Cruise Ships Photographs

Cruise ships viditing in the worlds port cities

Having spent three years working onboard the likes of Holland America and Norwegian Cruise Lines, we have seen a fair share of ports. Working onboard cruise ships is a great way for recent college grads to get some travel time and experience abroad. We also see the adventurous adult cruising as an employee to parts of the world partying like they never would have dreamed.

From the sometimes mindless ramblings of the Captain to the always appreciated overnights in port, cruise ships make for a memorable workplace. You too can find cruise ship employment and get paid to see the world. That is, unless you are just curious what it was like to work onboard ships. Here are some photos of cruise ships at various ports of call.

Messina, Sicily, Italy - In the summer of 2007 the southern island of Sicily was dealing with a drought and the consequences it brings. This is where we see the mountaintop burning in the background and just out of frame the firefighting planes scooping water straight from the Mediterranean sea for delivery to the hillside. The Norwegian Jewel made its call into Messina as pieces of ash from the burning mountaintop float down to sea level. Be sure to wipe that mug of Birra Messina off before taking your next swig. Ciao!

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico - For anyone who has been to Cabo San Lucas over the years, you will have noticed their tourism industry has increased, most noticeably around the port. This photo was taken from the second floor of a resort which was in construction at the time. Now, Cabo lays claim to five star resorts, private yachts and more Negro Modelo than you can shake un palo at. When visiting cabo by cruise ship, you won't find a place to dock and will have to tender to get to land. It can be a hassle, but well worth the trip. Find more panorama from the caribbean.

San Juan, Puerto Rico - If your looking for a cheap buzz while docked in Puerto Rico, go to the Don Q Rum store only a few blocks from the ships pier. The guys there make great rum drinks with delicious Don Q all day and they don't mind if you hang out with them and "sample" free drinks for a few hours. After you're done, go back to the ship and look at the pretty colors on NCL's bow. It is only at that point that the silly NCL ship drawings will make any sort of sense. Be warned, however, if you drink too much Don Q the drawings will make too much sense and might start talking to you.

Izmir, Turkey - Here is the Carnival Freedom in Izmir, Turkey. The port is a great place to get cheap alcohol. The key here is to buy your vodka but don't be seen walking out with it by the cop. The idea is that you aren't supposed to buy cheap booze in the port and walk out of the gate. If a cop sees you he will stop you. So if you are trying to smuggle vodka onto the ship, buy the booze when he is busy and put it into a backpack. Then leave the port so you can transfer it into those clever Evian bottles before going back onboard. Serefe!

Santorini, Greece - This is not a special picture for its aesthetic value, but it does have a story. While working onboard the N. Jewel in 2007, I randomly took this photo of the Veendam which was anchored next to us. At that time I had no idea that in only a few months this would be my home and the people who are on here when this photo was taken were to become my future co-workers. That is life when working onboard ships, you never know when things are going to completely change and it isn't worth predicting. I actually didn't even know I had taken this photo of the Veendam until after that contract.

Mykonos, Greece - Ah yes, back to Mykonos. Here is a snap taken just before the sun sets for the night and the vacation Island of Mykonos begins to light up. Mykonos is well known for its nightlife, where the young and old go to spend there evenings at restaurants, bars and nightclubs. When going to Mykonos be sure to save your energy for the night as the most happening bars and clubs don't begin their party until 11pm. Not so helpful when the ship leaves at 8, but still is a beautiful island, not to be missed. See more great panorama from Mykonos.

Mazatlan, Mexico - Here we have a view from a hilltop looking down on the port of Mazatlan. This is a smaller port located on the west coast of mexico, across the sea from Cabo San Lucas. A definite highlight was the open air taxi cabs who will drive you around for a small fee. This is a great way to see some city highlights. Also, we found Mazatlan to be a more affordable and less crowded alternative to the more popular tourist cities of Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta.