Destination immersion has become a common desire for cruise guests, but this can be hard to accomplish during short cruises and port calls that only last for a few hours. Therefore, more cruise lines are looking to extend the amount of time they spend in each destination to provide guests with a complete and immersive experience. One example is luxury small-ship operator Seabourn.
According to Crystal Morgan, senior director of deployment and itinerary planning at Seabourn, late or overnight calls at ports help guests to engage with other cultures and give them the flexibility to explore cities for longer periods.
“We prioritise ports where the pier or tender is close to the main destination, city or sites, enabling guests to come and go with ease throughout the day and evening,” says Morgan. “We also seek ports where the shoreside experience can be enhanced with organised shore excursions, including longer full-day tours or unique evening events.”
Some of the destinations that Seabourn includes on its itineraries to provide this guest experience include Quebec City in Quebec, Canada; Juneau, Alaska; Dubrovnik, Croatia; St. Tropez, France; and the Greek island of Santorini. In addition, Seabourn has organised successful overnight calls at ports such as Sydney, Australia; Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Bora Bora, French Polynesia; Malta; and Hong Kong.
“For overnight calls, we focus on destinations that offer enough unique experiences for guests to enjoy over multiple days, typically larger destinations or cities,” says Morgan. “Additionally, on specific voyages like our Grand or World voyages, we include overnight calls to destinations like Cape Town in South Africa to incorporate special evening events.”
There are various other ports around the world that offer similarly immersive experiences for cruise ships wanting to offer guests extended stays. In the following pages, we showcase some of these ports and highlight how their services, location and partnerships with local businesses and tour providers help them to deliver efficient and enjoyable experiences for guests.
Le Havre, France
The port of Le Havre in the Normandy region of France offers great flexibility for homeporting, turnarounds and late or overnight port calls. The deep-water port is accessible 24/7, has three berths available for hosting vessels of all sizes, and provides additional services including LNG refuelling and passenger control.
Le Havre is a Unesco World Heritage Site, and visitors can enjoy excursions to Honfleur, the D-Day Beaches and Mont Saint-Michel. Those who are staying longer or looking for a pre- or post-cruise experience can also benefit from an extensive hotel network and quick access to Paris by car or rail.
Valletta Cruise Port, Malta
Malta is positioned at the crossroads of the Mediterranean, which has not only shaped its rich heritage but also created a prime destination for visiting cruise ships. Valletta offers history, culture, entertainment, cuisine and picturesque coasts within close proximity of the cruise port and has developed a mature tourism industry that is well-attuned to the shifting trends in visitor expectations.
The country is also well-located for turnaround itineraries and pre- or post-cruise stays because it is situated less than one hour from Italy by plane, and visitors can fly to most European cities in under three hours.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is in the heart of Asia, and this prime location has established it as an ideal homeport and turnaround port for various cruise lines – from niche luxury operators to family-friendly brands. The region has a reputation as an energetic metropolis and entertains visitors with an array of attractions and events.
From Hong Kong, visitors can sail north to the coastal cities of mainland China, Japan and South Korea, or to the south and east to visit Vietnam, Philippines and other destinations.
Marina Bay Cruise Centre, Singapore
Featuring a dedicated two-berth cruise facility and a spacious terminal, Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore (MBCCS) is suitable for hosting late and overnight calls. It is also an ideal turnaround port and a well-positioned destination for ships making day calls en route to other ports in the region.
Visiting guests can explore nearby attractions including Marina Bay Sands, Clarke Quay and Lau Pa Sat, while those looking for a post-cruise holiday can store their baggage in the terminal or have it delivered to any hotel. In addition, disembarking guests can check in for same-day flights at MBCCS and have their baggage delivered to their flight.
Port Miami, USA
PortMiami in Florida, also known as the ‘Cruise Capital of the World’, is one of the world’s largest and busiest cruise ports. It has nine modern terminals and is a key hub for sailing to The Bahamas, Mexico and the Caribbean, making it the departure port of choice for major cruise lines.
The port is located minutes from Miami Beach and Downtown Miami, which allows guests to explore the area whilst remaining within the vicinity of the port and their ship. In addition, the port is well served by easy access to the interstate system and its proximity to Miami International Airport.
Port Milwaukee, USA
Port Milwaukee in the state of Wisconsin has two dedicated cruise ship docks and a third scheduled for construction in 2025. The port maintains secure and restricted facilities while ships are at berth, and partners with security providers that specialise in the cruise sector. This ensures passengers and crew members have secure access 24/7, with staff on hand around the clock. Dockside facilities include baggage screening, transportation transfers and ship services, such as fuelling by truck, potable water hookups and sewage removal.
Milwaukee offers a range of shore excursions for visiting guests, including the Harley-Davidson Museum, Pabst Mansion and Milwaukee Public Market.
Port of San Diego, USA
With adventure as close and as far as the eye can see, guests staying late or overnight at the Port of San Diego can experience a city transformed.
By day, cruise guests can stroll along the Embarcadero, enjoy boutique shopping, dine in Seaport Village and explore the world-famous San Diego Zoo. By night, they can attend sunset concerts at the Rady Shell or experience the vibrant nightlife in the historic Gaslamp District.
Port of Seattle, USA
Seattle’s most popular sights are within walking distance of the cruise terminals, but guests can also access nearby neighbourhoods and smaller towns across the bay by ferry. Highlights of Bellevue on the east side include shops and wineries, while Southside Seattle provides the best access to Mount Rainier National Park. In addition, Visit Seattle, Visit Bellevue and Visit Seattle Southside all provide options and discounts for cruise guests looking for an experience.
Seattle’s crauise terminals are located 15 miles from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and the port provides a complimentary luggage transfer service for guests, allowing them to spend luggage-free hours in the city.
Port Tampa Bay, USA
Cruise guests visiting Port Tampa Bay can take advantage of the attractions, dining and shopping experiences that are steps away from the cruise terminals, with nearby highlights including Florida Aquarium, Sparkman Wharf and the historic Ybor City.
Port Tampa Bay recently released The Port Tampa Bay Cruise App to help guests make the most of their time in Tampa Bay before and after their cruise. The app directs guests to points of interest in the area and allows them to set a timer based on how long they wish to explore, so they can map out a personalised route.
Port of Toronto, Canada
Located on the shores of Lake Ontario, just three miles from Toronto’s downtown area, the Port of Toronto Cruise Ship Terminal is an ideal gateway for cruising the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River. It is a key turnaround port, with convenient air and rail connections, providing visitors with a seamless travel experience and a starting point to explore the city and beyond.
Toronto is also a dynamic urban destination and offers easy access to world-class shopping, dining and museums, as well as attractions like the CN Tower, St. Lawrence Market, and the city’s beaches and waterfront parks.
British Virgin Islands
With 60 islands, cays and islets, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) are a destination for smaller cruise lines seeking an authentic and immersive experience. The unique geography allows for seamless island-hopping itineraries, with well-equipped ports ensuring a welcoming arrival. Guests can explore Road Town on Tortola, the dramatic granite boulders on Virgin Gorda, and the serene landscapes of Jost Van Dyke and Anegada.
Extended stays and overnight visits allow guests to connect more deeply to the culture through curated shore excursions, sunset beachside dining, and private island experiences. BVI’s commitment to destination immersion is rooted in preserving the natural environment and creating authentic encounters.
San Juan Cruise Port, Puerto Rico
San Juan is an ideal cruise port for late stays and overnight calls, offering rich history, architecture and nightlife. Guests visiting the city by night can visit bars, restaurants and live music venues. Popular spots like La Factoría and El Batey offer immersive cultural experiences with local cocktails, traditional Puerto Rican food and a lively atmosphere.
There are also options for unique evening excursions. For example, guests can join kayak tours in the nearby town of Fajardo to see bioluminescent waters.
San Juan offers more than a port, it offers guests an experience that they can fully explore.
Discover more insights like this in the Spring/Summer 2025 issue of Cruise & Ferry Review. Don’t miss out – subscribe for FREE and get the next issue delivered straight to your inbox.