Top 10 Embarkation Ports Worth a Look in 2024

Choosing where you start, or indeed end, your cruise can really make or break your holiday as getting it right can take away a lot of the stresses of boarding your ship, whilst getting it wrong can add extra stress, extra cost and extra time onto your holiday.
If you are sailing from a cruise port nearby, things such as plenty of parking or could public transport connections will count as will the speed that you can get from the pavement to your ship.
If you are flying to your starting port, things such as connections to the airport, things to do before or after your cruise, nearby hotels all are important as is the time it take you to get through the terminal and on to your ship.
With all of that in mind, many cruise ports around the globe are investing in new facilities and improvements to the port to make your experience even better, but which are the top 10 embarkation ports worth a look in 2024?
Our Top 10 Embarkation Ports Worth a Look in 2024
Southampton, England
The port of Southampton, on England’s south coast, has long been one of Europe’s biggest and most important passenger ports going all the way back to the days of great liners setting sail for the new world.
In more modern times, it remains a popular cruise port with many lines, including the likes of P&O and Cunard calling it home.
Over the past few years, the port has invested heavily in its infrastructure which has included the new Horizon terminal.
Home to MSC Cruises and the Norwegian Cruise Line, the terminal and surrounding is one of the most accessible in the world for those with additional mobility needs and from our own experience of the terminal, it is well designed and makes the process of boarding your ship straight forward.
Southampton has its own international airport and strong links by rail and coaches to London for those coming from farther afield.
Arrecife, Lanzarote, Canary Islands
Arrecife has invested heavily in its cruise port over the past few years, and it is now able to turnaround ships, allowing for cruisers to enjoy a holiday on the island of Lanzarote alongside their cruise holiday.
There are 2 main berths in the city, one within walking distance from the town centre and one around 4km away but both can be easily reached from resort hotels or from the airport via relatively cheap taxis or buses.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tenerife, Canary Islands
The capital of Tenerife has long been the main turnaround port in the Canary Islands, one of the world’s most popular winter sun destinations.
Thanks to an ongoing agreement with the Carnival Corporation, several of its brands now visit the port, with some using it as embarkation port.
The city also has the largest terminal in the region, is based in one of the world deepest natural harbours and it is just about a mile from the centre of Santa Cruz making it easy to get to it from city centre hotels or from the airport.
Doha, Qatar
Qatar has been perhaps slow to take to the cruising industry, but they have certainly made up for it as they have heavily invested in their own cruise port of call.
Located in the country’s capital city of Doha, really started to grow in 2016, when 96-hour visas were made available to cruise passengers but back then ships would dock at a cargo port.
Now a new terminal has been open in a nicer part of the port, with its wharf capable of hosting 2 mega ships and the Grand Terminal building hosting everything you need to make embarking or exiting your ship straight forward.
When you add in the country’s strong links to most parts of the world thanks to its international airport and you have a great starting port for those wanting to explore the Middle East.
Nassau, The Bahamas
The Bahamas has long been a favourite mini cruise destination for those setting off from the southeast of America, but it is now set to establish itself as a favourite port to start a Caribbean adventure from.
The port has recently seen an investment of around $250,000,000 which has included a new state -of-the-art terminal, with the aim of making a better experience for those embarking on a cruise.
If you want a luxurious holiday before or after your cruise, the Bahamas could be you next port of departure.
Galveston, Texas, USA
Florida is the go-to destination for those wanting to cruise to the Caribbean from the USA but if you want a change or to avoid the crowds of the Sunshine State, why not head to Galveston in Texas?
Galveston may not be as glamorous as Miami, but it does often offer cheaper hotels but best of all, the port has seen a big improvement in its facilities thanks in part to a brand new terminal built in partnership with the Royal Caribbean cruise line.
The port is close to Houston, which is one of the up and coming tourist destinations in the USA and well worth adding on a stay before your cruise.
Fort Lauderdale / Port Everglades, Florida, USA
If you are a fan of the Celebrity cruise line, a visit to Port Everglades is a great option for you, especially if you want to sail between the USA and the Caribbean.
That is because the line has recently opened an incredible new terminal at the port to host their new Edge class of ships.
Known as Terminal 25 (T25), the port has a relaxed vibe throughout, but it is not just Celebrity who sail out of the port with the Disney Cruise Line also investing in its infrastructure.
Miami, Florida, USA
Miami is the world’s biggest and busiest cruise port, and it looks set to keep that award for at least the next decade or so as it looks to wrap up several improvements over the next 12 months or so.
In partnership with lines such as Carnival, NCL, MSC and Royal Caribbean, the port has recently opened several new terminals or is in the process of building new terminals.
With some of those amongst the biggest and most advanced in the world, Miami is an exciting place to be in 2024 for cruisers.
Istanbul, Türkiye
The impressive Galataport cruise terminal opened in 2021 and became fully functional in 2022, but it remains one of the most futuristic cruise terminals in the world.
Normally, when you arrive at a terminal you get a huge building that looks something like a cross between an airport terminal and an office block but in Istanbul you are welcome by a nice promenade and modern shopping and entertainment district.
That is because much of the actual terminal is underground but arguably the best part of the new terminal is the wide range of lines and ships it has attracted to offer cruises to or from there.
Portsmouth, England
Portsmouth is all set to become the 2nd biggest cruise port on the south coast of England thanks to a major terminal redeveloped that opened in 2023 when it welcomes Saga’s Spirit of Discovery.
The modern new terminal has a public viewing area is well connected to the cities transport infrastructure and whilst not been able to attract the biggest ships in the world, it is set to be a good alternate for small-medium size cruise ships.