Destinations - Luxury Cruising

How Long Transatlantic Cruises Really Take

July 9, 2025

by Luxury Cruising Editorial Cruise Lines Cruise News Destinations USA

Once the height of luxury travel, transatlantic cruises were the only way to cross the ocean in style. These days, most people hop on a plane – but the magic of crossing the Atlantic by ship hasn’t disappeared.

In fact, it’s still one of the most unique and surprisingly affordable cruise experiences you can have – if you know when to go and what to expect.

Here’s what today’s transatlantic cruises are really like, including how long you’ll be at sea and why this classic voyage still has a place in modern cruising.

What A Transatlantic Cruise Actually Is

A transatlantic cruise is one which sails across the Atlantic Ocean, either from Europe to the Americas or in the other direction. They can be direct between two ports, or they may include a selection of ports on either side of the ocean.

Regardless, you’re still going to spend a series of days at sea in a row, which isn’t for everyone. You need to be comfortable with the fact that you won’t be able to get off the ship for several days.

On some of the larger ships in the world, this isn’t much of a problem at all – even on a transatlantic sailing, you don’t have time to experience everything that the ship has to offer.

But on smaller ships, you might find yourself with a bit more downtime, where you might need to be comfortable just lounging by the pool during the day. And bear in mind that the weather probably won’t be great, so an indoor pool is a huge bonus here!

That could be your idea of heaven, or you might find yourself with itchy feet wanting to get off and explore on land.

Friends relaxing on a Carnival cruise ship's pool area

Transatlantic Cruises Still Exist

Transatlantic cruises still exist, but aren’t regular sailings that travel back and forth between Europe and the Americas. Instead, they’re usually repositioning cruises, or they form part of a wider world cruise itinerary.

The majority of transatlantic sailings are repositioning cruises. This is quite a dull-sounding word, but it’s pretty self-explanatory – a repositioning cruise is one where the ship is ‘repositioned’ – moved to another area for the next cruise season.

Cruises in Europe are most popular during the summer months, usually from around April until October. This is when the weather is more enjoyable, and more people want to sail around the ports of the Mediterranean or Northern Europe.

Suggested read: The Best Places To Cruise in October

But the other major cruise destination in the world – the Caribbean – has good weather year-round, and the November to March season tends to fall outside the typical hurricane season.

So many cruise ships will split their time between the two regions – sailing around Europe during the summer, and the Caribbean during the winter.

And it’s when the ships are being repositioned that they offer a transatlantic cruise. But it’ll be one-way, and you’ll have to fly either to the ship for embarkation, or on your return home.

At least, that’s normally the case. There is a very small selection of round-trip transatlantic sailings you can book, as we’ll discuss later in this article.

How Long A Transatlantic Cruise Takes

A transatlantic cruise will typically take between 7 and 16 nights, with some cruise lines averaging 11-12 nights and some offering exclusively 14+ night cruises. Very few cruises take fewer than 11 nights, and some last much longer.

The difference in how long a transatlantic cruise takes depends on the ports that are included. The fastest ones go direct from Southampton to New York with no stops, while others may call at ports further south on the US coastline, or they may travel to/from ports further east in Europe.

A cruise to Rome, for example, is, of course, going to take longer than one that stops at Barcelona – there’s at least another day or two of sailing involved to reach the destination.

And there are some ports along the way that a cruise ship may call at to break up the itinerary. These will extend the length of the cruise as well.

View from the lounge deck of a cruise ship

Where Transatlantic Cruises Go

Transatlantic cruises will sail between the home ports used by the bigger cruise lines – so typically from the ports of Florida or New York on the western side, and from Southampton, Barcelona or Rome on the eastern side. Some cruises will call at Ponta Delgada too.

Ponta Delgada is the largest port in the Azores, a collection of islands belonging to Portugal that are situated approximately a third of the way across the Atlantic if travelling from east to west.

It’s a popular port for transatlantic cruises because not only is the island lively and scenic, but it serves as a good resting port, breaking up the itinerary so that it’s not endless sea days, and giving guests the chance to go ashore and explore outside the confines of the ship.

Scenic view of Azores, Ponta Delgada, Portugal

Another popular port en route, mainly for cruises sailing through the Mediterranean, is Funchal on Madeira. Another Portuguese island, this one is further south, closer to the coastline of Morocco than it is to Portugal itself.

It’s not a port that would likely be included on a transatlantic sailing to or from Southampton, but for sailings to or from Rome or Barcelona, it’s often added to the itinerary.

The Shortest Transatlantic Cruise

The shortest transatlantic cruise is offered by Cunard, one of the only cruise lines that still specialises in this itinerary year-round. It lasts for 7 nights and sails directly between Southampton and New York, with no additional ports of call.

These Cunard transatlantic cruises all take place on the Queen Mary 2. When compared to the family-friendly ships of cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival or NCL, there are not that many different things to see and do on this ship.

But it is a luxury liner – a ship that harks back to the golden age of cruising, but with plenty of modern conveniences.

The appeal of a transatlantic cruise on Queen Mary 2 is the ability to enjoy a classical cruising experience with long days relaxing, excellent service and enrichment through daytime lectures and nighttime live entertainment.

Cunard is the main cruise line for round-trip transatlantic cruises on the same ship. You’re able to sail from Southampton to New York, enjoy a short time exploring the city, and then return on the same ship.

It does mean spending almost two weeks at sea, with only a stop in New York to break it up, but if you want to escape from the world for a little while, then this could be perfect.

The Cruise Lines That Offer Transatlantic Crossings

There are many cruise lines that offer transatlantic sailings as they move ships between Europe and the Caribbean/Americas.

Not all ships are repositioned. Some will stay in Europe year-round, and some will offer year-round Caribbean sailings, or other destinations on either side of the American continents.

But there are some great ships that you can traverse the Atlantic Ocean on, with transatlantic sailings offered by:

Azamara Cruises
Carnival Cruise Line
Celebrity Cruises
Cunard Line
Fred Olsen
Holland America Line
MSC Cruises
Norwegian Cruise Line
Oceania Cruises
P&O Cruises
Princess Cruises
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Royal Caribbean
Seabourn
Silversea
Virgin Voyages

P&O Cruises doesn’t call their cruises transatlantic, so don’t look for those sailings on their website – you won’t find them. Instead, look for Caribbean cruises, and you’ll find sailings that depart from Southampton and cross the Atlantic Ocean.

They’re also one of the other cruise lines that offer round-trip transatlantic sailings, but they are much longer, up to 35 nights in length.

To Conclude

Transatlantic cruises are still common, but normally during the repositioning times of the year only – so March/April, or October/November. And they’ll usually be one-way, meaning you’ll need to be happy flying either to the start of your cruise or once your cruise has finished.

There are alternatives – Cunard Line’s itineraries run year-round, including round-trips, while P&O do offer some longer round-trip sailings too.

But if you’re travelling with kids, you might want to try a one-way transatlantic cruise on a modern ship packed with fun things to see and do while at sea.

P&O’s itineraries are long, and while Cunard welcomes families, they aren’t known for their exciting daytime activities for younger cruisers. If you just want to escape and enjoy classic cruising, though, they are perfect.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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This Volcano Is Showing Signs It May Erupt

June 20, 2025

by Luxury Cruising Editorial Cruise Lines Cruise News Destinations News USA

Cruising to Alaska is all about dramatic landscapes, wildlife, and natural wonders. But in 2025, travellers might get more drama than expected.

Mount Spurr, an active volcano located around 80 miles west of Anchorage, is showing signs it could erupt in the coming weeks or months. Still, experts and cruise lines agree there’s no reason to panic just yet.

Here’s what you need to know if you’re booked on an Alaskan cruise this year.

Experts Are Closely Watching the Volcano

Back in March, scientists noticed more volcanic activity at Mt. Spurr – including extra gas emissions and minor earthquakes. These signs suggest magma could be rising beneath the surface.

The last two major eruptions in 1953 and 1992 sent ash clouds spreading for hundreds of miles. The Alaska Volcano Observatory says if Mt. Spurr erupts again, it’ll likely resemble those past events.

However, a recent update from the US Geological Survey (USGS) reports that no major changes have been seen since then. According to their 5th May statement, the current signs don’t suggest the volcano is on the verge of erupting.

If a major eruption were on the way, scientists say we’d see stronger earthquakes, ground movement, and more intense gas emissions – all of which would give plenty of warning.

Most Alaska Cruises Don’t Start or End Near the Volcano

The main risk to travellers is volcanic ash, which can affect air quality and disrupt flights.

Cruises that start or finish in Anchorage (through the nearby ports of Seward or Whittier) are the ones most likely to be impacted, since these areas are roughly 125 miles from the volcano.

If you’re flying into or out of Anchorage for your cruise, there’s a chance flights could be delayed or cancelled if ash reaches the area.

That said, many Alaskan cruises sail round-trip from cities much farther away – such as Vancouver, Seattle, or ports in California. These are all over 1,000 miles from Mt. Spurr and are unlikely to be affected by an eruption.

Most travellers are taking a cautious but calm approach.

Cruise Lines Are Prepared to Make Changes If Needed

Even if your cruise begins or ends in Alaska, there’s no need to panic. Cruise lines are keeping a close eye on the situation and are ready to adjust their plans if necessary.

In a joint statement to Cruise Critic, Princess Cruises and Holland America Line said: “We constantly monitor the locations we visit, and the safety of our passengers and crew is always our top priority. Most of our itineraries focus on southeast Alaska, which is far from the Mount Spurr area. If any changes are needed, we’ll inform affected guests directly.”

Although several cruise lines operate in Alaska – including Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean and Cunard – Princess and Holland America dominate the region. Both companies also run their own land tours and lodges in areas like Denali National Park.

Most Alaskan cruises visit southeast ports like Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan, which are all hundreds of miles from the volcano.

What the Eyjafjallajökull Eruption Taught Us About Travel Disruption

When Iceland’s Eyjafjallajökull volcano erupted in April 2010, it caused a major disruption to global air travel.

Ash from the eruption spread across much of Europe’s airspace, grounding more than 100,000 flights and leaving millions of travellers stranded.

Despite the chaos in the skies, cruise ships themselves largely unaffected. Since the ash cloud drifted high in the atmosphere, it posed no threat to sea travel, and most cruise itineraries continued as planned.

However, the situation still caused headaches for cruise passengers who had flights cancelled, either on their way to join a cruise or when trying to fly home afterwards.

Cruise lines responded quickly, helping travellers with alternative arrangements and, in some cases, offering extended onboard stays for those unable to disembark. A few lines even adjusted itineraries or used ships to transport stranded guests back to mainland Europe.

The Eyjafjallajökull eruption proved that while volcanoes can severely disrupt air travel, cruises offer a more flexible form of transport. Ships can reroute, stay at sea, or adjust schedules without being grounded, making them a relatively stable option when natural disasters strike.

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Other Active Volcanoes You Can Visit on a Cruise

If the idea of seeing a volcano excites rather than worries you, there are plenty of cruise itineraries around the world that bring passengers up close to active – and often safely monitored – volcanoes. Here are a few notable ones:

Mount Etna, Sicily (Italy)

One of the most active volcanoes in the world, Mount Etna offers unforgettable views from ports like Catania or Messina, which are popular stops on Mediterranean cruises. You can take guided tours to the slopes or even ride a cable car partway up the mountain.

Stromboli, Aeolian Islands (Italy)

Known as the “Lighthouse of the Mediterranean,” Stromboli has been erupting continuously for over 2,000 years. Some smaller cruise lines and luxury yachts include Stromboli on itineraries, where passengers can watch its frequent eruptions – especially dramatic at night – from the sea.

Kilauea, Big Island (Hawaii)

Hawaiian cruises often include a stop at Hilo, from where you can visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, has erupted frequently in recent years. Lava flows, steam vents, and craters create a surreal, otherworldly landscape.

Mount Yasur, Vanuatu

This lesser-known gem in the South Pacific offers one of the most accessible active volcano experiences on Earth. Expedition and adventure cruise lines that call at Tanna Island often include evening visits to watch the spectacular lava eruptions up close.

White Island (Whakaari), New Zealand

Although currently closed to visitors due to a tragic eruption in 2019, White Island was once a popular cruise excursion from Tauranga. It’s a reminder that volcano tourism requires careful monitoring and respect for local safety guidance.

Sakurajima, Japan

Cruises to southern Japan sometimes stop in Kagoshima, where you can see the constantly smoking Sakurajima volcano. Ferries take visitors close to the volcano, and observation points around the city offer safe viewing spots.

How to Be Ready – Just in Case

It’s always wise to get travel insurance when booking a cruise, but be aware that coverage for natural disasters can vary.

If you’re worried about the risk of cancellation, look for a policy with a “cancel for any reason” option. This can offer more flexibility, even if you simply change your mind before travelling.

It’s also a good idea to pack a couple of N95 masks, just in case ash affects the air during your cruise.

If you’re flying to your departure port, consider arriving a few days early.

Booking your flight and hotel in advance gives you a buffer if anything changes. It’s also smart to make backup plans for your return – like childcare or pet sitters – in case your journey home is delayed.

Final Word

While the idea of a volcanic eruption near Anchorage may sound alarming, there’s little cause for concern if you’re heading to Alaska by cruise ship.

The chances of an eruption disrupting your plans are relatively low, and cruise lines are well-equipped to handle changes if needed.

With most Alaskan itineraries far from Mount Spurr, and ample warning likely before any major activity, you can look forward to your scenic voyage with confidence.

As always, a bit of preparation goes a long way – and who knows, a volcano sighting might even become the most unforgettable part of your adventure.

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11 Secrets To Know About Harvest Caye

June 1, 2025

by Luxury Cruising Editorial Cruise Lines Cruise News Destinations Norwegian Cruise Line

You might think you’ve got cruise private islands all worked out, but Harvest Caye is a little different…

Harvest Caye is a destination that crops up on a number of itineraries for Norwegian Cruise Line, and occasionally other cruise lines too. It’s located in southern Belize, meaning it’s typically included on cruises that travel more to ports around the Central America region.

And sure – it offers plenty of things you’d expect from a private destination like this, but there are some really important differences, especially regarding food and drink – you’ll want to make sure you know these before you visit.

1. It’s a Private Island

Harvest Caye is a private island, owned by Norwegian Cruise Line. This means that the only way to visit the island is if you book a cruise on an NCL ship, or one of the two luxury cruise lines owned by the same company – Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Because it’s a private island, this means you won’t be sharing the space with other tourists – the only people on the island will be your other cruise ship guests, and the staff employed by Norwegian Cruise Line, either from the ship or those who work on the island itself.

This means you’ll be able to enjoy a little more of a tranquil space, with only your fellow ship guests taking up loungers on the beach. It’s a fun-packed location too though, so you’ll still want to book any excursions early to avoid disappointment.

Aerial view of Harvest Caye private island

2. A Lot of People Mispronounce the Island’s Name

The word ‘Caye’ is used throughout Central America, and it is pronounced “key”. Harvest is pronounced normally, as you’d expect. A lot of guests still refer to the island as “Harvest Kay” without realising the correct pronunciation.

That’s likely because it can be pronounced as “kay” in parts of the Bahamas, so you end up with the same word being said differently in regions which are relatively close to each other. Don’t worry about it too much though, because no locals are going to be offended if you say it wrong.

It does cause confusion though – so if you’re looking for Harvest Key Belize, you actually want Harvest Caye.

3. There’s a Pier – No Need to Tender!

There is a pier terminal at Harvest Caye where your ship will dock – you don’t have to worry about taking a tender boat from the ship to shore. The pier is quite long, but it is covered to provide shade during the hotter, sunnier days – of which there are many.

Because the ship docks at the pier, you don’t need to worry about queuing to get back onto the ship. You can return and go back and forth between ship and the island as many times as you want before the final departure time, which is usually around 3 pm.

4. It’s Safe – So Relax!

While Belize itself has had some issues with high crime rates, the island of Harvest Caye is comparatively very safe, since it is a private destination where there is always a presence of staff employed by the cruise line.

There are some locals from Belize who work on the island. They aren’t employed by the cruise line, but they are given permission to work there in partnership with the government. They are generally friendly and shouldn’t try to scam you – the people who work here understand that their repeat business depends on offering good service.

5. Only Cruise Guests Can Visit

Permanent residents of Belize are not permitted to visit Harvest Caye of their own volition. They would have to book a cruise just like any other guests. There will be some Belizeans on the island, who are employed by the cruise line.

There are around 400 people who work on the island that are not part of the ship’s crew, but some members of the crew will also likely have work to do on the island during port days as well.

6. Food Isn’t Included – Unlike Other Private Destinations

Unlike most other private islands owned by cruise lines, food is not included on Harvest Caye – you will need to either buy your own from one of the local businesses or return to the ship where you can enjoy the restaurants as normal.

Usually, with a private island, the cruise line will bring food ashore and set up a buffet restaurant, but that’s not the case on Harvest Caye.

Part of the agreement that NCL has with Belize is to run the island in a way that benefits local businesses, and so guests will need to pay to eat at one of the restaurants on the island.

There are various restaurants to choose from to suit different budgets, and you can pay with a credit card or using US dollars. Bear in mind that a lot of people may return to the ship to eat in order to save money, so the restaurants might not be as busy as you would expect them to be on a regular port day.

7. Drunks Also Aren’t Free

Drinks are not included when you travel to Harvest Caye – you’ll need to pay for them. Unlike some other private islands, the bars aren’t owned by the cruise line, so you’ll need to pay by cash or credit card, instead of being able to use your cruise card.

The drinks prices are similar to those on the ship, so if you’re paying for your drinks anyway then you may as well enjoy them on the island.

Couple having a drink and enjoying at Harvest Caye Pool Bar

8. Your Drink Package Won’t Work Here

The NCL drinks package won’t work on Harvest Caye, because the bars are not owned by the cruise line. If you have a drinks package, then you can save money by returning to the ship to grab a drink, but it’s quite a walk if you’re just feeling thirsty.

You won’t be able to bring drinks ashore with you, so you’ll either need to decide whether to take some cash or your credit card with you for drinks, or if you’ll cut short your visit to come back aboard in order to make use of your drinks package.

Woman enjoying her drink at Harvest Caye beach

9. There’s So Much to Do!

There is a huge amount that you can see and do during your trip to Harvest Caye – including a selection of things that are free. Many of the most exciting activities are paid excursions, but you don’t need to spend extra if you don’t want to.

You might just want to head straight to the beach – there are some really nice ones on the island after all, overlooking the beautiful azure waters. There’s no cost for a lounger, but the beaches can get a little busier so you might want to get there early if you want to nab a shaded spot.

Otherwise, you may want to head to the swimming pool. Not many private islands have a pool, since guests are comfortable swimming in the ocean, but there’s a huge pool with loungers and cabanas for hire if you want a fresh-water dip instead.

Couple realaxing at the pool cabana area in Harvest Caye

And just a little further away from the pier there’s a splash pad that is great for kids. If you have younger children with you, they’ll have a great time splashing each other, tipping out water buckets and more.

One of the famous attractions of Harvest Caye is the Blue Morpho Butterfly Sanctuary. You can explore this area for free, along with the wider wildlife sanctuary, which is home to toucans, macaws, snakes, and other animals, with lots of educational material to support your tour. The butterfly sanctuary has large glass spaces where you can get very close to the creatures flying around.

Mother and daughter looking at a blue butterfly

Shopping is another option as well – there’s a market area populated with stalls and stores owned by local business owners and selling a wide selection of gifts, handmade crafts, perfumes, rum and more. Just be wary of what you buy and what you take back onto the ship – rum bottles will be taken from you and returned at the end of your cruise.

If you want to try a paid-for excursion, why not explore the Mayan ruins of Nim Li Punit? A guided tour will get you close to these fascinating ruins, with your expert guide explaining more of the history during your ride.

Looking for something a little more action-oriented? The island has a zip line running across the bay, or you can try one of the many water sports offered on the island, including paddle boarding and snorkeling. You don’t have to be an expert – there are plenty of excursions aimed at novices or children too.

Kid enjoying the zip line at Harvest Caye

There are also WaveRunner tours – essentially jetskis where a tour guide will train you on riding one before leading you around the island to some unique sights of interest.

And because the island is not far from the coast of Belize, there are a selection of excursions that take you off the island to explore some of the nearby sights. Journeys are short, so you can still explore the island itself, too, when you return.

Staying on the island, you’ll be able to try river rafting or take things a little easier with a fishing excursion – master fishermen will help you learn how to bait for the local fish on a catch-and-release trip.

10. Cabana Rental is Available (But Not Cheap)

And if you really want to enjoy a quieter day, book a cabana either on the beach or by the pool. These private spaces are the ideal place to unwind with a cold drink and some shade.

Family relaxing at the beach front cabana in Harvest Caye

The cost of these paid-for excursions varies, but expect to pay in the region of $80-100 for most of them, per person, with some minor discounts for children. If you don’t want to pay this extra amount, then stick to the wildlife sanctuary, the swimming pool, the beach or the splash pad as these are all free.

Cabana rental costs a little more – expect to pay $450 to $500 for a cabana for the day for up to 6 people. The cabanas do have a lot of extras to make your island visit more comfortable, including air conditioning, a TV, a mini fridge, a private bathroom and a golf cart that you can use for the day to get around the island.

11. Snorkeling is an Option

Snorkeling is an excursion option at Harvest Caye. Belize is home to the world’s largest living barrier reef, so snorkeling excursions offer plenty of incredible sights to enjoy. The excursions last for around 2.5 hours in total, so you’ll still have time to explore the rest of the island.

The water entry is shallow, which means these snorkeling excursions are suitable for beginners and veterans alike. Some of the common creatures you’ll encounter include larger fish schools, eagle rays, large starfish and queen conchs.

12. You Can Take a Ferry To Placencia

The boats that take you from Harvest Caye to Placencia take around 15-20 minutes. Excursions to the lagoon give guests the chance to see the mangroves and the wildlife that inhabits them, including manatees.

These tours are fully guided, meaning guests will be able to learn about the wildlife from an expert. A complimentary drink is also served during excursions to Placencia – either a rum punch or a water.

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Final Word

There are loads of things to do in Havest Caye Belize, so you’ll want to head to the island as early as possible – and because you don’t need to tender, you should be able to walk straight off the ship.

Excited family entering Harvest Caye front gate

Just be prepared for the day, and how you’ll need to pay for your food and drink – it might save you money if you plan to return to the ship for lunch and then head back ashore for a couple of hours, if it doesn’t cost you too much time out of your day.

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14 Top-Rated Hotels Just Minutes From Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port And Airport

May 22, 2025

by Luxury Cruising Editorial Cruise Lines Cruise News Cruise Tips Destinations Money saving tips USA

Planning a cruise from Fort Lauderdale? Whether you’re flying in early or need a relaxing stop before heading home, these hotels are perfectly located near the airport and cruise terminal – so you can skip the stress and start your holiday in style.

I’ve handpicked the best options within 2 miles of Port Everglades, so you won’t waste time (or money) on long transfers or expensive taxis.

Map Of Hotels Near Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Terminal

First, let’s take a look at the map to see where Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is compared with Port Everglades Cruise Terminal.

As you can see, the distance is just three miles and so the journey from Fort Lauderdale airport to the cruise port will take just 5 to 10 minutes in a taxi or shuttle bus.

So, if you’re staying overnight between your flight and cruise, it makes sense to choose a hotel that’s in the immediate vicinity. Many of the local hotels have pools, restaurants and free WiFi so that you can relax on the evening before and the morning of your cruise. Plus, it gives you a handy place to store your luggage while you go sightseeing.

The Best Hotels Near Fort Lauderdale Airport For Cruise Passengers

Now, let’s take a look at which is the best option for a hotel near Fort Lauderdale cruise port. I obviously haven’t stayed in all of these hotels myself, so instead, I’ve studied the online reviews, prices and what’s included in your stay.

Price: $$$

Perks:

Free WiFi
Multiple restaurants
Luggage storage

The Lago Mar Beach Resort is an impressive beach-front hotel situated just on the other side of the Stranahan River, which leads into Port Everglades, so you’re only a very short distance from the port – around a 9-minute drive in a taxi.

The major downside to the hotel is the lack of a shuttle service to the airport or cruise terminal, but it’s easy enough to make your own way.

It’s a stunning 4* resort that has some fantastic family facilities, so whether you’re staying for just one night or you’re looking to extend your holiday, you’ll love your time here. There are multiple restaurants to choose from, and some excellent sports facilities. You can even book a pre-cruise massage if you’re feeling fancy.

And you’ll get a great view of the cruise ships coming into port, which is a fantastic way to get excited about your voyage.

Price: $$$

Perks:

Free WiFi
Airport shuttle service
Within walking distance of some terminals

The Hyatt Place hotel is one of the best-situated hotels for the cruise port – you’re less than a mile from the Royal Caribbean and Princess terminals, so you can walk straight there from the hotel on the morning of your cruise.

It’s only two miles from the airport as well, with a free shuttle service running in both directions.

The hotel itself is pleasant and modern, with free WiFi access in guest rooms along with a large flat-screen TV. There’s a cafe on site serving snacks and Starbucks coffee, as well as 24-hour meals, while there’s an outdoor pool if you’ve got some time to kill with the kids.

Price: $$$

Perks:

Free WiFi
Airport shuttle service
Within walking distance of some terminals
Luggage storage

The Crowne Plaza is a chain hotel brand that you can trust for quality, and this particular hotel also benefits from a fantastic location, right in the middle of the airport and cruise terminal. There’s a free airport shuttle service, and you could either walk the mile to the cruise terminal or just hop in a cab since the cost will be low.

Rooms are clean and modern, with free WiFi. The hotel has a restaurant serving TexMex and international dishes, and there’s a cocktail bar, too if you want to get into the cruise mood a little early.

Price: $$$

Perks:

Luggage storage
Within walking distance of some terminals

The Renaissance is a really attractive and stylish hotel that’s very close to the cruise terminals, offering a relaxing place to unwind the day before or after your sailing.

It does have some downsides – there are no shuttle services to or from the airport, and WiFi isn’t available at the hotel either. Wired internet is available in the reception area, but it costs $10 per day to use it.

But if that’s not important, then you’ll enjoy a beautiful and quiet hotel with a swimming pool, and there’s luggage storage, too, if you have a bit of time after you check out to explore the area.

Price: $$

This boutique hotel is a smaller, family-run location with a beautiful sun terrace where you can unwind. It’s a little further out from the cruise terminal – you’re going to need a taxi to get there and back – but the journey is still fast; you can have a lazier morning while you get ready to board.

Being smaller, there aren’t a lot of facilities at the hotel, but you can at least enjoy free WiFi throughout, and there are family rooms available. There’s also an ATM, which could be useful for stocking up on some currency that you can dish out as tips on your cruise.

Price: $$$

Perks:

Free WiFi
Airport shuttle service
Luggage storage

The Four Points is a mid- to premium-range hotel with good facilities, including a large fitness centre and the 1800 Bistro & Bar, which offers American dishes for breakfast and dinner. There’s free WiFi and a heated swimming pool and sun terrace if you have time to relax a little.

In terms of location, it’s really close to the airport – just 8 minutes away – with a free shuttle running back and forth. It’s just outside a comfortable walking distance to the cruise terminal if you have a lot of luggage – about 1.5 miles – but you won’t need an expensive cab to get you there either.

Price: $$$

Perks:

Within walking distance of some terminals
Luggage storage

The Embassy Suites by Hilton is a luxurious hotel situated in an incredible location, with some cruise terminals just a 10-minute walk away. It’s the ideal place if you want the quickest journey to the port in the morning, without sacrificing hotel quality.

However, while the rooms are spacious and immaculate, and the swimming pool is idyllic, there are some downsides. WiFi access is charged at this hotel, as is the service for the airport shuttle. For a pricey hotel, it’s a shame you also have to pay for these extras, while other cheaper hotels include them free.

Price: $$$

Perks:

Free WiFi
Airport shuttle service
Within walking distance of some terminals
Luggage storage

Holiday Inn Express is traditionally a budget hotel chain – a step up from motels, but offering simple, clean accommodation with few frills or extra benefits. This one breaks the mould a little, because it has some nice perks, including free airport shuttles and free WiFi, and it has a great location within a few minutes walk of the cruise terminal.

But it’s also not cheap – in fact, it’s more expensive than some of the traditionally premium chain hotels situated close by. But if you’re travelling from the UK or Ireland, you’ll really appreciate the traditional breakfasts served – a great way to start embarkation day.

Price: $$$$

Perks:

Free WiFi
Concierge service
Multiple restaurants

If you want a magnificent hotel as a way of starting your cruise in style, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better choice than the Marriott. Expect excellent service and quality from the moment you step into reception until the second you check out. And also expect to pay for that service – prices at the Marriott are significantly higher than other hotels in the area.

You’re also a little further away from the cruise port, without any shuttle services running to the terminal or to the airport, which at this price level is a little disappointing. But if you’re determined to splash out on the best vacation possible, then the Marriott is the ideal luxury choice for your pre-cruise stay.

Price: $$$$

Perks:

Within walking distance of some terminals
Luggage storage

The Hilton at the Fort Lauderdale Marina has everything you would expect from a classic Hilton hotel – premium guest rooms furnished with high-quality linens, a modern and upmarket restaurant serving continental breakfasts and a varied dinner menu, and excellent service from every member of staff.

Unfortunately, it shares the same problems as it does with its Embassy Suites – WiFi is not free (and costs quite a bit, at $10 per day), and there are no complimentary shuttles. You are only a short walk from the cruise terminals, at least.

Price: $

While this list is looking at the best hotels, it’s important to remember that you may not want the very best hotel if you’re just looking for a place to rest your head the night before you cruise, instead of flying in on embarkation day in a rush. The Budget Inn, as the name suggests, is a no-frills choice that’s a short taxi ride from the airport and cruise terminal.

Rooms are clean and perfectly comfortable, with a modern style. And there’s free WiFi, which not even some of the most luxury hotel chains nearby can offer to guests. For a cheap stay, this is a great choice.

Price: $

Perks:

Free WiFi
Within walking distance of some terminals

Don’t let the name fool you – this hotel doesn’t just offer extended stays, and you can book it for a single night before your cruise sails, or once you’ve disembarked from the ship.

It’s another budget option that is very similar in style to the Budget Inn, but in a much better location – you’re just a few minutes’ walk from some of the cruise terminals, including Princess and Royal Caribbean. It’s slightly more expensive per night, but still cheap enough to be considered a budget option.

Price: $$

The Haven Hotel is another budget-friendly hotel option that’s closer to the airport than the cruise terminal, but still just within a short distance of the port if you’re getting a cab ride. The rooms are light and modern, if a little basic, but you do get free WiFi access.

While the hotel facilities are basic, there are plenty of restaurants in close walking distance, so it’s a good base for a pre-cruise stay if you can’t get booked into the cheaper Extended Stay America Suites hotel.

Price: $

The Vacation Inn Motel is very close to the Haven Hotel, meaning it’s another good choice if you want to be close to the airport and only a short Uber or cab ride from the port terminal.

This is cheaper than the Haven Hotel, but that’s reflected in the quality. Rooms are definitely comfortable, but the decor is a little retro – it’s very much the motel vibe.

Still, free WiFi access is convenient, especially at these prices, and you’re close to restaurants. If you’re just looking for a basic room to take away the rush of embarkation day, then there’s nothing wrong with a cheap night in this friendly motel.

Recommendation

While there are some excellent hotels on this list to suit a range of budgets, my recommendation would be the Lago Mar Beach Resort, especially if you’re cruising with the family. It’s not the most expensive, but as a resort, it’s packed with things to see and do, which is great if you have a few hours to kill and don’t want to wander too far.

The service is great, the food gets really good reviews too, and you have a view of the ships coming into port, which is fun for the whole family – nothing’s more exciting than seeing your ship arrive, if you’re awake early enough anyway!

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17 Must-Try Cozumel Restaurants Just Steps From The Cruise Port

May 22, 2025

by Luxury Cruising Editorial Caribbean Cruise Lines Cruise News Cruise Tips Destinations Food and drink

Docking in Cozumel? Don’t settle for tourist traps when some of Mexico’s best fajitas and margaritas are just a short stroll away.

From sizzling beachfront grills to hidden gems in town, I’ve rounded up the top spots near all three cruise ports – so you can eat like a local without straying far from the ship.

Punta Langosta

If you’re sailing with NCL, MSC, or Holland America, you’ll likely dock at Punta Langosta, the cruise pier that is actually much closer to the downtown area. But the other two Cozumel cruise terminal options are around 3 miles south.

International Cruise Terminal

The International Cruise Terminal or International Pier Cozumel hosts Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and some MSC ships.

Punta Maya

The Punta Maya pier is just a couple of hundred yards further south from the International Cruise Terminal and is used by ships owned by the Carnival Corporation.

Here are 19 of the best restaurants that you can easily reach within a short walk of all three piers.

Best Restaurants Near The International Cruise Terminal

1. IX Kool

Top view inside IX Kool restaurant — Photo Courtesy of IX Kool Facebook

Distance from International Cruise Terminal/Punta Maya: 2 min walk
Distance from the Punta Langosta pier: 50 min walk
Cuisine: Mayan
Price: $$$

IX Kool is without a doubt the most popular restaurant within walking distance of the Cozumel cruise port, with a fantastic reputation for both its cuisine and its service.

Offering a mix of dishes from across Central America, you’ll enjoy some incredible dishes with a wide selection of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. And throughout, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the dishes served thanks to the large video screens.

The wait staff are personable and hard-working, making you feel like a special guest and ensuring you have an amazing experience every time. Definitely try to get a table here if you have the chance.

Tip – some Carnival cruises offer a cooking course excursion here – book it if you can!

Read reviews on TripAdvisor

2. Three Amigos

Three Amigos Restaurant in Cozumel — Photo Courtesy of Three Amigos Facebook

Distance from International Cruise Terminal/Punta Maya: 5 min walk
Distance from the Punta Langosta pier: 55 min walk
Cuisine: Mexican & Caribbean
Price: $$

A friendly and lively restaurant with tables overlooking the ocean, this is a fun place to visit and sample some classic Mexican dishes as well as other options inspired by the Caribbean.

But just as much as the food, the wait staff at Three Amigos have an amazing reputation for making your meal an experience. They’re engaging, light-hearted and extremely welcoming, with most reviews mentioning the servers by name and how good they were.

Tip – everybody raves about the nachos here, so if you’re a nacho fan then make sure to sample them.

Read reviews on TripAdvisor

3. Senor Frog’s Costa Sur

Friends enjoying drinks at Senor Frog’s Costa Sur — Photo Courtesy of Senor Frog’s Costa Sur Facebook

Distance from International Cruise Terminal/Punta Maya: 2 min walk
Distance from the Punta Langosta pier: 55 min walk
Cuisine: Mexican and International
Price: $$$

Senor Frog’s is a chain that offers a fun and lively time. If you want fine dining, then avoid – this is all about great food and great company, ideal for the whole family.

Alongside Mexican dishes, there are plenty of international options for the fussy eaters in your group, including a popular but messy Mac & Cheese burger. Don’t be surprised if your waiter brings you various tequila shots to try as well…

Tip – if you’re planning a trip to Senor Frog’s, there’s a larger and more popular venue in the town centre but that’s an hour away – make sure you put the Costa Sur one into your phone for directions.

Read reviews on TripAdvisor

4. Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville

Staff dancing outside Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville restaurant — Photo Courtesy of Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Facebook

Distance from International Cruise Terminal/Punta Maya: 4 min walk
Distance from the Punta Langosta pier: 53 min walk
Cuisine: Caribbean
Price: $$

Another chain that you may have heard of or visited elsewhere, there really isn’t a party like a Jimmy Buffett’s party. With a range of meals and light snacks available along with plenty of tasty margaritas, tequila shots and other drinks, there’s a lot to love here.

The menu has a wider Caribbean influence, so expect spicy fajitas, seafood dishes and lighter sandwiches, as well as various nachos and chips (crisps) options as sides.

Tip – while this is a fun-packed venue, it’s not always the best for families. People enjoy a drink here, and it can get a little rowdy.

Read reviews on TripAdvisor

5. Paprika Mexican & Caribbean Cuisine

People inside Paprika Mexican & Caribbean Cuisine restaurant — Photo Courtesy of Paprika Mexican & Caribbean Cuisine Facebook

Distance from International Cruise Terminal/Punta Maya: 8 min walk
Distance from the Punta Langosta pier: 44 min walk
Cuisine: Caribbean
Price: $$

Not every venue in Cozumel is super lively, and if you want a more relaxed and traditional dining experience, then Paprika is a solid choice. It offers a menu that has some Mexican dishes but is very much Caribbean-inspired, including some excellent seafood options.

It tends to attract more locals than tourists, despite its proximity to the cruise port and beach, which can be a good thing if you want to try to beat the crowds and enjoy a little more downtime with your food. Service is also excellent.

Tip – the outdoor tables have a wonderfully relaxing view across the beach, so try to grab one of those.

Read reviews on TripAdvisor

6. Alberto’s Beach Bar & Restaurant

People dining at Alberto's Beach Bar & Restaurant — Photo Courtesy of Alberto’s Beach Bar & Restaurant Facebook

Distance from International Cruise Terminal/Punta Maya: 5 min walk
Distance from the Punta Langosta pier: 55 min walk
Cuisine: Seafood
Price: $$

In a little more secluded spot, Alberto’s offers stunning views across the ocean as well as some of the freshest fish and shellfish that you’ll find in all of Cozumel. It does have a good selection of vegan options, too.

The atmosphere is pretty chilled and welcoming – it’s not a posh restaurant, but it’s not gaudy either. Expect some live music to be playing, which can get a little lively at times.

Tip – listen to the servers, as they’ll know the best seafood dish of the day to sample.

Read reviews on TripAdvisor

7. Ernesto’s Fajitas

Foods at Ernesto's Fajitas restaurant — Photo Courtesy of Ernesto’s Fajitas Facebook

Distance from International Cruise Terminal/Punta Maya: 6 min walk
Distance from the Punta Langosta pier: 46 min walk
Cuisine: Mexican
Price: $

If you just want to try some simple but seriously tasty Mexican dishes, then Ernesto’s is a solid bet, especially as they have some fantastic dishes for vegetarians and vegans too. It’s in a busy area, so don’t expect a really relaxed meal, but the food is served quickly, it’s full of flavour, and the service is also friendly and efficient.

It does get a little bit crowded at times as both tourists and locals love Ernesto’s, but it’s worth it if you have the chance – the fajitas are just excellent, and really affordable too.

Tip – Ernesto’s also serves a fantastic breakfast, and going here early will help you beat the crowds.

Read reviews on TripAdvisor

8. Sereno Roof Bar & Restaurant

People dining at Sereno Roof Bar & Restaurant — Photo Courtesy of Sereno Roof Bar & Restaurant Facebook

Distance from International Cruise Terminal/Punta Maya: 15 min walk
Distance from the Punta Langosta pier: 37 min walk
Cuisine: International
Price: $$$

Sereno is a little further afield if you’re arriving at Punta Maya or the International Cruise Terminal, away from the port but still within comfortable walking distance, and your reward for the journey is an incredible rooftop view out across the ocean. But the food is also outstanding, with a fantastic menu that includes Mediterranean, Caribbean and Latin American influences.

The service is stunning, with an attitude of doing everything possible to please you and the atmosphere feels a world away from the bustling port despite being so close.

Tip – there’s no lunch menu, only brunch until 2pm and then dinner, so if you’re visiting earlier then expect a range of lighter bites.

Read reviews on TripAdvisor

9. Tikila Beach Bar

View of Tikila Beach Bar's deck — Photo Courtesy of Tikila Beach Bar Facebook

Distance from International Cruise Terminal/Punta Maya: 7 min walk
Distance from the Punta Langosta pier: 44 min walk
Cuisine: Mexican
Price: $

The Tikila Beach Bar is a friendly spot that’s popular with divers, so it’s fun to sit here and grab a bite as you watch people heading off on their exciting excursions.

The menu is pretty small but includes some cheap and cheerful dishes, including Mexican favourites and fantastic spicy shrimp. Definitely more of a “bar with food” than a restaurant, but it’s still a good place to enjoy a light lunch.

Tip – because it’s a diving spot, it does get busy. If you want a calmer atmosphere then head somewhere else.

Read reviews on TripAdvisor

10. Carl’s Jr

hand holding Carl’s Jr burger — Photo Courtesy of Carl’s Jr Facebook

Distance from International Cruise Terminal/Punta Maya: 3 min walk
Distance from the Punta Langosta pier: 52 min walk
Cuisine: Mexican Fast Food
Price: $

You won’t find a McDonald’s or similar fast food restaurant within walking distance of the Cozumel cruise port, but Carl’s Jr is your next-best bet.

It’s a clean and modern fast-food joint with plenty of indoor seating where you can enjoy burgers, potato wedges and more with a Mexican twist. If you just want a cheap bite to tide you over for the day, this is the place to go.

Tip – try the monkfish if you want to sample something a little more unusual for a fast food joint, it’s very popular.

Read reviews on TripAdvisor

11. Hard Rock Cafe

Woman dining at Hard Rock Cafe — Photo Courtesy of Hard Rock Cafe Facebook

Distance from International Cruise Terminal/Punta Maya: 3 min walk
Distance from the Punta Langosta pier: 50 min walk
Cuisine: American
Price: $$$

The Hard Rock Cafe in Cozumel is a good choice if you’re not particularly adventurous and you just want a chain restaurant that you know you can rely on. Serving a wide-ranging American menu with a few Mexican dishes, there’s something for everyone.

Nothing is particularly exciting, but the good is generally good. It’s expensive, though, even for a tourist restaurant, and while most reviews are positive, there are some that criticise the value for money of the venue.

Tip – head here if you want simple burgers or sandwiches, but for Mexican dishes there are much better choices nearby.

Read reviews on TripAdvisor

Best Restaurants Near The Punta Langosta Pier

12. Bajau Seafood & Steakhouse

view of Bajau Seafood & Steakhouse — Photo Courtesy of Bajau Seafood & Steakhouse Facebook

Distance from the Punta Langosta pier: 5 min walk
Distance from International Cruise Terminal/Punta Maya: 64 min walk
Cuisine: Steakhouse and Seafood
Price: $$$

This upmarket restaurant is only a short walk from the Punta Lagosta Pier and it is definitely worth the trip. The service is stunning, and the food is even more so.

Expect beautifully fresh fish dishes and steak that melts in your mouth. This is definitely a fine dining experience, so don’t turn up in your t-shirt and shorts, ideally. Reservations are recommended and the ocean views are incredible.

Tip – the most popular options here tend to be the seafood tacos, especially the salmon and the shrimp, so give those a go.

Read reviews on TripAdvisor

13. Crazy King Burrito

Happy people outside Crazy King Burrito — Photo Courtesy of Crazy King Burrito Facebook

Distance from the Punta Langosta pier: 5 min walk
Distance from International Cruise Terminal/Punta Maya: 63 min walk
Cuisine: Mexican
Price: $

The reviews for Crazy King Burrito rave about the quality of the food here, with many naming it as the best place in all of Cozumel to get a burrito. High praise indeed.

The burritos are absolutely loaded with quality fresh ingredients, with a range of menu choices to suit those who prefer subtle flavours and the brave folks who like something with a serious kick to it. Service is highly rated, too.

Tip – as well as the burritos, be sure to try the homemade drinks here – reviewers comment on just how refreshing they are.

Read reviews on TripAdvisor

14. K’ooben Laab

a serving of Calamarata de masa madre at K'ooben Laab — Photo Courtesy of K’ooben Laab Facebook

Distance from the Punta Langosta pier: 16 min walk
Distance from International Cruise Terminal/Punta Maya: 59 min walk
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Price: $$

While most people want to try traditional Mexican cuisine in Cozumel, there are some great Mediterranean restaurants too, and K’ooben Laab is ideal if you want a refreshing salad or a beautiful homemade pasta dish.

It’s not fine dining – it’s simple, good-quality food in a relaxed atmosphere with friendly, attentive service. Dishes are packed with flavour and extremely fresh, and the desserts are just as tasty too.

Tip – K’ooben Laab has a really good reputation – which means it is often busy. If you’re able to reserve a table in advance, you won’t feel rushed.

Read reviews on TripAdvisor

15. Colores Y Sabores

view of Colores Y Sabores restaurant — Photo Courtesy of Colores Y Sabores Facebook

Distance from the Punta Langosta pier: 6 min walk
Distance from International Cruise Terminal/Punta Maya: 54 min walk
Cuisine: Mexican and Seafood
Price: $$

Translating as “colours and flavours”, this restaurant absolutely lives up to its name with beautiful, fresh dishes combining authentic Mexican cuisine with a selection of fresh seafood options.

You’ll enjoy music from surrounding locations and a wonderful, personable service team, including the friendly owner. But the main attraction is the food, which is packed with sumptuous flavours. Oh, and the margaritas are popular too.

Tip – try the lobster – everyone raves about it.

Read reviews on TripAdvisor

16. La Mission

servings of tacos at La Mission restaurant — Photo Courtesy of La Mission Facebook

Distance from the Punta Langosta pier: 4 min walk
Distance from International Cruise Terminal/Punta Maya: 61 min walk
Cuisine: Mexican and Seafood
Price: $$

La Mission is another restaurant that excels with its range of Mexican dishes that includes a lot of fresh seafood fare – the fish tacos, in particular, are extremely popular.

The restaurant certainly offers a slice of authentic Mexican cooking and atmosphere, with a lot of live music and the chance to try tasting platters of different foods. With soups, seafood, meat, burritos, steaks and more, there’s something for everyone.

Tip – as part of the experience, expect to be serenaded by Mariachi singers, and offered tasters of tequila – but they’ll also be expecting tips.

Read reviews on TripAdvisor

17. Guido’s

view of Guido's restaurant — Photo Courtesy of Guido’s Facebook

Distance from the Punta Langosta pier: 5 min walk
Distance from International Cruise Terminal/Punta Maya: 63 min walk
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Price: $$

Guido’s is an Italian-style restaurant with wonderfully fresh food on offer, including homemade pasta and beautiful salads. It has a picturesque outdoor seating terrace too, surrounded by vines and offering a haven of calm in this busy port town.

As with so many of the restaurants near the coast in Cozumel, the seafood here is often a favourite of guests. In particular, the scallops and the calamari often get a specific mention in reviews, so give those a try if you’re a fan.

Tip – a super popular restaurant, Guido’s doesn’t accept reservations, so get there early if you want to experience their great food.

Read reviews on TripAdvisor

Recommendation

If you’re only going to try one restaurant close to the Cozumel cruise port, then definitely aim for IX Kool. The food and service are amazing, and if your cruise offers a cookery course here, then you’ll have a ton of fun and you’ll enjoy incredible flavours while you do it.

There’s plenty you can see and do around Cozumel too, so make sure you leave enough time in your busy day to grab yourself a meal at one of the Cozumel cruise port restaurants.

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Guests Share Their Worst Cruise Shore Excursion Experiences Ever!

May 6, 2025

by Luxury Cruising Editorial Cruise Lines Cruise News Cruise Tips Destinations

For a lot of people, shore excursions can make or break their cruise. If you’re someone who sees their ship as a means to exploring the world, then you want to make sure you’re getting the most out of each destination you visit.

Whether it’s exploring ancient ruins, snorkelling in crystal-clear waters, or indulging in a cultural experience, these tours can turn a great cruise into an unforgettable adventure. Most of the time.

But every now and then, an excursion doesn’t just miss the mark – it crashes, burns, and leaves passengers questioning their decisions over how they’ve spent their hard-earned money.

From near-disasters to laughably bad planning, these are some of the worst cruise shore excursions people have ever experienced. If you’ve ever had a bad tour, take comfort in knowing you’re not alone.

1. Beach day turns into a crime scene

Progreso served up the ultimate nightmare for this guest’s wife and kids. What was meant to be a relaxing beach day quickly turned into a forensic investigation when the kids started digging in the sand – only to unearth human remains.

Not mine, but my wife and kids went on a cruise without me and did a beach excursion that was under construction in Progreso (which is a wholly made up place btw, even the dolphins avoid the place because it's so sketchy), which ended with the kids digging in the beach sand and finding human remains. Wife's a nurse, she realized it pretty quick and they noped right the f**k out of there.

Imagine expecting seashells and finding skull fragments instead. The guest’s wife was at least able to clock the situation instantly, and they wisely fled before things got even grimmer.

A holiday memory? Absolutely. Just not the kind anyone wants.

2. When “you’ll get your feet wet” actually means “prepare to be swept away”

There’s underselling something, and then there’s this. A gentle hike through the hills? More like an impromptu survival course.

Hip-deep rapids, unexpected horseback rides, and a second river crossing that turned into a near-drowning experience for a non-swimmer…

We booked a hike in the hills through Princess. In the info, it said "you'll get your feet wet." Monumental understatement! They'd had rain. We have to cross a river twice, first time in hip-high, extremely fast moving water. One of the gals nearly got swept downstream. Another gal and I staged a mutiny and they took us across on a horse that just happened to be in the area on another excursion. Second crossing, and I'm no exaggerating this at all, we had to wade across water that was up to my neck. My feet started to float out from under me. You'll wonder why I didn't just swim at that point. I can't swim. To my mind, it was reasonable for me to book an excursion where I'd "get my feet wet" even if I couldn't swim. Obvious mistake.

The sheer audacity of describing this as merely “getting your feet wet” is almost impressive. Almost.

3. Snorkelling, starvation and a stare-down in the outhouse

Image of worst excursion ever - a snorkelling trip

Nothing screams “organised excursion” like a snorkel gear free-for-all, right?

Our worst excursion was a snorkeling trip in Loreto, Mexico. Our group had ~40 people, but there were other groups using the same area. For those of us who didn't have our own snorkeling gear, they dumped some boxes on the ground and everyone got to scramble for equipment. I ended up with flippers and a mask, but no snorkel (probably just as well; I doubt they do any kind of sanitizing between trips). There were no instructions on how to use the equipment.The lunch they served us was pre-packaged sandwiches and bags of chips. There were dozens of bees flying around the picnic area, and one little girl got stung.The worst part was the 'outhouse'. There were 2 'seats' facing each other, with no door in between. The seats were disgusting, and there was no toilet paper. I was forced to wait until we returned to port.

Between the questionable hygiene practices, the underwhelming lunch (bees included, free of charge), and the absolute horror show of a bathroom setup – facing seats with no door – this was less a day of adventure and more a test of human endurance.

Honestly, I’d have held it in until back at the port, too.

4. When your excursion turns into a runaway bus nightmare

We booked an excursion in Roatan (coxen hole dock). Our bus went up a steep winding hill, not far from port. On the left side was cliff and ocean, on the right, houses with kids in the yards. At the top of the hill there was a stop sign and the bus stalled (standard). The driver couldn't get it started and then we start rolling backward down the hill. The driver was trying to steer the bus as it rolled down the hill picking up speed. I thought for sure we were going to hit one of the kids, of go over the cliff.

There’s a fine line between thrilling and absolutely terrifying, and this excursion obliterated it.

My first cruise was in 2003 on Carnival with my the 16 yr daughter. We booked an excursion in Roatan (coxen hole dock), I think it was glass bottom boat but not sure.Our bus went up a steep winding hill, not far from port. On the left side was cliff and ocean, on the right, houses with kids in the yards. At the top of the hill there was a stop sign and the bus stalled (standard). The driver couldn't get it started and then we start rolling backward down the hill. The driver was trying to steer the bus as it rolled down the hill picking up speed. I thought for sure we were going to hit one of the kids, of go over the cliff.We finally stopped by slamming into a garbage truck that was stopped on the road.The girl in the last seat took the worst of it, she was caught between the seat in front of her and her seat.She kept screaming Oh My God, over and over till they got her out. I never heard afterwards how badly she was hurt. Everyone was very shaken up.When everyone was off the bus, the guide said they would send another bus and continue the excursion but we all refused and walked back to port.My DH and I spent the rest of the day in the market near the port and she got her hair braided. When we got back to the ship we went to the excursion desk and asked for a refund. We were told because they offered another bus and we refused that they would not refund.They eventually changed their minds and gave refunds after everyone on the bus complained.

Rolling backwards down a steep hill, narrowly avoiding children and cliffs, and ultimately crashing into a garbage truck? That’s not sightseeing – that’s a near-death experience.

And the real kicker? The tour company thought a simple bus swap would make everything fine. I admire the collective refusal to continue, but the fact that a refund wasn’t immediately offered is almost as appalling as the trip itself.

5. Who doesn’t love an excursion that ends with emergency orthopaedics?

one of the ladies on our excursion ended up diving headfirst into a cenote with a life jacket on

Cenotes are meant to be magical, not medically disastrous.

One ill-advised dive turned this trip into a full-scale rescue operation, complete with multiple shoulder fractures, dislocations, and a rotator cuff tear.

I went on one where one of the ladies on our excursion ended up diving headfirst into a cenote with a life jacket on (apparently this is a no no) - well, the sudden shift in buoyancy as she hit the water resulted in bilateral shoulder joint fractures, dislocations, and rotator cuff tearing. She had to be dragged from the water as she obviously couldn’t swim after that. While she wasn’t a member of our party, it certainly messed up the whole day and the excursion was pretty much toast after that.Coolest part though, we ended up finding out that we lived fairly close to one another, and I am a physical therapist, and helped get her better over the 6-8 months following the cruise.

Needless to say, the excursion was effectively over at that point. On the bright side, at least there was a conveniently placed physical therapist in the group. Nothing says holiday bonding like months of rehab.

6. Beach day? Try human storage unit

Chairs crammed together, zero view of the water, and barely enough space to exist, let alone enjoy the sand in St Lucia

A relaxing day by the sea? Not quite. This was less “beach paradise” and more “Tetris with humans.”

Mine wasn't through Carnival, but NCL. It was to St. Lucia and it was a simple beach day ship excursion. When we got to the beach, rows and rows of lounge chairs were lined up touching one another. They also had umbrellas at every second chair. They only left enough room to walk in front of your chair. The only way to get into the chair was to sit on the bottom and shimmy up...not so pretty in a lot of cases. We were in the third row. We couldn't see the water, only umbrellas and backs of chairs. A little girl who was sitting by us couldn't play in the sand because if she did, people couldn't walk by. It was awful and a wasted day. We took lots of pictures and got our money back. We have never complained in the 20 cruises we've taken, but we felt as if we wasted a whole day and shouldn't have had to pay do do so.

Chairs crammed together, zero view of the water, and barely enough space to exist, let alone enjoy the sand.

The only activity available was an awkward shimmy into the lounge chair, which, let’s be honest, is not the beach aesthetic anyone hopes for.

The real win here? Getting a refund.

7. A Segway tour… and an unexpected front-row seat to chaos

Segway excursion in Nassau , our tour guide was arrested in the middle of the tour followed by a riot then breaking out near the straw market after a vendor punched the police officer arresting her.

Nothing spices up a cruise excursion quite like your tour guide getting arrested mid-tour.

There was the time in Nassau our tour guide was arrested in the middle of the tour followed by a riot then breaking out near the straw market after a vendor punched the police officer arresting her. This was a Carnival ship sponsored Segway excursion.

But why stop there? Throw in a full-blown riot at the straw market, sparked by a vendor punching a police officer, and you’ve got an experience that no one signed up for.

A leisurely Segway ride quickly turned into an action movie, just without the stunt doubles.

8. Another Segway tour disaster – this time, with an inside job twist

a Segway tour on an island. I think it was Jamaica. Partway through the tour they got held up at gun point by what seemed to be a militia. They beat the crap out of the tour guide and tied him up. Made everyone lie down face first on the ground. Stole everything they had on their person. Told them to lie there for an hour and not get up.

If the last story sounded chaotic, this one takes it to a whole new level.

Someone I knew took a Segway tour on an island. I think it was Jamaica. Partway through the tour they got held up at gun point by what seemed to be a militia. They beat the crap out of the tour guide and tied him up. Made everyone lie down face first on the ground. Stole everything they had on their person. Told them to lie there for an hour and not get up. All is fine, they make it back to the shop sans money and many passports unfortunately. Ends up being an inside job by the tour company! That experience traumatized my friend who was probably 30 and all alone on the excursion.

A scenic Segway tour turned full-blown hostage situation, complete with armed men, a beaten and tied-up guide (who was apparently in on it), and a mass robbery.

Passports, cash, dignity – gone.

And the cherry on top? It was all orchestrated by the tour company itself. Imagine signing up for an excursion only to star in your own personal crime thriller. Absolutely horrifying.

9. A semi-submarine tour with fully non-functional windows

The warning signs were there – starting with the suspiciously sketchy transport boat – but the real disappointment came once inside the semi-submersible.

First, the boat that we took to get from the cruise terminal to where the semi sub was looked like something that had a previous life either to transport rafters or to smuggle drugs. But we didn’t care that much since that wasn’t the actual tour, just transportation to get there.once we got inside the semi-submersible, the windows were so scratched and hazed over that you couldn’t see a darn thing. It was like wearing glasses that were completely fogged. A lot of fellow cruisers were angry, complaining and demanding a refund. Still, the semi-sub Crew had the audacity to ask for a tip at the end of the tour.

Turns out, when your main selling point is underwater views, it helps if the windows aren’t completely fogged and scratched to oblivion. There are enough complaints from guests on cruises with an obstructed view cabin – never mind when you get obstructed view tours as well.

Guests paid to see marine life, not vague smudges. The best part? The crew still had the nerve to ask for tips. Bold move.

10. The hop-on, stay-on, get-dumped-back-at-port tour

The hop-on, stay-on, get-dumped-back-at-port tour in Colombia

A hop-on/hop-off bus is supposed to let you explore, not hold you hostage on a high-speed sightseeing blur.

We did a hop-on/off bus tour in Colombia only it was hop-on and no getting off.Like people were pushing the button to be let off and the driver just sat in the high speed lane and said "nope not here".It then dumped us back at the pier.We went to the desk and said we wanted our money back because it was literally just a high speed tour of the town on a double decker bus. They kept trying to argue with us that we should have hit the button to get off. Eventually the people in line waiting to also complain chimed in and just yelled "they didn't stop when ANY of us hit the button".What was supposed to allow us 6 hours to explore was literally a 45 drive.

Passengers dutifully pressed the stop button, only for the driver to channel their inner Formula 1 racer and refuse to pull over.

The grand finale? A straight shot back to the pier, leaving everyone dazed, confused, and absolutely not refunded – at least until a chorus of angry tourists set the record straight.

What should have been six hours of adventure turned into a 45-minute drive-by disappointment.

11. The chain-reaction vomit cruise back to the ship

Nothing says welcome back to your cruise ship like a front-row seat (and feet) in a full-scale puke disaster.

For me it was just after my excursion ended in Cabo on the tender ride back to the ship. My first cruise after a 20 year break in fact.Tender boat is packed and I'm sitting in the second bench from the front. Family consisting of dad and 2 kids around 4-5 are sitting on the bench in front of me facing a very young couple on their honeymoon seemingly. They were cuddled up on the rear-facing bench, laughing and acting totally in love.I'm looking at our ship as we head out of port when I hear a loud spilling noise like someone dropped a full soda or something in front of me. I see the end of a vomit eruption from this poor 5 year old boy. I then look down to see my feet 100% covered in puke.I'm not the squeamish type and so while annoyed I kind of chuckled as the kid's dad started wiping his child down but then I looked in horror at the young couple sitting there covered in vomit, staring bewildered at the kid.The next 10 mins were spent listening to a chain reaction of people vomiting (maybe 5-6 people) as the wind blew the smell and the vomit from the front of the boat to everyone sitting downwind.Sea wasn't even that rough that day...

What started with one unfortunate child turned into a biohazard event as the smell and splatter drifted downwind, triggering a domino effect of seasick passengers.

Special sympathy goes to the honeymooning couple, who likely imagined a far more romantic boat ride than being drenched in a stranger’s child’s lunch.

And the worst part? The sea wasn’t even rough. Just pure, unfiltered chaos.

12. Ephesus: breathtaking ruins, basement rug hostage situation optional

Ephesus is an absolute must-see – ancient marvels, rich history, and jaw-dropping sights.

But apparently, no tour is complete without an unexpected detour into a high-pressure rug-selling dungeon.

Ha, mine is one of my favorite and the "worst". Ephesus in Turkey is absolutely stunning. The Terrace Houses and Library of Celsus are bucket list items people need to see.On the flipside, while the tour of Ephesus was amazing, our guide taking us into a basement for a "rug tour" at the end was a lowlight. Very scamming, very pushy, and our guide went from "everyone's friend" to "why aren't you buying from my 'friends'?"He, and the store, went out of their way to "trap" us into that basement. The rugs were fine, definitely mass produced, and way overpriced. I had to go into full on "aggressive mode" and muscle my way out. Went to customer service on the ship afterwards because it was a paid RCI excursion. Apparently our experience wasn't unique.Still, would do it all again to experience Ephesus.

And to be clear – maybe not every tour, but when researching this article I found a lot of stories about the famous rug stores…

The transformation from friendly guide to pushy salesman’s accomplice was swift, and the “optional” shopping stop quickly felt like a you’re-not-leaving-until-you-buy-something scenario.

Mass-produced, overpriced rugs and a borderline hostage situation? Not quite the historical experience anyone signed up for. At least the ruins made it worth the escape.

13. Sun, sand, and… armed security? Welcome to Roatán

Nothing sets the mood for a relaxing beach day quite like the presence of armed guards. Add in an endless stream of pushy vendors, and suddenly, the idea of unwinding by the water feels more like a test of patience and personal boundaries.

When you need both security detail and sheer willpower to enjoy the beach, it’s probably not the paradise you were hoping for.

14. Mayan ruins or just a really long bus ride?

Spending six hours crammed on a bus for just 45 minutes of actual sightseeing is the definition of a terrible excursion-to-transit ratio.

If you go on the Mayan ruins excursion from Cozumel, you're gonna have a bad time. Tour says it's 7-8 hours. What u find out is its 3 hour drive there and a 3 hour drive back with 45 minutes at the ruins. This excursion shouldn't exist

The ruins may be spectacular, but blinking twice and then immediately boarding the bus back hardly makes the journey worth it.

If the highlight of your tour is the legroom on the ride back, something has gone very wrong.

Final word

For every nightmare excursion, there are countless incredible ones that make cruising so special. But as these stories prove, even official, cruise-sponsored tours can sometimes go spectacularly wrong.

The key? Research, reading reviews, and trusting your gut if something seems off. And if you do end up in an excursion disaster… at least you’ll have a wild story to tell.

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The 19 Must-Visit Romantic Cruise Destinations, Picked By The Experts!

May 6, 2025

by Luxury Cruising Editorial Cruise Lines Cruise News Destinations

Few holidays are as effortlessly romantic as a cruise – that’s why they’re a top choice for honeymoons, anniversaries, and even surprise proposals at sea.

Whether you’re strolling hand-in-hand through a sun-soaked Mediterranean port or watching the Northern Lights from your balcony in Norway, these sailings are made for two.

But where should you go for the ultimate couples’ escape?

I asked travel bloggers from around the world to share their favourite cruise destinations for romance – and their picks might just inspire your next getaway.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik is a stunning medieval town situated at the southern tip of Croatia. Commonly referred to as the “Pearl of the Adriatic”, Dubrovnik’s monumental city walls and historic architecture make it a romantic place for couples to explore.

The Old Town simply oozes romance. Couples will enjoy wandering through the narrow corridors that zigzag throughout the city connecting dazzling Italian-style piazzas and leading to ancient palaces.

After exploring the impressive city walls from the ground level, couples can also enjoy romantic views from atop the famous fortification system. Strolling along the walls with your partner is an absolutely incredible experience you will not soon forget.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite from sightseeing, enjoy dinner at one of the loveliest restaurants in town, Nautika. Nestled just between the walls of Dubrovnik and Lovrijenac Fort, this is the perfect spot to watch the castle walls light up as the sun begins to set.

The Old Town isn’t all there is to explore while visiting Dubrovnik on a cruise. There are plenty of gorgeous beaches in the area, while nearby Lokrum Island beckons nature lovers and adventurers.

A kayak tour from Dubrovnik to Lokrum Island makes for an exciting date as you and your partner paddle through the crystal waters of the Adriatic Sea and marvel at the rocky coastline and spectacular views of Dubrovnik.

By Olivia from InspiredByCroatia.com

Alaska

I had never been on a cruise before when I first met my husband. He, on the other hand, had been on one almost every other year for most of his life. Once I finally went though, I was hooked.

After having been on an Alaska vacation before, I knew I wanted to go back and explore more. The parts I didn’t get to see the first time around.

So, we booked a 7-Day Princess Cruise aboard the Crown Princess for an Alaskan Cruise round-trip from Seattle with stops at Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Victoria, and a scenic ride past Glacier Bay.

This Alaska cruise was my first with Princess Cruises. Overall, the cruise ship and cruise line itself felt more geared to adults and couples. It had a much slower pace aboard. While there are activities for kids, that isn’t the focus of this ship and so there were overall less families aboard.

There is so much to explore in Alaska, and each destination affords you so many excursion options to enjoy together as a couple. But to be honest, the most romantic part of the cruise was just looking out at the beautiful scenery as we cruised to each destination. Every moment is a picture opportunity with Alaska as the backdrop.

By Dr. Rachel from TheRxForTravel.com

Suggested read: Guide to Alaska Cruise Ports (With Map)

Nile River Cruise

The incredible Nile River is the longest river and one of the mightiest rivers in the world. Undeniably, the Nile River in Egypt is one of the best cruise destinations in the world.

The Nile flows through eleven African countries. But it is most associated with Egypt thanks to ancient Egypt. The Nile was of huge significance to ancient Egyptians. However, today visiting Egypt and cruising the Nile river is one of the most memorable trips to take.

A 4-day Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor in Egypt is a must-have experience in a lifetime. The Nile sail starts in Aswan, stops several times along the Nile, and finishes in the marvellous city of Luxor.

During the stopovers along the Nile, the cruise passengers can see some of the most famous ancient Egyptian sites and temples: Kom Ombo Temple, Edfu Temple, Medinet Habu, Luxor temple, Karnak temple, Colossi of Memnon, Temple of Hatshepsut, and the Valley of the Kings.

Cruising the mighty Nile and visiting ancient Egyptian temples is one of the best things to do in Egypt, especially for couples who seek romance accompanied by an abundance of incredible ancient history. Cruising the Nile is the most romantic and the most chill way to see the most spectacular sites of Ancient Egypt.

But, if you would like some extra romance with a dash of adventure, book a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings when you reach Luxor by cruise! Long-lasting memories of Egypt await you!

By Milijana from WorldTravelConnector.com

Kotor, Montenegro

A really beautiful destination that you can also discover during a romantic Mediterranean cruise is Kotor in Montenegro. During a visit, the world-famous Bay of Kotor with its numerous romantic squares and, of course, the Old Town of Kotor await you. Already the entry with the ship is an experience that you should not miss in any case.

During a visit to Kotor, you can really experience a lot and there is also a lot of beauty waiting for couples. The highlight, however, is the historic old town of Koto, which together with the 30-kilometer-long Bay of Kotor is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

In the city centre, you can explore a veritable maze of stone alleys and numerous Romanesque squares that invite you to enjoy and linger. You can explore these on your own, and you don’t need to book an expensive excursion.

The view from the ruins of the castle, which towers over the town, is also wonderful and you can climb it on foot. At the top, you can enjoy the most beautiful panorama of the Fiord!

If you haven’t had enough yet, you should also explore the small coastal towns in the area. An absolute must is a boat trip to Perast and the island “Our Lady of the Rocks”.

By Martina from PlacesofJuma.com

Aruba

One of the best cruise destinations for couples is the stunning island of Aruba. I’ve visited Aruba several times, with my most recent trip being on a cruise with Holland America Line on the Zaandam.

Known as “One Happy Island,” there are so many fun things to do in Aruba for couples who are looking to explore, relax, and have fun.

If you’re looking to relax on the beach, there are plenty of beautiful beaches to choose from. Aruba’s beaches are known for having powdery white sand and crystal clear turquoise sea water.

Some of the most pristine and postcard-worthy beaches are Baby Beach, Eagle Beach, Palm Beach, Arashi Beach, Hadicurari Beach, and Malmok Beach.

These beaches are especially gorgeous and romantic during sunset. If you’re an adventurous couple, there are many water activities such as parasailing, jet-skiing, kite surfing, snorkelling, and more.

Aruba also has plenty of natural beauty to offer. Aside from the beaches, there are beautiful sights of red rocks, natural salt lakes, and tropical flora and fauna. Aruba is also home to Arikok National Park which is worth exploring. Rent an ATV or buggy and set off to explore the lesser-known parts of the island with your love.

In addition, there are plenty of casinos and nightlife options if you and your partner are wanting a fun night out on the town. There are several beachfront lounges and clubs where you can sip on cocktails with your partner.

Other romantic things to do in Aruba are going on a sunset sailboat cruise, having a sunset beachfront dinner, exploring the Butterfly Farm, and getting pampered at the spa.

By Disha from DishaDiscovers.com

Montego Bay, Jamaica

Montego Bay is one of the best cruise ports in Jamaica and is a great place to visit with a loved one. The unique island paradise of Jamaica accommodates its visitors in a way that lets couples experience the island even in the shortest time.

It’s no secret that Jamaica is known for its sun, sand, and super chilled reggae music.

We sailed with Royal Caribbean and docking at Montego Bay allowed us to arrive close to the infamous Hip Strip which is within a 10-minute drive from the port.

From there you can take on a romantic walk along the seafront and connect with attractions such as Doctors cove beach and even the Fantasy Craft Market, a place where you can purchase wood sculptured ordainments and other handmade crafts unique to the island, and more.

There are numerous entertainment venues such as Margaritaville which serves one of the best rum punches this side of the island. Also, along the hip strip, you’ll find a selection of exclusive shops which are great for picking up souvenirs and all things Jamaican.

All in all Montego Bay offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get aquatinted with Jamaica’s west coast and take advantage of the best bits of the Jamaican culture without needing to step out of the comfort of the tourist areas.

By Daniel from LayerCulture.com

Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is a very popular port of call in the Mediterranean. The capital of the Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca, is a great destination to see in a short time because it is quite compact and has a charming old town.

As you approach the city, from the harbour, you will see the imposable Cathedral of Mallorca dominating the skyline. Also known locally as “La Seu”, the Cathedral is one of the most famous touristic attractions in town. The interior is different from any Cathedral you have seen before, because of the modernist mural inside the Chapel of St Pere.

There are plenty of romantic things to do on a day trip to Palma de Mallorca. For a unique experience, have an intimate lunch at Can Cera, a luxurious adult-only boutique hotel.

Another great place to visit in Palma, for a drink with a view over the old town and the Cathedral, is the rooftop bar from Hotel Nakar, which also features an infinity pool. Both of the hotels allow outside guests.

Another great activity to do in Palma is visiting the Arab baths, followed by a visit to the Hammam Al Andalus, where you can enjoy a romantic spa treatment in an oriental surrounding.

By Joanna from TheWorldInMyPocket.co.uk

Valetta, Malta

Malta is a small island country in the Mediterranean Sea, famous for exotic beaches, warm climate, historic places and delicious food. Undoubtedly, it’s one of the best cruise destinations for couples in Europe. There are plenty of cultural and historical things to see in Malta.

Cruise ships dock at the harbour in Valletta – a UNESCO World Heritage site and the capital city of Malta.

Wander around the winding streets of Valletta and capture a lovely couple photo by the colourful Maltese balcony.

A visit to St John’s Co-Cathedral is an absolute must in the city. Founded in the 16th century, the incredibly ornated interior of the cathedral is one of the best examples of Baroque architecture in Europe. Admire the breath-taking panoramic view from the Upper Barrakka Gardens.

Make your way to the Valletta Waterfront. You will find many restaurants and pubs along the promenade. Enjoy a romantic dinner with some delicious traditional Maltese food and drink. Also, you will get a stunning view of the Grand Harbour from there.

Explore the atmospheric Mdina, known as the silent city. Spending a beach day would also be one of the fun activities to do as a couple in Malta. Head towards Blue Lagoon on Comino Island or the Golden Sand Bay on the mainland – both the beaches are fantastic spots for taking a swim or simply soaking the sun lying on the beach.

We would recommend booking a cruise holiday with the Norwegian Cruise Line to visit Malta on their Mediterranean cruises.

By Moumita from ChasingTheLongRoad.com

Rhine River Cruise

River cruises can be romantic, intimist and unique. My husband and I went on the Rolling on The Rhine River Cruise, which sailed from Frankfurt in Germany to Amsterdam in The Netherlands.

It was seven incredible days cruising through the Rhine, one of the most important rivers in central Europe. The itinerary was Frankfurt, Rüdesheim, Koblenz, Bonn, Cologne, Dusseldorf, Haarlem, and Amsterdam – ideal for ticking off cities from our Germany Bucket List!

The ship sails mainly in the afternoon and night-time, so we woke up at a new destination every day. Unlike the traditional European river cruises, this one was made for young adults, with many outdoor activities, city tours, onboard experiences, delicious food, incredible drink, and fun. Plus, it’s a medium-size ship, so you get to know the crew and other passengers.

Some of our favourite outdoor activities were hiking through the vineyards in the charming city of Rüdesheim, a 24km bike ride along the Rhine River with a stop for beer tasting, and a bike tour in Frankfurt. Also, the yoga and stretching sessions early in the morning on the cruise deck were great to start the day full of energy.

Ok, those are not super romantic things to do, I know. But if you are an active couple, like us, you will enjoy every second of it.

On the romantic side, there were cocktail classes, wine and painting sessions, castle spotting from the boat deck while we cruised through one of the most beautiful parts of the Rhine River, and live jazz music during sunset sailing. It was pure magic!

There were big sofas and cocoons on the top deck where you could snuggle to watch the moon rise and drink wine under the stars.

The ship itself was very sexy. The A was black on the outside and super comfy, modern, and well decorated on the inside. The staterooms were gorgeous too. We stayed in a lovely suite with two little balconies with incredible river views.

The bed was huge, the bathroom was like a 5-star hotel, and the sitting area had a minibar, coffee machine, table and chairs. The red walls and details added a dash of romance to the room.

It was a seven-day cruise, but we wish we could have stayed more. The cruise price included 3 meals daily with soft drinks, and you can add an alcoholic beverage packed on top of it.

Most of the tours and activities are included too, but there is a special experience every day that you must book in advance and pay separated if you fancy doing it. All the details you can find on our Rhine river cruise review.

The Rolling on the Rhine River is from U River Cruises, and the itinerary can be done from Frankfurt to Amsterdam or the other way around. The stops might change due to winter or Christmas festivities, which can be even more romantic.

By Natalie from LoveandRoad.com

Havana, Cuba

If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable Caribbean cruise destination, Havana, Cuba certainly will top your list. Cruise ships dock in Havana’s port, conveniently located at the heart of Old Havana, meaning you’ll be just steps away from the enigmatic centre of this historic city.

Couples will enjoy exploring Old Havana together, including its countless art galleries, cafes, and restaurants. You’ll definitely want to rent a vintage convertible to discover all the city has to offer in style – you’ll probably see some brides riding in convertibles along the Malecón sea wall, a Cuban tradition.

Make sure you visit the other side of the port as well, near the Cristo de la Habana, for the most incredible city views. Finish off the day enjoying a mojito or a Cuba libre with a sunset view of El Morro – the Spanish fortress at the entrance to the port – and the ocean at the Iberostar Grand Packard’s bar and pool deck.

All visitors to Cuba need a Cuban tourist visa, so make sure you investigate how to get yours before landing in Havana. Most cruise lines will include the cost of this visa, usually between $20-100 USD, in the cost of your ticket, but you’ll want to verify this detail beforehand.

By Carley from HomeToHavana.com

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Norwegian Fjords

If you’re looking for a romantic experience on a cruise you must definitely embark on a ship headed to the Norway Fjords. My partner and I took one onboard Azura with P&O Cruises.

This cruise offers amazing views and breath-taking landscapes you can admire with your loved one. In particular, if you’re on deck just before the sun rises or sets on the Fjords you will be able to see an unforgettable show.

Because of the cold weather in the morning and evening, we liked to grab a couple of blankets, a hot cup of tea and sit on deck chairs and watch the sun sprout from the towering Fjords or disappear behind them.

Another thing you can do on the ship is to have a meal in one of the fantastic restaurants of the ship when it is leaving the dock. We had an incredible dinner at the Epicurean restaurant located at the stern with a large bay window which allowed us to observe the cruise ship leaving the port and offered a great view of the town and its surrounding.

Plus, being sunset time everything was coloured with red, orange, and yellow shades and it was simply astonishing!

Moreover, you can participate in excursions to old millennia glaciers, huge waterfalls, crystal clear lakes, and endless green fields. Literally, any corner of this country is incredible and will give you a great chance to create a romantic atmosphere. Get ready to be stunned by Norway’s Fjords!

By Francesca from TravelHealLove.com

Auckland, New Zealand

One of the best cruise destinations for couples is the wonderful city of Auckland, New Zealand. As a gateway for the rest of the country, Auckland is a wonderful destination on its own.

Auckland is nestled comfortably with Manukau Harbor to the west and Waitemata Harbor to the east. Nicknamed the “City of Sails” because of the hundreds of sailboats that dot the water throughout the year.

Couples will be captivated by the variety of things to do in Auckland. From relaxing at the beach to getting a birds-eye view at the Sky Tower, it’s almost impossible to be bored here. Adrenaline junkies can even walk the exterior or base jump from the top of the Sky Tower.

There’s also a variety of museums in Auckland for history lovers including the Auckland War Memorial Museum and the Huia Settlers Museum.

New Zealand has refreshing and crisp wines, with Auckland being in the heart of one of the most famous wine regions. Take a fine wine tour to learn about the history, unique techniques, and local products. I was able to organize this during our trip with Celebrity Cruises which included transportation from the port.

Early risers can get a breath-taking sunrise at Takapuna beach while those that like to sleep in can still enjoy a wonderful sunset at Mount Hobson.

No matter what you decide to do in Auckland, you won’t be disappointed.

By Pamela from DirectionallyChallengedTraveler.com

St. Barts

Looking for a romantic cruise destination in the Caribbean? Look no further than the glittering isle of Saint Barthélemy. Although English is widely spoken, French is the official language of St. Barts. Isn’t everything just a bit more romantic when spoken in French?

St. Barts is a gorgeous island renowned as a favourite destination of the rich and famous. Marvel at the array of luxury yachts as you head into the port of Gustavia. You just might find yourself rubbing elbows with a celebrity while browsing the high-end boutiques or enjoying the fine cuisine of St. Barts!

Spend some time on the water on a luxury catamaran, enjoy a day of sightseeing and snorkelling, or choose a romantic sunset cruise complete with champagne.

Prefer a picnic for two on a beach? The tropical climate of St. Barts means that every day is a perfect beach day, and Shell Beach is the perfect location for a sunset picnic. Visit a little market and pick up a baguette, some cheese, and whatever else strikes your fancy and enjoy an alfresco meal with views that can’t be beaten.

The cruise port of Gustavia is charming and very easy to explore on foot. Take a scenic walking tour and enjoy some million-dollar views of St. Barts and the sparkling azure waters of the Caribbean.

St. Barts was visited aboard the Crystal Symphony, and many other cruise lines include this fantastic island as a cruise destination.

Contributed by Lisa of WavesandCobblestones.com

South Pacific Islands

Are you searching for romantic cruise destinations for couples, then look no further than a cruise through the Islands of the South Pacific.

Cruising with P&O Cruises Australia, you can depart from Brisbane, The Queensland capital on the east coast of Australia. Cruises can vary between 7 to 10 days, but generally visit islands like New Caledonia, Isle of Pines, and Vanuatu.

Each island differs on what you can do but essentially revolves around the fantastic-looking beaches and isolated swimming locations. Any couple will enjoy a holiday with magical, crystal blue water and palm tree-lined beaches. Consequently, it will have you and your special someone quietly lazing the days away together.

Aboard the ship, you have the opportunity to watch a sunset every night, in each other arms, and then celebrate “date night” at the restaurant. What’s even better is you’re making memories, connecting, and indulging in activities you wouldn’t normally do at home.

Most cruise ships will have an adult’s only section, which tends to be less rowdy than other areas on the ship. This is where you can relax on the sun lounges or soak in a bubble spa bath with champagne.

Did you know there is room service? Why not spend a few mornings with breakfast in bed and break away from your regular routine.

Everything is done for you, and you should take advantage of a South Pacific Island location.

By Chris from AquariusTraveller.com

San Juan, Puerto Rico

San Juan, Puerto Rico’s vibrant capital city, is a fun cruise port in the Caribbean. With lots of great beaches, a lively Old Town, and natural wonders to explore, the port is attractive to many types of travellers.

Couples will love strolling Old San Juan. The cobbled alleys are lined with colourful facades, the perfect backdrop for romantic photos. Browse the many souvenir shops for one-of-a-kind gifts, and savour the lively ambience as you walk.

Puerto Rico is famous for its food, and San Juan is the perfect place to sample the cuisine, whether you choose a small café in the old town or you opt for a fine dining place in the resort areas of the capital. A food tour is also a great choice.

Have a pina colada in the place it was invented, or try other rum-infused cocktails: Puerto Rico is known for its rum. Bars in Old San Juan are lively all the way from late afternoon into the night.

Active couples will want to explore El Yunque National Forest or join a kayak tour of a bioluminescent bay. Most cruise lines offer excursions that cover these spots. If you enjoy beach strolls, Isla Verde Beach is stunning!

By Dhara from NotAboutTheMiles.com

Greece

The Mediterranean is one of the best places to go on a cruise as the temperatures are perfect from Spring to Autumn. There are numerous ports of call in the Mediterranean such as Spain, Croatia, Italy, Malta to name a few, however, one of the best locations, especially for couples is Greece.

What makes Greece great for couples especially when on a cruise is that the islands of Mykonos and Santorini are usually included in the ports of call and these regions are some of the best romantic destinations in the world!

Santorini especially is perfect with its blue domes, beaches and sunset cruises. Mykonos has windmills and Little Venice, whereas Athens has tons of amazing architecture and history. These are just some of the ports of call however many other islands are included on itineraries.

We sailed with MSC and the balcony cabins made it ideal as when travelling as a couple it is quite romantic to stare at the ocean and bid adieu to the various ports when leaving shore.

Greece not only has the perfect locations but many of the shore excursions are also customised for couples in most scenarios, making it one of the best destinations when it comes to a romantic cruise getaway in the Mediterranean.

By Lavina from ContinentHop.com.

Hawaii

One of the best cruise destinations for couples is the Hawaiian Islands. A cruise will take you to the different islands of Hawaii showcasing their unique attractions, style, and climate. Hawaii is a great destination for couples because of the laid-back atmosphere, beautiful beaches and sunsets, and inspiring scenery.

A cruise to Hawaii is a great way to experience all that Hawaii has to offer, especially if it is your first visit to Hawaii. You can easily move from island to island without the hassle of plane rides, rental cars, and more. Hawaiian cruise lengths vary in both the length of the cruise and the number of stops.

One of the best Hawaii cruises is the Pride of America cruise from Norwegian Cruise Line. The cruise departs from Honolulu and will take you through the best of what Hawaii has to offer. The cruise spends two days in Maui where you can snorkel, drive the Road to Hana, and tour the Haleakala Crater. While all of Hawaii is romantic, Maui is often considered the most romantic.

Next, the cruise heads to the Big Island. There are so many fun things to do on the Big Island during your cruise. You can tour Volcanoes National Park, go fishing and ride on a catamaran. The last stop of the cruise is Kauai where you can hike and attend a luau before returning to Honolulu.

By Candice from csginger.com.

Tunisia

One beautiful and unique cruise destination for couples to visit is Tunis in Tunisia. As a popular destination for Mediterranean cruises, Tunis is located in North Africa and the capital of Tunisia.

From the cruise ship docking port area, it is not a long journey to the central area of Tunis. Once arrived, which is easy by local taxi or as part of an excursion, you are free to wander the beautiful and colourful city centre.

If you love shopping and enjoy buying local gifts for each other, head to the pretty covered markets and boutiques where the streets and alleyways are car-free. Here you can buy some of the most beautiful items for each other, as well as for taking home for friends or your home.

For romance, head to Sidi Bou Said. Here you’ll find beautiful unique gifts, jewellery and more decorations for your home, but with much more open space to walk around. You can also sit down at one of the local restaurants or cafes for a fresh cold drink or a bite to eat (such as fresh couscous dishes and mint tea). Many have lots of local dishes as well as some well-known choices.

The whole location here is also painted perfectly white with light blue windows and doors, giving the area Greek vibes. I personally got the pleasure to visit Tunis during my cruise on the Louis Majesty ship, operated by Celestyal Cruises. It is a much smaller ship than what other companies touring the Mediterranean have, but just as romantic for couples and visited the usual destinations that made it perfect.

By Zoe from TogetherInTransit.nl

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Bermuda

Bermuda is a fantastic cruise destination and a must-see destination for couples looking for a romantic getaway. The island is small and very remote so it’s difficult to reach if you’re not planning a whole two-week trip there. This is what makes it perfect for a cruise and there are lots of routes to choose from.

The island is definitely expensive but it’s not impossible to explore Bermuda on a budget.

Of course, one of the most popular activities in Bermuda is to go to the beach. Horseshoe Bay is one of the most famous and even though lots of people come here every day it’s still worth a visit. Elbow Beach and Astwood Park are also great beaches to discover.

Depending on how long you have on the island you also absolutely have to see the Crystal and Fantasy Caves which are beautiful underground attractions that will leave you absolutely breathless. In the evenings, head to a beautiful waterfront restaurant and enjoy a romantic dinner and drinks. Harry’s or the Harbourfront Restaurant are both great choices.

Bermuda is the perfect place for romantic walks along the old Railway Trail which stretches all throughout the island. Take a walk with your partner before going for a swim at one of the many secluded beaches.

By Victoria from GuideYourTravel.com

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ve enjoyed this list of the best cruises for couples. While visiting, historic and romantic port of call is great, on a cruise, you can find romance in any destination. You can spend your sea days watching movies in bed with room service or spend your evenings in the casino while your kids are in the kids’ club.

But if you’re trying to choose a cruise destination for your honeymoon, anniversary or even your first holiday together, then this list of cruises for couples should help.

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Shore Excursions Group Review

April 30, 2025

by Luxury Cruising Editorial Cruise Lines Cruise News Destinations

I used to think that I had only two options when it came to shore days on a cruise – book an excursion with the cruise line or explore independently.

But this year, I discovered a third option, and it’s a gamechanger!

Shore Excursions Group offers organised excursions that are better than the cruise line ones while also being cheaper! Read on for my full review.

Note: Shore Excursions Group provided us with one complimentary excursion. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own and I have since gone on to book more excursions with them.

Who Are Shore Excursions Group?

Shore Excursions Group is the world’s largest shore excursion company. Since 2008, they’ve organised almost 5 million shore excursions.

You can book Shore Excursions Group excursions through your travel agent, or make your own booking on their website, ShoreExcursionsGroup.com.

What Is A Shore Excursions Group Excursion Like?

The excursions provided by Shore Excursions Group are just like the ones that your cruise line offers – but better!

On most sailings you’ll have a huge choice of options including:

Scenic tours taking in natural wonders like glaciers, reefs and volcanoes
Cultural tours where you can experience local food and customs
Active tours with options for hiking, cycling or kayaking
City tours led by expert guides who will offer unique insights

On a typical cruise line excursion, you’ll board a coach of around 50 people. This limits the places you can go to and what you can do when you get there.

Shore Excursions Group have much smaller group sizes, usually just 2 to 12 people. Our excursion had just six people, which meant that we could drive into the heart of the places we visited and enjoy a much more personalised experience.

Can You Miss The Ship?

The fear of missing the ship is the main reason why I always used to avoid third-party excursions. If a cruise line excursion is late back for any reason, the ship will always wait for them.

However, if you’re exploring on your own or with another excursion company and you miss the all aboard time, the ship will leave without you. I’ve seen the ship leave without people many times on cruises and I always feel so sorry for anyone who has to make their own way to the next port or back home without their belongings.

Shore Excursions Group offers a return to ship guarantee. The excursions are so well planned that they ALWAYS get every guest back to the ship on time. And if ever they couldn’t, they get you to the next port, pay for any accommodation or meals you need, and also give you $1,000 per person for the inconvenience.

What If The Cruise Itinerary Changes?

Cruise itineraries change all the time! In fact, on most cruises I’ve been on there’s been at least one day when the ship has arrived late, a port has been missed due to the weather or the order or ports has been rearranged. It’s super common.

If you book a cruise line excursion, you don’t need to worry about this as they’ll just move your excursion to a different time or date or refund you. But usually, if you book independently, you would lose your money.

A Shore Excursions Group Excursion is just like a cruise line excursion in that that if your port of call is cancelled, you’ll receive a full refund.

Letter stating that ports have been changed

On the day of our excursion, the ship was an hour late coming in to port. As we stepped off the ship, the vehicle was there waiting for us – no problems! Our all-aboard time was also changed. The guide was aware of that and adjusted the itinerary to match.

Shore Excursions Group offers 24/7 support, so you can just call or email them if you need help at any point.

Shore Excursions Groups Offers Incredible Value For Money

The price of cruise line excursions varies hugely. I find that with the British cruise lines like P&O Cruises and Marella, they’re often quite reasonable. But with the American cruise lines like Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean, the prices are astronomical. Booking excursions in every port could double the cost of your cruise!

When looking at the options with Shore Excursions Group, I found the prices to be very reasonable indeed, with savings of around 40% compared to the cruise line options.

There’s also a price-match guarantee, so you can be confident you’re getting the best price without having to shop around.

Save up to 40% on Cruise Excursions!

Choose from over 4,000 excursions with a return-to-ship guarantee

The Booking Experience

Booking my excursion was SO easy! You just head over to the Shore Excursions Group website and tell it which ship you’re going on and which dates.

I found that the prices came up in USD$ at first, but you can change it to GBP£ or your currency with a dropdown in the top menu.

You can see all of the excursions that are available in each of the ports that you’ll visit.

I found the website to be really easy to navigate. You can sort by price, customer rating or popularity and it’s easy to see all the details like how long each excurison is, whether you’ll get food and how much walking is required.

The website has lots of reviews for each excursion and plenty of photos too so you know exactly what you’re getting.

The Excursion Experience

I’ve only taken one excursion with Shore Excursions Group so far, but it was one of the best we’ve ever done!

Our excursion was in Madeira. This is a port we’ve been to several times and we’ve already done all the usual tourist stuff like taking the cable car up the mountain and coming back down in a basket and visiting the botanical gardens. We were ready to try something completely different and our excurison delivered on that!

We were picked up from the ship in a Jeep and headed up in to the mountains! On the way, the lovely driver stopped at a shop so that we could grab snacks and use the bathroom.

Once we got offroad, he opened the roof and let us stand up as we headed up the bumpy track and saw the most incredible scenery. He told us about life in Madeira and pointed out interesting things that we saw, like banana trees!

We then visited a few more local spots like a lake with cows and a viewpoint with a swing for the kids. With just six of us on the tour, there was no hanging around waiting for people to get on and off the coach.

We stopped in a lovely town with free time for lunch and to explore the volcanic pools, then we headed to a stunning beach where we spent an hour.

Finally, we were returned to the ship, 30 minutes before all-aboard time as promised. It was a magical and stress-free day and the best day we’ve ever had in Madeira.

The Verdict

I am thrilled to have discovered Shore Excursions Group. It’s now the first place I’ll go when planning days ashore on my subsequent cruises.

I honestly couldn’t fault any aspect of what they offer. Don’t just take my word for it though. The company has almost 50,000 reviews online, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars!

If you want excursions that are CHEAPER than the cruise line, BETTER QUALITY and with SMALLER GROUPS, then you should definitely head over to ShoreExcursionsGroup.com and get yours booked.

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Don’t Miss the Boat! The Best Ways To Reach Barcelona’s Cruise Port

April 29, 2025

by Luxury Cruising Editorial Cruise News Destinations Europe

This post was kindly contributed by Sira Mas, a travel blogger who lives in Barcelona.

Heading to Barcelona for a cruise? You’re not alone — thousands of travellers are making their way between the airport and the cruise port every day. But finding the best way to get there? Honestly, it’s way more confusing than it should be.

When I landed at El Prat Airport, I struggled trying to figure out the easiest, fastest, and most affordable way to reach the cruise terminal (Moll Adossat).

Good news: I took notes so you don’t have to! Here’s everything you need to know to get from the airport to your cruise ship without the stress.

Barcelona Cruise Port Is 11 Miles From The Airport

The distance between the Barcelona airport and the cruise port is 11.7 miles (17.3 km). That’s approximately a 15 to 20-minute ride without traffic.

Of course, that “without traffic” bit is key, because Barcelona can get pretty busy! So, make sure you factor in more time for your journey.

It Takes 20-40 Minutes To Get From Barcelona Airport To the Cruise Port

If you hail a taxi or book an Uber, it takes approximately 20 minutes, sometimes less, to get from the Barcelona airport to the cruise port. If you decide to take the Aerobús shuttle and then a taxi, it will take between 30 and 40 minutes.

You can also take the R2 train from T2, get off at Sants, and then take a taxi; in that case, it would take approximately 35 minutes.

If you’re on a budget and prefer to go by bus, it can take between 1 hour and 30 minutes and 2 hours. Keep in mind that there’s no direct bus from Barcelona airport to the cruise port.

The Closest Airport To Barcelona Cruise Port

Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport is the closest airport to the Barcelona cruise port. El Prat airport is 11.7 miles (17.3 km) away from the cruise ship terminal, the Moll Adossat.

Other airports in Catalunya, that are not too far from Barcelona, are:

Reus, which is 67.2 miles (108 km) away from the cruise port – a 1h 16min trip by car or taxi.
Girona, which is 60 miles (96.8 km) away from the port – also a 1h 16min trip by car or taxi.

The Different Ways To Get From Barcelona Airport To The Cruise Port

Transfer Options	Price	Time (Average)	Difficulty
Aerobús + Taxi	€27.45	30 minutes	Easy
Taxi	€45	20 minutes	Very easy, stress-free
Uber (up to 4 people)	€24-€45	20 minutes	Very easy, stress-free
Uber (5-6 people)	€43	20 minutes	Very easy, stress-free
Train + Taxi	€25.30	35 minutes	Easy
Aerobús + Regular Bus + Cruise Bus	From €13.10	1h 30 minutes	Medium
2 Regular Buses + Cruise Bus	€8.30	1h 50 minutes	Medium, it may be a bit stressful

1. Aerobús + Taxi (Smartest Choice)

Anytime I arrive in Barcelona, I go directly to the Aerobús shuttle stop. It’s cheap, and it takes you to Barcelona in less than 30 minutes. To find the shuttle stop, you just have to follow the signs inside the terminal.

So, if you want to go to the cruise port from the Barcelona airport in just 35 minutes without spending too much, a great option is to take the Aerobús shuttle, get off at Plaça de Espanya – which is the first stop – and take a taxi.

During the day, the Aerobús shuttles leave the airport every 5 minutes from both terminals. In the evening, from 10 pm until midnight, there’s a bus every 10 minutes, and from midnight until 5 am, there’s a bus every 20 minutes.

For more information about the schedule, you can check the Aerobús official website.

The cost of the shuttle is €7.45 per person, per trip. The cost of the taxi from Plaça Espanya to the cruise port is approximately €20.

Tip: If you’re in a hurry, you can book and schedule a taxi with FreeNow while you’re on the Aerobús – to avoid spending too much time waiting in Plaça de Espanya.

On the app, you can set as the pickup point the Torres Venecianas (Avenida de la Reina Maria Cristina, Barcelona) and as the destination Moll Adossat – Terminales de Cruceros.

From the Aerobús stop in Plaça Espanya, you’ll only have to walk 50 metres to the Venetian Towers.

2. Taxi (Quickest, Most Comfortable Choice)

Taxi from Barcelona Airport to cruise port

Getting from the Barcelona airport to the cruise port by taxi is the easiest and quickest way. All you have to do is follow the taxi signs inside the terminal, reach the taxi point and get in your cab.

Then, after 15-20 minutes, you’ll be at the cruise port. It took me 15 minutes by taxi to get to the port from El Prat, but there was no traffic. If there’s traffic, it will take you around 20-25 minutes.

The fixed price of a taxi from the airport to the cruise terminals is around €45, which is great if you’re travelling with other people and you can split the expense.

The only downside is that there’s almost always a line at the taxi ranks, especially outside T1 and on weekends, so you’ll have to wait between 5 and 20 minutes before getting on your taxi.

Tip: If you want to skip this line, you can always book a taxi using the app FreeNow or call the Radio Taxi service – their number is +34933033033.

3. Uber

Another quick option is Uber. The fee is between €24-€45 for up to 4 people, bear in mind though that the smaller, cheaper options may struggle to fit your luggage in. If you’re a larger party, you can book a van for 5 to 6 people from around €43.

If you choose this option, make sure to give the driver a clear pick-up point. There’s a parking spot for Uber pick-ups in both terminals.

It’s not a bad choice. However, the only disadvantage is that Uber drivers in Barcelona are often busy, and you may end up waiting a while.

I used Uber twice in Barcelona and each time I had to wait at least 10 minutes before I got my reservation accepted.

4. Train + Taxi

Train from Barcelona Airport to cruise port

If you’re looking for an option that is fast and not too expensive, taking the train to Sants and then a taxi is your best bet.

If your flight arrives at T2, you can take the train that takes you to Sants, the main train station in Barcelona, in 23 minutes. If you arrive at T1, you can take a free shuttle that will take you to T2 in less than 10 minutes.

Once you’re at the Airport train station, you can buy the ticket at the vending machines, tickets cost around €5.30. You can easily check the train schedule on Google Maps.

From Sants, a taxi to the cruise port will cost you around €20.

The only disadvantages of this option are the following:

There’s a train every 30 minutes, so you might have to wait a bit at the station
Most airlines arrive at terminal 1, so you’ll have to take the free shuttle to reach T2 and walk to the airport train station, which makes the overall transfer to the cruise port longer
You may find a line at the Sants taxi rank

But apart from that, this is a good option, especially if you’re on a budget. And if you’re not travelling alone, you can split the taxi expense.

5. Aerobús + Cruise Bus

Another option is to combine the Aerobús with a regular bus. This is great if you’re on a budget, just keep in mind that it will take a bit longer to get to the cruise port – around 1h 30.

You can take the Aerobús and get off at Plaça Espanya and then take the D20 and get off at Parallel – Drassanes. Once you’re there, you can either walk to the cruise terminal – it takes around 30 minutes – or take the cruise bus for €3. Here’s the cruise bus stop.

Important: the cruise bus doesn’t have a schedule. It departs from the World Trade Center depending on the cruise ships’ arrivals and departures.

Puchasing Bus Tickets

You can pay for a local bus ticket directly on the bus with a debit or credit card. There’s a red contactless device on your right as soon as you step on the bus. Note that the device won’t give you a receipt.

Or you can buy the ticket directly on the TMB app – but you’ll have to sign up first.

6. Local Buses + Cruise Bus (Cheapest Option)

Barcelona local bus going to cruise port

A cheap option to get to the port is taking two buses and then taking the cruise bus or walking. It takes longer – it can take up to 2 hours – but it’s the cheapest way to get there.

You can take bus 46 from both terminals. The bus stop is next to the Aerobús in both terminals; also, to find the bus stop, you can easily follow the directions both inside and outside the terminal.

You will have to get off at Plaça de Espanya and take the bus D20. Then, from the bus D20, you’ll have to get off at the stop Parallel – Drassanes.

Important: Keep in mind that you’ll have to pay €2.65 on each bus.

Once you get to the port area (on the street that takes you to the World Trade Centre), you can either walk to the cruise terminals, which, as we mentioned, can take 30-35 minutes, or take the cruise bus for just €3. Here’s the cruise bus stop.

Taxi From Barcelona Airport To The Cruise Port

A taxi from Barcelona Airport to the cruise port costs €45, which is a fixed price. You’ll pay the same whether you hail a taxi outside the terminal or you book it on FreeNow.

My Recommendation

My personal recommendation is to get to the cruise port by taxi if you’re with your partner, your family or a group of friends. It’s quick and easy and the cost per person is not excessive.

If you’re travelling alone, the Aerobús + taxi combination is your best bet. You’ll still get to the cruise port pretty quickly, without spending a fortune!

As I mentioned before, the cheapest way to get to the cruise port, in case you’re on a budget, is by bus, but you’ll have to take two buses and then walk or wait for and take the cruise bus.

In case you have a few hours between your arrival at the airport and the cruise embarkation time, here are some unique, non-touristy things to do in Barcelona.

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The 7 Best Beaches In St. Kitts That Are Near The Cruise Port

March 12, 2025

by Luxury Cruising Editorial Caribbean Cruise News Destinations

A wonderful cruise port to visit, St. Kitts offers a perfect blend of beach vibes and mountain backdrops. Found in the eastern Caribbean, close to Antigua and Barbuda, one of the biggest highlights of a cruise to St. Kitts is the choice of beautiful beaches to visit.

From Frigate Bay on the south side, across to Half Moon Bay on the eastern coastline, there are many to choose from if you’re planning a cruise to St. Kitts.

Below, I’ve listed the seven closest beaches to St. Kitts cruise port to help plan your day ashore. For each one, I’ve also included a map to show you exactly how to get there.

Cruise ships calling at St. Kitts dock at Port Zante in Basseterre, St. Kitts’ capital. The port is north of the most popular beaches and is close to the major road which circles the island.

In Basseterre, you can find open-air markets, stalls, museums and eateries, so there’s much to explore. But, if you want to visit the beach, you’ll need to venture a little further afield.

Don’t expect a short walk to the beach!

It’s possible to walk from St. Kitts cruise port to the beach in around an hour. The nearest beach within walking distance is Half Moon Bay which is 3.3 miles away. Both South and North Frigate Bay beaches are not far away either at just over an hour to walk.

The best beaches near the cruise port

Here are the best St. Kitts beaches near the cruise port, listed nearest to farthest. Any taxi price quotes are approximate, and it’s recommended to confirm your fare with the driver beforehand.

1. Half Moon Bay

Best for: Beach days, visiting the capital and sports activities

Half Moon Bay is the closest beach to St. Kitts cruise port by walking. It provides a tranquil escape on St. Kitts’ Atlantic side, with soft sands and views of ocean scenery.

With the beach close to the island’s capital – Basseterre – it’s a good one to pair with a day of shopping and dining there too.

How to get there:

Driving to Half Moon Bay from St. Kitts cruise port will take 15 minutes, though walking will take just over an hour. A taxi for 15 minutes would be around $10.

What to expect:

Half Moon Bay is one of the best beaches in St. Kitts, with plenty to see and do. If you’re looking to relax, the beach has soft sands and stunning views to enjoy from your lounger.

For activities, the Royal St. Kitts golf course is nearby, where some of the course’s greens lead right down to the water’s edge. There are also water sports such as swimming, body-boarding and body-surfing.

2. North Frigate Bay (Marriott Beach Resort)

Best for: Walking along the coast, private stretches of sand and snorkelling

North Frigate Bay is only 10 minutes from St. Kitts cruise port by taxi. It’s the longest beach in St. Kitts at a mile long and the place where the exclusive Marriott Resort is situated.

If you’re looking for the nicest beach on the island, this is the one that cruise ship staff often recommend to visit. It’s all part of the Marriott Beach Resort, but anyone is allowed to enjoy the beach.

How to get there:

You can reach North Frigate Bay from St. Kitts cruise port by taxi. The cost is approximately $10. Alternatively, walking would take 1 hour and 15 minutes.

What to expect:

North Frigate Bay is quiet and doesn’t offer many facilities, meaning it’s a great option for relaxing downtime.

One of the biggest draws to this beach is the Marriott Resort. You can purchase a day pass from the hotel during your stay for exclusive access to their beach. This has amenities such as lounge chairs, umbrellas and beach cabanas, as well as the use of resort facilities, including swimming pools, WiFi and discounts on food, beverages and spa treatments!

There are toilet facilities within the Marriott Resort but there aren’t other options on the North Frigate Bay.

3. South Frigate Bay

Best for: Water sports, dining, nightclubs and marine life.

South Frigate Bay is one of the closest beaches by car to St. Kitts port, approximately 10 minutes from the cruise port by taxi. It has various places to eat and drink, as well as swimming, wind-surfing, water-skiing and snorkelling.

How to get there:

You can reach South Frigate Bay from Port Zante in 15 minutes by car, with taxis available from the port for approximately $10. Walking would take 1 hour and 20 minutes.

What to expect:

The beach is one of the best snorkelling spots on the island, so expect to spot plenty of marine life, including sea turtles! There are various places to enjoy food and drinks, from shacks to restaurants, bars to nightclubs. There are toilet facilities in all these venues too.

At only a quarter-mile long, South Frigate Bay is a small beach to visit but offers plenty to keep you entertained. It’s situated at the island’s most narrow point, meaning you can walk from here to North Frigate Bay – on the opposite side of the island – in just under 20 minutes.

Why not get a taxi here and then spend a couple of hours on each beach?

4. South Friar’s Bay

Best for: Snorkelling, calm waters and marine life

South Friar’s Bay is another great choice as it’s a quick ride from Port Zante in a taxi and has plenty of water activities such as swimming or snorkelling.

How to get there:

You can reach South Friar’s Bay by taxi from St. Kitts cruise port in approximately 15 minutes. These can be found near your ship and will charge around $10. To walk here it would take 1 hour 45 minutes.

What to expect:

South Friar’s Bay is one of the smaller beaches on St. Kitts and Nevis at just a quarter-mile long. With soft sands, a wide range of dining venues, and some of the best snorkelling on St. Kitts, it’s a popular choice.

The far west side is where you will find the Carambola Beach Club, a fine dining restaurant perfect for a special treat. For something more casual, the other end of the beach is home to the Shipwreck Beach Bar.

Both venues offer umbrellas, lounge chairs, toilets and additional options for hire such as water sporting equipment. There’s also free wifi here, the only beach that offers this on the island!

5. White House Bay

Best for: Adventurers, snorkelling and great food

White House Bay has a rocky reef, sunken tugboats and excess marine life, making it the perfect place for adventures above and below the surface.

Put on the map thanks to the enchanting Salt Plage restaurant, the beach offers a different experience of St. Kitts altogether.

How to get there:

It takes around 15 minutes in a car to reach White House Bay from the cruise port. This costs about $20 for a taxi for four people. Walking isn’t recommended as it’s 7 miles away so would take around 2 hours and 30 minutes.

What to expect:

The beach at White House Bay is rocky, so you aren’t likely to find sand here, however, you will find plenty of reefs that make it ideal snorkelling territory.

One of the best things you can find is a recently discovered 18th-century British troop ship as well as other sunken objects. It’s highly recommended to bring your snorkel gear – or hire some from nearby – and visit these treasure troves for yourself to spot marine life.

The snorkelling spot is also joined by the Salt Plage Restaurant and Bar – listed in the ‘Top 8 Beachside Cafes in the World’ by Conde Nast. Here, enjoy custom cocktails and picture-perfect sunsets. With an open-air design that makes the destination the focus, it’s a beautiful place to visit.

6. Sandy Bank Bay

Best for: Romantic retreat with white sands

Only recently accessible to the public, the natural beauty of Sandy Bank Bay can now be enjoyed by all. It’s around 20 minutes from the cruise port in a taxi and offers a quiet, narrow beach perfect for unwinding on its soft sands.

The beach has minimal facilities compared to others, making it ideal for a romantic retreat or a quiet sanctuary to enjoy alone.

How to get there:

A taxi to Sandy Bank Bay from St. Kitts cruise port costs around $25 and takes around 20 minutes. You can find a taxi easily from the cruise port. Walking takes a long time and public transport is limited around the island so a taxi is your best option to reach this beach.

What to expect:

Sandy Bank Bay beach is secluded from the rough sea, so the calm waters provide a sanctuary for swimming and wading. The beach was only opened to the public recently, making it a hidden gem to those not in the know, and means you won’t be scrambling for a spot.

The beach is ideal for nature lovers, couples and low-maintenance cruisers as the facilities are rather minimal with no commercial activity and limited access to toilets.

Surrounded by the views of the cove and calming sounds of the waves, it provides a private beach that feels like you have it all to yourself.

7. Cockleshell Bay

Best for: Incredible views, great food and a quiet beach

Cockleshell Bay Beach is found at the tip of the southern peninsula of St. Kitts. It’s worth the trip simply for the views of the neighbouring island – Nevis – and the calm waters for swimming.

It’s also one of the longest beaches on the island, stretching three-quarters of a mile long, and offering plenty of options for food and drink on either end. With it being so far from the cruise port, it’s also much quieter, so it’s a great option for those seeking peace and quiet!

How to get there:

A taxi is the best option for visiting Cockleshell Bay from the cruise port, which will take about 20 minutes at roughly $25. A walk here would take well over three hours and there are no public buses, so a taxi is the best option for a visit.

What to expect:

The sand on Cockleshell Bay’s beach is made up of tiny shell pieces, hence the name. It’s one of the longest beaches and offers great views of Nevis.

The beach is also home to the world-famous Reggae Beach Bar & Grill which has a relaxing, casual atmosphere. Specialising in seafood and barbeque dishes, this venue is perfect for some authentic Caribbean dishes. If you’re looking for a more upscale dining experience the Spice Mill Restaurant offers a fine dining venue where Caribbean flavours are mixed with global influences, all enjoyed with views of Mount Nevis.

As well as restaurants, there are plenty of other amenities such as toilets, plus beach chairs and umbrellas to rent.

The best beach

As well as these seven, there are plenty more beaches to visit up and down the island of St. Kitts.

For adventurers and snorkelers, the White House Bay offers shipwrecks and marine life aplenty, while the quieter shores of Sandy Bank Bay are better suited for couples and visitors seeking a relaxing day at the beach.

The best all-around beach to visit on a cruise to St. Kitts is South Frigate Bay Beach. Not only is it one of the closest to the port, but it offers plenty of facilities for couples, friends and family alike, and is active from morning until night.

Final word

If you’re looking for St Kitts beaches within walking distance of the cruise port, you might be a little disappointed. The St Kitts cruise port is at least an hour’s walk from the best beaches, so a taxi is recommended.

As for the best beach in St Kitts? It’s subjective, but Half Moon Bay will always get a lot of recommendations.

You can’t go wrong with any on this list, though.

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What A Transatlantic Cruise Actually Is

Transatlantic Cruises Still Exist

How Long A Transatlantic Cruise Takes

Where Transatlantic Cruises Go

The Shortest Transatlantic Cruise

The Cruise Lines That Offer Transatlantic Crossings

To Conclude

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Experts Are Closely Watching the Volcano

Most Alaska Cruises Don’t Start or End Near the Volcano

Cruise Lines Are Prepared to Make Changes If Needed

What the Eyjafjallajökull Eruption Taught Us About Travel Disruption

TODAY’S BEST CRUISE DEALS!

Other Active Volcanoes You Can Visit on a Cruise

Mount Etna, Sicily (Italy)

Stromboli, Aeolian Islands (Italy)

Kilauea, Big Island (Hawaii)

Mount Yasur, Vanuatu

White Island (Whakaari), New Zealand

Sakurajima, Japan

How to Be Ready – Just in Case

Final Word

My Recommendation

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1. It’s a Private Island

2. A Lot of People Mispronounce the Island’s Name

3. There’s a Pier – No Need to Tender!

4. It’s Safe – So Relax!

5. Only Cruise Guests Can Visit

6. Food Isn’t Included – Unlike Other Private Destinations

7. Drunks Also Aren’t Free

8. Your Drink Package Won’t Work Here

9. There’s So Much to Do!

10. Cabana Rental is Available (But Not Cheap)

11. Snorkeling is an Option

12. You Can Take a Ferry To Placencia

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Final Word

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Map Of Hotels Near Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Terminal

The Best Hotels Near Fort Lauderdale Airport For Cruise Passengers

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Recommendation

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Punta Langosta

International Cruise Terminal

Punta Maya

Best Restaurants Near The International Cruise Terminal

1. IX Kool

2. Three Amigos

3. Senor Frog’s Costa Sur

4. Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville