The Worst Cruise Ports (And Why You Might Still Enjoy Them)

Not every cruise port is loved by travelers. Some ports get a lot of complaints because of pushy vendors, dirty areas, or a lack of things to do. But even these ports have a few good things to offer if you know where to look. Let’s talk about the 5 most disliked cruise ports and what makes them tricky for some cruisers.

Nassau, Bahamas

Nassau is one of the most disliked ports, mainly because of the vendors. For years, people complained about pushy sellers right at the port, trying to get you to buy their goods. Even after a big, multi-million dollar renovation in March 2023, you might still meet some of these vendors right outside the terminal.

Many people also don’t like Nassau because they end up at Junkanoo Beach, a public beach that’s easy to walk to from the ship. The problem? Junkanoo Beach is often crowded, a bit dirty, and filled with aggressive vendors.

My advice is to either take a taxi to another Nassau beach that isn't as crowded, or spring for a day pass at a resort that provides private beachfront access. You can check out all of my recommendations in my free Nassau Port Guide.

But here’s the thing— Nassau has a lot to offer... if you know where to go, and what not to do. Personally, I love this port. If you explore beyond the beach, you can visit Atlantis Resort, Fort Fincastle, or the Queen’s Staircase. There are beautiful beaches, great food, and colorful streets to explore.

Related Video:  "5 Unforgettable Cruise Ports for an Epic Cruise Experience!"

Belize

Belize is another port that gets a lot of complaints. The area around the cruise port is not very developed for tourists. It feels a bit run down, and some people find it dirty. There’s not much to see or do right off the ship, which can make it a disappointing stop.

But there is one positive thing about Belize: its natural beauty! If you book an excursion, you can see some of the most stunning wildlife and nature. Belize is known for amazing snorkeling, diving, and jungle tours. The famous Great Blue Hole is nearby, and the country’s reefs are some of the best in the world.

Because of the lack of development here, this is a port where booking an excursion is advisable. I've done an airboat tour here to explore the mangroves, but unfortunately, I found it quite boring. I don't recommend this one unless you enjoy a slower pace (it's more of a bird-watching experience than a high-adrenaline airboat adventure).

Progreso, Mexico

Progreso, Mexico, is often compared to Cozumel, a nearby port many people love. Unlike Cozumel, Progreso is much less developed. The port area doesn’t have the modern shops, restaurants, or tourist activities that cruisers enjoy. Some people feel the area is dirty, and there isn’t much to do.

However, Progreso offers something unique: an authentic Mexican experience. It’s not a place filled with touristy shops or fake attractions. You can see real Mexican culture, meet locals, and enjoy traditional food. If you want to experience Mexico without the tourist traps, Progreso is a great place for that.

Related Video: 🎥"What I Don’t Like About the Progreso Cruise Port – Know Before You Go!

Costa Maya, Mexico

Costa Maya is another Mexican port that gets a lot of complaints. Many cruisers dislike it because the beaches here often have a lot of seaweed (sargassum). This makes swimming and relaxing by the water difficult. If you’re not doing a beach day, there aren’t many other things to do nearby since the area immediately outside of the cruise terminal area is quite underdeveloped.

Another problem is that Costa Maya is known as “Costa Maybe” because ships often have to skip this port. The wind patterns make it hard for ships to dock safely, so cancellations happen a lot. If you've booked a cruise that calls here, it's wise to have a plan b in place.

But... not everything about Costa Maya is bad! The cruise terminal is modern, clean, and full of fun things to do. There are pools, shops, bars, and even a spa right at the terminal. If you don’t want to leave the port, you can still have a great time without booking an excursion.

Freeport, Bahamas

The Bahamas are known for beautiful beaches and fun ports, but Freeport doesn’t quite match up. The cruise terminal feels like a big, dirty parking lot. There’s not much to see, and the area isn’t very scenic. Many people don’t enjoy this stop because it doesn’t have the same charm as other Bahamas ports like the private islands of Half Moon Cay or Coco Cay.

But there is one way to make the most of Freeport: leave the port area and head to the beach! If you go to one of Freeport’s beaches, you’ll find the same stunning sand and clear blue water you’d expect in the Bahamas. It’s a great way to enjoy the beauty of the islands without staying near the dull port area.

The Most Disliked Cruise Ports