Port Reports
Find better information on cruise ports, and share your own personal experience with other travellers
Bergen
Bergen, Norway, is a captivating city that serves as the "Gateway to the Fjords." Surrounded by seven mountains and facing the sea, it has a history that dates back to the Viking era. Bergen is famous for its UNESCO-listed Bryggen wharf, a colorful row of traditional wooden Hanseatic houses that line the harbor. It's a city of charm, with a vibrant food scene and a deep appreciation for the arts and outdoors. As a cruise port, Bergen offers an incredible opportunity to explore a city that is rich with history and stunning natural beauty.
Flam
Flåm, Norway, is a tiny village at the very end of the magnificent Aurlandsfjord, a branch of the Sognefjord, the longest and deepest fjord in the world. Getting here is an experience in itself, as your ship navigates over 120 miles inland, surrounded by stunning, sheer cliffs and cascading waterfalls. With a population of just over 200 people, Flåm is an authentic and peaceful slice of Norwegian life. It's a place that has welcomed tourists for almost 200 years. The village's main attraction is the world-famous Flåm Railway, often described as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world.
Kristiansand
Kristiansand, Norway, is a picturesque coastal city on the southern tip of the country. With a charming aesthetic and a reputation as a favorite summer destination for Norwegians, Kristiansand has a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Founded by King Christian IV of Denmark and Norway in 1641, the city is known for its historic Posebyen neighborhood, with its beautiful white wooden houses, and a lively fish market. As a cruise port, Kristiansand is a perfect destination for those who want to explore a walkable city and get a feel for a different side of Norway.
Trondheim
Trondheim, Norway, is a city with a Viking heart and a modern soul. As Norway's third-largest city, it is a hub of history, culture, and innovation, with a large student population that keeps the atmosphere vibrant and lively. The city is famous for its stunning Nidaros Cathedral, its colorful waterfront warehouses, and a deep appreciation for local food and music. As a cruise port, Trondheim is a fantastic destination for those who want to explore a city that is rich with history but also forward-looking and easy to navigate.
Honningsvag
Honningsvåg, Norway, is a small town with a grand claim to fame: it's the gateway to the North Cape, the northernmost point of mainland Europe.Located on the island of Magerøya, this Arctic port offers a rugged and beautiful landscape of tundra and cliffs.For cruisers, Honningsvåg is less about the town itself and more about the incredible journey to the North Cape, where you can experience the midnight sun in summer and a surreal polar landscape in winter.
Oslo
Oslo, Norway, is a city that beautifully combines a rich history with a modern, innovative spirit. Situated on the Oslo Fjord, it is a city of green spaces, stunning contemporary architecture, and a deep appreciation for art and culture. As a cruise port, Oslo is a fantastic destination for those who want to explore a walkable city, with many of its main attractions all within easy reach of the cruise terminal.
Halifax
Halifax, Nova Scotia, is a vibrant and historic city on the Atlantic coast of Canada. As the largest city in Atlantic Canada, Halifax is a perfect blend of maritime history, modern culture, and stunning natural beauty. The city is defined by its deep, ice-free harbor, a bustling waterfront, and a rich history as a major naval and commercial hub. For a cruiser, Halifax is an excellent destination for those who want to explore a walkable city, learn about its history, and experience a slice of Canadian culture.
Saint John
Saint John, New Brunswick, is a coastal city on the Bay of Fundy, known for its dramatic tides, rich history, and stunning Victorian architecture. As one of the oldest incorporated cities in Canada, Saint John offers a fascinating blend of urban charm and rugged natural beauty. The city is a fantastic destination for cruisers who want to explore on their own, with its main attractions all within easy walking distance of the cruise terminal.
Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor, Maine, is a quintessential New England town, famous for its dramatic coastal scenery, charming downtown, and a rich history as a summer retreat for America's elite. Situated on Mount Desert Island, Bar Harbor is also the gateway to Acadia National Park, the oldest national park east of the Mississippi River. As a cruise port, Bar Harbor offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and small-town charm, and it's an ideal destination for cruisers who want to explore on their own.
Boston
Boston, Massachusetts is a city steeped in American history, famous for its role in the American Revolution and its world-class universities. It is a city that seamlessly blends old-world charm with a modern, innovative spirit. As a cruise port, Boston offers a fantastic opportunity to explore a city that is both historic and contemporary, with many of its main attractions within easy reach of the cruise terminal.
Newport
Newport, Rhode Island, is a classic New England destination with a rich history as a Gilded Age summer playground for America's wealthiest families. It is a city of stunning seaside views, historic colonial architecture, and the legendary Newport Mansions. As a cruise port, Newport is a perfect destination for those who want to experience a quintessential New England town, with its charming streets, world-class sailing culture, and a unique blend of high society and maritime grit.
Brooklyn
Brooklyn, New York, is a world-class cruise port that offers a unique and unforgettable arrival experience. Your ship will sail past the Statue of Liberty and under the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge before docking in the heart of Brooklyn. The borough has a vibrant and diverse culture, with a unique blend of historic neighborhoods, modern art scenes, and a booming culinary landscape. While Manhattan is just a short trip away, Brooklyn offers its own authentic and exciting experiences for a day in port.
Rotterdam
Rotterdam, the Netherlands, is a city of striking modern architecture and innovative urban design. Largely rebuilt after being destroyed during World War II, Rotterdam is a city that looks to the future while embracing its maritime past. It is a major European port and a vibrant cultural hub, known for its creative art scene, unique buildings, and a thriving food culture. For a cruiser, Rotterdam is an excellent port to explore on foot, with its main attractions and public transportation all within easy reach of the cruise terminal.
Lerwick
Lerwick, Shetland Islands, is a captivating port of call in the United Kingdom, located off the northern coast of Scotland. As the main town and capital of the remote Shetland archipelago, Lerwick offers a unique cultural experience that is a blend of Scottish and Scandinavian influences. The islands are known for their dramatic, windswept landscapes, rich Viking heritage, and an abundance of wildlife. For a cruiser, Lerwick is a perfect place to experience a slice of island life and a stunning natural environment.
Bimini
Bimini, Bahamas, is a hidden gem in the Caribbean, a small island paradise located just 50 nautical miles off the coast of Florida. This laid-back destination is a world away from the bustling crowds of other Bahamian ports. The island is known for its pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise water, and a relaxed, authentic vibe. As a cruise port, Bimini is a fantastic place for cruisers who want to spend a day enjoying the sun, sand, and sea.
Puerto Limon
Puerto Limón, Costa Rica, is a vibrant port city on the Caribbean coast. With a strong Afro-Caribbean culture and a tropical atmosphere, it serves as the gateway to some of Costa Rica's most celebrated ecological wonders. While the city itself is not the main attraction, it is a bustling hub that connects you to stunning national parks, pristine beaches, and lush rainforests. For a cruiser, this port is all about adventure, giving you the chance to experience Costa Rica's famous biodiversity firsthand.
Cartagena
Cartagena, Colombia is a city of magic and color, a true Caribbean jewel on South America's northern coast. With its well-preserved colonial walled city, bustling plazas, and vibrant street life, it’s a place that captures the imagination. Founded in 1533, the city was a crucial Spanish port, and its wealth attracted pirates, leading to the construction of massive defensive walls and fortresses that still stand today. For a cruiser, Cartagena is an absolute must-see; its historic core is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the city is easily explored on foot, offering a genuine taste of Colombian culture.
Panama Canal
The Panama Canal is one of the world's great engineering marvels, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.1 As a cruise destination, it's not a single port but an incredible experience that takes you through the heart of Panama. Cruises will typically be one of two types: a full transit, which sails from one ocean to the other, or a partial transit, which sails partway through the canal to Gatun Lake and then turns around.2 For both, you will likely have a port of call that allows you to disembark and explore. The two main cruise ports are on either side of the canal: Colón (on the Caribbean side) and Fuerte Amador (on the Pacific side, near Panama City).3
Willemstad, Curacao
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.
Half Moon Cay
Half Moon Cay, Bahamas, is a private island paradise owned by Carnival Corporation and used exclusively by their cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America Line. This secluded island, also known as Little San Salvador, is a crescent-shaped oasis of powdery white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. It is an untouched natural wonder, with only a small portion of the island developed for guests, making it the ultimate destination for a relaxing beach day.