When you cruise, much of the allure is, of course, the ship itself. Before your trip, you look into all of the amenities, entertainment, accommodations and dining options that the ship and cruise line offer, and make your decisions based on what type of cruising experience you are looking for. You also take into consideration the itinerary, of course! There are some new ports of call that you might be able to check out on your next cruise.
Here’s are some unique ports that might help you choose your next cruise.
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Ushuaia, Argentina Known as the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia is a great port of call for those wanting to take it easy and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere. Every afternoon and early evening is “siesta,” so you will likely find that many shops and restaurants are closed during this time, though some exceptions may be made when a cruise ship is docked. Because the island is duty-free, you’ll find a lot of international goods available at low prices. You will want to be sure to visit the End of the World Museum, where you can get your passport stamped, and definitely make time to visit Park & Glacier.
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Trujillo, Honduras Banana Coast is the new port of call that opened earlier this year in Trujillo. This colonial town is the first mainland cruise destination in Central America. If you are interested in culture, this is a great stop for you to consider, as the entire town is greatly influenced by the Afro-Caribbean Garifuna and also the Pech Indians. While at Banana Coast, you’ll have the opportunity to to visit a wide array of environment, including waterfalls, beaches, rivers, mountains, a tropical rain forest and the Guaimoreto Lagoon Nature Reserve. Shore excursions include a tram ride through the nature reserve; kayaking in the Guaimoreto Lagoon; snorkeling trips; or even a private airplane ride to explore Mayan ruins.
- Falmouth, Jamaica Falmouth was once one of the busiest ports in Jamaica, but since the 1800s, it seemed to have fallen by the wayside and became a small seaside town. With Royal Caribbean adding Falmouth to its itinerary on the ship Oasis of the Seas in 2011, however, all of that has been slowly changing. When you disembark in Falmouth, you’ll notice the Georgian architecture that is the style of many of the intact colonial homes in the city. You will be able to shop for various wares and specialties from vendors set up in the streets. You’ll be able to go on a tour of one or more of the town’s plantation homes, go sightseeing in the city, take a river bamboo raft ride, or take a taxi to a nearby beach, including Montego Bay, which is only about a half hour away. If you have more time, you could go to Ocho Rios, where you’ll be able to enjoy adventures such as ziplining, swimming with dolphins or Jamaican bobsledding!
- Bodrum, Turkey Once famed for having one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, this city located in the southwest of Turkey will now be visited by Cunard Cruise line. Visit the Mausoleum, Castle, Grand Theatre and Myndos Gate, one of the two entrances of ancient Halicarnassus built in 364 BC. A piece of the castle is picture above, along with the port and beautiful mountains in the backdrop.
- Another new port for Cunard in 2014 is Elba, Italy This island lies within the Ruscan Archipelago and is just 20 km from mainland Italy. It s the 3rd largest island after Sicily and Sardinia. Elba offers beautiful beaches and coastlines. You can take a tour to follow in the footsteps of Napoleon.
- Regent Seven Seas will be stopping in Mumansk, Russia. This is the largest town north of the Arctic Circle. It is a great place to experience the midnight sun and Polar lights. Visit the Alyosha monument standing 116 ft. high on a hilltop offering magnificent view of the city. Explore St. Nicholas Church and nearby lighthouse commemorated to Russian sailors who lost their lives at sea. Shop for warm fur hats, vodka, tobacco and clothing.
Crystal Cruises will for the first time stop in Malacca, Malaysia. Southeast Asia’s oldest trading center, and a UNESCO World Heritage site, here you will find influences from Chinese, Portuguese, British, French and Dutch. Tour the Porta de Santiago which is a 16th century Portuguese fortress, the Dutch Square with vivid red buildings, the Tang Beng Swee Clock Tower (pictured to the right,) or the 17th century Chinese cemetery known as Bukit China. There are also several museums, churches and temples. Shop for antiques, wooden masks, hand made shoes and clothing.
Any of these ports of call would be wonderful stops to consider looking for when you book an itinerary, depending on where you are going.Have you visited any of these ports of call? Share your favorite things about them with our readers in the comments section below!
