Shore leave is a valuable time, spent ashore for Seafarers who worked onboard ships, regardless, of vessel type. A change of environment, no matter how brief, is paramount in maintaining their well being and to avoid burning out. Shore leave helps them keep a sound mind, be refreshed and energized.
Below are some of the ports that I've been to and had memorable experience ashore:
1.) Auckland, NZ
Infront of the gate is a 24hr. supermarket. The waterfront is a short walk away, and lots of beautiful restaurants are available. A visit to the Auckland Tower should not be missed for a great view of the city.
2.) Algeciras, Spain
A small port city in the province of Andalucia. The gateway to Gibraltar and Morroco. Corte Englis is a favorite stop shop, but a walk around Plaza Alta, to hear mass or visit church, is a welcome break. Take some time to stop and smell the flowers in Maria Cristina Park. For the history buffs, the Algeciras Municipal museum has no entrance fee.
3.) Marin, Spain:
Marín is a town and municipality in Galicia, Spain in the province of Pontevedra. Stores are walkable from the gate. It is home to freshly catch seafood, because fishing. Fishing vessels are plentiful in the area. Old churches and the Museum is also with-in walking distance.
4.) Civitavecchia, Italy
The port of Rome. From the ship, there is an aircon bus that takes you to the gate, where an old fort can be seen.
Walk around the promenade and have some bite of Italian pizza. If time permits, take a train to Rome and see the Colloseum and the Fountain of Trevi.
5,) Naples, Italy
The city is quite near to the port. A short taxi ride can bring you to the center, for shopping, food trip, and sightseeing. Castle Nouvo is very near the port and an old Church too.
6.) Hamburg, Germany
The city center is a short ride away. Many sights, shops and restaurants await.
7.) Puerto Alegre, Brasil
Brasil, being home to the Havaianas and Garuto chocolates will always be fun to look forward to going ashore. Just outside the gate, shopping adventure begins and food delight can be found.
8.) Balboa, Panama,
From the gate, take a short taxi ride to Allbrook's Mall, where shopping, telephone companies, and gastronomic adventures awaits.
9.) Singapore
The home port to many shipping lines and bunkering port. Outside the container terminal, some shops are already available. By train or taxi, Singapore never let's you down.
10.) Freeport Malta,
The beach is walkable from the gate where restaurants, and grocery stores can also be found..A bus stop is also found near the gate, to Marsaxlokk, or Valleta, and other cities in Malta. Malta is the culture capital of Europe. Small city with old world charm.
11.) Tilbury, England
The gateway to London. The Tilbury port is very close to the Tilbury train station. A grocery is also found nearby.
12.) Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Depending on the berth assignment, there is a berth that is close to the center, where you can visit Euromast, have some shopping and dine in good restaurants. There is also a water taxi that can take you to the prominent Windmills, port stay permitting.
13.) Livorno, Italy
A gateway to the Tower of Pisa. Pisa, is just a 30minutes train ride away.
The city of Livorno itself, offers some attractions and shopping destinations.
14.) Hongkong
A short walk from outside the terminal to the train station, can take you to a nearby malls and all other parts in HongKong, for shopping and much needed Rest and Recreation.
15.) Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
A short taxi ride can take you to the famous beach Copacabana. Exploring further you can visit the famous Cristo Rey. Take a cable car ride to the Sugar Loaf Mountain.
16. ) Charleston, South Carolina
The Seaman's club is walkable from the berth. They offer a free ride to Wall Mart or Belk Shopping Center where you can also request for pick up. You can also visit the Pineapple Fountain and the Patriot's Point.
17.) Newark, USA
Shopping can be fun at the Jersey Garden, the Seaman's club service can take you there. If time permits, a short ferry ride to the Statue of Liberty from the New Jersey Park, is a worthwhile experience or just take a stroll at the New Jersey Park.
18.) Durban, South Africa
The Ushaka Marine Park is a must see in Durban. There are also lots of good restaurants that serve freshly catch seafood.
19.) Capetown, South Africa
A visit to the Table Mountain is a valuable experience. The Waterfront is a great spot to spend some time, shopping or just wandering around.
20.) Sydney, Australia
The Seamans Club also offers a free ride from the ship to the club. From there, you can walk to the nearby attractions and shops. It has a beautiful Harbourfront. The Darling Harbor, Sydney Opera House, Bondi Beach are alluring sights.
Sometimes life at sea, can get too much. Go, Chill and Take a Break!😁
Disclaimer: The list above is not absolute, depending on the vessels' type and trade, the places considered good may vary.
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