Overnight Cruises: Where to Go, What to See | Celebrity Cruises (2024)

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.

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 in Portugal, beautiful Dubrovnik in Croatia, or in Italy, La Spezia, gateway to both 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; the elegant French city of Bordeaux; and Copenhagen, Denmark, all famed for their after-dark scene.

Cruises to Egypt and Israel, meanwhile, overnight at both Ashdod, the gateway to historic Jerusalem and cutting edge Tel Aviv, and Alexandria, Egypt, giving you more time to immerse yourself in some of the most spectacular sites of the ancient world.

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.

While in Italy, the overnight stay in La Spezia gives you a chance to explore historic Florence or Pisa after sunset, joining locals for their evening stroll and aperitivo hour.

Bordeaux, at the heart of one of France’s greatest wine regions, is a wonderful place to spend an evening, the lights of the city reflected in the curve of the Garonne River and pretty, flower-filled squares lined with outdoor cafés and bistros.

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.

Explore the magnificent sites of Jerusalem over two days on a cruise to Israel; you’ll need this time as there’s so much to see here.

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. 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 Oslo, Norway, and discover the design and culinary treasures of these Scandinavian cities. Copenhagen in particular is known for its cutting-edge culinary scene.

Even if you don’t have dinner ashore, the pubs and bars along the waterfront of colorful Nyhavn are buzzing late into the night. Visit either city in summer and you’ll enjoy long, light-filled evenings.

Overnight Ports on Bermuda Cruises

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.

If you’re in port on a Wednesday, join the locals at the exuberant Harbor Nights Street Festival in downtown Hamilton. After dark, Front Street is a whirl of color, music, street food, and dancing, as everybody embraces the party spirit.

Because the two nights give you so much time in port, you can really get to know Bermuda, whether you’re sunbathing on pale pink beaches, enjoying a round of golf, taking in some of the historical sights, or cycling and hiking the scenic Railway Trail.

Overnight Cruise Ports in the Caribbean

On a Caribbean cruise, experience a unique overnight stay in Aruba’s Oranjestad; Willemstad in Curaçao; 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 co*cktail as you enjoy a breathtaking view of the sunset.

On your overnight stay in Willemstad, there’s plenty to do. Admire the brightly colored buildings all lit up at night, or head to popular Mambo Beach, where the party starts before sunset and carries on late into the night.

Cartagena has 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 listen to live jazz or do something offbeat like take a ghost tour.

Overnight Cruise Ports in Asia

Our Asia cruise itineraries include overnight stays in multiple cities, from Bangkok and phu*ket in Thailand to 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 phu*ket’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.

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.

Penang, too, has some fantastic rooftop bars from which you can take in the sparkling lights of the city—perhaps after browsing the bustling Batu Ferringhi Night Market. The Old Quarter in downtown Hanoi, meanwhile, is enchanting after dark, and perfect for a nighttime stroll.

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

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 & 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.

Meanwhile, cruises around Hawaii include overnight stays in Honolulu, Kailua-Kona, and Hilo. 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

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.

There’s also an opportunity to fly inland to the spectacular Iguazu Falls, straddling the border of Brazil and Argentina, where some 275 massive cascades of the Iguazu River plunge over the edge of the Paraná plateau. You can do this either as a day trip or an overnight, returning to Buenos Aires the following day.

Overnight Cruise Ports in Australia, New Zealand, & the South Pacific

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 the 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.

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.

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.