As much as cruise ships have become destinations in themselves, the best part of a cruise is still visiting the actual destinations. It’s the main reason we step on board in the first place: to explore new ports, discover local cultures and feast on regional delicacies. However, not all cruise itineraries are created equal; some only provide you with a few hours in port. On the flip side, other itineraries let you stay all night, giving you all the time you need to enjoy a destination to the fullest. Here are some of our favorite European destinations to have an overnight port stop in.
Little Venice in Mykonos, Greece
Mykonos, Greece
With an average of over 300 sunny days a year, Mykonos is a paradise for travelers. During the day, you can laze in the sun on a luxe lounger, discover hidden enclaves while off-roading in a 4x4, wander the bar-lined cobblestone streets of Little Venice or indulge in some of the best food Greece has to offer. But since this is an overnight port visit, you can stay on the magical island well into the night, watch the sun sink below the horizon from Sunset 180º Bar and dance the night away at a pulsating beach club. The clubs on Elia Beach are your go-to options for a laid-back evening, while Paradise Beach clubs are where things get truly wild. You’ve been warned.
Experience the legendary nightlife of Ibiza, Spain, for yourself
Ibiza, Spain
When it comes to beach clubs, no place compares to Ibiza. Sure, there’s plenty to do there during the day — namely, recover with some zzz’s on the beach, wander through the island’s hippie markets and head to Formentera, Ibiza’s smaller sister island, to explore salt plains and sand dunes. Stay for the night and you’ll see why they call Ibiza the party capital of the world. It’s a whole different world after midnight, when you can fully immerse yourself in its dance culture and enjoy VIP access to sophisticated nightclubs with showstopping DJ lineups. Be sure to stay hydrated … it’s going to be a long — and unforgettable — night.
Zaanse Schans, just outside Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is a destination that impresses everyone. Spend your days exploring cafe-lined canals, getting lost in Vondelpark, touring the Heineken Factory, visiting the Van Gogh Museum or simply biking around the city. Then, after catching the sunset from the 22nd floor of The Lookout in Amsterdam North, a new side of the city emerges, one you’ll be able to experience on an overnight port stay. There are chic venues, dance festivals and nightclubs to suit every taste, with DJs across town spinning everything from techno and house to hip-hop and funk. The night is yours, and Amsterdam gives you plenty of options.
Manarola, CInque Terre, Italy
La Spezia, Italy
While the destinations above focus mainly on the nightlife, there’s more to an overnight port than dancing ’til the break of dawn. Take La Spezia, for example, an Italian seaside town located about halfway between Genoa and Pisa. You can have a great time in the town itself — seeing the waterfront naval museum and exploring its hilltop fortress — but with more time to spend in the area, you can quickly travel to a nearby highlight and stay at a local hotel. This is a great way to spend quality time in Pisa and Florence before heading back to your ship the following day.
Blue Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey
Virgin Voyages for the Win
These are just a few of the overnight ports that Virgin Voyages includes in many of their European itineraries — others include Istanbul, Reykjavik and Lisbon. Their guests, called Sailors, can disembark and stay in port during overnight stays, as long as they’re back on the ship at least one hour prior to the ship’s departure the following day.
Virgin Voyages was voted #1 cruise line by Travel + Leisure, thanks to fares that include 20+ onboard eateries, tips, group fitness classes, essential beverages, onboard entertainment and Wi-Fi — that’s more than $1,000 in added value. Our agency knows this cruise line well, so we can help you book the ideal stateroom and answer all your questions. Plus, with our agency, you can get an extra $100 onboard credit on select sailings.
