Visiting the world’s busiest cruise ship ports
<p>It’s the fastest growing travel sector in the world. Millions take a cruise each year – so where are they cruising from?</p>
<p><strong>1. Miami/Fort Lauderdale/Orlando, USA</strong></p>
<p>The three busiest cruise ports in the world are in the US state of Florida, welcoming more than 13 million passengers each year. Ships sailing from here head for the Caribbean, the most popular cruise destination in the world, with some of the islands just a few hundred kilometres from the mainland. Before or after a cruise, check out the art deco architecture of Miami, the waterways of the Everglades or the magic of Disney World.</p>
<p><strong>2. Nassau, Bahamas</strong></p>
<p>The capital of the Bahamas is the first port of call (all puns intended) for ships sailing through the Caribbean. Get ready for a good time – Nassau is known for its duty free shopping, lively bars and opulent casinos. The Bahamas is such a popular cruise destination that many cruise lines, like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line and Holland America, have even bought their own private islands exclusively for their passengers to use.</p>
<p><strong>3. Cozumel, Mexico</strong></p>
<p>As many as eight cruise ships a day can pull up at this island port just off the coast of Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula. Despite these huge numbers, two thirds of the island remains completely undeveloped and is filled with pristine jungle and white sand beaches. Jacques Cousteau called Cozumel one of the most beautiful areas in the world for scuba diving, so it’s no wonder it’s one of the most popular activities here.</p>
<p><strong>4. Barcelona, Spain</strong></p>
<p>The busiest cruise port in Europe, Barcelona is rapidly expanding with construction underway for a second terminal that will bring the port’s capacity to 4.5 million passengers a year. It’s a beautiful, vibrant city with incredible architecture (don’t miss the Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s famed cathedral), fantastic food and great shopping along the famed Las Ramblas strip that sits almost directly opposite the terminal.</p>
<p><strong>5. Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy</strong></p>
<p>The port of Civitavecchia is around two hours from Rome itself, but that’s no excuse to skip a visit to the Eternal City. The Colosseum, the ancient Forum, St Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel – the list of sights in Rome is virtually endless. It’s one of the main cruise hubs for cruises around the central Mediterranean with cruises from here visiting Sardinia, Sicily, Malta and Tunisia.</p>
<p>Have you been to any of these incredible cruise ports? If so, how did you find the experience? Share your story in the comments below.</p>
<p><strong>Related links:</strong></p>
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