Cruisers beware: not all ports shine like golden beaches. Disappointing stops can ruin your dream voyage.
The Worst Ports of Call for Cruise Tourists—Just Stay Onboard for These Stops
After dreaming about the perfect cruise, you can find yourself shipwrecked when docking at a disappointing port. Instead of swaying palm trees and sandy white beaches, you may encounter crowded streets, honking cars, aggressive vendors, and utter chaos. What should have been a dreamy step into paradise can spiral into a traveler’s nightmare.
Staying onboard during certain ports of call is often the wisest decision. Stories of pickpocketing, wasted hours, and overcrowded attractions abound. Remember, cruise ships are floating luxury hotels—why trade comfort for a poor shore experience? Based on my research and seasoned cruisers’ advice, here are some of the worst cruise ports where staying onboard is your best bet.
Hallmarks of the Worst Ports of Call
What makes a port particularly bad? According to travelers, the most common issues include
- Overcrowding due to multiple cruise ships docking simultaneously.
- Industrial settings with unattractive views and limited tourist-friendly amenities.
- High crime rates, including petty theft and scams.
- Aggressive vendors that target cruise tourists.
- Poor infrastructure and limited attractions near the terminal.
When your port day is plagued by any of these factors, indulging in the ship’s spa, pool, or onboard activities may save your vacation.
Prince Rupert, Canada
The Verdict: Skip this stop.
Although set in beautiful surroundings, Prince Rupert’s cruise experience is often described as “boring” and “skidrowish” by cruisers. Many passengers claim it exists on itineraries simply to meet customs requirements. A frequent comment from visitors? “The best places to visit are the Safeway and Seven-Eleven.” You’re better off enjoying the ship’s amenities while docked here.
Belize City, Belize
The Verdict: Book a tour or stay onboard.
Despite its exotic-sounding name, Belize City disappoints with chaotic streets, aggressive vendors, and gang-related crime. Cruisers advise sticking to pre-arranged excursions if you choose to disembark—Belize City tours are often recommended for safety. One traveler summed it up best: “Unless you have a specific plan, it’s better to stay onboard.”
Ensenada, Mexico
The Verdict: Relax on the ship.
Locals joke that Ensenada translates to “stay on the ship.” This port is known for its rundown streets, beggars, and armed military presence. While the El Bufadora blowhole is worth visiting, many cruisers say the onboard spa or pool provides a far more enjoyable experience. Remember these Ensenada travel tips if you find yourself docked here!
Colón, Panama
The Verdict: Skip exploring solo.
Colón is an industrial city that doesn’t reflect the natural beauty of Panama. Travelers often describe it as dirty, unsafe, and lacking tourist-friendly areas. A cruise passenger once reported seeing armed locals from the ship—hardly a comforting sight. Unless you’re heading on a planned excursion, staying onboard is the safer option, especially with concerns over Colón Panama safety.
Santa Marta, Colombia
The Verdict: Book a nature tour or skip it entirely.
Santa Marta is an industrial port city often overshadowed by nearby natural attractions. Descriptions like “dirty,” “noisy,” and “unkempt” are common among visitors. While the nearby Tayrona National Natural Park is a gem, the city itself is better admired from afar.
Santos, Brazil
The Verdict: Save your energy.
Santos is more about logistics than leisure. To visit São Paulo, cruisers face long bus rides and hours stuck in traffic. Even local excursions, like trips to a shopping mall, receive poor reviews. Your time and money are better spent enjoying onboard activities.
Alexandria, Egypt
The Verdict: Prepare for chaos or stay aboard.
Despite its cultural significance, Alexandria’s cruise overwhelms visitors with chaotic traffic, crowded historic sites, and an intimidating atmosphere. Travelers often describe shore excursions as exhausting and disappointing. A seasoned cruiser advised, “It’s not worth the stress if you’re unprepared.”
Casablanca, Morocco
The Verdict: Visit via excursion or skip it.
Casablanca is often labeled as one of the most disappointing ports in the world. Instead of romance and charm, visitors encounter overcrowded streets, aggressive vendors, and underwhelming architecture. A better choice? Enjoy the ship’s offerings or book an excursion to nearby Rabat or Marrakech.
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
The Verdict: Be cautious or stay onboard.
Jeddah’s strict cultural restrictions and lack of tourist-friendly infrastructure make it a challenging port for cruisers. From dress codes to alcohol bans, the restrictions can feel unwelcoming. Many passengers choose to remain onboard, enjoying the ship’s comfort instead.
Sihanoukville, Cambodia
The Verdict: Avoid unless necessary.
Once a quaint fishing village, Sihanoukville has become a chaotic urban sprawl riddled with garbage and poor infrastructure. The visa cost and disembarkation process deter many visitors. One cruiser summed it up: “It was a relief to return to the ship.”
The Takeaway
While cruise itineraries promise exciting destinations, not every port of call lives up to expectations. Knowing when to stay onboard can save you from disappointment and frustration. Use these tips to maximize your cruise experience and focus on the joys of the journey.