Top 10 Cruise Destinations for Zero Planning Needed
Those tend to be far and few between, so the next best is a port where you dock centrally, can simply stroll from your ship and ideally can just set off wondering and take it all in without the need to do lots of planning before you get there.
It is those types of ports that I look at in this list and whilst for me, it is more remote ports in polar regions that fit the bill, there are a wide range of destination type that are covered in different regions around the globe.
Our Top 10 Cruise Destinations for Zero Planning Needed
Nanortalik, Greenland
On my trans-Atlantic crossing between Reykjavik and Boston, I was originally due to visit Qaqortoq in Greenland but shortly before departure, that was changed to Nanortalik.
That meant it was a port I hadn’t planned on going to and new nothing about it but despite that, it is such a straight forward port to explore.
You have to tender ashore; the town is on an island and there is only 1 real road there which loops around the town. That means you can basically either walk around Nanortalik clockwise or counter-clockwise and you will get to see it all.
Despite been so small, so remote and so unknown, there is actually plenty to do there including a living museum, some shops and incredible views everywhere you look.
Nanortalik is basically a fool-proof port, you arrive, learn about the history and culture of the port and then leave with fond memories.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Yes, you can head to the Spanish forts of El Morro and San Cristobal but really, there is no main attractions of the city as the city itself is the attraction, so you don’t need to plan ahead as you can just set of wondering and take in just been somewhere as colourful and friendly as San Juan.
Ketchikan, Alaska
Forget about booking shore excursions when heading to Ketchikan on an Alaskan cruise as all of the highlights of the city are just a short stroll from your cruise ship.
The likes of Creek Street, the towns historic waterfront and its popular Lumberjack show can all be seen from the top deck of your ship.
Your ship will dock on the waterfront boardwalk, with direct access to its compact downtown and with everywhere been well sign posted, you can simply walk off of your ship and set off exploring.
Bergen, Norway
I have visited Bergen twice on a cruise to date and the first time I had it all planned out, including heading up the famous Bergen funicular but the second time, I just set off towards the old harbour, enjoyed all that is on offer in the historic Bergen waterfront and then wiggled my way back to the ship.
I enjoyed both days but that just goes to highlight that you can arrive in Bergen, set off exploring and have a great day.
One of the highlights of the city is the beautiful Bryggen area and so long as you keep to the waterfront, you just cannot miss it.
Skagway, Alaska
If you are heading to Skagway, it will be the cities past life as the gateway to the Klondike Gold Rush and you don’t need to do your research before going to take in that history.
The city’s main street is almost a living museum dedicated to giving visitors the opportunity to experience life back when it was of stampeders.
For my visit there, it was the chance to see, and ride, the White Pass and Yukon Railway but what I didn’t realise until I got there was the trains come and meet you at the ship.
They run through the town and there is even a free small museum to the line including the chance to walk around an historic station that sits between the cruise ships and the main street.
No matter what you are wanting from your visit, its all within easy walking distance of your ship and with only a handful of roads, it’s easy to find your way around.
Geiranger, Norway
Geiranger is one of the world’s most spectacular cruise ports and that starts a couple of hours before arriving as you enjoy a scenic fjord cruise.
You finish by sailing past the 7 Sisters and Suitor waterfalls, turning 90 degrees and arriving at the village of Geiranger itself.
It’s almost the picture perfect fjordland village as it is right at the head of the fjord, is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and it even has a large waterfall pounding right down the middle of it.
After dropping anchor in the fjord, you walk a shore onboard a floating ‘SeaWalk’ and then you are right in the heart of the village.
With the fjord behind you, mountains down both side and a trek needed to go any further back that the visitor centre, you really cannot go wrong.
That allows you to simple enjoy been in such an incredibly picturesque place without the need for a map.
Flam, Norway
If you are heading to the Norwegian fjords, you really should try and book a visit to the village of Flam.
It’s basically a picture-perfect Norwegian fjord destination as you sail along the stunning Aurlandsfjord, before arriving at the amphitheatre like head of the fjord where the village of Flam is found.
The destination fits on a small bit of flat land, so as long as you don’t climb a mountain or head off swimming in the fjord, the chances are that you are walking around Flam and seeing what it has to offer.
The most attraction in Flam is arguably the Flamsbana railway and whilst you can book it as an excursion, there is absolutely no need as the station is right next to the cruise dock and to my surprise, there was even a small museum dedicated to it that was both free and fascinating.
Santorini, Greece
Santorini is one of the Eastern Mediterranean most iconic cruise destination and its also one of its most unique as no ships can actually dock there.
Everybody onboard is heading to the cliff top city of Thira, so that means you need to tender and then get to the top of the cliff to where the beautiful white building of Thira is found.
You need to decide whether to take a donkey (I would highly recommend against that), walk up the step or jump on the cable car.
Aside from the fittest of cruisers, that’s no decision, so you will join the queue for the cable car and that’s about it when it comes to decision making needed when visiting Santorini.
Its streets are narrow, you have limited places to go, and you can always see your ship, so when visiting Santorini, don’t worry about it and just enjoy been there.
Hammerfest, Norway
Located in the Arctic Circle, the small village of Hammerfest gives you everything you want from a remote Norwegian outpost and that is the chance to explore its rugged surrounds, understand what life is like for those that call Hammerfest home at the Polar Bear Society Museum and you just get that feeling of been somewhere special.
It’s a unique place that if you like getting away from the noise, lights and stresses of modern life, its simply a must visit and that is relatively easy during the summer months as a range of ships head to the top of Norway to take in the 24 hours of sunlight- another great experience you should try at least once.
St Johns, Canada
A visit to St John’s is like arriving in a small Cornish fishing village but with the friendliness that is only offered by Canadians.
Cruise ships dock in the heart of the downtown area making it easy to walk around its colourful houses, visits its numerous shops and enjoy some local cuisine.
Famed for its ‘Jellybean Row’ of houses, sea food restaurants, pubs, museums. Independent shops and murals, everything you want to see and do in the town can be easily done just a short stroll from the ship.
The final highlight is the fort and attractions atop Signal Hill and whilst there is a great hike along the waterfront and up to the top of the hill, something I would highly recommend undertaking, if you have mobility issue or just don’t want to go off exploring, your ship sail right past the fortress during both your arrival and departure.
