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.
Hong Kong, China
Hong Kong has frantic energy, a spectacular setting and some of the world’s best shopping and dining. Plunge into the excitement of one of the world’s great cities.
- by Brian Johnston
Darwin, Australia
Darwin is a multicultural, characterful small city that’s no longer merely a gateway to the Northern Territory’s national parks, but a destination in its own right.
- by Brian Johnston
Vienna, Austria
This small, intimate capital bursts with high culture, musical history and grandiose architecture, yet is surprisingly laidback, charming and fun.
- by Brian Johnston
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
One of the world’s most vibrant cities in one of the world’s most beautiful settings will have you in the mood for sequins and samba.
- by Brian Johnston
Manila, Philippines
Manila is chaotic, crowded and traffic-choked, but beneath its daunting surface you’ll find plenty of reasons to get out and explore.
- by Brian Johnston
Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm has a long history and superb medieval old town, but is also an experimental, contemporary city of considerable Nordic chic.
- by Brian Johnston
San Francisco, US
Hollywood movies make this city seem familiar, but San Francisco might surprise you with the range and sophistication of its diverse attractions.
- by Brian Johnston
Osaka, Japan
Osaka is a hard-working, progressive, fun-loving city whose shopping, dining and street life provides a heady counterpoint to Japan’s cultural sights.
- by Brian Johnston
Nagasaki, Japan
This destination is overshadowed by its atomic bombing, but don’t be misled: Nagasaki is one of Japan’s most laid-back and enjoyable small cities.
- by Brian Johnston
Piraeus (Athens), Greece
Hot, crowded, chaotic Athens might well drive you mad, but you can’t beat 3400 years of recorded history and a civilisation that has influenced the world.
- by Brian Johnston
Dubai, UAE
Dubai is one of the world’s most spectacular, ultra-modern, ever-changing cities, and few ports are better for an eye-popping cruise stopover.
- by Brian Johnston
Copenhagen, Denmark
As you approach, your ship dodges wind farms and an island fortress. It isn’t the most scenic approach, but silvery Scandinavian seas add ethereal beauty.
- by Brian Johnston
Aswan, Egypt
This ancient trading city on the Nile is the most wonderfully scenic of all Egypt’s riverside towns, with plenty of energy and attitude to match.
- by Brian Johnston
Barcelona, Spain
One of the world’s biggest cruise ports is merely functional but, once off the ship, this city is a marvel.
- by Brian Johnston
Singapore
This small island nation packs in more easy-to-visit, family-friendly attractions and multi-ethnic influences than many cities twice its size.
- by Brian Johnston
Quebec City, Canada
Ships dock either at Vieux-Port or adjacent Basse-Ville and you’re a hop from cafes, a farmers’ market, and plenty of shopping.
- by Brian Johnston
Yokohama, Japan
Yokohama is right beside Tokyo, yet overlooked. Here’s why you should visit this port city with lively international connections.
- by Brian Johnston
Budapest, Hungary
Grand architecture, a rich history, and a stylish and confident present make Budapest one of Europe’s most beautiful, fascinating and lively capitals.
- by Brian Johnston
Auckland, New Zealand
The cruise terminal could hardly be better located to explore New Zealand’s breezy, sea-gazing capital, so get walking.
- by Brian Johnston
Valletta, Malta
One of cruising’s most majestic sail-ins takes you into a city with oodles of history and charm, and an island with plenty to explore.
- by Brian Johnston
Buenos Aires, Argentina
You don’t have to look hard for a good time in Buenos Aires, a city passionate about tango, football, political demonstrations and juicy steaks.
- by Brian Johnston
Kaohsiung, Taiwan
This city on Taiwan’s southern tip has lately undergone a wonderful overhaul to become one of Asia’s most relaxed and easy-to-visit destinations.
- by Brian Johnston
Vancouver, Canada
One of the world’s most organised cruise terminals makes for an easy arrival in a city happily married to the sea.
- by Brian Johnston
Los Angeles, USA
Welcome to LA: capital of consumerism, city of freeways and fashionistas, home to movie wannabes and Hollywood stars.
- by Brian Johnston
Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Kangaroo Island has bounced back from its 2019-20 summer bushfires and is as beautiful as ever. Here’s what you should take in.
- by Brian Johnston
Wellington, New Zealand
Although small, Wellington is cultured, occasionally avant-garde and buzzing with youthful energy. Here’s what to do in a day.
- by Brian Johnston
Cape Town, South Africa
One of the world’s most spectacular harbour towns has plenty in it, and even more around it, to ensure you have a very busy port day.
- by Brian Johnston
Istanbul, Turkey
The world’s only underground cruise terminal has transformed arrival in a city that offers a spectacular sail-in skyline.
- by Brian Johnston
Lautoka, Fiji
Lautoka is a modest town with a big heart, and sits amid the gorgeous surrounds of main island Viti Levu’s west coast.
- by Brian Johnston
Saint-Malo, France
This breeze-blown port is flanked by beaches and wave-booming seas; the newer town has agreeable promenades, restaurants and markets.
- by Brian Johnston
New Orleans, US
This ocean and river port is one of America’s most historical cities but also has throbbing contemporary excitement thanks to its music and nightlife scenes.
- by Brian Johnston
Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/link/follow-20170101-p5fhei