The best cruise ports for shopping
Tuesday 25 February 2025
If you are thinking about booking your 2025 cruise, then you’ll be aware of the number of things you should consider when choosing which cruise best suits you. Whether you are looking for a cruise that offers glorious warm climes and breathtaking views, a trip that provides new and immersive cultures or a cruise to some of the best ports for cruise shopping in the world. If your focus is the latter, then you’re in luck because, in this guide, we take you through some of the best cruise ports for shopping.
Keep reading to find out which ports are the best for treating yourself to a souvenir or two.
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What are the best ports for cruise shopping
Barcelona
Rome
Havana
Palma de Mallorca
Copenhagen
Barcelona
Synonymous with world-class art and historic architecture, Barcelona is more than just a beautiful façade. Rich in culture and vibrancy, wandering the streets here will marvel on many levels. If you’re looking for luxury flagship stores boasting designer goods, then Passeig de Gràcia is the street for you, home to classic stores like Chanel, Gucci and Prada. If you’re looking for a laid-back atmosphere with quiet cafes and independent stores, then try Rambla de Catalunya or, alternatively, El Born, a cutting-edge district where local designers share their creative designs.
A Spanish cruise to Barcelona is the perfect choice for those looking to enjoy the splendours of European culture without having to travel too far from home, but remember to leave some room in your suitcase for all the glorious goodies you’ll be tempted by.
READ MORE: Must-try Spanish food and drink
Rome
Rome is one of the most iconic cities in the world and is a triumph of architecture, history, and intrigue. Accessed on a cruise via Civitavecchia, it’s known for its iconic landmarks and enduring history, it is no wonder people flock here year after year to marvel at the magnificence on offer. The roads in Rome are packed with local, family restaurants serving freshly made pasta and pizza, secluded bars offering refreshing tipples and tree-lined courtyards where independent boutiques juxtapose the mighty chain retailers.
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to shopping locations in Rome; if you’re looking for cobbled streets full of independent clothing brands, interior design shops and Instagrammable spots, then Monti is the place to be. Alternatively, you could visit one of two La Rinascente locations, Rome’s iconic department store, which has been selling clothing and accessories since 1865.
Havana
Often described as the Rome of the Caribbean, Havana sits on the north-western coast of Cuba and is a mecca of culture, colour and classic cars that must be experienced to be truly believed. A location you might not instantly think of when you think of great shopping ports, the winding streets and age-old traditions make it a popular spot for street and flea markets.
Mercado de Artesania is a vast indoor market situated a short walk from the port and boasts a plethora of local goods, hand-made souvenirs, and high-end clothing and accessories; we think you’ll find it hard to walk away from this location empty-handed.
Alternatively, Clandestina is a hot spot within the city. A small boutique that sells t-shirts, bags, posters and much more. The shop has a real focus on sustainability and upcycling, so have a browse and do your bit for the planet.
READ MORE: Must-try Caribbean Food and Drink
Palma de Mallorca
Palma De Mallorca is the capital of Mallorca and a sun-soaked paradise. A popular stop on a Mediterranean cruise, Palma is renowned for a range of reasons, including the quaint old town with its winding streets and petite balconies or the bustle of the centre with its popular eateries and high-street shops. If your next cruise stops in Palma, then shopping is something you can really look forward to.
The blog Passport and Pixels talks about the shopping opportunities in Palma on their website: “I’m not a big shopper, but if you are, you can rest assured that Palma also has all your city break shopping needs well and truly covered. From charming little delis selling traditional Spanish foods like Manchego cheese or jamon serrano, to pretty independent boutiques selling handicrafts and homewares, to tourist shops selling all the souvenirs you could possibly want, to all the main Spanish fashion brands, to high-end international designers, Palma has it all. Wander the Old Town for souvenirs, gifts, and local delicacies; head to Paseo del Borne for designers like Louis Vuitton or Hugo Boss; or go to the Porto Pi Shopping Centre for high-street brands like Zara and H&M.”
The Golden Mile, or Paseo del Borne as it is locally known, is one of the best shopping areas in the city. An amalgamation of designer and high-street stores, you’re bound to find an item or two when exploring this area.
Copenhagen
Denmark’s capital and a gem of Scandinavia, Copenhagen, is a beautiful city full of atmosphere and vibrancy. Whether it is Nyhavn's colourful buildings or Tivoli Gardens’ excitement that draws you on a cruise to Denmark, there is so much to enjoy.
Copenhagen is a fashionable location and arguably one of the most stylish cities in Europe, so it is no wonder that there are shops and boutiques aplenty.
Strøget, Europe’s longest shopping street, is one of the best places to start, with all the high-street stores, designer boutiques you’d expect, small souvenir shops, and delicious bakeries. Alternatively, Nørrebro is the place that is vintage and unique boutiques are what you’re after; you’re bound to leave with items and keepsakes that are totally unique.
Suppose you love a little shopping spree and want to experience the plethora of shopping opportunities on your next cruise holiday. In that case, hopefully, this guide has given you a bit of inspiration.
For more detailed travel articles and guides, make sure you browse our blog and start planning your next cruise with Ambassador Cruise Line.
