Making the most of Liverpool
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Liverpool’s cruise berth opened officially on September 21st 2007. It is a 5-10 minute walk from the World Heritage City centre, with England’s attractive Northwest region virtually on its doorstep. In 2023, the former facility was replaced by a new permanent cruise terminal, only a block or two from the existing terminal.
The berth sits at Princes Dock. Walk 3 minutes south to Pier Head, a lively summer fairground with many rides. Continue another 8 minutes south to the beautifully restored Albert Dock, with The Beatles Story Museum, the Mersey side Maritime Museum, restaurants and cafés in a pleasant setting. Beside Albert Dock, the huge Wheel of Liverpool Ferris wheel offers excellent views.
In good weather, this area makes a pleasant place for several hours of fun and relaxation.
Take a printable map with you.
Liverpool is the Beatles’ birthplace and a cultural capital, with more national museums, theatres and galleries than any UK city outside London.
Sport is also a passion: there are two Premiership soccer clubs, the world’s most famous steeplechase, The Grand National, and the Northwest region is known as England’s Golf Coast.
Liverpool offers splendid country houses, enthralling sporting events and strong reminders of maritime heritage. Nearby are the Roman city of Chester, contemporary Manchester, and the striking landscapes of Lancashire and the Lake District.
Liverpool is a compelling paradox: from museums and music to world-class sport and shopping, it is a city alive with energy, life and passion to explore and enjoy.
Getting around
Throughout town, on almost every downtown corner, tall signposts with arrows direct you to sights, giving not only the sight name but also its distance and the estimated number of minutes needed to walk there.
Buses, including hop-on-and-off sightseeing services, are a five-minute walk from the port.
When a cruise ship is in port, hop-on-and-off buses depart every 15 minutes. Their guides are real guides, English is the only language spoken, and no earphones are used.
Nearby places
The beautiful Lake District is close by.
Food and shopping
Serious shoppers can find designer boutiques alongside more than 200 new shops, restaurants and bars at the Met Quarter and Liverpool 1.
Money
The pound (£) is used throughout the UK, and pounds may also be called quid. Scottish bank notes are frowned upon elsewhere in the UK, so exchange those notes before leaving Scotland.
Cash machines (ATM), also informally called ‘holes in the wall’, are widespread and normally dispense £10 and £20 notes.
Most shops and restaurants accept Visa, Mastercard and Maestro.
Staying connected
English is used throughout the country, sometimes with strong accents.
Many cafés and fast-food outlets provide free WiFi.
The local emergency number is 999, while the EU-wide 112 also works.
Opening Hours and
Typical shopping hours are:
Small stores are open 6 or 7 days a week, generally 10am - 6pm. Larger stores often remain open until 9PM, while hyper marts can operate 24/7.