Port guides

Kapez (Canakkale)

Mediterranean

Blend world cultural heritage and archaeological findings with exquisite nature, and you get this small Aegean city packed with prominent treasures. Soak up local culture as you visit Ottoman Empire ceramic museums, fortresses, art and the Suvla wine factory. Step back in time to a classical world of myth and legend amid Troy’s ancient ruins and the immortal battlefields of Gallipoli. Then slow down to discover restful green forests, fresh springs and the wild beauty of Mount Ida. Where green greets blue, dive into Turkey's only underwater national park to meet monk seals in underwater caves, or find inner calm on one of the beautiful beaches. With boundaries touching both Europe and Asia and surrounded by an abundance of nature, you’ll enjoy this mythological and historically rich island in great peace of mind.

16 cruises

Marmagao (Goa)

Asia

A Goa cruise booking will open your eyes to this magnetic and unique state, which is teeming with sunshine and spices. During your India cruise and trips to the surrounding areas, Goa is sure to surprise you. It’s a hub for international tourism and completely different from India’s biggest cities like Mumbai and Bangalore. On a Goa cruise, booking adventurous excursions are a must to fully explore everything Goa has to offer, whether that’s a full day of visiting historic forts and museums or enjoying a traditional Goan tea ceremony. You can’t go wrong during your trip here when you head to Goa’s golden sand beaches, like Mandrem and Anjuna, and soak up every possible minute of sun. Goa also hosts a number of UNESCO World Heritage sites and ancient ruins that will delight art and history lovers, like the Basilica of Bom Jesus or Sé Cathedral, where the Portuguese influence of Goa’s architecture and style shines bright.

16 cruises

Nanaimo

Canada · US & Canada Pacific Coast

A sweet Canadian city tucked into the east coast of Vancouver Island, only 55 km across the Strait of Georgia from Vancouver, British Colombia. Surrounded by water and spectacular ocean views, it’s a growing urban center where sea lions play and seaplanes take flight. Nanaimo was originally established as a Hudson Bay Company trading post, later becoming known for coal exports. A harbor sheltered by islands, Nanaimo used to be considered mostly at gateway to the mainland but has evolved into a growing vibrant urban center that has lots to offer.

16 cruises

Oarai, Japan

16 cruises

Port Denarau

Fiji · Australia, NZ & South Pacific

Port Denarau is your gateway to Viti Levu, the largest island in Fiji. Fiji has been justly described as the "Crossroads of the Pacific." The islands' culture is a fascinating amalgam of Melanesian, Micronesian, Polynesian, Western and Indian influences. But what draws the traveler to Fiji is its beauty. Viti Levu offers some of the finest scenery in the entire South Pacific, from the emerald rainforests of the Nausori Highlands to the reef-fringed coral cays in the Mamanucas. The crystalline waters of the Pacific also provide some of the world's best diving and fishing. Port Denarau is located on the west coast of Viti Levu, the largest of Fiji's islands. William Bligh charted the west coast of the island in 1789 - after the mutineers of HMS Bounty had cast him adrift. Fiji offered no refuge - its people were renowned cannibals.

16 cruises

Porto Belo, Brazil

South America

When sailing near the Brazilian coast with an MSC South America cruise you’ll discover a region dubbed the Costa Verde e Mar by the tourism authorities. It’s the magnificent beaches that take centre stage here. On your voyage with your MSC cruise ship, the obvious stopover is at the finest bathing and surfing beaches which lie on the Porto Belo peninsula, close to Florida.Porto Belo is a fishing community situated at the hub of a series of idyllic beaches clinging to the adjacent peninsula. The most enticing stretches of sand and warm, aquamarine waters, just waiting to be discovered on an MSC South America excursion, are at Bombas and Bombinhas, 5km and 8km east of Porto Belo respectively and separated from one another by a rocky promontory. The bay in which they’re found is extremely pretty, with rich vegetation behind the beach, and waves suitable for inexperienced surfers. South of Bombinhas, if you’re looking for open sea and more powerful waves, the east-facing Praia do Mariscal is better, but should be braved by only the most expert of surfers. You can get the most from your day off your luxury cruise liner with some local sightseeing tours. Enjoy a local holiday attraction and head out to Ponta do Lobo or venture further afield and catch a boat to the islands of Arvoredo and João da Cunha, both of which have fine beaches. Those who feel that no vacation is complete without a spot of shopping will enjoy the shops and boutiques in Porto Belo that sell local crafts, wood carvings, paintings, original artworks and locally-made costume jewellery – so be sure to bring a souvenir back to the ship!

16 cruises

Porto Vecchio, Corsica

Mediterranean

This fashionable resort town offers both idyllic beaches and breathtaking mountain scenery. The historic Old Town is bustling with vibrant cafés and restaurants, and the modern marina attracts luxury yachts, international ferries and fishing boats. Wander the main square, Place de la République, and visit the imposing 19th century Church of St. Jean-Baptiste. Relax on one of the famous white sand beaches, such as Palombaggia or Santa Guilia, or venture into the mountainous Alta Rocca region for hiking, biking or fishing.

16 cruises

Skopelos

Greece · Mediterranean

Skopelos is a Greek island in the western Aegean Sea. Skopelos is one of several islands which comprise the Northern Sporades island group, which lies east of the Pelion peninsula on the mainland and north of the island of Euboea. It is part of the Thessaly region.

16 cruises

St Vincent, Grenadines

Caribbean & Bahamas

St. Vincent is one of the 33 islands and small cays forming the Grenadines. The island is famed for its natural beauty. St. Vincent boasts a rugged coastline, lush rainforest, stunning waterfalls, a soaring volcano, and volcanic black-sand beaches. What travelers will not find are the glittering luxury resorts, duty-free shopping zones, and thronged beaches that characterize so many other islands in the Caribbean. St. Vincent is also one of the most cultivated islands in the region, thanks to the rich soil and abundant rainfall of its Mesopotamia Valley. The island's fertility and strategic location made it a highly sought prize during the 18th century. France and Great Britain both vied for control of St. Vincent; the island changed hands three times. As a result, traces of both are seen on the island. Today's Vincentians are a passionate people who possess great pride in their homeland.

16 cruises

Alken

Northern Europe & Baltic

Alken is a municipality located in Belgian province of Limburg. The community lies just south of the provincial capital of Hasselt, in the Hesbaye region. Alken has about 11,300 residents, which gives the village a larger population than the nearby small cities of Borgloon and Herk-de-Stad.

15 cruises

Ambon, Indonesia

Asia

See the Tiahahu Monument, a tribute to a young female Maluku freedom fighter, the Siwalima Museum’s ethnic arts and crafts, visit Soya Atas village, or the “Sacred Eels” of Waai.

15 cruises

Cai Lan

Asia

The deepwater port of Cai Lan is your gateway to the splendors of North Vietnam. Nearby Halong Bay is one of the world's extraordinary scenic wonders. This World Heritage Site boasts a calm bay studded with over 3,000 dramatic limestone islands, islets and rock formations. Visitors to Cai Lan can also venture up the Red River to fabled Hanoi, the "Pearl of the North." Today, with memories of the Vietnam War fading, the city impresses with its splendid colonial architecture, ancient temples, superb parks and myriad lakes. It's little wonder that Northern Vietnam remains one of Asia's most popular vacation destinations. The limestone islands in Halong Bay are riddled with caves. The French who once ruled Vietnam called Go Dao Cave the Grotte de Merveilles, the grotto of marvels. Of course, they left their graffiti among the astounding assortment of stalactites and stalagmites.

15 cruises

Cleveland

US East Coast & Canada

Cleveland, officially the City of Cleveland, is a major city in the U.S. state of Ohio, and the county seat of Cuyahoga County. It is located along the southern shore of Lake Erie, across the U.S. maritime border with Canada and approximately 60 miles west of the Ohio-Pennsylvania state border.

15 cruises

Exmouth, Australia

Australia, NZ & South Pacific

Exmouth, the North West Cape's only settlement, will come into view as your Crystal ship rounds the northern tip of this arid North West Cape and enters the Exmouth Gulf. During World War II, Exmouth was a refueling stop for submarines, then later an air force base. In 1967 it became a U.S. Navy communications base and today, the Harold E. Holt Naval Communications Base services both Australian and American vessels in the Indian and Western Pacific Oceans. Although military legend has left an indelible impression, Exmouth is becoming better known as a tourist base for visits to the Cape Range National Park and Ningaloo Marine Park. These two stunning parks are adjacent land- and sea-conservation areas on the western edge of the cape. However you choose to spend your time in Exmouth, your visit to Australia's North West Cape will be one to remember.

15 cruises

Frederikshab

This fishing town is situated on a low-lying peninsula backed by towering black volcanic mountains. There are no shore excursions available for Paamiut, and guests will no doubt enjoy walking into the town and visiting the beautiful church, which is reminiscent of the stave churches of Norway and boasts excellent acoustics. The local museum has photos of the whaling history, and examples of local arts and crafts, which are also offered for sale in the town. The town is the hub of numerous thousand-year old paths leading into the countryside. If the weather is good, guests might wish to take one of these for a while to get the feel of the place. Keep a sharp eye out for whales in the sea, and sea eagles in the sky or on the peaks.

15 cruises

Guayamas

Mexico & Central America

Guaymas lies in a quiet bay in the sparkling Sea of Cortez. Step back in time as you tour the neoclassic San Fernando Church and the Moorish 13 de Julio Plaza in the historic town center. Explore the popular beaches and picturesque bays in nearby San Carlos. Visit a world class pearl farm or journey to magical Las Barajitas Canyon, home to three separate ecosystems. Sample shore excursions: San Carlos Desert Discovery; Dolphin Swim & Sea Lion Show; Coastal Nature Cruise.

15 cruises

Isle Royale, French Guiana

South America

You wouldn't know it, as you approach the soft sands and gently waving weave of palm trees, but this tropical paradise once stashed away some of France's most notorious criminals. Home to one of history's most remote and brutal penal colonies, Ile Royale is one of three - somewhat ironically named - Salvation Islands. The neighbouring Devil's Island's title offers some honest insight into how these islands were previously thought of. View less Nowadays, you'll discover a heavenly escape of tropical beaches, and jungle reclaiming the island from the prison’s imprint and cleansing its dark history within a cloak of verdant green. The setting for Steve McQueen's Papillon, and indeed the 2017 remake, the films tell the story of Henri Charriere's attempted escapes from these notoriously impossible to leave islands, which lie seven miles offshore from French Guiana. Unravel the stories for yourself, as you explore the ruins that have been left behind. Wander to the chapel that was constructed by prisoners, as well as the island's hospital and staff quarters. There's incredible wildlife among the penal colony's ruins too. Cute agouti sniff tentatively at fallen coconuts, vast sea turtles lounge around, squirrel monkeys clamber up through the vegetation, and giant iguanas bask in the sun's glow. Wander the path that loops around the island's circumference to spot them, and to discover the lay of the land. Now administered by the French equivalent of NASA, CNES, the islands are occasionally cleared, as rocket launches roar up into the sky overhead.

15 cruises

Khasab

Oman · Middle East & Red Sea

It may be known as the Norway of Arabia - in reference to the spectacular fjords that cut and shape the Musandam Peninsular - but Khasab's scorching sun and desert landscape is a constant reminder that you're a long way from Europe. Sitting isolated on Oman’s Northern coast - cut off by a slice of the United Arab Emirates' territory - this small city has a dreamy, introverted atmosphere - until you head out in a 4X4, to slip and slide across its rip-roaring mountain scenery that is. View less Explore the incredible desert fjords and folding sandy mountains by boat, and be on the look out for the rubbery noses of bottlenose and humpback dolphins poking through the water. Legendarily friendly and curious, don’t be surprised to see them swimming through the blue waters with you, displaying all of their aquatic athletic prowess as you sail by traditional wooden dhow. Cruise up along the Strait of Hormuz, between Oman and Iran, and marvel at the long stretches of dramatic golden fjord scenery. Back on land, learn of local history at Khasab Castle, which was originally built in the 17th century by the Portuguese, to defend the narrowing of the Persian Gulf at this highly strategic point. It's accompanied by a museum, which depicts local life here back through the ages. Or drive out to Bedouin villages and hold on tight during the white-knuckle drive up to the viewpoint at Khawr Najd - where sweeping views of the flayed fjords unveil themselves.

15 cruises

Kupang

Asia

Don't let first impressions cloud your judgement - while Indonesia may offer prettier destinations, Kupang's got a real depth of character, and a visit will leave you ideally placed to explore some wonderful coastal spots. The Capital of West Nusa Tenggara has a youthful buzz to it, thanks to the sizeable student population who call it home, and the new arrivals regularly inject new life into it. Hop around on small bemos minibuses for the best way to absorb everything this lively destination has to offer. View less The local cuisine is mouth watering, and you'll be salivating at the prospect of eating tender se'i babi, a form of flavourful, smoked pork. So prepare to enjoy fishing boats bobbing offshore, waterfalls sloshing down rocks, and beaches offering all of the space you need to unwind, during your call in Kupang. There's no shortage of history here, and Kupang was ultimately the destination where William Bligh would land, after a remarkable journey of 3,618 nautical miles. He was forced to take this unplanned detour, after being cast adrift from his ship, when he was betrayed in the famous mutiny aboard the HMS Bounty. Bligh was quick to heap praise upon the island of Timor, which eventually saved his life when he landed here.

15 cruises

Luanda

Angola · Africa

Luanda looks to be booming. Development and construction is fueled by extractive industries such as petroleum and diamonds. However over half the city’s residents live in poverty. It has for several years dominated the chart of the most expensive cities in the world for expatriates, outstripping such notorious places as Hong Kong and London. Like the rest of Portugal’s African colonies, Angola won its independence under force of arms in the mid-1970s. But the country immediately descended into a disastrous civil war that lasted decades, severely stunting development. Sites of interest include the 16th century Fortess of Sao Miguel, which looms over the harbor. Any visitor will assuredly be directed to the towering monument at the mausoleum of Agostinho Neto, the hero of the revolution. The National Museum of Anthropology is a good place to learn about the folkloric traditions, including a collection of exemplary masks.

15 cruises

Macapa

Brazil · South America

At the mouth of the mighty Amazon River, Macap is a city surrounded by encroaching jungle and the lush greenery of the Brazilian rainforest. The Amazon region is unique, in that it is home to an estimated one third of the planet's living species, including birds, sea and river turtles, giant alligators and more. The many rivers of the basin, through which one-fifth of the world's fresh water flows, lead to the heart of the jungle. The Amazon River itself is 4,000 miles long. Take a jungle cruise along the Amazon River to see the jungle in more detail - and from the safety of a boat. Nearby, art and pottery from native Indian tribes can be found in the popular Ver-o-Peso market.

15 cruises

New Plymouth, New Zealand

Australia, NZ & South Pacific

Under snow-capped Mount Taranaki unfolds the vibrant city of New Plymouth. Midway between Auckland and Wellington, this active center of the Taranaki region offers plenty of opportunity for outdoor adventure from its crowning peaks to its coastal plains. Explore this award-winning city like the locals do: on foot or by bike. Known for its extensive promenade, the Coastal Walkway offers eight miles of sea-edge, multi-use paths that run the entire length of the city from Bell Block mouth to Port Taranaki. Take in views of the Tasman Sea and iconic Te Rewa Rewa Bridge while exploring the downtown area, City Shopping Centre, Fitzroy beach, and fantastic selection of Indian restaurants.

15 cruises

Port Lincoln

Australia · Australia, NZ & South Pacific

Known as the seafood capital of Australia, Port Lincoln is a foodie paradise. Home to Australia's largest fishing fleet, numerous seafood restaurants and a prized local wine region, this is one destination where it pays to travel with your taste buds. The city’s traditional name in Barngala is ‘Kallinyalla’ (pronounced Galinyalla), literally translating as ‘sweet waters’. That should give you some indication of how seriously the ocean is taken in these parts – it provides employment, entertainment and experiences that are just unseen in other parts of the country. View less Add in contrasting coastal landscape that ranges from quiet coves to surf happy beaches to rugged oceanic coastline, and you’ll soon see why Port Lincoln is fast becoming one of Australia’s favourite places. The city is located on the lower Eyre Peninsula, on the shore of Boston Bay. Discovered by Matthew Flinders in 1802, Port Lincoln was once under consideration to become the state’s capital. However, a lack of freshwater mired that idea, forcing settlers to look 280 kilometres east, to Adelaide. While European discovery is fairly recent, historians should note that the region had been inhabited by Aboriginal groups including the Nauo (south-western Eyre), Barngarla (eastern Eyre), Wirangu (north-western Eyre) and Mirning (far-western Eyre) for over 40,000 years. For those who want to look beyond the city boundaries, Port Lincoln is home to some extremely diverse and abundant nature, and a trip to the National Park is well worth it.

15 cruises

Providenciales

15 cruises