Some cities your ocean liner may visit are modern, all business and totally uninteresting. There are other destinations that welcome travelers with history, sightseeing, activities, food, bargains and charm. For example:

1. New York NY: For centuries, the Big Apple has been a major port where cruise ships have sailed to and from all parts of the world. During wartime, ships there carried GIs to battlefields and home again. For two centuries, the port welcomed immigrants from Europe to America.

Originally, only wealthy people enjoyed the luxury of pleasure sailings there. Today, dozens of affordable cruises arrive and depart daily from the port of New York City, under the gaze of Lady Liberty.   2. Venice, Italy: Since the days of the Roman Empire, Venice has been the cruise destination for travelers who enjoy roaming through beautiful palaces, San Marco Piazza, Venice Opera House, fabulous art collections, charming canals and gliding gondolas. Venice is for lovers of all ages.

3. Hong Kong, China: This ever-independent city has survived emperors, Western conquerors and Communist dictators. Today, it's still the glitziest, most exciting cruise destination in the Orient, and a shopper’s paradise. The food, whether at a high-class hotel restaurant or from the deck of a family fishing boat is some of the best in the world.

4. Honolulu HI: Since Captain Cook first discovered what he called the Sandwich Islands in the 18th Century, Honolulu has been one of the world’s most welcoming cruise destinations. How can any senior wanderer not love the soft Pacific breezes, palm trees, miles of white sandy beaches, surfers, hula dancers and great luau feasts?

5. Singapore: After centuries as a rough-and-ready port destination for world-weary sailors, this city-state has evolved into a classy tourist destination. It’s now super modern, with soaring glass towers and home for many international businesses. Singapore welcomes cruise travelers with varieties of traditional Asian foods, beautiful scenery and fine shopping. 

6. Amsterdam, The Netherlands: This quaint old Dutch city is crossed by canals bordered by 18th Century buildings and cobblestone streets. A laid-back destination for mature cruise passengers and hip young students, the city has many great sites. For the art lover, there are the world-famous Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum. For senior WW2 history buffs, spending moments inside the Anne Frank house is an emotional experience.

7. Oslo, Norway: Since the Tenth Century, Viking vessels sailed to and from this Norwegian port in search of of new conquests. Now the modern city captures the attention of cruise passengers with its old architecture and modern buildings. Visitors to the Norwegian capital city will also find the smorgasbord of its food offerings just as fascinating.

8. San Francisco CA: Sailors have always been welcome to the City by the Bay, whether they were aboard 19th Century schooners bringing goods from the Orient or 20th Century combat veterans returning from wars in the Pacific. Today the Golden Gate Bridge, Nob Hill, Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown and everything else San Francisco has to offer is a fantastic destination for cruise passengers.

9. St. Petersburg, Russia: This former Imperial capital city, aptly called Venice of the North, offers visitors views of its grandeur in 18th Century palaces, onion-domed churches and museums. Briefly called Leningrad during the gloomy era of the Soviet Union, St. Petersburg has emerged once more as a welcoming destination for cruise ships.

10. Copenhagen, Denmark: A cruise that docks at this historic Danish port gives visitors a chance to venture back to the days of childhood fantasies. A visit to the classic amusement park of Tivoli Gardens is like being in a Disney movie. Children of all ages, from one to ninety-one, enjoy the puppet shows, great Scandinavian foods and magnificent gardens.