Cruise port La Possession
Info for port La Possession on 5 Apr 2027
Port information & tips for La Possession
La Possession is the impressive gateway to the volcanic splendor of La Réunion, welcoming travelers with a fascinating blend of untouched nature and French island flair. Located at the foot of majestic mountain massives, it promises spectacular views of the island's emerald landscapes. Nearby highlights include the historical architecture of Saint-Denis, the colorful Grand Marché, and access to the breathtaking Cirque de Mafate. Cruise ships dock at the modern pier of the Grand Port Maritime de La Réunion (Gare Maritime), located about two kilometers outside the center. Thanks to convenient shuttle services, it offers an ideal starting point for discovery tours into the nearby capital as well as the fascinating interior of the island.
Arrival & Departure
Getting around
Highlights & Districts
Useful tips
Returning to the ship
With its main port in La Possession, La Réunion offers good connections for cruise guests arriving from the DACH region. Although the port of Pointe des Galets is primarily an industrial port, it is easily accessible thanks to its proximity to the capital and the airport. Due to the long journey from Europe, we recommend staying overnight on the island before embarkation day to start your cruise experience relaxed.
Airplane
The nearest and primary airport for your arrival is Roland Garros Airport (RUN) near Saint-Denis. It is located about 24 kilometers from the port of La Possession, and the travel time is around 20 minutes. International airlines offer regular connections, often with a layover in Paris. Numerous car rental companies are located directly at the airport, allowing you to explore the island flexibly.
Auto
The port of La Possession is excellently connected via the coastal road Route Nationale 1 (RN1), which links Saint-Denis with Saint-Pierre and also passes through Le Port and Saint-Paul. Driving is on the right side of the road, as in Europe. Car rental stations are located directly at Roland Garros Airport as well as in Le Port, just about 5 to 10 minutes' walk from the port, with some even open on Sundays for cruise ship arrivals. Special "Park & Cruise" offers at the terminal are less common, as the island is typically explored by rental car.
Transfer & Shuttle
Convenient transfer options from Roland Garros Airport to the port or your pre-cruise hotel are available. Taxis are available directly at the terminal, although costs can be higher. A cost-effective alternative is the public bus service Car Jaune, which provides a connection between the airport and Saint-Denis, and onwards to La Possession (travel time is approximately 54 minutes to La Possession city center). Additionally, private transfer services can be pre-booked, ensuring comfortable and direct transport from the airport to the port or your accommodation.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will typically receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the trip: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
The port of Pointe des Galets near La Possession offers travelers an ideal starting point to comfortably explore the fascinating volcanic island thanks to well-organized connections.
Shuttle Service
Cruise lines usually provide regular shuttle buses that take passengers safely through the extensive port area to the exit or to nearby towns such as Saint-Paul. This comfortable connection allows for a smooth start to your shore excursion and saves time during orientation.
Taxi
Official taxis wait directly at the terminal building and offer a fast and flexible option for individual tours across the island. Drivers will take you directly to the dream beaches of Saint-Gilles-les-Bains or to the charming capital Saint-Denis and often provide helpful tips for your stay.
Kar'Ouest & Car Jaune Buses
The local Kar'Ouest bus lines and the yellow Car Jaune intercity buses have a dense network and connect the port area with the most important sights. This modern bus fleet is an affordable alternative for explorers and simultaneously offers insights into everyday life on La Réunion.
To make the most of your stay on La Réunion, a discovery tour is recommended that combines the colonial charm of the nearby capital with the spectacular natural landscapes and relaxed coastal towns of the island.
Saint-Denis
The nearby island capital impresses with its elegant colonial architecture along the Rue de Paris and also invites you to visit the colorful Grand Marché, where exotic spices and local handicrafts create a wonderful atmosphere.
Saint-Gilles-les-Bains
This lively seaside resort on the west coast is ideal for a relaxed day by the sea thanks to its direct connections, and impresses with its light sandy beaches and the inviting promenade with numerous cafes directly on the Indian Ocean.
Cirque de Salazie
The green heart of the island is perfectly accessible for nature lovers and, with the picturesque village of Hell-Bourg and the imposing waterfalls of the Voile de la Mariée, offers an unforgettable insight into the wild, UNESCO-protected mountain world of La Réunion.
L’Ermitage-les-Bains
The stunning coral beach of L’Ermitage-les-Bains is easily accessible by taxi or shuttle in about thirty minutes and, thanks to the protective reef, offers the perfect backdrop for a carefree day of swimming. The shallow lagoon with its turquoise water also invites you to discover colorful schools of fish while snorkeling, while the characteristic casuarina trees provide natural shade for relaxing hours. Along the coast, you will also find charming “rondavelles” with cool refreshments and local delicacies that perfectly round off your visit. Ideally, begin your excursion in the morning to fully enjoy the idyllic peace by the water, and plan your return trip about two hours before departure to enjoy the drive along the impressive coastal road in a relaxed manner.
Returning to the port of La Possession is straightforward and safe thanks to the well-organized infrastructure, ensuring you reach your ship on time.
Shuttle Buses
Cruise lines usually provide shuttle buses that take you comfortably from central meeting points in Le Port or the capital Saint-Denis directly to the secured port area. These buses run at regular intervals, and the stops are easy to find thanks to clear signage.
Taxi
Taxis are available for you at the central squares of Le Port as well as in front of the larger hotels and shopping centers in Saint-Denis. Additionally, you can easily have a taxi called from the swimming beaches of Saint-Gilles-les-Bains and thus enjoy a direct journey back to the ship without any detours.
Local Buses
The yellow buses of the Car Jaune line reliably connect the surrounding coastal towns with the Gare Routière stop in Le Port and offer a practical option for the return journey. Since the port area is extensive and industrial, it is best to use the provided shuttle buses for the final stretch to the pier, which will lead you safely to the terminal.
In port on 05 Apr 2027
