New research has deemed a historical European capital the most spectacular place in the world to sail into if you’re a cruise passenger.
The scenic Mediterranean city of Valletta, where tourists disembark for a day spent wandering honey-hued streets and centuries old sights, is apparently the most breathtaking place to glide into on a liner – according to a survey that used eye-tracking technology on cruise fans.
Around 50 miles south of Sicily, Malta has often been dubbed Europe’s Caribbean thanks to azure waters and fine-sand beaches, and according to AllClear Travel Insurance, it’s biggest city is also a master of first impressions.
Researchers from the cruise travel cover specialists conducted the study with 100 cruise passengers to help them discover the world’s most scenic ports.
The software monitored which ports caught tourists’ eyes the quickest and for the longest amount of time. And the most easy on the eye proved to be UNESCO-listed Valletta.
The city was built as a fortress settlement by the Knights of St John after the Great Siege by Ottoman forces in 1565, and is named after Grand Master Jean Parisot de la Valette, then leader of the military religious order.
It’s home to 320 historic monuments but also some exceptional sands, meaning visitors who arrive can marry a beach stay with some a city break.
Where else scored highly? Ports in Argentina, Italy and Sweden also proved visually bewitching to cruise travellers.
Room with a view! Cruise passengers sailing into Malta’s UNESCO-Listed capital, Valletta, find themselves in the world’s most beautiful port according to eye-tracking technology that recorded what passengers looked at
Last stop before Antarctica: Ushuaia, which is the capital of Tierra del Fuego province in Argentina, came second thanks to Martial mountains backdrop
Ushuaia in Argentina, sometimes called ‘The End of the World’ because it’s the last stop before Antarctica, scored highly thanks to its high drama scenery – including a backdrop of snow-dusted mountains.
Elsewhere in Europe, Palermo’s Cruise Terminal in Sicily welcomes guests with arching blue skies, beautiful markets and pretty restaurants.
And Lisbon’s port also comes with winsome views, with liners sailing beneath the striking 25 de Abril Bridge ahead of docking for the night.
Other notable places to sail into? The Overseas Passenger Terminal in Sydney gives a sensational view of the city’s famous Harbour Bridge as well as the Sydney Opera House.
And, unsurprisingly, three Caribbean spots made the top 20 too.
Nassau in the Bahamas came 5th with a total eye-tracking score of 81/100 while Oranjestad on Aruba placed 6th (79/100) and Philipsburg, St Marteen ranked 20th (65/100).
Letitia Smith, Head of Communications at AllClear, said: ‘When cruising, often it’s the incredible moments you sail into a new port for the first time that really take your breath away.
‘Around the world there are cruise ports and harbours that are set in some spectacular destinations, and those who love to sail around the world will understand how exciting that feeling really is.’
Passengers bound for Sydney’s Overseas Passenger Terminal are gifted an incredible view of the Australian city’s show-stopping skyline
Are these the 10 most beautiful cruise ports in the world?
Grab that spot on the top deck: Sailing into Lisbon at sunset is a sight to behold
Valletta Cruise Port, Valletta, Malta
Port of Ushuaia, Ushuaia, Argentina
Port of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
Stadsgården Cruise, Terminal Stockholm, Sweden
Nassau Cruise, Port Nassau, Bahamas
Aruba Cruise, Terminal Oranjestad, Aruba
Lisbon Cruise Port, Lisbon, Portugal
Overseas Passenger Terminal, Sydney Australia
Port Sultan Qaboos, Muscat, Oman
Ege Port, Kușadası, Turkey
In 2024, the Daily Mail asked Lauren Heavner (@laurenheav), a professional vocalist who has worked on cruise ships for over 10 years for six different lines across more than 1,000 voyages to tell us about her favourite ports, and Valletta made the cut.
Lauren told us: ‘The first time I sailed into the harbour of the capital, Valletta, I cried. No shame in it. The sight of this ancient, golden-stoned city rising from the sea, bathed in that otherworldly Mediterranean light, was enough to crack even the most jaded traveller’s armour. I’ve always described this city as “Jerusalem meets Northern Africa with a European flair”.
Lauren Heavner, a cruise ship vocalist who’s sailed on more than 1,000 cruises told the Daily Mail that arriving in Valletta once made her cry because of its beauty
Her advice for passengers heading to the historic city?
‘Rent a boat for the day with a local captain, and you’ll find yourself threading through hidden caves and the azure perfection of the Blue Lagoon. Wander its sandstone streets and alleyways – they’re like a maze built for dreamers.’
She added: ‘Take a historical detour through the National War Museum at Fort St. Elmo or the Grand Master’s Palace.
‘Then there’s St. John’s Co-Cathedral, built by the Knights of St. John between 1572 and 1578. It’s not just a church, it’s a declaration – a glittering display of Baroque art that’ll leave you breathless.
For a more laid-back approach, hop on one of the island’s hop-on-hop-off buses or take a ferry to Malta’s smaller islands, each one offering its own kind of magic.’
