Port guides

Port of Spain

Caribbean & Bahamas

Trinidad and Tobago is an ideal place to take refuge in nature, while also enjoying the folklore, rhythms and flavours of the island enriched by its melting pot of cultures that can be traced back to Africa, India, Europe, the Middle East and China. Well known for pristine beaches and ancient rainforests, Trinidad’s Northern Range mountains, which cover a quarter of the island, are home to almost 500 different species of birds, mammals, reptiles and fish and 620 types of butterflies. The island has been awarded the title of the world's most environmentally friendly destination, as well as the Caribbean's foremost natural attraction. Once you arrive on an MSC Caribbean and Antilles cruise in the bustling capital of Port of Spain, book one of our scenic drives to experience breath-taking panoramic views of Port of Spain. Drive by striking buildings such as the parliament and the row of colonial houses originally built as private residences known as The Magnificent Seven. Or surround yourself with exotic trees and tropical flowers at the Royal Botanic Gardens, one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, established in 1818. Leaving town, journey on an MSC excursion to the edge of Trinidad's rainforest to ascend to the Mount St. Benedict's Monastery, known as the Abbey of Our Lady of Exile, 660 feet above sea level. Nestled peacefully in the mountains, the monastery was originally founded by Brazilian monks as a refuge for monks and anybody suffering religious persecution. Here your guide will provide a cultural and historical perspective of the monks who have lived a contemplative life for decades. The monastery welcomes people of all faiths. Need to unwind? Let us take you to Maracas Bay, a popular beach lined with palm trees and surrounded by densely covered hills. It’s the ideal spot to soak up some sun. If you’re searching for wildlife, grab your camera and join us on an MSC excursion to the Caroni Bird Sanctuary. Perfect for bird-watchers, you’ll travel along the mangroves on a flat-bottom boat or kayak and see the nesting home of the scarlet ibis and other species. Or drive through cocoa, citrus and coffee plantations to the Asa Wright Nature Centre, nestled in the Aripo Valley, for a walk through the tropical rainforest with a naturalist guide.

34 cruises

Salalah

Oman · Middle East & Red Sea

Salalah is the capital of Dhofar Province, which is the southern region of the Sultanate of Oman. Green areas scattered across town give the city a tropical atmosphere and have earned it the name "Garden City." It is a laid-back place with a few resort hotels dotting the sandy seashore. The Dhofar region has been known for centuries for the production of frankincense. The narrow belt and the mountain range benefit from the southwest monsoon winds, which are an unusual feature for the Arabian Peninsula. The moisture-laden winds bring rain from the end of June to August. Heavy mists blanket the coast and mountains during these months, creating lush, green hillsides and cooler temperatures, the perfect environment for frankincense trees to grow. Behind the mountain range lies the hot desert, unaffected by the monsoon, and the domain of the hardy Bedouins and their camels. Along the coast lie miles of deserted beaches, bordered by a brilliant blue sea. Other attractions around the countryside include ancient forts, archaeological sites, fishing villages and the tombs of prophets. But it is mainly the rugged landscape and the beaches that appeal to visitors with a penchant for unspoiled destinations. Indeed, Salalah has to be appreciated as an off-the-beaten-track location and for the uniqueness that marks the Dhofar region.

34 cruises

St. Nazaire, Montoir

Northern Europe & Baltic

Saint-Nazaire is a city on the west coast of France. Housed in a fortified lock in the harbor is the Espadon, a post-WWII submarine. The Escal’Atlantic museum, a life-size reconstruction of an ocean liner, celebrates the city’s shipbuilding past. To the west, the Tumulus de Dissignac is an ancient burial mound with Neolithic rock carvings. To the north, canals cross the salt marshes of Brière Regional Natural Park.

34 cruises

Tunis

Tunisia · Mediterranean

Tunisia's capital lies at the western end of the shallow Lake Tunis, which opens to the sea at La Goulette. This is the first of a string of beach suburbs that stretches away to the north; it is here that the city's port is located. This coastal area includes the ruins of ancient Carthage and the picturesque suburb of Sidi Bou Said, places that attract more visitors than Tunis itself. As far as capital cities go, Tunis has an easy-going, unhurried air about it. View less It is a very liberal city by Islamic standards and certainly leading the way in Western trends for the rest of the country. In Tunisia, the struggle for independence didn't take the violent course that it did in Algeria. Ruler Ahmed Bey, who governed from 1837 to 1855, encouraged Westernization and brought in military and other advisors to this end. In 1861, during the reign of Mohammed Sadiq, a constitution - the first in the Arab world - was proclaimed. Until the time of the French protectorate, the medina was very much the center of things. Then, under the French influence, the ville nouvelle (new city) emerged with its major banks, department stores, and administrative services. The main focus of ville nouvelle is the wide, tree-lined Avenue Habib Bourguiba. At its western end, this major thoroughfare becomes the Avenue de France, terminating in the Place de la Victoire and the entrance to the medina.

34 cruises

Corner Brook, Newfoundland

Canada · US East Coast & Canada

"Plunge into Corner Brook’s thrilling land of adventure and outdoor exploration, as you roam an island of pine-fresh scents, soaring mountains and roaring rapids tumbling down from the Appalachian Mountains. Corner Brook is the gateway to the some of the wildest wonders of Newfoundland’s West Coast – from epic Viking trails, which cut across the rugged coastline, to waters washed blue by icebergs and whales. Sat on the banks of the Humber River’s salmon-blessed waters, Corner Brook is somewhat dominated by its giant paper mill, but its historic inns pin down a far quainter side. Chances are you’ll be escaping the city’s limits to explore the natural wonders before long anyway, and adrenaline lovers are primed for a fix in the Humber Valley, where zip lines are strung out between mountainsides. White-water river rafting here offers exhilarating rides through the scenery, as you gulp down lashings of Canada’s fresh air while negotiating frothing flows. Pick your way across the nearby Gros Morne National Park with its tectonic Tablelands and etched fjord, and follow the winding Captain Cook trail, which meanders along 30 miles of coastline. You can pluck wild berries, chat to friendly locals, and soak in the raw natural seascapes along every mile. After all of that hiking and wilding, Corner Brook will warm you with hearty Newfoundland cuisine like fried cod tongues, cold water lobster, and partridgeberry jam. Giants move through the waters of Newfoundland, and whether it’s blue whales or wandering icebergs, extraordinary natural sights are everywhere. Drink in the bergs – quite literally. Local brewers chip ancient frozen water to make crisp pale beers, made using some of the cleanest waters anywhere in the world."

33 cruises

Fort William, Scotland

Northern Europe & Baltic

Flanked by the UK’s tallest mountain on one side and Loch Linnae on the other, Fort William – or “Bill” to the locals – is what you imagine when it comes to Scottish Highland towns. Verdant moors stretch as far as the eye can see, pastel painted houses front the water and it is not unusual to see pipers in kilts on street corners. But while Fort William may play to certain critics’ idea of a cliché, the pretty town goes far beyond tartan cushions and wee drams of Scotch (although there is a fair amount of this too!). Fort William has everything you could possibly want while in the Highlands. The High Street has plenty to keep you occupied with its good range of shops, cafes and restaurants - a lunch of locally caught seafood or the iconic haggis, neeps and tatties is a must. Because of its privileged location sitting in the shadow of the mighty Ben Nevis (standing a proud 1,345 metres high) outdoor enthusiasts are especially well catered for. Unsurprisingly so, as Fort William is considered the UK’s outdoor capital. But it’s not all high adrenaline sports. Certainly, those who want to climb up a rock or hurtle down white water rapids will find their nirvana, but if gentle fishing, a quiet county walk or curling up in cosy pubs warmed by an open fire are more your glass of whiskey then you’re catered for. The West Highland Museum in the centre of the town is excellent, while St Andrew's Church, towards the north end of the main street, has a very attractive interior. Also well worth a look is St Mary's Catholic Church, on Belford Road, and no visit should be considered complete without a look at the Old Fort, almost invisible to passing traffic. Add a wildlife cruise amid stunning scenery and the steam train that took Harry to Hogwarts and you can easily spend a day in this lovely port.

33 cruises

Georgetown, Penang

Asia

An incredible, disorientating collage of cultures and heritage, Georgetown is a fascinating layered city of countless influences. Taking its name from King George III, Malaysia’s cultural capital, Georgetown, has long been a trading hub and outward-looking city. Grand colonial architecture mixes with Chinese, Indian and British influences, forming an artsy, exotic melting pot of food, colour and extraordinary heritage. Quirky coffee shops hum, while the fragrances of incense and sounds of gong strikes reverberate from temples. View less Rickshaws trundle through its streets, as modern street art adds interest to every spare wall. Shophouses, passed down through generations, add more colour to the rich mosaic of life on show here. Bright pagodas, layered with deities rise up, while multi-coloured paintwork shimmers in the sunshine of this UNESCO World Heritage Site city’s historic streets. The fragrant spices of Little India offer a slice of Delhi - although if you’re feeling hungry, Chulia Street’s feast of street food is also a good starting point – try wonton noodles with soft pork. The Blue Mansion – another World Heritage Site – is a sky-coloured insight into the city’s rich history and a star of the silver screen. The other World Heritage Site, the Clan Jetties, form a fascinating wander, as you climb across stilted boardwalk piers of over-water wooden villages. These fascinating floating villages were created by Chinese immigrant communities in the 19th century. Escape the city into the green rainforest of Penang Hill, or to Penang National Park - where trails slice through dense jungle and open up to pearly white beaches. Monkeys roam the trees, and giant lizards crawl, in this small but stunning national park.

33 cruises

Homer, Alaska

Alaska

On southern Kenai Peninsula, Homer is located on the pristine waters of Kachemak Bay and Cook Inlet, in the shadow of the Kenai Mountains. The second largest city on the peninsula, Homer boasts the geographical anomaly that locals call The Spit. 15,000 years ago, a glacier covering Kachemak Bay pushed a five-mile long gravel bar toward Cook Inlet. After the glaciers retreated, this bar remained. Today, it is a bustling port where visitors can stroll its beaches and boardwalks. Visit Pratt Museum, where you can learn the natural history of the bay and the southern Kenai Peninsula. Start a tour of the harbor by exploring the galleries of local artists or rest for a spell at the Salty Dawg Saloon, which dates back to the late 1800 s. At low tide, walk the sand and marvel at the life in the tide pools. If you re lucky, you may just spot an eagle soaring overhead or catch seals, otters and sea lions enjoying the view along with you.

33 cruises

Inian Island, Alaska

Alaska

As the gatekeepers to the northern entrance of the fabled Inside Passage, the remote Inian Islands stand between Cross Sound and Icy Strait, exposed to the high energy seas of the Pacific Ocean. Tidal currents surging through the narrow channels separating the islands can be severe. Nicknames like ‘The Laundry Chute’ justify their notorious reputations. For millennia, Tlingit people came here to hunt and fish in the rich bounty that these waters provided. Today, the Inian Islands Institute, located within the islands, provides access to the abundant and protected waters for scientific research. Sitka black-tailed deer and brown bears frequent their rugged and rocky shores, while sea lions fill their stomachs with salmon before hauling out to rest on the many rocky outcrops making up this island group. Sea otters, bald eagles, and humpback whales frequent the area in great numbers during the summer months. The Inian Islands were named by William Healey Dall, one of Alaska's earliest scientific explorers, in 1879.

33 cruises

Luganville

Vanuatu · Australia, NZ & South Pacific

The second-largest city in the Vanuatu archipelago, Luganville is on the large northern island of Espiritu Santo, and has an unusually broad main street, the result of its occupation by some 40,000 Allied troops in World War II. The commander insisted that the road accommodate four trucks abreast. Its protected harbor makes the town one of the island nation’s most important ports, a center for trans-shipping of copra and cacao. The rusting relics of its WWII heritage are everywhere on the island. But today most visitors are drawn to the natural features both on shore and in the surrounding seas. Blue Lagoon is a popular attraction, where a freshwater spring fills a clear, aqua-blue pool surrounded by lush vegetation. Others opt for exploring the island on horseback, a visit to a coconut oil factory or simply relaxing at one of the resorts along the beaches. One unusual alternative is a visit to a village of immigrants from the more remote Banks and Torres Islands, who perform traditional music and dances including an enchanting Water Music dance.

33 cruises

Misty Fjords National Monument

Alaska

Sculpted by glaciers over millions of years, Misty Fjords’ u-shaped “canals” wind through steep canyons of granite, shrouded in western hemlock, Sitka spruce and western red cedar. Misty Fjords is a part of Tongass National Forest and home to grizzlies, salmon, whales, mountain goats and deer.

33 cruises

Mooloolaba, Queensland

Australia, NZ & South Pacific

Once a humble fishing village, tourism has boomed in recent years and transformed Mooloolaba into one of the most coveted of Queensland’s popular holiday resorts. Located 97 km from Brisbane and set right in the heart of the Sunshine Coast, Mooloolaba is much more than an oceanfront playground. Certainly, surfers will find their nirvana here, with ideal spots for both the initiated and the beginner dotted along the coast, along with the famous surfing festival in March. View less But it’s not all about waxing your board and point breaks – Mooloolaba Beach has featured as one of the world’s top ten beaches for two years running and it looks set to stay that way. An early morning stroll will see you mingling with the locals, and with no beach goers around, be sure to take your cameras for some of the most instagrammable views you’re ever likely to see. Step away from the beach and guests will find some good shopping with everything from antiques and jewellery to beach towels and sarongs for sale. Local artists set up stalls on the pretty esplanade so art lovers will be sure to take home a souvenir that is really special. Epicureans meanwhile will already no doubt looking forward to tasting some of the famous Mooloolaba prawns, caught straight off a trawler. How’s that for freshness! Try the delicious local speciality either in one of the buzzing restaurants in town or straight from the Seafood Precinct and grab a spot in the shade for a picnic! If fun in the sun isn’t your cup of tea, then the Mooloolaba coastline is certainly worth seeing. Hire a motorboat, or relax on a mini-cruise and enjoy the opportunity of searching, and perhaps swimming, with whales, dolphins and turtles. Seaplanes offer another interesting way of seeing the coast with the more adventurous opting for the “doors off” experience.

33 cruises

Zakynthos, Greece

Mediterranean

A favorite of the Venetians during their three centuries of rule, Zakinthos today is increasingly popular with pleasure-seekers from throughout the world. Although virtually destroyed by an earthquake and fire in 1953, the town was painstakingly rebuilt stone by stone by its citizens, who remain fiercely proud of their island and its history. Explore Solomos Square and the fascinating Museum of Post-Byzantine Art with its fine collection of templos, carved, gilded icon screens. Shoppers will find no shortage of boutiques, particularly around St. Mark's Square. Above it all stands the ancient castle, complete with fortified walls, which once provided safety to the Medieval population. The views are excellent. Special Note: October 28 is a national holiday in Greece.

33 cruises

Andernach

Northern Europe & Baltic

Andernach is a town in the district of Mayen-Koblenz, in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, of about 30,000 inhabitants

32 cruises

Avatiu, Rarotonga

32 cruises

Farsund,Norway

Northern Europe & Baltic

Farsund is located on the Lista Peninsula in southern Norway, which is filigreed with fjords and waterways such as the Lygdalsfjorden. It is a popular attraction for vacationers for its beaches and prolific birdlife, as well as hiking trails and historic events such as the pirate festival. The Vanse Church is one of Norway’s earliest, dating from 1037. The town was also an important part of the Atlantic Wall in WWII, with bunkers and fortifications such as the Nordberg Fortress, and nearby islands used as prisons for captured Axis soldiers. The Lista Lighthouse is a popular place to watch birds and get views over the beaches.

32 cruises

Hamilton, Bermuda

US East Coast & Canada

A charming stack of pastel-coloured buildings clamour over the waterfront of Bermuda's pretty capital, Hamilton. Light paints bathe the island's buildings in bright floral colours, and whether you want to swing your shoulders on lush green fairways, or your hips during lively street parties - Hamilton has a rhythm for everyone. The decorative hues of Front Street's buildings ooze colonial charm, and a stroll along the seafront promenade is the perfect way to acquaint yourself. View less There's more gorgeous colour at the island's legendary beaches, where pink sands slip into turquoise waves. Dive offshore into teeming reefs, take glass-bottom boats, or stroll on the powder as dazzling sunset displays unfurl. Take in the palatial mansions of Billionaire's Row, or whack golfballs into the crisp blue sky, as the sea washes beside you. While Bermuda is best known for its silky soft sands, there's one beach where you won't want to go barefoot. Sea Glass Beach is covered by sea-rounded glass pieces, which chime and tinkle as the waves rolls in over them. Historic forts like Fort Hamilton offer perfectly manicured swathes of lawn, palm trees and lashings of military pomp - along with sweeping views of the sparkling sea and harbour. See stern-faced sea turtles, tropical fish and seals splashing around in the waters - as well as vibrant flamingos and cheeky lemurs - at Bermuda's aquarium and zoo. Or the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute offers a deep dive into the area's history - exploring everything from mankind's environmental impact, to the Bermuda Triangle's legendary, ship-swallowing mythology.

32 cruises

Isle of Noss

Northern Europe & Baltic

Exploring the sandstone cliff faces of the Isle of Noss will reveal ledges loaded with gannets, puffins, guillemots, shags, kittiwakes, Razorbills, fulmars and Great Skuas. The island was recognized as a National Nature Reserve in 1955, and has one of Europe’s largest and most diverse seabird colonies. Sheep have grazed the inland hillsides of Noss since the late 1800s and early 1900s when around twenty people lived on the island to manage the sheep farm. Along with the sheep, shaggy Shetland ponies graze the windblown slopes of Noss.

32 cruises

Keukenhof Gardens

Northern Europe & Baltic

Keukenhof, also known as the Garden of Europe, is one of the world's largest flower gardens, situated in the municipality of Lisse, in the Netherlands. According to the official website, Keukenhof Park covers an area of 32 hectares and approximately 7 million flower bulbs are planted in the gardens annually.

32 cruises

Mafia Island, Tanzania

32 cruises

Mytilene

Lesbos · Mediterranean

32 cruises

Pangnirtung

Nunavut

32 cruises

Port Said

Egypt · Mediterranean

A place of myth and legend that simmers with heady mix of romance, action, adventure, pharaohs and Pyramids. Choose to crawl through chambers to discover ancient hieroglyphics, gaze at the Great Sphinx, visit Luxor, the Valley of Kings (and Queen) and Tutankhamun’s exhibition at G.E.M. For a different experience, you may prefer to drop into a health spa for pure relaxation, and later share stories as you gracefully sail along in a hot air balloon. Passionate Egyptologists will talk you through the lineage of the Pharaohs, whilst architects and engineers walk you through the construction of the Suez Canal. Come evening, slow down for some Eastern cuisine in the curiously quaint Port Fouad where choice and variety is the order of the day. An incredible global crossroads that you truly need to see and experience to believe.

32 cruises

Sardinia/Porto Cervo

Mediterranean

You’re in luck—we happen to think the best way to arrive in Cagliari is by sea. (Not that we’re biased or anything!) This way you get to witness to full specter of this colorful city rising haphazardly from the sea, cresting with a rocky centerpiece better known as Il Castello. The capital of Sardinia, Cagliari boats over 25 centuries of history to explore in the form of Roman ruins, museums, churches, and numerous galleries.

32 cruises