The eleven most beautiful harbour entrances in the world

Factory buildings, container cranes, and oil refineries may not be aesthetically pleasing, yet they are an integral part of many harbors. This holds true even for ports of call frequented by chic cruise ships. Whether guests venture beyond their cabins, gyms, or cafes only when the gangway is lowered and the shuttle bus awaits to transport them to distant city centers, or if they eagerly anticipate the arrival at harbor entrances, where setting alarms, reserving deck seats, and clearing camera memory cards in anticipation of capturing the moment at the railing for hours on end becomes a ritual.

Some harbour entrances are also a coveted experience because the city skyline, the scenic backdrop or the top sights are simply best viewed from the deck: The Statue of Liberty, the Golden Gate Bridge and the Geirangerfjord are good examples of this. For some cruisers, these harbour entrances are the real reason for choosing a particular route.

Sydney

The Australian metropolis of Sydney, whose natural harbour Port Jackson is a real stunner. This is partly due to the hundreds of bays, beaches and waterways that give the harbour of the South Australian metropolis its unique character. And, of course, the world-famous backdrop of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House also plays a major role. And the Opera House truly captivates with its dramatic beauty, perched majestically on the eastern edge of Circular Quay (and directly opposite the Overseas Passenger Terminal). Australia's most famous building is also dramatically beautiful from an architectural point of view: It is not without reason that the structure with its billowing sail-like roof has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Geiranger

The Geirangerfjord is also part of the illustrious world heritage. Alongside the Nærøy Fjord, it is considered by many to be the most beautiful fjord in the world. It is definitely the most spectacular natural harbour in Scandinavia. No wonder. The 15-kilometre-long inlet is surrounded by steep rock formations and famous waterfalls such as the «Seven Sisters» and the «Freier» waterfall. In short, this journey through the rocky scenery to the lake-like inlet at the end is a feast for the eyes. Book your deck seats in good time!

Valletta

The harbour entrance to the Grand Harbour on Malta is probably one of the most beautiful in the world. Every cruise ship squeezes through a narrow entrance into the natural harbour and then heads straight for Valletta, the capital built on a hill. From the deck, the city quickly reveals its charm: the island's capital exudes history at every turn. The modern counterpoint to this rich heritage is the Valletta Waterfront, which was introduced 18 years ago. Almost two dozen old warehouses along the Grand Harbour have been painstakingly restored and form an attractive cluster of bars, cafés, restaurants and lounges on the waterfront promenade - whether indoors or outdoors.

Hamburg

The Hanseatic city of Hamburg offers a top location on the Elbe and Alster: vibrant activity in the St. Pauli entertainment district, unforgettable musical and theatrical performances, the iconic "Michel" or St. Michaelis Church, and the impressive harbor. This diversity appeals to everyone, particularly cruisers. The central moorings in HafenCity, with easy access to the city center past the Elbphilharmonie concert hall, further enhance the city's allure. Tip: If at all possible, you should choose a date for your cruise that includes the Hafengeburtstag in spring (2024: 9-12 May) or the biennial Hamburg Cruise Days (next date: September 2025). Hundreds of thousands of visitors and a large ship departure parade will make Hamburg not only one of the most beautiful harbours in the world, but also the liveliest.

Cape Town

The backdrop to Cape Town is truly unique: embraced by the waves of the Atlantic Ocean and presided over by the majestic Table Mountain, the metropolis commands a stunning position on one of Africa's southernmost points (while the absolute southernmost point is Cape Agulhas further to the east). The Cape Point nature reserve at the Cape of Good Hope, where steep coastlines dominate the landscape, is also intoxicating. From the deck, you can get in the mood for Cape Town on the approach. As passengers pass Robben Island, the former prison island known for its most prominent inmate, Nelson Mandela, their thoughts turn introspective. Mandela, later a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and President of South Africa, spent many years imprisoned here. But by the time you stroll along the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, where the boats dock, it's time for entertainment. Cape Town's harbour district has long since become South Africa's top entertainment district.

New York

When it comes to entertainment, the Big Apple still reigns supreme, and the moniker "The City that never sleeps" is no exaggeration. That's why it hardly matters whether you arrive in New York by day or by night - the city always dazzles.But beware: if sailing past the Statue of Liberty is a priority, opt for a route that leads to Manhattan's Cruise Terminal. This is the only way to get a close-up view of Lady Liberty from the top deck of the giant ship.Good to know: Even if you dock at the Brooklyn or Bayonne harbors instead of the Manhattan Cruise Terminal, you'll still be in for a treat. The skyline, adorned with its hundreds of skyscrapers and the Brooklyn Bridge will simply leave you speechless.

San Francisco

USA for the second time - albeit on the far west coast. The Californian metropolis of San Francisco is spectacularly situated on a headland directly on the Pacific Ocean and the entrance to San Francisco Bay. When clouds of summer fog drift through the streets from the cold Pacific in the morning, the atmosphere seems almost gloomy. But as soon as the sun unfolds its power and penetrates the clouds, the view is transformed. The skyscraper skyline, dominated by the renowned Transamerica Pyramid at its center, is undeniably stunning. And of course, sailing beneath the majestic Golden Gate Bridge is a truly aesthetic experience—an uplifting moment for all. Similarly, emotions run high as Alcatraz Island comes into view shortly thereafter. Once considered the most escape-proof prison in the world until 1963, its presence evokes a sense of intrigue and historical significance. Today, Alcatraz is a first-class tourist attraction, as are the cable car and the entertainment district at Fisherman's Wharf.

San Juan

The Caribbean is still the dream destination for cruisers. Nowhere else do so many ships cruise around the year as between Miami and Barbados. However, according to surveys and rankings, the title of the most beautiful cruise harbor in the Caribbean doesn't belong to Jamaica, the Virgin Islands, or Cuba, but to Puerto Rico. San Juan is the clear favorite. One reason is the offshore fortress of El Morro, the largest fortress in the Caribbean. It serves as a reminder of the former Spanish occupiers, who also shaped the character of the old town of Old San Juan. Docking in the harbor is also enjoyable, as at the foot of the Castillo there are numerous bars and pubs hosting salsa parties and small concerts. Indeed, Bacardi rum plays a significant role in Puerto Rico, a fact that needs no special mention.

Venice

The whole world knows «La Serenissima», the Most Serene, renowned for its magnificent palaces, iconic bridges and atmospheric squares, notably St Mark's Square. And of course the city's legendary features: the hundreds of canals, waterways and gondolas. Cruise ship guests can also admire them with delight, although no longer from the largest vessels, due to the ban implemented in 2021, leading Norwegian Cruise Lines to recently remove the Italian lagoon city from its itinerary altogether. On the other hand, rumours are circulating that the strict ban on cruise ships will be relaxed again in a few years. Only time will tell.

Hong Kong

What is certain is that the metropolis in south-east China can also be visited by very large ships. Everything is big here: speed, energy, skyscrapers, pleasure. The focus here is on the finer things: shopping in selected boutiques and/or huge shopping centres, wellness facilities with a focus on Asian massage, entertainment of all kinds, especially at night. You certainly won't get bored here. Just looking at the skyline (ideal: from the top deck of the cruise ship) will get your pulse racing, as the metropolis of millions consists of hundreds of skyscrapers. And Victoria Harbour itself is also vibrant, as it is a really lively place: historical ferries, ultra-modern catamaran fast ferries, junks, container ships and cruise liners cross everywhere.

Santorini

Is the Greek volcanic island, spanning just 76 square kilometers, with its characteristic half-crater—a remnant of the mythical kingdom of Atlantis, as is often speculated? Regardless, the landscape exudes an enigmatically beautiful aura. The whitewashed cubic houses of the small villages, perched up to 300 meters above the rugged cliffs, offer stunning views of the indigo blue waters of a partially submerged volcanic crater, known as the caldera, evoking images of Atlantis. This dramatic landscape was shaped by a massive volcanic eruption around 3600 years ago, which obliterated the entire central part of the Aegean island.

So you can imagine how exciting it must be to sail into the arched natural harbour of the most beautiful island in the Greek archipelago. And those who have experienced it firsthand—sailing in, anchoring in the caldera, transferring to tender boats—can attest: it's truly thrilling!