Nov 74 min read

Best Cruise Ports to Travel

Welcome aboard to a journey through my favorite cruise ports, where every destination promises its own unique charm and allure. As a dedicated traveler and passionate cruiser, I’ve had the pleasure of anchoring in some truly remarkable ports that redefine the art of travel. From vibrant cityscapes and serene coastal villages to lush tropical havens, these ports offer a tapestry of experiences that captivate and inspire. Join me as we explore the essence of each port, uncovering hidden gems, local flavors, and unforgettable moments that make cruising an unparalleled adventure.

My husband and I have been sailing longer than we have been a family of three or a family of four. We were a family of four for almost six years and thought we would be until our little one caught our heart. When our eldest turned four, we had him on his very first cruise. We choose cruising because it has everything you could need: entertainment, childcare, teens camps, a gym, pampering from the spa, plenty of food options, drinks, and pools. Depending on your family, you can sail with your kids or take respite and sail with adults only. There are river cruises and now big ship cruises for adults only.

I will never forget, we were in an elevator when my eldest was 11 and there was an adult who asked him “how many cruises have you been on?” It came across as if he was trying to best an 11-year old. He responded 12, and the many quickly turned around muttering under his breath that he had only been on three.

Regardless if it is your first, or your 30th, cruises take you to interesting ports around the world. I have been on 50 (I think), and here are some fantastic ports that I have traveled to. I am still adding to my list every year.

1. Barcelona, Spain: I selected this port because it is a gateway to many possibilities in the Mediterranean. First, it is a fabulous city. Spend several days in Barcelona, take a week or 2-week cruise, and then spend a week on the beach. Take a longer Mediterranean cruise such as 10-12 days and then take a 2-hour flight to Morocco. You could also see Portugal, which has been in the top 10 places to see for the last several years, and then hop over to Spain and cruise. You can see so many exciting places by departing from Barcelona.

We sailed out of Barcelona twice. The second time, I flew up from Liberia, Africa and met my husband in Barcelona. We toured around a few days, sailed, and then spent some time along one of the beaches. I flew back and spent some time in Morocco before traveling back to my assignment in Liberia. It truly is a fascinating city that offers so much.

2. Rome, Italy: I absolutely love this city. There is so much history to see and absorb. The food is so delicious that I could eat it for weeks. While the port is tricky to get to in Rome, it is worth it. From here, you can take a variety of length cruises, traveling through Greece, Italy, Monaco and so much more.

3. Angkor Wat, Cambodia: I was on a river cruise, and this was one of the ports. We woke up early and then traveled by bus to reach this temple in the dark. As the sun rose, this ancient temple was reflected on the lake in front of it. The temple and its reflection was truly remarkable and peaceful. There were several thousand of us and not a word was heard over a whisper.

4. Amsterdam, Netherlands: This city has so much to offer when it comes to art, history, museums, and cuisine. Take a scenic cruise around the beautiful city before setting out along one of Amsterdam’s canals. Along the canals, you will see the painted gabled houses, food options, and so much more. There is so much to do here, I would plan for a few days.

5. Providenciales, Turks and Caicos: Dreaming of sunshine, palm trees and a breezy day, then Turks and Caicos is the destination for you. There is so much to do on this gorgeous island. There are several islands that are part of Turks and Caicos, but this is the island that I recommend. Grace Beach is known for its powdery beaches, but there are also other beaches to explore.

Bonus Port:

I was going to end this blog on my top 5, which is hard to do because there are more than 5. I am adding one on Alaska because my sons are asking to go back to Alaska. It was one of our best vacations. We spent one week traveling by land and one week via cruise.

Juneau, Alaska: This port is one of my favorites because you can see whales at this port. Take a 3-hour tour and you are guaranteed to see whales. Yes! Guaranteed! We were able to follow a pod of humpback whales for over an hour. We also saw sea lions and orca whales. It was truly amazing. We did not need binoculars because they performed for us.

Embark on a voyage with me as we explore the best cruise ports around the globe, each offering its own unique blend of culture, scenery, and adventure. From the dazzling Mediterranean harbors of Barcelona, where history meets glamor, to the serene beauty of the Caribbean’s turquoise waters, these ports promise unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re drawn to bustling markets, pristine beaches, or stunning natural landscapes, these top cruise ports are your gateway to the world’s most captivating destinations.

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