Life at sea is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that everyone should try at some point. The calmness of the ocean is both relaxing and scary since you never know if it’s quiet before the storm or not. Well, if you’ve seen the Titanic but are afraid to go on a cruise, know that many people are choosing to stay at sea for months in some of the most famous voyages.
For instance, the Viking Ocean Cruise takes you from Fort Lauderdale to London through the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific. The trip takes about 138 days and allows you to explore numerous countries and ports from Asia or the Middle East.
While cruises should be the star of the show, we can’t overlook ports and port cities, from Thailand’s Phuket to Greece’s Santorini, one of the most beautiful places in the world to start your cruise.
Got you hooked? Let’s see what are some of the busiest and most dynamic ports in the world.
Port Canaveral in Florida
Port Canaveral is one of the biggest, busiest and best ports in the world, as it has recorded millions of passengers throughout the years. The port has been continuously improved and is considered one of the most innovative in the world. It is the starting point of famous cruises to places like the Bahamas, the Caribbeans and Bermuda.
Since it can get quite crowded at times, it’s best to take some time in advance for your arrival to be on schedule. The closest airport is 45 miles away, Orlando International Airport, from which you can take a taxi or rent a car to arrive on time. Try to plan the trip long before it’s scheduled, especially for corporate travel, because the area is highly touristic. You can check out some tips for finding unsold business class flight tickets.
Nassau Port in The Bahamas
The Nassau Cruise Port is similar to Miami and Everglades in terms of size and importance, especially since it’s located in one of the most popular tourist attractions. It’s also part of some of the most important cruises in the world, such as the Azamara Cruises or the Virgin Voyages.
However, since it’s located on an independent island, Nassau, amenities might not be that plenty, and public transport is limited to a local bus and a taxi.
Wheelchair assistance, restroom facilities and Wi-Fi are available for all visitors, but you can also walk around Nassau’s downtown to try the local dishes, from fried plantains to conch salad. There are also several places to visit, such as the Queen’s Staircase, the Cloisters, and Paradise Island.
Port of Barcelona in Spain
Barcelona’s port is one of the most important places for maritime trade in the country and is divided into three separate areas for logistical considerations. It’s the ninth largest port in Europe and has an impressive number of attractions nearby, such as the Picasso Museum or the Santa Maria Del Mar church.
Montjuïc Hill is a famous spot for those who want to see the port entirely or take the aerial cable car to the Ferry Station. Numerous cruises start from Barcelona, especially to European countries like Italy, Greece and Portugal. However, world cruises are also popular, taking you to destinations like Barbados, Miami or Copenhagen.
Port of Southampton in England
Another lively port is Southampton, where at least two million passengers travel yearly. The port is known for its international boat show held annually, a massive event in Europe where numerous ships are exhibited for visitors to explore.
Naturally, you can get around Europe starting from the port of Southampton, so cruises to Amsterdam, Sweden and Portugal are typical. Still, transatlantic trips are always in demand, as you can go to New York or Miami in about eight days at sea. Sometimes, your destination will be another port in the US, such as Everglades and Canaveral. If you’re interested in the surroundings, make sure to visit the Ocean Village complex, a modern marina complex that has world-class restaurants and great hotels.
Civitavecchia Port in Italy
The port of Civitavecchia is an important point in Mediterranean ports. It directly links the Italian mainland and Sardinian, being second to Barcelona in terms of busyness. It’s got an impressive history and has remained important for maritime transport until now.
Starting your cruise from here is the easiest way to explore Italy in short trips, but you can easily reach Morocco, Tunis and Barcelona from Civitavecchia. In addition to cruises, you can also take some time to explore the surroundings, such as its famous beaches and must-see attractions.
Cozumel Cruise Port in Mexico
The port is part of the Mexican Island Cozumel in the Caribbean Sea, with three terminals that can get you literally anywhere. The Punta Langosta terminal usually handles more extensive cruises, such as the Disney Cruise Line, Silversea and the Viking Ocean Cruises. Some of these trips also start from the International Cruise terminal. Still, if you’re looking for more exciting cruises, Punta Maya is the starting point for the Holland America Line and the Carnival Cruise Line.
The port is surrounded by massive shopping centers and restaurants, which you can stroll around for some fun. For example, the Royal Village Shopping Center offers one of the most luxurious venues for shopping and dining, while the Mayan Plaza has the famous Cozumel Instagrammable spot for tourists.
What’s your next destination?
Cruises around the world are some of the best things to put on your to-do list for the next trip because living at sea for a few days or even weeks is a unique experience. Getting to watch the sea closely while visiting different countries is truly amazing, especially when your starting point is one of the biggest ports in the world. So, we recommended traveling from some of the biggest ports in the world because they immerse you in enthusiastic communities and lively neighborhoods.
