Cape Town in South Africa and Muscat in Oman have secured a spot among the top 20 most beautiful cruise ports in the world, according to new research by cruise travel cover specialists AllClear Travel Insurance.

The study, which used eye-tracking technology to determine which ports capture travellers’ attention the fastest and for the longest, crowned Valletta in Malta as the most breathtaking port to sail into. 

Coming in second is Ushuaia in Argentina – dubbed ‘The End of the World’ – where ships depart for Antarctica against the backdrop of the snow-capped Martial Mountains. Palermo, Sicily, rounds out the top three, greeting passengers with historic architecture, colourful streets and sparkling sea views.

Cape Town’s Cruise Terminal tied for 12th place, sharing the spot with Montenegro’s Kotor, Norway’s Geiranger, and Portugal’s Funchal. 

Arrivals into the Mother City are treated to panoramic views of Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront, and the Atlantic Ocean. In addition to its natural setting, Cape Town has invested heavily in developing its terminal facilities in recent years, supporting its emergence as a turnaround hub for both regional itineraries along the South African coast and long-haul repositioning cruises between Europe and the southern hemisphere.

Also making the list is Port Sultan Qaboos in Muscat, ranked ninth. The Omani capital offers a dramatic coastal arrival, with the rugged Al Hajar Mountains meeting traditional souqs, mosques and seaside forts. The port remains a gateway for Arabian Gulf itineraries and Indian Ocean voyages, and ongoing investment in tourism infrastructure has reinforced Muscat’s position as a key stop on regional cruise schedules.

European ports dominate the rankings, with Stockholm offering a colourful, cottage-dotted approach and Lisbon’s harbour welcoming ships beneath the iconic 25 de Abril Bridge. Norway’s Geirangerfjord and Skolten Cruise Pier are renowned for dramatic cliffs, cascading waterfalls and lush valleys.

Outside Europe, tropical arrivals like the Bahamas and Aruba boast white-sand beaches and wildlife encounters, while Sydney’s famous harbour views and Quebec City’s old-world charm also stand out.

Top 20 most beautiful cruise ports in the world

1. Valletta Cruise Port – Malta
2. Port of Ushuaia – Argentina
3. Port of Palermo – Italy
4. Stadsgården Cruise Terminal – Sweden
5. Nassau Cruise Port – Bahamas
6. Aruba Cruise Terminal – Aruba
7. Lisbon Cruise Port – Portugal
8. Overseas Passenger Terminal – Australia
9. Port Sultan Qaboos – Oman
10. Ege Port – Turkey
11. Port of Gruž – Croatia
12. Cape Town Cruise Terminal – South Africa
13. Port of Kotor – Montenegro
14. Geiranger Cruise Port – Norway
15. Funchal Cruise Terminal – Portugal
16. Port of Québec – Canada
17. Skolten Cruise Pier – Norway
18. Cozumel Cruise Port – Mexico
19. Port Hercules – Monaco
20. Port St. Maarten – Saint Maarten