10 Cruise Ports You Can Visit Over and Over
The world is vast, and the earth’s miles of coastline might seem endless. Yet because some cruise ports pop up on more itineraries than others, cruisers must decide which ports to try anew and which to return to over and over again.
Here are ten cruise ports around the world that are worthy of repeat visits.
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1. Seattle, Washington
If you’re heading to Alaska on a big ship, there is a high probability you’re leaving from Seattle. The city offers its visitors plenty of attractions and outdoor adventures. The city is known for its pioneering spirit — which is likely why companies like Amazon, Starbucks, Microsoft, and Boeing, to name a few, call it home. Seattle continues to innovate, and visitors love to return.
First-time visitors can stay within the city center to explore Pike Place Market (the oldest continuously running farmer’s market in the US), the famous gum wall, and the first Starbucks, all in close proximity. Visit Pioneer Square, the Capitol Hill neighborhood, and Olympic National Park. Reserve time to go up in the Space Needle and see the neighboring Chihuly Garden and Glass, then book a guided tour to see the city’s underground tunnels.
Repeat visitors can venture outside the city. Rent a car to drive south of the port to reach Mount Rainier National Park in two hours and hike amongst the wildflowers. Within three and a half hours of driving east from Seattle, you’ll be in eastern Washington, enjoying a glass of wine in a stunning vineyard or trying craft beers made with local hops. Did you know that Washington is one of the largest producers of hops in the world and the largest producer in the US?
2. Athens, Greece
Cruises calling on Athens leave from the Port of Piraeus, which is approximately thirty minutes from Athens city center by car (though this can vary wildly in rush hour traffic). While plenty of Greek islands are just a ferry ride away, you’ll find plenty to do in Greece’s capital region, whether it’s your first or fifth time there.
First-timers cannot miss the Acropolis and Parthenon, as well as the Acropolis Museum. If you want Greek food in a picturesque location, head to the famous Plaka Stairs, lined with several restaurants serving authentic Greek cuisine.
Don’t discount the port city of Piraeus if you’re a repeat visitor. It was developed in the 5th century BC and is built on a hill so it never floods. And it’s just steps from your ship's dock.
Once shabby and run-down, Piraeus has undergone a glamorous renaissance recently with new metro stations and hotel investments. Head to chic boutique stores — where the Onassis and Kennedy families used to shop while on vacation — or the picturesque harbor of Mikrolimano, which boasts an upscale atmosphere and Michelin-star restaurants.
3. Barcelona, Spain
Many Mediterranean cruises have Barcelona as a port of call on their itinerary. This Spanish city is rich with cultural sites, sounds, and restaurants.
Take a walking tour that includes a stroll along La Rambla street, where you’ll visit La Boqueria market and visit architectural beauties that were projects of renowned architect Antoni Gaudi. Don’t miss Sagrada Familia; purchase tickets in advance or book a tour through your cruise line for guaranteed entrance to one of Barcelona’s most popular attractions.
Repeat visitors can delight in downtime at Parc Guell, outside the city center, or relax over a charcuterie and cheese board with a glass of wine at the upscale El National food hall. The Spanish are known for their cured ham and man hero cheese.
4. Amsterdam, Netherlands
While some explore The Netherlands on a big ship, many board a river cruise to see The Netherlands and Belgium. Regardless of the vessel, there is a plethora to do in Amsterdam. This destination is particularly attractive during spring when the country’s most stunning commodity is at its peak: tulips.
Not to miss is a visit to Keukenhof Gardens, which should be on everyone’s bucket list. The attraction is open from March through May each year. You can spend half a day here or all day but leave time to try Dutch delights, like poffertjes mini pancakes or bitterballen, a savory meat snack. Visitors enjoy the Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House; ensure you make reservations for either weeks in advance, mainly because cruises to the area usually correspond with peak tourist season.
Finally, the city's legendary Rijksmuseum is a must-see, particularly to view Rembrandt's famous painting, "Night Watch".
5. Sitka, Alaska
Alaska is an itinerary worth repeating for many cruisers, especially if the ports vary from one cruise to the next for you. But even if you’ve been to Sitka, you’ll want to visit again. There’s something cozy about the small destination that is worth repeat visits, thanks to many things to do.
Walk around downtown Sitka for local shopping. Purchase souvenirs including culinary items like local salt, or a shirt you can proudly wear to show off you have visited The Last Frontier. Visiting the Sitka National Historical Park is essential, where you can walk around a beautiful rainforest and see totem poles.
The Alaska Raptor Center is an exhilarating place to visit, where you’ll see Bald Eagles and other birds of prey. Sign up for a wildlife boat safari where guides will take you to areas where bears walk the shores and otters bob in the ocean.
The city is also home to some amazing green spaces, restaurants and bars, so be sure to set out on foot and do as the locals do.
6. The Hawaiian Islands
Cruises to the Hawaiian islands do not disappoint. From the Big Island to Kauai, Oahu, and Maui, you’ll find plenty to do and explore. Some small cruise ships even go to Moloka’i, a smaller, less-touristed island.
The captivating splendor of Hawaii’s natural attractions is magnetic. If you visit once you’ll find yourself quickly planning your next visit. Besides, there is nothing like a (floral) lei to get you into vacation mode. Treat yourself to fresh fish on the islands, and be sure to try poke. This raw fish mix is famous worldwide, and it was invented by Hawaiians.
Going high or low in Hawaii is popular: hiking the mountains and finding beauty in the waterfalls or going beneath the waterline to snorkel or scuba dive. You will discover extraordinary black sand beaches in Maui or The Big Island. If you have time beyond a few hours in port while visiting Maui, drive the scenic Road to Hana, one of the most popular things to do in Hawaii for obvious reasons.
Each stop along the route is stunning and impressive, and there's a black sand beach along the way and rare rainbow eucalyptus trees. You need about eight hours to drive the whole road. If your schedule only allows for a shorter adventure in Maui, visit Haleakala National Park. It is most known for the view from the top of the volcano.
7. New York City
If any destination has infinite things to do, it's New York City. Whether you're leaving for your cruise from the, Hudson Piers in Manhattan, Red Hook in Brooklyn or Cape Liberty in nearby New Jersey, NYC is worth visiting repeatedly.
The prominent tourist attractions in New York call to all visitors, including the Empire State Building, Central Park, Rockefeller Center, The Statue of Liberty, and Battery Park. But do you know about lesser-known attractions and outdoor areas like The High Line, The Cloisters, or Fort Tryon Park? If you're a repeat visitor, get tickets to a Broadway show. You may get lucky with tickets to a mid-day matinee that fits your cruise schedule.
For a fun day trip, hop on the train or ferry to cross the Hudson River to Hoboken, New Jersey. You'll find the best view of the NYC Skyline across the river here. Hoboken also has plenty of shopping and restaurants and a lovely waterfront park. Brooklyn is on the other side of the water, across the East River from Manhattan. Visit the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, walk through Prospect Park, or head to Williamsburg for a hip scene with trendy restaurants and colorful street art.
8. Oslo, Norway
Oslo, the capital of Norway, is a metropolis with plenty to do in the city center -- yet the mountains are just a ride away via public transportation. First-time visitors will want to walk the downtown historic city center filled with shopping, restaurants, and cafes, see the Royal Palace, and visit the Oslo Opera House, where you can admire its architectural beauty from the outside or take a guided tour of the inside.
There's also Harbour Promenade, a modern and attractive harbor in Oslo with upscale restaurants and museums. Don't miss Oslo's Radhus, or City Hall, where the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded yearly. For a bit of history, check out the Akershus Fortress. A stroll around Frogner Park, also known as Vigeland Sculpture Park, is a lovely way to spend a few hours.
Repeat visitors can venture uphill to Ekebergparken, which has a spectacular view of Oslo's harbor and impressive sculptures throughout the public park. Additionally, go to the Holmenkollen ski jump to learn about Norway's winter sports culture.
9. Quebec City, Canada
Quebec City is worth multiple visits with so many varied sites and cultural experiences. This French Canadian city has a strong European influence, with visitors delighting in time walking around Old Quebec that is conveniently located next to the city's cruise terminal.
A walk on the boardwalk by the famous "castle" hotel, Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, offers picturesque views of the St. Lawrence River. Observatoire de la Capitale lookout tower has sweeping aerial city views paired with historical information about the city inside the building.
See the historic stone city walls that once fortified the city as you walk from the water by the old town into the new part of Quebec City, towards Parliament. A tour of Parliament offers insight into Quebec's history and governmental workings inside a tremendous architectural structure with a small worthwhile garden bordering the building.
If you have been there before, rent a car or take a taxi to Ile d'Orleans, where the vineyards and views will leave you amazed. Be sure to visit Montmorency Falls as a stop on the way there or back to the port.
10. Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Port Everglades is a wildly popular cruise port in Fort Lauderdale. One of the things working in its favor is its location: it's south of the Palm Beaches but north of Miami. Visiting this port, in the center of these coastal destinations along the Atlantic Ocean, maximizes the possibility of doing things in South Florida.
If you're craving sand and sun, the coastline boasts beautiful beaches. Head to Delray Beach, less than an hour north of Fort Lauderdale, for lots of shoreline, restaurants, and shopping on Atlantic Avenue.
Or, go to Fort Lauderdale's beaches close to the port or South Beach Miami, about an hour south of Fort Lauderdale, to marvel at the Art Deco-inspired architecture along the coast. If you are craving something more adventurous, take an airboat ride within Everglades National Park, a unique ecosystem among any park in the USA. Repeat visitors may want to visit a museum like Bonnet House Museum & Gardens.