Cruise lecturer reveals underrated ports she loves around the world, including a 'little Venice'

A veteran cruise lecturer has named a string of underrated ports she loves, arguing that the most memorable moments often come from places travelers stumble upon themselves. Rachel Kolsky, 67, a lecturer who splits her time between the sea and London, has spent more than a decade guiding guests on cruises with operators including Fred Olsen, Cunard, Oceania, Saga River and Viking. She says the joy of travel on the water lies in following curiosity: if you see a doorway, step through; if you spot a staircase, climb it.

Among her top picks is Chioggia, a town near Venice that she describes as a Venetian cousin rather than a substitute. "I was on a cruise to Venice, and I’d booked a guide in Venice to take me to places I hadn’t been to. Then I learned I’d be berthed at Chioggia," Kolsky recalls. "As a Venice guide, I say to you, do not bother coming into Venice if you’re berthed at Chioggia." She says the town feels like a small Venice, with canals, orange and pink houses, and boats dotting the water. "It’s got that Venetian feel to it. I absolutely loved it. When you get to Chioggia, they have numerous little boat trips around the bays and the fish market. It became one of my new favorite places."

Another Italian highlight for Kolsky is Livorno, the Tuscan port from which travelers often venture to Florence and Pisa. She calls Livorno "gorgeous" and notes it as a gateway to art in the region, even hinting that the city offers an appealing alternative to Florence during peak season. She also recalls the timeless allure of Sicily, describing the island’s faded grandeur and memorable sites such as Segesta and Agrigento—places she first visited in the 1980s and still cherishes.

Rhodes is another favorite, with Kolsky saying she fell in love with the Greek island. Croatia’s Split and the country as a whole come in for praise as well; she emphasizes that Croatia offers a rich blend of Roman history, dramatic scenery and welcoming towns, making it a strong destination for travelers who want depth without venturing too far afield. "Croatia as a country is fantastic. There’s something for everybody—the most amazing history, the most amazing historic sites including Roman sites, phenomenal countryside, the most phenomenal vistas, and the towns are really great as well," she says.

For those seeking further horizons, Kolsky points to Australia as a long-overdue return. She singles out Sydney and Brisbane as top picks and notes that the Caribbean holds more appeal than its postcard image might suggest. "There’s more to the Caribbean than rum cocktails and sitting on a beach," she says, adding that each island has its own personality and discoveries await for those who seek them. "If you seek out, you’ll find all manner of wonderful things or personalities linked to the islands."

Beyond the well-trodden routes, Kolsky remembers Manaus, Brazil, reached on an Amazon cruise. The city sits on the Negro River and is known as the gateway to the Amazon, offering a different kind of port experience for travelers who want to step ashore and explore.

Kolsky’s career on the water began in 2009, and she has spent years speaking at sea while guiding in London when ashore. Her approach to travel emphasizes curiosity and self-guided exploration: "One of the things that makes ports so fabulous to visit is if you can walk off the ship and into the town—for example in Istanbul, Marseille, Split, Rhodes and more," she notes. The ethos she shares with guests—toward discovering what’s around the corner rather than sticking to a strict itinerary—appears to have shaped her itinerary choices and recommendations across continents.

As a lecturer who has worked on ships from Europe to the Pacific, Kolsky says that the best discoveries often come from following instincts and taking small, local detours. Her advice to travelers is simple: when you have the chance to explore an unfamiliar port, step off the gangway and see what you can find. In her experience, those offbeat stops can yield the most lasting memories, whether it’s the charm of a canal-laced town, a hidden market by the sea, or a hillside staircase that reveals a view you’ll tell stories about for years to come.