Over the last 12 months, our customers have travelled all over the world. From the awe-inspiring coastlines of Alaska to the many capital cities of Europe, we have helped plan plenty of fun and adventurous sailings to extraordinary ports of call. But which are the most popular?
Let us take a look at the top ports of call and see what makes them everyone’s favourite places to set sail to.
Dubrovnik
Featured on 1,156 Cruise118 bookings in the last 12 months
A top contender for favourite cruise port, Croatia’s Dubrovnik is rightly dubbed the ‘pearl of the Adriatic’, and we couldn’t agree more. Having shot to stardom as a filming location for HBO’s hit TV series, Game of Thrones, Dubrovnik has stolen the hearts of many a cruiser with its sublime coastline and UNESCO-listed Old Town.
Many cruise lines visit here, offering excursions such as exploring the depths of the city or sea kayaking along the beaches. The ancient architecture and narrow cobbled streets depict the history of the region, which you can fully experience on a walk of the Dubrovnik Walls. Popular attractions include Fort Lovrijenac, an ancient fortress which boasts a stunning view of the city. You could also take a trip to Lokrum Island for a slice of paradise at the beach or wandering the gardens.
For a more culinary-inspired venture, fresh fish and seafood are a staple at restaurants, often paired with Croatian wine. Whichever part you chose to explore, this Croatian gem is sure to leave a lasting memory.
Singapore
Featured on 1,196 Cruise118 bookings in the last 12 months
Previously used as a convenient place to stopover on flights to Australia, Singapore is now less of a changeover and more of a life-changer. With its amazing food, spectacular sights and peaceful green spaces, the destination seems to be the perfect port of call for any cruiser.
The city is leading the way for environmental sustainability, with walls and roofs covered in greenery. Not to mention the impressive super trees which host solar panels in the Gardens by the Bay development. Aside from its ethical nature, Singapore is also a place that also pleases foodies with dishes that perfectly combine its rich heritage – including chicken rice, laksa, and dim sum.
Dubai
Featured on 1,479 Cruise118 bookings in the last 12 months
Recognised for its record-breaking architecture intermingled with its traditional style, Dubai has grown to become one of the top cruise ports. Just last year, the region won Destination of the Year at the Seatrade Cruise Awards – showing how the place has cemented itself as a sought-after cruise destination. Cruise lines such as P&O Cruises, Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean all set sail for here, with more cruise lines looking to include Middle Eastern itineraries due to its popularity.
Iconic places to visit during a cruise here include the Burj Khalifa which dominates the Dubai skyline standing at 828 metres high. If you fancy a spot of retail therapy, the Dubai Mall puts other shopping centres to shame. With over 1,200 shops, 150 restaurants, an indoor theme park, and ice rink it redefines the nature of shopping. Meanwhile, the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is home to more than 33,000 aquatic animals and 140 species of sea life.
Barbados
Featured on 2,289 Cruise118 bookings in the last 12 months
Stretching just 166 square miles, Barbados is one of the smaller regions in our popular list. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t offer just as much. From festivals and food to relaxation and rum, it’s a Caribbean favourite with something for everyone.
Bridgetown is the port of call here, with plenty of cruise lines visiting here most of the year. The sandy shorelines of Barbados are truly inspiring, with coastal activities on offer for visitors including scuba diving and snorkelling. However, that’s not all you can experience on this sunny slice of the Caribbean.
For visitors exploring in November, the Barbados Food and Rum Festival celebrates everything epicurean about the island, while the April Reggae Festival brings together superstars of the music industry to showcase talent.
Your Barbados experience isn’t complete until you’ve sampled the island’s greatest export – rum. Take a tour to learn of the celebrated spirit and see why it’s the spirit of Barbados’ island culture and history. Meanwhile, visit the acclaimed Barbados Wildlife Reserve where you can lose yourself amongst green monkeys, whistling frogs, and leatherback turtles.
Barcelona
Featured on 5,433 Cruise118 bookings in the last 12 months
Not only a popular port for Cruise118, but also for the world, Barcelona is a fantastic region to explore on a cruise. Cruises either visit here on a sailing from Southampton or even sailing directly from here on a fly-cruise.
There are plenty of cruise lines which sail from here including Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, and Princess Cruises, while British favourites such as P&O Cruises and Fred. Olsen will visit on a cruise from the UK.
Barcelona’s cruise port terminals are situated at the foot of Las Ramblas – the famous street which runs through the city – and are within walking distance to the centre of the city.
Top attractions to tick off your list when exploring include the renowned Gaudi church, Sagrada Familia, which is stunning inside and out. Take a stroll down the tree-lined Las Ramblas to admire historic buildings or visit the Fountain of Montjuic for a spectacular show of water, music and lights.
Alongside the unique cuisine of tapas and sangria, nearby sandy beaches, and outdoor markets, Barcelona is a fantastic cruise port to visit.
So there you have it, our top cruise ports of 2019!
Whether you’re a lover of local food or wanting to walk the footsteps of history, each port is the perfect cruise destination in its own right. If you’d love to visit some of these ports on your next sailing, our Cruise Concierge team are experts at creating the ideal cruise for you. Let us help find your ultimate cruise holiday today.
Have you cruised to any of these destinations? Which is your favourite? Let us know in the comments below!
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