Category: Port of Call

Like Riga before, Klaipeda is a port that is not often found on Baltic itineraries. Lithuania is a relatively small country on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea, and is surrounded by  Latvia, Belarus, Poland and Russia.  The country was occupied by the Soviet Union after WWII before proclaiming its freedom and independence in…

Although there were lots of really interesting excursions for Riga a travel friend had told us that this was a walk-able city with an attractive Old Town and lots to do on your own.  He was right.  We spent our day wandering Riga and had an amazing time in this port city. It was a…

On our last Baltic Cruise in 2014 we were unable to stop at the port in Stockholm due to a storm.  We spent the day at sea instead and I spent the day dealing with my first real case of sea sickness.  It didn’t stop me from cruising and my desire to visit this Scandinavian…

Located on the banks of the River Lee on the southern tip of Ireland, Cork is its third largest city and an excellent port of call on any cruise.  Take this opportunity to travel to Tipperary, kiss the Blarney Stone or visit ancient Celtic ruins. You will probably disembark in Cobh, just a 30 minute…

In the French Riviera the options are endless, no matter where your actual port of call is. You can choose to explore the port in which you land, or to take an excursion into the countryside. You will not be disappointed with the lush scenery dotted with quaint villages and all things French. We were…

Naples, in the south of Italy, is a vibrant, gritty city that is worth your attention for a day while in port.  It is also the jumping off point for a number of other excellent destinations.  I am always thrilled when Naples turns up on an itinerary as it means my choices are endless. Since…

Rome, the Eternal City, is as exciting and engaging as you have heard and well worth the time to visit, even if it’s only for a day.  Many cruises start or end in Rome leaving open the opportunity to spend more time there, and we would recommend it if you can.  For now however, we…

Formed around the collapsed crater of a volcano, Santorini is one of the most beautiful Greek islands in the Aegean Sea.  Bright blue Mediterranean waters, whitewashed walls and azure domed roofs make this the most colourful and oft photographed of all the islands. Fira, the main city, sits atop a dramatic cliff making this a…

Cruises through the Greek Islands often stop at the main land port of Katakolon as they round the Pelopennesus peninsula. With many apologies to the locals this port does not really have much to offer but a few restaurants, a beach and handy access to a pharmacy and an ATM. The only site to see,…