6 stunning ports of call to cruise into
There is no better feeling than entering a port and having your breath be taken away by the views that surround you. Here are six ports of call that have left us speechless.
1. Santorini, Greece
The Greek island of Santorini is so picture perfect that it will leave you rubbing your eyes in disbelief. And the best way to see it in its full glory is to arrive by ship. Shiny white sugar-cube houses topped with bold blue domes tumble down the side of the island, surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the volcanic caldera. All of that is circled by the crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea. You’ll fall in love.
2. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Sailing into port under the watchful eye of Christ the Redeemer is an experience you will never forget. Rio is one of the world’s most fascinating cities, but the drive from the airport is singularly unimpressive. The cruise port, however, is just outside the city centre and you’ll sail into Guanabara Bay past by golden beaches, glamorous yachts bobbing in marinas and the curved peak of Sugarloaf Mountain.
3. Hjorundfjord, Norway
Sailing through the fjords of Norway is a bucket list experience for every cruiser and they are dotted with towns and villages each more charming than the last. The Hjorundfjord is one of the longest in the country, running for 35 kilometres from the sea through steep rock walls and green mountains, past isolated farms and tiny fishing villages. Ships stop in the harbour of Urke for passengers to explore this remarkable destination.
4. St Thomas, US Virgin Islands
The Caribbean is the most popular cruise destination in the world and is home to an endless series of beautiful island ports. St Thomas is something special, with a huge natural harbour surrounded by soaring mountains. At night, the town lights up with thousands of sparkling lights, looking like a glittering string of diamonds. Look out for the well-preserved Danish colonial architecture of the capital, Charlotte Amelie.
5. Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour is a fascinating mix of old and new, with futuristic skyscrapers towering over traditional red-sailed junks floating on the water. The city is backed by the lush green slopes of The Peak and the water hums with passenger ferries, cruise ships and zipping water taxis. You won’t be able to take your eyes away from your window.
6. New York, USA
The New York City skyline is instantly recognisable – you’ve seen it in just about every movie and TV show ever made. So you’ll feel an eerie sense of homecoming when you pull into the harbour, right beside the feet of Lade Liberty, even if you’ve never been before. It’s especially stunning at night, when the skyscrapers are lit up in a rainbow of colours.
Have you ever visited any of these ports? Let us know in the comments below.