Bulgaria Cruise Ports
Bulgaria has developed into a popular getaway for those looking to relax and soak up the sun whilst it’s capital city of Sofia has long been a popular city break but the country has started to develop as a cruise destination and that is something that we can only see continuing.
Located in southeast Europe, Bulgaria’s main cruise ports of call lie on the Black Sea and offer the opportunity to cruise through the Bosporus straight past the iconic landmarks of Istanbul and around the Greek Islands or you can visit the many historic ports of call in the Black Sea region.
In a for far too long overlooked region by the major cruise lines, the last decade has seen many of the biggest cruise lines in the world offer itineraries that visit ports across the coastline of Bulgaria, many of which either have lots to offer in your chosen port or that are based near to important historic sites of interest- or of course, there is always the option to enjoy the great weather in this region and simply head to the nearest beach when on shore.
Cruises To Bulgaria
Cruise Holidays To Bulgaria
If you are wanting to visit the wonderful country of Bulgaria on a cruise, the great news is that it is getting easier and easier to do just that and the options are continuing to increase.
For far too long, the countries cruising industry has built around local cruise lines or just luxury lines but now many more options are available including calling to the country on some of the biggest cruise lines in the world.
Whilst it is possible to visit Bulgaria on a cruise from the United Kingdom, NoFly cruises are incredibly infrequent, will require around a month on holiday and come with a huge cost that prohibits the majority of us, so when it comes to visiting Bulgaria, holidaymakers will need to start their holiday at the airport.
With no cruises starting in the country, there are a number of great port cities located in the region that not only offer an easy to reach city to start your cruise but that also offer a great destination to add on a few days holiday before or after your chosen cruise.
Amongst the most popular starting ports are Istanbul (Turkey) and Piraeus (Athens, Greece).
Bulgaria Cruise Guide
If you are currently researching Bulgaria as a cruise destination and are trying to decide if the country is worth your visiting or which port of call is the right one for you and your family, our port guides bring you all of the information that you need to make an informed decision.
If you have already booked a cruise that visits the country as part of its itinerary, our guides bring you all of the information that you need to make the most of your time on shore and to help make sure that your time in Bulgaria is memorable.
Popular Ports
Bulgaria has a number of cruise ports of call along its Black Sea coast, some of which are only visited infrequently and mostly serve ferry’s and or commercial shipping but some ports including the likes of Varna and Nessebar welcome the biggest cruise ships to operate in the region.
Nessebar is a town is the province of Burgas that offers a great day on shore exploring the cobbled streets of its old town that feature many ruins from Byzantine-era fortifications and baths whilst those who want to simply relax can head to its popular sandy beach.
Varna is a large city on the Black Sea that was once a major part of the Roman empire in the region with lots of historic sites of interest still available to visit including the towns Roman baths.
The Black Sea city of Burgas is known for its many historic buildings, a stunning church and a number of museums and visitor attractions for those who do not want to spend a day onshore walking its beautiful promenade and spending time on its sandy beaches.
Popular Cruise Lines
As a developing cruise destination, the majority of cruise liens that visit Bulgaria are either local lines or more luxurious lines with smaller ships.
Amongst those lines offering trips are Azamara Cruises, Silversea Cruises and Oceania Cruises but there are a few itineraries offered by the most popular brands including the likes of Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL).
Bulgaria
Location: Southeast Europe / Black Sea
Capital City: Sofia
Currency: Lev
Language: Bulgarian
Demonym(s): Bulgarian
Top Ports: Burgas, Varna, Nessebar
The Republic of Bulgaria is located on the eastern flank of the Balkans, close to Turkey, on the Black Sea, so it is no surprise that many of the most popular attractions for visitors to the region come from its history at the crossroads where east meets west.
That has seen a number of empires settle in the country including the ancient Thracians, the Persians, the Celts, the Macedonians, the Roman Empire, the Ottoman Empire, and the Byzantines – all of whom have left their impact on the country with many ruins and sites of interest available in the coastal port of call available on a cruise holiday to Bulgaria.
Bulgaria borders Romania on its north, both Serbia and North Macedonia to its west, Greece, and Turkey to the south but its is the east of the country where its cruise sports are all located on the Black sea.
The countries largest city is its capital city of Sofia whilst other major urban areas include Plovdiv, Varna and Burgas- which is the largest city to welcome cruise ships.
Best Time To Visit
With the majority of the countries attractions found outside and many simply heading to the beach when on shire, the summer is the best time to visit Bulgaria on a cruise and it is during the summer months when the majority of cruises are offered.
Cruises From UK
If you want to sail direct to Bulgaria from the UK, it is incredibly difficult as there are hardly any lines that offers a route from the UK to the country.
Cruises From Southampton
If an itinerary does appear, the chances are that it will be from the UK’s leading cruise port of Southampton..
Here at CruiseHols.co.uk we bring you all of the information you will ever need to choose the right cruise destination for you and your family.
Our destination guides include everything from ports to attractions and excursion to the positives and negatives of the destination.
