Cruise Port Guides: Things to Do & Tips for Days Ashore

One of my favourite things about cruising is getting to explore different destinations along the way. From historic cities and charming coastal towns to spectacular fjords, there’s always somewhere new to discover.

Whether you’re planning your own day ashore or looking for ideas for shore excursions, my cruise port guides are packed with things to see and do, practical tips and advice from my own travels to help you make the most of your time in port.

Norway Cruise ports

image of the view looking back over the village of Geiranger nestled between snow capped mountains and at the end of the Geirangerfjord.

Geiranger

Explore the beauty of the Geirangerfjord

image of a green railway carriage which forms part of the scenic Flam railway

Flam

Experience one of the world’s most scenic railway journeys

image of a waterfall cascading through the centre of the fjord village of Hellesylt. The waterfall is surrounded by mountain landscape and greenery.

Hellesylt

Discover a charming village with a cascading waterfall

image of the view looking down on the small village of Olden, Norway from the top of Mount Hoven. The village is surrounded by mountain landscape and the fjord water.

Olden

Get up close to a glacier or enjoy spectacular fjord views.

image of white wooden building of the old town in Stavanger next to more modern buildings.

Stavanger

Explore the Lysefjord and see the famous Pulpit Rock

image of small boats docked in Haugesund with buildings on one side of the channel of water and dockside on the other.

Haugesund 

Discover Viking history, coastal scenery and more

Northern Europe Cruise Ports

image of warehouses and wharfs along the waterways of Hamburg

Hamburg

Discover a city full of art, culture and history

image of the single pylon bridge over the River Nieuwe Maas in Rotterdam

Rotterdam

Discover a modern city full of surprises

image of a Belgian Waffle on a white plate with two small bowls, one with cream and one with ice cream.

Zeebrugge

Explore fairytale cities and sample Belgium’s famous waffles

image of the view of Le Havre from a cruise ship sailing out of port. Three small boats are sailing in the foreground with Le Havre beach and city in the background

Le Havre 

Explore the Normandy coast or take a day trip to Paris.

UK & Ireland Cruise Ports

image of small fishing boats in a bay in front of a row of colourful houses

Ireland

Explore Ireland’s cruise ports and discover what to see and do

View of the deck of cards, a row of colourful houses running down a hill with The Cathedral Church of St Colman, often known as Cobh Cathedral, as a backdrop.

Cobh (for Cork)

Explore colourful Cobh and discover the best things to see and do

Australia Cruise Ports

Sydney

Discover the best of Sydney before, after or during your cruise

Asia Cruise Ports

image of a cherry blossom tree in front of part of the Sensoji temple in Tokyo. A gaint lantern hangs in the middle of the gate.

Tokyo

Explore Tokyo’s top attractions before or after your cruise