Lesser-known cruise destinations

When thinking of cruising, most people imagine exotic ports, coastal cities and sun-glazed islands. Once you dock, you’d be able to hop off of the ship for the day, and then head back on to the open ocean until the next stop.

These days though, it can be less about the port, and more about the locations you can access via the port. In this article, we explore some of the cruise destinations we visit that you may not have known about.

Cairo, Egypt

For many travellers, seeing the pyramids in Egypt is a true bucket list item. The only largely intact Ancient Wonder of the World, the Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest and largest of the pyramids to be found at Giza and dates back to circa 2600 BC. As well as the Great Pyramid, at the Giza pyramid complex, you can see the Sphinx and an assortment of smaller pyramids.

Situated by the River Nile, you may think that a standard cruise wouldn’t be able to stop at Cairo but, thanks to the local port of Alexandria, on a Mediterranean cruise you can travel inland to see one of the most amazing structures in the world.

READ MORE: Ancient wonders you can see on a cruise holiday

Athens, Greece

Another ancient icon that you can witness on an Ambassador cruise is the Grecian city of Athens. Accessed via the port at Piraeus, the largest Mediterranean port, you’ll be able to see the Acropolis of Athens sitting proudly including the iconic Parthenon.

The structures you see today were constructed in the fifth century BC by Pericles in order to pay tribute to multiple Greek gods and goddesses but predominantly Athena, the goddess of reason, wisdom, intelligence and peace, amongst other things and the patron of the city.

Jerusalem, Israel

Cruise holidays aren’t all about visiting Caribbean islands and enjoying cocktails on the beach (although that can be a large part of it!) but, for some, it’s a way to unlock new cultural experiences and discover places around the world you don’t think of when thinking ‘holiday destination’.

One of the locations visited on our Mediterranean cruises is Jerusalem, one of the oldest cities in the world and considered holy in three major religions – Judaism, Christianity and Islam. The religious significance of this city cannot be underestimated and, for those who visit, whether you pay a visit to the Temple Mount – the holiest site in Judaism, al-Aqsa Mosque – where it’s believed Muhammad ascended to heaven, or the Church of the Holy Sepulchre – containing Christianity’s two holiest sites: the place of Jesus’ crucifixion and where it’s believed Jesus rose from the dead, you’ll experience it.

Nuuk, Greenland

Cold cruise destinations are becoming more popular as people look to experience some of the amazing sites that Baltic or Arctic cruise destinations can provide. One city that offers a great stopover for those who enjoy colder climes is Nuuk, the capital of Greenland.

A large and mostly unexplored island, Greenland sits between the northernmost reaches of Canada and Iceland and is still not on the world’s radar as a dream destination, however, we think it should be. With a largely Inuit population giving it a distinctive culture, the influence of the Danes who founded it and the unique wildlife (including polar bears!) there is plenty here that makes a Greenland cruise so memorable.

Marrakesh, Morocco

Now, for somewhere warm. Imagine bustling markets, frenetic energy and a historic city and you’ll get Marrakesh. Located on the edge of the Sahara Desert and accessed via Casablanca, if you are looking for a Winter escape then Marrakesh is a wonderful choice.

Here you can browse souks for trinkets or fresh local produce, explore radiant palaces, visit the beautiful botanic gardens, visit museums and galleries and much more. This bohemian city has a big energy and you’re sure to be swept up in its whirlwind when you visit.

Lesser-known cruise destinations

• Cairo, Egypt

• Athens, Greece

• Jerusalem, Israel

• Nuuk, Greenland

• Marrakesh, Morocco

Cruising isn’t all about the big ports and beach locations and we hope, in this article, you’ve discovered some of the more unique cruise destinations to add to your bucket list. So, whether you want to search for polar bears in Greenland, visit one of the holiest cities in the world in Israel or see an ancient monolith in Egypt, there is a UK cruise holiday for you.

For more tips, guides, and advice, make sure to visit our blog page.