Whilst not the responsibility of Scenic, the embarking and disembarking at the port of Porto on the Douro River is third rate. As the street access is well above the river level, the requirement to board the ship is a series of sloped ramps down to the mooring jetty at river level, then up the gangway to the ship. In wet weather very treacherous. With senior passengers in the majority, not a good access. Not great for luggage transfer on and off the ship.

The port authority for this port should construct an "air bridge" type walkway from the street to the ship's gangway or entrance. Obviously able to "float" up and down with the tide movement. As so many ships are using this port it should be a priority in this day of busy river sailings.