5 OF the BEST PORT STOPS

Cruising is more about the journey than the destination – but these port calls are absolutely worth hopping off the boat for, writes Siobhan Downes

1 BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

The Hungarian capital is one of Europe’s most stunning cities, packed full of architectural treasures and historic sites – head to Castle Hill to see one of the jewels in the city’s crown, Buda Castle. Budapest is also famous for its bathing culture, with an embarrassment of thermal baths – a dip in the enormous Szechenyi Baths is a must.

Visit Budapest on Avalon Waterways’ six-day A Taste of the Danube with Budapest, departing Budapest in 2023. See avalonwaterways.co.nz.

5 NOUMEA, NEW CALEDONIA

New Caledonia’s capital is where French influence meets laid-back island vibes. You can explore on foot or hop on the Tchou Tchou Train for a guided tour. Noumea boasts some of the best shopping in the South Pacific, with an impressive line-up of luxury French labels. Visit the Port Moselle market to sample seasonal produce alongside fresh croissants and local cheeses.

Visit Noumea on P&O’s nine-night Pacific Island Hopper cruise, departing Auckland in July 2023. See pocruises.co.nz.

2 DUBROVNIK, CROATIA

Arrivals are greeted with the striking sight of the massive stone walls that encircle the southern Croatian city’s picture-perfect historic heart. You can stroll around these walls, soaking up the views along the way. For more breathtaking views, take the cable car to the top of Mt Srd, which overlooks the Old Town.

Visit Dubrovnik on Royal Caribbean’s seven-night Italy and Adriatic cruise, departing Venice in October 2023. See royalcaribbean.com.

3 HOBART, AUSTRALIA

Tasmania is the ultimate foodie destination with its abundance of fresh produce, incredible seafood, and wine trails. Visit Mona (the Museum of Old and New Art), where you can admire the eclectic collection before indulging in a wine tasting or lunch. Hobart is also home to Australia’s oldest operating brewery, Cascade Brewery, where you can enjoy a cold one in its heritage beer garden.

Visit Hobart on Celebrity Cruises’ five-night Tasmania cruise, departing Sydney in March 2023. See celebritycruises.com.

4 SINGAPORE

As the world’s only city-islandnation, Singapore packs a whole lot into a small area. Gardens by the Bay is a botanical wonderland where you can admire plants from every continent (except Antarctica), experience one of the world’s tallest indoor waterfalls, and be wowed by the giant “supertrees”. It’s also a foodie paradise, with its many hawker centres providing Michelin star-level street food. Or splash out on a visit to the legendary Long Bar at the Raffles Hotel, home of the Singapore sling cocktail. Visit Singapore on Norwegian’s 11-day Asia: Thailand, Vietnam & Malaysia cruise, departing Kuala Lumpur in December 2023. See ncl.com.