Unsure where to go on your next cruise?
Don’t worry – because help is at hand in the form of 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.
She reveals her five favourite cruise ports and explains why you should add them to your bucket list.
From the city that greets cruise passengers like they’re an ‘old friend’ to the ‘postcard-perfect’ beach spot and the Californian city with the ‘world’s best food’… scroll down for a tour of some seriously paradisiacal ports.
Papeete, Tahiti
What are the best things to do there?
Lauren tells MailOnline Travel: ‘When I am lucky enough to find myself back in magical Papeete, I usually catch an early morning ferry to Moʻorea island from the Papeete Ferry Terminal. I plant myself up top, in the open air, where the views are unmatched.
‘The jagged peaks of Moʻorea rise out of the Pacific like something only the creator of the universe could dream up for us. Once ashore, I wave down a local taxi and make my way to the Sofitel resort. It’s a prime spot, perched right on the beach with a dazzling lagoon that looks photoshopped.
‘After a day soaking up the beauty of Moʻorea, it’s time to get the last ferry back to Papeete. As the sun dips, the ferry pulls into port, and the scene at Les Roulottes begins to unfold.
Lauren Heavner, who’s been on over 1,000 cruise voyages, reveals her five favourite ports. Papeete, above, is one. Lauren tells MailOnline Travel: ‘The thing that strikes first-time visitors to Papeete is its beauty’
Lauren recommends visiting the Sofitel Resort in Moʻorea, where she’s pictured above
Lauren is pictured above in Mo’orea, where ‘jagged peaks rise like something only the creator of the universe could dream up’
‘The food trucks roll in and families start to gather. Elders unpack their ukuleles. Kids dart between tables playing. The aroma from the food trucks begins to fill the air. It’s not staged – it’s just life, Polynesian style, and it’s perfect.
‘Now it’s time for the best part of the day. It’s the Poisson Cru. By far my favourite dish in the entire world. Raw fish marinated in lime juice, mingling with the creaminess of fresh coconut milk. Add a crunch of cucumber and tomato and it’s “chef’s kiss baby”.
‘I swear to you – flying halfway around the world to sit at a plastic table in the warm Tahitian night with a plate of Poisson Cru is worth the price of the airfare.’
Why might it surprise a visitor?
Lauren reveals: ‘The thing that strikes first-time visitors to Papeete is its beauty. It’s not something you can prepare for. You think you know what to expect, but how could you? Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think there was such a place on earth. At least, that’s how it was for me.’
Any negative aspects?
She says: ‘Tahiti, like so many jewels scattered across the Pacific, is tethered to a faraway throne – a distant nation that governs it from across oceans.
‘It’s a complicated relationship, a blend of colonial legacy and modern-day dependence. The result? A kind of beautiful isolation, but also limitations.’
How friendly are the locals with cruise passengers?
Lauren explains: ‘I don’t know a kinder heart than that of a Polynesian.
‘It’s not surface-level politeness – it’s bone-deep generosity, the kind that makes you stop and reevaluate what it means to be truly hospitable. If you needed the shirt off their back, they’d hand it over with a smile – and maybe offer you lunch, too.’
Malaga, Spain
Lauren explains that Malaga’s locals are ‘the heartbeat of the city’
Lauren is a professional vocalist who has worked on cruise ships for over 10 years
What are the best things to do?
Lauren says: ‘Malaga is a feast for the senses, a coastal city dripping with history and culture. Art lovers – this is your playground. The Museum of Picasso feels like a pilgrimage – fitting since Malaga is his birthplace. Prefer something edgier? The Centre Pompidou Malaga, a kaleidoscope of modern art housed in a candy-coloured cube, delivers. Or pick your poison from the city’s other 40 museums.
‘But let’s not kid ourselves, the real soul of Malaga is on a plate. From Michelin-starred chefs reinventing Andalusian classics to local dives serving the freshest sardines skewered and grilled over open flames, the food here is unmatched.’
Why might it surprise a visitor?
The traveller reveals: ‘Malaga might catch the first-time visitor off guard with its history and architecture. Malaga Cathedral commands attention with its intricate design and sheer presence. Then there’s the Alcazaba, a Moorish fortress that feels like stepping back into another era. And just beneath it, the Roman Theatre, a relic from the 1st century reminding us of Malaga’s deep and unique history.’
Any negative aspects?
Lauren explains: ‘Malaga doesn’t give you much to complain about, but the heat? That’s another story. Summer here doesn’t just sizzle – it scorches, thanks in part to hot air from the Sahara Desert. Locals call it “Calima”, a dry, dusty wind that sweeps in from Africa, cranking up the temperatures and leaving the breeze somewhere on vacation.
‘The city’s limestone architecture, beautiful as it is, acts like a natural oven, trapping the heat and making midday wanderings feel like a test of endurance. If you’re visiting in the summer, come prepared. Malaga’s beauty is worth sweating for – but a little planning can go a long way.’
How friendly are the locals with cruise passengers?
She says: ‘The locals in Malaga are the heartbeat of the city – warm, kind, and effortlessly hospitable. Despite the status as a bustling tourist hub, there’s an ease to the way they welcome you, making even the busiest streets feel personal and inviting.’
San Francisco, USA
San Francisco ‘offers a buffet of experiences’, explains Lauren
What are the best things to do?
Lauren explains: ‘San Francisco is one of those rare American cities that manages to feel both cosmopolitan and intimately approachable. A port city brimming with contradictions, where tech moguls brush shoulders with bohemian dreamers, and the scent of sourdough mingles with salty sea air.
‘Start your day at Fisherman’s Wharf – not for the tourist traps, but for the darkly magical Musée Mécanique. This vintage arcade is a coin-operated blast from the past. It’s quirky, it’s bizarre, and I could lose hours there without regret.
‘Beyond the Wharf, San Francisco offers a buffet of experiences, each more fascinating than the last. Alcatraz, with its haunting history. SFMOMA? A modern art haven with surprises tucked into every corner.
‘The Golden Gate Bridge? Forget the car – this icon deserves more than a passing glance through a windshield. Rent a bike. Feel the wind whip through your hair as you pass the bridge as you glide toward Sausalito. This little bayside town feels like something out of a dream – perfect for an unhurried wander, maybe a glass of Napa Valley wine or a plate of fresh oysters.’
Why might it surprise a visitor?
The cruise expert claims: ‘San Francisco doesn’t just have great food – it’s got the best food in the world. Overstatement? Maybe. But sit down with a bowl of cioppino (fish stew) or a Mission-style burrito and try telling me I’m wrong. This city is a love letter to food. Start with Chinatown – one of the oldest and most vibrant in the U.S.
‘Then there’s “Off The Grid”, a roaming carnival of culinary creativity, food and music. Food trucks slinging everything from Korean barbecue tacos to vegan empanadas. And let’s not ignore the heavy hitters. This city boasts 31 Michelin-starred restaurants – 31!’
Any negative aspects?
Lauren reveals: ‘Mark Twain famously said that the coldest winter he ever spent was a summer in San Francisco. Step off the plane in July expecting sun-drenched beaches, and that bone-chilling fog, lovingly named “Karl” by the locals, will slap you straight into reality. Reality being that you need to pack a scarf and jacket for your trip.’
How friendly are the locals with cruise passengers?
Lauren comments: ‘San Francisco locals are a curious breed – remarkably kind for a city that hums with the frenetic energy of tech startups and deadlines. They’re seasoned pros at navigating the onslaught of tourists, offering directions or recommendations. Respect their rhythm, and they’ll treat you like you belong – even if you don’t.’
Valletta, Malta
Lauren reveals that she ‘cried’ at the sight of Valletta the first time she sailed there
Lauren says Malta has ‘genuine’ local residents. She’s pictured here at the island’s Blue Lagoon
What are the best things to do?
Lauren reveals: ‘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”.
‘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. 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.’
Why might it surprise a visitor?
She says: ‘Malta has some very surprising history for such a small country. Long before Stonehenge was a thought or the Pyramids pierced the Egyptian skyline, the Maltese were carving temples out of limestone, erecting monolithic structures that defied the limitations of the Stone Age. These ancient marvels earned Malta its Unesco stripes, but they’re just the prelude.
‘Fast forward a few millennia, and the story takes a sharp turn. Enter the Knights of the Order of St. John – a ragtag band of warrior monks who turned Malta into their fortress, a strategic stronghold against the relentless Ottoman Empire. And later, the Maltese stood shoulder to shoulder with the British, enduring brutal air raids and earning their entire nation the George Cross for bravery. If Indiana Jones were a country, he would be Malta.’
Any negative aspects?
Lauren explains: ‘In recent years, Malta has found itself at the centre of a travel boom, drawing waves of visitors – most of them from Europe – like moths to its sun-soaked shores. The intimacy of Malta – the feeling that you’ve stumbled upon a secret – has become a little harder to find.’
How friendly are the locals with cruise passengers?
Lauren says: ‘The locals of Valletta – and Malta as a whole – have hospitality baked into their DNA. These are people who’ve lived at the crossroads of the Mediterranean for centuries, welcoming traders, warriors and wanderers alike. Today, they greet cruise passengers and tourists with the same warmth they’d offer an old friend. It’s not forced or rehearsed – it’s genuine. A smile here feels earned, not marketed.’
Honolulu, Hawai’i
The neighbourhood of Waikiki in Hawai’i is a ‘postcard-perfect introduction’ to the destination, says Lauren
Lauren is pictured while surfing in Waikiki, ‘the appetiser’ to a ‘blend of grit, astounding cultural history, and jaw-dropping beauty that demands to be explored’
What are the best things to do?
The cruise expert, who lives in Hawai’i, says: ‘When travellers touch down in the sun-soaked sprawl of Honolulu on Oahu, their compass almost inevitably points to the neighbourhood of Waikiki. And sure, go ahead – sip that Mai Tai at Duke’s, let your eyes trace the curve of Diamond Head, and soak it all in. It’s a postcard-perfect introduction, no doubt. But Waikiki is just the appetiser. Beyond the polished façade lies the real Oahu – a raw, electric blend of grit, astounding cultural history, and jaw-dropping beauty that demands to be explored.
‘To see the real Oahu you’ll need a set of wheels. Hop in a car, take the Pali Highway, and prepare for jaw-dropping scenery. This drive isn’t transportation – it’s a moving work of art. Follow the signs to the Kaneohe exit and pick up the Kamehameha Highway. Your first stop? Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Gardens. It’s free, which feels almost criminal when you realise you’re stepping into actual paradise. This place doesn’t just look heavenly – it feels it. I come here all the time, now that I call this place home.
‘When you’ve replenished your soul with the garden’s serenity, hit the road again and let Kamehameha Highway guide you toward the North Shore. Stop in Laʻie for the Polynesian Cultural Center if you’re in the mood to learn something or to see the best live production I’ve ever witnessed called “HA: Breath of Life”, grab a bite at the famous Kahuku food trucks, and pull into every beach park that catches your eye along the way (trust me, they all will).
‘And one more thing – drive with aloha [aloha is the Hawaiian word for love and is used as a greeting]. Out here, the road isn’t just a way to get somewhere, it’s part of the experience. Slow down, let others merge, attempt the Shaka (hand sign) to other drivers even if it feels weird. Respect the land, the people, and the rhythm of the island – even behind the wheel.’
Why might it surprise a visitor?
Lauren reveals: ‘Hawaiʻi is a place with history that runs deep and wild, like the roots of a banyan tree. The first Polynesians didn’t just stumble upon these islands – they crossed thousands of miles of ocean, navigating their route by the stars and the currents of the ocean. They call it “wayfinding”, and it’s not a lost art, it’s alive, taught, and practiced even now.
‘For 400 years, this island civilisation flourished – isolated, self-sustaining, and deeply rooted in its connection to the land and sea. Then came 1778, and with it, Captain James Cook: the uninvited guest who unwittingly set the stage for the unravelling of a kingdom. Disease, missionaries, and greed followed in his wake, eroding the sovereignty of the Hawaiian people.
Lauren relaxing in Oahu. Lauren reveals: ‘Hawaiʻi is a place with history that runs deep and wild, like the roots of a banyan tree’
LEFT: Lauren says Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Gardens ‘feels like paradise’. RIGHT: Lauren at the beach in Oahu
‘Fast-forward to 1893, when American businessmen orchestrated a coup to overthrow Queen Liliʻuokalani, the last monarch of Hawaiʻi. By 1898, the islands were annexed – absorbed into the United States without the consent of the native population. In 1959, statehood became official, a moment celebrated by some and condemned by others. For many Hawaiians, it wasn’t progress – it is occupation. The scars of that history linger, etched into the culture, the people, and the land itself – a reminder that paradise has always come at a price.’
Any negative aspects?
She explains: ‘Every year, 15,000 native Hawaiians leave their ancestral home, packing up their lives for the mainland in search of something they can’t find on the island: affordability, stability, a chance to breathe. It’s not just about the cost of living, it’s the cost of existing. Three jobs to scrape together rent. Days blurred by endless work, usually in the tourism industry. There are more native Hawaiians living on the US mainland now than there are living on the islands of Hawaiʻi. Las Vegas – yes the neon-drenched desert – has become known in Hawaiʻi as “The 9th Hawaiian Island” due to its large and increasing population of transplants seeking a better life.
‘Hawaiʻi, for all its beauty, is finite – just a scattering of islands in the vast Pacific, where every acre has become a trophy for the wealthy. The housing crisis here isn’t an abstract policy debate, it’s a slow, steady eviction of the people who shaped this place.’
How friendly are the locals with cruise passengers?
Lauren says: ‘Aloha isn’t just a word, it’s a way of life. It’s nearly impossible not to feel the warmth and kindness of the locals here. You feel it the moment you arrive: the kindness, the sincerity, the genuine warmth that wraps around you like the island breeze. It’s intoxicating.
‘But here’s the thing about aloha: it’s not one-sided. It’s a reciprocal agreement, a mutual respect between you and the land, the people, the animals – everything that makes Hawaiʻi what it is. Treat it with respect, and it will embrace you in return.
‘Ignore the quiet rules that hold this all together? Well, don’t be surprised when that same aloha turns its back on you. Life here demands respect. For the beaches, the mountains, the reefs, and the history etched into every grain of sand. So, take off your shoes before you enter someone’s home. Clean up after yourself. And listen – really listen – to what the land and its people are telling you.’
Want more from Lauren? Find her on TikTok at @laurenheav.
