9 Worst Cruise Ports You Should Never Plan on Visiting

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.

Belize City is often lowly rated by travelers due to its high crime rates, aggressive scams, and lackluster attractions.

The city is under a Level 3 travel advisory (reconsider travel) from the U.S. Department of State due to violent crime, especially in the Southside. 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 3 travel advisory for Egypt, urging travelers to reconsider 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.