Probably, just like us, you dream about embarking on a cruise ship and seeing everything the world has to offer. You will be surprised by the sheer number of ports, stunning locations where ships have sailed for centuries. When it comes to ports, there is something for everybody. From breath-taking and bustling with life to serene, there is something for everybody out there. Besides, such locations are perfect to entertain yourself with water sports and stunning views. If you want to learn which are the most beautiful ports in the world, we encourage you to keep reading below.
#1. Dubrovnik, Croatia
The Adriatic Sea certainly has one of the most beautiful and popular, nonetheless, port in Europe. Dubrovnik is not only a stunning port, but it is also part of the UNESCO heritage. The harbour is located at less than 3 kilometres N-W from the main town, and it has been a hot trade and shipping spot since the middle ages. The charming city-port is considered one of the most beautiful but also busiest cruise ports in Europe. So, pack your luggage, and hop on a cruise ship ASAP.
#2. Sydney, Australia
Iconic for its Opera House and Harbour Bridge, Sydney NSW is charming as it is: bustling, busy and surrounded by bays. Once you enter the bay through the small sandstone passage, the clear, glittering water wraps the city-port in a breath-taking atmosphere. On a sunny day, all sailboats are out and about, so this is what you should hope for if you reach Sydney by a cruise ship. It will change your perception of the city forever.
#3. Lisbon, Portugal
If you reach Lisbon by sea (portugalist.com/lisbon-cruise-port-guide), make sure you don’t miss the two UNESCO sites nestled in the heart of the city. The Jeronimos Monastery was constructed in the early 1500s, and the turreted Belem Tower is a piece of jewelry dating back from the 17th century.
As for the port itself, an intricate mix of stunning views, cruise ships, and restaurants will be waiting for you as soon as you enter the port.
#4. New York, USA
NYC's most notorious skyline you have to see form the sea will always remain Manhattan (nyctourism.com/new-york/manhattan). Over the past decade, a number of new terminals for large ships have been opened in the port.
Because the demand was high and the Luxury Liner Row was unable to take up all the luxury cruise ships that wanted to enter the port. Once you deck in the Manhattan Port, you will be welcomed by the stunning views over the lower Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty and the Governor’s Island. Of course, if you stay in the city for a little bit longer, go ahead and enjoy all the wonderful attractions New York has to offer.
#5. Labuan Bajo
If you ever embark on a Bali cruise tour, ensure the captain will be stopping in Labuan Banjo as well. The crystal-clear water, sprinkled by white boats and cruise ship will make everything look like glitters on a sunny day. Once you enter the port, the reasons why many call it the port to paradise will be clear. The luxuriant hills surrounding the beach make the island look unlike any others out there. On this small island, you will find the Komodo National Park, also enlisted in the UNESCO World Heritage list, from the early ‘90s. Yes, you should expect to meet some of these ancient reptiles.
The small city also holds other breath-taking attractions: located at only 4 km away from the port, you will find the Mirror Cave. If your heart skips a beat at the idea of swimming in a cave-lake, then make sure you don’t miss the Rango Cave.
Downtown, you can have a taste of the incredible local food. Let yourself be mesmerized by the intricate blend of spices and ingredients, and make sure you eat like the locals. No need to get fancy!
#6. Athens, Greece
Athens is believed to be one of the most breath-taking port from around the world. With a rich history and culture, the port dates back from ancient time. A city older than 3,000 years, back in the day was the cultural, political and economic hot spot in Greece.
Take a walk in the Acropolis, the impressive temple built to celebrate Athena and other ancient attractions which are, obviously, enlisted in the World Heritage Site list.
#7. Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm is Sweden’s heartbeat. The city is the social, cultural and media center of the country, but also home to one of the oldest and most beautiful European centers. And because it is also one of the most visited ports in Europe, it can easily host up to ten cruise ships at a time. When in Stockholm, make sure to visit the Vasa Museum, the Royal Palace, the Butterfly House, and many other attractions the city has for you.
#8. St. Petersburg, Russia
Sankt Petersburg is a charming city for sure. Packed with aster cultural attractions and sights, the St. Petersburg Port is situated on the Baltic Sea. Of course, the port city is part of the UNESCO World Heritage list, too. This may be the oldest city-ports in the world, so make sure to take a glimpse at what the city has to offer.
#9. Haifa, Israel
Let yourself be mesmerized by the breathtaking Bahai World Centre (bahai.org) with the stunning Bahá’í gardens surrounding it. In 2008, the site was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. But since you deck on this incredible port, make sure to visit all the cultural Attractions Haifa has to offer: the National Museum, the Mount Carmel national park, the science museum and the Haifa Museum of Art.
#10. Nassau, Bahamas
If you want to see where part of the Pirates of the Caribbean was shot, go ahead and jump on a cruise to the Bahamas. Nassau is one of the largest ports in the Commonwealth, being one of the hottest trade and cruise spots in the area.