Port Reports

Find better information on cruise ports, and share your own personal experience with other travellers

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Astoria, Oregon

Astoria, Oregon is a charming and historic port city on the Columbia River, near its confluence with the Pacific Ocean. As the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies, it has a rich past as a fur trading post and a major fishing port. Today, Astoria is a city of stunning natural beauty, a vibrant arts scene, and a deep appreciation for its maritime heritage. For a cruiser, Astoria is an excellent destination for those who want to experience a unique slice of the Pacific Northwest, with a walkable downtown and a variety of attractions all within easy reach.

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Canada Port Lowdown Canada Port Lowdown

Charlottetown, Canada

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island (PEI) is a charming and historic port city on the southern coast of Canada's smallest province.1 As the "Birthplace of Confederation," where the idea of a united Canada was born, Charlottetown is a city that is rich in history and filled with a friendly, small-town atmosphere.2 For a cruiser, Charlottetown offers a perfect blend of a walkable, historic downtown and a launching point for incredible adventures across the island's famous red-sand beaches and rolling green hills.3

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Sydney, Canada

Sydney, Nova Scotia, is a charming and historic city on Cape Breton Island, a place of stunning natural beauty and a vibrant Celtic culture. As a major cruise port, Sydney is a fantastic gateway to the island's many treasures, from the world-famous Cabot Trail to the historic Fortress of Louisbourg. For a cruiser, Sydney offers a perfect blend of a lively, walkable downtown and a launching point for incredible adventures.

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Ketchikan, Alaska

Ketchikan, Alaska, is a city of stunning natural beauty and a rich Native culture. As the "Salmon Capital of the World" and Alaska's "First City" on the Inside Passage, it offers a perfect blend of rugged wilderness and a charming, historic downtown. The city is famous for its lush rainforests, teeming with wildlife, and the largest collection of standing totem poles in the world, which tell the stories of its indigenous people. For a cruiser, Ketchikan is an ideal destination for those who want to experience the best of Alaska's culture, history, and natural wonders.

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Skagway, Alaska

Skagway, Alaska, is a city frozen in time, a living museum of the Klondike Gold Rush era. Nestled at the northernmost point of the Inside Passage, Skagway is a gateway to Canada's Yukon Territory and a paradise for history buffs and nature lovers alike. The town's wooden boardwalks, false-front buildings, and historic saloons make it feel like you've stepped back into the 1890s. For a cruiser, Skagway is an absolute must-see, with a compact and walkable downtown that offers a perfect blend of history and adventure.

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Juneau, Alaska

Juneau, Alaska is a city of stunning natural beauty, with a dramatic landscape of glaciers, mountains, and a rich history as a gold rush town. As the capital of Alaska, it is a fantastic destination for cruisers who want to experience the state's rugged beauty and a lively, historic downtown. The city is a perfect blend of a bustling port and a gateway to some of the world's most incredible natural wonders, from the majestic Mendenhall Glacier to the magnificent humpback whales that frequent its waters.

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UK and Ireland Port Lowdown UK and Ireland Port Lowdown

Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne is a vibrant city on the River Tyne in North East England, famous for its industrial heritage, a lively culture, and a friendly welcome. While the cruise port is located a few miles from the city center, it is an excellent gateway to explore a city that seamlessly blends a rich history with a modern, cosmopolitan energy. From its iconic bridges to its charming streets and world-class museums, Newcastle offers a truly authentic and exciting experience for cruisers.

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Mediterranean Port Lowdown Mediterranean Port Lowdown

Naples

Naples, Italy, is a vibrant and historic port city on the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea, a place of remarkable energy and a rich cultural heritage. As the birthplace of pizza and a city with a history that dates back to the Greek era, Naples is a fantastic destination for cruisers who want to explore a city that is authentic, chaotic, and full of life. The port is a gateway to the volcanic landscapes of Mount Vesuvius, the ancient city of Pompeii, and the stunning Amalfi Coast.

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Chania, Greece

Chania, Crete is a captivating port of call on the largest island in Greece. Its historic Old Town, a beautiful blend of Venetian, Ottoman, and Greek architecture, is centered around a charming harbor with a Venetian lighthouse. For a cruiser, Chania is an excellent destination for those who want to experience a quintessential Greek island town with a rich history, a vibrant local culture, and a relaxed atmosphere. The port itself is a launching point, but the true magic is found a short distance away in the bustling city center.

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Genoa

Genoa, Italy, is a historic and vibrant port city on the Ligurian Sea. As one of the most important maritime republics in history, Genoa has a rich past as a major trading hub. Today, it is a bustling, cosmopolitan city with a charming Old Town, a unique culinary scene, and a world-class aquarium. For a cruiser, Genoa is an excellent destination for those who want to explore a city that is authentic, lively, and steeped in history. 

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Gibraltar

Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory, is a unique and fascinating destination on the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula. It is famous for the Rock of Gibraltar, a limestone monolith that dominates the landscape, and its unique blend of British and Mediterranean cultures. For a cruiser, Gibraltar is a perfect destination for those who want to experience a slice of Britain in the Mediterranean, with its historic pubs, red phone booths, and a vibrant local culture. 

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Marseille

Marseille, France, is a vibrant and multicultural port city on the Mediterranean coast. As France's oldest city, it has a rich history that has been shaped by its status as a major trading hub. Today, it is a bustling, cosmopolitan city with a unique character, known for its lively Old Port, the iconic Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica, and a thriving food scene. As a cruise port, Marseille is an excellent destination for those who want to explore a city that is authentic, energetic, and full of life. 

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Messina, Sicily

Messina, Sicily is a vibrant and historic port city on the northeastern tip of the island, a place where the Mediterranean's rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning natural beauty converge. Messina is a city that has been shaped by a series of earthquakes and wars, but it has always risen from the ashes, and today it is a bustling hub with a unique charm. As a cruise port, Messina is a gateway to the volcanic landscapes of Mount Etna and the charming hill towns of Sicily. 

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Corfu, Greece

Corfu, Greece is a captivating island in the Ionian Sea, a place of remarkable beauty and a rich cultural heritage shaped by Venetian, French, and British rule. Its capital, Corfu Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a labyrinth of narrow, winding streets, grand fortresses, and a vibrant atmosphere. For a cruiser, Corfu offers a perfect blend of historic exploration, stunning natural beauty, and a chance to experience the unique charm of Greek island life. 

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Bar, Montenegro

Bar, Montenegro, is a charming and historically rich port on Montenegro's stunning Adriatic coast. Unlike its more bustling neighbors like Kotor, Bar offers a more tranquil and authentic experience. The city is a unique blend of old and new, with the modern, post-World War II city center on the coast and the magnificent ruins of Old Bar (Stari Bar) nestled in the mountains. This fascinating juxtaposition of ancient history, beautiful beaches, and a serene, coastal atmosphere makes Bar a captivating port of call.

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Athens

Athens, Greece, is a city where every step is a walk through history. The birthplace of democracy and philosophy, Athens is a vibrant metropolis that seamlessly blends its ancient past with a bustling modern present. For cruisers, the port of Piraeus serves as the gateway to the city’s timeless wonders, including the iconic Acropolis and its magnificent Parthenon. Athens is a destination that is not just to be seen but to be felt, as its ancient ruins provide a powerful backdrop to a lively and captivating city. 

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Caribbean Port Lowdown Caribbean Port Lowdown

St. Thomas, US, Virgin Island

St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, is a beautiful and unique Caribbean island that stands out from its neighbors with a cosmopolitan flair and a rich history as a major trading hub. As a U.S. territory, it's a popular destination for cruisers who want to experience the Caribbean's natural beauty with the comfort and convenience of a U.S. port. The island is known for its stunning white-sand beaches, incredible views from its high hillsides, and its capital, Charlotte Amalie, which is a historic and bustling center for duty-free shopping. 

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5 Things We Learned in Curacao Cruise Port (Part 2)

Willemstad, the capital of Curaçao, is a vibrant and colorful city with a deep-seated history as a trading hub. The city's downtown is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its rows of brightly painted colonial buildings that line the harbor, a nod to its Dutch heritage. Willemstad is a city of two halves—Punda and Otrobanda—connected by the famous Queen Emma floating bridge. This port is a fantastic destination where you can easily explore the city's unique charm, history, and vibrant culture on your own.

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Kralendijk, Bonaire

Bonaire, a small island in the southern Caribbean, is a nature lover's paradise. As a Dutch Caribbean island, it has a unique culture and is famous for its commitment to marine conservation. The entire coastline of Bonaire is a marine park, making it one of the world's premier destinations for snorkeling and diving. Its capital, Kralendijk, is a charming and relaxed town with colorful buildings and a laid-back atmosphere. For a cruiser, Bonaire is a fantastic destination for those who want to experience the island's incredible underwater world or simply enjoy a quiet day in a peaceful setting. 

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Aruba

Aruba is a captivating island in the southern Caribbean, a place where the sun always shines and the trade winds bring a constant, gentle breeze. Its capital, Oranjestad, is a charming city with a unique blend of Dutch and Caribbean influences, evident in its colorful colonial architecture. Known for its pristine beaches, a diverse culinary scene, and a warm, welcoming culture, Aruba is a perfect destination for cruisers. Its port is conveniently located in the city center, making it incredibly easy to explore on your own. 

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