The port of Cadiz is often billed by the cruise ships as the gateway to Seville – but don’t be too quick to dismiss this charming and atmospheric city merely as a route to the (admittedly fabulous) capital of southern Spain.
Cathedral Square
Cadiz is lovely cruise port! It inhabits a split of land surrounded almost completely by the sea, and is widely believed to be the oldest city in western Europe. This was the place where the first Spanish constitution was drawn up, it has both a thriving Old City and new town, a Roman Theatre and a fabulous museum that displays artefacts from the Phoenician, Greek and Roman periods of the city. The port of Cadiz is the home of the Spanish Navy and has a long history of dramatic sea battles (often with the British – you may remember ‘the singeing of the King of Spain’s beard from your school days!), but Cadiz was also the port for the Spanish treasure fleet sailing back from the New World. So – masses of history – both ancient and not quite so ancient!
There is a great open top bus that takes you around the new town and gives a good potted history – this stops right next to where the cruise ships dock. You can also walk very quickly into the old town and explore the narrow streets and large squares. The streets around the cathedral have great shops, with very competitive prices, and the people of Cadiz are friendly and helpful. This really is a gem of a city, and a great cruise ship destination – don’t miss it!
Rue Augusta - fabulous shoppingLisbon has fixed boundaries that are defined by the historical city’s perimeter.
Lisbon – capital city of Portugal and fabulous cruise ship destination - lies on the Atlantic Ocean coast where Rio Tejo (the river Tagus) meets the Atlantic Ocean. This makes it the westernmost capital city of mainland Europe.
Unlike other major cities, this is a fabulous city to explore in a day (although it would be really easy to fill several days!). Most cruise ships dock at the Alcantara cruise port which is a short drive from the city centre with its large squares, wide shopping streets and historic lifts to transport you from one level of the city to another. Buses are readily available, or take the train for less than 2 euros in either direction – towards Belem, the monastry and tower, or to the city centre. Whatever you choose to do, make sure you include a tram ride through the steep narrow streets of the old town and eat some Pasteis de Nata – delicious traditional custard tarts. See our guide to find more tips of how to make the most of this fabulous cruise ship destination!
For those of you cruising from Southampton, Vigo is a common first stop off. Vigo is the largest city in Spain that isn’t a provincial capital (Pontevedra is the capital of Galicia) and is the 2nd largest fishing port in the world after Tokyo! It’s a great cruise port as you walk off the ship and straight into the town
Having a break from shucking the oysters that Vigo is famous for!
Vigo is a great City for walking round – although you need to be warned that the hills are steep (taxi up and walk back down would be our advice!) The fish market and oyster stalls are of particular interest, there are some unusual examples of street art and many small, traditional churches to visit. The museum of modern art is reputed to be the best in Spain – but it’s closed on Mondays.
Vigo may not immediately strike the visitor as an enticing cruise port to visit – but don’t underestimate it. It’s definitely worth exploring to find the old city heart, the quiet back streets and the oyster ladies who seem to be shucking away for most of the day!
Tallinn is frequently identified as the Baltic cruise passengers favourite cruise port destination. Most people aren’t quite sure what to expect and then are immediately charmed by this lovely city.
Estonia’s capital is one of northern Europe’s oldest and best-preserved cities. Its main attraction is its entire medieval district, known as Old Town (Vanalinn), which has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. This historic area has remained almost unchanged since its construction between the 13th and 16th centuries thanks to a sturdy defensive wall – most of which is still standing – and a strict ban on combustible building materials imposed on the buildings within. That prudent piece of Middle-age urban planning has meant that modern visitors can still walk the same narrow cobblestoned streets, admire the same peak-roofed buildings and absorb much of the same age-old atmosphere that locals have experienced for centuries.
Tallinn’s pristine condition is made all the more remarkable considering its volatile history, which has seen it fought over, attacked and occupied by several of its neighbours over a period of 800 years. These various eras of foreign rule have endowed Tallinn with a diverse and unique culture, influencing its architecture, religion and even its cuisine. But they also served to foster a national ideology of resistance, one that has kept Tallinners deeply patriotic throughout their long centuries of subjugation. The result: a collective cultural awareness that is as well preserved as the city’s oldest buildings.
As a cruise destination, Tallinn is very conveniently designed. It’s small enough to mostly be explored on foot, and it packs so many attractions – and so much vibrant energy – into such a small area that there’s never a dull moment. Both Old Town and the modern city centre are just half a mile from the harbour, and even outlying destinations like the quiet, leafy Kadriorg district, with its palace built by Peter the Great, are only a few minutes’ walk from the middle of town.
Written by Stephen Palmer (1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...
Barcelona is an amazing, vibrant and exciting city and cruise port! It’s very easy to navigate, with a great public transport system. The centre is the Placa de Catalunya, which separates the old city from the modern. To introduce yourself to the city, head to Monument a Colom (Columbus Monument) at Portal de la Pau. Located right by the harbour, it has a lift (for a fee) that takes you up to an enclosed viewing gallery with spectacular views. The windows have diagrams showing all the major features to orient you to the city. One day will give you a mere glimpse of the extraordinary sights and sounds of this vivacious cosmopolitan city full of modern and medieval architecture, gorgeous parks, and people with a “passionate energy,” in the words of George Orwell.
At the very top of the Columbus monument.....
If you are planning to spend your day on the beaches, get there early to avoid the over crowding in the summer. For the walkers, a portside stroll along Passeig de Joan de Borbo will take you past some lovely eateries with pavement terraces, and eventually get you to one of the gates into the Gothic Quarter.
The base of the major thoroughfare, La Ramblas, is right next to Monument a Colom, and very close to where your cruise ship will dock. Here you will experience the life and flavours of Barcelona. Pavement artists, street music and market stalls of everything from postcards to parakeets offer a continuous show as you walk leisurely by. Further up the street are the more upscale markets. Shopping in markets is basic to the culture and everyone takes part from professional chefs to the homemakers.
The historic heart of the city, Barri Gothic (Gothic Quarter) has buildings dating from the 13th to the 15th Century. Then you will find playful, organic structures by the famous Antoni Gaudi. There is still work being done on his last masterpiece begun in 1882, La Sagrada Familia, where he spent the last years of his life. Picasso, Miro and Tapies all have significant museums dedicated to their works. In fact, there are over 100 museums and art galleries in Barcelona, some smaller ones housing collections of chocolate, perfumes and even erotica. Explore the streets. Relax into the real magic of Barcelona, its people and what they have created. An old drinking fountain along the Rambla de Canletes has a legend that says,”drink from here and you will always return to Barcelona.”
Stockholm truly deserves the title ‘Venice of the North’. This is a great cruise ship destination as it is a city that is a vibrant metropolis where the old effortlessly merges with the new, and therefore is a true joy to visit. History, culture, amusement, shopping or relaxation, those who know where to look can find it all. Stockholm is built across a series of islands linked by bridges – so pick up a map and use our guide to find your way around!
Your cruise ship will most likely dock a short drive away from Gamla Stan, the Old City which is the heart of the city. Its tight, romantic alleyways date from the middle ages and house some of the jewels of city, such as the Stockholms slot (the Royal Palace) and the Nationalmuseum (the National Museum). It is surrounded by the downtown area, with further museums, as well as the Djurgården park area. It is here where the mix of old and new that Stockholm is so well-loved for becomes obvious, as you can find new-age buildings like the Globe only blocks away from medieval and romantic palaces and houses. The archipelago surrounding Stockholm is also worth a boat trip. This is where Stockholmers go to enjoy their time off and its quiet islands provide a nice contrast to the busy city.
This classically beautiful Russian city is as deep historically as its deep water canals in the port that surrounds it. It boasts a long, turbulent and interesting past. The city celebrated its 300th Birthday in 2003 in grand style with newly renovated landmarks, streets, stores and much more. This is a hard working and industrial city manufacturing machinery, electrical equipment, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and textiles. In addition this city also works in, oil refining, printing, woodworking, food and tobacco processing, and shipbuilding. This is Russia’s second biggest city and one of the World’s biggest ports, making it an ideal cruise ship destination.
The Church on Spilled Blood
The city, formerly called the capital of Russia, has seen as much drama and adventure as an action-packed movie we see nowadays on the big screen. It was the birthplace of the Great Communist revolution of the 20th century. The winter weather in St Petersburg can be brutal, just as its history, but during the summer months the average temp.is 70-80 degrees. It’s best to be on the safe side and bring a lightweight coat for any excursions in the city as it can turn cloudy and a bit chilly at the drop of a hat. Just stepping off the cruise ship you may feel like you have stepped back in time. This city has a timeless grace and dignity about it. The number one most popular sight to see is by far the Hermitage, a World-renown museum. Built in 1754 during the reign of Catherine the Great, this museum features millions of pieces of art, artifacts and masterpieces. In the famous collection are works of Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Peter the Great’s Throne Room and Raphael. Being a witness to such historically significant art is both overwhelming and exhilarating. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to visit as this is a very popular and busy place, to say the least. Another must see is Catherine the Great’s Palace. This is located in Pushkin, approximately an hour from St Petersburg by car. Much of the palace was destroyed and renovated or rebuilt after WWII. The accuracy and integrity with which it was restored is amazing. Some 57 halls in the palace required work. From everything to the Green dining room, chapel, Great Hall, and Amber room, this historically and culturally rich palace is a true sight to see and behold. If walls could talk, these palace walls would have some tall tales and keep us very entertained.
New York is the city founded on the hopes and dreams of those willing to do whatever it takes to make their dreams come true; the residents are among the most colourful and diverse in America. As a cruise ship destination it really is hard to beat – even if just for the experience of sailing in and out of the fabulous cruise port. That skyline is amazing!
New York consists of five main boroughs. First, there’s The Bronx, home of Yankee stadium. Next, Brooklyn is where you can ride the world famous Cyclone, a bone shaking wooden roller coaster! After the ride on the Cyclone hop on the subway over to Queens, better known as one of the most culturally diverse areas in New York. The Island of Manhattan is home to the popular suburbs of Harlem and Greenwich Village. Finally, Staten Island is considered one of the forgotten suburbs by its residents but shouldn’t be missed by far! Take a ride on the Staten Island ferry and experience the sights along the New York Harbor, you’ll get to witness what many immigrants considered a symbol of freedom and hope, the majestic Statue of Liberty.
Before you venture to New York, keep the weather conditions in mind. Autumn is the best time to visit because the climate is temperate and welcoming with bright days full of sunlight and comfortably warm temperatures. New York in the spring-time is also pleasant and warm. The summer season can be classified as almost tropical with hot and humid conditions and temperatures reaching highs up to 90 degrees. Rainfall is more common during the winter season because of its’ close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, however, January has the coldest temperatures of the season.
New York is huge and can be overwhelming to the first time visitor – but fear not! Savvy Guides aim to help you make the most of this most fabulous of cities – we’re almost certain that you’ll fall in love with it!
Billed as the ‘International Maritime City of Southampton’, this cruise port is a large city on the south coast of England. An increasing number of ships are using it as their start/end port for a widening variety of cruises, and with it’s great links to the rest of the UK, it’s a great opportunity to explore both the city and further afield.
Part of the City Walls in Southampton
Southampton has a maritime museum focussed on the Titanic, which set off from here for it’s ill fated maiden voyage, there are some of the best preserved medieval walls in the country, and the oldest bowling green. The shopping isn’t bad either!
The train station and bus station are within easy distance of the port, and the airport is about a 20 minute drive away.
Other places to visit within easy reach are:
Portsmouth is a little further along the coast to the east. A 50 minute train ride will take you right through the city of Portsmouth to Portsmouth Hard which is next door to the Naval Dockyard – home to Nelson’s Victory, the Victorian ship the Warrior and the Tudor ship, the Mary Rose. A ticket to the dockyard also gets you into the various museums, interactive naval experience and a boat ride around the harbour including a stop off at the outlet shopping mall, Gunwharf Quays and the Spinaker Tower – tallest building on the South coast and great views from the top.
Salisbury is a picturesque cathedral city that is just 30 minutes away by train. The cathedral dates back to the 13th century, there are many ancient buildings in the streets of the town and there is a bus tour that will take you to Stonehenge, leaving every 30 minutes in the summer.
Winchester is another cathedral City, just 15 minutes away by train. The Great Hall that displays a replica of King Arthur’s Round Table (commissioned by Henry VIII), interesting museums and a very pretty high street are all within easy walk of the station.
Bath is about 1 and a half hours away by train, as is central London.
The Isle of Wight is accessible for foot passengers via the Red Jet High Speed service, running every 20 minutes from Town Quay – the crossing takes 25 minutes and you’ll land in West Cowes – which is a short distance form Osbourne House, the favourite residence of Queen Victoria.
From the airport you can access Dublin, Edinburgh, Glasgow, the Isle of Man, Isles of Scilly, Guernsey, Jersey and Alderney – amongst other places both in the UK and Europe. (No Ratings Yet) Loading ...
Oslo is great cruise ship destination as your ship will dock a very short walk away from the main city. Scandinavia’s oldest capital is a city brimming with contrasts – a cosmopolitan capital that embraces a unique proximity to an expansive wilderness. Oslo prides itself on being a city of many faces, and this quickly becomes evident to visitors who can move from the fresh modernity of buildings like the new opera house, to wide avenues bordered with nineteenth-century neoclassical architecture, to vast, forested hills, in the space of a couple of hours. It’s a rare find that captures rugged outdoor beauty on its metropolitan doorstep.
The fjord and forests that surround Oslo have remained almost unchanged since the Vikings sailed the same waters over a thousand years ago but on reaching the capital it soon becomes evident that much has happened to shape the city over the past millennium. Oslo is a city seeping with history and many dramatic years have played their part in its formation. Its medieval roots are clearly visible in the city’s first permanent royal residence, the Akershus Castle, which has remained the pride of Oslo since it was first built, over eight hundred years ago.
Akershus Castle, Oslo
The grid like streets and Cathedral in the Old Town are evidence of a Danish influence on the city during the centuries that Norway was under the control of its Southern neighbour, while the Royal Palace still stands as it did in the nineteenth century when it was commissioned by the Swedish king, Carl Johan. In the years of World War II, Oslo was occupied by Nazi Germany and the city’s heroic struggle against occupation is detailed in The Norwegian Resistance Museum. Perhaps it is all the years of invasion, unions and dependency on neighbouring countries that have made the residents of Oslo so fiercely proud of their finally independent country. Visitors are welcomed wholeheartedly and Norwegians are usually immensely pleased by interest shown in their capital!
Oslo’s appeal lies not just in its dramatic past. Present day Oslo is best known as the location of the annual Nobel Peace Prize, awarded every December at the City Hall. Oslo also has lots to offer for art and culture seekers. The surrounding scenic beauty has offered inspiration to a variety of artists and the capital proudly showcases its best works of art in many forms. The works of Edvard Munch, best known for his world famous painting, The Scream, were left to the city and are on display both in The National Gallery and in The Edvard Munch Museum. Tourist and locals alike flock to Vigeland Park, an outdoor artistic dream of a park filled with 212 towering sculptures depicting human existence and emotion, all created by Oslo’s famous sculptor, Gustav Vigeland.
A compact city centre and impressive public transport links make it wonderfully possible for the cruise ship passenger to get to a real sense of the capital in a small space of time. With vast forests, beautiful fjords and magnificent scenery all within the city limits, Oslo has qualities that you wouldn’t expect from a capital. This city’s charm lies in its individuality and often leaves visitors (very pleasantly) surprised. (No Ratings Yet) Loading ...
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