Destination Immersion

How to Make the Most Out of Your Time in Port

Wednesday, December 11, 2019
By Azamara

Santorini Greece

Taking in the new sights, sounds and tastes of each port you arrive at is as much a part of your voyage as the ship’s onboard activities. Half of the enjoyment of taking a cruise takes place away from the ship, and gives you a chance to soak in bustling metropolises, serene seaside views and cultural highlights.

Azamara® knows the importance of port exploration, so their voyages feature more overnights, late night stays and night touring, giving you plenty of time at each destination. With all of these fabulous options in front of you, there is only one question left: How do I prepare for these port stops? Follow these tips on your next Azamara and you’ll be swapping colorful stories with your new friends back onboard in no time.

We’d love to see some of your photos from your favorite Azamara port stops, so please share them with us via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest!


Do Some Research on our Website – Before you head out on your voyage take time to learn the ship’s route. A downloadable Port Explorer guide is available for most of the ports we visit, making it very easy to plan your visit.

Book Azamara Shore Excursions tours: Next, download the Shore Excursions brochure for your voyage. Guided by local experts, these onshore excursions are a great way to get to know local life and culture in every port. There’s something for everyone: adventurous hikes and bike rides, shopping and dining, historic sites and neighborhoods, vineyard tours, and much more.

Expand Your Port Knowledge Onboard – Azamara offers Port-of-call lectures focusing on destination highlights, history and culture, plus tips about lesser-known excursions in each port. Take advantage of the Q&A section to refine your knowledge.

There is also an onboard shore excursion concierge to help you with your individual needs and/or to arrange private tours with new friends who you may have met.

Narrow it Down – There is never enough time to see and do all the things you’d like to. Choose your must sees based on the time you have. It’s wise to narrow your port trip down to a section of the city that is home to the majority of the sights that interest you. This way, you will spend less time travelling between neighborhoods, and more time taking in your destination of choice.

Be Prepared – Make sure to pack a bag with all of your essentials for a day or evening excursion so that you don’t have to return to the ship. Bring extra clothing, water, identification, and most importantly, don’t forget to pack your camera.

Have Fun! – Much of what you see will be new to you, embrace it. Try something outside your comfort zone, dig into a new dish, and give scuba diving or a cycling tour a try. Make new memories to share and reminisce about once you’re back to reality.

Now that you’re ready to travel, go far beyond the ordinary, and book with Azamara today.


Featured Cruises

Recent Articles

Dubrovnik, Croatia at dusk
DESTINATION IMMERSION

Seven Things to do in Croatia

Croatia has seen a sort of transformation recently, one that has taken it from a hidden gem of coastal delights to one of the hottest travel destinations in Europe. What makes this small Balkan nation so appealing? It could be the brilliant sapphire waters of the Adriatic and spectacular white beaches. Or maybe it’s the medieval architecture and walled towns steeped in history begging to be uncovered. Or perhaps it’s the friendly, welcoming people and unique folk culture.

aerial shoreline view
DESTINATION IMMERSION

Highlights of the 2025 Azamara World Voyage

155 nights. 37 countries. Explore every corner of the globe on Azamara’s 2025 World Voyage. A leader in Destination Immersion® experiences, Azamara continues to bring guests to bucket-list destinations, providing immersive travel moments while delivering service excellence. 

shimmer background woman holding gift
DESTINATION IMMERSION

2022 Holiday Gift Guide for Travel Lovers

Just like every snowflake is unique, so is every individual and their approach to travel. Some people value staying connected while they travel, while the fashionista in your life might prioritize wardrobe changes. The aspiring photographer might have a carry-on filled with camera equipment, and someone drawn to wellness may need their portable workout gear on every trip!