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Traveller’s ultimate guide to cruise ports
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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.

This article is part of Traveller’s Holiday Guide to ocean cruising.See all items.
Barcelona is the biggest homeport hub in the Mediterranean.

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
The historical Boat Quay on the banks of Singapore River.

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
Both ports are a hop from cafes, markets and retail shops.

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
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Yokohama Harbour.

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
Grand arrival … Budapest.

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’s Queens Wharf terminal.

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 … this Renaissance-era town is a cruising highlight.

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
Puerto Madero skyline from Buenos Aires Cruise Port.

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 Port Cruise Terminal.

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
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Vancouver.

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
Venice Beach, LA..

Los Angeles, USA

Welcome to LA: capital of consumerism, city of freeways and fashionistas, home to movie wannabes and Hollywood stars.

  • by Brian Johnston
Vivonne Bay’s mouthwash-blue coastline.

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.

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
At the port in Cape Town.

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
Istabul has the world’s only underground cruise terminal.

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
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View of verdant Lautoka in the distance.

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
The French port city of Saint-Malo and its walled old town.

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
Morning mist on the Mississippi … Port of New Orleans.

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.theage.com.au/traveller/inspiration/traveller-s-ultimate-guide-to-cruise-ports-20240404-p5fhei.html