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Traveller’s ultimate guide to cruise ports
Planning a cruise, but not sure what itinerary is right for you? Traveller’s cruise expert, Brian Johnston, offers his guide to some of the major ports around the world, including who cruises there and what the local must-see highlights are.
Gibraltar, Europe
This tiny town wedged into the coast of Spain is a weird, anachronistic territory with a fabulous history, terrific views and one big rock.
- Brian Johnston
Skagway, United States
Bordellos, bars and bad behaviour: one of Alaska’s most popular and atmospheric ports has quite the tale to tell.
- Brian Johnston
Kagoshima, Japan
Japan’s southernmost big city is relaxed and easy-going, but has one almighty sight that might make you leap in alarm. Prepare for a smoking hot encounter.
- Brian Johnston
Noumea, New Caledonia
A little bit of France floating not far from Australia, combined with indigenous culture and lovely scenery: what’s not to like about this South Pacific port?
- Brian Johnston
Valparaiso, Chile
The “San Francisco of South America” might be dilapidated but bursts with life, colour and street art.
- Brian Johnston
Hobart, Australia
It might be our smallest state capital but you’ll find plenty in easy, breezy Hobart to occupy a full day ashore.
- Brian Johnston
Cannes, France
Its film festival in May is famous, but you’ll find abundant glamour in Cannes at any time of year. Slip on your designer sunnies and head ashore.
- Brian Johnston
Bergen, Norway
Bergen is Norway’s elegant cultural capital and has a long history, but its setting adds plenty of natural beauty – at least when it isn’t raining.
- Brian Johnston
Edinburgh, UK
Scotland’s capital is quirky, history-filled and austerely beautiful, but you’ll have to plan ahead to make the most of your cruise time.
- Brian Johnston
Rhodes, Greece
Closer to Turkey than mainland Greece and seeped in tumultuous layers of culture and history, this is far from your typical Greek island.
- Brian Johnston
Doha, Qatar
This glittering Gulf city has all the impressive shopping and entertainments of Dubai but a much more interesting cultural life and far fewer visitors.
- Brian Johnston
Jakarta, Indonesia
This full-on, throbbing city isn’t for the fainthearted, but it does hide a softer historical core and dishes up great food.
- Brian Johnston
Tallinn, Estonia
This venerable trading city has one of Northern Europe’s most intact fortified old towns, but you’ll enjoy the contemporary buzz too.
- Brian Johnston
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Malaysia’s capital doesn’t have the kudos of other Asian cities, but for sheer exuberance and friendliness you might find it hard to beat.
- Brian Johnston
New York City, US
Big, bold, sophisticated and multicultural New York is constantly upgrading and reinventing itself yet also offers the American scenes of the stereotypes.
- Brian Johnston
Santorini, Greece
Stunning natural beauty meets whitewashed villages on this Greek island, but it also has culture and soul if you know where to look.
- Brian Johnston
Dunedin, New Zealand
This southern city is modest in size but has a lively vibe, interesting history and a lovely setting amid big, beautiful landscapes.
- Brian Johnston
Southampton, UK
This is one of Europe’s busiest cruise ports, but its chief attraction is getting out of it to the many top sights in the surroundings.
- Brian Johnston
Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy
Plan ahead and make smart choices in this inconvenient port surrounded by historical cities and the lodestar of treasure-packed Rome.
- Brian Johnston
Busan, South Korea
Beachy, buzzing, food-loving, laid-back and seemingly always sunny: this is the Sydney of South Korea, but more raucous and edgy.
- Brian Johnston
Halifax, Canada
This breezy, youthful city has interest and liveliness far beyond its modest size, making it one of Canada’s most enjoyable ports of call.
- Brian Johnston
Fremantle, Western Australia
Western Australia’s gritty port city has transformed itself into a heritage, hipster and dining destination, and has more character and quirkiness than Perth.
- Brian Johnston
Lyon, France
Less hurried and more laid-back than Paris, this gastronomic capital with two riverfronts is one of the most enjoyable cities in France.
- Brian Johnston
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is both an ocean and river port. You can’t call the arrival beautiful, since the Netherlands is flat, but it is entertaining.
- Brian Johnston
Napier, New Zealand
If you’re after one of those undemanding and unhurried cruise days in a pretty place, then this laid-back little city delivers.
- Brian Johnston
Zanzibar, Tanzania
A handful of travel destinations have legendary names that evoke adventure, and this colourful, lively and historic port is one of them.
- Brian Johnston
Victoria, Canada
What the capital of British Columbia lacks in size it makes up for in prettiness and wild surrounds. It’s also a living museum of Canadian history.
- Brian Johnston
Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo is a fast-paced, exhilarating encounter with ultra-urban Japan, and showcases its latest music, pop culture, fashions and technology.
- Brian Johnston
Boston, US
This American city has a unique combination of historical sights and lively contemporary neighbourhoods, and is designed to be appreciated on foot.
- Brian Johnston
Melaka, Malaysia
Malaysia’s oldest and most historic town is World Heritage-listed and features a fantastic blend of multinational influences in its architecture, culture and cuisine.
- Brian Johnston
Paris, France
If you’re looking to spoil yourself, look no further than this city of love, fashion and all the fine things in life.
- Brian Johnston
Frankfurt-am-Main, Germany
This once dull financial capital is Germany’s most overlooked city but is lively, cultured, and has buzzing neighbourhoods and great dining and shopping scenes.
- Brian Johnston
Townsville, Australia
Australia’s largest tropical city is overshadowed by Cairns when it comes to tourism, but you’ll find plenty of ways to spend an enjoyable day in port.
- Brian Johnston
Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
Cool Britannia’s northern capital has transformed itself from a gritty industrial city into a trendy cultural and gourmet getaway.
- Brian Johnston
Malaga, Spain
This gritty working-class city gets overlooked amid Andalusia’s competition, but you’ll be surprised at how lovely and lively it is.
- Brian Johnston
Genoa, Italy
This Italian city has long been overlooked but has been getting increasing attention for its history, culture and fine setting. Could it be Italy’s next big destination?
- Brian Johnston
