Sometimes a cruise vacation doesn’t go exactly as expected, especially when it comes to ports of call.
The places we visit on a cruise don’t always stay in our hearts, and sometimes you may call at ports that don’t live up to expectations.
It has happened to me several times and continues to happen as I explore new itineraries.
But what are the worst ports for cruise ship passengers? I have created a ranking of the 10 worst in the world according to real cruisers’ reviews.
Freeport (Bahamas)
Freeport in the Bahamas shows up in Caribbean itineraries quite often, but many cruise passengers feel it lacks the experience they were expecting
The port area is heavily industrial, so the first impression isn’t exactly the tropical paradise you’d expect.
When you arrive there, you’ll notice that refineries, warehouses, and cargo activity dominate the view, which can be surprising for first-timers.
Another common complaint is the lack of activities right near the port.
Visitors usually need a taxi or an excursion to reach beaches or attractions, and those can feel overpriced for what you get.
While there are nice spots around the island, the overall experience doesn’t match the typical Bahamian vibe most cruisers imagine.
For these reasons, many travelers end up treating Freeport as a “stay on the ship” kind of stop.
Samaná (Dominican Republic)
Samaná is a small port town in the Dominican Republic. It offers stunning natural beauty with opportunities for whale watching and for a visit to the beautiful Cayo Levantado.
However, the port faces several significant problems that need to be addressed.
First, it’s a bit too underdeveloped for cruise passengers. Disembarkation often requires tenders, which can be really time-consuming, especially when there are multiple ships.
Moreover, the road infrastructure is poor, so traveling to popular attractions is less comfortable than most cruisers expect.
Samaná also has fewer amenities and services than cruise passengers typically expect in more developed ports.
The area may be appealing to adventure seekers but might disappoint those looking for a typical tourist-oriented atmosphere.
Prince Rupert (Canada)
Prince Rupert (in British Columbia) is quite a famous port for cruises in Alaska. It’s mainly known for its rich First Nations culture and wildlife, but it faces significant challenges related to its climate and location.
One of the most frequent complaints in reviews is the frequent rainfall, which can affect outdoor plans, such as hiking and wildlife watching, which are usually major attractions.
Moreover, while it offers unique experiences like the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Sanctuary and the Museum of Northern British Columbia, there’s a lack of typical tourist infrastructure, facilities, and amenities.
The local economy isn’t very reliant on tourism, which is why there are fewer experiences for cruise passengers.
Sihanoukville (Cambodia)
Sihanoukville in Cambodia was a laid-back beach destination, but it has undergone rapid industrialization and development, which has led to significant environmental and social changes.
Nowadays, the influx of casinos and large-scale construction projects has transformed the landscape and actually diminished its beachfront appeal.
Cruise passengers don’t like the pollution and overcrowding on beaches, the aggressive commercial tactics from local vendors, and the general chaos that comes from ongoing construction.
In short, it was a very disappointing port of call for those who wanted to relax and enjoy nature.
Ocho Rios (Jamaica)
Ocho Rios in Jamaica is known for its beautiful waterfalls and resorts. However, the area has different problems.
First, there is a high number of persistent vendors and a high concentration of tourist-focused businesses.
They definitely ruin the idea of an authentic Jamaican experience.
Moreover, in many reviews, cruise passengers expressed safety concerns, in particular theft and even more serious crimes in less tourist-friendly areas.
According to some reviews, it’s one of the worst cruise ports if you’re looking for a genuine experience and a connection with the true local life.
Santa Marta (Colombia)
Santa Marta in Colombia has a rich history and culture and is surrounded by beautiful landscapes, including the Sierra Nevada mountains and panoramic beaches.
However, it has a big problem with safety, especially petty crime.
Various tourists reported incidents such as pickpocketing and petty crime after they got off the ship.
In addition, there’s also a problem with cleanliness and public infrastructure maintenance that can negatively impact the city’s historical and cultural appeal.
Many people noted the disparity between tourist areas and the city’s poorer neighborhoods.
To sum up, despite its potential as a cultural and natural destination, these challenges can significantly impact the overall experience.
If you’re going there, manage your expectations and prepare accordingly.
Santos (Brazil)
Santos is definitely not a small port town. It has grown over the years and is also very close to São Paulo, which is the most populous city in Brazil.
As you might expect, the port itself is heavily industrialized, not designed for leisurely strolls or to provide easy access to attractions.
Many passengers found it too confusing, and the shuttle system was a bit too difficult to understand.
Moreover, the immediate area around the port lacks tourist-friendly amenities. Different cruise experts recommend going to São Paulo, which, however, is about 52 miles (80km) away.
Santorini (Greece)
I know you would not have expected Santorini on this list of the worst cruise ports.
I want to clarify right away that this Greek island is beautiful, and I have personally been there several times.
So why is it on this list? Because it’s among the ports of call that are often canceled due to weather conditions.
Unfortunately, very strong winds often blow in Santorini, and cruise ships use tenders to reach the shore.
Because of the wind, tender operations are often complicated, and cruise lines cancel the stop (without a refund of course).
Le Havre (France)
Another port in Europe that is not considered among the best is definitely Le Havre in France.
It’s often described by visitors as a city with an uninspiring center, with just a few things to do and see. Plus, on Sundays, most local shops and attractions are completely closed.
Some cruise passengers decide to go directly to Paris, but the problem is that it’ll take 2.40 hours by car or about 3 hours by bus to reach it.
A significant distance, especially for cruise ships that stop in a port for just a few hours.
Belize City (Belize)
Belize City is a destination that you can sometimes find in Caribbean itineraries.
This city doesn’t offer the most welcoming experience for cruise passengers.
The tender ride from ship to shore is long, and upon arrival, visitors often meet a huge group of aggressive vendors.
There are some historical sites and activities worth visiting; however, the city itself can sometimes feel unsafe due to high crime rates, often related to petty crimes like pickpocketing.
As we saw with many cities in this list, the “tourist areas” sharply contrast with the less developed parts of the cities, which might not meet visitors’ expectations of a tropical paradise.
Salvador De Bahia (Brazil)
Salvador De Bahia in Brazil is quite famous for its history and culture, and it’s a pity that it’s considered one of the worst cities for cruise passengers.
The negative reviews usually mention theurban deterioration and some safety issues.
According to some of them, the city’s historic charm is often overshadowed by thevisible neglect and graffiti that stain many of its once beautiful facades.
Cruise ship tourists must also be cautious because theft is quite common, especially in crowded tourist locations.
Before going on a cruise, it’s always a good idea to check the list of the most dangerous ports. That way, you’ll know to be extra careful or avoid getting off the ship alone.
Nassau (Bahamas)
Nassau receives an extremely high volume of cruise tourists for its size, and this can cause congestion, especially during peak months.
In addition, different passengers have raised concerns about cleanliness, infrastructure strain, and tourist safety in certain areas.
If you’ve been there, you’ve also probably noticed that the port’s immediate surroundings can feel overly commercialized and crowded.
In addition, pay attention to the new scams that target cruise ship passengers.
Falmouth (Jamaica)
While some people enjoy Jamaica’s vibrant culture, the port of Falmouth definitely has problems that cannot be ignored.
Consider that the area just around the port is very touristy and somehow safe.
However, once you step beyond that, remember you’re still in a country that’s under a U.S. Level 3 “Reconsider travel” advisory for crime, so you need street smarts or a ship-run excursion.
In this kind of port, it is always best to avoid DIY. Book an excursion with experienced guides. You can still save money on other things; just look at the 20 secrets to save money on a cruise.
Also Read
- 10 Totally Walkable Cruise Ports That Don’t Need an Excursion
- 10 Best and Worst Cruise Ports of 2025
- 10 Worst Cruise Ships of 2025
