Dropping anchor in a big city harbour on a luxury cruise offers a unique way to experience the hustle and bustle of some of the world's best port cities.
Whether you're seeking to immerse in cultural experiences the moment you step foot on terra firma, enrich yourself with unique onshore activities, or simply be blown away with breathtaking scenery as you arrive in the world's most iconic cities, you'll find some stellar options below for the best port cities in the world.
When you book with Inspiring Travel you can expect a seamless experience. We take care of every last detail with options for pre- and post-cruise stays at the world's best hotels, and we work with the most exclusive and luxurious cruise companies to ensure utmost comfort when you set sail.
We're cruise connoisseurs. We've been creating unforgettable cruise holidays for over 20 years, so we know our starboard from our port, and you can be confident that your holiday will be nothing short of exceptional.
Speak to our team today and we'll set a course for your next luxury cruise holiday.
Top 8 Port Cities in the World:
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New York, USA
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Barcelona, Spain
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Sydney, Australia
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London, UK
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Bridgetown, Barbados
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Miami, Florida
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Singapore
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Venice, Italy
Best Port Cities to Combine with a Cruise
1. New York, USA
There's no questioning that New York is one of the most iconic cities in the world, so why not combine the Big Apple with a cruise on your next holiday? You'll be greeted from afar by soaring skyscrapers as you cruise past the Statue of Liberty and onto the Hudson River, hugging Manhattan into port.
Once ashore, there are countless incredible things to do in New York City. No trip is complete without exploring Times Square, strolling through Central Park, and ascending the Empire State Building to marvel at the city from above. If an NYC skyscraper sunset is on your bucket list, visit the Top of the Rock to see the sun set over the Empire State Building and golden hour light for photo opportunities.
Pay your respects on a private tour of Ground Zero and the 9/11 museum, and then skip the queues to catch a matinee show of your favourite theatre production on Broadway, both within easy reach of your cruise ship on the docks.
New York is a gateway to multiple cruise destinations across North America so it's a great place to start your expedition north up the rugged coastline to New England and Canada, with stops in Boston and Nova Scotia. You can also head south for warmer waters — It's an ideal starting point for a luxury cruise down to Miami and you can even continue to the Caribbean and delight in the rum culture of Cuba, Barbados and Jamaica.
"The early morning mist often obscures your view upon arrival, so don't worry if you sleep in and miss your arrival into New York, you'll have a second chance to experience the city from the water when you depart in the evening when visibility is better." Denise, Product and Travel Relationship Manager
2. Barcelona, Spain
Nothing beats sampling the delicate flavours of fresh Spanish tapas on a warm airy evening in Barcelona, and what better way to arrive in the city than by a luxury cruise? Upon disembarking, the city's treasures are only a 10-minute taxi ride away making for an easy day of exploration.
The modernist architecture and vibrant art scene are amongst Barcelona's brightest highlights. You'll see Gaudi's unique gothic architecture smattered all over the city, from the iconic La Sagrada Familia Cathedral to the quirky Park Guell. The famous cathedral is scheduled to be completed in 2026, nearly 150 years after its first brick was laid - could this be the perfect time to visit?
Cruising in and out of Barcelona is effortless. Its port terminals are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for smooth disembarkations to save you precious time and with space for five to seven cruise ships, it's one of the world's biggest passenger cruise ports.
The ideal location of the Catalan port city makes it a gateway to the Mediterranean and is the perfect European city to start a luxury cruise, giving you easy access to all your favourite sunny spots including Italy, France, and Croatia across sparkling waters.
3. Sydney, Australia
Sydney is THE place many people think of when they imagine iconic cruise destinations. You sail straight off the South Pacific Ocean into Sydney Harbour and are welcomed by the iconic sights of the Sydney Opera House and Fort Denison — it's a truly special sight after days at sea.
The dock itself is next to the Sydney Opera House and there are plenty of incredible things to do within a stone's throw of where you drop anchor, including the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Bridge Climb Sydney, and multiple fine dining restaurants — don't miss a sunset dining experience at the Sydney Opera House. Soak up Australia's surf culture and head to Bondi Beach for private surf lessons, or simply relax and indulge in the world-famous coffee culture at a laid-back coffee house.
As well as the buzz you'll feel as you dock in Sydney's famous harbour, the city is well-placed for onward travel to continue your voyage. Be that heading north to Byron Bay and Brisbane, South to Melbourne and Tasmania, or West to New Zealand — there are so many magnificent itinerary options!
"As your ship sails into port, you can see parts of Sydney's Taronga Zoo nestled among the trees on the hillsides. When sailing past, look out for glimpses of the giraffes and elephants as they are often visible from the water." Denise, Product and Travel Relationship Manager
4. London, UK
Though not traditionally thought of as a cruise destination, London can be accessed by smaller vessels and is a wonderful place to combine with a cruise for a unique experience. Its cruise port is beside Tower Bridge, next to HMS Belfast, and is one of the most exclusive in the world with only a handful of ships dropping anchor here a year.
A cruise experience here is more intimate as you tend to be on smaller ships, such as the SeaDream Yacht Club, as they can better navigate the undulating bends of the River Thames.
Onshore, there's so much to explore. Stroll down London's cobbled streets, get VIP tickets to see a show at the famous West End, and round your day off with a fine dining experience atop the Shard as you look out over London's skyline.
"I recently sailed into port at Tower Bridge in London and it was an incredible experience. Traffic stopped as Tower Bridge raised to let our cruise ship through, and it felt like a red carpet had been laid out for us to enter the city. Everyone stopped to admire our arrival and every guest I spoke to agreed that it was a truly special moment." Denise, Product and Travel Relationship Manager
5. Bridgetown, Barbados
Barbados is a wonderful place to start a Caribbean cruise, and direct flights from the UK ensure a smooth start to your holiday. When it comes to pre-cruise stays, it's hard to match the friendly atmosphere and relaxed Caribbean vibe of Bridgetown. The city is vibrant in colour and culture, with beach bars lining spectacular beaches and turquoise waters perfect for snorkelling and seeing incredible wildlife.
Discover the small-town charm of the city's bustling streets, or savour Barbados' complex flavours with a premium rum-tasting experience of Mount Gay Distillery, the oldest running rum distillery in the world — it's one of our top ten things to do in Barbados. With a 400-year British colonial past, history buffs can explore the city's rich history through its many colonial buildings in the old town, including St. Michael's Cathedral, a UNESCO world heritage site dating back to the 16th Century.
When it's time to set sail, cruising out of Bridgetown is a delight. There are plenty of options for Caribbean cruises from Barbados, and you can explore the stunning West Indies islands on a choice of luxurious cruise operators, including Star Clippers, Seabourn and the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.
"Barbados is utterly unique when you book with Inspiring Travel. We know it like the back of our hand and have staff permanently based on its sunny shores to assist you with anything from reserving the best table at a Michelin-star restaurant, to special occasion requests at hotels." Denise, Product and Travel Relationship Manager
6. Miami, Florida
With its own dedicated island, PortMiami is the busiest passenger cruise port in the world. The city is a cosmopolitan melting pot with incredible options for ultra-luxury experiences and feels as if it's made for cruises.
Miami is famous for its beaches, and latino-american culture, making it a thrilling port city to explore before or after a cruise. The temperature rarely drops below 20°C, even in the winter, making it a stellar year-round beach destination.
Get a taste of Miami’s unique cultural flavour at the iconic South Beach and Little Havana areas, synonymous with luxurious penthouse suite lifestyles. Here you'll discover the city's vibrant nightlife, delicious Cuban cuisine, and incredible street art.
Sailing out from the southern tip of Florida, you can combine your Miami cruise with pretty much anywhere in the Caribbean and Mexico. You can even embark on longer voyages passing through the famous Panama Canal into the Pacific Ocean to access Hawaii's pristine shores.
Because of this flexibility, there are lots of options for family-friendly, adventurous and romantic escapes— just ask our Travel Specialists and we can tailor the perfect cruise for you.
"It's always exciting pulling into PortMiami because huge cruise liners dock right next to each other. You really feel like you've arrived at the cruise capital of the world, and I'm always fascinated by all the different kinds of ships there." Denise, Product and Travel Relationship Manager
7. Singapore
If you're contemplating a cruise around Southeast Asia, Singapore is the perfect place to start your voyage. The island city on the southern tip of Malaysia successfully blends traditional culture, exemplary cuisine and inspirational architecture.
Cosmopolitan influences seep into the rich food culture here, and you can often smell the aromatic hawker centres before you see them. Mingling with locals and sampling sumptuous street food is an unforgettable dining experience, but there are also plenty of options if you prefer more upmarket restaurants and bars.
Treat yourself to sweeping views of the city from atop the 57th floor on the Marina Bay Sand Observation deck, and indulge in a sunset dinner in a high-class restaurant. You can even see the Marina Bay Cruise Centre from here, so you might catch a glimpse of you ship pulling into dock.
From Singapore, you can cruise to some of the best of Southeast Asia: Thailand, Borneo, Vietnam, Indonesia and more.
8. Venice, Italy
Last on our list of the best port cities to combine with a cruise, but by no means least, is Venice. Sitting on the Northern edge of the Adriatic Sea, Italy's floating city is an ideal start for a cruise across to Croatia and down to the Hellenic islands of Corfu and Santorini.
Sailing into Venice is quite special, especially now since all large cruise ships are no longer allowed to enter its famous Giudecca Canal. SeaDream Yacht Club is one of the few passenger ships small enough to navigate the Grand Canal and cruise into Venice, it's a great choice and the yacht-style ship boasts chic and stylish luxury throughout.
Venice is famous for its intricate canal system, picturesque sunsets and small-town charm. Built upon over 100 islands, the city feels like one big old town and is best explored by its waterways by a private gondola ride — for a romantic start to your evening, go an hour before sunset to see Venice glow gold as the light fades.
Cruises: Frequently Asked Questions:
Can you do a cruise around America?
Yes, you can cruise around America and there are some fabulous options for USA cruises. Make a stop in Miami to get a taste of the vice life, and cruise around to Louisiana to experience the cultural melting pot of New Orleans. The south of the United States also offers fantastic options to combine a USA cruise with a Caribbean cruise, with nearby ports of The Bahamas and Havana, Cuba, only a short hop away.
Where do most European cruises depart from?
The most popular cruise ports in Europe are:
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Barcelona, Spain
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Athens, Greece
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Southampton, UK
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Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy
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Palma De Mallorca, Spain
What is the best month to take a European cruise?
Summer is generally the best time to take a European cruise because the average temperature is normally a warm 20-25 degrees Celsius, but don't let that dissuade you from departing from a European city on a cruise in Spring or Autumn when the weather is cooler.
Best Months for a Europe cruise: May, June, September, and October
What is the best European city cruise destination?
The best European cruise destination depends on what you'd like to experience. Depart from Athens to island-hop across the Aegean Sea for a Mama Mia-style cruise, discover the magnificent Norwegian Fjords with a cruise departing Bergen, or perhaps explore the Mediterranean departing from Barcelona or Rome. For all out sun and volcanic exploration opportunities, consider the Canary Islands just off the coast of Africa.
Can I go on a cruise in Scotland?
Yes, Edinburgh is a great port city in Scotland to cruise into. It has a rich history that makes it a fascinating place to visit, and a walk up the Royal Mile to see Edinburgh Castle is a must-do in the centre of the old town — you can even marvel at the Scottish Crown Jewels in the castle's Crown Room. The Botanical Gardens offer a tranquil place to relax and take in some nature, and art-lovers will love the iconic Edinburgh Fringe Festival that takes place over three weeks in August every year.
Edinburgh offers some great options for a cruise to Europe as you can sail across to France, Denmark or Norway.
Start Planning Your Cruise City Break Today!
We're here to help! If you're not sure where you should go on a luxury cruise, give our Travel Specialists a call. We listen to what you'd like to get out of your cruise holiday and tailor-make a bespoke cruise experience, just for you!
