Destinations

Typically, cruise holidays conjure images of exotic islands, white sandy beaches, and fun adventures at sea. However, not every port of call can guarantee a postcard-perfect experience.

In this article, I’m taking an honest look at the lesser-known side of cruising: the ports that, according to online reviews, don’t quite hit the mark.

From bustling industrial hubs with little charm to picturesque destinations marred by safety concerns, this list of the worst ports for cruise ship tourists is a must-read for anyone planning a cruise.

1. Prince Rupert, Canada

Prince Rupert in British Columbia is a port that you’ll often see on Alaskan cruise itineraries. But according to this collation of online reviews, it’s the world’s worst cruise port. 

Visitors describe the downtown area as ‘lacklustre’, with only a handful of shops that barely pique interest. The highlight of the town for many was a visit to familiar chain stores like Safeway and Seven-Eleven.

The stark description of the downtown as “skidrowish” paints a rather uninviting picture, while the lack of fun activities and the early closure of stores add to the frustration of visitors. 

When it comes to excursions, the main activity available seems to be the Prince Rupert City Highlights and Museum excursion. However, this too has been a source of disappointment. Described as a brief drive around the town with a visit to the local museum, the excursion falls short in duration and substance, often wrapping up in less than the advertised two hours.

An interesting point raised by several travellers is the speculation that Prince Rupert is a ‘filler port’ or a stop included mainly for regulatory reasons, rather than for its tourist appeal.

One of the primary reasons cruise ships include Prince Rupert in their itinerary is due to regulations known as “cabotage laws.” In the United States, the Jones Act and the Passenger Vessel Services Act restrict the transportation of passengers between two U.S. ports to U.S.-flagged ships.

Since most cruise ships are registered in other countries, they must include a stop at a foreign port when travelling between U.S. ports. Prince Rupert, a Canadian port that’s close to the Alaskan and Pacific Northwest cruise routes, serves as a convenient foreign port for compliance with these regulations.

It’s also a logistical stop for refuelling, restocking supplies and changing crew. But sadly, not one that tourists are excited to visit.

2. Samana, Dominican Republic

Samaná is a small, rural town in the Dominican Republic. You may see it on Caribbean itineraries by Costa Cruises, Holland America Line and MSC Cruises’ luxury brand, Explora Journeys.

However, according to online reviews, it’s clear that this stop is not hitting the mark for tourists looking for an enjoyable and engaging experience.

A recurring theme in the reviews is a sense of unease regarding safety. Many visitors report feeling uncomfortable and even unsafe during their time in Samaná. This sentiment is exacerbated when travelling with children, as noted by a family who felt the need to return to the ship early due to the aggressive behaviour of local kids.

The port is frequently described as lacking in meaningful activities or attractions. Visitors who expected a vibrant, tourist-friendly environment were met with a stark reality of broken roads, poor infrastructure, and limited options for exploration. The phrase “crappy place” bluntly encapsulates the overall disappointment shared by many.

While some tourists found solace in purchasing local art, the overall market experience is marred by aggressive selling tactics. Disturbingly, there are numerous accounts of children begging and pestering tourists, reflecting the deeper socioeconomic challenges faced by the local community.

For those who ventured on excursions, the feedback is mixed at best. The widely touted hiking excursion to a waterfall, plagued by unpleasant conditions and a lack of scenic payoff, stands as a particularly disappointing example.

3. Santa Marta, Colombia

Santa Marta is a Colombian cruise port that’s most often visited by small, luxury cruise ships from the likes of Windstar Cruises, Explora Journeys, Silversea and Seabourn.

The port is advertised as a ‘gateway to the Tayrona National Natural Park. So if this port is featured on your cruise itinerary, then it would be wise to book an excursion, because Santa Marta itself isn’t very nice.

In fact, the words that cruisers use most often to describe Santa Marta are “ugly” and “dirty”.

The port of Santa Marta is primarily a shipping port, so it’s not specifically designed for cruise ships. This industrial setting, complete with views of coal piles and limited pedestrian areas, is a far cry from the picturesque stops many anticipate in a Caribbean cruise.

Safety is a recurring concern among travellers. This sense of discomfort is compounded by experiences of aggressive street vendors, making it challenging for visitors to relax and enjoy their time ashore. While there’s an understanding of the economic hardships faced by the locals, this doesn’t mitigate the distress felt by tourists who are constantly approached.

The lack of interesting activities, combined with the intense heat, aggressive vendors, and a generally unwelcoming environment, leads many to advise staying on the ship, or jumping straight on the coach for an excursion, rather than exploring the port.

4. Sihanoukville, Cambodia

Cruises to Southeast Asia often call at stunningly beautiful ports. But sadly, Cambodia’s Sihanoukville, which is frequented by luxury cruise lines like Seabourn, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Azamara, isn’t one of them.

The most glaring issue reported by cruisers who have visited Sihanoukville is its rampant and unappealing urban development. Cruisers describe the port as overrun with construction sites, which dominate the landscape and detract significantly from any potential charm the city might have.

This construction boom, which seems to be primarily driven by Chinese casinos, has transformed what was once a quaint fishing village into a chaotic urban sprawl.

Environmental issues are equally pressing, with reports of extensive pollution, including plastic waste and sewage problems. The description of the beach area is particularly disheartening, with garbage, a smell of urine, and raw sewage reported in the ocean. 

The aggressive nature of taxi drivers, tuk-tuk drivers and tour guides, who are described as relentless in their pursuit of tourists, causes many cruisers to feel uncomfortable.

A significant point of contention for many visitors is the visa requirement. Regardless of whether passengers choose to disembark or stay on the ship, obtaining a Cambodian visa is mandatory, which adds an unwelcome expense, particularly given the dissatisfaction with the port. The high cost of the visa, combined with additional charges for shuttle services, is seen as unjustifiable given the overall poor experience.

The consensus among cruise travellers is clear: Sihanoukville, in its current state, does not offer a pleasant or worthwhile experience for cruise ship passengers. 

5. Santos, Brazil

Santos is the leading port of Brazil and the gateway to the metropolis of Sao Paulo. And if your cruise ship calls here, as over 100 do each year, then be sure to head straight to Sao Paulo, because the city of Santos itself is not worth spending your time.

Unfortunately, one of the primary issues highlighted by visitors is the logistical challenge of arriving at Santos. The port, being predominantly industrial, requires passengers to take a shuttle to the terminal and then another bus to reach the city. This process is described as confusing and time-consuming, with a significant portion of the visit spent in busy traffic.

Safety is a notable concern among travellers who did choose to explore the locale, with Santos being described as dangerous and unattractive.

The primary destination offered by the cruise line – a trip to a local mall – is regarded as uneventful and unrepresentative of the rich cultural experiences expected in Brazil.

Excursions to places other than Sao Paulo, both independently booked and through cruise lines, have garnered negative feedback. These tours often travel through rundown areas, failing to showcase the more appealing aspects of the region. The general sentiment is that these excursions provide little value, with even the more affordable options being considered a waste of money.

6. Brest, France

In the picturesque country of France, Brest stands out as a port of call that has been receiving less than favourable reviews from cruise passengers. This port, despite being in a country renowned for its charm and hospitality, seems to fall short of providing a memorable or enjoyable experience for visitors.

A common thread in the reviews is the apparent lack of attractions in Brest. Visitors describe the area as having “nothing there”. This lack of appeal is exacerbated when the few available options, such as excursions, are not readily accessible or when local holidays lead to closures, further limiting what guests can explore.

Transportation issues seem to plague the experience in Brest. The cancellation of free shuttle buses and the location of bus drop-offs far from the city centre contribute to the difficulty in exploring the area. 

The attitude of the local people is also a point of contention, with reviews noting a lack of friendliness. This perception, whether due to cultural differences or specific incidents, negatively impacts the overall experience of visitors who expect a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

The working nature of the port is also highlighted, which may contribute to its lack of tourist-friendly amenities and atmosphere. Unlike ports specifically designed to cater to cruise ships, Brest appears to be more utilitarian, focusing on industrial and shipping activities.

7. Agadir, Morocco

Agadir, a port of call in Morocco for many cruise ships, appears to be facing significant challenges in providing a satisfying experience for its visitors. Based on a variety of reviews from cruise passengers, it’s evident that this destination is falling short in several key areas.

One of the primary complaints about Agadir is the transportation logistics. The port, being industrial in nature, is not conveniently located for tourists looking to explore the city. The options available, such as shuttle buses and taxis, are described as expensive and farcical. The recommendation to hire a taxi for the day, while more economical, still presents challenges in terms of haggling and price negotiation.

Safety is a notable concern for visitors to Agadir. The walk from the port to the town is advised against for safety reasons, and the overall impression of the city is that it is dirty and unwelcoming. This sentiment is echoed in reports of dishonesty among locals and aggressive vendor behaviour.

The souk, a traditional market, is a highlight for some visitors, offering a glimpse into local culture and commerce. However, its closure on Mondays and the reported dishonest practices of some vendors have left many tourists feeling exploited and dissatisfied.

Agadir is often compared unfavourably to other Moroccan cities like Casablanca. It’s described as less cosmopolitan and more impoverished, with more prevalent begging, particularly from children.

8. Salvador De Bahia, Brazil

Salvador is the capital city of the state of Bahia in Brazil. It’s often visited by MSC Cruises and Costa Cruises ships on South American itineraries. But sadly, reviews from various travellers paint a picture of a destination that struggles with cleanliness, safety, and overall appeal.

Cruisers describe the city as filthy, with trash piling up on the streets and graffiti covering many surfaces. The visual of dilapidated, mouldy homes adds to the sense of neglect and decay. This environment, which contrasts sharply with the colourful and lively image often associated with Brazil, significantly diminishes the experience for visitors.

Safety is a major concern for cruisers visiting Salvador. Many recount feeling uncomfortable and unsafe, with warnings of petty crimes like pickpocketing being a common occurrence. The presence of beggars on every corner and aggressive behaviour from locals, especially near market areas, further exacerbate these concerns.

Several tourists report encounters with locals that are far from the warm and welcoming demeanour expected in tourist destinations. Instances of being aggressively solicited for money, particularly by street bands, leave visitors feeling threatened rather than entertained. This aggressive approach to tourists is a recurrent theme in the reviews.

Even organized excursions fail to redeem the reputation of Salvador De Bahia. Descriptions of the areas visited during these tours align with the overall negative sentiment, with words like “very dirty” and “mostly slums” being used to describe the locales.

The issue of homelessness and the general state of disrepair in the city are also notable. The sight of many homeless people and rundown areas paints a picture of a city that is struggling socioeconomically, which can be unsettling and distressing for visitors.

9. Alotau, Papua New Guinea

When you think of Papua New Guinea, you’ll probably imagine breathtaking scenery with volcanic mountains, dense rainforests and pristine beaches. But unfortunately, that’s not what cruise passengers often experience when their ship calls at the small port of Alotau.

A recurrent theme in the reviews is the environmental condition of Alotau, particularly the garbage-strewn streets. This lack of cleanliness, coupled with the hot and muggy climate, creates an uncomfortable experience for visitors.

The basic nature of the local markets and the underdeveloped infrastructure, characterised by large potholes and rough roads, further underscores the town’s challenges in catering to tourists who may be seeking a more luxurious experience.

On a positive note, many reviewers appreciate the cultural aspects of Alotau. The native village and cultural displays are highlighted as entertaining and informative. The friendliness of the local people is a recurring compliment, suggesting a warm and welcoming attitude towards visitors.

The variability in experiences is evident. While some found the town “very poor” and “dingy,” others appreciated the opportunity to engage with locals and learn about their way of life. The disparity in reviews indicates that Alotau offers a very subjective experience, heavily dependent on individual expectations and interests.

So with this one, I think the key is to not expect too much. Papua New Guinea is a developing country after all. So perhaps people should focus on the culture, rather than the potholes.

10. Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo isn’t a popular cruise port, both in terms of how many cruise ships call there, and what people think of it. But, it does feature on some Eastern Caribbean itineraries with Aida Cruises, Marella Cruises and Seabourn, amongst others.

Santo Domingo is the capital of the Dominican Republic – it’s a pretty big city with a population of over a million. However, a dominant concern among visitors to Santo Domingo is safety.

Numerous cruise passengers report being warned about the high risk of robbery and other crimes, especially when walking around without a tour group. The presence of armed guards in and around the port area, while perhaps intended for protection, seems to have contributed to an atmosphere of unease and fear rather than reassurance.

The state of cleanliness in Santo Domingo’s port area is another major issue highlighted by cruisers. Descriptions of the port as the “filthiest” they’ve seen, with trash floating in the water and dirty surroundings, paint a dismal picture. Such conditions not only detract from the aesthetic appeal of the port but also raise health concerns.

Many reviewers express disappointment in the lack of facilities and attractions within walking distance of the port. The absence of shops or points of interest near the cruise dock leaves visitors with little to do unless they venture further into the city or book an excursion.

Even those who opted for excursions describe experiences that fall short of expectations. Reports of unorganised trips, unimpressive beaches, and lengthy travel times to excursion destinations add to the overall dissatisfaction. 

Amidst the negative reviews, there are occasional positive notes about specific attractions, like Los Tres Ojos, a natural limestone cave. However, these few highlights are overshadowed by the broader negative sentiment.

11. Manzanillo, Mexico

The port of Manzanillo in Mexico is a cruise destination with a huge collection of negative reviews from passengers. If you have a cruise that calls here, perhaps with Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises or Holland America, then I’d recommend booking an excursion to get away from the port area as quickly as possible.

There are very few attractions or activities in Manzanillo, particularly near the port area. The city is described as having little to offer tourists who choose to explore on their own. The absence of nearby beaches for swimming, and the requirement to take lengthy and pricey taxi rides to reach more appealing destinations, add to the sense of disappointment.

Manzanillo is primarily a shipping port, so it’s not the prettiest of the Mexican cruise ports. This industrial nature detracts from the traditional tourist experience, leaving visitors with an impression of an unattractive and noisy environment.

Safety concerns are mentioned in reviews, with references to guards with machine guns at the port. The lack of friendliness and helpfulness from locals also stands out as a negative aspect, contrasting sharply with experiences in other ports.

Even the excursions, which are often the saving grace of less appealing ports, receive criticism in Manzanillo. Complaints range from long bus rides, unimpressive destinations, and poor-quality lunch arrangements to issues with tour guides being annoying and inappropriate.

My recommendation

Sometimes, the best days on a cruise are when everyone gets off the ship and you stay on and have the place to yourself. You can have your pick of the best sunloungers, and starfish in the hot tub and never have to wait in line at the bar.

Remember, you don’t have to get off the ship in every port – you could instead treat yourself to an extra sea day, without the crowds.

If one of the ports on this list is on the itinerary for your next cruise, don’t worry. At least now you’re prepared and know what to expect. Take the time to research the best excursions and then decide what you want to do.

You can’t always walk off the ship and expect paradise right there. Some ports are industrial, some countries are very poor, and some locals are just fed up with all of the tourists taking over town each time a big ship arrives.

The key is to be prepared. Enjoy the best ports, and don’t let any less desirable ones ruin your cruise.

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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.

Read more about me

Unfortunately, not all cruises go as smoothly as you’d hope, and one of the things that can go wrong is a change of schedule.

You might’ve booked a cruise based on the ship and what you can do onboard, but most people at least put equal weight on the destinations you’re visiting. But they can’t be guaranteed.

Sometimes, ports of call get cancelled, and some more than others. Let’s take a look at the most-cancelled ports of call and why they’re so badly affected.

The Most Cancelled Ports

1. Funchal, Madeira

Funchal is the capital of Madeira, and a popular port of call for cruises to the Canary Islands and on transatlantic cruises. However, it’s also one of the most cancelled cruise ports due to the weather – the port is unsheltered, and so high winds often build up which can affect a ship’s ability to dock.

It’s extra frustrating with Funchal because, if you’re on a transatlantic cruise, it might be the last port of call for the next several days, and if it’s cancelled there isn’t really an alternative. You might go from having 2 sea days, a trip to Funchal, and then 6 sea days to having 9 sea days in a row.

2. Port Stanley, Falkland Islands

Port Stanley is the primary port for the Falkland Islands, but it often falls victim to bad weather – not just at the port, but on the approach through the Drake Passage, making it harder for the ship to get near.

Cruise lines are often trigger-happy when it comes to cancelling Port Stanley because sailings are typically heading to Antarctica, and so they know passengers might not be as disappointed since it may mean reaching the scenery of the polar continent sooner.

3. Dutch Harbor, Alaska

Dutch Harbor is a pretty port that is in a remote location – and when you have to make that point about an Alaskan port, you know it’s in the middle of nowhere! It’s popular on repositioning cruises between North America and Asia during the ‘shoulder seasons’ of Spring and Autumn, but that’s also when the weather is at its worst.

Because Dutch Harbor is a bit out of the way, and because of those high winds that pick up at just the wrong time, cruise lines will often cancel the port visit just to make sure the ship gets to its new home port for the season in plenty of time.

4. Santorini, Greece

Santorini is a beautiful island in the Eastern Mediterranean that always looks stunning – but what you can never tell from the photos is just how windy it gets all around the destination.

Santorini is not a docking port, which means ships need to anchor out at sea and use tender boats to reach the shore. Because there’s no shelter, sometimes it’s just not possible, especially with smaller cruise ships that are more susceptible to the winds.

It’s a real shame because, for many, Santorini is the real highlight of the region, and many people book cruises here just to visit.

5. Georgetown, Grand Cayman

Georgetown might be on almost the other side of the world to Santorini, but it shares many of the same problems – it doesn’t have a pier capable of hosting cruise ships, meaning tender boats are required, and it often suffers from high winds and high swells on the surrounding waters.

The problem that Georgetown tends to have is that it’s a little unpredictable at times. Because of that, cruise lines need to take a no-risk approach. It would be no good dropping anchor in a morning where the weather is OK, but not ideal, only to then have to weigh anchor in the afternoon and potentially leave guests stranded on the island.

As a result, cruise lines will skip the port if they feel there’s any risk of the weather turning.

6. Isafjordur, Iceland

Isafjordur is notable for its cancelled cruise port visits. The beautiful Icelandic destination has a small dock that smaller cruise ships can use, and that tends to work quite well, but it’s when bigger cruise ships show up that the issues start. The winders out to sea mean that tendering passengers becomes a lot riskier, and so the port is a regular casualty.

There are rumours that the dock is set to be renovated and extended so that larger cruise ships can dock – let’s hope so.

7. Lerwick, Scotland

Lerwick has a cruise pier that’s capable of handling mid-sized cruise ships (larger ships don’t tend to schedule visits to the Shetland Islands anyway). But that doesn’t mean it’s immune from cancellations – the rugged landscape here didn’t happen by chance, and the weather is hit or miss – and when it’s a miss, the storms can be nasty.

So unfortunately this is another port you shouldn’t bank on, though it’s lovely when the weather is calm.

8. Valletta, Malta

Valletta isn’t too bad these days for cruise cancellations, but it does have some history of missed port visits due to the bad weather.

The pier here is relatively well-sheltered and big enough to host large cruise ships, but that doesn’t mean storms and high winds won’t ever affect your cruise visit.

9. Torshavn, Faroe Islands

Some ports of call are just pure unlucky in terms of where they’re based, and Torshavn is one of them. Atlantic storms frequently pass over the port, and the bad weather they bring is enough to make it unsafe for cruise ships to visit this picturesque town.

It’s a shame because the storms tend to happen more during cruise season here, especially for transatlantic ships on a more northern sailing route in September, heading over to the US East Coast or Canada. Cruise lines will often cancel Torshavn because they need to avoid the storm and make sure they get across the Atlantic on time.

10. Cruise Line Private Islands/Resorts, The Bahamas

Rather than listing all the cruise line private islands separately, I’ve bundled them together here because they are unfortunately the victims of several cancellations due to the weather.

But it’s not necessarily because the ports are badly sheltered, or that they don’t have piers (because many of them do). It’s because they’re so popular, they’ll be included on itineraries year-round in the region, including during hurricane season, and that’s when the cancellations are more frequent.

The weather tends to be worse further out in the Bahamas where these islands are, so cruise lines will often skip their own private islands for a day at sea or an alternative port nearer the US mainland, but they will typically try to get guests to their resorts because they know they can make more money from excursions there.

Other Reasons Ports Can Be Cancelled

The ports above are all cancelled frequently because of the weather, which is unpredictable. The destinations are worth visiting, so cruise lines will include them on itineraries, even though there’s always a chance things can change.

But bad weather is not the only reason that cruise ports can be cancelled. There are several other factors which sometimes come into play, but these are much harder to predict:

Overbooking

Many cruise ports can accommodate multiple cruise ships at once, but it’s still possible for the most popular ports to become overbooked – too many cruise ships apply to visit the port on the same day.

When this happens, a port will be cancelled in advance. This isn’t something that happens during your cruise – at worst, it’ll probably be a couple of weeks before you sail that you find out, but usually it’s earlier than that.

When this happens, the cruise line will do its best to replace the port with an alternative.

Political Unrest/Safety

Unfortunately, when you’re cruising around the world, sometimes there can be issues that make a port unsafe to visit. 

It might be a particular port or country that’s undergoing some political changes or increases in crime, or it might be an entire region of the world – in early 2024, several cruise lines made changes to sailings to avoid the Red Sea due to ships being attacked with the ongoing situation in the Middle East.

Because things can happen quickly, it’s possible that you might have a port visit cancelled last minute, as soon as a destination is deemed unsafe.

Mechanical Failures

Sometimes ports are cancelled not because of the destination, but because of a problem with the ship. If it’s a tender port, it might be that there’s something wrong with the tender boats. 

Or, something might have happened to the ship itself – if an engine breaks down and there are propulsion issues, the captain may have to cancel port visits to make sure the ship gets back to her home port in time for repairs.

Health Concerns

While it’s very rare, sometimes there’ll be an outbreak of an illness such as norovirus on a cruise, and when that happens the captain may have to make the call to cancel a port visit and essentially quarantine the ship.

Usually, the scale of the outbreak will be the determining factor – if only a few people get sick, they’ll be asked to remain in their rooms but guests can typically continue their cruise as normal, provided they show no symptoms. However, it’s not unheard of for ships to have to return to their homeport and stay there for a few days until guests are given the all-clear.

Alternatives May Be Offered

When a port of call is cancelled by a cruise line, there is usually a scramble to find a replacement port of call.

Cynical cruise passengers sometimes make claims that cruise lines will cancel ports too easily, in a bid to encourage passengers to spend more time (and therefore more money) on the ship. But that’s not true – cruise lines know that cancelled ports are frustrating, and they would rather you had a great cruise experience so that you want to rebook again and again.

So, where they can, they’ll sail to a new port. This will depend on where you are in the world, which ports can be reached without disrupting the rest of your itinerary, and whether the port is already too busy.

In the Mediterranean or the Caribbean, there are typically enough ports that an alternative option can be arranged, but in other destinations you may just end up with an extra sea day. Extended overnight stays in an existing port might be offered, but typically only by luxury cruise lines – the port fees for staying overnight are often cost-prohibitive, and cruise lines will only go so far to make sure you have a good time!

Don’t Count On Compensation (But Do Get Insurance)

If you’re on a cruise where a port is cancelled, don’t expect the cruise line to shower you with compensation to make it up to you. It’s in your contract that cancellations can happen, and they don’t owe you anything for it.

What you will likely get is a refund of any port fees, but this amount is minimal. You’ll also get a refund on any shore excursions you’d booked through the cruise line, though if you booked with a third party you’ll need to contact them directly to arrange a refund.

If the cruise line arranges an alternative port, you might still get a partial refund of port fees, if the new destination is cheaper. If the fees for the replacement port are higher, the cruise line will absorb that cost.

You can get travel insurance that covers cruise port cancellations, so it’s worth looking into that if you’re cruising to any of the ports in this guide.

It won’t come as standard – you need specific cruise insurance, and you need to request this add-on. It’ll increase your premium but not by much, and if you do have a port cancelled you’ll get some money back to soften the blow.

Final Word

Even in the parts of the world with the most beautiful tropical weather, sometimes the elements can conspire against you and cause you to miss a port you were looking forward to.

Just try to roll with it – the cruise line will only be looking out for your safety, and if you’ve bought cruise insurance with port cancellation cover, you’ll at least have a bit of extra cash to spend to make the day a bit more fun.

Related Posts:

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.

Read more about me