--- title: Best Destinations to Start or End Your Cruise description: Enhance your cruise with a few days at the start or end of your aquatic journey! Here are the best cities to explore before or after you set sail. image: https://blog.avantidestinations.com/hubfs/Avanti_BlogPost_HeroImage_180.jpg --- [![Avanti Destinations Logo](https://blog.avantidestinations.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Avanti-Logo-Color-4.png?width=100&height=63&name=Avanti-Logo-Color-4.png "Avanti Destinations Logo")](http://www.avantidestinations.com) [![Avanti Destinations Logo](https://blog.avantidestinations.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Avanti-Logo-Color-4.png?width=100&height=63&name=Avanti-Logo-Color-4.png "Avanti Destinations Logo")](http://www.avantidestinations.com) - [The Avanti Traveler](https://info.avantidestinations.com/the-avanti-traveler) - [Blog Homepage](https://blog.avantidestinations.com/the-avanti-traveler) - [Avanti Podcast](https://blog.avantidestinations.com/avanti-podcast/the-avanti-podcast) - [Avanti Destinations](https://www.avantidestinations.com/home) - [Subscribe Now](https://share.hsforms.com/1FoJwsgeZQ366rRMQXb1RJQ158jk) search - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 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Be it the Greek Isles or the Egyptian Nile, you can best settle into your trip by staying in a port city a few days before you start your aquatic adventure, or extend your vacation by lingering on land afterward. Pre- and post-cruise itineraries give you some breathing room during your trip, break up your time at sea, and expose you to exciting sites while giving you the opportunity to truly soak up the destination. Here are some of our favorite cities to start or end your cruise!  **Sydney, Australia ![](https://blog.avantidestinations.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20-%20Pre%20%26%20Post%20Cruise%20-%20Sydney-jpg.jpeg?width=900&height=352&name=Blog%20-%20Pre%20%26%20Post%20Cruise%20-%20Sydney-jpg.jpeg)** Sydney’s grand harbor is the home base for a wide variety of cruises, and by staying a few extra days in the capital, you can fully take advantage of your Aussie getaway. Tour the famed Opera House and Harbour Bridge, visit the nearby Blue Mountains and meet koalas at a local sanctuary, or spend a day on golden beaches to relax, snorkel, or take a surfing lesson! **Athens, Greece ![Blog - Pre & Post Cruise - Athens](https://blog.avantidestinations.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20-%20Pre%20%26%20Post%20Cruise%20-%20Athens.jpg?width=900&height=353&name=Blog%20-%20Pre%20%26%20Post%20Cruise%20-%20Athens.jpg)** As Europe’s oldest capital city, the heart of ancient Greece boasts 3,000 years of history across a series of jaw-dropping sites, age-old architectural structures, and stunning urban cityscapes. Before taking off on a Greek Island cruise, plan a stay in Athens’ marvelous metropolis to traverse its series of temples, meander its museums, and taste the fantastic flavors of its foodie hotspots. **Dubrovnik, Croatia ![Blog - Pre & Post Cruise - Dubrovnik](https://blog.avantidestinations.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20-%20Pre%20%26%20Post%20Cruise%20-%20Dubrovnik.jpg?width=900&height=352&name=Blog%20-%20Pre%20%26%20Post%20Cruise%20-%20Dubrovnik.jpg)** Idyllically located on the dazzling Dalmatian coastline, this popular cruise destination flaunts sparkling seas, sunshiny skies, and charming city vibes. Book a few nights in Dubrovnik to wander the ancient walled town, explore nearby islands, visit filming sites from Game of Thrones, and even take a Croatian cooking class with a local chef! **Marseille, France ![Blog - Pre & Post Cruise - Marseille](https://blog.avantidestinations.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20-%20Pre%20%26%20Post%20Cruise%20-%20Marseille.jpg?width=900&height=353&name=Blog%20-%20Pre%20%26%20Post%20Cruise%20-%20Marseille.jpg)** Situated in the beloved Riviera region, Marseille is not only France’s largest city on the Mediterranean Coast, but a significant port of past and present that sail-savvy travelers can seamlessly stop through. Boasting all the beloved trappings of a southern French vacation, this pre- and post-cruise hub offers much to see and do, including sandy beaches, fine wine tasting and foods, fragrant lavender tours, and luxurious accommodations. **Cartagena, Colombia ![Blog - Pre & Post Cruise - Cartagena](https://blog.avantidestinations.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20-%20Pre%20%26%20Post%20Cruise%20-%20Cartagena.jpg?width=900&height=352&name=Blog%20-%20Pre%20%26%20Post%20Cruise%20-%20Cartagena.jpg)** A vibrant culture straddled by South American influences and the Caribbean coastline, Colombia is a thrilling gem surrounded by the sea, and a delightful stop during a cruise getaway. Before setting sail, be sure to spend ample time in Cartagena to soak up its bustling nightlife, awe at its lush wildlife, and taste its famous rums, chocolates, and coffees. **Singapore ![Blog - Pre & Post Cruise - Singapore](https://blog.avantidestinations.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20-%20Pre%20%26%20Post%20Cruise%20-%20Singapore.jpg?width=3000&height=1175&name=Blog%20-%20Pre%20%26%20Post%20Cruise%20-%20Singapore.jpg)** This island country is known for its cultural diversity and expat lifestyle, blending an array of natural and city attractions as well as delicious fusion flavors in its cuisine. As the biggest port in Southeast Asia, it’s a perfect start or end to a cruise adventure, offering a mix of natural beachside escapes and urban thrills. Wander its majestic gardens or experience its bustling nightlife and night markets. **Casablanca, Morocco ![Blog - Pre & Post Cruise - Casablanca](https://blog.avantidestinations.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20-%20Pre%20%26%20Post%20Cruise%20-%20Casablanca.jpg?width=900&height=353&name=Blog%20-%20Pre%20%26%20Post%20Cruise%20-%20Casablanca.jpg)** Casablanca is the chief port of Morocco, offering a beautiful and fascinating place to explore before or after being out at sea. Elegantly showcasing Moorish style archways and tilework blended with Spanish influences and European Art Deco, enjoy this visually stunning city by touring its mosques, cathedrals, museums, and old city streets. *Ready to set sail? Connect with your favorite Travel Advisor about booking one of these amazing destinations before or after your cruise vacation!* For our Travel Advisor partners, we have a brand new pre- and post-cruise site to seamlessly explore land options for your clients' cruise getaways! 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