Port Reports

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

Mediterranean Port Lowdown Mediterranean Port Lowdown

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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Western Europe Port Lowdown Western Europe Port Lowdown

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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Mediterranean Port Lowdown Mediterranean Port Lowdown

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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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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Caribbean Port Lowdown Caribbean Port Lowdown

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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Basseterre, St. Kitts

Basseterre, St. Kitts is a vibrant and historic port city on the island of St. Kitts. It's a fantastic destination for cruisers, with a port that places you right in the heart of a lively waterfront and a short walk from the capital's historic downtown. St. Kitts is known for its lush, volcanic landscape, pristine beaches, and a rich history shaped by its British and French colonial past.

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Mykonos

Mykonos, Greece is an island of captivating beauty and vibrant energy, a true gem of the Aegean Sea. As part of the Cyclades archipelago, it is famous for its iconic windmills, picturesque Little Venice, and a labyrinth of whitewashed, cubic houses with blue shutters and bougainvillea-lined streets. For a cruiser, Mykonos offers a perfect blend of a relaxing beach day and a chance to explore a charming, historic town with a cosmopolitan flair.

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Roseau, Dominica

Roseau, Dominica is a beautiful and unique Caribbean island that stands out from its neighbors with its lush, rugged volcanic landscape and untouched natural beauty. Often called the "Nature Island," Dominica is a paradise for adventurers and nature lovers. As a cruise port, Roseau is a bustling hub that connects you to the island's many natural wonders, including rainforests, waterfalls, and hot springs, all of which are a short trip away from the port. 

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Castries, Saint Lucia

St. Lucia, is a beautiful and unique Caribbean island that stands out from its neighbors with its dramatic, volcanic landscape. The capital, Castries, is a bustling port city with a lively market and a rich cultural heritage.1 However, the true beauty of St. Lucia lies in its majestic twin peaks, the Pitons, and its lush rainforests, which are a short trip away from the port.2 For a cruiser, Castries is a gateway to the island's many natural wonders, with a variety of tours and transportation options available to help you explore.

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St. John's, Antigua

St. John's, Antigua, is a picturesque and historic port in the heart of the Caribbean. As the capital of Antigua and Barbuda, it is a bustling hub with a vibrant waterfront and a rich colonial history. Antigua is famous for having 365 beaches, one for every day of the year, all with stunning white sand and turquoise water. For a cruiser, St. John's is a fantastic destination, offering everything from a relaxing beach day to a deep dive into the island's history and culture. 

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Philipsburg, Saint Maarten

Philipsburg, St. Maarten, is a vibrant and bustling port on the Dutch side of the island of Saint Martin. What makes this port truly unique is that the island is shared between two countries—the Dutch Sint Maarten and the French Saint Martin—giving it a captivating dual personality. The Dutch side is known for its incredible shopping and lively atmosphere, while the French side is celebrated for its gourmet food and European flair. For a cruiser, Philipsburg is a fantastic destination, offering everything from a relaxing beach day to an adventurous island tour. 

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San Pedro Embarkation

San Diego, California offers a quintessential Southern California experience with its beautiful coastline, laid-back atmosphere, and vibrant urban areas. As a major U.S. port, San Diego is both a destination in its own right and a convenient gateway to the Mexican Riviera. The city is defined by its stunning bayfront, with the iconic Coronado Bridge as a backdrop, and a rich history that is reflected in its historic Gaslamp Quarter and Old Town. The port is perfectly situated for you to explore all of this on a short day trip. 

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Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey is a city of stunning contrasts, where East meets West and ancient history coexists with a modern, cosmopolitan energy. It is the only city in the world that spans two continents, Europe and Asia. As a cruise port, Istanbul is a true gem, with a new, world-class terminal that places you right at the edge of the city's main attractions. From the iconic Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia to the bustling Grand Bazaar, Istanbul offers an unforgettable experience for cruisers. 

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UK and Ireland Port Lowdown UK and Ireland Port Lowdown

Kirkwall

Kirkwall, Scotland is a captivating port of call in the Orkney Islands, a stunning archipelago with a rich history that dates back 5,000 years. As the capital of the islands, Kirkwall is a vibrant and historic town that serves as a gateway to some of the world's most significant Neolithic sites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For a cruiser, Kirkwall is an excellent destination for those who want to experience a unique blend of Scottish and Viking heritage and breathtaking natural beauty. 

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