Cape Town has secured a spot among the top 20 most beautiful cruise ports in the world, according to new research by cruise travel cover specialists AllClear Travel Insurance.
Cape Town Cruise Terminal/Grant Durr/Unsplash
The study, which used eye-tracking technology to determine which ports capture travellers’ attention the fastest and for the longest, crowned Valletta in Malta as the most breathtaking port to sail into.
From the moment passengers arrive, Valletta’s UNESCO-listed harbour, framed by the deep blue of the Mediterranean, offers postcard-perfect views.
Global beauty spots from Argentina to Norway
Coming in second is Ushuaia in Argentina – dubbed “The End of the World” – where ships depart for Antarctica against the snow-capped Martial Mountains. Palermo, Sicily, rounds out the top three, greeting passengers with historic architecture, colourful streets, and sparkling sea views.
Cape Town’s Cruise Terminal tied for 12th place, sharing the spot with Montenegro’s Kotor, Norway’s Geiranger, and Portugal’s Funchal. Arrivals into the Mother City are treated to panoramic views of Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront, and the Atlantic Ocean.
Top 20 most beautiful cruise ports in the world:
- Valletta Cruise Port – Malta
- Port of Ushuaia – Argentina
- Port of Palermo – Italy
- Stadsgården Cruise Terminal – Sweden
- Nassau Cruise Port – Bahamas
- Aruba Cruise Terminal – Aruba
- Lisbon Cruise Port – Portugal
- Overseas Passenger Terminal – Australia
- Port Sultan Qaboos – Oman
- Ege Port – Turkey
- Port of Gruž – Croatia
- Cape Town Cruise Terminal – South Africa
- Port of Kotor – Montenegro
- Geiranger Cruise Port – Norway
- Funchal Cruise Terminal – Portugal
- Port of Québec – Canada
- Skolten Cruise Pier – Norway
- Cozumel Cruise Port – Mexico
- Port Hercules – Monaco
- Port St. Maarten – Saint Maarten
European ports dominate the rankings, with Stockholm offering a colourful, cottage-dotted approach and Lisbon’s harbour welcoming ships beneath the iconic 25 de Abril Bridge. Norway’s Geirangerfjord and Skolten Cruise Port are renowned for dramatic cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush valleys.
Outside Europe, tropical arrivals like the Bahamas and Aruba boast white-sand beaches and wildlife encounters, while Sydney’s famous harbour views and Québec City’s old-world charm also stand out.
Letitia Smith, Head of Communications at AllClear, said: “When cruising, often it’s the incredible moments you sail into a new port for the first time that really take your breath away.
“Around the world there are cruise ports and harbours that are set in some spectacular destinations, and those who love to sail around the world will understand how exciting that feeling really is.
“Cruising comes with its own set of concerns however, from missed port departures to cabin confinement due to illness. Ensuring you’ve purchased comprehensive cruise travel insurance before you set sail is really important and will help to ensure you enjoy your trip with peace of mind.”
The research underscores that for cruise travellers, the journey into port can be as memorable as the destination itself.
Source: AllClear
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