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.
Regensburg, Germany
Don’t miss one of Europe’s most attractive old towns, which has a lively, lived-in atmosphere thanks to its university and manufacturing credentials.
- by Brian Johnston
Venice, Italy
This floating city is packed with churches, palaces and art. Although overcrowded and maddening, it’s impossible not to fall under Venice’s spell.
- by Brian Johnston
George Town (Penang), Malaysia
Diverse ethnic groups have created an eclectic variety of architecture, religions, cultural observances and cuisines in the quirky capital of Penang
- by Brian Johnston
Ushuaia, Argentina
Marketed as the city at the end of the world, Ushuaia has a frontier spirit that gets you in the mood for rugged adventure.
- by Brian Johnston
Bordeaux, France
Bordeaux is a lively, graceful city with more heritage-listed buildings than anywhere else in France except Paris – and famous vineyards nearby.
- by Brian Johnston
Keelung, Taiwan
Taipei’s outlet to the sea might be down-at-heel, but it has several charms and a great local vibe – and Taiwan’s throbbing capital is just a short ride away.
- by Brian Johnston
Greenwich (London), UK
Don’t imagine all the best things to see and do in London are in the downtown core. This district has great sights, open spaces and far fewer crowds.
- by Brian Johnston
Cadiz, Spain
The fortified, peninsular town of Cadiz, ancient but still energetic, is one of the highlights of Andalusia. Don’t miss this local, under-the-radar charmer.
- by Brian Johnston
Mumbai, India
Mumbai is a freewheeling, trendsetting, fashionable, glamorous city that typifies the buzz and challenges of fast-changing, contemporary India.
- by Brian Johnston
Luxor, Egypt
The Nile River is the most astonishing river cruise destination in the world, and Luxor has some of its biggest and best sights.
- by Brian Johnston
Gdansk, Poland
Eastern Europe’s great port city takes you from medieval trading times to the anti-Soviet movement, and into a lively 21st-century revival.
- by Brian Johnston
Anchorage, Alaska
The wild, remote location of Anchorage is exhilarating, but so too is the discovery of a sophisticated city with great dining and museums and friendly people.
- by Brian Johnston
Cairns, Australia
This is one of Australia’s busiest ports beyond the capital cities, and for good reason. You won’t want to waste a minute of your time ashore.
- by Brian Johnston
Kotor, Montenegro
Montenegro’s most-visited port is an appealing, fortified, mini-Dubrovnik, but your biggest treat might be what you see before you get there.
- by Brian Johnston
Kobe, Japan
This mid-sized port gets overlooked thanks to neighbours Kyoto, Nara and Osaka but is one of Japan’s most energetic and attractive urban destinations.
- by Brian Johnston
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is an Atlantic city but, thanks to a sparkling climate, orange trees and penchant for pastel paint and strong coffee, feels Mediterranean in its charms.
- by Brian Johnston
Monte Carlo, Monaco
Few places are quite as glamorous as this tiny Mediterranean principality, but beyond the opulence, you’ll find very worthy sights.
- by Brian Johnston
Tauranga, New Zealand
One of New Zealand’s most popular cruise ports offers a splendid arrival, breezy beauty and plenty of interesting shore-excursion choices.
- by Brian Johnston
Oslo, Norway
Scandinavia’s smallest capital has very agreeable style and liveliness and some big attractions. Here’s what you need to see and do.
- by Brian Johnston
Abu Dhabi, UAE
It might be the conservative cousin of Dubai, but wealthier Abu Dhabi has rolled out ambitious tourism and cultural projects, and is a sight to behold.
- by Brian Johnston
Broome, Australia
This isolated West Australian town and gateway to the Kimberley has quirky character, multicultural history and a spectacular beach.
- by Brian Johnston
Porto, Portugal
Portugal’s second-largest city, once known only for commerce, has acquired new-found fun in lively arts and nightlife scenes, and has a gloriously scenic setting.
- by Brian Johnston
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Phnom Penh has overcome its horrible history and is enjoying an economic boom. Buckle up for an exciting and confronting exploration of a rapidly changing city.
- by Brian Johnston
Hamburg, Germany
Fast-moving Hamburg is a great trading city with a spectacularly redeveloped waterfront and makes a refreshing change from Europe’s old towns.
- 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
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
Original URL: https://www.theage.com.au/traveller/inspiration/traveller-s-ultimate-guide-to-cruise-ports-20240404-p5fhei.html