Four GPH Ports Among the World’s Most Stunning
A recent international study has crowned four cruise ports operated by Global Ports Holding (GPH) among the most stunning in the world.
Conducted by the UK-based travel insurance company AllClear, the research used sophisticated eye-tracking technology to capture passengers’ first visual impressions upon arriving at the port from cruise ships. The result is a ranking of the twenty ports offering the most breathtaking views, and notably, four of these belong to the GPH network: Valletta, Nassau, Lisbon, and Ege Port Kuşadası.
Valletta Cruise Port
Leading the list with a perfect score of 100 out of 100 is Valletta Cruise Port, located in Malta’s capital. The arrival by sea in Valletta is an unparalleled visual experience: the city’s golden fortifications, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, rise majestically against the backdrop of a spectacular natural harbor, telling centuries of Mediterranean history. Beyond its scenic beauty, Valletta stands out for its innovation as the first port in the Mediterranean to offer Onshore Power Supply (OPS), a vital infrastructure that reduces emissions and makes port stays more sustainable. This dual achievement — aesthetic and environmental — perfectly embodies GPH’s philosophy of combining visual excellence with ecological responsibility.
Equally noteworthy is the recognition awarded to Nassau Cruise Port in the Bahamas, which ranks among the top five most captivating ports worldwide. Since joining the GPH network, Nassau has undergone a $300 million transformation. The upgraded facility includes a Junkanoo Museum welcoming passengers with a vibrant explosion of Bahamian culture, an open-air artisan market, an amphitheater, and fully revitalized retail, dining, and transportation offerings. This blend of tradition and modernity makes Nassau one of the Caribbean’s most dynamic cruise destinations, hosting millions of visitors annually with a unique, warm, and authentic atmosphere.
Lisbon also earns its place on the list, confirming its reputation as one of Europe’s most iconic cruise ports. Cruise ships sailing up the Tagus River and passing under the iconic 25 de Abril Bridge are greeted by a spectacular view of the city, with its pastel-colored houses, red-tiled roofs, and historic towers overlooking the water. Lisbon’s cruise terminal, internationally awarded with eight “Europe’s Leading Cruise Port” titles at the World Travel Awards, combines modern design with exceptional functionality, allowing passengers to reach the historic heart of the city within minutes.
Finally, Ege Port Kuşadası in Turkey ranks tenth globally, rounding out GPH’s strong presence on the list. Located on the shores of the Aegean Sea, Kuşadası is the main gateway to the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the most important archaeological sites in the Eastern Mediterranean. The port recently completed a renovation project that included the integration of solar panels, once again demonstrating GPH’s commitment to environmental sustainability. With high-quality services and a passenger experience recognized as excellent, Ege Port Kuşadası has become a benchmark not only for Turkey but for the entire Mediterranean basin.
Nassau Cruise Port
Lisbon Cruise Port
Kusadasi Cruise Port
This global recognition confirms the strength of Global Ports Holding’s diversified portfolio, which today manages 33 cruise ports in 21 countries across four continents. Each destination reflects a carefully crafted development strategy that aims to enhance local identity while investing in modern, sustainable infrastructure capable of delivering memorable passenger experiences. Serving over 22 million cruise passengers annually, GPH continues to lead the industry’s evolution with a vision centered on innovation, operational excellence, and environmental stewardship.
In a world increasingly focused on experience and sustainability, cruise ports are no longer mere transit points but true gateways to the culture, beauty, and identity of their destinations. Global Ports Holding proves this by advancing a model that blends aesthetics, functionality, and responsibility, transforming every port call into an unforgettable moment of the journey.
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