Nearly 2,500 cruise ports around the world serve ocean and river cruises, the five largest of which are in Florida, Mexico and The Bahamas, while the smallest are in remote villages. However big or small, port cities provide access so travelers can explore destinations in deeper and more meaningful ways, making the most of their time in each port of call.

Here we take a look at some of the lesser-known port cities making waves in the cruise industry.

PORT KLAWOCK, ALASKA
The 2024 cruise season marks the first time Port Klawock, on the Pacific Ocean side of Prince of Wales Island in Alaska, has welcomed cruise ships. In May Seabourn Odyssey was the first ship to call upon the Indigenous-owned port near the Tlingit village of Klawock that dates back more than 10,000 years. Authentic Alaska experiences offered by local guides in the exclusive, single-ship port include paddling Klawock Lake, visiting historical sites and enjoying local delicacies.

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© NATALIYA NAZAROVA | DREAMSTIME.COM

MONEMVASIA, GREECE
There’s no question Greece and her islands are immensely popular when it comes to sailing in the Mediterranean. One lesser-known Greek destination to consider is Monemvasia, south of Athens on the mainland. Part of what makes the well-preserved medieval city called upon by Windstar Cruises so stunning is it was carved into the back of a sea rock. Today visitors can travel back in time and meander the narrow streets of the seaside castle city.

VISEGRÁD, HUNGARY
About 25 miles from Budapest lies Visegrád, a quieter village known for its 13th-century Visegrád Castle sitting high on a hilltop overlooking the Danube River. Below, visitors can watch medieval tournaments at Lower Castle, or Solomon Tower, built in 1258. Within this castle Vlad Tepes, more commonly known as Dracula, was imprisoned in the mid-1400s. Cruisers traveling with Avalon Waterways call upon Visegrád via the Active & Discovery on the Danube itineraries.

POINTE-À-PITRE, GUADELOUPE
In January 2025 Explora Journeys will call upon Pointe-à-Pitre, a French city nestled between the two “wings” of the butterfly- shaped island of Guadeloupe, part of the Lesser Antilles. Known as the New Orleans of the Caribbean, Pointe-à-Pitre provides quick access to guests looking to enjoy the island’s multicolored beaches, lush rain forests, fort ruins and more.

WALVIS BAY, NAMIBIA
Guests sailing on Princess Cruise Lines’ World Cruise in 2025 will have the opportunity to visit the Namib Desert, one of the oldest deserts on Earth with its moonscapes, sand dunes and salt sinks, when they call upon Walvis Bay in Namibia. They will also have access to the largest game park in Africa and the chance to spot the rare Welwitschia plant, some 2,000 years old.

© GALINA SANDALOVA | DREAMSTIME .COM

SIR BANI YAS, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
More than 17,000 animals including giraffes, cheetahs, Arabian oryx and birds make their home on Sir Bani Yas, a nature reserve established in 1971 in Abu Dhabi’s western region. Travelers sailing with Celestyal Cruises can call upon the island and enjoy not only the wildlife but also its beaches and history.

LANZAROTE, CANARY ISLANDS
The World Tourism Organization recognized Lanzarote’s dedication to the environment and tourism in the Canary Islands as a universal model of sustainable development. Celebrity Cruises calls upon this unique destination that takes pride in its history, culture and heritage yet is still a haven for modern art and natural wonders. The island’s culinary scene is thriving, too, boasting traditional Spanish dishes, fresh seafood and Canary wines to sip.

NOUMÉA, NEW CALEDONIA
Find a blend of European elegance and remote island vibes with a visit to Nouméa, New Caledonia. Disney Cruise Line calls upon the South Pacific island and delivers its guests to the edge of one of the world’s largest lagoons and second-largest barrier reef for water sports galore. Additionally, the island’s diverse population of Kanak people, Europeans, Asians and Pacific Islanders influence the dining, art and culture scenes, making Nouméa a terrific destination for the entire family.

SAILS OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC

KIRIWINA ISLAND, PAPUA NEW GUINEA
A site of U.S. occupation during World War II, today Kiriwina Island is a destination rich in stunning scenery, with crystal-clear water and jungle- covered cliffs, and locals who are incredibly friendly and welcome guests to their island home. Cruisers sailing with Holland America Line are encouraged to immerse in the local culture by learning about the significance of yams and watching a game of Trobriand cricket, an innovative spin on the traditional game. They can also hire a dugout canoe to glide on the calm waters and explore offshore islands, hike to burial caves and admire exquisite carvings.