New Cruise Ports Await Your Call

It’s fun to revisit favorite cruise ports through the years, taking another look at timeless historic attractions and seeing new points of interest, too.

But, many of us are motivated to take another cruise by the opportunity to visit new places. So, cruise lines are always searching out new ports of call. Here are a few that are popping up on more itineraries for 2017 and beyond.

Fredericia, Denmark

Founded in 1650 by King Frederick III, the old city walls still circle part of this former military fortress town. You can walk those old walls, encountering historical statues, cannons, gates and ramparts on your way. Stop at the White Water Tower for beautiful views of the fort, the bridge to Funen Island, and the entire city. If you follow the Little Belt Bridge to Funen, you can tour Egeskov Castle, completed in 1554.

Or, take a cruise among the fjords, visit the town of Odense to see the birthplace of famed children’s book author Hans Christian Andersen, or take the opportunity to tour the Lego factory and Legoland in nearby Billund.

Siracusa, Italy

Set on an expansive Sicilian bay, Siracusa (Syracuse) was once a rival to Athens. It’s a treasure trove of ancient Greek and Roman ruins, including temples, amphitheaters and a castle. The Neapolis Archaeological Park contains a great number of spectacular ruins, including one of the largest remaining Greek theaters (16,000 seats) in the world. Stroll around the historic center of the city to marvel at the winding streets, ancient stone buildings and the Spring of Arethusa. The surrounding countryside is beautiful, too, with vineyards on the rolling hills and majestic Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest active volcano, in the distance.

Rijeka, Croatia

Historic empires fought for control of this deep-water port in northwestern Croatia, but a period of Habsburg rule that began in the late 15^th century is responsible for the mainly Renaissance and Baroque architecture of the old city. To see it, take a stroll along the Korzo, the city’s main promenade.
City landmarks include the Rijeka Cathedral, dedicated to St. Vitus; Palace Modello, built as a bank but now the public library; and Stadion Kantrida, a soccer stadium with a spectacular setting between the steep sides of an old quarry and the Adriatic Sea. On a hill above the town, Trsat Castle offers historic interest and commanding views.

Gisborne, New Zealand

Originally named Turanga-nui-a-Kiwa (in Maori, “the great standing place of Kiwa”), Gisborne is a center of Maori cultural life. Sometimes called the City of Rivers, Gisborne sits at the convergence of three rivers. Gisborne’s Kaiti Beach is where British navigator James Cook made his first landing in New Zealand, and the Kaiti Hill Lookout has expansive views of the city and the blue water of Poverty Bay. Take an excursion to Te Urewara National Park to see the flora, fauna and beautiful Lake Waikaremoana; or, explore the vineyards and wineries that produce fine chardonnay.

Manzanillo, Mexico

In 1522, during the Spanish conquest of Mexico, Hernán Cortés chose Manzanillo Bay as the site for a shipyard on the Pacific Ocean. In modern times, Manzanillo is Mexico’s largest commercial port, but is emerging as a destination for cruise ships, too. In addition to views of the bay, ringed by sandy beaches and backed by jungle-covered mountains, the city is the sailfish capital of the world (there are about 70 other species of game fish in the waters around Manzanillo, too). The Miramar Flea Market on the beach, the opportunity to dine with a view of the bay, and the charming old town plaza are attractions, too.

You can also take an excursion to the low-lying Pyramids of La Campana, the largest archaeological site in western Mexico.

Jakarta, Indonesia

Situated on the northwest coast of the island of Java, Jakarta is the cultural and political center of Indonesia. The sprawling city of more than 10 million residents includes Jakarta Old Town, a remainder of the first walled settlement of Dutch colonialists. The Jakarta History Museum, where you can get a better understanding of the city’s complex past, is in the Old Town. Other landmarks in the city include the Jakarta Cathedral, the enormous Istiqlal Mosque, and Monas, a tower that symbolizes Indonesian independence and is beautifully lit at night.