An eye-tracking survey conducted by AllClear Travel Insurance has unveiled the most beautiful cruise ports to arrive at in the world. The winner of the ranking is located at a UNESCO World Heritage site in Europe.
AllClear’s eye tracking study looked at cruise ports around the world. By tracking participants’ eye movements, the researchers looked at which ports grabbed a traveller’s attention the quickest and were able to hold onto it the longest. Both metrics were then combined in a weighted scoring system to reveal which were the most beautiful cruise ports of all.
“There’s nothing quite like the feeling of your cruise pulling into a new port. After you’ve made a lengthy journey across the ocean, or possibly battled some seasickness, the moment of arrival is often the most thrilling part of being on the cruise. But not all cruise ports are created equal. Some are quite far out of town, while others drop you right in the heart of some of the world’s most iconic destinations. From the subtropical landscapes of Madeira to the icy scenery of Alaska, we analysed which coastal arrivals are the most beautiful, by conducting a global eye-tracking study to find out,” the study’s authors write.
Top 10 most beautiful cruise port arrivals
1. Valletta Cruise Port, Valletta, Malta
According to the survey, the Valletta Cruise Port in Malta is the most stunning to arrive at, with a score of 100/100. The entire city of Valletta, being a UNESCO World Heritage site, is not surprising that the gold-coloured limestone city with its 16th-century fortifications – which Game of Thrones fans might well be able to recognise – was able to impress cruise travellers upon their arrival.
2. Port of Ushuaia, Ushuaia, Argentina
The second spot on the list was taken by the Port of Ushuaia in Argentina. Acting as a starting point for anyone wanting to sail through the Drake Passage to reach Antarctica, Ushuaia takes up an impressive spot amid the Andes. The local ‘End of the World Train’ heritage railway takes curious passengers on a scenic journey through Tierra del Fuego National Park.
3. Port of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
The third most beautiful cruise port to arrive at is located in the Sicilian city of Palermo, which is said to have been operating for over 2,000 years already. The best time of day to arrive at the port is during the so-called golden hour, when the already gold-coloured sandstone buildings seem to be lit up from inside. The Ballarò and Vucciria markets in Palermo are a great stop for anyone who wants to try some of the Sicilian delicacies such as arancine (fried rice balls) or stigghiola (grilled lamb intestines).
4. Stadsgården Cruise Terminal, Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm’s Archipelago counts no less than 30,000 islands, which make for a stunning sight when arriving at the Swedish city. Located right next to the city centre, the Stadsgården Cruise Terminal immediately allows travellers to get an overview of Stockholm, while all sights are just a short walk away. Depending on the season, days are endless or very short, which means no two visits are the same.
5. Nassau Cruise Port, Nassau, Bahamas
There aren’t many arrivals that with such a tropical feel as the Nassau Cruise Port. The city’s colourful houses, the crystal blue waters, the gigantic palm trees… The decor is very reminiscent of many a tropical beach-themed postcard, yet here, everything is real. And as far as activities go, the possibilities are endless: from local cuisine to water-themed adventure, Nassau has a lot to offer curious tourists.
6. Aruba Cruise Terminal, Oranjestad, Aruba
If one tropical stopover doesn’t suffice, here’s another one: the Aruba Cruise Terminal. Just as colourful and picture-perfect as Nassau, with just as large an offer for tourists. As Aruba is home to one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, Eagle Beach, it would almost be a crime not to take an afternoon off in order to float around and enjoy the surroundings.
7. Lisbon Cruise Port, Lisbon, Portugal
While tourists should consider spending an entire holiday in and around Lisbon, discovering the city while taking a cruise can be a great way to get acquainted. After having passed the 25 de Abril Bridge, the city’s terracotta roofs and colourful houses will immediately set the tone for an unforgettable experience. From visiting the city’s many museums to tasting some of the famous Pastéis de Belém, there’s no time to get bored.
8. Overseas Passenger Terminal, Sydney, Australia
The Overseas Passenger Terminal in Sydney has what one might call a dramatic entrance. With the Sydney Opera House on one side and the Harbour Bridge on the other, it is hard not to know which port you’re dealing with. Thanks to its very central location, the cruise port is the ideal starting point to discover the city. Starting with one of the nearby hotspots makes sense, although having a coffee at one of the world’s best coffee shops doesn’t sound too bad either.
9. Port Sultan Qaboos, Muscat, Oman
When a cruise port shares the same views as the Sultan of Oman’s Al Alam Palace, it is hard to deny its prime location. With its rugged mountains and white-hued houses, Muscat makes for a stunning sight. The local Mutrah Souq and the famous Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque are unmissable stops while visiting the Middle Eastern city.
10. Ege Port, Kușadası, Türkiye
A mountainous backdrop clearly knows how to catch a cruise traveller’s attention. At Ege Port in Kușadası, the Aydın Mountain range makes for a tantalising sight. While the city on the Aegean coast itself has a lot to offer, such as the Kaleiçi Mosque and Öküz Mehmed Pasha Caravanserai, the port is probably most famous for the fact that it is located just half an hour from the ancient city of Ephesus.
The complete ranking of the 20 ports around the world can be found here.
