I’ve visited 19 countries by cruise ship, but 7 ports were the most beautiful.
As a frequent cruiser, I love crossing cruise ports off my travel wishlist. Whether an idyllic island in Greece or bustling city in Europe, there are hundreds of cruise ports to discover around the world.
Throughout the past 4 years I’ve sailed to nearly 50 cruise ports in 19 countries. I’ve visited world-renowned beaches, ancient landmarks, and rustic mountain towns, but I’ve enjoyed some ports more than others.
A few in particular were more beautiful than the rest, whether due to the port’s natural scenery or historic architecture.
From chilly Alaska to secluded French Polynesia, these are 7 of the most beautiful cruise ports in the world.
Skagway, Alaska
I cruise to Alaska nearly every summer. After visiting 6 ports in the Last Frontier, I’d rank Skagway above the rest.
Truthfully, there’s no such thing as an “ugly” cruise port in Alaska. With vast glaciers, immense mountains, and an abundance of wildlife, the state is unfathomably beautiful.
Still, if I had to pick the most beautiful port of all, it would be Skagway. The former gold-rush town of just over 1,000 residents is located at the end of the Lynn Canal, the deepest fjord in North America.
Related: Local's guide of what to do in Skagway, Alaska
In Skagway, cruisers can choose between active excursions, like a cycling tour through the Taiya River Valley, or a more relaxing choice, such as a ride on the scenic White Pass & Yukon Route Railway.
I love Skagway’s options for a low-budget port day, too. It’s possible to experience the town’s beauty without spending extra on shore excursions. I especially love the beginner-friendly hiking trail to Yakutania Point, located less than a mile from the cruise port.
Finally, the sailaway from Skagway is the most spectacular in all of Alaska. The Lynn Canal’s length ensures passengers can enjoy wonderful views even hours after leaving port.
Naples, Italy
Calling Naples “beautiful” could be considered controversial by some cruisers.
Many first-time visitors call the Italian city disorderly and grungy, with graffiti-lined streets and chaotic traffic. I, on the other hand, love everything about it. Naples’ streets are full of culture and history, and the street food scene is completely out-of-this-world.
Related: Must-eat foods on a cruise to Italy
That being said, I wouldn’t call the city itself one of the world’s most beautiful cruise ports, especially from an aesthetic point of view. Instead, it’s the surrounding areas that make it a contender.
While visiting Naples, cruisers can book excursions to Italy’s famed Amalfi Coast, or perhaps take a boat tour to the islands of Capri or Ischia. These destinations offer a quintessential Italian feel, with enchanting small towns like Sorrento providing sprawling vistas of the Mediterranean.
Of all of Italy’s cruise ports, Naples is one I’d return to again and again.
Mo’orea, French Polynesia
The most remote cruise port on my list might just be the most beautiful of all.
Located in the South Pacific, Mo’orea is a French Polynesian island known for its overwater bungalows, crystal clear water, and dreamy white-sand beaches. The volcanic island is surrounded by a shallow reef, which offers dreamlike snorkeling conditions.
Mo’orea’s cuisine is another highlight, blending Asian flavors with French flare. During my visit, I indulged in everything from chocolate crêpes to freshly-caught teriyaki tuna served on a crispy baguette.
Related: 15 countries you didn't know you could cruise to on Royal Caribbean
The downside of visiting Mo’orea on a cruise ship are the limited itineraries. Royal Caribbean’s ships only call upon the port on infrequent transpacific itineraries, which can be over 20 nights in length.
If you can make the itinerary work, though, the beauty of Mo’orea is hard to beat.
Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
The Caribbean may be known for its picture-perfect beaches, but my favorite Caribbean port is beautiful for another reason: its architecture.
San Juan, Puerto Rico is a common port on Eastern Caribbean itineraries. Cruise ships dock directly in Old San Juan, a region of the city with cobblestone streets and Spanish-style buildings. The area, which is over 500 years old, has some of the most beautiful architecture in all of the Caribbean.
I love spending my port day in Old San Juan, walking around the neighborhood’s colorful streets and sipping on piña coladas, a cocktail said to be invented in the city.
Related: How I spent a day in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
The Castillo San Felipe Del Morro, a 16th century fortress along the coast, cannot be missed, either. The fort costs just $10 to enter, but even just walking around the surrounding grounds offers marvelous ocean views.
Olden, Norway
On a cruise to the Norwegian fjords, I was totally blown away by Norway’s beauty, both in its landscapes and picturesque towns.
It was the quaint village of Olden, however, that impressed me even more than the others.
Located at the end of Norway’s Nordfjord, Olden is nothing short of stunning. Vibrant, green mountains tower over charming farmlands, and numerous waterfalls flow from the snow-capped landscapes above.
Related: 7 mistakes and 3 things I did right on my Norwegian fjords cruise
Cruise ships dock a short walk from Olden’s town center, but the majority of passengers plan nature-based excursions instead.
I opted for a ride up the Loen Skylift, one of the steepest cable cars in the world. At the top were walking trails, a restaurant and cafe, and some of the most jaw-dropping views I’ve ever seen.
For those booking a cruise to Norway, Olden is a must-visit destination.
Sydney, Australia
It’s easy to focus on the ports of call during a cruise vacation, but what about the embarkation port?
Sydney is the most populous city in Australia, and it’s my pick for the most beautiful embarkation port in the world. Royal Caribbean ships depart from Circular Quay in the city’s downtown, sailing through the Sydney Harbour before entering the open ocean.
Related: I tried my first Australia cruise: here are 7 things that surprised me
I first visited Sydney to embark on a South Pacific cruise, and I planned several days of sightseeing before embarkation day. I loved exploring Sydney’s Taronga Zoo and dining outdoors at buzzing public squares. As it was springtime in the city, the streets were lined with thousands of vivid purple flowers blooming on the trees.
Sydney quickly became one of my favorite cities in the world, and embarking from Sydney was the perfect way to kick off an incredible cruise adventure.
Labadee, Haiti
I still remember the first time I visited Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s private destination in Haiti. Anxious to catch a glimpse of the port, I left my windowless inside cabin to head to the pool deck. Once there, I was awestruck by what I saw.
Labadee is located on a mountainous peninsula in northern Haiti, in contrast to the flat geography at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas. I’m a sucker for mountains of all kinds, and the lush landscape of Labadee was immediately intriguing.
Related: Labadee, Haiti Do's and Don'ts Guide
Labadee’s mountains form coves with crystal clear water along the peninsula, and the port offers 5 beaches exclusive to Royal Caribbean passengers.
Thrilling attractions are offered at Labadee as well, like a 2,600-foot-long zip line and an alpine coaster, both of which provide unmatched views of the surrounding scenery to visitors.
Despite only visiting Labadee once, I would love to plan another cruise back to the port. The landscapes are some of the most beautiful I’ve seen in all of the Caribbean, and it’s a lovely place for a low-key beach day.
