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POPULAR DESTINATIONS
BELGIUM
GERMANY
MALTA
NETHERLANDS
TUNISIA
UK
Lerwick (Shetland Is.),United Kingdom
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Valletta - Malta
Welcome to Valletta Cruise Port (Valletta Waterfront / Grand Harbour)
Valletta, the capital of Malta, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its baroque architecture, rich history, and stunning harbour views. Cruise ships dock at the Valletta Waterfront, just below the city’s fortified walls.
Getting to the City
Walking: A short but steep walk or elevator ride (Upper Barrakka Lift) brings you to the city centre.
Upper Barrakka Lift: €1 round trip; connects the port to the Upper Barrakka Gardens in seconds.
Taxis & Tours: Available at the terminal for city tours or island excursions.
Top Attractions in Valletta
1. Upper Barrakka Gardens
Offers panoramic views of the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities.
Don’t miss the Saluting Battery, where cannons are fired daily at 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM.
2. St. John’s Co-Cathedral
A baroque masterpiece with a lavish interior and Caravaggio’s famous painting The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist.
3. Grandmaster’s Palace
Former seat of the Knights of St. John, now housing the Office of the President and a museum.
4. National Museum of Archaeology
Showcases Malta’s prehistoric treasures, including artifacts from the Ġgantija and Ħal Saflieni temples.
5. Republic Street & Merchant Street
Main thoroughfares lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings.
Optional Excursions from Valletta
🏙️ The Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea, Cospicua)
Historic fortified towns across the harbour.
Reachable by dgħajsa (traditional boat) or ferry.
🏖️ Mdina
Malta’s ancient capital, known as the “Silent City.”
A walled medieval town with narrow alleys and panoramic views.
About 25–30 minutes by taxi or bus.
🌊 Blue Grotto or Marsaxlokk
Blue Grotto: Sea caves with brilliant blue waters (boat tours available).
Marsaxlokk: A colourful fishing village with a Sunday market.
Local Food & Drink
Pastizzi: Flaky pastries filled with ricotta or peas.
Rabbit Stew (Stuffat tal-Fenek): Malta’s national dish.
Ftira: Maltese flatbread sandwich.
Kinnie: A local bittersweet soft drink.
Maltese wine: Try local varieties like Ġellewża and Girgentina.
Shopping & Souvenirs
Local crafts: Filigree jewellery, lace, and hand-blown glass.
Food gifts: Maltese honey, nougat, sea salt, and olive oil.
Shops: Found along Republic Street and in the Valletta Waterfront area.
Sample Itinerary for a Day in Port
Morning
Take the Upper Barrakka Lift to the gardens
Watch the Saluting Battery at noon
Visit St. John’s Co-Cathedral and stroll Republic Street
Midday
Enjoy lunch at a traditional Maltese restaurant
Visit the Grandmaster’s Palace or Archaeology Museum
Afternoon
Optional boat ride to the Three Cities or quick trip to Medina
Return to ship via the lift or a scenic walk
Transportation Tips
Walking: Valletta is compact and pedestrian-friendly.
Public Buses: Inexpensive and connect to most of the island.
Taxis: Fixed rates for popular destinations—confirm before departure.
Harbour Ferry: Connects Valletta to Sliema and the Three Cities.
CURRENCY: Euro
Zeebrugge - Belgium
Welcome to Zeebrugge Cruise Port
Zeebrugge is a major commercial and ferry port on the Belgian coast and serves as the gateway to Bruges, one of Europe’s most beautiful medieval cities. Cruise ships typically dock at:
Swedish Quai (Zweedse Kaai): Main terminal for large cruise ships.
Maritime Station (Leopold II Harbour Mole): For smaller vessels under 200 meters 1.
Port Facilities
Free shuttle buses take passengers from the ship to the ABC Tower, the cruise terminal building.
The ABC Tower includes:
Tourist information desk
Free Wi-Fi
Shops and a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views
Taxi rank and nearby tram/bus stops 1 2
Getting to Bruges
🚆 By Train (DIY Option)
Take the free port shuttle to the exit.
Walk or take a tram to Blankenberge Station.
Train to Bruges takes about 15 minutes and costs around €3 one way 2.
🚌 By Cruise Shuttle
Many cruise lines offer a direct shuttle to Bruges for around €25 round trip.
Drop-off is usually a 15-minute walk from the city center.
🚖 By Taxi
Fixed rate of around €62 one way to Bruges (good for groups).
Top Attractions in Bruges (Brugge)
1. Market Square (Market)
The heart of Bruges, surrounded by colourful guild houses and the Belfry Tower.
2. Belfry of Bruges
Climb 366 steps for panoramic views of the city.
3. Canal Cruise
Enjoy a scenic boat ride through Bruges’ picturesque canals.
4. Church of Our Lady
Home to Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child sculpture.
5. Begijnhof & Minnewater Park
A peaceful retreat with whitewashed houses and swan-filled lakes.
Shopping & Souvenirs
Belgian chocolate: Visit shops like Neuhaus, Leonidas, or local chocolatiers.
Lace: Handmade lace is a traditional Bruges craft.
Beer: Sample or buy local brews like Brugse Zot or Straffe Hendrik.
Local Food & Drink
Moules-frites: Mussels with fries.
Waffles: Topped with chocolate, fruit, or cream.
Belgian beer: Try a tasting flight at a local pub or brewery.
Sample Itinerary for a Day in Port
Morning
Take the shuttle or train to Bruges
Explore Market Square and climb the Belfry
Midday
Enjoy lunch at a canal-side café
Visit the Church of Our Lady and take a canal cruise
Afternoon
Shop for chocolate and lace
Return to Zeebrugge via shuttle or train
CURRENCY: Euro
Rotterdam - Netherlands
Welcome to Rotterdam Cruise Port
Cruise ships dock at the Cruise Terminal Rotterdam, located at Wilhelminakade 909, right on the Holland Amerika Quay in the city centre. This terminal is modern, spacious, and within walking distance of many top attractions.
Terminal Highlights
Free Wi-Fi, tourist information, and cafés
Easy access to public transport (Metro, tram, and water taxi)
Walking distance to the Erasmus Bridge, Hotel New York, and Fenix Food Factory
Getting Around
Metro: The Wilhelminaplein station is a 5-minute walk from the terminal. It connects to Rotterdam Central Station in about 10 minutes.
Tram: Lines 20, 23, and 25 stop nearby.
Walking: Many attractions are within a 30-minute walk.
Hop-On Hop-Off Tram Line 10: A historic tram offering a scenic loop of the city’s highlights 2.
Top Attractions in Rotterdam
1. Erasmus Bridge (De Zwaan)
Iconic cable-stayed bridge linking the north and south of the city.
Great for photos and a scenic walk into the city center.
2. Markthal (Market Hall)
A stunning horseshoe-shaped building with a food market, restaurants, and apartments.
Don’t miss the massive ceiling mural and local Dutch treats.
3. Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen)
Innovative tilted cube-shaped homes designed by Piet Blom.
Visit the Show Cube Museum to see inside one.
4. Boijmans Van Beuningen Depot
The world’s first publicly accessible art storage facility.
Offers panoramic rooftop views and a unique look at art conservation.
5. Euromast Tower
A 185-meter-high observation tower with a rotating glass elevator.
Offers sweeping views of the city and harbor.
6. Maritime Museum
Explore Rotterdam’s seafaring history with interactive exhibits and historic ships.
Shopping & Souvenirs
Lijnbaan: Rotterdam’s main shopping street.
Witte de Withstraat: Trendy area with boutiques, galleries, and cafés.
Souvenirs: Dutch cheese, Delftware, stroopwafels, and maritime-themed gifts.
Local Food & Drink
Bitterballen: Deep-fried meatballs, perfect with mustard.
Stroopwafels: Syrup-filled waffle cookies.
Haring: Raw herring served with onions and pickles.
Local beer: Try brews from Kaapse Brouwers or Brouwerij Noordt.
Sample Itinerary for a Day in Port
Morning
Walk across the Erasmus Bridge
Visit the Cube Houses and Markthal
Midday
Lunch at Fenix Food Factory or a canal-side café
Explore the Boijmans Depot or Maritime Museum
Afternoon
Ride to the top of the Euromast Tower
Return to the ship via tram or a scenic walk
CURRENY: Euro
Hamburg - Germany
Welcome to Hamburg Cruise Port
Hamburg is Germany’s busiest cruise port and offers three main cruise terminals:
1. Cruise Center Altona
Located west of the city centre.
Modern terminal with a rooftop terrace and great harbor views.
Transport: Take HVV Ferry 62 from Dockland Pier (next to the terminal) to Landungsbrücken, then connect to the S-Bahn or U-Bahn to reach the city center 1.
2. Cruise Center HafenCity
Closest to the city center, near the Elbphilharmonie and Speicherstadt.
Ideal for walking tours and easy access to major attractions.
Transport: Walk or take the U4 subway from Überseequartier station 2.
3. Cruise Center Steinwerder
Largest and most modern terminal, located on the southern side of the Elbe River.
Transport: Requires shuttle bus or taxi to reach the city. Alternatively, walk 15–20 minutes to Argentinienbrücke ferry pier, take Ferry 73 to Landungsbrücken, then connect to public transport 1.
Top Attractions in Hamburg
1. Speicherstadt & HafenCity
UNESCO-listed warehouse district with canals, bridges, and museums.
Visit the Miniatur Wunderland, the world’s largest model railway.
2. Elbphilharmonie
Iconic concert hall with a free public viewing platform offering panoramic views.
Located near HafenCity terminal.
3. St. Michael’s Church (Michel)
Hamburg’s most famous church with a tower offering sweeping city views.
4. Landungsbrücken & Harbor Promenade
Lively waterfront area with boat tours, seafood stalls, and historic ships.
5. Town Hall (Rathaus)
Stunning neo-Renaissance building in the city center, open for guided tours.
6. Alster Lakes
Inner-city lakes perfect for walking, boat rides, or relaxing at a café.
Shopping & Souvenirs
Mönckebergstraße: Main shopping street with international brands.
Neuer Wall: Luxury boutiques and designer stores.
Souvenirs: Maritime-themed gifts, local beer, and Hamburg-themed apparel.
Local Food & Drink
Fischbrötchen: Fresh fish sandwiches, a Hamburg staple.
Labskaus: A traditional sailor’s dish made with corned beef, potatoes, and beetroot.
Franzbrötchen: A sweet cinnamon pastry unique to Hamburg.
Local beer: Try Astra or Ratsherrn brews.
Sample Itinerary for a Day in Port
Morning
Take a ferry or subway to Landungsbrücken
Explore Speicherstadt and visit Miniatur Wunderland
Midday
Lunch at a harborfront restaurant or try a fischbrötchen
Visit Elbphilharmonie and enjoy the view from the plaza
Afternoon
Walk to St. Michael’s Church and climb the tower
Shop along Mönckebergstraße or relax by the Alster Lakes
CURRENCY: Euro
Lerwick (Shetland Is.),United Kingdom
Welcome to Lerwick, the capital of the Shetland Islands, known for its rugged landscapes, rich Viking heritage, and abundant wildlife. Whether you're here for history, nature, or coastal charm, this guide will help you make the most of your cruise stop.
Arriving at Lerwick Cruise Port
Cruise ships either dock at Holmsgarth Pier or anchor offshore, with passengers tendered to Victoria Pier, located right in the heart of Lerwick.
🚶 Distance to Town:
Victoria Pier – A short walk to the town center.
Holmsgarth Pier – About 1 mile (1.6 km) from the center, with a free shuttle service available.
🚖 Taxis & Tours: Available at the terminal for island excursions.
Top Attractions Near the Port
Shetland Museum & Archives 🏛️
A must-visit museum showcasing Shetland’s Viking history, maritime heritage, and local culture.
Fort Charlotte 🏰
A 17th-century fortress offering panoramic views over Lerwick Harbour.
Clickimin Broch – Ancient Ruins 🏺
A well-preserved Iron Age broch, providing a glimpse into Shetland’s prehistoric past.
Wildlife & Scenic Tours
🐦 Seabird Cliffs & Wildlife Safaris Explore dramatic coastal cliffs, home to puffins, seals, and seabirds.
🐴 Shetland Ponies Visit a local farm to see the famous Shetland ponies up close.
🚢 Boat Tours Take a scenic cruise around the islands, spotting whales and dolphins.
Local Cuisine & Dining 🍽️
Shetland offers fresh seafood and traditional Scottish flavours'. Try:
Shetland Lamb – A local delicacy.
Scallops & Mussels – Fresh from the North Sea.
Bannocks – Traditional Scottish oatcakes.
Practical Tips
Currency: British Pound (£)
Language: English & Scots
Weather: Cool & breezy—bring a jacket!
Local Transport: Taxis, rental bikes, and public buses available.
Final Thoughts
Lerwick is a hidden gem with stunning coastal views, Viking history, and incredible wildlife. Whether you're exploring Fort Charlotte, spotting Shetland ponies, or taking a boat tour, your cruise stop here will be unforgettable.
La Goulette, Tunisia
Welcome to La Goulette, the gateway to Tunis, offering a mix of Mediterranean charm, ancient history, and vibrant culture. Whether you're exploring the city or venturing to nearby UNESCO sites, this guide will help you make the most of your cruise stop.
Arriving at La Goulette Cruise Port
Cruise ships dock at La Goulette, located about 10–13 km from central Tunis.
🚶 Distance to Town: A short taxi ride or rideshare service to Tunis for about £8.
🛍️ Port Facilities: Two modern terminals with WiFi, duty-free shopping, and a tourist information desk.
🚖 Taxis & Tours: Available at the terminal for excursions to Carthage and Sidi Bou Said.
Top Attractions Near the Port
Carthage – Ancient Ruins 🏺
A UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring Roman and Phoenician ruins.
🎟️ Must-See:
Antonine Baths – Ancient Roman baths with stunning sea views.
Byrsa Hill – Offers panoramic views and historic ruins.
Bardo National Museum 🏛️
Home to Tunisia’s largest collection of mosaics and historical artifacts.
🚗 Distance: About 20 minutes from the port.
Sidi Bou Said – The Blue & White Village 🌊
A picturesque coastal town with cobbled streets, cafés, and stunning sea views.
🚗 Distance: About 15 minutes from the port.
Local Cuisine & Dining 🍽️
Tunisia offers delicious Mediterranean flavours. Try:
Brik – A crispy pastry filled with egg and tuna.
Couscous – A North African staple, often served with lamb or seafood.
Mint Tea – A sweet, refreshing drink, perfect for relaxing.
Practical Tips
Currency: Tunisian Dinar (TND)
Language: Arabic & French (English spoken in tourist areas)
Weather: Warm & sunny—bring sunscreen!
Local Transport: Taxis, rideshare apps, and private tours available.
Final Thoughts
La Goulette is a perfect blend of history, coastal beauty, and cultural richness. Whether you're exploring Carthage, wandering through Sidi Bou Said, or discovering Tunis’s vibrant medina, your cruise stop here will be unforgettable.
Bon voyage! 🚢✨