Popular European Ports

Choosing the right destination in Europe is a hard decision. From picturesque seaside towns, colorful coastal villages, bustling city capitals, and beautiful islands, Europe has a little bit of everything to suit any travelers fancy. If you are planning a cruise around this gorgeous region of the world, you will be satisfied and have more options, as there are dozens of great cruise ports around Europe.

Whether you are looking to indulge in rich European history, discover unspoiled nature and beaches, dine in local restaurants and cafes, or simply admire the beautiful atmosphere and scenic backdrop, European cruise port cities are full of experiences and sights you can only see to believe. From the northern coast of Scandinavia to the southern Italian islands, here are 7 of Europe’s most popular cruise ports.

Bergen, Norway, dates all the way back to the 11th century and is by far one of the most popular cruise ports in Europe. It’s the biggest cruise port in the country and is known to be the gateway to the Fjords. The city is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the influence and lifestyle of the city hold a lot of historical authenticity and tradition. The waterfront area welcomes more than 1.5 million guests a year, and is dotted with cafes, galleries, salons, restaurants, and warehouses. The downtown area of Vagen harbor is a quick walk from the terminal, and there are complimentary shuttle buses for convenient transportation.

The popular cruise port of Southampton, England, sits just 80 miles away from exciting London in Hampshire. It was the departure port for the infamous Titanic back in 1912, and now handles 500 ship calls each year. It has five different terminals, and it is the most attractive terminal for those who are traveling to and from the United Kingdom. It’s public-friendly and easy for visitors to navigate on foot. You can get to the city center rather conveniently on foot, or by taxi if you have heavy luggage, and there are plenty of things to see, such as the Old Town and a wide variety of shopping.

One of the most popular cruise ports in Europe, La Spezia, Italy, overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea and is one of the most popular cruise ports in Europe. It’s close to Genoa, Florence, and Cinque Terre and a popular starting port for excursions. It’s one of the busiest ports in the country, staying active all year round. The ships dock at Molo Garibaldi, a short 3 km away from the downtown area.

The fabulous and beautiful cruise port of Santorini, Greece, sits in the Aegean Sea. It was initially created by a volcanic eruption back in 1650 BC and is now one of the most popular cruise ports in Europe, welcoming more than 85,000 guests a year. While it is one of the most crowded cruise ports in the region, it boasts plenty of waterfront cafes, souvenir shops, and boat tour options. While most cruise lines dock on the western side in Thira, there are a few that dock on the Old Port side in Fira, just a quick walk or cable car ride away.

The most visited city in Europe is also home to one of the most popular cruise ports; Barcelona, Spain. Known for its gothic architecture and stunning coastline, Barcelona has plenty of things for cruisers to see and do while docked at port. The city is easily explored on foot and has easy and convenient public transportation for quicker adventures across the city. This cruise hub serves ships docking and departing very regularly all year round. Whether you want to indulge in Spanish cuisine, adore the architecture, or shop till you drop on Las Ramblas, the heart of Barcelona is just a cruise dock away.

The cruise port of Lisbon, Portugal, is one of Europe’s most popular cruise ports and is surrounded by the cultural and historical city center. It strives to promote sustainability and excellent hospitality for all passengers. The port is located 2 miles from downtown and is a quick 20-minute commute away. Lisbon is one of the grandest destinations in Europe, boasting a rich history, a vibrant atmosphere, and plenty of things for guests to see and do. Just opposite the terminal is the exciting Alfama District, loaded with shops and restaurants.

The cruise port of Marseille, France, is one of Europe’s most popular cruise ports and provides easy access to the French Riviera. It consists of 2 different port terminals, Joliette for smaller ships and MPCT for larger vessels, and offers shuttle transportation for all cruise passengers. Marseille boasts luxurious architecture and delicious French cuisine and has a large variety of shore excursions and attractions to choose front. Dine on the waterfront by candlelight, do some upscale shopping, or hike up to Marseille Cathedral for a jaw-dropping view of the port itself.

While there are dozens of cruise ports in Europe to choose from, you are sure to be satisfied with the options on this list, as they are designed with cruisers and tourists in mind. We hope you have enjoyed this guide to the most popular cruise ports in Europe and that it has been helpful for planning your next dream getaway at sea.