After dreaming about the perfect cruise, your dreams can feel shipwrecked when docking at a terrible port. Instead of swaying palm trees and sandy white beaches, you find crowded streets, cars honking horns, mobs of street vendors, and general chaos. What should have been a step into paradise has spiraled into a traveler’s nightmare.
In my experience, staying on the ship at some ports of call is the wisest move. Hearing exhausted passengers tell stories of wasted traveling hours, getting pickpocketed, or dealing with crowds of passengers means some ports are not worth the hassle. After all, cruise ships are floating luxury hotels, so why downgrade that for a terrible shore experience?
I’ll share some experiences of the worst ports on cruise itineraries so you can enjoy your vacation to the max. I’ve also scoured cruise discussion boards, forums, and blogs to learn about more ports seasoned cruisers advise avoiding.
Hallmarks of the Worst Ports of Call
The worst ports on cruise itineraries share a few common traits that can sink your vacation dreams. The most common complaints from cruisers are overcrowding, industrialized container ports, tourist scams, and petty crime. Of course, views on what makes a port good or bad can be subjective or based on isolated experiences.
Here are the most common factors why some destinations in exotic locations make the list of “worst ports of call for cruise ship tourists”:
- Lack of attractions near the cruise terminal
- Overcrowding when several cruise ships are in port
- Pushy vendors that target cruise tourists
- High crime rates
- Poor infrastructure and inadequate facilities
- Industrial atmosphere
- Restrictions to go ashore, like special visas or particular clothing
- Tendering issues
To help plan onboard activities for docking at some of the worst cruise ports, take a look at my article on reasons to stay on the ship during port days.
Worst Ports of Call on a Cruise
Unfortunately, not every port of call is a sun-soaked tropical paradise or quaint Mediterranean town. The experience of some ports leaves you feeling like you’ve sailed through rough seas in a storm.
After dropping anchor, these ports are best enjoyed in the ship’s luxurious surroundings. Imagine spending your day in the spa, lounging by the quiet pool, and enjoying delicious meals, with the only chaos being the gentle sound of waves lapping against the hull.
Prince Rupert, Canada
The Canadian port of Prince Rupert is hands down the worst port of call on Alaskan cruise itineraries. From my research, it appears that cruise ships often stop there primarily to meet customs requirements, rather than for the destination itself. Despite its beautiful surroundings, comments on Cruise Critic describe it as lackluster, “skidrowish,” outdated, boring, and lacking decent infrastructure.
The best thing to do when docked in Prince Rupert is to admire it from the ship’s deck. After all, you probably won’t have time to explore the ship’s amenities when you get to Glacier Bay, the Inside Passage, or go ashore at the Alaskan ports of Ketchikan, Sitka, or Juneau. You’ll be too busy staring in awe of the landscape.
A frequent comment about Prince Rupert is that the best places to visit are the Safeway, Seven-Eleven, and the ship’s embarkation gangway after an uneventful day.
Belize City, Belize
Belize City may sound like an exotic cruise destination on southern Caribbean cruises, but the reality is disappointing. Cruise passengers describe dirty and chaotic conditions riddled with aggressive vendors. According to warnings from the U.S. Government, gang-related crime is common in the capital.
If you feel the urge to disembark at Belize City, always book a cruise line shore excursion. One cruiser noted that the capital of Belize is a sad place. “Unless you have planned a specific excursion, it’s best to stay onboard to enjoy the ship’s amenities” is wise advice from an experienced cruise passenger.
Ensenada, Mexico
The joke about Ensenada, Mexico, is that it’s Spanish for “stay on the ship.” Don’t disembark the ship expecting to experience Mexico’s vibrant atmosphere and rich cultural heritage. Instead, you enter a poor city filled with beggars, aggressive vendors, and rundown stores. Unnervingly, some cruisers report a lot of armed military personnel on the streets.
If you feel the urge to disembark, book a shore excursion to the El Bufadora blowhole—it’s the only attraction worth seeing. But the best advice is to relax by the pool, head to the spa, or enjoy the ship’s activities.
Colón, Panama
Colón on the eastern Panama coast is not worth visiting unless you want to experience one of the worst ports in Central America. It’s a gritty, industrial city lacking tourist-friendly areas. Despite Panama being famous for tropical beaches, exotic birds, and lush landscapes, Colón doesn’t reflect this idyllic picture. It’s best viewed from the safety of the cruise ship.
Many U.S. cruise ships dock at Colón on cruises through the Panama Canal on repositioning cruises. One cruiser shared their experience, saying that the city is dirty and unsafe and not a place to wander on your own. Another reported that armed police usually surround the terminal area.
One cruiser commented that ports are generally the safest places in the world due to security. However, seeing two locals on a nearby balcony to the port with a gun and knife didn’t make him feel safe.
Santa Marta, Colombia
Santa Marta, Colombia, is described as a gateway to the Tayrona National Natural Park. So, if the port features on your cruise itinerary, the best idea is to book an excursion to the National Park. The port city is primarily an industrial hub, unlike picture-perfect landscapes and beautiful beaches of nearby Caribbean islands like Aruba, Curacao, or Bonaire.
The most frequent descriptions of Santa Maria include “dirty,” “unkempt,” “noisy,” “uninviting,” and “disappointing.” The one cruiser’s comment sums up my feelings about the city, “The city is busy with lots of traffic and noise. We ventured off the ship, only to return early, wishing we’d stayed onboard.”
Top cruise tip: The phrase “gateway” is usually a cruise line euphemism for “the best attractions are a long way from the port.”
Santos, Brazil
What images does Brazil conjure up? Coffee, samba, partying, and soccer? If so, don’t expect to see them in the port of Santos. The industrial port has nothing to see near the cruise terminal, and the journey to São Paulo is long and tiring, leaving you exhausted.
Cruisers on South American cruises say the trip to São Paulo involves a shuttle bus, another 1-hour 30-minute bus journey to the city, and spending time in traffic. Even the cruise-sponsored trip to a local mall gets poor online reviews.
The consensus is to stay on board and not waste money on shore excursions in Santos. Your money is best spent enjoying paid-for activities onboard rather than a frustrating onshore day in Brazil.
Salvador De Bahia, Brazil
The capital of the state of Bahia in Brazil, Salvador, is frequently featured on South American cruise itineraries. Despite its rich history, the port doesn’t reflect Afro-Brazilian culture. Cruisers comment about dirty streets, piling trash, and a sense of neglect. More worryingly, I read reports of aggressive behavior toward tourists in the city.
If you decide to get off the cruise ship in Salvador, make sure you book a shore excursion rather than explore the city by yourself.
Sarandë, Albania
Many cruisers in the Mediterranean rate Albanian ports, especially Sarandë, as the worst in the region. You probably didn’t book a Mediterranean cruise to see half-built apartment blocks, stray dogs, beggars, and trash littering the streets. Also, walking around the city feels unsafe, making you wish you’d never left the ship.
Going ashore in Sarandë isn’t worth the time on the tender ride ashore. So, it’s best to enjoy the stunning view of the Ionian Sea from the comfort of the lido deck or your cabin balcony. A popular cruise blogger said, “Sarandë is pretty from afar, but the small town offers nothing.”
Brest, France
According to several cruise forums, Brest in France is an underwhelming port on a Northern European cruise itinerary. It seems that problems with visiting the city start at disembarkation. Prepare to deal with irregular shuttle buses, unattractive architecture, and a lack of tourist-friendly amenities.
The common view among cruisers is that Brest isn’t how most people imagine charming French ports. If you decide to leave the ship, ensure you have a cruise excursion booked to the pretty town of Morlaix and the village of Saint-Vougay for the Château de Kerjean.
If you have the stamina, some cruise lines offer an eight-hour excursion to Concarneau and Pont-Aven. However, you may prefer to chill out onboard and enjoy the luxury of the cruise ship.
La Goulette, Tunisia
La Goulette in Tunisia may feature on Southern Mediterranean cruise itineraries. However, the port experience gets a bad rap from most cruise passengers. I read reports about aggressive, rude, and arrogant behavior—and that’s from the port officials. It seems the port area is chaotic, underdeveloped, and unsafe.
What about getting a shore excursion to Tunis? One cruiser commented that they regretted stepping foot on Tunisia in La Goulette. Comments on other cruise forums agree that La Goulette is not a place for the faint-hearted to visit.
Alexandria, Egypt
You would think Alexandria would be a cultural highlight to explore on foot. However, it seems the city is a disappointing port of call. Of course, the city has spectacular landmarks like the Great Library and the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa. But unless you book a shore excursion, the chaos in the city is overwhelming.
One cruiser said that the traffic in Alexandria was horrendous, and the city felt dirty. Also, the historic sites were crowded, and the entire day was exhausting. Unfortunately, the famous Pyramids at Giza are nearly a three-hour drive away, making them impractical to see on a port day.
A seasoned cruiser wrote about walking in Alexandria, saying that the experience was intimidating and that they “never felt safe there.”
Port Said, Egypt
Port Said in Egypt features on Suez Canal cruises, but it’s an industrial port that offers little tourist appeal. The best cruiser’s comment that sums up the Port Said experience is that it’s a “port to endure, not enjoy.”
I discovered that some cruise passengers book shore excursions to Cairo and the pyramids. However, it’s a tiring six to eight-hour journey with little time to experience ancient Egyptian history.
Agadir, Morocco
Many cruise itineraries include the industrial port of Agadir in Morocco on Southern Mediterranean cruise itineraries. But it seems that stepping off the ship will ruin your vacation. The taxis and shuttle buses run on haphazard schedules and are expensive. Also, tourists generally feel unsafe walking the streets.
The only highlight seems to be the Souk El Had d’Agadir—North Africa’s largest urban market. But is it worth visiting if you’re looking for a relaxing cruise experience? Cruisers describe it as a bustling market with over 6,000 shops. However, I read reports of unscrupulous vendors, aggressive haggling, and exploitation.
Casablanca, Morocco
Casablanca evokes romantic images of Hollywood glamour and sophistication. But for many cruisers, the reality is overcrowded streets, aggressive vendors, and a distinct lack of charm. Its architecture is more Casa-bland than beautiful Paris. And the ambiance of its fine restaurants is as smoky as Bogart’s constant smoking in the film.
When researching the worst cruise ports, I discovered many tourists rate Casablanca as the “most disappointing destination in the world.” If your cruise itinerary includes Casablanca and you’re determined to go ashore, choose a shore excursion to Rabat or Marrakech for an authentic Moroccan experience.
Watching the containers at the industrial port moving back and forth is the most exciting thing to do. At the same time, you can relax onboard in a smoke-free environment and take a refreshing dip whenever you want.
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Jeddah in Saudi Arabia is a popular cruise port on the Suez Canal cruises between the Mediterranean and the Indian Ocean. However, excessive restrictions for cruise tourists make the city feel unwelcoming.
Here is a list of the things you cannot do on a shore excursion to Jeddah:
- Drink alcohol or take drugs
- Make displays of public affection
- Wear clothing revealing knees and shoulders
- Wear tight-fitting clothing or clothes with curse words or offensive images
- Show religious jewelry, including crucifixes or the Star of David
Because of the restrictive atmosphere—Islamic Law is strictly enforced—many cruisers decide to stay onboard. And if you’re a drinker, the only alcohol you may drink is what’s stashed in your mini-bar, as all bars are closed in port.
Sihanoukville, Cambodia
Typically, ports of call in Southeast Asia cruises promise white-sand beaches and a vibrant, colorful atmosphere. Unfortunately, you’ll not find any of that during a port day in Sihanoukville. The once quaint fishing village is now a sprawling, unorganized urban development characterized by garbage, sewage issues, and plastic waste.
North of the city, you’ll find beautiful beaches, and Sihanoukville has spectacular Wats (Buddhist Temples). However, many cruisers say the visa’s cost and disembarkation are not worth the hassle. Comments on popular cruise forums mention crowded streets, rundown neighborhoods, shabby roads, and a general feeling of being unsafe. Several cruisers even said it was a relief to return to the ship.
My Thoughts
When researching the article, I discovered that cruise ship passengers list many other destinations as their worst cruise ports. However, the opinions of cruisers are highly subjective.
For example, many cruise passengers have excellent experiences booking shore excursions from industrial ports. Also, Mediterranean ports can be grimy and unappealing. However, historic sites are usually close by, offering rich cultural experiences.
Therefore, my advice is to research each port thoroughly and learn as much about your cruise as possible before departure. Many negative reviews are from travelers who didn’t plan, got off the ship, and walked around to see what they could find.
So, don’t make the mistake of failing to plan your cruise itinerary. Instead, make the most of your journey, whether you stay on deck or venture ashore.
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