10 Best and Worst Cruise Ports in 2025

Cruise travel is evolving faster than ever, and not all ports are keeping up.

You probably know that the number of cruise ship passengers is steadily increasing, and with new technologies and sustainability pressures, some destinations are rising to the challenge while others risk falling behind.

When booking a cruise, knowing which ports deliver the best experiences (and which ones you might want to avoid) can make all the difference.

Below, we’ll look at five standout cruise ports that promise rich culture and top-notch infrastructure in 2025, followed by five that could prove disappointing due to congestion, distance from key attractions, security issues or regulatory hurdles.

5 Best Cruise Ports in 2025

1. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona continues to be one of Europe’s most popular and well-connected cruise hubs.

Recent expansions and environmental initiatives by the Port of Barcelona (such as shore power projects and emission-reduction measures) are likely to keep it on the cutting edge of sustainability.

The city’s vibrant culture, iconic architecture (Sagrada Família, Park Güell), and world-class dining scene remain major draws.

In addition, Barcelona has some ongoing infrastructure upgrades to handle larger ships and to mitigate congestion in the city center in a continue effort to balance tourism with local quality of life, possibly improving the visitor experience.

2. Vancouver, Canada

Vancouver, Canada, is the perfect gateway to the Alaskan cruise market. I should also point out that, possibly because of the breathtaking scenery, Alaska continues to be among the favorite itineraries of many cruisers.

Anyway, the Port of Vancouver has shown leadership in clean energy and sustainability, including shore power for cruise ships.

The city also gives easy accessibility to major attractions like Stanley Park, Whistler, and the Canadian Rockies.

The port is also working on further enhancements to reduce wait times by improving terminal facilities.

3. Singapore

Some of you might already know Singapore for its ultra-modern cruise terminals (Marina Bay Cruise Centre, Singapore Cruise Centre).

The city also has an excellent infrastructure and a very high level of passenger satisfaction.

Obviously, its location is very strategic, with easy access to diverse itineraries across Southeast Asia.

Although these itineraries weren’t very popular until a few years ago, they’re becoming increasingly popular among passengers who want to see something “completely new.” Personally, I’ve never been on a cruise in Asia, but I’m thinking about it.

4. Sydney, Australia

If you have taken a cruise to Australia, you have probably witnessed the iconic sail-away views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

In 2025, there will be strong demand for both domestic and international cruises, often positioning Sydney as a marquee destination.

Work is also planned to improve port infrastructure to address congestion at Circular Quay and White Bay.

5. Miami, USA

Often called the “Cruise Capital of the World,” Miami continues to benefit from massive investments in cruise terminals from major lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian and in recent years, also from MSC.

Miami’s fortune lies in its proximity to the Caribbean, still the world’s most popular cruising region, which makes it an eternal favorite.

Also, consider that Miami is the largest passenger port in the world, featuring modern terminals designed to handle the newest mega-ships.

5 Worst Cruise Ports in 2025

Before we continue, just let me say that labeling these “worst” can be subjective and may depend on factors like overcrowding and infrastructural shortcomings.

These cruise ports might face some challenges in 2025 if certain issues aren’t addressed, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that your experience in the port will be negative.

1. Venice, Italy

Venice is beautiful, and it’s definitely a city you should visit at least once in your life. However, there are still debates and restrictions on large cruise ships entering the Venice Lagoon.

From time to time, there might be tension between residents and environmental groups over overtourism and lagoon damage.

If bans or strict limits on large ships intensify, Venice may remain off many itineraries or require distant embarkation points.

2. 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.

3. Laem Chabang (Bangkok), Thailand

Laem Chabang is among the cruise ports that are very distant from the cruise center. This one, in particular, is about 80 miles (90 minutes or more) from downtown Bangkok, making day trips less convenient.

From what I’ve heard, limited passenger facilities and public transport options have frustrated cruisers. In addition, the rapid growth in cruise arrivals may outpace port improvements, leading to crowded or chaotic conditions if not well managed.

4. Falmouth, Jamaica

Jamaica is a well-known stop on many Western Caribbean itineraries, with Ocho Rios, Falmouth, and Montego Bay being the most common ports of call.

While plenty of cruisers enjoy Jamaica’s vibrant culture, each port has certain drawbacks that can create mixed reviews.

Falmouth, in particular, creates a very “touristy” environment just around the port, but it’s quite far from everything else.

If you go there, my recommendation is to book a guided tour or excursion, which can offer an organized, often safer way to see local attractions. In addition, watch out for these common scams targeting cruise passengers.

5. St. Petersburg, Russia

Traditionally, St. Petersburg was a jewel on Baltic cruise itineraries for its rich cultural heritage.

However, ongoing geopolitical tensions and potential visa/travel restrictions could deter lines from calling here.

Many Western cruise lines have suspended calls to Russian ports in recent years; this may continue or even escalate in 2025, severely impacting the port’s once-thriving cruise industry.