personal info.

* Name * LAST NAME
PHONE NUMBER
* E-MAIL ADDRESS
CITY TO VISIT

* Required Fields

Wine Tour in Douro Valley - 2 Wineries, Tastings, River Cruise and Lunch

Santiago de Compostela Tour with visit to Valença Fortress

Porto Airport Transfer door to door (from / to the City center)

Walking Tour in Porto at Sunset with port wine tastings

( the voucher is valid for 1 year after the purchase date).

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Porto 6 Bridges Cruise: Discover the Iconic Bridges of Porto

Porto, known for its stunning architecture and historical landmarks, is home to six iconic bridges that define the city's skyline. The Porto 6 Bridges Cruise is a unique opportunity to explore these beautiful structures and witness the charm of the city from a different perspective.

Embark on this unforgettable cruise and witness the grandeur of the Arrábida, Don Luis I, Infante D. Henrique, Maria Pia, Ponte da Freixo, and São João bridges. Learn about their history and architectural features from knowledgeable guides and marvel at their beauty up close.

Key Takeaways:

The Porto 6 Bridges Cruise offers a unique experience to explore the iconic bridges of Porto.
The six bridges have significant historical and architectural significance and are an essential part of Porto's skyline.
The cruise provides an opportunity to learn about the city's history, culture, and landmarks from knowledgeable guides.

Explore the Architectural Marvels of Porto

Porto is home to six remarkable bridges, each with its own unique story and design. The Porto 6 Bridges Cruise offers a fantastic opportunity to explore these architectural marvels up close while enjoying a leisurely boat ride down the Douro River. So, hop on board and let's take a closer look at each of these magnificent structures.

Ponte de Dom Luís I

The iconic Dom Luís I bridge is undoubtedly the most famous of all the Porto bridges, and for a good reason. It is a stunning piece of engineering, with two levels - the top level carries the metro while the bottom level accommodates pedestrians, cars, and trams. The bridge offers a magnificent panoramic view of the city and the river, making it a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.

Ponte Maria Pia

The Ponte Maria Pia is another remarkable structure that is worth exploring. It was designed by the legendary Gustave Eiffel, who is famous for creating the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The bridge's unique design features a single arch span, which was considered a technological marvel at the time of its construction in 1877. Today, the bridge serves as a railway bridge and is no longer used for vehicle traffic.

"The Porto 6 Bridges Cruise offers a fantastic opportunity to explore these architectural marvels up close while enjoying a leisurely boat ride down the Douro River."

Ponte da Arrábida

With its iconic concrete arch, the Ponte da Arrábida is a modernist marvel and a symbol of Porto's architecture. The bridge's design was inspired by the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, and it was considered the largest in the world at the time of its construction in 1963. The bridge offers a breathtaking view of the city and is a popular spot for photography enthusiasts.

Ponte São João

The Ponte São João is an impressive cable-stayed bridge that was completed in 1991. Its unique design features two pairs of inclined pylons that support the bridge's cables, making it a popular landmark in the city. The bridge provides an easy connection between the city's eastern and western suburbs, making it an essential structure for Porto's transportation system.

These four bridges are just the beginning of the architectural wonders that await you on the Porto 6 Bridges Cruise. The journey takes you to two more bridges - the Ponte Infante D. Henrique and the Ponte do Freixo - each with their own distinct features and stories to tell. Book your cruise today and experience the beauty and grandeur of Porto's bridges for yourself.

Unforgettable Porto Sightseeing Experience

Embarking on the Porto 6 Bridges Cruise is an experience like no other. As you glide along the Douro River, you will be treated to stunning views of Porto's skyline. The river journey itself is a serene experience, allowing you to relax and take in the beauty of the city.

Throughout the cruise, knowledgeable guides provide informative commentary, bringing the history and culture of Porto to life. You will learn about the significance of each of the six iconic bridges that you pass under, gaining a deeper appreciation for their architectural marvels.

"The Porto 6 Bridges Cruise was the highlight of my trip to Porto. The views were breathtaking and the guides made the experience even more enjoyable with their informative commentary." - Sarah, USA

Aside from the bridges, the cruise also offers views of other notable landmarks and attractions such as Ribeira Square, the Port Wine cellars, and the Dom Luís I Bridge, to name a few. It truly is a comprehensive sightseeing experience of Porto.

Whether you're a first-time visitor to Porto or a local, the Porto 6 Bridges Cruise offers a unique and unforgettable way to explore the city. Book your cruise today and discover the magic of Porto's iconic bridges.

The Porto 6 Bridges Cruise offers a truly unique and unforgettable experience for tourists visiting Porto. It allows visitors to explore the city's iconic bridges, witness its stunning skyline, and learn about its rich history and architecture.

Book Your Cruise Now

If you're planning a trip to Porto, don't miss out on the opportunity to embark on the Porto 6 Bridges Cruise. With knowledgeable guides, serene river journey, and stunning views of the city, the Porto 6 Bridges Cruise is the perfect way to experience Porto's beauty and charm. Book your cruise now and embark on an adventure you won't forget!

Q: What is the Porto 6 Bridges Cruise?

A: The Porto 6 Bridges Cruise is a sightseeing tour that takes you on a scenic journey along the Douro River in Porto, Portugal. It allows you to discover and admire the iconic bridges that connect the city, while enjoying breathtaking views of Porto's skyline.

Q: How many bridges are included in the 6 Bridges Cruise?

A: The cruise includes a total of six bridges, namely the Dom Luís I Bridge, Maria Pia Bridge, São João Bridge, Infante Bridge, Arrábida Bridge, and Freixo Bridge. Each bridge has its own unique architectural features and historical significance.

Q: What can I expect to see during the 6 Bridges Cruise?

A: During the cruise, you can expect to see stunning views of Porto's skyline, picturesque riverbanks, and the magnificent bridges that span across the Douro River. You will also have the opportunity to learn about the history and cultural importance of each bridge through informative commentary provided by our knowledgeable guides.

Q: How long does the 6 Bridges Cruise last?

A: The duration of the cruise is approximately 50 minutes, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty and history of Porto's bridges within a short timeframe. It's a perfect activity for those who want to make the most of their time in the city.

Q: How can I book my 6 Bridges Cruise?

A: Booking your Porto 6 Bridges Cruise is easy! Simply visit our website or contact our customer service team to check the available packages and pricing options. We also offer special offers and discounts from time to time, so make sure to keep an eye out for any promotions that may be available.

OYC - Oporto Yachts Charter Lda RNAAT Registration n.o 1222/2018

Address: Marina do Freixo - Porto Phone: +351 917 917 900 Email: [email protected]

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6 Bridges Douro Cruise

Rabelo cruise through the riverbanks of porto and gaia.

One of the best ways to discover the city of Porto is aboard a cruise. We suggest a 50 minute boat ride between the stunning riverbanks of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. On board a magnificent Rabelo Boat, live one of the most traditional experiences in the city. And if you book online, you´ll have an immediate 10% discount !

Cruise program.

Passengers board at Vila Nova de Gaia Pier or at Ribeira Pier ( according to the option you have chosen )

Beginning of the Douro Bridges Cruise, on a Rabelo Boat

Passage through the 6 Douro River Bridges (Luís I, Arrábida, Infante, Maria Pia and São João) and sighting of the Freixo Bridge

Passengers get off at Vila Nova de Gaia Pier or at Ribeira Pier ( according to the embark )

End of our services

CRUISE SCHEDULES:

Summer Schedule:

First Departure: 10:00 a.m

Last Departure: 06:00 p.m

Winter Schedule:

First Departure: 11:00 a.m

Last Departure: 04:00 p.m

If you booked online, you should go to the Pier you have previously chosen to exchange the issued voucher, before boarding time (which ever you prefer). It is not possible to book this voucher in advance.
You can choose a time, subject to availability on site, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and from 02:00 p.m. to 06:00 p.m. (departure every 30 minutes);
This cruise requires a minimum of participants.
This program does not include a guide during the tour, but an audio guide in 4 languages (Portuguese, English, Spanish and French).

Departures from Porto

Departures from Régua

Departures from Pinhão

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Cruise of the Six Bridges in Oporto

In this cruise, you will enjoy not only the magnificent overall view, but also the six bridges that unite porto and gaia., cruise search.

Friday 15 July, 2016
Reservation Request

Near Gaia or Ribeira quay, we gather the passengers to do the six bridges cruise. In this cruise, you will enjoy not only the magnificent overall view, but also the six bridges that unite Porto and Gaia. As we depart from the quay, you will have the opportunity to observe Ribeira, D. Luís Bridge, Monastery Serra do Pilar, Infante Bridge, D. Maria Pia Bridge, S. João Bridge and Freixo Bridge. As we get closer to S. João Bridge, we turn back, allowing you to see Oporto, World Heritage. After passing by D. Luís Bridge, we continue in the direction of Arrábida Bridge, so that you can see the mouth of the river Douro and Afurada, the land of the fishermen. Duration: 50 minutes Schedule:

10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30

14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:30

Availability/Dates

When requesting a reservation, please indicate the desired time and embark point (Ribeira Porto or Vila Nova de Gaia Quay).

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Most viewed programs

63552 - Cruise Porto Régua Barca D`Alva Porto - Douro Total

57259 - Cruise Porto Régua Porto BA (Upstream)*

52697 - Cruise of the Six Bridges in Oporto

43023 - Cruise Régua Pinhão Régua with lunch BA

41203 - Douro river cruise with lunch or dinner on board for groups

New programs

Cruise Porto/Pinhão/Porto - "Escapadinha do Douro" Wednesday 27 March, 2024

Visit & Traditional Lunch at Quinta da Avessada Wednesday 20 March, 2024

Cruise Régua/Porto/Régua - Special Offer Tuesday 12 March, 2024

Cruise Porto/Régua/Porto - Special Offer Tuesday 12 March, 2024

Cruise in Moliceiro in Ria de Aveiro with Tasting Monday 06 February, 2023

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Douro River Six Bridges Cruise in Porto
Porto /
Tours /

Hop aboard a traditional Rabelo boat for the emblematic Douro River 6 bridges cruise. This 50 minute experience is one of Porto’s most sought after attractions.

Witness some of Porto’s attractions from the river
Discover the historical area of Porto Ribeira
Admire the 6 Porto bridges from the Douro river
Take a ride on a traditional Rabelo boat

The image of the amazing bridges over the Douro River is one of the most iconic postcards of Porto and with this tour, you’ll be able to see them all! Discover the 6 famous Porto bridges , from the Arrábida bridge to the Freixo bridge, on a 50 minute riverboat cruise aboard a traditional Rabelo boat.

The Rabelo boats were formerly used to carry Port Wine from the Douro Valley to the wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia.

Most notably, we will cross Don Luis I bridge, the iconic 19th century metal structure and the María Pía railway bridge, designed by famed architect Gustave Eiffel in 1877.

Today, they offer you the chance to witness the most stunning sites of the Porto riverbank and some of the city’s most impressive monuments , like the Bolsa Palace, Porto’s Wine Museum, the Crystal Palace Gardens and the Monastery of Serra do Pilar, among many others. Kick back, relax and enjoy the ride!

Meeting Point

Six Bridges Panoramic Cruise
Food or drinks

Cancellation Policy

The 6 bridges cruise is an open ticket. You’ll be given confirmation of boarding time when you check-in with your printed voucher at the meeting point.
The cruise is subject to weather and navigation conditions.
There are no stops along the way.
We recommend arriving 15 minutes before the desired boarding time.

Additional Info

Working hours.

Daily departures at every hour.

November to March: from 11:00 to 16:00 hs
April to October: from 11:00 to 18:00 hs

Related Tours

6 Bridges Cruise

The 6 Bridges Cruise takes place in the traditional Rabelo boat with a duration of 50 minutes. On this cruise, you will have the opportunity to discover the 6 emblematic bridges that connect two banks of the river (Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia), as well as the traditions of the famous Port Wine.

The Rabelo Boats exists since the XIII Century

The Rabelo Boat is a Portuguese vessel, typical of the Douro River, which traditionally transported the barrels of Port Wine from the Alto Douro, where the Wine Estates are located, to Vila Nova de Gaia - Porto, where the wine was stored and later sold and shipped to other countries.

Cruise on a t raditional Rabelo Boat between the banks of Porto and Gaia lasting 50 minutes

Take advantage of this magnificent cruise of the 6 bridges to contemplate the magnitude of this complex landscape classified as World Heritage by Unesco, composed of its vibrant colors, and its natural elements involved in the most symbolic historical elements.

Come and enjoy this magnificent 50 minutes journey, which will allow you to sail peacefully along the Douro River, between the banks of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia, aboard a traditional Rabelo boat. This Portuguese vessel, full of history and tradition, was once used to transport wooden barrels with port wine.

Along this fantastic route you will get to know each of the 6 emblematic bridges, which unite the two banks of the river, Ponte da Arrábida, Ponte Luís I, Ponte Infante D. Henrique, Ponte Maria Pia, Ponte São João and Ponte do Freixo All of them different and characterized by the uniqueness of their architecture and beauty. Allow yourself to pay attention to the building details as you pass by each one of them, and let yourself be enchanted by their curious stories and symbology.

6 Bridges Cruise in Rabelo Boat

Embarkation of passengers at the Vila Nova de Gaia Quay (Rota do Douro)

Start of the 6 Bridges Cruise in a typical Rabelo boat (50 minutes)
Cruise along the banks of Porto and Gaia, passing by the bridges of the Douro River

Disembarkation of passengers at the Vila Nova de Gaia Quay

End of our services

Children up to 3 years Free
Children from 4 to 12 years old 50% discount

The voucher issued for this cruise does not contain a specific schedule, so you should go to Rota do Douro Quay afterwards and book the desired schedule, subject to availability;

You can choose one of the following times subject to availability on site: between 10:00 a.m and 12:00 p.m , and between 02:00 p.m and 06:00 p.m (departure every 30 minutes);

This program includes a guide or audio guide during the cruise (Portuguese, English, Spanish and French)

This cruise requires a minimum number of participants

Telephone: (+351) 259 336 164

Mobile: (+351) 935 184 454

Email: [email protected]

Horário: Segunda a Sexta das 9h às 18h

tripadvisor

Which Six Bridges cruise in Porto should I take?

This website uses affiliate links which earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

When researching what to do in Porto you will probably have come across boat trips on the Douro River and especially the 6 bridges cruise. The 6 Bridges Cruise is the most cost-effective boat trip and a great way to learn about the history and culture of Porto.

The tour is usually on a replica Rabelo boat, retracing the historic path once taken by wine merchants transporting barrels of Port wine from the enchanting Douro Valley to Vila Nova de Gaia.

Leave the bustling city behind and unwind in the embrace of the river’s serene waters while admiring the picturesque riverside town. Having personally experienced the 6 Bridges tour in Porto, I will provide valuable insights on its worthiness, the duration of the day cruise, and recommend the finest boat tours available in Porto.

Which six bridges cruise in Porto should I choose?

Tips for the best experience with your porto river day cruise, faq for six bridges cruise in porto, what are the 6 bridges in porto, dom luís i bridge, ponte do infante, maria pia bridge, são joão bridge, arrábida bridge, freixo bridge.

Six Bridges Boat Tour by Living Tours: The basic tour, typically lasting 50-minutes, can cost as little as £13 when booking online via GetYourGuide . They can depart from either side of the river at Ribeira Quay or Gaia Quay.

Six Bridges Douro River Cruise by Tomaz do Douro or Empreend. Tur. Lda : This tour is similar to the above, and costs slightly more at £16 when booking online via GetYourGuide .

Douro River Sailing Cruise with Port Wine by Mar Douro : This tour takes you on 31-foot classic motor sailor boat from Douro Marina to the mouth of the Douro River. Along the route you will be able to enjoy a Port wine tasting, including three types of Port wine (Ruby Port, Tawny Port, and White Port). Douro River Sailing Cruise + Port Wine

While on the cruise, it is not permitted to use the front of the boat as a seating area. However, you are more than welcome to capture a memorable photo with the magnificent view.
If you’re eager to witness Porto’s breath-taking sunset from the waterfront area, it’s advisable to plan your river cruise close to sunset. Porto is renowned for its incredible sunsets, making it a memorable experience to capture. We recommend scheduling your cruise around 5 pm, allowing ample time to enjoy the scenic views as the sun gracefully descends. After the cruise, you can continue immersing yourself in the captivating waterfront district, savouring the atmosphere until the sun has fully set.
Please be aware that if you choose to sit on the left outer edge of the boat, there is a possibility of getting splashed. During my own tour, some of us experienced splashes while seated in that area, while the rest of the ship remained dry. While it wasn’t a major inconvenience for us, it prompted some other passengers to relocate to different seats. It’s worth considering this when deciding where to sit during your ride.
To secure your spot on the river cruise, it is recommended to book your ticket in advance. However, if you’re uncertain about your schedule, you can purchase a ticket for the same day. Keep in mind that not all time options may be available, so be prepared for potential limitations. In my experience, I purchased my tickets on the same day and had to choose a slightly later time than originally intended. Fortunately, everything worked out well.
To avoid any inconvenience or tangling caused by the wind, it is advisable to tie up your hair during the cruise. This simple precaution will help ensure a more comfortable and enjoyable experience on the boat.
Don’t forget to bring both sunscreen and a light scarf, as it gets very sunny and windy at the same time.

The cruise lasts for 50 minutes. If you have purchased the ticket in advance then we recommend setting aside an hour to exchange the voucher, check in, and disembark.

Prices vary depending on the company you book with but expect to pay around £13 per person for a standard (no frills) Six Bridges Tour.

The price includes the cruise itself, and usually an audio guide or commentary in a chosen language. There are some cruises where a glass of port wine is offered (prices are higher).

Probably the best time to take the cruise is in the morning, at night, or during sunset. However, unlike sunset cruises in Lisbon, there are only a few companies that offer this activity and most conclude around 6:30 pm or so.

During your river cruise, you will encounter the six bridges in a specific order, each with its own unique characteristics. These bridges were constructed over several years, showcasing a diverse range of architectural styles. Below is information about each of the splendid bridges in Porto.

The awe-inspiring bridge that never fails to impress is none other than the iconic Luis I Bridge. It has earned the reputation of being the most frequently photographed bridge over the Douro, as per a visual statistic. This remarkable structure boasts the distinction of once having the world’s largest wrought-iron arch, spanning an impressive length of 395 meters. Upon closer inspection, its intricate and intertwined decoration, reminiscent of delicate filigree, reveals its exquisite beauty.

Designed by the Belgian company Société de Willebroeck and executed under the guidance of engineer Théophile Seyrig, a disciple of Gustave Eiffel, the bridge was inaugurated in 1886. Initially, only the lower deck was accessible, with vehicle traffic utilizing the upper deck two years later. However, in 2003, as part of maintenance work, the bridge underwent a transformation, transitioning from vehicular use to accommodating the light rail network.

Before its incorporation into the city’s infrastructure, another bridge once spanned the river — the Suspension Bridge, also known as the Maria II Bridge. It held the distinction of being Portugal’s first metal bridge and was opened in 1842. However, in 1887, it was dismantled to make way for the current captivating structure that never fails to enchant spectators upon their first encounter. Illuminated by night, the Luis I Bridge emanates a warm yellow glow, lending it a dramatic, cinematic, and undeniably romantic ambiance. While it may not be the Brooklyn Bridge, it often serves as the backdrop for unforgettable proposals and moments of love.

In 2003, an upstream bridge was constructed and named after the renowned Henry the Navigator, a native of Porto who played a pivotal role in opening up new worlds during the Age of Discovery. This bridge, characterized by its sleek and contemporary design, achieved a remarkable feat in construction with its 280-meter arch span, setting a new record and serving as a source of inspiration for numerous bridges worldwide.

With a width of twenty meters and four lanes, two in each direction, the bridge effectively absorbed the traffic redirected from the upper deck of the nearby Luis I Bridge following the establishment of the light rail network.

The bridge serves as a vital connection for vehicles traveling between Fontainhas and Serra do Pilar, where the magnificent Monastery of Serra do Pilar is situated. This 16th-century architectural gem is a prime example of European design, renowned for its impressive church and circular cloister. Originally housing an exclusively male order of Saint Augustine, the monastery later assumed a military role due to its strategic positioning during critical moments in Portugal’s history, including the French Invasions, the Siege of Porto, and the Maria da Fonte revolt. Recognized as a National Monument and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the monastery offers breath-taking panoramic views of Gaia, Porto, and the magnificent bridges spanning the river.

In Porto, just as Paris has the iconic Eiffel Tower, the city boasts its own engineering marvel known as the Maria Pia Bridge. Designed by the renowned French engineer Gustave Eiffel (1832-1923), this bridge pushed the boundaries of classic metal construction during its time. Its construction involved ingenious techniques that revolutionized engineering practices.

The primary objective of the Maria Pia Bridge was to establish a railway connection between Gaia and Porto, which it successfully served for an impressive span of 114 years. Although it was officially inaugurated on November 4, 1877, by King Luis I and Queen Maria Pia, who bestowed upon it its name, an interesting footnote in its history involves the wife of the Portuguese engineer responsible for the project, Pedro Inácio Lopes. Prior to the official opening, Adelaide Lopes courageously crossed the bridge on foot right after the metallic arms had been installed to complete the deck. While this daring act earned her a place in history according to “Caminhos de Ferro Portugueses – Esboço da História” (1956), it remains a somewhat comical episode often overlooked elsewhere.

Although railway traffic ceased in 1991 and was redirected to the nearby São João Bridge, the Maria Pia Bridge’s towering structure, reaching a height of 61 meters, was rightfully declared a National Monument. Its historical significance and architectural grandeur continue to be appreciated by visitors, serving as a testament to Porto’s engineering heritage and the visionary work of Gustave Eiffel.

On June 24, 1991, the Maria Pia Bridge was succeeded by the contemporary São João Bridge, named after the patron saint of Porto’s summer celebrations. The São João Bridge represents a modern replacement, accommodating greater loads and faster speeds compared to its predecessor. It stands as a significant development in the city’s infrastructure.

In contrast to its predecessors, the São João Bridge showcases a minimalist design, constructed with reinforced concrete and adorned with a clean white paint finish. Rather than featuring an arched structure, it boasts a continuous multi-lane span, elegantly supported by two majestic pillars embedded into the riverbed. This design choice allows for seamless passage across the bridge.

The São João Bridge serves as a vital link between the Porto-Campanhã train station and destinations in the south, with its first stop being Vila Nova de Gaia. It facilitates efficient transportation for both commuters and travellers, enabling seamless connections to various southern locations.

Visually, the São João Bridge exhibits a modern and streamlined appearance, aligning with contemporary architectural sensibilities. Its efficient design and functionality contribute to the smooth flow of traffic and the overall development of Porto’s transportation network.

Whether admired from a distance or experienced first-hand while crossing, the São João Bridge represents a symbol of progress and connectivity, embodying Porto’s commitment to modern infrastructure and improved transportation systems.

6 Bridges Cruise In Porto Ponte Da Arrábida, Douro River, Porto

The Arrábida Bridge serves as a critical connection for the A1 motorway, linking Porto in the north with Lisbon. It spans the Douro River, connecting Campo Alegre in Porto with Arrábida in Gaia. The bridge was designed as an alternative downstream crossing to alleviate traffic congestion on the Luís I Bridge. Notably, it was the first major bridge over the Douro River built by Portuguese companies under the supervision of engineer Edgar Cardoso (1913-2000), who was also responsible for the São João Bridge and the expansion of the runway at Madeira Airport.

The bridge features four modern bronze sculptures by artists Barata Feyo and Gustavo Bastos, situated on the pillars in the central deck area. These pillars once served as lifts, adding a unique element to the bridge’s design.

Constructed in 1963, the Arrábida Bridge boasted the world’s largest reinforced concrete arch at the time. Its impressive stature stands as a testament to engineering prowess. Since 2016, adventurous individuals have had the opportunity to climb the bridge’s 262 steps, reaching its pinnacle 65 meters above the riverbed. This National Monument offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

From the top of the Arrábida Bridge, observers can marvel at various notable landmarks. These include the nineteenth-century Customs House on the north bank, which was previously Miragaia beach and now serves as an important congress center. The Port Wine Museum, housed in an 18th-century building formerly used as a wine warehouse, also comes into view. The Church of Massarelos, adorned with a blue tile panel depicting figures such as Henry the Navigator and St. Elmer, the patron saint of sailors, stands nearby. Additionally, the STCP-Tram Museum, dedicated to preserving the history of the city’s iconic urban transport, can be seen from the bridge.

As the Douro River flows into the sea at Foz, picturesque São Pedro da Afurada on the south side represents a typical fishing village in the region. The village’s inhabitants maintain a livelihood centred around boat building and repair, showcasing the traditional maritime heritage of the area.

The Freixo Bridge, the most modern of the six bridges, is situated on the outskirts of Porto and was inaugurated in 1995 to address the pressing issue of traffic congestion. Serving as the final segment of the inner ring road, it significantly improved access to the southbound direction. As the main entry and exit point of the city, the bridge accommodates four lanes in each direction, witnessing the passage of approximately 100,000 vehicles daily. Interestingly, the bridge consists of two separate structures, with a mere ten-centimetre gap between them, spanning a length of 750 meters.

Crossing the Freixo Bridge can be accomplished in various ways, including by car, on foot, by train, by metro, by bicycle, or even by navigating between the pillars. However, one of the most enjoyable methods is by boat, departing from the Ribeira riverfront or the Gaia quayside. This leisurely boat trip allows travellers to fully appreciate the bridges’ uniqueness while contemplating other ways to explore and become better acquainted with the cities on either bank.

From the Porto side, the wine houses stand out with their distinctive rooftop lettering, proudly displaying names such as Calem, Kopke, Quinta do Noval, Sandeman, Gran Cruz, Taylor’s, Dow’s, Offley, and more. On the Gaia side, visitors can enjoy the captivating view of colourful old houses, church towers, and the historic centre, which has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Along the Douro River, the rabelos, traditional boats that once transported wine barrels downstream to the Port houses, add to the enchantment as they gracefully navigate alongside other tourist vessels. Porto continues to shine as one of Europe’s premier travel destinations, offering a delightful blend of cultural heritage, scenic beauty, and renowned hospitality.

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Porto 6 Bridges Douro River Cruise

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Sail like never before in an old-fashioned Rabelo Boat and learn about the iconic 6 bridges as you sail through the Douro River.

Witness the iconic 6 bridges as you cruise along the River Douro on this guided tour.

Sail in an old-fashioned Rabelo Boat and be charmed by its history and learn about how it was used to transport Port Wine.

Marvel at the endless panoramic views of the landscape as well as the red-roofed buildings.

Learn about the history of the bridges from your guide as you pass underneath them.

50-minute cruise along the River Douro

Meal inclusions

Hotel transfers

Cancellation policy

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

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Your experience.

There are many reasons that make Porto a dream destination. The 6 bridges of Porto are a true landmark - are you ready to explore them? On this tour, enjoy a traditional 6 Bridges cruise as you follow in the footsteps of the old wine merchants.

Sail along the Douro River once your board the boat at Ribeira Quay and soak in the panoramic views of the beautiful landscape and the red-roofed buildings. Cruise the river on an old-fashioned Rabelo Boat which was used to transport Port Wine from the Douro Valley to the cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia. Listen to the history of the bridges from your guide as you sail under them and learn about their constructions and curiosities. To end your tour see the sandy beaches of the seafront area Foz do Douro where the river pours into the ocean. The 6 bridges along the river make for a wonderful postcard too!

Know Before You Go

Important information.

This tour is not suitable for individuals with impaired mobility.

Pets are not allowed.

Large bags are not allowed.

Daily: 11am - 6pm

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the boarding point.

Please arrive at the boarding point 15 minutes before the scheduled time of your cruise to avoid any delays.

Boarding Point

Board your cruise at Cais da Ribeira or Cais da Estiva .

Address: Cais da Ribeira Porto 4050-511.

Look for the Douro Acima or Tomaz Do Douro (Douro Cruises) boats. (Pictured boat at Cais da Ribeira, Porto)

Your ticket can be used for the 6 Bridges Cruise offered by either operator.

Get Directions to the Boarding Point

Getting There

The closest bus stop is Elevador Guindais. It is a quick 2-minute walk to the boarding point.

Board bus #403 to get you there.

The closest tram stop is Infante. It is a quick 6-minute walk to the boarding point.

Board tram #1 to get you there.

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Business | In wake of Baltimore bridge collapse, Florida…

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Business | in wake of baltimore bridge collapse, florida ports council head talks about safety.

TALLAHASSEE — Two weeks after a container ship collided with a bridge and shut down the Port of Baltimore, effects continue to ripple through the maritime industry. The News Service had these questions for Michael Rubin, president and CEO of the Florida Ports Council, about port safety in the Sunshine State:

Q: After the Baltimore collision, are you looking at all the Florida ports for how ships come in and out to ensure safety and security?

RUBIN: It’s a continuing investment that we work with the Army Corps of Engineers. Some of our channels, obviously, there’s a bridge in Tampa, which had a similar incident over 40 years ago. And then there’s a bridge in Jacksonville, where some of the smaller cargo vessels go underneath.

So, it’s a continual review by, you know, the (harbor) pilots into that. The pilots do a great job of making sure those vessels stay on line and on track coming through those navigational harbors if there’s a bridge there. Obviously, it’s a difficult lesson and you hope you don’t have — and I feel for those six families (of people who died in Baltimore) — and you hope you don’t have any significant loss of life in those. But it’s one of those hard lessons you learn.

We learned that in Tampa several years ago. We learned through hurricanes, sometimes those (storms) deposit items into a channel that you have to get out of there. So, it’s just an ongoing (issue) dealing with all that. There’s a continuing harbor maintenance effort at every one of our seaports with the Army Corps to make sure that channel is clear and usable. … It’s just a matter of certainly having the Army Corps and everybody else working together to keep it clear.

Q: What’s the biggest threat to Florida ports, and what steps are being taken?

RUBIN: Our threats remain heavy weather. And we’re getting into that season again. Obviously, it’s an annual thing. And all of our ports have had heavy-weather committees comprised of the seaports, the tenants, Coast Guard and everybody in getting ready to plan. And it’s an ongoing planning effort to keep that port not only resilient and open, but, you know, making sure that it’s ready for that heavy weather when it comes around.

… Fuel is obviously a significant issue every year. And we work together as a system of seaports. And we have several seaports that handle fuel. Hopefully, we don’t have a hurricane that goes up the middle of the state and closes all of our ports at the same time. We’ve had that.

But certainly, we prepare and get ready. You know, the governor’s office, obviously Gov. (Ron) DeSantis and his, Kevin Guthrie (director) at the Division of Emergency Management, does a fantastic job. And so does our partners at DOT (the Florida Department of Transportation) responding to it.

Q: Concerns have been raised about cybersecurity threats. What steps are being taken?

RUBIN: Yes, obviously, cybersecurity continues to grow every year with all sorts of craziness out there. And certainly, it’s been a significant issue for 10 years or so now. … We first had the Maritime Transportation Security Act after 9/11. And it was all about physical security issues.

And a lot of money was spent around the state on the federal side shoring up ingress and egress, fencing, gates, checkpoints, police force. And so, a lot of it was spent there. And now the issue, really the foremost issue on some of that stuff, is do you have a cybersecurity plan in place.

Every terminal, every vessel, obviously, all of our port authorities have a cybersecurity plan in place. And they work together with the Coast Guard to make sure that we have adequate protections or whatever they may be.

And any threats that are recognized out there are usually transmitted by the Coast Guard to the Florida seaports, terminals and vessels.

Q: Supply chain issues don’t seem as dramatic as they were coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic. What steps are being taken to maintain the record cargo and cruise numbers posted last year in Florida?

RUBIN: The cargo industry, the maritime industry around the world is slow to change. But I think a number of them saw that, “Hey, I need to look at the East Coast of the United States and the Gulf Coast. And we have ports on both the East Coast side and the Gulf Coast. And both of them have seen a growth.

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Port of Baltimore suspends ship traffic after bridge collapse: What it means for travel

Travel is being impacted by Tuesday’s Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse along Interstate 695 in Baltimore, Maryland.

Drivers were immediately directed to take alternate routes through the city, following the early morning incident. What’s less clear is what the bridge collapse may mean for upcoming cruises in and out of Baltimore.

“Vessel traffic into and out of the Port of Baltimore is suspended until further notice,” the Port of Baltimore posted on X, formerly Twitter.

Live Updates: Baltimore's Key Bridge collapses after ship hits it; construction crew missing

Rep. Kweisi Mfume, D-Md., whose district includes the bridge and the port, called the collapse an “unthinkable horror” and said he had spoken with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and the White House.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

“They are responding with all of the assets at their disposal,” he said in a statement. “Our prayers right now are for the missing individuals and victims of this tragedy. We thank God for the effective service of our first responders.”

Here’s what we know.

Which cruises go to Baltimore?

Several major cruise lines serve Baltimore. According to the Cruise Lines International Association, the industry’s leading trade group, published itineraries in the 2024 calendar year include a dozen ships making 115 stops in Baltimore.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragedy and collapse of the Key Bridge that occurred last night and extend our support and heartfelt prayers to all those impacted,” CLIA spokesperson Anne Madison said in an emailed statement. “We join everyone in extending our thanks and appreciation to the first responders and emergency workers in Baltimore, the U.S. Coast Guard, and other professionals who are working with one goal in mind—to save lives. We are closely following this situation.”

Carnival’s website shows Carnival Pride and Carnival Legend also have sailings into or out of Baltimore set for April.

Carnival Legend will temporarily move operations to Norfolk, Virginia.

The ship's current cruise, which left for a planned round-trip sailing from Baltimore on March 24, will end in Norfolk on Sunday. Passengers will then receive free bus rides to Baltimore. The vessel's next cruise will sail round-trip from Norfolk later that day.

“Our thoughts remain with the impacted families and first responders in Baltimore,” Carnival president Christine Duffy said in a statement. “We appreciate the pledge made by President Biden today to dedicate all available resources to reopen Baltimore Harbor to marine traffic as soon as possible. As those plans are finalized, we will update our future cruise guests on when we will return home to Baltimore, but in the meantime, we appreciate the quick response and support from officials in Norfolk.”

The cruise line has not yet shared plans for Carnival Pride. Carnival's parent company, Carnival Corp., said the temporary change in homeport is estimated to have an impact of up to $10 million on adjusted EBITDA and adjusted net income this year, according to a news release .

Royal Caribbean's Vision of the Seas, which left from Baltimore on March 23 , will return to Norfolk instead on April 4. "Our guests on board will be provided compensation and complimentary shuttle transportation as well as Wi-Fi and phone calls to adjust their travel arrangements," a spokesperson said in an email.

The ship's April 4 and 12 cruises will leave from Norfolk, too. "Our guests booked to sail with us will receive compensation due to the necessary adjustments made to their vacations," the spokesperson added. "After returning from the April 12 cruise, Vision will head to the Bahamas for its previously scheduled maintenance."

Was your cruise itinerary changed?: What to do next

American Cruise Lines has roundtrip sailings from Baltimore scheduled in May, according to its website.

“We will monitor the situation and make adjustments to future cruises if needed, but at the present time our schedules remain unaffected, and our thoughts remain with those affected by the immediate situation and rescue efforts underway,” an American Cruise Lines spokesperson told USA TODAY.

Norwegian Cruise Line doesn’t appear to have any Baltimore sailings until September on Norwegian Sky . The line will stay in contact with the port and share any changes with passengers and travel partners, according to a spokesperson.

"In the meantime, we wish the city of Baltimore strength during this very unfortunate event," they said in an email.

Alternate routes for the Baltimore bridge

Most drivers can take Interstate 95 (Fort McHenry Tunnel) or Interstate 895 (Baltimore Harbor Tunnel) to avoid the collapsed bridge. However Maryland Transportation Authority notes there are some exceptions .

Vehicles carrying hazardous materials, including more than 10 pounds of propane, are not allowed in the tunnels. Additionally, vehicles more than 13-feet and 6-inches high or 8-feet wide may not use the 1-895 Baltimore Harbor Tunnel. Vehicles more than 14-feet and 6-inches high or 11-feet wide may not use the I-95 Fort McHenry Tunnel.

Those vehicles should use the western portion of I-695 instead.

Watch CBS News

Key Bridge collapse puts a hold on cruise ships through Port of Baltimore

By Miana Massey

Updated on: March 27, 2024 / 7:43 PM EDT / CBS Baltimore

BALTIMORE - The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge has put a halt on cruise voyages out of the Port of Baltimore.

Several construction workers remain missing after a cargo ship plunged into the bridge early Tuesday.

The impact is being felt by cruise lines porting in and out of Baltimore .

The Carnival cruise line's Legend, with more than 2,500 passengers, left Baltimore last Sunday on a seven-day trip to the Bahamas.

Their return trip will be redirected to Norfolk, Virginia, this weekend. Passengers will be given a bus ride back to their cars at the Port of Baltimore.

Ragina Ali, a spokesperson from AAA, recalls what would be her last time witnessing one of the state's most iconic landmarks. She was on the ship celebrating her husband's birthday.

"As we left we went under the Francis Scott Key Bridge, and pointed it out to our family members, beautiful," Ali said.

Rebekah Sanderson, a teacher who was excited to spend time off with her husband on a cruise ship, said the trip was going great before taking a dark turn.

"That's like part of the Baltimore experience, getting out of the Harbor, going under the bridge," Sanderson said. "It was a normal Carnival cruise until it wasn't."

Cruise travelers woke up Tuesday morning to the news that Baltimore's iconic bridge had collapsed.

"I'm looking and I'm like, 'Wait a minute, this is in Maryland and it was so surreal,'" Ali said.

With vessel traffic suspended throughout the local waterways, the cruise then notified passengers.

It will be a nearly five-hour drive added to Sanderson's already extensive road trip home to North Carolina.

"I want to ask Carnival, 'Is this the best that you can do, a shuttle bus that would more than double my time home?'" Sanderson asked.

AAA says it's already receiving an increase in calls.

They are recommending people reach out to their travel advisor, cruise and airline directly and inquire about insurance policies.

"We are staying in touch with our customers, anyone who has booked on anything," said Kelly Connor, from AAA. "Obviously, we want them to have the most exciting vacation ever."

"In the scheme of things its a minor inconvenience when you look at all that's in stakes here," Ali said.

Carnival says its next cruise leaving on Sunday will also set sail from Norfolk.

It's just one of three cruise lines typically departing from Baltimore, which also includes Royal Caribbean and Norwegian.

As the situation is fluid, it's important to check updates prior to departure.

Featured Local Savings

Baltimore City Council honors Key Bridge first responders as crews work around the clock on recovery efforts

Community vigil, mural honors victims of the Key Bridge incident

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore says timeline to fully reopen channel, Port of Baltimore 'realistic'

Candlelight vigil, prayer service held for construction workers killed during Key Bridge collapse

Baltimore bridge collapse: Third body recovered from water as Biden meets with victims’ families

LIVE – Updated at 14:56

The body of a third victim has been recovered by divers from the wreckage of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, officials said Friday.

Maynor Yasir Suazo-Sandoval, 38, was the third man to be retrieved from the water after he plunged to his death with five other construction workers.

The bridge collapsed at 1.30am on 26 March after a cargo ship collided with a supporting pier. Six men, all of whom were Latino immigrant workers, were on the bridge at the time and are presumed dead, authorities have said.

Suazo-Sandoval, a native of Honduras, was married with a son, 18, and five-year-old daughter. He also leaves behind his siblings, who live in both Honduras and Maryland.

Carlos Alexis Suazo-Sandoval, Maynor’s brother, told The Washington Post that he was relieved the body had been found.

The bodies of two other victims were covered in the immediate aftermath of the collapse from a vehicle that had fallen into the Patapsco River. Dorian Castillo Cabrera, a 25-year-old from Guatemala, and Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes, 35, from Mexico.

Three more workers are still missing in the river.

“The collapse of the Key Bridge is undoubtedly one of the most challenging tragedies we have faced as a law enforcement agency. Along with our local, state and federal public safety partners, we will not give up,” Colonel Roland L Butler, Jr, Superintendent of the Maryland Department of State Police, said.

“There are families still waiting to hear if we have found their loved one. I can promise you, we are fully committed to finding closure for each of these families.”

President Joe Biden travelled to Baltimore on Friday to meet with the victims’ families and take an aerial tour of the wreckage on Marine One. The US Army Corps of Engineers announced that a new channel will be completed by the end of April and allow one of the country’s busiest ports to begin to reopen.

There are currently two temporary channels open but they are not deep enough for large container ships to pass through.The container ship involved in the crash, the Dali, remains stranded at the port.

This comes as new video footage has been released showing dive teams entering the water around the wreckage – revealing the challenging conditions authorities are working in.

Baltimore bridge collapse dive team recovers body of third construction worker

Biden gets aerial tour of collapsed Baltimore bridge

Timeline given for reopening of baltimore port.

Dali ship owners deny responsibility for deadly bridge crash
Baltimore opens temporary shipping route around wreckage

First vessel passes through new temporary channel

Biden’s visit to baltimore: the schedule.

12.30pm ET – President receives an aerial tour of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge with Maryland Governor Wes Moore, Commandant of the United States Coast Guard Admiral Linda Fagan, and Chief of Engineers and Commanding General of the US Army Corps of Engineers Lieutenant General Scott Spellmon

1.35pm ET – President participates in an operational briefing on response and recovery efforts with the Maryland Transportation Authority

1.55pm ET – Mr Biden meets with federal personnel, state and local officials, and first responders

2.30pm ET – President delivers remarks reaffirming his commitment to the people of Baltimore as they rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge and reopen the Port of Baltimore

3.15pm ET – President meets with the loved ones of the six individuals who tragically lost their lives when the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed

WATCH: White House vows to ‘get to the bottom’ of Baltimore Bridge collapse

Gov wes moore gives an update one week after bridge’s collapse, see it: up-close view of the dali ship under rubble, us congressman speaks out against republicans opposed to funding bridge construction.

James E Clyburn, a Democratic congressman from South Carolina, spoke out against some members of US Congress opposed to funding rebuilding efforts for the Baltimore Francis Scott Key Bridge in an interview with NBC News on Tuesday.

“The fact of the matter is, all of us, every state in the nation, all 50 of us, will take our turns needing this kind of assistance”.

Local leaders acknowledge ‘long road’ ahead

Today marked one week since the fatal collapse of Baltimore’s Key Bridge, which took six construction workers’ lives.

Speaking at a Tuesday press conference, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott called the incident an “unpseakable tragedy.”

He added, “the road ahead is long and difficult” but we will “utilize every tool” to support the community and businesses.

Leaders also underscored that the bad weather has made the mission to clear the wreckage even more difficult.

US Army Corps of Engineers Col Estee Pinchasin shed light on some of the salvage efforts.

The state of the wreckage has made it difficult to know “where to cut, how to cut” into the tresses submerged in the water. She added, the workers are operating in an “extremely unforgiving” area, but they are developing a plan.

“The compelxity is even more complex than we thought,” Gov Moore said, adding “there are still a lot of unknowns.”

US Joint House Subcommittee begins hearing on safety and security at US Ports

House representatives convened in Miami on Friday to discuss emerging challenges to safety and security at US ports as well as the state of port infrastructure and future investment needs.

Watch the hearing here .

Every port is vulnerable to an accident or attack

Ranking members of Congress are drilling Coast Guard officials about ways that accidents like the Baltimore bridge collapse could be prevented.

Officials said that every bridge across the country is vulnerable to accidents like last week’s that could put US ports out of commission for months.

Economic disaster loans available to small business owners

President joe biden to depart white house for baltimore.

President Joe Biden is about to depart the White House for Baltimore, according to his official schedule. The president will receive an aerial tour of the wreckage around 12.30pm. He’ll later participate in a briefing on relief and recovery efforts.

Governor Wes Moore signs executive action to provide financial relief to port workers

Maryland will provide another $60m to workers and businesses struggling after the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

“The Port of Baltimore is one of our state’s vital economic organs and the thousands of workers and businesses that depend on Port operations have been directly impacted by the Key Bridge collapse,” Mr Moore said in a news release.

“As we work as quickly – and as safely – as possible to clear the debris and open the commercial shipping channels, we are working in partnership with our partners at the local and federal levels of government, private sector, nonprofit sector, and philanthropic sector to respond to this economic crisis with the urgency that it deserves.”

The executive order allows the governor to pull $25m from the state’s rainy day fund and $35m from agency budgets.

Republican Representative Carlos A Gimenez of Florida probes army personnel about whether anything could be done to mitigate bridge collapses in the future during a Congressional hearing on Friday.

“I believe in Murphy’s law... it just says anything that can happen will. And obviously, look, it happened in Baltimore. It could happen. A ship lost power. It hit the bridge. The bridge collapsed,” he said.

“Could we have done something so that even in the event of Murphy’s law taking effect that we had protection around the bridge structure so that it would not collapse?” Mr Gimenzes asked. “Because now the largest port for vehicles in the US is knocked out of action”.

Biden administration asking Congress to foot the entire bill for rebuilding bridge

President Joe Biden’s administration is asking Congress to allow the federal government to use taxpayer funds to reconstruct the Francis Scott Key Bridge .

Shalanda Young, director of the Office of Management and Budget, said the request was “consistent with past catastrophic bridge collapses, including in 2007, when the Congress acted in a bipartisan manner within days of the I-35W bridge collapse in Minnesota”.

She made the remarks in a letter to congressional leaders.

“We stand ready to work with the Congress to ensure the City of Baltimore and the State of Maryland has what it needs to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which is critical to the nation’s workers and economy,” She wrote.

Read the letter here:

Biden gets briefing on bridge recovery efforts

The US Army Corps of Engineers has announced a “tentative” timeline for the reopening of the vital shipping channel near the Port of Baltimore, following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key bridge.

The Corps said it expects to open a channel 280-feet wide and 35-feet deep by the end of April, and reopen the permanent 700-foot wide, 50-foot deep channel by the end of May.

Currently, vessel traffic in and out of the Port of Baltimore remains suspended. Trucks however are still being processed inside the facility’s marine terminals.

“We appreciate everyone’s patience as we continue to work through this unimaginable situation. We thank all of our incredible federal, state, and local partners who are working around the clock to make this happen,” the Corps said in a statement on Thursday evening.

“We remind everyone to keep their thoughts on the families that have suffered unreplaceable losses. Thank you to all of our valued business partners for your continued support of the Port of Baltimore during this incredibly difficult time.”

Biden delivering remarks from Port of Baltimore

President Joe Biden is delivering remarks from the Port of Baltimore.

Watch them here.

President Biden expected to meet with families of the victims

“I’ve been there,” said President Joe Biden, reflecting on the what it feels like to lose relatives in an accident. The president lost his wife and daughter in a car crash in 1972 and his son, Beau, to brain cancer in 2015.

“The anger, the pain, the depth of loss is so profound,” he continued, stating that the memory of a loved one “is going to bring smile to your lips before it brings a tear to your eye”.

The families are expected to meet with Biden this afternoon.

Biden vows ‘we will not rest’ until Baltimore’s Key Bridge is rebuilt as he visits scene of disaster

As workers continue efforts to cut apart and remove the twisted wreckage of what was once the Francis Scott Key Bridge, President Joe Biden vowed that he and his administration “will not rest” until a replacement span is rebuild and carrying vehicles across the Patapsco River once more.

Standing outside the Maryland Transportation Authority Police Department headquarters not far from where the bridge once stood, Mr Biden repeated the promise he made in remarks delivered from the White House, mere hours after the container ship Dali struck one of the half-century-old span’s supports, bringing it down and blocking all maritime traffic in and out of Baltimore’s harbour.

As Maryland Governor Wes Moore, Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, and a bevy of other Old Line State dignaries looked on, Mr Biden said: “We’re going to move heaven and earth to rebuild this bridge”.

Watch it: Baltimore divers continue search of collapsed Key Bridge and cargo ship wreck

One of the victims texted his girlfriend before bridge collapsed.

President Joe Biden said that one of the men, Carlos Hernández, had just texted his girlfriend before the bridge collapsed.

“We just poured cement. We’re waiting for it to dry,” the president quoted the man saying during a news conference on Friday. “To all the families and loved ones who are grieving, I’ve come here to grieve with you,” the president said.

Baltimore mayor calls out House Freedom Caucus for being reluctant to fund Key Bridge repairs

Men on board the “dali” ship remain stuck in baltimore harbour.

The crew on board the “Dali” ship are receiving counseling from mental health specialists in the maritime industry, a representative for the Synergy Marine Group, the organisation managing the ship said.

“A dedicated team, including clinical psychologists, is currently offering round-the-clock support to the crew of the Dali, in the form of regular, individual and confidential counseling,” the representative said.

“We’ve also offered these resources to the families of the crew as part of a comprehensive response that is under constant review by the psychologists and the wider Synergy Team”.

The crew also has the ability to contact their families at any point, the spokesperson said.

Watch: President Biden speaks from Baltimore

Cruise passengers react to being rerouted after baltimore’s bridge collapse.

Carnival Legend cruise passengers have shared their reactions to the trip being rerouted, after the collapse of the Francis Key Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland.

Following a trip to the Bahamas, the cruise was set to end on 31 March, with the ship initially docking in Baltimore, Maryland. However, after the Key Bridge collapsed on 26 March, Carnival Legend’s ship was rerouted, before being docked in Norfolk, Virginia, on 31 March.

As noted on Carnival Legend’s official website, passengers were then provided with a complimentary bus service back to Baltimore. The cruise’s next seven day trip – set to begin on 31 March – will also leave from and return to Norfolk. The following trips will abide by this strategy, instead of being operated in Baltimore, and passengers have been made aware of the change.

“We appreciate the pledge made by President Biden today to dedicate all available resources to reopen Baltimore Harbor to marine traffic as soon as possible,” the president of Carnival Cruise Line, Christine Duffy, said in a statement. “As those plans are finalised, we will update our future cruise guests on when we will return home to Baltimore, but in the meantime, we appreciate the quick response and support from officials in Norfolk.”

Amber Raiken has the full story...

Cruise passengers react to ship being rerouted after Baltimore’s bridge collapse

Authorities believe six workers were killed when they fell into water as bridge collapsed.

ICYMI: How did the collision happen?

At around 1.30am ET local time, the Singapore-flagged vessel Dali struck a column on the Francis Scott Key Bridge, leading multiple parts of the 1.6-mile-long bridge to tumble into the water.

Just moments before the collision, the ship’s crew issued a mayday call. Maryland Gov Wes Moore added that the call “undoubtedly saved lives,” giving time for authorities to stop cars from continuing on the bridge.

The crew warned the Maryland Department of Transportation that a collision with the bridge “was possible,” the report said. “The vessel struck the bridge causing a complete collapse.”

It’s still unclear what caused the accident. But the ship was just 30 minutes into its 27-day journey to Sri Lanka.

Marcel Muise, the chief investigator for the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), said data from the shipping container’s voyage data recorder, sometimes referred to as a “black box”, was still being analysed.

Mr Muise said that around 1.27am on Tuesday, one of the two pilots of the Dali had made radio contact regarding a “blackout” and ordered for the port anchor to be dropped as well as issuing additional steering commands.

Several seconds later the pilot issued another radio call over the radio reporting that the Dali had “lost all power and was approaching the bridge,” Mr Muise said.

Transportation authorities say the water under the bridge is around 50 feet deep.

There was no indication that the crash was intentional, officials said.

Kevin Cartwright, director of communications for the Baltimore Fire Department, told The Associated Press that it appeared there were “some cargo or retainers hanging from the bridge”, creating unsafe and unstable conditions, and that emergency responders had to operate cautiously.

Jennifer Homendy, chair of the NTSB, said that over 750 tonnes of hazardous materials had been onboard the Dali container ship when the crash occurred.

An NTSB hazmat investigator was able to identify 56 containers of hazardous materials, a total of 764 tonnes of hazardous materials, Ms Homendy told a press conference on 27 March. The materials were “mostly corrosives, flammables, and some miscellaneous hazardous materials”, she added.

Some of the hazmat containers were breached, though state authorities have been made aware.

Non-profit org helping migrants sends open letter to Biden administration demanding temporary work visas

CASA, a non-profit organisation that two of the victims belonged to, held a virtual press conference on Monday asking President Joe Biden’s administration to provide temporary work visas to migrants. The group also called for temporary protected status and humanitarian parole.

As part of the news conference, the advocates revealed a letter sent to the administration asking that construction workers receive the protective policies. Latino workers are eight percent of the construction workforce and suffer over 26 percent of the deaths, the letter stated.

“As construction companies and business leaders, we know that construction cannot function without immigrant workers. We also know that it is a physical, demanding, and sometimes dangerous work,” the letter reads.

“The deaths of the pothole crew stranded on the bridge illustrates that, despite many safeguards, essential construction workers are vulnerable to sudden accidents and deaths”. The letter was signed by the non-profit, leaders in the construction industry and other advocates.

Watch it: The efforts to reopen Baltimore Harbour

Remembering the victims: maynor yassir suazo sandoval.

Another of the workers missing and presumed dead since the bridge collapse in Baltimore has been named as Maynor Yassir Suazo Sandoval, according to Martin Suazo, his brother.

Martin, who lives in Honduras, told CNN that his family over in Baltimore called him to tell him that his brother was missing after the container ship crashed into the bridge.

He is originally from Azacualpa in Honduras and had been living in the United States for more than 18 years. He was married and had an 18-year-old son and a five-year-old daughter.

His brother told the outlet that Sandoval was an entrepreneur who had started his own maintenance company, venturing to the US “in search of a better life,” Martin told the outlet.

In an interview with Honduran newspaper La Prensa, Martin said in Spanish, “What we’re living is inexplicable. We wish it wasn’t real. We’re dismayed, especially the agony of not knowing when they’re going to find the body.”

“My brother was a generous man,” the brother told NPR.

He gave a lot back to his community in Honduras, Martin said. While working in the US, Sandoval sent money back to Honduras — enough to open up a hotel which provided jobs for his town, including his family. On top of this, Martin told the outlet that his brother helped those with disabilities, paid for neighbours’ medicine and doctor’s visits, and he even sponsored a youth soccer league.

One of eight siblings, the construction worker was described by another one of his brothers, Carlos Suazo Sandoval, as a “joyful person who had a vision.”

“We still have faith until this moment, God grant the miracle, it would be beautiful,” Carlos told CNN en Español on Wednesday. “We still have hope, I know that time is our worst enemy.”

The Suazo family are now focusing on having Sandoval’s body found, and if they do, they plan to repatriate the body to Honduras, Carlos said.

The Honduran Embassy told Martin Suazo that it would work with him to bring his brother’s body back to the country for funeral arrangements.

Both Sandoval and Luna were members of Casa, the organisation said in a statement: “Our hearts break knowing that Miguel and Maynor were part of the six essential workers who were on the bridge when it came tumbling down...They had a dream of a better future for themselves and their families and made the brave decision to travel to this country for a brighter future.”

“In a time when there is so much hatred against the immigrant community, we look to the story of Maynor and Miguel who built bridges to connect communities, not building walls to divide them. Today and always we honor them and their sacrifices,” the group wrote.

Collapse could fuel reinsurance pricing

According to the Wall Street Journal , the cost of rebuilding the Francis Scott Key Bridge will largely fall on reinsurers.

If the losses from the incident end up at the higher end of estimates, which are currently $2bn to $4bn, then insurers may add reserves to social inflation which could cause them to seek higher prices, the outlet reported.

Last year, natural catastrophe losses were capped at $108bn, above the 10-year average of $89bn.

Crew on board Dali ship prepared for 35-day journey, Coast Guard official says

Admiral Shannon Gilreath said that the 21-person crew on board the Dali prepared for a 35-day journey to Sri Lanka. Mr Gilreath said that the crew members have “all the supplies they need to be safe on board”. It’s previously been reported that the men do not have the proper visas to leave the ship, which compares in size to the Eiffel Tower.

He added that officials are keeping track of them and they are being supported

WATCH: White House vows to 'get to the bottom' of Baltimore Bridge collapse

Watch: moment first vessel passes through temporary alternate channel in baltimore, who is marciel muise the man leading the national transportation safety board’s investigation.

Marcel Muise is a marine casualty investigator who served in the US Coast Guard and captained oil drilling ships and rigs before joining the safety board, according to The Baltimore Banner .

Mr Muise worked for the NTSB for six years. The collapse is the largest disaster he has been tasked with overseeing since joining the agency.

New video shows dive teams in water around Baltimore bridge wreckage

New video footage has been released showing dive teams entering the water around the wreckage of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore – revealing the challenging conditions authorities are working in to remove the debris and get the port back up and running.

In photos: 3D images capture the wreckage in the Patapsco River

How did the crash occur.

The cause of the collision is still being investigated, but evidence suggests the vessel lost power just before it crashed into the bridge.

The NTSB recovered the voyage data recorder (VDR), or “black box,” which provided a minute-by-minute timeline of the lead-up to the crash.

The data was made public on 27 March, showing that the Dali departed from Baltimore’s Seagirt Marine Terminal at 12.39am on Tuesday 26 March.

By 1.24am, the ship’s bridge audio recorded numerous alarms. Around the same time, the VDR stopped recording the vessel’s system data, but it was able to continue taping audio from an alternative power source.

The VDR resumed recording the system data and captured steering commands and orders about its rudder. Seconds later, the ship’s pilot issued a radio call to tugboats close by asking for assistance for the stricken vessel. The pilot association dispatcher then called the MDTA duty officer about a blackout, NTSB said.

A minute later, the pilot ordered the Dali to drop the port anchor and issued another high-frequency radio call, reporting that the ship had lost all power and was approaching the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

A transit authority duty officer alerted two units — one on each side of the bridge — who were already on the scene and ordered them to stop traffic, shutting down all lanes.

Two minutes after the warning call was made, at 1.29am, the VDR recorded 33 seconds of sound “consistent with” the vessel colliding into the bridge, the NTSB wrote. The Dali was moving at just under 8 miles per hour.

The pilot then radioed the US Coast Guard to report the bridge had come down.

While deeper analysis of the black box data has yet to come out, some experts have also questioned whether the structural integrity of the bridge itself was strong enough.

Julian Carter, a structural and civil engineering expert, earlier told Sky News that the structures of the bridge were “very weak” at certain points.

Fire officials said earlier that they do not have any information as to whether there was a problem with the 300-metre-long ship, and have not spoken to the pilot of the vessel yet.

Chief Wallace added that he could not confirm if there had been a fuel leakage from the cargo ship.

“We hope as the sun comes up, we will get a much better picture if we do have a fuel spill and what the impact has been so far,” he said.

Gov Moore said on 27 March that it’s still unclear what caused the ship’s power to go out. “There needs to be accountability to make sure these things do not happen again and that we have a system in place to make sure they don’t,” he said at a press conference.

Engineers examining Chesapeake Bay Bridge in Maryland

Officials are reexamining other bridges in Maryland after the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The Cheasapeake Bridge, a 4-mile long structure which sits on top of the body of water bearing its name, is considered “fracture critical”, as was the Key Bridge before it fell.

The classification means that the entire structure could fail if one of its support beams are struck, according to The Baltimore Banner . About 17,000 other bridges across the country are also considered “fracture critical”.

Dali crew worried ‘what world thinks’ of them after tragic collision with bridge

The crew members stranded for a week on board a cargo vessel that collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore were worried what the world thought of them, an official said.

The Singapore-flagged ship Dali, en route to the south Asian country, has been stuck with 4,000 containers and its mostly Indian crew since last Tuesday after the vessel lost power and collided with a support column of the bridge, leading to its collapse.

The 20 Indian and one Sri Lankan sailors were in good health, including a member who suffered minor injuries, according to officials.

The “rattled” sailors had adequate food on board but were keeping quiet about their situation amid an ongoing investigation, said Joshua Messick, the executive director of the non-profit Baltimore International Seafarers’ Center.

“They’re not saying much at all to anyone who has been in touch with them,” Mr Messick told the BBC.

Alisha Rahaman Sarkar has the full story...

Baltimore ship crew worried ‘what world thinks’ days after Key Bridge collapse

US Army releases photos of responding authorities cutting parts of the bridge

Third recovered bridge victim maynor yasir suazo-sandoval was ‘generous’ and ‘joyful’ man brothers say.

Maynor Yasir Suazo-Sandoval’s body wss recovered on Friday. He is the third of the Baltimore bridge workers to be found after a cargo ship accient toppled the Francis Scott Key Bridge where he and five others were filling potholes.

A native of Honduras, he leaves behind two children — an 18-year-old son and a five-year-old daughter — as well as his wife and siblings, who live in Maryland and Honduras.

He left Honduras at age 18 for the US and never returned due to his immigration status, according to USA Today . Maynor and his wife raised their children in Maryland, and he contributed to his community by working with the nonprofit CASA. In addition to his local volunteer work, Maynor also donated money to youth soccer leagues in his hometown of Azacualpa.

His brother, Martin Suazo, described Maynor as a “generous man” and an entrepreneur who traveled to the US in “search of a better life,” NPR reports .

Carlos Suazo Sandoval, another brother, described Maynor as a “joyful person who had a vision,” according to CNN en Español.

Maynor’s family is planning to repatriate his body to Honduras for burial.

A dive team has recovered a third body from the water following the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore.

The worker was identified as 38-year-old Maynor Yasir Suazo-Sandoval, according to a statement on Friday from Unified Command, who is handling the recovery operation.

Video shows dive teams in water around Baltimore bridge wreckage

Video footage has been released showing dive teams entering the water around the wreckage of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore – revealing the challenging conditions authorities are working in to remove the debris and get the port back up and running.

ICYMI: Biden vows ‘we will not rest’ until Baltimore’s Key Bridge is rebuilt as he visits scene of disaster

Baltimore bridge collapse takes toll on port workers

Laurel Wamsley

Workers at the Port of Baltimore are losing their jobs because of the bridge collapse. With no ships coming in and out, it is unclear when workers will be able be returning to their jobs.

MARY LOUISE KELLY, HOST:

The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge and the resulting blockage of the shipping channel means lost work for many at the Port of Baltimore. As NPR's Laurel Wamsley reports, workers are already feeling the impact.

LAUREL WAMSLEY, BYLINE: When the container ship Dali struck the base of the Key Bridge early Tuesday morning, it set off a rapid chain of events. Where the bridge spanned more than a mile across the Patapsco River, it now lies mangled and half submerged, blocking ships from either leaving or entering the port. And for many who make their livelihoods at the Port of Baltimore, no ships means no work.

SCOTT COWAN: Quite a few are out of work right now, yes.

WAMSLEY: That's Scott Cowan, president of International Longshoremen's Association Local 333 in Baltimore. Those are the folks who load and unload cargo at the port, operate cranes, do maintenance and repair work. And right now, the vessels that put a lot of people to work loading and unloading aren't arriving.

COWAN: For right now, we will keep a few of the folks working over the next week or so, for sure.

WAMSLEY: Officials have offered no timeline for how long they expect it will take to get the channel cleared and reopened. Maryland has set up a special unemployment hotline for affected workers, and the state Senate president said earlier this week he'll sponsor emergency legislation to provide income replacement for affected workers. More than anything, Cowan says, the key to getting the port humming and workers paid is getting the shipping channel reopened.

COWAN: And the impact to the state of Maryland's economy, just with that shipping channel being closed, is $191 million a day.

WAMSLEY: Still, he expects Baltimore's port to fully recover once the debris is cleared and the shipping channel can reopen. Meanwhile, smaller operations along the waterfront are also affected.

BOBBY LAPIN: It's hard to pay bills as it is.

WAMSLEY: Bobby LaPin, or Captain Bobby, owns and operates Boat Baltimore, offering sailing tours of the harbor and Chesapeake Bay. He keeps his sailboat at a marina in South Baltimore.

LAPIN: We don't want to add to clutter of boats in the harbor while there is a recovery mission still ongoing. I also don't want to take bookings for people that are simply trying to get on the boat so they can see the devastation of the bridge.

WAMSLEY: So while normally he'd open April 1, now he won't start cruises in the harbor for at least another month. That means he isn't doing the hiring he normally would of captains and deckhands who work in Florida for the winter and come up north for the summer. Most of his customers are locals, but he figures he'll probably lose some tourists.

LAPIN: We would take longer bookings, like weekend bookings, where we would sail out to the bay, and those were really lucrative bookings for us. And now because we can't get past the bridge, and we more than likely won't be able to get past the bridge for several months, we're just not going to do that kind of stuff this year.

WAMSLEY: No boats are moving at Port Covington Marina in South Baltimore, and LaPin's boat is still moored, with a blue tarp pulled taut over it. Next door, the terminal at Cruise Maryland sits empty, the giant ships now directed to ports in other cities. Just inland is a sleek new development called Baltimore Peninsula, with apartments, office space and restaurants. Alex Snider is the waterfront operations manager for the peninsula's development company. He's standing on the dock over the marina, wearing an Orioles cap for baseball's opening day. He says he's still shocked by the collapse of the city's iconic bridge.

ALEX SNIDER: I actually used to run boats in this harbor, and so I've driven boats, captained boats under that bridge, I mean, hundreds and hundreds of times.

WAMSLEY: He says the bridge was a landmark for Baltimore, and it's going to be a weird few years without it there to mark the visual landscape. But many things in Baltimore will go on as usual.

SNIDER: There's a sailing club that's going to be here. We've got a kayak launch, a public kayak launch, that's over there just on the other side of the distillery. We know we've got - the Baltimore Dragon Boat Club's going to be rowing out of here this year.

WAMSLEY: Still, so much remains unknown. Back at the fallen bridge, two massive cranes have arrived to start clearing debris from the channel. For those in Maryland who depend on the flow of boats and ships to make a living, it can't open soon enough.

Laurel Wamsley, NPR News, Baltimore.

NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.

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Who Will Pay for the Baltimore Bridge Collapse?

Disputes over liability and the cost of claims could take years for insurers to resolve and result in billions of dollars in payouts.

Share full article

A ship carrying nearly 5,000 containers, with a collapsed bridge on top of it.

By Jenny Gross , Michael Forsythe , Emily Flitter and Peter Eavis

Jenny Gross reported from London. Michael Forsythe, Emily Flitter and Peter Eavis reported from New York.

On the day the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapsed, President Biden said the federal government would pay the “ entire cost ” of rebuilding it, which some suggest could run to more than $1 billion. Washington will foot the bill so the bridge and nearby port can reopen “as soon as humanly possible,” he said.

The hope is that much of the cost will be recouped from insurers, but determining who is ultimately on the hook for the deadly disaster is set to become one of the messiest and most expensive disputes of its kind. Rebuilding the bridge, repairing the cargo ship that hit it and compensating companies for the disruption at one of the nation’s busiest ports may take years to resolve.

“We’re not going to wait,” said Mr. Biden, who plans to visit Baltimore on Friday to survey the damage.

The legal wrangling began this week when the shipowner, Grace Ocean Private Ltd., and the ship manager, Synergy Marine, both based in Singapore, filed a petition in U.S. District Court to limit their liability to $43.7 million. They cited an 1851 law that allows a shipowner to cap financial damages mostly to the value of a ship after a crash, if the owner is determined not to have been at fault.

Claims against the ship’s owner and manager must be filed to the federal court in Baltimore by Sept. 24, a judge said.

Experts in maritime law and insurance said determining liability was particularly complex because of the many parties involved, from shipowners in Asia to insurers in Europe to companies around the world that move goods in and out of Baltimore. Numerous lawsuits are expected, and the six deaths caused by the disaster add a grim layer of complications.

“You can’t just necessarily settle with one party and make it go away,” said Franziska Arnold-Dwyer, a senior lecturer in insurance law at Queen Mary University of London.

Investigators are still determining what caused such a catastrophic failure on the cargo ship, the Dali; why the massive vessel appeared to lose power and propulsion before hitting the bridge; and whether negligence was involved. The answers will have implications for who is liable for damage that may cost insurers and reinsurers up to $4 billion, according to industry experts.

“You’re looking at historic, record losses” for maritime insurers, said Sean Kevelighan, chief executive of the Insurance Information Institute, a trade group. The higher estimates could exceed the roughly $1.5 billion paid out after the Costa Concordia crisis in 2012, when 32 people were killed as the cruise ship ran aground off the Italian island of Giglio .

Losses are accumulating, with the Port of Baltimore, a top destination for car shipments , largely closed. Officials said this week that they had opened a channel around the wreckage for limited traffic. A full reopening of the port is expected in late May .

Very little is known about the owner of Grace Ocean, a Japanese businessman named Yoshimasa Abe, except that he is very wealthy.

Most of his known wealth comes from his fleet of more than 50 vessels, including container ships, bulk carriers, tankers and refrigerated cargo ships. They are owned by two Singapore-based companies, Grace Ocean Private and Argosy Pte., that Mr. Abe controls through an offshore company. VesselsValue , which compiles shipping data, estimates that those ships, including the damaged Dali, are worth a combined $2.9 billion.

Shipowners often borrow large amounts of money to buy their fleets. There is little public information about Mr. Abe’s debts, but in 2010 Grace Ocean borrowed $250 million from Mitsui & Company, a Japanese trading firm.

Mr. Abe is also the majority owner of two Chinese shipyards on islands off the coast of Ningbo, according to Sayari and WireScreen , companies that compile and analyze corporate data. Combined, the two shipyards can repair more than 200 vessels a year.

It is unusual for foreign companies to control Chinese shipyards, especially in recent years as industry consolidation in the country has favored state-owned companies, said Matthew Funaiole, who has written about Chinese shipyards for the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies. “There’s really not much space for there to be foreign ownership,” he said.

Among the 68 member companies, schools and associations focused on ship repair that belong to the China Association of the National Shipbuilding Industry, a trade group, three are foreign-owned shipyards, of which Mr. Abe has a majority interest in two.

Mr. Abe did not respond to a request for an interview or answer written questions about his business. “Out of respect for the investigation and the legal process we will not be making additional public statements,” Jim Lawrence, a spokesman for the Dali’s management company and for Grace Ocean, said in an email. He confirmed earlier that Mr. Abe owned Grace Ocean Investment Limited, a company based in the British Virgin Islands that owns both Argosy Pte. and Grace Ocean Private.

If the shipowner is found liable, its insurer, a mutual association called Britannia P&I Club, will cover the first $10 million of claims, which could include coverage for loss of lives, debris removal, property damage and cargo damage. The Dali was carrying products including paper, U.S. soybeans destined for China and some hazardous materials, according to Concirrus, a marine insurance data provider, and DG Global, an agricultural exporter with goods on the ship.

Beyond $10 million, the 12 clubs including Britannia that make up the London-based International Group of P&I Clubs, which collectively insure about 90 percent of the world’s oceangoing tonnage, would share the cost of claims of up to $100 million. For claims above $100 million, dozens of reinsurers will cover costs up to roughly $3 billion.

The $3 billion figure is so widely known that it could become a target for businesses making damage claims. “There are some reinsurers expecting the worst,” said Hugo Chelton, a managing director at Howden Re, a reinsurance broker.

The global reinsurance industry ended last year with $670 billion in capital, according to Aon , an insurance broker. Though the bridge damage promises to be costly, it is not likely to be among the largest payouts reinsurers have faced recently. Hurricane Ian, which hit Florida in 2022, caused more than $50 billion in insured losses.

Sridhar Manyem, an analyst for AM Best, a ratings agency for insurers, said the potential losses from the bridge collapse did not seem large enough to do long-term damage to any insurers or reinsurers. “It should not affect their balance sheets,” he said.

While a significant share of the claims may be directed at the ship’s insurers, other businesses affected by the bridge and port closure could make claims on other policies to cover their losses, adding to the insured losses caused by the incident.

Scott Cowan, the president of International Longshoremen’s Association Local 333, the union representing Baltimore dockworkers, said on Tuesday that nearly 2,000 workers were still doing jobs at the port, like unloading cargo that arrived before the bridge collapsed.

Mr. Cowan said union leaders had asked for help from the federal and state governments. “The longer the channel’s closed and the longer we’re out, the bigger the problem is going to be,” he said. Many jobs at the port are considered daily hire jobs rather than full-time positions, so they will last only as long as work remains to be done.

Government funds for companies whose operations have been disrupted may not be fully recouped from insurers, said Oscar Seikaly, chief executive of NSI Insurance Group, an insurance broker.

In recent years, when Washington has stepped in with emergency aid after a commercial disaster, taxpayers have later largely recovered the costs, although the international scope of claims in the Baltimore bridge collapse will add complexity to the process.

Representative Dan Meuser, Republican of Pennsylvania, said he was outraged that Mr. Biden had immediately offered to use federal money to pay for the bridge’s reconstruction without considering other sources of funds, including from the owners and insurers of the Dali.

“Insurance payouts could potentially cover the entire cost of rebuilding the bridge without any taxpayer dollars being spent,” he said.

Robyn Patterson, a White House spokeswoman, said the responsible party or parties must be held accountable, but added, “We’re not waiting to get started on this critically important infrastructure project.”

Alain Delaquérière contributed research.

An earlier version of this article misstated a division of an insurance broker. It is Howden Re, not Howden.

How we handle corrections

Jenny Gross is a reporter for The Times in London covering breaking news and other topics. More about Jenny Gross

Michael Forsythe a reporter on the investigations team at The Times, based in New York. He has written extensively about, and from, China. More about Michael Forsythe

Emily Flitter writes about finance and how it impacts society. More about Emily Flitter

Peter Eavis reports on business, financial markets, the economy and companies across different sectors. More about Peter Eavis

Cruises are heading to different ports because of the Baltimore bridge collapse, and Carnival says it's only taking a little loss

The Baltimore bridge collapse will have a small impact on Carnival's bottom line.
Carnival secured a temporary home port in Norfolk, Virginia, to minimize operational changes.
Royal Caribbean and American Cruise Line's operations may also be affected.

Tuesday's Baltimore bridge collapse may marginally affect the world's largest cruise company.

All vessel traffic has been halted at Baltimore's port, stopping both containerships and cruise ships.

Josh Weinstein, the CEO of Carnival, addressed the incident at the start of Wednesday's earnings call, thanking emergency services and the Coast Guard. Noting the "fluid" situation, he said the port closure's impact was not factored into full-year guidance or the earnings presentation, which covered the three months ending February 29.

Watch: The container ship that destroyed the Francis Scott Key Bridge has crashed before

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Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such option offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!” wrote (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as this offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This website (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other website sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center: Hotel Ukraine and Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

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