World’s Most Popular Cruise Ports

More than 28 million people cruise each year, turning to ships to serve as a home base for accommodations, dining and entertainment while sailing the seven seas to visit exotic ports of call.

The most popular place to set sail is the Caribbean, which accounts for 34 percent of cruises; 28 percent of cruises explore Europe and the Mediterranean, and 10 percent take place in Asia.

Which ports receive the most traffic and, therefore, the most travelers descending upon their streets due to cruise ships? Discover the biggest ports in the world, and all they have to offer.

25. Roatan, Honduras

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Number of passengers: 1 million*

Roatan, the largest of Honduras’ Bay Islands, welcomes cruise ships at Coxen Hole and Mahogany Bay Cruise Center. Many of the large cruise ships sailing the Caribbean make way to Honduras on Western Caribbean itineraries, with many passengers taking to the waters for coral-reef snorkeling and scuba-diving activities. These barrier islands are part of the Belize Barrier Reef, also known as the Mesoamerican Reef, ensuring plenty to see underwater.

Multiple beaches are also available to enjoy for those who wish to stay on land. Island tours and excursions provide zip-lining in the jungle and exciting animal encounters.

*Figures sourced from Ship Technology and NAFTA Region & Caribbean Port Cruise Traffic reports

24. New Orleans, Louisiana

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Number of Passengers: 1 million

Both Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean bring guests to New Orleans on their Gulf of Mexico cruises. Just minutes from the famed French Quarter and Garden District, visitors to this port can stroll along the banks of the Mighty Mississippi before exploring the more-than-300-year-old city.

Most cruises stop just for the day, but there is so much to see and do in NOLA that the city makes for a great starting or ending port, so travelers can spend more time enjoying iconic places like St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square, Bourbon Street, cemeteries, sporting events and museums.

23. Piraeus, Greece

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Number of Passengers: 1 million

Passengers on Adriatic and Mediterranean Sea ships disembark from this port to enjoy the bustle of nearby Athens. Excursions most often transport guests straight to the Acropolis to see the Parthenon and to take in views of the ancient city from Acropolis Hill.

With an all-day itinerary, visitors can delve deeper into the charms of Athens, visiting the Maximou Mansion, the Royal Palace, the Parliament House and eventually the Plaka. Here, cobbled streets wind past homes, shops and tons of outdoor dining at Greek tavernas.

22. Jeju Island, South Korea

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Number of Passengers: 1.2 million

It’s no surprise that this island has been called “The Hawaii of Korea.” Here, you can explore secluded beaches, underground lava tunnels, caves and waterfalls, including Cheonjeyeon Waterfall, nicknamed the “Pond of God.”

The island is also home to an adults-only park called Love Land, which features more than 100 erotic sculptures. It’s definitely one of the more unique cruise itinerary excursions you will find!

If you’re traveling with kids in tow, the Teddy Bear Museum is a great option.

21. San Juan, Puerto Rico

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Number of Passengers: 1.3 million

Many Caribbean cruises visit Puerto Rico’s port in San Juan, providing passengers a chance to see the historic district of Old San Juan and to sample some of the best outdoor adventures available for cruisers.

Explore the island’s rainforests via ATV, horseback ride, zip-line or hike. (Be sure to visit Xtreme Zipline to experience the longest zip line in the Caribbean!) Water fun is also available with kayaking, snorkeling and scuba diving.

20. Singapore

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Number of Passengers: 1.3 million

China follows the U.S. in number of cruise passengers — 2.4 million in 2018. No wonder travel to and from Singapore has skyrocketed since this port was leased to the Chinese in 2015.

Besides serving as a departure center for Asian cruises, Singapore itself offers an array of things to see for passengers who stay before or after their sail. City tours, Gardens by the Bay, Chinatown, Sentosa Island and Marina Bay Sands resort with its amazing rooftop infinity pool are all highlights.

19. Venice, Italy

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Number of Passengers: 1.4 million

Some say giant cruise ships entering the Grand Canal have removed a bit of the charm from Venice. The Italian city, which received 32,000 cruise-ship passengers daily between April to October this year, is even making changes to limit the number of ships coming in.

By 2020, Venice hopes to reroute a third of the cruise excursions booked for its shores, in the hopes of removing the city from lists like this of the busiest cruise ports.

Perhaps it won’t always be busy as a cruise port, but Venice — home to St. Mark’s Square, the canals and the Bridge of Sighs — will always top bucket lists, and understandably so.

18. Marseille, France

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Number of Passengers: 1.4 million

Marseille has always been France’s leading sea port, and it is one of the largest cruise ports along the Mediterranean as well.

France’s second-largest city, far removed from Paris, has been an alluring destination since the Middle Ages, and still offers plenty for passengers to fall in love with. Most day-trippers spend their time on the quaint streets of Old Town, sampling French seafood dishes along with churches and museums. A ferry will take visitors to the island of Chateau d’If of “The Count of Monte Cristo” fame.

17. Southampton, England

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Number of Passengers: 1.5 million

Since it began operating in 1843, Southampton has been a significant port for England. Over the years, it’s served as the launch point for ships carrying immigrants to America, and it was from here that the Titanic set off for its fateful sail in 1912.

Today, this “Cruise Capital of the U.K.” remains the starting point for trans-Atlantic, Scandinavian and English cruises. While staying in Southampton before or after a cruise, visit the 12th- and 14th-century homes of the Tudor House and Garden and learn about the Titanic at the SeaCity Museum.

16. Port of New York and New Jersey

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Number of Passengers: 1.5 million

If you didn’t realize leisure cruises departed to and from New York, the 1.5-million figure may come as a shock. But believe it: Cruises to the Bahamas, New England and Canada, as well as trans-Atlantic sails to England, are big business in New York and New Jersey’s neighboring cruise terminals.

Every season brings a getaway, from cool summers in Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick to fall foliage in Boston and Maine to spring breaks and winter getaways to Miami and the Bahamas.

15. Ports of Jamaica

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Number of Passengers: 1.6 million

The Port Authority of Jamaica operates numerous ports, including Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. Caribbean cruises often make a pit stop at one of these ports, offering guests a chance to explore one of the region’s most naturally blessed and culturally interesting destinations.

Get a taste of Jamaica with excursions to Dunn’s River Falls, Mystic Mountain for bob-sledding and the Martha Brae River for river-rafting. The only problem? A day is certainly not enough to experience it all.

14. Philipsburg, Saint Maarten

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Number of Passengers: 1.6 million

St. Maarten is a small Eastern Caribbean island made up of two countries, giving cruise visitors a two-for-one deal. Philipsburg is located on the Dutch-controlled side of the isle, but visiting the French side is just as easy.

Follow a one-mile boardwalk from the port to town to shop at souvenir shops for local artisan work, then catch a ride around the island to visit farms, sample local culture and try adventures on land and sea.

13. St. Thomas/St. John, U.S.V.I.

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Number of Passengers: 1.6 million

The U.S. Virgin Islands is home to a port that provides access to both St. Thomas, the most populated of the islands, and St. John, the majority of which is a national park. This ensures access to both exciting urbanity and natural wonders.

St. John was hard hit by hurricanes Maria and Irma, and the evidence is still visible. But tourism is helping the island rebuild, as major cruise liners continue to bring in travelers (and their money). And don’t worry: The island is no less beautiful than it was before the storms.

12. George Town, Grand Cayman

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Number of Passengers: 1.7 million

The small island of Grand Cayman is a beloved spot on Caribbean cruises thanks to its big attractions: Seven Mile Beach and George Town’s amazing shopping. Both are accessible within minutes of disembarking. The island also offers scuba divers the 6,000-foot deep North Wall for underwater exploration.

The Cayman Islands are actually home to three different islands, the largest of which is Grand Cayman.

11. Galveston, Texas

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Number of Passengers: 1.7 million

Midwestern and Western cruise passengers skip down to Galveston to catch Gulf Coast and Mexico cruises on lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Disney. Western Caribbean cruises travel along Central America, stopping in ports like Belize and Cozumel.

Galveston’s long coast is a prime spot for relaxation, while water parks, amusements and historic museums keep things exciting.

10. Balearic Islands, Spain

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Number of Passengers: 2.1 million

Spain’s Balearic Islands are made up of Majorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera. The archipelago, popular among island-hoppers, is one of the hottest cruise ports on Mediterranean routes.

Filled with sun, surf and sand, the islands showcase medieval buildings and foundations combined with lively nightlife and tapas-filled restaurants. It may seem counterintuitive to get off one boat to get on another, but sailing excursions to hidden coves and private beaches and snorkeling spots are well worth booking.

9. Civitavecchia, Italy

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Number of Passengers: 2.2 million

The Port of Civitavecchia is touted as being a stop in Rome, although anyone with a strong understanding of geography realizes that Rome is landlocked. The Italian city of Civitavecchia is actually more than an hour from Rome, but with early arrivals and late departures from this port, visitors can squeeze in some of Rome’s biggest sites, like the Colosseum.

If you elect to stay, the area has beautiful beaches, Italian baths, Old Town centers and delicious Italian food and gelato, without traveling to one of the country’s most crowded tourist cities.

8. Out Islands, Bahamas

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Number of Passengers: 2.6 million

Last year, the Out Islands of the Bahamas saw a massive number of cruise passengers. The more remote (thus the name) islands of Exuma, Abaco, Eleuthera, Bimini, Andros and Long Island catered to millions of visitors with their pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters.

Sadly, the Out Islands received serious damage during September’s Hurricane Dorian. Abaco, for instance, is practically deserted after being almost entirely leveled by the Category 5’s 183-mile-per-hour winds. It will take the Bahamas years to rebuild and recoup from the devastation.

7. Barcelona, Spain

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Number of Passengers: 2.7 million

The launching-off point for many Mediterranean cruises, Barcelona is a city that passengers often want to spend more than a day in, leading them to extend their stays before or after sailing. Not only does Barcelona see one of the highest concentration of cruise passengers, it receives more than 30 million tourists per year.

This over-tourism is inspiring city officials to come up with measures to reduce the influx, capping Airbnb rentals and reducing the number of cruise ships coming to port. With one-of-a-kind attractions like Park Guell and La Sagrada Familia, it’s no wonder so many clamor to visit.

6. Shanghai, China

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Number of Passengers: 2.8 million

Shanghai’s position as a Chinese powerhouse makes the expansive city the starting and ending point for many of China’s northern cruises. A unique juxtaposition of old and new gives travelers days’ worth of things to see and do, from markets providing a glimpse of Old Shanghai to modern malls and skyscrapers.

From this departure point, cruisers have a chance to travel to Beijing, Hong Kong, Manila, Okinawa, Taipei and many other Asian cities with similar mixes of historic and cutting-edge cultural attractions and experiences.

5. Nassau, Bahamas

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Number of Passengers: 3.6 million

The main port of the Bahamas can be found on its largest island, New Providence, and the capital city of Nassau. Many make a beeline here for the world-famous Atlantis Resort and its water park, aquarium and dolphin program.

The port received little damage following Hurricane Dorian, so don’t be fearful of visiting. Plus, your tourism dollars will be supporting the islands that were hurt by the storm.

4. Everglades, Florida

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Number of Passengers: 3.8 million

One of three Florida ports to crack the top-10 list, Port Everglades is found in South Florida’s Greater Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood area, and provides mostly day and evening cruises to the Bahamas.

For visitors who tack on time in Fort Lauderdale, beaches and state parks are the biggest draw, along with arts and fashion on Las Olas Boulevard.

3. Cozumel, Mexico

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Number of Passengers: 4.1 million

While Mexico is a top destination for Americans traveling by plane, it is also a hit for cruise passengers, with its island of Cozumel a particular favorite.

Cozumel is sometimes the only Mexican port on a Caribbean cruise, and sometimes one of many — either way, it’s among the most beautiful places to spend a day.

Beyond its amazing blue waters, the area is ripe for snorkeling due to its location along the world’s second largest coral reef, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Mayan ruins and shopping round out an ideal day-trip itinerary to this island off the Yucatan Peninsula.

2. Port Canaveral, Florida

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Number of Passengers: 4.5 million

There may not be a ton of things to see and do in Port Canaveral proper, but the second-largest cruise port in the world is the stop for Cape Canaveral’s Kennedy Space Center as well as Mickey Mouse. Many cruisers create a land-and-sea combo, following up a sail aboard Disney Cruise Line — including a stop at a private island in the Bahamas — with a trip to Walt Disney World, less than an hour away from this port.

Port Canaveral is also near Cocoa Beach and Daytona Beach. The beaches were most popular during the 1960s when space flight was beginning, but still offer small-town charm and wide expanses of beach to enjoy.

1. Miami, Florida

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Number of Passengers: 5.6 million

Nearly 12 million cruises originate from the United States, and half of them are launched from Miami. With the Caribbean accounting for more than 34 percent of cruises, Miami serves as the top spot to set sail.

Before moving to their cruise cabin, visitors often stay in Miami, where direct flights are readily available. With its mix of Latin cuisine, glamorous beaches and exciting nightlife, it is easy to see why Miami is the most popular cruise port in the world.