Overnight cruises are a great way to experience the best a destination has to offer. You can take your time exploring your favorite ports and discovering the vibrant nightlife of a city. Often, staying the night is a chance to see a completely different face of a destination, sample its cuisine, and check out local bars, pubs, and cultural performances.
Whether you’re hoping to see the sunset in the Mediterranean, sample sizzling street food in Asia, or dance the night away in the Caribbean, here’s everything you need to know about cruises with overnight stays.
What’s it like being on overnight cruises?
On a cruise with an overnight stay, you’ll feel as if you’re spending the night in a luxurious floating hotel. You can come and go as you please throughout the evening.
At your overnight port stops, you can go sightseeing during the day, come back to the ship to change and relax, and then head back out and enjoy the city’s restaurants and nightlife.
You can also spend the day exploring the port, come back for dinner in one of our onboard restaurants, then head back out into the city to enjoy a night excursion or a cocktail.
Which cruises stay in port overnight?
Cruises with overnight stays are available in over 40 ports of call on Celebrity Cruises in each major destination we cruise to.
Sometimes, overnights will occur during the middle of a cruise. Other times, overnight stays are offered at a cruise’s embarkation port just after you board, or at a ship’s last port before you disembark the following day.
Here are some of the exciting overnight cruises you can experience on Celebrity Cruises:
Overnight Cruise Ports in Europe & Africa
On a cruise to Europe, you’ll have the opportunity to stay overnight in multiple cities. There’s Lisbon or Porto in Portugal, or Malaga in Spain. In Italy, stay the night in Ravenna, or La Spezia, for Florence and Pisa. Voyages to the eastern Mediterranean stop for the night in Athens, Greece, or exotic Istanbul, Turkey.
Further north, Celebrity’s ships overnight in Reykjavik, Iceland; Cork, Ireland; Copenhagen, Denmark; Stockholm, Sweden; and Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Cruises to Egypt and Israel, meanwhile, overnight at both Ashdod, the gateway to Jerusalem, and Alexandria, Egypt.
At an overnight stop in Lisbon, Portugal, board a funicular to the top of Bairro Alto, where you’ll enjoy unparalleled views of the city’s landmarks and have a chance to enjoy authentic Fado music.
With an overnight stay in Porto, soak up the atmosphere of the old city, and try a glass of port in an al fresco bar on the banks of the Douro. While in Italy, the overnight in La Spezia gives you a chance to explore historic Florence or Pisa after sunset.
Read: Best Cruises for Couples
Blue Lagoon in Reykjavik, Iceland
Take advantage of your two days in Iceland to sample the nightlife of Reykjavik, and explore the country’s thrilling natural wonders, including Godafoss waterfall, the famous Blue Lagoon, and the lava fields of Dimmuborgir.
In Spain, you’ll have an overnight stay in Malaga, where you could stroll along the beach at sunset and stop for tapas in the old center, gazing at the Gibralfaro castle lit up on the hillside.
Sultanahmet Square, Istanbul
Explore the magnificent sites of Jerusalem over two days on a cruise to Israel. Some cruise itineraries to Turkey and the Greek Islands include a night in Istanbul, where you can tour famous landmarks like the Blue Mosque and shop for local goods at its famous Grand Bazaar, and watch the minarets of the city fall into silhouette at sunset as you stroll along the Golden Horn.
If your ship is in Athens for the night, take a trip to Cape Sounion to admire the dreamy sunset and explore the elegant Temple of Poseidon before heading back to the capital for dinner with a view of the floodlit Acropolis.
On a cruise around the Baltic Sea, stay for a night in Copenhagen, Denmark or Stockholm, Sweden, and discover the design and culinary treasures of these Scandinavian cities. In Amsterdam, an overnight stay is the perfect opportunity to take a romantic canal cruise and see all the bridges illuminated in the darkness.
Overnight Ports on Bermuda Cruises
Bermuda
During a cruise to Bermuda, spend two nights at the historic Royal Naval Dockyard, famed for its restaurants and nightlife. Take time for an evening catamaran cruise to enjoy the glorious sunset and a rum swizzle. If you’re looking to sample the local bar scene, sign up for a guided pub crawl.
Further south, you might feel like you stepped back in time when your ship docks for the night in Charleston, South Carolina, where you can enjoy a horse-drawn carriage around the city’s historic district.
Overnight Caribbean Cruises
On a Caribbean cruise, experience a unique overnight stay in Aruba’s Oranjestad; historic Cartagena, Colombia; or sultry New Orleans.
After spending the day lounging on one of Aruba’s white-sand beaches, cap off the day by boarding a catamaran and sipping a cocktail as you enjoy a breathtaking view of the sunset.
Cartagena is one of the most magnificent examples of Spanish colonial architecture, with lively local bars and classy restaurants to try after dark.
The Big Easy, meanwhile, needs little introduction; an overnight stay is the perfect opportunity to catch some jazz, or maybe even do something offbeat like take a ghost tour.
Overnight Cruise Ports in Asia
Singapore
Our Asia cruise itineraries include overnight stays in multiple cities, from Bangkok and Phuket in Thailand to chic Singapore, glittering Hong Kong, and bustling Hanoi.
In India, you can delve deeper into the local culture in Cochin and Mumbai, while there are also overnights in Colombo, Sri Lanka; Penang, Malaysia; Kyoto, Japan; and Benoa, Bali.
On a Southeast Asia cruise, you’ll have extra time to discover Phuket’s famous nightlife or head to a romantic beach restaurant for dinner. During your night in Bangkok, the famous night markets are a must for jewelry, clothing, and handicrafts, with sizzling street food on hand if you feel like a snack and an ice-cold beer.
Hong Kong
In Hong Kong, take in the iconic skyline and enjoy a primetime view of its famous Symphony of Lights show in Victoria Harbour, one of the city’s highest viewing platforms.
With two days in Singapore, board a bumboat and cruise along the Singapore River, where you can see the city’s skyscrapers and marvel at its many architectural landmarks, including the Marina Bay Sands and the Helix Bridge.
The Old Quarter in downtown Hanoi, meanwhile, is enchanting after dark, and perfect for a nighttime stroll.
Tokyo Tower, Japan
If you’re sailing on a cruise around Japan, an overnight in Kyoto is the ideal opportunity to enjoy a traditional shabu-shabu dinner followed by a Marko performance.
Voyages to India, meanwhile, are a chance to photograph the famous Chinese fishing nets at sunset in Cochin or take in a spellbinding Kathakali dance performance. In Mumbai, experience the buzz of the night markets, or head out for dinner for classy and classic Indian cuisine.
Overnight Cruise Ports on the East Coast
Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City, Canada
One of the best places in North America to experience the atmosphere after dark is elegant Quebec City, Canada, known for its French-influenced chic culture, European architecture, fine dining, and state-of-the-art museums.
Take a night cruise on the St. Lawrence River, stroll the old city, and stop in at a local pub—and round off the evening with a snack of poutine, the local specialty of fries, cheese curds, and gravy.
Read: Best East Coast Cruises
Overnight Cruise Ports in California, Mexico, & Hawaii
On the West Coast, enjoy an overnight in San Francisco, where you can visit landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, discover its countercultural history in neighborhoods like Haight-Ashbury, and experience the city’s legendary nightlife.
While in Mexico, explore the laid-back atmosphere of Cabo San Lucas while enjoying an evening of cocktails, fresh seafood, and tequila tastings after the fiery scarlets and oranges of the sunset have faded.
Hula performance in Hawaii
Meanwhile, cruises around Hawaii include overnight stays in Honolulu, Kailua-Kona, and Maui’s Lahaina. By day, hike, explore the lush volcanic scenery, or lounge on the beach, leaving evenings free to marvel at the dazzling sunsets, taste traditional island cuisine, and enjoy a hula ceremony.
Overnight Cruise Ports in South America
Buenos Aires, Argentina
On cruises to South America, you might spend a night or two in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where you can take in a sensual tango show or dine at one of the world-famous steakhouses with a chance to taste the country’s legendary red wines.
Lima, Peru, is also making a name for itself as a culinary star, with adventurous, innovative cuisine, putting a modern twist on traditional ingredients. While you’re in town, take in the rippling colors and mesmerizing rhythms of the Circuito Mágico del Agua, the city’s famous dancing fountains—and don’t pass up the chance to sample a pisco sour.
Overnight Cruise Ports in Australia, New Zealand, & the South Pacific
Sydney, Australia
Australia cruises include overnight stops in Sydney, where you can hop on a dinner cruise and enjoy fresh seafood while admiring the magical sights of Sydney Harbour, the famous bridge, and Opera House illuminated after dark.
From Cairns, you’ll have the incredible opportunity to sleep under the stars while camping on a special pontoon in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef—a real once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Spend your two days in Adelaide sampling local Australian wines, like Shiraz and Riesling, in some of the region’s vineyards.
In Hobart, Tasmania, explore the exciting art scene and sample craft beers and street food at the Franklin Square Night Market. There are live music venues and stand-up comedy all over town, too.
Meanwhile, New Zealand cruises make overnight stops in Auckland, where you could watch the sunset from Mount Eden, take a dinner cruise on the harbor and see the city lights from the water, or try something adventurous like a night kayak tour.
Auckland, New Zealand
Book your next cruise with an overnight stay and reserve your evening shore excursions today. To start planning your dream cruise that includes an overnight in port, browse cruise itineraries on our website and get ready for the exciting places you’ll visit after dark.
