There are some ports of call so special you never forget them. Sometimes, it’s an extraordinary shore excursion that makes one memorable; in other instances, it’s breathtaking scenery, historic treasures, or time spent exploring on your own. Picking out eight favorite ports wasn’t easy (there are some incredible ones that I’ve left out), but I’ve given it my best shot.
Kauai, Hawaii. Aptly nicknamed “the Garden Isle,” Kauai is where I took the best shore excursion of my life, touring the Na’pali coast – where sheer cliffs, rising thousands of feet into the sky, are lined with lush green foliage and surrounded by pristine beaches – via high-speed ZODIAC®. Close to shore, dolphins leapt from the water and sea turtles languidly surfaced for air as we stopped for a picnic lunch.
New York City. Standing on the deck of a cruise ship as it enters or leaves the harbor, one can almost feel the awe that millions of immigrants experienced upon arriving in the United States to begin their new lives. The scenery is dramatic – gliding beneath the enormous Verrazano Bridge, you’ll pass the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island (where those very same immigrants were once processed) en route to “the city that never sleeps.”
Prague. A highlight of any cruise along the Rhine, this historic city is among Europe’s most enchanting. A guided tour leads you through Old Town to the famed Charles Bridge. After the tour, take the remainder of the day to explore. Pay a visit to City Hall to see its intricate, 15th-century Astronomical Clock or browse the boutiques located along Wenceslas Square.
Puerto Rico. Hanging out in San Juan for a day gives me a chance to indulge in two of my favorite activities: shopping and historic sightseeing. El Morro Castle, built more than four hundred years ago to ward off pirates (including Sir Francis Drake, who unsuccessfully attacked the castle in 1595), towers over the harbor. A short distance from El Morro is Old San Juan, the city’s historic colonial area – stroll its cobblestone streets and search its shops for bargains on crafts, jewelry, and other goods.
Stockholm. Before arriving in this stunning port, your ship will pass what seems like a thousand small islands dotted with cabins, summer cottages, and elegant homes. I always make it a point to visit the Vasa Museum, which houses the restored vessel of the same name (sunk in 1628, it was raised and reassembled in 1961). And don’t forget to call upon City Hall and the Royal Palace (home to King Carl XVI Gustaf); these are the grandest buildings in town.
Santorini. The excitement begins the moment you enter the harbor. Perched 900 feet above the rim of an ancient volcano, the island of Santorini is only accessible via cable car or donkey. Once you’ve reached the summit, you’ll enjoy spectacular views and narrow (but charming) streets lined with restaurants, cafés, and souvenir stands.
Vancouver. Many people begin and end their Alaskan cruise in this city, and it’s worth at least an extra day of your time for the sightseeing alone. Ringed by high peaks, Vancouver is one of the world’s most beautiful ports of call. Stanley Park, an evergreen oasis located close to the downtown core, is a must-see attraction for both naturalists and tourists seeking a respite amidst scenic surroundings.
Venice. Venice is truly magical – one can almost feel the city’s long history seeping through its narrow stone alleyways. All streets lead to San Marco, Venice’s famous square, where you’ll encounter visitors marveling at popular sights like St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace.
by Anne campbell
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