32 Cruise Ports Where You Can Walk Straight Off Into Town

Most of us have done it, gone to a cruise port thinking you will be in the heart of the city, only to find yourself in a container port, miles out of town.

I love it when a ship docks in the centre of town, and you can just get off and explore

In this article, we look at some of my favourite cruise ports – and find out why I like them!

Why These Ports Are So Great

You can just do your own thing, at your own pace. You can plan your day, knowing you can just stroll back to the ship when you have had enough.

There is no need for expensive cruise line excursions. I research where I would like to visit and, if possible, go it alone. (Often, cruise lines put on excursions to places that are easily reachable, and you will save yourself loads of money if you just make your own way there.)

You don’t have to pay extra for taxi fares or cruise line shuttle buses.

You will have more time to visit the things you want to, or stop for a drink and a snack without feeling rushed.

If you can’t use your mobile/cell phone in that country without running up extra charges, download maps and research the port in advance to get the most out of your day.

For other things to consider when you are getting off in port and exploring independently, read this article next:

Getting Off The Cruise Ship in Port – What To Expect, What To Take – And Other Useful Hints and Tips For A Successful Day Out!

Things to Still Keep in Mind

• Check the terminal that the ship is docking at.
  • Some cities have more than one. The bigger the ship, the further away from town you seem to be, with small or luxury ships getting the best spots.
• If you have any mobility issues, be sure to check the terrain.
  • Some towns are hilly or have cobbled streets.

Europe

Here are some ports that I enjoy visiting because they are close to the town:

• Cadiz, Spain. Ships dock in the old town. Wander straight off into cobbled streets and view interesting buildings. Don’t miss the massive fig trees – they are hundreds of years old and a very impressive sight.
• La Coruña, Spain. You will be right in the centre. It’s a 2-minute walk to shops or tapas, and there is a stunning coastal walk. There are plenty of interesting statues, including one that looks like a mini Stonehenge!
• Lisbon. (Santa Apolonia Terminal), Portugal. Step off and you’re right by Alfama, the oldest neighbourhood in Lisbon. Be warned, the cobbled streets can be slippery when wet…
• Ajaccio, Corsica. Walk into Napoleon’s hometown straight from the dock. I did this when I visited on Celebrity Beyond. It’s a lovely place to visit.

Find out about that, and have a look at the lovely Celebrity Beyond here:

• Kotor, Montenegro. The Old Town is literally there in front of you as you dock. I have always docked at Kotor, but if there is more than one ship visiting, you may have to tender. The sail in and sail out of Kotor is absolutely stunning.
• Cartagena, Spain. There is a castle, Roman remains, interesting architecture, beaches, and shops – this smaller Spanish port was a real surprise to me when I visited!
• Genoa, Italy. It’s the main European home port for MSC cruises. The main town centre is only a short walk away, and the Aquarium (which they will try to sell you cruise tours to!) is very close to where the cruise ship docks.
• Valetta, Malta. This is a lovely city, built mostly of Globigerina limestone, which gives it a lovely golden hue. The ships dock right by the town, and you can explore on foot or take a boat trip around the impressive harbour.

The bell in Valletta Harbour is called the Santa Maria Bell, and it is part of the Siege Bell War Memorial.

The bell in Valetta harbour is rung daily at noon to remember those who died during World War II. It’s quite loud, so be warned!

• Palermo, Sicily. Palermo is a fantastic port, because you can so easily walk to the historic centre. Everything in the historic city centre is a flat walk from the port.
• Savona, Italy. You are most likely to visit Savona on a Costa Cruise, as it is their home port. The ships dock a short walk from the historic quarter. I visited the Priamar Fortress when I went. This fort, built in 1542, has 360-degree views of the ocean and is within easy reach of the ship.
• Gibraltar is a British overseas territory. I always walk when I visit Gibraltar, it is about a mile to the main town. You can walk to the cable car to go up the rock, or if you’re feeling brave, walk right to the top! It’s got a very British feel to it, and there are many British shops, like M&S and Morrison’s.

• Rotterdam, Netherlands. Rotterdam is a big city, but if you don’t have any mobility issues, you can walk across the bridge to the centre, or stay on the side where the ship docks and visit the iconic Ocean Liner (also called Rotterdam) or visit the famous Hotel New York.
  • This was originally the headquarters of Holland America Line, a company founded in 1873.

Approximately two million people emigrated from Rotterdam to New York on Holland America Line ships between 1880 and 1920!

UK & Ireland

• Greenock (for Glasgow), Scotland. The town itself is right there with cafés and a lovely waterfront walk. I walked up onto the hills when I visited. It was a beautiful day and had stunning views over the Firth of Clyde

• Liverpool, England. Ship docks next to the Royal Liver Building. It’s such an interesting city, with famous attractions like the Albert Dock, a free Maritime Museum, Beatles-related places of interest (like the Cavern Club), and all the high street shops right there.

The Royal Liver Building has the two famous Liver Birds on top. They are named Bella and Bertie. Bella is the female, looking out to sea, while Bertie is the male, looking over the city. 

1. Dover, England. If you dock at the main cruise terminal, it’s a 10–15 minute walk along the seafront into town. Dover Castle is about a half an hour walk, it overlooks the town and has secret wartime tunnels you can explore.

Find out about all the places I visited on my British Isles cruise below. Some needed excursions or public transport – many I just explored by myself.

Caribbean & Island Ports

• St. George’s, Bermuda. – The dock is in the middle of a UNESCO old town founded in 1612. Shops, beaches, and historic sites are all walkable.
• Hamilton, Bermuda – If you’re lucky enough to dock here, it will be by the historic naval dockyard. Your ship will have tenders across to Hamilton itself, or you can get a ferry. In Hamilton, you will find shops, restaurants and historic sites.

Find out more about cruising to Bermuda here:

8 Reasons Why Your Next Cruise Should Be To Bermuda – Tried And Tested

Have a look at the cruise I took to Bermuda on Norwegian Prima here:

• Philipsburg, St. Maarten. You can walk straight into town or take a $5 water taxi, but either way, it’s super close. The beach and the shops are right by the dock.
• St. John’s, Antigua. You’re in the middle of town when you step off your ship. Market stalls, colourful streets, and cafés are all around.
• Bridgetown, Barbados. An easy 10-minute flat walk into the centre. Or walk the other way to find a beach. It’s totally doable on your own.
• Basseterre, St. Kitts – Port Zante is basically a cruise mall, but once you’re through it, you’re in the town itself. Everything’s close by.
• Roseau, Dominica. A walkable town with plenty of charm. There are local markets with interesting food just steps away from the pier.
• Castries, St. Lucia. The dock is right by the town centre. Although it is a small town, it’s great for a wander if you don’t fancy a tour.
• Oranjestad, Aruba. The port is across the street from shops, restaurants, and casinos. Just walk straight across…
• Willemstad, Curaçao. It is picture-perfect and walkable. You literally walk off the ship into Dutch-style buildings and cross the iconic swinging bridge.
• Coxen Hole, Roatán (Honduras) – Some ships dock at Mahogany Bay (which is more isolated), but Coxen Hole is better, as it is walkable and has a more local feel.
• Puerto Limon, Costa Rica. Step off your ship and you’re straight into town with markets, shops, and murals.

Extras:

• Tallinn, Estonia. A really beautiful place, and just a 10-minute flat walk into the walled old town. It can get busy in peak season, though, as many ships can dock there.

• Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island (Canada). A pretty town, all walkable from the ship.
• Skagen, Denmark A small, charming town with beaches and cafés, steps from the pier.
• Bergen, Norway. You can just walk around the historic waterfront area, or walk to the bottom of the funicular railway and get a train up to the top of Mount Fløyen.
  • If you are feeling energetic, you can walk back down to the ship from there, or just get a return ticket on the train. The cruise line will want you to go on their excursion to the funicular railway, but you can do it by yourself easily.

• Stavanger, Norway. You will be docked right by the pretty old town area, with its 173 white, wooden buildings. You can then walk around the waterfront area into the main town very easily.

I’m sure you all have your own favourite cruise ports, and there will be many other walkable ports and cities that I haven’t mentioned!

Before You Go

Find out why cruising from your local cruise port is a good option here:

7 Reasons To Sail From Your Local Cruise Port

Find out what happens if you were to miss your cruise ship here:

What Actually Happens When You Miss The Cruise Ship?