There’s something truly special about that moment when your ship slips away from the shore, and your cruise officially begins - or when it gently glides into port, offering your first glimpse of somewhere new.
To celebrate some of the most breathtaking cruise moments, members of the ROL Cruise team have shared their personal favourites - ports that left a lasting impression from the very first view:
5 unforgettable cruise ports
Barcelona, Spain
Chosen by Carly, who sailed from Barcelona on Wonder of the Seas in 2022:
“Sailing from Barcelona was such a memorable experience. The city itself is vibrant and full of character, with iconic landmarks like La Sagrada Famíla and Montjuïc visible from the ship as we departed.
“Watching the skyline fade into the distance from the top deck of Wonder of the Seas - the world’s largest cruise ship at the time - was just breathtaking. There was live music playing, guests waving from balconies, and a real sense of excitement in the air.
“It felt like the perfect way to kick off an adventure.”
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Chosen by Georgina, who sailed from Dubrovnik on Seven Seas Grandeur during its inaugural season in 2023:
“Sailing away from Dubrovnik was genuinely unforgettable. The Old Town, with its terracotta rooftops and ancient city walls, looked like something out of a storybook as we pulled away.
“From the deck of Seven Seas Grandeur, everything felt so peaceful - the Adriatic was like glass, and the golden light at sunset made the whole scene glow. Knowing we were among the first to experience this beautiful new ship just added to the moment.
“It was one of those rare times where you stop and think: this is really something special.”
New York, United States of America
Chosen by Madison, who sailed into New York on Queen Mary 2 during a transatlantic crossing:
“Arriving in New York by sea is something I’ll never forget. It’s one of the world’s most iconic cruise ports, and for good reason.
“Gliding past the Statue of Liberty and seeing the Manhattan skyline emerge through the early morning mist was genuinely spine-tingling. There’s such a sense of occasion - especially on Queen Mary 2, with her deep heritage and classic elegance. Everyone was out on deck, cameras in hand, soaking it all in.
“If you’re going to arrive anywhere by ship, make it New York.”
Santorini, Greece
Chosen by Sarah, who visited Santorini in 2022 on Celebrity Infinity:
“Sailing into Santorini is unforgettable. The cliffs rise dramatically from the Aegean Sea, with those whitewashed buildings and blue domes perched right at the top - it’s absolutely breathtaking.
“From Celebrity Infinity, the view was picture-perfect, especially as the tender boat took us ashore. I remember thinking it didn’t look real - it was just so beautiful.
“There’s something incredibly special about seeing the island from the water first before exploring it up close. It’s one of those places that stays with you long after you’ve left.
Venice, Italy
Chosen by Amber, who sailed into Venice in 2017 aboard River Countess before her transformation into S.S. La Venezia:
“There’s nowhere quite like Venice, and arriving by river ship makes it even more magical.
“Cruising slowly along the Giudecca Canal, with gondolas gliding past and church domes rising above the rooftops, felt like stepping into a living painting.
“On River Countess, before she became S.S. La Venezia, the experience was intimate and immersive - you really felt connected to the city. I remember the bells ringing as we approached and locals waving from the waterfront.”
