9 Cruise Ports That Just Aren't Worth Getting Off the Ship For

The glitz and glamor of cruising can quickly fade when you find yourself docked in a port that's overcrowded, overpriced, or downright disappointing. Instead of wasting your hard-earned cash, sometimes the best way to save money on travel is to stay on the ship.

Whether they're notorious for crime, have lackluster attractions, or charge sky-high prices, here are nine cruise ports you're better off skipping.

This list draws on U.S. State Department travel advisories, traveler reviews, and cruise line itinerary changes to flag stops that consistently underwhelm or pose safety risks, so travelers can plan excursions or simply relax onboard instead.

Smart Drivers, Smarter Savings.

Compare car insurance rates in Ohio

See if lower rates are available

Currently Insured?

Yes

No

Multiple Cars?

Yes

No

Homeowner

Yes

No

Age

30-39

• 18-29
• 30-39
• 40-49
• 50-59
• 60-69
• 70-79
• 80+

Compare Quotes

By clicking the button above, I understand and agree that this site uses site visit recording technology (provided by Trusted Form, Jornaya, and Microsoft Clarity) Privacy Policy

Smart Drivers, Smarter Savings.

Great News! We’ve located some excellent quote options just for you.

Where can we send you info and recommendations?

Enter Email

Bundle Home & Auto to Save More?

Yes

No

Active Military?

No

Yes

Compare Quotes

By clicking the button above, I understand and agree that this site uses site visit recording technology (provided by Trusted Form, Jornaya, and Microsoft Clarity) Privacy Policy

The city is under a Level 2 travel advisory (exercise increased caution) as of March 12, 2026. The Southside Belize City is under a Level 3 advisory (reconsider travel) from the U.S. Department of State due to violent crime. Though tourists typically stay in safer areas, crime can spill over, and scams targeting visitors are common. Many cruisers opt to stay onboard or book excursions away from the city.

Cruisers who do disembark often head straight for organized excursions to sites like Altun Ha, a Maya ruin about an hour from port, or snorkeling trips along the Belize Barrier Reef, rather than spending time in the city itself.

Despite being a staple on many cruise itineraries, Nassau is far from an ideal port stop. The U.S. State Department has issued a Level 2 travel advisory, warning visitors of rising crime, including violent incidents in both tourist and non-tourist areas.

Scams and aggressive vendors are also common, making for an unpleasant experience. Additionally, poorly regulated water excursions pose serious safety risks. Watercraft may be poorly maintained, and some operators may not have the correct safety certifications.

Nassau's cruise terminal is often packed with ship traffic, and the crowded downtown straw markets and duty-free shops can feel overwhelming rather than charming. Travelers who do go ashore are generally better off booking a beach day at Atlantis or Cable Beach through a vetted operator than wandering the port area alone.

Santa Marta is one of the least exciting cruise ports, offering more industrial grit than tropical charm. Primarily a shipping hub, the port lacks the scenic beauty travelers expect, with coal piles, shipping containers, and cargo operations dominating the landscape.

The city itself has limited attractions, and many visitors find it dull and uninviting. While Santa Marta is marketed as a gateway to Tayrona National Park, there's little reason to explore the city itself. Booking an excursion is a must if you want to make the stop worthwhile.

Tayrona National Park itself offers rainforest-backed beaches and hiking trails, but the round trip can eat up most of a port day.

Ensenada is one of those cruise ports where staying on the ship might be the best option. Travelers have cited being bombarded by aggressive vendors pushing fake goods, scams, and even illegal substances.

Crime and safety concerns have been an issue, with Carnival Cruise Line even canceling stops in 2022 due to unrest in Northern Baja California. While some visitors enjoy excursions outside the city, many find Ensenada not worth the hassle.

Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico's wine country, sits about an hour outside town and draws some cruisers looking for a tasting excursion, while La Bufadora, a coastal blowhole, is another popular but touristy stop nearby.

Prince Rupert, Canada, is often considered one of the most boring cruise ports in the world. While safe, the town offers very little for visitors to do, with many businesses closing early and limited attractions offered. Some travelers even speculate that it's a "filler port," included in itineraries more for regulatory reasons rather than actual tourist appeal.

If your cruise stops here, don't expect much excitement. Even travelers with pre-planned excursions have expressed disappointment, and many visitors find walking around town dull and uneventful.

Prince Rupert often appears on Alaska itineraries mainly because U.S. law requires foreign-flagged ships sailing between American ports to stop at a foreign port along the way, which is why several Alaska cruise lines schedule a stop here rather than for any major tourist draw.

Alexandria may be a historic port, but safety concerns and political instability make it a risky stop for cruisers. The U.S. State Department has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for Egypt, urging travelers to exercise increased caution when visiting due to crime and unrest.

Solo travelers, especially women, are advised against exploring alone due to reports of street harassment and scams. While organized tours offer a safer experience, the city itself can feel chaotic and overwhelming.

Beyond the safety concerns, Alexandria is home to the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a modern library built near the site of the ancient Library of Alexandria, along with Roman-era catacombs and the 15th-century Citadel of Qaitbay along the waterfront.

Santos, Brazil, is an underwhelming cruise port, often leaving visitors disappointed. As a heavily industrial port, the arrival process is confusing and time-consuming, and requires multiple shuttles just to reach the city.

Once there, travelers find little to do, with the main attraction often being a trip to a local mall — hardly an authentic Brazilian experience. Safety is a concern, with reports of crime and an overall uninviting atmosphere. Many cruisers recommend skipping Santos altogether and heading straight to São Paulo instead.

Santos serves as the cruise gateway to São Paulo because Brazil's largest city has no direct port of its own, which is the main reason cruise lines route passengers through Santos in the first place.

Santo Domingo is one of the least appealing cruise ports in the Caribbean, with many travelers recommending skipping it altogether. The Dominican Republic is under a Level 2 travel advisory due to crime, robbery, and a weak justice system, making safety a concern.

Visitors describe the city as dirty and uninviting, with few worthwhile attractions. If your cruise stops here, booking a guided tour is a must, as wandering the city alone can feel unsafe.

Guided visits typically focus on the Zona Colonial, a UNESCO World Heritage site founded in 1498 as the first European settlement in the Americas, home to the oldest cathedral, fortress, and paved street in the hemisphere. Outside that historic core, though, there's little reason to venture far on your own.

Roatán may seem like a tropical getaway, but it's not without significant risks. Honduras is under a Level 3 travel advisory due to violent crime, including gang activity, extortion, and trafficking.

While Roatán is better policed, it's still unsafe to venture far from the port. Visitors often feel limited to the immediate area around the ship, as exploring beyond can expose you to potential danger and a lack of local security resources.

The advisory specifically notes that resort areas in the Bay Islands, including Roatán, Utila, and Guanaja, see a heavier concentration of security resources than the mainland, which is part of why cruise lines still stop there despite the country's overall risk level.

While cruising offers exciting destinations, some ports are best skipped altogether. From Belize City to Roatán, it's important to know which stops could lead to a stressful or disappointing experience.

To make the most of your trip, consider booking excursions carefully or opting to stay on the ship at questionable ports. To save money when booking a cruise, research deals, book early, and choose off-season sailings to get the best rates and start traveling more without breaking the bank.

Checking the State Department's travel advisory page before finalizing an itinerary, and again shortly before departure, can help you decide which ports are worth booking an excursion for and which are better spent relaxing by the pool.